Abstract
This invention is able to enhance growth of plants and increase plant production by increasing exposure to air and light and stressing the plant. The apparatus has at least one post and at least one crown attached thereto. At least one of the crowns has a plurality of spaces sized and configured to receive, stress and support branches of a plant to define user desired growing pattern of the plant. In one configuration, the spaces are interstitial between coils of a coiled member, such as a spring, that is attached to or part of the crown. The crown is surfaced with an abrasive material such as a sand or polymer grit thereby more effectively holding the plant in place and providing a means to abrade or stress the plant to stimulate a growth response which can be controlled over the internet by means of a cellular microcontroller.
Claims
1. A plant stressing, support and growth directing apparatus for supporting and training at least one branch of a plant comprised of: at least one post; at least one crown support means attached to the post; at least one crown attached to the crown support means; the crown being comprised of at least one elastic object capable of storing mechanical energy having at least one interstitial space; the crown being further comprised of at least one plant stressing means; and the crown being further comprised of at least one plant positioning means attached to the crown.
2. The plant stressing, support and growth directing apparatus of claim 1 wherein the elastic object capable of storing mechanical energy having at least one interstitial space is a coiled spring; the coiled spring being coated with a thermal insulator.
3. The plant stressing, support and growth directing apparatus of claim 1 wherein the plant stressing means is comprised of the coiled spring with an attached abrasive surface.
4. The plant stressing, support and growth directing apparatus of claim 1 wherein the coiled spring is magnetic.
5. The plant stressing, support and growth directing apparatus of claim 1 wherein the plant stressing means is a motor capable of turning the elastic object capable of storing mechanical energy having at least one interstitial space about an axis.
6. The plant stressing, support and growth directing apparatus of claim 1 wherein the plant positioning means is at least one interstitial space of the elastic object capable of storing mechanical energy having at least one interstitial space comprising the component.
7. The plant stressing, support and growth directing apparatus of claim 1 wherein the elastic object capable of storing mechanical energy having at least one interstitial space is further comprised of a tension adjustment means capable of placing the elastic object capable of storing mechanical energy having at least one interstitial space under tension thereby increasing the size of the interstitial space and further being capable of releasing the tension thereby decreasing the size of the interstitial space.
8. The plant stressing, support and growth directing apparatus of claim 1 is further comprised of a cellular microcontroller in electronic communication with the elastic object capable of storing mechanical energy having at least one interstitial space, the plant stressing means and the plant positioning means.
9. The plant stressing, support and growth directing apparatus of claim 8 wherein the cellular microcontroller is wirelessly accessible and programmable.
10. The plant stressing, support and growth directing apparatus of claim 9 is further comprised of at least one light that is in electronic communication with the cellular microcontroller and capable of being controlled by the cellular microcontroller.
11. The plant stressing, support and growth directing apparatus of claim 9 is further comprised of at least one means of controlling ambient temperature and humidity that is in electronic communication with the cellular microcontroller and capable of being controlled by the cellular microcontroller.
12. The plant support and growth directing apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a crown attachment means for movably attaching the crown to the post, wherein the crown attachment means is structured and arranged to allow the crown to move relative to the post.
13. The plant support and growth directing apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one component of the crown is further comprised of at least one pivotable portion.
14. The plant support and growth directing apparatus of claim 1 wherein the post is comprised of at least two parts capable of being assembled together or disassembled thereby permitting a user to assemble or disassemble the post to a user desired length.
15. The plant support and growth directing apparatus of claim 1 wherein the post is telescopic.
16. A method of using the plant support and growth directing apparatus of claim 1 consisting of the steps of: selecting the post of a user desired length; attaching the post to the user selected post support means; selecting at least one crown of a user desired configuration; attaching the crown to the post; adjusting the crown to a user desired position; positioning at least one user selected portion of the plant to the plant positioning means in a user defined configuration to support and direct the growth of the plant in a manner desired by the user; stressing the user selected portion of the plant to stimulate a user desired response from the plant; permitting the plant a user desired period of time to grow; removing the user selected portion of the plant from the plant positioning means if a user desired growth has been achieved and/or the user desires to harvest the plant and if the user desired growth has not been achieved and repositioning is desired by the user then; repositioning at least one user selected portion of the plant to the plant positioning means in a user defined configuration to support and direct the growth of the plant in a manner desired by the user; and/or increasing the length of the post to form a lengthened post of a user desired length; selecting at least one additional crown of a user desired configuration; attaching the additional crown to the lengthened post; adjusting the additional crown to a user desired position; positioning at least one user selected portion of the plant to the plant positioning means of the additional crown in a user defined configuration to support and direct the growth of the plant in a manner desired by the user; and repeating one or more of the steps of the method until the user desired growth has been achieved and/or the user desires to harvest the plant.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0035] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute part of this specification, depict example embodiments of the disclosure, and together with the general description given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the features of the various embodiments.
