Abstract:
A plant hanger with a watering system includes a weighted base adapted for stable placement on a ground surface and an upwardly-extending support post. A plurality of adjustable hanger arms extends perpendicularly outward from a central hub affixed to the post. A watering system is connected to an existing water source, which delivers water to an inline plant food reservoir for introducing plant food into the water. The water is distributed to each arm through a water distributing manifold attached to an upper end of the post and in fluid communication with the water source.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in a notarized Official Record of Invention on May 28, 2010, that is on file at the offices of Montgomery Patent and Design, LLC, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to hanging plant supports, and in particular, to a plant hanger for supporting a plurality of suspendable growing containers having a watering system for automatically providing a regulated flow of water. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Plants and flowers are a welcome addition to any decor. Their vibrant colors combined with their unique physical traits often form the centerpiece of a home or garden. Many people place such plants in pots in an outdoor environment to make planting and tending easier. Additionally, potted plants are aesthetically pleasing. However, a lack of horizontal surfaces in an indoor or outdoor environment means that there are very few places to locate such plants. The only real option is to hang them from an overhead structure such as a porch or tree limb. However, such structures are not always available, and even if they are, they tend to keep the plants in the shade and restrict their access to sunshine, which is vital to their growth. 
     Various types of plant hangers have attempted to address the problem of limited space by providing stands or poles for hanging various types of hangable flowers and vegetables. However, these alternatives also have various disadvantages and deficiencies related to design or utilization. Particularly, hanging plants typically need to be watered more often and in smaller amounts than those which are planted in the ground. This need requires regular manual watering of each plant that is suspended from the plant hanger. Not only is this process time consuming, it can also be messy and physically strenuous for those with diminished physical capacity. Additionally, these devices are typically not sturdy enough to support heavier plants, such as vegetables grown in inverted growing containers. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, the inventor has recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and lack in the art and observed that there is a need for a means by which plants can be displayed in an outdoor environment without the disadvantages as described. In accordance with the invention, it is an object of the present embodiments to solve at least one (1) of these problems. 
     The inventor recognized these problems and has addressed this need by developing a plant hanger with watering system that allows for the secure support and care of hanging flowers and vegetables in an easy, effective, and aesthetically pleasing manner. The inventor has thus realized the advantages and benefits of providing a support post having a passageway for receiving a flow of water from an external water supply and a water distributing manifold attached to an upper end of the post which is in fluid communication with the passageway. A fixed hub is rigidly affixed circumferentially around an exterior of the post and a plurality of hanger arms in fluid communication with said manifold are attached around the fixed hub. Each hanger arm has a proximal end pivotably attached to the fixed hub and a distal end for distributing the flow of water to a suspendable growing container supported on the hanger arm distal end. A movable hub is movably attached circumferentially around an exterior of the post and a plurality of support arms are attached around the movable hub. Each support arm has a proximal end pivotably attached to the movable hub and a distal end pivotably attached to the hanger arm distal end. A pin is insertably attached to the post so secure the movable hub at a selectable vertical position. The plurality of hanger arms is height adjustable in response to vertical movement of the movable hub relative to the post. 
     Furthermore, the described features and advantages of the disclosure may be combined in various manners and embodiments as one skilled in the relevant art will recognize. The disclosure can be practiced without one (1) or more of the features and advantages described in a particular embodiment. 
     Further advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a plant hanger with a watering system depicted in a deployed state, according to a preferred embodiment in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the plant hanger with a watering system depicted in a collapsed state, according the preferred embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  is a close-up perspective view of an upper portion of the plant hanger with watering system, according to the preferred embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of the plant hanger with a watering system, according to the preferred embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is a partial perspective view of the upper portion of the plant hanger with a watering system, according to the preferred embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is a close-up perspective view of a middle portion of the plant hanger with a watering system, according to the preferred embodiment; 
         FIG. 7  is a close-up perspective view of the middle portion of the plant hanger with watering system, according to the preferred embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a bottom portion of the plant hanger with a watering system, according to the preferred embodiment; 
         FIG. 9  is a section view of the bottom portion of the plant hanger with a watering system, according to the preferred embodiment; and, 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a vegetation bag, according to the preferred embodiment. 
       DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
       
           
           
             
                 10  plant hanger with a watering system 
                 15  post 
                 16  post internal portion 
                 17  post cap 
                 18  post aperture 
                 19  water line aperture 
                 20  upper portion 
                 21  fixed hub 
                 22  hanger arm guide 
                 23  port aperture 
                 24  fixed hub groove 
                 25  securing wire 
                 26  fixed hub bracket 
                 27   a  first fastener 
                 27   b  second fastener 
                 27   c  third fastener 
                 28  top aperture 
                 30  manifold 
                 31  port 
                 32  manifold post 
                 35  hanger arm 
                 36  end cap 
                 37  first wire aperture 
                 38  arm cutout 
                 39  drip valve 
                 40  pipe 
                 41  hose 
                 42  water flow 
                 45  hook 
                 46  shaft 
                 47  washer 
                 50  middle portion 
                 51  movable hub 
                 52  support arm guide 
                 53  movable arm groove 
                 54  chain 
                 55  pin 
                 56  support arm 
                 57  support arm pin 
                 58  second wire aperture 
                 60  bottom portion 
                 61  base 
                 62  base internal portion 
                 63  weight material 
                 64  base cap 
                 65  filling aperture 
                 66  water line 
                 67  pressure regulator 
                 68  feed reservoir 
                 69  shutoff valve 
                 70  hose connector 
                 71   a  delivery hose 
                 71   b  valve outlet hose 
                 71   c  valve inlet hose 
                 71   d  hose timer 
                 72  water filter 
                 75  tie-down 
                 76  tie-down rope 
                 77  tie-down hook 
                 80  vegetation bag 
                 81  bag hook 
                 82  swivel 
                 83  suspending line 
                 84   a  upper ring 
                 84   b  lower ring 
                 85  expandable bag 
                 86  bag aperture 
                 87  sponge 
             
           
         
      
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     In accordance with the invention, the best mode is presented in terms of a preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 10 . However, the disclosure is not limited to a single described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the disclosure and that any such work around will also fall under its scope. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present disclosure, and only one particular configuration may be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 through 10 , depicting a plant hanger with watering system (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10 , where like reference numerals represent similar or like parts. In accordance with the invention, the present disclosure describes an apparatus  10  for suspending and watering one or more hanging plants or other suspendable potted plants. 
     The apparatus  10  features an umbrella-style design which can be orientated in a deployed position (see  FIG. 1 ) for displaying hanging plants or a collapsed position (see  FIG. 2 ) for convenient storage. The apparatus  10  can be utilized with a plurality of vegetation bags  80  (see  FIG. 10 ) and allows a user to set up a virtual garden in various locations. 
       FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of the apparatus  10  in an open and deployed state and  FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of the apparatus  10  in a closed and collapsed state. The apparatus  10  includes an upper portion  20  (also see  FIGS. 3 through 5 ), a middle portion  50  (also see  FIGS. 6 and 7 ), and a bottom portion  60  (also see  FIGS. 8 and 9 ). Each portion  20 ,  50 ,  60  is supported upon a post  15  which includes an outer diameter measuring approximately two-and-a-quarter (2¼) inches. The post  15  measures approximately eight (8) feet in height and is fabricated from materials such as, but not limited to: polyvinyl chloride (PVC), aluminum, or similar durable and lightweight material. A hollow post internal portion  16  allows for the routing of a length of water line  66  which is interconnected to a manifold  30  (see  FIG. 9 ) for directing water flow  42  into the plurality of vegetation bags  80  or potted plants suspended from the upper portion  20  of the post  15 . 
     The upper portion  20  includes a plurality of hanger arms  35  and the middle portion  50  includes a plurality of support arms  56  which provides a supporting structure to each vegetation bag  80  or hanging basket or potted plant. The middle portion  50  is vertically adjustable along the post  15  to a selected position. Vertical movement of the middle portion  50  relative to the post  15  simultaneously extends the hanger arms  35  upwardly and outwardly or downwardly and inwardly. The middle portion  50  is slid downward along the post  15  to collapse the hanger arms  35  and support arms  56  for storage purposes. The bottom portion  60  secures the post  15  in a vertical position and supplies the apparatus  10  with water, plant food, or the like which is dispensed through the hanger arms  35  and into the vegetation bags  80 . 
     The post  15  also includes a tie-down  75  which provides a protrusion to wrap and secure a length of tie-down rope  76  for temporary securing a single vegetation bag  80  with a tie-down hook  77 . The tie-down  75 , tie-down rope  76 , and tie-down hook  77  are intended to be used to temporarily suspend the vegetation bag  80  while the user is preparing the vegetation bag  80  for suspension from a hook  45  disposed upon each arm  35 . In use, the tie-down hook  77  is attached to the vegetation bag  80  and the tie-down rope  76  is draped over a selected hook  45  in order to suspend the vegetation bag  80  at approximately waist height while filling with soil and a plant. The tie-down rope  76  can then be used to hoist the filled vegetation bag  80  up to the hook  45  for transfer. The tie-down rope  76  is wrapped around the tie-down  75  when not in use. The tie-down  75  is a generally “T”-shaped protrusion integrally molded or otherwise affixed to an exterior surface of the post  15 . The tie-down  75  is disposed approximately thirty-six (36) inches above an upper surface of the bottom portion  60 . The tie-down rope  76  can be a nylon rope measuring approximately twelve (12) feet in length and three-sixteenths ( 3/16) of an inch in diameter having the tie-down hook  77  attached to an end. 
