AT18388U1 - Device with a support device for storing an inner pot within a planter - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device comprising a planter (1) and a support device (3) for storing an inner pot (2) within a planter, wherein the support device (3) comprises a base element (4) for resting in the planter (1), a holding element (5) for storing the inner pot (2) within the planter (1), and a length-adjustable rod system (6) which connects the base element (4) to the holding element (5), wherein the holding element (5) can be moved from a first position (P1) within the planter (1) to a second position (P2) within the planter (1) by means of the length-adjustable rod system (6).

Description

Description

DEVICE WITH A SUPPORT DEVICE FOR STORING AN INNER POT WITHIN A PLANTER

[0001] The invention relates to a device comprising a planter and a support device for storing an inner pot within a planter.

[0002] With potted plants, it is usual to plant the plant together with soil in an inner pot (also called a sub-pot), which is then placed in an over-pot. The inner pot usually has holes in its bottom so that irrigation water or rainwater can escape from the inner pot to prevent waterlogging. The over-pot, on the other hand, is usually made waterproof and should also be visually appealing.

[0003] This system of inner pot and planter, which has proven itself in practice, only works properly if a planter is selected that has an internal size that corresponds sufficiently closely to the external size of the inner pot. If the planter is too small, the inner pot cannot be accommodated in it. However, if the planter is significantly larger than the inner pot, the majority of the plant will also be accommodated in the planter, so that the plant can firstly suffer from a lack of light and secondly it does not have a visually appealing appearance.

[0004] Large planters in particular are modern and have a particularly high-quality appearance. If a plant in a small inner pot is to be placed in a large planter, one solution is to place an upside-down bucket in the planter, on which the inner pot is placed. However, a suitable bucket must be available for this. Alternatively, a polystyrene body could be inserted into the planter, on which the inner pot is placed. The polystyrene body has the advantage that it can easily be cut to the desired size.

[0005] However, all the above solutions are unsatisfactory, especially when the plant grows and the user wishes to make it protrude more or less from the planter.

[0006] From KR20150000047U a planter is known whose length can be changed. However, this still does not overcome the problem that any inner pot should fit precisely into a larger planter.

[0007] It is the object of the invention to provide a system so that any inner pots can be arranged precisely in larger planters.

[0008] This object is achieved by a device comprising a planter and a support device for storing an inner pot within a planter, wherein the support device comprises a base element for resting in the planter, a holding element for storing the inner pot within the planter, and a length-adjustable rod system which connects the base element to the holding element, wherein the holding element can be moved from a first position within the planter to a second position within the planter by means of the length-adjustable rod system. The base element is usually designed as a base plate and the holding element as a holding plate, so that only the base plate and the holding plate are referred to below. In general, however, the base plate could also be replaced by another element which is suitable for holding the rod system essentially vertically, e.g. a tripod. Furthermore, the holding plate could generally be replaced by another element which is suitable for forming an essentially horizontal support surface for the inner pot.

[0009] According to the invention, a height-adjustable support device enables any inner pots and planters to be combined, regardless of the exact size of the inner pot or planter. For example, if a first inner pot is stored in the planter, this can later be exchanged for another inner pot of a different size.

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Only the position of the holding plate needs to be changed using the length-adjustable rod system in order to accommodate the new inner pot precisely in the outer pot.

[0010] The device also has the advantage of allowing a precise fit of a plant in an inner pot over the entire life of the plant. For example, when the plant is in the growth phase, the support plate can be lowered further to protect the still growing plant from wind, as the outer pot can form a barrier in this position. However, during flowering and/or fruiting of the plant, the support plate could be moved to a higher position to increase the light output. In general, the same plant could also be raised and lowered within the outer pot depending on the weather conditions in order to adapt the position of the support plate and thus the protrusion of the plant from the outer pot to the current weather conditions or to the desired time of year.

[0011] It should be emphasized again that the holding plate is located inside the planter during operation, i.e. when the base plate of the support device is on the base of the planter, the holding plate is below the upper edge of the planter. This means that the inner pot can be accommodated in the planter. It is also clear that the upper area of the planter (i.e. above the holding plate) itself forms a surrounding protective wall for the inner pot and it is therefore not necessary for an additional surrounding protective frame to be present on the holding plate. Since an additional surrounding protective frame on the holding plate would also be a hindrance to the present invention, since it could protrude beyond the planter, it is preferably provided that the holding plate is flat on the side facing away from the rod system, i.e. has no upwardly projecting projections.

