Abstract:
A rotating base for house plant planters is herein disclosed, wherein said base slowly turns to complete a revolution within a pre-determined period, to urge the plant in the planter to grow in a vertical direction. The planter base is powered by a battery which is charged using a solar panel, thereby providing a completely self-contained and maintenance free rotating base and a light sensor causing rotation of the planter base only when light is present. The planter base is available in multiple sizes to fit all sizes of pots and planters.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/128,756, filed May 27, 2008, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to potted plant platforms, and more particularly, to an automatically rotating platform for potted plants. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Plants and flowers are a welcome addition to any décor. Their vibrant colors combined with their unique physical traits and pleasant aromas often form the centerpiece of a home or garden. As with most living things, plants and flowers require attentive care for them to achieve their full potential. This of course includes many tasks, such as pruning, feeding and watering. One (1) additional common task is the manual rotation of the plant on a daily basis to prevent the plant from becoming permanently skewed due to growing towards the light. This movement of plants toward the light is called phototropism and is especially prevalent in plants that only have sunlight available from a single window on the interior of a dwelling. Phototropism is the result of a plant hormone that botanists have named auxin. Auxin is present in all green plants and has the peculiar characteristic of always moving away from the lighted side to cells on the shaded side of the plant. High concentrations of auxin cause stem cells to grow more rapidly and elongate and its absence causes cells to grow more slowly and shorten. This causes a stem to grow unevenly, the side away from the light grows more rapidly than the side toward the light and as a result, the stem begins to bend. As the stem bends, the plant curves toward the light. Since the sun regulates the schedule of plant growth, even if the plants are rotated on a daily basis, they can still have a skewed look and achieve an unhealthy growth pattern. 
     Various attempts have been made in the past to overcome this problem and provide turntables and other rotating display platforms for plants and flowers. These attempts can be seen by reference to the following U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,885,117, issued in the name of Lemert, which describes a revolving plant rack; 3,360,885, issued in the name of St. Clair, which describes a potted plant rotator; 4,969,290, issued in the name of Skoretz, which describes an apparatus for even exposure of plants to sunlight; and 6,128,854, issued in the name of Chaney, which describes a potted plant turntable. Other attempts to provide rotating display platforms and care for potted plants include U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,479,618; 4,026,067; 4,051,627; 4,227,343; 5,152,099; 6,230,440; and 6,604,321. 
     Additionally, ornamental designs for rotatable plant stands exist, particularly, U.S. Pat. No. D 479,776. However, none of these designs are similar to the present invention. 
     While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives, each of these references suffers from one (1) or more of the deficiencies and disadvantages by failing to provide a practical and efficient means of automatically rotating a potted plant which doesn&#39;t require regular attention and maintenance to be effective. Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which house plants can be rotated on a continual basis to eliminate the tendency to grow towards the light. The development of the present invention substantially departs from the conventional solutions and in doing so fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing references, the inventor recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and observed that there is a need for a platform for potted plants that provides a means for automatically rotating the plant so sunlight is evenly distributed, thus reducing the uneven growth ordinarily seen in indoor plants while also providing a decorative display platform and as such, the object of the present invention is to provide for this need. 
     To achieve the above objectives, it is an object of the present invention to provide a rotating base for potted house plants that slowly turns, such that the plant will grow straight due to the fact that it receives consistent light over its stem portion and does not has a chance to grow towards the light. The rotating base provides a completely self-contained and maintenance free means of plant rotation that is only active when light is present. 
     Another object of the rotating base for potted house plants is to provide an apparatus comprising a base, a lower pedestal, an upper pedestal, a solar panel, a battery, a height adjustment mechanism, and an internal rotary drive mechanism. The base comprises a plurality of legs and provides a decorative enclosure to internal electrical and electronic components including the rechargeable battery and the slidingly received solar panel power cell. A plurality of specially-shaped apertures is located around the base and provides a means to project light from internal lamps. 
     Yet still another object of the rotating base for potted house plants is to provide a base that is in mechanical communication with a lower pedestal portion via an internal drive mechanism that provides a rotary motion to the lower pedestal. 
     Yet still another object of the rotating base for potted house plants is to provide a lower pedestal that is in mechanical communication with an upper pedestal via a height adjustment mechanism that provides a stable height adjustable and rotating resting surface to the potted plant. 
     Yet still another object of the rotating base for potted house plants is to provide a slidingly attached solar power panel comprising a horizontal slide mechanism which engages the base and provides a means of housing the solar panel within the base when not needed and deploying the solar panel outwardly from the base to increase the available sunlight which can be obstructed near the base due to the hanging foliage of the plant. 
     Yet still another object of the rotating base for potted house plants is to provide an apparatus comprising a control module, a light sensor, a switch, a motor, and a motor shaft. The control module provides an electronic control means to all functional components which enables either manual or continuous automatic operation. The photoelectric light sensor is mounted along an outer surface of the base and provides an input signal to the control module halting the rotary motion of the platform during evening hours to conserve battery life. The multi-position switch provides an “ON/OFF” function and a selection of other particular functions which dictates the mode of operation. 
     Yet another object of the rotating base for potted house plants is to provide an apparatus comprising a variable speed control mechanism that provides a means to regulate the speed of rotation to the pedestals. 
     Yet another object of the rotating base for potted house plants is to provide an apparatus that comprises various sizes in order to fit different common sizes of pots and planters. 
     Yet still another object of the rotating base for potted house plants is to provide a method of utilizing the device that enables completely straight plant growth without the manual turning of plants away from the light in a unique and novel and manner. 
     Further objects and advantages of the rotating base for potted house plants will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention 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 rotating platform for potted plants  10  depicting a lowered upper pedestal portion  30 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a cut-away view of a rotating platform for potted plants  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is an electrical block diagram of a rotating platform for potted plants  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a rotating platform for potted plants  10  depicting a raised upper pedestal portion  30 , according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective cut-away view of a rotating platform for potted plants  10 , according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a rotating platform for potted plants  10  depicting a speed control  48 , according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 10 
                 rotating platform for potted plants 
               
