Hanging Support Patents (Class 47/67)
  • Patent number: 8033050
    Abstract: Plant supporting apparatuses designed to hang a planter and plant at a variety of desired locations without lines for external electrical or water supply. Power is provided by solar cells. This construction allows the placement of plants almost anywhere and provides desired routine maintenance automatically. The apparatuses rotate the plant to grow uniformly even though incident light is non-uniform. There are two main assemblies which rotate relative to each other. A pump transfers liquids from a reservoir to a dispensing outlet onto a planter. The pump may be configured to move within the reservoir to stir the water, fertilizer or other liquids being fed to the planter. A planter is also shown which has solar cells and other parts mounted thereon. A control system is used to control operation and ambient light and reservoir liquid level are sensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Inventor: Darryl Matlen
  • Publication number: 20110173882
    Abstract: A hanging basket for plants, flowers, etc. is provided which may be moved from a collapsed position to an extended position. When in the extended position, the hanging basket may support plants, flowers or the like therein; but which when collapsed, occupies very little space for shipping and storage purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventor: Raymon W. Lush
  • Patent number: 7966768
    Abstract: A staking system for use with a self-watering growing container includes an outrigger structure at each longitudinal end. Each outrigger structure is mountable on the bottom of the growing container to provide stability. Two vertical stakes are attached to respective outrigger structures. Connectors at the top of each stake thus mount a horizontal stake element between the two connectors. A rim clamp secures the vertical stakes, clamping them on the lip of the plant growing container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Laminations, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank DiPaolo, Matthew Markefka, Clifford Fay
  • Publication number: 20110126454
    Abstract: The invention discloses a planter container made of flexible material in a bag-like shape used to fill, ship and cultivate a plant from seedling to mature plant. The planter can be used both with the plant upright for initial growth and stability during cultivation and shipment and then inverted to an upside down position to hang plants in the home garden. The container can be folded for easy storage and shipment and is inexpensive to manufacture and ship. Due to its versatility, the planter also ensures healthier and unbroken plants due to the upright and stable position of seedlings during cultivation and shipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventor: Werner Sperzel
  • Publication number: 20100293852
    Abstract: The plant transport and storage device is useful for moving and storing a plurality of plants. The device is capable of rapid and assembly and collapse. The device has a base support member, a base beam, a vertical support, and a plant support. Optionally, the device includes a lift and selective height adjustment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventors: Paul E. Beauchamp, Brenda J. Beauchamp
  • Publication number: 20100287832
    Abstract: A planter capable of being hung from an elevated support includes an open-topped container for containing dirt or potting soil placed therein and a plurality of suspension elements, or cords, which are disposed about and are attached to or act upon the container for suspending the container from an elevated support. The suspension elements extend upwardly from the peripheral edge of the container top and are joined together at a common point disposed above the container for suspension of the planter from the elevated support. In addition, a spacer member is arranged and spaced above the top of the container and cooperates with the suspension elements for preventing the suspension cords from converging toward one another for a distance above the container which corresponds with the spaced distance between the container top and the spacer member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventors: Wilson A. Felknor, James Robert Ferron, Benjamin James Ferron
  • Publication number: 20100242359
    Abstract: A hanging planter for germinating seeds to seedlings and growing the seedlings to full size plants where the planter has an opening in its bottom and a retainer plug located within the planter to prevent a layer of soil in the bottom of the planter from falling out when the planter is turned upside down. With the planter upside down, a seed is passed through the opening to the soil in the bottom of the planter and is watered thru the opening in the planter bottom as it grows right side up. While the plant is a seedling the planter is turned from its upside down position to its right side up position and hung above the ground to turn the stalk portion of the seedling from being right side up to being upside side down while the root portion remains located in the planter without having been replanted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventor: William James Rance, JR.
