Cage Patents (Class 47/45)
  • Patent number: 5913728
    Abstract: A container, in particular for staking plants, including at least two coaxial ring-shaped members (2, 3) joined together via arms (5) hingedly connected thereto so that the members are mutually coaxially movable between a position in which they are folded flat and mutually adjacent, and an extended position in which the members are spaced apart as the arms are pivoted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Inventors: Patrick Fran.cedilla.ois Bal, Guy Fran.cedilla.ois Chanet
  • Patent number: 5711107
    Abstract: A plant system is preferably made of plastic and even more preferably made of clear acrylic structural members. Such acrylic members take on the color of the surrounding plants and "blend" into the background created by the plants. The acrylic members have abbreviated length attachment members which extend from opposite sides of the structural members, and the attachment members have a differing diameter. The outermost portion has a smaller diameter which facilitates the initial overfitting of a plastic strap having a plurality of apertures. The strap is moved to surround the plant portion to be supported and the other end's aperture is also fitted over the attachment member. The resulting loop extends widely around the plant portion giving it adequate room for growth and further extension through the loop. The system, including the structural members and attachment members can be interconnected using a series of connectors to form a trellis or other support shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Inventor: Gary L. Louisiana
  • Patent number: 5647166
    Abstract: A trellis and trellise kit are provided with poles and lattice netting in which the lattice netting can be rolled up on the poles to which they are attached. Two crossbars are provided. They can be easily slipped on and off the poles to detach them from the netting, and the trellis can be formed into a compact package for shipping, warehousing, or storage by the user in a protected location. The poles preferably have square cross-sections. A pair of crossbars is provided with square holes slightly larger than the poles, so that the crossbars fit slidably onto the poles. The crossbars have very simple hook structures which engage the upper and lower edges of the netting to stretch it tight. Advantageously, the netting is made to bend across at least one edge of the crossbars, and at least one edge of each of the poles, so as to relieve strain on the fastening structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Inventor: Gregor N. Neff
  • Patent number: 5640802
    Abstract: A support assembly for growing tomato plants allows ready access to the plant during the various stages of growth by utilizing interchangeable parts including post sections having a tapered member (A) on a bottom end and a tapered socket (B) on the other end for joining the sections to form continuous posts having vertically spaced seating locations (C), and horizontal supports (D) having sockets (E) which fit securely onto post sections and spaced vertically to form modules that may be stacked in vertical relation and thereby added progressively to meet the needs engendered by growth of the plant and to permit ready access to the plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Inventor: Olin S. Elliott
  • Patent number: 5595019
    Abstract: A support for a plant has a rod with at least two spaced apart brackets, the uppermost bracket being proximate the upper end of the rod. One or more cages has means thereon adapted to cooperate with the brackets to connect the cage substantially concentrically about the rod. The depth of the uppermost cage from its top to its connecting means is greater than the distance from the uppermost bracket to the upper end of the rod, so that the top of the uppermost portion of the cage extends significantly above the top of the rod.Preferably, each of the cages has a plurality of substantially horizontal loops fixed in spaced-apart relationship by a plurality of substantially vertical legs. The loops of each cage are substantially circular and each sequentially higher loop preferably has a diameter greater than an immediately preceding loop of the cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Inventor: Howard R. Foreman
  • Patent number: 5544446
    Abstract: A plant support is constructed comprising a plurality of rectangular sections where the adjoining edge of each section is connected by a hinge mechanism. The hinges allow movement of each section so the plant support can be used in a straight open configuration or used to enclose any desired area from nearly circular to rectangular. Each section is constructed to form lattices with the voids in the lattices large enough for harvesting and weeding the enclosed plant but small enough to protect the plant from animals. The plant support is held upright by vertical support rods that are not permanently attached to the plant support. The independent vertical support rods thus can be placed at any desirable location and can be driven into the ground to any desirable depth. The height of the plant support can be increased by attaching, to the vertical support rods, another plant support above the bottom of the lower plant support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Inventor: Donald O. Benson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5518333
    Abstract: A connector for a studded T-post comprises a tube having an internal keyway therein. The keyway slidingly receives a studded T-post and is configured to prevent relative rotational movement of the post within the tube when the post is inserted into the tube. A locking member passes through the tube and cooperates with studs of the T-post to inhibit longitudinal movement of the T-post within the tube. A second similar tube may be attached to the first tube such that two T-posts may be inserted in the respective tubes and supported relative to one another in any number of angular orientations, thereby providing support for a wire-formed trellis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: CHS Acquisition Corp.
