Universal bracket assembly for support and display of potted plants

Abstract

The present invention is a new and novel bracket assembly for display of potted plants. The main component is an integrally formed bracket that can be mounted onto any vertical support surface. Due to the shape and size of the bracket any type of flower pot having a rim can be re-movably supported thereon. The integrally formed bracket can be used independently and/or in combination with additional optional accessories. The accessories allow for variable configurations, multiples of the bracket to be displayed simultaneously and also the end user can install the assembly onto either a vertical, horizontal, or an overhead support surface.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to support brackets that suspend an object thereon for display purposes. More particularly the present assembly is most useful for supporting either one or multiple circular various sized flower pot(s) thereon for aesthetic purposes. Also, the assembly is universal as it is functional with any size flower pot of user choice.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Within the known prior art numerous designs and various configurations for support means have been used for display and suspension of flower pots thereon. The most common flower support structures include rope such as macramé hangers that contain the flower pot therein and suspend the pot from an above surface. Such macramé hangers are somewhat useful and decorative but have inherent disadvantages. Namely, macramé hangers must be wrapped around the pot and the plant stems and leaves must be threaded through openings in the macramé. This is most time consuming, inconvenient and also can easily damage the plant when positioning the pot therein or during removal there from.

Other support means include plastic hooks with extension legs that attach onto the flower pot. These types of support hooks are most unsightly and greatly distract from the beauty of the plant. Most importantly these supports are restricted in use as they must be hung from an above surface, such as a ceiling or the like.

Other types of flower pot displays include upright stands all of which provide a circular base for containment of the pot. These types of stands are not aesthetically appealing and again distract from the beauty of the plant. Furthermore, these stands must be situated on the floor thus restricting floor space.

The closets related prior art include the following U.S. Pat. No. 6,079,686, No. 5,074,504, No. D394,576 and No. D362,175.

The '686 is entitled “TRAY SUPPORT APPARATUS”. It is similar in structure as it has attachment means on the top and bottom, and a top notch for capture of the top rim of the pot. However, the apparatus is not functional without a pair of notches, the top notch is for the rim of the pot and the bottom notch is for support of a drip tray. Due to the construction of the top notch it cannot support a flower pot that does not include a drip tray in combination. Thus the present invention is much more functional and eliminates the need for an additional notch and/or the need for a drip tray.

The '504 entitled “FLOWERPOT HOLDER” is somewhat similar as it does include one notch for support of the rim of the pot therein. However, it is mounted with one centralized fastener. More importantly, due to the shape of the notch it is not truly functional with various sized pots as suggested. In reality, the shape of the downward hook is not favourable for use with smaller type pots having smaller rims. The hook member is much too large and uses much of the internal space if used with a small pot. The most important problem with this reference is that the hook member is shaped strait down yet outwardly pointed, and the backside of the notch is not perpendicular with the vertical flat backside support surface. In use, this causes problems with various sized pots resulting in a holder that is not universal, unlike the present invention. It is a further advantage of the present invention to be re-movably attached with two identical fasteners each of the same length. If two fasteners were used with the '504 reference is would be more useful. Namely two fasteners will not allow the holder to pivot, thus two fasteners resolve this problem. Even if the '504 reference were to be attached with two fasteners, each would need to be extremely long, another disadvantage of which the present invention clearly resolves due to this new novel shape and size.

The '576 reference is somewhat similar as it is functional with one notch yet it is formed from two independent pieces. This reference is only functional with a rim having the identical shape as the notch itself. More importantly the most obvious disadvantage is that during installation the user must manually hold the pot and each of the pieces in place while simultaneously installing the fastener. This is most time consuming and problematic for the user. Also this further requires removal of the fastener and top member if the pot is to be removed. The present invention is clearly much more functional, more cost efficient, is less labor-intensive to install and overall is much more aesthetically pleasing.

The '175 reference is somewhat similar as it is installed with two fasteners and is functional with one notch. However, again due to the specific shape of the notch it is again not universal. The most important disadvantage of all of these references is the shape of the notch itself. Each reference includes a horizontal flat surface for support of the rim thereon. In actual use this proves to be a detrimental disadvantage. Namely, during installation the straight outward edge tends to interfere and this further restricts universal use with various types of pots. To resolve this problematic issue the present invention includes a slight downward curvature of which is much more functional and allows for overall enhanced performance.

More importantly, all of the known prior art do not provide a universal assembly that can support any type of flower pot of user choice.

