Plant support and training system and method of operation thereof

A plant support system includes a support ring having at least one wall portion, and at least one support beam coupled to the at least one wall portion and configured to increase rigidity of the at least one wall portion. Further, the plant support system also includes a base coupled to the at least one wall portion and having at least one stationary clamping surface; a clamp spine having a movable clamping surface situated opposite the at least one stationary clamping surface; and a plurality of spring leaves coupled to the clamp spine and configured to bias the clamp spine.

The present system relates to a system to support portions of plants such as their limbs, flowers, fruit, seeds and the like and, more particularly, to a system to support and locate plant limbs in discrete locations to control growth of the plant limbs, increase yield, and enhance aesthetics, and methods of operation thereof.

Many plants such as vegetables and bushes (e.g., tomatoes, peppers, etc.) may lack the strength to be self-supportive and, therefore, must be supported using conventional trellises, cages (e.g., tomato cages, etc.), or the like to prevent damage to the respective plant. Further, other plants (e.g., roses, etc.) may grow in a disorderly manner and may require trellises for aesthetic arrangement. Although conventional trellises and cages can be used to support the plants, the plants must be attached to the trellises or cages using twine or twist-ties which can be time consuming, cumbersome, and inconvenient to a grower of the plants. Further, the height of horizontal members of traditional trellises and cages cannot be easily changed as the plant grows which can damage a plant and cause aesthetic issues. Moreover, support systems using metal-type screw-type clamps may seize due to dirt, rust, etc. especially when subject to an outdoor environment. Accordingly, embodiments of the present system may overcome these and other disadvantages of conventional plant support systems and methods.

The system(s), device(s), method(s), arrangements(s), user interface(s), computer program(s), processes, etc. (hereinafter each of which will be referred to as system, unless the context indicates otherwise), described herein address problems in prior art systems. Embodiments of the present system may provide a system and method for plant support have many advantages, including but not limited to, providing for fast easy one-handed or two-handed operation and being easily repositioned as plants grow, supporting all sides of plant without multiple stakes, keeping plants and/or branches substantially separated and individually movable thus allowable substantially all areas of plants be accessible for pruning and harvesting fruit. In addition, the various embodiments are reusable, small and light, easy to carry and store, do not rust and do not restrict movement of (potted) plants.

In accordance with embodiments of the present system, there is disclosed a plant support system, comprising a support ring having at least one wall portion; at least one support beam coupled to the at least one wall portion and configured to increase rigidity of the at least one wall portion; a base coupled to the at least one wall portion and having at least one stationary clamping surface; a clamp spine having a movable clamping surface situated opposite the at least one stationary clamping surface; and a biasing mechanism including a plurality of spring leaves coupled to the clamp spine and configured to bias the clamp spine. The plurality of spring leaves are arranged to provide for freedom of motion of the clamp spine to a direction which is substantially parallel to a plane of the support ring. Further, the plurality of spring leaves are arranged to reduce freedom of motion of the clamp spine in a direction which is substantially normal to a plane of the support ring.

The plant support system further comprises at least one receiving anchor coupled to the support ring and a handle coupled to the clamp spine, where the at least one receiving anchor further comprises at least one lock tab. The plant support system also comprises a handle coupled to the clamp spine, an extension limiter coupled to the handle, and a travel limiter to limit displacement of the clamp spine, where the travel limiter contacts a portion of the support ring at maximum displacement of the travel limiter.

In accordance with further embodiments of the present system, there is disclosed a method for forming a plant support, the method controlled by at least one controller, the method comprising the acts of obtaining material; and forming from the material a planar plant support, where the planar plant support comprises a support ring having at least one wall portion; at least one support beam coupled to the at least one wall portion and configured to increase rigidity of the at least one wall portion; a base coupled to the at least one wall portion and having at least one stationary clamping surface; a clamp spine having a movable clamping surface situated opposite the at least one stationary clamping surface; and a plurality of spring leaves coupled to the clamp spine and configured to bias the clamp spine, all formed integrally with each other. The method further comprises the act of attaching the planer plant support to a vertical column support.

In accordance with further embodiments of the present system, there is disclosed a plant support system, comprising a peripheral support ring having at least one wall portion; and a coupler coupled to the at least one wall portion, the coupler being configured to grip a column support and fix a relative position of the system with respect to the column support; where the coupler includes at least one flexible member configured to apply a mechanical force to the column support and maintain constant the relative position. The peripheral support ring and the coupler may be integral part of a flexible material, such as manufactured as one continuous piece of homogenous material sufficiently flexible to facilitate movement and articulation of at least the coupler. The cross-sectional thickness of at least one portion of the coupler is varied to change a local rigidity of the coupler to form structures such as at least one spring leave and/or self-hinges. Further, the at least one flexible member includes at least one spring leave configured to provide a biasing force to grip the column support. The plant support system further comprising at least one support beam that couples the coupler to the at least one wall portion of the peripheral support ring and is configured to increase rigidity of the at least one wall portion. In addition, a handle is coupled to a clamp spine, where the handle and the clamp spine are coupled to the flexible member of the coupler. The handle may be located at one end of the clamp spine near a gripping wall portion of the peripheral support ring, where the handle and the gripping wall portion are configured to be gripped by a single hand of a user to facilitate a single-handed positioning of the plant support system and a single-handed articulation, e.g., a single-handed movement back and forth, of the coupler to open and close a clamping pair of the coupler to receive the column support in the open position and grip the column support in the closed position, by squeezing the handle against the gripping wall portion of the peripheral support ring. The handle may be located a predetermined distance from the gripping wall portion to limit travel of the coupler.

Further, the at least one flexible member includes a plurality of spring leaves configured to provide a biasing force to grip the column support, where the plurality of spring leaves is configured to provide for a freedom of motion of the clamp spine in a direction which is substantially parallel to a plane of the peripheral support ring including limiting the freedom of motion of the clamp spine to the direction which is substantially parallel to a plane of the peripheral support ring. The at least one flexible member includes a plurality of spring leaves configured to provide a biasing force to grip the column support, where the plurality of spring leaves is configured to reduce a freedom of motion of the clamp spine in a direction which is substantially normal to a plane of the peripheral support ring. The peripheral support ring may form a circular, a square, or a polygonal shape. Further, the peripheral support ring may be discontinuous having one or more openings.

In accordance with further embodiments of the present system, there is disclosed a plant support system, comprising a peripheral support ring having at least one wall portion; at least one receiving anchor coupled to the peripheral support ring; and a coupler coupled to the at least one wall portion. The coupler may be configured to grip a column support and fix, or maintain constant, a relative position of the system with respect to the column support. The coupler may include at least one flexible member configured to apply a mechanical force to the column support and maintain constant the relative position. The at least one receiving anchor comprises at least one lock tab, where a profile at least one receiving anchor is contoured to receive and secure a portion of a plant, e.g., a stalk, a branch, a flower or fruit of the plant supported by the plant support system. The peripheral support ring, the at least one receiving anchor, and the coupler may be integral parts of a flexible material sufficiently flexible to facilitate articulation of at least the coupler and the at least one receiving anchor. The cross-sectional thickness of at least one portion of the coupler is varied to change a local rigidity of the coupler to form at least one spring leave. The plant support system further comprises at least one support beam that couples the coupler to the at least one wall portion of the peripheral support ring and is configured to increase rigidity of the at least one wall portion. Further, the peripheral support ring forms a circular, a square, or a polygonal shape. In addition or alternatively, the peripheral support ring may be discontinuous with one or more openings.

The following are descriptions of illustrative embodiments that when taken in conjunction with the following drawings will demonstrate the above noted features and advantages, as well as further ones. In the following description, for purposes of explanation rather than limitation, illustrative details are set forth such as architecture, interfaces, techniques, element attributes, etc. However, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments that depart from these details would still be understood to be within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, for the purpose of clarity, detailed descriptions of well known devices, circuits, tools, techniques, and methods are omitted so as not to obscure the description of the present system. It should be expressly understood that the drawings are included for illustrative purposes and do not represent the entire scope of the present system. In the accompanying drawings, like reference numbers in different drawings may designate similar elements. The term and/or and formatives thereof should be understood to mean that only one or more of the recited elements may need to be suitably present (e.g., only one recited element is present, two of the recited elements may be present, etc., up to all of the recited elements may be present) in a system in accordance with the claims recitation and in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present system.

