Knockdown flowerpot

Abstract

The present disclosure concerns a knockdown flowerpot (10, 120), that comprises a tubular side wall (12) made of at least one wall panel (14), with at least two adjoining side edges (16A) attached to one another, the side wall (12, 122) extending between a top edge (20) and a bottom edge (22), a top ring (30, 128) at the top edge (20) and defining a top opening (32) of the flowerpot (10, 120) into a flowerpot (10, 120) space (28, 42, 42'), a liquid impermeable bottom tray (40) articulated to the bottom edge (22) and defining a liquid containing space (42, 42'), a soil retaining tray (60, 140) disposed at a bottom portion of the flowerpot (10, 120) space (28, 42, 42'), with at least one liquid permeable soil sockets (68, 66) extending into the liquid containing space (42, 42') and being in fluid flow therewith; a removable excess liquid collector (50) extending into the liquid containing space (42, 42') through an outside wall surface (51) of the bottom tray (40, 40', 136); and at least one liquid gutter extending along at least a portion of the side wall (12, 122), for directing liquid into the liquid containing space (42, 42').

Description

[0001] KNOCKDOWN FLOWERPOT

[0002] TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure concerns a knockdown flowerpot.

[0004] The term "flowerpot ’ is collectively used to dente any container suited for growing plants, at times referred to also as a plant-pot, planter, etc.

[0005] BACKGROUND ART

[0006] References considered to be relevant as background to the presently disclosed subject matter are listed below:

[0007] - KR101881100

[0008] - WO2021125707

[0009] - KR200398808

[0010] Acknowledgement of the above references herein is not to be inferred as meaning that these are in any way relevant to the patentability of the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0011] BACKGROUND

[0012] Knockdown flowerpots are known, for example from KR101881100, WO202125707 and KR200398808.

[0013] GENERAL DESCRIPTION

[0014] The present disclosure provides a knockdown flowerpot that is easily assembled and disassembled upon demand, and includes an integral irrigation and draining arrangement that maintains proper irrigation conditions during use of the flowerpot.

[0015] A first aspect of the disclosure is directed to a flowerpot that comprises a tubular side wall made of one or more wall panels, with at least two adjoining side edges thereof attached to one another, the tubular side wall extending between a top edge and a bottom edge; a top ring at the top edge and defining a top opening of the flowerpot into a flowerpot space; a liquid impermeable bottom tray articulated to the bottom edge and defining a liquid containing space; a soil retaining tray disposed at a bottom portion of the flowerpot space, with at least one liquid permeable soil sockets extending into the liquid containing space and being in fluid communication therewith; a removable excess liquid collector extending into the liquid containing space through an outside wall surface of the bottom tray; and at least one liquid gutter extending along at least a portion of the tubular side wall, for directing liquid into the liquid containing space.

[0016] A second aspect of the disclosure is directed to a knockdown flowerpot kit comprising: a side wall made of one or more rigid but pliable wall panels, with at least two adjoining side edges attachable to one another; each side wall extending between a top edge and a bottom edge, the side being substantially flat a non-assembled position of the flowerpot and being configured to form a substantially cylindrical shape when at an assembled position of the flowerpot; a top ring configured for placing over at the top edge of the side wall; a liquid impermeable bottom tray articulable to the bottom edge of the side wall and defining a liquid containing space; a soil retaining tray disposable at a bottom portion of the flowerpot, with at least one liquid permeable soil sockets extendable into the liquid containing space and being in fluid flow therewith; a removable excess liquid collector extendable into the liquid containing space through an outside wall surface of the bottom tray; and at least one liquid gutter extending along at least a portion of the side wall, for directing liquid into the liquid containing space.

[0017] According to a particular example of the disclosure, the side wall is composed of several wall panels made of liquid impermeable material, wherein at an assembled position adjoining side edges of neighboring wall panels are fastened to one another, with the top ring and the bottom tray stabilizing the side wall giving rise to a tubular shape.

[0018] According to one example, the wall panels can be made of a rigid though pliable sheet material, wherein at a non-assembled position, the wall panels are flat panels and are deformable to assume arc-shape segments, said wall panels being connectable to one another along their neighboring edges, to give rise to a tubular shape, and wherein said tubular shape is fixed by the top ring and the bottom tray. This has significant advantage of a slim packaging. The phrase "rigid though pliable" denotes that the sheet material is hard, yet flexible enough to be deformed. Examples of such material are a polymeric sheet, a metal sheet, etc.