[0036] FIG. 1 depicts a flow chart showing a method of use of a Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus according to all the disclosed embodiments.
[0037] FIG. 2 depicts a side view of a non-adjustable tensile resistance coiled spring plant member retaining embodiment of a Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus.
[0038] FIG. 3 is a cutaway side view of the abrasive material coated coiled spring that comprises an elastic object capable of storing mechanical energy component of the Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus depicted in FIG. 2.
[0039] FIG. 4 depicts a side view of an adjustable tensile resistance coiled spring plant member retaining embodiment of the Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus depicted in FIG. 2 with a plant operatively attached to the apparatus with one branch of which has been supercropped.
[0040] FIG. 5 depicts a side view of an adjustable tensile resistance coiled spring plant member retaining embodiment of the Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus depicted in FIG. 2 with a plant that has been harvested and remains attached to the apparatus while inverted for drying or other user desired processing of the plant.
[0041] FIG. 6 is a cutaway side view of the adjustable tensile resistance coiled spring plant member retaining embodiment of a Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus with a coiled spring variable resistance adjustment knob shown in the released position thereby retaining a user selected portion of a plant by the coiled spring's tensile mechanical energy within the interstitial spaces between the coils of the coiled spring.
[0042] FIG. 7 is a further cutaway side view of the adjustable tensile resistance coiled spring plant member retaining embodiment of the Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus depicted in FIG. 6 shown in the released position thereby retaining a user selected portion of a plant by the coiled spring's tensile mechanical energy within the interstitial spaces between the coils of the coiled spring.
[0043] FIG. 8 is a cutaway side view of the adjustable tensile resistance coiled spring plant member retaining embodiment of the Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus depicted in FIG. 6 with a coiled spring variable resistance adjustment knob shown in the fully engaged position thereby opening the interstitial spaces between the loops thereby permitting a user selected portion of a plant to either be placed or removed from the interstitial spaces between the coils of the coiled spring.
[0044] FIG. 9 is a further cutaway side view of the adjustable tensile resistance coiled spring plant member retaining embodiment of the Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus depicted in FIG. 6 with a coiled spring shown in the fully engaged position thereby opening the interstitial spaces between the loops thereby permitting a user selected portion of a plant to either be placed or removed from the interstitial spaces between the coils of the coiled spring.
[0045] FIG. 10 depicts a side view of the most preferred embodiment of a Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus with a plant being aligned for placement in the device with the additional elements of: an attached motor capable of rotating the coiled spring; a tension dial that operates manually or by motor; a thermal protective coating disposed on the spring; the spring being magnetized; an abrasive material disposed on the spring; light, temperature and humidity sensors; and a cellular microcontroller in electronic communication therewith.
[0046] FIG. 11 depicts a cutaway portion of the spring with a plant being aligned for placement in the device as depicted in FIG. 10 with the thermal protective coating and abrasive material labeled thereon.
[0047] FIG. 12 depicts the Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus depicted in FIG. 10 with a plant held in place by the tension of the spring.
[0048] FIG. 13 depicts a cutaway portion of the spring depicted in FIG. 12 with the thermal protective coating and abrasive material labeled thereon.
[0049] FIG. 14 depicts the Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus depicted in FIG. 10 with a light source and environmental controls that are in electronic communication with a user of the apparatus.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0050] FIG. 1 depicts a flow chart showing a method of use of a Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus according to all the disclosed embodiments.