FIG. 1shows a partially cutaway top front perspective view of a portion of a support system100(hereinafter system100for the sake of clarity) in accordance with embodiments of the present system. The system100may include a support structure120having one or more of a base124, one or more support rings102, one or more support beams101, and one or more couplers122.

The base124may form at least part of the one or more couplers122and may be may be substantially centrally located within the one or more support rings102or may be offset to one or more sides relative to the one or more support rings102. The base124may include a surface configured to form at least part of a stationary clamping surface106of the one or more couplers122. A portion of a vertical column support (VCS)104is partially cutaway to better illustrate the clamping surface106. The base124may further include at least one surface configured to define at least a portion of a column insertion channel backstop109and/or a column insertion channel ramp108which may be configured to position at least a portion of a VCS104when the VCS104is placed within an opening of the support system100such as during insertion/removal of the VCS104, etc. Further, the base124may include at least one surface configured to define at least a portion of a column insertion channel107which may be situated proximate to the stationary clamping surface106and which may be configured to receive a column support such as the VCS104. For example, at least a portion of the column insertion channel107may be defined by the column insertion channel ramp108and the column insertion channel backstop109. The column insertion channel107and/or the stationary clamping surface106may be shaped and/or sized so as to correspond with a cross-sectional shape and size of the VCS104at a location where the one or more couplers122is in order to couple to the vertical column support104. For example, assuming that the VCS104has a round cross section as shown, the column insertion channel107and/or the stationary clamping surface106may have corresponding curved and/or round shapes. In accordance with embodiments of the present system the VCS104may be a rod such as a plastic, fiberglass, carbon fiber, or steel rebar type rod and/or the like having ribs running along its length. However, in yet other embodiments, the VCS104may be formed from a natural material such as a piece of wood (e.g., a ½ by ½ inch stud, a bamboo stick, etc.), and/or a flexible material such as a rope, cable, or twine, etc. and may be oriented in any direction (e.g., vertical, horizontal, etc.).

The one or more support beams101may include support beams101aand101bwhich may extend radially or otherwise from the base124and which may be coupled to the support ring102at their respective proximal ends. Although, the support beams101aand101bmay be situated in a plane, it is also envisioned that they may be staggered in different planes. Further, it is envisioned that the support beams101aand101bmay be bifurcated along a length thereof so as to form a “Y” or other shape. Although four support beams (e.g., two each of101aand101b) are shown, it is envisioned that other numbers of support beams may be employed (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, etc.). The support beams101aand101bmay extend outward from the base124such that an angle between adjacent support beams101aand101bmay be equal (e.g., substantially 90 degrees in the present embodiments) to each other or may be different from each other. For example, three support beams each separated by an equal angle from each other may extend radially from the base124and be coupled to the support ring102at their respective distal ends. However, in yet other embodiments, it is envisioned that the support rings may be situated asymmetrically relative to each other, the support structure120, and/or the base124.

In accordance with embodiments of the present system, the support beams101may form one or more closed areas such as quadrants I through IV each of which may include a clamping portion if desired.

The one or more couplers122and/or parts thereof may be integral with and/or coupled to the base124and may be configured to locate the support structure120in a desired position and/or orientation relative to a suitable support such as the VCS104(e.g., a support pole, taught rope, stake (e.g. wood, bamboo, etc.), rod (plastic, fiberglass, carbon fiber, etc.), trellis, cage, etc.). For the sake of clarity, the VCS104may be shown as a support pole situated in a vertical position. However, other positions (e.g., horizontal, etc.) for the VCS104and/or for the support structure120are also envisioned. For example, it is envisioned that the support structure120may be coupled to a support column situated in a horizontal or other orientation. Although the one or more couplers122are shown orientated in a plane of the support structure120substantially normal (90 degrees) relative to the VCS104at a point of coupling, in yet other embodiments, it is envisioned that the one or more couplers122may be configured to orient the support structure120at other angles such as 10, 20, 30, 45, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75 degrees, etc. The base124may include at least a portion of the one or more couplers122. Further, that portion of the base124and the one or more couplers122may form a portion of a coupler carrier (CC)190. Various coupling carriers may be substituted for one another as may be described elsewhere in this application, where any various structures of the various embodiments maybe combined to achieve to a suitable combination to provide a custom plant support.

With regard to the one or more couplers122(hereinafter coupler122for the sake of clarity), the coupler122may include a plurality of clamping surfaces such as the stationary clamping surface106and a movable clamping surface105that together form a clamping pair to accept (in the open position) and retain (in the closed or clamping position) the VCS104. The movable clamping surface105may be configured to correspond with a shape and/or size of the VCS104and may be coupled to a clamp spine or spine115. For example, the movable clamping surface105may have a “V”-shaped surface so as to accept the VCS104which may have a “V”-shaped cross section, or a different shaped cross section, such as a circular cross section or other curved, polygonal or stepped cross sectional shapes, such as C-shaped or open-ended octagonal-shaped cross sections, e.g., a half octagonal-shaped cross section, and the like. It is further envisioned that the “V”-shaped surface may be situated normal to a plane of the support structure120. Similarly, a surface of the stationary clamping surface106may be situated normal to a plane of the support structure120. In yet other embodiments, it is envisioned that the movable clamping surface105may have a surface of other shapes, such a partial circle or “C”-shaped surface so as to accept the VCS104.

The one or more couplers122may further include a biasing member128(FIG. 2A) which may include one or more springs, such as leaf springs110a,110b,111and116, which may be coupled to adjacent portions of the support beams101such as the support beams101b. The leaf springs110a,110b,111and116may limit the degrees of freedom of travel of the clamp spine115and, thus, limit the degrees of freedom of travel of the moveable clamping surface105. Ends of one or more of the leaf springs116and111, distal to the adjoined support beams101b, may be coupled to each other and thereafter to the clamp spine115. The clamp spine115may form a portion of a movable clamping portion.

A handle112may be coupled to the clamp spine115and may be configured so as to be suitable for grasping by a user's hand so that a user may exert a force against the handle112. The biasing members128may be coupled to the movable clamping surface105via the clamp spine115and may be configured to bias the clamping surface105in a desired position so that the VCS104may be coupled in position relative to the stationary clamping surface106and a movable clamping surface105. An extension limiter113may be situated between the handle112and the support ring102and may be configured to contact an adjacent portion of the support ring102when one or more of the handle112, the clamp spine115and/or the clamping surface105is displaced a sufficient amount in an open direction as indicted by arrow130. Thus, the combination formed by the clamp spine115, the handle112, and/or the extension limiter113may act as a travel limiter which may prevent damage to the biasing members128during use. In accordance with some embodiments, the extension limiter113may be optional and the handle112may directly contact the adjacent portion of the support ring102(e.g., wall portion114). A gap between the movable clamping surface105and the stationary clamping surface106may be referred to as an interstitial space.

The support ring102which may be coupled to distal ends of the support beams101such as the support beams101aand101band may include one or more wall portions such as wall portions,102a,102b, and114such that wall portion114may be situated between wall portions102bof the support ring102. Similarly, wall portions102bmay be situated between wall portions102asuch that wall portions102amay be situated adjacent to each other on at least one end. Sections between the plurality of wall portions (such as wall portions102a,102b, and114) of the support ring102may filleted, chamfered and/or otherwise rounded if desired. Further, portions of the support ring102such as the wall portions102a,102b, and/or114, the support beams101aand/or101b, and/or other portions and/or portions thereof, may include cross-sections which may be rectangular, square, round, and/or polygonal and/or other complex shapes such as a vertically-orientated, or horizontally-orientated I-beam shapes or the like. For example, “T,” “J,” “C,” or other beam shapes may be used.

Wall portion114of the support ring102may be shaped and sized to be suitable for grasping by a user such as may occur when the user grasps the handle112. Further, a thickness of the wall portion114may be increased relative to the other wall portions102aand/or102bsuch that wall portion114may function as a palm rest for a user's palm during use and may have minimal deflection during use. Wall portion114of the support ring102may be substantially parallel to the handle112and may be configured so as to act as a stop to limit travel of the extension limiter113as discussed above. Accordingly, the support ring102may have a generally square shape when viewed from above or below with rounded corners139and a chamfer at the wall portion114.