  • Publication number: 20100199553
    Abstract: A planter for growing a transplantable plant includes a container having a sidewall and a bottom and further includes a retainer member for retaining a plant which has been transplanted within the container through the sidewall or bottom thereof. The retainer member defines an expandable opening which is movable between expanded and normally-collapsed conditions so that by urging a plant root system end-first against the retainer member, the expandable opening is moved to an expanded condition to permit the root system to pass through the expandable opening into the container interior. Upon passage of the root system through the expandable opening, the expandable opening is permitted to return toward its normally-collapsed condition about the stem of the plant to thereby prevent the withdrawal of the root system of the plant from the container interior through the plant retainer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventor: Wilson A. Felknor
  • Patent number: 7770743
    Abstract: A support structure for hanging plants. The support structure includes a plurality of frames having a plurality of clamping sites formed thereon and a plurality of mounting members formed thereon. A plurality of rods are supported by the frames for suspending the hanging plants therefrom, wherein at least two frames support each rod. A plurality of clamping members are connectable to a respective clamping site for securing the rods to the frames. The frames are supported by a base portion, wherein a plurality of elongate support members extend between the base portion and the frames to hold the frames above the base portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Inventors: Matt Janowak, Gary Lowell
  • Patent number: 7735260
    Abstract: A one-piece molded hanging plant saucer includes three pairs of opposed hook arms connected to a bowl-shaped base. Each pair of hook arms is formed by the frictional interengagement of two arms extending vertically from a living hinge formed at an extension of a generally circular planar lip extending outwardly around the upper periphery of the base. Each pair of interconnected hook arms provides a double thickness of material to increase strength of support for the hanging plant saucer. As manufactured in the molded condition, the hook arms are generally co-planar with the planar lip so that multiple saucers are readily stackable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Woodstream Corporation
    Inventor: Edward J. Holliday
  • Patent number: 7730664
    Abstract: A plant container assembly (1) comprising two detachably connectable enclosure sections (3, 4), the assembly comprising attachment means (39) which is adapted to secure the sections in the direction of the height of the container, wherein, in an assembled condition, the attachment means is located internally of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Alan John Larwood
  • Patent number: 7726072
    Abstract: An adjustable plant hanger is disclosed having straps that support a pot in which plants are placed. The straps comprise two or more loops that are not fastened to a ring by which the plant hanger may be hung from an overhead hook. The loop straps pass through the adjustable element or sleeve which can slide up and down along the straps to make it easier to mount a larger pot inside the straps of the plant hanger, making it easier to level pot and adjust when needed. The adjustable element is also adjusted vertically to more safely hold pots of different sizes. The straps are connected to a support element located beneath a pot. The spacing element maintains the straps are spaced around the sides of a pot evenly in the plant hanger to assure that the pot will not easily fall from the hanger. The straps may be individually slid through the ring and adjustable element to level an irregular shaped or larger pot held in the plant hanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventors: Sharon A Kuslaka, Jennifer Lavoie
  • Publication number: 20100115836
    Abstract: An agricultural growth management tool can include a biodegradable polymer body having a synthetic polymer and an optional biodegradability enhancement additive. The biodegradability enhancement additive can include a microbial attractant. The biodegradable polymer body can be configured as a plant stake, branch tag, blister pack, plantable container, agrifilm, drip tubing, drip tubing connectors, drip tubing accessories, market trays, plug and propagation trays, flats and inserts, transfer pots, transfer trays, landscape ribbon, landscape twine/rope, landscaping bags, pot wraps, floral wraps, hanging basket assemblies, greenhouse films/sheets or the like. The synthetic polymer can be a biodegradable polymer, inherently non-biodegradable polymer, or a combination of the two.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventor: Brandon J. Julian
  • Patent number: 7694458
    Abstract: Ecopots having a large number of holes permeable to the culture solution and air are used for disposing seeding and seedling pots or for planting seedlings and are hung in the space in a house, a bucket for collecting the drips of the culture solution is placed below each pot for collecting the residual solution to thereby prevent the infection by pathogens, and a balancing toy-like hanger hung vertically from a hook hung movably from a shelf pole in the house via a loop clutch, an ecopot hanging chain, a main melon stem attracting cord, a melon fruit hanging cord and so forth are used to render the ecopot hung from the ecopot hanging chain orientation-variable in all directions so that oxygen may be fed abundantly to the rooting zone of the horticultural plant and the plant may receive the sunshine with ease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Inventors: Toshio Fukuyama, Tadashi Ninomiya, Takashi Tsurusaki, Yoshihiko Fujimoto
