Abstract:
The plant transport and storage device is useful for moving and storing a plurality of plants. The device is capable of rapid and assembly and collapse. The device has a base support member, a base beam, a vertical support, and a plant support. Optionally, the device includes a lift and selective height adjustment.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a device for support and transport of potted plants, more specifically to a device for transport and storage of plants which is readily assembled and collapsed. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    As a result of the concern for the environment and ecology, more individuals have resorted to growing and maintaining plants. The increased interest in growing plants has lead to more home gardening, home landscaping, and small-scale nurseries. Due to the increased interest in growing plants, there is an increased need to transport and store plants. Because of the various species of plants, large and/or voluminous plant and related plant matter, transporting plants can involve high volumes and significant mass. 
         [0003]    In a home or small-scale nursery environment, labor can be scarce, thus there is a need for a device that reduces labor in transport and storage of plants. In a home or small-scale nursery environment, space may also be scarce. Accordingly, there is a need for a device which is configurable to maximize the use of space when storing plants. In addition, there is a need for a device which is collapsible when not in use, with minimal use of tools. Traditional shelving fails to address these issues because it is relatively immobile and lacks selective height and volume adjustment. 
         [0004]    The art attempted to address some of these concerns in U.S. Pat. No. 4,194,319. The potted plant support discloses a device for supporting potted plants, but its support structure limits the means to hold the large mass of plants for today&#39;s home landscaping and plant nurseries&#39; needs. Additionally, it does not disclose a means to transport the potted plants which it supports. 
         [0005]    The art also attempted to address some of these concerns in U.S. Pat. No. 4,149,339. The hanging plant holder discloses a flexible material joined together to contain a plant. The holder can then be supported using a curtain rod or other suitable horizontal support. The disclosed structure requires the plant to be placed in the flexible material container instead of a typical container for plants used in home gardening, landscaping, or plant nurseries. 
         [0006]    It is the object of this invention to address these concerns. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The plant storage and transport device is comprised of at least two base support members, a base beam, wheels, at least two vertical supports, and a plant support. The components are detachably joined, enabling assembly and operation of the device with limited labor and tools. 
         [0008]    It is an object of this invention to provide a device to transport and store a plurality of plants. 
         [0009]    It is another object of this invention to provide a device to reduce labor in the transport and storage of plants. 
         [0010]    These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the invention will become better understood with reference to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a device embodying features of the present invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a portion of a version of a base frame according to the current invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a version of vertical supports joined to a base beam. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a version of a vertical support and base support member of the current invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a base support member according to the current invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a version of a vertical support and base support member of the current invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a portion of a plant support with an engaged plant. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0018]    As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. 
         [0019]    One embodiment of the plant transport and storage device is comprised of a base frame  01 , a plurality of vertical supports  07   107   207 , and a plant support  11 . The base frame  01  is comprised of a plurality of base support members  02 , a base beam  05 , and wheels  12 . 
         [0020]    The base support member  02  is a rigid length of material adapted to support the load of the horizontal base beam  05 , the vertical support  07   107   207 , the plant support  11 , and material being supported and transported by the device of the current invention. The base support member  02  is dimensioned to provide support and stability during transport and storage. Further, the base support member  02  is dimensioned to provide support and stability during manual or lift-assisted engagement of plants  17  to the plant transport and storage device. The base support member  02  contains a plurality of shoulders  03  to receive a base beam  05 . At least one of the shoulders&#39;  03  surfaces contain an aperture  04  adapted to securely join the base beam  05  to the base support member  02 . 
         [0021]    The base beam  05  spans the base support members  02  to form the base frame  01 . The base beam  05  has apertures  06  on each end to enable secure joinment to the base support members  02 . Additionally, the base beam  05  is adapted to receive at least one vertical support  07   107   207 . The base beam  05  is dimensioned to provide support and stability for the device. Further, the base beam  05  contains an aperture  06  on its ends for receipt of a lock  23 . The base beam&#39;s  05  dimensions may be modified to provide a base frame  01  suitable for differing numbers and volumes of plants  17 . 
