Pot stand

The present invention discloses a pot stand 10 having a frusto-conical primary region 14 open and sized to receive and support a pot 12. The primary region 14 has a generally skeletal structure for substantially surrounding an exterior surface of the pot 12 and restraining the pot 12 from lateral movement. The skeletal structure also provides a view to the pot 12 through the stand 10 and includes decorative indicia 16 for imbuing an ornamental perspective to the pot 12. A generally planar base 18 extends from the primary region 14 for supporting a bottom surface of the pot 12 and creating a space between the pot 12 and the underlying support surface.

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Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a stand for supporting and displaying a pot.

[0003] 2. Background Art

[0004] Potted plants are commonly utilized for decorating indoor and outdoor locations. The plant itself livens up and decorates the desired area and it may be desired to also have a decorative pot for retaining the plant. Accordingly, the prior art includes a vast assortment of pots for providing a decorative retainer for a plant. However, these decorative pots are typically formed of pottery and may be relatively expensive for the benefit they provide.

[0005] Additionally, it may be desired to elevate the potted plant. The elevation provides a space between the bottom of the pot and an underlying surface such that air may pass therethrough, preventing a collection of moisture underneath the pot. The collected moisture may be undesirable because it may stain the underlying support surface or may attract insects or the like. One may also desire to elevate the potted plant from a support surface such that the plant extends more readily into the sight of a viewer.

[0006] The prior art teaches pot stands having a cylindrical portion for extending about a lower region of a pot. The cylindrical portion provides lateral support to the lower region of the pot and includes decorative indicia for improving the appearance of the pot. The prior art also teaches pot stands having substantially elongate legs oriented in a tripod configuration for elevating the potted plant well above the support surface.

[0007] A need exists for a pot stand which substantially surrounds an exterior surface of the pot for imbuing an ornamental perspective to the pot, and retaining the pot, while also elevating the pot in a stable manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It is an object of the invention to provide a pot stand having a frusto-conical primary region with an opening sized to receive and support a pot. The primary region substantially surrounds an exterior surface of the pot and has a generally skeletal structure for restraining the pot from lateral movement. The primary region provides a view to the pot through the stand and includes decorative indicia for imbuing an ornamental perspective to the pot. A generally planar base extends from the primary region for supporting a bottom surface of the pot and for creating a space between the pot and an underlying surface.

[0009] Another aspect of the invention is to elevate the pot a distance that is less than the overall height of the skeletal structure.

[0010] Other aspects of the invention may include provisions for stiffening the pot stand and stabilizing the pot. For example, an annular ring may be oriented about the opening, sized to receive an upward annular portion of the pot. Also, the primary region may include an upper collar portion including a series of stiffening members for adding rigidity to the stand opening. The pot stand may also include feet extending from the base for placement upon a generally planar support surface. The feet may be generally tubular and may extend upwards towards the opening of the primary region, adding to the skeletal structure, and providing upright support to the primary region.

[0011] An alternative aspect of the invention may include a handle secured to the pot stand.

[0012] Another alternative aspect may include a tether for suspending the pot stand.

[0013] These and other advantages of the present invention will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the following description and attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a pot stand in accordance with the present invention, illustrated retaining a pot;

[0015] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the pot stand in FIG. 1;

[0016] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment pot stand in accordance with the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment pot stand in accordance with the present invention; and

[0018] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment pot stand in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

[0019] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary embodiment pot stand referenced generally by numeral 10. The pot stand 10 is illustrated retaining a pot 12 in FIG. 1. Under the invention, the pot 12 may be any pot for retaining a potted plant, or the like. Commonly, terracotta pottery is utilized for potted plants. Manufacturing economy usually dictates that such pots have a generally plain, unadorned, visually unappealing exterior. Terracotta pottery is provided in an array of standard sizes. The invention contemplates that a variety of pot stands 10 may be accommodated, each sized to correspond with a standard terracotta pottery size, or any standard potted plant size for that matter. In combination with the invention, the pot is portrayed in a visually appealing manner.

[0020] The pot stand 10 includes a frusto-conical primary region referenced generally by numeral 14. The primary region 14 has an opening sized to receive and support the pot 12. Additionally, the primary region 14 substantially surrounds an exterior surface of the pot 12 for structural and ornamental purposes. The primary region 14 has a generally skeletal structure which may be formed from a plurality of tubular elements. These tubular elements may be formed of any structural material, such as plastic or metallic wire. An exemplary element pot stand 10 is formed of ten gauge steel wire.

[0021] The skeletal structure adequately restrains the pot 12 from lateral movement in relation to the pot stand 10. The skeletal structure also has ornamental advantages, by providing a view to the pot 12 through the pot stand 10. The primary region 14 includes decorative indicia referenced generally by numeral 16. The decorative indicia 16 overlays the pot 12 and imbues an ornamental perspective to the pot 12. The pot stand 10 accents a typical pot such that a desired ornamental perspective is generated that is pleasing to the viewer. Accordingly, an expensive pot having decorative features formed about its exterior is not required.

