Patent ID: 12219909

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings,FIG.1shows an opened-top, planter box100that includes a first side-wall102, a second side-wall104, a third side-wall106, a fourth side-wall108, and a bottom wall110that collectively define a storage cavity112. Notably, as will be further described below, the planter box100is modular in design, such that various dimensions thereof are adjustable. The first, second, third, and fourth side-walls102,104,106,108, and the bottom wall110can all be made of the same material (e.g., wood); however, it is contemplated that at least some of said walls can be made of different materials (e.g., metal, plastic, etc.). Notably, the first and third side-walls102,106oppose one another, and the second and fourth side-walls104,108likewise oppose one another. The first and third side-walls102,106are oriented parallel with respect to one another and extend longitudinally in a first direction (i.e., a width direction ‘W’) of the planter box100. Further, the second and fourth side-walls104,108are oriented parallel with respect to one another and extend longitudinally in a second direction (i.e., a depth direction ‘D’) of the planter box100.

As shown inFIG.1, the first and third side-walls102,106can be arranged perpendicular to the second and fourth side-walls104,108such that the planter box100has a rectangular shape in cross-section. However, it is contemplated that the planter box100may have other shapes in cross-section (e.g., square, rhombus, trapezoid, etc.). The first, second, third, and fourth side-walls102,104,106,108collectively define a continuous, inner side-surface that partially bounds the storage cavity112(i.e., bounds the storage cavity112in the width ‘W’ and depth ‘D’ directions). The bottom wall110resides on an imaginary horizontal plane (i.e., defined by the width ‘W’ and depth ‘D’ directions) and defines a bottom surface of the storage cavity112. That is, the bottom wall110is perpendicular to the first, second, third, and fourth side-walls102,104,106,108and bounds the storage cavity112in a third direction (i.e., a height direction ‘H’) of the planter box100.

The storage cavity112is configured to receive a planting medium (e.g., soil) therein for plants (e.g., flowers, herbs, fruits, vegetables, etc.) growing within the planter box100. However, it is further contemplated that the storage cavity112may receive other mediums therein (e.g., rocks, wood-chips, etc.). Further, a liner may be disposed within the storage cavity112and disposed between inner surfaces of the storage cavity112and the planting medium. Such liners are generally configured to help the planting medium retain moisture. Moreover, while the planter box100is shown as having an opened-top configuration (i.e., no obstructions at a top of the planter box100such that the storage cavity112is readily accessible from the top of the planter box100at all times), it is contemplated that the storage cavity112may be selectively closed. For example, in one embodiment, a separate (i.e., completely removable) lid (not shown) may be provided wherein said lid can be removably positioned on the planter box100so as to engage respective (top) surfaces of the first, second, third, and/or fourth side-walls102,104,106,108in order to enclose the storage cavity112. In an alternative embodiment, a lid (not shown) can be hingedly connected to one of the first, second, third, or fourth side-walls102,104,106,108to selectively enclose the storage cavity112.

Referring now toFIG.2, the planter box100is depicted in a partially, exploded view. As shown, the first side-wall102includes a base plank114and a top plank116. In an assembled state, as will be discussed further below, the top plank116is aligned with and disposed vertically above the base plank114(i.e., in a stacked manner). The base plank114extends longitudinally in the width direction ‘W’ of the planter box100between opposite, first and second ends114a,114b. A first groove118is formed in the base plank114and extends longitudinally (in the width direction ‘W’) from the first end114ato the second end114b. That is, the first groove118is a cut-out formed in the base plank114and extends completely from the first end114ato the second end114bthereof.

Further, a second groove120is formed in the base plank114, adjacent the first end114athereof, and extends longitudinally (in the height direction ‘H’ of the planter box100) from a bottom end114cto a top end114dthereof. Accordingly, the second groove120intersects with (i.e., crosses over) the first groove118. The second groove120may be perpendicular to the first groove118. Alternatively, the first groove118and second groove120may meet at an angle less than, or preferably, greater than, 90°. Notably the second groove120is spaced from the first end114a. The spaced distance between the first end114aand the second groove120is advantageous in that it maintains the structural integrity of the base plank114during and after assembly, as will be discussed below.