         [0022]    To form the base frame  01 , one end of the base beam  05  is engaged to a shoulder  03  of a first base support member  02 , aligning an aperture  04  of the shoulder  03  with an aperture  06  of the base beam  05 . A lock, such as, but not limited to a pin is applied to the aligned, continuous aperture to securely join the base beam  05  to the base support member  02 . The same process is performed on the second end of the base beam  05  with a second base support member  02 . 
         [0023]    Optionally, high strength mesh  13  may be joined to the base frame  01 , providing additional surface for plants  17  or the like, while also supporting the application and shedding of water or nutrients to plants  17  that are engaged to the device. The mesh  13  is supported and joined to the base frame  01  with catches  15  which are preferably woven into the periphery of the mesh  13 . The base beam  05  and base support members  02  have apertures  16  to receive the catches  15 . A mesh support beam  14  spans the base support members  02  and also has apertures to receive the catches  15 . 
         [0024]    Wheels  12 , preferably casters, are joined to the base frame  01  proximate the ends of the base support members  02 . Some or all of the wheels  12  may be pivotally joined to the base frame  01  such that the wheels will align themselves with the direction of travel during plant transport. The wheels  12  are composed of material suitable for smooth and rough surfaces and are dimensioned to operate on smooth and rough surfaces. 
         [0025]    A vertical support  07   107   207  extends generally vertically or upright from the base frame  01 , providing support for the plant support  11  and the plants  17  and other load depending therefrom. Generally, the vertical support  07   107   207  is composed of rigid material and is capable of supporting the plant material depending from the plant support  11 . 
         [0026]    The vertical support  07   107   207  has a structure to receive a plant support  11 . In one version, the structure is an aperture  08 , positioned opposite the end which is joined to the base frame  01 , dimensioned to receive the plant support  11  (discussed below). In another version, the structure is comprised of a groove  09  in the vertical support  07   107   207  combined with a latching device  10 , positioned opposite the end which is joined to the base. The groove  09  is dimensioned to receive a plant support  11 . 
         [0027]    Alternatively, the vertical support  07   107   207  may be further comprised of a plurality of connected segments  21 , forming a single vertical support  107 . Each of the individual segments  21  is a length of rigid material with a plurality of proximately spaced apertures  22  along its length. Each individual segment  21  is dimensioned successively smaller. The individual segments  21  are then telescopically connected. The height of the vertical support  107  can be adjusted by aligning the apertures  22  of the individual segments  21  and applying a selector  23 , such as a pin  23 , to the aligned apertures  22 . This configuration of a vertical support  107  permits maximization of plant storage space by allowing plants  17  to be stored at different heights. In a given fixed space, one plant transport and storage device with engaged plants  17  may be configured at one height and a second plant transport and storage device with engaged plants  17  at a different configured height may be stored, hence the full volume of the fixed space is utilized. 
         [0028]    Alternatively, the vertical support  07   107   207  may be further comprised of a plurality of connected segments, forming a single vertical support  207 . An upper vertical segment  28  is a rigid member. A lower vertical segment  29  is a rigid member. The upper  28  and lower segment  29  are hingedly  30  joined. A lock or other means can exist proximate the joint such that the joined segments  28   29  are biased towards an upright position. Thus in the biased position, there would be a 0° angle at the axis formed where the upper and lower vertical segments  28   29  are joined. Preferably, the hinge  30  is operable to allow an approximate 90° range of motion. Thus, the upper vertical segment  29  would include an operable position which is substantially orthogonal from its normal biased position when it is near the maximum angle of its preferable range of motion. Additionally, in this state, the upper vertical segment  28  is substantially parallel with the plane formed by the base frame  01 . 
