Linear Patents (Class 47/46)
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Patent number: 6973751Abstract: A trellis wire support apparatus and a trellis system and method for use in vineyards and the like. The trellis wire support comprises a body having at least one a fold configured to releasibly engage a corresponding slot in a support element, and at least one clip or hook configured to releasibly engage a trellis wire. The trellis systems comprise at least one support element having a slot therein, and at least one trellis wire support comprising at least one clip configured to releasibly engage a trellis wire and a fold configured to releasibly engage the slot in the support element. The trellis system may additionally comprise a cross arm, with the support element configured to couple to the cross arm. The cross arm may include parallel ridges extending along its length, and the support element may have notches adjacent each end thereof that are configured to engage the ridges on the cross arm.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2001Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Inventor: Leon W. Pierce, Jr.
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Patent number: 6948277Abstract: Methods for making trellis support structures for use in supporting vine borne crops are disclosed. The support structure includes a metallic support member that is bent into a modified U-shape and attached to a metallic cross arm using a process that produces consistent results. The combination of the U-shaped member and cross arm is then attached to a vertical support post at two different locations: one attachment at the center of the U-shaped member, and the other attachment at the center of the cross arm in an axial alignment with the support post. The structure is extremely strong, capable of supporting considerable weight, not likely to shift, and less prone to failure from fatigue. The support structure is produced by first bending the central section of a metallic support member into a U-shape, placing the bent member on a specially designed adjustable jig, and attaching a cross arm.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2003Date of Patent: September 27, 2005Assignee: A & P Ag Structures, Inc.Inventor: David Parrish
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Patent number: 6928772Abstract: An apparatus for growing vine crops in a greenhouse comprises a first media carrier, a first nutrient supply means, a first support means, a regulating mechanism, a main cable, a plurality of load differential mechanisms, a second media carrier, a second nutrient supply means, and a second support means. The second media carrier is above and in substantial parallel with the first media carrier. The distance between the first media carrier and second media carrier is adjusted by the regulating mechanism. A method for growing vine crops in a greenhouse comprises two growing modes: a single crop growing mode, and a vertical dual crop growing mode. The sequence of this process begins with a first single crop growing mode, followed by a vertical dual crop growing mode, and then followed by a second single crop growing mode. A single crop growing mode: first crops grow in the first media carrier fed by the first nutrient supply means, trained by the first support means.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2003Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Inventors: Lena Li Bai, Litang Gao
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Patent number: 6922942Abstract: A vine wire support post molded as integral unit from plastics has an elongate tapered supporting portion having upper end and lower end, a wire attachment provided on the supporting portion, a peg for holding support post in ground joined to lower end of supporting portion, a foot at the join between peg and supporting portion. The supporting portion is flexible and has variable sectional strength decreasing over a length of supporting portion from a position of higher sectional strength nearer lower end to a position of lower sectional strength nearer upper end.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2001Date of Patent: August 2, 2005Assignee: Vineyard Infrastracture & New Engineering Technologies Pty, Ltd.Inventor: Ricardo Michele Stefanutti
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Patent number: 6907694Abstract: A new trellis support structure and a method for its production for use in supporting vine borne crops. The support structure includes a metallic support member that is bent into a modified U-shape and attached to a metallic cross arm using a process that produces consistent results. The combination of the U-shaped member and cross arm is then attached to a vertical support post at two different locations: one attachment at the center of the U-shaped member, and the other attachment at the center of the cross arm in an axial alignment with the support post. The structure is extremely strong, capable of supporting considerable weight, not likely to shift, and less prone to failure from fatigue. The support structure is produced by first bending the central section of a metallic support member into a U-shape, placing the bent member on a specially designed adjustable jig, and attaching a cross arm.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2002Date of Patent: June 21, 2005Assignee: A&P Ag Structures, Inc.Inventor: David Parrish