Moreover, a third groove122is formed in the base plank114, adjacent the second end114bthereof, and extends longitudinally (in the height direction ‘H’ of the planter box100) from the bottom end114cto the top end114dthereof. Accordingly, like the second groove120, the third groove122likewise intersects with the first groove118perpendicularly or at an angle. Also similar to the second groove120, the third groove122is spaced from the second end114bby the corresponding distance noted above. Preferably, the second and third grooves120,122are arranged parallel with respect to one another (i.e., in the height direction ‘H’ of the planter box100) and are arranged perpendicular to the first groove118. Notably, the first groove118is spaced from the bottom end114cof the base plank114to likewise maintain the structural integrity of the base plank114during and after assembly. The spacing between the first groove118and the bottom end114cof the base plank114will be further discussed below.

Further, in the depicted example, the bottom end114cof the base plank114is configured to rest on a supporting surface. That is, the bottom end114cof the base plank114of the first side-wall102(as well as the corresponding bottom end of the base plank114of the third side-wall106) is the engagement point between the assembled planter box100and a (preferably flat) supporting surface on which the planter box100sits. Notably, the supporting surface may be a floor, a table, a step, or any other structure where an end user wishes to place the planter box100. Moreover, as will be further discussed below, legs (not shown) may be removably attached to the base plank114of the first side-wall102(as well as the corresponding base plank114of the third side-wall106). In such instances, respective engagement surfaces of the legs (e.g., the surfaces physically resting on the supporting surface) constitute a bottom end of the first side-wall102(and the third side-wall106). Accordingly, the bottom end114cof the base plank114may rest directly on the supporting surface (i.e., direct physical contact therebetween) or may rest indirectly on the supporting surface (i.e., via the intermediate legs).

The top plank116of the first side-wall102likewise extends longitudinally (in the width direction ‘W’ of the planter box100) between opposite, first and second ends116a,116b. As shown, fourth and fifth grooves124,126are formed in the top plank116adjacent the first and second ends116a,116b, respectively, thereof. Similar to the base plank114, each of the fourth and fifth grooves124,126is provided at a spaced distance from its respective first or second end116a,116b. Further, each of the fourth and fifth grooves124,126extends longitudinally (in the height direction ‘H’ of the planter box100) from a bottom end116cto a top end116dthereof. Moreover, the fourth and fifth grooves124,126are preferably oriented such that they are parallel to one another (i.e., both extending longitudinally in the height direction ‘H’ of the planter box100), or alternatively, at an angle relative to the first groove118. Notably, as will be discussed further below, when the top plank116is disposed (i.e., stacked) on the base plank114, the second groove120and the fourth groove124are aligned with one another (e.g., aligned along a common vertical axis) and the third groove122and the fifth groove126are aligned with one another (e.g., along a separate, common vertical axis).

Notably, the base plank114and the top plank116of the first side-wall102have the same dimensions in the height ‘H,’ width ‘W,’ and depth ‘D’ directions of the planter box100. However, it is contemplated that the base plank114and the top plank116could have varying dimensions with respect to one another in the height ‘H,’ width ‘W,’ and/or depth ‘D’ directions of the planter box100. Moreover, it is to be understood that the first and third side-walls102,106are substantially the same. That is, the first and third side-walls102,106are mirror-images of one another in shape and configuration. Accordingly, the above-noted disclosure of the first side-wall102likewise applies to the third side-wall106. Further, for brevity, it is to be understood that any further disclosure of the first side-wall102likewise applies to the third side-wall106unless stated otherwise.

As shown inFIG.2, the design and configuration of the second side-wall104will now be discussed. Notably, the second and fourth side-walls104,108are the same in both shape and configuration. Accordingly, for brevity, the below disclosure will be directed towards only the second side-wall104with the understanding that said disclosure likewise applies to the fourth side-wall108. As shown inFIG.2, the second side-wall104includes a base board128and a top board130. In an assembled state, as will be discussed further below, the top board130is aligned with and disposed vertically above the base board128(i.e., in a stacked configuration). The base board128extends longitudinally in the depth direction ‘D’ of the planter box100between opposite, first and second ends128a,128b. A protrusion132is provided at each of the first and second ends128a,128bof the base board128and extends in the height direction ‘H’ of the planter box100between opposite bottom and top ends128c,128d, thereof. More specifically, each protrusion132extends completely from the bottom end128cof the base board128to the top end128dthereof.

