Abstract: The invention provides a one piece planar plant support comprising an elongated vertical stake which can be folded along its longitudinal axis, and a pair of integral and co-planar arms extending horizontally in opposite directions from the stake. Notches in the arms allow the arms to be secured together in a crossed-over position when the stake is folded. Each arm has a rectangularly shaped end portion at its free end which is folded inwardly toward the other arm when the arms are crossed forming a clasp of polygonal (triangular, or diamond or trapezium) configuration to retain a plant stem. When the notches are adjacent the free ends of the arms, they hold the arms in position defining a polygonal clasp.

Abstract: A tomato vine supporting device having a plurality of spaced vertically elongated rods equally spaced in a circular configuration. The upper ends of the rods terminate in an outwardly and downwardly extending arm with the outer ends of the arms terminating in upwardly extending hook elements. A first circular horzontal ring is removably nested in these hook elements. Second hook elements are mounted on the upper ends of the rods, and third hook elements are secured to the rods intermediate their upper and lower ends. Second and third rings are removably nested in the second and third elements, respectively. The lower ends of the rods can be inserted into the ground, mounted in sockets within an earth container, or otherwise secured to the rim of an earth container.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A plant support device for controlling the vertical growth of a plant includes a standard placed in the soil adjacent to the plant and a plurality of stem support members adjustably disposed on the standard, each stem support member having a generally hook-shaped end portion to receive one of the stems of a plant, or pairs of support members may be interconnected such that opposite hook-shaped ends are engageable with the standard and one of the stems of the plant.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: A lawn trimmer shield (10) for protecting trees, plants and the like against damage from being struck by the rotating string (13) of a lawn trimmer/weed cutter (12) is disclosed. The shield (10) comprises two wall sections (14 and 16) of hollow substantially semi-cylindrical shape which are hingably connected via a hinge (17). Each of the wall sections has a chamfered ground engaging edge (26 and 28) which facilitates trimming close to the ground adjacent the shield (10). Handles (30A and 30B) are provided for facilitating installation and removal of the shield (10). Spikes (32A and 32B) are provided proximate the ground engaging edge (26 and 28 ) for securing the shield (10) close to the ground when it is installed about a tree (11), plant or the like.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting growing plants such as tomato plants, including radially arranged poles projecting from an annular base mounted on the top of a soil containing pot. The stems or branches of the plant are guided upwardly and within the space defined by the poles by means of strings tying the stems or branches securely around the poles.

Abstract: An adjustable support assembly comprises two clamping parts, an extensible bar, and a connection piece, these components being independent of one another. The extensible bar, composed of a tubular element and a threaded rod screwed into a nut integral with the tubular element, supports the connection piece and presses the two clamping parts against opposite walls of the container. The support facilitates the affixing of trellises, hoops, and other types of props for plants growing in window boxes or other containers.

Abstract: A plant stake having an elongated stem or stock with one or more ties removably affixed to the stem along its length. In use, a length of one or more of the ties is peeled or otherwise separated from the stem, preferably before the stake is driven into the ground next to the plant being staked. When the stake is driven into place, the free end of the separated tie is used to secure the plant to the stake such that it is supported thereby.

Abstract: Described herein is an apparatus for a plant training stake and a method for training a plant to grow upright using said plant training stake. A tension means attached at one end to a weight and the other end to a plant maintains a uniform tension automatically adjusting for the growth of the plant by causing downward movement of the weight in a member inserted into planting media.

Abstract: A plant support device, which includes a longitudinally extending support member having a first opening formed in a wall portion thereof and a longitudinal opening extending at least part of the length of the support member; a flexible band-like clip member having a first flat end portion positioned in the first opening and within the longitudinal opening; a first straight flat leg portion connected to the first flat end portion; a flexible intermediate leg portion connected to the first leg portion; and a second straight flat leg portion connected to the flexible intermediate leg portion and extending to a position adjacent the first flat end portion.