The support ring102may include a plurality of receiving anchors103which may include a hook such as a “T”-shaped hook or tabs and/or the like and may be spaced at equal or non-equal distances from each other about a periphery of the support ring102. The receiving anchors103may be shaped and sized similarly or different from each other and may be configured to couple to portions of plants such as their stems, fruits, and/or flowers so as to be configured to keep the coupled portion of the plant in a desired location, including spreading open a plant thus improving air movement and increasing light to inner branches. Further, the receiving anchors103may be shaped and sized to receive a desired plant. Thus, the receiving anchors103may keep plant stems, their fruit, and the like from slipping along or falling away from the support ring102. It is further envisioned that one or more of the receiving anchors103may include a bent tab such as lock tab132which may be configured to prevent an attached portion of a plant from decoupling from the receiving anchor103. In accordance with some embodiments the lock tab132may have a proximal end133which may be adjacent to the outer periphery of an adjacent portion of the support ring102. This may provide a positive locking action to lock portions of the plant coupled thereto within an opening formed by the receiving anchor103and the corresponding portion of the support ring102. The receiving anchors103may flex sufficiently to receive desired portions of plants and/or to release the desired portions of the plants under the control of a user. Accordingly, a user may grasp the corresponding receiving anchor103to force the receiving anchor103to flex sufficiently to attach a portion of a plant thereto and/or remove a portion of a plant attached thereto. The receiving anchors103may include a shaft portion135which may extend outwardly from an outer periphery of the support ring102.

The support structure120or portions thereof may be formed using any suitable method such as 3D printing, extrusions, molding, casting, etc. and any suitable material such as a metal and/or polymer (e.g., plastic, rubber, wood, aluminum, carbon-fiber, fiber-reinforced plastic, etc.) and/or combinations of suitable materials. For example, in alternative embodiments, the support structure120may be formed from an extruded plastic and may include carbon-fiber biasing members.

The support structure120may be planar (e.g., when viewed from the side). It is also envisioned that the support structure120may also be non-planar, if desired. The support structure120may be configured to be stackable upon each other, if desired, so as to conserve space for storage and/or shipping.

FIG. 2Ashows a top front perspective view of a portion of the support system100in accordance with embodiments of the present system. The stationary clamping surface106may be situated opposite the movable clamping surface105. Each of the leaves110a,110b,111and116of the biasing member128of the one more couplers122may have a thickness Tswhich may be different and/or varied to adjust a spring constant kxof the corresponding leaf of the leaves110a,110b,111and116. A bottom view may be similar.

The biasing members128may be coupled to the movable clamping surface105via the clamp spine115and may be configured to bias the movable clamping surface105in a desired position relative to the stationary clamping surface106. By using two or more leaves110a,110b,111,116, the degrees of freedom of motion of the clamp spine115and, thus, the moveable clamping surface105relative to the stationary clamping surface106may be precisely controlled. This may enhance user convenience and a clamping power of the one or more couplers122.

FIG. 2Bshows a detailed top planar view of a portion of a portion of the support system100in accordance with embodiments of the present system. The stationary clamping surface106may be situated opposite the movable clamping surface105, where a gap separates the stationary106and movable105clamping surfaces. Each of the leaves110a,110b,111and116of the biasing member128of the one more couplers122may have a thickness such as thickness Ts(shown for leaf111) which may be varied to adjust a spring constant kxof the corresponding leaf of the leaves110a,110b,111and116. Although leaves of substantially equal thickness are shown, their thickness may vary as may be desired.

FIG. 3Ashows a top front perspective view of a portion of a support system300in accordance with embodiments of the present system. The support system300may be substantially similar to the support system100and may include a support structure320having one or more of a base324, one or more support rings302, one or more support beams301, one or more couplers322, and a plurality of receiving anchors303. It is seen that the size, shape, position and number of receiving anchors303may be different from the receiving anchors103of the support system100.FIG. 3Bshows a top planar view of a portion of a support system300ofFIG. 3Ain accordance with embodiments of the present system. Support beams301may include support beams301aand301b(generally301x). The support ring302may be coupled to distal ends of support beams301xsuch as the support beams301aand301b. The support ring302may include one or more wall portions such as wall portions,302a,302b, and314such that wall portion314may be situated between wall portions302bof the support ring302.

FIG. 3Cshows a bottom planar view of a portion of a support system300ofFIG. 3Ain accordance with embodiments of the present system.

FIG. 3Dshows a top front perspective view of a portion of a support system300ofFIG. 3Aclamped to a VCS in accordance with embodiments of the present system.

FIG. 3Eshows a rear planar view of a portion of a support system ofFIG. 3Ain accordance with embodiments of the present system. By using a substantially planar design, the support system300may be stacked. This may be beneficial for storage, shipping, and handling.

Alternative embodiments of receiving anchors103will now be shown and described with reference toFIGS. 4AthroughFIG. 4I, whereinFIG. 4Ais a top planar view of a portion of an anchor403A in accordance with embodiments of the present system;FIG. 4Bis a top planar view of a portion of an anchor403B in accordance with embodiments of the present system;FIG. 4Cis a top planar view of a portion of an anchor403C in accordance with embodiments of the present system;FIG. 4Dis a top planar view of a portion of an anchor403D in accordance with embodiments of the present system;FIG. 4Eis a top planar view of a portion of an anchor403E in accordance with embodiments of the present system;FIG. 4Fis a top planar view of a portion of an anchor403F in accordance with embodiments of the present system; andFIG. 4Gis a top planar view of a portion of an anchor403G in accordance with embodiments of the present system;FIG. 4His a top planar view of a portion of an anchor403H in accordance with embodiments of the present system; andFIG. 4Iis a top planar view of a portion of an anchor403I in accordance with embodiments of the present system.

While embodiments of the present system may be employed with any of the above-described or other anchors and/or combinations thereof, it should be understood that anchors of other shapes and/or sized may be employed with embodiments of the present system. In each ofFIGS. 4A through 4I, the anchors403A through403I, respectively, are shown coupled to a portion of a support ring402. It should be further understood that the anchors may be coupled to an interior or exterior periphery of a support ring such as the support ring402.

FIG. 5shows a top front perspective view of a portion of a support system500(hereinafter system500for the sake of clarity) coupled to a VCS504in accordance with embodiments of the present system. The system500may include a support structure520having one or more of a base524, a support beam501, support ring502, and a coupler522. The support structure520may be planar or non-planar. Further, the support ring502may be continuous or discontinuous and may include a one or more of wall portions502athrough502d(generally502x) which may form a desired shape (e.g., substantially square in the present embodiments). However, it should be understood that the support structure520may be formed in other shapes such as round, rectangular, triangular and polygonal.

The support ring502may include a plurality of receiving anchors503which may include a hook such as a “T”-shaped hook or tabs and/or the like and may be spaced at equal or non-equal distances from each other about a periphery of the support ring502. The receiving anchors503may be shaped and sized similarly or different from each other and may be configured to couple to portions of plants such as their stems, fruits, and/or flowers so as to keep the coupled portion of the plant in a desired location. Further, the receiving anchors503may be shaped and sized to receive a desired plant. Thus, the receiving anchors503may be configured to keep plant stems, their fruit, and the like from slipping along or falling away from the support ring502. It is further envisioned that one or more of the receiving anchors503may include a bent tab such as lock tab532which may be configured to prevent an attached portion of a plant from decoupling from the receiving anchor503. In accordance with some embodiments the lock tab532may have a proximal end533which may be adjacent to the outer periphery of an adjacent portion of the support ring502. This may provide a positive locking action to lock portions of the plant coupled thereto within an opening formed by the receiving anchor503and the corresponding portion of the support ring502. The receiving anchors503may flex sufficiently to receive desired portions of plants and/or to release the desired portions of the plants under the control of a user. Accordingly, a user may grasp the corresponding receiving anchor503to force the receiving anchor503to flex sufficiently to attach a portion of a plant thereto and/or remove a portion of a plant attached thereto.

The support beam501may extend between and adjacent (or opposite, if desired) wall portions502athrough502b(generally502x), such as wall portions502aand502bof the wall portion502. The support beam501may function to receive a tensile load from the wall portions502xcoupled thereto when the one or more couplers522are opened. This may increase rigidity of the wall portion502and prevent excessive deformation of the wall portion502during use.

