Suspension system for plant modules for a hanging garden

Abstract

A suspension system for plant modules for a hanging garden is described, comprising a base rail (2) and a base adapter (4) which are designed to be coupled to each other at their ends. The base rail (2) is designed for attachment to a vertical mounting surface and has an upper base rail coupling element (12) at its upper end, a hook structure (16) for hanging one of the plant modules in the section below, and a lower base rail coupling element (14) at its lower end.The base adapter (4) has at its upper end an upper base adapter coupling element (22) that can be coupled to the lower base rail coupling element (14) and at its lower end a lower base adapter coupling element (24) that can be coupled to a coupling element of the type of the upper base rail coupling element (12) and has a recess (26) between the upper base adapter coupling element (22) and the lower base adapter coupling element (24) for receiving a projection formed on the rear of the planting module, so that a planting module suspended on the base rail (2) secures the base adapter (4) coupled to the base rail (2) against movement away from the mounting surface and / or downwards along the mounting surface.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a suspension system for plant modules for a hanging garden.

[0002] Planting modules are known for hanging gardens, also called vertical gardens, for example from German patent applications DE 10 2022 128 357 A1, EP 4360448 A1, or DE 20 2017 006 676 U1. Such planting modules are used to green walls, especially indoors. They are attached to a wall to create a vertical garden. From German patent application KR 10 2010 0 027 677 A, a slope stabilization block is known that can prevent the surface of a slope from collapsing.

[0003] The invention is based on the objective of designing a suspension system for a planting module that is easy to assemble and at the same time expandable.

[0004] The invention is defined in claims 1 and 15. The dependent claims define preferred embodiments.

[0005] Where the description uses terms such as "top" or "bottom", "left" or "right", "front" or "back", these refer to the intended mounting on a substantially vertical mounting surface (e.g., the interior wall of a building).

[0006] The suspension system comprises at least one base rail designed for mounting on a vertical surface, such as a wall, and at least one base adapter, which can be connected to each other at their ends. They are typically used in pairs and arranged alternately – a base rail is always followed by a base adapter, a base adapter by a supplementary rail, and so on. The base rail and the supplementary rail(s) are identical in construction. The same applies to the base adapter and the supplementary adapter(s).

[0007] The base rail has an upper base rail coupling element at its top end, a hook structure for attaching one of the plant modules in the section below, and a lower base rail coupling element at its bottom end. The base adapter has an upper base adapter coupling element at its top end that can be coupled to the lower base rail coupling element, and a lower base adapter coupling element at its bottom end that can be coupled to a coupling element of the same type as the upper base rail coupling element. Between the upper and lower base adapter coupling elements, there is a recess for receiving a projection formed on the rear of the plant module, so that a plant module suspended from the base rail secures the base adapter coupled to the base rail against movement away from the mounting surface and / or downwards along the mounting surface.

[0008] The lower end of the base adapter is designed in the same way as the lower end of the base rail, allowing the extension rail, which is identical to the base rail and has an upper extension rail coupling structure corresponding to the lower base adapter coupling element, to be coupled to the base adapter. This allows the suspension length to be adjusted as desired – the suspension can be extended to any length along the vertical mounting surface by coupling an extension adapter identical to the base adapter to the lower end of the extension rail, and then coupling another extension rail to this extension adapter. The principle of securing the extension adapter by the planting module suspended from the extension rail above it applies to every coupled extension adapter, even if it is itself coupled to yet another extension rail.

[0009] The coupling between the lower end of the base rail and the upper end of the base adapter can be designed in various ways. Preferably, an upper base adapter coupling element is provided at the upper end of the base adapter, projecting from its end face, for example, integrally formed with the base adapter. Preferably, the base rail has a lower base rail coupling element at its lower end, corresponding in shape to the upper base adapter coupling element, so that the upper base adapter coupling element engages positively with the lower base rail coupling element when mounted on the vertical mounting surface. Due to its positive-locking engagement within the lower base rail coupling element, the upper base adapter coupling element, inserted into the lower base rail coupling element, prevents the base adapter from detaching laterally from the base rail.The vertical mounting surface prevents the connection from detaching backwards, and the plant module, which is hooked into the hook structure on the base rail above, secures the connection against detachment forwards and downwards. When mounted, the upper base adapter coupling element cannot be detached from the lower base rail coupling element in any direction. Only when the plant module, held on the base rail above, is unhooked from its hook structure can the base adapter be detached from the base rail, for example, by pulling the base adapter away from the wall and releasing the upper base adapter coupling element from the lower base rail coupling element. Due to the described securing of the base adapter in all directions, it is not necessary to screw the base adapter itself to the vertical mounting surface.