[0051] Referring to FIG. 1, a method of use 2100 may include the steps of: Selecting At Least One Post Capable Of Supporting At Least One User Selected Crown 2110; then Securing The User Selected Post(s) In Functional Proximity To A Plant To Be Supported And/Or Growth Directed 2120; then Selecting And Attaching At Least One Crown To The User Selected Post(s) 2130; then Removably Attaching To User Selected Attachment Areas Of The Crown(s) User Selected Portions Of The Plant To Be Supported And/Or Growth Directed 2140; then Abrading Or Otherwise Stressing The Plant While Attaching To The Crown(s) 2150; then Allowing For The Plant To Grow And Monitoring Placement Of Plant Within The Crown(s) 2160; then if desired growth is achieved then Removing The Plant From The Crown(s) For Intended Use 2170; or if repositioning of the plant is desired then Removing User Selected Portions Of The Plant From The Crown(s) For Reattaching 2180 and thereafter repeating steps 2140, 2150 and 2160 until the desired growth is achieved then 2170.
[0052] FIG. 2 depicts a side view of a non-adjustable tensile resistance coiled spring plant member retaining embodiment of a Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus.
[0053] FIG. 3 is a cutaway side view of the abrasive material coated coiled spring that comprises an elastic object capable of storing mechanical energy component of the Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus depicted in FIG. 2.
[0054] FIG. 4 depicts a side view of an adjustable tensile resistance coiled spring plant member retaining embodiment of the Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus depicted in FIG. 2 with a plant operatively attached to the apparatus with one branch of which has been supercropped.
[0055] FIG. 5 depicts a side view of an adjustable tensile resistance coiled spring plant member retaining embodiment of the Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus depicted in FIG. 2 with a plant that has been harvested and remains attached to the apparatus while inverted for drying or other user desired processing of the plant.
[0056] Referring to FIGS. 2,3,4 & 5 a Tensile Resistance Plant Member Retaining Embodiment 10 of the Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the Tensile Resistance Plant Member Retaining Embodiment Crown 10 comprises an elongated Post 40 having an elongated Support Arm 42 attached to or integral with and extending outwardly from the Post 40, with the Support Arm 42 being structured and arranged to receive and support one or more Apical Branches 1602 of the Plant 14. In this embodiment, the Support Arm 42 comprises an Elastic Object Capable Of Storing Mechanical Energy 44, which can be a coiled spring or spring-like member. The Elastic Object Capable Of Storing Mechanical Energy 44 may also be any configuration of user selected successive components of varying shapes and sizes, such as triangular or polygonal, capable of storing mechanical energy. Disposed on the surface of the Elastic Object Capable Of Storing Mechanical Energy 44 is an Abrasive Surface 90 thereby more effectively holding a portion of a Plant 14 in a user desired position when placed there by a user. Also the Abrasive Surface 90 permits a user to controllably abrade the Plant 14 thereby stressing the Plant 14 to stimulate a desired growth response. The Abrasive Surface 90 being comprised of granules of abrasive material such as sand, stones or minerals of which size a user selects according to optimal use with the particular species of Plant 14 to effectively abrade and stress the Plant 14.
[0057] FIG. 6 is a cutaway side view of the adjustable tensile resistance coiled spring plant member retaining embodiment of a Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus with a coiled spring variable resistance adjustment knob shown in the released position thereby retaining a user selected portion of a plant by the coiled spring's tensile mechanical energy within the interstitial spaces between the coils of the coiled spring.
[0058] FIG. 7 is a further cutaway side view of the adjustable tensile resistance coiled spring plant member retaining embodiment of the Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus depicted in FIG. 6 shown in the released position thereby retaining a user selected portion of a plant by the coiled spring's tensile mechanical energy within the interstitial spaces between the coils of the coiled spring.
[0059] FIG. 8 is a cutaway side view of the adjustable tensile resistance coiled spring plant member retaining embodiment of the Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus depicted in FIG. 6 with a coiled spring variable resistance adjustment knob shown in the fully engaged position thereby opening the interstitial spaces between the loops thereby permitting a user selected portion of a plant to either be placed or removed from the interstitial spaces between the coils of the coiled spring.
[0060] FIG. 9 is a further cutaway side view of the adjustable tensile resistance coiled spring plant member retaining embodiment of the Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus depicted in FIG. 6 with a coiled spring shown in the fully engaged position thereby opening the interstitial spaces between the loops thereby permitting a user selected portion of a plant to either be placed or removed from the interstitial spaces between the coils of the coiled spring.
