Patent Publication Number: US-2011056131-A1

Title: Self-orientating plant pot and tray system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation-in-part of, and claims the benefit of priority to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/148,348, filed Apr. 18, 2008, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to plant pots and trays, and, more particularly, to a plant pot and tray system for positioning plant pots in a desired orientation. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     It is common for a plant pot to be provided with a plant tag to identify the plant in the pot. The tag may be positioned in the soil in the pot or in a slot in the pot such that the plant pot, when rotated between various orientations, would provide different views of the plant tag at different angles. While having a choice of multiple views can be advantageous, it is not uncommon for a plant pot to be displayed in a desired orientation at the point-of-sale, such that the tags are facing in the same direction and easily viewed. However, the desired orientation of the plant pot is vulnerable to altercations, such as when a customer at the point-of-sale inadvertently “bumps” into the plant pot or when the pot is placed in the tray at an angle. What is needed in the art is a plant pot and tray system that overcomes these and other disadvantages and shortcomings of the prior art. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention overcomes the disadvantages and shortcomings of the prior art by providing a self-orientating plant pot and tray system in which an interference fit is provided for inhibiting rotation of a plant pot when positioned in a tray therefor. 
     In a first aspect, the self-orientating plant pot and tray system includes a plant pot that has a drain opening and a top with a first substantially elliptical cross-section. A tray is also provided, which has a receiving area for securingly receiving the plant pot into a desired orientation. The receiving area includes a depression having a chamber of a second substantially elliptical cross-section that corresponds to the first substantially elliptical cross-section, such that the depression is configured to mate with the top of the pot to inhibit rotation of the plant pot. 
     In a second aspect, the self-orientating plant pot and tray system additionally or alternatively has a first tapering substantially elliptical cross-section. A tray is provided with the receiving area, which can include a receptacle defining a chamber of a second tapering substantially elliptical cross-section that corresponds to the first tapering substantially elliptical cross-section, such that the receptacle is configured to mate with a body of the plant pot to inhibit rotation thereof. 
     As shown and herein discussed, however, it is contemplated that a self-orientating system can be provided with both aspects, e.g., with a mating top and depression, as well as with a mating body and receptacle. Additional features, functions and benefits of the disclosed self-orientating plant pot and tray system will be apparent from the detailed description which follows, particularly when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description of exemplary embodiment(s) considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective exploded view showing a self-orientating plant pot and tray system constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, said plant pot and tray system being shown to include a plurality of plant pots and a tray having a plurality of receiving areas for the plant pots; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective assembly view of the plant pot and tray system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a top plan view of the plant pot and tray system of  FIGS. 1-2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom plan view of the plant pot and tray system of  FIGS. 1-3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a front elevational view of the plant pot and tray system of  FIGS. 1-4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a left side elevational view of the plant pot and tray system of  FIGS. 1-5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a top plan view of the tray of  FIGS. 1-6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a bottom plan view of the tray of  FIGS. 1-7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a front elevational view of one of the plurality of plant pots of  FIGS. 1-6 , a rear elevational view being identical thereto; 
         FIG. 10  is a left side elevational view of the one of the plurality of plant pots of  FIG. 9 , a right side elevational view being identical thereto; 
         FIG. 11  is a top plan view of the one of the plurality of plant pots of  FIGS. 1-6  and  9 - 10 ; 
         FIG. 12A  is a cross-sectional view showing one of the plurality of receiving areas mating with one of the plurality of plant pots, the cross-section having been taken along section line  12 A- 12 A of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 12B  is a cross-sectional view similar to  FIG. 12A , but with the plant pot having been omitted; 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view showing a depression of one of the plurality of receiving areas mating with a top of one of the plurality of plant pots, the cross-section having been taken along section line  13 - 13  of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view showing a receptacle of one of the plurality of receiving areas mating with a pot body of one of the plurality of plant pots, the cross-section having been taken along section line  14 - 14  of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 15  is another cross-sectional view showing the receptacle mating with the pot body, the cross-section having been taken along section line  15 - 15  of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view showing a plant pot and tray system constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view showing a plant pot and tray system constructed in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 18  is a front perspective exploded view showing a plant pot and tray system constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a rear perspective exploded view of the system of  FIG. 18  being substantially identical thereto; and 
         FIG. 19  is a front perspective assembly view of the system of  FIG. 18 , a rear perspective assembly view of the system of  FIG. 19  being substantially identical thereto. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-6 , a self-orientating plant pot and tray system  10  is shown constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention. The self-orientating system  10  includes a tray  12  and a plurality of plant pots  14   a - f  received by the tray  12 . Each of the tray  12  and the plant pots  14   a - f  shall be discussed below in further detail. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-8 , the tray  12  is formed of any material suitable for securingly receiving the plant pots  14   a - f  as herein described, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and/or another plastic or polymer such as those commonly used to make planting pots and trays therefore. As the tray  12  may be rested upon an environmental surface, such as shelf, the material is preferably of a strength to provide structural support to the self-orientating system  10 . 