It is therefore contended there is a need for a new and novel type of support and display assembly for flower pots that overcomes the inherent disadvantages and problems associated with the prior art. Namely, an assembly that is universal and allows the end user to either mount the flower pot(s) on a vertical surface, such as a fence and/or depending on the configuration it can be mounted from an above structure, such as the ceiling and/or it can be independent and functional as a complete free standing assembly. More importantly, the assembly is universal as it can easily support one or multiple pots and various sized pots of user choice and/or combinations thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide a new and novel bracket assembly that is used for support and display of a potted plant thereon. The assembly incorporates a main universal bracket that is integrally formed having no moving parts. Due to the unique shape and size of the main universal bracket it can easily be mounted onto any vertical surface of choice, such as a fence (wire or a wooden) a wall or the like.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a main universal bracket that can be used independently for vertical mounting and/or it can be used in combination with additional optional components that allow for alternative mounting features. The alternative mounting features allow for mounting the assembly from a horizontal surface and/or onto an upright stand. Also, multiple brackets can be used in combination thus allowing for numerous configurations of choice.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a potted plant display assembly that is easily manufactured, is cost effective, can be made from numerous materials of choice, is easy to use, is aesthetically appealing and allows the end user to display their potted plants in a variety of ways.

Other objects and advantages will be seen when taken into consideration with the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is substantially a right side view of the preferred embodiment for the main universal bracket of the present invention when attached onto a vertical support surface.

FIG. 2 is substantially a perspective plan view depicting multiples of the main universal bracket when attached onto a vertical elongated rectangle.

FIG. 3 is substantially a partial plan view depicting the top end of the vertical elongated rectangle when attached onto an above horizontal support structure.

FIG. 4 is substantially a partial plan view depicting two vertical elongated rectangles when interconnected together.

FIG. 5 is substantially a partial view of the bottom end of an elongated rectangle having an ornament therewith.

FIG. 6 is substantially a partial plan view depicting the bottom end of one vertical elongated rectangle when supported by a pedestal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now in detail to the drawings wherein like characters refer to like elements throughout the various views. As depicted in FIG. 1, (10) represents an overview for the preferred embodiment for the present invention which includes a main universal bracket (12) of which is the main component. It is to be understood the main universal bracket can be integrally formed from any suitable material of engineering choice, such as wood, plastic, Nylon, Acrylic, rubber or the like. The main universal bracket is of a distinct and novel shape which provides the unusual new end results, namely because of the shape it can support any size pre-existing pot (14) of user choice. For example, any flower pot between 4 to 12 inches is acceptable. The main universal bracket (12) includes an integrally formed elongated vertical body member having a pre-determined height and width, such as 9 inches in height and ½ inch wide, or the like. The main universal bracket (12) further includes a vertical flat backside, a vertical flat right-side, a vertical flat left side, a top end, a bottom end and a front side. The front side is moulded to form a first semi-circular outwardly protruding section (16), a second semi-circular outwardly protruding section (18), a vertical elongated notch (20), a partially outwardly protruding third section (22) and a semi-S-curved inwardly reseeding lower section (24).

The first semi-circular outwardly protruding section (16) defining a first horizontal depth resulting, in a first edge portion (26). The second semi-circular outwardly protruding section defines a second horizontal depth, resulting in a second edge portion (28). Thus it can be seen the first edge portion (26) and the second edge portion aesthetically merge together. The second edge portion (28) and the vertical elongated notch (20) form a downwardly projecting pointed gripping element (30). The vertical elongated notch (20) has a lower bottom downwardly rounded ledge (32) that is cut forming an opening between the downwardly projecting pointed gripping element (30) and the partially outwardly protruding third section (22). Thus it can be seen the lower bottom downwardly rounded ledge (32) and the partially outwardly protruding third section (22) aesthetically merge together.

It is to be understood that the actual shape and size of the downwardly projecting pointed gripping element (30) is extremely important. The applicant experimented and thru tedious trial and error determined that this unique shape and size allows for various sized pots to be utilized. This shape and size is especially important for small flower pots as this configuration provides more interior space for the plant and/or soil.

The vertical flat backside is re-movably attached onto a support structure of user choice, such as onto a fence (34) or the like. It is to be understood any type of fence (wooden or wire) is optional. Furthermore, any type of fastener of user choice is inherent. For example, screws, nails, or the like are sufficiently functional. However, the applicant have found when the main universal bracket (12) is to be attached onto a chain-link fence a most efficient fastener is sold by Gardner Bender, entitled “Shark Tooth Anchor™”.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the standard pre-existing pot (14) has a rim (36) interconnected with an angular circular side wall (38). As further clearly illustrated the projecting pointed gripping element (30) with the vertical elongated notch (20) and the opening in combination form a receptacle that is of a shape and size to slide-ably receive and substantially mate with the rim (36) and the partially outwardly protruding third section (22) has a mating relationship with the angular circular side wall (38) respectively.

