IL302437A - Ventilated cover for soft fruits - Google Patents

Description

VENTILATED COVER FOR SOFT FRUITS FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present disclosed subject matter relates to crop covers. More particularly, the present disclosed subject matter relates to a ventilated cover to be used for soft fruit crops.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Crop covers are used to protect crops, especially from weather conditions, by forming a roof over the crops. The crop covers allow sunlight to pass through them to the crops so their growth is not harmed; however, preventing wind, rain, snow, and hail from corrupting fruits, especially soft fruits having a relatively thin peel.

It is customary to cover soft fruits such as grapes and cherries before harvesting so as to protect them from weather conditions. After harvest, the covers should be removed. The covers cannot remain on the plants when growing since in the period the crops are growing, the covers can suffocate the plants.

Placing the covers and removing them require manpower that is in addition to manpower that is needed for picking the fruits. This enforces additional costs for the growers and additional working time.

BRIEF SUMMARY According to a first aspect of the present disclosed subject matter, a cover is provided that can be placed over the crops for the entire year without the need to remove it after harvesting. According to another aspect of the present subject matter, a cover is provided having at least one portion through which air can pass and the area near the crops can be ventilated so as to prevent high temperature in the vicinity of the fruits. It is therefore provided in according with some exemplary embodiment, a ventilated cover for covering crops comprising: two elongated sheets that are impermeable to liquids and permeable to light; and an elongated net connected between the two elongated sheets, wherein the net allows liquids and air to flow through. It is also provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment a ventilated cover for covering crops comprising: an elongated sheet having an elongated central axis, wherein the sheet is impermeable to liquids and permeable to light; and a plurality of openings relatively close to the elongated central axis of the sheet, wherein each of the plurality of openings is provided with a net allowing liquids and air to flow through. In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, the plurality of openings is two elongated openings passing along the sheet from both sides of the axis. In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, wherein the net is connected to the sheet by sowing, soldering, gluing, combination thereof, or the like. In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, the sheet is made of woven polyethylene fabric laminated from at least one of its sides. In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, the sheet is resistant to harmful radiation. In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, the net has a mesh that is determined according to the demands of the crops. In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, the connection between the sheet and the net is performed by sowing, soldering, gluing, a combination thereof or the like. In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, near opposite edges of the sheet holes or eyelets are provided. In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, the ventilated cover is placed and supported on a series of poles provided along rows of the crops and wherein a central portion of the net or the sheet passes along the crops. In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, the crops are soft fruits. In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, central portion of the net is denser than other portions of the net. In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, central portion of the net is reinforced. 30 In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, the crops are soft fruits selected from a group of fruits such as grapes, cherries, berries, and the like.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosed subject matter belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present disclosed subject matter, suitable methods and materials are described below. In case of conflict, the specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present disclosed subject matter only, and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the disclosed subject matter. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the disclosed subject matter in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the disclosed subject matter, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the disclosed subject matter may be embodied in practice.

In the drawings: Fig. 1 illustrates an upper view of a spread ventilated cover for crops having soft fruits, in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter; Fig. 2 illustrates a side view of an installed ventilated cover that covers a grape plant, in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter; Fig. 3 illustrates an upper view of a spread ventilated cover for crops having soft fruits, in accordance with some other exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter; and Fig. 4 illustrates an upper view of a spread ventilated cover for crops having soft fruits, in accordance with some other exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS Before explaining at least one embodiment of the disclosed subject matter in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosed subject matter is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosed subject matter is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The drawings are generally not to scale. For clarity, non-essential elements were omitted from some of the drawings.

The terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", "including", and "having" together with their conjugates mean "including but not limited to". The term "consisting of" has the same meaning as "including and limited to".

The term "consisting essentially of" means that the composition, method or structure may include additional ingredients, steps and/or parts, but only if the additional ingredients, steps and/or parts do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition, method or structure.

