FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosures made herein relate generally to gardening devices and, more particularly, to devices for hanging plants.

BACKGROUND

Conventional plant containers incorporate drain holes to vent the root system and allow excess moisture to pass through the potting soil when watered. When located on a support surface such as a floor or shelf, a catch tray is typically placed between the container and the support surface. Such a conventional catch tray (i.e., a universal and/or commercially available catch tray) captures the excess water and prevents it from contacting the support surface on which the container. Because such conventional catch trays hold a relatively large volume of water, they also serve as a reservoir that supplies moisture to the plant over an extended period of time.

However, many types of conventional hanging plant containers do not incorporate a catch tray or incorporate a catch tray capable of holding only a relatively small volume of water. As such, plants in conventional handing containers often drip water onto the surface below, which can result in damage to moisture-sensitive surfaces. Furthermore, lacking a catch tray to serve as a reservoir in which excess water gathers causes the soil to dry out faster.

Therefore, a device that facilitates the attachment of a relatively large catch tray to a plant container such as a container used for hanging plants and that is relatively universal in application would be useful and advantageous.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments of the present invention enable a person to keep water in their plants and water catch tray even while the plant container is suspended. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide for a relatively simple and convenient means for attaching a relatively large and/or deep catch tray to most hanging plant containers. Accordingly, the present invention advantageously overcomes one or more shortcomings associated with conventional hanging plant containers with regard to conserving and controlling moisture drainage from the container.

In one embodiment of the present invention an attachment device comprises two engaging members. The first engagement member includes a U-shaped engagement structure and a plurality of spaced-apart interlock features in combination with an elongated interconnect structure thereof. The second engagement member includes a U-shaped engagement structure and an elongated interconnect structure attached to the U-shaped engagement structure. The he elongated interconnect structure of the second engagement member is slideably engaged with the elongated interconnect structure of the first engagement member. The elongated interconnect structure of the second engagement member includes an interlock structure selectively engageable with each one of the spaced-apart interlock features of the first engagement member thereby enabling a distance between the U-shaped engagement structure of the first engagement member to be selectively adjustable with respect to the U-shaped engagement structure of the second engagement member.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a hanging basket plant container assembly comprises a plant container, a catch tray, a hanging device, and a plurality of discrete attachment devices. The plant container has an open end and a closed end. The catch tray is positioned over the closed end of the plant container. The hanging device attaches to the plant container and is configured for extending over the open end of the plant container. The plurality of discrete attachment devices engage between the plant container and the catch tray for securing the catch tray to the plant container. Each one of the attachment devices includes a first engagement member having an engagement structure engaged with the plant container and a second engagement member engaged with the catch tray.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a hanging basket kit comprises a catch tray and a plurality of discrete attachment devices. Each one of the attachment devices includes a first engagement member having a U-shaped engagement structure and a plurality of spaced-apart interlock features in combination with an elongated interconnect structure thereof and includes a second engagement member having a U-shaped engagement structure and an elongated interconnect structure attached to the U-shaped engagement structure. The elongated interconnect structure of the second engagement member is slideably engaged with the elongated interconnect structure of the first engagement member. The elongated interconnect structure of the second engagement member includes an interlock structure selectively engageable with each one of the spaced-apart interlock features of the first engagement member thereby enabling a distance between the U-shaped engagement structure of the first engagement member to be selectively adjustable with respect to the U-shaped engagement structure of the second engagement member.

Turning now to specific aspects of the present invention, in at least one embodiment, the elongated interconnect structure of the first engagement member includes a tubular portion.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of spaced-apart interlock features of the first engagement member are within a wall of the tubular portion of the first engagement member.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the elongated interconnect structure of the second engagement member is slideably engaged within the tubular portion of the first engagement member.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, each one of the spaced-apart interlock features includes an aperture extending through a wall of the elongated interconnect structure of the first engagement member.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the interlock structure is an integrally formed portion of the elongated interconnect structure of the second engagement member.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the interlock structure of the second engagement member includes a spring loaded member.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the U-shaped engagement portion of the first engagement member resides on a first side of a longitudinal reference plane.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the U-shaped engagement portion of the second engagement member resides on the first side of the longitudinal reference plane when the interlock structure is engaged with any one of the spaced-apart interlock features.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a length of each one of the discrete attachment devices is adjustable.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the engagement structure of the first engagement member is engaged over an edge of the open end of the plant container.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the engagement structure of the second engagement member is engaged over a lip-portion of the catch tray.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the engagement structure of the first engagement member includes a plurality of spaced-apart interlock features in combination with an elongated interconnect structure thereof.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the interconnect structure of the first engagement member is attached to the engagement structure of the first engagement member.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the second engagement member includes an elongated interconnect structure slideably engaged with the elongated interconnect structure of the first engagement member.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the elongated interconnect structure of the second engagement member includes an interlock structure selectively engageable with each one of the spaced-apart interlock features of the first engagement member thereby enabling a distance between the U-shaped engagement structure of the first engagement member to be selectively adjustable with respect to the U-shaped engagement structure of the second engagement member.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a hanging basket kit includes a plant container having an open end and a closed end and a catch tray of the hanging basket kit is positionable over the closed end of the plant container.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the hanging basket kit includes a hanging device that is attachable to the plant container and is configured for extending over the open end of the plant container.