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Publication number: 20040148853Abstract: A trellis assembly including a first trellis section having a plurality of vertical rods connected to at least one horizontal rod and a second trellis section having a plurality of connected horizontal and vertical rods. The second trellis section includes a plurality of tubes connected to an outside of the vertical rods at upper ends thereof configured to accept lower ends of the vertical rods of the first trellis section to connect the first trellis section to the second trellis section.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2003Publication date: August 5, 2004Inventor: Dwight V. Swanson
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Patent number: 6733210Abstract: A revegetation and greening system is used to control erosion and to decorate infertile environments or steep structures. This system comprises one or many revegatation devices. Each device holds self-sufficient materials for growing plant with minimal need for frequent watering or advanced care. A layer of synthetic nets or grids can be placed on the surface of these structures to secure these devices. This system creates a stable and suitable environment for the growth of many plants in various conditions. Furthermore, by using many layers of this system simultaneously, it can provide erosion control and structure decoration in a very short time.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2002Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Inventor: Shu-Sheng Chen
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Patent number: 6718691Abstract: A fastener to secure and train branches of a vine or plant to a horizontal support wire or other structures comprises a longitudinal body including first and second hook portions and a longitudinal flexible member having first and second ends connected to the respective first and second hook portions. The first and second hook portions are mirror images of each other but rotated 180°.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2001Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Inventor: Jim Taylor
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Patent number: 6668485Abstract: Agrotechnical method for Branch Cordon trained vine, for the mechanizable control of its growth, and yield; where in the branch cordon plantation a cordon arm supporting wire parallel with the direction of the stock row, preferably in 160-190 cm height is used; long canes are preferably cultivated every 10-30-40 cm from one another into producing twigs; characterised in that sprouting, yield and quality are regulated by the thinning of the main buds in the upper zone of the foliage wall, and the measure of thinning of the main buds thus producing twigs are cultivated having short shoots and short canes (which require no pruning), which appropriately reach near the ground, have off-shoots and sometimes grow higher than the cordon arm.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2001Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Inventor: Babó Tivadar
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Patent number: 6631584Abstract: A method of growing vines trained in rows, particularly for the purposes of avoiding frost damage and promoting good fruiting, the method being of the type consisting in draping a film (8) of plastics material over each row of vines, the film being supported firstly by at least one top wire (2) situated at the tops of a row of stakes (1), and secondly by spreader elements (5, 7) for spreading the two panels of the film (8), the film being held by fasteners (9) that are secured at intervals to the bottom edges (11) thereof and that are connected to fastener members (12, 13) that are preferably situated on said stakes.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 1998Date of Patent: October 14, 2003Inventor: Daniel Seinsevin
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Publication number: 20030110686Abstract: A support (13) for plants comprises of two flanges (14, 15) between which extends a portion (10) and a spacer or top portion (102). The support (13) allows plants to grow adjacent to a wall or fence (17) without suffering the effects of excess heat.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2002Publication date: June 19, 2003Inventors: Bernard Dougal McDowell, Jason Mclachlan, James Leahey
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Publication number: 20030101642Abstract: A new trellis support structure and a method for its production for use in supporting vine borne crops. The support structure includes a metallic support member that is bent into a modified U-shape and attached to a metallic cross arm using a process that produces consistent results. The combination of the U-shaped member and cross arm is then attached to a vertical support post at two different locations: one attachment at the center of the U-shaped member, and the other attachment at the center of the cross arm in an axial alignment with the support post. The structure is extremely strong, capable of supporting considerable weight, not likely to shift, and less prone to failure from fatigue. The support structure is produced by first bending the central section of a metallic support member into a U-shape, placing the bent member on a specially designed adjustable jig, and attaching a cross arm.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2002Publication date: June 5, 2003Inventor: David Parrish
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Publication number: 20020112400Abstract: A training assembly, in particular for vines, the assembly comprising at least two end stakes, a plurality of intermediate metal stakes, supporting crossbars mounted on the intermediate stakes, and moving or fixed support wires extending from one end stake to the other and being supported by the crossbars mounted on the intermediate stakes at heights that are adjusted to be in alignment from one stake to the next. The crossbars are single-piece crossbars, the material of the crossbars is elastically deformable, and the respective profiles of the crossbars and of the intermediate stakes are selected in such a manner as to enable the crossbars to be snap-fastened onto a stake, the crossbar being mounted on a stake by elastically deforming the crossbar by applying external stress thereto, and once the crossbar has been put into position at a selected height on the stake, the crossbar is held to the stake by the elastic return force once the external stress has been released.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2002Publication date: August 22, 2002Inventor: Alain Fidler
