PLANT SUPPORT AND GROWTH DIRECTING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE

This invention is a plant support and growth directing apparatus to enhance growth of a plant and increase product production from the plant by increasing air and light to a plant's canopy. 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 or openings sized and configured to receive and support branches of a plant to define a 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 may also be 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.

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING APPENDIX SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not Applicable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to plant accessories, and more particularly, to supports for plants which may be used for controlling or directing plant growth. This invention also relates to the methods of using the invention to maximize the vitality, growth and in some instances appearance of plants such as in ornamental plants in a wide variety of applications including indoor and outdoor environments and support a plant in a manner that separates plant parts to improve the amount of air and light that is beneficially received by the plant.

BACKGROUND

According to Genesis 2:15 and 3:23, the cultivation of plants and birth of agriculture appears to have occurred very soon after the dawn of man. Archaeological evidence of mankind's transition from hunter gatherer to agriculturalist or farmer exists all over the globe. For instance the cultivation of taro and yam in Papua New Guinea has been reliably dated back to at least 6950-6440 B.C.E. Dating from the time period of Egyptian cultures and other contemporary ancient cultures when mankind first developed written languages there exists a huge volume of writings containing in some instances very sophisticated agricultural processes that are thousands of years old.

Horticulture, however, is the branch of agriculture that deals with the art, science, technology, and business of growing plants, all of which are generally the subject of our invention. Horticulture includes the cultivation of medicinal plants, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, herbs, sprouts, vegetables, nuts, seeds, mushrooms, algae, flowers, seaweeds and non-food crops such as grass and ornamental trees and plants. It also includes plant conservation, landscape restoration, landscape and garden design, construction, and maintenance, and arboriculture. Horticulture contrasts with the agricultural practices of extensive field farming as well as animal husbandry.

The study and science of horticulture dates back to the time of Cyrus the Great of ancient Medo-Persia circa 537 B.C.E. Advances in the disciplines of biological and chemical sciences, not the least of which being selective breeding, chemical fertilization (chemical nitrogen fixation) and genetic engineering have all led to advances in plant science and agricultural economics upon which the 21stcentury world depends.

Horticulturists apply their knowledge, skills, and technologies used to grow intensively produced plants for human food and non-food uses and for personal, recreational or social needs. Their work involves plant propagation and cultivation with the aim of improving plant growth, yields, quality, nutritional or medicinal value concentration or potency, and resistance to insects, diseases, and environmental stresses. They work as gardeners, growers, therapists, designers, and technical advisors in the food and non-food sectors of horticulture. Horticulture even refers to the growing of plants in a field or garden.

Horticulturists have found that it is possible to manipulate the growth of plants to conform to a desired growth pattern. Such manipulation techniques that enhance growth are generally known as “training” the plant. In most cases training involves the bending of a portion of a plant in order to control the manner and direction in which the plant grows in a desired manner. It is well known that the yield of any particular plant is directly related to the plant's exposure to a light source, natural or artificial, upon which the plant depends for photosynthesis. Therefore one of the primary objects of training a plant is to maximize light exposure. Some horticulturalists have concluded that such factors as wind direction, wind speed and direction of growth in relation to the rotation of the earth and the magnetic poles of the earth may positively influence the growth of plants. One of the objects of our invention is to permit a user to direct the growth of a plant to take advantage of these beneficial factors.

Many different implements have been used to train plants which include such things as netting, cages, slitted tubes, twist ties, Velcro® straps, pipe cleaners, rubber bands, strings and stakes, etc. These implements are not only cumbersome and difficult to adjust with plant growth they are also quite time consuming to use and as a plant grows it shifts all of the ties, often requiring frequent alterations be made. These implements often interfere with one another which can cause tangling and knotting that may train the plant in an undesired manner.

It is fairly common for plants to become damaged during the course of their growth, however, it is well known that this damage may actually be advantageous, especially if controlled. In many cases horticulturalists often intentionally damage or stress plants in order to stimulate a growth and healing response that will ultimately increase the plant yield and facilitate the training of the plant. One such technique called “super cropping” which typically involves either “high stress” such as “cracking” of a user desired portion of the plant and “low stress” training which is discussed below. In super cropping the plant limbs are twisted (cracked) in order that the fibrous elements within the plant's stem are damaged thereby forcing the plant to respond to the injury and repair the damage initiating a phytohormone hormonal response within the plant thereby creating a stronger plant. Super cropping is done by hand and is difficult to control and often leads to loss of the “cracked” stem and many times result in the killing of the plant. There appears to be no device available that would permit a user to train the growth of a plant's limbs or branches that would: 1) be quick and easy to affix in a user desired position the desired plant stem or branch being trained; 2) be quick and easy to remove and readjust the desired plant stem or branch being trained as the plant grows; 3) permits a user to complete a controlled damage or stress to a plant to stimulate a growth and healing response that minimizes the risk of loss of a plant or plant stem often experienced in super cropping.

As is well known, there are a wide variety of different configurations of plant supports that are beneficially utilized to support a plant as it grows. One common type of plant support is a stake that is driven into the ground, typically relatively near the main stem of the plant, to which the plant is secured with wire, string, rope or other securing members. One concern with using a stake is that the person driving the stake in the ground must be as careful as possible, which is often hard to achieve, not to damage the roots of the plant, especially the taproot. Typically, only one stake is utilized if the only support that is needed is for the main stem. If the plant needs support for its branches or limbs, the user usually attaches one or more lateral support members to the stake or, often more common, has to use multiple stakes in the soil around the main stem. Naturally, the use of multiple stakes increases the likelihood that the roots of the plant will be damaged by one or more of the stakes. Instead of using multiple stakes when support is needed for the branches and limbs of the plant, particularly in an area having multiple plants, users commonly use trellises, netting and the like. One common type of trellis support system comprises a plurality of vertical support members interconnected by a plurality of generally laterally and/or angularly positioned support members that are attached to and often interconnect the vertical support members. The trellis support members are commonly made of wood, metal, plastic, fiberglass and the like. Another type of trellis system uses wire, rope, string or like elongated members configured in an interconnected grid to support the branches, limbs and other plant parts, including often the produce. While the use of multiple stakes, trellises, nets and the like have a number of benefits with regard to better supporting many types of plants, they do have a number of limitations, particularly with other types or varieties of plants. One such limitation is that because of their configuration these types of support systems are difficult to arrange so that they can beneficially train the plant to grow in the manner in which the user believes will benefit the plant and the produce to be produced therefrom. Generally, using multiple stakes does not provide a useful framework for training the branches and limbs to grow in the manner that is desired by the user. Trellis and grid systems usually cut down on the number of stakes that are required to support the plants, and in some configurations can even eliminate the use of stakes, and generally allow the user to better train the plants by moving the wires, ropes, strings or other elongated members as necessary to adjust for plant growth. Unfortunately, depending on the growth rate of the plant and necessary training, this can require the user to frequently move or otherwise adjust the elongated members to obtain the desired training of the plants. With regard to training the plants for improved light into the center of the plant, because the trellis system is usually placed over the plants, a possible unintentional effect of the trellis system is to block sunlight or other light from reaching the interior and lower areas of the plant. With regard to harvesting the produce of the plant, the various elongated members and other components of the trellis system can get in the way of harvesting, causing the harvesting process to be more difficult and to take longer than would otherwise be necessary.

Another limitation to the use of trellises, grids, nets and the like is that the growing area for the plant is generally defined and somewhat limited by the boundaries of such systems. While this is typically not a problem for those plants which are grown in the ground, many users prefer to grow the plants in pots, buckets, planters and like containers (which are collectively referred to as pots) because they can more easily access the plants for trimming, treating and harvesting the plants and to move or rotate the plants as necessary for improved access to light, water or for other purposes. As such, the use of most types of trellises, grids, nets and like support systems can cause unintended, but hard to avoid, difficulties or limitations with growing plants when the plants are grown in pots. As readily appreciated by those skilled in the art of growing plants in pots, the use of such support systems results in loss of some of the benefits of growing plants in pots. As well known in the art, virtually all plants have evolved to grow in particular growth patterns in the wild that optimize the plant's exposure to sunlight as the sun travels in an arc across the sky during the day. However, for a variety of reasons, many people prefer to grow certain plants, particularly those in theCannabisfamily, indoors using indoor lights for the necessary light and fans for the airflow. Because indoor growing facilities normally have stationary light sources, the plant's natural growth patterns may not be very efficient for indoor harvesting of these plants. Efforts have been made to provide systems that better optimize light exposure for indoor plant cultivation, such as providing moving lamps, support sticks and the like. However, as well known in the art, growing improvements such as these are generally somewhat expensive and/or tedious to install. Furthermore, as set forth above, many plant supports and common wire plant cages are fixed and, therefore, cannot be adapted for changing growth habits of individual plants.

