Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods of applying vibration stimuli to a plant. In some implementations, an actuator generates a vibration. The vibration may be transmitted to a vibration transmitter and from the vibration transmitter to the plant. In some implementations, the vibration may be based on recorded biometric information such as a heartbeat, pulse, nerve impulses, or the like.

Abstract: The present application discloses a support apparatus having: (a) pole, aligned in an approximately vertical orientation when in use, and a cross section, wherein the pole comprises one or more pairs of diametrically opposed holes, positioned along the length of the pole; (b) a unitary open hoop, approximately in a plane, comprising an elastic material; and further comprising: a first end portion an a second end portion; wherein when in use, the hoop is compressed so that the first end portion and the second end portion are urged past each other to form a parallel locus; and wherein when the hoop is compressed, the first end portion and the second end portion are formed as if bent to mate with and apply an opposed tension to a pair of diametrically opposed holes in the pole; and wherein when the hoop is compressed, the parallel locus engages with the pole to impede the vertical swing of the hoop.

Abstract: A planter for detachably affixing and securing a pot and plant in a vertical orientation relative to a tree, the planter adapted to allow the tree to grow through the planter and blend in with surrounding vegetation.

Abstract: A multi-tiered plant growing aid includes a first frame and a plurality of base legs attached to the first frame such that the first frame is supported by and spaced apart from a base surface. A second frame is included, and a plurality of support legs are positioned between the first frame and the second frame such that the second frame is positioned parallel and spaced apart from the first frame. A first mesh panel is attached to the first frame and a second mesh panel is attached to the second frame such that the second mesh panel is positioned generally parallel to and spaced apart from the first mesh panel. The second frame has an outer dimension greater than an outer dimension of the first frame such that a plurality of cascading growing shelves is provided.

Abstract: A locking adapter configured to removably attach a surgical tool to a surgical handpiece unit can include a first coupling portion having a first hole and a second coupling portion having a second hole. The first and second holes can receive a portion of a surgical instrument, such as a cutting element (e.g., a burr or blade). The locking adapter can have a first position where the first hole is not aligned with the second hole and a second position where the first hole is aligned with the second hole. When the locking adapter is in the second position and the portion of the surgical instrument is received within the first and second holes, the first coupling portion can apply a first force on the portion and the second coupling portion can apply a second force on the portion, the first and second forces having different directions.

Abstract: A system may include a support structure for providing a vegetated canopy including a soil container support and a plurality of ribs disposed along the support structure, where the plurality of ribs are structurally configured to support a vegetated canopy disposed thereon. The system may also include a modular canopy structurally configured to attach to the support structure, the modular canopy including a soil container structurally configured to engage with the soil container support, a plurality of substantially rigid external members structurally configured to engage with a rib of the support structure, and a connecting member disposed along a length of the substantially rigid external members and attaching at a substantially rigid external member to another substantially rigid external member. The plurality of substantially rigid external members and the connecting members may form a trellis structurally configured to support vegetation.

Abstract: Growing systems may include a number of modular growing chambers with integrated support columns that eliminate the need for an external support frame and which provide a simple way to remove chambers from a stack for harvesting. The chambers can be assembled around a growing plant. Pins provided on the support columns ensure alignment and provide for easy removal of a lower chamber by first supporting the stack and slightly lowering it relative to the stack. The chamber structure supports harvesting processes that permit harvesting of a chamber simply by shifting it relative to the stack and supporting the other chambers in a vertical position and shifting the chambers. A portable shifting device may provide automated support, shifting and removal of one or more chambers for harvesting.

Abstract: A system and method provide a foundation for a plant during growth and transportation.