     The tray  12  includes a tray body  16  having a first tray side  18  and a second tray side  20  generally opposite thereto. The shape, dimensions, etc. of the tray body  16  can be selected in accordance with aesthetic considefrations. In this regard, design of the tray body  16  can include, for example, a generally rectangular shape where the first and second sides  18 ,  20  are each generally planar and parallel to the other. 
     The tray  16  further includes a plurality of receiving areas  22   a - f  for securingly receiving one of the plant pots  14   a - f  into to a desired orientation, such as by virtue of a downward gravitational force and an interference fit between one of the plant pots  14   a - f  and a corresponding one of the receiving areas  22   a - f . It shall be understood that the tray  12  can include any suitable number of receiving areas  22   a - f  selected in accordance with aesthetic considerations, and that the position along the tray body  16  of one of the receiving areas  22   a - f  relative to another one of the receiving areas  22   a - f  can also be selected in accordance with aesthetic considerations. An exemplary discussion of the receiving area  22   a  of the tray  12  shall now be provided with further detail, though it shall be understood that such discussion is equally applicable to the receiving areas  22   b - f.    
     Referring to  FIGS. 7-8  and  15 , the receiving area  22   a  is shown to include both a depression  24  and a receptacle  26 , each for mating with the pot  14   a . It is contemplated, however, that the receiving area  22   a  can include the depression  24  and/or the receptacle  26 . Each of the depression  24  and the receptacle  26  shall be discussed below in turn. The receiving area  22   a  is preferably orientated about a central axis A ra . 
     The depression  24  includes a substantially elliptical wall  28  extending from the first tray side  18  toward the second tray side  20  and further includes a substantially elliptical ledge  30  spaced apart from the first tray side  18  by the substantially elliptical wall  28 . The substantially elliptical wall  28  and the substantially elliptical ledge  30  define in the depression  24  of the receiving area  22   a  a chamber, which is referenced herein as an upper chamber  32 , and which will be discussed further below in connection with the plant pot  14   a . The depression  24  has a substantially elliptical cross-section. Such substantially elliptical cross-section is preferably continuous along at least a part of an elevation E D  of the depression  24  of the receiving area  22   a , and, more preferably, along the entirety of the elevation E D  of the depression  24  of the receiving area  22   a.    
     The receptacle  26  includes a sidewall  34  and chamber defined thereby, which is referenced herein as a body chamber  36 , and which will be discussed further below in connection with the plant pot  14   a . As shown, the sidewall  34  includes an outer surface  38  extending from the second tray side  20  and an inner surface  40  extending from the substantially elliptical ledge  30 , such that the receptacle  26  can be characterized as being a substantially hollow “leg” of the tray  12 . Embodiments of the invention are contemplated where the inner surface  40  of the receptacle  26   a  can extend directly from the first tray side  18 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 14 , the receptacle  26 , the sidewall  34 , the body chamber  36 , etc. can be provided with a substantially elliptical cross-section. The substantially elliptical cross-section is preferably continuous along at least a part of an elevation E R  of the receptacle  26  of the receiving area  22   a , and, more preferably, along the entirety of the elevation E R  of the receptacle  26  of the receiving area  22   a.    