In the preferred embodiment as illustrated, the noted first horizontal depth preferably measures 1 inch which is half the distance of the second horizontal depth, respectively. Furthermore, lower bottom downwardly rounded ledge (32) is preferably in vertical alignment with the first edge portion (26). Still further, the semi-S-curved inwardly reseeding lower section (24) has a central section that is in vertical alignment with the lower bottom downwardly rounded ledge (32) and the first edge portion (26). Again it is to be noted this overall configuration of shape and size is critical to achieve the end results of universal function.

It can now be seen that when the pre-existing pot (14) is slide-ably engaged within the universal bracket assembly (12) the projecting pointed gripping element (30) partially extends downwardly into the pre-existing pot (14) against an inside surface of the rim (36). The rim (36) is engaged within the noted receptacle and the circular side wall (38) rests against the partially outwardly protruding third section (22). Thus resulting in the weight of the pre-existing pot (14) being fully supported by the lower bottom downwardly rounded ledge (32) of the vertical elongated notch (20) with the partially outwardly protruding third section (22) in combination, thus further resulting in the pre-existing pot (14) being securely supported in an upright position by the main universal bracket (12) and the support structure, such as the fence (34) in combination.

It is to be noted the above universal bracket assembly as taught above can be used completely as itself for supporting one flower pot thereon. However, if preferred optional features can be sold in addition therewith depending on engineering choice and/or end user needs. For example, the following provides some optional features of which are most functional and highly appealing.

Referring now to FIG. 2 wherein as illustrated, we further provide additional options of which allow an end user to display their flower pots in a variety of ways. For example, if the user desires to display multiples of the flower pots simultaneously we further include the following additional component. Namely, the support surface depicted in FIG. 2, is an elongated rectangle (40) having four equal sides, a flat top end and a flat bottom end. As a result, multiples of the main universal bracket (12) can be re-movably mounted onto the elongated rectangle (40) for supporting multiple pre-existing pots (14) simultaneously. As previously noted, any suitable type of attachment means for remove-ably attaching the main universal bracket (12) onto the support surface can be incorporated, depending on engineering and end user choice. Therefore, the following attachment means is only exemplary of one possible fastening means.

In FIG. 2, the main universal bracket (12) includes the first edge portion (26) and the central section (24) each having an elongated horizontal slot (42) for receiving the noted fastener (44) there through. Additionally, the flat top end and the flat bottom end of the elongated rectangle (40) include optional attachment means of which allow the end user to re-movably install the elongated rectangle (40) from either a horizontal support structure, onto a second elongated rectangle (one on top of the other), or even on top of a pedestal, or the like. Each optional attachment means, and/or optional mounting features are further defined within the following specification.

Referring now to FIG. 3, wherein the top end of the elongated rectangle (40-A) is illustrated. Further depicted therein is one possible attachment means for re-movably attaching the elongated rectangle (40) onto an overhead horizontal support structure. For example one suitable attachment means includes a standard eye-hook (46) that is re-movably interconnected onto a standard J-shaped hook (48) of which is thread-ably engaged into a ceiling (50).

In reference to FIG. 4, another attachment means includes the flat top end of the elongated rectangle (40-A) having a standard upside-down J-hook installed thereon and the flat bottom end (40-B) having a standard J-hook (68) installed thereon so as to allow for multiples of elongated rectangles (40) to be re-movably interconnected, one on top of the other.

In reference now to FIG. 5, wherein another optional feature is to provide the flat bottom end (40-B) with attachment means for attaching an ornamental accessory (of user choice) thereon. Namely, for example the flat bottom end (40-B) may include an ornamental accessory (52) thread-ably engaged into the flat bottom end (40-B).

Another option for the present invention is to include upon the flat bottom end (40-B) of the elongated rectangle attachment means for attaching a pedestal thereto so as to allow the elongated rectangle (40) to be supported on a flat horizontal support surface. It is to be understood any suitable type of attachment means and/or pedestal of choice may be incorporated. Therefore, the pedestal as hereafter described is only exemplary and thus the invention is not to be limited thereto.

In reference now to FIG. 6, wherein the universal bracket assembly as illustrated can be interconnected onto a pedestal (54). Wherein, the flat bottom end (40-B) is interconnected onto a first outward protruding left leg member (54-A) by a fastener (56) such as a screw, a nail or the like. The flat bottom end (40-B) is interconnected onto a second frontal outward protruding leg member (54-B) by a fastener (not shown). The flat bottom end (40-B) is interconnected onto a third outward protruding right leg member (54-C) by a fastener (not shown) and the flat bottom end (40-B) is interconnected onto a fourth rearward outward protruding leg member (54-D, depicted in ghost lines) by a fastener (56) (not shown. Thus, allowing the universal bracket assembly to be mounted on the pedestal (54) and function as a free standing assembly that is position-able and supported on top of a flat horizontal support surface such as a floor (58) or the like.

