Abstract:
A planter receptacle for suspension from the railing of a deck, porch, or patio. The planter receptacle hangs from the railing top and at least partially enwraps the railing balusters to stabilize the planter receptacle. The position of the planter receptacle can be adjusted to accommodate the vertical height of flowers and plants, and improve viewing from both sides of the railing throughout the growing season. The planter receptacle can be constructed and finished to coordinate in appearance with the railing or the structure to which the railing is attached.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     This invention relates generally to receptacles for holding plants. In particular, the present invention relates to a planter receptacle that can be suspended from a deck or porch railing to hang below such railing at a variable height.  
         [0003]     2. Background of the Art  
         [0004]     Flowers and plants customarily are used to improve the aesthetic appeal and attractiveness of a home or yard. Outdoor flowers and plants, in particular, are susceptible to flourishing and beautifying a surrounding area when subjected to appropriate climatic conditions. With the popularity of plants for decorative and landscaping purposes, people often desire to use potted plants on outside decks, porches, and patios, including railing or fencing that may extend around their perimeter, and have a range of heights that varies.  
         [0005]     In urban environments, apartments often have small porches or balconies that residents use to relax outside, but there is little to no space to store chair cushions, magazines, or other items typically used thereon. Similarly, there is little space to place flowerpots or planters. Often, long narrow flowerpots are placed adjacent to the porch or balcony railing, or round pots are placed in corners to minimize the loss of space on the porch surface. However, planters and flowerpots placed on porch or balcony surfaces are less stable and more susceptible to tipping. They also create an obstruction and trap debris.  
         [0006]     One approach to resolving the space problem is to place flowerpots or planters on top of the railing. However, not all railings have flat caps that would be suitable for such placement, and this too poses stability issues, particularly given the likelihood of toppling from an elevated position with resultant damage to property. Accordingly, mounting planters on top of or alongside the top portion of a railing improves stability, as for example on the balconies of condominiums, on the porches of houses, on the decks of above-ground pools, and so on. Some examples are taught in U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,852,650; 4,559,738; 4,698,936; 5,240,214; and 5,269,095. However, fastening of this type obstructs with the ability to use a railing as a support for people to hold.  
         [0007]     To help overcome the limitations of using planters on balconies, porches, and decks, another common practice is to suspend a planter or flowerpot holder directly from the railing with a wire frame structure dimensioned to receive the entirety of the planter or flowerpot, and to hook at various points over the top of the railing. For instance, a prior railing hanger engages the upper edge of a railing or fence, and has a substantially vertical leg that extends downwardly along one side of the railing or fence, and supports a flowerpot at a desired height above the ground. The depending leg of the hanger, and the suspended flowerpot, rest against the railing or fence under the weight of the flowerpot and soil contained therein, such as shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,353,853; 1,955,476; and 4,059,248. Another railing hanger used to support a flowerpot or a planter from an upright support, such as a deck railing or a fence, is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,390,443 to Emalfarb et al. wherein a wire planter hanger suspends a planter in a fixed position from the top of a railing. However, railing tops often interfere with the view of flowers and plants in fixed hanger type planters. Further, a hanger type planter&#39;s fixed position prevents their accommodation of plant growth throughout the growing season.  
         [0008]     From the foregoing, it is apparent that there is a need for a planter receptacle that is cost effective and easy to install, that is of greater stability than prior known planters or flowerpot holders, that can be hung from a balcony, porch, or deck railing so as to minimize encroachment on useable surface space, and that provides for adjustable height of the planter receptacle to improve viewing and accommodate plant growth throughout the growing season.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0009]     The present invention provides a solution to the above and other problems by enabling a simply designed and affordable planter receptacle that provides easy access to growing plants while preserving deck or porch floor space.  
         [0010]     It is an object of the present invention to provide a planter receptacle that fits most deck and porch railings and picket fencing. It is a related object of the present invention to provide a planter receptacle that is attached to the railing or fence. It is a further related object of the present invention to provide a planter receptacle that, at least partially, wraps around the railing balusters for stability.  
         [0011]     It is another object of the invention to improve viewing of the planter receptacle, and its contained flowers or plants, from either side of the railing by providing convenient height adjustment functionality.  
         [0012]     It is another object of the present invention to provide a planter receptacle that complements the existing finish of a balcony, deck, porch, or patio railing or fence.  
         [0013]     This invention relates to a novel planter receptacle that can be attached to the railing. The planter receptacle hangs from the railing top and at least partially enwraps the railing balusters to stabilize the receptacle horizontally. The position of the planter receptacle can be readily adjusted vertically to improve viewing and accommodate the size of flowers and plants throughout the growing season.  
