TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a holding device for releasably holding a box. More particularly, the present disclosure pertains to a holding device for holding a box suitable for outdoor or gardening applications.

BACKGROUND

Outdoor and gardening applications generally involve different installations of boxes, such as flower-pots, and the like. For instance, a flowerpot may be is used in commercial buildings as well as in residential buildings. To support the flowerpots on structures such as balcony, window, terrace, and the like, a suitable holding device is needed which can rigidly secure the flowerpot on such structures.

However, conventional holding devices may include multiple fixtures (say one or more heavy metal angles) which are coupled to the holding device using fasteners such as one or more screw elements. Before the installation of the holding device on the structures, these metal angles need to be screwed on the holding device which may be very time consuming and cumbersome. Further, a locking mechanism may be disposed behind the flowerpot which is difficult to access and require a two-handed operation to release the lock. Moreover, as the locking mechanism is disposed behind the flowerpot, a user may forget to lock the locking mechanism which may cause serious accidents. Thus, there is a need of an improved holding device with lighter and fewer parts which is designed ergonomically to eliminate any risk of accidents.

An example of a flower box holding device is provided in European Patent Application EP 2 399 490 A2 (hereinafter referred to as ’490 reference). The ’490 reference discloses the flower box holding device including a base body defining a contact surface for fastening at a railing. A retaining strap embraces a railing bar of the railing and holds the base body at the railing, and a hold part is fastened at the base body. The strap includes two strap ends, where one of the strap ends is fixed at the base body. An eyelet is formed by the strap at the strap end and the eyelet is fixed to a fastening pin which is fixed to side walls of the base body. The strap end is thereby non- adjustable fixed to the base body. A fixing unit adjustably defines a region of the strap at the base body, where the region of the strap is spaced to the strap end fixed to the base body. The fixing unit is movable between a release position and a stop position. Hence, the ‘490 reference discloses a strap having one end which is immovably fixed to a channel in the base body, and another opposite end which is removably fixed by the fixing unit. However, the ‘490 reference does particularly not disclose a sliding element adapted to be at least partially received within the channel, and configured to slide within the channel to switch the holding device between a locked position and an unlocked position. Therefore, the ’490 reference does not seem to include a locking and mounting arrangement with a compact, efficient, and user-friendly construction. Further, the ’490 reference includes a screw joint to fixedly couple the flower box with the flower box holding device which may require one or more tools and user-based skills to secure the flower box.

