Horizontal and modular plant training system

Abstract

Horizontal training device for plants, in particular for cannabis cultivation, comprising: • a central, ring-shaped base body with a central opening for the plant stem to grow through, • the base body is octagonal in shape and has plug connections on its front sides for receiving extension elements, • several elongated guide elements, in particular made of aluminum, which can be inserted into the plug connections and lead radially away from the base body, • Plant holders that can be moved on the guide elements for the variable positional fixation of plant shoots, • a fastening device for securing the training device underneath a planter, consisting of at least one lashing strap with a clamp buckle, • the training device enables horizontal growth guidance of plant shoots in several directions without penetrating the substrate of the plant container.

Description

Title of the invention

[0001] “autoLST” - Horizontal training device for growth control of plants, especially cannabis Introduction

[0002] The present invention relates to a training system for the targeted, horizontal growth of plants, particularly for use in cannabis cultivation. The device was specifically developed to simplify and increase the efficiency of proven training methods such as "Low Stress Training (LST)" and "Mainlining." Background of the invention

[0003] Existing training methods for cannabis plant growth control typically rely on securing plant parts with wires, clips, or ground anchors. These methods have several disadvantages: • no safe guidance over the edge of the planter, • limited influence on more distant shoots, • possible damage to the root system due to supports inserted into the substrate, • Material fatigue or corrosion due to the humid environment. Object of the invention

[0004] The invention aims to create an easy-to-use, reusable system that allows horizontal plant growth in multiple directions - without penetrating the planting substrate or endangering the root system. Structure of the invention

[0005] The system consists of the following main components: Central guide body: A ring-shaped, preferably octagonal base element with a central opening of approximately 5 cm in diameter through which the plant stem is guided. Plug-in connections for the guide elements are located on the eight end faces. Guide elements: Between 4 and 8 aluminum rods (e.g. 16 mm diameter, 1 mm wall thickness), the length of which can be variably adjusted. End caps: Specially shaped ends of the aluminum bars with holders for a circumferential lashing strap. Lashing strap with clamp buckle: For secure fixing of the entire system below the planter. Plant holders (hooks): These are movable, snap-in holders on the aluminum poles to which plant shoots can be attached. These holders prevent mechanical crushing or damage to the plant.

[0006] The construction is completely pluggable and requires no adhesives. All 3D-printed parts are made of PETG or a comparable plastic suitable for use in damp rooms. How it works

[0007] The plant is prepared using the "mainlining" method and reduced to four (or eight) main shoots. These are fixed flat along the aluminum poles using adjustable hooks. The radial arrangement of the poles allows the shoots to be guided evenly in different directions.

[0008] The brackets allow for continuous position adjustment so that horizontal growth can be dynamically adapted to the plant's stage of development.

[0009] The cross- or star-shaped arrangement of the shoots creates a compact growth habit. During the flowering phase, this stabilizes the plant structure and prevents top-heavy shoots from toppling over.

Claims

[1] Horizontal training device for plants, in particular for cannabis cultivation, comprising: • a central, ring-shaped base body with a central opening for the plant stem to grow through, • the base body is octagonal in shape and has plug connections on its front sides for receiving extension elements, • several elongated guide elements, in particular made of aluminum, which can be inserted into the plug connections and lead radially away from the base body, • Plant holders that can be moved on the guide elements for the variable positional fixation of plant shoots, • a fastening device for securing the training device underneath a planter, consisting of at least one lashing strap with a clamp buckle, • the training device enables horizontal growth guidance of plant shoots in several directions without penetrating the substrate of the plant container. [2] Training device according to claim 1, wherein the plant holders can be attached to the guide elements in a locking manner. [3] Training device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein all non-metallic components are made of a plastic suitable for use in damp rooms, in particular PETG. [4] Training device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the central opening of the base body has a diameter of 5 cm to allow the unhindered growth of the plant stem.

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