Relatively recently, the harvesting of plants in theCannabisfamily has become much more wide-spread and commercialized. The natural growth pattern ofCannabisplants produces a generally triangular-shaped plant. As generally well known in the art of growing such plants, the optimization of the growth of and production fromCannabisplants typically involves arranging multiple support sticks around a plant to provide support and guidance for the branches and limbs of the plant. Although the process of arranging the support sticks is tedious, labor intensive and often requires a significant amount of time to implement, most users consider such plant supports necessary to “combat” the natural growth pattern ofCannabisplants. The natural triangle shape ofCannabisplants is known to limit the amount of air and light that reaches the interior branches and limbs of the plant, which significantly reduces the amount the plant will produce. Spreading out the limbs and branches of aCannabisplant is known to benefit the growth of the plant and to increase the amount of plant production.

With respect to plants, and in particular regarding theCannabisplant (includingCannabis sativaandCannabis indica), growth and development is dictated by the dominant apical meristem of the plant. The dominant apical meristem is the main shoot or dominant central stem of a plant where plant growth originates. Growth of plants is focused at the apical meristem such that secondary shoots originating from the apical meristem grow less rapidly than the apical meristem does. Traditionally, in the wild, many plants, such as, but not limited to, those within theCannabisfamily, have a single dominant apical meristem that creates a Christmas tree-like or triangular growth pattern. This pattern optimizes a plant's ability to absorb light in the wild from the sun's exposure as it arcs across the sky during the course of the day. However, this growth pattern is inefficient when these plants are cultivated indoors and when an overhead stationary light source is used because the stationary light source does not adequately provide light to all parts of the plant, resulting in uneven growth and a waste of light and plant resources. Accordingly, current industry techniques attempt to induce horizontal growth of plants over vertical growth, such that a plant may better utilize light generated at a stationary indoor light source. These techniques include topping, super cropping, and low stress training.

Topping is employed by removing the top of the main shoot, or apical meristem, to transfer apical dominance (i.e., the tendency for the apex to grow more rapidly than the rest of the plant) to the shoots emanating from the two nodes immediately beneath the pruning cut. This process may be repeated at the two new secondary shoots, and so on. Removal of the top of the dominant apical meristem inhibits vertical growth and encourages the plant to grow horizontally into a bush having more secondary shoots, rather than vertically through the apical meristem. This technique allows the traditional Christmas tree—like shape of many plants, such as, but not limited to, those within theCannabisfamily, to become more flat at the top and form more of a martini glass-like shape. As a result, this shape allows for more horizontal surface area of the plant, which increases light absorption by the plant from a stationary light source.

There is an optimal level of light intensity to growing indoors (a.k.a. Absorption Horizon™). The distance from a plant to its light source is crucial to the life and development of the female flowers in order to maximize and benefit from its food source (a.k.a. light). If the canopy is too close to the light source, it will burn, wilt, and potentially die. Contrarily, if the canopy is too far away from the light source, development will be hindered and underdeveloped. Premature flowers will result. This condition is what we call the Absorption Horizon™.

Another common technique is super cropping (also known as high stress training or pinching). Super cropping involves firmly pinching the apical meristem of the plant so as to damage the apical meristem tissue to cause lower limbs of the plant to grow more rapidly while the pinched tissue heals. By increasing growth at a plant's lower sites, away from where the damage occurred, the plant's growth pattern becomes shorter and more horizontal, resulting in increased light absorption by the plant from a stationary light source.

Low stress training (LST) is an additional method for inducing horizontal plant growth. Here, a user pulls a plant in a downward direction to force more lateral growth of the plant and to increase light exposure to lower branches of the plant from an overhead stationary light source. In particular, LST involves tying down a plant to hold the induced downward position and to force lateral growth of the plant. In addition, LST may be used in conjunction with topping or super cropping (e.g., after implementing the topping or super cropping techniques). However, although LST may be effective for inducing lateral plant growth to increase plant light absorption, it may be a time consuming process in tying down a plant at several locations as the plant grows.

Despite the existing support apparatuses and the use of the foregoing growing techniques, there exists a need for an improved apparatus for supporting a plant as it grows. The improved plant support and training apparatus should be configured to spread out the plant's limbs and branches to improve airflow and light to the interior of the plant and to support those parts of the plants, including branches and limbs, that are likely to break or otherwise be damaged by the weight of the plant part or the produce growing from the plant part. Preferably, the improved plant support and training apparatus should limit the number of stakes that are driven into the soil around the stem of the plant to reduce the likelihood of damaging the plant's root system. The improved plant support and training apparatus should also be configured to allow the user to be able to train the plant to grow in the manner that he or she desires to improve the growth and production of the plant. The improved plant support and training apparatus should also be configured to be beneficially utilized with plants grown in pots by allowing the user to still be able to move, rotate or otherwise change the location of the plant pot. Preferably, the improved plant support and training apparatus will be adaptable to a wide range of plants and be able to be inexpensively manufactured.

Disclosure of the Invention

The apparatus and system for supporting and training plants of the present invention solves the problems and provides the benefits identified above. That is to say, the present patent application discloses a plant support and training apparatus which is structured and arranged to overcome the natural growing pattern of the plant to increase the amount of air and light received by the interior of the plant and to support the plant as it grows in soil or other growing mediums. More specifically, the plant support and training apparatus of the present invention is structured and arranged to beneficially spread out the limbs and branches of a plant to allow more air and light to reach the interior portion of the plant and to support its branches and limbs that are likely to break or otherwise be damaged by the weight of the plant part itself or the produce that is growing from the plant part. Use of the plant support and training apparatus of the present invention substantially reduces the number of stakes that are required to be driven into the soil around the stem of the plant, which significantly reduces the likelihood that the plant's root system will be damaged by the new plant support and training apparatus. The new plant support and training apparatus facilitates the user being able to train the plant so the plant will grow in the manner desired.

In one use of the new plant support and training apparatus the user can direct the branches and limbs so they are generally spread apart to increase the amount of light and air into the central part of the plant and facilitate inspection and, as needed, treatment of the plant. The plant support and training apparatus of the present invention can be beneficially utilized with plants grown in pots to allow the user to be able to move, rotate or otherwise change the location of the plant pot while the plant is still growing in the pot. In preferred configurations, the plant support and training apparatus of the present invention is adaptable to a wide range of plants and is able to be inexpensively manufactured.

In one aspect of the present invention, the plant support and training apparatus is configured to support and train one or more branches of a plant that is growing in soil so as to establish a circular growing pattern for the plant that will provide more air and light for the center area of the plant. In one embodiment, the apparatus has an elongated post, one or more support arms and a coiled member associated with at least one of the support arms. The post has a post body having a lower end and an upper end, with the lower end of the post body being adapted to be placed on or in the soil. Each of the support arms has an elongated arm body with a first end and a second end, with the arm body being attached to or integral with the upper end of the post body. The coiled member has a coiled-shaped body with a first end, a second end and a plurality of coils. The first end of the coiled-shaped body is attached to or integral with the first end of the arm body and the second end of the coiled-shaped body is attached to or integral with the second end of the arm body. The coils define a plurality of gaps or interstitial spaces, with each being sized and configured to receive and support at least one of the branches of the plant to define the desired circular growing pattern thereof. In one embodiment, the support arm has a generally u-shaped arm body and the coiled member is positioned in spaced apart relation to a top side of the arm body. In another embodiment, the apparatus has an attachment mechanism that movably attaches the support arm to the upper end of the post to allow the support arm to move relative to the upper end of the post. In yet another embodiment, the apparatus has a connecting mechanism that is associated with each of the first end of the coiled-shaped body and the first end of the arm body and with each of the second end of the coiled-shaped body and the second end of the arm body. The connecting mechanism can be a pin at each of the first end and the second end of the coiled-shaped body and an aperture at each of the first end and the second end of the arm body, with the pin and the aperture being cooperatively configured to secure the coiled-shaped body to the arm body. If desired, at least one of the support arms can include a pivot device that allows one portion of the support arm to pivot relative to another portion of the support arm for plants at or near the outer footprint of the light from the light source. In one configuration, the apparatus has a first support arm, a second support arm and a third support arm, with each of the first support arm and the third support arm having a coiled member.