     More particularly, and referring to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , the substantially elliptical cross-section of the receptacle  26 , the sidewall  34 , the body chamber  36 , etc. preferably comprise a tapering substantially elliptical cross-section. For example, the cross-section along section line  14 - 14  of  FIG. 5  ( FIG. 14 ) is of a first area REC 1  and the cross-section along section line  15 - 15  of  FIG. 5  ( FIG. 15 ) is of a second area REC 2  less than the first area REC 1 . The tapering substantially elliptical cross-section is preferably continuous along at least a part of the elevation E R  of the receptacle  26  of the receiving area  22   a , and, more preferably, along the entirety of the elevation E R  of the receptacle  26  of the receiving area  22   a . In this regard, the receptacle  26  preferably has the shape of a conventional frustum, but with a tapering substantially elliptical cross-section along an elevation thereof. As shown, the receptacle  26  is tapered in a direction opposite the tray body  16 . 
     An advantage of the substantially elliptical cross-section(s) of the receptacle  26  is that such cross-section is non-circular (at least in part) and thus inhibits rotation of the plant pot  14   a  about the axis A RA  when received into the receiving area. In this regard, the term “substantially elliptical cross-section” should be construed as including a cross-section having any suitable shape, so long as such shape comprises, consists, and/or consists essentially of curves not substantially forming a circle. Naturally, the absence of a circular perimeter is not required at all elevations along the receiving area  22   a , because some absence only of a circular perimeter about the axis A RA  would effect the purpose of inhibiting rotation about the axis A RA . Notwithstanding, it is contemplated that a cross-section having a perimeter consisting essentially of curves not forming a circle can extend continuously along the elevation E L , for example, and that such perimeter can be continuously tapered along the elevation E L , for example. 
     The receptacle  26  is provided with a tray bottom surface  42  configured to support the tray  12  when rested upon an environmental structure. As shown, the tray bottom surface  42  is provided as a substantially-elliptical end wall extending inwardly from the sidewall  34 . The tray bottom surface  42  is preferably provided with an opening extending therethrough, which is referenced herein as a tray drain opening  44 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-6  and  9 - 15 , the self-orientating system  10  includes the plurality of plant pots  14   a - f . An exemplary discussion of the plant pot  14   a  shall now be provided with further detail, though it shall be understood that such discussion is equally applicable to the plant pots  14   b - f . Furthermore, while exemplary discussion is further provided below with regards to the interaction and relationships between the plant pot  14   a  and the receiving area  22   a , it shall be understood that such discussion is equally applicable with regards to the respective interactions and relationships between the plant pots  14   b - f  and the receiving areas  22   b - f  corresponding thereto. It shall be further understood that the present invention is not limited to a self-orientating system having each one of the plant pots thereof identical to each other one of the plant pots thereof. 
     Continuing with reference to  FIGS. 1-6  and  9 - 15 , the plant pot  14   a  is provided with a top  46 , a flange  48  extending outwardly from a first end of said top  48  (not designated), and a pot body  50  extending from a second end of said top  46  opposite said first end (not designated). The plant pot  14   a  defines a chamber therein (not designated), which is configured to receive soil, plants, flowers, etc. The plant pot  14   a  can include a pot bottom wall  52  extending inwardly from an end of said pot body  50  opposite said top  46 , and a drain opening  54  is defined in the plant pot  14   a , preferably through the pot bottom wall  52  in communication with the chamber within the plant pot  14   a.    