         [0014]     The planter receptacle disclosed herein can be elevated to a variable height below the top portion of the railing. Such planter receptacle may be made from a variety of materials, including wood, plastic, composite material, or metal to match existing railing materials. Moreover, such planter receptacle may be finished to match the railing on which it is installed, or the structure to which the railing is attached. The invention enables a planter receptacle for attachment to a railing that can be mass-produced and sold for a reasonable price, and that can be made or put in place by any skilled or semi-skilled person. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0015]     The above and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention are considered in more detail, in relation to the following description of embodiments thereof shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:  
         [0016]      FIG. 1  shows an illustration of a planter receptacle in perspective according to one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0017]      FIG. 2  shows a cutaway view of the planter receptacle of  FIG. 1 , along the line  2 - 2 , and a mounting assembly of the present invention;  
         [0018]      FIG. 3  shows a side elevational view of the planter receptacle of  FIG. 1 , with an alternate mounting assembly of the present invention;  
         [0019]      FIG. 4  shows the planter receptacle of the present invention, installed in an upper position;  
         [0020]      FIG. 5  shows the planter receptacle of the present invention, installed in a lower position;  
         [0021]      FIG. 6  shows the planter receptacle of  FIG. 1 , according to an alternate construction of the present invention;  
         [0022]      FIG. 7  shows an illustration of a planter receptacle in perspective according to one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0023]      FIG. 8  shows an illustration of a planter receptacle in perspective according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0024]      FIG. 9  shows the planter receptacle of  FIG. 8 , for describing additional features of the alternate embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0025]      FIG. 10  shows a bottom perspective view of the planter receptacle of  FIG. 9 ; and  
         [0026]      FIG. 11  shows the planter receptacle of  FIG. 8 , according to an alternate construction of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0027]     The invention summarized above and defined by the enumerated claims may be better understood by referring to the following description, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numbers are used for like parts. This description of an embodiment, set out below to enable one to build and use an implementation of the invention, is not intended to limit the enumerated claims, but to serve as a particular example thereof. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the conception and specific embodiments disclosed as a basis for modifying or designing other methods and systems for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent assemblies do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention in its broadest form.  
         [0028]     Referring to the drawings,  FIG. 1  shows a single-side planter receptacle according to a first embodiment of the present invention, indicated generally as  10 . Planter receptacle  10  forms an open top enclosure comprising a front wall  13 , an interior wall  25 , side walls  19 ,  20 , and a bottom wall  22  (best seen in  FIG. 2 ). An attached, adjacent second enclosure, also bounded on the side by side walls  19 ,  20 , is formed by interior wall  25  and a back wall  16 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , bottom wall  22  forms the underside of only the first enclosure, leaving a single planter receptacle enclosure section  28 , and an open guide channel enclosure section  31 . Such guide channel  31  is bounded on four sides by back wall  16 , a portion of side walls  19 ,  20 , and interior wall  25 . The top and bottom of guide channel  31  is open.  
         [0029]     Referring to  FIG. 2 , suspension mounting is achieved as each of side walls  19 ,  20  includes an eyebolt  34  disposed through such side walls  19 ,  20 . Eyebolt  34  is sized and configured such that the eye portion  37  is situated above such side walls  19 ,  20 , on the opposite side away from the bottom wall  22 , and a threaded portion  39  of such eyebolt  34  extends below the underside of said bottom wall  22 . Eyebolt  34  is securely attached to such side walls  19 ,  20  by suitable fasteners, such as nut  41  with washer  43 . The use of a nut and washer on a threaded eyebolt, or similar device, provides the ability to level the planter receptacle, with considerable precision, at any height selected. In an alternate embodiment, eyebolt  34  may be embedded into the top of side walls  19 ,  20  by suitable threaded engagement. Other means of attaching such eyebolt  34  are known in the art.  
         [0030]     In an alternate embodiment,  FIG. 3  shows a suspension mounting achieved using knotted or stopped cable length  141  together with vertically adjustable retainer slot bracket  143 . Bracket  143  presents a notch  145  sized and configured to hold a stop or knot, such as  146 , therein. Bracket  143  can be attached to side wall  20  by one or more screws  147 . Vertical slots  149  disposed in bracket  143  enable adjustment of the position of bracket  143  with respect to side wall  20 , and provide the ability to level the planter receptacle, with considerable precision, at any height selected. A similar arrangement for side wall  19  is understood. Other suspension methods, such as a thin rope and small pulleys, and other suspension materials, such as wire or readily bendable line, might also be used. Similarly, other mounting bracket types, such as a fixed non-adjustable bracket, may also be used.  