Accordingly, the primary object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for supporting and training plants that has the various advantages set forth above and elsewhere in the present disclosure and which overcomes the disadvantages and limitations associated with presently available apparatuses for supporting a plant while it grows and is harvested. It is also an important objective of the present invention to provide a plant support and training apparatus that helps the user to overcome the natural growth patterns of a plant to increase the amount of air and light that reach the interior of the plant and to support the limbs and branches of the plant as it grows.

An important aspect of the present invention is that it provides a new plant support and training apparatus that achieves the various objectives set forth above and elsewhere in the present disclosure. It is an important aspect of the present invention to provide a plant support and training apparatus that is structured and arranged to allow the user to be able to better train the plant to grow in the manner he or she desires.

It is an important aspect of the present invention to provide a plant support and training apparatus that is structured and arranged to spread out the limbs and branches of the plant to increase the amount of air and light which reach the interior of the plant to improve plant growth and production and to facilitate treating the plant.

It is also an important aspect of the present invention to provide a plant support and training apparatus that is structured and arranged to support a plant in a manner that supports those parts of a plant, including its branches and limbs, that are likely to break or otherwise be damaged by the weight of the plant part itself or by the produce that is growing from the plant part.

It is also an important aspect of the present invention to provide an improved plant support and training apparatus that substantially reduces the number of stakes that are required to be driven into the soil around the stem of the plant to reduce the likelihood that the plant's root system will be damaged.

It is also an important aspect of the present invention to provide an improved plant support and training apparatus that can be easily and beneficially utilized with plants which are being grown in pots in order to allow the user to move, rotate or otherwise change the location of the plant pot, as may be desired or necessary to benefit the plant, while the plant is still growing in the pot or transplanted to another pot. The present invention facilitates the attachment and removal of user selected plant components by incorporation of a coiled spring or continuous looped member that can be stressed and relaxed to effectively hold and/or release the plant by the stored energy exerted on the interstitial spaces between the coils or loops. An abrasive surface on the device permits a user to controllably abrade or stress the plant components and more effectively holding the plant component in place minimizing the plant component from sliding to a less desirable position.

Another important aspect of the present invention is to provide an improved plant support and training apparatus that is adaptable to a wide range of different types of plants and plant pots. Yet another important aspect of the present invention is to provide an improved plant support and training apparatus that is generally inexpensive to manufacture and easy to use.

As will be explained in greater detail by reference to the attached figures and the description of the preferred embodiment which follows, the above and other objects and aspects are accomplished or provided by the present invention. As set forth herein and will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, the present invention resides in the novel features of form, construction, mode of operation and combination of processes presently described and understood by the claims.

The description of the invention which follows is presented for purposes of illustrating one or more of the preferred embodiments of the present invention and is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of the invention. The scope of the invention is only limited by the claims which follow after the description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-20 and 22-23inclusive depict various configurations of various post and crown embodiments of a Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus. A user may select the configuration that best suits their needs which may be directed by the presence or absence of light, air movement, plant selection, plant yield, ornamental design or other aesthetic considerations, etc.FIG. 21depicts a flow chart of the method of use of the Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus.FIGS. 24A-Linclusive depict various configurations of tensile resistance plant member retaining embodiments of a Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus.

FIG. 1depicts a perspective view of a hexagonally shaped combination rectangularly and trapezoidally patterned post and crown embodiment of a Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus.

Referring toFIG. 1, a Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus100includes at least one Post110, a Crown120, and a plurality of Tethers130. In some embodiments, the Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus100includes one Post110. In other embodiments, the Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus100includes a plurality of Posts110. In further embodiments, the Post includes a First End110aand a Second End110b.In some embodiments, the First End110aof the Post110may be for depositing or rooting the Post110into the ground such that the Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus100securely stands upright for supporting a corresponding plant. According to various embodiments, the Post110may be made from any suitable rigid material such as, but not limited to, wood, metal, plastic, galvanized steel, wire (e.g., wire coated with rubberized plastic), a colored anodized aluminum, or the like.

In further embodiments, the Crown120is coupled to the Post110. Further discussion regarding the coupling of the Crown120to the Post110is discussed below corresponding to various embodiments. The Crown120may be coupled to the Post110at any suitable location along the length of the Post110, for example, at a location corresponding to a height of a plant. According to various embodiments, the Crown120may include a plurality of Facets, Chainmail, bent-metal constructs, or a concave wire structure (e.g., a “wave”), which are all discussed further below. According to various embodiments, a Facet includes a portion of a Crown120that includes a trellis for receiving and retaining branches of a plant that is to be supported by the Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus100.

Particular embodiments of the Crown120may have various shapes and sizes. Further embodiments of the Crown120are discussed below. In various embodiments, the Crown120may provide a trellis (or a lattice screen) that arcs around the circumference of a supported plant's canopy. In particular embodiments, the Crown120may be equidistant from a center of a supported plant, for example, in embodiments where there is a single centered Post110and a Crown120surrounding the Post110, or in embodiments where there are a plurality of bordering Posts located along the circumference or perimeter of the Crown120and surrounding the supported plant. In other words, the Crown120may surround a supported plant such that all edges of the Crown120are equidistant from the central stem (e.g., the apical meristem) of a supported plant. In some embodiments, the shape of the perimeter of the Crown120may be primarily circular, to correspond to the shape of a canopy of foliage. However, in other embodiments, the perimeter of the Crown120may be other shapes, such as, but not limited to, a square, a triangle, or any other suitable polygonal shape for supporting branches of a plant. In some embodiments, the Crown120may be made from, for example, but not limited to, metal, galvanized steel, wire (e.g., wire coated with rubberized plastic), a colored anodized aluminum, or the like.

In further embodiments, the Crown120may be connected to the Post110via a plurality of Tethers130. Further disclosure regarding the Tethers130is discussed below. In various embodiments, the Crown120may have a structure such that there is an Empty Space140within the Crown120. In some embodiments, a supported plant may grow within the Empty Space140. In particular embodiments, the supported plant may be grown vertically along the Post110and then, after using techniques to encourage the plant to grow horizontally (e.g., topping, super cropping, and low stress training), the horizontally grown shoots or branches of the supported plant may be woven into the Crown120to further encourage the plant to grow at a consistent horizontal level such that the supported plant receives consistent light (e.g., from an overhead stationary lamp) at most or all portions of the plant. As such, a plant grown within the Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus100may have increased light absorption and therefore have increased yield from harvesting the plant.

FIG. 2Adepicts a top view of a hexagonally shaped and trapezoidally patterned post and crown embodiment Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus.

FIG. 2Bdepicts a perspective view of the Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus shown inFIG. 2A.

FIG. 2Cdepicts a cutaway view of a portion of the Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus shown inFIG. 2AandFIG. 2Bshowing the abrasive surface disposed thereon.

Referring toFIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C, a Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus200includes a plurality of Posts210, a Crown220including a plurality of Facets250, and Empty Space240in which a plant may be grown.

In some embodiments, the plurality of Posts210may be rooted and anchored into the ground at their First End210a.In particular embodiments, the placement of each Post210may be suitably located to allow the supported plant to grow horizontally. For example, each Post210may be placed as close to the outer edge of the canopy's perimeter as possible. In particular embodiments, each Post210may have a plurality of Angled Locations212. In some embodiments, each of the Posts210at each of the Angled Locations212are bent at the same degree of angle (e.g., each Post210is bent at an angle of about 135 degrees at each of the Angled Locations212). Furthermore, each Angled Location212along the Post210may also be inverted from each other. In other words, a Post210having a first Angled Location212angling outwards away from the plant may have a second Angled Location212angling inwards towards the plant. By providing Angled Locations212along the Post210, the Posts210are able to support a Crown having a wider perimeter, while the Posts at the First Ends210arooted into the ground need not use as wide of a perimeter. For example, a user having a small pot for growing a plant may utilize the angled Posts210to support a plant having a larger canopy, in contrast to if the user were to use substantially vertical or straight Posts. In further embodiments, the Post210may be manufactured as a plurality of separate components to be assembled by a user. In other embodiments, the Post210may be a single continuous Post. In some embodiments, the height of each Post210may be adjustable by adding or removing extensions at the Post210. In some examples, the Posts210may be located at any suitable location of the Crown220for supporting the weight of the Crown220. In particular embodiments, the Posts210may be located at each of the corners of the Crown220. In other embodiments, the Posts210may be located at the lateral edges of the Crown220instead of, or in addition to, the corners of the Crown220.