[0019] According to another example of the disclosure, the wall panels are rigid segments. The rigid segments can be flat segments or curved segments. Curved segments can be curved in one or two planes.

[0020] Any one or more of the following features, designs and configurations can be associated with any one or more of the aspects of the present disclosure, individually or in various combinations thereof:

[0021] • The flowerpot has a tubular shape, for example cylindrical, frusto-conical, oval, prismatic, etc.;

[0022] • The top ring can be integral at the top edge of the side wall, or it can be articulable thereover;

[0023] • The top ring can be a uniform, one-piece ring, or it can be assembled of coextensive segments;

[0024] • Adjoining longitudinal side edges of neighboring wall panels are sealingly engaged with one another;

[0025] • The at least one wall panels can comprise reinforcing ribs at an inside face thereof;

[0026] • The reinforcing ribs can extend a major portion of the length of a wall panel, and wherein said reinforcing ribs can comprise at a bottom portion thereof a soil retaining tray support lip;

[0027] • A bottom end of the reinforcing ribs can extend into the liquid containing space of the bottom tray;

[0028] • The one or more wall panels can be made of a liquid impermeable sheet material;

[0029] • The sheet material of wall panels can be inj ection molded plastic material;

[0030] • At least an outside face of the wall panels can be ornamented by surface pattern and / or printing;

[0031] • The side wall of a cylindric flowerpot can comprise several rectangle wall panels; • The side wall of a frusto-conical flowerpot can comprise several trapezoid wall panels;

[0032] • The soil retaining tray has a soil bearing surface spaced from a bottom surface of the bottom tray and configurable for bearing soil;

[0033] • The soil bearing surface can be configured with a plurality of apertures, said apertures can be sized to prevent soil from penetrating therethrough;

[0034] • The soil retaining tray can be assembled of two or more articulable tray segments;

[0035] • The soil retaining tray can be secured to a bottom edge portion of the side wall;

[0036] • A bottom surface of the soil sockets of the soil retaining tray rests over a top surface of the bottom tray;

[0037] • The bottom tray can be secured to the soil retaining tray or to a bottom edge portion of the side wall;

[0038] • The liquid gutter can extend along the length of the side wall;

[0039] • The liquid gutter can extend at adjoining edges of neighboring panels of the side wall;

[0040] • The liquid gutter can extend along overlapping portions of adjoining side edges of said one or more wall panels;

[0041] • Adjoining side edges of one or more wall panels can have a U-like shaped portion, overlapping one another to form a closed-shape liquid gutter;

[0042] • Liquid penetration into the liquid gutter can be through a gap between overlapping portions of adjoining side edges of one or more wall panels;

[0043] • The liquid gutter can be configured with inlet openings along its length;

[0044] • A bottom portion of the at least one liquid gutter can extend into the liquid containing space;

[0045] • The bottom tray can be configured with a liquid drain channel, for collecting liquid drained along the at least one liquid gutter and directing it into the liquid containing space within the bottom tray.

[0046] • The tubular shape of the flowerpot is imparted thereto by the top ring and bottom tray; • Neighboring side edges of wall panels can be fastened to one another by fasteners / screws / snap attachment / rod coupler;

[0047] • The flowerpot can comprise a liquid level indictor, for indicating liquid level within the liquid containing space;

[0048] • The liquid level indicator can comprise a float member disposed within the liquid containing space, with a visual indicator visible through the top opening of the flowerpot;

[0049] • The level indicator can project above the top edge of the flowerpot;

[0050] • The level indicator can comprise several tubular segments couplable to one another with a plunger rod extending through a lumen of the tubular segments, said plunger rod having a float at its bottom end and a top end projectable from a top end of the lumen;

[0051] • The flowerpot can be configured with a syphon-type excess liquid collector;

[0052] • The excess liquid collector can be a drawer-like unit;

[0053] • The bottom tray can comprise a docking port coupleable with the excess liquid collector and being in fluid communication with the liquid containing space;

[0054] • A sealing arrangement can extend between the docking port and the excess liquid collector;

[0055] • The excess liquid collector can be clear or comprise at least a clear portion for viewing liquid level therewithin;

[0056] • The excess liquid collector can comprise a pouring lip;

[0057] • The pouring lip can be configured to permit filling of irrigation liquid into the liquid containing space;

[0058] • The flowerpot can have a disassembled footprint at a packed position which is similar to the footprint of a single wall panel of said one or more wall panels.