[0012] The rod system could be designed in any way, e.g. using two rods running next to each other. However, it is preferred that the rod system is a telescopic rod. A telescopic rod is advantageous due to its simple and concentric structure, in particular because it can be provided centrally on both the base plate and the holding plate, which would not be the case with rods running next to each other.

[0013] As explained at the beginning, the holding plate should be able to assume at least two positions. In one case, it would be possible for the holding plate to only assume exactly two, exactly three, exactly four or exactly five positions, but could not be locked in place at points that lie between these positions. In general, this can be referred to as a discretely length-adjustable rod system and could be achieved, for example, by means of opposing holes in rods of the rod system.

[0014] However, it is particularly preferred that the rod system is continuously adjustable in length so that the holding plate can be locked at any point between the first position and the second position. This is particularly advantageous for fine adjustment, e.g. to adapt the position of the holding plate not only to the size of the inner pot, but also to the size of the plant or to the weather conditions. There are a number of variants available for implementing a continuously adjustable rod system, some of which are described in more detail below.

[0015] In a first variant for implementing a continuously length-adjustable rod system, the rod system comprises a first rod element and a second rod element, wherein the first rod element is connected to the base plate and the second rod element is connected to the holding plate, wherein one of the rod elements is designed as a tube in which the other rod element is received, wherein the rod system further comprises a preferably manually operable clamping connection for locking the two rod elements.

[0016] In a second variant for implementing a continuously length-adjustable rod system, the rod system comprises a first rod element and a second rod element, wherein the first rod element is connected to the base plate and the second rod element is connected to the holding plate, wherein one of the rod elements is designed as a tube

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in which the other rod element is received, wherein the rod element inserted into the other rod element has an external thread on which a nut is located which is larger than the inner diameter of the rod element designed as a tube.

[0017] In a third variant for implementing a continuously length-adjustable rod system, the rod system comprises a first rod element and a second rod element, wherein the first rod element is connected to the base plate and the second rod element is connected to the holding plate, wherein one of the rod elements is designed as a tube in which the other rod element is received, wherein the rod element designed as a tube has an internal thread which is designed opposite to an external thread of the other rod element.

[0018] All three of the above-mentioned variants could also be modified in such a way that they form a purely discretely length-adjustable rod system or a mixed type of a discretely and continuously length-adjustable rod system, e.g. if the clamping connection only clamps in certain areas or if the threads are only provided in predetermined sections.

[0019] In preferred embodiments, the base plate, the holding plate and the rod system are made of plastic. This has the advantage that the rod system is particularly cost-effective and resistant to irrigation water and rainwater.

[0020] In a further preferred embodiment, a connection of the rod system to the base plate and/or the holding plate is designed to be detachable, wherein the connection is preferably a threaded connection. This means that the rod system can also be dismantled in order to store or transport it in a space-saving manner.

[0021] In particular, the combination of the two above measures, i.e. a demountable rod system made of plastic, is suitable for selling the rod system easily and inexpensively, whereby the rod system can also be sold as a combination product with any U-pots.

[0022] In a further aspect, the invention also relates to a support device for a device according to one of the aforementioned variants for storing an inner pot within a planter, wherein the support device comprises a base plate for resting in the planter, a holding plate for storing the inner pot within the planter, and a length-adjustable rod system which connects this base plate to the holding plate, wherein the holding plate can be moved from a first position to a second position by means of the length-adjustable rod system. All embodiments explained for the device can also be used for this support device, so that in the specific variants it has the same advantages as specified above.

[0023] In a further aspect, the invention relates to a method for using a support device, comprising the steps:

- Provision of the support device, a planter and an inner pot,

- Adjusting a length of the rod system of the support device, whereby the distance between the base plate and the holding plate is less than the depth of the planter, whereby the sum of the length of the rod system and the height of the inner pot is preferably equal to or less than the depth of the planter,

- Place the base plate into the planter and place the inner pot on the holding plate.

[0024] This method achieves the advantages explained above for the device, whereby all the aforementioned variants can also be implemented. In particular, the method can comprise the step of adjusting the length of the rod system of the support device based on the size of the plant and/or the weather conditions.