According to some embodiments, each of the Posts210may support a Facet250. In other embodiments, more than one Post210may support a single Facet250. The Facets250are what comprise the Crown220, and when each Facet250is placed next to a neighboring Facet250, the Crown220may be complete and may surround a canopy of a supported plant. According to some embodiments, the size (e.g., the diameter) of the Crown220may be determined by the number of Facets250utilized. For example, the more Facets250of the Crown220used, the larger the Crown220will be, and the less Facets250used the smaller the Crown220will be. According to some embodiments, the size of the Crown220is dependent on the size of the plant (e.g., the size of the plant's canopy) to be supported by the Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus200. Accordingly, in various embodiments, the Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus200is easily adjustable and modifiable to support various shapes and sizes of plants by adding or removing the number of Facets250of the Crown220.

According to some embodiments, the Facets250may be connected to each other in any suitable manner such that they are stable, yet also are easily detachable for modifying the size of the Crown, such methods of attaching the Facets250to each other include, but are not limited to, adhesive, tying, Velcro®, bolting, using a spacer (e.g., a beaded wire), and/or the like. According to some embodiments, each Facet250may be adjustably rotatable around each Post (e.g., each Facet250may be capable of rotating or pivoting around the axis defined by the length of the Post210). In further embodiments, the height of the Facet250along the Post may be adjustable along the length of the Post210. Accordingly, in some embodiments, each Facet250may be removably attached to a Post210such that the Facet250may be adjustable around and/or along the Post210. In such embodiments, the Facet250may be attached to the Post210in any suitable manner to allow for adjustment of the Facet250, such as, but not limited to, by a releasable clamp, a releasable screw or bolt, a clip, and/or the like.

According to various embodiments, as few as two Facets250may be utilized in containing and supporting relatively small plants, and any suitable number of Facets250may be added to support larger sized plants. In particular embodiments, about three to about five Facets250may be used to support theCannabis indicaplant. In other embodiments, about four to eight Facets250may be used to support theCannabis sativaplant.

According to various embodiments, each of the Facets250of the Crown220may include an Interior Trellis252. The shape of the Facet's Interior Trellis252(e.g., the shape of the individual openings or frames of the Interior Trellis252) may be any suitable shape for receiving and directing branches of a supported plant within the Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus200, such as, but not limited to, rectangular, triangular, other polyhedrons, combinations thereof, and/or the like.

In a preferred embodiment the plant contact surface of the material comprising the Crown220is covered with an Abrasive Surface260as depicted inFIG. 2Cthereby more effectively holding a portion of a Plant14in a user desired position when placed there by a user. Also the Abrasive Surface260permits a user to controllably abrade the Plant14thereby stressing the plant to stimulate a desired growth response. The Crown120depicted inFIG. 1similarly may be comprised of an abrasive surface to more effectively hold and abrade or stress a plant.

FIG. 3Adepicts a top view of a combination rectangular and triangular patterned component post and crown embodiment of a Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus according to various embodiments.

FIG. 3Bdepicts a perspective view of the Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus shown inFIG. 3A.

FIG. 3Cdepicts a cutaway view of a portion of the Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus shown inFIG. 3AandFIG. 3Bshowing the abrasive surface disposed thereon.

Referring toFIGS. 3A and 3B, a Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus300includes a Post310, and a Crown320including at least one Facet350, each Facet350including an Interior Trellis352. The Facet350may have a Top Portion354extending from the pole310and a downward portion356extending downward from the Top Portion354. In some embodiments, the Post310may be rooted into the soil proximate the stalk of the plant, such as, but not limited to, about one to about two inches from the stalk of the supported plant. The Post310may be similar to the Post110or210. In some embodiments, once a desired height of the Post310is achieved (e.g., by rooting a predetermined length of the Post310into the ground or by adding or removing extensions of the Post310), the Crown320may be placed over the Post310and secured to the Post310at the Hole322of the Crown320. In further embodiments, the Crown320may be adjustable along and/or around the Post310in similar manners as those described above with respect to the Post210. In particular embodiments, the Crown320may have a wing shape (e.g., each of the Facets350is a wing). In some embodiments, the Crown320includes an even number of wings (e.g., two or four separate wings) so that the Crown320may be balanced when coupled to the Post310. In further embodiments, each of the wings (e.g., the Facets350) is equally spaced from each other and has a substantially similar size and weight as each of the other wings. In yet further embodiments, the wings or Facets350may be tethered to the Post310from the Bottom Edge350aof the Facets350in addition to, or instead of, being clasped to the pole at the center of the Crown320.

In some embodiments, the Crown320may be attachable to the Post310similar to how the Crown120or220is connectable to the Post110or210. In various embodiments, the Crown320is a continuous piece (e.g., all four wings are manufactured to be a continuous component including a hole in the center of the Crown320so that the Post310may be inserted therethrough). In other embodiments, each wing is a separate component to be coupled to the Post310, or opposite wings (e.g., wings that are directly across from each other over the Post310) may be a continuous component (e.g., four wings may be manufactured as two separate continuous pieces). In some embodiments, a plant may be grown underneath the Crown320and the canopy of the plant may be woven into the Interior Trellises352of each wing or Facet350. In particular embodiments, the Interior Trellis352may be located at the Downward Portion356of the Facet350such that branches may be woven into the Interior Trellis352horizontally outward from the apical meristem of the plant. In further embodiments, the Facet350also includes the Interior Trellis352at the Top Portion354of the Facet350such that the branches of the plant may also be woven vertically above the plant. In such embodiments, the Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus200allows more flexibility in directing the growth of the plant by a user.

In a preferred embodiment the plant contact surface of the material comprising the Crown320is covered with an Abrasive Surface360as depicted inFIG. 3Cthereby more effectively holding a portion of a plant in a user desired position when placed there by a user. Also the Abrasive Surface360permits a user to controllably abrade the plant thereby stressing the plant to stimulate a desired growth response.

FIG. 4Adepicts a side view of a wing shaped component post and crown embodiment of a Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus tethered to a post.

FIG. 4Bdepicts a side view of the Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus shown inFIG. 4Ain an untethered condition.

FIG. 4Cdepicts a top view of the Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus shown inFIG. 4B.

FIG. 4Ddepicts a top view of the Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus shown inFIG. 4Ashowing the detachability of the apparatus' component parts.

Referring toFIG. 4, a Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus400includes a Post410, a Crown420, and a Tether460. The Post410may correspond to the Posts110or210. In some embodiments, the Crown420includes one or more Facets450including an Interior Trellis452. The individual Facets450may be discreet and separate portions of the Crown420(e.g., similar to the wings shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B). In particular embodiments, the Crown420may include any suitable number of Facets420for adequately surrounding and supporting a canopy of a plant (e.g., one, two, three, four or more individual Facets).

In some embodiments, where individual Facets, bent-metal constructs, or waves do not touch each other (e.g., where the Crown120is not a continuous structure surrounding a plant), spacers may be utilized to couple the individual non-continuous components together (e.g., these non-continuous components may be tethered together horizontally such that the connecting spacer crosses the Post110perpendicularly). In other words, each of the Facets450may be coupled to a neighboring Facet450by a spacer. The connecting spacers may provide greater stability to the Crown420. Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus300shown inFIGS. 3A-3Bmay also utilize spacers. In further embodiments, the spacer may be made from any suitable material, such as, but not limited to, flexible metal wiring, rubber, string, or the like, and combinations thereof. In yet further embodiments, the spacer may further include metal beads.

In various embodiments, the Crown420(or any Crown described herein) may be made from any suitable material capable of securing branches of a plant supported by the Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus400but flexible enough for allowing adaptability of the Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus400to function with different sized and shaped plants. For example, the Crown420(e.g., the Interior Trellis452) may be made from a material such as, but not limited to, a semi-rigid wire, which may be suitably sturdy yet flexible enough to be bent about 10 degrees to about 20 degrees in any desired direction.

According to various embodiments, the Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus400also include the Tether460coupling the Facets450to the Post410for further stabilization and adjustability of the Facets450of the Crown420. In some embodiments, individual Tethers460may be coupled to respective Facets450, such that each Facet450is independently tied to the Post410. In some embodiments, all of the Facets450are coupled to the Post410via the Tether460. In other embodiments, some, but not all, of the Facets450are coupled to the Post410via the Tether460. In various embodiments, the Tether460is coupled to the Facet450by any suitable method for securing the Facet450to the Post410, such as, but not limited to, tying, plugging, bolting, using adhesive, or the like.

