Abstract: The present invention provides a biodegradable extruded netting. The netting comprises a plurality of interconnected strands with at least some of the strands comprising a biodegradable composition comprising polylactic acid polymer and biodegradable plasticizer. In at least one embodiment, at least 10% of the strands are made of the biodegradable composition. The present invention also relates to a method for making biodegradable extruded netting. The method comprises extruding strands of polymeric material to form a netting wherein at least some of the strands are formed of the biodegradable composition.

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: A plant cover is disclosed that is removably placed over a garden or garden area to prevent access to the garden or garden area by animal or insect pests. The plant cover includes a wire or mesh screen main body having holes of a sufficient size to prevent the undesired animal pest from being able to pass through the holes in the screen. The main body is open on the bottom and sits over the garden or area of the garden to be protected. The plant cover also has a pair of opposed end pieces that are attached to and provide structural support for the main body. The plant cover may also include a handle to allow the plant cover to be easily lifted off of the garden. Ideally, the plant cover, including all its parts and pieces, may fold into a compact unit for storage or transportation and then be unrolled and joined together to make the final plant cover that is useful to protect the garden or garden area.

Abstract: A protective heat absorbing and heat reflective covering material comprising an open mesh weave of scrim material, the mesh having warp and weft strips forming a substantially thin layer having opposed major surfaces, where at least one of the warp or weft strip materials is a heat absorbing or heat reflecting material, and at least one of the major surfaces of the scrim material has a discontinuous coating having heat reflecting or heat absorbing properties opposite to that of the warp and or weft strip, the discontinuous coating thereon at least partially covering the surface.

Abstract: A sub surface aquatic weed barrier consisting of a strip of plastic held to the aquatic substrate by transverse weights bonded to the plastic strip. Gas release ports are located in the plastic sheet, positioned midway between the transverse weights.

Abstract: A benthic screen for controlling aquatic plant growth comprising a sheet of flexible material, a plurality of spaced-apart, elongated retaining members that are transversely positioned across the width of the sheet and attachment means for securing each retaining member to the sheet. The sheet of flexible material is typically a polymeric material having low light transmittance such as a woven geotextile polypropylene. The retaining members are preferably a plurality of parallel positioned metal rods. The attachment means is preferably a plurality of PVC pipes wherein each pipe has a slit that passes through the pipe and extends the length thereof. A portion of the sheet is inserted into a slit and looped around a retaining rod that is encased in the pipe. The structure of the screen renders it self anchoring and provides channels for removing plant decomposition gases that would otherwise accumulate under the screen.

Abstract: A protective winter turf cover is formed with a layered polyethylene laminated sheet with each layer having force striations running at an angle to the edge of the sheet and with the force striations of one layer at an angle to the force striations of the adjacent layer, the resulting turf cover being lightweight, compactly foldable, and substantially impermeable to water. The protective winter turf cover is efficiently held down with a dual apertured washer and x-position of nails therethrough.

Abstract: A portable, modular greenhouse system that can be used to protect plants from harsh conditions. A green house according to the invention comprises a frame and a cover. The frame preferably comprises at least one panel constructed from a mesh of rigid wire, with a spacing between adjacent wires which is large enough to permit a gardener's hand to pass therethrough. The panels are preferably flexible and resilient, so that they return to their original shape after being bent. The cover preferably has sleeves formed in opposite edges thereof. Slats may be inserted into the sleeves, so that when the cover is on the frame the slats are located near the bottom of the frame, thereby weighing down the cover to keep it in place. The ends of the slats may be inserted through the mesh of the panels to further secure the cover to the frame.

Abstract: A plant protector securing device includes a flexible panel that has a top side, a bottom side, and a peripheral edge. Each of a plurality of elongate members has an attached end attached to the peripheral edge and a free end extending away from the panel. Each of a plurality of spikes is attached to one of the free ends of the elongate members. The bottom side of the panel may be abutted against an upper side of a rose protective covering and the spikes driven into a ground surface such that the device secures the protective covering to the ground surface.

Abstract: A barrier for protecting plants and crops from insects comprising a screen that reflects ultraviolet light toward the insects such that they are repelled from the screen. Also shown is an enclosure and a method for protecting plants and crops from insects including the reflecting screen.

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 protective winter turf cover is formed with a layered polyethylene laminated sheet with each layer having force striations running at an angle to the edge of the sheet and with the force striations of one layer at an angle to the force striations of the adjacent layer, the resulting turf cover being lightweight, compactly foldable, and substantially impermeable to water.

