CANTILEVERED PLANTER SHELF SYSTEMS

Abstract

A cantilevered planter shelf for installation on a floor ledge adjacent to a railing of a balcony, porch, deck or stoop is disclosed. The planter shelf includes a horizontal base, a vertical back spine extending upward from a rear portion of the base, a top lip extending forward from an upper portion of the back spine, and a stake inserted through the top lip. The base has a rear support portion adjacent to the back spine that rests on the floor ledge when the planter shelf is installed, and a front cantilevered portion that extends horizontally beyond an edge of the floor ledge. The back spine has a front surface that contacts an interior surface of the railing when the planter shelf is installed. A method of installing a cantilevered planter shelf on a floor ledge adjacent to a railing is also disclosed. The method includes sliding the base of the planter shelf under the railing above the floor ledge, positioning the top lip between adjacent balusters of the railing, and contacting a front surface of a base spine of the planter shelf against an interior surface of the railing to thereby position the planter shelf in a free-standing position. A supported portion of the base rests on the floor ledge, and an extended cantilevered portion of the base extends beyond the edge of the floor ledge.

Claims

1. A cantilevered planter shelf for installation on a floor ledge adjacent to a railing, the planter shelf comprising: a horizontally extending base; a vertically extending back spine extending upward from the base; and a planter securement member adjacent to the back spine horizontally extending in a region vertically above at least a portion of the base, wherein the base comprises a rear support portion adjacent to the back spine structured and arranged to rest on the floor ledge when the planter shelf is installed, and a front extended portion structured and arranged to extend horizontally beyond an edge of the floor ledge when the planter shelf is installed, and the back spine comprises a front surface structured and arranged to contact an interior surface of the railing when the planter shelf is installed.

2. The cantilevered planter shelf of claim 1, wherein the base comprises a bottom surface structured and arranged to contact the floor ledge when the planter shelf is installed, a top surface structured and arranged to contact a bottom of a planter when the planter is placed on the planter shelf, and a perimeter edge between the bottom surface and the top surface.

3. The cantilevered planter shelf of claim 2, wherein the base includes at least one drain opening extending through the base from the top surface to the bottom surface.

4. The cantilevered planter shelf of claim 1, wherein the base has a length L.sub.B of from 6 to 18 inches and a width W.sub.B of from 4 to 12 inches.

5. The cantilevered planter shelf of claim 4, wherein the back spine has a height H.sub.S, and a ratio of L.sub.B:H.sub.S is from 0.5:1 to 2:1.

6. The cantilevered planter shelf of claim 1, wherein the base has a width W.sub.B, the back spine comprises a lower portion having a width W.sub.SL and an upper portion having a width W.sub.SU, W.sub.SL is greater than W.sub.SU, and W.sub.B and W.sub.SL are substantially equal.

7. The cantilevered planter shelf of claim 1, wherein the planter securement member comprises a top lip extending horizontally forward from an upper porton of the back spine comprising at least one stake hole extending therethrough structured and arranged to removably receive a stake, and the stake comprises at least one downwardly extending rod structured and arranged for insertion into a planter when the planter is placed on the planter shelf.

8. The cantilevered planter shelf of claim 7, wherein the stake comprises two downwardly extending rods connected by an upper connecting rod, and the top lip comprises at least three of the stake holes selectively receiving the two downwardly extending rods of the stake.

9. The cantilevered planter shelf of claim 7, wherein the top lip has a length L.sub.T less than a length of the base L.sub.B, a width W.sub.T less than a width of the base W.sub.B, and W.sub.T is selected to be less than a gap G.sub.B between adjacent balusters of the railing.

10. The cantilevered planter shelf of claim 1, wherein the planter shelf does not include mechanical fasteners for attaching the planter shelf to the railing.

11. A cantilevered planter shelf consisting essentially of: a horizontally extending base; a vertically extending back spine extending upward from a rear portion of the base; a horizontally extending top lip extending forward from an upper portion of the back spine; and a stake movably mounted on the top lip.