With respect toFIG.3, a partial, cross-sectional view of the base board128is shown. As depicted, the protrusion132has a dovetail shape including opposite, first and second surfaces132a,132b, and a third surface132c. Notably, the first and second surfaces132a,132blie on respective imaginary planes P1, P2that converge (i.e., intersect) within a body of the base board128. Moreover, the third surface132cextends between the first and second surfaces132a,132b(e.g., is coterminous with outer-most edges of the first and second surfaces132a,132b) and is oriented perpendicular to a main side surface (i.e., a surface that partially defines the inner side-surface that partially bounds the storage cavity112) of the base board128. Notably, while only one of the protrusions132of the base board128is shown inFIG.3, it is to be understood that the other protrusion132has the same shape. Moreover, it is to be understood that the protrusions132may have a different shape in cross-section so long as the shape of the protrusions132allows for assembly of the planter box100via mechanical connections and without need for glue or fasteners. For example, the protrusions132could have a circular shape in cross-section.

Moving back toFIG.2, the top board130of the second side-wall104is substantially the same as the base board128of the second side-wall104. That is, the top board130extends longitudinally in the depth direction ‘D’ of the planter box100between opposite, first and second ends130a,130band includes protrusions134provided at the first and second ends130a,130b, respectively, thereof. The protrusions134of the top board130are the same in cross-sectional shape (e.g., dovetail-shaped) as the protrusions132of the base board128and likewise extend in the height direction ‘H’ of the planter box100between opposite bottom and top ends130c,130dthereof. Notably, the only difference between the base board128and the top board130of the second side-wall104is their respective dimensions in the height direction ‘H’ of the planter box100. Specifically, as shown inFIG.5, the base board128spans a first distance D1in the height direction ‘H’ of the planter box100and the top board130spans a second distance D2in the height direction ‘H’ of the planter box100, wherein the first distance D1is greater than the second distance D2.

Moving back toFIG.2, the bottom wall110comprises a plurality of panels136disposed adjacent one another and residing on a common imaginary plane. Each panel136extends longitudinally in the depth direction ‘D’ of the planter box100between opposite, first and second ends136a,136band includes protrusions138provided at the first and second ends136a,136b, respectively, thereof. The protrusions138of each panel136are the same in cross-sectional shape (e.g., dovetail-shaped) as the protrusions132of the base board128. Moreover, the protrusions of each panel136extend completely between opposite lateral ends136c,136dthereof in the width direction ‘W’ of the planter box100.

As shown, a total of nine panels136collectively define the bottom wall110. It is to be understood that the bottom wall110may be defined by a total number of panels136that is greater than or less than nine. Specifically, the total number of panels136used for a particular planter box100depends on the dimensions of the first and third side-walls102,106thereof in the width direction ‘W.’ Further, each panel136can have the same dimensions in the height ‘H,’ width ‘W,’ and depth ‘D’ directions of the planter box100with respect to one another. However, it is contemplated that the panels136can have varying dimensions with respect to one another in the width ‘W’ direction of the planter box100.

Notably, the aforementioned grooves (i.e., the first groove118, the second groove120, the third groove122, the fourth groove124, and the fifth groove126) are shaped and dimensioned to receive a corresponding protrusion therein. Specifically, with reference toFIG.4, a cross-sectional view of the base plank114of the first side-wall102is shown and depicts the first groove118as having a corresponding cross-sectional shape (e.g., dovetail-shape) with respect to the protrusion132shown inFIG.3. It is to be understood that any/all of the aforementioned grooves may have any particular cross-sectional shape so long as it corresponds with a complementary shape of a respective protrusion and is dimensioned to permit the protrusion to be received therein. Notably, the respective dimensions between a protrusion and its corresponding groove may be such that the protrusion readily slides therein with ease (e.g., a clearance fit), or such that a user is required to apply a small amount of force in order to slide the protrusion into its corresponding groove (e.g., a push-fit). Once assembled, the protrusions should fit into their corresponding grooves with a mechanical connection so as to prevent racking or twisting of the final assembled planter box100without need for glues or fasteners. A preferred groove/protrusion joint is a sliding dovetail joint.

