Abstract: A solution for illuminating plants can include: a set of visible light sources configured to emit visible radiation directed at the plant; a set of infrared radiation sources configured to emit ultraviolet radiation directed at the plant; a feedback component configured to acquire data regarding the plant; and a control unit configured to control and adjust radiation directed at the plant based on the data.

Abstract: Shelters for enhancing the growth of trees by protecting tree trunks from damaging sunlight. The shelters include a longitudinal tubular structure having a top edge and a bottom edge. The shelters includes a conduit extending from the top edge to the bottom edge of the shelter. The longitudinal tubular structure may be formed from a polymeric material including a pigment selected to block at least a portion of electromagnetic radiation. The polymeric material including the pigment blocks at least about 30% of electromagnetic radiation at any wavelength from about 200 nm to about 2500 nm.

Abstract: A window regulator module for a motor vehicle includes a pair of window regulator rails operably coupled to one another via at least one cable wrapped about pulleys on the window regulator rails. Each window regulator rail has a body extending lengthwise between opposite ends. The body has a main body portion and a guide edge along which a lifter travels upwardly and downwardly. The main body portion is plastic and the guide edge is metal. The metal guide edge provides the window regulator module with increased stiffness and increased cross-vehicle stability to a window carried by the lifters.

Abstract: Hydroponics plant collars including a body defining a thickness, a center, and a periphery, a slot extending from the periphery and generally toward the center, a terminus of the slot and a surface thereof, and two opposing slot surfaces which define smooth plant contact portions thereof and which are spaced apart from one another whereby the body distributes forces acting on the hydroponics plant collar and on a plant to be in the slot, and metallic nanospheres dispersed throughout the body.

Abstract: A thermally regulated enclosure system which includes apparatuses and methods of making and using a thermally regulated enclosure system, including one or more of a vessel having a bottom aperture element which defines a bottom open area, a top aperture element which defines a top open area, one or more stakes detachably fastenable to the peripheral margin of the bottom aperture element of the vessel, and a closure element adjustable in relation to the top aperture element to increase or decrease the top open area.

Abstract: The planter system using waste materials repurpose waste materials to construct a self-irrigating planter that promotes plant growth in a protective environment. The planter system includes a water reservoir constructed from scrap tire defining a hollow interior serving as water storage, the reservoir being buried in soil. A condensation funnel having a sloped condensation skirt extends into the center opening of the scrap tire to direct condensate into the water reservoir. A root ball cover made from scrap newspaper covers the root system of a plant, and the plant is buried in the center opening of the scrap tire. A soil protection cover is placed atop the root ball cover to protect the soil of the root ball, and a support tube extends therefrom to protect the stem of the plant from environmental conditions. A valve regulates delivery of water to the reservoir. Most components are made from scrap plastic.

Abstract: A tree and plant watering system relating to improved transfer of water to trees and plants (both new and existing) is provided. The system comprises soil penetrators, soil anchors, and area extenders to enhance water capacity and to provide ease of water transfer to root systems. Additionally, the system provides plant growth ladders to assist upward plant growth and root apertures to assist root growth.

Abstract: Shielding for the protection of plants and seedlings from ground pests is provided. Shields can be comprised of materials including biodegradable materials that have the advantage of being formed into plant protection shields with various features, such as by an injection molding process, but that can be buried within the soil along with a plant's roots. Plant shields are provided for being partially buried in soil to surround a plant and for providing above-ground protection from ground travelling pests. Such shields can comprise a walled structure surrounding and creating an open-ended enclosure with the shield comprising an above the ground portion and a below the ground portion. The shield may comprises a Biodegradable Plastic that includes plant nutrients within the Biodegradable Plastic.

Abstract: A tree and plant watering system relating to improved transfer of water to trees and plants (both new and existing) is provided. The system comprises soil penetrators, soil anchors, and area extenders to enhance water capacity and to provide ease of water transfer to root systems. Additionally, the system provides plant growth ladders to assist upward plant growth and root apertures to assist root growth.

