Abstract: A plant pen (10) for a floor standing house plant/tree (12) having a pot (14), fertilized soil (16), stem (18) and branches (20). The plant pen (10) comprises a facility (22) placed about the pot (14), fertilized soil (16), stem (18) and branches (20) of the floor standing house plant/tree (12), for preventing a toddler (24) and pet (26) from getting into the fertilized soil (16) in the pot (14), protecting the floor standing house plant/tree (12) from the toddler (24) and pet (26), while also holding up the low hanging branches (20) of the floor standing house plant/tree (12).

Abstract: A plant protector comprising a housing of sufficient dimensions to enclose a plant and having a ventilation opening therein. A cover is provided for covering the ventilation opening and a thermal controlled actuator is coupled between the cover and housing for moving the cover between a closed position at lower temperatures where the cover is positioned over the opening and an open position at higher temperatures where the cover is not positioned over the opening. The cover may be pivotally mounted on the housing and the actuator is preferably located between the cover and housing adjacent the pivot.

Abstract: A self-supporting thermally-protective plant enclosure includes a plurality of elongated hollow closure bodies each having a pair of outer and inner transparent walls. Each outer and inner wall are peripherally interconnected by a base, a top and a pair of opposite sides extending upwardly from the base to the top. Each closure body is closed along the opposite sides and base and is open at least through a portion of the top, defining an internal cavity in the closure body capable of receiving and holding a quantity of fluid therein. The closure bodies are positioned in side-by-side relation and are coupled one closure body to the next along the opposite sides thereof so as to form the plant enclosure with an open top and bottom and an annular configuration surrounding a protective plant growth chamber.

Abstract: A water-retaining enclosure is formed around a plant (10) by joining the ends (18) of a wall (12) of flexible, water-impervious material, so as to form a circle around the plant, the wall then being inserted into the ground with a desired height (16) of the wall projecting above the ground. The wall has projections (20, 30, 32, 40) at intervals on a first side (21) and recesses (22, 31, 42) on the other or second side (19) to engage at least some of said projections for sealingly securing opposite end portions of the wall together.

Abstract: Protective container, especially adapted for vines, is provided with a sleeve comprising two semi-shells adapted to envelope a plant. A journal connects the two semi-shells and a latching element maintains the two semi-shells in a closed positioned so that the sleeve has a general shape of a tube open at both ends. The sleeve is sufficiently rigid so as to act as a support, and includes a lower portion adapted to be at least partially buried and envelope a root system of a plant, an upper portion constructed and arranged to enable free access therein, and an intermediate tubular portion, having reduced dimensions and reinforced mechanical resistance, separating the lower and upper portions. Projections in the general shape of teeth of a comb extend from the lower end of the lower portion to retain the root system of the plant and a substrate. The upper portion includes an openable portion which is selectably closable.

Abstract: A self-supporting thermally-protective plant enclosure includes a plurality of elongated hollow closure bodies each having a pair of outer and inner transparent walls. Each outer and inner wall are peripherally interconnected by a base, a top and a pair of opposite sides extending upwardly from the base to the top. Each closure body is closed along the opposite sides and base and is open at least through a portion of the top, defining an internal cavity in the closure body capable of receiving and holding a quantity of fluid therein. The closure bodies are positioned in side-by-side relation and are coupled one closure body to the next along the opposite sides thereof so as to form the plant enclosure with an open top and bottom and an annular configuration surrounding a protective plant growth chamber.

Abstract: A single plant greenhouse that is a single unit of rigid material with adjustable access ports, wherein the greenhouse provides a thermal buffer against harsh environmental conditions while enabling access to the greenhouse interior to provide ventilation, viewing and caring for a plant while maintaining a sheltered environment that can gradually be removed, allowing the plant to gradually harden itself to the outside environment without shock.

Abstract: A guard for protecting a plant, including a sheet of semi-rigid material having a top edge, a bottom edge, a first end extending between said top and bottom edges, and a second end spaced from said first end fastening means formed on said sheet for fastening said first end in overlapping relationship with said second end to form a tubular sheath for surrounding said plant.