According to various embodiments, the Tether460may be adjusted to allow for a desired amount of slack in the Tether460to adjust the proximity of the Facet450to the Post410. For example, if a plant has a smaller canopy, a user may increase the tension in the Tether460to draw the Facet450closer to the Post410so that the Facet450is closer to the branches of the canopy of the plant, and vice versa for plants having larger canopies. In some embodiments, the Tether460is tied to the Facet450at a central location of the Facet450and at a bottom of the Facet450. In other embodiments, the Tether460is coupled to the Facet450at a middle of the Facet (e.g., at the Interior Trellis452). In various embodiments, the Tether460may be made from any suitable material, such as, but not limited to, flexible metal wiring, rubber, string, or the like, and combinations thereof. In yet further embodiments, the Tether460may further include metal beads.

In further embodiments, the Crown420may include an Arm458that attaches to the Post410and connects the Post to each of the Facets450. In some embodiments, the Arm458is permanently attached to the Post410and/or the Facet450, for example, but not limited to, by welding, by adhesive, by bolting, or the like. In other embodiments, the Arm458is removably attached to the Post410and/or the Facet450, for example, but not limited to, by adhesive, by male and female plugs, by screws, or the like. According to some embodiments, the Arm458is made from a material that is sturdy enough to support the Facet452but flexible enough to allow adjustment of the proximity the Facet450to the Post410via the Tether460, such as, but not limited to, plastic, rubber, metal, the like, or combinations thereof.

Referring toFIG. 4Ddepicts a top view of the Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus shown inFIG. 4Ashowing the detachability of the Crown420.

FIG. 5depicts a top view of a fan shaped lattice component post and crown embodiment of a Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus including a tether to the post.

Referring toFIG. 5, a Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus500includes a Post510, a Crown520, and Tethers560. The Post510may correspond to the Post110or210, and the Tethers560may correspond to the Tether460. In addition, the Crown520may correspond to the Crown420, except for the shape of the Facets550. In some embodiments, the Facets550are an irregular shape that includes an enlarged portion551and a thin portion553. In other words, the Crown520may take on the shape of an aircraft propeller. In other embodiments, the Facets550of the Crown520may take on any suitable regular or irregular shape for adequately encompassing a plant and providing support to the plant, such as, but not limited to, rectangles, triangles, any other polygon, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, because of the irregular design of the Facets550of the Crown520, each of the Facets may be heavier at certain portions than at others, for example, the Facet550at the Enlarged Portion551may be heavier than at the Thin Portion553. Accordingly, in particular embodiments, the Tethers560may be coupled to each of the Facets550at a non-central location of the Facet550to accommodate the irregular weight of the Facet550, for example, the Tether560may be coupled at a Connection Location555at a side edge of the Facet550. In some embodiments, the Facet550may have a descending elevation such that the Facet550is directed toward the ground along the edge of the Facet550, to more fully encompass a canopy of a plant.

FIG. 6depicts a perspective view of a Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus with a upward tethering and arm support system.

Referring toFIG. 6, a Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus600includes a Post610, a Crown620having at least one Facet650, Tethers660, and a Support670. The Post610may correspond to the Post110or210, the Tethers660may correspond to the Tether460, and the Facet650may correspond to any of the Facets previously discussed. In some embodiments, the Support670may be a rigid structure that horizontally traverses the bottom of a canopy of a supported plant. In some embodiments, the Support660is permanently attached to the Post610, for example, but not limited to, by welding, by adhesive, by bolting, and the like. In other embodiments, the Support670is removably attached to the Post610, for example, but not limited to, by adhesive, by male and female plugs, by screws, and the like. In particular embodiments, the Support670is adjustable along the Post610. For example, the height of the Support670along the Post610or the orientation of the Support670around the Post610(rotatably) may be adjustable. In some embodiments, the Crown620may include a plurality of Supports670. According to various embodiments, the Support670may be made from any suitable rigid material, such as, but not limited to, wood, metal, plastic, the like, or combinations thereof.

In various embodiments, the Facets650having interior trellises may project upwards toward the top of the Post610from the Support670. The Facets650may correspond to any of the Facets disclosed herein. In addition, the Facets650may be further supported by the Tether660coupled between the Facet650and the Post610. According to various embodiments, the Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus600allows further support to a plant by including the Support670underneath a canopy of a supported plant, in addition to the Facets650.

FIG. 7Adepicts a top view of a tight coil component post and crown embodiment of a Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus.

FIG. 7Bdepicts a perspective view of the Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus shown inFIG. 7A.

Referring toFIGS. 7A and 7B, a Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus700includes a Post710and a Crown720having one or more Facets750. The Post710may correspond to the Post110or210and the Crown720may correspond to the Crown620. In some embodiments, the Crown720may include Arm s758coupled between the Facets750and the Post710. The Arms758may correspond to the Arms458. In particular embodiments, the Facets750may be a structure that is wound around itself to form an arced spiral structure. In such embodiments, the branches of a plant may we woven within the arced spiral structure of the Facet750. In some embodiments, the entire Crown720is made from a same material, such as, but not limited to metal, plastic, wire, combinations thereof, or the like. In other embodiments, the Arm758is made of a different material from that of the Facets750. In particular embodiments, the Crown720is made of one continuous piece of material.

FIG. 8depicts a top view of a relaxed coil or whip component post and crown embodiment of a Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus.

Referring toFIG. 8, a Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus800includes a Post810and a Crown820. The Post810may correspond to the Post110or210and the Crown820may correspond to the Crown620. In some embodiments, the Crown820includes one or more Arms858. The Arms858may correspond to the Arms758. In particular embodiments, the Arms858constitute a framework or skeleton that is configured to surround a canopy of a supported plant. According to various embodiments, the Arms858may be rigid and be manufactured at different lengths to encompass various sizes of plants. In other embodiments, the Arms858are bendable such that they are capable of being adjusted by a user to encompass various sizes of plants, for example, each of the Arms858may include a plurality of joints or hinges along the length of the Arm858for adjustability. In additional embodiments, the Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus800includes a single Post810at the center at a location where each of the Arms858meet. In other embodiments, the Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus800includes a plurality of Posts810, each Post810being coupled to a respective Arm858at an outer perimeter of the Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus800such that the Posts810surround a supported plant. In various embodiments, the Crown820further includes Chainmail880that may be placed on (e.g., wrapped around) the frame comprised of the Arms858. The Chainmail880may be a prefabricated, flexible strip that may be wound around the framework of Arms858that encompass the canopy of the plant, thus creating the Crown820. The Chainmail880may be made of any suitable material for receiving and securing branches of the plant, such as, but not limited to, metal wire, rubberized plastic, a natural material such as hemp cord, and/or the like. In some embodiments, the Chainmail880may be manufactured in lengths (e.g., custom cut) or in a spool to be cut by a user. According to various embodiments, the Chainmail880wraps around the frame of Arms858around the perimeter of the canopy. In further embodiments, the Chainmail880may be affixed to the Arms858using an affixing aid, such as, but not limited to, adhesive, clamps, nails, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, the Chainmail880may be coated with an anti-slip coating to minimize the possibility of the Chainmail880slipping off of the Arms858and possibly damaging a supported plant. In particular embodiments, the branches of a plant that is woven through the Chainmail880may also provide resistance to the Chainmail880from slipping down the Arms858. In some embodiments, the Arms858may include notches, bumps, or ridges along their lengths to provide resistance to the Chainmail from sliding down the Arms858. The Chainmail880may include an interior trellis similar to the Interior Trellises252,352,452discussed above for receiving and securing branches of the plant.

FIG. 9Adepicts a top view of a curved top T-shaped component post and crown embodiment of a Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus.

FIG. 9Bdepicts a top view of a notched open circle component post and crown embodiment of a Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus.

Referring toFIG. 9A, a Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus900includes a Post910and a Crown920. The Post910may correspond to the Post110or210and the Crown920may correspond to the Crown820. In some embodiments, the Crown920having the framework capable of holding the chainmail includes Arms958and Walls959coupled to the Arms958. According to some embodiments, the Walls959allow the flexibility to drape chainmail over the framework such that the chainmail hangs parallel to the apical meristem of a supported plant, providing more locations of support for branches of the plant. Accordingly, the Crown920may be positioned higher on the Post910above the canopy of the plant so that the chainmail draped over the Crown920falls to the canopy.

