WO2022074542A1

WO2022074542A1 - Planter drainage assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2022074542A1
Application number: PCT/IB2021/059097
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hugh HAMLIN; Corinne HAMLIN
Original assignee: Hamlin Hugh; Hamlin Corinne
Priority date: 2020-10-05
Filing date: 2021-10-05
Publication date: 2022-04-14

Abstract

In one aspect there is disclosed a planter drainage assembly (10) including a drainage base (18) to support a planter (14). The drainage base (18) includes a drainage channel (20) and a drainage opening (22) in fluid communication with the drainage channel (20). The drainage channel (20) is operatively adapted to receive drained liquid from the planter and to feed the drained liquid under the influence of gravity to the drainage opening (22).

Description

PLANTER DRAINAGE ASSEMBLY

FIELD

[0001] The invention concerns a planter drainage assembly. In one non-exclusive aspect the invention concerns a planter drainage assembly for use with a planter having a base with one or more holes therein for draining excess liquid from the planter.

BACKGROUND

[0002] A planter, also referred to as a flowerpot or plant pot, is a container in which plants and flowers are cultivated and displayed. Potted plants are often placed on decks, walkways and inside dwellings and offices to improve the appearance of a specific area. A typical planter has one or more holes in its base through which excess liquid can drain under the influence of gravity. For this reason, a planter is typically placed inside a saucer-like collection tray with an upstanding rim. The liquid so collected by the collection tray will over time either evaporate or be drawn back into the planter by capillary action.

[0003] Decorative and functional planters tend to be relatively large and heavy. This means they are not easily moved when cleaning is required after liquid from the planter has spilled onto a surface supporting the planter. Such spillage could lead to staining or discolouration of the surrounding surface. In the case where a planter is located on a timber deck, rotting of the deck and possible structural damage may ensue. A planter tray filled with liquid or spilled patches proximate the planter may also become a breeding ground for insects, such as mosquitos, or bacteria.

OBJECT

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide a planter drainage assembly which ameliorates at least some of the above drawbacks associated with existing planters or to provide a useful alternative planter drainage assembly.

SUMMARY

[0005] According to a first aspect there is disclosed herein a planter drainage assembly including a drainage base to support a planter, the drainage base including a drainage channel and a drainage opening in fluid communication with the drainage channel, the drainage channel operatively adapted to receive drained liquid from the planter and to feed the drained liquid under the influence of gravity to the drainage opening.

[0006] Preferably the drainage channel is a first drainage channel and the drainage base includes a plurality of drainage channels.

[0007] Preferably each drainage channel includes an inclined channel floor operatively adapted to feed drained liquid to the drainage opening.

[0008] Preferably the drainage base includes a circumferential lip.

[0009] Preferably the drainage base has an operative upper support surface, wherein the upper support surface is concave.

[0010] Preferably the drainage base includes a drainage floor and a plurality of ribs upwardly extending from the drainage floor.

[0011] Preferably operative upper surfaces of the ribs define a flat operative upper support surface of the drainage base to support the planter.

[0012] Preferably the drainage base has a substantially round circumference.

[0013] Preferably the drainage opening is offset from the centre of the drainage base.

[0014] Preferably the drainage opening includes a drainage hole through which drained liquid is drained from the drainage opening.

[0015] In an embodiment the drainage hole is adapted to be placed in fluid communication with a fitting adapted to couple with a conduit.

[0016] Preferably the drainage base includes a foot to elevate a lower surface of the drainage base above a support surface.

[0017] Preferably the foot is a first foot and the drainage base includes a plurality of feet to elevate the lower surface of the drainage base above the support surface.

[0018] Preferably each foot includes a curved foot base.

[0019] Preferably the planter drainage assembly includes a drainage unit adapted to be located between an operative lower surface of the drainage base and the support surface. [0020] Preferably lugs are provided on the drainage base which are adapted to accept slider rungs provided on upper edges of the drainage unit.