[0061] Referring to FIGS. 6,7,8 & 9 they depict the Tensile Resistance Plant Member Retaining Embodiment Crown 20. FIGS. 6 & 8 depict a Tension Dial 92 operatively attached to Elastic Object Capable Of Storing Mechanical Energy 44 which permits a user to place and hold tension on the Elastic Object Capable Of Storing Mechanical Energy 44 thereby expanding the size of the interstitial space between the individual coils or loops of the Elastic Object Capable Of Storing Mechanical Energy 44. A user then places the desired portions of the Plant 14 or Apical Branches 1602 within user selected expanded interstitial spaces. Once the Plant 14 or Apical Branches 1602 are in the desired location the user then adjusts the Tension Dial 92 in the opposite direction thereby releasing the user applied tension to the Elastic Object Capable Of Storing Mechanical Energy 44 thereby contracting the interstitial spaces thereby holding the Plant 14 or Apical Branches 1602 in the user desired position(s). In the absence of the Tension Dial 92, such as depicted in FIGS. 2,3,4 & 5, a user may manually place and release tension on the Elastic Object Capable Of Storing Mechanical Energy 44 with user selected tool such as a screwdriver or other rigid object. The Tension Dial 92 can be an adjustment knob, dial, lever or similar mechanism. Disposed on the surface of the Elastic Object Capable Of Storing Mechanical Energy 44 is an Abrasive Surface 90 thereby more effectively holding a portion of a Plant 14 in a user desired position when placed there by a user. Also the Abrasive Surface 90 permits a user to controllably abrade the Plant 14 thereby stressing the Plant 14 to stimulate a desired growth response. The Abrasive Surface 90 being comprised of granules of abrasive material such as sand, stones or minerals of which size a user selects according to optimal use with the particular species of Plant 14 to effectively abrade and stress the Plant 14.
[0062] FIG. 10 depicts a side view of the most preferred embodiment of a Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus with a plant being aligned for placement in the device with the additional elements of: an attached motor capable of rotating the coiled spring; a tension dial that operates manually or by motor; a thermal protective coating disposed on the spring; the spring being magnetized; an abrasive material disposed on the spring; light, temperature and humidity sensors; and a cellular microcontroller in electronic communication therewith.
[0063] FIG. 11 depicts a cutaway portion of the spring with a plant being aligned for placement in the device as depicted in FIG. 10 with the thermal protective coating and abrasive material labeled thereon.
[0064] FIG. 12 depicts the Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus depicted in FIG. 10 with a plant held in place by the tension of the spring.
[0065] FIG. 13 depicts a cutaway portion of the spring depicted in FIG. 12 with the thermal protective coating and abrasive material labeled thereon.
[0066] FIG. 14 depicts the Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus depicted in FIG. 10 with a light source and environmental controls that are in electronic communication with a user of the apparatus.
[0067] Referring to FIGS. 10,11,12,13 & 14 they depict the Electronically Monitored and Controlled Resistance Plant Member Retaining Embodiment Crown 30. Utilizing IoT (Internet of Things) technology the Electronically Monitored and Controlled Resistance Plant Member Retaining Embodiment Crown 30 utilizes a Cellular Microcontroller 94. The Cellular Microcontroller 94 may be powered by its own battery power source or receive external power from another user selected source that is independent or shared with the other components of the device. The Cellular Microcontroller 94 is in electronic communication with the Spring Turning Motor 93 by means of the Turning Motor Cable 95, the Dual Action Tensioning Knob 89 by means of the Tensioning Knob Cable 96, the Sensor Panel 97, at least one Light Source 98, and at least one Environmental Control 99.