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Patent number: 6435478Abstract: In a vineyard or the like, a system for positioning and tensioning the wires which form the trellis disposed between and among an array of metal posts upon which vines are trained, including retainers for selectively positioning wires relative to the metal posts and each other and further including a subsystem for applying the appropriate tension to the various wires making up the trellis.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2001Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Inventor: David E. Parrish
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Patent number: 6434883Abstract: A vine support system for supporting vine crops includes a vertical post having one or more slotted apertures extending horizontally therethrough. A plurality of cross arms are provided, each cross arm fashioned and dimensioned to snap-engage in one of the slotted apertures and to extend horizontally outwardly from the post. The cross arms are adapted to support lateral trellis wires which engage the canes of a vine crop. Each cross arm is a planar member elongated in a lateral direction and vertically oriented, and includes a pair of L-shaped trellis wire slots opening upwardly at laterally opposed ends of the cross arm. The slots are dimensioned to capture and support trellis wires. A pair of spring tabs are integrally formed with the cross arm and bent outwardly therefrom. Each cross arm is dimensioned to be pushed through the slotted aperture of the vertical post described above, and the spring tab is deflected and compressed as it passes through the aperture.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2000Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Assignee: Volk Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Steve Martin
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Patent number: 6405479Abstract: An assembly for supporting trellis wires on a typical metal post includes a wire clip having opposed trellis wire support arms, each comprised of a portion of the wire extending laterally and including a distal portion bent back over the lateral portion to define an acute angle therewith. A medial portion joining the two wire support arms consists of a V-shaped configuration extending in a lateral plane. The apex of the V shape impinges on one edge of the cross-web of the post, and one leg of the V extends between two fence post spines. A cam over wire lock secures the wire clip to the post, and is comprised of a web having tapered opposed ends. A hole is disposed in one end of the web, and an R-shaped camming slot is formed in a second, opposed end of the wire lock. One end of the trellis wire support clip is passed through the hole in the cam over wire lock, and the wire lock is positioned to extend between the opposed wire support arms.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2000Date of Patent: June 18, 2002Assignee: Volk Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Charles E. Sherman
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Patent number: 6378175Abstract: A resilient fastening clip (10) for attaching a plant member (22) to a portion of a support structure includes a clip wall (24) that creates a first enclosure (12) and a second enclosure (14) which are integrally fashioned from the clip wall (24). The first enclosure (12) has a first enclosure entry mouth (16), and the second enclosure (14) has a second enclosure entry mouth (18). The first enclosure entry mouth (16) may lie either within the second enclosure (14), or may be external to it. A flexible arm (34) is optionally provided to help capture the support wire (20). The clip (10) may also have a number of gripper protrusions (46) which prevent rotation of the plant member (22) within the second enclosure (14). An alternative preferred embodiment of a resilient clip (110) has a transverse wire channel (58) formed in the first enclosure region (12), into which a support wire (20) may be inserted.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2000Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Assignee: Doorframer, Inc.Inventor: Ronald D. Vanderpan
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Patent number: 6378245Abstract: A trellis for vines and other climbing plants, for home and garden use, that will facilitate plant growth and crop harvesting. The invention has a “T” shaped support structure, with hooks for a hanging net, and ground stakes for holding the net tightly near the ground. The trellis accommodates an optional sprinkler attachment for attaching the user's own commercial sprinkler for plant watering and/or feeding. The trellis is lightweight, durable, sturdy, versatile, easy to assemble and disassemble for subsequent use, and has it own case for storage and/or shipping.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2000Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Inventor: James Lee Summers