  • Patent number: 7677513
    Abstract: Coil/helix shaped stands and methods of using and installing the stands that can be wrapped about elongated supports. The stands can have looped holders for supporting objects such as planters and pots, off ground level. The looped holders can be adjustable so as to remain level with different size diameter elongated supports. The stands can be aesthetically pleasing and attractive and be easy to assembly and mount. The stands are easily removable. Additionally, the coil stands can support other objects such as tables, flagpoles and umbrellas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Inventor: Kevin C. Londo
  • Publication number: 20100058659
    Abstract: A small and compact, easy-to-use soil moisture management device is disclosed that is economical to produce, efficient to use, has a scientific measurement system and is easy for the user to read the moisture needs of a plant in a hanging container. The device includes a housing that is attached at one end to hardware for supporting the device and a hanging basket that contains a plant in soil and moisture in varying amounts in the soil. The device also includes a moving member that is biased by a spring against the gravitational pull on the hanging basket, plant, soil and moisture. The spring and a portion of the moving member is contained in the housing. The moving member also contains visual indicators of the position of the moving member against the bias provided by the spring to indicate the amount of moisture in the soil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventor: Philip T. Zweber
  • Publication number: 20100050511
    Abstract: A one-piece molded hanging plant saucer includes three pairs of opposed hook arms connected to a bowl-shaped base. Each pair of hook arms is formed by the frictional interengagement of two arms extending vertically from a living hinge formed at an extension of a generally circular planar lip extending outwardly around the upper periphery of the base. Each pair of interconnected hook arms provides a double thickness of material to increase strength of support for the hanging plant saucer. As manufactured in the molded condition, the hook arms are generally co-planar with the planar lip so that multiple saucers are readily stackable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventor: Edward J. Holliday
  • Patent number: 7669366
    Abstract: A planter for growing a transplantable plant includes a container having a sidewall and a bottom and further includes a retainer member for retaining a plant which has been transplanted within the container through the sidewall or bottom thereof. The retainer member defines an expandable opening which is movable between expanded and normally-collapsed conditions so that by urging a plant root system end-first against the retainer member, the expandable opening is moved to an expanded condition to permit the root system to pass through the expandable opening into the container interior. Upon passage of the root system through the expandable opening, the expandable opening is permitted to return toward its normally-collapsed condition about the stem of the plant to thereby prevent the withdrawal of the root system of the plant from the container interior through the plant retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Felknor Ventures LLC
    Inventor: Wilson A. Felknor
  • Patent number: 7654038
    Abstract: A garden planter with integrated irrigation and lighting systems (100) includes a container (101) for holding plants and an irrigation tube (107) for supplying water to the interior of the container (101). A light (213) is positioned above the container (101) for providing illumination. One or more fastening tubes (105) are used for supporting the container (101) and supplying irrigation directly to the container or concealing the irrigating tube (107).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Simmons Specialty Products LLC
    Inventor: Gary D. Simmons
  • Publication number: 20100011661
    Abstract: The invention provides a means to suspend a single or a series of flower pots and or containers. The invention is comprised of a plank like body having at least one flat edge into which is molded or cut a cavity, or a series of cavities. Each cavity affords the entry of a flowerpot or container. Each cavity contains a weight bearing shoulder an angled inner wall, upon which the lip and body of a flowerpot or container may rest, flanked by a supporting finger which enters the flowerpot or container holding it against the angled inner wall and all components are spatially situated to compliment the lip and or body of a common flowerpot or container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventor: Christian McLaughlin
  • Publication number: 20090320363
    Abstract: Plant supporting apparatuses designed to hang a planter and plant at a variety of desired locations without lines for external electrical or water supply. Power is provided by solar cells. This construction allows the placement of plants almost anywhere and provides desired routine maintenance automatically. The apparatuses rotate the plant to grow uniformly even though incident light is non-uniform. There are two main assemblies which rotate relative to each other. A pump transfers liquids from a reservoir to a dispensing outlet onto a planter. The pump may be configured to move within the reservoir to stir the water, fertilizer or other liquids being fed to the planter. A planter is also shown which has solar cells and other parts mounted thereon. A control system is used to control operation and ambient light and reservoir liquid level are sensed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventor: Darryl Matlen
  • Publication number: 20090320365