[0021] According to a second aspect there is disclosed herein a planter drainage assembly including a drainage base to support a planter, the drainage base operatively adapted to receive drained liquid from the planter and to feed the drained liquid under the influence of gravity to a drainage opening, wherein the drainage base includes at least one foot to elevate the drainage base above a support surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described hereinafter, by way of examples only, with reference to the accompany drawings, wherein:

[0023] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment planter drainage assembly supporting a planter holding a plant;

[0024] Figure 2 is a perspective top view of the planter drainage assembly of Figure 1;

[0025] Figure 3 is a perspective bottom view of the planter drainage assembly of Figure 1;

[0026] Figure 4 is a top view of the planter drainage assembly of Figure 1;

[0027] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view at line V-V in Figure 4;

[0028] Figure 6 is a further top view of the planter drainage assembly of Figure 1;

[0029] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view at line VII- VII in Figure 6;

[0030] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a second embodiment planter drainage assembly supporting a planter holding a plant;

[0031] Figure 9 is an enlarged view of a portion of the planter drainage assembly of Figure 8 including a drainage unit;

[0032] Figure 10 is a top perspective view of the drainage unit of Figure 9;

[0033] Figure 11 is a bottom perspective view of the drainage unit of Figure 9;

[0034] Figure 12 is a top view of a third embodiment planter drainage assembly;

[0035] Figure 13 is a side view of the planter drainage assembly of Figure 12; [0036] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view at the line E-E in Figure 13;

[0037] Figure 15 is bottom view of the planter drainage assembly of Figure 12;

[0038] Figure 16 is a further bottom view of the plainer drainage assembly of Figure 12 with its drainage unit removed;

[0039] Figure 17 is a top view of a fourth embodiment planter drainage assembly;

[0040] Figure 18 is a side view of the planter drainage assembly of Figure 17;

[0041] Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view at the line D-D in Figure 18;

[0042] Figure 20 is bottom view of the planter drainage assembly of Figure 17;

[0043] Figure 21 is a further bottom view of the plainer drainage assembly of Figure 17 with its drainage unit removed;

[0044] Figure 22 is a top view of a fifth embodiment planter drainage assembly;

[0045] Figure 23 is a side view of the planter drainage assembly of Figure 22;

[0046] Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view at the line B-B in Figure 23;

[0047] Figure 25 is bottom view of the planter drainage assembly of Figure 22;

[0048] Figure 26 is a further bottom view of the plainer drainage assembly of Figure 22 with its drainage unit removed;

[0049] Figure 27 is a top view of a sixth embodiment planter drainage assembly;

[0050] Figure 28 is a side view of the planter drainage assembly of Figure 27;

[0051] Figure 29 is a further side view of the planter drainage assembly of Figure 27 ;

[0052] Figure 30 is a cross-sectional view at the line F-F in Figure 29; and

[0053] Figure 31 is bottom view of the planter drainage assembly of Figure 27.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0054] Figure 1 shows a first embodiment planter drainage assembly, generally indicated with the reference numeral 10. The planter drainage assembly 10 is located on a deck 12 and supports a planter 14 holding a plant 16. The planter drainage assembly 10 includes a drainage base 18 which supports the planter 14. Referring also to Figures 2 to 7, the drainage base 18 includes a plurality of drainage channels 20 and a drainage opening 22 in fluid communication with the drainage channels 20. The drainage channels 20 are operatively adapted to receive drained liquid from the planter 14 and to feed the drained liquid under the influence of gravity to the drainage opening 22. As shown in Figures 5 and 7 each drainage channel 20 includes an inclined channel floor 24 operatively adapted to feed drained liquid to the drainage opening 22. To assist in liquid being directed towards the drainage opening 22 the drainage base 18 has a slight concave upper support surface 19 as can be seen in Figure 5. The drainage base 18 further includes a circumferential lip 21 which serves to strengthen then drainage base 18 to support the weight of the planter 14.

[0055] The embodiment drainage base 18 has a substantially round circumference with the drainage opening 22 being offset from the centre of the drainage base 18. As shown the drainage channels 20 extend radially outwardly from the drainage opening 22. The drainage opening 22 includes a drainage hole 23, here threaded, which holds a downwardly orientated fitting 26 adapted to be coupled to a flexible conduit 28 depicted in Figure 1. The embodiment conduit 28 comprises a 12mm hose. The effect of this is that liquid draining from the planter 14 can be caught by the drainage channels 20 and be fed under the influence of gravity to the drainage opening 22. The liquid can now flow through the fitting 26 secured in the drainage hole 23, into the conduit 28 and fed away from the deck 12. Further, by providing a plurality of drainage channels 20 the drainage base 18 can accommodate a planter 14 having either a single central drain hole or multiple holes along its circumference. Also, by providing that the fitting 26 is downwardly oriented, the occurrence of possible clogging / obstructions in the conduit 28 due to small particles is ameliorated as the orientation of the fitting assists in keeping liquid flowing.

