Abstract:
A modular interlocking planter apparatus provides modular assembly of a planter structure having a plurality of wall panels, a plurality of connectors, a plurality of internally spanning support bar assemblies, and a drain. The wall panels are planar waterproof members arranged vertically and connected by the connectors to secure adjacent wall panels together to form various shaped enclosures for above ground planting and growing. Each opposing pair of connectors includes a pair of horizontal spanning support bar assemblies to provide structural stability. One (1) of the wall panels includes the drain vent connected to a length of perforated drain tile which extends throughout the assembled planter to receive and drain water from soil placed in the planter.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not Applicable 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to planters, and in particular, to a modular interlocking planter assembly for above ground use. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Plants and flowers are a welcome addition to any decor. Their vibrant colors combined with their unique physical traits often form the centerpiece of a home or garden. As with most living things, these 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. As one might expect, these tasks require one to go to the location and elevation of the plant. Those at ground level or even in flower boxes are often inaccessible especially for those who are elderly, disabled, or confined to a wheelchair. The only way such individuals can enjoy gardening is that of individual plants in individual pots placed on a table or other waist high support. Such restrictions greatly limit the enjoyment of gardening. 
     While various planters exist in the form of large growing pots or boxes, none of these planters overcome the need to bend or kneel to get close enough to tend to the plants. Elevated planters have attempted to address this problem; however these types of planters require the installation of bracketry and are limited in size and weight of the planter in order to be used in a safe manner. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The inventor has therefore recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and lack in the art and observed that there is a need for a modular planter that can be used by those who are disabled, elderly, or confined to a wheelchair such that they can enjoy gardening without restrictions or limitations. In accordance with the invention, it is an object of the present embodiments to solve at least one (1) of these problems. 
     The inventor recognized these problems and has addressed this need by developing an interlocking planter that allows for the easy tending of various flowers, vegetables, and plants by anyone and especially those who may be disabled, elderly, or confined to a wheelchair. The inventor has thus realized the advantages and benefits of providing a modular interlocking planter having a plurality of individual wall panels each with a front face, a rear face, a pair vertical sides, and a pair of horizontal sides. The pair of vertical sides each has a joint feature extending an entire height. A plurality of individual outer corner connectors is provided, each having a pair of outer corner connector slots along an entire height of two adjacent side surfaces attachable to the joint feature. A plurality of individual straight connectors is provided, each having a pair of straight connector slots along an entire height of two (2) opposing side surfaces attachable to the joint feature. A plurality of inner corner connectors is provided, each having a pair of inner corner connector slots along an entire height of two (2) adjacent side surfaces attachable to the joint features. The plurality of wall panels is selectively interconnected together on a ground surface to form an adjustable enclosure having a hollow interior and an open top. The enclosure adapted to receive and retain an amount of soil fill for cultivating vegetation. Each of the straight connectors connects second pairs of wall panels in a planar orientation. Each of the outer corner connectors connects first pairs of wall panels in a first perpendicular orientation forming exterior corners. Each of the inner corner connectors connects third pairs of wall panels in a second perpendicular orientation forming interior corners. A plurality of upper support bar assemblies is provided and attachable between opposing pairs of straight connectors or between opposing inner corner connectors and straight connectors for structural support. A plurality of lower support bar assemblies is provided and attachable between opposing pairs of straight connectors or between opposing inner corner connectors and straight connectors for structural support. 
     In certain embodiments of the invention, at least one of the plurality of wall panels is a front wall panel having a drain vent disposed through a lower end. One (1) end of a length of drain tile disposed within the enclosure hollow interior is connected in fluid communication with the drain vent. 
     In certain embodiments of the invention, each of the plurality of wall panels has a wall recess portion disposed on a front face. The wall recess portion is adapted to be covered by an attachable façade. 
     Furthermore, the described features and advantages of the disclosure may be combined in various manners and embodiments as one skilled in the relevant art will recognize. The disclosure can be practiced without one (1) or more of the features and advantages described in a particular embodiment. 