         [0029]    Opposite the hinged joint, a lift  31  is attached to the joined segments  28   29  to reduce labor during engagement and elevation of plants  17  to the device. One type of lift  31  that may be used in the device is a pulley  31 . The pulley  31  is attached to the lower vertical segment  29 . A cable  32  extending from the pulley  31  is fixed to the upper vertical segment  28 , proximate the end furthest from the hinged  30  joint. The pulley  31  does not operate while a cable lock is engaged, maintaining the joined segments  28   29  in an upright position. Additionally, the length of the cable  32  is preferably limited such that the upper vertical segment  28  does not rotate more than about 90° from its upright position. A crank (not pictured) is attached to the pulley  31  which is operable to retract the cable  32  into the pulley  31 , thus causing the upper vertical segment  28  to return to its normal upright position where it is substantially contiguous with the lower vertical segment  29 . Although, a simple non-powered mechanical lift  31  is depicted, one skilled in the art would appreciate that other lifts may be substituted. For example, the lift  31  may comprise a motor to provide the force to return the upper vertical segment  28  to its upright position. 
         [0030]    The vertical support  07   107   207  can be joined to the base frame  01  using one of several structures, each joining structure supporting the rapid assembly and collapse of the plant transport and storage device while maintaining the necessary structure to bear the load of plant mass and the like. In one structure, the joining structure is comprised of a continuous piece of rigid material with a bend and mechanical fasteners. The bent piece has a plurality of apertures, each aperture operable to receive a mechanical fastener. The mechanical fastener can include, but is not limited to, bolts or screws. Preferably quick connect and release mechanical fasteners are employed. With this joining structure, one portion of the bent piece is engaged to the vertical support  07   107   207  and the other portion of the bent piece is engaged to the base beam  05 . The mechanical fasteners are applied to the vertical support  07   107   207  and base beam  05  through the apertures, thus joining the vertical support  07   107   207  to the base. 
         [0031]    An alternate structure for joining the vertical support  07   107   207  to the base is comprised of a protruding shape  26   126  depending distally from an end of the vertical support  07   107   207  and a complementary channel  27  corresponding to the protruding shape  26   126  to securely join the vertical support  07   107   207 . The depicted protruding shape  26   126  is comprised of a generally cylindrical stud  24   124  projecting from the vertical support  07   107   207 . A spherical section  25   125  is fixed to the distal end of the cylindrical stud  24   124 . The base support member  02  has a complementary channel  27  which is dimensioned to receive the protruding shape  26   126  and thus anchor the vertical support  07   107   207 . In the depicted channel  27 , the complementary channel  27  is defined by a cylindrical groove section extending longitudinally the length of the base support member  02 . Adjacent and atop the generally cylindrical groove section of the channel is a generally rectangular cross-sectioned groove section. The dimension of the groove narrows proximate the surface of the base support member  02 , providing a locking structure to securely join the vertical support  07   107   207  to the base frame  01 . The protruding shape  26   126  and the complementary channel  27  are preferably dimensioned to provide a secure high strength joint. Moreover, the protruding shape  26   126  and the complementary channel  27  are preferably dimensioned such that the lower surface of the vertical support  07   107   207  abuts the upper surface of the base support member  02 , where the load borne by the vertical support  07   107   207  is transmitted to the abutting surfaces as well as the joining structure. To join the vertical support  07   107   207  with the base frame  01  with this joining structure, the protruding shape  26   126  of the vertical support  07   107   207  is aligned with corresponding channel of the base support member  02 . The vertical support  07   107   207  is then engaged to the base support member  02 . One skilled in the art would appreciate that the protruding shape  26   126  and the complementary channel  27  may be altered to change the joint characteristics. Optionally, the complementary channel  27  may exist on the base beam  05 , thus allowing the vertical support  07   107   207  to be secured to the base frame  01  at the base beam  05  instead of a base support member  02 . 
         [0032]    In an alternate version of the base support member  02  with a complementary channel  27 , the base support member  02  is further comprised of a plurality of mateable pieces  33  which are mechanically fastened, making the device further collapsible while maintaining structure. Each mateable piece  33  is shaped such that the complementary channel  27  is formed when the mateable pieces  33  are engaged and fastened. Mateable pieces  33  may also be used to form a complementary channel  27  in a base beam  05  as well as the base support member. 
