Tree-Style Potted Plant Holder and Hubs, Supports, Adapters and Watering System for Same

Abstract

A potted plant holder features a number of post pieces that assemble to form a post structure that supports a number of hubs thereon, which in turn each support a number of branch-like supports. A reduced diameter end of each post piece nests within the other end of another post piece for easy assembly. Each branch has a simple wire structure with a bent end configured to form two parallel legs jutting perpendicular to the branch length for receipt of the legs in an outer opening of the hub around the post. A pot-size adapter features a ring of smaller diameter than an integral pot-supporting ring of the branch and hangers that suspend the smaller ring therefrom. A watering system features ring-shaped conduits that fit over the different levels of branches and branch conduits running outward along the branches of each level from the respective ring-shaped conduit.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 454,650, filed Mar. 21, 2011.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to potted plant holders and more particularly to tree-style potted plant holders wherein multiple tiers of potted plants are carried on a central upright post by radial supports extending outward therefrom to simulate branches of a tree.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Several tree-style potted plant holders have been disclosed in the prior art. Tree shaped stands having a central pole, post or trunk and branch-like supports extending outward therefrom can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 370,70, 113,035, 214,061, 649,665, 1,747,951, 3,018,898, 4,770,303, 4,991,344, 5,178,286, 5,487,476, 6,595,377, D244571, and D345871.[0004]Watering systems for tree style plant holders are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 217,010, 577,230, 5,598,662 and 6,843,022.[0...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The invention is a potted plant holder with a post structure and multiple sets of branches at different heights along the post structure. The holder includes an elongated post, a bottom post member, and a plurality of hubs. Each hub has a central passage and a plurality of outer passages. The hubs are supported on the post and each hub has a plurality of elongate support branches. The support branches have a ring-shaped conduit for delivering water to the potted plants. The invention also includes an upper potted plant support for mounting atop the post structure and a watering system for the potted plant holder. The technical effects of the invention include providing a potted plant holder with a post structure and multiple sets of branches at different heights along the post structure, and a watering system for delivering water to the potted plants."

Problems solved by technology

However, there remains room for improvement, as Applicant has developed a unique potted plant holder assembled from a number of components providing unforeseen advantages in terms of one or more of ease or cost of manufacture or transport, ease of assembly, customizability and reconfigurability, and has developed a unique plant watering system compatible with the novel plant holder.

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