[0022] The pot stand 10 also includes a generally planar base 18 extending from the primary region 14 for supporting a bottom surface of the pot 12. Thus, the pot 12 is supported by the pot stand 10 vertically by the base 18 and laterally by the skeletal structure of the primary region 14. The base 18 also spaces the pot 12 away from an underlying support surface so that air may pass therethrough. This feature prevents moisture from collecting underneath the bottom surface of the pot, thus preventing mold, stains or attraction of insects.

[0023] The space between the bottom of the pot 12 and the support surface may be increased by the inclusion of a plurality of feet 20 extending from the base 18 for placement on the support surface. The feet 20 are spaced apart from the base 18, thus raising the base 18. The feet 20 also improve the stability of the pot stand 10 by resting on a limited number of contact points rather than across an uneven structural surface.

[0024] The feet 20 are formed to the skeletal structure and are defined by a generally tubular element much like the skeletal structure. The feet may extend upward towards the opening of the primary region 14 for providing vertical support to the skeletal structure.

[0025] It may be desired to provide a space between the bottom surface of the pot 12 and the underlying surface that is adequate to permit the passage of air while concomitantly not upsetting the aesthetics of the pot stand 10. Therefore, it may be desired that the distance from the base 18 to the underlying surface created by the extending feet 20 does not exceed the overall height of the skeletal structure of the primary region 14.

[0026] Primary region 14 includes an annular ring 22 oriented about the opening and sized to receive an upward annular portion or lip of the pot. For example, conventional terracotta pottery includes an annular lip formed about the periphery of its opening. The pot stand annular ring 22 may cooperate with the lip for improving the lateral support at an upwardmost region of the pot 12. Furthermore, the primary region 14 includes an upper collar portion 24 which includes a series of stiffening members 26 for adding rigidity to the stand opening. Of course, as illustrated, the stiffening members 26 may take the shape of an ornamental feature, thus adding to the decorative indicia 16 of the primary region 14.

[0027] The invention contemplates construction of the pot stand 10 by any manner known in the art for adhering a plurality of tubular members together. For example, the tubular members may be metallic and welded together for providing an overall structural assembly. Alternatively, the tubular elements may be formed of a plastic material that is either molded together or bonded together to form the pot stand 10. It is understood that other manufacturing processes may be employed for constructing the pot stand 10.

[0028] The decorative indicia 16 include a pair of diametrically opposed flower petals 28 oriented about the primary region 14, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-2. Each flower petal 28 has a pair of symmetrical leaves 30 oriented adjacent lateral sides of the flower petal 28. The flower petal 28 may be constructed of tubular elements similar to that of the skeletal structure, providing an open view through the flower petal 28. The leaves 30 may be formed solid to add a contrasting feature to the skeletal structure.

[0029] The invention contemplates providing a variety of pot stands 10 having a corresponding variety of decorative indicia 16 such that a user may have an assortment of ornamental perspectives to choose from. The alternative embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 3-5 include such varying decorative indicia. As in FIG. 3, a pair of openly formed and diametrically opposed butterflies 32 are included in the decorative indicia 16 of the pot stand 10. With reference to FIG. 4, a pair of dragonflies 34 are included in the decorative indicia 16. Similar to the butterflies 32, the dragonflies 34 are open and diametrically opposed about the skeletal structure of the primary region 14. Referring now to FIG. 5, the pot stand 10 is illustrated having decorative indicia 16 that includes a pair of hummingbirds 36. The hummingbirds 36 are also open and diametrically opposed.

[0030] Another aspect of the invention is to provide at least one handle such that a user may transport the pot stand 10. Referring again to FIG. 3, the pot stand 10 is illustrated having a pair of handles 38 secured to the exterior of the primary region 14. For ergonomic purposes, the handles 38 are oriented sufficiently proximate to the opening of the primary region 14 such that the handles 38 are positioned above the center of gravity of the pot stand 10 when retaining a pot. Accordingly, the handles 38 are illustrated secured to the upper collar portion 24. Further, the handles 38 are each pivotally secured to the primary region 14 for a range of motion relative to the primary region 14. The range of motion of each handle 38 includes an unloaded pendant position as illustrated in solid in FIG. 3. The range of motion also includes a loaded engaged position as illustrated in phantom in FIG. 3. The pivotal relationship of the handles 38 and pot stand 10 provide handles 38 that are typically suspended from the upper collar portion 24, yet may be urged to jut above the opening for temporary ergonomic handling of the pot stand 10 and/or pot 12. Although the pot stand 10 of FIG. 3 illustrates a pair of diametrically opposed handles 38, any number and spacing of handles 38 is conceivable within the scope of the present invention.

