Hanging Planter Container With Integral Frame Locking Tabs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing container and hooking support assemblies for suspending planters are costly to produce, complicate assembly, alter the appearance, and prevent stacking, while also being unreliable in windy conditions due to the use of additional parts, adhesive tapes, or strapping.

Innovation Solution

A container with integral retaining elements that rotate between extended and folded positions to securely lock a hooking support frame, eliminating the need for additional parts and allowing for automated assembly and stacking, while ensuring a reliable attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If additional components (plastic or metal pieces) are used to secure the container to the support, then the container can be attached to the support, but production costs increase and assembly becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining element is integrated directly into the container body as a single unit, eliminating the need for separate additional components. The container and retaining element form one piece that is manufactured together, simplifying assembly while maintaining secure attachment to the support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The container serves multiple functions: it holds the floral arrangement and simultaneously provides attachment functionality through its integrated retaining element. The retaining element is positioned to engage with the support structure, allowing the container to perform both containment and securing functions without additional parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If adhesive tape is used to secure the container, then the container can be attached to the support, but the appearance is altered and the attachment deteriorates over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidappearance defects
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining element is structurally integrated into the container body, creating a permanent and reliable attachment mechanism that does not rely on adhesive tapes. This eliminates appearance defects caused by visible tapes while providing durable attachment that resists deterioration from environmental exposure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If strapping is used to secure the container, then the container can be attached to the support, but stacking of assemblies is prevented

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidstorage volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining element is integrated into the container design, allowing containers to be stacked without strapping. The compact integrated design enables efficient storage and transport while maintaining reliable attachment when installed, eliminating the need for bulky strapping materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If additional components are used to secure the container, then the container can be attached to the support, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The container and retaining element are manufactured as a single integrated unit, reducing production costs by eliminating the need to manufacture and assemble separate additional components. The integrated design streamlines the manufacturing process while ensuring reliable attachment functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution reduces production costs, simplifies assembly, maintains the appearance, and prevents untimely disassembly or detachment, especially in strong winds, by using a flexible tongue and boss system that integrates with the container's design for secure and efficient suspension.

Implementation Method 1

The retaining element is rotationally movable relative to the side wall between: an extended position where the retaining element extends substantially in the plane of the container opening, and a retracted position where the retaining element extends substantially parallel to the side wall of the container

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHinge rotation: Hinge

Implementation Method 2

the lug comprises a C-shaped recess intended to receive the reinforcement; the retaining element comprises a flexible tab, the tab being connected to the side wall of the container by means of a hinge zone

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 3

the rim and the boss defining a groove intended to receive the reinforcement of the hanging support; the boss includes: a horizontal face extending in a plane parallel to the bottom of the container, an inclined face

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical interlocking: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP3222172B1Assembly for plant comprising a hanging mounting and a container
Publication Date: 2019.03.13 BOUILLARD
  • EP3222172B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3222172B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3222172B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

The present invention relates to a plant assembly of the type comprising ∘ a container (1) comprising a bottom (11), an opening opposite the bottom (11), and at least one side wall (12, 13) including a rim (14) upper peripheral extending in the plane of the opening of the container (1), ∘ a hooking support (2) comprising a frame (21) intended to surround the side wall (12, 13), remarkable in that the container (1) further comprises at least one retaining element (3) secured to the side wall (12, 13) to lock the frame (21) against the flange (14), the container (1) and the element retainer (3) being in one piece.