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Publication number: 20010052593Abstract: In a vineyard or the like, a system for positioning and tensioning the wires which form the trellis disposed between and among an array of metal posts upon which vines are trained, including retainers for selectively positioning wires relative to the metal posts and each other and further including a subsystem for applying the appropriate tension to the various wires making up the trellis.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2001Publication date: December 20, 2001Inventor: David E. Parrish
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Patent number: 6311428Abstract: The invention provides a simple device for providing vertical support of vegetable plants, thereby eliminating the conventional problems routinely associated with home gardening. In particular, the device provides a maintenance free, vertical support frame assembly of adjustable height to which is attached a mesh netting and supporting stakes, forming an extendable garden trellis. Growing plants may be attached to the gardening trellis, thereby allowing maximum upward growth of the plants while also elevating the plants.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 1999Date of Patent: November 6, 2001Assignee: Vegherb, LLCInventors: Jeffrey R. Marino, Anthony G. Topping
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Patent number: 6293521Abstract: In a vineyard or the like, a system for positioning and tensioning the wires which form the trellis disposed between and among an array of metal posts upon which vines are trained, including retainers for selectively positioning wires relative to the metal posts and each other and further including a subsystem for applying the appropriate tension to the various wires making up the trellis.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 1999Date of Patent: September 25, 2001Inventor: David E. Parrish
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Patent number: 6237282Abstract: A trellis system and latch mechanism for use in growing vine plants, such as grapes, raisins and the like that is particularly suited for use with the alternate bearing method of raising such plants. The latch mechanism has a latch body that pivotally connects a support arm from one row of supports to the support arm of an adjacent row of supports. Alternatively, the latch mechanism connects a wire member on one row of supports to a wire member on an adjacent row of supports. The latch body is configured to allow the user to connect to a support arm or wire member on an adjacent row of support members on the non-bearing, renewal row to support the weight of vines and fruit that comprise the bearing row. Use of the latch mechanism allows the grower to selectively open or close the trellis system to establish the bearing or renewal rows during alternate growing seasons.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 1999Date of Patent: May 29, 2001Inventor: Gary R. Pitts
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Patent number: 6234420Abstract: A string feeding device and method for dispensing string is provided. The string feeding device may be used to dispense string between adjacent stakes to support plants disposed between the stakes. The string feeding device includes a string container disposed about a longitudinal axis and a longitudinally extending tube. The tube has a first end and a second end with the first end being fixedly attached to the string container. Further, the tube includes a first hole extending through a side of the tube. String is fed from the string container through the first hole in the side of the tube and is further fed through an interior of the tube to thereby exit the second end of the tube.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 1999Date of Patent: May 22, 2001Inventors: Erik S. Vetne, Wayne Swafford
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Patent number: 6209258Abstract: A potted plant support system which has a flat base member which is securabie to a plant pot by with a key which secures the base member to the pot. The key may be shaped to fit in slot-like openings in the base member and the pot. The plant is supported by rods which may be notched to retain plant ties. The system may also include a pot support clip which engages the pot periphery and includes a rod support extension. Also disclosed is a plant support hook which slidingly engages the rods and which releasably engages itself to form a plant retaining loop.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 1999Date of Patent: April 3, 2001Inventor: Margie Schneider
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Patent number: 6145246Abstract: A grapevine trellis system utilizing substantially L-shaped wire supporting bracket arms constructed to be universally mounted on solid T-bar posts or metal roll formed T-shaped posts incorporating vertical slots designed to eliminate unwanted flexing of the assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 1995Date of Patent: November 14, 2000Inventor: John M. Galbraith
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Patent number: 6138407Abstract: A cross arm apparatus for providing structural support in agricultural and other applications. The cross arm comprises a folded section adjacent one edge, a bent, angled or beveled section adjacent a another edge, and a generally planar section or region extending between the folded section and angled section. Slotted catch holes in the ends of the cross arm provide for releasibly attaching wires to the cross arm. Notches and holes in the cross arm allow the cross arm to be attached to other structural elements such a vertical supports or additional cross arms. The cross arm can be assembled with a vertical support and additional cross arms to provide a variety of trellis structures.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 1998Date of Patent: October 31, 2000Assignee: Leon W. PierceInventor: Leon W. Pierce, Jr.