Reference will now be made with respect to assembly of the above-described planter box100. It is to be understood that the below-described method of assembly is only one example of such, and that fewer or additional steps may be included. It is further contemplated that the below-noted steps need not occur in the exact order, as discussed.

With reference toFIG.2, the planter box100is assembled by removably connecting the bottom wall100to each of the first and third side-walls102,106, and further by removably connecting each of the second and fourth side-walls104,108to the first and third side-walls102,106. Notably, the removable connection is provided via sliding engagement of a protrusion within a corresponding groove. As will be further discussed below, this removable connection presents a modular design, wherein various dimensions (i.e., in the height direction ‘H,’ width direction ‘W’ and/or depth direction ‘D’) of the planter box100can be adjusted by an end user (e.g., after first purchasing the planter box100) by adding or subtracting various elements or by substituting various elements.

The method of assembly can begin by first connecting each panel136of the plurality of panels to the base plank114of the first side-wall102. Specifically, this is accomplished by sliding the protrusion138at the first end136aof each panel136within the first groove118in the width direction ‘W’ of the planter box100. This step is repeated for each panel136until the plurality of panels generally span from the first end114aof the base plank114to the second end114bthereof. Notably, each panel136can be in physical contact with an adjacent panel such that there are no gaps (i.e., in the width direction ‘W’ of the planter box100) provided in the bottom wall110. Alternatively, the plurality of panels136can be spaced from one another (i.e., in the width direction ‘W’ of the planter box100) such that gaps are defined therebetween (e.g., to permit draining). Next, each panel136of the plurality of panels is connected to the base plank114of the third side-wall106. This occurs in substantially the same manner as noted above (i.e., by sliding the protrusion138at the second end136bof each panel136within the first groove118in the width direction ‘W’ of the planter box100.

Subsequently, the top plank116of the first side-wall102is arranged above the base plank114of the first side-wall102such that the top plank116is stacked (in the height direction ‘H’ of the planter box100) on top of the base plank114. Notably, when assembled, the bottom end116cof the top plank116can physically contact (i.e., rest on) the top end114dof the base plank114such that there is no gap (i.e., in the height direction ‘H’ of the planter box100) therebetween. Alternatively, the base plank114and the top plank116can be slightly spaced from one another such that a gap is defined therebetween. Moreover, in the assembled position, the second groove120and the fourth groove124of the base plank114and the top plank116, respectively, are aligned with one another along a common axis (i.e., aligned in the height direction ‘H’ of the planter box100). Similarly, the third groove122and the fifth groove126of the base plank114and the top plank116, respectively, are aligned in the same manner. Notably, after the top plank116of the first side-wall102is arranged above its corresponding base plank114, the top plank116of the third side-wall106is arranged above the base plank114of the third side-wall106in the same manner.

Thereafter, the base board128of the second side-wall104is assembled with respect to each of the first and third side-walls102,106. Specifically, the base board128is arranged above the top plank116of each of the first and third side-walls102,106such that the protrusions132at the first and second ends128a,128bare aligned with their corresponding grooves in the top plank116and the base plank114. More specifically, the protrusion132at the first end128aof the base board128is aligned (vertically) with the second groove120and the fourth groove124of the base plank114and the top plank116, respectively, of the first side-wall. Thereafter, the base board128is translated downwards such that the protrusion132at the first end128athereof is received within the fourth groove124of the top plank116and continues to translate (vertically downwards) until said protrusion132is received within the second groove120of the base plank114. Notably, as this occurs, the protrusion132at the second end128bof the base board128simultaneously translates within the respective, corresponding grooves formed in the top plank116and the base plank114of the third side-wall106.

As mentioned above, the second groove120may span the entire distance from the bottom end114cto the top end114dof the base plank114. It is to be understood that when the base board128is in the assembled state, the base board128does not span the entire vertical distance (i.e., in the height direction ‘H’ of the planter box100) of the second groove120. Rather, the base board128rests on (e.g., physically contacts) the bottom wall110(e.g., one of panels136) of the planter box100and thus only extends part of the vertical distance of the base board128. Moreover, it is noted that in the assembled state, the base board128extends adjacent both the base plank114and the top plank116of the first side-wall102. That is, the protrusion132at the first end128aof the base board128is received within both the second groove120of the base plank114and the fourth groove124of the top plank116in its assembled state.