    Abstract: Plant supporting apparatuses designed to hang a planter and plant at a variety of desired locations without lines for external electrical or water supply. Power is provided by solar cells. This construction allows the placement of plants almost anywhere and provides desired routine maintenance automatically. The apparatuses rotate the plant to grow uniformly even though incident light is non-uniform. There are two main assemblies which rotate relative to each other. A pump transfers liquids from a reservoir to a dispensing outlet onto a planter. The pump may be configured to move within the reservoir to stir the water, fertilizer or other liquids being fed to the planter. A planter is also shown which has solar cells and other parts mounted thereon. A control system is used to control operation and ambient light and reservoir liquid level are sensed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventor: Darryl Matlen
  • Publication number: 20090293355
    Abstract: A planter (1) which may be easily customized with attachable accessories to match any theme or to fit any decor. The planter (1) includes at least one rod (6) which extends upward from the bottom (2) of the planter (1). The rod (6) may be molded into the planter (1) or removably secured to the bottom (2) of the planter (1). Accessories, such as clocks, sports objects, coat hangers, temperature gauges, etc., are secured on the rod (6) as desired to match any theme or decor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventor: Rick D. Clouston
  • Patent number: 7610717
    Abstract: The invention relates to a flower pot (1) made of deep drawn plastic material and provided for a hanging flower pot wherein a suspension part (2) comprises a plurality of strands (5) that are linked via hook clips (3) with the pot rim (4) that has an outer continuous contour. The aim of the invention is to provide a flower pot that, in accordance with the special technical conditions during the deep drawing, is provided with a fixation of the seat (7) of the hook clips (3), while maintaining a good distribution of suspension loads between the pot and the hook clips and safeguarding an appealing yet easy to handle shape. To achieve this aim, the pot rim (4) has tapered sections extending inwards towards a wall contiguous with the bottom. These tapered sections form a seat (7) for the hook clips (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Gebr. Poeppelmann Kunststoffwek-Werkzeugbau
    Inventors: Reinhard Lüken, Alfons Sieverding
  • Publication number: 20090260282
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a plant cultivating unit that can perform a watering operation in a simple manner and can supply water uniformly to plants in locations where a floor surface is sloped, such as the rooftop of a building, without requiring separate water supply piping work. A plant cultivating unit (1) comprises a water storage tray (2) in which water can be stored and in which receivers (3) for housing the roots of plants can be arranged in an interior thereof, a water storage space (8) in the water storage tray (2) and the receivers (3) being communicated via water feeders (7), and the water stored in the water storage space (8) being able to be supplied to the plants via the water feeders (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: SUNTORY LIMITED
    Inventors: Masaki Hashimoto, Katsuro Miyagawa, Masayuki Saito
  • Patent number: 7596905
    Abstract: An automatic watering and fertilizing device in the form of a large watering can having a spout. The device incorporates a battery-powered timer dispenser that can be programmed to dispense a desired water fertilizer mixture. A plastic drum is housed in the watering can and contains the water fertilizer mixture. The drum contains enough mixture to feed the plants for approximately one week. A quick connect hose is utilized to refill the drum. Refilling the drum is the only regular maintenance required. A plant basket is suspended from the spout of the watering can. The device is adapted to be secured to a supporting object such as a post or a wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Inventor: David Robinson
  • Publication number: 20090223127
    Abstract: A plant watering apparatus has a container (1) filled with a suitable growth medium (2) and is attached to a foliage support plate (3) by a bar (4) operatively coupled with a spring loaded water control valve (6). Decreasing weight of the container opens the valve to feed water to container. The plate (3) is supported by a wall or ceiling bracket (10) by means of suspension rods (11). Plants (12) are added through holes (14) in the plate (3) and the plant root ball (13) is embedded within the medium (2) with the plant foliage overlying the plate (3). When sufficient water is present in the container 1 the spring loaded valve 6 will be closed. As the medium (2) in the container dries out the weight will reduce and the valve will commence opening. The foliage is supported by the plate (3) and foliage growth will not significantly add to the weight of the container and thus will not affect the operating point of the valve over extended periods of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: John Herbert Brown, Andrew John Elsey, Haydn James Kerby
  • Publication number: 20090158653
    Abstract: A hanging planter provides a growing environment that allows a plant to grow in a substantially downward direction. The planter includes a structure with an interior surface that defines an interior chamber. The interior chamber receives a liner made of a material of the type suitable for retaining growing medium therein. The structure and liner include at least one opening that permits the plant to be positioned within the growing medium such that the root structure grows within the interior chamber and the stem portion grows downward without the need for external structure. Optionally, a self-watering system is included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: AMERICA'S GARDENING RESOURCE, INC.
