Garden column assembly and associated method of manufacture

Abstract

The present invention provides an improved structural support and/or decorative column that includes a substantially-hollow column member including a first attachment point for attaching a first end of the substantially-hollow column member to a structure and, optionally, a second attachment point for attaching a second end of the substantially-hollow column member to the structure. The improved structural support and/or decorative column also includes one or more support members for supporting one or more plants or the like fixedly or removably attached to the substantially-hollow column member. The improved structural support and/or decorative column further includes a primary fluid delivery line disposed substantially within the interior of the substantially-hollow column member and one or more secondary fluid delivery lines coupled to the primary fluid delivery line for delivering a fluid to the proximity of the one or more support members fixedly or removably attached to the substantially-hollow column member and the one or more plants or the like supported thereby.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present non-provisional patent application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/666,341 (Christopher W. CIERI), filed on Mar. 30, 2005, and entitled “GARDEN COLUMN,” which is incorporated in-full by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the landscaping and interior/exterior decorating fields. More specifically, the present invention relates to an improved structural support and/or decorative column that incorporates one or more plant hangers or the like and a primarily self-contained fluid delivery system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A number of decorative stands that incorporate one or more plant supports and, optionally, a water delivery system are known to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,557,297 (issued to Receveur, May 6, 2003) discloses a height-adjustable support assembly for a receptacle in which a water plant or other vegetation can be grown. The assembly includes a base which can be weighted down with granulated material such as sand or pebbles, a two-section, telescopically-adjustable, elongated supporting column attached on a lower end to the base, and a receptacle attached to an upper end of the supporting column. In one embodiment, the receptacle is fitted with a flotation collar so that it can float on the surface of the water containment means in which the assembly is disposed as the water surface level changes, carrying with it an upper section of the supporting column. In another embodiment, the height of the supporting column and receptacle can be incrementally adjusted and fixed by means of a retaining pin. In yet another embodiment, the supporting column height can be adjusted and fixed by means of a threaded cap containing a compressible gasket. Means for stabilizing the alignment of the upper section with a lower section of the supporting column is also disclosed.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,934,014 (issued to Carrothers, Aug. 10, 1999) discloses a stand for potted plants that includes a tubular member for placement on a free-standing post with a base. Arms of rod stock are carried by the tubular member and are shaped to support and confine in place a centrally-located potted plant. Hooks at the arm ends receive the bails of other potted plants. The arms are inclined downwardly and outwardly and carry their respective plants offset below the centrally-located plant and contribute toward stability of the stand.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,533,302 (issued to Lynch et al., Jul. 9, 1996) discloses a modular planting system for growing a plurality of plants arranged in a vertical column. The inventive device includes a plurality of modular planting units which may be stacked together at various relative angular orientations to form a vertical column. Each of the modular planting units includes a center column having a pair of plant receptacles projecting from both sides of the center column. A mounting flange extends downwardly from a lowermost portion of the center column and is arranged for reception within an uppermost potion of a center column of another planting unit. In addition, a water system for dispensing water to each of the individual plant receptacles, and supporting structure for supporting the system in a vertical orientation is also provided.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,502,922 (issued to Shlomo, Apr. 2, 1996) discloses a plant holder, including a base adapted to be supported on a horizontal surface, a vertically-extending column fixed to the base, a plurality of horizontally-extending containers mounted at different levels to the vertically-extending column, with each container adapted to receive a quantity of plant growing medium, and a pump for pumping water from the reservoir to the topmost container mounted to the column.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,276,997 (issued to Swearengin et al., Jan. 11, 1994) discloses a vertical or columnar planter which includes a self-contained water distribution system. The planter includes a generally-vertical, elongate planter body having openings at intervals along the side walls of the body. The planter is filled with soil or another growing medium which forms a continuous column within the planter. Plants are grown in openings distributed along the side walls of the planter. Each opening is configured with a protruding lower lip and an indentation along its top edge to help retain the growing medium within the planter body. A hierarchical watering system is built into the planter. The watering system supplies water for a greater time interval to the top of the planter and progressively lesser time intervals in regions lower down on the planter. The watering system helps balance the downward flow of water through the planter, providing an optimal supply of water to all plant-growing locations. The planter body is suitable for packaging and holding growing medium within its body during shipment. As such, the planter can be shipped and sold with the growing medium already in place within the planter. An alternative embodiment planter for mounting against a vertical surface is also disclosed.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,251,399 (issued to Rasmussen, Oct. 12, 1993) discloses a vertical plant stand arrangement that includes a lower base having a water reservoir and pumping system, the electrical controls and timer unit, a central vertical support column provided with a plurality of plant stations and, optionally, an upper cover that house the water drip distribution system and the lighting system. The base has two physically separate sections—one housing the water reservoir and pumping system and the other housing the electrical system and timer. The water reservoir includes a filtering system and feeding lines to the top of the central vertical support column as well as return lines from each plant station to the water reservoir. The electrical system includes a timer that activates the pumping system in the water reservoir. The central vertical support column includes a hollow interior passageway for receiving the water lines and a plurality of plant stations attached thereto. The location of each of the plant stations is adjustable to allow different plant configurations. Each plant station can include a wicking arrangement to augment the drip system contained in the cover at the top of the central support column. The central support column also includes at its top a cover arrangement that includes the lighting system and a water distribution system to provide water to each of the plant stations on a drip system format.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0034363 (Applicant—Warren, published Feb. 17, 2005) discloses a vertical plant stand that is free standing or can be supported by burying its lower end in a base plant pot or in the ground. Pots can be angularly stacked along a central elongate member or hook-style appendages can protrude from the central elongate member to mount tilted plant pots. Multiple vertically and/or radially-spaced-apart appendages can be included to mount tilted pots like tree branches. The stand can also be configured for mounting a table top to the stand for making an end table, coffee table or other table design. Instead of a table top, a top plant pot may be provided at the upper end of the central elongate member.