12. The cantilevered planter shelf of claim 11, wherein the base comprises a substantially planar bottom surface lying in a first horizontal plane, and a substantially planar top surface lying in a second horizontal plane above the first horizontal plane.

13. The cantilevered planter shelf of claim 12, wherein the base has a length L.sub.B of at least 6 inches, and a width W.sub.B of at least 4 inches.

14. The cantilevered planter shelf of claim 11, wherein the back spine comprises a substantially planar front surface lying in a vertical plane.

15. The cantilevered planter shelf of claim 14, wherein the back spine comprises a lower portion having a width W.sub.SL and an upper portion having a width W.sub.SU less than W.sub.SL.

16. The cantilevered planter shelf of claim 11, wherein the base has a length L.sub.B, the back spine has a height H.sub.S, and a ratio of L.sub.B:H.sub.S is from 0.5:1 to 2:1.

17. The cantilevered planter shelf of claim 11, wherein the top lip has a width W.sub.T, the base has a width W.sub.B, W.sub.T is less than W.sub.B, and W.sub.T is less than 4 inches.

18. The cantilevered planter shelf of claim 11, wherein the base has a width W.sub.B, a lower portion of the back spine has a width W.sub.SL, an upper portion of the back spine has a width W.sub.SU less than W.sub.SL, W.sub.B is equal to W.sub.SL, and W.sub.T is equal to W.sub.SU.

19. The cantilevered planter shelf of claim 11, wherein the base has a length L.sub.B, the top lip has a length L.sub.T, and a ratio of L.sub.B:L.sub.T is from 10:1 to 2:1.

20. The cantilevered planter shelf of claim 11, wherein the top lip comprises at least one stake hole extending vertically through the top lip structured and arranged to receive the stake.

21. The cantilevered planter shelf of claim 20, wherein the stake comprises a first rod with a first stake tip, a second rod with a second stake tip, and a connecting rod between the first and second rods, and the top lip comprises at least two of the stake holes receiving the first and second rods.

22. The cantilevered planter shelf of claim 21, wherein the top lip comprises at least three of the stake holes aligned along a length of the top lip to provide a front stake hole, a middle stake hole, and a rear stake hole, the first rod is selectively insertable in the front or middle stake hole, and the second rod is selectively insertable in the middle or rear stake hole.

23. A method of installing a cantilevered planter shelf on a floor ledge adjacent to a railing, the method comprising: sliding a base of the planter shelf under the railing above the floor ledge; and contacting a front surface of a base spine of the planter shelf against an interior surface of the railing to thereby position the planter shelf in an installed free-standing position in which a supported portion of the base rests on the floor ledge, an extended cantilevered portion of the base extends beyond an edge of the floor ledge, and the front surface of the base spine maintains contact with the interior surface of the railing.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the supported portion of the base has a length L.sub.S, the extended cantilevered portion of the base has a length L.sub.C, and a ratio of L.sub.S:L.sub.C is greater than 0.1:1.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein L.sub.S:L.sub.C is from 5:1 to 0.2:1.

26. The method of claim 23, wherein the front surface of the back spine contacts a lower rail of the railing at a railing height H.sub.R of from 1 to 6 inches.

27. The method of claim 23, further comprising inserting a top lip of the planter shelf between two balusters of the railing during the sliding of the base under the railing, wherein the top lip extends horizontally forward from the back spine and has a width W.sub.T less than a gap between the railing balusters G.sub.B.

28. The method of claim 27, further comprising inserting a stake through at least one stake hole extending through the top lip after the top lip has been inserted between the two balusters.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the stake has a length substantially equal to a height of the back spine H.sub.S.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a cantilevered planter shelf in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a front view of the planter shelf of FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a side view of the planter shelf of FIG. 1 installed against a railing on a floor ledge of a balcony.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a top view of the planter shelf of FIG. 1.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the planter shelf of FIG. 1.

[0017] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the planter shelf of FIG. 1 including a stake for holding a planter.

[0018] FIG. 7 illustrates a planter shelf in sheet form prior to bending into the shape shown in FIGS. 1-6.