    Inventors: William J. Cienkus, Jr., Ronald E. Owczarzak
  • Patent number: 5473839
    Abstract: A support for a tree or shrub includes a vertical post with a supporting frame welded to the post. The frame includes horizontal sides which have downwardly depending stakes fixed to them. The support may be placed near a tree or shrub so that the sides of the frame surround the tree or shrub. The stakes and post are driven into the ground to a point where the frame abuts the ground. Loops on the post are available to connect supporting cords or wires from the tree trunk or bush stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Inventor: Jay D. Stidham
  • Patent number: 5412905
    Abstract: A single unit plant protection device in a vertical open top cone configuration. Fabricated from recycled plastic material to form a blanket of bubbles or dead air cells. Tinted green to aid in heat absorption while still allowing light to penetrate through to young plants. Designed to slip over an inverted 12".times.33" three wire tomato cage for support. Functions as a barrier against cold, wind, insects, and disease. May be reversed after last frost to provide protection for balance of plant's life while tomato cage provides structural support to plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Inventor: Ian T. Allison
  • Patent number: 5343654
    Abstract: A plant support device, for supporting and watering and fertilizing a plurality of plants, has an octagonal frame. The octagonal frame has eight hollow tubular segments. The eight hollow tubular segments are sequentially disposed end to end to form an octagonal conduit that has eight legs. Each one of the eight legs connect to, extend downward at a diagonal angle and extend away from one of the eight hollow tubular segments. Each of the eight legs include a hollow tubular leg member enclosing a leg channel communicating with the octagonal conduit. Each of the eight legs have at least one aperture disposed on a downward distal end communicating with the leg channel. There is a feeder conduit that communicates with the octagonal conduit. The feeder conduit has a feeder tube, a pressurized fluid fitting for connecting the feeder tube to a pressurized fluid source and a fertilizer introduction mechanism for introducing a fertilizer into the feeder tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Inventors: Alexander Z. Paquin, Marjorie Paquin
  • Patent number: 5331764
    Abstract: A rack for growing plants including a collapsible open frame having wire holes, through which a cord is inserted to set up a netting stretched in the collapsible open frame, and upright supports to support the collapsible open frame, each upright support having a forked top end terminated to a downward hook hooked in a hole on either corner on the collapsible open frame and an upward angle bar to support the collapsible open frame at either corner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Inventor: Han C. Sun
  • Patent number: 5323559
    Abstract: A plant support for vegetables, flowers, and fruit, including a plurality of vertical rods, laterally spaced and linked together by a plurality of horizontal rings constructed of a multiplicity of horizontal rods to define a plant enclosure having numerous rectangular openings for supporting plant branches. Each of the horizontal rods define, on their opposing ends, a cylindrical portion for rotatably engaging respective adjacent vertical rods to permit the manipulation of the plant support to a variety of shapes in encircling a plant, when in the upright position and to define a protective cage for bedding plants when in the horizontal position. The cylindrical portions are preferably helical in shape and interwound with helical portions of adjacent horizontal rods for superior strength and frictional support for holding the plant support in a selected mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Inventor: Bernice F. Allman
  • Patent number: 5276996
    Abstract: A creeping plant supporting frame assembly includes a plurality of upright support frames, which are each comprised of a plurality of elongated upright rods spaced from one another around a circle and connected together by a spiral tie bar around the periphery, anchor rods for supporting the upright support frames on the ground, a meshed head frame supported over the upright support frames for climbing creeping plants, feeder bottles respectively suspended on the upright support frames for watering and feeding liquid fertilizer, and baskets and hangers respectively hung on the upright support frames for carrying fruits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Inventor: Wen-Jin Lee
  • Patent number: 5249390
    Abstract: The disclosed trellis apparatus is assemblied from a number of separate substantially identical rigid L-shaped pieces, each having short and long generally straight portions meeting across a generally right angle bend, and a loop formed adjacent the free end of each portion. The loop on the short portion is open and presents a gap wider than the cross-section of the long portion and further lies in a plane generally perpendicular to the straight portion. The free end of each long portion may be inserted direct)y into the plant dirt, at different circumferential locations radially adjacent the plant, to a depth that provides stable support thereof and that orients the short portion substantially horizontal and laterally adjacent the plant foliage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Assignee: Anshal, Inc.