Abstract: A barrier for protecting plants and crops from insects comprising a screen that reflects ultraviolet light toward the insects such that they are repelled from the screen. Also shown is an enclosure and a method for protecting plants and crops from insects including the reflecting screen.

Abstract: Improved protection of plants and their crops is achieved by growing the plant under a construction having a roof with at least a substantial portion being made of a net of a mesh size allowing adequate ventilation. The net is made of a transparent or translucent polymeric material having incorporated therein a UV-light absorber.

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: Improved protection of plants and their crops is achieved by growing the plant under a construction having a roof with at least a substantial portion being made of a net of a mesh size allowing adequate ventilation. The net is made of a transparent or translucent polymeric material having incorporated therein a UV-light absorber.

Abstract: A sunshade includes an intermediate net portion having monofilament 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 sun shield capable of protecting persons or plants against the harmful effects of incident radiation and being formed from a substantially transparent flexible material (13) which at least substantially absorbs and/or reflects incident radiation in the ultraviolet and infrared frequency ranges and which may be repeatedly folded without becoming damaged. The supple, flexible and durable transparent material (13) may be mounted on a framework (14) to be attached to, for example, a child's car seat (11) or pushchair (26) or to serve as a parasol or canopy, or to protect plants from excessive ultraviolet or infrared radiation.

Abstract: A frame and structure supported by the frame for the covering and concealing of undesirable objects protruding from the soil when landscaping a rural property where such objects as septic tanks and covers, breathers well caps and buried sprinkler system heads are to be covered. The structure is provided with covering which can be interwoven with real or artificial flora or can be decorative in nature and is constructed from lightweight materials when combined which make the covering readily removable for gardening or lawn mowing purposes.

Abstract: A liquid chemical spray, such as cellulose acetate or thermoplastic material, is discharged, under pressure, from an applicator wherein the liquid chemical is such that a plurality of elongated fibers or filaments are discharged to form an airborne netting of open mesh having a characteristic of light weight so as to float by gravitational force over a large area of vegetation. The formed netting cures in open air as it floats or settles on top of the foliage intended to be protected. The composition being discharged includes a low contact adhesive agent or substance which permits a clinging contact with the leaves of the foliage as the netting settles over the vegetation canopy. The fiber or filaments discharged from the applicator form a long continuous thread-like filament or an array of threads that impede the ingress of birds, insects, or the like.

Abstract: A roof-mounted shade assembly for reducing solar heat gain includes an array of fabric panels that are tightly stretched between upright support posts in an operative position overlying and spaced from the roof of a building structure. Several spray nozzles periodically discharge water spray in the form of mist or fog into the space between the fabric panels and the building roof. The fabric panels become saturated with water spray, and fog/mist water droplets are in heat transfer contact with the roof surface and with the wet fabric panels. Thermal energy from the building structure is transferred to the surrounding atmosphere by convection and evaporative cooling as wind currents sweep across the wet fabric panels and the wet roof surface. The water-absorbent fabric panels simultaneously screen direct solar radiation and function as a thermal wick for transferring heat energy from the building structure.

Abstract: A collapsible protective plant cover comprises a pair of vertically spaced and coaxial support rings of spring steel. A tubular wall made of highly flexible sheeting is connected between the rings for protection from weather and animals. The tubular wall is sized for surrounding a plant with sufficient spacing therefrom. The top ring is spanned by a flexible top sheet. A small handle is attached across a small central hole on the top sheet. A stake is inserted into the ground near the center of the plant. The handle is supported on a hook positioned above the plant on the stake. The cover is entirely supported by the stake. The cover is easily removed from the plant and collapsed by twisting and coiling the rings on themselves. In a second embodiment, the top sheet is removable, and the tubular wall is supported on the stake by a pair of cords attached to the top ring.

Abstract: An adaptable plant protector includes a flexible shield and a pair of bendable supporting rods. The shield is comprised of a springy frame spanned by a flexible sheet, and rings attached around the sheet. The shield is supported over a plant by inserting the top ends of the rods through the rings, and the bottom ends into the ground. Each rod is provided with a stop at an intermediate position for supporting the shield off the ground. The rods may be positioned closer together for holding the shield in an arc shape, or farther apart for holding it flat. The rods can also be bent to support the shield in many different shapes and positions for protecting plants in a variety of landscaping and horticultural situations. Gardening staples may be used instead of the rods for attaching edges of the shield directly to the ground in some situations. In a second embodiment, the shield is comprised of a springy frame spanned by a coarse mesh. The bendable rods are inserted directly through the coarse mesh.