The base524may be coupled to, and/or formed integrally with the support beam501. For example, the base524may extend along a length of the support beam501. The base524may form at least part of the coupler522(e.g., a clamping mechanism) and may include a surface configured to form at least part of one or more stationary clamping surfaces506athrough506f. Each of these clamping surfaces may be shaped and/or sized to correspond with a shape and/or a size of a cross-sectional of a vertical column support (which may be arranged in a vertical, horizontal, or other direction as may be desired) that may be inserted therein. In the present embodiments, the one or more stationary clamping surfaces506athrough506feach correspond with vertical column supports of different diameters and the same cross-sectional shape (e.g., substantially round). However, it should be understood that the one or more stationary clamping surfaces506athrough506fmay each correspond with vertical column supports of different diameters and/or different cross-sectional shapes (e.g., square, rectangular, triangular, polygonal, etc.) as may be desired.

With regard to the coupler522(e.g., clamping mechanism), the coupler522may include one or more of a plurality of biasing members, a movable clamping portion505, a clamp spine515, and a handle512.

The clamping portion505may include a plurality of clamping surfaces such as the stationary clamping surfaces506athrough506f(generally506x) and movable clamping surfaces505athrough505f(generally505x). The movable clamping surfaces505xmay be configured to correspond with a shape and/or size of a corresponding stationary clamping surface506athrough506f, respectively such that they may correspond with a shape and/or size of a cross-section of a vertical support column (VCS) which they may receive. In the illustrative embodiment shown inFIG. 5, six different sized openings are provided by six clamping pairs505x,506x(i.e., x=6), to receive VCC(s)504of six different sizes and/or shapes. For example, each of the movable clamping surfaces505athrough505f(e.g., clamping faces) may have a “V”-shaped surface or the like so as to be able to clamp to a vertical column support that it receives. It is further envisioned that the “V”-shaped surface may be situated normal to a plane of the support structure520. Similarly, a surface of the stationary clamping surface506may be situated normal to a plane of the support structure520. Each pair of corresponding clamping stationary clamping surfaces506xand movable clamping surfaces505xmay form a clamping pair to accept (in the open position) and retain (in the closed or clamping position) one or more vertical support columns (VCSs). Alternatively or in addition, other embodiments may include stationary and movable clamping surfaces505,506that have shapes other than a “V”-shaped surface or may have a combination of different-shaped surfaces including a partial circle or “C”-shaped surfaces, for example, so as to accept the VCSs of the same sizes and/or cross-sectional shapes. The stationary and movable clamping surfaces505,506may have similar or complementary sizes and/or shapes, such as both clamping surfaces505,506having a “V” or a “C” shape, for example. Alternatively or in addition, the stationary and movable clamping surfaces505,506may have different sizes and/or shapes, where one may have “V”-shaped surface, while the other may have a “C”-shaped surface.

Portions of the clamping surfaces506xand/or505xmay include ribs to increase clamping effectiveness when clamping a vertical column support. For example, portions of the clamping surfaces506xand/or505xmay include vertical ribs and/or teeth which may concentrate pressure on the VCS504(e.g., a stake) to improve grip which may reduce or entirely prevent slippage between the portions of the clamping surfaces506xand/or505xand the VCS504.

The clamp spine515may be coupled to the movable clamping portion505at a proximal end and to the handle512at its distal end. The handle512may be suitable for grasping by a user during use.

The biasing members may include a plurality of springs such as leaf springs510and516. Leaf springs510may include one or more leaves such as parallel leaves510A and510B and may couple the movable clamping portion505to the support ring502. The parallel leaves510A and510B may be separated by a larger gap or interconnected at desired intervals by cross members separated by smaller gaps, for example. Alternatively or in addition, the parallel leaves510A and510B may be an integral leaf spring(s), such as a single leaf spring having an H-cross section, for example. Leaf springs516may couple the clamp spine515to the support ring502. Accordingly, the biasing members may bias one or more of the movable clamping portion505against a vertical column support when inserted within the clamping pair so as to clamp the VCS504in a substantially fixed position. A length of the handle512and/or the clamp spine515may be adjusted so as to limit travel of the handle512. Thus, a position and of lengths of the handle512may be situated as at a distance relative to an adjacent portion of the support ring502so as to act as a travel limiter of the movable clamping portion505. This may prevent or otherwise limit fatigue of the biasing members (e.g. leaf springs510and516).

A gripping portion540may be configured so that it may be grasped by a user when grasping the handle512. Thus, during use, a palm of a user's hand may be placed across the gripping portion540or the gripping surface539while the fingers of the user's same or other hand may be placed around the handle512for a one-handed or two-handed squeezing operation.

For example, a two-handed squeezing operation may be used to position the support system500at desired position, such as sliding it up and down the VCS504. For a two-handed squeezing operation, the user may pull the handle512back with one hand while holding the gripping surface539with the other hand. In addition, the gripping surface539may be pushed the handle512in combination with the handle pulling action, for a two-handed a squeezing operation.

However, a one-handed squeezing operation may also be used to position the support system500at desired position and height, thus leaving the user with a free hand which may be used to grasp other portions of the support system500, such as the support ring502or one of the receiving anchors503, and/or the VCS504, for example, to facilitate positioning the support system500at a desired location. For the one-handed squeezing, the palm of a user's hand is placed across the gripping portion540or the gripping surface539while the fingers of the user's same hand is placed around the handle512. The user may then the user may curl the user's fingers causing a squeezing action which may displace the handle512(and attached clamp spine515and movable clamping portion505) in a direction indicated by arrow530(e.g., substantially parallel to an x-y plane of the support system500) thus opening the clamping pairs formed by the corresponding clamping stationary clamping surfaces506xand movable clamping surfaces505x. When the clamping pairs are opened, a vertical column support (VCS), which is inserted/located in the insertion channel507, may be moved, e.g., by using the thumb of the free hand of the user to push the VCS towards the interstitial space between a clamping pair while placing the index finger against the base524, and while squeezing the fingers of the other hand to move the handle512back towards the gripping portion540and open the at least one clamping pair of the clamping pairs. Accordingly, the VCS may be easily positioned within a clamping pair in the interstitial space, moved within a corresponding clamping pair to a desired height, and/or moved between different clamping pairs, such as moved from a first clamping pair to another or second clamping pair (e.g., to adjust for a cross-sectional size of the vertical column support). Thereafter, the user may release the squeeze and the plurality of biasing members (e.g., leaf springs510,516) may provide a biasing force to clamp the vertical column support with a corresponding clamping pair. One or more of the receiving anchors503may be coupled to the gripping portion540as may be desired. Accordingly, one of the receiving anchors503, namely, the one coupled to the gripping portion540may, in addition to providing a surface for support of a plant portion, also provide additional or alternate surface for the user to grab and facilitate the squeezing action that displace the handle512away from the base524thus placing the clamping pair in the open position to accept or move a VCS.

Optional column insertion channels507may be configured to receive portions of the vertical column support prior to clamping and may be formed, at least in part, by one or more of the leaf springs510and the base524. The insertion channels507may be shaped and sized to receive a desired VCS. In the closed or clamping position, the insertion channels507may have large openings which are larger than at least one of the openings formed by the clamping surfaces506xand/or505x, thus facilitating initial insertion of the VCS through one of the large openings formed by one of the insertion channels507even in the closed position of the clamping pair. The large opening of a channel507may be configured to be sized and shaped so as to accept a desired sized and shaped VCS while the clamping pair is in the closed or clamped position, i.e., without having to exert force to open or separate the clamping pair by squeezing the handle512towards the gripping surface539(of the support ring502) that may be grasped by a user to transition to the open position. Once the VCS is inserted in the large opening of an insertion channel507, then the clamping pair is transitioned from the closed to the open position by the squeezing, and the support system500is moved such that the VCS location is changed from being in the insertion channel507to being located in one of the clamping pairs formed by the corresponding clamping stationary clamping surfaces506xand movable clamping surfaces505x. Next, branches of the plant may be attached to corresponding receiving anchors503.

In accordance with embodiments of the present system, two or more vertical column supports (VCSs) may be provided and clamped by corresponding clamp pairs to prevent or otherwise limit rotational motion of the support system500about a vertical axis which is normal to a plane of the support system500(e.g., yawing about a z axis).

Having the paired springs separated from each other, such as the leaf springs510and516, prevents or reduces undesirable motion of the combination formed by the clamp spine515, the handle512, and the movable clamping portion505. In other words, the leaf springs510may limit the degrees of freedom of travel of the clamp spine515and, thus, limit the degrees of freedom of travel of the moveable clamping surface505to travel within the plane of the support structure520(e.g., the x-y plane). Thus, the configuration of the leaves516and510may limit movable portions of the trellis (such as the movable clamping portion505, the clamp spine515and the handle512, etc.) from rotating about multiple axes, such as about an axis perpendicular to the clamp spine515inscribed in an x-y plane (e.g., corresponding with a plane of the a support structure520) as illustrated by arrow570. By increasing a distance between leaves516and leaves510, a longer moment arm is created to prevent the above-described rotation. This may enhance user convenience, reduce or entirely eliminate fatigue of the leaves516and510, and may enhance a grip by the moveable clamping portion505upon the VCS504, including keeping the plant in place and not allow a plant portion to force the trellis out of the horizontal plane, such as when a heavy fruit is hanging from one of the anchors503, such as the anchor(s)503near or at the gripping portion540.

