Abstract:
A display structure convertible between use as for displaying plants and for storage. The display structure includes at least one display case that is pivotally mounted on said display structure to allow movement between a horizontal display use and a vertical storage use. A support bracket supports hanging baskets as well as holding a misting tube to water plants hanging from said support bracket. The display cases also include corner trim portions to protect the corners of the display case as well as preventing water leakage.

Description:
[0001]     This application is a continuation in part from Ser. No. 10/613,770 filed on Jul. 2, 2003. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF INVENTION  
       [0002]     Garden centers, nurseries, florists and other places where flowers, plants and trees are sold or displayed use display stands for the display of those plants. These display stands may be simply tables, but more often are designed not only to display the plants but to provide watering for those plants as well.  
         [0003]     One problem with the existing display stands is the bulk of the stands. Since access is normally provided on both sides of the display stands, these stands tend to take up considerable space. This is particularly a problem when the display stands are used for seasonal displays. Once the seasonal display is no longer needed, the space occupied by the display stands is wasted. Since space is typically at a premium, these display stands are an expense that must be borne by the center. Additionally, the empty display stands are unappealing. While the display stands may be used for other purposes, this use is typically inefficient.  
         [0004]     Many garden centers, nurseries, florists, etc. also use hanging displays to display their plants. Since display space is at a premium, it is often useful to combine the display stands and hanging displays.  
         [0005]     The display of plants requires frequent watering of these plants to maintain their appearance. Often, it is difficult to maintain a regular schedule of watering due to staffing, shifts, uneven temperature and humidity fluctuations and other problems. Further, hand watering of the plants is often uneven, not only in time but in amount as well. This can lead to deterioration of the plants. Automated watering systems have been used in the past, but these tend to be expensive and complicated to operate.  
         [0006]     Typical watering practices for display plants tends to be surface watering. Many plants prefer bottom watering as opposed to surface watering. The use of surface watering on such plants may not allow the appropriate water to the root structure of such plants. Also, some plants on the same display require less water than others.  
         [0007]     Self watering planters have been developed to address these issues. However, the typical self watering planter is designed for an individual plant, thus requiring special planters for each individual plant. This can be quite expensive for large displays. Also, this limits the choices available for the individual plants in regard to color, size, shape, etc. for the displays. The self watering planters must also be connected to a water supply, thus increasing the expense and limiting the arrangement of the display.  
         [0008]     A particular type of self watering planter has been developed to overcome some of these problems. This type of self watering planter is referred to as a capillary system. A capillary material, such as a spandex material, polyethylene or other materials that will wick moisture is placed on a table, bench or even in the bottom of a plant container. The end of the capillary material is dipped into a water trough or water supply to allow water to be wicked up next to the plant roots to supply water to the plant. Examples of these systems are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,189,834; 5,673,511; 5,839,659; and 6,079,156.  
         [0009]     A problem with systems such as these is that the water is wicked up unevenly. The water is immediately absorbed through capillary action by the material nearest the water supply, and less water is available at locations distant from the water supply. This leads to uneven water distribution among plants located on the capillary mat.  
         [0010]     Thus a need exists for a plant watering system for providing even distribution of water to plants on a display table or bench.  
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION  
       [0011]     The present invention provides solutions to these and other needs by providing a display structure for use in garden centers, nurseries as well as other retail centers. The display structure of the present invention is able to convert from use as an active display structure to a compact storage position.  
         [0012]     In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the display structure includes several display cases for displaying plants, flowers, and other items. The display cases are able to pivot from the horizontal display position to a vertical position for storage. This enables the space that was occupied by the display cases to be utilized for other floor displays, such as Christmas trees, or other seasonal displays. The display structures may also be stacked together for storage as well.  
         [0013]     In another embodiment of the present invention, the display structures provide an elongated bracket for supporting hanging plants. The bracket also includes clips for holding a misting tube for watering plants.  
         [0014]     In another embodiment of the present invention, the system provides a self watering system for display structures for plants. The system of the present invention provides a watering system for an attractive display for retail and wholesale sales of plants. The system of a preferred embodiment of the present invention allows plants to self water and maintain themselves without the intervention of workers.  