    Inventors: Ankur Purohit, James Kotora, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5179799
    Abstract: An erection of triangular spaced ground implemented metal rods embodying a plurality of tiers of vertically spaced ring members removably engaging said rods to secure the same in forming a stable structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1993
    Inventor: Jerome Hillestad
  • Patent number: 5174060
    Abstract: A plant support comprising a plurality of substantially straight legs surrounded by and welded to a helically coiled support member is disclosed. The plant support of the present invention offers the advantages of good structural rigidity combined with simplicity of design well suited for low-cost automated manufacturing methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Inventor: Joseph E. Glamos
  • Patent number: 5159780
    Abstract: A method to hold a potted or planted plant or rooted tree in a vertical upright position, comprising a flexible circular collar (22) joined to a plurality of two piece adjustable elongated support members (26). Further, having the means for the plurality of two piece adjustable elongated support members (26) to be placed upon the upper lip of a pot by means of the plurality of forked elongated support member holders (38) or secured directly into the soil by means of the plurality of the shovel head elongated support member (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Inventor: Robert M. Molthen
  • Patent number: 5048231
    Abstract: A plant support for providing support to the branches of a growing plant such as a tomato plant. The plant support comprises a plurality of vertical supports connected or welded to a top horizontal support leaving a remaining open side. The open side of the plant support can be completely or partially closed by integral interconnecting structure of the plant support or by separate structure and/or flexible cord, tape, wire, netting, etc. The construction allows for little or no tapering of the vertical supports in combination with side loading of other units for nesting purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Inventor: Dwight C. Brown
  • Patent number: 4922653
    Abstract: A plant watering and feeding support system comprises at least three upstanding tubular stakes. Each stake has a lower end thereof planted in a soil. The stakes each have a part located above a ground surface of the soil which is adapted with a connector for receiving ends of tubular cross members which extend therefrom in a horizontal plane and generally join the parts of the stakes located above the ground. Therefore, a horizontal liquid distribution network is defined. A liquid poured in at least a top end of one of the stakes thus distributes to the other stakes through the distribution network and to the soil downwardly by way of the stakes through the lower ends thereof. The plant is basically supported by the cross members. The connectors are adapted to receive at their upper ends the lower ends of vertical tubes which are provided at their upper ends with further connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1990
    Inventor: Alan Stone
  • Patent number: 4894951
    Abstract: A plant cage apparatus is set forth wherein a matrix of interconnected vertical and horizontal arcuate rod members are interconnected at junctures by connector members wherein the connector members slidingly accept ends of respective horizontal and vertical members to enable expansion or contraction of the cage apparatus to accommodate plant growth. Terminal ends of respective horizontal members defining terminal junctions of a respective cage structure along one vertical perimeter are formed with projecting tapered ends at the cage and connector members are formed at the other vertical perimeter side of the cage. The connector members accommodate the tapered end portions for joinder of two respective semi-cylindrical cage structures to form a continuous cage apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1990
    Inventor: Charles P. Risley
  • Patent number: 4879838
    Abstract: Easily assembled and disassembled topiary forms for defining the three-dimensional body-shape of a predetermined object. The topiary forms are readily assembled or disassembled for easy transport or mailing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1989
    Assignee: Speath Design
    Inventor: Rudy Vicenes
  • Patent number: 4860489
    Abstract: A height adjustable plant support device for supporting and confining vegetables, flowers and other plants therein is disclosed. The device includes a pair of generally circular end rings and a coil constructed of flexible material such as plastic having constant diameter throughout its length connected between said end rings. In a first embodiment, a pair of spaced apart stakes are used to support the rings while in a second embodiment, the rings are supported by a single stake projecting through the middle of the rings and coil. In the first example, a first pair of clamps are slidably connected to the lower end portions of the stakes and contain hooks which open downwardly to confine a lower one of the end rings therein at or near ground level while a second pair of clamps are slidably connected to the upper end portions of the stakes and contain hooks which open upwardly to support an upper one of said end rings therein at a desired position spaced above the lower end ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Inventor: Stanley A. Bork