[0010] Preferably, the base rail and the base adapter can be connected without tools, thus achieving the simplest possible connection that can be quickly attached and detached without the need for any tools. The connection of the extension rail to the base adapter, like the connection of the extension adapter to the extension rail, is also tool-free.

[0011] Preferably, the upper base adapter coupling element and the lower base rail coupling element utilize a dovetail joint. Such a connection between the upper base adapter coupling element and the lower base rail coupling element is also known from jigsaw puzzles and can therefore be referred to as a dovetail joint or a puzzle joint. No tools are required to create such a connection, making it particularly easy to assemble and disassemble. The same connection is preferably also provided between the upper supplementary rail coupling structure and the lower base adapter coupling structure.

[0012] Preferably, the upper base adapter coupling element is designed such that it can only be inserted through the lower base rail coupling element from the front to establish the positive connection between the upper and lower base rail coupling elements. In a preferred embodiment, the upper base adapter coupling element is two-part and has a front portion that is larger than the rear portion of the base adapter. The size of the lower base rail coupling element at the front of the base rail then corresponds to the size of the upper base adapter coupling element at the front of the base adapter, and the size of the lower base rail coupling element at the rear of the base rail corresponds accordingly to the rear portion of the upper base adapter coupling element on the base adapter.This means that the lower base rail coupling element is larger at the front than at the back, so the upper base adapter coupling element can only be inserted into the lower base rail coupling element from the front. Due to the larger upper base adapter coupling element at the front and the smaller lower base rail coupling element at the back of the base rail, the base adapter cannot be connected to the base rail from the rear, as the front part of the upper base adapter coupling element cannot penetrate the rear part of the lower base rail coupling element. This effectively prevents incorrect assembly. The same applies analogously to the coupling of the upper extension rail coupling element with the lower base adapter coupling element. The base adapter and the extension adapter thus allow the base rail and the extension rail(s) to be identical in design.

[0013] Another possibility for positive-locking coupling involves inserting the upper base adapter coupling element into the lower base rail coupling element from below, with a clip connection between the base rail and the base adapter. The planting module, which engages in the recess and hangs from the base rail above, then protects the clip connection from loosening downwards, so that it does not have to withstand large axial forces.

[0014] Preferably, the base rail is made of metal. This simplifies manufacturing and reduces the stress on the vertical mounting surface. However, rails made of stainless steel or alloys are also possible. The base adapter can also be made of metal. However, it is particularly preferred that the base adapter be made of a plastic, such as PET. This simplifies the manufacturing process of the base adapter and reduces material costs. Furthermore, it further reduces the stress on the vertical mounting surface. It goes without saying that the same materials are also used for the identical extension rails and extension adapters.

[0015] It is particularly advantageous for both the base rail and the base adapter to be designed as hollow profiles, which further reduces the weight of the suspension and thus the load on the vertical mounting surface. The extension rail and the extension adapter can also be designed as hollow profiles.

[0016] The suspension can be attached to the vertical mounting surface in various ways, such as gluing, nailing, or screwing. Preferably, the base rail has pre-drilled holes for attaching the suspension to the vertical mounting surface. These holes are preferably alternating elongated and round holes, ensuring both a secure and precise fit. No further fixing by gluing, nailing, or screwing is required on the base adapter itself. Once mounted, it is already secured against loosening in any direction. This design simplifies installation and reduces manufacturing costs, as it eliminates the need to drill holes in the base adapter or screw it directly to the vertical mounting surface.In a preferred embodiment, the holes on the front of the base rails are larger than those on the back, so that the screws used for mounting are countersunk in the base rail. The screws used to fix the suspension to the vertical mounting surface thus disappear completely inside the rails. The same design applies analogously to the extension rail and the extension adapter.

[0017] Using the suspension system, or multiple suspension systems combined, several plant modules can be combined to create a living wall. Thanks to the telescopic design of the suspension system, this living wall can be extended to any desired size by adding further extension rails and adapters, which are attached alternately at the bottom. The length of the suspension system is precisely matched to the length of the living wall. The axial length of the base rail is adapted to the plant module so that it does not protrude beneath the mounted module when installed on the wall. Therefore, without the attachment of a base adapter, the base rail is not visible beneath the plant module when installed. No additional cladding is required, further reducing manufacturing costs.