         [0015]     In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the system provides a display structure that self waters plants without the need of special plant containers. Ordinary plant containers of any size, shape and color may be used as long as they have a typical drain hole on the bottom or sides of the container. The plants may be moved or replaced without concern.  
         [0016]     The system of a preferred embodiment provides a self watering system that is clean and attractive and does not detract from the display of the plants. The self watering system is hidden and not visible to customers.  
         [0017]     The system of a preferred embodiment is simple and does not require expensive controls or equipment that would require constant maintenance. Once the system is setup, it is simple to maintain and only occasionally requires maintenance.  
         [0018]     The system of the preferred embodiment includes a watertight top on a display structure. A reservoir having a series of perforations forming a honeycomb pattern for holding water is placed in the top. A water supply pipe extends along one side of the top with perforations for providing water evenly across the reservoir. A capillary mat is placed over the reservoir for absorbing water from the reservoir. Plants are then placed on the capillary mat. The potting media absorbs water from the capillary mat as necessary and supplies the water to the plants root system.  
         [0019]     Water is supplied evenly to all parts of the capillary mat so that plants are able to self water without regard to their location on the display structure. The reservoir is able to support the capillary mat and plants without the capillary mat sitting in the water itself.  
         [0020]     In another embodiment of the present invention, the top includes corner trim members that provide waterproofing for the top. The corner trim also provides safety protection and aesthetic considerations as well.  
         [0021]     These and other features of the present invention are evident from the ensuing description of preferred embodiments and from the drawings. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
       [0022]      FIG. 1  illustrates a display structure for plants of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0023]      FIG. 2  illustrates an end view of the display structure of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0024]      FIG. 3  illustrates the pivoting display case of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0025]      FIG. 4  illustrates an end view of  FIG. 3 .  
         [0026]      FIG. 5  illustrates an end view of the display cases pivoted in a vertical orientation.  
         [0027]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of  FIG. 5 .  
         [0028]      FIG. 7  is another preferred embodiment of the display structure of the present invention.  
         [0029]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 7  with the display cases in a vertical orientation.  
         [0030]      FIG. 9  is a cut away view of the support bracket of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0031]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the support bracket of the embodiment of  FIG. 9 .  
         [0032]      FIG. 11  is an end view of the support bracket of the embodiment of  FIG. 9 .  
         [0033]      FIG. 12  is an end view of the support bracket system of the embodiment of  FIG. 9 .  
         [0034]      FIG. 13  is a preferred embodiment of a table watering system.  
         [0035]      FIG. 14  is a preferred embodiment of the capillary water system.  
         [0036]      FIG. 15  is a detail view of the embodiment of  FIG. 14 .  
         [0037]      FIG. 16  is another view of the embodiment of  FIG. 14 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0038]     The present invention provides a system for providing an attractive display for plants that also allows for the watering of plants in a clean environment through capillary action. It is to be expressly understood that the descriptive embodiments set forth herein are intended for explanatory purposes and is not intended to unduly limit the scope of the claimed inventions. Other embodiments and applications not described herein are considered to be within the scope of the invention. It is also to be expressly understood that while specific embodiments for the components of the system are discussed, other equivalents to these embodiments that perform substantially similar functions are within the scope of the claimed inventions.  
         [0039]     A preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS.  1   5 . The display stand  10  of this embodiment includes a rigid frame  20  having vertical members  22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28  mounted on a lower base stand  30 . Lower base stand includes cross members  32 ,  34  and vertical base members  36 ,  38 ,  40 ,  42 ,  44 ,  46 . Angled support members  48 ,  50 ,  52 ,  54  also secure vertical members  22   28  to lower base stand  30 . Cross members  60 ,  62 ,  64 ,  66  also support vertical members  22   28 .  
         [0040]     Display cases  70 ,  72  are secured to the lower base stand  30  by pivotal attachment mechanism  74 ,  76 ,  78 ,  80 . These pivotal attachment mechanisms may include bolt and nut attachments, rivets, or any other mechanism that will secure the display cases to the lower base stand while allowing for pivoting movement of the display cases relative to the lower base stand. Detent mechanisms are provided on the lower base unit to hold the display cases  70 ,  72  in place relative to the lower base unit when in the horizontal position.  