Thereafter, the top board130of the second side-wall104is connected to the first and third side-walls102,106in the same manner noted above. That is, the protrusions134at each end of the top board130are translated and received within their respective fourth grooves124formed in their corresponding top planks116. Again, it is to be understood that in the assembled state, the top board130can rest (i.e., physically contact) on the base board128such that there is no gap disposed therebetween. Alternatively, the top board130may be spaced from the base board128such that a gap exists therebetween.

Finally, the fourth side-wall108is connected to the first and third side-walls102,106in the same manner noted above with respect to the second side-wall104. That is, base board128of the fourth side-wall108is translated vertically downwards such that its protrusions132are mechanically received within their associated third groove122and the fifth groove126of the corresponding base plank114and top plank116, respectively, of the first and third side-walls102,106. Finally, the top board130of the fourth side-wall108is translated vertically downwards such that the protrusions134at each end thereof are translated and received within their respective fifth grooves126formed in their corresponding top planks116.

Now moving toFIG.5, in the assembled state, an upper edge of the second side-wall104(and the fourth side-wall108, not shown inFIG.5) sits flush with respective upper edges of the first and third side-walls102,106. As noted above, the respective base boards128of the second and fourth side-walls104,108rest on the bottom wall110in the assembled state. Accordingly, an overall distance of each of the second and fourth side-walls104,108in the height direction ‘H’ is less than an overall distance of each of the first and third side-wall102,106in the height direction ‘H’ in order to permit the respective upper edges of the second and fourth side-walls104,108to sit flush with the respective upper edges of the first and third side-walls102,106. For example, as shown inFIG.5, each base board128of the second and fourth side-walls104,108is taller (i.e., in the height direction ‘H’) than the respective top boards130of the second and fourth side-walls104,108. Alternatively, it is contemplated that each top board130of the second and fourth side-walls104,108is taller (i.e., in the height direction ‘H’) than the respective base boards128of the second and fourth side-walls104,108or that the top boards130of the second and fourth side-walls104,108are equal in height so long as the top edges of the planter box are flush and meet at the same height.

Importantly, the bottom wall110of the planter box100does not sit flush with respective bottom edges of the first and third side-walls102,106(i.e., edges of the first and third side-walls102,106configured to come in contact with a supporting surface when placed by a user). That is, the panels136of the bottom wall110are not flush with the respective bottom ends114cof the base planks114of the first and third side-walls102,106, and do not rest on or contact the supporting surface. Rather, the bottom wall110is vertically spaced (i.e., in the height direction ‘H’ of the planter box) from the respective bottom edges of the first and third side-walls102,106by a third distance D3(e.g., 0.75-4.0 cm, preferably 1.5-2.0 cm). Providing this spaced distance (i.e., the third distance D3) is important for maintaining the structural integrity of the respective base planks114of the first and third side-walls102,106. Specifically, arranging the bottom wall110at the respective bottom edges of the first and third side-walls102,106would result in the first groove118in each of the base planks114being disposed at or closely adjacent to the respective bottom ends114cof the base planks114. Forming a groove at or closely adjacent to the bottom end114cof the base plank114would weaken the surrounding structure, as there is less surrounding material to receive distributed forces applied by the bottom wall110. That is, the applied force (e.g., weight) of the bottom wall110would be distributed and concentrated at a point of least material in the base plank114(i.e., near the bottom end114c) and cause failure (i.e., breaking) thereat. Accordingly, spacing the bottom wall110from the bottom end114cof the base planks114by the third distance D3ensures that there is sufficient material between the first groove118and the bottom end114cto distribute the applied force and prohibit/prevent failure.

Similarly, with respect toFIG.6, the second side-wall104of the planter box100does not sit flush with respective lateral edges of the first and third side-walls102,106. That is, neither the base board128nor the top board130sits flush with the respective first ends114a,116aof the base plank114and the top plank116, respectively, of the first side-wall102and the third side-wall106. Rather, the second side-wall104is laterally spaced (i.e., in the width direction ‘W’ of the planter box100) from the lateral edge of the first side-wall102(as well as the lateral edge of the third side-wall106) by a fourth distance D4(e.g., 0.75-5.0 cm, and preferably 1.75-2.25 cm). Again, this spaced distance (i.e., the fourth distance D4) is important for maintaining the structural integrity of the corresponding lateral ends of the first and third side-walls102,106, respectively. That is, spacing the second side-wall104from said lateral ends of the first and third side-walls102,106, respectively, by the fourth distance D4ensures that there is sufficient material between the corresponding grooves and said lateral ends to prohibit/prevent failure. Notably, the above spacing and disclosure likewise applies to the fourth side-wall108, as shown inFIG.6.