Referring toFIG. 9A, a notched open circle component post and crown embodiment Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus960includes at least one Support Arm930attached to which are a multiplicity of Open Circle Members940the assembly of which may be attached to the Post910and a Crown920in lieu of or in addition to the Crown920. Each Open Circle Member940having a Plant Receiving Opening950capable of permitting a user to place a portion of a plant therein and thereby retaining a Plant14in a user selected position.

FIG. 10depicts a side view of a cantilevered support post and crown embodiment of a Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG. 10, a Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus1000includes a Post1010and a Crown1020. The Post1010may correspond to the Post110or210(e.g., the Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus1000may include a plurality of angled Posts1010with a plurality of Crowns1020surrounding a supported plant). The Crown1020may include a plurality of Arms1058a,1058b,1058c.In other embodiments, the Crown1020may include any suitable number of arms for adequately retaining a Chainmail over a canopy of a plant (e.g., one, two, four, or more arms). In some embodiments, the Arms1058a,1058b,1058cmay surround a canopy of a plant, with Arm1058abeing on top of the canopy and Arms1058b,1058cbeing at sides of the canopy. Accordingly, a chainmail may be draped over the claw-like structure of the Crown1020to encompass the canopy of the supported plant. In further embodiments, any suitable number of Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatuses1000may be used to surround a plant and provide support to the plant, depending on type and size of the plant.

FIG. 11Adepicts a side view of a rounded umbrella shaped component post and crown embodiment of a Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus utilizing chainmail.

FIG. 11Bdepicts a side view of a straight umbrella shaped component post and crown embodiment of a Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus utilizing chainmail.

Referring toFIG. 11A, a Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus1100aincludes a Post1110aand a Crown1120a.The Post1110amay correspond to the Post110or210and any other post disclosed herein, and the Crown1120amay correspond to the Crown820or any other crown disclosed herein. The Crown1120amay include Arms1158aand Chainmail1180a.The Arms1158amay correspond to Arms858and the Chainmail1180amay correspond to Chainmail880. According to some embodiments, the Arms1158aprovide a downward arching dome-like framework around which the Chainmail1180amay be wrapped for providing support to a plant.

Referring toFIG. 11B, a Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus1100bincludes a Post1110band a Crown1120b.The Post1110bmay correspond to the Post110or any other Post disclosed herein, and the Crown1120amay correspond to the Crown820or any other Crown disclosed herein. The Crown1120bmay include Arms1158band Chainmail1180b.The Arms1158bmay correspond to Arms858and the Chainmail1180bmay correspond to Chainmail880. According to some embodiments, the Arms1158bprovide a straight downward projecting framework around which the Chainmail1180bmay be wrapped for providing support to a plant. In such embodiments, the Chainmail1180bmay be affixed to the Arms1158bwithout the aid of any additional element (e.g., adhesive, etc.) in embodiments where the angle of downward projection of the Arms1158bis not overly steep.

FIG. 12depicts a top view of a cantilevered sail shaped lattice component post and crown embodiment of a Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus.

Referring toFIG. 12, the Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus1200includes a plurality of Posts1210and a Crown1220having a plurality of Arms1258coupled to respective Facets1250. The Posts1210may correspond to the Post110or the Post210. The Crown1220may correspond to the Crown520. The Facets1250may correspond to the Facets550. The Arms1258may correspond to the Arms758. According to some embodiments, each Arm1258is attached to two neighboring Posts1210, thus creating a triangular structure in which a plant may be supported. Each Arm1258may have a Facet1250coupled to one of the ends of the Arm1258(e.g., at Arm end1201), for example, at a location of one of the Posts1210. In some embodiments, the opposite end of the Arm1258(e.g., the end of the Arm1258not connected to the Facet or Arm end1203) may be attached to the neighboring Post1210at a location slightly lower along the length of the neighboring Post1210than where the Facet1250is attached to the Arm at the opposing end of the Arm1258. Thus, according to some embodiments, the Crown1220may exhibit a spiraling effect of the Facets1250around the length of the supported plant. According to particular embodiments, any suitable number of Posts1210, Facets1250, and/or Arms1258may be used in the Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus1200(e.g., two, four, or more sets of posts, arms, and facets).

FIG. 13Adepicts a top view of a cantilevered flag shaped lattice component post and crown embodiment of a Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus according to various embodiments.

FIG. 13Bdepicts a perspective view of the Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus shown inFIG. 13A.

Referring toFIGS. 13A and 13B, the Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus1300includes a plurality of Posts1310and a Crown1320including a plurality of outwardly arcing Facets1350. The Posts1310may correspond to the Post110or the Post210. The Facets1350may correspond to the Facets550. According to some embodiments, each Facet1350is attached to a respective Post1310, thus creating a circular structure in which a plant may be supported. Each Post1310may be coupled to one of the ends of the Facet1350(e.g., at Facet End1351). In some embodiments, a predetermined length of the Post1310may include a Rotatable Portion1311. In particular embodiments, the Rotatable Portion1311corresponds to the location at which the Facet1350is coupled to the Post1310. The Rotatable Portion1311may be configured to swivel with respect to the stationary remainder of the Post1310. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the Facet1350is capable of outwardly or inwardly swinging, which provides greater adjustability of the Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus1300for supporting plants of various types and sizes. According to some embodiments, the Rotatable Portion1311may rotate 360 degrees (or less) about the axis of the Post1310that is along the length of the Post1310. In some embodiments, the Rotatable Portion1311is coupled to the remainder of the Post1310in any suitable manner to allow free rotational movement of the Facet1350, such as, but not limited to, by a ball and socket or a hinge mechanism.

FIG. 14Adepicts a top view of a pyramid shaped lattice post and crown embodiment of a Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus.

FIG. 14Bdepicts a perspective view of the Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus shown inFIG. 14A.

Referring toFIGS. 14A and 14B, the Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus1400includes a Post1410, a Crown1420including a plurality of Facets1450, and one or more Arms1470supporting the Facets1450. The Post1410may correspond to the Post610. The Facets1450may correspond to the Facets650. The one or more Arms1470may correspond to the Arms670. In further embodiments, the Facets1450may also be supported by at least one Tether1460(which may correspond to the Tether660). In some embodiments, the Facets1450that are supported by the Arms1470may have a pyramid shape that is wide at the bottom of the Facet1450and narrower along the height of the Facet1450(towards the top of the post). Accordingly, in some embodiments, the Facet1450may be structurally tailored to encompass a canopy of a plant by substantially following the shape of a canopy.

FIG. 15Adepicts a perspective view of a star shaped lattice post and crown embodiment of a Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus.

FIG. 15Bdepicts a top view of the Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus shown inFIG. 15A.

Referring toFIGS. 15A and 15B, the Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus1500includes a Post1510, a Crown1520including a plurality of Facets1550, and one or more Tethers1560supporting the Facets1550. The Post1510may correspond to the Post110or210. The Facets1550may correspond to the Facets550. The Tethers1560may correspond to the Tethers560. In some embodiments, the Facets1550have a triangular shape that is wide at the bottom of the Facet1550and narrower along the height of the Facet1450(towards the top of the pole) until the Facet1550ends with an edge point at which the Tether1560is coupled to the Facet1550. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the Facet1550may be structurally tailored to encompass a canopy of a plant by substantially following the shape of a canopy, and be supported with minimal additional elements, as a single Tether1560may be connected to an edge point of the Facet1550to suitably secure the Facet1550to the Post1510. In other embodiments, a plurality of Tethers1560may be coupled to each Facet1550for added support.

FIG. 16depicts a top view of weaving stems of a plant through a Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus according to all of the disclosed embodiments.

Referring toFIG. 16, a Crown1620includes a plurality of Facets1650having Interior Trellises1652. The Facets1650may correspond to Facets250and the Interior Trellises1652may correspond to the Interior Trellis252. A plant supported by the Crown1620may include a plurality of Apical Branches1602. According to some embodiments, the Apical Branches1602may be woven around the Crown1620in a cylindrical pattern. The Apical Branches1602may be woven twice or more through the Interior Trellis1652(e.g., in an over then under pattern, or an under then over pattern). Accordingly, the weaving of the Apical Branches1602through the Interior Trellises1652of the Facets1650may increase the surface area of the canopy by spreading the canopy over a wider area. Furthermore, the weaving may expose certain lower sites of the canopy that would otherwise be shielded from light, to the light, and may expose the lower sites to an ideal absorption horizon of light. In addition, the weaving of the Apical Branches1602through the Crown1620may create increased space between flowers to lessen the likelihood of occurrence of mold.