         [0041]     Display case  82  is also secured to the cross members  60 ,  62  by pivot attachment mechanisms  84 ,  86 . The display case is thus secured to the display stand while pivotal relative to the cross members. A detent mechanism is also provided to secure the display case  82  in place relative to the display stand when the display case is in the horizontal position.  
         [0042]     In this preferred embodiment, structure members  90 ,  92  and  94 ,  96  are secured to the upper end of the display stand on the vertical members  22   28 . Hanging plants may be mounted from these structure members or display cases may be mounted to these structure members. In this embodiment, the structure members or display cases are mourned permanently at an angle, although in other embodiments, the tops may be pivotally mounted as well.  
         [0043]     In use, the display stand  10  is set up as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Since many of the plant displays are seasonal, the stand is not always needed. In that situation, the display cases  70 ,  72 , and  82  are simply rotated upwards toward the center of the display stand, as shown in FIGS.  3   6 . Once the display cases are perpendicular to the ground, as shown in  FIG. 5 , additional space is freed to allow the display stands to be stored away, or other displays placed where the display cases had been formerly.  
         [0044]     Another feature in a preferred embodiment of the present invention is the ability to attach additional display stands to one another. As shown in  FIG. 7 , display stand  100  is attached integrally to display stand  10 . Display case  182  is pivotally secured between vertical members  28 ,  30  of display stand  10  and vertical members  120 ,  122 . Similarly, lower display cases  170 ,  172  are pivotally attached to lower base unit vertical members  42 ,  44 ,  46  and lower base unit vertical members  142 ,  144 ,  146 . The upper structure members or display cases  190 ,  192  are secured between the upper end of vertical members  28 ,  30  and vertical members  128 ,  130 .  
         [0045]     The display cases  170 ,  172 ,  182  are able to pivot into a vertical orientation in a manner similar to display cases  70 ,  72 ,  82 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , the display cases  70 ,  72 ,  82 ,  170 ,  172 ,  182  are pivoted vertically upward when they are no longer needed. This provides additional space for other displays or for storage.  
         [0046]     Another feature of another preferred embodiment of the present invention is the misting hanging bracket  200 , shown in  FIGS. 2, 4 ,  5 ,  9 ,  10  and  11 . The bracket  200 , as shown in greater detail in  FIGS. 9-11 , includes an extruded aluminum elongated section  202 . The bracket  200  is open on the lower end  204  to allow access to clip members  206 ,  208  formed on the inside upper portion of the bracket. The clip members  206 ,  208  are spaced apart sufficiently to receive a misting tube (not shown). The misting tube  220 , as is well known in plant and produce displays, includes a series of spaced perforations that are sized to cause water under pressure to mist over the displays. The resilient nature of the misting tube interact with the clip members to secure the misting tube in the bracket, or the clip members may be slightly angled inward to secure the misting tube.  
         [0047]     The upper outside portion  210  of the bracket  200  provides a support for hanging plants, as shown in  FIG. 11 . The structural integrity of the bracket  200  is able to carry the weight of a plurality of hanging baskets filled with plants. The misting action from the misting tube provides water and humidity for the plants that are hung from the support bracket  200 .  
         [0048]     It is to be expressly understood that the support bracket has utility separately from the above described embodiments of display stands as well as the below described watering system. It may be used alone or in combination with other display mechanisms.  
         [0049]     In this preferred embodiment, the bracket  200  is attached to the lower or side surface of a display case, such as display cases  90 ,  92 . This allows the support bracket to support a number of hanging baskets, providing misting and watering to those plants as well as providing misting to plants on the display cases  70 ,  72  and  82 . The angled surfaces  212 ,  214  and the flat upper surface on the outer surfaces of the bracket provide mounting surfaces onto the lower surface of the display cases  90 ,  92  or underneath cabinets, produce displays or many other structures.  