               
                 19 
                 illumination 
               
               
                 20 
                 base 
               
               
                 21 
                 first aperture 
               
               
                 22 
                 second aperture 
               
               
                 23 
                 battery compartment 
               
               
                  23a 
                 locking mechanism 
               
               
                 24 
                 leg 
               
               
                 25 
                 lower pedestal 
               
               
                 27 
                 fastener 
               
               
                 30 
                 upper pedestal 
               
               
                 35 
                 solar panel 
               
               
                 36 
                 slide mechanism 
               
               
                 37 
                 sliding motion 
               
               
                 38 
                 handle 
               
               
                 39 
                 foot 
               
               
                 40 
                 control module 
               
               
                 41 
                 sensor 
               
               
                 42 
                 wiring 
               
               
                 43 
                 lamp 
               
               
                 44 
                 motor 
               
               
                 45 
                 motor shaft 
               
               
                 46 
                 battery 
               
               
                 47 
                 switch 
               
               
                 48 
                 speed controller 
               
               
                 50 
                 height adjustment mechanism 
               
               
                 52 
                 height adjustment fastener 
               
               
                 54 
                 height adjustment fixed fastener 
               
               
                 60 
                 rotary motion 
               
               
                 100  
                 planter 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 3  and alternately within  FIGS. 4 through 6 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment, and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall 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. 
     The present invention describes a rotating platform for potted plants (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10 . The planter  100  slowly turns such that a complete revolution takes at least twelve (12) hours. In such a manner, the plant contained in the planter  100  is enticed to grow straight due to the fact it does not have a chance to grow in one (1) direction towards a light source. The apparatus  10  receives electrical power via a solar panel  35  and a rechargeable battery  46 . The apparatus  10  is provided in a completely self-contained and maintenance free form and only turns the planter  100  when light is present. Said apparatus  10  would be introduced in multiple sizes to fit different sizes of pots and planters  100 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of the apparatus  10  depicting a lowered upper pedestal portion  30 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises a base  20 , a lower pedestal  25 , an upper pedestal  30 , a solar panel  35 , and a slide  36 . The base  20  provides a decorative enclosure thereto electrical and electronic components contained therewithin. The base  20  comprises a vertical cylinder-shaped structure approximately eight (8) inches in diameter and eight (8) inches high; however, it is understood that the apparatus  10  may be provided in a variety of heights and diameters corresponding to different size planters  100  and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the apparatus  10 . The base  20  is fabricated from materials such as, but not limited to: sheet metal, molded plastic, or the like providing sturdy construction capable of supporting a weight of a planter  100  complete with soil, water, and expected vegetation. Furthermore, the base  20  is preferably introduced in a variety of decorative colors and patterns. 
     The base  20  further comprises a plurality of first apertures  21 , a battery compartment  23 , and a plurality of legs  24 . The first apertures  21  provide a means to project light  19  therefrom internal lamps  43  located in the base  20  thereonto walls or other surroundings via specific aperture shapes  21 . The apertures  21  comprise die-stamped shapes therein outer walls of the base  20 . The apertures  21  may take on any number of shapes based upon a user&#39;s preference such as, but not limited to: hearts (see  FIG. 4 ), alphanumeric characters, logos, animals, and the like. 