[0056] In a non-illu strated embodiment the fitting 26 is replaced with a hose tail incorporated within the drainage base 18.

[0057] The drainage base 18 includes a plurality of feet 30, outwardly extending from an operative lower surface 36 of the drainage base, which are operatively adapted to elevate the drainage base 18 above the deck 12. Having an elevated lower surface 36 allows for the surface below the planter 14 to be cleaned by, for example, hosing, water blasting, leaf blowing, sweeping or vacuuming without moving the planter 14. Each of the feet 30 includes a curved foot base 31 which further allows for the planter 14 to be slid with relative ease across a floor surface to assist cleaning. In an alternative non-illustrated embodiment the feet 30 include detachably attached caps. It is pointed out that elevating the lower surface 36 above a floor surface facilitates air circulation under the planter 14 thereby enabling the floor surface to remain clean and dry.

[0058] It will be noted that the lower surface 36 defines a lower opening 39 through which the fitting 26 projects. An opening lip 41, which extends outwardly from the lower surface 36, is provided adjacent the lower opening 39. The opening lip 41 operates as a drip line when the drainage base is used without the fitting 26 as discussed with reference to the second embodiment described below. It is envisaged that the opening lip 41 will prevent capillary action and prevent excess fluid running along the drainage base 18.

[0059] The embodiment drainage base 18 and feet 30 are of unitary construction and produced by moulding plastic. It will of course be appreciated that the drainage base 18 and feet 30 could be produced independently.

[0060] In this embodiment the drainage base 18 has a diameter of 440mm and the circumferential lip 21 has a thickness of 5mm. The total height of the planter drainage assembly 10 is 115mm wherein the feet 30 have a height of 75mm and the drainage base 18 has a 40mm maximum height / thickness. At its circumference 33 the drainage base 18 has a thickness of 12mm. At the lower edge 35 of the circumference 33 the drainage base 18 includes a slope 37 which is inwardly angled at 45 degrees with a length of about for 28mm. At the point where the slope 37 terminates the four feet 30 are located in a spaced-apart relationship as shown. The feet 30 have cross-sectional dimensions of 75mm x 50mm. The feet 30 are purposely designed to have a height of 75mm to permit good air circulation and to facilitate ease of cleaning and also to distribute support loads. It will of course be appreciated that the planter drainage assembly 10 can be embodied in numerous different shapes and sizes.

[0061] Figures 8 to 11 show a second embodiment planter drainage assembly 32. The second embodiment drainage assembly 32 is similar to the first embodiment planter drainage assembly 10 in that it includes a similar drainage base 18. However, rather than having a conduit coupled to the fitting 26, a drainage unit / drip tray 34 is provided to receive liquid dripping from the drainage hole 23, which is not threaded in this embodiment. The embodiment drainage unit 34 is adapted by being sufficiently sized for location between the operative lower surface 36 of the drainage base 18 and the support surface 38. The second embodiment planter drainage assembly 32 is particularly useful for indoor use. The embodiment drainage unit 34 includes a unit base 40 and four unit walls 42 which upwardly extend from the unit base 40. The four unit walls 42 define an open top 44 through which the drainage unit 34 is filled with liquid. To assist placement and retrieval of the drainage unit 34 one of the unit walls 42 includes an outwardly extending lip / grab handle 46. A preferred aspect of capturing drained liquid in the drainage unit 34 is that nutrient rich liquid can be returned to the planter 14. Further, the drainage unit 34 can be located underneath the drainage base 18 to provide the planter drainage assembly 34 with an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

[0062] In a non-illustrated embodiment lugs are provided on the lower surface of the drainage base 18 which are adapted to accept slider rungs provided on upper edges of the longer sides of the drainage unit/drip tray 34. In use the drainage unit/drip tray 34 is held in position within the lugs of the drainage base 18 elevated above the support surface.

[0063] The drainage unit 34 has dimensions of 200mm L x 150mm W x 60mm H. The drainage unit 34 includes four unit feet 48, each having a height of 3mm. In an alternative arrangement the unit feet 48 can be replaced with a full length 3mm rib running 200mm along the length of the drainage unit 34. It will of course be appreciated that the drainage unit 34 can be embodied in numerous different shapes and sizes.

[0064] It is pointed that in having the drainage opening offset as discussed provides certain preferred features. Those features include that an offset drainage opening rather than a centralised opening keeps conduit fall / gradient at its steepest and the conduit short. It further allows space underneath the drainage base 18 to be free of obstruction for ease of cleaning.