  • Patent number: 4858380
    Abstract: A guard structure for tomato plants which is characterized by a first enclosure having a selected cross-sectional area and height and shaped from wire mesh with supporting legs extended into the ground to anchor the first enclosure in a vertically upright configuration and a second enclosure of larger cross-sectional area, also constructed of wire mesh and provided with a hinged wire mesh lid, which second enclosure is stacked on top of the first enclosure. The enclosures are designed to be placed over one or more tomato plants, such that the first, or lower enclosure protects the lower portion of the stem or vine of the plant and the second, or upper enclosure protects the upper portion of the plant, including the fruit, from birds and animals. The hinged wire mesh lid facilitates opening the second enclosure of the guard structure to retrieve the fruit as the fruit ripens within the enclosures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1989
    Inventor: Edwin O. Gayle
  • Patent number: 4785576
    Abstract: An improved plant support device includes means for folding and/or disassembly for storage and comprises an anchor angle for added support. The improved plant support can be used in spaced apart multiples with additional supports therebetween. One form includes a translucent cover means to define a hot house type structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1988
    Inventor: Manfred Morgan
  • Patent number: 4667438
    Abstract: A tomato cage is provided which can be quickly and easily assembled with no tools at all, or merely a pair of pliers. 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 square. Rods interconnect the support posts, apertures being formed in the support posts for receiving a first end of a rod. Only one type of rod need be utilized, having a generally straight first end and having a hook at a second end, each rod extending from an aperture in one post to a position wherein the hook engages another rod adjacent the second post, and so that each rod makes an angle in the range of about 5.degree.-10.degree. with respect to the horizontal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1987
    Inventor: Andrew J. Corell
  • Patent number: 4616442
    Abstract: A plant support includes a loosely fitting housing which is receivable by a plant stake and provides flexible non-rigid support elements connectible to the housing and extending downwardly therefrom for supporting the plant. Slots are provided in the housing through which flexible straps are received that are utilized to support a plant on the stake. Openings are provided in the housing for the attachment of additional cords and straps. The housing is hollow thereby allowing storage of the flexible support elements within the housing when the plant support is not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1986
    Inventor: Phillip M. Lenzner
  • Patent number: 4610106
    Abstract: An intensive gardening device for growing plants of a vine habit which provides a soil holding basin and a supporting pole supporting upwardly a spaced top element. The basin and the top element are provided with corresponding prongs having holes through which lines can be strung or tied to support vines growing from the basin. The basin may be anchored by a threaded basin anchor in one embodiment and by a support reservoir defining a pedestal in a second embodiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1986
    Inventor: Joseph M. Robinson
  • Patent number: 4578896
    Abstract: A wire holding device adapted for holding or retaining wires that intersect or pass each other such as in a grid trellis. A piece or block of material is provided having slots or openings in it on opposite sides of the material in an angular orientation with respect to each other corresponding to the angular orientation of the wires to be held.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1986
    Inventor: Edward R. Brown
  • Patent number: 4386480
    Abstract: A plurality of elongated, arcuate, molded synthetic plastic members simulating bark board are interconnectable along their longitudinal edges to provide a simulated tree trunk section assembly the ends of which can be interconnected with like tree trunk section assemblies to provide simulated tree trunks of various diameters and lengths, as desired, for growing vines and climbing plants in a supporting, soil containing pot. Brace rods received through openings in the bark board members near the lower ends of the simulated tree trunk, and frictionally retained in adjusted position to extend radially-outwardly in abutting contact with the inner wall of the supporting pot or container, serve to rigidly support the assemblage in erect position within the pot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1983
    Inventor: Alvin E. Horowitz
  • Patent number: 4361982