[0059] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0060] In order to better understand the subject matter that is disclosed herein and to exemplify how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0061] Fig. 1A is a top perspective view of a flowerpot according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0062] Fig. IB is a section along line IB - IB in Fig. 1 A;

[0063] Fig. 1C is an exploded view of Fig. 1A;

[0064] Fig. ID is the same as Fig. 1C, with side wall panels removed;

[0065] Fig- 2 is a section along line II - II in Fig. 1 A;

[0066] Fig. 3A is an enlarged view of the wall panel marked 3 A in Fig. 1;

[0067] Fig. 3B is an enlargement of the portion marked 2B in Fig. 2A;

[0068] Fig. 3C is an exploded view of Fig. 3B;

[0069] Fig. 4A is a planar view of an assembled side wall used in the flowerpot of Fig. 1A;

[0070] Fig. 4B is an enlarged perspective view of a portion marked 4B in Fig. 4A, sectioned along line IV - IV;

[0071] Fig. 4C is an enlarged perspective view of a portion marked 4C in Fig. 4A, sectioned along line IV - IV;

[0072] Fig. 5A is an isolated view of a bottom tray sub-assembly of the flowerpot of Fig.

[0073] 1 A, with the excess liquid collector drawer retracted;

[0074] Fig. 5B is a section along line 5B - 5B in Fig. 5A;

[0075] Fig. 6 is a planar sectioned view of the portion marked VI in Fig. IB, directed to liquid level management;

[0076] Fig. 7 is planar sectioned view similar to Fig. 6, directed to an alternative liquid level management embodiment;

[0077] Fig- 8 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a flowerpot according to the disclosure;

[0078] Fig- 9 is an isolated wall panel used in the flowerpot of Fig.8;

[0079] Fig. 10A is a perspective view of an assembled side wall used in the flowerpot of Fig. 9;

[0080] Fig. 10B is a sectioned view along line 1 OB - 1 OB in Fig. 10A;

[0081] Fig. 11 is a top perspective view a bottom tray sub-assembly of the flowerpot of

[0082] Fig. 8;

[0083] Fig. 12 shows the flowerpot of Fig. 1A at a knockdown / package position; Figs. 13A to 13J illustrate consecutive steps of assembling the flowerpot of Fig. 1A; and

[0084] Figs. 14A and 14B illustrate an embodiment of a soil retaining tray according to the disclosure.

[0085] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0086] With reference being made to the annexed drawings, there is illustrated a flowerpot 10 according to an embodiment of the disclosure, which in the illustrated example has a frustoconical shape.

[0087] Flowerpot 10 comprises a tubular side wall 12, which in this example is composed of four identical trapezoidal segmented, flat wall panels 14A-14D (collectively designated 14; best seen in Fig. 1C, with an isolated wall panel 14 shown in Fig. 3 A). Wall panels 14A-14D are made of sheet material, which according to the present example is injection molded plastic material, wherein the wall panels are rigid through pliable, i.e. the sheet material is hard yet flexible enough to be deformed.

[0088] Wall panels 14 are liquid impermeable, with an inside face comprising a plurality of longitudinal ribs 18 serving for reinforcing the sheet material of wall panel 14. An outside face 19 of the wall panels 14 can be patterned (texturized and / or printed) with an eye pleasing effect or mimicking different materials, e.g. wood, concrete, metal etc.

[0089] As will be discussed hereinafter in greater detail, wall panels 14A-14D are attached at their adjoining longitudinal side edges 16A and 16B to give rise to side wall 12. The adjoining longitudinal edges of the neighboring wall panels are sealingly engaged with one another. Each wall panel 14 has a top edge 20 and a bottom edge 22, wherein upon articulating the respective side edge 16A and 16B to one another the tubular side wall 12 obtains its frustoconical shape with an inside space 28.