FIG. 6shows a top front perspective view of a portion of a support system600(hereinafter system600for the sake of clarity) in accordance with embodiments of the present system. The system600may be similar to the system100and may include a support structure620having one or more of a base624, one or more support beams601athrough601d, a coupler622and a support ring602which may include wall portions601,602and614. Wall portion614may be similar to wall portion114ofFIG. 1. However, wall portions601form a semicircular shape. Further, it is envisioned that wall portions601may form a circular shape as may be desired. The support ring602may include a plurality of receiving anchors603.

It is further envisioned that embodiments of the present system may be employed to control plant growth and support limbs, fruit, and/or flowers. For example, controlled and proper support of plant portions allows for spreading open the plant thus providing improved and/or controlled air movement and increased light to desired inner portions that promotes growth and health of the plant, including the desired inner portions that otherwise may not grow and thrive as fast. It is further envisioned that embodiments of the present system may be employed as a hanger to hang, for example, wires (e.g., to hang or otherwise organize the wires and the like), cords (e.g., extension cords and the like), decorative lighting (e.g., Christmas lighting and the like), fruit, laundry, and/or the like. A combination of different sized and shaped portions of the present system, such as different sized and shaped support ring(s), coupler(s), receiving anchor(s) and/or biasing member(s), may be used to provide a custom plant support for a particular plant or plant type.

Exemplary embodiments of the system in use will now be shown and described with reference toFIG. 7which shows a rendering780of the support system500supporting a tomato plant781in accordance with embodiments of the present system. Branches of the tomato plant781may be attached to corresponding receiving anchors503. Accordingly, embodiments of the present system may provide a plant support and training system.

FIG. 8Ashows a top front perspective view of a portion of a support system800(hereinafter system800for the sake of clarity) clamping a portion of a VCS804in accordance with embodiments of the present system.FIG. 8Bshows a top planar view of a portion of the support system800in accordance with embodiments of the present system.

With reference toFIGS. 8A and 8B, the system800may include a planar support structure820may be adapted to be suspended in a substantially horizontal orientation by the VCS804(which column may, for example be a bamboo stake, or a taut rope). The planar support structure820may include one or more of a base824, and one or more primary support beams such as four primary support beams801aand801b(generally801x) which may extend from a center of the planar support structure820outward to a peripheral support ring802which may include support ring portions802a,802b, and814and which may be continuous. The peripheral support ring may be formed as a continuous square-ring shaped beam which may include filleted and chamfered corners and may run around the periphery of the planar support structure820joining the four primary support beams801x. It is envisioned that in some embodiments, each of the primary support beams801xmay be about 110 mm long and the peripheral support ring802may be approximately 800 mm in circumference.

It is envisioned that a plurality of receiving anchors803may be shaped as T or hooked-T shaped tabs and may be spaced at regular or irregular intervals around periphery of the peripheral support ring802and may extend outward from the peripheral support ring802. The receiving anchors832may be configured to retain plant stems, fruit and the like associated therewith and prevent them from slipping along or falling away from the peripheral support ring802. The particular number, size and/or shape of the receiving anchors may be adapted to the particular characteristics of the plants which are envisioned of being supported.

The planar support structure820may include an integrated spring clamp822which may be operative as a coupler to couple the planar support structure820to the VCS804. In embodiments of the present system, it is envisioned that the spring clamp822may include of two groups of parts, which may be collectively referred to as movable clamping structure and a stationary clamping structure.

The stationary clamping structure may include, among other things, portions of two adjacent primary beams801bwhich may extend from a center of the planar support structure820and may be positioned relative to each other at substantially a right angle. A solid section of material with a contoured edge, with surfaces806,808, and809may fill in a small area between the primary beams801bproximal to the intersection point of the primary beams801b. It is envisioned that the planar face of this contoured edge may be approximately 80 mm in length. The surface806may be known as a stationary clamping surface and may be concave with a cam-lobe-shaped profile. Distal ends of the primary support beams801bmay be joined by a section of the peripheral support ring802formed by adjacent support ring portions802band814, where the ring portion814connects two ring portions802b. The ring portion814may form a chamfered corner of the peripheral support ring802and may form a spring clamp palm rest configured to receive a palm of a user's hand when the user engages the integrated spring clamp822. It is envisioned that the spring clamp palm rest (e.g., section814) may include a straight beam segment that may be about 65 mm in length running 45 degrees relative to both adjacent primary support beams801b. The stationary clamping structure may be configured using materials and/or wall thicknesses such that it may have minimal deformation during operation of the integrated spring clamp822and may remain stationary relative to the other primary support beams801aand/or the other sections of the peripheral support ring802such as the support ring portions802aoutside of the stationary clamping structure.

The movable clamping structure may be located within the area surrounded by the stationary clamping structure and may include one or more of: a movable clamping surface805, a central clamp spine815, an opening handle812, a clamp extension limiter813, and leaf springs810a,810b,811, and816.

Leaf springs810aand810bmay be referred to as front leaf spring and may be flexible arc-shaped supports with distal ends coupled to respective one of the primary beams801band proximal ends converging and coupled to the central clamp spine815. The proximal ends of the front leaf springs (e.g.,810aand810b) may be coupled to the central clamp spine815. The central clamp spine may form the movable clamping surface805.

Leaf springs811may be referred to as rear spring leaves and may be flexible springs with an s-shape and may have distal ends coupled to the primary support beams801band proximal ends converging and coupled to the central clamp spine815.

Leaf springs816may be referred to as auxiliary rear spring leaves and may be flexible arc-shaped supports, with distal ends coupled to respective ones of the primary support beams801band proximal ends coupled to the rear leaf springs (e.g.,811) approximately 10 mm before the rear leaf springs (811) terminate at the central clamp spine815.

The opening handle812may include a rigid beam which may be perpendicular to, and/or extend transversely from, distal end (relative to the planar support structure) of the central clamp spine815. The central clamp spine815may be a semi-rigid shaft which is coupled to the front leaf spring (810aand810b), the rear leaf springs (811), and the opening handle812.

The movable clamping surface805may be positioned opposite to the stationary clamping surface806and may include a “V”-shaped slot formed at and/or by the proximal ends of front leaf spring leaves810aand810band may be perpendicular to the horizontal plane of the planar support structure820(e.g., an x-y plane) so as to receive the VCS804. However, the clamping surfaces may include other shaped slots depending upon an intended cross-sectional shape of the VCS804(which is round in the present embodiments).

The clamp extension limiter813may protrude behind the handle812such that it is opposite to an inside edge of spring clamp palm rest (e.g., the ring portion814). An opening is formed between the clamp extension limiter813and the handle812which may facilitate use of the support system800, such as by insertion of the user's finger in the opening for pulling the movable clamping surface805back away from the stationary clamping surface806to the open position for acceptance, removal or position adjustment of the VCS804.

Without the presence of a VCS804, the movable clamping structure may be situated in close proximity to the stationary clamping surface806with about 4 mm separating the most distant points of the clamping surfaces (e.g., the movable clamping surface805and the stationary clamping surface806).

The leaf springs810a,810b,811, and816may be flexible and, when force is applied to the movable clamping structure either in the form of a user pulling on the opening handle812toward the spring clamp palm rest (e.g.,814) or via compressive force exerted by the VCS804on the movable clamping surface805(such as during positioning of the VCS804in the opening between the movable805and stationary806clamping surfaces), the leaf spring810a,810b,811, and816may deform elastically allowing the movable clamping structure (e.g., via the movable clamping surface805) to move away from the stationary clamping surface806a distance of about 12 mm in the present embodiments. However, other distances are also envisioned. In the course of this the movement, the movable clamping structure as well may be constrained to remain within the plane of the overall planar support structure820(e.g., parallel to the x-y plane of the planar support structure820); moving along a longitudinal axis of the central clamp spine815in a direction indicated by arrow830. When the movable clamping structure may be sufficiently deflected distally, the clamp extension limiter813may contact the spring clamp palm rest (e.g.,814) and may prevent additional deflection.