Abstract: An animal-resistant fence preventing entry of animals includes a first post, a second post, and a first panel member extending between the two posts. The fence further includes a second panel member extending from an upper portion of the first panel member above the ground level, and a third panel member extending from a lower portion of the first panel member beneath the ground level.

Abstract: The invention relates to a growth container (1) comprising: a receptacle (2) with a bottom part (3) having a plant receiving area (4), and a light source (6) for providing light to the plant receiving area (4). In order to obtain conditions optimal for growth, the light source (6) is elongated and arranged centrally in the plant receiving area (4) for being surrounded by plants (5) in the plant receiving area, and for producing light (18) to the growth container (1) at a plurality of different heights (h) above the bottom part.

Abstract: A system for protecting plants. The system has a plurality of walls having sides with sets of offset keepers. Connecting rods are provided through the keepers of adjacent walls and inserted into the ground. The walls have mesh bodies and mesh heads which may be angled inward to prevent animals and pests from gaining access to the interior of the plant protector through the top. Any desired number of walls may be connected to provide any desired configuration of plant protector, and the walls may be provided with openings of various sizes to thwart various sized pests.

Abstract: A self watering system to water the roots of the vegetation with condensate from ground moisture collected within a condensate enclosure comprising an outer substantially vertical peripheral wall, an inner substantially vertical wall and an upper wall having at least two substantially flat sections inclined relative to each other and intersecting the upper portion of the outer substantially vertical wall and the upper portion of the inner substantially vertical wall at different angles each of less than ninety degrees to cooperatively form the condensate enclosure to collect moisture from the ground on the inner surface of the substantially flat sections to allow the moisture to condense into droplets to provide water to roots of the vegetation within the condensate enclosure.

Abstract: A free-standing support frame (1) for a horticultural growing bag (B) and plants (P) growing therefrom, the support frame comprising a pair of substantially A-shaped uprights (3), held in spaced apart relationship by upper and lower cross-members (5), the lower cross-member being adapted to engage with and support a horticultural growing bag (B) along one of its longitudinal edges. The growing bag is supported such that the bag presents an increase depth of growing media (C) for the roots (R) of the plant (P) to grow therein and form a void (V) over the growth media to retain a volume of water to percolate therethrough.

Abstract: Cylindrical encasement devices and methods for planting mangrove propagules or seedlings along shorelines and non-native environments. The devices can use interior (or exterior) longitudinal grooves or thinned channels or lines of holes that hinge the device along the longitudinal axis to facilitate increases in displacement which results in acceleration of plant development and adaptation, improving survivability and reproductive maturity to establish self-sustaining mangrove trees and forests. A manufacturing enables control of the structure, color and opacity, to facilitate applications in habitat creation, restoration, shoreline stabilization, erosion control, and environmental remediation. Safe and easy removal of the device from the environment occurs without harm and damage.

Abstract: An animal-resistant fence preventing entry of animals includes a first post, a second post, and a first panel member extending between the two posts. The fence further includes a second panel member extending from an upper portion of the first panel member above the ground level, and a third panel member extending from a lower portion of the first panel member beneath the ground level.

Abstract: A water-saving device includes a frusto-conical housing having a wide lower end that overlies a ground surface. A lip is integrally formed at the upper end, extending radially inwardly. A vertical cut is formed in the housing with a flange adjoining each edge of the cut. The flanges are spaced apart to admit a tree trunk into the hollow interior of the housing and are attachable to one another to enclose a tree trunk. A first pair of apertures is formed in the lip. A conduit has a first end in fluid communication with a row hose and extends upwardly from the row hose, through a first aperture, and downwardly through the second aperture. A water emitter is in fluid communication with a second end of the conduit and is positioned within the hollow interior of the housing below the lip and above the ground surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a removable plant protection system, comprising a wall module including an upwardly extending wall segment that is arranged for throwing a shadow on a soil area near the wall module when the sun reaches its highest orbit point and for allowing a sun beam on the soil area at a time period on the day when the elevation of the sun is relatively low.