         [0050]     Another preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS.  12   13 . The watering system  310  is incorporated into a table or bench  312 . The table  312  can be used as a stand alone display or connected to other tables, such as tables  314 ,  316 . Also, additional tables can be interconnected end to end as well to create a level or tiered display.  
         [0051]     The table  312  includes top  320  with an under carriage of legs  322 ,  324 ,  326 ,  328  to support the top. It is to be expressly understood that other shapes, sizes and configurations of tables, benches and tops can be used under the presently claimed invention. The top  320  includes a perimeter rail  330  that is watertight at the corners. The top  320  also includes a bottom  332  that is connected to the perimeter rail in a watertight connection. In this preferred embodiment, the top  320  is formed from aluminum with welded connections, but other materials and connections could be used as well, including but not limited to plastic, wood, or any other suitable material.  
         [0052]     In an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 15 , the top  320  includes a waterproof corner trim  400 , formed from polyvinyl chloride, plastic, rubber or any other waterproof material, preferably in molded form. This corner trim  400  guards against leaking at the corner of the top as well as providing an aesthetic cover over the welded, riveted, molded, stamped or otherwise formed corner portion of the top. The corner trim  400  also provides protection from accidental scraping against any sharp or rough edges on the top.  
         [0053]     Reservoir  340 , shown in  FIGS. 13, 14  and  15  is placed on the bottom surface  332  of the top  320  between the perimeter rails  330 . The reservoir  340  includes a perforated material formed of a honeycomb material, such as plastic, rubber, metallic or any other suitable material. The perforations  342  or honeycombs are evenly spaced across the top of the table. The perforations may be cylindrical, or in one preferred embodiment includes one or more layers of a mesh material. This minimizes stagnation and pollution of water that may be in the reservoir for some time.  
         [0054]     It is to be expressly understood that the reservoir could also include other water containing mechanisms, such as horizontal channels, or even a sponge like material that is firm enough to support the capillary mat and plants contained thereon.  
         [0055]     Supply pipe  344  extends across one side of the top  320  and is connected  346  through either the undersurface, side or over the rails  30  of the top to a water source. The supply pipe  344  includes a series of evenly spaced perforations  48 . In this preferred embodiment, the top  320  also includes stand pipes  350  in opposing corners of the top  320  to prevent overfilling of the top  320 .  
         [0056]     The water supply pipe  342  can be connected to a water hose or plumbed to a permanent connection. The water supply pipe  42  can also be interconnected to water supply pipes on additional display tables as well.  
         [0057]     Capillary mat  360  is placed over the honeycomb reservoir  340 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . In the preferred embodiment, capillary mat is formed from a woven barrier fabric that will wick water and other fluids evenly upward from the honeycomb reservoir. It is to be expressly understood that other materials may be used as well, including spandex, polyethylene and other woven or materials that are suitable for wicking water. Also, mesh material may be used that is resistant to organic growth to minimize contamination, bacteria, fungus or other organic growth that may result from standing water and from the plants.  
         [0058]     In use, plants in containers filled with potting media, soil or other organic bases are placed on the capillary mat  350 . Water is provided through the supply pipe  342 . The water flows through the perforations  348  evenly into the reservoir  340  until the reservoir is filled with water. The capillary mat absorbs the water until it is saturated. The potting media in the plant container absorbs the water through existing drain holes in the plant container to make it available to plant roots. This constant source of water allows the plant to self water for days without the need to refill the reservoir or the need for special attention as normal plant watering requires.  
         [0059]     The reservoir  340  provides water uniformly across the capillary mat so that all plants on the top  20  are able to have a uniform source of water. The reservoir also keeps the capillary mat from sitting directly in the water.  
         [0060]     The reservoir may be filled either until water spills into the stand pipes, a preset amount of time or a timer or fill control mechanism may be used to provide automatic watering.  
         [0061]     The use of the system of the present invention enables the plants to be self watering in an attractive and clean environment. There is no need for special containers or special equipment beyond the system as discussed above. The system allows plants to be displayed in an attractive manner in a healthy environment without the constant intervention of workers.  
         [0062]     It is to be expressly understood that other embodiments of the present invention are included in the claims. The above explanatory embodiments are provided for descriptive purposes only.