       FIG. 3  shows a close-up perspective view of the upper portion  20 ;  FIG. 4  shows a top view of the apparatus  10 ; and,  FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of the upper portion  20 . The upper portion  20  is located at a proximal end of the post  15  and includes a donut-shaped fixed hub  21 . The fixed hub  21  comprises at least eight (8) hanger arms  35  which are radially spaced and hingedly attached around a perimeter of the fixed hub  21 . The fixed hub  21  includes a plurality of hanger arm guides  22  which are cut-out portions which correspond to respective hanger arms  35  for the hanger arms  35  to fit within the arm guides  22  and freely rotate upwardly or downwardly. The fixed hub  21  also includes a fixed hub groove  24  disposed along an intermediate perimeter position. The fixed hub groove  24  receives placement of a length of securing wire  25  which is routed within the fixed hub groove  24  and through each arm  35 . A single length of securing wire  25  is utilized to secure all of the hanger arms  35  to the fixed hub  21 . The securing wire  25  is preferably twelve (12) gauge wire, yet similar dimensions can be utilized. A proximal end of each hanger arm  35  includes a pair of opposing first wire apertures  37  through which the securing wire  25  is threaded to provide a hinging motion to the arms  35 . The wire apertures  37  are suitably sized to insertingly receive the securing wire  25 . 
     The fixed hub  21  can be fabricated from durable materials such as, but not limited to: wood, plastic, metal, or the like. The fixed hub  21  is secured to the post  15  by a plurality of equally spaced fixed hub brackets  26 . The fixed hub brackets  26  are preferably “L”-shaped brackets attached to an exterior surface of the post  15  and a bottom surface of the fixed hub  21  with mechanical first fasteners  27   a , yet other methods of rigid attachment can be utilized without limiting the scope of the apparatus  10 . 
     Each hanger arm  35  has a generally circular cross-section and is approximately thirty (30) inches in length and one (1) inch in diameter. The hanger arms  35  are fabricated from a similar material as the fixed hub  21 . Each hanger arm  35  includes the first wire apertures  37  for routing of the securing wire  25  for attachment to the fixed hub  21 . The first wire apertures  37  can be lined with a plastic tubing to reduce friction and limit fraying of the securing wire  25 . Each proximal end of the hanger arms  35  also includes an arm cutout  38  which is located on an underside surface. The cutout  38  allows the hanger arms  35  to rotate to the deployed or collapsed position without crimping or bending of a port  31 . The cutouts  38  measure approximately one half (½) inch in width by two (2) inches in length. The proximal end of each hanger arm  35  is preferably beveled to further allow a free rotation within the arm guides  22 . 
     Each hanger arm  35  comprises a port  31  which is integral to the manifold  30  and routed through the hanger arms  35  to enable a flow of fluid. The ports  31  are preferably a quarter (¼) inch vinyl drip hose. The ports  31  are directed from the manifold  30  through a port aperture  23  in the fixed hub  21  and through a respective arm  35 . The fixed hub  21  comprises a top aperture  28  which measures approximately three (3) inches in diameter to receive a manifold post  32  of the manifold  30  which is positioned within an open upper portion of the fixed hub  21 . The manifold  30  is preferably a pressure regulating drip manifold with pattern control, such as those manufactured by Hendrickson Bros., Corona, Calif., or similar a pressure regulating and low volume drip irrigation mechanism. The manifold  30  includes an inlet which is interconnected to the internal water line  66  (see  FIG. 9 ) which directs water flow  42  to the manifold  30  for dispersal through each port  31  and through each hanger arm  35  for watering the vegetation bags  80 . The manifold  30  is further covered by a post cap  17  having cylindrical shape to cover the manifold  30  in order to prohibit dirt and debris from entering the apparatus  10 . The post cap  17  also provides an aesthetically cohesive appearance to the apparatus  10 . 