[0090] According to another embodiment (not shown) the wall panels are made of rigid, non-pliable material. Such wall panels can a priori bent to assume an arc shaped panel, wherein upon attaching at their adjoining longitudinal side edges they give rise to a tubular side wall, or the rigid wall panels can be flat and be used for assembling a polygonal flowerpot, e.g. a rectangular flowerpot. Apart for the difference residing in pliability of the wall panels, they are similar with pliable wall panels 14 discussed herein.

[0091] Flowerpot 10 has atop ring 30 having an inverted u-shape cross-section, and made of stiff material, e.g. injection molded plastic material, with a diameter corresponding with a top diameter of side wall 12 and being articulated over the top edge 20 of the assembled side wall 12, defining a top opening 32 of the flowerpot, securing its round shape and imparting it rigidity.

[0092] A bowl-like, liquid impermeable bottom tray 40 is articulated to the bottom edge 22 of the assembled side wall 12. Bottom tray 40 has a round shape with a diameter corresponding with a bottom diameter of frustoconical side wall 12, defining a liquid containing space 42. Bottom tray 40 comprises an annual liquid directing channel 43, which facilitates for supporting bottom edge 22 of the wall panels 14, and for draining liquid from gutters extending along the wall panels (discussed hereinafter in detail) and directing said liquid into liquid containing space 42.

[0093] Bottom tray 40 has a soil retaining tray support arrangement in form of ribs and pillars, collectively designated 44, upwardly projecting from a bottom wall 45 of the bottom tray and from the side walls thereof. A side wall of bottom tray 40 has an opening 46 for receiving a drawer-like, removable excess liquid collector 50, to be discussed hereinafter in greater detail.

[0094] Disposed within bottom tray 40 is a soil retaining tray 60, having a top soil retaining surface 64 configured with a plurality of small apertures sized to prevent soil from penetrating therethrough, a central liquid permeable soil socket 66 and several peripheral liquid permeable soil sockets 68. Liquid permeable soil sockets 66 and 68 are cup-like receptacles extending into the liquid containing space 42 and being in fluid communication therewith through a plurality of openings (slits 70), facilitating liquid permeation therethrough, for wetting soil received within said soil sockets 66 and 68. It is noted that soil sockets 66 and 68 serve also to support the top soil retaining surface 64 within a bottom portion of the flowerpot, over the bottom tray 40 and at a fixed spaced apart distance from bottom wall 45.

[0095] Reverting to excess liquid collector 50, it is a drawer-like unit slidingly displaceable through opening 46 into a receiving chamber 54 of the bottom tray 40, with a siphon-like liquid flow passage extending through upright projecting tube portion. Excess liquid collector 50 comprises an inlet port 56 shaped as an upwards extending tube 58, extending into a top portion of liquid containing space 42, with a top end thereof 59 defines a liquid overflow level. The mechanism of excess liquid collection will be discussed hereinbelow with reference to Fig. 6. With particular reference being made to Figs. 3A-3C and 4A-4C, the wall panels 14 comprise U-shaped gutter segments along their side edges, namely an inwards facing gutter element 80A along side edge 16A, and an outwards facing gutter element 80B along side edge 16B. Gutter element 80A is narrower than gutter element 80B, such that gutter element 80A receivable within gutter element 80B, such that an assembled position (best seen in Fig. 3B) they form together a closed gutter tube 88 extending along the side wall 12, between each two neighboring wall panels 14.

[0096] Side edges 16A and 16B are further configured, respectively, with complimenting U-shape flanges 90A and 90B configured for close contact engagement in a liquid tight fashion. Further, side edge 16B comprises a flat rib 92. At the assembled position (best seen in Figs. 3B-3C), gutter tube 88 is practically sealed along complimenting U-shape flanges 90A and 90B, though accessible for excess liquid from inside space 28 along a liquid flow path extending through a gap 96 (between rib 92 and opposite inside wall surfaces of the mating wall panel), and gap 98 (between walls of complimenting gutter elements 80A and 80B). Said liquid flow path is identified by arrow line marked FP. Noticeably, gap 96 is sufficiently tight to facilitate liquid passage therethrough, however to prevent soil passage therethrough. As an alternative, or in addition, wall 82 of gutter elements 80A comprises small openings 84 configured to facilitate liquid passage therethrough, however to prevent soil passage therethrough.

[0097] At an assembled position, a bottom end 85 (best seen in Fig. 3 A) of the gutters 80 extends into annular liquid directing channel 43 of the bottom tray 40, directing said liquid into liquid containing space 42.