    Abstract: An umbrella-shaped topiary framework has a supporting post simulating natural wood bark along its outer surface, at the upper end of which is supported an umbrella-like framework upon the top of which is received a circular umbrella pad fabricated of face-to-face sheets of plastic, open-mesh sun screening material sandwiching thereinbetween a layer of sphagnum moss. The supporting post as well as the umbrella-like framework are comprised of interfitting parts of a molded synthetic plastic material for compact storage and transportation, and durability in use. When vertically supported in soil at the base of the supporting post, vines or climbing plants rooted in the soil grow up along the outside of the post and under and over the umbrella pad at the top of the post to form an unusually attractive umbrella topiary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1982
    Inventor: Alvin E. Horowitz
  • Patent number: 4322911
    Abstract: Pairs of upstanding wire-like members have their lower ends positioned adjacent each other and anchored in the ground in longitudinal spaced relation to each other. Adjacent wire-like members of adjacent pairs extend upwardly across each other and form spaced apart upper end portions. Each upper end portion terminates alongside the upper end portion of a next adjacent wire-like member of a next adjacent pair of wire-like members to form spaced apart pairs of upper end portions. A sleeve-like connector element telescopes over the crossed portions of adjacent wire-like members. A connector member extends between and detachably connects the adjacent pairs of spaced apart upper end portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1982
    Inventor: William D. Bach
  • Patent number: 4291495
    Abstract: A hollow tube is designed to be threaded through the mesh of a degradable tubular guard structure which protects a seedling or the like from browsing animals. The hollow tube contains an elongated degradable support stake which is driven into the ground by a drive rod contained within the hollow tube using a slide-hammer which coaxially slides along the drive rod. The hollow tube is withdrawn from around the stake, leaving the tubular meshed structure fastened to the stake by a series of angled grooves formed in a series of longitudinal ribs extending from the stake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1981
    Inventor: Michael R. Crippen
  • Patent number: 4285163
    Abstract: A four sided collapsible plant enclosure is described for supporting and maintaining growing plants safe from rodents and other intruders. The structure described includes four sides, each side being hinged to an adjacent side. The hinged sides permit collapsing of the structure for storage. Two adjacent sides of the structure are selected to have a width less than the remaining two adjacent sides of the structure, thereby permitting the enclosure to be collapsed for efficient and safe storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1981
    Inventor: William G. Booker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4213272
    Abstract: A device for use by gardeners in growing vines for raising tomatoes and other vine growing vegetables, consisting of a series of horizontal plates of a transparent material supported one above the other by a series of struts between the plates. The plates have central cut-out portions to provide room for vertical growth of the vine upwardly through successive plates. The plate structure is held in place by stakes embedded in the ground with their upper ends secured to the plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1978
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1980
    Inventor: Frank J. Nievelt
  • Patent number: 4211033
    Abstract: A plant support and compost enclosure, comprising rigid panels of fencing wherein the spacing of the horizontal rods in the lower portion of each panel is much smaller than the spacing in the upper portion in order to better contain the compost. The rigid panels are connected by rings, thereby enabling the apparatus to stand without any support and have the ability of being folded flat for easy storage. A minimum of three rigid panels is needed for the apparatus to stand unsupported. The upper portion of one of the rigid panels does not contain any vertical or horizontal rods, so as to form an opening to facilitate the loading of composting material for compost production. The composting material is innoculated with micro-organisms and watered from time to time to produce compost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1978
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1980
    Assignee: Judd Ringer Corporation
    Inventor: Charles J. Ringer
  • Patent number: 4104823
    Abstract: A tangle composed of the end of a guiding rope and of a wire is formed and driven into the soil by a device which forms this tangle by subsequent operations and drives it into the soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1977
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1978
    Assignees: Vyzkumny ustav lykovych vlaken Superk, Strojni a traktorova stanice v Zatci, narodni podnik Zatec
    Inventors: Vladimir Jakl, Josef Cink, Filip Bacovsky
  • Patent number: 4073091