Finally, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2002/0040548 (Applicant—Ware, published Apr. 11, 2002) discloses an apparatus for plant cultivation which conserves horizontal space and utilizes vertical space, while providing for the growth of plants which are cultivated in an indoor environment. The plant growth unit comprises a nutrient supply module and one or more columns radially disposed about a central vertical longitudinal axis thereby defining an internal space between the one or more columns designed to accommodate a light source. Each column is in fluid communication with the nutrient supply module for circulation of a liquid nutrient flow. The one or more columns support a plurality of growth sites, which are radially disposed about the longitudinal axis and generally face the internal space. Each growth site is positioned to contact the liquid nutrient flow.

What is still needed in the art, however, is an improved structural support and/or decorative column that incorporates one or more plant hangers or the like and a primarily self-contained fluid delivery system.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an improved structural support and/or decorative column includes a substantially-hollow column member including a first attachment point for attaching a first end of the substantially-hollow column member to a structure and, optionally, a second attachment point for attaching a second end of the substantially-hollow column member to the structure. The improved structural support and/or decorative column also includes one or more support members for supporting one or more plants or the like fixedly or removably attached to the substantially-hollow column member. The improved structural support and/or decorative column further includes a primary fluid delivery line disposed substantially within the interior of the substantially-hollow column member and one or more secondary fluid delivery lines coupled to the primary fluid delivery line for delivering a fluid to the proximity of the one or more support members fixedly or removably attached to the substantially-hollow column member and the one or more plants or the like supported thereby.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method for providing an improved structural support and/or decorative column includes providing a substantially-hollow column member including a first attachment point for attaching a first end of the substantially-hollow column member to a structure and, optionally, a second attachment point for attaching a second end of the substantially-hollow column member to the structure. The method for providing an improved structural support and/or decorative column also includes providing one or more support members for supporting one or more plants or the like fixedly or removably attached to the substantially-hollow column member. The method for providing an improved structural support and/or decorative column further includes providing a primary fluid delivery line disposed substantially within the interior of the substantially-hollow column member and providing one or more secondary fluid delivery lines coupled to the primary fluid delivery line for delivering a fluid to the proximity of the one or more support members fixedly or removably attached to the substantially-hollow column member and the one or more plants or the like supported thereby.

In a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an improved structural support and/or decorative column includes a substantially-hollow column member including a first attachment point for attaching a first end of the substantially-hollow column member to a structure; one or more support members for supporting one or more plants or the like fixedly or removably attached to the substantially-hollow column member; a primary fluid delivery line disposed substantially within the interior of the substantially-hollow column member; and one or more secondary fluid delivery lines coupled to the primary fluid delivery line for delivering a fluid to the proximity of the one or more support members fixedly or removably attached to the substantially-hollow column member and the one or more plants or the like supported thereby. Optionally, the substantially-hollow column member also includes a second attachment point for attaching a second end of the substantially-hollow column member to the structure. The improved structural support and/or decorative column also includes a fluid delivery timer coupled to the primary fluid delivery line for selectively allowing fluid to be delivered by the primary fluid delivery line and the one or more secondary fluid delivery lines. The improved structural support and/or decorative column further includes one or more flow-limiting valve devices coupled to the one or more secondary fluid delivery lines for selectively limiting the amount of fluid to be delivered by the one or more secondary fluid delivery lines. Preferably, the substantially-hollow column member comprises one of a substantially-circular, substantially-hollow column member and a substantially-square, substantially-hollow column member. Optionally, the substantially-hollow column member includes a plurality of components. Optionally, the substantially-hollow column member is substantially rigid and provides support for at least a portion of the structure to which it is attached.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated and described herein with reference to the various drawings, in which like reference numbers denote like components and/or parts, as appropriate, and in which:

FIGS. 1a-1c are a plurality of views of one embodiment of the improved structural support and/or decorative column of the present invention;

FIGS. 2a-2c are a plurality of views of another embodiment of the improved structural support and/or decorative column of the present invention; and

FIG. 3 is an isolated cross-sectional top view of one embodiment of the column member of the improved structural support and/or decorative column of the present invention.

It should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that these various drawings are primarily conceptual and that all equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of, and are contemplated by, the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in two exemplary embodiments of the present invention, an improved structural support and/or decorative column 10 includes a substantially-hollow column member 12 including a first attachment point 14 for attaching a first end 16 of the substantially-hollow column member 12 to a structure (not illustrated) and, optionally, a second attachment point 18 for attaching a second end 20 of the substantially-hollow column member 12 to the structure. The substantially-hollow column member 12 may be made of a metal, a metal alloy, a plastic, a wood, or the like. The substantially-hollow column member 12 is, for example, substantially circular or substantially square in cross-sectional shape, or it may have any other suitable cross-sectional shape. The substantially-hollow column member 12 may also be fabricated by a manufacturer or assembled by an installer from a plurality of components (see FIG. 3, for example). Such columnar systems are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art and are commercially available. Preferably, the substantially-hollow column member 12 has an overall height of between about 6 ft. and about 12 ft. and a diameter or width of between about 6 in. and about 12 in. Preferably, the walls 22 of the substantially-hollow column member 12 have a thickness of between about 1/16 in. and about ½ in. Other suitable dimensions may, however, be used.