     The battery compartment  23  is illustrated here comprising an arcuate and flush-mount rectangular opening therealong a lower curved surface of the base  20  providing an access means thereto one (1) or more internal rechargeable batteries  46 ; however, the battery compartment  23  may be located at a number of positions thereupon the base  20 , such as a bottom surface, and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the apparatus  10  (see  FIG. 2 ). The battery compartment  23  also comprises a locking mechanism  23   a , thereby securing said battery compartment  23  therein a closed position. The locking mechanism  23   a  is illustrated here as a conventional screw-type lock, yet it is known that other locking devices may be incorporated without limiting the functions of the apparatus  10 . 
     The legs  24  comprise generally cylindrical plastic, metal, or wooden appendages extending therefrom the base  20  in a downward direction, thereby providing a stable and elevated contact therebetween the apparatus  10  and a flat surface such as, but not limited to: a tabletop, a desk area, or the like while being aesthetic in appearance. The legs  24  are securely affixed thereto a bottom surface of the base  20  using common fasteners or may also be integral thereto said base  20  being manufactured using processes such as injection-molding, welding, soldering, or the like. Furthermore, said legs  24  may be threadingly attached thereto the base  20  providing leveling or additional height adjustment means thereto the apparatus  10  upon a surface. 
     The base  20  is in mechanical communication therewith a lower pedestal portion  25  via internal drive mechanisms providing a rotary motion  60  thereto (see  FIG. 2 ). The lower pedestal  25  comprises a flat round platen having a similar diameter as the base  20  being approximately one-half (½) to one (1) inch thick. The lower pedestal  25  is in further mechanical communication therewith an upper pedestal  30  via a height adjustment mechanism  50  (see  FIG. 4 ). The upper pedestal  30  comprises a similar diameter and thickness as the lower pedestal  25  providing a stable height adjustable and rotating top surface thereto the planter  100 . The lower  25  and upper  30  pedestals are fabricated from rugged materials such as, but not limited to: plastic, metal, wood, or the like. 
     The base  20  further provides a sliding attachment means  37  thereto a solar panel  35  via a horizontal slide mechanism  36 . A distal portion of the solar panel  35  comprises a handle  38 , thereby providing a digit-operated gripping means to deploy said solar panel  35  from the base  20  by means of the sliding mechanism  36 . The handle  38  also prohibits the solar panel  35  from being inserted beyond a maximum depth, thereby engaging the surface of the base  20  when not operational. Said handle  38  is illustrated here as being an arcuate protrusion, yet other handles  38  may be provided without limiting the features of the apparatus  10 . The solar panel  35  is preferably a common photovoltaic panel approximately four (4) inches square; however, an actual size and number of solar panels  35  is to correspond to the specific electrical power requirements of internal electrical components (see  FIG. 2 ). Furthermore, a size of the solar panel  35  may vary based upon a particular size and model of the apparatus  10  and anticipated loading therefrom the planter  100 . The slide mechanism  36  provides a sliding extension  37  means thereto the solar panel  35  providing improved reception of light beyond hanging foliage therefrom the planter  100 . The slide  36  is illustrated here comprising a pair of parallel horizontal rods being directed toward a window or other light source; however, it is understood that the slide mechanism  36  may take on various forms and devices to improve light gathering capability and should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the apparatus  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a cut-away view of the apparatus  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises a fastener  27 , a pair of feet  39 , control module  40 , a light sensor  41 , interconnecting wiring  42 , a pair of lamps  43 , a motor  44 , a motor shaft  45 ; and one (1) or more rechargeable batteries  46 . A distal end portion of the slide mechanism  36  comprises a pair of feet  39 , thereby prohibiting the solar panel  35  from being completely removed from the base  20 . The feet  39  are integrally molded into the sliding mechanism  36  and allow wiring  42  to be inserted therein for controlling the solar panel  35  by means of the control module  40 . 