    Abstract: A foldable plant support is disclosed comprising a first frame and a second opposed frame, each frame having vertical legs with support members on the legs for receiving support bars that span the vertical legs of each frame and support bars that span the distance between the first frame and the second frame. The support bars that span the distance between the first frame and the second frame are hingedly secured to the first frame and the second frame through eyelets at the ends of the support bars, the eyelets having an opening sufficiently wide in diameter so that when the frame is folded over on itself, the various support bars can move with respect to the first and second frame without bending.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1976
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1978
    Inventor: James P. Vogel
  • Patent number: 4050187
    Abstract: The wire systems for training hop vines normally comprise a trellis of generally horizontal main wires and, connected therewith, riser wires which extend generally vertically. The invention provides riser strands which at their upper end have a loop integrally formed therewith and which are connected to the horizontal main wires by a hook. Each hook has narrow partially open eyes formed at both ends of the hook, one being at the upper end of the hook and the other being at its lower end. The loop of the riser strand is hooked into the lower eye of the hook, while the hook itself is suspended from the horizontal main wire which is forceably moved into the upper eye of the hook so as to receive the horizontal wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1975
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1977
    Assignee: Geiger Plastic KG
    Inventors: Albert Geiger, Peter Bruckmann
  • Patent number: 4026068
    Abstract: A tomato plant support which uses plural stakes or uprights in surrounding relation about the plant and lateral members extending from these stakes to support the tomato-laden vines of the plant, but wherein the lateral members are intentionally not continuous, as is the case in prior art counterparts. Specifically, the discontinuity, or openings in the vine support structure, facilitate the relocation of each vine from a lower to a higher elevation support, in response to the growth of the plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1975
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1977
    Inventor: Seymour Tepper
  • Patent number: 4019280
    Abstract: A collapsible plant support is provided having a plurality of elongated wire-rod legs which are rigidly secured together at one end. Several helically-wound wire springs of normally elongated configuration are also provided with each spring having the opposite ends adapted to be interconnected and thus form circular rings. These rings are positioned at vertically spaced elevations on the legs which are relatively divergent from their connected ends when the plant support is positioned upright on the ground. Each of the elongated legs is formed with longitudinally spaced notches into which the circularly configured wire springs are positioned and supported on the divergent legs having their free end portions inserted into the ground. Collapsing of the plant support for storage is readily accomplished by first pulling the legs from the ground thereby releasing the rings. The rings are then disconnected at their ends whereupon they again assume the relaxed, elongated configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1975
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1977
    Assignee: NBS Incorporated
    Inventor: James B. Summers
  • Patent number: 4005548
    Abstract: A plant support comprising a plurality of interchangeable upright support rods each of which is provided with a plurality of longitudinally spaced cross wire holders. A plurality of identical, interchangeable, cross wires are each endwardly equipped with support rod engaging bent ends of size to slidingly overfit the upright rods. The cross wire ends are formed to a generally C-shaped configuration to define gaps of size to permit the cross wires to slide past the spaced holders on the support rods. By vertically spacing the cross wires relative to the support rods with the end openings aligned with the holders, the cross wires can slide vertically relative to the support rod to desired, vertically spaced locations. With the cross wires vertically spaced as desired, the support rods may then be rotated sufficiently to move the holders out of vertical alignment with the cross wire end openings to thereby lock the plurality of cross wires upon the support rods in vertically spaced relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1975
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1977
    Inventor: Abraham S. Nahon
  • Patent number: 3992812
    Abstract: A three-dimensional framework for use as a cutting and trimming guide in shaping plants into artistic form or topiaries. The supporting framework is provided with anchoring means permitting, use in small sizes, with potted plants, and, in larger sizes, with outdoor landscape plantings. In larger sizes, the framework is vertically separable into half portions permitting removal from a planting for re-use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1975
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1976
    Inventor: Alvin Edward Horowitz