U.S. patent application number 17/068698 was filed with the patent office on 2021-04-01 for netting material.
The applicant listed for this patent is Nine IP Limited. Invention is credited to Jonathan Dallas TOYE.
Application Number | 20210092910 17/068698 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005273803 |
Filed Date | 2021-04-01 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20210092910 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
TOYE; Jonathan Dallas |
April 1, 2021 |
NETTING MATERIAL
Abstract
An agricultural netting material has a construction profile
across the width of the netting in which one or more construction
elements varies across the width of the netting, a construction
element in a first region of at least 20 cm width of the netting
being different to the construction element in a second region of
at least 20 cm width of the netting, the construction element being
one of a yarn thickness, a yarn width, a yarn transmittance, a yarn
pigmentation, a yarn reflectance, a yarn absorbance, a netting
aperture size, a netting construction pattern and a netting cover
factor.
Inventors: |
TOYE; Jonathan Dallas;
(Auckland, NZ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Nine IP Limited |
Auckland |
|
NZ |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005273803 |
Appl. No.: |
17/068698 |
Filed: |
October 12, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15318808 |
Dec 14, 2016 |
10849281 |
|
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PCT/IB2015/054530 |
Jun 16, 2015 |
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17068698 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01G 13/043 20130101;
A01G 13/0206 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A01G 13/04 20060101
A01G013/04; A01G 13/02 20060101 A01G013/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 16, 2014 |
NZ |
626307 |
Apr 17, 2015 |
IB |
PCT/IB2015/052804 |
Claims
1. A knitted netting material: comprising pillars knitted in a
length direction and held together with yarns that cross back and
forth between the pillars in a width direction defining netting
apertures, having a width dimension of at least two metres and a
greater length dimension, having an aperture size that varies
across the width of the netting, and comprising a first region of
the netting material comprising a first aperture size, a second
region of the netting comprising a second aperture size, and a
third region of the netting comprising a third aperture size,
wherein the first aperture size is larger than the second aperture
size and the second aperture size is larger than the third aperture
size, wherein the first region is a central region of the netting,
and the third region is a peripheral region of the netting either
side of the central region, and the second region is an
intermediate transition region of the netting located either side
of the central region and between the central region and each
peripheral region.
2. A netting material as claimed in claim 1, wherein edge portions
of the netting are reinforced or formed with different
material.
3. A netting material as claimed in claim 1, wherein the width of
the central first region comprises 60% or more of the width of the
netting material.
4. A netting material as claimed in claim 2, wherein the width of
the central first region comprises 60% or more of the width of the
netting material.
5. A netting material as claimed in claim 1, wherein a spacing
between adjacent pillars in the first region is larger than a
spacing between adjacent pillars in the second region, and the
spacing between adjacent pillars in the second region is larger
than a spacing between adjacent pillars in the third region.
6. A netting material as claimed in claim 2, wherein a spacing
between adjacent pillars in the first region is larger than a
spacing between adjacent pillars in the second region, and the
spacing between adjacent pillars in the second region is larger
than a spacing between adjacent pillars in the third region.
7. A netting material as claimed in claim 3, wherein a spacing
between adjacent pillars in the first region is larger than a
spacing between adjacent pillars in the second region, and the
spacing between adjacent pillars in the second region is larger
than a spacing between adjacent pillars in the third region.
8. A netting material as claimed in claim 5, wherein the second
region has a tighter knit than the first region and the third
region has a tighter knit than the second region.
9. A netting material as claimed in claim 6, wherein the second
region has a tighter knit than the first region and the third
region has a tighter knit than the second region.
10. A netting material as claimed in claim 7, wherein the second
region has a tighter knit than the first region and the third
region has a tighter knit than the second region.
11. A netting material as claimed in any one of claim 1, wherein
the first region has a width between 200 mm and 3 metres.
12. A netting material as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first
region of the netting material comprises an aperture size of about
7 mm, and the second region of the netting material comprises an
aperture size of about 6 mm, and the third region of the netting
material comprises an aperture size of about 5 mm.
13. A netting material as claimed in claim 11, wherein the first
region of the netting material comprises an aperture size of about
7 mm, and the second region of the netting material comprises an
aperture size of about 6 mm, and the third region of the netting
material comprises an aperture size of about 5 mm.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application derives priority from New Zealand patent
application number 626307, and from PCT application number
PCT/IB2015/052804, both of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to netting materials and particularly
but not exclusively to netting materials for use as hail, sunlight
(shade), bird or insect, or wind barrier netting or in other
agricultural applications.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Netting may be placed near plants to protect for example
annual plants, perennial plants, fruit trees, or grape vines, from
birds, insects, excessive sun, wind, or hail. Typically the netting
is supported over the plant(s) and/or as a vertical and/or angled
wall or walls near the plant(s), by for example cables or wires
between posts positioned along the rows of plants in a garden,
field crop, orchard or vineyard, or is draped over the
plant(s).
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a netting
material which will at least provide the industry with a useful
choice.
[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention consists in a
netting material having a length dimension and a width dimension
smaller, or much smaller, than the length dimension, the width of
the netting material being at least 1 m and which has a
construction profile across the width of the netting, wherein in
the construction profile, one or more construction elements varies
across the width of the netting, a construction element in a first
region of at least 20 cm width of the netting being different to
the construction element in a second region of at least 20 cm width
of the netting, the construction element being one of a yarn
thickness, a yarn width, a yarn transmittance, a yarn pigmentation,
a yarn reflectance, a yarn absorbance, a netting aperture size, a
netting construction pattern and a netting cover factor.
[0006] In some embodiments, the width of the material is at least 2
m, or at least 3 m, or at least 4 m, or at least 5 m, or at least 6
m, or at least 7 m, or at least 8 m, or at least 10 m, or at least
15 m, or at least 20 m, or at least 25 m.
[0007] In some embodiments, the construction profile exists in a
region of the width of the material that excludes the outermost 40
cm, or the outermost 50 cm, or the outermost 60 cm, or the
outermost 70 cm, or the outer most 80 cm, or the outermost 100 cm,
of width of each side the width of the material.
[0008] Shade Factor Profile
[0009] In some embodiments, the construction profile provides a
shade factor profile across the width of the netting which varies
across the width of the netting, a shade factor in the first region
of the netting being higher than a shade factor in the second
region of the netting.
[0010] In some embodiments, the netting has a shade factor profile
which is substantially uniform along the length of the netting
[0011] In some embodiments, for visible (400 to 700 nm) solar
radiation, the average shade factor of the first region is at least
5 or 10 or 15 or 20 or 30 or 40 or 50 or 80 percentage points more
than the average shade factor of the second region.
[0012] In some embodiments, for solar radiation of the wavelength
range 280-320 nm, or 280-400 nm, or 320-400 nm, the average shade
factor of the first region is at least 5 or 10 or 15 or 20 or 30 or
40 or 50 or 80 percentage points more than the average shade factor
of the second region.
[0013] In some embodiments, for solar radiation of the wavelength
range 700 to 800 nm, or 700 to 900 nm, or 700 to 1000 nm, or 700 to
1200 nm, or 700 to 1500 nm, or 700 to 2000 nm, or 700 to 2500 nm,
or 1000 to 1500 nm, or 1000 to 2000 nm, or 1000 to 2500 nm, or 1500
to 2000 nm, or 2000 to 2500 nm, the average shade factor of the
first region is at least 5 or 10 or 15 or 20 or 25 or 30 or 35 or
45 or 50 or 60 or 70 or 80 percentage points more than the average
shade factor of the second region.
[0014] In some embodiments, in the shade factor profile, the
average shade factor of the first region of at least 20 cm width is
between 5% more and 4 times more than the average shade factor of
the second region of at least 20 cm width.
[0015] In some embodiments, in the shade factor profile, the
average shade factor of at least the first region is between 20%
and 50% more than the average shade factor of the second
region.
[0016] In some embodiments, the width of the first region is at
least 30 cm, or 40 cm, or 50 cm, or 60 cm, or 70 cm, or 80 cm, or 1
m, or 1.2 m, or 1.5 m, or 3 m, or 4 m, or 5 m, or 6 m, or 8 m, or
10 m, and the width of the second region is at least 30 cm, or 40
cm, or 50 cm, or 60 cm, or 70 cm, or 80 cm, or 1 m or 1.2 m or 1.5
m, or 3 m, or 4 m, or 5 m, or 6 m, or 8 m, or 10 m.
[0017] In some embodiments, in the shade factor profile, the
average shade factor of the first region is between 1.05 and 2
times more than the average shade factor of the second region, and
between 1.1 and 4 times the average shade factor of a third region
of at least 20 cm width.
[0018] In some embodiments, in the shade factor profile, the
average shade factor of the first region is between 1.1 to 1.5
times the average shade factor of the second region, and between
1.1 to 2 times the average shade factor of the third region.
[0019] In some embodiments, the average shade factor of the first
region is about 25% more than the average shade factor of the
second region, and about 67% more than the average shade factor of
the third region.
[0020] In some embodiments, the average shade factor of the first
region is about 25%, and the average shade factor in the second
region is about 20%, and the average shade factor in the third
region is about 15%.
[0021] In some embodiments, the width of the first region is at
least 50 cm and the width of the second region is at least 50 cm
and the width of the third region is at least 50 cm.
[0022] In some embodiments, the shade factor of the region of
highest shade factor in the shade factor profile is between 10% and
90%.
[0023] In some embodiments, the shade factor of a region of lower
shade factor in the shade factor profile is between 5% and 50%.
[0024] Heat Reflectivity Profile
[0025] In some embodiments, the construction profile provides a
heat reflectivity profile across the width of the netting which
varies across the width of the netting, the heat reflectivity of
the first region of at least 20 cm width being higher than the heat
reflectivity in the second region of at least 20 cm width.
[0026] In some embodiments, the material absorbs at least 30% of
solar radiation in the wavelength range 280 to 400 nm.
[0027] In some embodiments, the netting has a heat reflectivity
profile which is substantially uniform along the length of the
netting.
[0028] In some embodiments, in the heat reflectivity profile, the
average heat reflectivity of the first region of at least 20 cm
width is at least 5% or 10% or 15% or 20% or 30% or 40% or 50% or
60% or 80% or 100% more than the average heat reflectivity of the
second region of at least 20 cm width, or is 1.2 times or 1.5 times
or 2.0 times, or 2.5 times, or 3.0 times, or 4.0 times more than
the average heat reflectivity of the second region of at least 20
cm width.
[0029] In some embodiments, the average heat reflectivity of at
least the first region of at least 20 cm width is between 1.05 to 4
times more than the average heat reflectivity of the second region
of at least 20 cm width.
[0030] In some embodiments, the width of the first region comprises
between 10 to 90%, or 20 to 80%, or 40 to 60% of the width of the
material.
[0031] In some embodiments, the average heat reflectivity of the
first region is between 20% and 50% more than the average heat
reflectivity of the second region.
[0032] In some embodiments, the width of the first region is at
least 50 cm and the width of the second region is at least 50
cm.
[0033] In some embodiments, the width of the first region is
between 1 and 2 m and the width of the second region is between 1
and 2 m.
[0034] In some embodiments, in the heat reflectivity profile, the
average heat reflectivity of the first region of at least 20 cm
width is between 1.05 and 2 times more than the average heat
reflectivity of the second region of at least 20 cm width, and
between 10% more and 4 times more than the average heat
reflectivity of a third region of at least 20 cm width.
[0035] In some embodiments, the average heat reflectivity of the
first region of at least 20 cm width is between 10% more and 50%
more than the average heat reflectivity of the second region of at
least 20 cm width, and between 50% more and 2 time more than the
average heat reflectivity of the third region of at least 20 cm
width.
[0036] In some embodiments, the average heat reflectivity of the
first region of at least 20 cm width is about 25% more than the
average heat reflectivity of the second region of at least 20 cm
width, and about 67% more than the average heat reflectivity of the
third region of at least 20 cm width.
[0037] In some embodiments, the average heat reflectivity of the
first region is about 20-40%, and the average heat reflectivity of
the second region of at least 20 cm width is about 10-30%, and the
average heat reflectivity of the third region of at least 20 cm
width is about 5-15%.
[0038] In some embodiments, the width of the first region is at
least 50 cm and the width of the second region is at least 50 cm
and the width of the third region is at least 50 cm.
[0039] In some embodiments, the width of the first region is at
least 80 cm and the width of the second region is at least 80 cm
and the width of the third region is at least 80 cm.
[0040] In some embodiments, the average heat reflectivity of the
region of highest heat reflectivity in the heat reflectivity
profile is between 10% and 40%.
[0041] In some embodiments, the average heat reflectivity of the
region of lower heat reflectivity in the heat reflectivity profile
is between 5% and 20%.
[0042] In some embodiments, the heat reflectivity is the percentage
of solar radiation across the wavelength range 700 to 800 nm which
is reflected by the netting.
[0043] In some embodiments, heat reflectivity is the percentage of
solar radiation across the wavelength range 700 to 900 nm which is
reflected by the netting.
[0044] In some embodiments, heat reflectivity is the percentage of
solar radiation across the wavelength range 1000 to 1600 nm which
is reflected by the netting.
[0045] In some embodiments, heat reflectivity means the percentage
of solar radiation across the wavelength range 1400 to 1600 nm
which is reflected by the netting.
[0046] In some embodiments, heat reflectivity is the percentage of
solar radiation across the wavelength range 700 to 2500 nm which is
reflected by the netting.
[0047] Yarn Thickness Profile
[0048] In some embodiments, the construction profile comprises
different thickness yarns, the first region of the netting material
comprising a first yarn and the second region comprising a second
yarn, the first yarn being thicker than the second yarn.
[0049] In some embodiments, a third region of the netting comprises
a third yarn and the second yarn is thicker than the third
yarn.
[0050] In some embodiments, the netting material is woven from warp
yarns and weft yarns and the warp yarns in the first region of the
netting are thicker than the warp yarns in the second region of the
netting.
[0051] In some embodiments, the warp yarns in the second region are
thicker than the warp yarns in a third region of the netting.
[0052] In some embodiments, the weft yarns have a uniform thickness
throughout the netting.
[0053] In some embodiments, the first yarn comprises a weight in
the range 300 to 1000 denier and the second yarn has a weight of 50
to 300 denier.
[0054] In some embodiments, the first yarn comprises a weight of
300 to 1000 denier and the second yarn has a weight in the range
150 to 300 and the third yarn has a weight in the range 50 to 150
denier.
[0055] In some embodiments, the first yarn has a thickness in the
range 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm and the second yarn has a thickness in the
range 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm.
[0056] In some embodiments, the first yarn comprises a thickness in
the range 0.3 mm to 0.4 mm and the second yarn has a thickness of
0.2 mm to 0.3 mm and the third yarn has a thickness in the range
0.1 mm to 0.2 mm.