     The top  46  includes an outer surface, which is referenced herein as a top outer surface  56 , and a bottom surface, which is referenced herein as a top lower surface  58 . The top  46  preferably has a substantially elliptical cross-section, and, in this regard, each of the top outer surface  56  and the top lower surface  58  preferably has a substantially elliptical shape, e.g., at least a substantially elliptical perimeter. Such substantially elliptical cross-section is preferably continuous along at least a part of an elevation (not designated) of the top  46 , and, more preferably, along an entire elevation (not designated) of the top  46 . The cross-section of the top  46  preferably corresponds to the cross-section of the depression  24 , such that the top  46  is configured to mate with the depression  24  by being received into the upper chamber  32 . In use, e.g., when the self-orientating system  10  is provided in assembled form, the top  46  mates with the upper chamber  32 . The downward gravitational force seats the top lower surface  58  upon the substantially elliptical ledge  30 . Moreover, the top outer surface  56  and the substantially elliptical wall  28  form an interference fit, thereby preventing rotation of the plant pot  14   a  about the axis A RA . The flange  48  is configured to be seated upon the first tray side  18  by virtue of the downward gravitational force, and, when the self-orientating system  10  is assembled. 
     Referring to FIGS.  4  and  12 A- 15 , the pot body  50  has an outer surface, referenced herein as a body outer surface  60 , which is configured, such that, when the pot  14   a  is assembled with the tray  12 , the body outer surface  60  faces the inner surface  40  of the receptacle  26 . The pot body  50  preferably has a substantially elliptical cross-section and is sized, shaped, and dimensioned to mate with the body chamber  36 . The substantially elliptical cross-section of the pot body  50  is preferably continuous along at least a part of an elevation of the pot body  50  (not designated), and, more preferably, along the entirety of the elevation of the pot body  50 . 
     More particularly, the pot body  50  can be provided with a tapering substantially elliptical cross-section. For example, the cross-section along section line  14 - 14  of  FIG. 5  ( FIG. 14 ) is of a first area POT 1  and the cross-section along section line  15 - 15  of  FIG. 5  ( FIG. 15 ) is of a second area POT 2  less than the first area POT 1 . Such tapering substantially elliptical cross-section is preferably continuous along at least a part of the elevation of the pot body  50 , and, more preferably, along the entirety of the elevation of the pot body  50 . In this regard, the pot body  50  preferably has a shape of a conventional frustum, but with a substantially-elliptical cross-section at the points along an elevation thereof. As shown, the pot body  50  is tapered in a direction opposite the top  46 . 
     Similar to the above discussion concerning the receiving area  22   a  of the tray  12 , the term “substantially elliptical cross-section,” when used to describe the plant pot  14   a , should be construed as comprising a cross-section having any shape, so long as such shape includes curves not substantially forming a circle. The substantially elliptical cross-sections can include any suitable shape comprising, consisting, and/or consisting essentially of curves not substantially forming a circle, such that, when the self-orientating system  10  is assembled, the plant pot  14   a  is inhibited from rotation about the axis A RA  by virtue of an interference fit with the receiving area  22   a.    
     Referring to  FIG. 16 , a self-orientating system  110  is shown constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. Elements illustrated in  FIG. 16  which correspond substantially to the elements described above with reference to  FIGS. 1-15  have been designated by corresponding reference numerals increased by one hundred. The embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 16  is constructed and used in manners consistent with the foregoing description of the self-orientating system  10  shown in  FIGS. 1-15 , unless it is stated otherwise. 