     Within each arm, the ports  31  are interconnected to a length of hose  41 . The hose  41  is connected to and terminates at a pipe  42 . The pipe  42  has a generally ninety degree (90°) bend for connection to an exposed drip valve  39 . The drip valve  39  is integrally molded to or insertingly attached to an underside distal end of each hanger arm  35 . It can be appreciated that the connections of the port  31  to the hose  41  and the hose  41  to the pipe  42  are completed with connection devices such as, but not limited to: threaded connections, slip fittings, or similar plumbing connections which are known in the art of pipe manufacturing and design. The drip valve  39  drips water into the respective vegetation bag  80  for watering purposes. The vegetation bag  80  or similar hanging plant is suspended to the distal end of each hanger arm  35  by a hook  45 . The hook  45  includes a shaft  46  which is insertingly attached to each hanger arm  35  and secured at an upper distal surface of each the hanger arm  35  with a washer  47  and a second fastener  27   b . The end portion of each hanger arm  35  includes an end cap  36  to eliminate dirt and debris from entering the arms  35 . The end caps  36  are preferably slip fitted onto each hanger arm  35  and can also be adhered for additional securing purposes. 
       FIG. 6  and  FIG. 7  show close-up perspective views of the middle portion  50 . The middle portion  50  is generally located at an intermediate location upon the post  15  and is a donut-shaped and height-adjustable movable hub  51  having an internal diameter of approximately three (3) inches to allow placement upon the post  15 . The movable hub  51  includes at least eight (8) support arms  56  which correspond to the hanger arms  35  and are radially spaced around and hingedly attached to the movable hub  51 . The movable hub  51  also includes support arm guides  52  which are cut-out portions of the movable hub  51  and which correspond to the support arms  56  to allow the support arms  56  to fit within the support arm guides  52  and freely rotate upwardly or downwardly. 
     The movable hub  51  also includes a movable arm groove  53  disposed along an intermediate perimeter position. The movable arm groove  53  receives placement of a second length of securing wire  25  which is routed within the movable arm groove  53  and through each support arm  56 . A single length of securing wire  25  is utilized to secure all of the support arms  56 . The proximal end of each support arm  56  includes a pair of opposing second wire apertures  58  which receive the securing wire  25  which is threaded therethrough and provides a hinging feature to the support arms  56 . The second wire apertures  58  are suitably sized to insertingly receive the securing wire  25 . The second wire aperture  58  can be lined with a plastic tubing to prohibit fraying of the securing wire  25 . The movable hub  51  is fabricated from materials which are similar to the fixed hub  21 . 
     Each support arm  56  has a generally rectangular cross section and is approximately twenty-three (23) inches in length. The support arms  56  are fabricated from a similar material as the arms  35 . The proximal end of each support arm  56  can be beveled to allow a free rotation within the support arm guides  52 . Each support arms  56  is pivotally attached to the distal end of a corresponding hanger arm  35  by a support arm pin  57 . The securing pin  57  allows the support arms  56  and hanger arms  35  to be concurrently positioned in the selected position. 
     The movable hub  51  is positionable at a selected height upon the post  15  by upward and downward sliding motion. The movable hub  51  is secured in the selected position by a pin  55  which is insertable within one of a plurality of post apertures  18 . The plurality of post apertures  18  includes pairs of parallel and adjacent through holes which are located on a side surface of the post  15  and are preferably four (4) inches apart. The first pair of apertures being approximately twelve (12) inches from the top of the post  15 . The pin  55  is attached to a free end of a chain  54 . The opposing end of the chain  54  is attached to the movable hub  51  by a third fastener  27   c.    
       FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of a bottom portion  60  of the apparatus  10  and  FIG. 9  shows a section view of the bottom portion  60 . The bottom portion  60  rests on a generally flat support surface and positions the post  15  in a vertical orientation. The bottom portion  60  also provides the apparatus  10  with the water flow  42 . The bottom portion  60  includes a cone-shaped base  61  which accepts a lower end of the post  15  and stabilizes the apparatus  10 . The base  61  measure approximately thirty-six (36) inches in diameter. The base  61  includes a base internal portion  62  which is filled with a weighted material  63  such as water, sand, or the like. The base  61  is filled with the weighted material  63  by removing a threaded base cap  64  from a filling aperture  65 . It can be appreciated that other methods of weighing-down the apparatus  10  or otherwise securing the base  61  to a floor or ground surface can be utilized without limiting the scope of the invention. 