         [0031]      FIG. 4  illustrates a single-side embodiment of the present invention in a raised position. Planter receptacle  10  is suspended from the deck railing  45  by a pair of chains  48 ,  49  attached to eyebolt  34  using suitable means, such as an S hook  51  (best seen in  FIG. 2 ). Use of such chains  48 ,  49 , S hook  51 , and eyebolt  34  provides ‘elevator’ functionality that enables such planter receptacle  10  to be positioned at any height on railing  45  by moving the end of the S hook coupled to the chain to alternate link positions.  
         [0032]     The deck railing  45  is generally comprised of a top rail  54 , bottom rail  55 , and balusters  56 . Top rail  54  is sometimes covered by rail cap  57  substantially perpendicular to top rail  54 . Railing construction is generally known in the art. As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , chains  48 ,  49  are connected to the underside of rail cap  57 , or to top rail  54 , on the end opposite that coupled to planter receptacle  10 , using a suitable connecting means such as a hook or screw. This method is most suitable for wood and certain composite construction top rails. For alternate construction top rails (i.e., metal), chains  48 ,  49  might simply be looped around top rail  54  and joined together using suitable fastening means such as an S hook (not shown). Balusters  56  are bounded within guide channel  31  to provide horizontal stability for planter receptacle  10 . Such design is suitable for any vertical baluster railing, including railings for porches, decks, and patios, regardless of the railing composition material, and is also suitable for picket fencing. The design also permits the installation of multiple planter receptacles on the same suspension chains (stacking) for taller railings and picket fences.  
         [0033]      FIG. 5  illustrates the single-side embodiment of the present invention in a lowered position.  
         [0034]     An alternate embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 6 . Planter receptacle  10  forms an open top enclosure comprising a front wall  13 , a back wall  16 , side walls  19 ,  20 , and a bottom wall (not shown), leaving a receptacle enclosure section  28 . Each of side walls  19 ,  20  includes an eyebolt  34  securely attached to such side walls  19 ,  20  by suitable fasteners. Eyebolt  34  may be embedded into side walls  19 ,  20  by suitable threaded engagement. Other means of attaching such eyebolt  34 , or a similar device, are known in the art. A pair of baluster guide sleeves  61 ,  62  is attached to back wall  16  and each said baluster guide sleeve  61 ,  62  encircles a baluster  56 , to guide and provide horizontal stability for planter receptacle  10  while planter receptacle  10  is moved vertically to a hanging position along balusters  56 . Other guide devices may also be used, such as U-bolts, L-brackets, or similar assemblies.  
         [0035]      FIG. 7  shows a single-side planter receptacle according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the planter receptacle, indicated generally as  150  is formed as similar to the planter receptacle of  FIG. 1 , except that all wall height dimensions are diminished, and no bottom wall is used. Planter receptacle  150  forms a flowerpot support enclosure comprising a front wall  153 , an interior wall  155 , and side walls  157 ,  159 . An adjacent enclosure, also bounded on the side by side walls  157 ,  159 , is formed by interior wall  155  and a back wall  161 . There is no bottom wall, leaving a single flowerpot support enclosure section  164 , and an open guide channel enclosure section  166 . Such guide channel  166  is bounded on four sides by back wall  161 , a portion of side walls  157 ,  159 , and interior wall  155 . The top and bottom of guide channel  166  and the top and bottom of flowerpot support enclosure section  164  are open. One or more plant containers, such as flowerpots  71 ,  72 ,  73  that are sized and configured to prevent the flowerpots  71 ,  72 ,  73  from falling through such flowerpot support enclosure section  164  can be accommodated in said support enclosure section  164 . Each of side walls  157 ,  159  includes an eyebolt  168  securely attached to such side walls  157 ,  159  by suitable fasteners. Other suspension mounting methods are known in the art.  
         [0036]     Referring to  FIG. 8 , an alternate double-side embodiment of the present invention, indicated generally as  70 , is illustrated. Planter receptacle  70  includes two conjoined, open top enclosures: the first enclosure comprising a front wall  76 , a first interior wall  83 , side walls  79 ,  80 , and bottom wall  81  (best seen in  FIG. 10 ); the second enclosure comprising a second interior wall  85 , a back wall  73 , the same side walls  79 ,  80 , and bottom wall  82  (best seen in  FIG. 10 ). A third interior enclosure is partitioned by said first and second interior walls  83 ,  85  and a portion of side walls  79 ,  80 . The bottom walls  81 ,  82  form the undersides for only the first two described enclosures, leaving two receptacle enclosure sections  88 ,  89  and an open guide channel enclosure section  91 . Such guide channel  91  is bounded on four sides by a portion of side walls  79 ,  80 , and interior walls  83 ,  85 . The top and bottom of guide channel  91  is open. Each of side walls  79 ,  80  includes an eyebolt  94  securely attached to such side walls  79 ,  80  by suitable fasteners. Other suspension mounting methods are known in the art.  