Abstract: A cantilevered screwless hanger. The cantilevered screwless hanger includes an elongated member having a support assembly disposed on a first end thereof. In some embodiments, the elongated member includes a hanging device on a second end thereof. The support assembly includes a lower U-shaped member, a connecting member extending upwardly therefrom, and an upper U-shaped member connected to the connecting member. The lower U-shaped member is oriented opposite the upper U-shaped member, such that a first opening defined by the lower U-shaped member is oriented opposite a second opening defined by the upper U-shaped member. The support assembly is adapted to removably secure the cantilevered screwless hanger to an elongated structure comprising a square cross-section without the use of additional fasteners, such that the support structure is not damaged during installation of the cantilevered screwless hanger.

Abstract: A trellis assembly for decorative trellizing of vines includes a base that is configured to position in soil. A bar is coupled to and extends bidirectionally from a top of the base. The bar is arcuate. A plurality of rods is coupled to and extends radially from the bar. The rods are substantially coplanar. Each rod has a plurality of fasteners that is coupled to and extends from the rod. The fasteners are configured to couple to vines to trellis the vines.

Abstract: A plant branch spacer that is utilized to spread or otherwise manipulate the direction of branches, without interfering with the roots; the plant branch spacer having an expandable ring, a plurality of knobs, and a locking mechanism. The expandable ring has a first arc-section and a second arc-section that are slidably engaged with each other, allowing the expandable ring to contract, expand, and separate. The locking mechanism is connected to the first arc-section and removably engaged with the second arc-section, wherein the locking mechanism secures the second arc-section in place along the first arc-section. The plurality of knobs is positioned about the expandable ring, and distributed to form a series of pockets used to separate branches from one another. A branch manipulator can be attached to one of the plurality of knobs in order to further redirect one or more branches away from the expandable ring.

Abstract: A height-adjustable plant support structure is a device used for providing structural support for a growing plant. The device includes a primary stabilizing tubular member and a plurality of primary extendable tubular members that is able to telescopically extend from and retract into the primary stabilizing tubular member. A plurality of accessory-mounting holes laterally traverses into the plurality of primary extendable tubular members and may accommodate hooks, ties, strings, and other accessories for supporting the growth of a plant. A flexible water-distribution conduit is positioned within the plurality of primary extendable tubular members, allowing water to be delivered directly to a plant's roots. The device height may be adjusted manually or automatically via a pneumatic telescopic cylinder. At least one flexible trellis member is utilized to support growing plants such as shrubs, grapevine, ivy, and climbing roses.

Abstract: In order to support a plant in a bucket that has a top and outside rim, a trellis base having a base surface portion and a rim engagement portion is disclosed. These portions seat on the top and outside rim of the bucket and extend around and beneath the top and outside rim of the bucket. A bottom portion of a further extension wall carries a hold down means which when positioned beneath the top and outside rim of the bucket, anchors the trellis base on the bucket. An inward bias means to inwardly bias and maintain the hold down means in position can also be used. The base surface portion carries at least one removable upright trellis holding means to removably carry the plant trellis.

Abstract: A device for cultivating liana plants for functioning as a trellis post and a part of the irrigation system.

Abstract: Modulatable integrated system for connecting at least two cylindrical elements (9) composed of a rigid vertical rod (1) connected to at least three solid rings (2, 3, 4) capable of containing the cylinders and having analogous diameter, characterized in that the three solid rings are connected to the rigid rod (1) in a manner so as to form three separate levels that are equidistant from each other, parallel to each other and orthogonal to the axis of the rigid rod (1), and are arranged in a manner such that two of the solid rings (2 and 4) are perfectly superimposed.

Abstract: Guide and fastening device for plant support wires, in particular for rows of grapevines, the device having at least one pair of vertical upright elements, fastened to a head pole and provided with longitudinal guides within which are made to slide fastening elements for the lateral containment wires for the growing vegetation. To each pair of upright elements for the lateral containment wires is associated a further vertical upright provided with a guide within which is made to slide a fastening element for at least one carrying wire.