Abstract: A plant watering and feeding support combines a gravity feed watering and fertilizing system along with the holding features of a stake. The support, which may be driven into the ground next to a plant, comprises a hollow tube having a plurality of holes in a bottom portion with such holes permitting a slow delivery of water and fertilizer into the soil. Additionally, the plant is attachable to the support by snap-on plastic straps, and the straps are mounted in grooves which permit their movement upwardly along the stake as the associated plant grows.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the area of vine growing and specifically with posts or trellises for attached vines. The vine post in the invention includes a lower post with the support means for the training wires and holes allowing the passage of a cross pin and an upper part sliding with respect to said lower post and supported by said pin. This upper part has, at its upper end, means of support for at least two raising wires. The utilization of the vine post in the invention notably facilitates mechanized cutting operations, through the lowering of its upper sliding part. The components of the vine post in the invention are advantageously made of inoxidizable steel.

Abstract: A support for tomato plants and the like to reinforce them while growing. It is preferably of plastic material having a bottle shape with an elongated neck. Such neck is progressively increased in diameter from the top to the base portion. At the points of increasing diameter, there is a shoulder serving as a stop for a slip-fitted neck portion. On the shoulder, is supported a wheel-like ring onto which the plants may be tied. Several such rings of increasing diameter of sleeve are provided. The neck instead may be progressively tapered downwardly and outwardly with the wheel-like rings held in place by the taper. Holes are provided at a distance above the bottom of the base portion to provide a reservoir of water for stabilizing the tube in the soil.

Abstract: A growing system for vines which is particularly applicable to kiwi fruit which uses an espalier arrangement. The system is such that a canopy of branches are supported while at the same time divergent branches which will form part of the canopy in the ensuing season are supported upwardly in a divergent manner above the canopy. The invention also consists in the frames and framing systems.

Abstract: An improved vine trainer is disclosed which is readily assembled and disassembled to become portable in kit form. A central stake is comprised of a plurality of interconnected sections. A number of rods, shorter in length than the central stake, are stacked and crossed with each rod bisecting the others and are removably affixed to the upper portion of the central stake. The rods are formed with openings on each end for receiving twine, wire, or the like, and secured to ground stakes which are inserted into the earth or potting soil of a potted plant, providing a substantially vertical and rigid surface on which plant vines can grow.

Abstract: A plant support having a decorative end piece and a base piece oppositely disposed therefrom with intermediate sections secured therebetween as desired provides an expandable plant support. Between each junction of the intermediate sections and the base and decorative sections, is provided a plant tie holder. On the base piece is mounted at least one base cross member for support.

Abstract: This invention is a system for field disposal of human feces through the use of composting containers that prevent the spread of intestinal bacteria, including virulent pathogens, which otherwise would occur when wilderness visitors practice shallow burial of feces. This is accomplished by providing biodegradable containers and following a pre-set method of disposal.

Abstract: A plant support in which a wire loop plant support is adjustably supported in cantelever fashion from a post at fixed positions on the post by a post coupling structure including at least one terminal end of the wire being formed as a projection integral with the wire loop for piercing or otherwise entering the post and a reaction bearing member also integral with the wire loop but at a lower level than the integral projection so that downward acting plant loads on the cantelever plant support urge the reaction bearing member against the post and the projection into the post. The spacing between the sharp tip of the projection and the bearing member is sufficient to permit the integral post coupling structure to slide down the post to any selected position and, pivot to a horizontal loop position about the reaction bearing member.

Abstract: A stake for supporting plants is provided having a high stiffness cross-section modulus including lobed surfaces for attachment of soft stemmed plants thereto and serrated tying surfaces for locating stem ties in non-sliding relation, the stake being of plastic and suited for manufacture by extrusion. In one embodiment a driving cap is provided to facilitate insertion of the stake into the ground. The stake ends are symetrically pointed to facilitate use.