    Inventors: Frank F. Oliver, Diane E. Fuchs
  • Patent number: 7536829
    Abstract: A multipurpose planting base includes a holding cover having an open window divided by a holding crosspiece, and a tray for supporting the opening side of the holding cover and for receiving a culture soil with which the holding cover is filled. When used for pot planting, it includes a planting pot tray having a planting pot exposed toward the open window when housed in the holding cover. When used for pot planting on a wall surface, in addition to the planting pot tray having the planting pot exposed toward the open window when housed in the holding cover, it also includes a pocket-type soil receiving tray attached to the outside of the planting pot of the planting pot tray for receiving culture soil in the planting pot, and a mesh board for holding the soil-receiving tray at a predetermined position and for holding down the holding cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Nippon Chiko Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Sanji Genma, Satoru Furube
  • Publication number: 20090056216
    Abstract: A support for plants pots is defined by a tubular post with a top plate engaging a ceiling surface and a bottom base member formed by two plates interconnected at right angles engaging a floor surface. A nut and screw threaded rod allow the post to be adjusted in length and a spring engages between the nut and the post to act as a force gauge to prevent over-tightening and to apply sufficient force for stability. Two collars are mounted on the post at spaced positions along the post for vertical and rotational adjustment each carrying a plurality of outwardly extending wire hangers. The post is formed of separate pieced connected end to end by a connector formed from two plates connected at right angles by inter-engaging slots to form a longer leg which is a sliding fit and a shorter leg which is a press fit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventor: William David Falk
  • Publication number: 20080271373
    Abstract: [Object] To use ecopots convertible to a regenerated compost in horticultural plant cultivation, eliminate the disturbances in fruit growth due to disturbances in oxygen feeding and due to a lack of sunshine, prevent the infection by pathogens and enable the standing and facing working position without cultivation soil tillage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Toshio Fukuyama, Tadashi Ninomiya, Takashi Tsurusaki, Yoshihiko Fujimoto
  • Patent number: 7406799
    Abstract: A system for supporting a household plant includes an electric circuit for selectively moving the plant having a battery and a direct current motor for moving the plant. The motor control is by a first controllable switching device to connect the battery to the motor with a first polarity to cause the plant to move in a first direction, or a second controllable switching device to connect the battery to the motor with a second polarity opposite the first polarity to cause the plant to move in a second direction. A controller selectively enables either the first or second switching devices while leaving the other disabled and in conjunction with a light sensing device and analog comparison circuit precludes actuation of either switching device if inadequate growth promoting light is sensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventors: John D Stouffer, Terry Ray Rock
  • Publication number: 20080078121
    Abstract: A planter is removably and adjustably attached to a base bracket mounted on a tree trunk or pole for vertically pivoting to match the angle of the tree trunk. A flag on a dowel or rod is inserted into a cylindrical groove on the bottom of the planter or alternately on the bottom of the base bracket. In one embodiment, two curved wing planter sections may be removably and adjustably attached to the planter to pivot horizontally, compensating for the diameter of the tree trunk or pole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventor: Richard Stanio
  • Publication number: 20080066379
    Abstract: An air freshening apparatus comprises a plant pot-shaped main body, an end cap body and a scent-emitting composition. The plant pot-shaped main body has a cavity therein defining an open end portion of the plant pot-shaped main body and a closed end portion of the plant pot-shaped main body. The scented air passage extends through the closed end portion of the plant pot-shaped main body. The end cap body is rotatably mounted on an exterior portion of the plant pot-shaped main body. The end cap body has a scented air passage extending therethrough and the end cap body is movable between a position where the scented air passages are at least partially aligned and a position where the scented air passages are fully misaligned. The scent-emitting composition is disposed within the cavity of the plant pot-shaped main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventor: Erica Lee Carter
  • Patent number: 7287736
    Abstract: A plant hanger includes several generally C-shaped arms having apertures passing therethrough at opposite ends of each arm. The plant hanger also includes a first plurality of beads each of which has an aperture passing therethrough. The arms and the beads are secured together by a ring which passes both: 1. through one of the apertures which pass through each of the arms; and 2. through the apertures which pass through each of the beads. Lastly, the plant hanger includes at least a pair of flexible belts. Each of the belts passes through more than half of the apertures which pass through each of the arms and are located at ends of the arms furthest from the apertures through which the ring passes. Moreover, both belts pass coincidently through apertures which pass through at least two (2) of the arms, which, preferably, are located on opposite sides of the plant hanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Inventor: Robert F. Hauck