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Patent number: 5966867Abstract: A cross arm (110) for securing to a grape stake (135) for use in supporting grapevines or orchard trees, including raised ribs (112, 114), aligned indentations (116, 118) and a pattern of holes (122, 124, 126, 128, 130) for receiving the legs of a U-bolt that rigidly secures the cross arm to the stake with a side edge of the stake anchored firmly into indentations (116, 118).Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 1998Date of Patent: October 19, 1999Assignee: Vineyard Industry Products Co.Inventors: Paul A. Downer, John S. Downer
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Patent number: 5916028Abstract: Trellis wire support assembly (21) for use with a grape stake (23), comprising: an elongated wire member (80) formed with a pair of horizontally extending arms (24, 26) dimensioned to extend outwardly from grape stake (23), arms (24, 26) each including an outwardly extending support arm portion (31) for support of a trellis wire thereon and an inwardly and vertically extending retention arm portion (51) extending back and substantially over outwardly extending support arm portion (31); retention arm portions (51) being of a length sufficient to retain trellis wires (32a, 32b) between support arm portions (31) and retention arm portions (51) for both an upright and an inverted mounting orientation of trellis wire support assembly (21) on grape stake (23); elongated wire member (80) being formed to substantially encircle grape stake (23) at an elevated position thereon with each of retention arm portions (31) terminating in a distal end (52) spaced outwardly from grape stake (23) to define a trellis wire-receivType: GrantFiled: January 2, 1997Date of Patent: June 29, 1999Assignee: Vineyard Industry Products Co.Inventors: Paul A. Downer, John S. Downer
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Patent number: 5829190Abstract: A method for drying grapes from a vineyard using vertical supports extending above the rows of grapevines and porous horizontal trays extending above the grapevines along each row supported by the vertical supports. A black plastic porous tray material defines the trays which stretch between parallel wires supported by a periodic structure for spreading the wires. The tray material may be wrapped about the wires at its outer edges and held by synthetic materials which adhere when pressed together.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 1996Date of Patent: November 3, 1998Inventor: Robert K. Warkentin
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Patent number: 5799438Abstract: A device for stringing and supporting growing plants, such as tomato plants, and which is manually operable by a workman includes a handheld, elongated pole having a handle end, an opposite dispensing end, a tip member having an aperture and which is secured to the dispensing end, and a plurality of brackets having eyelets positioned adjacent the handle end and projecting perpendicular from the pole. Further included is a container for attachment to the workman's belt and disposed within the container is a rotatable ball of string which is dispensed from the container during the stringing of the plants.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 1996Date of Patent: September 1, 1998Inventor: Ernest Charles Rodgers
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Patent number: 5797214Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in trellis systems for supporting growing fruit bearing vines, and in particular, to improvements in the trellis itself wherein cross member secured to a post is fitted with rotator arms at either end thereof, which rotator arms are movable about their mounting point through an acute angle of about 45.degree. to 50.degree., and capable of being secured against inadvertent rotation at a predetermined position relative to the cross arm so as to permit sun to shine on the central area of the vine when the rotator arms are moved downwardly, and to permit harvesting when the arms are upright.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1997Date of Patent: August 25, 1998Inventors: David E. Parrish, Devin G. Stout
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Patent number: 5711109Abstract: A method for raising plants which produce a crop on predetermined portions thereof, the method having steps of growing the plant in a growing medium in upstanding relation; and training the predetermined portions of the plant to grow along substantially discrete courses so that the predetermined portions are spaced from each other and from the growing medium so as to enhance the growth thereof and facilitate harvest of the crop.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 1995Date of Patent: January 27, 1998Inventor: Gary R. Pitts
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Patent number: 5666761Abstract: A system for drying grapes from a vineyard using vertical supports extending above the rows of grapevines and porous horizontal trays extending above the grapevines along each row supported by the vertical supports. A black plastic porous tray material defines the trays which stretch between parallel wires supported by a periodic structure for spreading the wires. The tray material may be wrapped about the wires at its outer edges and held by synthetic materials which adhere when pressed together.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 1995Date of Patent: September 16, 1997Inventor: Robert K. Warkentin
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Patent number: 5638636Abstract: A method of plant culture including the steps of growing plants, which produce elongated flexible portions, in supported relation on a structure; permitting the flexible portions to grow; and moving the flexible portions substantially into separate predetermined positions relative to the plants, based upon predetermined distinguishing characteristics of said flexible portions, for subsequent plant cultural practices. An apparatus for plant culture wherein the plants grow elongated flexible portions each growing season, the apparatus having a frame adapted to be disposed adjacent to at least one of the plants and having a laterally projecting first support portion and an upwardly projecting second support portion; and a support system for moving the flexible portions of the plant discriminately to the first or second portions based upon predetermined distinguishing characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 1994Date of Patent: June 17, 1997Inventors: Kazuo Hiyama, Howard K. Hiyama, Dean H. Hiyama