         [0033]    An additional alternate structure for joining the vertical support  07   107   207  to the base is comprised of a sleeve  35  and a channel. The sleeve  35  is defined by a hollowed periphery  37 . The sleeve cavity  36  and the sleeve periphery  37  are dimensioned to receive a vertical support  07   107   207 . A protruding shape  26   126 , similar to that described above, depends distally from the surface of the sleeve  35  opposite the opening. The depicted protruding shape  26   126  is comprised of a generally cylindrical stud  24   124  projecting from the sleeve  35 . A spherical section  25   125  is fixed to the distal end of the cylindrical stud  24   124 . The base support member  02  has a complementary channel  27 , similar to the complementary channel  27  described above, which is dimensioned to receive the protruding shape  26   126  and thus anchor the vertical support  07   107   207 . In the depicted channel, the corresponding channel is defined by a cylindrical groove section extending longitudinally the length of the base support member  02 . Adjacent and atop the cylindrical groove section of the channel is a generally rectangular cross-sectioned groove section. The dimension of the groove narrows proximate the surface of the base support member  02 , providing a locking structure to securely join the vertical support  07   107   207  to the base frame  01 . The protruding shape  26   126  and the complementary channel  27  are preferably dimensioned to provide a secure high strength joint. Moreover, the protruding shape  26   126  and the complementary channel  27  are preferably dimensioned such that the lower surface of the sleeve  35  abuts the upper surface of the base support member  02 , where the load supported by the vertical support  07   107   207  is transmitted to the abutting surfaces as well as the joining structure. 
         [0034]    The sleeve  35  optionally contains a plurality of sleeve stabilizers  40  to provide stability by limiting longitudinal movement of the vertical support  07   107   207  while engaging plant  17  to the device or transporting plants. The sleeve stabilizers  40  are panels which project from the sleeve in a plane generally parallel to the protruding shape  26   126 . Each sleeve stabilizer&#39;s  40  dimension corresponds to the dimension of the base beam  05  to which it is engaged. The sleeve stabilizer  40  closely abuts a surface of the base beam  05  such that when engaged to the base beam  05 , there is minimal distance between the sleeve stabilizer  40  and the base beam  05 . Sleeves  35  may also contain sleeve stabilizers  40  where the sleeves  35  are engaged to a base support member  02 . 
         [0035]    To join the vertical support  07   107   207  with the base frame  01  with this joining structure, the protruding shape  26   126  of the sleeve  35  is aligned with the complementary channel  27  of the base support member  02 . The sleeve  35  is then engaged to the base support member  02 . Next, the vertical support  07   107   207  is engaged to the opening  36  provided by the sleeve  35 . Optionally, the complementary channel  27  may exist on the base beam  05 , thus allowing the vertical support  07   107   207  to be secured to the base via the base beam  05 . 
         [0036]    Additionally or alternatively, the joining structure may comprise an aperture  39  proximate the end of the vertical support  07   107   207  which is to be engaged to the sleeve  35 . The sleeve  35  has a similarly dimensioned aperture  38  which is parallel to the aperture  39  on the vertical support  07   107   207  such that the aperture is substantially continuous when the vertical support  07   107   207  is engaged to the sleeve  35 . A lock  23 , such as a pin  23 , is applied to the continuous aperture to further secure and strengthen the vertical support  07   107   207  without using additional tools or difficult to manufacture components. In this joining structure, the sleeve  35  may be directly joined to the base support member  02  or base beam  05 . For additional joint structure, this joining structure may be combined with the protruding shape  26   126  and complementary channel  27  joint structure. 
         [0037]    The plant support  11  is a rigid length of material operable to support plants  17  or the like. The plant support  11  is joined to the vertical support  07   107   207  such that the plant support  11  is generally parallel to the plane formed by the base frame  01 . Where the vertical support  07   107   207  contains an aperture  08  for the plant support  11 , the plant support  11  is coupled to the vertical supports  07   107   207  by engaging the plant support  11  through the apertures  08  of the vertical supports  07   107   207 , thus the plant support  11  spans the vertical supports  07   107   207 . The plant support  11  is secured at its ends with a plant clamp  19  to prevent lateral movement during plant storage and transport. The plant support  11  may be secured by the depicted plant clamp  19  or other means in the art. Where the vertical support  07   107   207  contains a groove  09  for the plant support  11 , the plant support  11  is coupled to the vertical supports  07   107   207  by engaging the plant support  11  to the channels  09  of the vertical support  07   107   207  and closing the latch  10  over the groove  09 , thus the plant support  11  spans the verticals supports. Again, the plant support  11  is secured at its ends to prevent lateral movement during plant storage and transport. Plants  17  are engaged directly to the plant support  11  or preferably to a plant clamp. The plant clamp is a structure adapted to receive hanging potted plants and restrict the movement of a plant  17  during transport. The depicted structure is an article which may be adjustably positioned on the plant support  11  and has a slot  20  to receive the plant hanger  18  and restrict a plant&#39;s movement during transport and storage. 