[0098] Articulating the wall panels 14A-14D to one another is facilitated by couplers, namely screw fasteners 102 extending through openings 104 in wall 82 of gutter elements 80B into screw boss 106 within gutter element 80A of the neighboring wall panel.

[0099] Flowerpot 10 further comprises a liquid level indictor 111, configured as a segmented tube 110 supported at soil retaining tray 60 and extending from liquid containing space 42 of bottom tray 40, and extending upwards above top opening 32 of the flowerpot. A plunger rod 114 extends through a lumen of tube 110 and is axially displaceable therethrough, having a float 116 (e.g. an air void within the bulging end of float 116) at its bottom end, and a top end 118 projectable from a top end of tube 110.

[0100] Excess liquid collecting mechanism is explained with reference to Fig. 6. The depth of bottom tray 40 is Zy, however top end 59 of tube 58 is disposed at height £2, below Li (Li > L2), wherein level L2 defines the maximum liquid level within the flowerpot, wherein excess liquid overflows through top end 59 into the excess liquid collector 50. Excess liquid path is illustrated by arrow indicated LP.

[0101] Typically, at least the wall surface 51 of excess liquid collector 50 is clear or translucent, facilitating inspection of liquid level therewithin. In addition, wall 51 has a pouring lip 53, facilitating a manipulating handle, for pouring excess liquid.

[0102] An alternative liquid collecting mechanism is disclosed in Fig. 7, wherein like elements as in Fig. 6 are designated with like reference numbers with (‘) indication.

[0103] In the present example too, the depth of bottom tray 40’ is Li, and wherein the excess liquid collector 50’ has a side tube 57 extending into the liquid containing space 42’ , with a sealing ring 59. According to the physical rule of communicating vessels, liquid level L3 within the excess liquid collector 50’ is similar to actual liquid level L2 within the liquid containing space 42’.

[0104] Typically, at least the wall surface 51 of excess liquid collector 50 is clear or translucent, facilitating inspection of liquid level therewithin. In addition, wall 51 has a pouring lip 53, facilitating a manipulating handle, for pouring excess liquid.

[0105] Further attention is now being made to Figs. 8 to 11, directed to another example of the disclosure, namely a cylindric flowerpot 120. Flowerpot 120 follows the same principal configurations and design of the frustoconical embodiment disclosed hereinabove, with exception of the cylindric shape of the vessel.

[0106] Side wall 122 of flowerpot 120 is composed of four identical rectangle shaped wall panels 124A-124D, collectively designated 124, however following the same principals as in the previous example, wherein a top ring 128 defines a top opening into an inside space of flowerpot 120, wherein said round top ring 128 defines the shape of top opening and respectively the shape of top portion of side wall 122. Likewise, bottom tray 136 defines the shape of a bottom portion of side wall 122, which in the illustrated example is cylindrical, wherein top ring 128 and bottom tray 136 substantially have same diameter.

[0107] However, it is appreciated that side wall 122 can be configured to assume a polygonal shape, providing top ring and bottom tray have a corresponding polygonal shape (not shown).

[0108] Yet a difference resides in that soil retaining tray 140 is composed of three segments 140A, 140B and 140C snap-engaged with one another to form a solid structure, with a homogeneous top soil retaining surface 142 (shown also in Figs. 15A and 15B). It is noted that segments 140A and 140C are identical and segment 140B is symmetric. Engagement of the three segments to one another is through snap-engaging tabs 143 laterally projecting from segments 140A and 140C into coupling sockets 145 at side walls 147 of central segment 140B. The assembly is than fastened by fasteners (e.g. screws 149)

[0109] Further attention is directed to Figs. 12 to 13J, illustrating consecutive steps of assembling the flowerpot 10 illustrated for example in Fig. 1.

[0110] Fig. 12 illustrates the flowerpot 10 at an unassembled position, namely a packed position, wherein the flat wall panels 14 are stacked, to consume minimal space. Basically, the footprint of the package corresponds with a diameter D of the bottom tray 40, corresponding with width B of the wide base of the trapezoidal shaped side panels 14A-14D.