[0019] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a planter shelf in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention installed against a railing on a floor ledge of a balcony or deck.

[0020] FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the planter shelf of FIG. 8 with a planter supported thereon and a stake for holding the planter inserted in a top lip of the planter shelf

[0021] FIG. 10 is an isometric view showing planter shelves of the present invention positioned on a deck or balcony with a planter placed on one of the shelves.

[0022] FIG. 11 is an isometric view illustrating planter shelves of the present invention with a planter box installed on two of the shelves.

[0023] FIGS. 12-14 are sequential photographs illustrating installation of a planter shelf of the present invention and a planter installed on a balcony.

[0024] FIG. 15 is a photograph illustrating several planter shelves of the present invention installed on a deck holding multiple planters.

[0025] FIG. 16 is an isometric view of a cantilevered planter shelf in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 17 is an isometric view of a cantilevered planter shelf in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 18 is an isometric view of two cantilevered planter shelves in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 19 is an isometric view of the planter shelves of FIG. 18 with a single planter box supported on the shelves.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] FIGS. 1-6 illustrate a cantilevered planter shelf 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The cantilevered planter shelf 10 includes a base shelf 12, back spine 20 and top lip 30. As used herein, the term “cantilevered”, when referring to the planter shelf, means that a portion of the base of the planter shelf is structured and arranged to extend outwardly beyond a floor ledge when the planter shelf is installed on the floor ledge with the back spine of the planter shelf adjacent to an interior surface of a railing. The extended portion of the base is not directly supported by the floor ledge since the floor ledge does not underlie the extended portion. However, the base also includes a supported portion that does rest on the underlying floor ledge when the planter shelf is installed. As used herein, the term “free-standing”, when referring to the planter shelf, means that the supported portion of the base rests on the support ledge, the back spine of the planter shelf contacts an interior surface of the railing, and no additional means of securement such as fasteners, brackets, straps, clips or the like are required to maintain the planter shelf in its desired position.

[0030] The base 12 may extend horizontally, the back spine 20 may extend vertically upward from the base 12, and the top lip 30 may extend horizontally forward from the back spine 20. As used herein, the terms “horizontally extending” and “extend horizontally” mean that a component of the planter shelf extends in a direction having a component in the horizontal direction. The term “extending in a horizontal plane” means that a component of the planter shelf, or a portion of the component, lies in a horizontal plane. As used herein, the terms “vertically extending” and “extend vertically” mean that a component of the planter shelf extends in a direction having a component in the vertical direction. The term “extending in a vertical plane” means that a component of the planter shelf, or a portion of the component, lies in a vertical plane. The base 12 includes a top surface 13, bottom surface 14 and perimeter edge 15. The base 12 has a supported portion 16 that rests on a floor ledge of a balcony, deck, porch, stoop or the like when the planter shelf 10 is installed. The base also has an extended portion 17 that is not supported by the floor ledge, thereby providing a cantilevered configuration when the planter shelf 10 is installed. A drain slot 18 is provided through the base 12. Although a single elongated drain slot 18 is shown, any other suitable number and shapes of drain slot(s) may be used. A bottom transition line 19 is provided between the base 12 and back spine 20.

[0031] The back spine 20 includes a lower portion 21 and upper portion 22, and has a front surface 23, rear surface 24 and perimeter edge 25. When the planter shelf 10 is installed on a floor ledge, the front surface 23 of the back spine 20 contacts the railing of a balcony or deck, as more fully described below. A top transition line 29 is provided between the back spine 20 and top lip 30.

[0032] The top lip 30 includes a rear portion 31, extended portion 32 and perimeter edge 35. Stake holes 38 are provided through the top lip. A stake 40 may be selectively inserted through the stake holes 38 of the top lip 30. The stake 40 includes a first downwardly extending rod 41, second downwardly extending rod 42 and upper connecting rod 43. The first rod 41 has a first stake tip 45, and the second rod 42 has a second stake tip 46. As shown in FIG. 6, the stake 40 may be selectively inserted in the stake holes 38 of the top lip 30. In the embodiment shown, the stake 40 is inserted in the front and middle stake holes 38. Alternatively, the stake may be inserted in the middle and rear stake holes 38. Although three stake holes 38 are shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6, any other suitable number of stake holes may be used, e.g., from one to four or more. Although the stake 40 as shown includes two downwardly extending rods 41 and 42, any other suitable number of stake rods may be used, e.g., from one to four or more.