The improved structural support and/or decorative column 10 also includes one or more support members 24 for supporting one or more plants or the like fixedly or removably attached to the substantially-hollow column member 12. The one or more support members 24 each include a support arm 26 and a plant holder 28, such as a ring, a hook, an integrally-formed planter, or the like (a ring is illustrated). The support arm 26 and the plant holder 28 may also be made of a metal, a metal alloy, a plastic, a wood, or the like, and, if a plurality of support members 24 are utilized, are vertically spaced apart by a distance of between about 1 ft. and about 4 ft. Again, other suitable dimensions may, however, be used.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 1a-1c, the support arm 26 of each of the one or more support members 24 is fixedly or removably attached directly to the interior or the exterior of the wall 22 of the substantially-hollow column member 12, such as via welds or a bolt, etc. If attached to the interior of the wall 22 of the substantially-hollow column member 12, the support arm 26 of each of the one or more support members 24 first passes through a hole in the wall 22 of the substantially-hollow column member 12. Optionally, the support arm 26 of each of the one or more support members 24 is fixedly or removably attached to a reinforcing member 30 that is fixedly or removably attached to, and spans a substantial portion of the height of, the interior of the substantially-hollow column member 12. The reinforcing member 30 provides the substantially-hollow column member 12 with strength and rigidity in the presence of the one or more support members 24 and the one or more supported plants or the like. Preferably, each of the one or more support members 24 protrudes from the exterior of the substantially-hollow column member 12 by a distance of between about 1 ft and about 3 ft.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 2a-2c, the support arm 26 of each of the one or more support members 24 passes through a hole in the first portion of the substantially-hollow column member 12 and is fixedly or removably attached directly to the interior of a second portion of the substantially-hollow column member 12, substantially opposite the hole in the first portion of the substantially-hollow column member 12, such as via welds or a bolt, etc. Preferably, a flange piece 32 is fixedly attached to the interior of the second portion of the substantially-hollow column member 12 and prevents rotational motion of each of the one or more support members 24 about the first portion of the substantially-hollow column member 12. Optionally, a reinforcing insert 34 is placed at/partially about the first portion of the substantially-hollow column member 12 and helps to support each of the one or more support members 24 relative to the first portion of the substantially-hollow column member 12. Again, the support arm 26 of each of the one or more support members 24 may be fixedly or removably attached to a reinforcing member (not illustrated in FIGS. 2a-2c) that is fixedly or removably attached to, and spans a substantial portion of the height of, the interior of the second portion of the substantially-hollow column member 12. The reinforcing member provides the substantially-hollow column member 12 with strength and rigidity in the presence of the one or more support members 24 and the one or more supported plants or the like. Preferably, each of the one or more support members 24 protrudes from the exterior of the substantially-hollow column member 12 by a distance of between about 1 ft. and about 3 ft.

It should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that any suitable reinforcing members that provide the substantially-hollow column member 12 with rigidity may be used. Various of these reinforcing members may provide the substantially-hollow column member 12 with sufficient load-bearing capability and prevent the buckling of the wall 22 of the substantially-hollow column member 12, etc.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the improved structural support and/or decorative column 10 also includes a primary fluid (water and/or other liquid nutrient) delivery line 36 disposed substantially within the interior of the substantially-hollow column member 12. The primary fluid delivery line 36 exits the substantially-hollow column member 12 near the bottom of the substantially-hollow column member 12 and is selectively coupled to a standard garden hose or the like. The primary fluid delivery line 36 is attached to the interior of the substantially-hollow column member 12 via a plurality of clamps 38 (FIG. 3) or the like. The primary fluid delivery line 36 has a diameter of between about ¼ in. and about 1 in., although other suitable dimensions may be used.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the improved structural support and/or decorative column 10 further includes one or more secondary fluid delivery lines 40 coupled to the primary fluid delivery line 36 for delivering the fluid to the proximity of the one or more support members 24 fixedly or removably attached to the substantially-hollow column member 12 and the one or more plants or the like supported thereby. Optionally, one or more flow-limiting valve devices 42 are coupled to the one or more secondary fluid delivery lines 40 for selectively limiting the amount of fluid to be delivered by the one or more secondary fluid delivery lines. Each of the one or more secondary fluid delivery lines 40 has a diameter of between about ⅛ in. and about ½ in., although other suitable dimensions may be used.

Optionally, the improved structural support and/or decorative column 10 still further includes a fluid delivery timer (not shown) coupled to the primary fluid delivery line 36 for selectively allowing the fluid to be delivered by the primary fluid delivery line 36 and the one or more secondary fluid delivery lines 40 on a predetermined schedule. Such devices are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art and are commercially available.

Although the present invention has been illustrated and described with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples may perform similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of, and are contemplated by, the present invention and are intended to be covered by the following claims.

Claims

1. An improved structural support and/or decorative column, comprising:

a substantially-hollow column member comprising a first attachment point for attaching a first end of the substantially-hollow column member to a structure and a second attachment point for attaching a second end of the substantially-hollow column member to the structure;

one or more support members for supporting one or more plants fixedly or removably attached to the substantially-hollow column member;

a primary fluid delivery line disposed substantially within the interior of the substantially-hollow column member; and

one or more secondary fluid delivery lines coupled to the primary fluid delivery line for delivering a fluid to the proximity of the one or more support members fixedly or removably attached to the substantially-hollow column member and the one or more plants supported thereby.