Abstract: A tree brace unit for maintaining young trees in an upright posture has a circular ground-mounted base and a plurality of legs extending upwardly therefrom to a collar which encircles the tree trunk at an elevated level. The brace portion is formed from a pair of identical members formed from a single piece of metal rod. Each piece is bent to form a pair of parallel legs which are connected by a collar segment. When mounted in opposing position on the base, the two collar segments are clamped together to form a collar which extends completely around the tree trunk.

Abstract: A plant/vine support comprises a post or stake member adapted to be driven into the earth spaced a distance away from the plant or vine and a plurality of rings, each ring having integrally formed stabilizing members for stabilizing the rings in vertical and horizontal planes and connectors for detachably securing the rings to the post or stake. In one embodiment, pairs of holes in the channel post receives pairs of locking hooks and, in another embodiment, one of the locking hooks is a locking detent. Both embodiments are low in cost and can be easily manufactured. The component parts in both embodiments have relatively flat dimensions and can be transported easily, and they are easily assembled and disassembled and stored and various size rings, frames or hoops may be utilized in various combinations on a common post.

Abstract: Apparatus for stabilizing plant support stakes in a pot includes means spaced vertically and partially defining first and second loops for receiving and holding the plant. Means spaced vertically partially define third and fourth loops for receiving and holding the stake. A spacer member is between the first and second loops and the third and fourth loops. Means brace the loops in fixed relationship to the spacer member.In one embodiment, the bracing means includes a first brace disposed between the first and second loops and a second brace disposed between the third and fourth loops. The third and fourth loops may be respectively disposed within the first and second loops in the planar relationship and may be pivotable from this planar relationship to form the loops. The spacer member and the loops may be open to facilitate the circulation of air and water through the pot and to permit the roots of the plant to spread.

Abstract: The plant/vine support disclosed utilized a channel shaped post having a U-shaped central portion and a pair of laterally projecting flanges with locking lug pairs integrally formed on the flanges and a locking lug and shoulders in the U-shape of the post. The ring is provided with a complementary shaped locking structure which is coplaner with the ring support per se and adapted to interengagingly locking maneuver as well as a simple unlocking and disassembling maneuver. The rings are simple, stack flat and are far less susceptible of hooking with one another and thereby entangling themselves during storage.

Abstract: A plant stake and clasp is provided in which one or more clasps molded from plastic resin are provided at the top of the stake, each clasp including a pair of cooperating resilient arms and a mouth through which the stem of the plant can be introduced.

Abstract: A support apparatus for supporting a cantilevered beam from a T-shaped post. A bracket having a cross-shaped aperture therein composed of a pair of spaced horizontal plates joined along one edge by vertical center plates is attached to an end of the cantilevered beam for sliding registry with the post. A bolt is threaded through a hole in the center plate to bear against the post, and an alternate method utilizes two bolts. The first embodiment disclosed uses a first collar portion attached to a free end of the beam and a second collar portion to form a cylindrical collar for a plant support. The second embodiment utilizes a flat plate on the cantilevered beam for supporting a mailbox or the like. A third embodiment has a pair of hooks attached to the cantilevered beam for hanging support of a sign.

Abstract: A stand (10) for supporting a Christmas tree (12) having a trunk (14) with a butt end (16). The stand includes a base (18) having an upwardly opening tree well (20) adapted to receive the butt end (16) of the trunk (14). The base (18) also has an upwardly opening support post well (34) and a support post (28) adapted to be rigidly engaged in the support post well in unturning relation in an upright position. A trunk brace (36) has a multiplicity of support post holes (40) adapted to slip over the end of the support post (28), to engage it in unturning relation. The support post (28) is adapted to so engage the sides of the support hole (40) through which it extends as to support the trunk brace (36) at a selected distance above the base (18) in rigid, unturning relation with respect thereto. A retention band (42) is adapted to bias and retain the trunk (14 ) against an engaging surface (38) of the trunk brace, securing the tree (12) in the stand (10).