Abstract: Cylindrical type encasement devices and method for planting mangrove propagules or seedlings along high-energy shorelines and in non-native environments. The devices can use interior (or exterior) longitudinal grooves or thinned channels or lines of holes that hinge the device along the longitudinal axis to facilitate increases in the displacement. This displacement results in acceleration of both plant development and the adaptation process, thereby improving long-term survivability and promoting reproductive maturity in order to establish self-sustaining mangrove trees and forests. The device facilitates forced adaptation, that is, induced changes in morphology and structure in order to habituate the developing mangrove tree to environments where natural recruitment cannot occur.

Abstract: A spectrally selective grow tube or tree shelter that improves the establishment of woody plant forms by reduction and/or elimination of certain biotic and abiotic stress factors. The grow tube may provide an enhanced micro climate that is humid and rich in CO2 and promotes photosynthesis by selectively propagating photosynthetically active radiation. In addition to providing a physical barrier to wind and herbivores, certain embodiments of the grow tube can also provide protection from chemical sprays while permitting ventilation of the grow tube. Various embodiments of the spectrally selective grow tube may comprise separate interior and exterior members for enhancement of the interior and exterior surface functions and that may be co-extruded. The interior member may be dyed or pigmented to selectively transmit wavelengths of the visible spectrum known to promote photosynthesis, such as red light and/or blue light.

Abstract: A street tree guard ensuring easy assembly work and having secure coupling strength is provided. The street tree guard includes an inner supporting member which is configured to be installed on a ground around a street tree, an outer supporting member which is configured to be disposed while being spaced apart from the inner supporting member outward, a covering member which configured to be disposed between the inner supporting member and the outer supporting member. Each of the inner supporting member and the outer supporting member includes a plurality of base members configured to be disposed at equal intervals and a plurality of connecting members configured to connect two facing ends of the base members to each other. If a part of the street tree guard is damage, only the damaged part is replaced for maintenance, thereby reducing the maintenance sot. The street tree guard ensures easy installation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a plant-protecting device which is commonly known as a protective cold frame. While this description seems to indicate a frame-like device, the described device is intended to refer not only to the frame but also to a wind and thermal protective covering generally configured to hold heat therein to protect a plant therein from cold, wind, and the combination. In general, the disclosed device comprises a plurality of rod members that may be bendable, which are inserted into a coupler at the apex of the dome-shaped frame to provide a support structure for a cylindrical covering to be placed thereupon.

Abstract: An improved heat protective plant wrap for surrounding a plant comprises: a paperboard sleeve having an open top end portion and an open bottom end portion; wherein the top end portion has interior faces therearound colored to absorb light. Sunlight is absorbed by the colored interior face in the top end portion rather than being reflected therein. A top portion of the plant therein, adjacent to the colored interior face, remains substantially closer to ambient temperature in the sunlight. In a preferred aspect of this invention the paperboard sleeve comprises a generally square tubular member having parallel pre-folded elongate arrises to facilitate storage, shipping, handling, and erection.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an adjustable protective enclosure for trees or shrubs, comprising: a first enclosing portion having a upper region, and a lower region adapted to contact the ground, and comprising a plurality of longitudinally extending panels, each panel comprising a plurality first longitudinal members and a plurality of first transverse members, wherein the first longitudinal members and the first transverse members of a panel are attached to one another to form one or more first rigid frameworks; at least a portion of the longitudinal members or at least a portion of the transverse members, or both, are adjustable in length; each panel is adjustably attached to two adjacent panels to enclose one or more trees or shrubs; a second enclosing portion attached to the first enclosing portion in the upper region thereof, and comprising a plurality of second longitudinal members and a one or more second transverse members, wherein the second longitudinal members and second transverse members form one or more

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: 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 plant enclosure for protecting outdoor plants from cool weather conditions generally comprises a sheet of thermally insulating material scored to form a plurality of panels. Each panel is substantially identically shaped such that the sheet may be expanded and formed into an approximately conical shape from a folded shape, the folded shape being substantially identical to the shape of each panel. A plurality of fasteners are attached to the panels and adapted to maintain the sheet in either the approximately conical shape or the folded shape. The plant enclosure is also provided with a hood portion affixed about an orifice through the upper portion of the panel structure for enclosing the upper foliage of a protected plant.