2. The improved structural support and/or decorative column of claim 1, further comprising a fluid delivery timer coupled to the primary fluid delivery line for selectively allowing fluid to be delivered by the primary fluid delivery line and the one or more secondary fluid delivery lines.

3. The improved structural support and/or decorative column of claim 1, further comprising one or more flow-limiting valve devices coupled to the one or more secondary fluid delivery lines for selectively limiting the amount of fluid to be delivered by the one or more secondary fluid delivery lines.

4. The improved structural support and/or decorative column of claim 1, wherein the substantially-hollow column member comprises one of a substantially-circular, substantially-hollow column member and a substantially-square, substantially-hollow column member.

5. The improved structural support and/or decorative column of claim 1, wherein the substantially-hollow column member comprises a plurality of components.

6. A method for providing an improved structural support and/or decorative column, comprising:

providing a substantially-hollow column member comprising a first attachment point for attaching a first end of the substantially-hollow column member to a structure and a second attachment point for attaching a second end of the substantially-hollow column member to the structure;

providing one or more support members for supporting one or more plants fixedly or removably attached to the substantially-hollow column member;

providing a primary fluid delivery line disposed substantially within the interior of the substantially-hollow column member; and

providing one or more secondary fluid delivery lines coupled to the primary fluid delivery line for delivering a fluid to the proximity of the one or more support members fixedly or removably attached to the substantially-hollow column member and the one or more plants supported thereby.

7. The method for providing an improved structural support and/or decorative column of claim 6, further comprising providing a fluid delivery timer coupled to the primary fluid delivery line for selectively allowing fluid to be delivered by the primary fluid delivery line and the one or more secondary fluid delivery lines.

8. The method for providing an improved structural support and/or decorative column of claim 6, further comprising providing one or more flow-limiting valve devices coupled to the one or more secondary fluid delivery lines for selectively limiting the amount of fluid to be delivered by the one or more secondary fluid delivery lines.

9. The method for providing an improved structural support and/or decorative column of claim 6, wherein the substantially-hollow column member comprises one of a substantially-circular, substantially-hollow column member and a substantially-square, substantially-hollow column member.

10. The method for providing an improved structural support and/or decorative column of claim 6, wherein the substantially-hollow column member comprises a plurality of components.

11. An improved structural support and/or decorative column, comprising:

a substantially-hollow column member comprising a first attachment point for attaching a first end of the substantially-hollow column member to a structure;

one or more support members for supporting one or more plants fixedly or removably attached to the substantially-hollow column member;

a primary fluid delivery line disposed substantially within the interior of the substantially-hollow column member; and

one or more secondary fluid delivery lines coupled to the primary fluid delivery line for delivering a fluid to the proximity of the one or more support members fixedly or removably attached to the substantially-hollow column member and the one or more plants supported thereby.

12. The improved structural support and/or decorative column of claim 11, wherein the substantially-hollow column member further comprises a second attachment point for attaching a second end of the substantially-hollow column member to the structure.

13. The improved structural support and/or decorative column of claim 11, further comprising a fluid delivery timer coupled to the primary fluid delivery line for selectively allowing fluid to be delivered by the primary fluid delivery line and the one or more secondary fluid delivery lines.

14. The improved structural support and/or decorative column of claim 11, further comprising one or more flow-limiting valve devices coupled to the one or more secondary fluid delivery lines for selectively limiting the amount of fluid to be delivered by the one or more secondary fluid delivery lines.

15. The improved structural support and/or decorative column of claim 11, wherein the substantially-hollow column member comprises one of a substantially-circular, substantially-hollow column member and a substantially-square, substantially-hollow column member.

16. The improved structural support and/or decorative column of claim 11, wherein the substantially-hollow column member comprises a plurality of components.

17. The improved structural support and/or decorative column of claim 11, wherein the substantially-hollow column member is substantially rigid and provides support for at least a portion of the structure to which it is attached.