Plant Supports Patents (Class 47/44)
  • Patent number: 11618646
    Abstract: A method for producing a multi-purpose agricultural, horticultural and floristry tie includes collecting a plurality of textile selvages, sorting the plurality of textile selvages into desired groups according to predetermined criteria, forming a cord of specific, desired length by aggregating shorter or trimming longer lengths from the sorted plurality and winding the cord into a unit to be used as an agricultural, horticultural and floristry tie.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Inventor: Nathan Ward
  • Patent number: 11602103
    Abstract: The present invention provides structures that maximize the use of minimal ground space or pot soil by providing generally vertical outward-sloping multiple cords or net trellis such as to offer increasing volume for plant foliage with height, which is adjustable to the user's desire. A compact kit includes at least two elongated leg member, and at least one elongated support, and can be assembled into structures up to approximately twice as wide at the top as at the base where the plants begin growing in soil. Flaccid replaceable cords when installed incline generally outward and upward to top horizontal rods supporting wining plants to grow generally vertically and even horizontally across the top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Inventors: Edward Scott Carlson, John Edward Aiken
  • Patent number: 11483984
    Abstract: Trellis arrangements are used for supporting fruit-bearing plants as they grow. A problem in some orchards or the like is that it can be difficult to install trellis posts in the ground, in particular when the posts are relatively long and difficult to place at the correct angle. The invention discloses a trellis comprising a plurality of supports, each support comprising a shaft embedded in a ground, and at least one connector arm extending upwards at an acute angle with respect to the ground. The trellis is such that for each support, a post is sleeve-fitted to the connector arm so that the post extends upwards at an acute angle but does not touch the ground; the upwardly extending posts collectively support elevated lines running between the posts; and the lines support branches of a fruit bearing plant growing along the lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: NZ Tube Mills Limited
    Inventor: Paul Barnes
  • Patent number: 11388867
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes systems and methods for managing, cultivating, producing, preparing and distributing agricultural products. Apparatus designed to improve agricultural yield and crop performance are also disclosed. According to one embodiment, the apparatus are individually coded or tagged for remotely configuring, monitoring and modifying one or more parameters associated with each apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Agriburbia, LLC
    Inventor: Matthew C. Redmond
  • Patent number: 11147219
    Abstract: A container for growing a plant. The container includes at least one container wall having a surface, the container wall having one or more light reflective and/or refractive members attached thereto. The one or more light reflective and/or refractive members may include one or more silicate microbeads that are buffered to neutrality. The container may contain a plant, and the one or more light reflective and/or refractive members may be positioned in the container to redistribute light toward the plant, and may be present in an amount effective to cause harmful light saturation of the plant. To safen the plant from such harmful light, the container also may contain one or more glycopyranosidic compounds, such as one or more alkyl-?-D-mannosides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Innovation Hammer, LLC
    Inventor: Arthur M. Nonomura
  • Patent number: 11129340
    Abstract: A plant training device includes a base portion having a semi-cylindrical radially interior face and a semi-cylindrical radially exterior face opposite the interior face. A first arm extends radially outwardly from the exterior face, and a second arm extends radially outwardly from the exterior face so as to be angularly spaced apart from the first arm. A first wall extends from the first arm so as to be radially spaced apart from the exterior face and directly opposite the exterior face. A second wall extends from the second arm so as to be radially spaced apart from the exterior face and directly opposite the exterior face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Inventor: Gabriel Pena
  • Patent number: 10912262
    Abstract: A plant support system includes a support ring having at least one wall portion, and at least one support beam coupled to the at least one wall portion and configured to increase rigidity of the at least one wall portion. Further, the plant support system also includes a base coupled to the at least one wall portion and having at least one stationary clamping surface; a clamp spine having a movable clamping surface situated opposite the at least one stationary clamping surface; and a plurality of spring leaves coupled to the clamp spine and configured to bias the clamp spine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Mighty Crop, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel William Patterson, Carl Herman Haken
  • Patent number: 10500888
    Abstract: A method of recycling greeting cards. A first step involves making a greeting card body that dissolves when exposed to water leaving negligible residue. A second step involves incorporating in the greeting card body a substance that is released when the greeting card body dissolves is water. It is a desire to release the substance that provides a positive incentive for placing the greeting card body in the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Inventor: Tim Upton
  • Patent number: 9930838
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for training a grape vine. The apparatus is a linear grid composed of transverse and longitudinal elements that are configured to result in a network of spaces that are sized to substantially provide a separate space for each vine shoot. The apparatus is mobile within the vine canopy serving various functions as the growing season progresses. The mobility of the grid apparatus allows repositioning throughout the growing season while still retaining the shoots within the grid openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Inventor: Stan Sowinski
  • Patent number: 9717189
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for training a grape vine. The apparatus is a linear grid composed of transverse and longitudinal elements that are configured to result in a network of spaces that are sized to substantially provide a separate space for each vine shoot. The apparatus is mobile within the vine canopy serving various functions as the growing season progresses. The mobility of the grid apparatus allows repositioning throughout the growing season while still retaining the shoots within the grid openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Inventor: Stan Sowinski
  • Patent number: 9392755
    Abstract: A plant watering and support device including an elongated tubular body having an open upper end, a lower end and a central portion of predetermined width located between the ends is disclosed. The open upper end and central tubular portion define a hollow cavity for receiving water added through said open upper end. In addition, the central tubular portion further defines a plurality of perforations in fluid communication with the hollow cavity and which extend through the tubular portion to allow water added to the device to exit the device through the perforations to water a plant. The device also includes at least one hollow extension section. A wide preferably heavy base is also provided for supporting the tubular body in an upright position and lowering the device's center of gravity to prevent the device from easily tipping over.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Inventor: Claudia Lantis
  • Patent number: 9345203
    Abstract: A vine support system includes support posts adjacent each vine trunk with support wires suspended between the support posts. Positioning shafts are mounted vertically extending from the support wires. Pedistular supports are engaged on the positioning shafts for releasably supporting canes extending from each vine trunk, with the pedistular supports vertically positioned on the positioning shafts for pronation by the canes to suspend new growth from the canes in a fruiting zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Inventor: Bryan Babcock
  • Patent number: 9265203
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for fastening movable wires on a row of plants, in particular grape vines. A fastening device for movable wires (F?, F?) of a row of plants according to the invention includes connecting means (1, 201, 301, 401) suitable to arrange said device in proximity of a head pole (PE) of said row, guide means (2) and a plurality of mounting means (3) of a wire slidingly connected to said guide means (2). The device is characterized in that said guide means (2) include a plurality of guide portions (4A, 4B, 4C, 4D) that define a corresponding plurality of displacement paths of said movable wires (F?, F?) distributed on opposite sides of the row, said displacement paths being oriented transversally relative to the direction of extension of said movable wires (F?, F?), and in that said mounting means (3) are designed to receive a single movable wire (F?, F?) so that each one of said movable wires (F?, F?) is independently displaceable along one of said displacement paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Inventors: Claudio Bortolussi, Franco Bortolussi
  • Patent number: 9003701
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to device and method for promoting plant growth. The device is a plant spacing member that has a body and a first end and a second end. The first end and second end have openings for receiving at least one plant limb therein to create a space between the limbs of the plant. An increased flow of air and light then flow through the created space to the interior of the plant to stimulate the growth of the plant. In addition, the increase flow of air and light dries the plant to reduce the accumulation of mold and mildew.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventor: Constandina M. Roux
  • Patent number: 9003699
    Abstract: A cover for a plant-growing medium comprises a main cover portion, a peripheral base spaced from the main cover portion and defining an outer perimeter of the cover, and a peripheral wall extending from a first side of the main cover portion between the main cover portion and the peripheral base. One or more plant growth channels are defined by one or more tubes extending from the first side of the main cover portion. Each tube has a proximal end adjacent the main cover portion and a distal end relative to the proximal end, with a first aperture defined in the main cover portion at the proximal end of the tube and a second aperture defined at the distal end of the tube. The first aperture and the second aperture communicate through the tube to define each plant growth channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Enviro-Tex Products, Inc.
    Inventor: James Barrie Ogilvie
  • Publication number: 20150068116
    Abstract: Here invented is a vineyard configuration for maximizing use of the resources of land and sun. It is a configuration based on a low and narrow tractor that enables both narrow spacing of rows of plants in vineyards and formation of canopies that enable nearly complete usage of impinging sunlight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventor: James K. Bullis
  • Publication number: 20150059242
    Abstract: In embodiments there is disclosed a modular pole for horticultural and agricultural use, pole sections and connector pins for use to assemble the pole, and methods for assembling the pole. In embodiments a connector pin is inserted into end sockets in opposed pole section ends and in embodiments the ends are held onto the connector pin by a fastener which may comprise a clip or a threaded sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: Michael Montagano
  • Publication number: 20150059241
    Abstract: In one series of embodiments there is provided a bracing member for a plant support frame. In embodiments the bracing member comprises a plurality of support rod fasteners and in embodiments the bracing member comprises a removable segment. In embodiments there are provided support frames comprising the bracing members, and methods for making the support frames.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: Michael Montagano
  • Patent number: 8935878
    Abstract: A spacer device for vine support wires adapted to be fixed to a vine post is described. Methods for operating a spacer device for vine support wires adapted to be fixed to a vine post are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignees: Mollificio Effemme S.R.L., Technovineyard, Inc.
    Inventor: Massimo Brusco
  • Publication number: 20140353227
    Abstract: A water purification apparatus comprising an injection moulded floating non-toxic, biodegradable, and recyclable polymer planar structures that are easily stackable, shippable, and connectable to as many companion units as the user desires; such apparatus further comprising many receiving structures made to accommodate plants without inhibiting them so that the user may create a film of plants over a toxic body of liquid for bioremediation purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventor: Pedro Tomas Delgado
  • Publication number: 20140352209
    Abstract: A plant support frame for supporting plants, comprising a rod attachment for supporting flat holding elements adapted for receiving a vertically adjustable rod, said rod attachment comprising a substantially H-shaped attachment member having a first slot, a first recess and a first connecting web formed between the first slot and the first recess, wherein the first recess is laterally defined by two first substantially parallel limbs, wherein the first limbs are connected to each other by means of the first connecting web, and wherein the first slot and the first recess extend from the first connecting web in opposite directions; and a substantially U-shaped attachment member having a second recess and a second slot extending therefrom, wherein the second recess is laterally defined by two second substantially parallel limbs; wherein the H-shaped attachment member and the U-shaped attachment member are flat in shape; and wherein the H-shaped attachment member is adapted for attachment to a first end of the ro
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventor: Jörg Huemer
  • Publication number: 20140338260
    Abstract: Purpose of Invention. The invention is a simple support for vine and tomato plants. It comprises a central support that could be wood, plastic, or bamboo with holes to accept the universal hook. The hook is self supporting on the pole. Description of Problem(s) Solved by Invention. The post/pole and universal hook system is a direct replacement for any cage or cage like support systems. It is very simple and easy to use. All components are reusable and should provide years of service. With the use of wooden or bamboo poles the support system is a “greener” alternative to a cage system. How the Invention is an Improvement over Existing Technology. There are several types of cages or vine plant supports, but the majority of them are not adjustable or applicable to a variety of plants. For a cage system, harvesting of vegetables is sometimes difficult.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventor: Aurel Simion Selezeanu
  • Patent number: 8813421
    Abstract: A trellis support system comprises a vertical post comprising a front portion and first and second opposing side wall portions, the front portion comprising an aperture, the aperture comprising a first portion and a second portion adjacent the first portion, and a horizontal cross arm perpendicular to the vertical post comprising a front portion and first and second opposing side wall portions dimensioned to match the front and side wall portions of the post, the front portion comprising a tab member dimensioned to engage the first portion of the aperture and a lock member positioned adjacent the tab member and dimensioned to engage the second portion of the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Inventor: George M. Schaeffer
  • Patent number: 8813422
    Abstract: A plant support structure is provided which is ideally suited for use with tomato plants. The structure includes a vertically disposed post with the lower end thereof being driven into the ground. A plurality of vertically spaced-apart support ring assemblies are secured to the post and which may be vertically adjusted with respect thereto. Each of the support ring assemblies includes a first ring member, a second ring member and a third ring member with elongated rods interconnecting the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Inventor: James Laudenklos
  • Patent number: 8813420
    Abstract: A trellis support system comprises a vertical post comprising a front portion and first and second opposing side wall portions, the front portion comprising an aperture, the aperture comprising a first portion and a second portion adjacent the first portion, and a horizontal cross arm perpendicular to the vertical post comprising a front portion and first and second opposing side wail portions dimensioned to match the front and side wall portions of the post, the front portion comprising a tab member dimensioned to engage the first portion of the aperture and a lock member positioned adjacent the tab member and dimensioned to engage the second portion of the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Inventor: George M. Schaeffer
  • Publication number: 20140101995
    Abstract: A plant support device is disclosed formed of malleable members such as wire. A base engages a central support structure in a vertical disposition to support a planar platform which may be angled. Plant stalks are protected by following a central pathway through the base and support structure. Leaves and branches of he plant are supported in an elevated position by the platform which may be angled to maximize light to the plant, or maintain separation from adjacent plants. The various components may be provided in a kit for assembly as needed by the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventor: Gilbert Hernandez, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140060217
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for monitoring the emergence of soil pests in a two plant system are disclosed. In one embodiment, an emergence cage covers at least a portion of the root system of two plants. The emergence cage includes a frame defining a perimeter, a mesh or screen covering attached to the frame, a first plant opening configured to receive the first plant, a second plant opening configured to receive the second plant, and a collection container for collecting the pest of interest. The pests emerging from the ground under the cage are collected in the collection container, and the number collected is periodically determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventor: Patricia L. Prasifka
  • Publication number: 20140020293
    Abstract: Aspects and embodiments of the present invention relate to devices, methods, and kits for use in horticultural containers. In accordance with some embodiments, a horticultural device comprising a base and a supporting plate may advantageously reduce the amount of soil required for potting. Aspects and embodiments of the present invention may facilitate potting and may reduce plant maintenance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventor: Joseph A. Raffaele
  • Patent number: 8615924
    Abstract: An enhanced-stability, A-frame-shaped plant support for the support of plants such as tomato vines, or other fruits and vegetables growing in soil which, while supporting plants laden with heavy fruits or vegetables, is stable and greenhouse tent wind-sail resistant, in part because of a readily usable starting width gauge indicator on detent latch members operable to controlling the ultimate width between pivotable opposing halves of the plant support during installation to a desired depth in the soil. After use, when removed from the soil, the A-frame-shaped plant support collapses, pivoting about preferably hog-ring type interconnection rings between the opposing halves of the plant support for facilitating easy removal from the ground and folding flat for easy storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventor: Vahan M. Dinihanian, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8604700
    Abstract: The invention provides an illumination arrangement (1) for illuminating horticultural growths (100) with for instance LEDs as a light source. These LEDs are placed in a lighting unit (10). The lighting unit may especially have the ability to direct substantially all light from the light source (here the LEDs) to the horticultural growths (in the greenhouse). Additionally, a horticultural growth-recognition system (50) can be implemented in the illumination arrangement, so that the system can adapt for instance its beam (11) to the location of the horticultural growth(s) (in the case of growth or moving of plants, etc).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Lars Rene Christian Waumans, Joseph Hendrik Anna Maria Jacobs, Esther Van Van Echtelt, Antonius Adrianus Maria Marinus
  • Patent number: 8596928
    Abstract: A retaining wall or steeply faced slope is disclosed having a naturally green facade. The wall or slope is made of blocks of compacted earth, each having a face reinforced with wire mesh and covered with vegetation such as native grasses. The blocks may be formed onsite, saving transportation costs and other waste, using native soils. The mesh may extend beyond other faces of each block to provide handles and geogrid anchoring. A press is disclosed to form the blocks by compacting soil mixed with cement, the press including hydraulic rams or screw jacks that create immense pressures and having wedge shaped sides that relieve lateral confining pressure when the block is extracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Inventor: Henry G Justiniano
  • Publication number: 20130283684
    Abstract: What is disclosed is a portable and/or movable plant support system that can be used in a consumer setting in which a plant is grown with the movable support system and can be moved from one place to another without altering the plant's growth and in an embodiment of which an indeterminate plant can be grown and allowed to be lowered when lower portions of the plant stop producing, thus allowing for new growth and thus enhanced production at the top of the plant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventor: PAT KING
  • Patent number: 8567120
    Abstract: The present invention is a modular support for vine plants and tomato plants. It comprises a solid, cylindrical base with holes to accept posts and associate tier rings. A cover may also be provided to transform the base into a miniature hot house. Notches may be formed in the rim of the base to accommodate irrigation systems and stake ends may be provided for the posts to allow immediate securement of the posts to the ground rather than the base. The solid base contains water, mulch and other beneficial compounds for the plants and helps block the spread of weeds immediately around the plant. As the plant grows, additional tiers may be added to the support to increase its size. The parts are preferably made of a durable plastic so as to support larger plants and increase longevity of the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Inventors: Chris D. Davis, Geoffrey E. Dobbin
  • Publication number: 20130219785
    Abstract: Plant support systems and methods for supporting and protecting plants are provided. Plant support systems can include a support frame made from a mesh material. A support frame can include apertures which allow the plant to grow through the support frame thereby providing support to substantially all of the plant while also concealing the support system. A plant support system can include stakes or anchors for securing the support system to a planting surface. A plant support system can be suitable for various sizes and types of plants, and can have an adjustable diameter to fit such varying sizes and types. A plant support system as disclosed herein can be suitable for supporting and protecting a plant throughout the lifecycle of a plant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventor: Michael H. Ritchotte
  • Patent number: 8479442
    Abstract: A desired geometry of a plant is achieved in a simple way by means of a method for shaping one or more plants, whereby a dimensionally stable shaping device is used to delimit a growth space for the plant. The shaping device comprises at least one light permeable shaping element. Once shaping is complete the shaping device is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventor: Norbert Wielgosch
  • Publication number: 20130139434
    Abstract: A novel plant support system having an adjustable frame, one or more stake fasteners for removably coupling the frame to one or more stakes 81 and one or more support members removably coupled to the frame to engage and support one or more plants. The frame includes two slidably interconnected wires capable of adjusting the dimensions of frame, and a plurality stake fasteners capable of adjusting the vertical placement of the frame along one or more stakes. Preferably, the plant support system is a compact, modular system suitable for orienting and maintaining one or more plants in an upright position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Inventors: Catherine CH Warren, Alejandro Saralegui
  • Publication number: 20130125457
    Abstract: A crop hook in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure generally includes first and second ends, at least one of the first and second ends having a first hook, and a body portion between the first and second ends, wherein the first hook is substantially non-planar with at least a portion of the body portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: Santik Agri Corporation
    Inventor: Santik Agri Corporation
  • Patent number: 8424241
    Abstract: A trellis support system comprises a vertical post comprising a front portion and first and second opposing side wall portions, the front portion comprising an aperture, the aperture comprising a first portion and a second portion adjacent the first portion, and a horizontal cross arm perpendicular to the vertical post comprising a front portion and first and second opposing side wall portions dimensioned to match the front and side wall portions of the post, the front portion comprising a tab member dimensioned to engage the first portion of the aperture and a lock member positioned adjacent the tab member and dimensioned to engage the second portion of the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Inventor: George M. Schaeffer
  • Publication number: 20130036665
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for attaching retaining means or clips to guide means, in particular strings, for training vines, as well as retaining means for this device. In order to achieve increased cycle frequency with a high degree of automation and economy with an attachment of retaining means to guide means, it is provided according to the invention that the device is formed with at least one reservoir, a magazine or a like part for the sequential provision of open retaining means and/or retaining means formed with two half shells and a device connected thereto for closing the half shells of the retaining means while fixing the same to the guide means and enclosing the vine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventor: Otto Winterleitner
  • Patent number: 8365465
    Abstract: A cover for a plant-growing medium comprises a main cover portion, a peripheral base spaced from the main cover portion and defining an outer perimeter of the cover, and a peripheral wall extending from a first side of the main cover portion between the main cover portion and the peripheral base. One or more plant growth channels are defined by one or more tubes extending from the first side of the main cover portion. Each tube has a proximal end adjacent the main cover portion and a distal end relative to the proximal end, with a first aperture defined in the main cover portion at the proximal end of the tube and a second aperture defined at the distal end of the tube. The first aperture and the second aperture communicate through the tube to define each plant growth channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Enviro-Tex Products, Inc.
    Inventor: James Barrie Ogilvie
  • Publication number: 20120311926
    Abstract: A plant air purifying enclosure, or “PAPE,” contained within an unconditioned space, either within or outside a building, containing therein a plant air purifier, which is used to purify air using plants and microbes growing therein. The PAPE enclosure itself receives poor indoor quality air from within structure where the PAPE is located or from a structure close by along with thermal energy which keeps the plant air purifier enclosure at a suitable temperature for the plants and air cleaning microbes within the air purifier. Poor air enters the enclosure, is purified by the plants and microbes, and returns in purified form back to the habitable space from which it was taken. This lowers the amount of outside air needed for ventilation purposes and so lessens a building's overall energy consumption while providing efficiently for naturally purified air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventor: Martin Mittelmark
  • Patent number: 8322071
    Abstract: A plant securing apparatus is disclosed. Embodiments of the present invention provide an elongated portion having multiple plant-securing loops attached to the elongated portion. The elongated portion is comprised of a flexible material, such as woven nylon. During use, the elongated portion is attached to a stake or post, and the plant-securing loops support a plant, such as a tomato vine. Another embodiment uses wire fasteners to secure the plant to the stake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventor: Susan E. Spero
  • Publication number: 20120247015
    Abstract: A spacer device for vine support wires adapted to be fixed to a vine post is described. Methods for operating a spacer device for vine support wires adapted to be fixed to a vine post are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventor: Massimo Brusco
  • Patent number: 8250810
    Abstract: Plant support consisting of a base and a spiral, fitted rotatably thereon and extending vertically. This spiral is made for accommodating therein the main stem of a plant, such as pepper, cucumber, aubergine or tomato. Branches of the plant extend outwards to beyond the spiral. In the spiral is a stationary post. If the plant has reached the top of the spiral, the spiral is rotated with respect to the base such that the plant shifts downwards without rotating. The plant can subsequently continue to grow upwards again. A number of plant supports of this type can be combined with a common drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventor: Fred Van Zijl
  • Patent number: 8225547
    Abstract: Vine plants are layered along a row of vine plants supported in growing media in a vine crop by a vine planet supporting system suspended from an overhead building structure locating the vine crop therein. The system includes a track extending in a longitudinal direction along the row of vine plants spaced above the growing media. A spool body supporting a string wound thereon is associated with each vine plant to support the vine plant extending along the string. A carrier body slidable along the track supports each spool body on the track. The spool bodies are coupled to the track such that the spool bodies are each arranged to unwind the string therefrom responsive to displacement of the spool body with the respective carrier body in the direction of the row of vine plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Inventor: Arjen DeBruin
  • Publication number: 20120174480
    Abstract: The invention relates to a floating assembly structure with independent support, intended for securing containers or substrates for floating plant species crops. The structure is shaped like a flat polygon with at least three sides and has at least two elements for assembly with other floating assembly structures, such that a meshed system can be formed on the surface of the water by assembling multiple structures to one another. Furthermore, the structure includes a plurality of coupling bars for securing the aforementioned containers and is configured to withstand the forces and moments generated by the movement of the water and by the growth of the plants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: MACROFITAS, S.L.
    Inventors: Javier Riesco Prieto, Maria Lourdes Gacho, Pablo Riesco Prieto, Vicente Juan Torres Junco
  • Patent number: 8201783
    Abstract: A potted plant holder assembly includes a bracket holder having a bracket holder housing, a bracket holder base flange carried by the bracket holder housing and a bracket holder cap flange carried by the bracket holder housing in spaced-apart relationship to the bracket holder base flange. A plurality of pot holder brackets is carried by the bracket holder base flange and the bracket holder cap flange of the bracket holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Inventor: David C. Bamburg, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20120073193
    Abstract: Configurable, reconfigurable, and/or adjustable systems, apparatuses, and methods to support plants, such as tomatoes, peppers, and beans. A support apparatus, an attachment element, and one or more support attachments may be provided. The support apparatus can be affixed to a planting pole, pipe, or stake, for example. The attachment element, which can be a screw, can be used to secure the support apparatus to the pole, pipe, or stake at a desired location. One or more of the support attachments can be physically coupled to the support apparatus. The support attachments can be reconfigured on the support apparatus. Thus, various support attachment configurations and/or reconfigurations can be made.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventor: Scott J. Duplantis
  • Publication number: 20120066969
    Abstract: An improved stake for a pot, in particular a plant pot with a side wall which is provided at an upper side with a rim portion protruding from the side wall is provided herewith. The stake is provided with a connector for at least partially gripping around the rim portion. The connector comprises a first leg and a second leg which in use are connected for forming the connector with a U- or C-shape with an aperture for gripping the rim portion. The stake is provided with a latching arrangement for, in connected state of the first and second legs, snapping the first and second legs opposite each other into one or more relative positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventor: Bart van der Starre
  • Patent number: 8122643
    Abstract: A plant growing assembly is configured to grow a plurality of plants in multiple directions above a ground surface. The assembly includes a growing container and a support structure for elevating the container above the ground surface. The container presents a generally hollow body to retain a plant-growing medium and the plurality of plants. The body extends along an axis to present opposite axial end margins and a radial peripheral wall. The wall defines a plurality of discrete plant-receiving ports extending therethrough, and disposed generally radially about the wall. A method of growing plants above ground in substantially opposite directions from one another is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Grow Tube, LLC
    Inventor: Scott Harder