[0068] Referring to FIGS. 10,11,12,13 & 14 the Electronically Monitored and Controlled Resistance Plant Member Retaining Embodiment Crown 30 is further comprised of a Magnetized Spring 45 which by virtue of its generation of a magnetic field will serve to stimulate the growth of a plant within its proximity. The Magnetized Spring 45 of FIGS. 10,11,12,13 & 14 serves to hold a Plant 14 or Apical Branches 1602 in the user desired location in the manner as depicted in FIGS. 2-6. The Magnetized Spring 45 of FIGS. 10,11,12,13 & 14 is thermally insulated from its contact with the Plant 14 or Apical Branches 1602 by means of a Thermal Insulator Coating 91 such as a ceramic-polymer. Light can cause the Magnetized Spring 45 to absorb heat and by contact transmit that heat to the Plant 14 or Apical Branches 1602 which may ultimately damage or even kill the Plant 14 or Apical Branches 1602. The Thermal Insulator Coating 91 reduces, if not eliminates such a transfer of heat to the Plant 14 or Apical Branches 1602. The Magnetized Spring 45 of FIGS. 10,11,12,13 & 14 is engineered to be removable from the device to replace it with another Magnetized Spring 45 with user selected abrasive properties. Disposed on the surface of the Magnetized Spring 45 is an Abrasive Surface 90 thereby more effectively holding a portion of a Plant 14 or Apical Branches 1602 in a user desired position when placed there by a user. Also the Abrasive Surface 90 permits a user to controllably abrade the Plant 14 thereby stressing the Plant 14 to stimulate a desired growth response. The Abrasive Surface 90 being comprised of granules of abrasive material such as sand, stones or minerals of which size a user selects according to optimal use with the particular species of Plant 14 to effectively abrade and stress the Plant 14.
[0069] FIGS. 10,12 & 14 depict a Dual Action Tensioning Knob 89 operatively attached to the Magnetized Spring 45. The Dual Action Tensioning Knob 89 either manually or by means of a motor controlled by the Cellular Microcontroller 94 communicating through the Tensioning Knob Cable 96 can elongate and relax the tension on the Magnetized Spring 45, thereby expanding or contracting the size of the interstitial space between the individual coils or loops of the Magnetized Spring 45. A user then places the desired portions of the Plant 14 or Apical Branches 1602 within user selected expanded interstitial spaces. Once the Plant 14 or Apical Branches 1602 are in the desired location the user then adjusts the Dual Action Tensioning Knob 89 either manually or by means of the Cellular Microcontroller 94 in the opposite direction thereby releasing the user applied tension to the Magnetized Spring 45 thereby contracting the interstitial spaces thereby holding the Plant 14 or Apical Branches 1602 in the user desired position(s). The Dual Action Tensioning Knob 89 is also capable of causing a vibration through the Magnetized Spring 45, which vibration intensity and duration is controlled by the Cellular Microcontroller 94 according to user programmed parameters. The vibration in the Magnetized Spring 45 is transmitted to the Plant 14 or Apical Branches 1602 that is held in the device by spring tension thereby producing a growth response in the Plant 14 or Apical Branches 1602 enhancing its growth thereby. This vibration is considered to be a form of stress to the plant.
[0070] As depicted in FIGS. 10,12 & 14 the Cellular Microcontroller 94 is in electronic communication with the Spring Turning Motor 93 by means of the Turning Motor Cable 95. Once the Plant 14 or Apical Branches 1602 is held in place by the Magnetized Spring 45 the Cellular Microcontroller 94 according to user programmed parameters then turns the Magnetized Spring 45 about the axis formed by the coils of the Magnetized Spring 45 such that as it turns it further stresses the Plant 14 or Apical Branches 1602 by pulling or pushing on the Plant 14 or Apical Branches 1602 depending upon the direction of rotation of the Spring Turning Motor 93, which turning may further stress the plant by abrading it further thereby stimulating a growth response by the Plant 14 or Apical Branches 1602. The Cellular Microcontroller 94 may also be programmed to have the tension on the Plant 14 or Apical Branches 1602 exerted by the Magnetized Spring 45 to hold it in place to be released or otherwise reduced by the Dual Action Tensioning Knob 89 such that the Spring Turning Motor 93 may then be activated allowing it to reposition the Plant 14 or Apical Branches 1602 within the Magnetized Spring 45 and then once repositioned the program would cause the Dual Action Tensioning Knob 89 to reverse the process and allowing the Magnetized Spring 45 to abrade and grip the Plant 14 or Apical Branches 1602 in its new location on the Plant 14 or Apical Branches 1602.