[0018] An axial length of the base adapter is adapted so that the suspension protrudes below the planting module when the base adapter is connected to the base rail in the wall-mounted state, thus enabling the extension rail to be coupled to the base adapter in the wall-mounted state, even when a planting module is hung in the base rail.

[0019] The planting module, which is hooked into the suspension system, preferably also has a modular design, in particular a container designed for wall mounting and for holding plants. The container has a back panel designed for wall mounting, a lid, a base, and two side panels, all preferably formed and / or attached to a frame housing. The planting module further includes a front panel that can be mounted on the container and fasteners for the detachable attachment of the front panel to the container. The front panel has at least two openings for a plant shoot and optionally a flap at the lower edge of each opening to prevent potting soil from falling out. The detachable attachment of the front panel to the planting module allows for the use of different front panels, for example, with openings of different shapes and sizes.This allows plants to be combined in the planting module that require different sized openings for the plant shoot or different volumes in the planting container. Access to the planting substrate is also easier.

[0020] A projection protrudes from the planting module, preferably on the back panel or frame housing. When the planting module is hooked onto the hook structure of the base rail, this projection engages in a recess on the base adapter below, thus securing the base adapter against slipping forward out of the coupling. If the planting module is hooked onto the hook structure of another extension rail coupled below the base adapter, it naturally secures a further extension adapter (if one is present).

[0021] Preferably, the planting module has alignment elements on both its upper and lower surfaces to secure it against movement perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the base rails. This increases the positional accuracy of the planting modules within the planting wall.

[0022] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combinations given, but also in other combinations or on their own, without leaving the scope of the present invention.

[0023] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings, which also disclose essential features of the invention. These exemplary embodiments serve only for illustration and are not to be interpreted as limiting. For example, a description of an exemplary embodiment with a plurality of elements or components is not to be interpreted as meaning that all of these elements or components are necessary for implementation. Rather, other exemplary embodiments may also contain alternative elements and components, fewer elements or components, or additional elements or components. Elements or components of different exemplary embodiments may be combined with one another unless otherwise specified. Modifications and variations described for one of the exemplary embodiments may also be applicable to other exemplary embodiments.To avoid repetition, identical or corresponding elements in different figures are designated with the same reference symbols and are not explained multiple times. The figures show: Fig. 1 an isometric representation of a base rail, Fig. 2 an isometric representation of a basic adapter, Fig. 3 an isometric representation of a suspension with base rail and (still) uncoupled base adapter, Fig. 4 an isometric representation of the suspension with base rail and coupled base adapter, Fig. 5 an isometric representation of the suspension according to Fig. 4 facing the rear, i.e. from the wall, Fig. 6 an isometric representation of two suspensions arranged side by side in pairs, Fig. 7 an isometric representation of two pairwise adjacent suspensions with an approximate supplementary rail, and Fig. 8 an isometric representation of two parallel suspensions arranged next to each other with a coupled supplementary rail.

[0024] Fig. Figure 1 shows an isometric representation of a base rail 2. Fig. Figure 2 shows a basic adapter 4 in isometric view and Fig. Figure 3 shows an isometric representation of a suspension 6 with the base rail 2 according to Fig. 1 and the basic adapter 4 according to Fig. 2. The base rail 2 and the base adapter 4 are in Fig. 3 are not yet coupled.

[0025] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a first detail 8 and a second detail 10. The first detail 8 shows an enlarged view of an upper base rail coupling element 12 at the upper end of the base rail 2, and the second detail 10 shows an enlarged view of a lower base rail coupling element 14 at the lower end of the base rail 2. The base rail 2 can be coupled to the base adapter 4 in the suspension 6 at the upper base rail coupling element 12 and the lower base rail coupling element 14 (see Figure 1). Fig. 4 and Fig. 5) In this embodiment, the upper base rail coupling element 12 has the shape of a dovetail. The lower base rail coupling element 14 is designed to correspond to this dovetail. The upper base rail coupling element 12 and the lower base rail coupling element 14 are designed in two parts and are larger on the front side of the base rail 2 than on the back side. Furthermore, it is Fig. 1. It is evident that the base rail 2 is designed as a hollow profile.