[0057] In some embodiments, the width of the first region is at
least 50 cm and the width of the second region is at least 50 cm
and the width of the third region (if present) is at least 50
cm.
[0058] In some embodiments, the width of the first region is at
least 80 cm and the width of the second region is at least 80 cm
and the width of the third region (if present) is at least 80
cm.
[0059] Yarn Width Profile
[0060] In some embodiments, the construction profile comprises
different width yarns, the first region of the netting material
comprising a first yarn and the second region comprising a second
yarn, the first yarn being wider than the second yarn.
[0061] In some embodiments, a third region of the netting comprises
a third yarn and the second yarn is wider than the third yarn.
[0062] In some embodiments, the netting material is woven from warp
yarns and weft yarns and the warp yarns in the first region of the
netting are wider than the warp yarns in the second region of the
netting.
[0063] In some embodiments, the warp yarns in the second region are
wider than the warp yarns in a third region of the netting.
[0064] In some embodiments, the weft yarns have a uniform width
throughout the netting.
[0065] In some embodiments, the first yarn has a width in the range
0.5 mm to 3 mm and the second yarn has a thickness in the range 0.1
mm to 1.5 mm.
[0066] In some embodiments, the first yarn comprises a width in the
range 0.5 mm to 3 mm and the second yarn has a thickness in the
range 0.3 mm to 1.5 mm and the third yarn has a thickness in the
range 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm.
[0067] In some embodiments, the first region comprises yarns having
a rectangular cross section and the second region comprises yarns
having a circular cross section.
[0068] In some embodiments, the width of the first region is at
least 50 cm and the width of the second region is at least 50 cm
and the width of the third region is at least 50 cm.
[0069] In some embodiments, the width of the first region is at
least 80 cm and the width of the second region is at least 80 cm
and the width of the third region is at least 80 cm.
[0070] Solar Radiation Transmission Profile
[0071] In some embodiments, the construction profile comprises
yarns having different solar radiation transmission properties, the
first region of the netting material comprising a first yarn and
the second region comprising a second yarn, the first yarn having a
lower solar radiation transmittance than the second yarn.
[0072] In some embodiments, a third region of the netting material
comprises a third yarn, and the second yarn has a lower solar
radiation transmittance than the third yarn.
[0073] In some embodiments, the netting material is woven from warp
yarns and weft yarns and the warp yarns in the first region of the
netting have a lower solar radiation transmittance than the warp
yarns in the second region of the netting.
[0074] In some embodiments, the warp yarns in the second region
have a lower solar radiation transmittance than the warp yarns in a
third region of the netting material.
[0075] In some embodiments, the weft yarns have uniform solar
radiation transmission properties throughout the netting.
[0076] In some embodiments, the different solar radiation
transmission properties are different properties of transmission of
solar radiation across the wavelength range 280 to 400 nm, or 400
to 700 nm, or 700 to 800 nm, or 700 to 900 nm, or 700 to 1000 nm,
or 700 to 1200 nm, or 700 to 1500 nm, or 700 to 2000 nm, or 700 to
2500 nm, or 1000 to 1500 nm, or 1000 to 2000 nm, or 1000 to 2500
nm, or 1500 to 2000 nm, or 2000 to 2500 nm.
[0077] In some embodiments, the first yarn transmits between 0% and
50% of UV and visible light, and the second yarn transmits between
30 and 95% of UV and visible light.
[0078] In some embodiments, the first yarn transmits between 0% and
50% of UV light, and the second yarn transmits between 30 and 95%
of UV light.
[0079] In some embodiments, the first yarn transmits 0% to 40% of
UV and visible light, and the second yarn transmits between 30 and
70% of UV and visible light and the third yarn transmits between
60% and 95% of UV and visible light.
[0080] In some embodiments, the first yarn transmits 0% to 40% of
UV light, and the second yarn transmits between 30 and 70% of UV
light and the third yarn transmits between 60% and 95% of UV
light.
[0081] In some embodiments, the width of the first region is at
least 50 cm and the width of the second region is at least 50 cm
and the width of the third region (if present) is at least 50
cm.
[0082] In some embodiments, the width of the first region is at
least 80 cm and the width of the second region is at least 80 cm
and the width of the third region (if present) is at least 80
cm.
[0083] Solar Radiation Absorbance
[0084] In some embodiments, the construction profile comprises
yarns having different solar radiation absorbance properties, the
first region of the netting material comprising a first yarn and
the second region comprising a second yarn, the first yarn having a
higher solar radiation absorbance than the second yarn.
[0085] In some embodiments, a third region of the netting material
comprises a third yarn, and the second yarn has a higher solar
radiation absorbance than the third yarn.
[0086] In some embodiments, the netting material is woven from warp
yarns and weft yarns and the warp yarns in the first region of the
netting have a higher solar radiation absorbance than the warp
yarns in the second region of the netting.
[0087] In some embodiments, the warp yarns in the second region
have a higher solar radiation absorbance than the warp yarns in a
third region of the netting material.
[0088] In some embodiments, the weft yarns have uniform solar
radiation absorbance properties throughout the netting.
[0089] In some embodiments, the different solar radiation
absorbance properties are different properties of absorbance of
solar radiation across the wavelength range 280 to 320 nm, or 320
to 400 nm, or 280 to 400 nm, or 400 to 700 nm, or 700 to 800 nm, or
700 to 900 nm, or 700 to 1000 nm, or 700 to 1200 nm, or 700 to 1500
nm, or 700 to 2000 nm, or 700 to 2500 nm, or 1000 to 1500 nm, or
1000 to 2000 nm, or 1000 to 2500 nm, or 1500 to 2000 nm, or 2000 to
2500 nm.
[0090] In some embodiments, the first yarn absorbs between 30 and
95% of UV and visible light, and the second yarn absorbs between 0%
and 50% of UV and visible light.
[0091] In some embodiments, the first yarn absorbs between 30 and
95% of UV light, and the second yarn absorbs between 0% and 50% of
UV light.
[0092] In some embodiments, the first yarn absorbs between 30 and
95% of visible light (400-700 nm), and the second yarn absorbs
between 0% and 50% of visible light (400-700 nm).
[0093] In some embodiments, the first yarn absorbs between 30 and
95% of solar radiation across the wavelength range 700 to 800 nm,
or 700 to 900 nm, or 700 to 1000 nm, or 700 to 1200 nm, or 700 to
1500 nm, or 700 to 2000 nm, or 700 to 2500 nm, or 1000 to 1500 nm,
or 1000 to 2000 nm, or 1000 to 2500 nm, or 1500 to 2000 nm, or 2000
to 2500 nm, and the second yarn absorbs between 0% and 50% of solar
radiation across the same wavelength range.
[0094] In some embodiments, the first yarn absorbs 60% to 95% of UV
and visible light, and the second yarn absorbs between 30 and 70%
of UV and visible light and the third yarn absorbs between 0% and
40% of UV and visible light.
[0095] In some embodiments, the first yarn absorbs between 60% and
95% of UV light, and the second yarn absorbs between 30% and 70% of
UV light and the third yarn absorbs between 0% and 40% of UV
light.
[0096] In some embodiments, the first yarn absorbs 60% to 95% of
solar radiation across the wavelength range 700 to 800 nm, or 700
to 900 nm, or 700 to 1000 nm, or 700 to 1200 nm, or 700 to 1500 nm,
or 700 to 2000 nm, or 700 to 2500 nm, or 1000 to 1500 nm, or 1000
to 2000 nm, or 1000 to 2500 nm, or 1500 to 2000 nm, or 2000 to 2500
nm, and the second yarn absorbs 30 to 70% of solar radiation, on
average, across the same wavelength range and the third yarn
absorbs 0% to 40% of solar radiation, on average, across the same
wavelength range.
[0097] In some embodiments, the width of the first region is at
least 50 cm and the width of the second region is at least 50 cm
and the width of the third region (if present) is at least 50
cm.
[0098] In some embodiments, the width of the first region is at
least 80 cm and the width of the second region is at least 80 cm
and the width of the third region (if present) is at least 80
cm.
[0099] Pigment Profile
[0100] In some embodiments, the netting comprises pigmented yarn,
and the construction profile comprises different pigmentation, the
first region of the netting material comprising a first yarn and
the second region comprising a second yarn, the first yarn
comprising a higher level of pigmentation or a different type of
pigment than the second yarn.
[0101] In some embodiments, the first region and second regions of
the netting material comprise different colour.
[0102] In some embodiments, a third width region of the netting
comprises a third yarn, and the second yarn comprising a higher
level of pigmentation, a different type of pigment, and/or a
different colour, than the third yarn.
[0103] In some embodiments, the netting material is woven from warp
yarns and weft yarns and the warp yarns in the first region of the
netting comprising a higher level of pigmentation, a different type
of pigment, and/or a different colour, than the warp yarns in the
second region of the netting.
[0104] In some embodiments, the warp yarns in the second region
comprising a higher level of pigmentation, a different type of
pigment, and/or a different colour, than the warp yarns in a third
region of the netting material.
[0105] In some embodiments, the weft yarns have uniform level of
pigmentation throughout the netting.
[0106] In some embodiments, the first yarn comprises a carbon black
pigmentation level of 1% to 3% by weight and the second yarn
comprises a carbon black pigmentation level of less than 1% by
weight.
[0107] In some embodiments, the first yarn comprises a carbon black
pigmentation level of 2% to 3% by weight and the second yarn
comprises a carbon black pigmentation level of 1% to 2% by weight
and the third yarn comprises a carbon black pigmentation level of
less than 1% by weight.
[0108] In some embodiments, the first yarn comprises a white
pigmentation level of 5% to 30% by weight and the second yarn
comprises a white pigmentation level of less than 5% by weight.
[0109] In some embodiments, the first yarn comprises a white
pigmentation level of 10% to 30% by weight and the second yarn
comprises a white pigmentation level of 5% to 10% by weight and the
third yarn comprises a white pigmentation level of less than 5% by
weight.
[0110] In some embodiments, the first and second yarns comprise
yarns pigmented after the first and second yarns were constructed
into the netting material.
[0111] In some embodiments, the first and second yarns comprise
yarns pigmented before being constructed into the netting
material.
[0112] In some embodiments, the width of the first region is at
least 50 cm and the width of the second region is at least 50 cm
and the width of the third region (if present) is at least 50
cm.
[0113] In some embodiments, the width of the first region is at
least 80 cm and the width of the second region is at least 80 cm
and the width of the third region (if present) is at least 80
cm.
[0114] Solar Radiation Reflectivity
[0115] In some embodiments, the construction profile comprises
yarns having different solar radiation reflectivity, the first
region of the netting material comprising a first yarn and the
second region comprising a second yarn, the first yarn being more
reflective of solar radiation than the second yarn.
[0116] In some embodiments, a third region of at least 20 cm width
of the netting material comprises a third yarn, and the second yarn
being more reflective of solar radiation than the third yarn.
[0117] In some embodiments, the netting material is woven from warp
yarns and weft yarns, the warp yarns in the first region of the
netting being more reflective of solar radiation than the warp
yarns in the second region of the netting.
[0118] In some embodiments, the warp yarns in the second region are
more reflective of solar radiation than the warp yarns in a third
region of the netting.
[0119] In some embodiments, the weft yarns have uniform solar
radiation reflectivity throughout the netting.
[0120] In some embodiments, the differing solar radiation
reflectivity is differing solar radiation reflectivity across
wavelength range 280 to 400 nm, or 400 to 700 nm, 700 to 800 nm, or
700 to 900 nm, or 700 to 1000 nm, or 700 to 1200 nm, or 700 to 1500
nm, or 700 to 2000 nm, or 700 to 2500 nm, or 1000 to 1500 nm, or
1000 to 2000 nm, or 1000 to 2500 nm, or 1500 to 2000 nm, or 2000 to
2500 nm.
[0121] In some embodiments, the first yarn reflects at least 30% of
solar radiation across wavelength range 280 to 400 nm, or 400 to
700 nm, 700 to 800 nm, or 700 to 900 nm, or 700 to 1000 nm, or 700
to 1200 nm, or 700 to 1500 nm, or 700 to 2000 nm, or 700 to 2500
nm, or 1000 to 1500 nm, or 1000 to 2000 nm, or 1000 to 2500 nm, or
1500 to 2000 nm, or 2000 to 2500 nm, and the second yarn reflects
less than 30% solar radiation across that same wavelength
range.
[0122] In some embodiments, the first yarn reflects at least 40% of
solar radiation across the wavelength range 280 to 400 nm, or 400
to 700 nm, 700 to 800 nm, or 700 to 900 nm, or 700 to 1000 nm, or
700 to 1200 nm, or 700 to 1500 nm, or 700 to 2000 nm, or 700 to
2500 nm, or 1000 to 1500 nm, or 1000 to 2000 nm, or 1000 to 2500
nm, or 1500 to 2000 nm, or 2000 to 2500 nm, and the second yarn
reflects at least 20% of solar radiation across the same wavelength
range but does not reflect more solar radiation across that range
than the first yarn, and the third yarn reflects less than 20% of
solar radiation on average across the same wavelength range.
[0123] In some embodiments, in the construction profile, solar
radiation reflectivity of the first yarn across the wavelength
range 280 to 400 nm, or 400 to 700 nm, 700 to 800 nm, or 700 to 900
nm, or 700 to 1000 nm, or 700 to 1200 nm, or 700 to 1500 nm, or 700
to 2000 nm, or 700 to 2500 nm, or 1000 to 1500 nm, or 1000 to 2000
nm, or 1000 to 2500 nm, or 1500 to 2000 nm, or 2000 to 2500 nm is
at least 5% or 10% or 15% or 20% or 30% or 40% or 50% or 60% or 80%
or 100% more than the solar radiation reflectivity of the second
yarn across that same wavelength range.
[0124] In some embodiments, the solar radiation reflectivity of the
first yarn across the wavelength range 280 to 400 nm, or 400 to 700
nm, 700 to 800 nm, or 700 to 900 nm, or 700 to 1000 nm, or 700 to
1200 nm, or 700 to 1500 nm, or 700 to 2000 nm, or 700 to 2500 nm,
or 1000 to 1500 nm, or 1000 to 2000 nm, or 1000 to 2500 nm, or 1500
to 2000 nm, or 2000 to 2500 nm is between 1.05 to 4 times more, or
between 1.05 to 3 times more, or between 1.05 to 2.5 times more, or
between 1.05 more to 2 times more, or between 1.05 more to 1.2
times more, than the solar reflectivity of the second yarn across
that same wavelength range.
[0125] In some embodiments, the width of the first region comprises
between 10 to 90%, or 20 to 80%, or 25 to 50% of the width of the
material.