SUMMARY

In view of the above, it is an objective of the present disclosure to solve or at least reduce the drawbacks discussed above. The objective is at least partially achieved by a holding device for releasably holding a box such as a flowerpot and the like. The holding device includes a holding element which releasably holds the holding device with one or more holding structures. The holding device also includes a body defining a channel along an axis. The body is connected to a base portion substantially perpendicular to the body on one side thereof. The holding device further includes a sliding element to be partially received within the channel. The holding element is received within the channel. The holding element is characterized in that the sliding element, when received within the channel, selectively secures the holding element, when the holding element is at least partially received within the channel, and wherein the sliding element is configured to slide within the channel to switch the holding device between a locked position and an unlocked position. Thus, the present disclosure provides an improved holding device for releasably holding a box. A simple construction of the holding device includes lighter and fewer parts which reduces an overall weight of the holding device. The holding device is designed ergonomically which allows a user to lock or unlock the securing element, even by a one-handed operation. Further, the securing element is designed in such a way that it eliminates inadvertent falling of the box, thus reducing the risk of serious accidents. Moreover, simple construction of the holding device provides a user-friendly and quick installation on/with the holding structures.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the body further includes one or more grooves and a strap clamping element, such that the holding element is received within at least one of the one or more grooves. The grooves and the strap clamping element can be used to adjust the holding element as per application requirement.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sliding element includes one or more ribs along a length between a first end and a second end of the sliding element. The sliding element also includes a securing element to switch the sliding element between a locked position and an unlocked position. The sliding element further includes a mounting element to secure the box proximate the first end. The ribs of the siding element are used to hold the holding element. Further, the securing element and the mounting element allow securement of the box.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sliding element defines a slot proximate the first end, and a hook proximate the second end. The slot houses a protrusion for ergonomically designed locking and unlocking mechanism. Further, the hook allows engagement of the sliding element with the body at the locked position.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sliding element further includes a cavity proximate the first end, and the securing element is received within the cavity, to secure the sliding element at the locked position. This arrangement provides an ergonomically improved design to switch the holding device between the locked position and the unlocked position.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the holding element is provided with a box. The sliding element reciprocates within the channel such that the mounting element engages with the box, based on the sliding element securing the holding element within the channel of the body. The mounting element firmly secures the box and also eliminates any risk of accident.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the securing element includes one or more protrusion to engage with the slot. The engagement of the protrusion with the slot allows easy locking and unlocking of the sliding element of the holding device.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the securing element further includes a resetting spring to lock the sliding element, such that a vertical actuation along the vertical axis engages the at least one protrusion with the slot. The resetting spring provides a user-friendly push-fit locking mechanism.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the securing element further includes a sliding edge to unlock the sliding element, such that a diagonal push on the sliding edge disengages the at least one protrusion from the slot. This arrangement allows ease of unlocking of the sliding element, such as with a thumb of the user.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the holding device includes an adjustable alignment member. The alignment member includes a threaded pin. The adjustable alignment member allows different adjustments, such as a vertical orientation of the holding device.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the holding element includes a bracket, and a strap. The bracket, and the strap provide different holding arrangement suitable for different holding structures. The strap may particularly be configured to be fastened by a strap clamping element, such that the strap may be received within at least one of the one or more grooves of the sliding element. The grooves and the strap clamping element may be used to adjust the strap, particularly a length of the strap, as per application requirement.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more ribs of the sliding element engage with one or more of the holding element and the strap clamping element within the channel, such that in the locked position the one or more ribs are engaged with the strap clamping element or the holding element, and in the unlocked position the one or more ribs are disengaged from at least one of the strap clamping element or the holding element. This arrangement eliminates additional fixing elements such as screws, bolts, and the like. Further, this arrangement eliminates manually fixing and adjusting the holding element with the body.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, for the strap as the holding element, in the locked position the one or more ribs engage with the strap clamping element, which in turn, secures the strap within the channel. This arrangement eliminates manually adjusting the strap with the body.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the holding device is provided with a box, wherein the box is selected from the group comprising a flowerpot, and a balcony box. The box may be any mountable device suitable for outdoor and gardening applications, which generally include the flowerpot, and the balcony box such as for decorative and other purpose.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the holding device is provided with one or more holding structures, wherein the one or more holding structures is one or more of glass panels, walls, rails, and poles. The one or more of glass panels, walls, rails, and poles allow different mounting options and arrangements with the holding device and the box.

Other features and aspects of this disclosure will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the enclosed drawings, wherein: FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a holding device and a box in a locked position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the holding device and the box in an unlocked position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the holding device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a sliding element associated with the holding device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the holding device, according to first embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the holding device, according to second embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a sliding element associated with the holding device in the unlocked position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the sliding element associated with the holding device in an intermediate position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the sliding element associated with the holding device in the locked position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8A illustrates a semi cross-sectional perspective view of a sliding element associated with a holding device in an unlocked position, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 8B illustrates a semi cross-sectional perspective view of a sliding element associated with a holding device towards a locked position, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments of the disclosure incorporating one or more aspects of the present disclosure are shown. This disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. For example, one or more aspects of the present disclosure may be utilized in other embodiments and even other types of structures and/or methods. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements.

Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the disclosure. For example, "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "side", "longitudinal", "lateral", "transverse", "upwards", "downwards", "forward", "backward", "sideward", "left," "right," "horizontal," "vertical," "upward", "inner", "outer", "inward", "outward", "top", "bottom", "higher", "above", "below", "central", "middle", "intermediate", "between", "end", "adjacent", "proximate", "near", "distal", "remote", "radial", "circumferential", or the like, merely describe the configuration shown in the Figures. Indeed, the components may be oriented in any direction and the terminology, therefore, should be understood as encompassing such variations unless specified otherwise.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a perspective view of a holding device 100 for releasably holding a box 102. The box 102 may be selected from the group comprising a flowerpot, and a balcony box. The box 102 may be generally used for an outdoor or gardening application such as in commercial buildings, residential building, and the like. The box 102 is a container in which flowers and different plants may be cultivated and displayed. The box 102 may be manufactured using a clay, a plastic, a metal, wood, and the like. The box 102 may include any shape such as frustum of cone, frustum of pyramid, frustum of prism, circular cylinder, cube, and the like, without any limitations. The box 102 includes one or more side walls 104 and one bottom wall 106 such that it defines a volume 108. Further, the side wall 104 and/or the bottom wall 106 may define one or more holes (not shown) for discharge of excess water. In the illustrated embodiment, the box 102 includes a circular (say cylindrical) side wall 104, and the bottom wall 108. The upper side of the box 102 is kept open for one or more purposes such as plantation, pouring water, and the like.