Abstract: A tree guard for young trees, seedlings, saplings and other plants which is a flat sheet having locking wing shaped tabs provided which are formed from and integral with the sheet, and receiving cut outs in the sheet positioned so as to securely receive and hold the wing shaped locking tabs such that when the sheet is rolled into a cylindrical shape the side ends of the sheet are securely connected to each other.

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: The present invention relates to the in situ manufacture of plant extracts from living plants. Since the plant remains intact, a flower or other component of the plant can be extracted one or more times. Following the extraction process, the plant is typically able to continue with its lifecycle. Such extracts have a variety of uses including use for, but not limited to: herbal and homeopathic medicines, hair and skin treatments, and cosmetics. The present invention also relates to apparatus useful for manufacturing plant extracts from living plants.

Abstract: A method for deterring arboreal animals from climbing and reaching a bird feeder nesting box or elevated plant holder, supported atop a post set within the ground, includes the steps of providing a freestanding, non-rotatable hollow, longitudinally extending body and inserting the post supporting the bird feeder, nesting box or elevated plant holder conjunctionally therein. Alternatively, the bird feeder, nesting box or elevated plant holder may be directly supported atop the freestanding, non-rotatable, longitudinally extending body. The free standing, non-rotatable longitudinally extending body extends up from the ground, and is made of a minimal height and width, whereupon the arboreal animal will slide down the free standing, non-rotatable hollow, longitudinally extending body to a position where the arboreal animal is out of a jumping range to reach said bird feeder, nesting box or elevated plant.

Abstract: A decorative planter includes a base having upper and lower portions and a flange disposed about the outer periphery of the upper portion. The planter also includes a collar dimensioned to encompass the upper portion of the base. The collar has a mechanical interface which engages the flange such that the collar and the flange form a decorative rim about the upper portion of the planter. The present disclosure also relates to a method of forming a decorative planter which includes the steps of: a) forming a base having upper and lower portions and a flange disposed about the outer periphery of the upper portion; b) forming a collar dimensioned to encompass the upper portion of the base, the collar having a mechanical interface dimensioned to mechanically engage the flange; and c) engaging the collar and the flange to form a decorative rim about the upper portion of the base.

Abstract: A plant packaging and covering system including a floral sleeve having a decorative pattern thereon. The sleeve may have a lower portion sized to cover a pot and an upper portion which can surround a plant disposed in the pot and which can be detached once the protective function of the upper portion is complete or which can be used to support the sleeve from a support device prior to use. The decorative pattern preferably has a non-linear upper boundary which gives the sleeve the appearance of having a non-linear upper edge or skirt extending from the lower portion.

Abstract: A seedling growth-enhancing device is disclosed, consisting of a circular tube formed from flexible, non-opaque thermoplastic material having a slit formed over its length. The tube is of sufficient size as to substantially enclose the seedling, and the plastic material is inherently resilient so that the device is normally biased into its tubular configuration. The opposed edges of the slit are fastened at the top and bottom to permit the edges to be resiliently spread at an intermediate point to permit access to the seedling for maintenance. Also disclosed are an H-clip for releasably fastening the opposed edges and a wire hanger for suspending the circular tube from an overhead suspension wire.

Abstract: A plant guard apparatus (10) for protecting the emerging growth and root system of a plant (100). The apparatus (10) includes a generally frustro-conical shaped housing member (20) having an enlarged bottom opening (21), a reduced diameter to opening (22), angled side walls (23) and a plurality of apertured tabs (24) projecting outwardly from the bottom periphery of the housing member (20) and adapted to receive alike plurality of anchor stake members (40) which are alignable with the angled side walls (23) of the housing member (20) such that the stake members (40) can be selectively angled away from the root system of the plants (100).

Abstract: A plant guard is made of a sheet of material which is formed into a tubular shape. Side marginal edges of the sheet are secured together by a fastener. A flap is formed at one end adjacent one side marginal edge, the flap being folded, in use, over a supporting wire so that the wire passes in front of and adjacent the engaged marginal edges to prevent disengagement thereof.