[0033] The planter shelf 10 may be made from any suitable types of materials including metal, plastic, wood, ceramic, composite, and the like. For example, the base 12, back spine 20 and top lip 30 may be made from sheet metal such as steel or the like having a thickness of from 0.01 to 0.2 inch, or from 0.05 to 0.1 inch. For example, the metal sheet may have a thickness of about 0.06 inch, and may be coated with zinc, paint, powder coating, anodized or the like. In a particular emebodiment, the steel sheet may be galvannealed or galvanized, and powder coated. The planter shelf 10 may also be made of plastics that are molded by conventional techniques such as injection molding. In the embodiment shown, the base 12, back spine 20 and top lip 30 are formed from a unitary sheet of material that may be bent, molded or otherwise formed into the configuration shown in FIGS. 1-6. Alternatively, the base 12, back spine 20 and/or top lip 30 may be made from separate parts that are fastened together, for example, by mechanical fasteners, hinges, adhesives, welding, or the like. The base 12 and/or top lip 30 may optionally be movable in relation to the back spine 20, for example, by hinges that allow them to pivot and lock into place. The perimeter edges 15, 25 and 35 may be formed or cut by any suitable means, for example, CNC cut from steel sheets with a decorative outline, such as a fleur de lis or any other desired design.

[0034] FIG. 7 illustrates a flat sheet that may be bent at the bottom transition line 19 and top transition line 29 to form a planter shelf as shown in FIGS. 1-6. As shown in FIG. 7, the base 12 has a length L.sub.B including a supported length L.sub.S and an unsupported or cantilevered length L.sub.C. The length of the base L.sub.B may typically be greater than 4 inches or greater than 6 inches, and may typically range from 6 to 24 inches, for example, from 8 to 20 inches, or from 10 to 15 inches, or may be about 12 inches. The supported length L.sub.S of the base may typically be at least 3 or 4 inches, and may typically range from 1 to 12 inches, for example, from 2 to 10 inches, or from 3 to 8 inches, or from 4 to 6 inches. The unsupported cantilevered length L.sub.C of the base may typically be at least 2 or 3 inches, and may typically range from 3 to 20 inches, for example, from 4 to 15 inches, or from 5 to 12 inches, or from 6 to 10 inches. The ratio of L.sub.S:L.sub.C may typically range from 0.1:1 to 2:1, for example, from 0.2:1 to 1.5:1, or from 0.3:1 to 1:1, or from 0.4:1 to 0.6:1. The base 12 has a width W.sub.B that may typically range from 1 to 20 inches, for example, from 2 to 15 inches, or from 5 to 10 inches, or from 6 to 8 inches, or may be about 7 inches. The width of the base W.sub.B may be selected to provide a sufficiently wide shelf for supporting various sizes of planters. For example, W.sub.B may be at least 50 percent of the bottom width of a planter, or at least 75 percent, or up to 100 percent or more.

[0035] The back spine 20 has a height H.sub.S that may typically range from 6 to 24 inches, for example, from 8 to 20 inches, or from 10 to 15 inches, or may be about 12 inches. The height of the back spine H.sub.S may be selected to accommodate various heights of planters that may be placed on the base 12. The stake 40 may have a length similar to the back spine height H.sub.S. When the planter shelf 10 is installed against a railing, the front surface 23 of the back 20 may contact the railing at a height H.sub.R measured vertically from the upper surface 13 of the base 12 to the bottom edge of the lower railing, e.g., the bottom rail of the railing. The railing height H.sub.R may typically range from 0.5 to 12 inches, for example, from 1 to 10 inches, or from 2 to 6 inches, or from 3 to 5 inches. In certain embodiments, the railing height H.sub.R may be less than 4 inches. The railing height H.sub.R may typically be from 10 to 90 percent of the overall back spine height H.sub.S, for example, from 15 to 50 percent, or from 20 to 40 percent.