It is envisioned that the integrated spring clamp822may be configured to grip VCS804having diameters ranging from about 5 mm to 12 mm and may deflect distally (towards the ring portion814) to make room for VCS804of this diameter range. Contact between the VCS804and integrated spring clamp822may occurs at the two opposing clamping surfaces defined by the movable clamping surface805and the stationary clamping surface806.

The shape of the clamping surfaces (e.g., the movable clamping surface805and the stationary clamping surface806), in conjunction with the variable position of the movable clamping structure and the reactive force exerted by the leaf springs810a,810b,811, and816as the movable clamping structure is deflected distally, provides for the integrated spring clamp822to grip VCS804and resist movement of the planar support structure relative to the VCS804.

A column insertion channel807may include a generally tear-drop shaped opening formed, at least in part, by one or more of a column insertion channel backstop809, a column insertion channel ramp808, and the front leaf spring810a. A surface forming at least a portion of the perimeter of the opening may include first and second gaps840and845, respectively. With regard to these gaps, as shown inFIG. 8B, the first or distal gap840may be situated between the lower protruding tip of the insertion channel backstop809and the distal end of the front leaf spring810arelative to the spine815. The second or proximal gap845is near the spine and is the proximal end of the insertion channel807where the VCS804passes through during insertion in, and removal from, the interstitial space850between a pair of clamping surfaces805,806. In particular, the second or proximal gap845is an elongated empty space near the spine bordered by the proximal end of the front leaf spring810aand the column insertion channel ramp808. The column insertion channel ramp808may be angled in such a way that a VCS804pushed towards the interstitial space850(through the insertion channel807) will contact the ramp808and create a resultant force that pushes opens the movable half of the clamp822, where the movable clamping surface805is pushed away from the stationary clamping surface806. For example, when the VCS804is pushed into the channel with a force in direction F1, as shown inFIG. 8B, the ramp808partially opposes this force, and pushes the VCS804in the direction F2, which causes the clamp822to push open. This allows insertion of the VCS804in the interstitial space850with a one-handed operation, without even pulling on the handle812.

The column insertion channel ramp808may include a surface that opposes a proximal end of the front leaf spring leaf810aand may form a narrowing channel leading away from the column insertion channel backstop809and may be situated towards the clamping surfaces (e.g., the movable clamping surface805and the stationary clamping surface806). A profile of insertion channel ramp808may be roughly a mirror image of the edge of the front leaf spring leave810areflected about a plane intersecting the center of the VCS904and the column insertion channel backstop809. The column insertion channel backstop809may be a semicircular surface that may form an edge of the column insertion channel807(which may be formed from part of the first gap840).

While in the present embodiment the interstitial space850is described to be formed by the opposable movable and stationary clamping surface805,806, in alternate embodiments, the interstitial space may instead be formed by a C-shaped opening in the base824. The C-shaped opening has one continuous surface and deforms when a VCA804of a proper predetermined right size and shape is forced into the C-shaped opening, then the C-shaped opening returns to its original shape to maintain in place the VCA804. Thus, the clamp822may have C-shaped opening with a single concave surface made of deformable material.

It is envisioned that the planar support structure820may be 9 mm thick in the vertical dimension (e.g., the z axis, such as the longitudinal axis of the VCS804) and is may be formed from a creep-resistant thermoplastic or thermoplastic-composite (such as Polyethylene terephthalate (PETG) or the like reinforced with fiberglass), produced via 3D printing or injection molding and formed as a single unitary part.

It should be appreciated that embodiments of the present system may provide a system and method to position portions of plants such as branches, flowers, buds, and/or fruits, in preferred arrangements and/or heights which can enhance growth and yield of the plant. Additionally, damage to plants, or portions thereof, may be reduced or entirely eliminated. For example, in indoor growing environments which employ high-output artificial light sources, there is a fairly narrow window of plant height where the plants will not be damaged and energy will not be wasted. For example, if portions of the plants are too high relative to a light source, they may be damaged (e.g., scorched) by overly-intense light. Conversely, when portions of plants are too low relative to a light source, growth of the plants may be slowed due to insufficient illumination and energy may be wasted. Accordingly, embodiments of the present system may accurately control the height of plants. Further, embodiments of the present system may spread growth of plants such that a large portion of a corresponding plant is situated within a desired height range. This can prevent damage to plants as well as maximize yield. Embodiments of the present system may be employed with adjustable height lighting that may be adjusted as plants grow. Further, embodiments of the present system may spread plants out and may retard vertical growth; this can minimize the need for frequent repositioning of lights.

FIG. 9shows a front side view a plurality of planar support structures920arranged in a configuration forming a stack981in accordance with embodiments of the present system. By employing the planar arrangement, a plurality of support structures920may be arranged in the stack981which may enhance, storage, shipping, handling, and use of embodiments of the present system.

FIG. 10shows a functional flow diagram performed by a process1000in accordance with embodiments of the present system. The process1000may be performed using one or more processors, computers, controllers, etc., communicating over a network and may obtain information from, and/or store information to one or more memories which may be local and/or remote from each other. The process1000may include one of more of the following acts. Further, one or more of these acts may be combined and/or separated into sub-acts, as desired. Further, one or more of these acts may be skipped depending upon settings. In operation, the process may start during act1001and then proceed to act1003. The process may be control an injection molding machine, an additive deposition machine such as a 3D printer, an extruder or the like to perform the acts. Further, one or more of the acts may be combined or split into sub-acts. For example, a 3D printer may perform a portion of an act before performing a portion of another act, etc. The 3D printer may the repeat portions of acts numerous times until finished.

During act1003, the process may form at least a portion of a base such as the base124. After completing act1003, the process may continue to act1005.

During act1005, the process may form at least a portion of a support ring such as the support ring102. After completing act1005, the process may continue to act1007.

During act1007, the process may form at least a portion of a support beam such as the support beam101. After completing act1007, the process may continue to act1009.

During act1009, the process may form at least a portion of a coupler such as the coupler122. After completing act1009, the process may continue to act1011.

During act1011, the process may form at least a portion of a receiving anchor such as the receiving anchor103. After completing act1011, the process may continue to act1013where it may end.

FIG. 11shows a portion of a system1100in accordance with embodiments of the present system. For example, a portion of the present system may include a processor1110(e.g., a controller) operationally coupled to a memory1120, a user interface (UI) including a rendering device such as a display1130, sensors1140, and a user input device1170. The memory1120may be any type of device for storing application data as well as other data related to the described operation. The application data and other data are received by the processor1110for configuring (e.g., programming) the processor1110to perform operation acts in accordance with the present system. The processor1110so configured becomes a special purpose machine particularly suited for performing in accordance with embodiments of the present system.

The processor1110may render the content such as still or video information on a UI of the system. This information may include information related to operative parameters, instructions, feedback, and/or other information related to the operation of a 3D printer, extruder, and/or molding machine (e.g., injection molding machine). The sensors1140may include sensors of the 3D printer, extruder, and/or molding machine (e.g., injection molding machine) or the like and may sense related parameters, form sensor information, and provide this sensor information to the processor1110.

The user input1170may include a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball, or other device, such as a touch-sensitive display, which may be stand alone or part of a system, such as part of a personal computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile phone (e.g., a smart phone), a smart watch, a smart phone, an e-reader, a monitor, a smart or dumb terminal or other device for communicating with the processor1110via any operable link such as a wired and/or wireless communication link. The user input device1170may be operable for interacting with the processor1110including enabling interaction within a UI as described herein. Clearly the processor1110, the memory1120, display1130, and/or user input device1170may all or partly be a portion of a computer system or other device such as a client and/or server.

The methods of the present system are particularly suited to be carried out by a computer software program, such program containing modules corresponding to one or more of the individual steps or acts described and/or envisioned by the present system. Such program may of course be embodied in a computer-readable medium, such as an integrated chip, a peripheral device or memory, such as the memory1120or other memory coupled to the processor1110.

The program and/or program portions contained in the memory1120may configure the processor1110to implement the methods, operational acts, and functions disclosed herein. The memories may be distributed, for example between the clients and/or servers, or local, and the processor1110, where additional processors may be provided, may also be distributed or may be singular. The memories may be implemented as electrical, magnetic or optical memory, or any combination of these or other types of storage devices. Moreover, the term “memory” should be construed broadly enough to encompass any information able to be read from or written to an address in an addressable space accessible by the processor1110. With this definition, information accessible through a network is still within the memory, for instance, because the processor1110may retrieve the information from the network for operation in accordance with the present system.