     Further advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present disclosure 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 an modular interlocking planter in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a top view of the modular interlocking planter; 
         FIG. 3  is a partial perspective view of a wall panel and a corner connector of the modular interlocking planter; 
         FIG. 4   a  is a perspective view of an upper support bar assembly of the modular interlocking planter; 
         FIG. 4   b  is a perspective view of a lower support bar assembly of the modular interlocking planter; 
         FIG. 5  is a partial perspective view the modular interlocking planter depicting assembly of an upper support bar assembly and a lower support bar assembly to a straight connector; and, 
         FIG. 6  is a partial perspective view of the modular interlocking planter depicting assembly the upper support bar assembly and the lower support bar assembly to an inside corner connector. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
         
         
           
               10  modular interlocking planter 
               20  wall panel 
               22  wall recess portion 
               24  drain vent 
               26  joint feature 
               30  front wall panel 
               32  drain vent 
               40  outer corner connector 
               42  beveled edge 
               44   a  first outer corner connector slot 
               44   b  second outer corner connector slot 
               60  straight connector 
               62   a  first straight connector slot 
               62   b  second straight connector slot 
               64  first upper support bar slot 
               66  first lower support bar slot 
               80  inner corner connector 
               84   a  first inner corner connector slot 
               84   b  second inner corner connector slot 
               86  second upper support bar slot 
               88  second lower support bar slot 
               100  upper support bar assembly 
               102   a  first upper joining feature 
               102   b  second upper joining feature 
               104   a  first support bar 
               104   b  second support bar 
               110  lower support bar assembly 
               116   a  first lower joining feature 
               116   b  second lower joining feature 
               120  drain tile 
               125  soil fill 
               130  ground surface 
           
         
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     In accordance with the invention, the best mode is presented in terms of a preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 6 . However, the disclosure is not limited to a single described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the disclosure and that any such work around will also fall under its scope. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present disclosure, and only one particular configuration may 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. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 through 6 , depicting a modular interlocking planter (herein described as an “apparatus”)  10 , where like reference numerals represent similar or like parts. In accordance with the invention, the present disclosure describes certain embodiments of the apparatus  10  which provides an elevated, above-ground gardening structure for growing flowers, herbs, or vegetables. The apparatus  10  generally includes a plurality of plastic wall panels  20  and at least one (1) interconnected front panel  30  to form various overall shapes such as, but not limited to: a square shape, a rectangular shape, an “L”-shape, a “T”-shape, and the like. The wall panels  20  are joined by a combination of interconnecting outer corner connectors  40 , straight connectors  60 , and inner corner connectors  80 . Once assembled upon a ground surface  130 , the apparatus  10  is filled with a selected soil fill  125  such as, but not limited to, a base layer of loose gravel and a top layer of topsoil to produce an elevated gardening surface. 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  show perspective and top views of the apparatus  10 . The apparatus  10  is depicted as being constructed having a generally “L”-shape for illustration purposes; however, it can be appreciated that the modular construction of the apparatus  10  allows assembly and arrangement of members to create various perimeter shapes. The apparatus  10 , as shown, includes a plurality of wall panels  20 , at least one (1) front wall panel  30 , a plurality of outer corner connectors  40 , a plurality of straight connectors  60 , an inner corner connector  80 , and a length of drain tile  120 . 
     The wall panels  20 ,  30  are molded plastic structures approximately four (4) feet in width and three (3) feet in height and approximately one (1) inch thick having a decorative outwardly-facing concentric wall recess portion  22 . The wall recess portion  22  provides a surface for exterior decoration by an end user and can either be left uncovered or decorated using various covering materials such as, but not limited to: painting, ceramic or plastic tiles, a bonded vinyl sheet, flagstone covering, and the like, intended to match a particular landscaping décor. The wall panels  20 ,  30  are securely attached to each other to form a rigid structure by the interconnecting outer corner connectors  40 , the straight connectors  60 , and the inner corner connectors  80 . 