The holding device 100 includes a holding element 110 which releasably holds the holding device 100 with one or more holding structures 112. The holding structure 112 is generally constructed on balcony, window, terrace, and the like. The one or more holding structures 112 may be one or more of glass panels 112 (shown in FIG. 5), walls, rails, and poles 112 (shown in FIGS. 1-3, and 6). The holding element 110 is hanged or placed on the holding structure 112. The holding element 110 may include a bracket 120, and a strap 130. In a first embodiment, the holding element 110 includes the bracket 120 (as shown in FIG. 5). The bracket 120 defines a substantially inverted L or J-shaped structure. The bracket 120 may be made up of a plastic, a metal, wood, and the like, without any limitations. In a second embodiment, the holding element 110 includes the strap 130 (as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 6). The strap 130 defines a loop 132 around the holding structure 112. The strap 130 includes a strap pin 134 which is fixedly coupled to one end of the strap 130. The strap pin 134 allows to adjust a size of the loop 132 based on application requirement. The strap 130 may be made up of nylon, leather, rubber, and the like, without any limitations.

Referring to FIG. 3, the holding device 100 also includes a body 136 defining a channel 138 along an axis, particularly a vertical axis, “Al”. The body 136 further includes one or more grooves 140 and a strap clamping element 142, both shown in FIG. 5, such that the holding element 110 is received within one or more of the one or more grooves 140. The grooves 140 are generally rectangular (circular or any other shape as per the application) shaped slits to receive at least some portion of the holding element 110 (as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6).

Referring to FIGS. 3, 4, the holding device 100 also includes a sliding element 160 partially received within the channel 138. The sliding element 160 slides within the channel 138 to switch the holding device 100 between a locked position and an unlocked position (as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). The sliding element 160 includes one or more ribs 162 along a length between a first end 164 and a second end 166 of the sliding element 160. The sliding element 160 defines a slot 168 proximate the first end 164, and a hook 169 (as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6) proximate the second end 166. The slot 168 includes a substantially rectangular shaped structure. Further, the hook 169 may include a snap hook, a push-fit hook, and the like, without limiting the scope of the present invention. Further, in the locked position, the hook 169 of the sliding element 160 engaged with one or more engaging parts (not shown) of the body 136. The sliding element 160 also includes a mounting element 170 to secure the box 102 proximate the first end 164. The mounting element 170 includes a generally L-shaped structure to secure the box 102. Specifically, the mounting element 170 firmly secure the side wall 104 of the box 102 in the locked position of the holding device 100 (as shown in FIG. 1). Further, the ribs 162 and the mounting element 170 may be integrated parts of the sliding element 160. The sliding element 160 reciprocates within the channel 138 such that the mounting element 170 engages with the box 102, based on the sliding element 160 securing the holding element 110 within the channel 138 of the body 136.

Referring to FIGS. 5, 6, the holding device 100 further includes a base portion 144 defining a support structure 146 to support the box 102, and a hollow space 148 (as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6) along a length of the base portion 144. In the illustrated embodiment, the body 136 is connected to the base portion 144 substantially perpendicular to the body 136 on one side thereof, particularly a lower side thereof. More specifically, an angle between the base portion 144 and the body 136 is approximately 90 degrees. In some embodiment, the angle between the base portion 144 and the body 136 may include an acute angle, or an obtuse angle, as per application requirement. The body 136 and the base portion 144 of the holding device 100 may be manufactured using metal, plastic, wood, and the like. The base portion 144 may be an integrated part of the body 136, or the base portion 144 may be joint to the body 136 using one or more mechanical joints, such as bolted joint, rivetted joint, weld joint, and the like.

