Plant display system

Abstract

A display structure convertible between use as for displaying plants and for storage. The display structure includes at least one display case that is pivotally mounted on said display structure to allow movement between a horizontal display use and a vertical storage use. A support bracket supports hanging baskets as well as holding a misting tube to water plants hanging from said support bracket. The display cases also include corner trim portions to protect the corners of the display case as well as preventing water leakage.

Description

[0001] This application is a continuation in part from Ser. No. 10 / 613,770 filed on Jul. 2, 2003.BACKGROUND OF INVENTION [0002] Garden centers, nurseries, florists and other places where flowers, plants and trees are sold or displayed use display stands for the display of those plants. These display stands may be simply tables, but more often are designed not only to display the plants but to provide watering for those plants as well. [0003] One problem with the existing display stands is the bulk of the stands. Since access is normally provided on both sides of the display stands, these stands tend to take up considerable space. This is particularly a problem when the display stands are used for seasonal displays. Once the seasonal display is no longer needed, the space occupied by the display stands is wasted. Since space is typically at a premium, these display stands are an expense that must be borne by the center. Additionally, the empty display stands are unappealing. While th...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] The present invention provides solutions to these and other needs by providing a display structure for use in garden centers, nurseries as well as other retail centers. The display structure of the present invention is able to convert from use as an active display structure to a compact storage position.

[0014] In another embodiment of the present invention, the system provides a self watering system for display structures for plants. The system of the present invention provides a watering system for an attractive display for retail and wholesale sales of plants. The system of a preferred embodiment of the present invention allows plants to self water and maintain themselves without the intervention of workers.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the system provides a display structure that self waters plants without the need of special plant containers. Ordinary plant containers of any size, shape and color may be used as long as they have a typical drain hole on the bottom or sides of the container. The plants may be moved or replaced without concern.

[0017] The system of a preferred embodiment is simple and does not require expensive controls or equipment that would require constant maintenance. Once the system is setup, it is simple to maintain and only occasionally requires maintenance.

[0019] Water is supplied evenly to all parts of the capillary mat so that plants are able to self water without regard to their location on the display structure. The reservoir is able to support the capillary mat and plants without the capillary mat sitting in the water itself.

[0020] In another embodiment of the present invention, the top includes corner trim members that provide waterproofing for the top. The corner trim also provides safety protection and aesthetic considerations as well.

Problems solved by technology

One problem with the existing display stands is the bulk of the stands.

Since access is normally provided on both sides of the display stands, these stands tend to take up considerable space.

This is particularly a problem when the display stands are used for seasonal displays.

Once the seasonal display is no longer needed, the space occupied by the display stands is wasted.

Since space is typically at a premium, these display stands are an expense that must be borne by the center.

Additionally, the empty display stands are unappealing.

While the display stands may be used for other purposes, this use is typically inefficient.

Often, it is difficult to maintain a regular schedule of watering due to staffing, shifts, uneven temperature and humidity fluctuations and other problems.

Further, hand watering of the plants is often uneven, not only in time but in amount as well.

This can lead to deterioration of the plants.

Automated watering systems have been used in the past, but these tend to be expensive and complicated to operate.

The use of surface watering on such plants may not allow the appropriate water to the root structure of such plants.

This can be quite expensive for large displays.

Also, this limits the choices available for the individual plants in regard to color, size, shape, etc. for the displays.

The self watering planters must also be connected to a water supply, thus increasing the expense and limiting the arrangement of the display.

A problem with systems such as these is that the water is wicked up unevenly.

This leads to uneven water distribution among plants located on the capillary mat.

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