Abstract: A base component and a plurality of plant support components interconnect in various combinations to form an organically configured, size adjustable plant support structure for a growing plant. The base component with spaced root-like stakes planted in the soil supports multiple components each having a central vertical trunk-like structure and extending limb-like and branch-like supports forming a tree-like configuration. Ties of various length soft fabric strips attach a growing plant to a molded exterior configured and colored to resemble tree bark for high friction to securely support the plant and plant produce.

Abstract: An attachment strip for attaching lath to a wall and a system for attaching lath to a wall with increased water resistive characteristics. The attachment strip has protruding teeth on an attachment plate that holds the lath in place, and a mounting plate that secures the lath furring strip against the wall and framing. In addition, since attachment strip, instead of the lath directly, is secured to the sheathing, fewer mounting devices are needed compared to when a lath is directly secured to a sheathing, where substantially more mounting devices would be needed. Thus in this arrangement, fewer penetrations are created when installing the lath. Additional water resistive features, such insulation layers, and a drainage space surrounded by two water resistive barriers, create space that not only increases insulation, but protects the inner layers of a wall from damage.

Abstract: An apparatus for the support of branches and fruit during growth of plants, bushes, and shrubs includes a first rod and a second rod that cooperate for form an upright rod assembly. The first rod includes a hollow elliptical or oval shaped center and the second rod includes an elliptical or oval shaped exterior When the second rod is disposed in the first rod and is rotated, a portion of the exterior of the second rod binds against a portion of the interior of the first rod to secure the first and second rods together. During use, a bottom of the first rod is secured to an upright post and a plant is secured to the upright rod assembly. Alternately, the bottom of the first rod is attached to a soil tip which is then inserted into soil. Various clips for attachment of horizontal members, cords, and wires are provided.

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.

Abstract: A tomato booster is disclosed with stackable hollow cylinders and vertical interlocking doors adapted to allow a tomato plant space for growth of secondary root systems in a vertical position. A method of using the tomato booster is also disclosed.

Abstract: An adjustable plant support is disclosed. The support includes an upright support, a plurality of holes disposed along a length of the upright support, and at least one support arm configured to be removably secured to the upright support through a selected hole of the plurality of holes. The support arm also includes a hook at a distal end of the support arm and is configured to define an interior portion of the support arm and adapted to support a plant. A pin of the support arm is at a proximate end of the support arm, where a free end of the pin is configured to slidingly engage the selected hole. In addition, the pin of the support arm extends back towards the U-shape collar in a different lateral plane, where a width of the U-shaped collar is configured to slidingly engage an outer surface of the upright support.

Abstract: A base component and a plurality of plant support components interconnect in various combinations to form an organically configured, size adjustable plant support structure for a growing plant. The base component with spaced root-like stakes planted in the soil supports multiple components each having a central vertical trunk-like structure and extending limb-like and branch-like supports forming a tree-like configuration. Ties of various length soft fabric strips attach a growing plant to a molded exterior configured and colored to resemble tree bark for high friction to securely support the plant and plant produce.

Abstract: A method for controlling the planting of olive trees for the continuous mechanical harvesting of the olives using harvesting machines, the method having the following steps: planting parallel rows of olive tree saplings with a spacing between the tree trunks and a spacing between the rows; placing trellising on each row; placing divergent supports for each tree; attaching two divergent branches of each tree, which are arranged in a single vertical plane and in the vertical plane of the row to which said tree belongs, onto a pair of supports; removing other branches of said tree; adapting the shape of the foliage of the trees so as to impart a configuration flattened in alignment with the rows thereto; maintaining said configuration by periodically pruning the trees until the latter reach maturity and bear fruit; and removing the supports and the trellising when the trees are fully grown.

Abstract: Guide and fastening device for plant support wires, in particular for rows of grapevines, the device having at least one pair of vertical upright elements, fastened to a head pole and provided with longitudinal guides within which are made to slide fastening elements for the lateral containment wires for the growing vegetation. To each pair of upright elements for the lateral containment wires is associated a further vertical upright provided with a guide within which is made to slide a fastening element for at least one carrying wire.