[0126] In some embodiments, the solar radiation reflectivity across
the wavelength range 280 to 400 nm, or 400 to 700 nm, 700 to 800
nm, or 700 to 900 nm, or 700 to 1000 nm, or 700 to 1200 nm, or 700
to 1500 nm, or 700 to 2000 nm, or 700 to 2500 nm, or 1000 to 1500
nm, or 1000 to 2000 nm, or 1000 to 2500 nm, or 1500 to 2000 nm, or
2000 to 2500 nm of the first yarn is between 20% and 50% more than
the solar radiation reflectivity of the second yarn across that
same wavelength range.
[0127] In some embodiments, the width of the first region is at
least 50 cm and the width of the second region is at least 50 cm,
and the width of the third region (if present) is at least 50
cm.
[0128] In some embodiments, the width of the first region is
between 1 and 2 m and the width of the second region is between 1
and 2 m.
[0129] In some embodiments, in the solar radiation reflectivity
profile across the wavelength range 280 to 400 nm, or 400 to 700
nm, 700 to 800 nm, or 700 to 900 nm, or 700 to 1000 nm, or 700 to
1200 nm, or 700 to 1500 nm, or 700 to 2000 nm, or 700 to 2500 nm,
or 1000 to 1500 nm, or 1000 to 2000 nm, or 1000 to 2500 nm, or 1500
to 2000 nm, or 2000 to 2500 nm, the solar reflectivity of the first
region of at least 20 cm width is between 1.05 and 2 times more
than the solar radiation reflectivity across that same range of the
second region of at least 20 cm width, and between 1.1 and 4 times
more than the solar radiation reflectivity across that same range
of a third region of at least 20 cm width.
[0130] In some embodiments, the solar radiation reflectivity across
the wavelength range 280 to 400 nm, or 400 to 700 nm, 700 to 800
nm, or 700 to 900 nm, or 700 to 1000 nm, or 700 to 1200 nm, or 700
to 1500 nm, or 700 to 2000 nm, or 700 to 2500 nm, or 1000 to 1500
nm, or 1000 to 2000 nm, or 1000 to 2500 nm, or 1500 to 2000 nm, or
2000 to 2500 nm of the first region of at least 20 cm width is
between 10% more and 50% more than the solar radiation reflectivity
across that same range of the second region of at least 20 cm
width, and between 50% more and 2 time more than the solar
radiation reflectivity across that same range of the third region
of at least 20 cm width.
[0131] In some embodiments, the solar radiation reflectivity across
the wavelength range 280 to 400 nm, or 400 to 700 nm, 700 to 800
nm, or 700 to 900 nm, or 700 to 1000 nm, or 700 to 1200 nm, or 700
to 1500 nm, or 700 to 2000 nm, or 700 to 2500 nm, or 1000 to 1500
nm, or 1000 to 2000 nm, or 1000 to 2500 nm, or 1500 to 2000 nm, or
2000 to 2500 nm of the first region of at least 20 cm width is
about 25% more than the solar radiation reflectivity across that
same range of the second region of at least 20 cm width, and about
67% more than the solar radiation reflectivity across that same
range of the third region of at least 20 cm width.
[0132] In some embodiments, the solar radiation reflectivity of the
first region across the wavelength range 280 to 400 nm, or 400 to
700 nm, 700 to 800 nm, or 700 to 900 nm, or 700 to 1000 nm, or 700
to 1200 nm, or 700 to 1500 nm, or 700 to 2000 nm, or 700 to 2500
nm, or 1000 to 1500 nm, or 1000 to 2000 nm, or 1000 to 2500 nm, or
1500 to 2000 nm, or 2000 to 2500 nm is about 20-40%, and the solar
radiation reflectivity across that same range of the second region
of at least 20 cm width is about 10-30%, and the solar radiation
reflectivity across that same range of the third region of at least
20 cm width is about 5-15%.
[0133] In some embodiments, the width of the first region is at
least 50 cm and the width of the second region is at least 50 cm
and the width of the third region is at least 50 cm.
[0134] In some embodiments, the solar radiation reflectivity across
the wavelength range 280 to 400 nm, or 400 to 700 nm, of the region
of highest solar radiation reflectivity in the reflectivity profile
is between 10% and 40%.
[0135] In some embodiments, the solar radiation reflectivity across
the wavelength range 280 to 400 nm, or 400 to 700 nm, of the region
of lower solar radiation reflectivity in the reflectivity profile
is between 5% and 20%.
[0136] In some embodiments, the first yarn reflects at least 30%
solar radiation on average across the UV, visible and very near
infrared ranges, and the second yarn reflects less than 30% solar
radiation on average across the UV, visible and very near infrared
ranges.
[0137] In some embodiments, the first yarn reflects at least 40%
solar radiation on average across the UV, visible and very near
infrared ranges, and the second yarn reflects at least 20% solar
radiation on average across the UV, visible and very near infrared
ranges, and the third yarn reflects less than 20% solar radiation
on average across the UV, visible and very near infrared
ranges.
[0138] In some embodiments, the first yarn and/or the second yarn
transmits at least 10% of solar radiation across the wavelength
range about 800-2500 nm.
[0139] Aperture Size Profile
[0140] In some embodiments, the construction profile comprises
different sized apertures, the first region of the netting material
comprising a first aperture size and the second region of the
netting material comprising a second aperture size, the second
aperture size being larger than the first aperture size.
[0141] In some embodiments, a third region of the netting material
comprises a third aperture size, and the third aperture size being
larger than the second aperture size.
[0142] In some embodiments, the netting material is woven from warp
yarns and weft yarns and the spacing between adjacent warp yarns in
the second region of the netting is larger than the spacing between
adjacent warp yarns in the first region of the netting.
[0143] In some embodiments, the spacing between warp yarns in a
third region of the netting is larger than the spacing between
adjacent warp yarns in the second region of the netting.
[0144] In some embodiments, the weft yarns have uniform spacing
throughout the netting.
[0145] In some embodiments, the aperture size in the second region
of the netting material is between 1.1 and 4 times the aperture
size in the first region of the netting material.
[0146] In some embodiments, the aperture size in the second region
of the netting material is between 1.1 and 1.5 times the aperture
size in the first region of the netting material.
[0147] In some embodiments, the aperture size in the second region
of the netting material is between 1.1 and 1.5 times the aperture
size in the first region of the netting material and the aperture
size in the third region of the netting is between 1.2 and 4 times
the aperture size in the first region of the netting.
[0148] In some embodiments, the aperture size in the second region
of the netting material is between 1.1 and 1.5 times the aperture
size in the first region of the netting material and the aperture
size in the third region of the netting is larger than that of the
second region and between 1.3 times and 2 times the aperture size
in the first region of the netting.
[0149] In some embodiments, the aperture size in the second region
of the netting material is between 1.15 and 1.35 times the aperture
size in the first region of the netting material and the aperture
size in the third region of the netting is between 1.4 and 1.6 the
aperture size in the first region of the netting.
[0150] In some embodiments, the first region of the netting
comprises an aperture size of about 4 mm, and the second region of
the netting comprises an aperture size of about 5 mm.
[0151] In some embodiments, the first region of the netting
comprises an aperture size of 4 mm, and the second region of the
netting comprises an aperture size of 5 mm, and the third region of
the netting comprises an aperture size of 6 mm.
[0152] In some embodiments, the width of the first region is at
least 50 cm and the width of the second region is at least 50 cm
and the width of the third region (if present) is at least 50
cm.
[0153] In some embodiments, the width of the first region is at
least 80 cm and the width of the second region is at least 80 cm
and the width of the third region (if present) is at least 80
cm.
[0154] "Combination" Profile
[0155] In some embodiments, the construction profile comprises
different thickness yarns with different pigmentation, a first
region of the netting material comprising a first yarn and a second
region comprising a second yarn, the first yarn being thicker than
the second yarn, and the second yarn comprising a higher
pigmentation level than the first yarn.
[0156] In some embodiments, the construction profile comprises
different width yarns with different pigmentation, the first region
of the netting material comprising a first yarn and the second
region comprising a second yarn, the first yarn being wider than
the second yarn, and the second yarn comprising a higher
pigmentation level than the first yarn.
[0157] In some embodiments, the construction profile comprises
different sized apertures and difference pigmentation, the first
region of the netting material constructed from a first yarn to
comprise a first aperture size and the second region of the netting
material constructed from a second yarn to comprise second aperture
size, the second aperture size being larger than the first aperture
size and the second yarn having a higher pigmentation level than
the first yarn.
[0158] In some embodiments, the transmittance of the netting
material is more uniform across the width of the netting than in an
equivalent netting in which the pigmentation level of the first and
second yarns is the same.
[0159] In some embodiments, the width of the first region is at
least 50 cm and the width of the second region is at least 50 cm
and the width of the third region (if present) is at least 50
cm.
[0160] In some embodiments, the width of the first region is at
least 80 cm and the width of the second region is at least 80 cm
and the width of the third region (if present) is at least 80
cm.
[0161] `Location of Region`
[0162] In some embodiments, the first region is a centrally located
region and the second region is a peripheral region along at least
one side of the central region, or on opposing sides of the central
region.
[0163] In some embodiments, the second region is a centrally
located region and the first region is a peripheral region along at
least one side of the central region, or on opposing sides of the
central region.
[0164] In some embodiments, the first region is, or is located
predominantly on, one side of the netting material between a
longitudinal centre of the netting and one longitudinal edge of the
netting, and the second region is another side, or is located
predominantly on another side, of the netting material between the
longitudinal centre of the netting and the other longitudinal edge
of the netting.
[0165] In some embodiments, the first region is a central region of
the netting, and the third region is a peripheral region of the
netting either side of the central region, and the second region is
an intermediate region of the netting located either side of the
central region and between the central region and each peripheral
region.
[0166] In some embodiments, the second region is a central region
of the netting, and the third region is a peripheral region of the
netting either side of the central region, and the first region is
an intermediate region of the netting located either side of the
central region and between the central region and each peripheral
region.
[0167] `Construction of Netting`
[0168] In some embodiments, the netting material is a knitted
netting material.
[0169] In some embodiments, the netting material is one or more of
a shade netting, a bird netting, a wind break netting, an insect
netting and a hail netting.
[0170] In a second aspect, the present invention consists in a
netting material which is of a knitted mesh construction, knitted
such that at yarn intersections in the netting multiple yarns of
which the netting is formed are knitted around each other to define
the netting mesh apertures so that the netting is stretchable in
multiple directions, and wherein connecting yarn portions between
said yarn intersections extend substantially linearly between
intersections, and wherein at least one of the multiple yarns of
which the netting is formed comprises a tape, and/or [0171] in
addition to the multiple yarns of which the netting is formed
(whether comprising a tape as above or otherwise) the netting also
comprises multiple yarns or tapes extending through the netting (as
a `lay-in`) woven through the mesh apertures and/or around
intersections of the multiple yarns of which the netting is formed,
and [0172] wherein the netting comprises a greater amount of said
tape or said lay-in in at least one of a first region and a second
region of the netting than in the other one of said first and
second regions.
[0173] In some embodiments, the netting comprises a greater amount
of said tape or said lay-in in said second region than in said
first region.
[0174] In some embodiments, the first region is a longitudinal
central region of the netting material.
[0175] In some embodiments, the netting comprises said tape or said
lay-in in at least one of a first region and a second region of the
netting and no said tape or lay-in in the other one of said first
and second regions.
[0176] In some embodiments, the netting comprises a greater amount
of said tape or said lay-in in at least one of the first region,
the second region or a third region of the netting than in another
of said first, second, or third regions.
[0177] In some embodiments, the netting comprises a greater amount
of said tape or said lay-in in said first region than in each of
said second and third regions.
[0178] In some embodiments, the netting comprises a greater amount
of said tape or said lay-in said first region, a lesser amount of
tape in said second region than in said first region, and a lesser
again amount of tape in said third region than in said second
region.
[0179] In some embodiments, at least one of the multiple yarns of
which the netting is formed comprises a tape, another or the other
of the multiple yarns of which the netting is formed comprises
monofilament yarn having a circular cross-section shape.
[0180] In some embodiments, the lay-in yarns or tapes extend
through the netting substantially in the same general direction to
one another.
[0181] In some embodiments, the lay-in yarns or tapes comprise
tapes having a rectangular or square cross-section.
[0182] In some embodiments, the lay-in yarns or tapes comprise
monofilament having a circular or oval cross-section.
[0183] In some embodiments, the netting is knitted from multiple
yarns all extending along a length of the netting.
[0184] In some embodiments, in the netting each yarn follows an
approximate zig-zag path along the length of the netting, looping
at each intersection in the netting comprising the yarn, to a
further netting yarn intersection one on one side and one on
another side.
[0185] In some embodiments, each intersection is formed by knitting
together of three yarn parts passing through the intersection:
[0186] a first yarn which enters the intersection along a first
axis and exits the intersection along the same first axis, so that
a first connecting portion to a first adjacent intersection
comprises adjacent lengths of the same yarn, [0187] a second yarn
which enters the intersection along a second axis, passes through
the loop within the intersection of the first yarn, and extends to
and returns from a second adjacent intersection along a third axis
so that a second connecting portion to that adjacent intersection
comprises adjacent lengths of the same yarn, and exits the
intersection along a fourth axis, and [0188] a third yarn which
enters the intersection along the second axis so that a third
connecting portion from a third adjacent intersection comprises
portions of both the second and third yarns, passes through the
loop in the intersection of the first yarn, and exits the
intersection along fourth axis with the second yarn, so that a
fourth connecting portion to a fourth adjacent intersection
comprises portions of both the second and third yarns.
[0189] In some embodiments, each intersection is formed by knitting
together of three yarn parts passing through the intersection:
[0190] a first yarn which enters the intersection along a first
axis, firstly creates an extra loop and exits the intersection
along the same first axis, so that a first connecting portion to a
first adjacent intersection comprises adjacent lengths of the same
yarn, [0191] a second yarn which enters the intersection along a
second axis, passes through the loop within the intersection of the
first yarn, and then goes behind the loop created by the first yarn
to create an extra loop and then extends to and returns from a
second adjacent intersection along a third axis so that a second
connecting portion to that adjacent intersection comprises adjacent
lengths of the same yarn, and exits the intersection along a fourth
axis, and [0192] a third yarn which enters the intersection along
the second axis so that a third connecting portion from a third
adjacent intersection comprises portions of both the second and
third yarns, passes through the loop in the intersection of the
first yarn, and exits the intersection along fourth axis with the
second yarn, so that a fourth connecting portion to a fourth
adjacent intersection comprises portions of both the second and
third yarns.
[0193] In some embodiments, each yarn intersection in the netting
is connected to adjacent and surrounding yarn intersections by
connecting yarn portions each comprising at least two yarn
lengths.