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Patent number: 5630292Abstract: A support apparatus having a first mounting element adapted to be mounted on a support, a second mounting element having a structure for receiving at least one work object thereon, and an assembly for interconnecting the first mounting element and the second mounting element to support the structure of the second mounting element in a predetermined attitude relative to the support.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1995Date of Patent: May 20, 1997Inventors: David D. Heinz, Frank A. Logoluso
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Patent number: 5557883Abstract: A trellis system (164) is used to produce dried-on-the-vine raisins in a row (2) of vines (4) having a split canopy of fruiting canes (26) and replacement canes (28). The fruiting canes are supported by bent metal posts (150) each having an upwardly inclined support arm (156). The inclined support arms support one or more wires (138, 140) which support the fruiting canes so that, after the fruiting canes are severed, the grapes can dry from the heat of the sun to create raisins. The replacement canes are supported away from the fruiting canes by a trellising arrangment (100) having wires (142, 144) supported by replacement cane support arms (106) mounted to posts (102).Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 1995Date of Patent: September 24, 1996Assignee: Sun-Maid Growers of CaliforniaInventor: David L. Walker
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Patent number: 5515645Abstract: An improved ground stake apparatus for the support of small garden fences used to protect flower beds, seedlings and the like. The invention is comprised of a stake adapted with a plurality of incrementally spaced apertures through which one or more removable U-shaped bridge members are inserted to form channels for the retention of horizontal wires of conventional fencing. Hour-glass shaped clips are also provided to secure the bridge members in place at the desired elevation along the elongate shaft of the stake. Additional features of the invention include an enlarged head having elevated nubs to reduce hammer slippage while driving the stake and a ventral fin attached along the bottom of the shaft for the prevention of both axial and lateral movement of the stake once inserted into the ground.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 1994Date of Patent: May 14, 1996Inventor: Glenn D. Gober
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Patent number: 5487235Abstract: An improved ground stake apparatus for the support of small garden fences used to protect flower beds, seedlings and the like. The invention is comprised of a stake adapted with a plurality of incrementally spaced apertures through which one or more removable U-shaped bridge members are inserted to form channels for the retention of horizontal wires of conventional fencing. Hour-glass shaped clips are also provided to secure the bridge members in place at the desired elevation along the elongate shaft of the stake. Additional features of the invention include an enlarged head having elevated nubs to reduce hammer slippage while driving the stake and a ventral fin attached along the bottom of the shaft for the prevention of both axial and lateral movement of the stake once inserted into the ground.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 1993Date of Patent: January 30, 1996Inventor: Glenn D. Gober
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Patent number: 5438795Abstract: A grapevine trellis system incorporating substantially Z-shaped wire supporting bracket arms arranged and constructed to be alternately and universally mounted on solid T-bar posts, metal roll formed T-shaped posts, and/or conventional rectangular wooden posts.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1993Date of Patent: August 8, 1995Inventor: John M. Galbraith
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Patent number: 5373660Abstract: A trellis system which can be used with raspberry and other fruit production includes a plurality of structural units (36) which are essentially two dimensional in shape to allow for flat packing and shipping. Trellis wires (34) are strung over a plurality of structural units (36) positioned in a trellis row and are subsequently anchored (34) to the ground at each end of the trellis row. The structural units (36) are positioned directly on the ground surface at any location desired by the user and do not need to be staked in the ground. In one embodiment, the structural units are a rigid one piece construction (10, 12, 14, or 16). In another embodiment, the structural units are made on site by connecting to essentially identical linear pieces (52 or 60) together. A wire loop connector (42 or 44) allows for quick and effective connection of a wire (46) once the structural units are positioned.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 1993Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Assignees: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc., Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State UniversityInventor: Herbert D. Stiles
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Patent number: 5337514Abstract: A method for plant culture including the steps of growing plants, which produce elongated flexible portions, in supported relation on a structure; permitting the flexible portions to grow; and moving the flexible portions substantially into predetermined positions relative to the plants for subsequent plant cultural practices. An apparatus comprising a frame adapted to be disposed adjacent to the plants and having a laterally projecting portion; and a mechanism for moving the flexible portions of the plants into positions overlaying the support portion of the frame extending laterally of the plants.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 1992Date of Patent: August 16, 1994Inventors: Kazuo Hiyama, Howard K. Hiyama, Dean H. Hiyama