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.

Abstract: A plant hanger with a watering system includes a weighted base adapted for stable placement on a ground surface and an upwardly-extending support post. A plurality of adjustable hanger arms extends perpendicularly outward from a central hub affixed to the post. A watering system is connected to an existing water source, which delivers water to an inline plant food reservoir for introducing plant food into the water. The water is distributed to each arm through a water distributing manifold attached to an upper end of the post and in fluid communication with the water source.

Abstract: This disclosure combines the use of snap connectors embedded in flexible straps that are wrapped around tomato or other vine plants, together with a plant support rod or stake containing reciprocal snap connectors onto which the snap connectors embedded in the flexible straps are to be either secured into place at varying points along the plant support rod or for each flexible strap to be secured onto itself or another flexible strap while wrapped around the vine plant and plant support rod. The purpose of the apparatus is to accommodate plant growth and to maintain a vertical growth path for the vine plant.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for easy removal of potted and trained plants from a plant container. The apparatus includes an elongated support member configured to assist plant training, and an elliptical-shaped support base connected to the elongated support member and configured to removably support a plant. Embodiments of the apparatus include support arms asymmetrically disposed on the elongated support member to upwardly support a plant.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a plant having a stem comprises a base, an upright member extending substantially vertically upward from the base proximate to the plant and at least three ground penetrating members extending from the base. The ground penetrating members are substantially parallel to the upright and spaced at least 4 inches therefrom.

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.

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.

Abstract: A system for stabilizing a plant comprises a plurality of stakes and a plurality of horizontal stabilization members, wherein the stakes are inserted through a root ball of the plant into undisturbed soil, and wherein the horizontal stabilization members resist lateral movement of at least one of the stakes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a green wall including a plurality of plant subjects rooted in the ground immediately next to the wall and attached to the surface of a glass substrate. The invention also relates to a method for encouraging climbing plants to anchor to a wall including the attachment of the plants to a glass substrate.

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.

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.

Abstract: A process for controlling grapevine ripening comprises a step, to be implemented between the birth of the rachis (R) and harvesting of the bunch (G), in which rachis (R) supporting means (1) are applied, designed to at least counterbalance the weight of the flowers and fruit developing on the rachis (R), allowing the rachis (R) to grow according to its original direction. A piece of equipment for controlling grapevine ripening, in accordance with the above-mentioned process, comprises a structure (2) fixed to the ground and rachis (R) supporting means (1) which can be connected to the fixed structure (2).

Abstract: A stake for wine- and fruit-growing purposes has at least one hook for retaining a wire. The stake has a basic body with at least one limb made of sheet metal. The hook is a tongue portion, extending from a tongue base to a free end, punched and bent out of the sheet metal. An outer edge of the tongue portion, at an accommodating portion for the wire, is provided with a chamfer. The chamfer is obtained by introducing a first and a second groove, corresponding in shape to the contour of the tongue portion and being in particular V-shaped in cross section, into the basic body and then pressing the tongue portion out of the basic body.

Abstract: A method and device for supporting a sheet of material is provided optionally for plant support and/or protection. A fencing device includes a rigid post and two or more flexible arms. A shading material, or a protective barrier material, such as a wire mesh, a plastic netting or a deer netting material, or a solar energy collection panel may be attached to distal ends of the flexible arms and may extend for seven feet or more from a ground plane to a top height of flexible arms above the ground plane. Flags may extend vertically above the barrier material to further discourage intrusion by animals. Horizontal lines may be extended from a plurality of fencing posts to even further discourage intrusion by animals and/or to support the barrier material. A trellising device may be coupled with and above another trellising device to provide layers of shading and plant support.