[0194] In some embodiments, each yarn intersection in the netting
is connected to adjacent and surrounding yarn intersections by
connecting yarn portions each comprising at least two yarn lengths
that are at least free of knots or loops for 2 mm or more in length
between the intersections.
[0195] In some embodiments, in immediately adjacent rows of yarn
intersections in a second direction substantially orthogonal to
said first direction, the yarn intersections of said immediately
adjacent rows are staggered relative to one another.
[0196] High Coverage-Low Weight Leno Weave Netting
[0197] In a third aspect, the present invention consists in a
netting material having a length dimension and a width dimension
smaller, or much smaller, than the length dimension comprising:
[0198] weft tapes, and [0199] groups of warp yarns spaced apart
across the width of the netting material, the groups of warp yarns
and the weft tapes woven together in a leno weave, the warp yarns
in each group of warp yarns crossing at a cross-over point between
adjacent weft tapes, wherein [0200] the distance between adjacent
cross over points is less than the width of the weft tapes so that
the weft tapes are folded at each group of warp yarns, and the
spacing between adjacent groups of warp yarns sufficient to allow
the weft tapes to substantially unfold so that edges of adjacent
weft tapes overlap or abut between adjacent groups of warp
yarns.
[0201] In some embodiments, the warp yarns are monofilaments.
[0202] In some embodiments, the distance between adjacent cross
over points is less than the width of the weft tapes so that the
weft tapes are folded at each group of warp yarns, and the spacing
between adjacent groups of warp yarns sufficient to allow the weft
tapes to substantially unfold so that edges of adjacent weft tapes
overlap or abut between adjacent groups of warp yarns.
[0203] In some embodiments, the width of the tape is at least twice
the distance between adjacent cross over points.
[0204] In some embodiments, the distance between adjacent groups of
warp yarns is at least three times, or five times, or ten times, or
fifteen times, or twenty times the width of the weft tapes.
[0205] In some embodiments, the warps yarns are woven tightly
around the weft tapes so that the weft tapes are folded at each
group of warp yarns, and the spacing between adjacent groups of
warp yarns sufficient to allow the weft tapes to substantially
unfold so that adjacent weft tapes overlap or abut between adjacent
groups of warp yarns.
[0206] In some embodiments, the netting material has a cover factor
of at least 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, or 60%, or 85%, or 90% or 95%,
or about 95%, or between 5 and 40%, or between 40% and 95%, or
between 85% to 98%.
[0207] In some embodiments, the netting material has a weight of
less than 100 gsm, or 95 gsm, or 90 gsm, or 85 gsm, or 80 gsm, or
about 80 gsm.
[0208] In some embodiments, the warp yarns are monofilaments.
[0209] In some embodiments, each group of warp yarns comprises two
or more warp yarns.
[0210] In some embodiments, each group of warp yarns is a pair of
warp yarns.
[0211] In some embodiments, the spacing between the groups of warp
yarns is varied across the width of the netting material to provide
a varying cover factor across the netting material.
[0212] In some embodiments, said material has a width dimension
smaller than its length dimension, and wherein said material has a
first lengthwise extending region and a second lengthwise extending
region, each lengthwise extending region having a width of at least
20 cm, or 50 cm, or 80 cm, and wherein the spacing between adjacent
groups of warp yarns in the first region is less than that of the
second region, and wherein the cover factor in the first region is
more than that of the second region.
[0213] In some embodiments, said material has a width dimension
smaller than its length dimension, and wherein said material has a
first lengthwise extending region and a second lengthwise extending
region, each lengthwise extending region having a width of at least
20 cm, or 50 cm, or 80 cm, and wherein the spacing between adjacent
groups of warp yarns in the first region is less than that of the
second region, and wherein the cover factor in the first region is
less than that of the second region.
[0214] In a fourth aspect, the present invention consists in a
netting material having a length dimension and a width dimension
smaller, or much smaller, than the length dimension comprising:
[0215] weft tapes, [0216] groups of warp yarns spaced apart across
the width of the netting material, the groups of warp yarns and the
weft tapes woven together in a leno weave, the warp yarns in each
group of warp yarns crossing at a cross-over point between adjacent
weft tapes, wherein [0217] the width of the weft tapes, the
distance between adjacent cross over points and the spacing between
adjacent groups of warp yarns giving a cover factor of at least 70%
and a weight of less than 100 grams per square metre.
[0218] The fourth aspect may comprise any one or more of the
features described for the third aspect of the present
invention.
[0219] In a fifth aspect, the present invention consists in a
netting material comprising a first netting material in a
lengthwise centre region and a netting material according to the
third and/or the fourth aspect of the present invention in a region
on either side of the first netting material, wherein the first
netting material has a cover factor less than 50%.
[0220] In some embodiments, the lengthwise centre region has a
width of about 300 mm to 3 m, or about 500 mm to 2 m, or about 1 m
to 1.5 m, or about 1 m.
[0221] In some embodiments, the first netting is a knitted netting
material knitted from monofilaments.
[0222] Air Permeability
[0223] In a sixth aspect, the present invention consists in a
netting material having a length dimension and a width dimension
smaller, or much smaller, than the length dimension, the width of
the netting material being at least 1 m and which has a
construction profile across the width of the netting, wherein in
the construction profile, one or more construction elements varies
across the width of the netting, a construction element in a first
region of at least 2 cm, or at least 4 cm, width of the netting
being different to the construction element in a second region of
at least 40 cm width of the netting, the construction element being
one of a yarn thickness, a yarn width, a netting aperture size, a
netting construction pattern and a netting cover factor and wherein
the construction profile comprises varying permeability to air, and
wherein the first region of at least 2 cm, or at least 4 cm, width
is centrally located and of higher permeability to air than the
second region, and wherein the second region is a region located
with at least 20 cm of its width on opposing sides of the first
region.
[0224] In some embodiments, the aperture size of the first region
is of a size or shape small enough to prevent bee passage through
the netting, or is smaller than 6 mm, or is smaller than 5 mm, or
is smaller than 4 mm, or where the aperture size and shape is such
that the maximum dimension that may be measured across the aperture
is smaller than 6 mm, or is smaller than 5 mm, or is smaller than 4
mm.
[0225] In some embodiments, the width of the first region is
between a lower value of 4 cm and an upper value being 20% of the
width of the material.
[0226] In some embodiments, the width of the material is between 2
and 4 m, and the width of the first region is between 4 cm and 50
cm.
[0227] In some embodiments, the material has a length at least 10
or 20 times its width.
[0228] In some embodiments, the width of the material is at least 2
m, or at least 3 m, or at least 4 m, or at least 5 m, or at least 6
m, or at least 7 m, or at least 8 m, or at least 10 m, or at least
15 m, or at least 20 m, or at least 25 m.
[0229] In some embodiments, the construction profile exists in a
region of the width of the material that excludes the outermost 40
cm, or the outermost 50 cm, or the outermost 60 cm, or the
outermost 70 cm, or the outer most 80 cm, or the outer most 100 cm
of width of each side the width of the material.
[0230] In some embodiments, the permeability to air of the first
region is at least 1.1, or 1.5, or 2, or 3, 4, or 6 times larger
than the permeability to air of the second region.
[0231] In some embodiments, the netting material comprises
different sized apertures to comprise the varying air permeability,
the first region of the netting material comprising apertures of a
first aperture size and the second region of the netting material
comprising apertures of a second aperture size, the first aperture
size being larger than the second aperture size.
[0232] In some embodiments, the first aperture size is between 1.1
and 8, or between 1.1 and 5, or between 1.1 and 4, or between 1.1
and 3, or between 1.1 and 2, or between 1.1 and 1.5, times larger
than the second aperture size.
[0233] In some embodiments, the first aperture size is between 2
and 20 mm, or between 18 and 40 mm.
[0234] In some embodiments, the aperture size of the second region
is between 2 and 20 mm.
[0235] In some embodiments, the netting of the second region is
formed from yarns which transmit less than 15% of solar radiation
on average across UV, visible and very near infrared ranges.
[0236] In some embodiments, the netting of the second region is
formed from yarns which transmit less than 25% of solar radiation
on average across UV, visible and very near infrared ranges and
which reflect at least 5% of solar radiation on average across UV,
visible and very near infrared ranges.
[0237] In some embodiments, the netting of the second region is
formed of yarns which transmit less than 30%, or less than 25%, of
solar radiation across the wavelength range 280 to 320 nm, or 320
to 400 nm, or 280 to 400 nm, or 700 to 800 nm, or 700 to 900 nm, or
700 to 1000 nm, or 700 to 1200 nm, or 700 to 1500 nm, or 700 to
2000 nm, or 700 to 2500 nm, or 1000 to 1500 nm, or 1000 to 2000 nm,
or 1000 to 2500 nm, or 1500 to 2000 nm, or 2000 to 2500 nm.
[0238] In some embodiments, the netting of the second region is
formed of yarns which reflect more than 5% of solar radiation
across the wavelength range 280 to 320 nm, or 320 to 400 nm, or 280
to 400 nm, 700 to 800 nm, or 700 to 900 nm, or 700 to 1000 nm, or
700 to 1200 nm, or 700 to 1500 nm, or 700 to 2000 nm, or 700 to
2500 nm, or 1000 to 1500 nm, or 1000 to 2000 nm, or 1000 to 2500
nm, or 1500 to 2000 nm, or 2000 to 2500 nm.
[0239] In some embodiments, the netting material of the second
region is formed of yarns comprising between 0.2% and 15% of a
white pigment that reflects solar radiation in the wavelength range
700 to 2500 nm.
[0240] In some embodiments, the netting of the first region is
formed of yarns which comprise no pigment.
[0241] In some embodiments, the netting of the first region is
formed of yarns comprising an UV absorbing additive.
[0242] In some embodiments, the UV absorbing additive is
substantially transparent.
[0243] In some embodiments, the netting of the first region is
formed from yarns which reflect at least 5% of solar radiation on
average across UV, visible and very near infrared ranges.
[0244] In some embodiments, the yarns of the first region comprise
at least 0.2% by weight of a white pigment.
[0245] In some embodiments, the yarns of the second region comprise
between 0.2% and 30% by weight of a white pigment.
[0246] In some embodiments, in addition to the multiple yarns of
which the netting is formed, the netting also comprises multiple
yarns extending through the netting (as a `lay-in`) woven through
the apertures of the netting and/or around intersections of the
multiple yarns of which the netting is formed, and [0247] wherein
the netting comprises a greater amount of said lay-in in the second
region of the netting.
[0248] In some embodiments, the netting comprises no lay-in in the
first region.
[0249] In some embodiments, in the second region the lay-in is
threaded though every second row, or every third, row, or every
fourth row, or every fifth row, or any combination thereof, of the
knitting.
[0250] In a seventh aspect, the present invention consists in a
netting material comprising repeating units of the netting material
according to any one or more of the previous aspects of the present
invention.
[0251] In an eighth aspect, the present invention consists in a
netting material having a length at least 10 or 20 times greater
than a width, having a first shade factor in a first lengthwise
extending section of the material which is greater than a second
shade factor or factors in second and third lengthwise extending
sections of the material on either side of the first lengthwise
extending section of the material.
[0252] In a ninth aspect, the present invention consists in a
netting material having a length at least 10 or 20 times greater
than a width, having a first heat reflectivity in a first
lengthwise extending section of the material which is greater than
a second heat reflectivity or factors in second and third
lengthwise extending sections of the material on either side of the
first lengthwise extending section of the material.
[0253] The netting material according to any of the above aspects
may be a knitted netting material.
METHOD OF USE
[0254] In a tenth aspect, the present invention consists in a
method of maintaining a low air temperature about a plant or row of
plants comprising locating a netting material according to the
sixth aspect of the present invention, to substantially cover the
plant but leaving a gap of between 10 cm and 3 m, or between 20 cm
and 2 m, or between 30 cm and 1 m, or between 10 cm and 50 cm
between the edge of the netting material and the ground.
[0255] In an eleventh aspect, the present invention consists in a
method of protecting a crop comprising draping or installing a
netting material according to the third and/or the fourth aspect of
the present invention over a row or trees or plants with the
lengthwise centre region of the netting located at the top of the
row of trees or plants and the side regions extending at least
partly down each side of the row of trees.
[0256] In some embodiments, the side regions extend substantially
to the ground from which the crop grows.
[0257] In some embodiments, the side regions do not extend fully to
the ground from which the crop grows so that there is a gap between
edges of the netting material and the ground.
[0258] In some embodiments, the gap is between about 30 cm and 1.5
m.
[0259] In a twelfth aspect, the present invention consists in a
method of protecting a crop comprising installing a netting
material according to any one of the first to ninth aspects of the
present invention over said crop.
[0260] In a thirteenth aspect, the present invention consists in a
method of providing a more uniform heat environment across both
sides of a row of plants located beneath the netting comprising
installing above or over said plants a netting material according
to embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention
comprising a heat reflectivity profile such that said region or
regions of higher heat reflectivity are located on the side of the
row that receives the most sun exposure, or the most afternoon sun
exposure.
[0261] In a fourteenth aspect, the present invention consists in a
method of protecting a crop, said crop comprising a row or rows of
plants arranged in an orientation that is more north-south than
east-west, said method comprising installing a netting according to
embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention comprising
yarns having different heat reflectivity (a heat reflectivity
profile) and/or yarns having different solar radiation reflectivity
(a solar radiation reflectivity profile) over the crop such that
the first region is located either on the west side of the plants,
or such that the first region is located above the plants.
[0262] In a fifteenth aspect, the present invention consists in a
method of protecting a crop, comprising draping or installing a
netting over a crop of plants, said netting material positioned and
having a construction profile that varies to account for the needs
of the plant or fruit beneath the netting in relation to the daily
movement of the sun.
[0263] In some embodiments, the plants are arranged in rows and the
construction profile varies across the width of the netting.
[0264] In one aspect, the present invention may broadly consist in
a netting material having a length dimension and a width dimension
much smaller than the length dimension, the width of the netting
material being at least 1 m and which has a construction profile
across the width of the netting, wherein in the construction
profile, one or more construction elements varies across the width
of the netting, a construction element in a first region of at
least 20 cm width of the netting being different to the
construction element in a second region of at least 20 cm width of
the netting, the construction element being one of a yarn
thickness, a yarn width, a yarn transmittance, a yarn pigmentation
level, a yarn reflectance, and a netting aperture size.
[0265] In some embodiments the construction profile provides a
shade factor profile across the width of the netting, wherein in
the shade factor profile, the shade factor varies across the width
of the netting, the shade factor in the first region of the netting
being higher than the shade factor in the second region of the
netting.
[0266] In some embodiments the netting has a shade factor which is
substantially uniform along the length of the netting.