As used herein, the singular form "a", "an" and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term "a compound" or "at least one compound" may include a plurality of compounds, including mixtures thereof.

Throughout this application, various embodiments of this disclosed subject matter may be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the disclosed subject matter. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible sub-ranges as well as individual numerical values within that range.

It is appreciated that certain features of the disclosed subject matter, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the disclosed subject matter, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.

According to the need to provide an improved cover for soft fruits, it is provided a ventilated cover for covering crops that comprises: two elongated sheets that are impermeable to liquids and permeable to light, and an elongated net connected between the two elongated sheets, wherein the net allows liquids and air to flow through.

According to another embodiment, a ventilated cover for covering crops for soft fruits is provided that comprises: an elongated sheet having an elongated central axis, wherein the sheet is impermeable to liquids and permeable to light, and a plurality of openings relatively close to the elongated central axis of the sheet, wherein each of the plurality of openings is provided with a net allowing liquids and air to flow through.

Referring now to Fig. 1, illustrating an upper view of a spread ventilated cover for crops having soft fruits, in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

A ventilated cover 10 is a long sheet, wherein only a small portion of which can be seen in Fig. 1. The ventilated cover comprises two elongated sheets of plastic covers 12 and 12' preferably made of woven polyethylene fabric laminated from at least one of its sides to ensure water impermeability. The width (indicated by a double arrow line W) of the ventilated cover 10 is configured to fit a space between rows of plants and the length of the cover is at least as long as the length of the plants' row. The plastic cover 12 and 12' is permeable to light but resistant to harmful radiation from getting to the fruits it is covering.

A central area of the ventilated cover is a net 14 that is configured to allow hot air and moisture to exit the area of the plant and will allow a controlled amount of water (rainwater) to enter and pass through the cover; however, in a very restricted area of the cover. It should be mentioned that the net can be provided in another area of the ventilated cover and not only in the central area along the cover. Sporadic areas can be also possible without limiting the scope of the present subject matter.

The mesh of the net 14 is determined according to the demands of the specific crops they should cover and the weather conditions in the geographical area. The net 14 should be strong enough to withhold the structure.

The connection between the net 14 and the sheet of plastic 12 and 12' can be made by sowing, soldering, gluing, combination thereof, or any other method of connecting sheets that is adapted for such cover.

Optionally or additionally, near the opposite edges of the ventilated cover 10, along its length, holes or eyelets 16 from one side and holes or eyelets 16' from the opposite side are provided so as to allow installation of the ventilating cover 10 as a roof over the plants.

Reference is now made to Fig. 2 illustrating a side view of an installed ventilated cover that covers a grape plant, in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

Ventilated cover 20 is similar to ventilated cover 10 and has two portions, a central portion that is a net 14 and two oppositely positioned plastic sheets 12 from both sides of the central net 14. The ventilated cover 20 is placed and supported on a series of poles 22 (one of which can be seen in this figure) that are placed along the rows of plants of vines 21 (one of which can be seen in this figure). Poles 22 are placed along the center of each row every 5-12 meters, substantially, a distance that depends on the type of crops. The central portion of net 14 passes along the vines 21 wherein the area that allows rainwater to pass beneath the roof made by the ventilated cover 20 is close to the trunk of the vine so it doesn't inflict any possible harm to the fruits that are beneath the plastic cover 12 that is impermeable to water. On the other hand, the humidity and hot air that is formed beneath the cover can escape through the net 14 in the central portion.

The ventilated cover 20 is held from both opposite elongated sides by ropes or elastic rubber cables 26 that are threaded through holes (not shown in this figure) and are being connected to ground 24 through post 28, as an example, or to wires that are horizontally placed along the crops, in using some other support that is available in the field or orchard.