[0065] Figure 12 shows a third embodiment planter drainage assembly, generally indicated with the reference numeral 50. The planter drainage assembly 10 includes a drainage base 52 which in use supports a non-illustrated planter. Referring also to Figures 13 to 16, the drainage base 52 includes a plurality of drainage channels 54 and a drainage opening 56 in fluid communication with the drainage channels 54. The drainage channels 54 are operatively adapted to receive drained liquid from a planter and to feed the drained liquid under the influence of gravity to the drainage opening 56. The drainage base 52 includes a drainage floor 58 and a plurality of ribs 60 operatively extending upwardly from the drainage floor 58. Each drainage channel 54 includes an inclined channel floor 62, formed by that portion of the drainage floor 58 located between two adjacent ribs 60. The channel floors 62 are operatively adapted to feed drained liquid to the drainage opening 56. The drainage base 52 has a flat upper support surface, generally indicated with the reference numeral 64, operatively adapted to support a planter. The upper support surface 64 is here defined by upper surfaces of the ribs 62. The ribs 62 have substantially the same height so as to keep the planter in a stable orientation by providing the flat support surface 64. The drainage base 52 further includes a circumferential lip 66 which serves to strengthen the drainage base 52 and to support a planter on the drainage base 52.

[0066] The embodiment drainage base 52 has a substantially round circumference with the drainage opening 56 being offset from the centre of the drainage base 52. As shown the drainage channels 54 extend radially outwardly from the drainage opening 56.

[0067] The drainage base 52 includes a plurality of feet 68, outwardly extending from an operative lower surface 70 for the drainage base 52, which are operatively adapted to elevate the lower surface 70 above a floor surface. Having an elevated lower surface 70 allows for the surface below a planter to be cleaned by, for example, hosing. Each of the feet 68 includes a curved foot base 72 which further allows for the planter to be slid with relative ease across a floor surface to assist cleaning. Also, elevating the lower surface 70 above a floor surface facilitates air circulation under the planter to enable the floor surface to remain clean and dry.

[0068] Similar to the second embodiment planter drainage assembly 32 the planter drainage assembly 50, includes a drainage unit / drip tray 74 to receive liquid dripping from the drainage opening 56. The drainage base 52 includes an outlet 76 to feed liquid from the drainage opening 56 to the drainage unit 74. In an embodiment the outlet 76 is provided in the form of a hose tail.

[0069] Figures 17 to 21 show a fourth embodiment planter drainage assembly 80 which includes a drainage base 82 which includes a plurality of drainage channels 84 and a drainage opening 86 in fluid communication with the drainage channels 84. The drainage channels 84 are operatively adapted to receive drained liquid from a planter and to feed the drained liquid under the influence of gravity to the drainage opening 86. The drainage base 82 includes a drainage floor 88 and four ribs 90 operatively extending upwardly from the drainage floor 88. The drainage base 82 has a substantially round circumference with the drainage opening 86 being located towards the centre of the drainage base 82 with the four ribs 90 extending radially outwardly from the drainage opening 86. The drainage base 82 includes four sets of secondary ribs 91, each set comprising three laterally spaced apart, parallel secondary ribs 92 which are located between two adjacent ribs 90. The drainage base 82 includes an outlet 94 to feed liquid from the drainage opening 86 to a drainage unit 96. The drainage unit 96 is located underneath the drainage base 82 which has a lower surface elevated about a floor surface via feet 98.

[0070] Figures 22 to 26 show a fifth embodiment planter drainage assembly 100 which is similar to the fourth embodiment planter drainage assembly 80 in that it includes a drainage base 102 which includes a plurality of drainage channels 104 and a drainage opening 106 in fluid communication with the drainage channels 104. The drainage base 102 also includes a drainage floor 108 and four ribs 100 operatively extending upwardly from the drainage floor 108. The drainage base 102 has a substantially round circumference with the drainage opening 106 being located towards the centre of the drainage base 102 with the four ribs 110 extending radially outwardly from the drainage opening 106. The drainage base 102 includes four sets of secondary ribs 111, each set comprising three secondary ribs 112 which are located between two adjacent ribs 110. The drainage base 102 includes an outlet 114 to feed liquid from the drainage opening 106 to a drainage unit 116. The drainage unit 116 is located underneath the drainage base 102 having a lower surface which is elevated above a floor surface via feet 118. It will be noted that the outlet 114 is of shorter length than the outlet 94 of the planter drainage assembly 80.