FIG. 17depicts a top view of a spring component post and crown embodiment of a Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus.

Referring toFIG. 17, a Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus1700includes a Post1710, an Internal Frame1720, an External Frame1730, and Springs1740. According to some embodiments, the Internal Frame1720is coupled to and encompasses the Post1710. The Internal Frame1720may be coupled to the Post1710via tethers, arms, combinations thereof, and/or the like. The External Frame1730may be coupled to the Internal Frame1720and/or the Post1710, and may encompass both the Internal Frame1720and the Post1710. In some embodiments, the External Frame1730may be coupled to the Internal Frame1720via the Springs1740. The External Frame1730and the Internal Frame1720may be made from any suitable rigid material, such as, but not limited to, wood, plastic, wire, metal, composites thereof, and the like. In particular embodiments, the Internal Frame1710and the External Frame1730may be any suitable shape, such as, but not limited to, circular, triangular, rectangular, etc. In further embodiments, the Internal Frame1720and the External Frame1730are different shapes and/or made from different materials.

According to some embodiments, the Spring1740is coupled between the External Frame1730and the Internal Frame1720. The Spring1740may have coils and be made from any suitable material, such as, but not limited to, metal, plastic, and the like. According to various embodiments, the branches of a supported plant may be woven into the coils of the Spring1740, as desired, for directing and guiding the growth of a supported plant. This provides the ability to control a canopy's height for maximum light absorption. In some embodiments, branches of the plant may be bent over at a 90-degree angle (e.g., for high stress or low stress super cropping). In particular embodiments, each branch may be placed through two coils for extra security. In other embodiments, each branch may be woven through only one coil. In various embodiments, the Springs1740will give when disturbances are introduced to the plant (e.g., a fan blowing at the plant), and will thus provide slight movement and allow sap to continue flowing within the supported branches.

FIG. 18Adepicts a top view of a cantilevered spring post and crown embodiment of a Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus.

FIG. 18Bdepicts a side view of the Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus shown inFIG. 18Atethered to a post.

Referring toFIGS. 18A and 18B, a Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus1800includes a Post1810, an Arm1820, Auxiliary Arms1821and1823branching outwards from the Arm1820, Springs1830coupled to the Auxiliary Arms1821and1823, and a Tether1840coupled to the Springs1830. The Post1810may correspond to the Post110or210, the Arm1820and Auxiliary Arms1821and1823may correspond to the Arms670, and the Springs1830may correspond to the Spring1740. According to various embodiments, the Arm1820outwardly projects from the Post1810and the Auxiliary Arms1821,1823split off from the Arm1820in two separate directions. As such, according to some embodiments, the number of Springs1830coupled to the Auxiliary Arms1821,1823correspond to the number of Auxiliary Arms1821,1823, as each Spring1830is coupled to a respective Auxiliary Arm1821,1823. In other embodiments, there may be more than two Auxiliary Arms1821,1823corresponding to more than two Springs1830(e.g., three or more each of Auxiliary Arms1821,1823and Springs1830). In further embodiments, a Tether1840is coupled between one or more of the Springs1830, the Auxiliary Arms1821,1823, or the Arm1820and the Post1810. In some embodiments, there may be a plurality of Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatuss1800surrounding a supported plant (e.g., four equidistant Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatuss1800coupled to the Post1810and supporting a plant).

FIG. 19depicts a top view of a saw blade pattern component post and crown embodiment of a Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG. 19, a Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus1900includes a Post1910, an Inner Pattern1920, and an Outer Pattern1930. According to various embodiments, the Inner Pattern1920is coupled to and encompasses the Post1910. The Inner Pattern1920may be coupled to the Post1910via tethers, arms, combinations thereof, and/or the like. The Outer Pattern1930may be coupled to the Inner Pattern1920and/or the Post1910, and may encompass both the Inner Pattern1920and the Post1910. In some embodiments, the Outer Pattern1930may be coupled to the Inner Pattern1920. The Outer Pattern1930and the Inner Pattern1920may be made from any suitable rigid material, such as, but not limited to, wood, plastic, wire, metal, composites thereof, and the like. In particular embodiments, the Inner Pattern1920and the Outer Pattern1930may be any suitable shape, such as, but not limited to, circular, triangular, rectangular, etc. In further embodiments, the Inner Pattern1920and the Outer Pattern1930are different shapes and/or made from different materials. According to various embodiments, the Inner Pattern1920and the Outer Pattern1930may be a wire bent to have a zig-zag pattern (e.g., have a plurality of sharp angular points). According to various embodiments, branches of a supported plant may be woven between the Inner Pattern1920and the Outer Pattern1930and/or within the structure of the respective Inner Pattern1920and/or Outer Pattern1930.

FIGS. 20A-20Fdepict top views of various shaped post and crown embodiments of a Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatuses.

Referring toFIGS. 20A-20F, a Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus2000includes a Post2010, Arms2020, and a plurality of Tiles2030a.According to various embodiments, the Arms2020are coupled to the Post2010and project laterally from the Post2010in different directions, such as, but not limited to, orthogonally from each other. Between the neighboring Arms2020, the plurality of Tiles2030aare coupled to each other and to the Arms2020. In some embodiments, the Tiles2030aare individual pre-fabricated hollow structures that are removably connectable to each other and to the Arms2020. As such, the Tiles2030aare adaptable to the type and size of the plant to be supported (e.g., for larger plants, more Tiles2030amay be added between the Arms2020, and for smaller plants, Tiles2030amay be removed from between the neighboring Arms2020). According to various embodiments, the Tiles2030amimic the various facets described herein in that branches of a supported plant may be woven through the Tiles2030a,as desired, for support and guidance of plant growth. In some embodiments, the Tiles2030amay be connectable by, for example, but not limited to, ball joints, clasps, nuts and bolts, male and female plugs, etc.

The structure of the Tile2030athrough which branches may be woven may take on a variety of forms, such as, but not limited to, arcs (2030a), triangles (2030b), circles (2030c), squares (2030d), and rectangles (2030eand2030f). In some embodiments, such as Tiles2030a,2030b,2030c,2030d,and2030f,a portion may be cut off or broken, as the cut away of the metal provides an easier placement of branches with less bending or potential bumping of the sites.

FIG. 21depicts a flow chart showing a method of use of a Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus according to all the disclosed embodiments.

Referring toFIG. 21, a method of use2100may include the steps of: Selecting At Least One Post Capable Of Supporting At Least One User Selected Crown2110; then Securing The User Selected Post(s) In Functional Proximity To A Plant To Be Supported And/Or Growth Directed2120; 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 Directed2140; 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 Use2170; or if repositioning of the plant is desired then Removing User Selected Portions Of The Plant From The Crown(s) For Reattaching2180and thereafter repeating steps2140,2150and2160until the desired growth is achieved then2170.

FIG. 22depicts a top view of a Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus configured according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention having multiple Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatuses.

FIG. 23depicts an isolated top view of one of the Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatuses of the Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus ofFIG. 22.

Referring toFIGS. 22 and 23, an alternative embodiment of the plant support and growth directing system of the present invention utilizes a plurality of Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatuses2200, shown as2200a,2200b,2200cand2200dinFIG. 22, that each comprise a Post2210, a First Arm2220attached to or integral with the Post2210so as to extend generally inwardly toward the Plant Area2230where the main stem of the plant will be located, a Second Arm2240attached to or integral with the First Arm2220so as to extend generally laterally from the First Arm2220and a Third Arm2250attached to or integral with the Second Arm2240so as to extend generally outwardly therefrom. As shown inFIG. 23, the First Arm2220and the Third Arm2250each comprise a Spring2260. The vive portions of the plant are woven in a generally curved or circular pattern through the Springs2260associated with the First Arm2220and Third Arm2250so as to space these portions of the plant from each other and in spaced apart relation to the ground. Use of the plant support system shown inFIG. 22will allow more light to hit the plant and more air to circulate through the plant, both of which will improve the growth of the plant and increase the crop from the plant. The Springs2260can be made out of a wide variety of materials, including metal, rubber, plastic, composites and the like. In one of the preferred embodiments, the Springs2260can be a rubberized coil Spring.

FIG. 24Adepicts a side view of a non-adjustable tensile resistance coiled spring plant member retaining embodiment of a Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus.