[0025] Preferred embodiments of the invention claimed in the appended claims

The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the figures.

[0026] Figure 1 shows a planter in which an inner pot is precisely accommodated in a U-planter by means of a support device according to the invention.

[0027] Figure 2 shows that by means of the support device according to the invention, another inner pot can also be accommodated in the U-pot of Figure 1.

[0028] Figure 3 shows a first variant of the support device according to the invention. [0029] Figure 4 shows a second variant of the support device according to the invention.

[0030] Figure 1 shows a planter 1 in which an inner pot 2 is accommodated. The inner pot 2 usually contains soil and a plant rooted in the soil, which is not shown for the sake of simplicity. Common inner pots 2 are made of plastic or clay and have openings on the underside so that water can escape from the inside of the inner pot 2. The planter 1, on the other hand, is usually designed to be waterproof and usually has a high-quality visual appearance. The planter 1 can also be made of plastic or clay, although other materials such as basket materials are also possible. Usually, however, the planter 1 is rigid and in particular cannot be adjusted in height.

[0031] From Figure 1 it can be seen that the planter 1 has a depth T which is measured inside the planter 1 from an upper edge of the planter 1 to a bottom of the planter 1. The inner pot 2 has a height H1 which is measured outside the inner pot 2 from an upper edge of the inner pot 2 to a bottom of the inner pot 2. Since the height H1 of the inner pot 2 is significantly smaller than the depth T of the planter 1, a plant in the inner pot 2 would also be immersed far into the planter 1 if the inner pot 2 is placed in the planter 1 without any further measures.

[0032] In order to overcome this problem, the support device 3 according to the invention is provided, which comprises a base plate 4 (or more generally a base element) for resting in the planter 1, a holding plate 5 (or more generally a holding element) for storing the inner pot 2 within the planter 1, and a length-adjustable rod system 6 which connects the base plate 4 to the holding plate 5. The base plate 4 and the holding plate 5 are designed as circular plates as shown, but they could also be designed as rectangular plates, for example. The support device 3 is generally not connected to the planter 1 but can be freely removed from it and inserted into it.

[0033] In the example shown, the rod system 6 has been brought to a length L1 which essentially corresponds to the difference between the depth T of the outer pot 1 and the height H1 of the inner pot 2. However, this length 1 can be deviated from, in particular if the plant is to protrude more or less from the outer pot 1.

[0034] Figure 2 shows the same planter 1, but in which an inner pot 7 is to be accommodated, which has a lower height H2 than the planter 2 of Figure 1. In order to accommodate this inner pot 7 precisely in the U-planter 1, the rod system 6 of the support device 3 is adapted such that it has a length L2 which essentially corresponds to the difference between the depth T of the U-planter 1 and the height H2 of this inner pot 2.

[0035] It is clear that in both examples of Figures 1 and 2 it is possible to adjust the support device 3 in such a way that the inner pot 2, 7 is accommodated precisely in the U-pot 1. This is possible because the holding plate 5 can be moved from a first position P1 to a second position P2 by means of the length-adjustable rod system 6, whereby both the first position P1 and the second position P2 are located below the upper edge of the U-pot 1. In order to move the holding plate 5 from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the support device 3 is usually removed from the U-pot 1 and the rod system 6 is adjusted manually. The support device 3 could also remain in the U-pot 1 and be adjusted, for example, by means of a remote control if the support device 3 comprises a corresponding motor.

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[0036] The support device 3 can in particular be designed to be lockable, so that the holding plate 5 can be locked in the first position P1 and in the second position P2. In order to move the holding plate 5 from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the lock can be released manually, for example in the first position P1, so that the holding plate 5 can be moved in this state. As soon as the holding plate 5 has been moved to the second position P2, it can be locked again. For example, the holding plate 5 can also be locked at any point between the first position P1 and the second position P2, with the first position P1 and the second position P2 preferably representing the maximum positions, i.e. the highest position and the lowest position.

[0037] In order to implement the above-mentioned embodiments, the above-mentioned rod system 6 can be, for example, a telescopic system, i.e. it consists of at least one outer tube and at least one inner rod accommodated in the outer tube. Several tubular rod parts can also be used. The telescopic system further comprises a locking mechanism so that the rod parts are locked in a desired position.