The holding device 100 includes an adjustable alignment member 150. The adjustable alignment member 150 is used to adjust different alignments say vertical alignment and position of the holding device 100, such as with different holding structures 112. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the holding structure 112 is the glass panel 112 which is removably coupled with both the bracket 120 and adjustable alignment member 150. The adjustable alignment member 150 may removably attach or rest on/with the holding structure 112. The adjustable alignment member 150 is disposed the lower side of the body 136. The adjustable alignment member 150 defines a substantially rectangular shaped structure. The adjustable alignment member 150 also defines a hole 152 disposed centrally. The alignment member includes a threaded pin 154 such as for adjustment thereof. The threaded pin 154 is received within the hollow space 148 of the base portion 144 through the hole 152. The threaded pin 154 may include a bolt, a screw, and the like.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the strap clamping element 142 is pivotally fixed at a pivot point “C” to the body 136 inside the channel 138. The holding element 110 is received within the channel 138. Further, the sliding element 160, when received within the channel 138, selectively secures the holding element 110. The one or more ribs 162 of the sliding element 160 engage with one or more of the holding element 110 and the strap clamping element 142 within the channel 138, such that in the locked position the one or more ribs 162 are engaged with the strap clamping element 142 or the holding element 110, and in the unlocked position the one or more ribs 162 are disengaged from one or more of the strap clamping element 142 or the holding element 110. Particularly, when holding element 110 is partially received within the channel 138, it is engaged with one or more grooves 140 such that ribs 162 of the sliding element 160 rests against the holding element 110 to selectively secure the holding element 110 within the channel 138 in the locked position.

As shown in FIG. 5, the first embodiment of the holding device 100 includes the bracket 120. The bracket 120 is engaged in one or more grooves 140. It should be noted that the bracket 120 may be engaged in upper or lower grooves 140 as per application requirement, or generally to adjust a hanging/mounting height of the holding device 100. Further, when the sliding element 160 is inserted within the channel 138, the ribs 162 of the sliding element 160 selectively secure the bracket 120 in the locked position. As shown in FIG. 6, the second embodiment of the holding device 100 includes the strap 130. The strap 130 is engaged in one or more grooves 140. In this embodiment, the strap 130 is engaged with the two grooves 140. It should be noted that the strap 130 may be engaged in upper and lower grooves 140 as per application requirement, or generally to adjust a hanging/mounting height of the holding device 100. Further, a relative distance between the grooves 140 and the strap clamping element 142 allow to adjust a size of the loop 132. Furthermore, a portion of the strap 130 is received within the hollow space 148 of the base portion 144. Moreover, when the sliding element 160 is inserted within the channel 138, the ribs 162 of the sliding element 160 selectively secure the strap 130 and the strap clamping element 142 in the locked position.

In some embodiments for the strap 130 as the holding element 110, in the locked position the one or more ribs 162 engage with the strap clamping element 142, which in turn, secures the strap 130 within the channel 138. Particularly, the ribs 162 of the sliding element 160 rests against the strap clamping element 142 to selectively secure the strap 130 within the channel 138 in the locked position.

Referring to FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C, the sliding element 160 further includes a securing element 180 to switch the holding device 100 between the locked position and the unlocked position. The sliding element 160 defines a substantially pi-shaped structure, although other shapes, arrangements, such as having multiple legs, protrusions, springs, and the like, have been contemplated and are well within the scope. The securing element 180 may be generally made up of a plastic material manufactured separately and then retro-fitted to the sliding element 160, in some embodiments. The sliding element 160 further includes a cavity 182 (shown in FIG. 4) proximate the first end 164, and the securing element 180 is received within the cavity 182, to secure the holding device 100 at the locked position. The securing element 180 includes one or more protrusion 184 to engage with the slot 168. The securing element 180 further includes a resetting spring 186 to lock the sliding element 160, such that a vertical actuation “V” along the vertical axis “Al” engages the one or more protrusion 184 with the slot 168. The securing element 180 further includes a sliding edge 188 to unlock the sliding element 160, such that a diagonal push “D” on the sliding edge 188 disengages the one or more protrusion 184 from the slot 168.