FIG. 24Bis 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 inFIGS. 24A,C,D,E,H,I,J,K, & L.

FIG. 24Cdepicts a side view of an adjustable tensile resistance coiled spring plant member retaining embodiment of a Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus with a plant operatively attached to the apparatus with one branch of which has been supercropped.

FIG. 24Ddepicts a side view of an adjustable tensile resistance coiled spring plant member retaining embodiment of a Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus 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.

FIG. 24Edepicts a side view of an adjustable tensile resistance continuous loop plant member retaining embodiment of a Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus with a continuous loop variable resistance adjustment knob shown in the released position.

FIG. 24Fis a cutaway side view of the adjustable tensile resistance continuous loop plant member retaining embodiment of a Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus with a continuous loop variable resistance adjustment knob shown in the released position thereby retaining a user selected portion of a plant by the continuous loop's tensile mechanical energy within the continuous loop.

FIG. 24Gis a cutaway side view of the adjustable tensile resistance continuous loop plant member retaining embodiment of a Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus with a continuous loop 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 continuous loop.

FIG. 24His 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.

FIG. 24Iis a further cutaway side view of the adjustable tensile resistance coiled spring plant member retaining embodiment of a Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus 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.

FIG. 24Jis 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 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.

FIG. 24Kis a further 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 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.

FIG. 24Lis a front view of a non-adjustable tensile resistance coiled spring plant member retaining embodiment of a Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus that is configured according to a second embodiment of the non-adjustable tensile resistance coiled spring plant member retaining embodiment showing use of a pivot device to allow a second arm body to pivot relative to the first arm body, with each arm body having a coiled spring.

Referring toFIGS. 24A-La Tensile Resistance Plant Member Retaining Embodiment10of the Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus of the present invention is shown inFIGS. 24A-LandFIGS. 25D-E. In this embodiment, the Tensile Resistance Plant Member Retaining Embodiment Crown10comprises an elongated Post40having an elongated Support Arm42attached to or integral with and extending outwardly from the Post40, with the Support Arm42being structured and arranged to receive and support one or more Apical Branches1602of the Plant14. In this embodiment, the Support Arm42comprises an Elastic Object Capable Of Storing Mechanical Energy44, which can be a coiled spring or spring-like member, as best shown inFIGS. 24A-D, H-L andFIGS. 25D-E. The Elastic Object Capable Of Storing Mechanical Energy44may also be any configuration of user selected successive components of varying shapes and sizes, such as triangular or polygonal, capable of storing mechanical energy such as the Continuous Loop44bembodiment of the Elastic Object Capable Of Storing Mechanical Energy44shown inFIGS. 24E-G. Disposed on the surface of the Elastic Object Capable Of Storing Mechanical Energy44inFIGS. 24A-D, H-L andFIGS. 25D-Eand the Continuous Loop44aembodiment of the Elastic Object Capable Of Storing Mechanical Energy44shown inFIGS. 24E-Gis an Abrasive Surface90equivalent to the Abrasive Surface260as depicted inFIG. 2Cand the Abrasive Surface360as depicted inFIG. 3Cthereby more effectively holding a portion of a Plant14in a user desired position when placed there by a user. Also the Abrasive Surface90permits a user to controllably abrade the Plant14thereby stressing the Plant14to stimulate a desired growth response.

In another embodiment, the Support Arm42is configured with the features of the Elastic Object Capable Of Storing Mechanical Energy44. The Post40of the Tensile Resistance Plant Member Retaining Embodiment Crown10comprising a Post Body46with a first or Lower End48that is, typically, inserted into or otherwise engaged with the soil in which the Plant14is planted or removably attached to a Removable Root Ball Support91as depicted inFIGS. 25D& E.

FIGS. 24E,F,G,H and J andFIGS. 25D& E depict a Tension Dial92operatively attached to Elastic Object Capable Of Storing Mechanical Energy44(44aand/or44b) which permits a user to place and hold tension on the Elastic Object Capable Of Storing Mechanical Energy44(44aand/or44b) thereby expanding the size of the interstitial space between the individual coils or loops of the Elastic Object Capable Of Storing Mechanical Energy44(44aand/or44b). A user then places the desired portions of the Plant14or Apical Branches1602within user selected expanded interstitial spaces. Once the Plant14or Apical Branches1602are in the desired location the user then adjusts the Tension Dial92in the opposite direction thereby releasing the user applied tension to the Elastic Object Capable Of Storing Mechanical Energy44(44aand/or44b) thereby contracting the interstitial spaces thereby holding the Plant14or Apical Branches1602in the user desired position(s). In the absence of the Tension Dial92, such as depicted inFIGS. 17,18A&B,24A,C,D&L, a user may manually place and release tension on the Elastic Object Capable Of Storing Mechanical Energy44(44aand/or44b) using their hand and/or user selected tool such as a screwdriver or other rigid object. The Tension Dial92can be an adjustment knob, dial, lever or similar mechanism.

The Post Body46should 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 Plant14grow, 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 Body46as long as the resulting Post40is sufficiently stiff and strong enough to support the weight of the Support Arm42and Branches24/26and plant product produced that will be supported by the Tensile Resistance Plant Member Retaining Embodiment Crown10. The Post Body46can be made in virtually any shape, including having a round, square, rectangular, oval or other shape.

In the embodiments shown inFIGS. 24A-L, the Post40is attached to or integral with the Support Arm42such that the position of the Arm Body52, and therefore the Ends54/56thereof, is fixed relative to the Upper End50of the Post40. In an alternative embodiment, shown inFIGS. 24C-E, an Attachment Mechanism86is utilized to moveably connect the Support Arm42to the Post40. The Attachment Mechanism86shown inFIGS. 24C-Eare structured and arranged to slidably interconnect the Post40and Support Arm42so as to allow the Arm Body52to slide relative to the Upper End50of Post40so the user can position the Support Arm42where it will be most beneficial for the support and growth of the plant's Apical Branches1602and production of product from the Plant14. In a preferred configuration, once the Arm Body52is moved to a position relative to the Post40where the user desires to support the Apical Branches1602of the Plant14, the user will be able to fix the position of the Arm Body52relative to the Upper End50of the Post40. To allow the user to move or fix the position of the Arm Body52relative to the Post40, the Attachment Mechanism86can include one or more Connecting Elements88, such as a screw, bolt or the like, that is loosened or removed to slide or otherwise move the Support Arm42relative to the Post40and then tightened or reattached to fix the position of the Support Arm42on the Post40. In one embodiment, during the sliding or other moving process, the Support Arm52will stay in engagement with the Upper End50of the Post40for ease of operation and use. Alternatively, Attachment Mechanism86can be configured to allow the Support Arm42to become fully disengaged from the Post40for movement by the user and then re-engaged (i.e., reattached) when the Support Arm42is in the desired position. As will be readily appreciated by persons skilled in the art, a variety of devices can be utilized as the Attachment Mechanism86.

FIG. 25Ais a cut away side view of a removable post stand embodiment of a Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus without any plant support components attached.

FIG. 25Bis a top view of a removable post stand embodiment of a Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus without any plant support components attached depicting a plurality of post attachment holes.

FIG. 25Cis a cut away side view of a removable post stand embodiment of a Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus without any plant support components attached depicting the removability from a pot.

FIG. 25Dis a cut away side view of a removable post stand embodiment of a Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus with an attached adjustable tensile resistance coiled spring plant retaining member.

FIG. 25Eis a cut away side view of a removable post stand embodiment of a Plant Support and Growth Directing Apparatus with two attached adjustable tensile resistance coiled spring plant retaining members.

Referring toFIGS. 25A-Ea Plant Pot Removable Post System91of a shape and size capable of fitting into a Plant Pot95is depicted. One or more Posts40may be removably attached to the Plant Pot Removable Post System91in user selected locations by means of the Post Attachment Assembly(ies)94. In the event a user is desirous of removing a planted Plant14with its root ball intact from the Plant Pot95a Handle93is attached to the Plant Pot Removable Post System91and the user may thereby lift the Plant Pot Removable Post System91out of the Plant Pot95which in turns lifts out any Plant14that may be planted in the Plant Pot95. The user is then at liberty to transplant the entire assembly with the plant to another pot, or ground, or to undertake some other user desired purpose.

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.

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.

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.

According to various embodiments, when thecannabisplant 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.

Various embodiments provide a modular support apparatus and method of manufacturing the same (e.g., for aiding in the growth of theCannabis sativaand theCannabis indicaplants), 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).

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.