Abstract: A method and device for securely anchoring a plant protection structure is provided wherein a support system includes an anchoring post and a support section. The anchoring post presents a post section and an anchor section, wherein each anchor section is configured to angle away from the longitudinal axis as the anchoring post receives a force that drives the anchor section into the ground. The anchoring post is topped by a support module that may include one or more arms that support and/or help protect at least a portion of a plant or object. The arms are configurable to enable the device to help secure or protect plants or objects in a variety of embodiments as best suited to the needs of the object. The anchoring post may include solid or hollow continuous elongate elements that form both the post section and the anchor section.

Abstract: A method and device for supporting a string and/or a sheet of material, such as a rope, a length of twine, a trellis netting or a barrier material is provided. A ground anchored device includes a rigid post and two or more flexible arms. The arms may be configured to support two or more sheets of material, wherein the sheets of material may further support plant growth. Alternately or additionally, one or more arms may be positioned to maintain string optionally bearing flags and/or barrier material to further discourage intrusion by animals. Horizontal lines may be extended from a plurality of devices to even further discourage intrusion by animals and/or to support the barrier material.

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.

Abstract: An adjustable stake assembly has a stake support appointed to receive at least one stake segment to form a structure, such as a plant support, lattice, fence, plant holder, recreational or decorative structure. The adjustable stake assembly includes a universal stake support having a tip appointed to penetrate a surface, a body portion and a top plate having a protrusion with a stake aperture integrated therein. At least one stake segment having a central portion and a lateral and distal end is appointed to be removably snapped-onto the universal stake support. The stake segment includes a flange appointed to be received in the stake aperture of the universal stake support, and the distal end having a segment aperture integrated therein appointed for receiving another stake segment for vertically stacking a plurality of the stake segments.

Abstract: A stake for insertion in soil to support an item such as a plant. The stake includes primary and secondary telescoping shafts and a foot adjustably secured to the primary shaft. The primary shaft has an upper end and a lower end. The lower end is configured for insertion into the soil at a first location. The foot has a supporting protrusion for insertion into the soil at a second location removed from the first location. Retractable ties are disposed within the secondary shaft and may be extended to support a plant. An adjustable collar may provide an anchor point for additional support.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for afforestation of recalcitrant land comprising the steps of preparing multiplicity of vegetation containers made of natural wood and having a thickness of 3-8 mm; growing plant seeds in a soil composition composed of sprouting promoter, rooting promoter, fertilizer and peat moss to obtain plant seedlings; placing the plant seedlings into the multiplicity of vegetation containers and airdropping the multiplicity of vegetation containers containing the plant seedlings onto the recalcitrant land.

Abstract: The objective is to produce height adjustable plant & floral supports that require no fasteners, do not harm the plant, appear to be a natural part of the plant, enhance the look of the plant and/or floral arrangement and are made of a synthetic material which is resistant to weather, moisture, infestation and disease.

Abstract: A method and device for securely anchoring a plant protection structure is provided wherein a support system includes an anchoring post and a support section. The anchoring post presents a post section and an anchor section, wherein each anchor section is configured to angle away from the longitudinal axis as the anchoring post receives a force that drives the anchor section into the ground. The anchoring post is topped by a support module that may include one or more arms that support and/or help protect at least a portion of a plant or object. The arms are configurable to enable the device to help secure or protect plants or objects in a variety of embodiments as best suited to the needs of the object. The anchoring post may include solid or hollow continuous elongate elements that form both the post section and the anchor section.

Abstract: A method provides the steps of: bending a first length of hot rolled steel bar to define a trunk member of a tree frame; bending and welding second cut lengths of hot rolled steel bar onto a bottom end of the trunk member to define feet members; placing a planting pot on top of the feet members with the trunk member extending up through and above the pot; bending and welding third cut lengths of hot rolled steel bar to the trunk member at spaced intervals above the pot to define branch arms; planting flowering vine plants in the pot and braiding the vines up the trunk member and out onto the branch arms; trimming the vines on the trunk member to remove foliage; and allowing foliage of the flowering vine plants to grow on the branch arms to create the appearance of a giant Bonzai tree.