Abstract: A support bracket and stake are provided which can be used for edging gardens and lawns or for the formation of retaining walls. Used together, the bracket and stake provide a means to support and anchor lengths of lumber to the ground to create a variety of edging systems. In particular, the stakes provide a means to attach the system securely to the ground surface, while the support bracket has a beam receiving portion to support a variety of different types of lumber frequently used in edging. A mounting column on the support bracket provides a means to secure the support bracket to the stakes such that the support bracket may freely rotate 360° perpendicular to the vertical axis of the stake. The stakes may be vertically engaged one upon and inside the other to provide a raised border system of various height.

Abstract: A seedling growth-enhancing device is disclosed, consisting of a circular tube formed from flexible, non-opaque thermoplastic material having a slit formed over its length. The tube is of sufficient size as to substantially enclose the seedling, and the plastic material is inherently resilient so that the device is normally biased into its tubular configuration. The opposed edges of the slit are fastened at the top and bottom to permit the edges to be resiliently spread at an intermediate point to permit access to the seedling for maintenance. Also disclosed are an H-clip for releasably fastening the opposed edges and a wire hanger for suspending the circular tube from an overhead suspension wire.

Abstract: A seedling growth enhancing device is disclosed which takes the form of an elongated tubular shell formed from three shell segments each having a radius of curvatures less than the effective radius of curvature of the tubular shell. The device is thermoformed from thermoplastic and includes a flexible hinge joining two common edges of the three shell segments. The third common edges are formed with male and female snapping members enabling the device to be formed around a seedling and snapped into place.

Abstract: The plant protector is designed to form a sleeve of triangular cross-section from a flat sheet 10 having a width of 285 mm by way of example. The sleeve is attached to a horizontal support wire 11 by folding a top securing flap 12 past and around the wire 11. The sheet 10 can be of various lengths to form erected sleeves of different heights to suit different applications. By way of example the erected sleeve can be of a number of different heights within a range of about 300 mm to about 1600 mm.Sleeve 13, has spaced sealing tabs 14 along each of the longitudinal edges. The lower end 15 may be engaged with the ground while the upper end has a horizontal crease line 16 for the securing flap 12. The tabs 14 along the two longitudinal edges are mutually offset so that the tabs 14 along each edge align with the inter-tab spaces 15 along the opposite edge so that a dove-tail closing action is achieved.

Abstract: A plant enclosure for outdoor use has a hollow body with open upper and lower ends and ventilation and drainage openings. In order to permit a desired amount of water to be conserved within the base of the enclosure, the openings are positioned such that a portion of the body may be buried in the soil, with the openings spaced above the soil surface. The base of the body has plant root openings, positioned to be buried beneath the soil surface. These openings are sized to permit plant roots to grow laterally outwardly close to the soil surface, beyond the perimeter of the enclosure. A lid is engageable to the upper rim of the body. The lid have a recessed portion on its upper surface to that capture rain or sprinkler water. Apertures within the lid permit the captured water to drain into the enclosure. Preferably, the body and lid are clear or translucent to create a greenhouse effect during daylight hours.

Abstract: An insulated plant cover (10) having a transparent or translucent inner cylinder (12) which has an inner cylinder top (12T) and an inner cylinder bottom (12B). The inner cylinder top (12T) has an inner cylinder top chimney (12TA) positioned at a top distal end and an inner cylinder bottom spacer (12BA) positioned circumferentially along a bottom distal end and is sealably attached thereto. The insulated plant cover (10) further has a transparent or translucent outer cylinder (14) which comprises an outer cylinder top (14T) and an outer cylinder bottom (14B). The outer cylinder top (14T) has an outer cylinder top upper edge (14TA) positioned circumferentially along a top distal end and an outer cylinder bottom lower edge (14TB) positioned circumferentially along a bottom distal end. The inner cylinder (12) is positioned within the outer cylinder (14). The inner cylinder bottom edge (12BB) is sealably attached to the inner cylinder bottom spacer (12BA).

