DE102019005972A1 - Mobile frost protection hood for plants - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention represents a mobile and flexible option for protecting plants from severe frosts. A double-walled film (1) is inflated by means of an air pump (2) and is given stability by internal pressure. When set up, the apparatus can be opened and closed via a lock (16) and thus easily pushed around the plant. This side opening allows a unique flexibility. The frost protection is created by the fact that a lowering of the temperature (night frosts) outside (19) cannot act directly on the plant (11). The inflow of cold outside air (19) is shielded by the outer shell (1). The cooling of the internal air (transmission heat loss) is reduced by the insulating effect of the air chamber within the double foil (7). The apparatus and the plant are protected from the action of the wind by anchors in the ground (5) and / or ropes (17) in the ground. Additional heat can be supplied via a heater (9).

Description

With many plants (e.g. fruit trees, plants from the Mediterranean and subtropical regions) that were planted in temperate climates, night frosts pose the risk of destroying fruiting bodies, buds and even entire parts of plants.

The invention represents a mobile device that can be used quickly and at short notice for protecting plants from the effects of frost. The plants are to be protected from frost by means of an inflatable insulation cover and an optional electrical heater. The device can be pushed around the plant through the side opening.

The invention can be set up quickly and easily, for example before a frosty night. When the invention is not used, the air is released from the outer wall, the size is reduced to a fraction and it can be stowed away to save space.

The need for frost protection is often only necessary on a few days of the year, as most plants can tolerate light frost (except for flowering) but must be protected in severe frost.

Growing sensitive trees and bushes all year round in the greenhouse is financially unprofitable for farms and seldom possible for hobby gardeners. There is a need for an inexpensive and practical solution.

If severe frost is predicted in the weather forecast, mostly individual frost nights or frost days, the invention is built up quickly.

The invention is useful for plants of all sizes.

By means of air pumps ( 2 ) a double-layer film becomes a stable air cushion ( 1 ) formed which the plant ( 11 ) envelops (side walls and roof).

The device protects the interior with plants ( 11 ) against cooling ambient air ( 19th ).

Ground anchors ( 5 ) or storm protection ( 17th ) appropriate.

The outer wall ( 1 ) consists of at least two foils with an air chamber in between and is pumped ( 2 ) on site by a valve ( 3 ) inflated. The air pressure inside gives the outer shell size and stability. The result is a hollow cylinder without a bottom ( ), which has a lock on the side and roof for opening the device. In the open position ( ) the invention can be carried out around the plant ( 11 ) be pushed. If the plants are surrounded, the invention is closed by means of a lock ( 16 ) locked ( ). Several eyelets on the bottom ring ( 4th ) enable attachment in the ground using earth hooks ( 5 ) to secure the invention against wind.

Additional protection against the effects of wind is provided by fastening with ropes ( 17th ) in the ground.

The transparent film ( 1 ), from which the invention consists, leaves in sunlight ( 6th ) a greenhouse effect. The film is made of an extremely robust material so that branches and twigs cannot damage it. The insulation effect of the air chamber within the foil coating ( 7th ) between indoor and outdoor air has a retarding effect on heat emission at night ( 8th ) when the outside temperature becomes lower than the inside temperature.

A commercially available electric heater with a thermostat ( 9 ) can be set up inside. A lower temperature threshold is set on the heater (frost range) and the heater switches on when required and heats the air inside ( 10 ). For this only a standard power line ( 12 ), which can easily be laid under the floor ring.

After the frost period, the invention is dismantled by removing wind locks and removing the air from the outer shell ( 7th ), by opening the valve ( 3 ), is discharged. The film from which the invention consists can be stored in a space-saving manner.

Claims (5)

Mobile device for the thermal protection of plants from night frost. At least one air cushion (7) is filled with air through a valve using an air pump. An outer shell (1) is created from the side wall and roof. This outer shell receives statics and insulation properties through internal pressure in air-filled hollow chambers. A lock (16) enables the apparatus to be opened and closed in order to place it around the plant. After relieving the pressure on the shut-off valve (3), the statics and the apparatus collapse, which greatly reduces the volume of the apparatus. Apparatus after Claim 1 , characterized in that the outer wall (1) has one or more additional openings. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by gas supply line and gas discharge line (18) into and from the interior. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one heating device (9) which is arranged in the interior space, with or without a timer. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by eyelets (4) and (17) for storm protection by means of anchors and ropes.

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