The structure of the ventilated cover according to the present subject matter can be installed once and there is no need to remove it during the growing time. It can stay for a long time – the entire year or years – a fact that is beneficial for several reasons: 1. The conditions of the plant growth are optimal during the whole year vis temperature, humidity, radiation, and transfer of light. 2. Substantial reduction in the effect of the wind that slows plant growth. 3. The temperature beneath the cover is better for the working staff that needs to work on the plant in pruning, as an example. 4. Water cost saving of about 30%.

. Savings of about 30% in the costs of fertilizers. 6. The net portion of the cover provides better stability of the cover against harsh winds and prolongs its life. 7. Prolonging the life of the cover as well as reducing maintenance needs since there is no need to cover and uncover the plants. 8. Cost savings in human resources.

Reference is now made to Fig. 3 illustrates an upper view of a spread ventilated cover for crops having soft fruits, in accordance with some other exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

As mentioned herein before, the net doesn't have to be a center portion of the cover. Ventilated cover 30 is provided with several openings 34 in the plastic cover 32 that are provided with a net. In this case, openings 34 are ordered in two rows about the central axis 33 of the cover so that when they are installed on the poles among the fruits, the wind coming from the side can pass through the oppositely positioned openings. The plants are safe beneath the plastic impermeable portion of cover 32 and openings 34 allow humidity and hot air to escape from beneath the cover while rainwater can enter the central portion of the cover in a controlled manner.

Along the ventilated cover 30, holes or eyelets 36 are provided for supporting the structure of the cover on the plants.

Reference is now made to Fig. 4 illustrates an upper view of a spread ventilated cover for crops having soft fruits, in accordance with some other exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

Ventilated cover 40 is similar to ventilated cover 10, however, in order to support the structure and to maintain the net portion on the poles as shown in Fig. 2, a central portion 48 is provided. The central portion 48 is made of a relatively stronger material or made of a denser net so that when this portion is supported on the poles, the cover is not torn. Any other method by which this portion that should be supported on the poles is stronger is or reinforced is covered by the scope of the present subject matter.

It should be mentioned that in the group of fruits that are considered as soft fruits for which the ventilated cover can be used are mostly grapes, cherries, and berries.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims. All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention.

Claims (13)

1. A ventilated cover for covering crops comprising: two elongated sheets that are impermeable to liquids and permeable to light; and an elongated net connected between the two elongated sheets, wherein the net allows liquids and air to flow through.

2. A ventilated cover for covering crops comprising: an elongated sheet having an elongated central axis, wherein the sheet is impermeable to liquids and permeable to light; and a plurality of openings relatively close to the elongated central axis of the sheet, wherein each of the plurality of openings is provided with a net allowing liquids and air to flow through.

3. The ventilated cover for covering crops of claim 2, wherein the plurality of openings is two elongated openings passing along the sheet from both sides of the axis.

4. The ventilated cover for covering crops of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the net is connected to the sheet by sowing, soldering, gluing, combination thereof, or the like.

5. The ventilated cover for covering crops of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sheet is made of woven polyethylene fabric laminated from at least one of its sides.

6. The ventilated cover for covering crops of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the sheet is resistant to harmful radiation.

7. The ventilated cover for covering crops of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the net has a mesh that is determined according to the demands of the crops.

8. The ventilated cover for covering crops of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein near opposite edges of the sheet holes or eyelets are provided.

9. The ventilated cover for covering crops of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the ventilated cover is placed and supported on a series of poles provided along rows of the crops and wherein a central portion of the net or the sheet passes along the crops.

10. The ventilated cover for covering crops of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the crops are soft fruits.

11. The ventilated cover for covering crops of any one of claims 1 and 4 to 10, wherein central portion of the net is denser than other portions of the net.

12. The ventilated cover for covering crops of any one of claims 1 and 4 to 10, wherein central portion of the net is reinforced.

13. The ventilated cover for covering crops of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the crops are soft fruits selected from a group of fruits such as grapes, cherries, berries, and the like. For the Applicant Gold – Patents & Financial Services ltd. 15