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Patent number: 5272834Abstract: A method for plant culture including the steps of growing a plant adjacent to a frame having at least one linear member, disposing a support on the linear member, resting a portion of the plant on the support in supported relation and moving the support along the linear member to accommodate the growth of the portion of the plant. An apparatus for plant culture including a support structure having a substantially linear member and a support borne by said linear member disposed for supporting a portion of a plant growth adjacent thereto and adapted for selective, substantially slidable movement on the linear member to accommodate growth in the portion of the plant.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 1990Date of Patent: December 28, 1993Inventor: Roffi J. Jarahian
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Patent number: 5144768Abstract: A method for plant culture including the steps of growing plants, which produce elongated flexible portions, in supported relation on a structure; permitting the flexible portions to grow; and moving the flexible portions substantially into predetermined positions relative to the plants for subsequent plant cultural practices. An apparatus comprising a frame adapted to be disposed adjacent to the plants and having a laterally projecting portion; and a mechanism for moving the flexible portions of the plants into positions overlaying the support portion of the frame extending laterally of the plants.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 1989Date of Patent: September 8, 1992Inventors: Kazuo Hiyama, Howard K. Hiyama, Dean H. Hiyama
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Patent number: 5094029Abstract: An improved system is disclosed for the growing of plants, especially fruiting plants such as tomatoes and cucumbers, which enables the bearing vines to be supported on pervious ventilating surfaces forming a V-shaped valley, the bottom of which is the row of plants flanked by impervious, gently inwardly sloping panels substantially preventing weed growth and delivering rain or spray falling onto the vines into the row. Such valleys can be advantageously arranged parallel and separated by a walkway of mowable turf.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 1991Date of Patent: March 10, 1992Inventor: Marion J. Packett
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Patent number: 5063709Abstract: The trellis support device consists of elongated arm members joined and secured permanently together by a horizontal cross member. The lower central point of the V-shaped arm members and the cross member each employ U-bolts to be fastened to existing wood or metal grape stakes of conventional design. Arm members and cross member have slots in the distal end of each member to receive tension wires of the trellis system.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 1990Date of Patent: November 12, 1991Inventor: Howard E. Whittaker
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Patent number: 4965961Abstract: A trellis wire support assembly for use with metal grape stakes including aa metal trellis wire support clip and a fastener which secures the clip to the grape stake. The clip is formed with a securement portion having a clip shoulder which engages a vertically extending stake shoulder. Extending from the ends of the securement portion of the clip are trellis wire support portions which are preferably slotted to movably receive trellis wires. The slots are formed so that the trellis wires will not be lifted out of the clip during growing of the grapewine foliage. A method of adapting metal grape stakes to vertical trellising using the clip is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 1989Date of Patent: October 30, 1990Inventor: Harry C. Broyles
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Patent number: 4945674Abstract: A specific feature of the present invention resides in that it is provided with a device for a cyclic advance of the tape from a reel, made in the form of plates different in size and arranged in succession on the body and clamp, each of said plates is provided with a slot for passing the tape, the slots being arranged on the shorter plate at free ends thereof and on the longer plates, level with the slots arranged on the shorter plates.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 1990Date of Patent: August 7, 1990Inventors: Karen V. Alexandrian, Karen G. Melikian, Akam A. Alexanian, Kamo S. Saakian, Levon Lachinian, Oganes S. Gendzhoian
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Patent number: 4937988Abstract: A barrier for preventing pigeons from landing on a balcony rail comprising a pair of support brackets adapted for flush mounting to opposite ends of the balcony rail, and a plurality of monofilament wires secured between the pair of support brackets.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 1989Date of Patent: July 3, 1990Assignees: William H. Young, Vaughn W. BoytInventor: Edouard A. Gratton
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Patent number: 4907369Abstract: A multi-purpose stake includes a stake means forming a longitudinal member adapted to be supported substantially perpendicular to a support surface. An aperture means forms at least one pair of laterally spaced apertures in the stake means. Either a belt means is disposed in a pair of apertures and adapted to form an enclosure to support an object thereon of a snap-on means may be used for removably engaging the apertures to support an object thereon.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 1987Date of Patent: March 13, 1990Inventor: Anton L. Vomfell
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Patent number: 4792254Abstract: Unitary fence clip formed from a resilient wire having a fence standard or post engaging coil region and two arms extending therefrom. One of the arms from one end of the coil region includes at least a partly formed loop and the other of the arms from the other end of the coil includes a member engageable in the at least partly formed loop. The member engageable in the partly formed loop when so engaged defines a closed zone between the arms and the coil through which a fence wire or the like can be located.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 1987Date of Patent: December 20, 1988Assignee: Wrightson NMA LimitedInventor: Conrad M. Platten