     The post  15  is affixed or integrally molded within a generally central location of the base  61  to center and balance the apparatus  10  when the hanger arms  35  are deployed. Approximately fifteen (15) inches from the bottom of the post  15  is a water line aperture  19  which provides for access connection of the water line  66  to a water source, such as a faucet or spigot. The water line aperture  19  measures approximately one (1) inch in diameter. The water line  66  is optionally connected to a pressure regulator  67  and water filter  72 , if additional regulation and filtration is needed or where the manifold  30  does not provide adequate regulation or filtration. The water filter  72  prevents particulates and debris from clogging the ports  31 . Connected to the pressure regulator  67  is a delivery hose  71   a  which is removably attached to and is in fluid communication with a feed reservoir  68 . The feed reservoir  68  includes a storage container which can provide the vegetation bags  80  with additional powdered or liquid nutrients. Connected to the feed reservoir  68  is a valve outlet hose  71   b  which is removably attached to and is in fluid communication with a manual shutoff valve  69 . The manual shutoff valve  69  allows the user to cease water flow  42  into the apparatus  10 . The shutoff valve  69  is preferably a manually-operated two-way ball valve or similar fluid regulating mechanism. Connected to the shutoff valve  69  is a valve inlet hose  71   c  which is attached to and is in fluid communication with a hose connector  70 . The hose connector  70  interconnects the apparatus  10  to the water source. The hose connector  70  is depicted as also being connected to a hose timer  71   d , which can allow the user to preset a length time for which the automatic watering of the vegetation bags  80  will occur. Each hose  71   a ,  71   b ,  71   c  is preferably a vinyl hose with compatible end attachments to removably connect the various components. 
       FIG. 10  shows a perspective view of the vegetation bag  80 . The apparatus  10  can include a plurality of vegetation bags  80  or can be used with any similar hangable or suspendable growing containers. The vegetation bag  80  contains a plant along with the dirt needed for the plant to grow. Plants within the vegetation bag  80  grow upside down which promote growth and healthier fruits. The vegetation bag  80  includes an upper ring  84   a  and a lower ring  84   b  which create the supporting structure for the vegetation bag  80 . Connected between the rings  84   a ,  84   b  is an attached expandable bag  85  which is fabricated from an expandable plastic mesh material. An upper end of the vegetation bag  80  is open to allow placement of soil, plants, water, or the like and a bottom end is closed except for an intermediately positioned bag aperture  86  through which the plant can grow. A sponge  87  is placed on top of the plant and bag aperture  86  to assist in holding the plant in position and prevent the plant from falling through the bag aperture  86 . The vegetation bag  80  is suspended from the hooks  45  by a bag hook  81 . The bag hook  81  is integral to a swivel  82  which allows rotation of the vegetation bag  80 . The swivel  82  is connected to a plurality of suspending lines  83 , each of which is attached to the upper ring  84   a.    
     It can be appreciated by one skilled in the art that other styles and configurations of the invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present disclosure and only two (2) particular configurations have be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     In accordance with the invention, the preferred embodiment can be utilized by the user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it is installed and utilized as indicated in  FIGS. 1 through 8 . 
     The method of installing and utilizing the apparatus  10  can be achieved by performing a plurality of steps, including but not limited to the following. Acquiring the apparatus  10  and positioning the base portion  60  on a level surface. Sliding the movable hub  51  upwardly upon the post  15  to extend the hanger arms  35  and support arms  56  to the selected position. Inserting the pin  55  within an appropriate post aperture  18  to secure the movable hub  51  at the selected position. Routing the tie-down rope  76  upwardly to drape over a hook  45  on a selected hanger arm  35  and suspending the vegetation bag  80  from the tie-down hook  77 . Filling the vegetation bags  80 . Suspending the vegetation bags  80  upon the hook  45  when filling is complete. Wrapping the tie-down rope  76  on the tie-down  75  when utilization is completed. Connecting the hose timer  71   d  to the hose connector  70  and connecting the water source to the hose timer  71   d , thereby providing water flow  42  through the delivery hose  71   c , shutoff valve  69 , valve outlet hose  71   b , feed reservoir  68 , valve inlet hose  71   a , pressure regulator  67 , water filter  72 , water line  66 , and to the manifold  30 . Dispensing the water flow  42  through the hanger arms  35  and out of each drip valve  39  to water the plants within the vegetation bags  80 . 
     A method of disassembling and storing the apparatus  10  can be achieved by performing a plurality of steps including but not limited to the following. Removing the vegetation bags  80 . Removing the pin  55  from the post aperture  18  to lower the movable hub  51  and collapse the hanger arms  35  and support arms  56 . 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Various modifications and variations can be appreciated by one skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. The embodiments have been chosen and described in order to best explain the principles and practical application in accordance with the invention to enable those skilled in the art to best utilize the various embodiments with expected modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the invention.