[0111] After unpacking, side panels 14A - 14D are attached to one another (Figs. 13A,13B) using a plurality of screws 72 connecting side edges 16A to 16B and finally attaching the free ends to form a closed tubular shape (Fig. 13C). Since the wall panels 14 are made of a rigid though pliable sheet material, and as they are a priori flat panels, they are deformable to assume arc-shape segments, and are connected to one another along their neighboring edges, to give rise to a tubular shape, which is then fixed by the top ring and the bottom tray.

[0112] It is appreciated that rather than screws 72, articulating the side panels to one another can be facilitated using press-snaps (not shown), snap connections (not shown), etc. Then, soil retaining tray 60 is placed at the bottom end of assembled side wall 12 and articulated thereto by fastener screws 61 (Figs. 13D,13E). Next, bottom tray 40 is placed at a bottom end 22 of side wall 12 (Fig. 13F) and secured by screws 63 to the soil retaining tray 60, from the inside space 28 of the flowerpot 10 (Fig. 13G). Following this, top ring 30 is applied over to edge 22 of the assembled side wall 12 and secured thereto by screws 65 (Figs. 13H, 131). Finally, excess liquid collector 50 is introduced into opening 46 of bottom tray 40, and the liquid level indicator 111 is press-fit into position and secured to the soil retaining tray 60 (Fig. 13 J).

[0113] In use, soil is filled into flowerpot 10, occupying most of the inside space 28. The soil rests over the surface 64 of soil retaining tray 60 and within liquid permeable soil sockets 66 and 68. Irrigation liquid (water or nutritious liquid) is applied to the flowerpot by pouring over the soil, allowing excess liquid within the soil to penetrate into gutters 88 and drain down to the liquid containing space 42 of bottom tray 40. Alternatively, liquid can be filled through the excess liquid collector 50, allowing the soil to dampen / wet as it engages with liquid through openings 70 of the sockets 66 and 68 (capillary effect). Liquid level within the liquid containing space 42 is easily monitored by liquid level indicator 111, wherein excess liquid overflows into excess liquid collector 50.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A flowerpot comprising a tubular side wall made of one or more wall panels, with at least two adjoining side edges thereof attached to one another, the tubular side wall extending between a top edge and a bottom edge; a top ring at the top edge and defining a top opening of the flowerpot into a flowerpot space; a liquid impermeable bottom tray articulated to the bottom edge and defining a liquid containing space; a soil retaining tray disposed at a bottom portion of the flowerpot space, with at least one liquid permeable soil sockets extending into the liquid containing space and being in fluid communication therewith; a removable excess liquid collector extending into the liquid containing space through an outside wall surface of the bottom tray; and at least one liquid gutter extending along at least a portion of the tubular side wall, for directing liquid into the liquid containing space.

2. The flowerpot of claim 1, wherein the tubular side wall is composed of a plurality of said wall panels made of liquid impermeable material, wherein at an assembled position of the flowerpot, adjoining side edges of neighboring wall panels are fastened to one another, wherein the top ring and the bottom tray stabilize the side wall giving rise to a tubular shape.

3. The flowerpot of claim 1 or 2, wherein the wall panels are made of a rigid though pliable sheet of liquid impermeable material, and wherein the tubular shape is imparted to the flowerpot by the top ring and the bottom tray.

4. The flowerpot of any one of claim 1 to 3, wherein the flowerpot has an overall tubular shape.

5. The flowerpot of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the top ring is integral at the top edge of the tubular side wall.

6. The flowerpot of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the top ring is articulable over the top edge of the tubular side wall.

7. The flowerpot of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the top ring is a solid, one- piece ring.

8. The flowerpot of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the one or more wall panels comprise reinforcing ribs at an inside face thereof.

9. The flowerpot of claim 8, wherein a bottom end of the reinforcing ribs extends into the liquid containing space of the bottom tray.

10. The flowerpot of claim 8, wherein the reinforcing ribs extend along a major portion of the length of the wall panels, and wherein said reinforcing ribs comprise at a bottom portion thereof a soil retaining tray support lip.

11. The flowerpot of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein at least one of said one or more wall panels has an ornamented outside face .

12. The flowerpot of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the tubular side wall has an overall cylindrical shape and the wall panels have a rectangular shape.

13. The flowerpot of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the tubular side wall has an overall frusto-conical shape, and the wall panels have a trapezoidal shape.

14. The flowerpot of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the soil retaining tray has a soil bearing surface spaced from a bottom surface of the bottom tray and configurable for bearing soil.