[0071] Figures 27 to 31 show a sixth embodiment planter drainage assembly 120 which is similar to the third embodiment planter drainage assembly 50 in that it includes a drainage base 122 which includes a plurality of drainage channels 124 and a drainage opening 126 in fluid communication with the drainage channels 124. The drainage base 122 also includes a drainage floor 128 and a plurality or ribs 130 operatively extending upwardly from the drainage floor 128. The drainage base 122 further include a number of secondary ribs 132 located between some of the ribs 130. It will be noted that a single secondary rib 132 is located between adjacent ribs 130.

[0072] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

KEY TO REFERENCE NUMERALS EMPLOYED IN DRAWINGS

10 First embodiment planter drainage assembly

12 Deck

14 Planter

16 Plant

18 Drainage base

19 Upper support surface

20 Drainage channels

21 Circumferential lip

22 Drainage opening

23 Drainage hole Channel floor

Fitting

Conduit

Feet

Foot base

Second embodiment planter drainage assembly

Circumference

Drainage unit

Lower edge

Operative lower surface

Slope

Support surface

Lower opening

Unit base

Opening lip

Unit wall

Open top

Lip / grab handle

Unit feet

Third embodiment planter drainage assembly

Drainage base

Drainage channels

Drainage opening

Drainage floor

Ribs

Channel floor

Upper support surface

Circumferential lip

Feet

Lower surface

Curved feet base Drainage unit / drip tray

Outlet

Fourth embodiment planter drainage assembly

Drainage base

Drainage channels

Drainage opening

Drainage floor

Ribs

Secondary set of ribs

Secondary ribs

Outlet

Drainage unit

Feet

Fifth embodiment planter drainage assembly

Drainage base

Drainage channels

Drainage opening

Drainage floor

Ribs

Secondary set of ribs

Secondary ribs

Outlet

Drainage unit

Feet

Sixth embodiment planter drainage assembly

Drainage base

Drainage channels

Drainage opening

Drainage floor

Ribs

Secondary ribs

Claims

1. A planter drainage assembly including a drainage base to support a planter, the drainage base including a drainage channel and a drainage opening in fluid communication with the drainage channel, the drainage channel operatively adapted to receive drained liquid from the planter and to feed the drained liquid under the influence of gravity to the drainage opening.

2. A planter drainage assembly according to claim 1, wherein the drainage channel is a first drainage channel and the drainage base includes a plurality of drainage channels.

3. A planter drainage assembly according to claim 2, wherein each drainage channel includes an inclined channel floor operatively adapted to feed drained liquid to the drainage opening.

4. A planter drainage assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drainage base includes a circumferential lip.

5. A planter drainage assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drainage base has an operative upper support surface and wherein the upper support surface is concave.

6. A planter drainage assembly according to any one claims 1 to 4, wherein the drainage base includes a drainage floor and a plurality of ribs upwardly extending from the drainage floor.

7. A planter drainage assembly according to claim 6, wherein operative upper surfaces of the ribs define a flat operative upper support surface of the drainage base to support the planter.

8. A planter drainage assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drainage base has a substantially round circumference.

9. A planter drainage assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drainage opening is offset from the centre of the drainage base.

10. A planter drainage assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drainage opening includes a drainage hole through which drained liquid is drained from the drainage opening.

11. A planter drainage assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drainage hole is adapted to be placed in fluid communication with an outlet adapted to couple with a conduit.

12. A planter drainage assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drainage base includes a foot to elevate a lower surface of the drainage base above a support surface.

13. A planter drainage assembly according to claim 12, wherein the foot is a first foot and the drainage base includes a plurality of feet to elevate the lower surface of the drainage base above the support surface.

14. A planter drainage assembly according to claim 13, wherein each foot includes a curved foot base.

15. A planter drainage assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the planter drainage assembly includes a drainage unit adapted to be located between an operative lower surface of the drainage base and the support surface.

16. A planter drainage assembly according to claim 15, wherein lugs are provided on the drainage base which are adapted to accept slider rungs provided on upper edges of the drainage unit.

17. A planter drainage assembly including a drainage base to support a planter, the drainage base operatively adapted to receive drained liquid from the planter and to feed the drained liquid under the influence of gravity to a drainage opening, wherein the drainage base includes at least one foot to elevate the drainage base above a support surface.