[0026] A hook structure 16 is provided at the upper end of the base rail 2, below the upper base rail coupling element 12. A planting module can be hooked into this hook structure 16. Also visible are elongated holes 20 arranged alternately with round bores 18. These elongated holes 20 and round bores 18 are also larger on the front of the base rail 2 than on the back.

[0027] In Fig. Figure 2 shows the base adapter 4. The base adapter 4 has an upper base adapter coupling element 22 at its upper end and a lower base adapter coupling element 24 at its lower end. A recess 26 is provided between the upper base adapter coupling element 22 and the lower base adapter coupling element 24. The upper base adapter coupling element 22 also has the shape of a dovetail. The lower base adapter coupling element 24 is designed to correspond to this dovetail. The upper base adapter coupling element 22 and the lower base adapter coupling element 24 are designed in two parts and are larger on the front of the base adapter 4 than on the back. Furthermore, it is in Fig. 2. It can be seen that the base adapter 4 is also designed as a hollow profile. The upper base adapter coupling element 22 corresponds in shape and size to the upper base rail coupling element 12, and the lower base adapter coupling element 24 corresponds in shape and size to the lower base rail coupling element 14.

[0028] Fig. Figure 3 shows, in particular in a third detail 28, how the basic adapter 4 is coupled to the base rail 2. Fig. Figure 4 shows, in particular in a fourth detail 30, the coupled state of base rail 2 and base adapter 4 from the front, and Fig. 5 the same connection from behind, especially in a fifth detail 32. The Fig. Figures 3 to 5 therefore represent the same suspension 6 in different assembly states - structurally, the suspensions 6 differ. Fig. Not 3 to 5.

[0029] The base rail 2 and the base adapter 4 have alternating elongated holes 20 and round bores 18, which allow the base rail 2 to be screwed to a wall. The bores 18 and 20 have a larger diameter on the front side than on the back, so that, as shown, a screw 34 is countersunk into the interior of the base rail 2 when wall-mounted, and thus the screw head does not interfere with the attachment of a plant module in the hook structure 16 to the suspension 6.

[0030] Since the portion of the upper base adapter coupling element 22 at the front of the base adapter 4 is larger than the portion of the upper base adapter coupling element 22 at the rear of the base adapter 4, and since the lower base rail coupling element 14 in the base rail 2 is correspondingly larger at the front of the base rail 2 than at the base adapter 4, the base adapter 4 can only be coupled to the base rail 2 by moving it towards the wall, i.e., from the front. The smaller portion of the lower base rail coupling element 14 at the rear of the base rail 2 prevents the larger portion of the upper base adapter coupling element 22 at the front of the base adapter 4 from penetrating it.

[0031] As in the Fig. 4 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 5, a positive-locking connection is created when the base rail 2 is coupled to the base adapter 4. This positive lock prevents the upper base adapter coupling element 22 from detaching laterally from the lower base rail coupling element 14. The vertical mounting surface to which the base rail 2 is screwed prevents the connection from loosening backwards. Finally, when a planting module is hooked into the hook structure 16 of the base rail 2, it engages, usually via a projection on the back of the planting module, in the recess 26 on the base adapter 4, thus securing the connection against the base adapter loosening downwards. The base rail 2 and the base adapter 4 of the suspension 6 are therefore secured in all directions, and the connection is made without tools, i.e., without screws, rivets, nails, glue, or the like.Furthermore, it is not necessary to screw the base adapter 4 to the vertical mounting surface, as the plant module secures it in all directions anyway – even without screws or similar fasteners. Although a round hole 18 is visible in the base adapter 4, it is not required for fixing the base adapter 4.

[0032] The dovetail joint of the Fig. Figures 1 to 5 are purely exemplary; other upper base adapter coupling elements 22, corresponding in form to the lower base rail coupling element 14, can also be used. A clip connection between base rail 2 and base adapter 4 is also possible, as the hooked plant module protects the clip connection from loosening downwards.

[0033] Due to the tool-free connection, the suspension 6 for the planting module is easy to assemble and can be extended to any length. This design ensures that no part of the suspension 1 ever protrudes below a planting module, so that a cover or similar is unnecessary.

[0034] Fig. Figure 6 shows two adjacent suspensions 6, each with a base rail 2 and a base adapter 4, in an isometric view, as they are normally arranged when a planting module is hooked onto the hook structure 16 of the base rail 2. In this way, the planting module is secured on both sides by a suspension 6. Alternatively, the planting module can of course also be suspended from only one suspension 6 or from three or more suspensions 6. In each of these configurations, only the base rails 2 are screwed to the vertical mounting surface via the screw 34; the base adapters 4 are not screwed in.