[0031] As illustrated in FIG. 5, yet another aspect of the invention includes a tether 40 for hanging the pot stand 10 from an elevated location. The tether 40 is secured to the primary region 14 of the pot stand 10 at a pair of opposed locations, and cooperates with a support fixture illustrated in phantom and generally referenced by numeral 42 for suspending the pot stand 10. For example, the support fixture 42 may be a trunnion or a gudgeon extending from a vertical and generally planar surface such as a wall. In this manner, the tether 40 wraps over the support fixture 42 and the pot stand 10 suspends from the tether 40 and rests against the wall. Alternatively, the pot stand 10 may be spaced away from a wall and may hang plum from a support fixture 42, such as a horizontal structural support or a tree branch. In this alternative manner, the tether 40 would be connected to the pot stand 10 at equally spaced increments. Although the tether 40 is illustrated having two connections with the pot stand 10, any number of connections is contemplated within the scope of the invention. For example, the tether 40 may include three connections with the pot stand 10 generally equidistantly spaced in a tripod configuration. The invention also contemplates that the tether 40 may be a chain or any suitable element for suspending the pot stand 10.

[0032] In summary, the present invention provides a pot stand 10 for supporting and retaining a pot and overlaying or imbuing a decorative indicia thereabout. Thus, a cost effective manner is employed for satisfying the ornamental needs of a user when decorating with plotted plants. Furthermore, the invention utilizes structural features for providing stability to the pot and spacing the pot from an underlying support surface.

[0033] While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A pot stand for supporting a pot, the pot stand comprising:

a frusto-conical primary region having an opening sized to receive and support the pot and substantially surround an exterior surface of the pot, the primary region having a generally skeletal structure for restraining the pot from lateral movement in relation to the stand, and for providing a view to the pot through the stand, the primary region including decorative indicia for imbuing an ornamental perspective to the pot; and
a generally planar base extending from the primary region for supporting a bottom surface of the pot and for creating a space between the pot and an underlying support surface so that air may pass therethrough.

2. The pot stand of claim 1, wherein the decorative indicia include a pair of diametrically opposed decorative indicia oriented about the primary region, each member of the decorative indicia having leaves oriented about lateral sides thereof.

3. The pot stand of claim 1, wherein the decorative indicia include a flower petal.

4. The pot stand of claim 1, wherein the decorative indicia include a leaf.

5. The pot stand of claim 1, wherein the decorative indicia include a butterfly.

6. The pot stand of claim 1, wherein the decorative indicia include a dragonfly.

7. The pot stand of claim 1, wherein the decorative indicia include a hummingbird.

8. The pot stand of claim 1, wherein the primary region includes an annular ring oriented about the opening, sized to receive an upward annular portion of the pot.

9. The pot stand of claim 1, wherein the primary region includes an upper collar portion including a series of stiffening members for adding rigidity to the stand opening.

10. The pot stand of claim 1, further comprising at least one handle secured to the primary region exterior proximate to the opening.

11. The pot stand of claim 1, further comprising a tether secured to the primary region at opposed locations about its exterior for hanging the pot stand from an elevated location.

12. The pot stand of claim 1, wherein the skeletal structure further comprises a plurality of generally tubular elements.

13. The pot stand of claim 1, wherein the skeletal structure includes a plurality of plastic elements.

14. The pot stand of claim 1, wherein the skeletal structure includes a plurality of metallic wire elements.

15. The pot stand of claim 14, wherein the metallic wire elements are formed of steel wire.

16. The pot stand of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of feet extending from the base for placement upon a generally planar support surface, the feet being spaced apart from the base to raise the base above the surface to promote air flow.

17. The pot stand of claim 16, wherein the feet are generally tubular and each extend upward towards the opening of the primary region for providing upright support to the primary region.

18. A pot stand for supporting a pot, the pot stand comprising:

a primary region having an opening sized to receive and support the pot, the primary region having a generally skeletal structure for restraining the pot from lateral movement in relation to the stand, and for providing a view to the pot through the stand;
a generally planar base extending from the primary region for supporting a bottom surface of the pot; and
a plurality of feet extending from the base for creating a space between the pot and an underlying support surface so that air may pass therethrough;
wherein the distance from the base to the underlying surface is less than the overall height of the skeletal structure.

19. The pot stand of claim 18, wherein the feet are generally tubular, and each extend upward towards the opening of the primary region for providing upright support to the primary region.

20. A pot stand for supporting a pot, the pot stand comprising:

a frusto-conical primary region having an opening sized to receive and support the pot and substantially surround an exterior surface of the pot, the primary region having a generally skeletal structure for restraining the pot from lateral movement in relation to the stand, and for providing a view to the pot through the stand, the primary region including decorative indicia for imbuing an ornamental perspective to the pot;
a generally planar base extending from the primary region for supporting a bottom surface of the pot; and
a plurality of feet extending from the base for creating a space between the pot and an underlying support surface so that air may pass therethrough;
wherein the distance from the base to the underlying surface is less than the overall height of the skeletal structure.
Patent History
Publication number: 20040055212
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 20, 2002
Publication Date: Mar 25, 2004
Inventor: Ward W. Ritter (Rockwood, MI)
Application Number: 10251116
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Stand For Holding A Plant Or Growing Medium Receptacle (047/39)
International Classification: A47G007/00;