These and other objects, embodiments advantages and/or distinctions of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and associated drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a first embodiment of an attachment device configured in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts the exploded view of the attachment device depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 depicts a hanging basket plant container assembly configured in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment of a hanging basket kit configured in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 5 depicts a second embodiment of an attachment device configured in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

FIGS. 1 and 2 depict a first embodiment of an attachment device configured in accordance with the present invention, which is referred to herein as the attachment device 10. The attachment device 10 consists of two engagement members (12 and 20), each including U-shaped engagement structures (14 and 22) attached to a respective elongated interconnect structures (18 and 24). The elongated interconnect structure 24 of the second engagement member 20 is slideably engaged with the elongated interconnect structure 18 of the first engagement member 12.

The first engagement member 12 includes a plurality of spaced-apart interlock features 16 in combination with the elongated interconnect structure 18 of the first engagement member 12. The second engagement member 20 includes an interlock structure 26 selectively engageable with each one of the spaced-apart interlock features 16 of the first engagement member 12, thereby enabling the distance between each U-shaped engagement structure (14 and 22) to be varied. Such varying is performed by depressing the interlock structure 26, as necessary, while moving the second engagement member 20 with respect to the first engagement member 12.

The elongated interconnect structure 18 of the first engagement member 12 is tubular, and its interior cross section is larger than the exterior cross section of the elongated interconnect structure 24 of the second engagement member 20. In this manner, the elongated interconnect structure 24 of the second engagement member 20 is slideably engagable within the elongated interconnect structure 18 of the first engagement member 12. The interlock structure 26 is a spring-loaded member (i.e., an integral cantilevered spring). A skilled person will appreciate that other spring-loaded members could be used such as, for example, a discrete interlock member in combination with a discrete helical spring or discrete cantilevered spring engaging the discrete interlock member.

The U-shaped engagement structure 14 of the first engagement member 12 resides on a first side of a longitudinal reference plane (e.g., a plane defined by a face 15 of the first engagement member 12 in which the spaced-apart interlock features 16 reside). The U-shaped engagement structure 22 of the second engagement member 20 resides on the first side of the longitudinal reference plane when the interlock structure 26 is engaged with any one of the spaced-apart interlock features 16. Alternately, depending on a particular application, the U-shaped engagement structure 14 of the first engagement member 12 resides on the first side of the longitudinal reference plane and the U-shaped engagement structure 22 of the second engagement member 20 resides on a second side of the longitudinal reference plane when the interlock structure 26 is engaged with any one of the spaced-apart interlock features 16. It is disclosed herein that the plurality of spaced-apart interlock features 16 could be omitted and interlock structure 26 replaced with a frictional locking mechanism (i.e., a collet). Alternatively, the plurality of spaced-apart interlock features 16 and interlock structure 26 may be replaced entirely by a helical screw device. Such a mechanisms would provide means for fractional length adjustment rather than only those allowed by the interlock features 16.

As depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, the attachment device consists of at least two discrete members. However, attachment devices in accordance with the present invention may be of an elastic type (i.e., elastic material or helical extension spring). Such an elastic attachment device would not incorporate any separate interconnecting or interlocking members while still providing a means of varying the distance between U-shaped engagement structures thereof (e.g., U-shaped engagement structures 14 and 22).

FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of a hanging basket plant container assembly configured in accordance with the present invention, which is referred to herein as the hanging basket plant container assembly 40. The hanging basket plant container assembly 40 comprises a plant container 42, a catch tray 44, a hanging device 46, and a plurality of discrete attachment devices 48. The plant container 42 has an open end 50 and a closed end 52. The catch tray 44 is positioned over the closed end 52 of the plant container 42. The hanging device 46 attaches to the plant container 42 and is configured for extending over the open end 50 of the plant container 42. The plurality of discrete attachment devices 48 engage between the plant container 42 and the catch tray 44 for securing the catch tray 44 to the plant container 42.

Each one of the attachment devices 48 includes a first engagement member 54 having an engagement structure 56 engaged with the plant container 42 and a second engagement member 58 having an engagement structure 60 engaged with the catch tray 44. The first engagement structure 56 of each one of the attachment devices 48 is engaged over an edge 62 of the open end 50 of the plant container 42 and the engagement structure 60 of the second engagement member 58 is engaged over a lip-portion 64 of the catch tray 44.

As depicted in FIG. 3, a length of each one of the discrete attachment devices 48 is adjustable. For example, each one of the discrete attachment devices 48 is configured substantially the same as the attachment device 10 depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2. However, in other embodiments, the length of each one of the discrete attachment devices 48 is non-adjustable.

FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment of a hanging basket kit 70 configured in accordance with the present invention. The hanging basket kit 70 includes plurality of discrete attachment devices 72, a hanging device 74, a plant container 76, and a catch tray 78. When assembled, the hanging basket kit 70 creates the hanging basket plant container assembly (FIG. 3, item 40). Each one of the attachment devices 72 is configured is configured in accordance with the present invention. Preferably, each one of the attachment devices is adjustable (e.g., configured substantially the same as the attachment device 10 depicted in FIG. 1).

It is disclosed herein that when the attachment devices 72 are made commercially available with or intended for use with a particular plant container 76 and/or catch tray 78 (as in the case of the hanging basket kit 70), the attachment devices 72 may be of a specific length (non-adjustable).

FIG. 5 depicts a second embodiment of an attachment device configured in accordance with the present invention, which is referred to herein as the attachment device 100. The attachment device 100 consists of two engagement members (112 and 120), each including U-shaped engagement structures (114 and 122) attached to a respective elongated interconnect structure (118 and 124). The elongated interconnect structure 124 of the second engagement member 120 is slideably engaged with the elongated interconnect structure 118 of the first engagement member 12.

The first engagement member 112 includes a plurality of spaced-apart interlock features 116 in combination with the elongated interconnect structure 118 of the first engagement member 112. The second engagement member 120 includes an interlock structure 126 selectively engageable with each one of the spaced-apart interlock features 116 of the first engagement member 112, thereby enabling the distance between each U-shaped engagement structure (114 and 122) to be varied. Such varying is performed by displacing the interlock structure 126 (e.g., by pushing the interlock structure 126 from through an access hole (not specifically shown) opposite the interlock structure 126 in second engagement member 120), as necessary, while moving the second engagement member 120 with respect to the first engagement member 112.

The elongated interconnect structure 124 of the second engagement member 120 is tubular, and its interior cross section is larger than the exterior cross section of the elongated interconnect structure 118 of the first engagement member 112. In this manner, the elongated interconnect structure 118 of the first engagement member 112 is slideably engagable within the elongated interconnect structure 124 of the second engagement member 120.

The interlock structure 126 is a spring-loaded member (i.e., an integral cantilevered spring). A skilled person will appreciate that other spring-loaded members could be used such as, for example, a discrete interlock member in combination with a discrete helical spring or discrete cantilevered spring engaging the discrete interlock member.

The U-shaped engagement structure 114 of the first engagement member 112 resides on a first side of a longitudinal reference plane (e.g., a plane defined by a face 115 of the first engagement member 112 in which the spaced-apart interlock features 116 reside). The U-shaped engagement structure 122 of the second engagement member 120 resides on the first side of the longitudinal reference plane when the interlock structure 126 is engaged with any one of the spaced-apart interlock features 116. Alternately, depending on a particular application, the U-shaped engagement structure 114 of the first engagement member 112 resides on the first side of the longitudinal reference plane and the U-shaped engagement structure 122 of the second engagement member 120 resides on a second side of the longitudinal reference plane when the interlock structure 126 is engaged with any one of the spaced-apart interlock features 116.

It is disclosed herein that the plurality of spaced-apart interlock features 116 could be omitted and interlock structure 126 replaced with a frictional locking mechanism (i.e., a collet). Alternatively, the plurality of spaced-apart interlock features 1 16 and interlock structure 126 may be replaced entirely by a helical screw device. Such a mechanisms would provide means for fractional length adjustment rather than only those allowed by the interlock features 116.

It is disclosed herein that the relative size and shape of the engagement structures in accordance with the present invention may vary in order to retain the catch tray to the plant container more effectively. While engagement structures depicted herein are generally U-shaped, such engagement structures could equally be a different shape and/or size that is compatible with a particular construction of plant container and/or catch tray. Additionally, attachment devices in accordance in the present invention are not limited as to a particular cross-sectional shape. For example, engagement members of an attachment device in accordance with the present invention could be configured with a generally round cross-sectional shape or other cross-sectional shape and perform equally well as the depicted rectangular cross-sectional shape. Although not depicted herein, it is disclosed that engagement structures of an attachment device in accordance with the present invention may be engaged within respective apertures and/or mounting members of a plant container and/or catch tray or attached to a plant container and or catch tray with a discrete retention means such as, for example, adhesive or a threaded fastener.

Examples of materials from which attachment devices in accordance with the present invention may be formed include metal, plastic, glass and/or wood. Preferably, attachment devices in accordance with the present invention are made from materials and constructed in a manner that provides for such attachment devices to be relative durable, light-weight, strong, convenient, aesthetic appealing and/or cost-effective. Preferably, in at least one embodiment of the present invention, attachment devices are made in one or more universal configurations for use with combinations of off-the-shelf plant containers and catch trays.

In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the present invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice embodiments of the present invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical, mechanical, chemical and electrical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of such inventive disclosures. To avoid unnecessary detail, the description omits certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.