  • Patent number: 7229056
    Abstract: A window box 10 comprises a receptacle 12 provided with an integrally formed pair of upper sleeves 14, and an integrally formed pair of lower sleeves 36. Arms 16 are adjustably engaged within respective sleeves 14 so that distal ends 20 of each arm 16 can be positioned at one of a plurality of distances from the receptacle 12. The distal end 20 of each arm is shaped to hook over a support 22. Arms 38 are adjustably engaged in the sleeves 36 and abut the support 22 to hold the window box 10 in a vertical disposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Serros Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Trudy Bittner Rosser, John G. Rosser
  • Patent number: 7219468
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatically watering a plant in a container by regulating a flow of water to the container through flexible tubing. Upper and lower jaw members are interconnected by a horizontal pivot axis so that they develop a scissors action. A jaw area is formed on one side of the pivot axis for receiving the flexible plastic tubing, and a compression spring is mounted on the opposite side to provide resistance to closing of the jaw area. For use with pots and other non-hanging containers, the container is rested atop the upper jaw member on the side towards the jaw area so that the weight of the container acts directly to compress and close the jaw area. Baskets and other hanging containers are suspended from the other ends of the jaw members so that the tension caused by the weight of the container causes the jaw area to pivot closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Inventor: Maurice A. Muxlow
  • Patent number: 7171782
    Abstract: A planter for growing a transplantable plant within dirt or potting soil includes a container for containing dirt or potting soil and which has sidewalls and an interior. The sidewalls defines at least one grow port which provides access to the interior of the container, and the planter further includes a plant insertion sleeve having two side sections which are hingedly connected to one another for hinged movement between opened and closed conditions so that when the sleeve is positioned in its opened condition, the root system of a plant to be transplanted is positionable within one of the side sections of the sleeve, and the side sections can be subsequently moved to a closed condition about the root system to place the plant insertion sleeve and root system in condition for insertion into a grow port of the container for continued growth of the plant within dirt or potting soil contained within the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Felknor Ventures, LLC
    Inventors: Wilson A. Felknor, Ron C. Hicks
  • Patent number: 7143543
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a body that has abutted and rectilinear lower ends that extend upwardly from the ground surface and terminate thereabove. The body has a top portion formed with a top edge of the lower ends and is disposed coplanar therewith. Coextensive support rods are conjoined to the lower ends and the top portion. The support rods are coextensively shaped and confront a length of the body. A base plate is engaged with the lower ends and the ground surface. An anchor rod is conjoined to the base plate and extends vertically down and away therefrom. The anchor rod is nested below the ground surface for maintaining same at a fixed position. The anchor rod has a diameter greater than a diameter of the lower end portions and the support rods respectively. A plant pot has a hook attached thereto that is attachable to the top portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Inventor: Roger E. Daniell
  • Patent number: 7036253
    Abstract: A three sided label structure (100) is disclosed, having three interconnected label sections (101, 102, 103). The label sections (101, 102, 103) are provided with relevant information about a plant supported in a container (120). Hinge sections (105, 106) are provided to facilitate a bending of labels so as to form triangular label structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: International Master Products Corporation
    Inventor: Gregg Edward Minaebo
  • Patent number: 7032347
    Abstract: A hanger assembly for hangingly supporting a potted plant that includes a supporting collar and a plurality of flexible support members. The supporting collar includes at least one aperture extending therethrough to receive one or more potted plants. The flexible support members are connected to at least one supporting collar so that the supporting collar may be slidably adjusted along the length of the flexible support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Inventor: John E. Hartman
  • Patent number: 7020999
    Abstract: A system for supporting a household plant includes an electric circuit for selectively moving the plant having a battery and a direct current motor for moving the plant. The motor control is by a first controllable switching device to connect the battery to the motor with a first polarity to cause the plant to move in a first direction, or a second controllable switching device to connect the battery to the motor with a second polarity opposite the first polarity to cause the plant to move in a second direction. A controller selectively enables either the first or second switching devices while leaving the other disabled and in conjunction with a light sensing device and analog comparison circuit precludes actuation of either switching device if inadequate growth promoting light is sensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Stouffer Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Stouffer, Terry Ray Rock
  • Patent number: 7013601