Abstract: By forming a metal stake with a "W"-shaped cross section where the flanges at the extremities of the main arms of the "W" are joined to the main arms not with an angular relationship rather with three connecting sections having gentle radii so that the edges of the flanges are depressed about 12.degree. from a plane lying along the crowns formed by the connecting sections, those edges being knurled, a stake is provided which has superior torsional and flexural strength, has the ability to withstand the abuse of mechanical harvesting equipment without damaging that equipment and permits supporting, securely, at any desired height along the job, wires of any size and spacing without weakening such wires over time thru wear at the points of contact with the stake.

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.

Abstract: A tree nursery clip cooperates with a stake to hold a tree in a desired position. The clip has a pair of openings through which a stake is inserted and a pair of bendable arms. The shape of the openings and the cross section of the stake is non-circular so that a plurality of clips can be non-rotatably positioned along the stake. The tree is pulled alongside the stake, and the arms of each clip are bent around the tree to hold the tree adjacent the stake at a plurality of points along the length of the tree.

Abstract: A support body portion extends inwardly from the top rim of a plant pot and has a substantially vertical channel therethrough bounded on the outer end by the inner surface of the pot, on the inner end by a rod support groove substantially parallel with the axis of symmetry of the pot and on the sides by a pair of side walls that converge radially inward. A plant support rod is positioned in the rod support groove and extends above the pot a substantial distance so that a plant in the pot can be tied to it for support. A spring wedge having a pair of legs, at the same angle to each other as the angle of the slope of the pot side to the axis of symmetry, joined by a resilient bight portion is pushed down into the top of the vertical channel so one leg bears against the sloping wall of the pot and the other leg bears against the support rod to anchor it firmly in the vertical rod support groove.

Abstract: By forming a metal stake with a "W"-shaped cross-section and knurling the edges of the stake instead of notching them, a stake is provided with superior torsional strength and the ability to support securely wire of any size or combination of sizes at any desired height or spacing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for supporting and training plants and in particular for layering tomato plants. It comprises a longitudinal stem portion formed with an integral hook which is adapted to grip and slide along a support wire which is mounted above and parallel to the plant row, and a spool rotatable about a cylindrical bearing surface of the stem portion. The spool carries a support cord which passes upwardly from the spool, through an aperture in the top of the stem portion and down through the hollow interior of the stem portion to where it is tied to the stem of the tomato plant. When it is desired to layer the plant the stem portion is moved along the wire and simultaneously the spool is rotated to pay out sufficient cord to layer the plant. Rotation of the spool is controlled by means of ribs on a flange of the spool which engage with the horizontal support wire.

Abstract: Method of manufacture of foam coated rod-like elements particularly for supporting pot-grown plants in general comprising the step of arranging a plurality of elongated tubular members of plastic material in spaced parallel relationship to each other into a tank and casting synthetic foam forming chemicals into the tank. The foam forming chemicals are caused to expand within the tank up to a level higher than the uppermost tubular member. The tubular members are thereby embedded into the foam. After hardening of the foam from the formed foam block foam coated rod-like elements are cut out each containing embedded therein one tubular member.

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.

Abstract: A wire clip for direct attachment to individual bricks of a masonry wall as a support and/or guide for climbing plants growing along the wall. The clip is a unitary wire member bent to the desired configuration and has a pair of opposite angular bent end formations and an intermediate outwardly projecting return bent formation which defines a loop when installed. The clip is slightly bowed and is spreadable so that the end formations engage opposite parallel longitudinal sides of an individual brick of the masonry wall with the clip disposed across the face thereof and the vine stem passing through the loop. Installation is effected by application of thumb pressure to the loop; disengagement can be effected by applying leverage thereto, all without any residual damage to the wall since installation does not involve digging into the brick or mortar.

