Abstract: The invention relates to a device for protecting different articles against birds, insects and dust. The inventive device consists of a tubular element (11) comprising a flexible mesh or a non-woven fabric, which can be closed at the upper and lower openings thereof and which encloses the article to be protected (9a,9b). The invention is also equipped with a series of hoops (17) or supports which keep the tube (11) at a certain distance from the article to be protected.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shading device (10) for a greenhouse (15), with a shading element (20) and at least one lighting element (50,50?), wherein the shading element (20) comprises an outer side (21) and an inner side (22), the shading element (20) is formed from interwoven electrically conductive first thread elements (30,30?) and electrically insulating second thread elements (40), the first thread element (30,30?) comprises a reflective mean (33), reflecting an ambient light (60), the lighting element (50,50?) is arranged at the inner side (22) of the shading element (20) and connected with the first thread element (30,30?), and the lighting element (50,50?) is driven by an electrical current, conducted by the first thread element (30,30?), resulting in the emission of an artificial light (51), illuminating a plant (80) growing in the greenhouse (15).

Abstract: A cover for a crop, wherein the cover includes a framework and a flexible cover supported by the framework. The framework includes side members provided with a first part of a Velcro fastening, and the flexible cover is divided into sections with edge areas that follow the first part of the Velcro fastening and are provided with an interacting second part of a Velcro fastening for attaching the edge area of the section on the side member.

Abstract: Articles-of-manufacturing which comprise (a) a germinateable seed having a germinating end and an apparent germination polarity; or alternatively a germinateable seed having a hole formed therein; and (b) a cage or, respectively alternatively, a member securing the germinateable seed; the cage having a structure such that when securing the germinateable seed, the cage not inhibiting or slowing a germination process of the germinateable seed; the member is secured to the hole. Seedlings which comprise the cage or member engaged therewith. Articles-of-manufacturing which comprise the seed or seedling, the cage or member and a display article attached to the cage or member. Methods of making same and of displaying the display article in context of the seedling.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to isolate at least a part of a plant from passage of things or materials of certain size or characteristics. In one aspect, a shroud or sock (10) of material can be removably placed over at least a part of the plant (3) with a releasable closure (13). The material is highly permeable to air and moisture and is substantially light transmissive. However, it has a pore size which blocks the undesirable materials or things (e.g., pollen or insects). The material can have a relatively light weight so that it can be optionally suspended by the plant (3) without significant effect on the growth or health of the plant. The material can have substantial tensile strength to resist deformation, tearing, or puncture during normal handling or in moderate to high winds. It can be utilized to provide a barrier over a part of a plant, substantially an entire plant, or a plurality of plants.

Abstract: A horticultural therapy apparatus is accessible to a practitioner who occupies a wheelchair. The horticultural therapy apparatus presents a raised and stable working surface that can be easily accessed by a person in a wheelchair or by a person otherwise operating with impaired or limited mobility.

Abstract: An apparatus for covering or protecting vegetation, in particular landscaping. The apparatus includes an elongated sheet of material having an upper edge and a lower edge. Spaced along the length of the elongated sheet are a plurality of stake pockets extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the elongated sheet. The stake pockets receiving a stake used to secure the cover to a surface, typically the ground. Accordingly, the elongated sheet surrounds or is placed adjacent to the landscaping and the stakes are either inserted into the stake pockets or attached to the sheet using the stake pockets and correspondingly hold the elongated sheet upright and in place. In addition, a plurality of eyelets on the elongated sheet can be used to both hang decorations and anchor the elongated sheet to the ground surface.

Abstract: A greenhouse comprising: a substantially transparent surface; a protective coating comprising a pigment and a binder. The binder comprises a vinyl polymer based on one or more of the monomers selected from the group consisting of methyl methacrylate, butyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, styrene, methacrylic acid and acrylic acid, having a weight-average molecular weight of 10,000-100,000 and an acid value of 40-250. The binder has a polydispersity of 2-6 and a glass transition temperature of 10 to 60° C. The protective coating is on said substantially transparent surface and the protective coating is removable with a removing agent comprising a base and a complex former.

Abstract: A flower pot apparatus adapted for enveloping the base of an umbrella pole in such a manner as to allow the flower pot apparatus to primarily support the umbrella when the flower pot is filled with plant growth media. The flower pot apparatus when coupled with an umbrella functions to shield the contents of the flower pot from precipitation and direct sunlight as needed to nurture the growth and development of a plant contained therein or to protect such other contents as may be contained therein. The flower pot apparatus when coupled with an umbrella secondarily functions as a household decoration.

Abstract: An apparatus for cultivating a cucumber, eggplant or the like includes a fastening element for allowing an opened cover body to be fastened into a closed state or a closed cover body to be separated into an opened state by causing a catching protrusion opened along the longitudinal direction of the cover body, and a plurality of catching steps to allow the cover body to be coupled and fastened when catching steps are hooked on a catching protrusion, and a cover body distortion prevention projection formed protruding from the catching protrusion to fix opposite sides of each of the catching steps when each catching step is hooked on the catching protrusion. Cover body separation/opening supports are formed, respectively, on the top of each catching step and on the catching protrusion such that the fastened cover body can be unfastened and opened.

Abstract: An apparatus to promote plant growth in vast desert areas is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a blocking plate pivotally jointed to at least two support posts. The blocking plate is operated by an electrical motor to turn wheels secured to a rotary rod to extend or pull back cables connecting the blocking plate and the wheels in order to swing the blocking plate between an approximately horizontal position and one or two approximately vertical positions in order to protect the plants underneath and promote plant growth. The apparatus can include a solar cell layer in the blocking plate, or attach a wind turbine at the top of one of the support posts to generate electrical energy from the extreme desert sunlight and windstorm. Further, rain gutters can be formed onto the blocking plate to collect and distribute rainwater.

Abstract: An enclosure for acclimatizing a micro-propagated plantlet includes a sealed growing chamber for the plantlet. The enclosure has a closable opening for providing nutrients to the plantlet and a humidity control to selectively reduce the humidity within the chamber over time to acclimatize the plantlet.

Abstract: A grass protection mat, used for protecting grass on golf courses, grass playing fields, park lawns, etc., or for promoting growth of grass, is provided. The grass protection mat is fixed to a ground surface through a mat anchoring member, and includes a body provided with a grass passage, a projecting column provided at a top of the body, a lug provided at a bottom of the body, and a mat ground anchoring means connected to the body, and configured with a portion to which the mat anchoring member is fixed upon mat installation and disposed at least below the body. The grass protection mat, due to its ground anchoring portions being disposed in closest possible proximity to the ground surface to improve anchoring to the ground when the ground anchoring portions are pressed during on-site installation, can offer superior results including effective prevention of being lifted, deformed, and disconnected.

Abstract: A raised bed planter comprising a porous and permeable load-bearing exoskeleton comprised of nonwoven polymer matting and a spray-on polymer coating; a core section comprised of hydrophilic bedding fill material; and a bottom layer that serves as a weed barrier. The planter optionally incorporates multiple bedding levels and/or a wicking system or wicking components. In an alternate embodiment, the exoskeleton is comprised of a layer of outdoor carpet, a layer of fencing material, and a layer of nonwoven polymer matting. The planter optionally comprises one or more wings and a removable greenhouse cover.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting plants is includes a covering that has a means for opening and closing the covering, an element that may be for heating or cooling and is releaseably attached to the protective covering and a means for securing the covering around the plant.

Abstract: An apparatus and method cultivate trees by preventing freezing and frost damage and inhibiting root stalk sprouts. The apparatus is a frustoconical cover that rests on the ground to cover the root ball of the tree. The stalk and leaves are extended from a hole in the frustum. Water such as mist is injectable within the cover to prevent cold and frost damage.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a plant cultivating unit that can perform a watering operation in a simple manner and can supply water uniformly to plants in locations where a floor surface is sloped, such as the rooftop of a building, without requiring separate water supply piping work. A plant cultivating unit (1) comprises a water storage tray (2) in which water can be stored and in which receivers (3) for housing the roots of plants can be arranged in an interior thereof, a water storage space (8) in the water storage tray (2) and the receivers (3) being communicated via water feeders (7), and the water stored in the water storage space (8) being able to be supplied to the plants via the water feeders (7).

Abstract: A gardening apparatus that isolates a targeted plant for spraying of chemicals such as herbicides, while protecting desired vegetation in proximity to the targeted plant. The gardening apparatus can be held and operated in one hand, while the other hand is used to operate a sprayer. The apparatus includes an elongated shaft that permits a user to spray a targeted plant from a safe distance such as in an erect position. Located at the distal end of the shaft is a shield, and on the opposite proximal end of the shaft is a hand control mechanism for adjusting the opening and closing of the shield around a plant stem. The adjustability of the opening/closing of the shield through the hand control mechanism permits targeting of different sized stems as the shield can be adjustably configured to surround the stem, whether thick or thin, without having to touch the targeted plant by hand.

Abstract: A soil protection device for inhibiting access to soil surrounding a stem of a potted plant will now be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1a to 4 of the accompanying drawings. According to the now preferred embodiment, a soil protection device 10 includes a cover member 20 having a generally disk-shaped configuration for lying flat upon soil surrounding a potted plant. While the cover member 20 may include a one-piece construction, the now preferred embodiment includes having first portion 30 pivotally connected to a second portion 40 for relative movement between an open configuration (FIG. 1a) and a closed configuration (FIG. 1a). Each portion includes a generally hemispherical configuration such that the cover member 20 presents a disk-shaped configuration when the portions are at the closed configuration. Of course, other configurations would also be suitable depending on the geometry of plant receptacle with which it is being used, e.g. a square or rectangular configuration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for covering a plant growing medium. The device includes a sheet and an aperture defined by the sheet. A first portion of the sheet surrounds the aperture. A second portion of the sheet has at least one ledge for engaging a top surface of the plant growing medium. The second portion of the sheet is integrated with the first portion of the sheet such that the at least one ledge is situated at a height below the height of the first portion of the sheet.

Abstract: A method for protecting trees or plants from consumption or damage by animals constitutes the use of sharp and physically agitating material over the trees or plants. In one example of the invention a sharp object like barbed wire is used to wrap around the plant where it is vulnerable.

Abstract: An apparatus for precluding plant trunks from freezing comprises an electrically powered heating means, for placement adjacent a plant trunk, to thereby warm the plant trunk. An insulating means is provided for surrounding the electrically powered heating means and the plant trunk, to thereby retain heat generated by the electrically powered heating means around the plant trunk.

Abstract: A plant protector includes a flexible cover having an apex, a base, plural sides and plural vertices defining intersections between adjacent sides, together with plural elongated frame members each respectively attached to the cover at one of the vertices. The frame members each have a first end proximate to the cover apex and a second end proximate to the cover base. The frame member first ends are mutually interconnected for pivoting at or below the cover apex. The pivotal interconnection may be provided by hinge connector hardware, but is more preferably provided by the cover itself functioning as a living hinge. The frame members are pivotable from an open position wherein the frame members are angled relative to each other to a collapsed position wherein the frame members are substantially parallel to each other.

Abstract: A sheet for pest control, wherein said sheet is of polymeric material and comprises at least two layers; a top layer and a bottom layer, wherein the bottom layer contains a herbicide and one or more pesticides selected from among fungicides and insecticides, and the top layer optionally containing an insecticide and/or fungicide. Other aspects of the invention include a polymeric composition used in the preparation of the sheets and a method for pest control in agriculture, horticulture and gardens.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for covering a plant growing medium. The device includes a sheet that defines an aperture. One or more protrusions extends from the sheet to engage a top surface of the plant growing medium. A wall is integrally attached to each edge of the sheet. Each wall has a series of ridges.

Abstract: A method of desert environmental control using the apparatus as disclosed herein that can be installed in huge expanse of desert area, evenly spaced in a square matrix type formation, forming a protective layer against sunlight, and turning the sun's natural energy into electrical power by the solar panel or photo-voltaic cells that can be placed upon the shade panel as disclosed herein, creating a friendly environment that promotes plants growth and thus turning arid desert land into human friendly land at a cost lower than other current systems.

Abstract: A composite, flexible protective cover for turf or other natural substrates, including at least one layer having a reflective coating adapted to direct radiant heat back into the substrate.

Abstract: A weed control system has an opaque portion and a growth promoting portion. The opaque portion blocks passage of light therethrough and blocks passage of seedlings growing from weed seeds in a ground region. The growth promoting portion is adapted to be disposed between the opaque portion of the system and the ground region. The growth promoting portion promotes germination of the weed seeds and the resulting weed seedlings die as the opaque portion prevents any light from reaching the seedlings.

Abstract: A shade assembly including reflective shade panels suspended above a roof or along an exterior wall of a building. The assembly also includes a shade box, such as one including an assembly of upright support posts and attached cables to which dark or reflective water-absorbent shade panels are attached. The shade box covers a rooftop fixture. The shade box can also include a water distribution system which dispenses water substantially onto the dark shade panels when they are included in the shade box. The shade assembly may also be used in a method for cooling the exterior surface of a building. The shade assembly may be used in a method of obtaining government economic incentives for energy efficiency such as emission reduction credits. A shade assembly including reflective shade panels suspended above a structure on or near the ground, such as a parking lot.

Abstract: Growth of a plant can be properly controlled, when a flower pot made of a transparent plastic and detachable light shades to the flower pot for controlling light are employed, as growth and increase of roots of the plant being observed through the transparent flower pot.

Abstract: A system and kit of components for winterizing plants and trees, where the invention comprises a skeletal frame formed by plural first tubular members, each having an upper end and a lower end. When assembled, the respective lower ends are spaced apart and positioned vertically and anchored within the ground surrounding the plant or tree. Joined between adjacent first tubular members are plural second tubular, horizontally oriented, members to form a generally square skeletal frame. About the skeletal frame is a light-transmitting plastic wrap. Overriding the skeletal frame is a top frame, preferably pivotal about a pair of upper ends, to allow access to the protected plant or tree. Additionally, the invention contemplates a cover, such as a plastic wrap or canvas-like material over the top frame to ensure complete protection of the plant or tree.

Abstract: A seed harvester pod and method are provided for harvesting seeds from the cones of a live, free—standing, coniferous tree. The pod comprises an open-sided conical frame, open at the top and bottom, supporting a permeable side wall, which may be netting. The netting is operative to allow penetration of sunlight, air and rain. However it will prevent the passage therethrough of airborne seeds released by the cones of the tree. The retained seeds deflect off the netting and drop into an interior, open-topped, annular trough supported by the frame at its base. The seeds are intercepted and collected by the trough. The pod can be lowered by a helicopter line onto the conical upper end of the tree, prior to cone maturation. After the cones have opened and the seeds have matured, released and become airborne, they are contained by the netting, drop and collect in the trough. The harvester is then later retrieved from the tree and the seeds are recovered.

Abstract: Trellis structure including a frame body and a roof. The frame body is composed of multiple upright columns, press beams and support rods. The roof is composed of a ridge beam, multiple press beams and multiple support rods. The press beam is a hollow beam having an opening on one side. By means of multiple fixing members and bolts, the press beams are fixedly connected with the columns and the ridge beam to form a pattern of a house. The other side of the press beam is formed with a recessed insertion section. In cooperation with a press bar and a clamping plate, a light shading mesh is fixed around the frame body and on the top face of the roof to form a trellis with shading effect.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for covering vegetation in a cold or windy environment such that the vegetation is protected from frost. The cover includes a sheet of material that has a parameter edge. The parameter edge is folded to form piping and a weight is positioned within the piping to restrain the movement of the cover when the cover is in position over the vegetation.

Abstract: A protective enclosure for protecting garden plants against frost and other environmental hazards. The enclosure consists of semi-circular arches over which a protective cover is deployed. The cover is held in place by elastic hold-downs strung across the outside of the cover at each arch. Each arch presents to the hold-down a concave shape that receives and stabilizes the hold-down element. The cover is translucent to sunlight and may include two types of material, one impervious to wind and rain, the other a mesh transparent to wind and rain. The wind-impervious material may be bunched up under the hold-downs, leaving plants protected only by the mesh. Access to plants is gained by lifting and bunching up the mesh, which is re-deployed when access is no longer necessary.

Abstract: A method of growing vines trained in rows, particularly for the purposes of avoiding frost damage and promoting good fruiting, the method being of the type consisting in draping a film (8) of plastics material over each row of vines, the film being supported firstly by at least one top wire (2) situated at the tops of a row of stakes (1), and secondly by spreader elements (5, 7) for spreading the two panels of the film (8), the film being held by fasteners (9) that are secured at intervals to the bottom edges (11) thereof and that are connected to fastener members (12, 13) that are preferably situated on said stakes.

Abstract: The novel seedling bud capping device is easily deployed on a bud of a seedling due to the use of adherent on either edge (rather than a staple), and more particularly due to its predefinedly selective use of adherent to form an inverted conic space around the bud for receiving sunlight and for capturing the bud stem near its base. The paper stock or the adherent used in the bud capping device may be impregnated with a repellent scent to further ward away browsers to protect the seedling. Preferably, the bud capping device is made from a small, e.g. ˜5 inch, square piece of water-repellent paper stock having a layer of glue adjacent at least one edge. The stock is protected on the adherent side by another layer of material to be selectively removed. This protective layer is scored and a free segment of the protective backing layer is removed to expose a region of adherent.

Abstract: A combination plant wind screen, soil erosion barrier, water control apparatus, having an annular base member having a lower edge and an upper edge, a partial frusto-conical shield member having with an upper border and a lower border. The shield member is connected to and upwardly disposed from the base member, tapers inwardly from its lower to upper border. A ring is connected to the said annular base member for anchoring the apparatus to the soil when installed around a plant. A lower annular member disposed downwardly from the annular base member and around the roots of a plant controls water drainage.

Abstract: A cone shaped, multi-use garden accessory, consisting of a single unit. The cone body is open at each end. The base, or larger end, is formed by a rounded rim. The neck, or smaller end, has a tubular extension with prongs affixed. Stiffeners are arrayed within the cone and extend through the tubular neck and along the prongs. The entire structure is composed of translucent, semi-rigid or rigid material.

Abstract: A mating disruption method for the control of insect pests comprises releasing a sex pheromone in a field wherein an adsorption of the sex pheromone to a soil in the field is decreased.

Abstract: Plastic bags are continuously formed and filled with sand, soil and gravel to fabricate flexible soft bricks of various shapes and configurations which may be laid on the ground to stabilize sand for growing vegetation or to prevent soil depletion due to water erosion or to grow vegetation in them. Protective housings made of plastic membrane material may be erected in dry or desert regions for growing trees and vegetation. The lower portion of the housing may be located below ground into a trench. Self operating knives are located in the housing to sever the plastic membrane material when the tree grown in the housing has reached a predetermined maturity. Tree planting bullets are provided to facilitate forestation by airplane to land inaccessible regions. The tree seedling is located in supported in an embryonic sack located in a depression formed in the rear portion of the bullet head.

Abstract: A decorative tree protector which is positioned on the ground around a tree trunk to prevent grass from growing close to the tree trunk. The tree protector includes a round hollow body having a top wall, downwardly dependent sidewall, and a radially extending lower rim for ease of mowing around. A central hole through the top wall and a radial slit from the central hole allow the tree protector to be fit around the trunk of a tree. Opposing portions of the protector body at the slit are retained together after fitting around the tree by retaining screws and nuts. The tree protector can include a built-in seat formed into the top wall and sidewall thereof, being coverable by a pivoting seat cover. The tree protector can further include a decorative device such as a flower trough, a plurality of battery-powered light bulbs extending from the sidewall, a decorative metallic band, or external decorations such as bark, mulch, stones, bricks, sand, or plants, affixed to the protector body.

Abstract: A sunshade includes an intermediate net portion having mono filament circular weft yarns interlaced with flat warp yarns, two stringing sections which are formed on two sides of the intermediate net portion and each of which has a limit portion which is interposed between two weft-free portions and which is folded to lay the weft-free portions one over the other, two opposite drape portions extending from the stringing sections, respectively, and a pair of strings threading through and fastening together the weft-free portions.

Abstract: A shoe (1) for use at the roots of a planted seedling or a natural seedling, made of mouldering material and having a hole (4) for the plant stem in its center and a slit (3) between the hole and the shoe edge. The shoe (1) is made convex and the convex portion has grooves (2), cavities or pockets to collect materials.

Abstract: The invention involves a fence for repelling plant-damaging animals comprised of a row of tubes each having a top end and bottom end, and at least one chemical-composition-containing tube having at least one exit port; a connector for attaching each tube to each adjacent tube; and a chemical composition repellant to plant-damaging animals, contained within the at least one chemical-composition-containing tube, whereby a repellant character of the chemical composition is releaseable from the at least one chemical-composition-containing tube through the exit port.