         [0037]      FIGS. 9 and 10  show additional features of the double-side planter receptacle  70 . In  FIG. 9 , crosspieces  97 ,  98  can be attached to the top of interior walls  83 ,  85  using suitable fasteners, such as screws  99 . Such crosspieces  97 ,  98  restrict motion of planter receptacle  70  in windy conditions horizontally, in the direction transverse to such crosspieces (as indicated by arrows shown in  FIG. 9 ). The crosspieces  97 ,  98  can be attached in any desired position to accommodate variations in baluster placement.  
         [0038]     In  FIG. 10 , adjustable baluster baffles  101 ,  102  can be attached to the underside of bottom walls  81 ,  82  or interior walls  83 ,  85  using suitable fasteners, such as screws  111 , to enable a more stable fit when smaller diameter balusters are encountered. Such adjustable baluster baffles  101 ,  102  can slide in or out along slots  104 ,  105 ,  107 ,  108  to adjust the size of the enclosure for guide channel  91 . Screws  111  are tightened to secure the baffles. Such adjustable baluster baffles  101 ,  102  restrict motion of planter receptacle  70  in windy conditions horizontally, in the direction transverse to such baffles (as indicated by arrows shown in  FIG. 10 ). In the single-side embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , only one adjustable baluster baffle is necessary. Additionally, the crosspieces described with reference to  FIG. 9  can also be used for the single-side embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1 and 7 .  
         [0039]     In either the single-side embodiments of  FIGS. 1 and 7 , or the double-side embodiment of  FIG. 8 , the receptacle enclosure sections may be sized and configured to hold a plurality of standard flowerpots as inserts. Alternatively, in either the single-side embodiment of  FIG. 1 , or the double-side embodiment of  FIG. 8 , no flowerpots are necessary and appropriate planting material and plants can be placed directly within such receptacle enclosure sections. Holes may be provided in appropriate receptacle locations to provide drainage, or the bottom walls may be sloped to an open edge to provide drainage, as necessary. Furthermore, the receptacle enclosure section(s) may be any desired shape, or the receptacle enclosure section(s) may be modified to comprise a simplified flowerpot holder (as shown in  FIG. 7 ), or similar assembly. Placement of the eyebolts or brackets should be selected to the approximate center of the load placed within such receptacle enclosure section to evenly distribute the weight and enable easier adjustment of the height of the planter receptacle along the balusters.  
         [0040]     Referring to  FIG. 11 , an alternate double-side construction is shown. Planter receptacle  115  includes two separate, open top enclosures: a first enclosure comprising a front wall  121 , an interior wall  119 , side walls  123 ,  124 , and a bottom wall (not shown); and a second enclosure comprising an interior wall  131 , a back wall  132 , side walls  133 ,  134 , and another bottom wall (not shown). The two separate open top enclosures are joined by two plates  125 , leaving an open guide channel enclosure  128 . Such guide channel  128  is bounded on four sides by the plates  125 , and the first open top enclosure interior wall  119 , and the second open top enclosure interior wall  131 . With such a design, four suspension chains and four eyebolts  130  are used. Such eyebolts  130  are securely attached to side walls  123 ,  124  and  133 ,  134  by suitable fasteners. Other suspension mounting methods are known in the art. For example, a bracket assembly having an integral eyebolt or retainer slot can be used to replace plates  125 , thereby requiring only a single suspension chain or cable on each side. Alternatively, a short connector can connect the two eyebolts on each side, and then only a single suspension chain on each side would be required.  
         [0041]     The invention has been described with references to a preferred embodiment. While specific values, relationships, materials and steps have been set forth for purposes of describing concepts of the invention, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the basic concepts and operating principles of the invention as broadly described. It should be recognized that, in the light of the above teachings, those skilled in the art can modify those specifics without departing from the invention taught herein. Having now fully set forth the preferred embodiments and certain modifications of the concept underlying the present invention, various other embodiments as well as certain variations and modifications of the embodiments herein shown and described will obviously occur to those skilled in the art upon becoming familiar with such underlying concept. It is intended to include all such modifications, alternatives and other embodiments insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or equivalents thereof. It should be understood, therefore, that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically set forth herein. Consequently, the present embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.