[0071] By means of the Cellular Microcontroller 94 the device will monitor light, temperature and humidity in close proximity to the plant by means of the attached Sensor Panel 97. By means of the Internet through the cloud data with respect to the temperature, light intensity and humidity from the Sensor Panel 97 together with data relative to the position, activation history and status of the Dual Action Tensioning Knob 89 and the Spring Turning Motor 93 are transmitted to the user which may be received on a cellular device such as a cell phone or tablet or by means of a personal or main frame computer. Similarly as depicted in FIG. 14 the Light Source 98 and the Environmental Control 99 are in electronic communication with the user by means of the Internet through the cloud transmitting data and/or otherwise being controlled remotely by the user, which communication will allow the user to determine and adjust the intensity of the light reaching the Plant 14 or Apical Branches 1602 from the Light Source 98 and to determine and adjust the ambient temperature and humidity level by adjusting the Environmental Control 99 which may be a form of heat pump, air conditioner and/or heater, or some combination thereof. Additionally the Light Source 98 and the Environmental Control 99 may be placed in electronic communication with the Cellular Microcontroller 94 which in turn may be accessed by the user for direct control by the user. In this configuration the Cellular Microcontroller 94 may also be programmed to directly and automatically control the Light Source 98 and the Environmental Control 99 in response to the data that it receives in real time from the Sensor Panel 97 as well as the Dual Action Tensioning Knob 89 and the Spring Turning Motor 93. Automatic control by the Cellular Microcontroller 94 is optimal since a failure or other malfunction of the Light Source 98 and the Environmental Control 99 may occur at times when a user is not on site or otherwise monitoring the system, in which case it may correct the matter automatically or otherwise send out a signal or warning to the user of a system failure which may cause the Plant 14 to perish.
[0072] In all three embodiments depicted in the drawings the Post Body 40 should be made from a material that is suitable for use around water, soil and whatever fertilizers or chemicals, if any, that will be utilized to help the Plant 14 grow, such as certain metals, plastic, fiberglass, composites, treated wood and the like. As will be readily appreciated by persons skilled in the art, virtually any material, including solid or hollow materials, can be utilized for the Post 40 as long as it is sufficiently stiff and strong enough to support the weight of the Support Arm 42 and Plant 14 or Apical Branches 1602 and plant product produced that will be supported by the device. Also an Attachment Mechanism 86 is utilized to moveably connect the Support Arm 42 to the Post 40. The Attachment Mechanism 86 shown are structured and arranged to slidably interconnect the Post 40 and Support Arm 42 so as to allow the user to position the Support Arm 42 where it will be most beneficial for the support and growth of the plant's Apical Branches 1602 and production of product from the Plant 14. To allow the user to move or fix the position of the Support Arm 42 relative to the Post 40, the Attachment Mechanism 86 can include one or more Connecting Elements 88, such as a screw, bolt or the like, that is loosened or removed to slide or otherwise move the Support Arm 42 relative to the Post 40 and then tightened or reattached to fix the position of the Support Arm 42 on the Post 40. As will be readily appreciated by persons skilled in the art, a variety of devices can be utilized as the Attachment Mechanism 86.
[0073] The component parts of the crowns of the above described embodiments may be comprised of a bendable material, such as metal, polymers, wood or the like, thereby permitting a user to make adjustments to the configuration of the apparatus while in use or preparing the apparatus for use.
[0074] Each of the posts of the above described embodiments may be comprised of two or more component parts or be telescopic thereby permitting a user to increase or decrease the length of the post such that a crown may be placed in a user desired position with respect to the plant.
[0075] According to the various embodiments of the Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus described herein may be utilized in conjunction with the plant cultivation techniques described above (e.g., topping, super cropping, and low stress training) to provide optimal light absorption to a supported plant. For example, a user may perform one or more of topping, super cropping, abrading and low stress training to induce lateral growth of a plant's canopy, and selectively weave the branches of the laterally growing canopy into the Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus according to various embodiments, as desired, to achieve optimal light absorption by the plant or other desired growth characteristics. In general each of the embodiments depicted above have a crown and a post and the crowns are each intended to be capable of being used in various combinations of the various crowns according to a user's desired use. A multiplicity of crowns may also be used and situated at different levels or planes at user desired distances which is accomplished with different lengths of posts which may be interconnected and lengthened or added to as a plant grows and additional support and direction is required by a user.