[0267] The netting material having increased shade factor in some
regions of the netting material may find advantageous use, as, for
example, netting to cover orchards in areas of excessive sunlight
or at times of excessive sunlight. The higher shade factor portions
of the netting may be positioned over the top of the plants to
shade the covered plants from vertical or near vertical sun, while
the lower shade factor portions of the netting may be positioned
down the sides of the plant where the intensity of the incident
sunlight is lower. Thus the intensity of sunlight on different
parts of the plant may be more evenly distributed than in the
absence of the netting, or in the presence of a uniform
netting.
[0268] Netting having a uniform character, while reducing the
intensity of overhead light and therefore protecting fruit or
leaves from sunburn or excessive sunlight, may reduce the incidence
of sunlight along the sides of the plants more than desired. This
is exacerbated by the narrow angle of incidence of the light onto
the vertically hanging curtains of netting material at the side of
the plant, which increases the effective shade factor compared with
light that is incident normal to the net.
[0269] Netting of the present invention may ameliorate this to at
least to a degree, by decreasing the shade factor in some areas of
the netting.
[0270] In some embodiments the construction profile comprises
different thickness yarns, the first region of the netting material
comprising a first yarn and the second region comprising a second
yarn, the first yarn being thicker than the second yarn.
[0271] In some embodiments a third region of the netting comprises
a third yarn and the second yarn is thicker than the third
yarn.
[0272] This netting construction may serve to provide a varying
shade factor across the width of the netting, useful for the
reasons set forth above. Alternatively, the heavier yarns may serve
to provide a stronger netting material in the regions which
typically overlay upper portions of a netted row of plants, where
the material is more likely to become entangled with parts of the
plants.
[0273] In some embodiments the construction profile comprises
different width yarns, the first region of the netting material
comprising a first yarn and the second region comprising a second
yarn, the first yarn being wider than the second yarn.
[0274] In some embodiments a third region of the netting comprises
a third yarn and the second yarn is wider than the third yarn.
[0275] This netting construction may serve to provide varying shade
factor across the width of the netting, useful for the reasons set
forth above. Alternatively, the wider yarns may serve to provide a
stronger netting material in the regions which typically coincide
with upper portions of a netted row of plants, where the material
is more likely to become entangled with parts of the plants, or to
provide strength in areas that are attached to structures to hold
the netting over plants.
[0276] In some embodiments the construction profile comprises yarns
having different solar radiation transmission properties, the first
region of the netting material comprising a first yarn and the
second region comprising a second yarn, the first yarn having a
lower solar radiation transmittance than the second yarn.
[0277] In some embodiments a third region of the netting material
comprises a third yarn, and the second yarn having a lower solar
radiation transmittance than the third yarn.
[0278] In some embodiments the netting is formed from pigmented
yarn, and the construction profile comprise different pigmentation,
the first region of the netting material comprising a first yarn
and the second region comprising a second yarn, the first yarn
comprising a higher level of pigmentation or a different
pigmentation than the second yarn.
[0279] In some embodiments a third width region of the netting
comprises a third yarn, and the second yarn comprising a higher
level of pigmentation or a different pigmentation than the third
yarn.
[0280] For example, netting material comprising a uniform
pigmentation across the width may be coloured in a colouring
process to produce netting material comprising a region with a
higher amount of pigmentation and a region with a lower amount of
pigmentation. Alternatively, yarns of differing amounts of
pigmentation may be used to knit or weave the netting comprising a
region with a higher amount of pigmentation and a region with a
lower amount of pigmentation.
[0281] In some embodiments the construction profile comprises yarns
having different solar radiation reflectivity, the first region of
the netting material comprising a first yarn and the second region
comprising a second yarn, the first yarn being more reflective of
solar radiation than the second yarn.
[0282] In some embodiments a third region of the netting material
comprises a third yarn, and the second yarn being more reflective
of solar radiation than the third yarn.
[0283] In some embodiments the construction profile comprises
different sized apertures, the first region of the netting material
comprising a first aperture size and the second region of the
netting material comprising a second aperture size, the second
aperture size being larger than the first aperture size.
[0284] In some embodiments a third region of the netting material
comprises a third aperture size, and the third aperture size being
larger than the second aperture size.
[0285] This netting construction may serve to provide varying shade
factor across the width of the netting, useful for the reasons set
forth above. Alternatively, the smaller apertures may serve to
provide enhanced protection from hail, frost or sunburn on the more
heavily impacted upper portions of a netted row of plants.
[0286] In some embodiments, thicker or wider yarns, or tighter knit
or weave may be provided in combination with each other and/or in
combination with varying pigmentation. In some embodiments this
could further enhance the variation in shade factor between regions
of the netting. Alternatively, thicker or wider yarns or a tighter
weave or knit may be provided with a reduced amount of pigment.
Stated differently, thinner or narrower yarns or a looser weave or
knit may be provided with a higher level of pigmentation. According
to such embodiments the netting material with improved hail
resistance or strength in some regions compared to other regions
may be provided while maintaining a more uniform light transmission
across the width of the netting material.
[0287] For example, in some embodiments the construction profile
comprises different thickness yarns with different pigmentation, a
first region of the netting material comprising a first yarn and a
second region comprising a second yarn, the first yarn being
thicker than the second yarn, and the second yarn comprising a
higher pigmentation level than the first yarn.
[0288] In some embodiments the construction profile comprises
different width yarns with different pigmentation, the first region
of the netting material comprising a first yarn and the second
region comprising a second yarn, the first yarn being wider than
the second yarn, and the second yarn comprising a higher
pigmentation level than the first yarn.
[0289] In some embodiments the construction profile comprises
different sized apertures and difference pigmentation, the first
region of the netting material constructed from a first yarn to
comprise a first aperture size and the second region of the netting
material constructed from a second yarn to comprise second aperture
size, the second aperture size being larger than the first aperture
size and the second yarn having a higher pigmentation level than
the first yarn.
[0290] According to another aspect the invention may broadly be
said to consist in a netting material which, when draped over a row
or rows of plants to cover the top of the row of plants and down at
least a pair of opposite sides of the row of plants procures a more
even distribution of incident sunlight on the plant than without
the netting material.
[0291] According to another aspect the invention may broadly be
said to consist in a netting material which, when draped over a row
or rows of plants to cover the top of the row of plants and down at
least a pair of opposite sides of the row of plants procures a more
even distribution of incident sunlight on the plant than would a
similar netting material having a uniform construction profile
across the width of the netting.
[0292] According to another aspect the invention may broadly be
said to consist in a netting material which is of a knitted mesh
construction, knitted such that at yarn intersections in the
netting multiple yarns of which the netting is formed are knitted
around each other to define the netting mesh apertures so that the
netting is stretchable in multiple directions, and wherein
connecting yarn portions between said yarn intersections extend
substantially linearly between intersections, and wherein at least
one of the multiple yarns of which the netting is formed comprises
a tape, and/or [0293] in addition to the multiple yarns of which
the netting is formed (whether comprising a tape as above or
otherwise) the netting also comprises multiple yarns or tapes
extending through the netting (as a `lay-in`) woven through the
mesh apertures and/or around intersections of the multiple yarns of
which the netting is formed, and [0294] wherein the netting
comprises a greater amount of said tape or said lay-in in at least
one of a first region and a second region of the netting than in
the other one of said first and second regions.
[0295] In some embodiments the netting comprises a greater amount
of said tape or said lay-in in said second region than in said
first region.
[0296] In some embodiments the first region is a longitudinal
central region of the netting material.
[0297] In some embodiments the netting comprises said tape or said
lay-in in at least one of a first region and a second region of the
netting and no said tape or lay-in in the other one of said first
and second regions.
[0298] In some embodiments the netting comprises a greater amount
of said tape or said lay-in in at least one of the first region,
the second region or a third region of the netting than in another
of said first, second, or third regions.
[0299] In some embodiments the netting comprises a greater amount
of said tape or said lay-in in said first region than in each of
said second and third regions.
[0300] In some embodiments the netting comprises a greater amount
of said tape or said lay-in in said first region, a lesser amount
of tape in said second region than in said first region, and a
lesser again amount of tape in said third region than in said
second region.
[0301] According to another aspect the invention may broadly be
said to consist in a netting material having a length dimension and
a width dimension much smaller than the length dimension
comprising: [0302] weft tapes, and [0303] groups of warp yarns
spaced apart across the width of the netting material, the groups
of warp yarns and the weft tapes woven together in a leno weave,
the warp yarns in each group of warp yarns crossing at a cross-over
point between adjacent weft tapes, wherein [0304] the distance
between adjacent cross over points is less than the width of the
weft tapes so that the weft tapes are folded at each group of warp
yarns, and the spacing between adjacent groups of warp yarns
sufficient to allow the weft tapes to substantially unfold so that
adjacent weft tapes overlap or abut between adjacent groups of warp
yarns, and [0305] the netting has a construction profile which
varies across the width of the netting.
[0306] In some embodiments the construction profile in a first
region of at least 20 cm width of the netting is different to the
construction profile in a second region of at least 20 cm width of
the netting.
[0307] According to another aspect the invention may broadly be
said to consist in a netting material having a length dimension and
a width dimension much smaller than the length dimension
comprising: [0308] weft tapes, and [0309] groups of warp yarns
spaced apart across the width of the netting material, the groups
of warp yarns and the weft tapes woven together in a leno weave,
the warp yarns in each group of warp yarns crossing at a cross-over
point between adjacent weft tapes, wherein [0310] the width of the
weft tapes, the distance between adjacent cross over points and the
spacing between adjacent groups of warp yarns giving a cover factor
of at least 70% and a weight of less than 100 grams per square
metre.
[0311] In some embodiments the warp yarns are monofilaments.
[0312] In some embodiments the distance between adjacent cross over
points is less than the width of the weft tapes so that the weft
tapes are folded at each group of warp yarns, and the spacing
between adjacent groups of warp yarns sufficient to allow the weft
tapes to substantially unfold so that adjacent weft tapes overlap
or abut between adjacent groups of warp yarns.
[0313] In some embodiments the width of the tape is at least twice
the distance between adjacent cross over points.
[0314] In some embodiments the distance between adjacent groups of
warp yarns is at least three times, or five times, or ten times, or
fifteen times, or twenty times, the width of the weft tapes.
[0315] In some embodiments the warps yarns are woven tightly around
the weft tapes so that the weft tapes are folded at each group of
warp yarns, and the spacing between adjacent groups of warp yarns
sufficient to allow the weft tapes to substantially unfold so that
adjacent weft tapes overlap or abut between adjacent groups of warp
yarns.
[0316] In some embodiments the netting material has a cover factor
of at least 5%, or 10%, or 20%, or 30%, or 40%, or 60%, or 85%, or
90% or 95%, or about 95%, or between 5% and 40%, or between 40% and
95%, or between 85% to 95%.
[0317] In some embodiments the netting material has a weight of
less than 100 gsm, or 95 gsm, or 90 gsm, or 85 gsm, or 80 gsm, or
75 gsm, or 70 gsm, or 65 gsm, or 60 gsm, or about 80 gsm, or about
75 gsm, or about 70 gsm, or about 65 gsm, or about 60 gsm.
[0318] In some embodiments the warp yarns are monofilaments.
[0319] In some embodiments the warp yarns are multifilaments, or a
combination of multifilaments and/or monofilaments.
[0320] In some embodiments each group of warp yarns comprises two
or more warp yarns.
[0321] In some embodiments each group of warp yarns is a pair of
warp yarns.
[0322] In some embodiments the spacing between the groups of warp
yarns is varied across the width of the netting material to provide
a varying cover factor across the netting material.
[0323] In some embodiments the spacing between adjacent groups of
warp yarns is greater than a minimum spacing, the minimum spacing
being defined by a minimum cover factor, wherein increasing the
spacing between adjacent groups of warp yarns above the minimum
spacing increases the cover factor and decreasing the spacing
between adjacent groups of warp yarns below the minimum spacing
increases the cover factor.
[0324] According to another aspect the invention may broadly be
said to consist in a netting material comprising a first netting
material in a lengthwise centre region and a leno woven netting
material as described in any one or more of the above statements,
the leno woven netting material in a region on either side of the
first netting material, wherein the first netting material has a
cover factor less than 50%.
[0325] In some embodiments the lengthwise centre portion has a
width of about 300 mm to 3 m, or about 500 mm to 2 m, or about 1 m
to 1.5 m, or about 1 m.
[0326] In some embodiments the first netting is a knitted netting
material knitted from monofilaments.
[0327] According to another aspect the invention may broadly be
said to consist in a method of protecting a crop comprising draping
or installing a netting material as defined in any one of the above
statements over a row of trees or plants with the lengthwise centre
portion of the netting located at the top of the row of trees or
plants and the side portions extending at least partly down each
side of the row of trees.
[0328] In some embodiments the side portions extend substantially
to the ground from which the trees or plants grow.
[0329] In some embodiments the side regions do not extend fully to
the ground from which the trees or plants grow so that there is a
gap between edges of the netting material and the ground.
[0330] In some embodiments wherein the gap is about 1 m.
[0331] In some embodiments the netting is knitted or woven from a
yarn formed from a resin comprising at least one pigment
[0332] The at least one pigment may be white. For example TiO.sub.2
(titanium dioxide or `titanium white`), or high reflecting
TiO.sub.2, and with or without colour pigments.
[0333] The yarn may reflect at least 30% solar radiation on average
across the UV (wavelength about 280-400 nm), visible (wavelength
about 400-700 nm) and very near infrared (wavelength about 700-800
nm) ranges. The first yarn may transmit at least 10% on average of
solar radiation across the wavelength range about 800-2500 nm.
[0334] The yarn may absorb solar radiation when the material is
placed over or adjacent plants. For example, the yarn may be formed
from a resin comprising carbon black pigments at a level of 0.1 to
3% by weight.
[0335] In some embodiments the first yarn reflects more solar
radiation than it transmits and absorbs in the UV, visible, and
very near infrared ranges.
[0336] In some embodiments the yarn is formed from a resin
comprising more than 4% by weight of a white pigment for a UV
reflecting pigment. TiO2 can be added in levels at 0.2% to 6%.
[0337] In some embodiment the yarn is formed from a resin
comprising more than 8% by weight of a white pigment.
[0338] In certain embodiments the yarn comprises a resin and at
least 0.2%, 1%, 3%, 5%, 10%, at least 12% or at least 14%, or at
least 16%, or at least 18% or 20% or 25% or 30% by weight of a
white pigment.
[0339] In certain embodiments the white pigment may be present in
the form of particles of size 0.02-5 microns or 0.1-3 microns.
[0340] Preferably the yarn is formed from a resin incorporating at
least one white pigment, which resin has been formed by mixing a
masterbatch consisting essentially of 10 to 90% by weight of white
pigment and a first polymer, with a second polymer such that the
masterbatch comprises between about 2 to 50% by weight of the total
mixture.