[0036] The base length L.sub.B and back spine height H.sub.S may typically have a ratio L.sub.B:H.sub.S of from 0.3:1 to 3:1, or from 0.5:1 to 2:1, or from 0.7:1 to 1.5:1. For example, the L.sub.B:H.sub.S ratio may be about 1:1.

[0037] As further shown in FIG. 7, the back spine 20 has a width at its lower portion W.sub.SL, typically from 1 to 20 inches, for example, from 2 to 15 inches, or from 5 to 10 inches, or from 6 to 8 inches. The back spine 20 has a width at its upper portion W.sub.SU, typically from 0.5 to 6 inches, for example, from 1 to 3 inches, or from 1.5 to 4 inches, or about 2 inches. In certain embodiments, W.sub.SU is less than W.sub.SL, for example, at least 20 percent less, or at least 40 percent less, or at least 60 percent less. The width of the lower portion of the spine W.sub.SL may be substantially the same as the base width W.sub.B in certain embodiments.

[0038] The top lip 30 has a length L.sub.T and a width W.sub.T. The top lip length L.sub.T typically ranges from 0.5 to 12 inches, for example, from 1 to 10 inches, or from 2 to 8 inches, or from 3 to 6 inches, or may be about 4 inches. The top lip width W.sub.T typically may be less than 4 inches, or less than 3 inches, or less than 2.5 inches, and may range from 0.5 to 4 inches, for example, from 1 to 3 inches, or from 1.5 to 2.5 inches, or may be about 2 inches. The top lip width W.sub.T may be selected to be less than the distance or gap between adjacent balusters of the railing against which the planter shelf 10 is installed. In this manner, the top lip 30 fits between the adjacent railing balusters when the base 12 of the planter shelf 10 slides under the railing during installation.

[0039] The base length L.sub.B and top lip length L.sub.T may have a typical ratio L.sub.B:L.sub.T of from 20:1 to 1:1, or from 10:1 to 2:1, or from 5:1 to 1.5:1, or about 3:1.

[0040] FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a planter shelf 10 installed on a floor ledge 50 of a deck against a railing 52. The bottom surface 14 of the base 12 rests on the floor ledge 50, and the front surface 23 of the back 20 contacts the railing 52 at the interior surface of its lower horizontal rail. The top lip 30 fits between adjacent balusters of the railing and may extend horizontally outward past the railing. As shown in FIG. 9, a planter 60 may be positioned on the base 12, and the stake 40 may be inserted through stake holes 38 to help hold the planter 60 in place.

[0041] FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate the use of multiple planter shelves to hold one or more planters 60. As shown in FIG. 10, as well as FIG. 3, the floor ledge 50 extends a support distance D.sub.S in a horizontal direction from a location vertically below the interior side surface of the railing 52 to the outer edge of the ledge 50. The support distance D.sub.S of the floor ledge 50 may correspond to the supported length L.sub.S of the base 12.

[0042] As further shown in FIGS. 3 and 10, the bottom surface of the railing 52 forms a vertical railing gap G.sub.R above the floor ledge 50. As shown in FIG. 10, the railing 52 includes multiple railing balusters horizontally separated by baluster gap G.sub.B. As shown in FIG. 3, the height H.sub.R of the railing engaging portion of the back spine 20 is similar to the gap G.sub.R between the railing 52 and the ledge 50, but may be slightly less due to the thickness of the base 12. The railing gap G.sub.R may typically range from 0.5 to 12 inches, for example, from 1 to 10 inches, or from 2 to 6 inches, or from 3 to 5 inches. In certain embodiments, the railing gap G.sub.R is less than or equal to 4 inches.

[0043] The support distance D.sub.S of the floor ledge 50 may typically be at least 3 or 4 inches, and may typically range from 1 to 12 inches, for example, from 2 to 10 inches, or from 3 to 8 inches, or from 4 to 6 inches.