As briefly mentioned above, legs (not shown) may be removably connected to the respective base planks114of the first side-wall102and the third side-wall106. As noted above, each of the first and second grooves120,122extend completely from the bottom end114cto the top end114dof the base plank114(in the height direction ‘H’ of the planter box100). Accordingly, in the assembled state, each leg (not shown) may be removably connected to the base plank114by inserting a dovetail-shaped protrusion into an unoccupied portion of the first or second groove120,122. That is, a leg (not shown) may be inserted into the portion of the first or second groove120,122disposed vertically below the bottom wall110(in the height direction ‘H’ of the planter box100). Adding a (removable) pair of legs to each of the respective base planks114of the first side-wall102and the third side-wall106increases the distance of the storage cavity112(e.g., the bottom wall110) from the supporting surface. Accordingly, the removable legs permit a user to choose a desired height of the storage cavity112from the supporting surface for easier accessibility, or even for desired aesthetics.

Now moving on toFIG.7, a second embodiment of a planter box100is shown. As noted above, the planter box100is modularly designed such that various parts (e.g., boards, planks, panels) of the first, second, third, and fourth side-walls102,104,106,108, and the bottom wall110can be added or subtracted by a user to achieve a planter box100with desired dimensions (i.e., in the height ‘H,’ width ‘W,’ and/or depth ‘D’ directions). For example, with respect toFIG.7, each of the first and third side-walls102,106includes an intermediate plank115disposed vertically between (i.e., in the height direction ‘H’) the base plank114and the top plank116. Similarly, each of the second and fourth side-walls104,108includes an intermediate board129disposed vertically between the base board128and the top board130. The addition of the intermediate planks115and the intermediate boards129increases the overall height of the storage cavity112.

As described above, the modular planter box100is quickly assembled by sliding protrusions (e.g., of the boards or panels) into corresponding grooves. Accordingly, the planter box100can be quickly assembled by an end user without the use of tools and/or fasteners. Further, the planter box100can be shipped from the manufacturer to either an intermediary seller or a customer in a completely unassembled state, thus decreasing the overall footprint of the packaging materials. Moreover, as noted above, each of the first, second, third, and fourth side-walls102,104,106,108, and the bottom wall110can be constructed of wood (e.g., pine, spruce, fir, oak, redwood, etc.). In some aspects, the wood is a moisture resistant or rot resistant wood such as cedar or teak. Alternatively, the first, second, third, and fourth side-walls102,104,106,108, and the bottom wall110can be constructed of a PVC material such as AZEK®. Notably, the corners of each element of the above-noted walls can be chamfered or rounded to improve the overall feel/aesthetics of the planter box100. Decorative or ornamental elements may also be added.

Further still, it is contemplated that each plank of the first and third side-walls102,106can be identical to the base plank114(e.g., depicted inFIG.2). Accordingly, in such examples, each plank would include two, vertically oriented grooves disposed adjacent respective, opposite ends thereof, as well as a horizontally oriented groove (e.g., the first groove118) extending horizontally between said opposite ends and intersecting the two, vertically oriented grooves. In such examples, additional panels136may be disposed between upper rows of the planks. For example, with respect toFIG.2, if each of the respective top planks116of the first and third side-walls102,106includes the corresponding horizontal groove (e.g., the first groove118), then at least one panel136could be received within said corresponding horizontal grooves in order to extend (e.g., in the depth direction ‘D’) between the respective top planks116of the first and third side-walls102,106. The inclusion of this additional panel136extending between the top planks116can increase structural rigidity of the planer box100and hinder warpage of the side-walls, or could serve as an ornamental feature to give the appearance of two individual planter boxes.

The invention has been described with reference to the example embodiments described above. Modifications and alterations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of this specification. Example embodiments incorporating one or more aspects of the invention are intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims.