Trellising system

Abstract

A trellising system provides automated support for plant cultivation by enabling remote extension of support strings. The system includes a looped cable positioned above plant rows and held by two pulleys. String holders attach to the cable at spaced intervals, each holding a roll of string with one end secured near a plant and the other end held by the string holder. When plants grow and require additional string length, the pulleys rotate to move the cable laterally, automatically pulling additional string from each holder and extending support length for multiple plants simultaneously. Each string holder contains a spring-loaded mechanism with a toothed roller and stoppers that control string release during cable movement. Cable guides maintain cable alignment with the pulleys. The system may include support structures to prevent cable sagging. This automated approach eliminates labor-intensive manual extension of individual plant strings, significantly reducing time and costs in agricultural operations.

Description

[0001] TRELLISING SYSTEM

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0003]

[0001] This application claims priority to United States Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 666,304, filed July 01, 2024, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0004] FIELD

[0005]

[0002] The present subject matter relates to trellising of plants. More particularly, the present subject matter relates to remote-controlled trellising of plants.

[0006] BACKGROUND

[0007]

[0003] Trellising is a plant growing technique that keeps plants, upright off the ground. Therefore, this technique increases usable space as well as yield of crop plants. Additional benefits of trellising include: prevention of harvest, for example tomatoes, from rotting; prevention of stems of the plants from breaking; keeping leaves of the plants off the ground helps to reduce of plant diseases that may develop from excess ground moisture; keeping fruits, for example tomatoes, off the ground prevents rotting of the fruits because the fruits are not hidden within the plant or do not sit on the ground; increasing exposure of plants to light that may increase yield of the plants; manipulation of the plants, for example fertilizer, or pesticide, or herbicide application, fruit picking and the like, is easier when the plants are supported by trellises.

[0008]

[0004] Trellising of plants is generally fixed. Trellises, in the form of nets, or cables and strings, for example, are fixed in the vicinity of the plants. During their growth, the plants are attached to the nets, or strings, for example with fasteners. This supports the plants and allows the plants to grow above the ground.

[0009]

[0005] As an example, trellising of tomato plants, for example in greenhouses, is performed with a structure of cables and strings. When young tomato plants are planted in a row in the ground, a cable is stretched above the row of the plants, and a string is fixed for each plant - one end of the string is fixed, for example to the plant, or to a bottom part of the plant, or aside the plant, for example to the ground aside the plant - this end is termed hereinafter "plant end", and the other end of the string is attached to the cable, just above the plant - this end is termed hereinafter "cable end". As the plant grows it wraps over the string. When an edge of the plant reaches the cable end of the string, the string is released from the cable, moved aside while extending the length the string, and attached again to the cable. This is achieved, for example, by knotting an additional string to the cable end of the string. Another option is to use a priori a long string that is rolled at the cable end. When there is a need to extend the length of the string, the rolled cable end of the string is detached from the cable, the cable end is unrolled to some extent, thus extending the length of the string, and then the cable end of the string is attached to the cable, at a distance from the previous site of the attachment of the string. This provides the plant additional string to wrap over during growth. When an edge of the plant reaches again the cable end of the string, the process is performed again and again as necessary.

[0010]

[0006] Currently, this trellising process is performed manually, when each plant is treated separately as described above. Therefore, one can appreciate the huge amount of labor and time, not to mention expenses, especially for the labor, that are needed for maintaining a large- scale facility for growing crops that need trellising, like tomatoes

[0011] SUMMARY

[0012]

[0007] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this subject matter belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present subject matter, suitable methods and materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

[0013]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present subject matter, there is provided a trellising system comprising: a looped cable held by a first pulley and a second pulley above at least one row of plants, wherein the looped cable is configured to move as the first pulley and the second pulley rotate; and at least one string holder fixedly attached to the looped cable and configured to hold a roll of a string, wherein the string comprises a plant end configured to be fixed aside a plant and a cable end configured to be held by the string holder, and wherein the string holder allows pulling of the string from the string holder to fix the plant end aside the plant and keep the string stretched.

[0014]

[0009] According to one embodiment, the trellising system further comprises at least one cable guide mounted on the looped cable at an engagement point between the looped cable and each pulley, wherein the cable guide is configured to direct the looped cable precisely onto the pulley surface and maintain proper alignment during system operation.

[0015]

[0010] According to one embodiment, the trellising system further comprises at least one arm attached to a mast above the pulley and holding the cable guide in contact with the looped cable at the engagement point between the looped cable and the pulley.

[0016] [Oi l] According to one embodiment, the trellising system further comprises at least one support configured to be held in place and support the looped cable.

[0017]

[0012] According to one embodiment, the support is configured to be held by a support cable that is transverse to the looped cable.

[0018]

[0013] According to one embodiment, the support comprises: a connector configured to connect to a supporting element; and a cable support attached to the connector and configured to support the looped cable and allow sliding of the looped cable over the cable support.

[0019]

[0014] According to one embodiment, the cable support is replaced by at least one cable support wheel.

[0020]

[0015] According to one embodiment, the support further comprises at least one locking element configured to lock the connector to the supporting element.

[0021]

[0016] According to one embodiment, the string holder comprises: a cable gripper configured to grip the looped cable and fixedly attach to the looped cable; a rail substantially vertically attached to the cable gripper; at least one stopper attached to an edge of the rail distant from the cable gripper; a slider configured to slide along the rail; an elastic element configured to attach to the cable gripper with one end and to the slider with another end, and pull the slider toward the cable gripper; and a roller configured to allow rolling of the string around the roller.

[0022]

[0017] According to one embodiment, the roller comprises: a first toothed wall in a form of a gear having teeth at a circumference of the gear, wherein the at least one stopper is capable of being in contact with the circumference of the first wall; and a second wall positioned distantly from the first toothed wall, wherein the first wall and the second wall are configured to prevent downfall of the string from the roller.

[0023]

[0018] According to one embodiment, the roller comprises two toothed walls, and the rail comprises at least one first stopper extending to one side of the rail and at least one second stopper extending to an opposite side of the rail.

[0024]

[0019] According to one embodiment, the cable gripper comprises a first fastener comprising a first slit and a second fastener comprising a second slit, wherein the first slit and the second slit are configured to form a hollow space that accommodates the looped cable.

[0025]

[0020] According to one embodiment, the string holder further comprises a clip configured to embrace both the first fastener and the second fastener, thereby tightly fastening them on the looped cable.

[0026]

[0021] According to one embodiment, the first fastener comprises at least one hole and the second fastener comprises a corresponding at least one hole, and the first fastener is attached to the second fastener by at least one screw screwed through the corresponding holes.

[0027]

[0022] According to one embodiment, the first pulley and the second pulley are attached to a first mast and a second mast respectively, positioned at a distance from each other.

[0028]

[0023] According to one embodiment, the first pulley and the second pulley are held substantially horizontally above the at least one row of plants.

[0029]

[0024] According to one embodiment, a height of the first pulley and the second pulley above the at least one row of plants is adjustable.

[0030]

[0025] According to one embodiment, the first mast and the second mast are telescopic.

[0031]

[0026] According to one embodiment, the first fastener comprises a fixture and the second fastener comprises a slot, or the second fastener comprises a fixture and the first fastener comprises a slot, wherein the fixture is configured to be inserted into the slot.

[0032]

[0027] According to one embodiment, the roller further comprises an axis receptacle inside the roller, an axis substantially vertically attached to the slider and configured to be received within the axis receptacle, and a locking element configured to attach to an end of the axis and prevent downfall of the roller from the axis.

[0033] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034]

[0028] Embodiments are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments, and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the embodiments. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how several forms may be embodied in practice.

[0035]

[0029] In the drawings:

[0036]

[0030] Figs. 1A-B schematically illustrate, according to an exemplary embodiment, a perspective view and a front view, respectively, of a trellising system.

[0037]

[0031] Figs. 2A-B schematically illustrate, according to an exemplary embodiment, a perspective view and a front view, respectively, of a trellising system further comprising at least one cable guide.

[0038]

[0032] Figs. 3A-C schematically illustrate, according to an exemplary embodiment, an exploded view, a perspective view and a side view, respectively, of a string holder.

[0039]

[0033] Figs. 4A-C schematically illustrate, according to an exemplary embodiment, an exploded view, a perspective view and a side view, respectively, of another embodiment of the string holder.

[0040]

[0034] Fig. 5 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a perspective view of a support configured to be held by a support cable.

[0041]

[0035] Fig. 6 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a perspective view of a support configured to be held by a support cable and having at least one cable support wheel. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0042]

[0036] Before explaining at least one embodiment in detail, it is to be understood that the subject matter is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The subject matter is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. In discussion of the various figures described herein below, like numbers refer to like parts. The drawings are generally not to scale.

[0043]

[0037] For clarity, non-essential elements were omitted from some of the drawings.

[0044]

[0038] The present subject matter provides a solution for the disadvantages mentioned above of the currently practiced trellising process. The present subject matter reduces the amount of labor and time needed for trellising crop plants, especially in large-scale facilities, as well dramatically decreasing the expenses involved in such processes.

[0045]

[0039] The present subject matter provides a trellising system, and a method for trellising plans by using the trellising system of the present subject matter.

[0046]

[0040] Figs. 1A-B schematically illustrate, according to an exemplary embodiment, a perspective view and a front view, respectively, of a trellising system. According to one embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, the trellising system 1 comprises: a looped cable 20 held by a first pulley 32 and a second pulley 34 above at least one row of plants 900, wherein the looped cable 20 is configured to move as the first pulley 32 and the second pulley 34 rotate; and at least one string holder 10 fixedly attached to the looped cable 20, and configured to hold a roll of a string 700, wherein the string 700 comprises a plant end 702 configured to be fixed to a plant 900, or to a bottom part of the plant 900, or aside the plant, for example to the ground aside a plant 900, and a cable end 704 configured to be held by the string holder 10, and wherein the string holder 10 allows pulling of the string 700 from the string holder 10 to fix the plant end 702 aside the plant 900 and keep the string 700 stretched.

[0047]

[0041] As used herein, the term 'drive unit' refers to any device that converts energy into mechanical motion, including but not limited to electric motors, internal combustion engines, hydraulic motors, pneumatic motors, steam engines, and any combination thereof.

[0048]

[0042] According to one embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, at least one of the first pulley 32 and the second pulley is configured to rotate manually. According to another embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, at least one of the first pulley 32 and the second pulley 34 is coupled to a drive unit configured to provide rotational power to the coupled pulley. According to yet another embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, the drive unit is coupled to at least one of the first pulley 32 and the second pulley 34 with a gear wheel. According to still another embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, the gear wheel is coupled to at least one of the first pulley 32 and the second pulley 34 from above.

[0049]

[0043] The present subject matter additionally provides a method for installing a trellising system 1, the method comprising: installing a looped cable 20 held by a first pulley 32 and a second pulley 34 above at least one row of plants 900, each row of plants 900 comprising at least one plant 900, wherein the looped cable 20 is configured to move as the first pulley 32 and the second pulley 34 rotate; and at least one string holder 10 fixedly attached to the looped cable 20, and configured to hold a roll of a string 700, wherein the string comprises a plant end 702 configured to be fixed aside a plant 900 and a cable end 704 configured to be held by the string holder 10, and wherein the string holder 10 allows pulling of the string 700 from the string holder 10 to fix the plant end 702 aside the plant 900 and keep the string 700 stretched; and pulling the string 700 from the string holder 10 and fix the plant end 702 of the string 700 aside a plant 900, and repeating this step for another at least one string 700 as desired.

[0050]

[0044] The present subject matter further provides a method for extending a length of a string 700 for trellising plants 900, the method comprising; providing a looped cable 20 held by a first pulley 32 and a second pulley 34 above at least one row of plants 900, each row of plants 900 comprising at least one plant 900, wherein the looped cable 20 is configured to move as the first pulley 32 and the second pulley 34 rotate; and at least one string holder 10 fixedly attached to the looped cable 20, and configured to hold a roll of a string 700, wherein the string 700 comprises a plant end 702 configured to be fixed aside a plant 900 and a cable end 704 configured to be held by the string holder 10, and wherein the string holder 10 allows pulling of the string 700 from the string holder 10 to fix the plant end 702 aside the plant 900 and keep the string 700 stretched; and wherein at least one string 700 is pulled from at least one string holder 10 and the plant end 702 of the at least one string 700 is fixed aside a plant 900, in a manner that each of at least one plant 900 is wrapped over a corresponding string 700; and rotating the first pulley 32 and the second pulley 34, thus moving the looped cable 20, wherein the at least one string holder 10 moves aside together with the looped cable 20, and wherein the string 700 is pulled as the string holder 10 moves aside, thus extending the length of the string 700 while keeping the string 700 stretched.

[0051]

[0045] As shown in Figs. 1A-B, according to one embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, the first pulley 32 and the second pulley 34 are held above two rows of plants 900. According to another embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, the first pulley 32 is held above the at least one row of plants 900, or above the two rows of plants 900, by attaching the first pulley 32 to a first mast 42 that is positioned aside, or between, the at least one row of plants 900, or between the rows of plants 900. According to yet another embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein the second pulley 34 is held above the at least one row of plants 900, or above the two rows of plants 900, by attaching the second pulley 34 to a second mast 44 that is positioned aside, or between, the at least one row of plants 900, or between the two rows of plants 900. According to still another embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, the first pulley 32 is attached to a first mast 42 positioned aside, or between, the at least one row of plants 900, or between the two rows of plants 900, and the second pulley 34 is attached to a second mast 44 that is positioned aside, or between, the at least one row of plants 900, or between the two rows of plants 900, at a distance from the first mast 42.

[0046] According to one embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, the first pulley 32 and the second pulley 34 are held substantially horizontally above the at least one row of plants 900, as shown in Fig. 1. This embodiment allows trellising of at least two rows of plants 900 simultaneously, because a first part 20-1 of the looped cable 20 is substantially aside a second part 20-2 of the looped cabled 20, and as a result the first part 20-1 can be positioned above at least one row of plants 900, and the second part 20-2 can be positioned above another at least one row of plants 900, when at least one string holder 10 is attached to the first part 20-1 and at least one string holder 10 is attached to the second part 20- 2. It should be noted, though, that this embodiment is only exemplary, and that any orientation of the first pulley 32, the second pulley 34 and the looped cable 20 is under the scope of the present subject matter. For example, the first pulley 32 and the second pulley 34 can be held substantially vertically above the at least one row of plants 900. As a result, the first part 20-1 of the looped cable 20 is positioned substantially above the second part 20-2 of the looped cable 20, or vice versa. In another example, the first pulley 32 and the second pulley 34 can be held in any orientation between the horizontal orientation and the vertical orientation described above.

[0052]

[0047] According to one embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, a height of the first pulley 32 and the second pulley 34 above the at least one row of plants 900 is fixed. This embodiment can be achieved, for example, when the first mast 42 and the second mast 44 have a fixed height. As a result, the height of the looped cable 20 above the at least one row of plants 900 is fixed as well. According to another embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, the height of the first pulley 32 and the second pulley 34 above the at least one row of plants 900 is adjustable. This embodiment can be achieved, for example, when the height of the first mast 42 and the second mast 44 is adjustable. As a result, the height of the looped cable 20 above the at least one row of plants 900 is also adjustable. Any mechanism for rendering the height of the first mast 42 and the second mast 44 adjustable is under the scope of the present subject matter. For example, that first mast 42 and the second mast 44 can be telescopic.

[0053]

[0048] It should be further noted that the embodiment of holding the first pulley 32 and the second pulley 34 with a first mast 42 and a second mast 44 is also exemplary. Any mechanism for holding the first pulley 32 and the second pulley 34 above the at least one row of plants 900 is under the scope of the present subject matter. For example, at least one of the first pulley 32 and the second pulley 34 can be fixed to a roof of a construction in which the plants 900 grow, for example fixed to a roof of a greenhouse. Another example is attaching at least one of the first pulley 32 and the second pulley 34 to a wall of a construction in which the plants 900 grow, for example attached to a wall of a greenhouse. In another example, any combination of the aforementioned examples in relation to holding the first pulley 32 and the second pulley 42, is under the scope of the present subject matter.

[0054]

[0049] According to one embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, the looped cable 20 is moved manually, for example by manually gripping the looped cable 20 and moving the looped cable 20 aside, or by manually rotating at least one of the first pulley 32 and the second pulley 34.

[0055]

[0050] According to another embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, the looped cable 20 is moved without involving human contact, for example by rotating at least one of the first pulley 32 and the second pulley 34 with a drive unit. According to this embodiment, a drive unit is coupled to at least one of the first pulley 32 and the second pulley 34 in a manner that activating the drive unit causes rotation of the pulley to which the drive unit is coupled. Embodiments of the coupling between the drive unit and the at least one of the first pulley 32 and the second pulley 34 are described above.

[0056]

[0051] According to one embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, the drive unit is an electric motor. According to another embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, operation of the electric motor is controlled by an electric switch. According to yet another embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, operation of the electric motor is controlled by a computing device operatively connected to the electric motor. The computing device can comprise any suitable type of computing device, including, but not limited to, a desktop computer, a mobile computer, a smartphone, a tablet, or the like.

[0057]

[0052] As shown in Figs. 1A-B, there are cases when the distance between the first pulley 32 and the second pulley 34 is such that the weight of the plants 900 that are trellised by the trellising system 1 is large and causes bending of the looped cable 20 downward. In extreme cases, the weight of the plant 900 is such that it can tear the looped cable 20, or cause collapse of the entire trellising system 1. In these cases there is a need to support the looped cable 20 and prevent the bending of the looped cable 20, or the tearing of the looped cable 20, or the collapse of the entire trellising system 1. Thus, according to one embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, the trellising system 1 further comprises at least one support 50 that is configured to be held in place and support the looped cable 20. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figs. 1A-B, one support 50 supports the first part 20-1 of the looped cable 20 and one support 50 supports the second part 20-2 of the looped cable 20. It should be noted that this exemplary embodiment should not be considered as limiting the present subject matter. The trellising system 1 can comprises any number of supports 50 positioned in any position along the looped cable 20.

[0058]

[0053] Figs. 2A-B schematically illustrate, according to an exemplary embodiment, a perspective view and a front view, respectively, of a trellising system further comprising at least one cable guide. The trellising system 1 shown in Figs, 2A-B is similar to the trellising system 1 shown in Figs. 1A-B, except that it comprises additional components. According to one embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, the system 1 further comprises at least one cable guide 60. According to another embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, the cable guide 60 is in contact with the looped cable 20 at the engagement point between the looped cable 20 and each pulley 32 / 34. The cable guide 60 is configured to direct the looped cable 20 precisely onto the pulley 32 / 34 surface and maintain proper alignment during system operation. As the pulleys 32 / 34 rotate and the looped cable 20 translates through the system 1, the cable guide 60 ensures consistent positioning of the looped cable 20 relative to the pulley 32 / 34, thereby preventing misalignment and maintaining reliable engagement between the looped cable 20 and pulley 32 / 34 throughout the operational cycle.

[0059]

[0054] Any mechanism for mounting the cable guide 60 on the looped cable 20 is under the scope of the present subject matter. One example is shown in Figs. 2A-B. Thus, according to one embodiment, the system 1 further comprises at least one arm 62 attached to the mast 42 / 44, above the pulley 32 / 34 and holding a cable guide 60 on the looped cable 20 at the engagement point between the looped cable 20 and the pulley 32 / 34.

[0060]

[0055] As described above, the string holder 10 is configured to fixedly attach to the looped cable 20, hold a roll of a string 700 and allow pulling of the string 700 from the string holder of the string holder 10 as will be described hereinafter allows the string holder 10 to possess the aforementioned characteristics.

[0061]

[0056] Figs. 3A-C schematically illustrate, according to an exemplary embodiment, an exploded view, a perspective view and a side view, respectively, of a string holder. According to one embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, the string holder 10 comprises: a cable gripper 101 configured to grip the looped cable 20 and fixedly attach to the looped cable 20; a rail 102 substantially vertically attached to the cable gripper 101; at least one stopper 103 attached to an edge of the rail 102 that is distant from the cable gripper 101; a slider 105 configured to slide along the rail 102; an elastic element 104 configured to attached to the cable gripper 101 with one end and to the slider 105 with another end, and pull the slider 105 toward the cable gripper 101; an axis 106 substantially vertically attached to the slider 105; a roller 107 configured to allow rolling of the string 700 around the roller 107, wherein the following components are combined with the roller 107: an axis receptacle 1076 inside the roller 107, configured to receive the axis 106 within it and allow rotation of the roller 107 about the axis 106, a toothed first wall 1072 in a form of a gear having teeth at the circumference of the gear, wherein when the axis 106 is received within the axis receptacle 1076 the toothed first wall 1072 is positioned aside the slider 107, and the at least one stopper 103 is capable to be in contact with the circumference of the toothed first wall 1072; and a second wall 1074 positioned distantly from the toothed first wall 1072, wherein the toothed first wall 1072 and the second wall 1074 are configured to prevent downfall of the string 700 from the roller 107, and wherein the axis 106 is configured to extend beyond the second wall 1074 when the axis 106 is received within the axis receptacle 1076; and a locking element 108 configured to attach to an end of the axis 106 that extends beyond the second wall 1074, and to prevent downfall of the roller 107 from the axis 106.

[0062]

[0057] According to one embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, characteristics of the elastic element 104 depend on the trellising height. Thus, according to this embodiment, the characteristics of the elastic element 104 in one trellising height differ from the characteristics of the elastic element 104 in another trellising height.

[0063]

[0058] According to one embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, the characteristics of the elastic element 104 depend on the type of plant being trellised. Thus, according to this embodiment, the characteristics of the elastic element 104 when one type of plant is being trellised differ from the characteristics of the elastic element when another type of plant is being trellised.

[0064]

[0059] According to one embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, the string holder 10 is further configured to measure the load on the elastic element 104. According to this embodiment, the string holder 10 can comprise a load measuring device configured to measure the load on the elastic element 104. According to another element, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, the string holder 10 is further configured to transmit data collected during measurements of the load on the elastic element to a computing device. Any type of computing device is under the scope of the present subject matter, including, but not limited to, a desktop computer, a mobile computer, a smartphone, a tablet, or the like.

[0065]

[0060] The composition and structure of the string holder 10 allow the string holder 10 to perform its functions in the trellising system 1, as follows:

[0066]

[0061] According to one embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, the cable gripper 101 is configured to fixedly attach to the looped cable 20, thus fixedly attaching the string holder 10 to the looped cable 20. Any mechanism that allows the cable gripper 101 to fixedly attach to the looped cable 20 is under the scope of the present subject matter. The exemplary cable gripper 101 shown in Fig. 3A-C, particularly in Fig. 3A, comprises a first fastener 1012 comprising a first slit 1013 and a second fastener 1014 comprising a second slit 1015. The first fastener 1012 is attached to the rail 102 and is substantially vertical to the rail 102. The first slit 1013 is on a surface of the first fastener 1012 that faces the roller 107. The second fastener 1014 is separate from the first fastener 1012 and in configured to attach to the first fastener 1012 when a surface of the second fastener 1014 that comprises the second slit 1015 attaches the surface of the first fastener 1012 that comprises the first slit 1013, in a manner that the first slit 1013 matches the second slit 1015 and together they form a hollow space that is configured to accommodate the looped cable 20 when the string holder 10 is fixedly attached to the looped cable 20. Any mechanism for attaching the first fastener 1012 to the second fastener 1014 is under the scope of the present subject matter. In the exemplary cable gripper 101 shown in Figs. 3A-C, the first fastener comprises at least one hole 1016 and the second fastener 1014 comprises a corresponding at least one hole 1017. When the first fastener 1012 is attached to the second fastener 1014, the corresponding at least one hole 1016 and 1017 allow at least one screw to be screwed therethrough, thereby tightly fastening the first fastener 1012 with the second fastener 1014. Again, it should be noted that the aforementioned embodiments of the cable gripper 101 are only exemplary, and that any mechanism that allows a fixed attachment of the cable gripper 101 to the looped cable 20 is under the scope of the present subject matter. Another type of string holder 10, that is slightly different from the string holder 10 illustrated in Figs. 3A-C is shown in Fig. 4A-C.

[0067]

[0062] Figs. 4A-C schematically illustrate, according to an exemplary embodiment, an exploded view, a perspective view and a side view, respectively, of another embodiment of the string holder. As mentioned above, the cable gripper 101 is configured to fixedly attach to the looped cable 20, thus fixedly attaching the string holder 10 to the looped cable 20. According to the embodiment shown in Figs. 4A-C, that is similar to the embodiment shown in Figs 3A- C, the cable gripper 101 comprises a first fastener 1012 having a first slit 1013, and a second fastener 104 having a second slit 1015. When the first fastener 1012 and the second fastener 1014 are attached, the first slit 1013 and the second slit 1015 create a kind of hollow pipe. The sizes of the first slit 1013 and the second slit 1015 are such that the diameter of the hollow pipe is similar to the diameter of cable 20. This embodiment ensures that the string holder 10 is firmly attached to the cable 20.

[0068]

[0063] According to the embodiment shown in Figs. 3A-C, the first fastener 1012 is tightly fastened with the second fastener 1014 by using at least one screw that fastens the first fastener 1012 and the second fastener 1014 through holes, for example hole 1016 in the first fastener 1012 and hole 1017 in the second fastener 1014. Figs. 4A-C illustrate another exemplary mechanism for tightly fastening the first fastener 1012 with the second fastener 1014. According to one embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, the first fastener 1012 comprise a fixture and the second fastener 1014 comprises a slot. According to another embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, the second fastener 1014 comprises a fixture and the first fastener 1012 comprises a slot. According to both embodiments, the fixture is configured to be inserted into the slot. In addition, the string holder 10 further comprises a clip 109 configured to embrace both the first fastener 1012 and the second fastener 1017, thereby tightly fastening them on the looped cable 20.

[0069]

[0064] Figs.4A-C also illustrate another exemplary embodiment of the roller 107. The roller 107 shown in Figs. 4A-C comprises, inter alia, a toothed first wall 1072 in a form of a gear having teeth at the circumference of the gear, and a second wall 1074 that its circumference is not toothed, as can be seen in Figs. 3A-C. However, the roller 107 shown in Figs. 4A-C comprises two toothed walls 1073 - A. Another difference between the two embodiments of the roller 107, is that in Figs. 1-3A-C, the at least one stopper 103, for example two stoppers 103, extend to one side of the rail 102, and are configured to engage with the toothed first wall 1072, that is the only one wall that is toothed. However, according to the embodiment shown in Figs. 4A-C, the rail 102 comprises at least one first stopper 103-1 extending to one side of the rail 102, and configured to engage with the first toothed wall 1073-1; and at least one second stopper 103-2 extending to an opposite side of the rail 102, and configured to engage with the second toothed wall 1073-2.

[0070]

[0065] Yet another difference between the two embodiments of the roller 107, is that in Figs. 1-3A-C, the axis 106 is substantially vertically attached to the slider 105, whereas according to the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 4A-C, the axis 106 is separated. Accordingly, the slider 105 comprises two members 1052 configured to receive the roller 107 therebetween, and an opening 1054 in each arm, both openings 1054 configured to receive the axis 106 for holding the roller 107, by passing through the axis receptacle 1073 of the roller 107.

[0071]

[0066] It should be noted again that the aforementioned embodiments of the string holder 10 illustrated in Figs. 3A-c and 4A-C are only exemplary and should not be considered as limiting the scope of the present subject matter.

[0072]

[0067] According to one embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, after the string holder 10 has been fixedly attached to the looped cable 20, the string 700 can be pulled and fixed aside a plant 900. The string 700 is rolled on the roller 107, when the cable end 704 of the string 700 is attached to the roller 107, and the plant end 702 of the string 700 is free. In order to trellis a young plant 900, the string holder 10 is fixedly attached to the looped cable 20 just above the young plant 900, and the plant end 702 of the string 700 is pulled and fixed aside the young plant 900. When the plant end 702 is pulled, the roller 107 rolls about the axis 106, thus releasing the string 700 when pulled toward the young plant 900.

[0073]

[0068] Before the plant end 702 of the string 700 is pulled, the elastic element 104 that is attached to the slider 105 and to the cable gripper 101 pulls the slider 105 toward the cable gripper 101 in the rail 102. As a result, the roller 107 that is attached to the slider 105 as described above, is pulled also toward the cable gripper 101. As a result, the toothed first wall 1072 of the roller 107 is pulled toward the at least one stopper 103, the at least one stopper 103 engages with a corresponding gap between the teeth on the circumference of the toothed first wall 1072, and prevents rolling of the roller 107. When the plant end 702 of the string 700 is pulled toward the young plant 900, the pulling force toward to the young plant 900 overcomes the pulling force of the elastic element 104 toward the cable gripper 101. As a result, the roller 107 is pulled away from the cable gripper 101 and the toothed first wall 1072 of the roller 107 disengages from the at least one stopper 103, thus allowing the roller 107 to roll and release string 700 to be pulled toward the young plant 900. After the plant end 702 of the string 700 has been fixed aside the young plant 900, the pulling force on the string 700 toward the young plant 900 is released, and the pulling force of the elastic element 104 dominates and pulls the roller 107 back toward the cable gripper 101. As a result, the at least one stopper 103 engages with the corresponding gap between the teeth on the circumference of the toothed first wall 1072, and prevents rolling of the roller 107. This situation is maintained as such as long as the plant 900 grows over the string.

[0074]

[0069] When an edge of the plant 900 reaches the end of the string 700, to a position adjacent to the cable gripper 101, there is a need to extend the length of the string 700, in order to provide to the plant 900 more string length to grow over. This is achieved, as described above, by rotating the first pulley 32 and the second pulley 34, thus moving the looped cable 20, wherein the at least one string holder 10 moves aside together with the looped cable 20, and wherein the string 700 is pulled as the string holder 10 moves aside, thus extending the length of the string 700 while keeping the string 700 stretched. There are two forces that are exerted on the roller 107 - a force that pulls the roller 107 toward the plant 900 exerted by the string 700 and the weight of the plant 900 that is over the string 700, and a force that pulls the roller 107 toward the cable gripper 101 exerted by the elastic element 104. When the cable gripper 101 is moved aside, with the looped cable 20, the pulling force toward the plant 900 becomes greater than the pulling force toward the cable gripper 101. As a result, the toothed first wall 1072 of the roller 107 disengages from the at least one stopper 103, thus allowing the roller 107 to roll and release more string 700. This results in extending the length of the string 700, as desired. After the movement of the looped cable 20 has stopped, the pulling force toward the cable gripper 101 is again greater that the pulling force toward the plant 900. As a result, the roller 107 is pulled back toward the cable gripper 101, and the rolling is prevented by the engagement of the at least one stopper 103 with the corresponding gap between the teeth on the circumference of the toothed first wall 1072 of the roller 107.

[0075]

[0070] It should be noted that this description relates to the embodiments of the string holder 10 described in Figs. 3A-C, according to which the roller 107 comprises only one toothed wall - the toothed first wall 1072. One would appreciate that the above description can easily be converted also to the embodiments of the string holder 10 described in Figs. 4A-C, according to which the roller 107 comprises two toothed walls - the first toothed wall 1073-1 and the second toothed wall 1073-2.

[0076]

[0071] It should be additionally noted that the aforementioned processes were described only for one plant 900, one string 700 and one string holder 10 fixedly attached to the looped cable 20. However, a plurality of string holders 10 can be fixedly attached to the looped cable 20, when a string 700 is stretched from each string holder 10 to a different plant 900. In this embodiment, the length of a plurality of strings 700 can be extended simultaneously, simply by moving the looped cable 20 as described above. This is a dramatic saving in labor, time and expenses compared to the current trellising process, which is performed manually for each plant 900 separately. This is one of the major advantages of the present subject matter.

[0077]

[0072] According to one embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, the support 50 is configured to be held by a support cable 52 that is transverse to the looped cable 20, as shown in Fig. 2A. According to one embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, the support cable 52 is substantially at the same height as the looped cable 20 and substantially vertical to the looped cable 20. In some embodiments, the support cable 52 can be used for supporting the looped cables 20 of a plurality of trellising systems 1 that are installed, for example, at a plurality of rows of plants 900, and the plurality of rows of plants 900 can be substantially parallel one to the other. In Figs. 5 and 6, hereinafter, the support 50 that is configured to be held by the support cable 52 is described. However, these embodiments should not be considered as limiting the present subject matter. Any mechanism for holding the support 50 in place is under the scope of the present subject matter, for example a column installed under the looped cable 20, attachment of the support 50 to a roof of a facility for growing the plants 900, for example a roof of a greenhouse, and the like.

[0078]

[0073] According to one embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, the support 50 comprises: a connector configured to connect to a supporting element, for example a support cable 52, a column, a roof, and the like; and a cable support attached to the connector and configured to support the looped cable 20 and allow sliding of the looped cable 20 over the cable support.

[0079] Figs. 5 and 6 illustrate some embodiments of the connector and the cable support.

[0080]

[0074] Fig. 5 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a perspective view of a support configured to be held by a support cable and having a flat cable support. According to one embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, the support 50 configured to be held by a support cable 52 comprising: a connector 502 configured to connect to a support cable 52; and a cable support 504 attached to a bottom side of the connector 502 and configured to support the looped cable 20 and allow sliding of the looped cable 20 over the cable support 504.

[0081]

[0075] According to one embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, the connector 502 is in a form of a rail that is configured to accommodate the support cable 52 and to be hanged on the support cable 52. According to another embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, the cable support 504 has a flat structure, and is configured to accommodate the looped cable 20 in a manner that the looped cable 20 is laid on the cable support 504, and thus supported by the cable support 504. In addition, the cable support 504 is configured to allow sliding of the looped cable 20 over the cable support 504. This embodiment is important when the looped cable 20 is moved, for example when the lengths of the strings 700 are extended as described above.

[0076] Since the support cable 52 is substantially vertical in relation to the looped cable 20, the connector 502 has to be substantially vertical to the cable support 504. Thus, according to one embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, the connector 502 is substantially vertical to the cable support, and positioned under the cable support 502, as can be seen in Fig. 5. This embodiment allows the support 50 to hang on the support cable 52 with the connector 502, and support the looped cable 20 with the cable support 504.

[0082]

[0077] According to one embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, the support 50 further comprises an orifice 506 aside the connector 502, on a part of the support 50 that connects the connector 502 with the cable support 504. This orifice 506 is configured to allow passage of the support cable 52 therethrough, when the connector hangs on the support cable 52.

[0083]

[0078] Fig. 6 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a perspective view of a support configured to be held by a support cable and having at least one cable support wheel. The support 50 shown in Fig. 6 is essentially similar to the support 50 shown in Fig. 5, except a couple of differences.

[0084]

[0079] According to one embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, instead of the flat cable support 504, shown in Fig. 5, the support 50 shown in Fig. 6 comprises at least one cable support wheel 505m for example three cable support wheels 505. All the functionalities of the at least one cable support wheel 505 are similar to the functionalities of the flat cable support 504.

[0085]

[0080] According to one embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, the support 50 further comprises at least one locking element 508. Even though the at least one locking element 508 is shown only in Fig. 6, any type of connector 50 can comprise the locking element, including the support 50 shown in Fig. 5. According to another embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, the at least one locking element 508 is configured to lock the connector 502 to any type of a supporting element, for example a support cable 52, a column, and a roof. The at least one locking element 508 shown in Fig. 6 is configured to lock the connector on the support cable 52. The purpose of the locking element 508 is to tightly attach the connector 502 to the supporting element, and prevent movement of the support 50 in relation to the supporting element.

[0086]

[0081] According to one embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, the trellising system 1 is operated manually. According to another embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein the trellising system 1 is operated automatically, for example with at least one drive unit, as described above. According to yet another embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, the trellising system 1 that is operated automatically is also operated remotely, for example with a system that controls the operation of the drive units remotely, for example by wired, or unwired, communication between a control center and the at least one drive unit.

[0087]

[0082] According to one embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, the trellising system 1 further comprises at least one sensor configured to collect data from which a condition of the plants is concluded. The at least one sensor can be attached to any part of the trellising system 1. According to another embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, the at least one sensor is attached to the support 50. According to yet another embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, the at least one sensor is attached to the string holder 10. According to still another embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, the at least one sensor is attached to the support 50 and the string holder 10.

[0088]

[0083] Any type of sensor that is configured to collect data from which a condition of the plants 900 can be concluded is under the scope of the present subject matter. Some exemplary sensors are described hereinafter.

[0089]

[0084] According to one embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, the sensor is configured to determine a weight of the plants that are trellised by the trellising system 1. Plants that are supported by the trellising system 1 pull the looped cable 20 downwards because of the weight of the plants. The pulling force downward, which is proportional to the weight of the plants, can be measured with an appropriate sensor that is attached, for example, to the support 50. Information about a condition of the plants can be concluded from the weight data collected in various rows of plants by their corresponding supports 50. For example, when a weight of a certain row of plants is lower than the weights of other rows, it can be concluded that the there can be a problem with the low weight plants, for example that the plants are infected with a pathogen, there is a kind of shortage that these plants suffer from, for example, lower irrigation, or shortage in fertilizer. Another information that can be concluded from the weight of the plants is the crop yield of the plants. The higher the weight, their higher is the crop yield.