     The control module  40  provides an electronic control means thereto the apparatus  10  allowing manual or continuous automatic operation. The control module  40  comprises a standard miniature plastic housing further comprising microprocessor based circuits and components including devices such as, but not limited to: input/output circuits, embedded software, solid-state relays, and the like, capable of providing power and control thereto a motor  44  and two (2) or more lamps  43  via common interconnecting wiring  42 . Additionally, a photoelectric sensor  41  mounted along an outer surface of the base  20  provides an input signal thereto the control module  40 , thereby halting the motor  44  and corresponding rotary motion  60  thereto the planter  100  during evening hours to conserve battery life  46 . 
     A multi-position switch  47  provides an “ON/OFF” function as well as selection of particular functions of the apparatus  10 . The switch  47  comprises a multi-position slide-type device providing approximately three (3) positions based upon specific desired functions; however other switching and indicating devices may be provided such as, but not limited to: a rotary selector dial, indicator lamps, momentary contact buttons, an electronic display, or the like, and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the apparatus  10 . Said selected functions provide decorative and functional lighting  19  of a surrounding area via two (2) or more lamps  42  and a rotary motion  60  thereto the planter  100  via an internal direct current (DC) motor  44 . The lamps  43  comprise two (2) or more common incandescent or light-emitting diode (LED) type devices, yet other illuminating devices may be incorporated without limiting the functions of the apparatus  10 . The base  20  provides a replacement and access means thereto the lamps  43  along a bottom surface thereof using attachment means such as, but not limited to: locking flanges, bayonet mounts, threaded sockets, or the like, thereby allowing a user to easily install bulbs  43  having different characteristics such as, but not limited to: color, brightness, and the like, thereby creating various desired lighting effects  19 . 
     The motor  44  is a miniature direct current (DC) unit comprising an integral gear reducer capable of generating a rotary motion  60  thereto an output shaft  45  which in turn extends in an upward direction being in mechanical communication therewith the lower pedestal  25 . Said output shaft  45  is connected to the lower pedestal  25  therewith a fastener  27 , thereby securing the lower pedestal  25  to the shaft  45  and enabling rotation of said lower pedestal  25 . The fastener  27  is preferably a conventional washer, yet other fastening means may be provided without limiting the functions of the apparatus  10 . The motor system  44  is designed so as to result in one (1) revolution of the planter  100  approximately every twelve (12) hours, thereby resulting in a healthy plant growth pattern. 
     The battery compartment  23  provides a convenient access means thereto one (1) or more internal rechargeable batteries  46  which are capable of repeated cycling and being made using battery technologies such as, but not limited to: nickel cadmium (NiCd), nickel metal hydride (NiMH), lithium ion (Li-ion), or other current battery technologies. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , an electrical block diagram of the apparatus  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The base portion  20  of the apparatus  10  provides an attachment means thereto internal motion and controlling equipment providing automatic operation of the apparatus  10 . A current is supplied therefrom rechargeable batteries  46  thereto the microprocessor based control module  40 . The control module  40  provides intelligent management of input and output signals to initiate desired automatic functions. Particular input signals are conducted thereto said control module  40  via common copper wiring  42  including a selector switch  47 , thereby providing a mode selection means and a light sensor  41  to detect daylight hours. In turn, particular output currents are provided in response thereto embedded software therewithin the control module  40  thereto the motor  44  and lamps  43 . 
     The multi-position switch  47  provides selection of modes including, but not limited to: an “OFF” function to cut power thereto the motor  44  and lamps  43 , an “AUTO” function allowing continuous automatic operation of the motor portion  44  during daylight hours, and a “LIGHT” function which adds illuminated projection of light  19  therefrom internal lamps  43 . The rotary motion  60  of the planter  100  takes place exclusively during daylight hours as detected by the light sensor  41 . The light sensor  41  comprises a common photoelectric device capable of detecting ambient light and conducting an input signal thereto the control module  40  to initiate the motor function  44 . Additionally, the control module  40  provides a battery charging function by regulating a received electrical current therefrom the solar panel  35  thereto the rechargeable batteries  46 . Charging of said batteries  46  is on a continual basis whenever light is received by the solar panel  35 , regardless of selected functions. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a perspective view of the apparatus  10  depicting a raised upper pedestal portion  30  and  FIG. 5 , a perspective cut-away view of the apparatus  10 , according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The apparatus  10  may alternatively comprise a height adjustment mechanism  50 . The height adjustment mechanism  50  provides a means to adjust a gap therebetween the lower  25  and upper  30  pedestals to approximately two (2) to six (6) inches, thereby compensating for hanging foliage portions of a plant therewithin the planter  100  over a period of time. The height adjustable mechanism  50  is illustrated here being a sturdy threaded shaft being stationarily mounted or molded thereto the lower pedestal  25  therewith a height adjustment fixed fastener  54  and threadingly engaged therewithin the upper pedestal  30  therewith a height adjustment fastener  52 . The height adjustment fixed fastener  54  is preferably a conventional washer which is welded to the height adjustment mechanism  50  and the height adjustment fastener  52  is preferably a convention lock washer yet other fastening means may be incorporated without limiting the functions of the apparatus  10 . Manual rotation of the upper pedestal  30  in a counter-clockwise direction in relation thereto the lower pedestal  25  results in an elevation of said upper pedestal  30  and the accompanying planter  100  with regards to a tabletop surface or other supporting structure. It is understood however, that the height adjustment mechanism  50  may be introduced having various designs to provide a height adjustment function such as rotary friction devices, spring loaded pins, or the like, without deviating from the concept and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the apparatus  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a perspective view of the apparatus  10  depicting a speed control  48 , according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. Alternatively, the motor  44  may further comprise a variable speed controller  48  to set a particular upper pedestal  30  rotational speed. Preferably, the variable speed controller  48  would be located thereon the base  20  of the apparatus  10 , thereby supplying a digit-operated switching device, similar to the abovementioned switch  47 . Said speed controller  48  provides selection of modes including, but not limited to: a “LOW” function to slow the speed of the motor  44  and increasing to a “HIGH” function to intensify the speed of the motor  44 . Other similar settings may also be providing without limiting the functions of the apparatus  10 . 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
     The method of utilizing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: procuring a particular model of the apparatus  10  which is suitable to a particular weight and size of an anticipated planter  100  to be applied thereto the apparatus  10 ; installing lamps  43  having desired decorative lighting  19  such as those based upon color and brightness, if not previously installed; placing the apparatus  10  upon a flat surface such as a table, desk, or the like; positioning the apparatus  10  such that the solar panel  35  adjacent to a light source; slidably extending  37  the solar panel  35  using the panel slide mechanism  36 , as required; placing a planter  100  and occupying plant thereupon the upper pedestal  30 ; adjusting a height of the planter  100  by rotating the height adjustment mechanism  50 , as desired; charging the rechargeable batteries  46  by exposing the solar panel  35  to a light source for a period of time; selecting an “AUTO” mode thereupon the switch  47 , thereby initiating a rotary motion  60  thereto an occupying planter  100  during daylight hours as detected by the sensor  41 ; or selecting a “LIGHT” mode to additionally provide decorative lighting  19  thereto a surrounding area via the internal lamps  43  and the apertures  21 ,  22 ; sliding the speed controller  48  thereto increase or decrease the speed of the motor  44 , as desired; sliding the switch  47  to an “OFF” position to cease operation of the motor  44  and lamp  43  functions while allowing the batteries  46  to continue to charge; and, benefiting from improved plant health due to more uniform growth patterns resulting from the rotary motion  60  of the apparatus  10  as well as enjoying the decorative appearance and creative lighting effects afforded a user of the apparatus  10 . 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention 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. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various 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 present invention.