More particularly, when the securing element 180 is acted upon by the vertical actuation “V” along the vertical axis “Al”, the resetting spring 186, due to its elastic property, may allow a snap-fit connection between the protrusion 184 and the slot 168 to switch the holding device 100 in the locked position, as illustrated in FIGS. 7C. Further, when the securing element 180 is acted upon by the diagonal push “D” on the sliding edge 188, the resetting spring 186, due to its elastic property, may disengage the snap-fit connection between the protrusion 184 and the slot 168 to switch the holding device 100 in the unlocked position, as illustrated in FIG. 7A.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate another embodiment of the holding device 100. In this embodiment, the sliding element 160 and a securing element 180’ (similar to the securing element 180) are manufactured as an integral part. More specifically, the sliding element 160 includes the integrated securing element 180’ along with an integrated protrusion 184’ and an integrated resetting spring 186’. The integrated resetting spring 186’ is disposed in a vertical slot 187 such that the integrated resetting spring 186’ is integral part of the sliding element 160. Further, the integrated resetting spring 186’ may flexibly deflect within the vertical slot 187 during locking and unlocking of the holding device 100. Further, an annular gap 190 is defined between the sliding element 160 and the securing element 180’ proximate the first end 164. The annular gap 190 may provide better stability during locking and unlocking of the holding device 100. The protrusion 184’ of the securing element 180’ selectively engages with the slot 168 of the body 136 (shown in FIG. 8B) to switch the holding device 100 between a locked position and an unlocked position.

Further, as illustrated in FIG. 8A, when the securing element 180’ is acted upon by the vertical actuation “V” along the vertical axis “Al”, the resetting spring 186’ (say due to its elastic property) adjusts within the slot 187 to allow engagement or setting up of the resetting spring 186’ with the body 136. Further, during adjustment of the resetting spring 186’ there is deflection of the securing element 180’, as shown by dashed line in FIG. 8A, to setup desired locking of the holding device 100, as illustrated in FIG. 8B. Simultaneously, during engagement of the resetting spring 186’ with the body 136, a snap-fit connection may take place between the protrusion 184’ and the slot 168 to switch the holding device 100 towards (or in) the locked position, as illustrated in FIG. 8B. As will be evident, substantial or full engagement (say the snap-fit connection) between the protrusion 184’ and the slot 168 will allow the holding device 100 to be in the locked position. Further, when the securing element 180’ is acted upon by the diagonal push “D” on the sliding edge 188’, the resetting spring 186’, due to its elastic property, may disengage the snap-fit connection between the protrusion 184’ and the slot 168 to switch the holding device 100 to the unlocked position, as illustrated in FIG. 8A.

The present disclosure provides an improved holding device 100 for releasably holding a box 102. A compact, efficient construction of the holding device 100 includes lighter and fewer parts which reduces an overall weight of the holding device 100. The holding device 100 is designed ergonomically which allows ease of locking or unlocking the securing element 180, 180’, such as by one-handed operation. Further, the simple, compact construction allows unlocking of the sliding element 160 with a thumb of the user. Furthermore, the securing element 180, 180’ allows to multiple-point engagement with the box 102. This eliminates inadvertent falling of the box 102, thus reducing any risk of serious accidents. Moreover, compact, ergonomic construction of the holding device 100 provides a user-friendly and quick installation and adjustments suitable for different holding structures 112.

In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed preferred embodiments and examples of the disclosure and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for the purpose of limitation of the scope of the disclosure being set forth in the following claims. LIST OF ELEMENTS

100 Holding Device

102 Box

104 Side Wall

106 Bottom Wall

108 Volume

110 Holding Element

112 Holding structures/Glass panel/Pole

120 Bracket

130 Strap

132 Loop

134 Strap Pin

136 Body

138 Channel

140 Groove

142 Strap Clamping Element

144 Base Portion

146 Support Structure

148 Hollow Space

150 Adjustable Alignment Member

152 Hole

154 Threaded Pin

160 Sliding Element

162 Rib

164 First End 66 Second End 68 Slot 69 Hook 70 Mounting Element

180 Securing Element

180’ Securing Element

182 Cavity

184 Protrusion

184’ Protrusion

186 Resetting Spring

186’ Resetting Spring

187 Vertical Slot

188 Sliding Edge

188’ Sliding Edge

190 Annular Gap

Al Vertical Axis

C Pivot Point

V Vertical Actuation

D Diagonal Push