[0090]

[0085] According to one embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, the sensor is configured to determine air humidity. When this sensor is attached to the string holder 10, it can give rise to information about the level of transpiration of adjacent plants, and thereby provide information about the viability of the adjacent plants.

[0091]

[0086] According to one embodiment, which may be combined with each other embodiment described herein, the at least one sensor is configured to transmit data that is collected by the at least one sensor to a control center. The control center can reside in a vicinity of the trellising system 1 comprising the at least one sensor, or remotely from the trellising system 1 comprising the at least one sensor. The communication between the at least one sensor and the control center can be wired, or unwired.

[0092]

[0087] To summarize, the present subject matter allows trellising of multiple plants, and simultaneous extension of strings of multiple plants, while dramatically reducing the costs of trellising, in terms of labor, time and expenses. The present subject matter nullifies the extensive manual maintenance of trellised plants.

[0093]

[0088] It is appreciated that certain features of the subject matter, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the subject matter, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub combination.

[0094]

[0089] Although the subject matter has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A trellising system comprising: a looped cable held by a first pulley and a second pulley above at least one row of plants, wherein the looped cable is configured to move as the first pulley and the second pulley rotate; and at least one string holder fixedly attached to the looped cable and configured to hold a roll of a string, wherein the string comprises a plant end configured to be fixed aside a plant and a cable end configured to be held by the string holder, and wherein the string holder allows pulling of the string from the string holder to fix the plant end aside the plant and keep the string stretched.

2. The trellising system of claim 1, further comprising at least one cable guide mounted on the looped cable at an engagement point between the looped cable and each pulley, wherein the cable guide is configured to direct the looped cable precisely onto the pulley surface and maintain proper alignment during system operation.

3. The trellising system of any one of claims 1-2, further comprising at least one arm attached to a mast above the pulley and holding the cable guide in contact with the looped cable at the engagement point between the looped cable and the pulley.

4. The trellising system of any one of claims 1-3, further comprising at least one support configured to be held in place and support the looped cable.

5. The trellising system of claim 4, wherein the support is configured to be held by a support cable that is transverse to the looped cable.

6. The trellising system of any one of claims 4-5, wherein the support comprises: a connector configured to connect to a supporting element; and a cable support attached to the connector and configured to support the looped cable and allow sliding of the looped cable over the cable support.

7. The trellising system of claim 6, wherein the cable support is replaced by at least one cable support wheel.

8. The trellising system of any one of claims 4-7, wherein the support further comprises at least one locking element configured to lock the connector to the supporting element.

9. The trellising system of any one of claims 1-8, wherein the string holder comprises: a cable gripper configured to grip the looped cable and fixedly attach to the looped cable; a rail substantially vertically attached to the cable gripper; at least one stopper attached to an edge of the rail distant from the cable gripper; a slider configured to slide along the rail; an elastic element configured to attach to the cable gripper with one end and to the slider with another end, and pull the slider toward the cable gripper; and a roller configured to allow rolling of the string around the roller.

10. The trellising system of claim 9, wherein the roller comprises: a first toothed wall in a form of a gear having teeth at a circumference of the gear, wherein the at least one stopper is capable of being in contact with the circumference of the first wall; and a second wall positioned distantly from the first toothed wall, wherein the first wall and the second wall are configured to prevent downfall of the string from the roller.

11. The trellising system of claim 9, wherein the roller comprises two toothed walls, and the rail comprises at least one first stopper extending to one side of the rail and at least one second stopper extending to an opposite side of the rail.

12. The trellising system of any one of claims 9-11, wherein the cable gripper comprises a first fastener comprising a first slit and a second fastener comprising a second slit, wherein the first slit and the second slit are configured to form a hollow space that accommodates the looped cable.

13. The trellising system of claim 12, wherein the string holder further comprises a clip configured to embrace both the first fastener and the second fastener, thereby tightly fastening them on the looped cable.

14. The trellising system of any one of claims 12-13, wherein the first fastener comprises at least one hole and the second fastener comprises a corresponding at least one hole, and the first fastener is attached to the second fastener by at least one screw screwed through the corresponding holes.

15. The trellising system of any one of claims 1-14, wherein the first pulley and the second pulley are attached to a first mast and a second mast respectively, positioned at a distance from each other.

16. The trellising system of any one of claims 1-15, wherein the first pulley and the second pulley are held substantially horizontally above the at least one row of plants.

17. The trellising system of any one of claims 1-16, wherein a height of the first pulley and the second pulley above the at least one row of plants is adjustable.

18. The trellising system of any one of claims 15-17, wherein the first mast and the second mast are telescopic.

19. The trellising system of any one of claims 12-18, wherein the first fastener comprises a fixture and the second fastener comprises a slot, or the second fastener comprises a fixture and the first fastener comprises a slot, wherein the fixture is configured to be inserted into the slot.

20. The trellising system of any one of claims 9-19, wherein the roller further comprises an axis receptacle inside the roller, an axis substantially vertically attached to the slider and configured to be received within the axis receptacle, and a locking element configured to attach to an end of the axis and prevent downfall of the roller from the axis.

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