[0341] In broad terms, in another aspect, the invention comprises a
method of treating a plant or fruit or vegetables thereon which
comprises providing over and/or adjacent the plant as bird netting,
insect netting, shade netting, windbreak netting, or hail
protection netting a netting material as set forth above.
[0342] By "netting" is meant material having a cover factor (as
herein defined) of up to 98% but typically less than 95%, 90%, 80%,
70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 10% or 5%.
[0343] The term "netting" as used herein includes woven materials,
knitted materials and non-woven materials. The term includes coated
and uncoated materials. The term also includes extruded netting,
comprising crossed strands heat welded or chemically bonded
together. The term also includes knitted products such as nettings
comprised of pillars knitted in the warp direction held together
with yarns that cross back and forth between those pillars (i.e.
pillar knitted fabric), and nettings that have square hasped
apertures, nettings that have diamond shaped apertures, and
nettings that hexagonal shaped apertures. It further includes
nettings that comprise yarn (including tape) lay-ins where the yarn
(or tape) is not knitted or looped or is knotted and looped into
the fabric.
[0344] By "cover factor" is meant the percentage of the overall
area of the netting material which comprises knitted, woven, or
non-woven monofilament, yarn, or tape or a combination, forming the
netting itself, judged from perpendicular to the plane of the
netting when laid out flat, as opposed to air space in between the
netting. Thus if a netting has a cover factor of 30% then the air
space through the netting would be 70% of the total area of the
netting.
[0345] Preferably the netting is knitted from multiple yarns all
extending along a length of the netting. In a preferred form each
yarn follows an approximate zig-zag path along the length of the
netting, with alternating yarn intersections and connecting yarn
portions.
[0346] Preferably, each yarn intersection in the netting is
connected to adjacent and surrounding yarn intersections by
connecting yarn portions each comprising at least two yarn
lengths.
[0347] Preferably the netting comprises rows of the yarn
intersections adjacent to one another in a first axis or direction
across the netting, typically across a machine or manufacturing
axis or direction of the netting. Preferably in immediately
adjacent rows of yarn intersections in a second direction
substantially orthogonal to said first direction, typically a
machine or manufacturing axis or direction of the netting, the yarn
intersections of the adjacent rows are staggered relative to one
another.
[0348] Preferably the width of the netting is substantially uniform
along the length of the netting.
[0349] In one form the netting is formed from elastic yarn. In
another form, the netting is formed from non-elastic yarn. In
another form the netting is formed from yarn that has some
elongation when stretched.
[0350] In some embodiments the yarn may be any of the following:
black, white, white (UV or non-UV reflecting white) in colour,
coloured, formed from a non-pigmented material, formed from
plastic, or formed from a range of polymers.
[0351] In one form the netting is formed by twin, triple, or
multiple or single monofilament fibre yarns. In one form the yarn
is monofilament. Preferably, the monofilament has a substantially
circular cross-section. More preferably the yarn has diameter in
the range of approximately 0.1 mm to 1 mm, even more preferably 0.2
mm to 0.8 mm, and even more preferably 0.2 mm to 0.4 mm, and more
preferably 0.2 to 0.3 mm and most preferably 0.15 mm to 0.25 mm In
denier, the yarn is preferably in the range of approximately 50 to
1000 denier, more preferably 50 to 700 denier, even more preferably
100 to 500 denier, even more preferably 100 to 300 denier, even
more preferably 150 to 250 denier or even more preferably 200 to
300 denier.
[0352] In some embodiments, the netting is formed by a yarn as
described immediately above in the warp direction (for example a
leno weave), and tapes in the weft direction (or vise versa). In
some embodiments the width of the weft tapes is between 1 and 5 mm,
5 and 10 mm. In other embodiments width of the weft tapes is
between 1 and 30 mm, 1 and 25 mm, 1 and 20 mm, 1 and 15 mm, 1 and
10 mm, 1 and 5 mm, or 1 and 3 mm. In some embodiments the thickness
of the weft tapes is about 25 to 75 microns. In such embodiments
the denier of the warp yarns is preferably 50 to 1000, or 100 to
700, or 400 to 600, or about 500.
[0353] Typically the netting is machine-knitted for example on a
warp knitting machine or a weft insertion warp knitting
machine.
[0354] Preferably the weight of the netting is in the range of
approximately 10 to 200 grams per m.sup.2. In alternative
embodiments, the weight of the netting is in the range of
approximately 15 to 80 grams per m.sup.2, or 20 to 60 grams per
m.sup.2, or 20 to 40 grams per m.sup.2, or 30 to 40 grams per
m.sup.2, or 25 to 35 grams per m.sup.2.
[0355] In some embodiments the yarn may incorporate a compound or
compounds added to cause or increase the extent to which the
material reflects and/or absorbs radiation from the earth
(terrestrial (long wave or infrared) radiation). Thus when the
netting is placed over plants it will assist in retaining heat
beneath the material, which may be desirable for some plants or
applications.
[0356] In some embodiments the yarn may incorporate a compound or
compounds added to cause or increase the extent to which the
netting allows transmission and/or absorption of radiation from the
earth (terrestrial (long wave or infrared) radiation). Thus when
the netting is placed over or adjacent to plants it will assist in
releasing the heat beneath the netting, which may be desirable for
some plants or applications.
[0357] In other embodiments the yarn may incorporate a compound or
compounds added to cause or increase the extent to which the
netting reflects and/or absorbs solar radiation. Thus when the
netting is placed over plants it will assist in cooling beneath the
material, which may be desirable for some plants or
applications.
[0358] In other embodiments the yarn may incorporate a compound or
compounds added to cause or increase the extent to which the
netting allows transmission and/or absorption of solar radiation.
Thus when the material is placed over plants it will assist in
increasing the heat beneath the material, which may be desirable
for some plants or applications.
[0359] In a further aspect the invention broadly consists in a
method of protecting plants comprising the step of at least
partially covering a plant or row of plants with a crop protection
netting of a form as set forth above.
[0360] In one form the step of covering the plant(s) comprises
securing the netting over the entirety of the plant(s) and securing
or fixing it to the ground surface surrounding the plants.
[0361] In another form the step of covering the plant(s) comprises
suspending or supporting the netting over the top of the plant(s)
as a canopy using a supporting structure or framework.
[0362] In another form the step of covering the plant(s) comprises
securing the netting over the plant(s) to cover the top of the
plants and go part way down the side of the plants.
[0363] The term "yarn" as used in this specification, and
grammatical variations thereof, unless the context suggests
otherwise is intended to mean multi or mono filament yarn, threads
or fibres. The term "yarn" unless the context suggests otherwise,
is intended to include longitudinally extending single filament
elements having circular or oval or similar, or three or four sides
when viewed in cross-section, such as a rectangular or square
cross-section, also longitudinally extending elements having a
multisided cross-section such as a triangular or hexagonal
cross-section for example, and also longitudinally extending
elements having a circular or oval or similar cross-section
(sometimes referred to hereafter as monofilament). For the
avoidance of any doubt, the term "yarn" includes tape.
[0364] The yarns may be formed from any suitable polyolefin
(including resins) such as polyethylene or polypropylene, for
example, or a mixture thereof, or an ethylene alpha-olefin, or a
polyester, or a biopolymer, or a blend of any of the foregoing.
Certain plastics are particularly useful when present as minor or
major components. Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), ethylene butyl
acrylate (EBA) and ethylene methyl acrylate (EMA) are useful for
imparting elasticity and other properties. Polyesters and
polystyrene, styrene-butadiene (SB),
acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), styrene-acrylonitrile
[0365] (SAN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET),
polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and polycarbonate. Starch and other
plant polymers are useful to increase biodegradability.
Alternatively, to the extent compatible with the required
transparency/opacity the yarns may comprise in part or whole of
paper, wood or cellulose fibre, starch based polymers, casein,
latex or in any combination of the above and/or with petroleum
derived plastic polymers to the extent compatible according to the
required transparency/opacity. The polymer or polymer blend may
incorporate agents such as one or more pigments, UV stabilisers, or
processing aids.
[0366] The term "tape" or "tapes" is intended to include
longitudinally extending single filament elements having four sides
when viewed in cross-section, such as a rectangular or square
cross-section, also longitudinally extending elements having a
multisided cross-section such as a triangular or hexagonal
cross-section for example, and also longitudinally extending
elements having an oval or similar cross-section. With reference to
a woven sheet material the term "tape" is intended to mean a
longitudinal element woven into the sheet material, for example a
warp element extending longitudinally in the sheet material or a
weft element extending across the sheet material.
[0367] The phrase "aperture size" as used in this specification,
unless the context suggests otherwise, is intended to refer to the
diameter of the largest circle that can be scribed within an
aperture in a mesh when the mesh is taut but not stretched in both
a lateral and a longitudinal direction. For example, for a square
aperture, the size of the aperture is the length of a side, and for
a rectangular aperture, the aperture size is the length of the
shorter side of the aperture. So the aperture size of a square
aperture with 5 mm sides is 5 mm, and the aperture size of a 5 mm
by 10 mm aperture is also 5 mm. An equilateral triangle with sides
of approximately 8.7 mm and the aperture size of a hexagonal
aperture with sides of approximately 2.9 mm are also examples of
apertures having a size of 5 mm. An aperture may be irregularly
shaped, the above regularly shaped apertures are provided as
examples only. When the phrase "aperture size", or grammatical
variations of the phrase, are used with respect to a region of
netting material, the phase refers to the average aperture size of
that region, unless the context otherwise requires.
[0368] In some embodiments, each aperture in a netting material
according to the invention generally has a relatively short
perimeter relative to its area such that each aperture has a small
ratio of the square of the length of the perimeter of the aperture
to the area of the aperture. For example, the lowest possible ratio
is exhibited by a circular aperture at approximately 12.6:1. A
square has a ratio of approximately 16:1, and a two-by-one
rectangle has a ratio 18:1. More elongated apertures have higher
ratios, for example a five-by-one rectangle has a ratio of the
square of the length of the perimeter to the area of 29:1. A
netting material according to some embodiments of the present
invention has a ratio of the length of the square of the perimeter
to the area of the aperture of typically less than 25.
[0369] The term "reflective", and grammatical variations thereof,
as used in this specification means that the netting filament or
yarn themselves, excluding the air spaces, is reflective of, on
average, at least 10%, 20%, or 30%, or 40%, or 50% or alternatively
at least 55% or alternatively at least 60% of visible light (i.e.
solar radiation across the wavelength range 400 to 700 nm) or of
solar radiation on at least one side of the netting, unless the
context otherwise requires. In one embodiment of a reflective
netting, the yarn may reflect at least 40% solar radiation on
average across the UV (wavelength about 280-400 nm), visible
(wavelength about 400-700 nm) and very near infrared (wavelength
about 700-800 nm) ranges, and which transmits at least 10% or 5% on
average of solar radiation across the wavelength range about
800-2500 nm. The netting may reflect more solar radiation than it
transmits and absorbs in the UV, visible, and very near infrared
ranges. The material may transmit at least 15% or at least 20% of
solar radiation on average in the wavelength range about 800-2500
nm. Some or all of a reflective yarn may be formed from a resin
comprising a white pigment, which resin has been formed by mixing a
masterbatch consisting essentially of 10 to 90% by weight of a
white pigment. "Reflectance", or "reflective", or other grammatical
variations thereof, as used herein includes diffuse reflectance,
unless the context otherwise requires. The term may be used with
respect to specific wavelength ranges. Where "reflective", or
grammatical variations thereof, is used with reference to a
specified wavelength range, it means the percentage of solar
radiation, on average, that is reflected across that range from the
yarns which make up the material, i.e. excluding the air spaces
between the material.
[0370] "Transmittance", and grammatical variations thereof, as used
herein includes diffuse transmittance, unless the context otherwise
requires. Where "transmittance", or grammatical variations thereof,
is used with reference to a specified wavelength range, it means
the percentage of solar radiation, on average, that is transmitted
across that range from the yarns that make up the material, i.e.
excluding the air spaces between the material.
[0371] The term "absorbance" as used in this specification refers
to the amount of solar radiation, on average, across a particular
wavelength range incident upon a yarn, excluding the air spaces in
the netting, that is not reflected or transmitted by the yarn.
Where "absorbance" is used with reference to a specified wavelength
range, it means the percentage of solar radiation, on average, that
is absorbed across that range by the yarns which make up the
material, i.e. excluding the air spaces between the material.
[0372] The term "shade factor" means the percentage of solar
radiation across a particular wavelength range incident on a
netting (or region thereof), as a whole, from a direction
perpendicular to the plane of the netting, when the netting is a
spread flat, which is stopped (i.e. due to reflection or
absorption) by the netting from reaching the surface under the
netting. Thus if a netting region (or region thereof) has a shade
factor of 20% for the wavelength range 280 to 400 nm, then 80% of
the solar radiation across the 280 to 400 nm incident on that
region reaches the underlying surface. The term may be used
specifically with reference to ultra violet solar radiation (280 to
400 nm), or visible solar radiation (400 to 700 nm), or infrared
solar radiation of wavelength 700 to 2500 nm, or wavelength ranges
within or combining each of those ranges.
[0373] Differing shade factor across regions may be achieved
through use of means including, but not limited to, differing yarn
thickness, differing yarn width, differing yarn
reflectance/absorbance/transmittance, differing pigment type,
differing pigment concentration, differing aperture size, differing
knit or weave pattern or density, use of lay-ins, or differing
cover factor.
[0374] Unless stated otherwise, the term "heat reflectivity" means
the percentage of solar radiation that is reflected by the netting
(or region of a netting) as a whole, or by the yarns making up the
netting. The term "heat reflectivity" may be used with reference to
specific wavelength ranges, such as 700 to 800 nm, or 700 to 900
nm, or 700 to 1000 nm, or 700 to 1200 nm, or 700 to 1500 nm, or 700
to 2000 nm, or 700 to 2500 nm, or 1000 to 1500 nm, or 1000 to 2000
nm, or 1000 to 2500 nm, or 1500 to 2000 nm, or 2000 to 2500 nm.
Where "heat reflectivity" is used with reference to a specified
range, it means the percentage of solar radiation, on average,
across that wavelength range. Differing heat reflectivity across
regions may be achieved through use of means including, but not
limited to, differing yarn thickness, differing yarn width,
differing yarn reflectance, differing pigment type, differing
pigment concentration, differing aperture size, differing knit or
weave pattern or density, use of lay-ins, or differing cover
factor.
[0375] The term "centrally located" as used in this specification
in reference to netting material means located either at or near to
a central region of the material, or located (or mostly located)
otherwise than at the peripheral edge of the material, unless the
context requires otherwise. In the context of a rectangular piece
of netting material that has a length many times its width, a
"centrally located" region will generally be one that is located
either at or near to the centre across the material's width or
located otherwise than at a peripheral region at the extremities of
the materials width, and extending at least in part longitudinally
along the length of the material.
[0376] When the term "air permeability" is used herein with
reference to comparing two different regions, the term is used with
respect to comparing permeability of areas the same size in each
region, unless the context otherwise requires.
[0377] The term "UV range", or "ultra-violet light", or grammatical
variations thereof, as used herein means solar radiation in the
wavelength range 280-400 nm. The term "visible range" or "visible
light", or grammatical variations thereof, as used herein means
solar radiation in the wavelength range 400-700 nm. The term "very
near infrared range", or grammatical variations thereof, as used
herein means solar radiation in the wavelength range 700-800
nm.
[0378] The term "different colour" as used herein, or grammatical
variations thereof, includes different shades, tones, tints and
hues, unless the context requires otherwise. It also includes
different transparencies or translucencies.
[0379] The term "colour" as used herein includes colourless, unless
the context requires otherwise.
[0380] The term "pigment", and grammatical variations thereof, as
used herein includes dye, unless the context requires otherwise.
Similarly, terms such as "differing pigmentation" and similar such
references to pigment, include differences in the amount or colour
of a dye.
[0381] When a "difference in pigment", or a "difference in pigment
concentration", is discussed, these terms, or grammatical
equivalents thereof, include comparison of yarns without pigment
(i.e. zero % pigment concentration) to yarns with pigment.
[0382] The term "thickness", and grammatical variations thereof, as
used herein with respect to yarns of circular cross section refers
to the cross sectional diameter of those yarns. When the term
"thickness" is used with respect to a yarn having an oval or
rectangular cross-section (e.g. a tape), it refers to the "height"
of such a yarn when viewed in cross-section and when the yarn is
lying flat. The "width" of such a yarn lying flat is referred to
herein as its width.
[0383] The term "region" as used herein, for example as used in the
terms "first region", "second region" or "third region", refers to
a portion of the width of the material that is consistent in its
makeup of a particular construction element across that
portion.
[0384] The term "comprising" as used in this specification and
claims means "consisting at least in part of". When interpreting
each statement in this specification and claims that includes the
term "comprising", features other than that or those prefaced by
the term may also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and
"comprises" are to be interpreted in the same manner.
[0385] As used herein the term "and/or" means "and" or "or", or
both.
[0386] As used herein "(s)" following a noun means the plural
and/or singular forms of the noun.
[0387] The following is a description of the spectrophotometer
system and measuring method used for measuring solar radiation
transmittance and reflectance values across the ranges quoted in
the specification unless otherwise stated. The method can be used
for wavelengths within the range 220 to 2500 nm.
[0388] In this specification, diffuse transmittance and diffuse
reflectance data is measured of filaments or tapes themselves of
the netting material. For filaments, filaments are aligned side by
side with minimal gaps between them to create a surface area large
enough for a monochromatic beam to focus upon. The method of
measurement is described below. Diffuse reflectance and diffuse
transmittance of a region of netting material as a whole can be
calculated by determining the proportion of area covered by the
tapes or filaments versus that not covered by tapes or
filaments.
[0389] The spectrophotometer system is based around a GSA/McPherson
2051 1 metre focal length monochromator fitted with a prism
predisperser and also stray light filters. The light source is a
current regulated tungsten halogen lamp. The bandwidth is
adjustable up to 3 nm. The monochromatic beam from the
monochromator is focused onto the sample or into the integrating
sphere using off-axis parabolic mirrors. The integrating spheres
are coated with pressed halon powder (PTFE powder). Halon powder is
also used as a white reflectance reference material. The detector
is usually a silicon photodiode connected to an electrometer
amplifier and digital volt meter. The whole system is controlled
using software written in LabVIEW. The detectors used can be
photomultiplier tubes, silicon diodes or lead sulphide
detectors.
[0390] Diffuse Reflectance
[0391] Diffuse reflectance is measured using an integrating sphere
with an internal diameter of 75 mm with the sample tilted at an
angle of 6.degree. to the incident light (specular reflectance
included). The reference sample is pressed halon powder and a black
cone is used to correct for stray light. Up to four test samples
are mounted on a pneumatic driven sample changer along with the
white reference and black cone.
[0392] Diffuse Transmittance
[0393] Diffuse transmittance is measured using an integrating
sphere with an internal diameter of 120 mm and coated with pressed
halon powder. The sample is mounted on one port and the incident
light port is at an angle of 90.degree. around the sphere. The
sphere rotates by 90.degree. in the horizontal plane to allow the
focused incident light to enter the sphere through the incident
light port or the incident light to be transmitted through the
sample and enter the sphere. The detector is mounted at the top of
the sphere.
[0394] Absorbance
[0395] Absorbance is calculated as a back calculation from the
calculated transmittance and reflectance values.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0396] The invention is further described by way of example with
reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
[0397] FIG. 1 a schematic plan view of a length of netting. The
netting comprises a knitted construction with a higher density of
construction at a central region than at peripheral regions.
[0398] FIG. 2 is a plot of a shade factor profile across the width
of a section of hypothetical netting which illustrates how the
shade factor of the netting varies across the width of the
netting.
[0399] FIG. 3 is a schematic showing netting according to FIG. 1
draped over a row of trees, with regions of different shade factor
being located respectively above and alongside the trees.
[0400] FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of a length of netting
illustrating woven construction with a higher density of
construction at central region than at a peripheral region.
[0401] FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view of a length of netting
illustrating woven construction with a higher thickness of yarns at
a central region than at peripheral regions.
[0402] FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view of a length of netting
illustrating a construction where the thickness of yarns and
density of weave or knit is uniform, but the yarns in the central
portion are more opaque or reflective than the yarns at the
peripheral region.
[0403] FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view of a length of netting
illustrating a knitted construction with thicker yarns at a central
region than at peripheral regions.
[0404] FIG. 8 is a schematic showing netting according to one
embodiment of the present invention draped over a row of trees,
with regions of different shade factor being located respectively
above and alongside the trees.
[0405] FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view of a length of netting
comprising a central portion having a higher shade factor than
regions either side of the central region.
[0406] FIG. 10 is a plot of a shade factor profile across the width
of a section of hypothetical netting like the netting represented
in FIGS. 8 and 9, the plot illustrating how the shade factor of the
netting varies across the width of the netting.
[0407] FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration showing netting
according to one embodiment of the present invention draped over a
row of trees, with regions of different shade factor being located
respectively above and alongside the trees, the netting hanging
part way down the sides of the row of trees.
[0408] FIG. 12 is a schematic illustration showing netting
according to one embodiment of the present invention draped over a
row of trees, with regions of different shade factor being located
respectively above and alongside the trees.
[0409] FIG. 13 is a schematic illustration showing netting
according to one embodiment of the present invention draped over a
row of trees, with regions of different shade factor being located
either side of the row of trees.
[0410] FIG. 13A is a schematic illustration showing netting
according to one embodiment of the present invention installed over
a row of trees, with regions of different shade factor being
located either side of the row of trees.
[0411] FIG. 14 is a plan view of a portion of related crop
protection netting in a taut but un-stretched state.
[0412] FIG. 15 is a plan view of a portion of the crop protection
netting of FIG. 14 that has been stretched outwardly in the
direction of arrows L.
[0413] FIG. 15A is a plan view of a portion of the crop protection
netting of FIG. 14 that has been stretched outwardly in the
direction of arrows L the opposite of FIG. 15.
[0414] FIG. 16 is a closer view of a smaller portion of the crop
protection netting than shown in FIG. 15, and in which three
separate monofilament yarns or strands of the netting are shown
each in a different shade.
[0415] FIG. 16.1 is a closer view of a small portion of a variation
of the crop protection netting with extra looping than shown in
FIG. 15, and in which three separate monofilament yarns or strands
of the netting are shown each in a different shade.
[0416] FIGS. 17A to 17C each show the path of one of the three
yarns in an individual intersection in the netting, and FIG. 17D
shows enlarged an individual intersection, again with each yarn or
strand shown in a different shade as in FIG. 5.
[0417] FIGS. 17.1A to 17.1C each show the path of a one of the
three yarns in an individual intersection in the variation of the
crop protection netting with extra looping, and FIG. 17.1D shows
enlarged an individual intersection, again with each yarn or strand
shown in a different shade as in FIG. 16.1.
[0418] FIG. 18 is another plan view of a portion of the crop
protection netting of FIGS. 15 to 18.
[0419] FIG. 18.1 is another plan view of a portion of the variation
of the crop protection netting of FIGS. 16.1 and 17.1.
[0420] FIG. 19 is a plan view of a portion an embodiment of crop
protection netting of the invention which is knitted from
monofilament and tape, in a taut but un-stretched state in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0421] FIG. 19.1 is a closer view of a smaller portion of the crop
protection netting of the invention of FIG. 19.
[0422] FIG. 19.2 is a plan view of a portion a variant of the crop
protection netting of the invention of FIGS. 19 and 19.1.
[0423] FIG. 20 is a plan view of a portion another embodiment of
crop protection netting of the invention knitted from monofilament
and with lay-in monofilaments through the netting, in a taut but
un-stretched state in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention.
[0424] FIG. 20.1 is a closer view of a smaller portion of the crop
protection netting of the invention of FIG. 20.
[0425] FIG. 21A is a diagrammatic plan view of a section of netting
material that has a leno woven construction comprising weft
tapes.
[0426] FIG. 21B is a schematic view of a section of netting
material that has a leno woven construction comprising weft
tapes.
[0427] FIG. 21C is a diagrammatic plan view of a section of a
typical prior art leno woven netting material.
[0428] FIG. 21D is a schematic illustration of a leno woven netting
material, illustrating two regions each of which has different
cover factor.
[0429] FIG. 21E is the same illustration as that of FIG. 21D but
the weft tapes have been coloured black to better illustrate the
relative coverage of the different regions of the fabric.
[0430] FIGS. 22 and 23 are schematic views showing netting
according to one embodiment of the present invention draped over a
row of trees, with a centre region of knitted netting material and
side regions having a leno weave netting construction. A gap is
provided between the ground and an edge of the netting
material.
[0431] FIG. 24 is a schematic plan view of a length of netting
comprising a central portion comprising knitted netting
construction having a lower shade factor than regions either side
of the central region comprising a leno weave construction.
[0432] FIG. 25 is a graph illustrating a relationship between the
cover factor provided by a leno woven netting material based on a
spacing between pairs of warp yarns in the netting material.
[0433] FIG. 26 is a schematic drawing showing netting according to
one embodiment of the present invention draped over a row of trees
with regions of different shade factor being located either side of
the row of trees and where the central region has larger apertures
such that the central region can act as a venting region
[0434] FIG. 27 is a photograph showing an enlarged view of the
venting region of the embodiment that the schematic FIG. 26
illustrates.
[0435] FIG. 28 is a photograph showing an enlarged view of the side
(or peripheral) region of the embodiment that the schematic FIG. 26
illustrates. The netting illustrated in FIG. 28 is similar to that
illustrated in FIG. 20, but includes a lay-in through every
aperture.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0436] A netting material suitable for providing over and/or
adjacent the plant as bird netting, may be knitted, woven, or
non-woven, from synthetic yarn such as monofilament or tape, or
combination thereof.
[0437] In some embodiments netting of the invention may comprise
apertures through the material of about 22 mm in size. In other
embodiments netting of the invention may comprise apertures through
the material of about 12, 15, 16, 18 or 20 mm in size. In some
embodiments netting of the invention may comprise apertures through
the material in the range 3 to 30 mm in size. In some embodiments
the apertures are small enough to prevent the passage of bees
through the material, for example the apertures may be less than 6
mm, or less than 5.0 mm or less than 4 mm, in size.
[0438] Some part of the yarn from which the netting is formed may
have high transmittance (being translucent or transparent), and
transmit at least 30 or 40%, more preferably at least 50% or 60% or
70% or 80% or 90% or more of UV and visible light.
[0439] Typically and as illustrated in FIG. 3, the netting is
draped over the plants or is supported over the plant(s) and/or as
a vertical and/or angled wall or walls near the plant(s), by for
example cables or wires between posts positioned along the rows of
plants in a garden, field crop, orchard or vineyard, or is draped
over the plant(s), as bird netting, insect netting (for repelling
for example mosquitoes, or as for example bee exclusion netting).
Netting may be placed near plants to protect for example annual
plants, perennial plants, fruit trees, or grape vines, vegetable
plants, from birds or insects.
[0440] In some embodiments. some elements of the netting may be
reflective or highly reflective ie formed from reflective yarn.
Thus UV and visible light incident on that yarn is reflected. A
small portion of incident light hits the reflective yarns of the
netting and is reflected away, but most light passes directly
through the netting air space or through the yarn of the netting to
the plants and fruit. Some of the light undergoes a change in
direction due to reflection from the netting but nonetheless enters
the netting canopy but is diffused, and hits the plants and
particularly fruit or vegetables below or adjacent the netting
canopy and creates an environment that is favourable for plant
growth and/or fruit or vegetable development.
[0441] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 8, a length of crop protection
netting 10 is shown placed over a row of fruit trees 12. The
netting may be manufactured in a length and width to suit typical
applications or a range of lengths and/or widths. Typically the
width of the netting is between about 2 and 20 metres and the
length of the netting is longer. For insect exclusion typically the
netting must be large enough to extend over an entire plant or row
of plants as shown, and be secured, fastened or anchored at or
toward the peripheral edges 11 of the netting with stakes, pegs,
soil or other fixing devices to the ground 15 surrounding the
periphery of the plant or plants such that bees or other insects
cannot fly under the netting into the trees. Alternatively, the
edges 11 of the netting may drape onto the ground and need not
necessarily be secured in any way other than under its own weight.
As shown in the Figures, the netting 10 may be draped over the
trees such that it is in contact with and supported in place by the
trees it covers.
[0442] In some applications, the netting is draped over the trees
but does not hang down right to the ground. For example, the
netting 10 drapes about half way from the top of the row of trees
12 to the ground as illustrated in FIG. 11.
[0443] Optionally edge portions of the netting may be reinforced or
formed with different material to assist in fixing the netting to
the ground.
[0444] The netting material has a length dimension and a width
dimension smaller, or much smaller, than the length dimension. The
netting may be supplied in rolls. According to embodiments of the
invention, the netting has a construction profile across the width
of the netting. The phrase `construction profile` means the
construction of the netting changes or varies or is different from
one region of the netting to another region of the netting, across
the width of the netting. For example, with reference to FIG. 1,
netting 10 comprises a central region 100 comprising a relatively
high density construction. The perimeter regions 300 of the netting
10 comprise a relatively low density construction. And intermediate
regions 200 of the netting 10 between the perimeter regions 200 and
the central region 100 comprise an intermediate density
construction in comparison to the other regions. In one embodiment
the aperture size of the netting in the relatively high density
construction region is smaller than the aperture size of the
netting in the intermediate and low density construction regions.