     The connectors  40 ,  60 ,  80  are extruded plastic vertical members having a similar height as the wall panels  20 ,  30  and are approximately six (6) inches wide. The connectors  40 ,  60 ,  80  further include “T”-shaped slots formed within two (2) side surfaces to provide for the joining of a pair of wall panels  20 ,  30  (see  FIGS. 3 ,  5 , and  6 ). The straight connectors  60  provide for attachment of multiple panels  20 ,  30  that are arranged in a coplanar manner. Each straight connector  60  is affixed to an adjacent straight connector  60 , an adjacent outer corner connector  40 , or adjacent inner corner connectors  80  using one (1) upper support bar assembly  100  and one (1) lower support bar assembly  110 . The connectors  40 ,  60 ,  80  and the support bar assemblies  100 ,  110  reinforce adjacent wall panels  20  to prevent distortion or warping of the wall panels  20  from forces applied by contained soil fill  125  (see  FIGS. 4   a ,  4   b ,  5 , and  6 ). 
     The front wall panel  30  includes similar functions and structure as the wall panel  20 ; however, the front wall panel  30  includes a drain vent  32  that provides for drainage of excess water collected within the apparatus  10 . The drain vent  32  includes a horizontal fluid conduit which extends through the front wall panel  30  approximately one (1) foot above the ground surface  130 . The drain vent  32  is suitably sized to be snuggly inserted into a length of corrugated and perforated drain tile  120  which is routed within the apparatus  10 . The drain tile  120  extends from the drain vent  32  to an opposite end of the apparatus  10  prior to backfill with soil fill  125 . The drain vent  32  is molded into the front wall panel  30  and maintains a water level within the soil fill  125 . The drain vent  32  also includes an attractive screen or mesh outer surface allowing free drainage of the excess water from the perforated drain tile  120 . 
       FIG. 3  shows an exploded perspective view of a partial wall panel  20 ,  30  and a partial corner connector  40  depicted in a pre-assembled state. The wall panels  20 ,  30  include a “T”-shaped joint feature  26  protruding outwardly along each opposing vertical side to provide secure attachment of the wall panels  20 ,  30  to corresponding first outer connector slot  44   a  and second outer connector slot  44   b  of the outer corner connector  40 . The joint features  26  are sized to be slidingly inserted into the first outer connector slot  44   a  and second outer connector slot  44   b  of the outer corner connectors  40 . 
     The outer corner connector  40  is a vertical member having a generally square cross section that can be produced in an extrusion process. The outer corner connector  40  also has an inwardly facing decorative beveled edge  42 . The first outer corner connector slot  44   a  and the second outer corner connector slot  44   b  extend an entire height of the outer corner connector  40 . The outer corner connector slots  44   a ,  44   b  are located along adjacent sides of the outer corner connector  40  and upon insertion of respective wall panels  20 ,  30  forms a ninety (90) degree angle along the perimeter of the apparatus  10 . 
       FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b  show perspective views of an upper support bar assembly  100  and a lower support bar assembly  110 . The apparatus  10  provides internal stiffening and reinforcement between opposing connectors  40 ,  60 ,  80  by the plurality of upper support bar assemblies  100  and lower support bar assemblies  110 . The particular number of the upper support bar assemblies  100  and lower support bar assemblies  110  is based upon the particular configuration of the apparatus  10  and number of wall panels  20  and connectors  40 ,  60 ,  80 . 
     Each upper support bar assembly  100  includes a first upper joining feature  102   a , a second upper joining feature  102   b , and a first support bar  104   a  connected between the joining features  102   a ,  102   b . The first support bar  104   a  is a elongated rod extending between and being integral to the first upper joining feature  102   a  and second upper joining feature  102   b . Similarly, each lower support bar assembly  110  includes a first lower joining feature  106   a , a second lower joining feature  106   b , and a second support bar  104   b  extending connected between the joining features  116   a ,  116   b . The second support bar  104   b  is a elongated rod extending between and being integral to the first lower joining feature  116   a  and second lower joining feature  116   b.    