Abstract: A tree guard for young trees, seedlings, sapling and other plants such as vines which can be laid flat for storage and rolled into a cylinder for placing around a tree. The guard may include tapes for holding by means of a stake and light and air admission holes. The guard may be of easily decomposable material or may be reusable.

Abstract: An improved, light-transmitting, plastic shelter cone or terrarium is provided for the germination of seed and growth of seedlings. The cone has a lower soil-engaging flange at its base and a vent opening at its top. The vent opening is covered with a hinged flap which is an integral part of the cone and to which seed may be secured using a water soluble adhesive. When placed in the field, the flap is pressed down into engagement with sidewall indentations which hold the flap and seed in a generally vertical orientation within the cone chamber. Stiffening ribs are formed in the cone wall, protruding outwardly and forming grooves within. Seed may be secured within a groove with water soluble adhesive. When the cone is used, rainfall will dissolve the adhesive, whereby the seed may drop to the soil below. Latching the flap ensures that it does not return to block the vent opening. Preferably, the plastic is sunlight degradable and is further colored translucent red to modify the transmitted light.

Abstract: A single unit plant protection device in a vertical open top cone configuration. Fabricated from recycled plastic material to form a blanket of bubbles or dead air cells. Tinted green to aid in heat absorption while still allowing light to penetrate through to young plants. Designed to slip over an inverted 12".times.33" three wire tomato cage for support. Functions as a barrier against cold, wind, insects, and disease. May be reversed after last frost to provide protection for balance of plant's life while tomato cage provides structural support to plant.

Abstract: Tubular structure, referred to herein as a plant funnel, surrounds a body of enclosed soil that, in turn, surrounds the base of a growing plant. This funnel, when inserted into garden soil, acts to confine about the base of the plant water and nutrients supplied from above to the body of enclosed soil. The funnel has an open and unobstructed bottom through which the body of enclosed soil can make contact with the garden soil and through which the base of the plant extends or can grow into the garden soil beneath the funnel. The funnel is made of a material that is substantially non-biodegradable.

Abstract: A new and improved plant shelter anchoring device for securing a commercially available conical exterior-gusseted square-flanged protective plant shelter to the ground whereby the plant shelter is prevented from blowing off the plant during high winds. The plant shelter anchoring device comprises a bracket having a horizontal planar triangular clamping member. The clamping member has an identical pair of downwardly extending sides, the sides each having an anchoring flange projecting outwardly from a bottom edge thereof. The anchoring flanges each have a plurality of spaced apart holes therethrough. The bracket is disposed in cooperative touching relationship with the corners of the plant shelter flange such that the plant shelter flange is trapped thereunder. The plant shelter anchoring device also includes a plurality of identical spikes having a point formed on one end and an enlarged head portion formed on the other end.

Abstract: A plant shelter (10) is provided which surrounds a plant (P) and provides a microclimate (M) surrounding the plant (P) for enhanced growth of the plant (P). The plant shelter (10) is formed from a film (20) rolled into a cylindrical wall (25). The film (20) has selective absorption characteristics resulting in the film (20) shielding the plant (P) from ultra-violet radiation (U) and visible radiation which is not of a wavelength corresponding to blue light (B). The shelter (10) can be closed partially on a top edge (22) thereof to further isolate the microclimate (M) from conditions of the climate (C) outside the shelter (10).

Abstract: A reusable plant protector apparatus which can be anchored to the earth include A U5RU ,V:a flexible sheet having a top edge, a bottom edge, and two opposite side edges. The sheet defines a plurality of matching pairs of apertures which are offset from each of the side edges, so that the matching apertures in the opposite edges are aligned when the sheet is formed into a cylinder with a side edge overlap. The plant protector apparatus also includes a stake and a plurality of flexible ties extending through the apertures and around the stake for securing the overlapping side edges and the stake to each other. The ties are tightenable to tighten the stake against the overlapping edges thereby sealing the edges of the formed cylinder around the plant to be protected, thereby creating a sheltered climate of higher temperature and humidity around the plant. The plant protector apparatus may also be vented to adjust the temperature and humidity surrounding the plant.

Abstract: A treeshelter system comprising a unitary treeshelter with integral staking means is disclosed. The treeshelter system may include treeshelter extenders with a lower edge having connector means which cooperate and connect with connector means provided on the upper edge of a unitary treeshelter or on the top edge of another treeshelter extender. The unitary treeshelter comprises a hollow tube, preferably in the form of a truncated cone, open at both ends, and formed of polymeric material. The tube comprises integral staking means consisting of a plurality of rods secured to and supported in a like number of bosses formed integrally with the tube, and spaced substantially evenly around the lower edge of the tube. A unitary treeshelter according to the invention is installed in a single step by positioning it over a seedling and pressing downwardly until the lower end of it is flush with the ground and the rods are securely embedded in the ground.

Abstract: A reusable plant protector apparatus which can be anchored to the earth comprises a polymeric sheet having a top edge, a bottom edge, and two side edges. The two side edges further comprise a plurality of matching pairs of apertures which are offset from the side edges. The matching apertures are aligned such that an aperture on one side edge bas a corresponding aperture on the other side edge when the sheet is formed into a cylinder with a side edge overlap. The plant protector apparatus also includes a stake and a plurality of flexible ties extending through the apertures and around the stake for securing the overlapping side edges and the stake to each other. The ties are tightenable to tighten the stake against the overlapping edges thereby sealing the edges and forming a flexible cylinder around the plant to be protected. The plant protector creates a sheltered climate of higher temperature and humidity around the plant.

Abstract: A tree root-control barrier system formed by a plurality of panels having vertical ridges thereon. Then panels are embedded in the earth between a sidewalk and a tree whose roots are to be controlled. Upper and lower cross-members are provided on the panels at their upper edges, and perform various functions including sun protection, protection against lawn trimmers, protection against the growing of tree roots above the ground, and others.

Abstract: A plant stem protector includes a tubular sleeve having a slit arranged parallel relative to an axis of the tubular sleeve, with the tubular sleeve further including first and second radial flanges projecting exteriorly of the sleeve fixedly mounted thereto to permit compress of flanges towards one another to effect opening of the sleeve to permit a plant stem to be directed through the slit. A modification of the invention includes the sleeve having feed tubes mounted parallel relative to the axis of the slit to cooperate with a reservoir fluid fill structure to permit selective feeding of each plant relative to the stem structure of each plant when positioned within the sleeve structure.

Abstract: The tree protector is made of a plurality of adjacently positioned trapezoidal panels having one lateral side provided with tabs and another lateral side with corresponding slots for hooking the tabls of an adjacent panel. Each panel has a plurality of narrow elongated openings disposed substantially parallel to the slots having a maximum width of about 0.25 inches for allowing air circulation and preventing accumulation of snow inside the protector.

Abstract: A seedling protector consisting of a shade tube constructed of one or more shading materials each having a shade factor to facilitate protection of plants from solar radiation. A support tube may be provided to support the shade tube and a stake may be provided which may be driven into the ground to hold the seedling protector in position about a plant.

Abstract: A soil cover that when installed around the base of an existing plant or tree, forms a cone-like shape, truncated at the top to allow stem or trunk to pass through. Thus installed, the cover prevents over watering of the soil around the plant due to excessive rain and consequential loss of soil nutrients, loss of soil, root exposure. It gives the plant owner thee capability to control the moisture conditions of a plant's soil.

Abstract: A tree shelter 10 comprises a twin-walled tubular extrusion of UV-degradable polypropylene formed with an out-turned lip or flange 28 at its upper end and a longitudinal V-section channel receiving a stake 26 which is securable therein by two ratchet-locking cable ties 32.

Abstract: A device for assisting the growth of a plant by providing shelter and physical support therefor is taught in the preferred embodiment of a modular construction including a tubular section, a cover, and a collar. The collar provides a gradually curving continuous support to the upper growth portion of the plant for helping to reduce breakage of the plant from bending due to the weight of the plant. In the preferred embodiment, the collar includes arcuate sections of varying radii, with the first arcuate section connected tangentially to the tubular section, with the second arcuate section extending radially outwardly and continuously from the first arcuate section, and with the third arcuate section connected to and extending radially outwardly, downwardly, and continuously from the second arcuate section. An outer rim extends from the third arcuate section for reinforcing the collar.