The processor1110is operable for providing control signals and/or performing operations in response to input signals from the user input device1170as well as in response to other devices of a network and executing instructions stored in the memory1120. The processor1110may include one or more of a microprocessor, an application-specific or general-use integrated circuit(s), a logic device, etc. Further, the processor1110may be a dedicated processor for performing in accordance with the present system or may be a general-purpose processor wherein only one of many functions operates for performing in accordance with the present system. The processor1110may operate utilizing a program portion, multiple program segments, or may be a hardware device utilizing a dedicated or multi-purpose integrated circuit.

The processor1110may be operable to control a layered deposition system such as a 3D printer to deposit material in desired locations in accordance with embodiments of the present system. Similarly, the processor1110may be operable to control an injection molding system such as a plastic injection molding system in accordance with embodiments of the present system. It is also envisioned that the processor1110may be operable to control an extruder such as a plastic extruder in accordance with embodiments of the present system. The processor1110may be operable to control a cutter to cut extrusions at desired lengths of the extrusion so as to form all or portions of the support system in accordance with embodiments of the present system.

FIG. 12shows a top front perspective view of a portion of a support system1200(hereinafter system1200for the sake of clarity) in accordance with embodiments of the present system. The system1200may include a support structure1220having one or more of a base1224, one or more support rings1202, one or more support beams1201, and one or more couplers1222. The support ring1202may include a plurality of receiving anchors1203which may be simple protrusions as shown or may include a hook such as a “T”-shaped hook or tabs and/or the like and may be spaced at equal or non-equal distances from each other about a periphery of the support ring1202. The support ring1202may include an opening1270such that it may be discontinuous. The opening1270may remain open during operation. Alternatively, the opening1270may be tied shut, such as by twist-ties, strings and the like that tie together two end receiving anchors1203, which are located at both sides of the opening1270and may have hooks, or may have eyelets through which a tie or string may be passed. A coupler carrier (CC)1290may be substituted with other CCs as may be described elsewhere in this application and may be coupled to the support ring1202or other support rings as may be described within this application.

FIG. 13shows a top front perspective view of a portion of a support system1300(hereinafter system1300for the sake of clarity) in accordance with embodiments of the present system. The system1300may include a support structure1320having one or more of a base1324including a support beam1301, support ring1302, and a coupler1322.

The support ring1302may include a plurality of receiving anchors1303as may be described elsewhere in this application. However, the base1324may include one or more anchors1303.

The support ring1302may include a plurality of wall portions1302athrough1302d(generally1302x). A support beam1301may extend between and adjacent (or opposite, if desired) wall portions1302athrough1302d. The support beam1301may function to receive a tensile load from the wall portions1302xcoupled thereto when the one or more couplers1322are opened. This may increase rigidity of the wall portion1302and prevent excessive deformation of the wall portion1302during use. The base1324may be coupled to, and/or formed integrally with the support beam1301.

The base1324may form at least part of the coupler1322(e.g. a clamping mechanism) and may include a surface configured to form at least part of one or more stationary clamping surfaces1306athrough1306d. Each of these clamping surfaces may be shaped and/or sized to correspond with a shape and/or a size of a cross-sectional of a vertical column support (which may be arranged in a vertical, horizontal, or other direction as may be desired) that may be inserted therein. In the present embodiments, the one or more stationary clamping surfaces1306athrough1306deach correspond with vertical column supports of different diameters and the same cross-sectional shape (e.g., substantially round). However, it should be understood that the one or more stationary clamping surfaces1306athrough1306dmay each correspond with vertical column supports of different diameters and/or different cross-sectional shapes (e.g., square, rectangular, triangular, polygonal, etc.) as may be desired.

With regard to the coupler1322(e.g., clamping mechanism), the coupler1322may include one or more of a plurality of biasing members, a movable clamping portion1305, a clamp spine1315, and a handle1312.

The clamping portion1305may include a plurality of clamping surfaces such as the stationary clamping surfaces1306athrough1306d(generally1306x) and movable clamping surfaces1305athrough1305d(generally1305x). The movable clamping surfaces1305xmay be configured to correspond with a shape and/or size of a corresponding stationary clamping surface1306athrough1305d, respectively such that they may correspond with a shape and/or size of a cross-section of a vertical support column (VCS) which they may receive. For example, each of the movable clamping surfaces1305athrough1305d(e.g., clamping faces) may have a “V”-shaped surface or the like so as to be able to clamp to a vertical column support that it receives. It is further envisioned that the “V”-shaped surface may be situated normal to a plane of the support structure1320. Similarly, a surface of the stationary clamping surface1306may be situated normal to a plane of the support structure1320. Each pair of corresponding clamping stationary clamping surfaces1306xand movable clamping surfaces1305xmay form a clamping pair to accept (in the open position) and retain (in the closed or clamping position) one or more vertical support columns (VCSs). Alternatively, or in addition, other embodiments may include stationary and movable clamping surfaces1305,1306that have shapes other than a “V”-shaped surface or may have a combination of different-shaped surfaces including a partial circle or “C”-shaped surfaces, for example, so as to accept the VCSs of the same sizes and/or cross-sectional shapes. The stationary and movable clamping surfaces1305,1306may have similar or complementary sizes and/or shapes, such as both clamping surfaces1305,1306having a “V” or a “C” shape, for example. Alternatively, or in addition, the stationary and movable clamping surfaces1305,1306may have different sizes and/or shapes, where one may have “V”-shaped surface, while the other may have a “C”-shaped surface.

The clamp spine1315may be coupled to the movable clamping portion1305at a proximal end and to the handle1312at its distal end. The handle1312may be suitable for grasping by a user during use.

The biasing members may include a plurality of springs such as leaf springs1310each of which may include one or more spring leaves. Accordingly, the biasing members may bias one or more of the movable clamping portion1305against a vertical column support when inserted within the clamping pair1306x,1305xso as to clamp the VCS in a substantially fixed position. A length of the handle1312and/or the clamp spine1315may be adjusted so as to limit travel of the handle1312. Thus, a position and of lengths of the handle1312may be situated as at a distance relative to an adjacent portion of the support ring1302so as to act as a travel limiter of the movable clamping portion. This may prevent or otherwise limit fatigue of the biasing members (e.g. leaf springs1310).

A gripping portion1340may be configured to be grasped by a user when grasping the handle1312as described elsewhere in this application.

A plurality of different coupler carriers (CCs) will now be described with reference toFIG. 14AthroughFIG. 14F, whereFIG. 14Ashows a partially cutaway top front perspective view of a portion of a CC1490A of a support system in accordance with embodiments of the present system;FIG. 14Bshows a partially cutaway top front perspective view of a portion of a CC1490B of a support system in accordance with embodiments of the present system;FIG. 14Cshows a partially cutaway top front perspective view of a portion of a CC1490C of a support system in accordance with embodiments of the present system;FIG. 14Dshows a partially cutaway top front perspective view of a portion of a CC1490D of a support system in accordance with embodiments of the present system;FIG. 14Eshows a partially cutaway top front perspective view of a portion of a CC1490E of a support system in accordance with embodiments of the present system;FIG. 14Fshows a partially cutaway top front perspective view of a portion of a CC1490F of a support system in accordance with embodiments of the present system. The CCs1490A through1490F may be coupled to a wall portion to form a support system.

FIG. 15shows a top front perspective view of a portion of a support system1500(hereinafter system1500for the sake of clarity) in accordance with embodiments of the present system. The system1500may include a support structure1520having one or more of a base1524, a support beam1501, support ring1502, and a coupler1522. The support structure1520may be planar or non-planar. Further, the support ring1502may be continuous or discontinuous and may include a one or more of wall portions1502athrough1502d(generally1502x) which may form a desired shape (e.g., substantially square in the present embodiments). However, it should be understood that the support structure1520may be formed in other shapes such as round, rectangular, triangular and polygonal.

With regard to the coupler1522(e.g., a clamping mechanism), the coupler1522may include one or more of a plurality of biasing members, a movable clamping portion1505and a handle1512which is directly connected or coupled to leaf springs1511. Alternatively or in addition, the handle1512may be integral with the leaf springs1511and the movable clamping surfaces1505N of the clamping portion1505.