     The support bar assemblies  100 ,  110  each have an overall length equal to a distance between facing sides of opposing connectors  40 ,  60 ,  80 . Each straight connector  40  and inner corner connector  80  includes a first upper support bar slot  64  and a first lower support bar slot  66 . The support bar assemblies  100 ,  110  provide a rigid horizontal brace between the connectors  40 ,  80  when the upper joining features  102   a ,  102   b  and lower joining features  116   a ,  116   b  are insertingly coupled to respective upper support bar slots  64  and lower support bar slots  66 . The lower joining features  106   a ,  106   b  have a slightly narrower shape than the upper joining features  102   a ,  102   b . Similarly the lower support bar slot  66  has a narrower opening. This configuration allow sliding insertion of the lower joining features  116   a ,  116   b  into the upper support bar slot  64  continuing down into the lower support bar slots  66 . The wider upper joining features  102   a ,  102   b  slidingly insert into the upper support bar slots  64  but are prevented from entering the lower support bar slots  66  due to their larger size. 
       FIG. 5  shows a partial perspective view of the straight connector  60  with the wall panels  20 , the upper support bar assembly  100 , and the lower support bar assembly  110  attached. Based upon a particular selected arrangement of the wall panels  20 ,  30  and connectors  40 ,  60 ,  80 , the apparatus  10  can include two (2) or more straight connectors  60  to rigidly join pairs of coplanar and adjacent wall panels  20 ,  30 . Each straight connector  60  includes a similar height as the wall panels  20 ,  30  and a first straight connector slot  62   a , a second straight connector slot  62   b , a first upper support bar slot  64 , and a first lower support bar slot  66 . The first straight connector slot  62   a  and second straight connector slot  62   b  extend vertically across the height of the straight connector  60  and are located along opposing side surfaces having a similar form and function as the connector slots  44   a ,  44   b  of the outer corner connector  40 . 
     The first upper support bar slots  64  and first lower support bar slots  66  form upper and lower portions of a vertical “T”-shaped groove formed along an inward-facing side of the straight connector  60 . The first upper support bar slot  64  and the first lower support bar slot  66  comprise respective wide and narrow portions of the groove, thereby allowing the lower support bar assembly  110  to slide further downward to a bottom end portion of the first lower support bar slot  66  and be securely positioned approximately one (1) foot above the ground surface. The upper support bar assembly  100  in turn rests upon a bottom portion of the first upper support bar slot  64  approximately two (2) feet above the ground surface  130 . 
       FIG. 6  shows a partial perspective view of the inside corner connector  80  with wall panels  20 , the upper support bar assemblies  100 , and lower support bar assemblies  110  attached. Based upon a particular selected arrangement of the wall panels  20 ,  30  and connectors  40 ,  60 ,  80 , the apparatus  10  can include one (1) or more inside corner connectors  80  to rigidly join a pair of adjacent perpendicular wall panels  20 ,  30   s  to form an inside right angle. The inside corner connector  80  has a rectangular cross section and a height similar to that of the wall panels  20 ,  30 . The inside corner connector  80  also includes a first inner corner connector slot  84   a , a second inner corner connector slot  84   b , a pair of second upper support bar slots  86 , and a pair of second lower support bar slots  88 . The first inner corner connector slot  84   a  and second inner corner connector slot  84   b  provide removable attachment of the wall panels  20 ,  30  to two (2) adjacent side surfaces of the inside corner connector  80 . The inside corner connector  80  also includes a decorative beveled edge  42  located in between the first inner corner connector slot  84   a  and second inner corner connector slot  84   b . The two (2) remaining adjacent side surfaces of the inside corner connector  80  include the second upper support bar slot  86  and second lower support bar slot  88  that provide sliding insertion of upper support bar assemblies  100  and lower support bar assemblies  110  to provide a reinforced, braced connection of opposing straight connectors  60  or, based upon a particular arrangement of the apparatus  10 , to another inside corner connector  80 . 