    Abstract: A container assembly including a pot and a hanger for suspending the pot. The pot has a sidewall, a bottom wall, and an open top defined by an upper rim of the sidewall. At least three spaced-apart openings are formed in the rim of the pot. The hanger includes a suspension device for attachment to the support. At least three elongate strands are carried by respective first ends thereof on the suspension device. At least three fasteners are carried on a respective end of the three strands. Each of the fasteners include an enlarged head for being received by means of an interference fit in respective ones of the openings, whereby the hanger suspends the pot from the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Coastal Planters, LLC
    Inventors: Steven W. Liffers, James A. Kollock, Joseph A. Kollock, III, Charles Eibler
  • Patent number: 6973896
    Abstract: The suspended bird-feed catcher of the present invention includes a pan suitable for receiving and holding bird feed that falls out of a bird feeder and prevents the bird feed from falling to the ground. The pan is suspended from the same apparatus from which the bird feeder is suspended so the pan can be easily removed without disrupting the bird feeder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Inventor: Ron Smith
  • Patent number: 6941698
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a hanger adapted for retaining and hanging objects, the hanger including a ring, at least two upper flexible members having first and second ends, wherein each member is received through an aperture of the ring, the flexible members defining an upper portion of the hanger. A lower hanger portion, the lower hanger portion including of at least two lower flexible members having first and second ends, wherein each of the two members are fixedly attached to each other at a mid point, the first and second ends including an adjustment device configured to receive the second ends of the upper flexible members; and a flexible retaining ring, the flexible retaining ring configured to receive the first and second ends of the lower flexible members, wherein the retaining ring is configured to retain the ends of the lower flexible members at a distance from one another and to securely retain an object such as a potted plant in the lower assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Inventor: Matthew Telles
  • Patent number: 6877276
    Abstract: A planter has a drainage spout that extends downwardly and outwardly to a drain opening horizontally beyond an underlying structure such as a porch railing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventors: Kenneth Legunn, Jeff Legunn, Eric Legunn
  • Patent number: 6874278
    Abstract: A planter for growing a transplanted plant upside down utilizes a container having an interior, a bottom and a hole defined within the bottom and further utilizes a retainer member which is attachable to the plant desired to be transplanted within the planter. Furthermore, the retainer member cooperates with the container for supporting the plant through the hole defined within the container bottom so that the root system is exposed to the interior of the container and so that the plant stem extends downwardly from the bottom of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Felknor Ventures, LLC
    Inventors: Wilson A. Felknor, Jim Ferron
  • Patent number: 6862843
    Abstract: An umbrella planter having a snap-on lower water reservoir base member and a center sleeve tube for use with an umbrella-type patio table having a table top with a centrally located opening for receiving an umbrella pole of an umbrella assembly. The umbrella planter includes an upper planter member and a lower water reservoir base member. The lower water reservoir base member includes a side wall having an upper perimeter lip and a bottom base wall; and includes a hollow center sleeve connected to the bottom base wall and having a central sleeve opening for receiving the umbrella pole therethrough; and the bottom base wall also includes an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface of the bottom base wall of the lower base member includes first connecting means for connecting and mating the lower base member to the upper planter member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Misco Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Ezra Missry
  • Patent number: 6845588
    Abstract: This invention provides a method and apparatus for automatically watering plants. The system is connected directly to a city or municipal water supply. Water is fed from the supply source through small diameter polyethylene tubing to a control valve or multiple valves which regulate the amount of water supplied to each plant. What is new in this invention is that the apparatus is simple in its operation, and is simple and inexpensive to manufacture. This invention should have a very long life with little or no maintenance. The control valve is self cleaning and non-clogging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Inventor: Maurice Alvin Muxlow
  • Patent number: 6843022
    Abstract: The apparatus includes a central support conduit having a hollow fluid passageway. A plurality of downwardly arching arms extend radially outward from the central support conduit for carrying a plant container. A mounting sleeve is carried on the central support conduit that includes a plurality of arm brackets for carrying the arms. A fluid distribution hub is carried by the central support conduit and has a chamber in fluid communication with the hollow fluid passageway, and a plurality of fluid diversion conduits extending radially outward from the chamber. A plurality of watering lines, each carrying a valve to control fluid flow through the lines, extend radially outward from the fluid distribution hub. Each watering line has a source end in fluid communication with one of the fluid diversion conduits, and a nozzle end disposed near a distal end of one of the arms for channeling fluid into the plant container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Inventor: Clarence W. Holley