Abstract: Plant protection device in the form of a weather protection extensible over the cultivation. The protection device including a framework (12) consisting of longitudinal and traverse support elements (13, 14) within which at least one waterproof foldable plant protection curtain (16) is extensible from a folded up position and vice versa. The invention also refers to a foldable curtain as a plant protection for cultivations, which curtain (16) has a high tensile strength in it's longitudinal and traverse directions and which via connectors (29) is hung up on a number of support lines (30) stretched across the curtain. The curtain is extensible from a folded up position to an extended position and vice versa, whereby the curtain includes a framework (18) consisting of strips or ribbons and/or lines. The curtain (16) is made of a waterproof laminate and is including relative to the curtain movable stretch or reinforcing lines (22) in essentially parallel rows stretching along the curtain's length.

Abstract: A method for controlling plant growth by exposing plants to light passing through a covering material comprising a base material containing a colorant. The type and content of the colorant are chosen to provide a photosynthetically effective photon flux (PPF) transmittance of 50% or greater when light is passed through the covering material, and an A value suitable for the purpose of promoting or retarding the growth of plants irradiated with light transmitted by the covering material, the A value being defined by the following equation:A=R/Frwhere R is the photon flux of red light in the wavelength range of 600 to 700 nm and Fr is the photon flux of far red light in the wavelength range of 700 to 800 nm.

Abstract: A net for covering raked leaves and similar plant debris. The net is bounded on two sides by two telescoping poles. A chain links the ends the ends of the two poles, and a second chain links the remaining ends of the two poles. The net is thus weighted to hug the ground and resist displacement by the wind. The net, being flexible, accommodates leaf piles of different volumes and dimensions. The telescoping poles and flexible chains both hold the net down by gravity, and also influence the overall configuration of the net. Opposing sides of the net attached to the poles remain straight, although of variable length due to telescoping. Opposing sides of the net attached to the chains are reconfigurable due to flexibility of the chains. The net is useful for immediately covering collected leaves, and preventing dispersion by the wind. Also, the net is suitable for longer term use in composting. Rings attached the poles enable stakes to secure the net in place for composting or other long term uses.

Abstract: An easily deployed barrier 400, shade or shield intended for agricultural or horticultural protection against hail, birds, sunlight, and the like is comprised of open-weave fabric 401 held over the items 402 to be protected so that it tends to assume a rectangular outline when in the fully spread out position and tends to become a slanted parallelogram outline when in the fully closed or contracted position. The shape of the barrier is altered by pulling either cord 411 or cord 410 along one edge along the direction of the length of the cloth. Accessories including supports 403, deposited-load release mechanisms 422, cross-cables 412 for stability, and deployment means 415, 419 are also described. The barriers may be deployed automatically. Barriers of this type can cover large areas such as an entire orchard.

Abstract: A foldable net assembly is employed as a sunshade in a garden, swimming pool or like places or applied to an outer wall of a building; and also can be mounted to a scaffold at a construction site as a protection screen. The net has an upper lateral rod at one end and a lower lateral rod at the other and is slidably engaged with a plurality of cords tightly extended between an upper supporting rod and a lower supporting rod of a net supporting frame by way of a plurality of fixing clamps and fixing mounts of various kinds. Each fixing clamp and fixing mount are engaged with each other respectively with part of the net sandwiched therebetween. A pull cord engaged with the lower lateral rod of the rod and the upper and lower supporting rods of the supporting frame is used to control the net.

Abstract: A dense and stable shading and insulating screen (1) can be pulled away sideways and rolled up, provided it has a double weave. Fabric fibers which both as weft (6) and warp elements (5) hold together tightly both weft (3) and warp strips (2) in a stable pattern or supporting weave, have a positive impact on the light transmission of the screen (1), by absorbing the water to the inside of the screen and, resulting from surface activity, having the water transferred to the outside of the screen (1).

Abstract: A fruit tree protector has a plurality of stretchable netting pieces fastened together by hooks which may be C-shaped, and made of plastic, or copper wire, and the like.

Abstract: There is provided a netting produced from polymeric fibers, for use in fences for plant protection preventing invasion for insect pests, which netting has rectangular openings of from 0.25 mm to 0.35 mm in one dimension, and from 0.4 mm to 1.0 mm in the other dimension, with an open area of at least 40 percent of the area of the netting, the fibers having a diameter of about 0.2 mm to about 0.35 mm. The invention further relates to a method of crop protection, preferably against Bemisis Tabaci, where plots of land on which a crop is grown are surrounded by a netting as defined above. Also other insect pests are prevented from passing through such netting and from entering such cultivated plots.

Abstract: A shelter to protect a crop from birds. The shelter comprises uprights including end uprights arranged in longitudinal rows in a crop area. There are guides on the top of each upright. A pair of upper main guide wires extend between tops of adjacent uprights in each longitudinal row and are located by the guides. Cross wires extending between adjacent end uprights. Monofilament nets extending between adjacent pairs of guide wires. The nets form a roof for the shelter and are secured to the cross wires. There are loops at the side of each net to engage the guide wires. Further monofilament nets are mounted in the cross wires and extend downwardly to form ends for the shelter. Other monofilament nets extend downwardly from each outer main upper guide wire of the shelter to form sides for the shelter. The nets are effective in preventing birds reaching the crop, durable yet inexpensive.

Abstract: A superabsorbent fabric cover (20) is provided for horticultural uses. The fabric cover includes an absorbent member (25) comprising a substrate which has been impregnated with a superabsorbent material. When the fabric cover is exposed to water the superabsorbent material gels and controls the passage of additional water. Water retained by the cover provides a moist atmosphere or greenhouse effect for plants over which the cover is placed.

Abstract: A method of protecting outdoor grass areas from dessication and winter kill; for enhancing seed germination both grass seed and flower and vegetable seeds; and for increasing soil temperature and stimulating early root and top growth. The method comprises encasing the area concerned with a cover comprising at least one panel of open weave scrim material formed by loosely woven thin and narrow UV stabilized strips of clear transparent plastic material having a non-uniform striped lace coating of highly UV stabilized plastic covering less than 50% of the surface area of the scrim permitting passage of air and moisture through the open weave of the scrim. For large areas a plurality of panels can be joined together as by sewing. The cover can be secured in position by wire stakes, and by ropes passing over the cover.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for encouraging maximal plant growth which method and apparatus comprise a light filter which prevents the natural decay of plant growth stimulating materials by absorption of UV radiation while permitting photosynthesis to occur with blue light in the absence of attendant heat generating and dehydrating radiations caused by green, yellow and infra-red light. The objective is made possible according to the preferred embodiment of the invention by interposing separately, continuously, or discontinuously, a combination of filters made of solid material between the sun and the growing plants which block out radiation in those wave lengths which are either physiologically harmful or which retard growth, but do not inhibit those wavelengths which are necessary for photosynthesis, metabolism, differentiation and development.

Abstract: A nonwoven sheet for agricultural use made of a hydrophobic nonwoven fabric subjected to hydrophilic treatment in which a surfactant is applied to at least part of the surface of the hydrophobic nonwoven fabric, the sheet being characterized in that the hydrophilic treatment creates channels that allow water to pass from the obverse surface of the nonwoven fabric to the underside thereof and in that the percentage of water retention is within the range of 150 to 300 wt %. The provision of the channels enable water to rapidly pass from the obverse surface of the nonwoven sheet to the underside thereof, and the weight of the nonwoven fabric is not increased by water retention because of the percentage of water retention being small.

Abstract: The invention relates to polymer sheets or films for use in greenhouses. The polymer sheets or films contain components which absorb or reflect in the near I.R. (NIR) i.e. in the 0.7 to 2.0.mu. region, and which transmit at least 75 percent in the photosynthesis active radiation (PAR) region, which is essentially the 0.4.mu. to 0.7.mu. region of the solar spectrum. The compositions of the invention contain UV radiation stabilizers. The NIR absorbers and reflectors in the films of the invention are certain specific oxides or metals in a very fine particle size, in the submicron or micron range.

Abstract: A guard structure for tomato plants which is characterized by a first enclosure having a selected cross-sectional area and height and shaped from wire mesh with supporting legs extended into the ground to anchor the first enclosure in a vertically upright configuration and a second enclosure of larger cross-sectional area, also constructed of wire mesh and provided with a hinged wire mesh lid, which second enclosure is stacked on top of the first enclosure. The enclosures are designed to be placed over one or more tomato plants, such that the first, or lower enclosure protects the lower portion of the stem or vine of the plant and the second, or upper enclosure protects the upper portion of the plant, including the fruit, from birds and animals. The hinged wire mesh lid facilitates opening the second enclosure of the guard structure to retrieve the fruit as the fruit ripens within the enclosures.

Abstract: This invention discloses a shelter used to protect plants or crops from damage by animals and adverse environmental conditions, which comprises a framework; at least one ridge pole supported by the framework; at least one pulley block supported in the ridge pole; at least one network frame, one side of which is hinged in the framework, the opposite side of which is hoisted by the pulley block; and a water-proof sheet which is supported by and covers and network frame; whereby the water-proof sheet can be hoisted up to the elevated position for cultivating plants and lowered to cover the crops for preventing them from being blown away by wind.