It is to be clearly understood that all of the components of the universal bracket assembly can be interchanged in numerous configurations and/or interconnected by various attachment means of engineering or end user choice. Also, the main universal bracket 12 can be sold independently or the overall universal bracket assembly can be sold as a kit, including numerous fasteners, one or more elongated rectangles (40) and/or multiple support legs, and/or any combinations thereof.

It can now be seen herein presented a new and novel universal bracket assembly for display of potted plants that is functional for support of any type or size of flower pot(s) having a rim. More importantly the invention is cost effective to produce/sell, is aesthetically pleasing and can be interconnected onto an overhead support structure, a vertical support structure or positioned on a horizontal support surface. Also, multiples of the assembly can be supported simultaneously.

Although the invention has been herein shown and described in what is conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is recognized that departures may be made there from within the scope and spirit of the invention, which is not to be limited to the details disclosed herein but is to be accorded the full scope of the claims so as to embrace any and all equivalent devices and apparatuses.

Claims

1. A universal bracket assembly for support and display of potted plants comprising in: combination: a main universal bracket; a support structure; and a pre-existing pot; said main universal bracket being an integrally formed elongated vertical body member having a pre-determined height and width, a vertical flat backside, a vertical flat right-side, a vertical flat left side, a top end, a bottom end and a front side, said front side being moulded to form a first semi-circular outwardly protruding section, a second semi-circular outwardly protruding section, a vertical elongated notch, a partially outwardly protruding third section and a semi-S-curved inwardly reseeding lower section, said first semi-circular outwardly protruding section defining a first horizontal depth resulting in a first edge portion, said second semi-circular outwardly protruding section defining a second horizontal depth resulting in a second edge portion, said first edge portion and said second edge portion aesthetically merge together, said second edge portion and said vertical elongated notch forming a downwardly projecting pointed gripping element, said vertical elongated notch having a lower bottom downwardly rounded ledge that is cut forming an opening between said downwardly projecting pointed gripping element and said partially outwardly protruding third section, said lower bottom downwardly rounded ledge and said partially outwardly protruding third section aesthetically merge together, said vertical flat backside being attached onto said support structure, said pre-existing pot having a rim interconnected with an angular circular side wall, said projecting pointed gripping element with said vertical elongated notch and said opening in combination forming a receptacle that is of a shape and size to slide-ably receive and mate with said rim, said partially outwardly protruding third section having a mating relationship with said angular circular side wall, said first horizontal depth measuring half the distance of said second horizontal depth, said lower bottom downwardly rounded ledge being in vertical alignment with said first edge portion and said semi-S-curved inwardly reseeding lower section having a central section that is in vertical alignment with said lower bottom downwardly rounded ledge and said first edge portion;

whereby:

when said pre-existing pot is slide-ably engaged within said universal bracket assembly, said projecting pointed gripping element partially extends downwardly into said pre-existing pot against an inside surface of said rim, said rim is engaged within said receptacle, said circular side wall rests against said partially outwardly protruding third section, thus resulting in the weight of said pre-existing pot being fully supported by said lower bottom downwardly rounded ledge of said vertical elongated notch with said partially outwardly protruding third section in combination, thus further resulting in said pre-existing pot being securely supported in an upright position by said main universal bracket and said support structure in combination.

2. The universal bracket assembly of claim 1 wherein said first edge portion and said central section each have attachment means for remove-ably attaching said main universal bracket onto said support surface.

3. The universal bracket assembly of claim 1 wherein said support surface is a fence.

4. The universal bracket assembly of claim 2 wherein said attachment means includes an elongated horizontal slot for receiving a fastener there through.

5. The universal bracket assembly of claim 1 wherein said support surface is an elongated rectangle having four equal sides, a flat top end and a flat bottom end, thus multiples of said main universal bracket can be re-movably mounted onto said elongated rectangle for supporting multiple pre-existing pots simultaneously.

6. The universal bracket assembly of claim 5 wherein said flat top end further includes attachment means for being re-movably attached onto a horizontal support structure thus said elongated rectangle with said multiples of said main universal bracket can be vertically hung from said horizontal support structure.

7. The universal bracket assembly of claim 5 wherein said flat bottom end further includes attachment means for attaching an ornamental accessory thereon.

8. The universal bracket assembly of claim 5 wherein said flat bottom end further includes attachment means for attaching a second elongated rectangle thereon, thus multiples of said elongated rectangle having four equal sides can be interconnected together one on top of the other.

9. The universal bracket assembly of claim 5 wherein said flat bottom end further includes attachment means for attaching a pedestal thereto, thus said elongated rectangle having four equal sides can be supported on a flat horizontal support surface.