     It can be appreciated by one skilled in the art that other styles and configurations of the invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present disclosure and only one particular configuration has be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     In accordance with the invention, the preferred embodiment can be utilized by the user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it is installed and utilized as indicated in  FIGS. 1 through 6 . 
     The method of installing and utilizing the apparatus  10  can be achieved by performing a series of steps. It can be appreciated that the steps described can be performed in alternative order and as such should not be viewed as a limiting factor. Following acquisition of the apparatus  10 , a user will select a combination of individual wall panels  20 ,  30  and connectors  40 ,  60 ,  80  to construct a selected pre-determined perimeter outline and custom shaped garden structure. The user can also select from various desired colors and patterns to match an existing décor. Choosing a level, or near level, ground surface  130  having sufficient area onto which the apparatus  10  can be assembled. Connecting an outer corner connector  40  and a wall panel  20  by inserting a joint feature  26  of the wall panel  20  into a first connector slot  44   a  or second connector slot  44   b  of the outer corner connector  40  until a top edge of the wall panel  20  is level with a top surface of the outer corner connector  40 . Inserting a joint feature  26  of a front wall panel  30  into the remaining connector slots  44   a ,  44   b  of the outer corner connector  40 . Inserting the remaining available joint features  26  of the attached wall panels  20 ,  30  into straight connector slots  62   a ,  62   b  of a straight connector  60 , or into first outer corner connector slots  44   a  or second outer corner connector slots  44   b  of an outer corner connector  40 , or into first inner corner connector slots  84   a  or second inner corner connector slots  84   b  of an inner corner connector  80 . Continuing to join wall panels  20 ,  30  and connectors  40 ,  60 ,  80  until having created a closed perimeter shape of the apparatus  10 . Installing lower support bar assemblies  110  and upper support bar assemblies  100  into opposingly positioned pairs of upper support bar slots  64  and pairs of first lower support bar slots  66  of straight connectors  60 , or into opposingly positioned first upper support bar slots  64  and first lower support slots  66  of the straight connectors  60  with an opposing second upper support slots  86  and second lower support slots  88  of an inner corner member  80  by downwardly inserting lower joining features  116   a ,  116   b  of the lower support bar assemblies  110  into the lower support bar slots  66 ,  88  and downwardly inserting the upper joining features  102   a ,  102   b  of the upper support bar assemblies  100  into the upper support bar slots  64 ,  86  to reinforce the apparatus  10 . Routing a length of drain tile  120  along the ground surface  130  extending between opposing ends of the apparatus  10 . Inserting the drain vent  32  into one (1) end of the drain tile  120 . Filling the apparatus  10  with a gravel portion of suitable soil fill  125  up to a height of approximately twenty-four (24) inches. Adding approximately twelve (12) inches of soil to the soil fill  125 . Planting a desired number and arrangement of flowers, herbs, or vegetables into the soil fill  125 . The apparatus  10  can be disassembled if desired, by reversing the above assembly steps and storing the members of the apparatus  10  until needed again. 
     The outwardly facing wall recessed portions  22  of each wall panel  20 ,  30  can be left in an as-manufactured state or alternatively can be decoratively covered in accordance with a user&#39;s preference using various materials such as, but not limited to: paint, ceramic or plastic tiles, bonded vinyl scenes, flagstone materials, and the like, to match an existing landscaping décor. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments 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. Various modifications and variations can be appreciated by one skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. The embodiments have been chosen and described in order to best explain the principles and practical application in accordance with the invention to enable those skilled in the art to best utilize the various embodiments with expected 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 invention.