15. The flowerpot of claim 14, wherein the soil bearing surface has a plurality of apertures, said apertures being sized to prevent soil from penetrating therethrough.

16. The flowerpot of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the soil retaining tray is assembled of two or more articulable tray segments.

17. The flowerpot of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the soil retaining tray is secured to the bottom edge of the side wall.

18. The flowerpot of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein a bottom surface of the soil sockets of the soil retaining tray rests over a top surface of the bottom tray.

19. The flowerpot of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the bottom tray is secured to the soil retaining tray or to a bottom edge portion of the side wall.

20. The flowerpot of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the at least one liquid gutter extends along the length of the side wall.

21. The flowerpot of any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the at least one liquid gutter extends along adjoining edges of neighboring panels of the side wall.

22. The flowerpot of any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the at least one liquid gutter extends along overlapping portions of adjoining side edges of the wall panels.

23. The flowerpot of claim 22, wherein liquid penetration into the liquid gutter is through a gap formed between said overlapping portions of adjoining side edges of the wall panels.

24. The flowerpot of any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein adjoining side edges of said wall panels have a U-like shaped portion, overlapping one another to form said liquid gutter with a closed shape.

25. The flowerpot of any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the liquid gutter comprises inlet openings along a length thereof.

26. The flowerpot of any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein adjacent side edges of wall panels are fastened to one another by one or more fasteners.

27. The flowerpot of any one of claims 1 to 26, comprising a liquid level indictor for indicating liquid level within the liquid containing space.

28. The flowerpot of claim 27, wherein the liquid level indicator comprises a float member disposed within the liquid containing space, and a visual indicator visible through the top opening of the flowerpot.

29. The flowerpot of any one of claims 1 to 28, comprising a syphon-type excess liquid collector.

30. The flowerpot of claim 29, wherein the excess liquid collector is a drawer-like unit.

31. The flowerpot of claims 29 or 30, wherein the bottom tray comprises a docking port coupleable with the excess liquid collector, and being in fluid communication with the liquid containing space.

32. The flowerpot of claim 33, wherein a sealing arrangement extend between the docking port and the excess liquid collector.

33. The flowerpot of any one of claims 29 to 32, wherein the excess liquid collector comprises at least a clear portion for viewing liquid level therewithin.

34. The flowerpot of any one of claims 29 to 33, wherein the excess liquid collector comprises a pouring lip.

35. The flowerpot of claim 34, wherein the pouring lip is configured to permit filling of irrigation liquid into the liquid containing space.

36. The flowerpot of any one of claims 1 to 35, wherein the flowerpot has a disassembled footprint at a packed position which is similar to the footprint of a single wall panel of said one or more wall panels.

37. The flowerpot of any one of claims 1 to 36, wherein adjoining longitudinal edges of neighboring wall panels are sealingly engaged with one another.

38. The flowerpot of any one of claims 1 to 37, wherein at a non-assembled position, the wall panels are flat panels and are deformable to assume arc-shape segments, said wall panels being connectable to one another along their neighboring edges, to give rise to a tubular shape, and wherein said tubular shape is fixed by the top ring and the bottom tray.

39. The flowerpot of any one of claims 1 to 37, wherein a bottom portion of the at least one liquid gutter extends into the liquid containing space.

40. The flowerpot of any one of claims 1 to 39, wherein the bottom tray comprises a liquid drain channel for collecting draining liquid along the at least one liquid gutter and directing said draining liquid into the liquid containing space.

41. A knockdown flowerpot kit comprising: a side wall made of one or more rigid but pliable wall panels, with at least two adjoining side edges attachable to one another; each side wall extending between a top edge and a bottom edge, the side being substantially flat a non-assembled position of the flowerpot and being configured to form a substantially cylindrical shape when at an assembled position of the flowerpot; a top ring configured for placing over at the top edge of the side wall; a liquid impermeable bottom tray articulable to the bottom edge of the side wall and defining a liquid containing space; a soil retaining tray disposable at a bottom portion of the flowerpot, with at least one liquid permeable soil sockets extendable into the liquid containing space and being in fluid flow therewith; a removable excess liquid collector extendable into the liquid containing space through an outside wall surface of the bottom tray; and at least one liquid gutter extending along at least a portion of the side wall, for directing liquid into the liquid containing space.

Images