[0038] As shown in the embodiments of Figures 3 and 4, the rod system 6 can also comprise only a first rod element 61 and a second rod element 62, wherein the first rod element 61 is connected to the base plate 4 and the second rod element 62 is connected to the holding plate 5.

[0039] Here, one of the rod elements 61, 62 is designed as a tube in which the other rod element 61, 62 is accommodated. In Figure 3, the second rod element 62 is designed as a tube in which the first rod element 61 is accommodated. In Figure 4, the first rod element 61 is designed as a tube in which the second rod element 62 is accommodated. It is understood that this is only an example and that the other rod element is also designed as a tube in which the other rod element is accommodated. Furthermore, all rod elements 61, 62 could also be designed as tubes, e.g. in order to reduce the weight of the support device 3.

[0040] In Figure 3, the two rod elements 61, 62 are designed without threads, i.e. the first rod element 61 has a substantially smooth outer surface and the second rod element 61, which is designed as a tube, has a substantially smooth inner surface. In order to enable locking in this rod system 6, a clamping mechanism can be used which is actuated, for example, by rotation about an axis of the rod system 6. In the example of Figure 3, the second rod element 62 could be rotated anti-clockwise with respect to the rigidly arranged first rod element 61 in order to lock the rod elements 61, 62 in the axial direction, or rotated clockwise in order to release the locking and to enable the holding plate to be moved in the axial direction (i.e. vertically). Such locking mechanisms are known per se from the prior art, e.g. in parasols. It should be noted that the terms “radial”, “axial”, “radial direction” and “axial direction” refer to a longitudinal axis of the rod system 6.

[0041] In order to facilitate the rotation mentioned, the illustrated handle 7 can be used, which is attached to one of the two rod elements 61, 62 and protrudes radially with respect to the axis of the rod system 6 in order to achieve a good leverage effect. Alternatively, the locking could also be released and actuated by rotating the hand element about its own axis.

[0042] However, other clamping mechanisms can also be used in the support device 3 of Figure 3, which use buckles or clamps, for example. Such clamping mechanisms are also known per se, e.g. from parasols or cleaning mops.

[0043] Figure 4 shows a further support device 3, in which the first rod element 61 is designed as a tube, which in this variant generally does not have an internal thread. The second rod element 62 has an external thread, but is designed in such a way that it can be moved freely in the vertical direction in the first rod element 61. In order to lock the holding plate 5 in a desired position, a nut 8 is screwed onto the second rod element.

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element 62. The nut 8 has an internal thread that is designed to be opposite to the external thread of the second rod element 62. The nut 8 is designed to be larger than the internal diameter of the first rod element 61, so that the position of the nut on the second rod element 62 defines the position P1, P2 of the holding plate. If the nut 8 is rotated, it is displaced vertically on the second rod element 62, whereby the position P1, P2 of the holding plate 5 can be changed. The handle 7 explained with reference to Figure 3 can be attached to the nut 8 in order to facilitate rotation of the nut 8 by means of leverage.

[0044] In a further variant, the first rod element 61 in Figure 4 could also be provided with an internal thread which is designed to be the opposite of the external thread of the second rod element 62. In this case, no separate nut 8 is necessary, but the position P1, P2 of the holding plate 5 can be adjusted by directly rotating the holding plate 5 or the second rod element 62. Here too, the aforementioned handle 7 could be used and, for example, protrude radially from the second rod element 62 or be attached radially on the outside of the holding plate 5 and protrude axially downwards.

[0045] In a further variant, a hydraulic mechanism could be used in which the second rod element 62 is displaced vertically upwards by manual or automated pumping and is displaced downwards by releasing hydraulic fluids. As previously explained, a motor could also be used to move the holding plate from the first position P1 to the second position P2, in which case the motor could also be controlled remotely. It is clear that the invention is not limited to a specific mechanism for height adjustment.

[0046] All of the above-mentioned variants enable the above-mentioned function that the holding plate 5 can be locked in any position between the first position P1 and the second position P2. However, variants are also possible in which this is not the case, e.g. if one of the rod elements 61, 62 is designed as a tube into which the other rod element is inserted, and both rod elements 61, 62 have radially extending holes. Locking can be achieved here by inserting a pin, although this is of course only possible at those points where the holes mentioned are present.