Abstract: The invention provides a shelter comprising a wall member, a support ring to hold the wall member in its expanded conformation and, optionally, a ground support member to support the shelter on the ground. The wall member is adapted to have a flattened collapsable conformation or an expanded conformation. In use, the wall member is in the expanded conformation in which the wall member circumferentially encloses an interior space and defines an open bottom. The interior space accommodates the plant to be protected. The expanded shape of the wall member may be conical, with an opening at the top. The support ring retains the wall member in its expanded conformation by abutting an exterior surface of the wall member. The support ring has a decomposable portion adapted to deteriorate over time.

Abstract: A holder for a bunch of flowers includes a sleeve surrounding the bunch, which is designed as a truncated cone having circumferential reinforcements at the free openings to form a relatively rigid form and a trying cord fastened to the sleeve lower free opening.

Abstract: A rose cone cover is provided for placement around a rose cone. The rose cone cover contains at least one indicia thereon. The rose cone cover is preferably a clear plastic custom die cut cover which wraps around the rose cone and is secured by suitable fasteners. The rose cone covers are interchangeable such that various indicia can be displayed around the rose cone during the roses' dormant stage. This indicia can be reliant on various holidays or events celebrated during the roses' dormant stage. A plurality of rose cone covers containing a single indicia can be interchanged around the rose cone or a single rose cone cover having a plurality of indicia thereon can be rotatably positioned around the rose cone. Rotation of the rose cone cover having the plurality of the indicia thereon can be achieved either manually or mechanically.

Abstract: A tree trunk protector includes a pair of elongate upright members, each of which has opposing end portions. Each of the upright members defines a pair of upright edges such that respective pairs of the upright edges are engageable with one another to form an elongate opening suitable to surround the lower portion of the tree and the elongate opening is substantially the same size along the length of the upright members. Each end portion of each of the upright members defines a respective integral flange that includes a pair of faces where respective pairs of the faces are in face to face abutment when the upright edges are engaged with one another. Each of the faces of the integral flanges define a projection and a hole located such that the projection of one flange is engaged in the hole of another flange when the upright members are engaged with one another.

Abstract: An improved direct seeding shelter is disclosed. The shelter comprises a base, a side wall, a top including a cylindrical portion and a displaceable cover that is operable, in a first position, to prevent a seed from passing from the interior of the shelter to the exterior of the shelter, through the shelter top. The shelter can be pre-seeded by inverting the shelter, positioning the displaceable cover in the first position, depositing at least one seed into the shelter and into the cylindrical portion, positioning a seed retainer in the cylindrical portion so that the retainer is frictionally engaged therein and is operable with the displaceable cover to define a seed pocket. Direct or spot seeding with the pre-seeded shelter is easily carried out by setting the shelter in the soil and depressing the at least one flap to dislodge the seed retainer. The dislodged seed and the seed retainer fall by gravity to the seeding spot.

Abstract: A tree trunk shielding device including a cover member. The cover member has a first end edge, a second end edge and a pair of side edges. The cover member has a plurality of alternating folds between the pair of side edges and extending a width of the cover member. Eight rod channels are proportionately spaced between the alternating folds of the cover member. A plurality of snap fastener assemblies are attached to the cover member for securing the cover member around a bottom of a tree trunk. Lastly, eight rod members are positioned through one of the rod channels of the cover member and within the ground when the cover member is secured around the bottom of the tree trunk.

Abstract: A plant guard is formed from a panel of plastics material which is folded into a tubular shape with the adjacent vertical margins of the panel being connected together by a reclosable zip-type fastener which comprises fastener strips. Each strip has a locking profile portion which is adapted to releasably interlock with the locking profile portion of the other strip. The fastener strips are secured to opposite edge portions of the panel by heat welding or by an adhesive.

Abstract: A collapsible plant shelter is provided which can be readily erected into a cylindrical form of either elliptical or polygonal cross section and readily collapsed into a substantially flat contour for storage. To erect the shelter, the film is provided in a rectangular planar sheet and then rolled into a cylinder. The film is maintained in its cylindrical form by inserting it within a flexible sleeve. The film has sufficient resiliency that it maintains an elliptical cross section when held within the flexible outer sleeve. The sleeve and film are both formed of at least partially transparent material to allow some light to pass through the sleeve and film and into the shelter. To collapse the shelter, the film is merely removed from within the sleeve and allowed to return to its planar orientation.