Abstract: A method for controlling the environmental conditions in the proximity of vegetation or crops in the cultivation of plants is described in which use is made of protective sheets comprising a large number of microperforations having each a protruded rim, said microperforations having a diameter between 50 and 2000 .mu.m and being present in a density of between 25 and 40000 microperforations per cm.sup.2. The invention also relates to plastics sheeting for use in said method and to a protective device for use in a greenhouse provided with such sheeting.

Abstract: A system and method for protecting a ground plot of foliage plants or the like from freezing contemplates a series of ground-level sprinklers throughout the plot and a shade cloth covering of the type having uniformly dispersed openings therein. Elevated sprinklers are provided above the shade cloth and ground-level sprinklers. During periods of freezing ambient temperatures, water is sprinkled through the elevated sprinklers whereby the water freezes in the openings of the covering and holds heat released during operation of the ground-level sprinklers under the covering. When the water droplets freeze into a thin sheet of ice on the covering, the ground-level sprinklers are turned on.

Abstract: This invention relates to shelters which are readily adaptable in size and configuration to define an environment, preferably about plants, to control the amount of radiation, humidity, temperature and ventilation and to inhibit intrusion into the defined environment by deleterious vectors such as insects, unwanted microorganisms, weed seeds and the like.

Abstract: This invention relates to the production of a shading and insulating screen for greenhouses or a protection screen in the open air for market gardening cultivation or horticulture, having a regular check pattern, using a circular loom comprising an insertion device (7) which is provided with a compensator (12).The screens which are obtained have a homogeneous air-permeability which allows the bed to respire uniformly, but they are impermeable to water. They have an increased firmness. The method allows the production of screens made of metallized polyester film capable of filtering the sun's rays.

Abstract: A wire mat turf and soil protector that covers newly repaired soil areas to prevent animals, and particularly dogs, from digging holes, and also supports the soil and turf during grass regrowth.

Abstract: A pergola having a top comprising a plurality of wooden strips aligned in parallel relationship with a bottom planar face inclined to the mutually parallel side faces so as to provide a support orientation easily determinable and effective to provide differential shading from the sun by reason of the change in inclination of the sun during the seasons of the year.

Abstract: A device to support flexible netting used to protect plants, especially seedlings, from browsing wildlife which comprises a metal or plastic wicket having two legs which are inserted in the ground and which is shaped to define a space within which the plant is shielded by the netting when the netting is disposed around and supported by the wicket.

Abstract: An evaporative cooling chamber useful for growing plants produced from in vitro cultures includes a floor constructed of cotton matting to permit liquid water to be brought into capillary contact with plant material placed thereon, sidewalls of cheesecloth or saran extending vertically upward, a water delivery system of ooze piping for delivering water along the top edges of the side walls, including a water supply trough for feeding the ooze piping and a translucent roof member adapted to receive water of condensation formed within the chamber and to deliver the condensed water to the water supply trough for recirculation and continuation of the evaporative cooling process.

Abstract: An attachment for a plant protection device is described that automatically maintains a life sustaining environment over a broad range of ambient temperature conditions. The invention consists of a cylindrical collar adapted to be mounted on top of existing open ended plant covers or to be manufactured as an integral part of such a cover and contains a thermostatically controlled butterfly valve for ventilating the plant cover. The thermostat is responsive to ambient temperature outside the plant cover which activates the butterfly valve for controlling the release of warm air from inside the container. The collar and butterfly valve are so designed to provide adequate light and ventilation without wind chill to the protected plants and also includes protection against flying insects and random or unwanted pollination.

Abstract: Disclosed is a garden canopy having a frame for supporting a plurality of parallel spaced elongate panels. The panels are positioned on the frame to provide a light and moisture aperture therebetween. The panels are formed from uniform wall thickness material and each have a flat bottom with curved or arcuate edges.

Abstract: A plant propagation unit has a continuous wall encircling the bed to protect the plants from high wind and dust, and is preferably spaced a short distance above the bed to permit escape of water from the bed and flow of air under the wall and upwardly through its open upper end. To facilitate tending the plants and bed, upper portions of the wall may be removable or hinged so that they can be swung downwardly to lower the overall height of the wall. A top spaced above the top of the wall and the bed facilitates ventilation of the bed and the plants therein, while protecting the plants from frost or intense midday sunlight as well as from heavy rainfall. While the top may be of any suitable type depending on the area in which the plants are being grown, it is preferably of a slightly open material, such as roll bamboo fencing, to permit a limited amount of sunlight and rain to enter the bed. The top is preferably removably hinged to uprights.