[0076] According to various embodiments, when the cannabis plant is in a vegetation cycle, half of the Post (e.g., in single Post designs) may be inserted into the soil, through the root mass, near the main stalk of the plant. This Post may be parallel to the plant's main stalk. Once the plant has reached a flowering stage, a second half of the Post may be connected to the lower half to form a solid pole that travels through the plant's canopy. This method may be accomplished in two parts to provide freedom to keep a light source at desired heights throughout the growing cycles. Once there is a small cluster of white pistils at the apical and auxiliary sites, about the width of a nickel, the Crown may be implemented. At this stage of growth the branches of the plant are strong and stiff, yet flexible and easily adjusted to bend without damage to the branches, and with the sites being small enough to maneuver through a rigid frame.
[0077] Various embodiments provide a modular support apparatus and method of manufacturing the same (e.g., for aiding in the growth of the Cannabis sativa and the Cannabis indica plants), which includes at least one vertical Post capable of supporting a modular collared platform that makes up the Crown of the structure and allows the branches of the plant to be woven through the structure. By weaving the branches through the Crown, the branches lay horizontally, exposing multiple (e.g., lower) sites to optimum light. Spiraling the branches around the Crown maximizes the space beneath the light's footprint, minimizing unused light. The Crown also provides support when plants (e.g., at the end of harvest) are laden with heavy flowers/fruits, as it is at this time that the flowers of the plant may become too heavy to bear its own weight. Furthermore, the plant may benefit from manipulations placed upon their branches, exposing a greater number of growth sites to needed optimum light spectrums. In addition, the Crown aids in the leveling of the growth canopy (e.g., for increasing light penetration), creating a low-stress super cropping effect on the supported plant, furthering development of the plant by opening up or broadening the canopy, and exposing lower growth sites of the plant to a light source (e.g., an overhead stationary light source).
[0078] In various embodiments, use of the Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus, which provides re-usable support along with the low stress super cropping effect to a supported plant, requires minimal labor. Each of the embodiments described herein, by having few components, may be implemented and assembled by a user quickly and easily without tools. When disassembled, some embodiments may be easily washed and dried by hanging the apparatus (e.g. the Facet) (e.g., on a wall or a similar vertical structure).
[0079] According to various embodiments, the Facets of the Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus may also provide spacing between branches. This is beneficial for providing air flow between the branches, as plants use carbon dioxide and sunlight to make their own food and to grow. As such, circulating fans may be present in grow rooms to ensure the movement of oxygen away from the plant, and to circulate carbon dioxide throughout the plant.
[0080] Because various embodiments are simple structures, they will be easily cleanable (e.g., in a dishwasher), for efficiently cleaning build-up of resins that plants naturally produce, certain foliage sprays, and potential molds and mildews (e.g., that may occur at the later stages of growth) that build up on the Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus. As such, sanitizing the Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus ensures a clean and safe support for future generations of the plants. On the other hand, other forms of support, such as netting can only be used once, and bamboo stakes only two to three times due to degradation. Furthermore, there are limitations of traditional staking devices (e.g., pole support techniques), such as the time it takes to wrap bands or tie up with twine when securing the branches to the Post or stake (e.g., there may be multiple connectors for each branch). Additionally, the wrapping or tying material used in these conventional techniques may rub against the developed flowers of the plant while being secured, resulting in damage to the plant. In addition, bamboo's hollow center may provides shelter for pests to hide in when a spray or fogger is used on the plant.
[0081] The above used terms, including attached, connected, fastened, secured, coupled, integrated, and the like are used interchangeably. In addition, while certain embodiments have been described to include a first element as being coupled (or attached, connected, fastened, etc.) to a second element, the first element may be directly coupled to the second element or may be indirectly coupled to the second element via a third element.
[0082] The previous description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but is to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean one and only one unless specifically so stated, but rather one or more. Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term some refers to one or more. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout the previous description that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is to be construed as a means plus function unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase means for.
[0083] It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes disclosed is an example of illustrative approaches. Based upon design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes may be rearranged while remaining within the scope of the previous description. The accompanying method claims present elements of the various steps in a sample order, and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.
[0084] The previous description of the disclosed implementations is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the disclosed subject matter. Various modifications to these implementations will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other implementations without departing from the spirit or scope of the previous description. Any actual dimensions listed are those of the preferred embodiments. Actual dimensions or exact hardware details and means may vary in a final product or most preferred embodiments and should be considered means for so as not to narrow the claims of the patent. Thus, the previous description is not intended to be limited to the implementations shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not by the embodiments illustrated, but by the claims and their legal equivalents which accompany this application.