         [0038]    Optionally, the base support member  02 , the base beam  05 , the vertical supports  07   107   207 , the mateable pieces  33 , and the plant support  11  have a grip to aid handling and assembly. 
         [0039]    To use the embodiment, the first step is to assemble the device, starting with the base frame  01 . The base beam  05  is joined to a first base support member  02 , aligning an aperture  06  on the base beam  05  with an aperture  04  on the shoulder  03  of the first base support member  02 . A selector is placed in the aligned apertures to securely join the base beam  05  to the first base support member  02 . Next, the base beam  05  is joined to a second base support member  02 , aligning an aperture  06  on the base beam  05  with an aperture  04  on the shoulder  03  of the second base support member  02 . A selector is placed in the aligned apertures to securely join the base beam  05  to the second base support member  02 . The wheels  12  are joined to the now assembled base frame  01 . 
         [0040]    The protruding shape  26   126  of a first sleeve  35  is aligned with the complementary channel  27  of the first base support member  02  and the first sleeve  35  is engaged to the first base support member  02 . A first vertical support  07   107   207  is engaged to the opening  36  provided by the first sleeve  35 , aligning the aperture  39  of the vertical support  07   107   207  with the aperture  38  of the first sleeve  35 . A pin  23  is received in the aligned apertures to securely join the first sleeve  35  to the first vertical support  07   107   207 . Next, a protruding shape  26   126  of a second sleeve  35  is aligned with the complementary channel  27  of a second base support member  02  and the second sleeve  35  is engaged to the second base support member  02 . A second vertical support  07   107   207  is engaged to the opening  36  provided by the second sleeve  35 , aligning the aperture  39  of the second vertical support  07   107   207  member with the aperture  38  of the second sleeve  35 . A pin  23  is received in the aligned apertures to securely join the second sleeve  35  to the first vertical support  07   107   207 . Next, the protruding shape  26   126  of a third sleeve  35  is aligned with the complementary channel  27  of the base beam  05  and the third sleeve  35  is engaged to the base beam  05 . A third vertical support  07   107   207  is engaged to the opening  36  provided by the third sleeve  35 , aligning the aperture  39  of the third vertical support  07   107   207  member with the aperture  38  of the third sleeve  35 . A pin  23  is received in the aligned apertures to securely join the third sleeve  35  to the third vertical support  07   107   207 . 
         [0041]    To complete the assembly of the embodiment, a plant support  11  is placed across the groove  09  of the vertical supports  07   107   207 , spanning the vertical supports  07   107   207 . The plant support  11  is latched  10  into the groove  09  of each vertical support  07   107   207  and the plant support  11  and plant clamps  19  are joined to the plant support  11  proximate both its ends. 
         [0042]    To store and transport the plants  17 , the first step is to engage the plants  17  to the plant support  11 . First, the lock of the retractable cable is released to allow the end of the upper segment of the vertical support  207  to rotate to closer to the ground, where minimal labor is necessary to engage a plant  17  to the device. A plant clamp  19  is placed on the plant support  11  where a hook  18  affixed to a plant  17  will be engaged. The hook is engaged to the plant support  11  in the slot  20  provided by the plant clamp  19 . The crank is used to retract the cable and return the vertical support  207  to its upright position. The plants  17  can now be transported or stored. 
         [0043]    While the foregoing detailed description has disclosed several embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that the above description is illustrative only and not limiting of the disclosed invention. It will be appreciated that the discussed embodiments and other unmentioned embodiments may be within the scope of the invention.