     Continuing with reference to  FIG. 16 , the self-orientating system  110  can be provided with a tray  112  having a tray body  116  and a plurality of receiving areas, such as receiving area  122   a . A plurality of pots can be provided, such as the plant pot  114   a  shown, which has a top  146 , a flange  148 , and a pot body  150 . The receiving area  122   a  includes a receptacle  126  that extends from a first tray side  118  partially toward a second tray side  120  to define a body chamber. The receptacle  126  (and the body chamber) of the receiving area  122   a  has a substantially elliptical cross-section, and the bottommost area of the plant body  150  has a substantially elliptical cross-section configured to mate with the body chamber of the receptacle  126  of the receiving area  122   a . In this regard, the plant pot  114   a  is configured to sit atop the tray  112  and partially within the receptacle  126  of the receiving area  122   a , so as to securingly align the plant pot  114   a  with respect to the tray  112 . The top  146  and the flange  148  can have any suitable cross-section shape, including a circular cross-section. 
     Referring to  FIG. 17 , a self-orientating system  210  is shown constructed in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. Elements illustrated in  FIG. 17  which correspond substantially to the elements described above with reference to  FIGS. 1-15  have been designated by corresponding reference numerals increased by two hundred. The embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 17  is constructed and used in manners consistent with the foregoing description of the self-orientating system  10  shown in  FIGS. 1-15 , unless it is stated otherwise. 
     Continuing with reference to  FIG. 17 , the self-orientating system  210  can be provided with a tray  212  having a tray body  216  and a plurality of receiving areas, such as a receiving area  222   a . The tray  212  is provided with a plurality of legs  262  for spacing the tray body  216  apart from an environmental surface upon which the legs  262  rest. To provide additional structural support, the tray  212  can be provided with braces  264  each extending from one of the legs  262  to another one of the legs  262  adjacent thereto. A plurality of pots can be provided, such as the plant pot  214   a  shown, which has a top  246 , a flange  248 , and a pot body  250 . The receiving area  222   a  includes a depression  224  that extends between a first tray side  218  and a second tray side  220 . The plant pot  214   a  is configured, such that the pot body  250  extends through and under the tray body  216 , while the plant pot  214   a  is supported by the depression  224 , which seats the top  248 . The depression  224  of the receiving area  222   a  has a substantially elliptical cross-section, and the top  246  has a substantially elliptical cross-section configured to mate therewith so as to securingly align the plant pot  214   a  in a desired orientation. The pot body  250  can have any suitable cross-section shape, including a circular cross-section. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 18 and 19 , a self-orientating system  310  is shown constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Elements illustrated in  FIGS. 18 and 19  which correspond substantially to the elements described above with reference to  FIGS. 1-15  have been designated by corresponding reference numerals increased by three hundred. The embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIGS. 18 and 19  is constructed and used in manners consistent with the foregoing description of the self-orientating system  10  shown in  FIGS. 1-15 , unless it is stated otherwise. 
     Continuing with reference to  FIGS. 18 and 19 , the self-orientating system  310  can be provided with a tray  312  having a plurality of receiving areas  322 . Each one of the receiving areas  322  is provided with a tray bottom surface  342  configured to support the tray  312  when rested upon an environmental structure, such as a solid shelf, for example. 
     Each one of the receiving areas  322  preferably has a substantially elliptical cross-section. As is shown in the embodiments of  FIGS. 1-17 , the embodiment of  FIGS. 18-19  is shown with the major axis of each one of the receiving areas  322  facing substantially the same direction as the major axis of each other one of the receiving areas  322  and with the minor axis of each one of the receiving areas  322  facing substantially the same direction as the minor axis of each other one of the receiving areas  322 . 
     Continuing with reference to  FIGS. 18 and 19 , each one of the receiving areas  322  is proximal a perimeter region of the tray  312  and includes an area of reduced height  366  to define a side opening in the tray  312 . As shown in  FIG. 18 , for example, a central region of the tray  312  is provided with a first elevation E 18A  and a perimeter region of the tray  312  is provided with a second elevation E 18B  less than the first elevation E 18A . As shall be discussed with further detail below, the reduced height areas  366  enable indicia  368  on plant pots  314  to be viewed through the reduced height area  366 . 