The clamping portion1505may include a plurality of clamping surfaces such as the stationary clamping surfaces1506athrough1506N (generally506x, and wherein N denotes an integer) and corresponding movable clamping surfaces1505athrough1505N (generally505x). The movable clamping surfaces1505xmay be configured to correspond with a shape and/or size of a corresponding stationary clamping surface1506athrough1505N, respectively such that they may correspond with a shape and/or size of a cross-section of a vertical support column (VCS) which they may receive. For example, each of the movable clamping surfaces1505athrough1505N (e.g., clamping faces) may have a “V”-shaped surface or the like so as to be able to clamp to a vertical column support that it receives. Each pair of corresponding clamping stationary clamping surfaces1506xand movable clamping surfaces1505xmay form a clamping pair to accept (in the open position) and retain (in the closed or clamping position) one or more vertical support columns (VCSs).

FIG. 16shows a top front perspective view of a portion of a support system1600(hereinafter system1600for the sake of clarity) in accordance with embodiments of the present system. The system1600may include a support structure1620having one or more of a base1624including a support beam1601, support ring1602, and a coupler1622. The support structure1620may be planar or non-planar. Further, the support ring1602may be continuous or discontinuous and may include a one or more of wall portions1602athrough1602d(generally1602x) which may form a desired shape (e.g., substantially elongated with circular ends in the present embodiments). However, it should be understood that the support structure1620may be formed in other shapes such as square, round, rectangular, triangular and polygonal. Openings1660may be provided through which portions of plants may pass and may be supported by corresponding wall portions1602aand1602c.

A plurality of coupler carriers (CCs) including ratcheting clamps will be now be discussed with reference toFIGS. 17 through 20below. These CCs may be coupled to support beams and/or support rings of various embodiments of the present system.

FIG. 17shows a perspective view of a portion of a CC1780in accordance with embodiments of the present system. The CC1780may include a base1724including a locking coupler1722having a stationary clamping portion1706and a movable clamping portion1705. The stationary clamping portion1706may include one or more stationary clamping surfaces1706a. The movable clamping portion1705may include one or more movable clamping surfaces1705a.

The movable clamping portion1705may be coupled to the stationary clamping portion1706using a coupler1789such as a hinge1789. The hinge1789may be any suitable hinge such as a simple (e.g., formed integrally with the base1724, etc.) or a complex hinge. The hinge1789may provide a biasing force to open the movable clamping portion1705relative to the stationary clamping portion1706. The stationary clamping portion1706may include a latch or pawl1782which may engage teeth1788of the movable clamping portion1705to lock the movable clamping portion1705relative to the stationary clamping portion1706. A biasing member1784may bias the pawl1782to engage the teeth1788. A latch release tab1786may be moved by a user, e.g., by depressing a selected location of the biasing member1784, to disengage the pawl1782from the teeth1788. When the CC1780is open, a VCS may be inserted between and/or moved relative to one or more of one or more stationary clamping surfaces1706aand the one or more movable clamping surfaces1705a. However, when the CC1780is locked, the one or more stationary clamping surfaces1706aand the one or more movable clamping surfaces1705amay exert a force against the VCS to hold it firmly in place.

FIG. 18shows a perspective view of a portion of a CC1880in accordance with embodiments of the present system. The CC1880may include a base1824including a locking coupler1822having a stationary clamping portion1806and a movable clamping portion1805. The stationary clamping portion1806may include one or more stationary clamping surfaces1806aand1806b(generally1806x). Similarly, the movable clamping portion1805may include one or more movable clamping surfaces1805aand1805b(generally1805x).

The movable clamping portion1805may be coupled to the stationary clamping portion1806using a coupler1889such as a hinge1889. The hinge1889may be any suitable hinge such as a simple (e.g., formed integrally with the base1825, etc.) or a complex hinge. The hinge may provide a biasing force to open the movable clamping portion1805relative to the stationary clamping portion1806. The stationary clamping portion1806may include a latch or pawl1882which may engage teeth1888of the movable clamping portion1805to lock the movable clamping portion1805relative to the stationary clamping portion1806. A biasing member1884may bias the pawl1882to engage the teeth1888. A latch release tab1886may be moved, e.g., by pushing or pulling a selected location of the biasing member1884, by a user to disengage the pawl1882from the teeth1888. The movable clamping portion1805relative to the stationary clamping portion1806. When the CC1880is placed in the open position, a VCS may be inserted between and/or moved relative to one or more of one or more stationary clamping surfaces1806aand the one or more movable clamping surfaces1805a. However, when the CC1880is locked the one or more stationary clamping surfaces1806xand the one or more movable clamping surfaces1805xmay exert a force against the VCS to hold it firmly in place.

It is envisioned that positioning of the pawl and the teeth may be reversed such as the pawl may be located on the movable clamping surface and the teeth may be located on the stationary clamping surface. This is illustrated with reference toFIGS. 19 and 20below.

FIG. 19shows a perspective view of a portion of a CC1980in accordance with embodiments of the present system. The CC1980may include a base1924including a locking coupler1922having a stationary clamping portion1906and a movable clamping portion1905. The stationary clamping portion1906may include one or more stationary clamping surfaces1906a. The movable clamping portion1905may include one or more movable clamping surfaces1905a.

The movable clamping portion1905may be coupled to the stationary clamping portion1906using a coupler1989such as a hinge1989. The hinge1989may be any suitable hinge such as a simple (e.g., formed integrally with the base1924, etc.) or a complex hinge. The hinge may provide a biasing force to open the movable clamping portion1905relative to the stationary clamping portion1906.

The movable clamping portion1905may include a latch or pawl1982which may engage teeth1988of the stationary clamping portion1906to lock the movable clamping portion1905relative to the stationary clamping portion1906. One or more biasing members1984may bias the teeth1988against the pawl1982so that it engages the teeth1988. A latch release tab1986may be moved, e.g., depressed, by a user to disengage the teeth1988from the pawl1982. When the CC1980is open, a VCS may be inserted between and/or moved relative to one or more of one or more stationary clamping surfaces1906aand the one or more movable clamping surfaces1905a. However, when the CC1980is locked, the one or more stationary clamping surfaces1906aand the one or more movable clamping surfaces1905amay exert a force against the VCS to hold it firmly in place.

FIG. 20shows a perspective view of a portion of a CC2080in accordance with embodiments of the present system. The CC2080may include a base2024including a locking coupler2022having a stationary clamping portion2006and a movable clamping portion2005. The stationary clamping portion2006may include one or more stationary clamping surfaces2006a. The movable clamping portion2005may include one or more movable clamping surfaces2005a.

The movable clamping portion2005may be coupled to the stationary clamping portion2006using a coupler2089such as a hinge2089. The hinge2089may be any suitable hinge such as a simple (e.g., formed integrally with the base1725, etc.) or a complex hinge. The hinge may provide a biasing force to open the movable clamping portion2005relative to the stationary clamping portion2006.

The movable clamping portion2005may include a latch or pawl2082which may engage teeth2088of the stationary clamping portion2006to lock the movable clamping portion2005relative to the stationary clamping portion2006. One or more biasing members may bias the pawl2082against the teeth2088so that the pawl2082engages the teeth2088. A latch release area tab2086may be moved, e.g., depressed, by a user to disengage the pawl2082from the teeth2088. When the CC2080is open, a VCS may be inserted between and/or moved relative to one or more of one or more stationary clamping surfaces2006aand the one or more movable clamping surfaces2005a. However, when the CC2080is locked, the one or more stationary clamping surfaces2006aand the one or more movable clamping surfaces2005amay exert a force against the VCS to hold it firmly in place.

Further variations of the present system would readily occur to a person of ordinary skill in the art and are encompassed by the following claims.

In interpreting the appended claims, it should be understood that:

d) several “means” may be represented by the same item or hardware or software implemented structure or function;

e) any of the disclosed elements may be comprised of hardware portions (e.g., including discrete and integrated electronic circuitry), software portions (e.g., computer programming), and any combination thereof;

f) hardware portions may be comprised of one or both of analog and digital portions;

h) no specific sequence of acts or steps is intended to be required unless specifically indicated;

i) the term “plurality of” an element includes two or more of the claimed element, and does not imply any particular range of number of elements; that is, a plurality of elements may be as few as two elements, and may include an immeasurable number of elements; and

j) the term and/or and formatives thereof should be understood to mean that only one or more of the listed elements may need to be suitably present in the system in accordance with the claims recitation and in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present system.