Abstract: A plant or garden marker comprising a stake element preferably of plastic material having a stem or shank portion with a sharp point at one end thereof and an enlarged planar mounting surface at the opposite end thereof. An identification member such as a decal is removably applied to the mounting surface and serves to identify plants by means of graphic information or indicia or both. The identification member also can be a sheet element provided with pressure sensitive adhesive. The mounting surface is outlined by a rib-like formation which outlines the location of the identification member. Various identification members can be purchased separately according to different varieties of plants the user intends to grow, and a selected member is affixed to a stake element which then is driven by hand into the ground adjacent the plant or plants to be identified. The same stake element can be used with different identification members simply by removing an old one and replacing it with a new member.

Abstract: A stake for supporting weak-stemmed plants including, in one embodiment, an X-shape cross-sectional configuration wherein four orthogonally disposed arms, each having an arrowhead end, radiate outward from a common central vertical axis. A semi-annular clasp to retain a plant stem has reversed hook ends for snap-fit into the openings defined by the arrowheads on each side of the stake. In a second embodiment, the stake includes a central cylinder about which are disposed the arms, the cylinder serving to contain granular fertilizer for gradual dissolution into the earth around a supported plant.

Abstract: The stake incorporates a foamed plastic core. The core is covered by brown paint. A layer of peat moss is adhesively secured over the painted layer and is uniformly distributed over the surface of the stake.

Abstract: A system for supporting plants, bushes and small trees, by the use of per se known channel formed metallic batten or rail with C-formed cross-section suitable for attachment on walls or for insertion into the earth and adapted to take up attaching means on a string which shall suspend or retain the plants and connecting means for the coupling of several rails or profile battens.

Abstract: A plant support made in two sections of wooden, plastic or metal material, so that the sections can be added to one another to increase the length of the support as the plant grows; AIR VENTILATION SLOTS for prevention of SWELLING, OXIDATION and CORROSION of the said MATERIALS in order that the hereby above Adjustable Plant Support is in fact a TRULY Adjustable Plant Support as claimed by me above and hereafter.

Abstract: A support and a process for preparing the support are disclosed. The support includes a metal pipe having two ends, a pair of plugs and a covering tube. The plugs are positioned in each end of the metal pipe and are formed from a thermoplastic resin. The plugs each include an outer portion having an outside diameter that is equal to the outside diameter of the metal pipe. The covering tube is formed from a thermoplastic resin that is compatible with the thermoplastic resin forming the plugs. The covering tube covers and closely contacts the entire outer surface of both the metal pipe and the outer portions of the plugs.

Abstract: A telescoping plant stake employing a number of telescoping tubular elements, each of which are fitted with a highly resilient friction element at their inner end. The friction element is secured in a groove with its outermost surface extending slightly above the surface of the tubular member with which it is associated and includes a plurality of diamond like protuberances spaced around the periphery which assume compressive engagement with the encircling tube for that member.

Abstract: Cultural support for epiphytic plants is provided by a polystyrene support body wedgingly positioned within a conical container spaced below its upper rim. The upper exposed surface of the support body has a convex curvature to promote drainage through openings in the peripheral edge abutting the container wall surface. Plant roots are anchored to the upper support surface of the support body and/or a post projecting upwardly therefrom.

Abstract: An elongated, integrally-formed member simulating natural wood bark along one surface is provided with snap-fit interlock means for interconnecting, both longitudinally and laterally, with one or more like members for selectively increasing length and/or cross-sectional size to best accommodate the height and size of one or more vine or vinelike climbing plants to be supported. Each member is of arcuate cross-sectional shape to simulate natural wood bark board strips, and is adapted to lateral inter-fitting connection with one, two or three additional members for selective increase in cross-sectional size as required.

Abstract: A plant stake is disclosed comprising a telescoping post supported on legs that swing pivotally from the base of the post into engagement with the ground. Ground anchor members are provided at the end of the legs for securing the post in a position such that the post may be aligned vertically by adjustment of the legs. A basket is suspended from beneath the post, the basket being used to support or grow tuberous plants. The basket is hoisted from a level slightly below ground level up to the base of the post by means of a hoist such as a threaded shaft having a rotatable flange thereon on which the basket may be secured, the threaded shaft threadably engaging either the flange or the post along the longitudinal axis of the post.