[0044] The baluster gap G.sub.B may typically be less than 6 inches, or less than 5 inches, or less than 4 inches, and may typically range from 1 to 6 inches, for example, from 1.5 to 5 inches, or from 2 to 4 inches.

[0045] FIGS. 12-14 sequentially illustrate steps of installing a planter shelf of the present invention on the ledge of a balcony against the interior surface of a railing. In FIG. 12, the base of the planter shelf slides under the railing and the top lip fits between two of the balusters of the railing. In FIG. 13, a planter is placed on the base of the planter shelf. In FIG. 14, the planter is staked through the top lip of the planter shelf. The following installation steps may be performed: slide the base of the planter shelf under the railing from the interior until the back spine is flush against the lower rail of the railing; lift the planter over the railing and reach for it through the balusters to safely lower the planter onto the base shelf; nest the planter on the base shelf flush to the railing; maintain the planter and planter shelf tightly to the railing; drive the stake through the stake hole(s) and into soil; and stake at an angle if railing is thick.

[0046] FIG. 15 illustrates a balcony or deck with multiple planter shelves of the present invention supporting multiple planters.

[0047] FIG. 16 illustrates a planter shelf 110 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The planter shelf 110 includes a base 112, back spine 120 and top lip 130. The base 112 has side lips 115 and a front lip 116. The top lip 130 includes multiple stake holes 138.

[0048] FIG. 17 illustrates a planter shelf 210 in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention. The planter shelf 210 includes a base 212, back spine 220 and top lip 230. The top lip 230 includes multiple stake holes 238 and a stake 240 having a single vertical rod inserted through one of the stake holes 238.

[0049] FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate two planter shelves 310 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Each cantilevered planter shelf 310 includes a base 312, back spine 320 and top lip 330. Multiple stake holes 338 are provided in the top lips 330. As shown in FIG. 19, the two planter shelves 310 may be used to support a single planter box 360.

[0050] The planter shelves of the present invention provide several advantages. The cantilevered planter shelves enable plants to be displayed on the outer ledge at the base and exterior of railings. A stake may be fed through a top lip of the planter shelf to pin down and help secure a planter onto the shelf. The cantilevered planter shelves accommodate an array of containers so gardeners can choose their aesthetic. The planter shelves may be provided in a multitude of sizes and shapes, and can be used in tandem to support long flower boxes. An added feature is that the drainage slot or hole in the base can be lined up with the drainage hole of a planter, and may optionally be secured with a fastener such as a bolt, washer and nut.

[0051] As used herein, “including,” “containing” and like terms are understood in the context of this application to be synonymous with “comprising” and are therefore open-ended and do not exclude the presence of additional undescribed or unrecited elements, materials, phases or method steps. As used herein, “consisting of” is understood in the context of this application to exclude the presence of any unspecified element, material, phase or method step. As used herein, “consisting essentially of” is understood in the context of this application in accordance with its customary meaning to include the specified elements or method steps, where applicable, and to also include any unspecified elements or method steps that do not materially affect the basic or novel characteristics of the invention, while excluding unspecified elements or method steps that would materially affect the basic or novel characteristics of the invention.

[0052] Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard variation found in their respective testing measurements.

[0053] Also, it should be understood that any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges subsumed therein. For example, a range of “1 to 10” is intended to include all sub-ranges between (and including) the recited minimum value of 1 and the recited maximum value of 10, that is, having a minimum value equal to or greater than 1 and a maximum value of equal to or less than 10.

[0054] In this application, the use of the singular includes the plural and plural encompasses singular, unless specifically stated otherwise. In addition, in this application, the use of “or” means “and/or” unless specifically stated otherwise, even though “and/or” may be explicitly used in certain instances. In this application and the appended claims, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless expressly and unequivocally limited to one referent.

[0055] Whereas particular embodiments of this invention have been described above for purposes of illustration, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that numerous variations of the details of the present invention may be made without departing from the invention as defined in the appended claims.