[0035] Fig. Figure 7 shows an isometric view of how an extension rail 36 is connected to the base adapter 4, specifically for both of the depicted suspensions 6. The extension rail 36 is connected to the base adapter 4 in the same way as the base adapter 4 is connected to the base rail 2, via an upper extension rail coupling element 38, which fits into the lower adapter coupling element. Analogous to the base rail 2, the extension rail 36 also has a lower extension rail coupling element 40 at its lower end, into which an extension adapter with an upper extension adapter coupling element can be inserted. Overall, the extension rail 36 corresponds to the base rail 2.

[0036] In Fig.8. The extension rail 36 is positively connected to the base adapter 4 and screwed to the vertical mounting surface. The two base rails 2 are screwed together with the screws 34 through the holes 18 and 20; the base adapter 4 itself is not screwed in. To create a plant wall of any size, the suspension 6 is modular and can be extended with any number of extension rails 36 and extension adapters. Another plant module can also be hung in each extension rail 36, which then secures the extension adapter below it.

Claims

[1] Suspension for plant modules for a hanging garden, comprising a base rail (2) and a base adapter (4) which are designed to be coupled to each other at their ends, wherein - the base rail (2) is designed for attachment to a vertical mounting surface, has at its upper end an upper base rail coupling element (12), in the section below a hook structure (16) for hanging one of the plant modules and at its lower end a lower base rail coupling element (14), and - the base adapter (4) has at its upper end an upper base adapter coupling element (22) that can be coupled to the lower base rail coupling element (14) and at its lower end a lower base adapter coupling element (24) that can be coupled to a coupling element of the type of the upper base rail coupling element (12) and has a recess (26) between the upper base adapter coupling element (22) and the lower base adapter coupling element (24) for receiving a projection formed on the rear of the planting module, so that a planting module suspended on the base rail (2) secures the base adapter (4) coupled to the base rail (2) against movement away from the mounting surface and / or downwards along the mounting surface. [2] Suspension according to claim 1, characterized by, that a supplementary rail (36) has an upper supplementary rail coupling element (38) that is identical in construction to the upper base rail coupling element (12) and can therefore be coupled to the lower base adapter coupling element (24) of the base adapter (4). [3] Suspension according to claim 2, characterized by , that the supplementary rail (36) is identical in construction to the basic rail (2). [4] Suspension according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized by , that a supplementary adapter is coupled to a lower supplementary rail coupling element (40) of the supplementary rail (36) with its upper supplementary adapter coupling element, so that a planting module suspended on the supplementary rail (36) secures the supplementary adapter coupled to the supplementary rail (36) against movement away from the mounting surface and / or downwards along the mounting surface. [5] Suspension according to claim 4, characterized by , that the supplementary adapter is identical in construction to the basic adapter (4). [6] Suspension according to any of the above claims, characterized by , that the base rail (2) and the base adapter (4) can be coupled without tools. [7] Suspension according to claim 4, characterized by , that the base rail coupling elements (12, 14) and the base adapter coupling elements (22, 24) utilize the function of a dovetail connection. [8] Suspension according to one of claims 6 or 7, characterized by , that the upper base adapter coupling element (22) can only be passed through the lower base rail coupling element (14) from the front in order to create a positive connection between the upper base adapter coupling element (22) and the lower base rail coupling element (14). [9] Suspension according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that the upper base adapter coupling element (22) can be inserted from below into the lower base rail coupling element (14), wherein a snap-fit ​​or clip connection exists between the base rail (2) and the base adapter (4). [10] Suspension according to any of the above claims, characterized by , that the base rail (2) is made of metal. [11] Suspension according to any of the above claims, characterized by , that the base adapter (4) is made of metal. [12] Suspension according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by , that the basic adapter (4) is made of plastic. [13] Suspension according to any of the above claims, characterized by that the base rail (2) and / or the base adapter (4) are designed as a hollow profile. [14] Suspension according to any of the above claims, characterized by , that for mounting on the vertical mounting surface in the base rail (2) holes (18) and / or elongated holes (20) are provided, and the holes (18, 20) on the front are larger than on the back, so that screws (34) used for mounting are countersunk in the base rail (2). [15] Combination of planting module and suspension (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized by, that the planting module has alignment elements on its upper side and on its lower side to secure the planting module against movement perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the base rail (2).

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