     A plurality of pots  314  can each be provided with a top  346  and a pot body  350  extending from the top  346 . Each one of the plant pots  314  preferably has a substantially elliptical cross-section to interface with the receiving areas  322  to inhibit rotation of the plant pots  314 . More preferably, each one of the tops  346  and/or each one of the bodies  350  can have substantially elliptical cross-sections to engage the receiving area  322 . 
     The plant pots  314  may each have indicia  368  disposed thereon by any suitable method known in the art. Each indicia  368  can comprise text and/or a graphic, for example. The indicia  368  is preferably disposed on an outer side of the pot body  350  or on another visually-perceptible area of the plant pot  314 . Each instance of indicia  368  can be the same as, or different from, each other instance of indicia  368  (e.g., same or different text or graphics). The location along the outside surface of the pots  314  at which the indicia  368  is disposed corresponds with the location along the outside of the receiving areas  322  at which the reduced height areas  366  are disposed in the tray  312 . In this regard, when an elliptical pot  314  is received by an elliptical receiving area  322 , the indicia  368  and the reduced height area  366  are aligned to enable viewing of the indicia  368  through the reduced height area  366  proximal the perimeter region. It is preferable that any one of the pots  314  can cooperate with any one of the receiving areas  322  to enable viewing of indicia  368  through any reduced height area  366 . The indicia  368  is preferably printed (or otherwise disposed) on the wide sides of the pot  314 , though it is contemplated that the indicia  368  can be disposed on the short sides of the pot  314 . 
     As indicated above,  FIG. 19  is front perspective view while a rear perspective view is substantially identical thereto. Thus, in the example of  FIG. 19 , for example, the indicia  368  of the front row of four pots face in a first direction (e.g., to the front), while the indicia  368  of the rear row of four ports face in a second direction opposite the first direction (e.g., to the rear). 
     Considering with reference to  FIGS. 18 and 19 , a plant tag may be positioned in a slot in the pots. For example, it is shown in  FIGS. 18 and 19  that each of the plant pots  314  may include one or more slots  370  formed in the tops  346  for allowing plant tags  372  to be inserted therein along the wide side of the pot  314 , for example. The plant tags  372  rest against the tops  346  of the pots  314  after insertion into the slots  370 . The plant tags  372  are positioned to face in a uniform direction when the pots  314  are aligned within the receiving areas  322 . This facilitates the ease at which the pots  314  can be placed into the tray  312 , manually and/or by an automated process. 
     For example, in  FIG. 19 , the plant tags  372  associated with the front row of four pots  314  are shown proximal the perimeter region of the tray  312  and to face in the first direction, while the plant tags  372  of the second row of four pots  314  are also shown to face in the first direction, and are proximal the central region of the tray  312 . The plant tags  372  can be side-by-side and/or behind one another. More specifically, while the plant tags  372  do preferably face in the same direction (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 19 ), a plant tag  372  can be positioned to at least partially flank a first plant tag (such as plant tags that are both somewhere in the front row or proximal thereto), and/or a plant tag can be positioned at least partially behind the first plant tag (such as a plant tag in the front row and a plant tag in the rear row). 
     Continuing with further discussion of those plant tags  372  positioned proximal the central region of the tray  312 , the top portion of the receiving areas  322  can include a shoulder  369  upon which a corresponding shoulder of the pot  314  can rest, and bevels  367  can be provided therewith for providing further room to accommodate one or more plant tags  372 . 
     In some embodiments, the plant tags  372  associated with the front row of four pots  314  are proximal the perimeter region of the tray  312  and face in the first direction (as shown in  FIG. 19 ), while the plant tags  372  of the second row of four pots  314  are also placed proximal the perimeter region to face in a second direction opposite the first direction. 
     It shall be understood that the embodiments of the present invention described herein are merely exemplary and that a person skilled in the art may make many variations and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. All such variations and modifications, including those discussed above, are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.