Abstract: A plant guard for protecting plants against pest attack. The guard (10) comprises a knitted hose-like net structure which is intended to form a casing around the guard. Connected to the bottom part (13) of the net structure are mutually crossing hang-threads (14) which form the bottom of the guard. A closure thread (17) is located at the other end of the net structure, this thread when tightened gathering together the upper part of the guard. The closure thread (17) is knitted integrally with the net structure and comprises a thread of high surface friction, so as to be self-locking when tension is released. At least one loop (18) formed from the closure thread is attached to the bottom end (15) of an adjacent, corresponding plant guard, such that the closure thread (17) is drawn together when the two plant guards are separated one from the other. The application also describes a method and a circular knitting machine for manufacturing such a plant guard.

Abstract: A mini-greenhouse apparatus (10) suitable for indoor or outdoor use; wherein, the apparatus comprises: a tapered transparent receptacle member (14); an anchor unit (13) engageable with the larger end (14") of the receptacle member; and, a cap unit (12) adapted to cooperate in three different modes; with an enlarged central aperture (17) formed in the smaller end (14') of the receptacle member; and, whereby like mini-greenhouse apparatus components cooperate with one another in a nesting fashion.

Abstract: An arrangement for providing a plant with a guard which has the form of a net, foil or the like and which is effective against insect attack, the arrangement including an applicator which has a plant through-passage (3) and which is arranged to carry a plurality of hose-like plant guards (17) which surround the aforementioned passage and which are provided with means (19) for stripping the plant guards from the applicator when a plant moved through the passage is caused to pass out from the applicator. A plant guard (17) included in the arrangement comprises a first portion (21), arranged to surround at least the lower part of the plant above the ground, and a second portion (25) intended to surround the plant in the ground. The first guard portion is capable of decomposing in an atmospheric environment within the space of a few years, while the second guard portion is capable of decomposing in the soil environment in a much shorter space of time.

Abstract: In the transplanting of seedlings, such as, tomato plants, soil prepared to receive the plant seedlings has a mulch layer of sheet material spread over the area in which the plants are to be grown and spaced holes are formed through the sheet material and into the soil with a seedling then introduced into each hole. Thereafter, a generally tubular protector is inserted through the sheet material into the soil surrounding each seedling so that the peripheral exterior of each protector is closely surrounded by the sheet material at the perimeter of each hole with an upper portion of each protector extending above the sheet material to enclose the stem portion of the seedling and a lower portion of each protector embedded in the soil beneath the sheet material to surround the root formation of the seedling. Each protector may have a downwardly tapering form where it encloses the seedling.

Abstract: An insulating device or insulator for trunks of trees or plants is described that provides protection and thermal insulation against damaging cold during their tender years. This device is adjusted for fit about the trunk by the trunk itself as it increases in girth, thus providing effectiveness for several years without attention. The insulating device is weather resistant, protecting the young trunk from both wind damage and the effects of water from rain or irrigation. The device also protects the trunk against bark chewing rodents and prevents sprouting along the lower trunk. A preferred embodiment of the device includes liquid receiving pockets that act as "heat sinks" to protect the trunk from below freezing temperatures.

Abstract: This tree protector includes a hollow vertical shaft and an annular base disposed about the shaft, both components being formed from connectible half sections. Hollow, hold-down spikes are provided for watering the tree. The base is provided with an annular trough and an inclined outer periphery, and the hold-down spikes are located within the trough to receive and dispense the watering medium into the adjacent ground.

Abstract: Improved methods and devices for cultivating a young plant comprise temporary insertion into the soil close to and around said plant of a substantially impervious material so as to form a small enclosure assuring retention of most nutrients near said plant. Small perforations in said material permit drainage of excess water from said enclosure. Identations along lines joining said perforations facilitate breaking, tearing or cutting of the material to an appropriate size. A sharp leading edge may be provided along the perforations and indentations to facilitate insertion of the material in the soil around the plant. The material may be in form of an assortment of tubes or of a sheet adaptable to being bent into a cylindrical or conical configuration.