US6209258B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Extendable locking potted plant support
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1999-02-18
•
Granted: 2001-04-03
•
Expires: 2019-02-18
Abstract
Abstract A potted plant support system which has a flat base member which is securabie to a plant pot by with a key which secures the base member to the pot. The key may be shaped to fit in slot-like openings in the base member and the pot. The plant is supported by rods which may be notched to retain plant ties. The system may also include a pot support clip which engages the pot periphery and includes a rod support extension. Also disclosed is a plant support hook which slidingly engages the rods and which releasably engages itself to form a plant retaining loop.
Inventors
- 👤 Margie Schneider
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 04:22
CPC Classifications
A; A01; A01G; A01G9/00; A01G9/12; A01G9/122; A01G9/124
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 17
Claim 1
Independent Claim
106 words
A plant support system for use with a plant pot having a bottom inner surface having at least one aperture comprising: (a) a substantially flat base member which may lie at the bottom of the pot, the base member having at least one opening which aligns with the aperture of the pot; (b) means for removably securing the base member to the pot, said securing means extending through the at least one opening and the at least one aperture; (c) at least one plant support rod; (d) rod holding means associated with the base member for holding the plant support rod in a substantially vertical position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
106 words
A plant support system for use with a plant pot having a bottom inner surface having at least one aperture comprising: (a) a substantially flat base member which may lie at the bottom of the pot, the base member having at least one opening which aligns with the aperture of the pot; (b) means for removably securing the base member to the pot, said securing means extending through the at least one opening and the at least one aperture; (c) at least one plant support rod; (d) rod holding means associated with the base member for holding the plant support rod in a substantially vertical position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The plant support system of claim 1 wherein the at least one plant support rod has a cruciform cross-sectional profile.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
The plant support system of claim 1 wherein the rod holding means is a socket within which the plant support rod may be inserted.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The plant support system of claim 3 wherein the socket is threaded and the plant support rod has a complementary thread.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
58 words
The plant support system of claim 1 wherein the securing means comprises a locking key comprising an elongate probe having a cross member which cross member and probe may be inserted into the at least one opening in the base member and the at least one aperture in the pot and may be turned to a locking position.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
47 words
The plant support system of claim 1 wherein the securing means comprises a substantially flat “C” shaped key which inserts through the at least one opening in the base member and the at least one aperture in the pot and may be slid to a locking position.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
46 words
The plant support system of claim 1 wherein the key means comprises a substantially cylindrical key which defines a flexible ridge and said ridge may be pushed in through, and resists being pulled out of the at least one opening and the at least one aperture.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
The plant support system of claim 1 wherein the plant support rod or rods define a plurality of nodes for supporting a plant tie.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
The plant support system of claim 8 wherein each node comprises a support wedge having an upper support surface and an inclined lower surface.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
24 words
The plant support system of claim 8 wherein each node comprises a support notch having a lower support surface and an inclined upper surface.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
24 words
The plant support system of claim 1 further comprising a plant support accessory which is removably attachable to the plant support rod or rods.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
35 words
The plant support system of claim 11 wherein the plant support accessory comprises a rod attachment sleeve and two opposing extensions which may releasably engage each other to form a substantially circular plant support loop.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
18 words
The plant support system of claim 12 wherein the base member is adapted to fit a self-watering pot.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
28 words
The plant support system of claim 1 wherein the top end of the plant support rod defines a two or three dimensional structure which may support the plant.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
44 words
The plant support system of claim 1 further comprising a support clip, said clip comprising a clamp for engaging a peripheral edge of a plant pot and a support rod positioner for engaging the plant support rod and restricting lateral movement of the rod.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
45 words
The plant support system of claim 15 wherein the clamp comprises two opposing members which straddle the peripheral edge and wherein the support rod positioner comprises a horizontal member extending from the clamp and defining an opening through which the plant support rod may pass.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2004-04-02 | 2004-10-02 | 2005-04-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2008-04-02 | 2008-10-02 | 2009-04-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2012-04-02 | 2012-10-02 | 2013-04-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |