Cage Patents (Class 47/45)
  • Patent number: 11889802
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising: a first, a second, a third, and a fourth support post, each configured to be positioned vertically, and corresponding to the four vertices of a rectangle when viewed from above, first and a second trellis component configured to be positioned horizontally at an upper position, and a third trellis component configured to be positioned horizontally at a lower position. The apparatus also includes a plant support comprising a string-type component configured to be connected to the third trellis component and the first and second trellis components, giving the plant support a “V” shaped appearance is disclosed herein. Corresponding systems and methods also are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Inventor: Timothy Huchthausen
  • Patent number: 11877540
    Abstract: A Tray and Trellis System includes vertical posts or legs, longitudinal members, and cross members. Combs include tines fixed at one end to longitudinal members on one side, and releasably engaged at their other end to other longitudinal members on the other side. Further combs include tines fixed to a cross member at one end, and releasably engaged to another cross member at the other end. There may be intermediate cross members having tines fixed to them and other tines releasably engaged to them. Fixation of the tines may be by clips, rings, welding, bonding, fastening, or by molding as a single piece. The releasably engaged ends of the tines may be engaged with snap-fit slot features in the longitudinal members, the cross members, or the clips or rings, or may be engaged with open grommets inserted into openings in the longitudinal members or cross members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Inventors: Michael Bartrom, Ted R. E. Martin, Brett A. Roberts
  • Patent number: 11304385
    Abstract: A flowering plant growing system utilizes a flowering plant growth assembly that enables the limbs of a flowering plant to be retained and supported along a bud platform to spread the growth out in a planar configuration. This type of growth arrangement may stimulate the plant to produce buds that are distributed across the bud platform and may grow up from the bud platform toward a cover. The height of the bud platform and cover may be adjustable as they are secured to vertical supports by retainers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Inventor: Jeffrey Fitzgerald Buss
  • Patent number: 11224171
    Abstract: Modular trellis sections of aesthetic appearance that are manually portable and easily installed in residential or commercial gardens, and that can be arrayed to form a linear, a partially enclosed, or an entirely enclosed trellis fence are configured as a basic rectilinear frame formed from a pair of rigid generally parallel vertical rods to which are permanently secured in co-planar relation a first horizontal rod extending between the upper ends of the vertical rods and a second horizontal rod at a predetermined distance from the lower free ends of the vertical rods to define a pair of supporting legs, and vertically spaced rigid supporting hooks that are secured in co-planar relation to the inner facing surfaces of the vertical rods, the openings of the supporting hooks being configured and dimensioned to receive horizontal rails and open mesh wire panels that extend between and link the trellis sections to form a fence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Inventor: James Donald Nicholas
  • Patent number: 11178825
    Abstract: The stackable trellis support system of the present invention comprises base and main trellis assemblies having wire mesh over the horizontal wire mesh frame assembly. The base trellis assembly allows additional sections to be added to the system, utilizing four main post apparatuses for connecting each trellis assembly. Any number of main trellis assemblies may be connected using the main post apparatus to form the stackable trellis support system. The base trellis assembly can be anchored in soil/ground using anchored rebar stakes to which the base post apparatus slides over and attaches, using locking bolts, allowing the height of base trellis assembly to be adjustable along the vertical axis of said rebar stakes, and perpendicular to soil/ground. The trellis side wire panels can be hung from said wire mesh frame assembly to provide vertical support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Inventor: Michael Ahl
  • Patent number: 10980188
    Abstract: A disclosed vertical planter box assembly includes perimeter walls defining an interior space for holding plants. The perimeter wall includes openings aligned around the interior space. A water basin is provided at a top side for communicating water into the interior space. A drip tray is supported below a bottom side for capturing draining water from the interior space. A plurality of pins extend through the openings and across the interior space to hold the plant structures in place within the interior space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Inventor: William Stuart Duncan
  • Patent number: 10757869
    Abstract: A method and system for cultivating angiosperms in a limited space in natural or artificial light by a dynamic growth constraint apparatus that limits vertical growth during the vegetation phase but allows vertical growth during the flowering phase, such that the flower or fruit may be optimally harvested. In various embodiments, the apparatus includes a mesh to constrain vertical growth of the cultivated plant and a mechanism for raising, lowering and rotating the plant or constraining mesh with respect to the other. In various embodiments, the mesh is moved with respect to the plant during the vegetation phase of the plant and immobile during the flowering phase of the plant. Plant phase and thus the mesh/plant motion may be controlled by artificial light timing, the detection of natural light, or by digitized image analysis of the plant during its growth phases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Inventor: Darryn Yost
  • Patent number: 10517232
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for training a grape vine. The apparatus is a swing arm supporting a linear grid composed of transverse and longitudinal elements that are configured to result in a network of spaces that are sized to capture and separate the grape vine shoots. 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: May 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Inventor: Stan Sowinski
  • Patent number: 10334791
    Abstract: Container systems for manipulating growth of a plant or a portion thereof in a controlled environment are provided. The growth of the plant can be controlled for ornamental benefit, commercial benefit or both. The container system may comprise separable modular sections, thereby allowing control over the growth of different parts of the plant. The separate modular sections may be assembled together to control the growth of the entire plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Inventors: Michael Newton, Alan Newton, Cheryl Newton
  • Patent number: 10285335
    Abstract: A plant support assembly having a container and a support assembly retained on the container. The support assembly and the planter have equivalent geometric peripheries that are retained together by a plurality of clamps. The support assembly may also contain a u-channel formed into or fixed to the bottom of the support assembly for fitting the support assembly over the rim of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Inventor: Michael S. Murphy
  • Patent number: 9572307
    Abstract: Examples of the present disclosure are related to systems and methods to redirect vertical growth of flowering plants. In embodiments, a portable growing system may redirect vertical growth of plants in a late vegetative stage and in an early flower stage. This may allow lower budding sites positioned within the portable growing system to receive substantially the same amount of light as higher budding sites positioned within the portable growing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: SCROGGER, LLC
    Inventor: Gary Alan Mermelstein
  • Patent number: 9193501
    Abstract: Foldable tank for storing water includes a foldable receptacle having a bottom wall and vertical sidewalls; and a frame to support the sidewalls. The frame has first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth sides hingedly joined end-to-end to form an enclosure in an unfolded position during use, the frame having a folded position wherein the sides are collapsed onto each other. The first and second sides are disposed opposite each other defining a width of the receptacle in the unfolded position. The frame includes a first configuration in the unfolded position wherein the third, fourth, fifth and sixth sides are substantially perpendicular to respective first and second sides; and a second configuration in the unfolded position wherein the third, fourth, fifth and sixth sides include an angle with respective the first and second sides greater than 90°, wherein the width is variable between the first configuration and the second configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: FOL-DA-TANK COMPANY
    Inventor: Chad A. Christensen
  • Publication number: 20150068117
    Abstract: The plant cage of the present invention comprises a plurality of vertical risers with a plurality of horizontal cross section assemblies that are capable of being raised or lowered on the vertical risers as well as increasing or decreasing in diameter by transitioning the inner bore of the larger horizontal tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventor: ANTHONY JAMES SAVINO
  • Patent number: 8935879
    Abstract: A plant cage kit includes a wire grid, a bottom ring, and a top ring. The wire grid has a plurality of first and second spaced-apart wires. Each of the second wires is coupled to each of the first wires to form the wire grid. The first end of each second wire is formed into a loop and the second end of each second wire is formed into a hook. The hook of each second wire engages the loop of the same second wire when the plant cage kit is in the assembled configuration. When the plant cage kit is in the shipping configuration, the plurality of first wires is generally positioned in a first plane such that wire grid has a generally flat shape. The bottom and top rings have a generally U-shaped cross-section portion forming respective channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Inventor: Alexander J. Falk
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8925246
    Abstract: A plant trellis system for growing plants on hard surfaces such as patios or decks is disclosed. The system comprises a trellis base having a plurality of cutouts, a pot having a plurality of legs protruding from the bottom surface, and a plurality of wire mesh panels supported on the trellis base. The plurality of legs is inserted into the plurality of cutouts forming a firm connection between the trellis base and the pot. The trellis base further comprises a groove on each side where a base wire of the plurality of wire mesh panels is inserted. The trellis base also comprises a plurality of notches on each side to receive the vertical wires coming from the base wire. Clips are used to attach each wire mesh panel to the adjacent wire mesh panel. The system is portable and stable beyond the boundaries of the pot to support larger plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: This Town, LLC
    Inventor: Donald J. Stewart, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8881452
    Abstract: A device for a tomato plant having tomatoes and a vine and replaceably supporting from four orthogonal directions and from varying heights relocation of the tomatoes of the tomato plant from lower elevations to higher elevations as the tomato plant grows. The device includes uprights, cross members, and supports. The uprights are held together by the cross members. The supports are operatively and replaceably connected to the uprights, and replaceably support from the four orthogonal directions and from the varying heights the relocation of the tomatoes of the tomato plant from the lower elevations to the higher elevations as the tomato plant grows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Inventors: Thomas W. Pacholyk, Jill M. Pacholyk
  • Patent number: 8857103
    Abstract: A planter with adjustable support stakes to support a growing houseplant, including a pot and length adjustable stakes each of which include at least one section rod having a bottom end inserted into a receptacle within a pot upper end and couplers which to vertically attach section rods together and a length of string attached to directly opposite couplers to prevent plant breakage and to support fruit produced by the houseplant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventor: Kelley G. Coon
  • Publication number: 20140283444
    Abstract: A device for a tomato plant having tomatoes and a vine and replaceably supporting from four orthogonal directions and from varying heights relocation of the tomatoes of the tomato plant from lower elevations to higher elevations as the tomato plant grows. The device includes uprights, cross members, and supports. The uprights are held together by the cross members. The supports are operatively and replaceably connected to the uprights, and replaceably support from the four orthogonal directions and from the varying heights the relocation of the tomatoes of the tomato plant from the lower elevations to the higher elevations as the tomato plant grows.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2013
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventors: Thomas W. Pacholyk, Jill M. Pacholyk
  • Publication number: 20140109474
    Abstract: An adjustable plant support assembly is provided which can be quickly and easily assembled with no tools at all. When disassembled it can be stored in a minimum space, and since there are very few different components it can be manufactured in a simple manner. A plurality of vertical support posts are disposed at the corners of a polygon, e.g. four support posts are disposed at the corners of a rectangle. A plurality of support rods horizontally interconnect the support posts with apertures at the corner angles of the intersecting rods to provide horizontal support. The interconnecting rods can be moved up and down vertically along the vertical support posts to provide the appropriate height to support the plant. The horizontally interconnecting rods can be secured in place by a screw or other fastening device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventor: Joel Richard Reed, JR.
  • 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.
  • Publication number: 20130333283
    Abstract: A support for plants formed of an elongated member having coils at or adjacent to first and second ends which provide for engagement to one or a plurality of support posts in an elevated position to support plants or a growing structure roof. The supports and coils are formed as a unitary structure and can also include a centrally located coil to provide support for watering and other components for supported plants. A plurality of supports are engageable to form a greenhouse type structure which may be covered with polymeric, shade, or woven material and which may be elevated to provide access to underlying plants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: Ronald Patrick Patterson, SR.
  • Publication number: 20130283682
    Abstract: A system comprises a first section comprising a plurality of horizontal elements, wherein each of the elements consists of an integrated loop at either end of the elements, wherein the elements can be evenly spaced apart and a second section, comprising a plurality of horizontal elements, wherein each of the elements consists of an integrated loop at either end of the elements, wherein the elements can be evenly spaced apart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventor: John Patoskie
  • Publication number: 20130269246
    Abstract: A plant support is assembled from a plurality of interchangeable parts that can be readily assembled together to form a complete plant assembly having a desired size, in either an open or closed configuration, and to readily permit disassembly for storage or reconfiguration of the support. The plant support may be made up of various horizontal and vertical members that are configured to readily attach and detach from one another in order to form supports in various shapes and sizes such as enclosures or trellis-type supports. The vertical members are stackable and held together or joined via one or more couplers that join an upper end of one vertical member with a lower end of another vertical member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventor: Van M. Kassouni
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20130212938
    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: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventor: George M. Schaeffer
  • Patent number: 8499492
    Abstract: A plant support is assembled from a plurality of interchangeable parts that can be readily assembled together to form a complete plant assembly having a desired size, in either an open or closed configuration, and to readily permit disassembly for storage or reconfiguration of the support. The plant support may be made up of various horizontal and vertical members that are configured to readily attach and detach from one another in order to form supports in various shapes and sizes such as enclosures or trellis-type supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Van M. Kassouni
  • Publication number: 20130174479
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a new tool for use in planting fruits and vegetables which under certain circumstances may increase the yield of fruit and vegetables. The tool is a structure that envelopes the plant and protects the lower portion of the plant by enclosing it in a structure that protects the plant from the elements and yet allows the plant to get the benefit of sunlight. A cage is disclosed having a lower portion enveloped in plastic or other suitable material. Certain opacities of plastics or other materials may be used according to local climate conditions and plant type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Inventors: Barbara GERAGHTY, David GERAGHTY
  • Patent number: 8474178
    Abstract: A plant support is assembled from a plurality of interchangeable parts that can be readily assembled together to form a complete plant assembly having a desired size, in either an open or closed configuration, and to readily permit disassembly for storage or reconfiguration of the support. The plant support may be made up of various horizontal and vertical members that are configured to readily attach and detach from one another in order to form supports in various shapes and sizes such as enclosures or trellis-type supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Inventor: Van M. Kassouni
  • Publication number: 20130145686
    Abstract: Disclosed is a plant support device having a wire construction and a rectangular cross section that tapers from an upper region to a base region. The device comprises a plurality of rectangular support members attaching at their corners to upstanding post members forming a wire cage that supports a growing plant within its internal volume. The base region includes a plurality of downwardly elongated stake members that are adapted to be depressed into a soil surface, while a plurality of stake extension members are further provided for elevating the overall structure as the plant grows and requires more elevated support. The extension members are stake members having a stake receiving post and a threaded set screw for securing the extension to the base of each ground stake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventor: Clyde Dame
  • Publication number: 20130008083
    Abstract: A tomato cage that is formed of a hollow wire is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Andrew Weder
  • Patent number: 8341879
    Abstract: The present invention is a plant supporting structure that provides effective support to a fruit bearing plant. It consists of two courses of rings that are vertically spaced. The rings in the outer course form an enclosure within which the rings from the inner course may be placed. The rings are held in place by spines. Each spine ascends vertically, successively connecting the rings of the outer course, and then descends vertically, connecting the rings of the inner course. The spines are spaced around the circumference of the rings. In some embodiments, the bottom ring of the outer course has the largest diameter of all the rings. In such embodiments, the bottom ring may sit on the ground or other plant growing surface and support the entire structure. The outer bottom ring may be lower than the inner bottom ring, thus preventing the fruits from touching the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventor: Denny Rinehart
  • Publication number: 20120291345
    Abstract: The invention relates to the field of crop production and is directed towards increasing the efficiency of the mechanized cultivation of agricultural espaliers. The solution to the aforementioned problem is achieved in that in the claimed mechanized cultivation method the tilling machines, as they move along the rows, are supported on the trellises, thus avoiding direct contact between the propulsive members of the tilling machines and the soil and preventing the latter from becoming compacted and destructured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventor: Valery Evgenevich Sazhanov
  • 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: 8272160
    Abstract: A vine supporting device for manipulating the growth, direction, and distribution of vines and other creeping plants is provided. The vine supporting device comprises a base having a top and a bottom. A support pole is mounted in a substantially vertical direction to the top of the base. A plurality of wire mount slots is formed in the top of the base and around a perimeter of the base. A plurality of wire frames are provided with each wire frame having a first end and a second end and the first end releasably securable in one of the wire mount slots. A top cap is positionable on top of the support poles with the second ends of the wire mounts positionable and releasably secured under the top cap. Upon positioning the vine upon the top of the base, the support pole and wire frames control and direct growth of the vine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Inventor: Robert Hamann
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20120186149
    Abstract: A garden support system according to one embodiment includes a plurality of support poles having a generally elongated pole body. At least one of the support poles has a first end that includes a tapered portion for insertion into a support medium. The system includes a plurality of alignment members for joining the support poles in a grid arrangement for supporting at least one plant. The alignment members each have a pair of channels each for receiving a corresponding support pole therein. When the alignment members and support poles are joined, the alignment members hold the support poles in place by a friction fit between the respective pole bodies and channels and permit adjustment of the grid arrangement by sliding an alignment member along a corresponding pole body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventor: Donald D. Dray
  • Publication number: 20120159844
    Abstract: An adjustable stake assembly forms a plant support, lattice, fence, plant holder, recreational or decorative structure. The stake assembly includes a universal stake support having a pointed angular tip that penetrates a surface, a body portion with a protrusion having a stake aperture, and a horizontal member extending perpendicularly from said body portion and said tip. At least one stake segment has a central portion. A lateral and distal end is appointed to be removably snapped-onto the universal stake support. A segment aperture is appointed to receive another stake segment for vertically stacking a plurality of the stake segments. In another embodiment, the stake segments include at least one lateral connector section. The stake segments can be interconnected to one another for horizontal cross-connection when forming plant supports, lattices, fences, or other structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventor: Kenneth W. Davis
  • Patent number: 8196344
    Abstract: A modular plant tower assembly includes a self-supporting vertical framework of rigid vertical supports defining a relatively large base, and extending inwardly and upwardly from the base to a smaller top of the vertical framework. At least one horizontal closed-end framework includes rigid horizontal supports. The horizontal supports are interconnected at their respective ends, and surround the vertical framework at a location intermediate the base and the top. At least one of the horizontal supports forms a lateral bridge connector. The bridge connector is adapted for connecting one end of a bridge frame to the plant tower assembly, and an opposite end of the bridge frame being connected to an adjacent like tower assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventors: Sharon Jane Roberts, Nancy Jean Roberts
  • Patent number: 8186101
    Abstract: Planter apparatus for supporting live goods has an upwardly open container with a sidewall, a wire planter cage frame supported on the sidewall, and clips releasably securing the planter cage frame to the container. The planter cage frame has downwardly extending legs with distal ends that are received on an inner peripheral ledge of the container. The distal ends may engage the container without clips, or may rest on the rim of the container. The clips are deformable C-shaped clips with end hooks that engage the container rim and a transverse rib of the planter cage frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Hubie Grown, LLC
    Inventor: Jennifer A. Kurtz
  • Publication number: 20120090230
    Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment a collapsible, expandable, configurable plant apparatus comprises a plurality of panels having a planar configuration with an upper edge, a base edge, side edge one (17), side edge two (18), and at least one lower limb (13), to accommodate use by a plant for support. The lower limb (13) supports the frame in a vertical orientation to the ground. The upper edge connects to the side edges (17 and 18), and the base edge connects to the side edges (17 and 18). Side edges (17 and 18) pivotally connect to one another having the end side edge (17) of the first panel and the end side edge (18) of the last panel of the plant support left unattached. The panels move individually to configure from a compact storage state to extend out to create support for a plant when in expanded state and a closed state. Such that the apparatus can accommodate use by a plant for support within and alongside the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventors: Debbie Frost, Lawrence Arthur Frost
  • 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: 20120055083
    Abstract: A framework to horizontally support plants for exposing a greater surface area of the plant to required nutrients, such as sunlight. The framework includes a vertical structure having a lower end and an upper end, the lower end being inserted within the ground adjacent a plant, the upper end adapted to extend above the ground, and a horizontal structure that horizontally extends from the upper end of the vertical structure. The horizontal structure generally comprises a plurality of hollow-shaped supports horizontally spaced from each other and connected via connecting supports, all of which are generally comprised of a wire structure and all of which are substantially located within a common horizontal plane. The plant generally grows through the innermost hollow support and a plurality of fasteners that may extend from the horizontal structure retain an end portion of the plant in a horizontal orientation along the horizontal structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventors: Jose G. Marquez, Sonja J. Carey
  • Publication number: 20120023818
    Abstract: A plant support device (1) having a horizontal support (3) with vertical stakes (10) extending downward therefrom. The stakes may be height adjustable to accommodate various heights of different plants (2) and to allow a user to increase the height of the plant support device as a plant grows. The horizontal support is preferably made of a flexible material that allows a user to curve it around an entire plant to create a ring (13) that encircles the entire plant or to create a partial ring (21) that supports only one side of the plant. The diameter of the ring may be adjusted to accommodate various widths of different plants and to allow a user to increase the diameter of the ring as a plant grows. Multiple plant support devices may also be attached to one another to enlarge the diameter of the ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventor: Anny R. RASMUSSEN
  • Publication number: 20120017501
    Abstract: A modular plant support system is described which provides a structure within which a plant may be grown and physically supported. The plant support structure has three or more vertical members and a number of cross members connected to each other by metal or plastic pipe fittings, which provide the modular feature of the structure. The vertical members are pipe-like and connect to each horizontal member at the fittings. The vertical members are hollow and fit over rod-type staking structures. The layers of the horizontal members may be stacked at any reasonable height to support the requirements of the plant. It is easily assembled and dissembled without tools and can be compactly stored in the dissembled state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventor: Marlene Katherine Koopmeiners
  • Publication number: 20120017502
    Abstract: A plant support structure. The plant support structure includes a cord secured to pegs on a plurality of stakes. The stakes are inserted into the ground and are typically vertically oriented. The stakes have pegs between which the cord can be secured to provide a support for a plant. Each stake has a plurality of pegs and plant support can be formed in multiple places between each stake. The stakes can be inserted into the soil in a variety of orientations depending on the application, and the stakes may include a cross-member securing two stakes together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventor: Stephen Woehler
  • Publication number: 20120000124
    Abstract: A system, kit and method are disclosed to support a variety of plants, including tomato plants, flowers such as peonies and roses, small trees and bushes. A rod having a cross-sectional geometry with upper and lower ends defining a length includes a socket configured to receive the lower end of another one of the rods, enabling a plurality of the rods to be stacked. A plurality of retainer components are spaced apart along the length of the rod, each retainer component including one or more capture devices, each capture device being configured to retain a portion of a flexible member. The lower end of one or more of the rods may then be placed into the ground proximate to a live plant with the flexible member positioned around at least a portion of the plant and attached at one or more of the capture devices to support the plant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventor: John G. Posa
  • Publication number: 20120000123
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting foliage or fruit on plants and bushes includes a base ring assembly. The base ring assembly includes a plurality of base ring sections that are placed around a base of a plant and which snap together around the base, or stem, of the plant. A pivot assembly supports a lower rod that is able to pivot inward toward a line extending vertically upward from a center of the plant support system or to pivot outward away from the line. The lower rod is able to be secured in the desired position. At least one leg is attached to the base ring assembly for insertion into a soil or growing medium. A preferred oval or elliptical hollow center version of the lower rod is described along with an upper rod that are used to provide an extensible variable overall length structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventor: Michael Tavis Donaldson
  • Publication number: 20110265375
    Abstract: The topiary form includes a wire frame having a predetermined shape. The wire frame includes two halves connected together by a plurality of hooks and loops or eyeholes. The two halves are pivotal on at least one of the hooked connections, allowing the halves to easily wrap around the topiary to be shaped and to be easily removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventor: VICTOR PICCOLOMINI
  • Publication number: 20110252703
    Abstract: A form for shaping a culm of a plant, such as bamboo, is provided. Embodiments of the form can comprise two interlocking corner pieces that can force the culm to grow in a square (or other multisided) shape. The interlocking corner pieces can be frictionally engaged, and the magnitude of the frictional force can be adjusted and optimized. The size of the form can then be automatically expandable, depending on the amount of friction placed on the interlocking corner pieces. In described embodiments, an optimized magnitude of frictional force can allow the form to expand if the culm is too large for the form (such as, for example, if the width of the form is set to be less than the actual width of the culm), while at the same time resisting such expansion enough to shape the culm as desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: EMPIRE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventor: Alisa Paulsen Ramakrishnan