[0047] The aforementioned support device 3 is preferably made entirely of plastic, since the support device 3 can thus be made insensitive to irrigation water or rainwater. In general, however, the support device 3 could also be made of metal, in particular of rust-resistant metals or with rust-resistant coatings, or other materials such as wood.

[0048] The support device 3 is preferably also designed in such a way that it can be easily disassembled, e.g. by making one connection of the rod system 6 to the base plate 4 and/or the holding plate 5 detachable. For example, a hole with an internal thread could be provided in the base plate 4 and/or in the holding plate 5. If the rod system 6 is designed with a matching external thread at each end, this allows the support device 3 to be quickly assembled and disassembled.

[0049] At this point, it should be noted that the rod system 6 can be designed to support particularly large and/or heavy inner pots 2. For example, the rod system 6 can be designed to support a weight of up to 10 kg, up to 20 kg or up to 30 kg. In other variants, however, the rod system 6 can also bear even higher weights. In order to be able to absorb such high forces, the rod system 6 can be made of metal, for example. Alternatively or additionally, the stability mentioned can be achieved by making the length of the rod system adjustable by means of rod elements 61, 62 with threads (in particular with internal threads and external threads on the respective rod elements) or a hydraulic mechanism.

Claims (10)

claims 1. Device comprising a planter (1) and a support device (3) for storing an inner pot (2) within a planter, characterized in that the support device (3) comprises a base element (4) for resting in the planter (1), a holding element (5) for storing the inner pot (2) within the planter (1), and a length-adjustable rod system (6) which connects the base element (4) to the holding element (5), wherein the holding element (5) can be moved from a first position (P1) within the planter (1) to a second position (P2) within the planter (1) by means of the length-adjustable rod system (6). 2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the rod system (6) is a telescopic rod. 3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the rod system (6) is continuously adjustable in length so that the holding element (5) can be locked at any point between the first position (P1) and the second position (P2). 4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the rod system (6) comprises a first rod element (61) and a second rod element (62), wherein the first rod element (61) is connected to the base element (4) and the second rod element (62) is connected to the holding element (5), wherein one of the rod elements (61, 62) is designed as a tube in which the other rod element (61, 62) is received, wherein the rod system (6) further comprises a preferably manually operable clamping connection for locking the two rod elements (61, 62). 5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the rod system (6) comprises a first rod element (61) and a second rod element (62), wherein the first rod element (61) is connected to the base element (4) and the second rod element (62) is connected to the holding element (5), wherein one of the rod elements (61, 62) is designed as a tube in which the other rod element (61, 62) is received, wherein the rod element (61, 62) inserted into the other rod element (61, 62) has an external thread on which a nut (8) is located which is larger than the inner diameter of the rod element (61, 62) designed as a tube. 6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the rod system (6) comprises a first rod element (61) and a second rod element (62), wherein the first rod element (61) is connected to the base element (4) and the second rod element (62) is connected to the holding element (5), wherein one of the rod elements (61, 62) is designed as a tube in which the other rod element (61, 62) is received, wherein the rod element (61, 62) designed as a tube has an internal thread which is designed opposite to an external thread of the other rod element (61, 62). 7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base element (4), the holding element (5) and the rod system (6) are made of plastic. 8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a connection of the rod system (6) to the base element (4) and/or the holding element (5) is designed to be detachable, wherein the connection is preferably a threaded connection. 9. Support device (3) for a device according to one of claims 1 to 8 for supporting an inner pot (2) within an outer pot (1), comprising a base element (4) for resting in the outer pot (1), a holding element (5) for supporting the inner pot (2) within the outer pot (1) and a length-adjustable rod system (6) which connects the base element (4) to the holding element (5), wherein the holding element (5) can be moved from a first position (P1) to a second position (P2) by means of the length-adjustable rod system (6). 10. A method for using a support device (3) according to claim 9, comprising Steps: - Providing the support device (3), a planter (1) and the inner pot (2), - Adjusting a length (L1, L2) of the rod system (6) of the support device (3), wherein the distance between the base element (4) and the holding element (5) is less than the depth (T) of the planter (1), wherein the sum of the length (L1, L2) of the rod system (6) and the height (H1, H2) of the inner pot (2) is preferably equal to or less than the depth (T) of the planter (1), _ - Place the base element (4) into the planter (1) and place the inner pot (2) onto the holding element (5). Here 2 sheets of drawings