And the aperture size of the netting in the intermediate density
construction region is smaller than the aperture size in the low
density construction region.
[0445] In some embodiments, the construction profile achieves a
shade factor profile across the width of the netting. The phrase
`shade factor profile` means the shade factor of the netting
changes or varies or is different from one region of the netting to
another region of the netting across the width of the netting. This
concept is illustrated graphically by the chart or graph of FIG. 2,
which is a plot of shade factor profile across the width of the
netting of FIG. 1. The represented netting material has a shade
factor profile, where the shade factor in a second region of the
netting is less than the shade factor in a first region of the
netting and higher than the shade factor in a third region of the
netting. Specifically, the shade factor in the central region 100
of the netting is greater than the shade factor in the intermediate
portions 200 of the netting either side of the central portion, and
the shade factor in the intermediate portions 200 of the netting is
greater than the shade factor in the peripheral portions 300 of the
netting.
[0446] FIG. 3 illustrates the netting 10 draped over a line of
trees, with regions 100, 200, 300 of different shade factors
indicated. An alternative embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 8 in
which the shade factor profile comprises two different shade factor
regions, 100, 200; the netting comprises a central portion or
region of relatively high shade factor netting, and perimeter
portions either side of the central region of relatively low shade
factor netting. A portion of the netting of FIG. 8 is further
illustrated in FIG. 9 in close up, and the shade factor profile is
represented in FIG. 10. A further embodiment is illustrated in FIG.
11, in which the shade factor profile comprises two different shade
factor regions, 100, 200; the netting comprises a central portion
or region of relatively high shade factor netting, and perimeter
portions either side of the central region of relatively low shade
factor netting. The embodiment of FIG. 11 differs to the embodiment
of FIG. 8 in that the width of the netting is such that in use the
netting material does not hang to the ground. In use of this
embodiment, the lower area of the trees is not shaded.
[0447] In a most preferred embodiment, the netting 10 has a shade
factor which is substantially uniform along the length of the
netting, as illustrated in the accompanying Figures. This netting
is most suitable for covering a row of trees or plants. However, in
an alternative embodiment the netting may be specifically adapted
for covering a single tree, and have a central region of a first
shade factor, and a perimeter portion completely surrounding the
central portion of a second shade factor.
[0448] In one embodiment, in the shade factor profile, the average
shade factor of at least one region of about 20 cm width is at
least about 5% more than the average shade factor of another region
of about 20 cm width. In an alternative embodiment, in the shade
factor profile, the average shade factor of at least one region of
about 20 cm width is at least about 10% more than the average shade
factor of another region of about 20 cm width.
[0449] In some embodiments, the average shade factor of at least
the first region of 20 cm width is between 105% (i.e. 1.05 times)
and 400% (i.e. 4 times) the average shade factor of the second
region of 20 cm width. For example, in some embodiments the average
shade factor of at least the first region is between 120% (i.e. 1.2
times) and 150% (i.e. 1.5 times) the average shade factor of the
second region.
[0450] In some embodiments, the average shade factor of at least a
first region of 20 cm width is between 105 (i.e. 1.05 times) to
200% (i.e. 2 times) the average shade factor of a second region of
20 cm width, and between 110% (i.e. 1.1 times) to 400% (i.e. 4
times) the average shade factor of a third region of at least 20 cm
width. For example, a netting configuration like that illustrated
schematically in FIGS. 1 and 3 may comprise a shade factor profile
comprising a shade factor of 30% at the edge regions 300, a shade
factor of 50% in the intermediate regions 200, and a shade factor
of 80% in the central region 100. In one preferred embodiment, the
netting comprises a shade factor of 15% at the edge regions 300, a
shade factor of 20% in the intermediate regions 200, and a shade
factor of 25% in the central region 100. In this preferred
embodiment, the central region has a shade factor that is about
167% (i.e. 1.67 times) the shade factor of the edge region, and a
shade factor that is about 133% (i.e. 1.33 times) the shade factor
of the intermediate region. Stated differently, the central region
has a shade factor that is 10 percentage points more than the shade
factor of the edge region, and 5 percentage points more than the
shade factor of the intermediate region.
[0451] In an alternative preferred embodiment for a netting
configuration like that illustrated schematically in FIGS. 9 and
10, the netting comprises a shade factor of 15% at the edge regions
300, a shade factor of 20% in the central region 100. In this
alternative preferred embodiment, the central region has a shade
factor that is about 125% (i.e. 1.25 times) of the shade factor of
the edge region.
[0452] In another embodiment, the average shade factor of at least
a first region of 50 cm width is between 105 to 200% (i.e. 1.05 to
2 times) the average shade factor of a second region of 20 cm
width, and between 110% to 400% (i.e. 1.1 to 4 times) the average
shade factor of a third region of at least 50 cm width. For
example, the peripheral regions may have a shade factor of 15%, the
intermediate regions may have a shade factor of 20%, and the
central region may have a shade factor of 25%.
[0453] In one embodiment, the shade factor of the region of highest
shade factor in the shade factor profile is between 10% and 60%.
And in one embodiment the shade factor of a region of lower shade
factor in the shade factor profile is between 5% and 50%. In
another embodiment, the shade factor of the region of highest shade
factor in the shade factor profile is between 20% and 40%, and the
shade factor of a region of lower shade factor in the shade factor
profile is between 10% and 20%.
[0454] In some embodiments, the netting is woven or knitted, and
the shade profile is contributed to, at least in part, by different
densities of knit or weave in different regions of the netting. For
example, the netting of FIG. 1 may be constructed by knitting. The
apertures in the knitted netting are of different sizes across the
width of the netting to create the shade profile. That is, a
tighter or denser knit is used in one region of the netting
compared to another region of the netting. In the alternative
embodiment of FIG. 4, the netting may be woven to form netting
having different aperture sizes in different regions of the
netting. In a preferred embodiment, the weft yarns are spaced at an
approximately constant spacing along the length of the netting, and
the spacing between the warp yarns running longitudinally is varied
across the width of the netting to create the construction
profile.
[0455] In a preferred embodiment, in a region of higher shade
factor the netting comprises an aperture size of about 5 mm, and in
a region of lower shade factor the netting comprises an aperture
size of about 6 mm. In a further embodiment, in a region of higher
shade factor the netting comprises an aperture size of 5 mm, and in
a region of lower shade factor the netting comprises an aperture
size of 7 mm, and in a region of intermediate shade factor, the
netting comprises an aperture size of 6 mm. In a further
embodiment, in a region of higher shade factor the netting
comprises an aperture size of 4 mm, and in a region of lower shade
factor the netting comprises an aperture size of 6 mm, and in a
region of intermediate shade factor, the netting comprises an
aperture size of 5 mm.
[0456] In some embodiments, to achieve different shade factors in
the shade factor profile, different thickness yarns are used to
construct different regions of the netting. For example, a central
region may be formed from a yarn having a heavier gauge or
thickness compared to the thickness of the yarn used in the
construction of an intermediate region. And the intermediate
regions may be formed from a yarn having a heavier gauge or
thickness compared to the thickness of the yarn used in the
construction of peripheral regions.
[0457] In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the netting
material may comprise a woven construction, in which the
longitudinal threads or warp yarns in one region of the netting are
of a different thickness to the warp yarns in another region of the
netting, and the lateral threads or weft yarns are of an
approximately constant thickness throughout the netting. In an
alternative embodiment, the netting comprises a knitted
construction, illustrated in FIG. 8. The warp yarns in the woven
construction vary in regions across the width of the netting, to
create the shade factor profile.
[0458] In some embodiments, to achieve different shade factors in
the shade factor profile, different width yarns are used to
construct different regions of the netting. For example, a central
region may be formed from a wider yarn compared to the width of the
yarn used in an intermediate region. And the intermediate regions
may be formed from a wider yarn compared to the width of the yarn
used in the construction of peripheral regions.
[0459] In one alternative embodiment, the shade factor profile is
contributed to, at least in part, by constructing the netting from
yarns having different light (i.e. solar radiation) transmission
properties in different regions of the net.
[0460] In one embodiment, the netting comprises pigmented (or dyed)
yarn, and the shade factor profile is contributed to, at least in
part, by different pigmentation yarns in different regions of the
net, as illustrated schematically in FIG. 6. The central portion
100 is formed or constructed from a yarn having a relatively high
level or amount of pigmentation compared to other regions of the
netting. The periphery regions 300 of the netting are formed or
constructed from a yarn having a relatively low level or amount of
pigmentation compared to other regions of the netting. And the
intermediate portions 200 of the netting are formed or constructed
from a yarn having an intermediate level or amount of pigmentation
compared to the central and periphery portions. In the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 6, the netting construction may be a woven or
knitted construction.
[0461] Pigmentation may vary across the width of a netting by
varying the amount or concentration of pigment or pigments used
across different regions (including no pigment in some regions and
including pigment in others), by varying the type of pigment or
pigments used, or by varying the colour of pigment or pigments
uses. As already mentioned above, the term pigment as used herein
includes dyes.
[0462] Further, the netting may be formed from yarn having light
reflection properties and the shade factor profile is contributed
to, at least in part, by different light reflectivity yarns in
different regions of the net, again represented schematically by
FIG. 6.
[0463] In the various example embodiments described above, the
shade factor is higher in the centre of the netting material than
other regions of the netting. Such embodiments may be useful for
protecting plants or trees from sunshine during times of the day
when the sun is at its highest with the central higher shade factor
region of the netting positioned at the top of the trees. The
higher shade factor portions of the netting may be positioned over
the top of the plants to shade the covered plants from vertical or
near vertical overhead sun, while the lower shade factor portions
of the netting may be positioned down the sides of the plant where
the intensity of the incident sunlight is lower. For clarity,
nettings of the invention may be left in place for days, weeks,
months, or years, providing effective sun protection for that
period. Typically, the netting will be left in place for a season,
or part of a season.
[0464] However, in some embodiments, the region of highest shade
factor may be positioned to be located in use along the sides of
trees, for example as illustrated in FIG. 12. In such an
embodiment, the shade factor in regions 200 either side of the
centre region of the netting is greater than the shade factor in
the central portion 100 of the netting. The shade factor in the
central portion 100 of the netting may be greater than or less than
the shade factor in peripheral portions 300 of the netting. Such an
embodiment may be useful for protecting trees or hanging fruit
during the morning and afternoon when the sun is more directly
incident on the sides of trees. A netting material having a higher
shade factor in the centre region 100 than peripheral regions 200
may drape over the row of trees without hanging fully to the
ground, for example as in FIG. 11.
[0465] In the example embodiment of FIG. 13, the shade factor on
one side of the netting 400 is higher than the shade factor on the
other side 500 of the netting. Such an embodiment may be useful for
rows of trees that run east to west. In the northern hemisphere,
the higher shade factor side of the netting may be placed on the
south side of the row of trees where more shade protection is
required. In the southern hemisphere, the higher shade factor side
of the netting may be placed on the north side of the row of trees.
In FIG. 13, the embodiment illustrated is a drape net. Net of the
invention may also be installed as an overhead net, suspended by
overhead wires for example, as illustrated by FIG. 13A.
[0466] In some embodiments it is preferable to maintain a low air
temperature growing environment. For example, cherry trees require
low temperatures to bear fruit. Other temperate fruit trees have
similar requirements. In order to maintain a low temperature, in
some embodiments, the shade factor in the peripheral regions (e.g.
200 in FIG. 11) is greater than the shade factor in the central
portion 100 of the netting. In winter months when the sun is lower,
the requirement to provide shading on top of trees may be less, and
increased shading at the sides of trees can assist to reduce
warming the environment around the trees. Accordingly, a more open
construction netting (i.e. a construction of greater air
permeability) or venting region at the top of the trees compared to
the sides may be preferred, such that the top of the netting may
vent air and the sides may provide shade. Greater air permeability
may be achieved by having the venting region constructed with
apertures of a greater size than those of the peripheral region.
The apertures of greater size may have a maximum size that is small
enough to prevent bee passage, for example they may be less than 6
mm, or less than 5 mm, or less than 4 mm. Alternatively, if the
peripheral region is comprised of thicker or wider yarns than the
venting region, greater air permeability in the venting region may
be achieved by using thinner or narrower yarns in the venting
region than those used in the peripheral region. This configuration
can improve air flow from below the trees to above the trees as the
more open netting at the top of the trees allows rising warm air to
escape from the tree canopy, further assisting in reducing
temperature. FIG. 26 illustrates such airflow, showing air flowing
from under the trees (the air being illustrated by arrows 401A) and
out of the venting region (402) at the top (illustrated by arrows
401B).
[0467] In some embodiments the venting region of the netting
material has a width of about 200 mm to 3 m, or 500 mm to 2 m, or 1
m to 1.5 m or about 1 m or about 0.5 m wide. In some embodiments
the venting region is a centrally located region. In some
embodiments the aperture size of the venting region (402) is
between 1.1 and 4 times the size of the aperture size of the
peripheral region (403). In some embodiments the aperture size of
the peripheral region is between 2 mm and 20 mm, and the aperture
size of the venting region is between 1.1 and 4 times larger, or
between 1.1 and 2.9 times larger, or between 1.1 and 2.5 times
larger. In some embodiments the peripheral region is formed of
yarns having low transmittance (for example, less than 15%) of
solar radiation on average across the UV, visible and near infrared
ranges. Optionally, the yarns of the peripheral region may also
have relatively high reflectance (for example, greater than 40%) of
solar radiation on average across the UV, visible and near infrared
ranges. In some embodiments the peripheral region is formed from
yarns comprising between 0.1% and 4.0% carbon black. In some
embodiments, the venting region may comprise no pigment, may
comprise a UV absorbing pigment, or may comprise between 0.2% and
30% of a white pigment. In some embodiments the peripheral region
includes, in addition to the multiple yarns which form the netting
of the second region, a lay-in woven through or across the
apertures of the netting and/or around intersections of the
multiple yarns which form the netting. In some embodiments the
lay-in is yarn with a circular or similar cross-section; in others
it is a tape (e.g. rectangular cross-section). The lay-in may be
located in every row of knitting of the second region, or every
second row, or every third row, or every fourth row, or every fifth
row, or any combination thereof. The first region may have no
lay-ins, or may comprise some lay-ins, as long as the air
permeability is greater in the venting region. The use of a lay-in
in the material is an effective way to reduce the aperture size of
the second region while using the same basic knit pattern used in
both first and second regions. In one preferred embodiment the
shade factor in the peripheral regions is greater than the shade
factor in the central portion 402 of the netting, and the width of
the netting is such that in use the netting material does not hang
or drape fully to the ground so that a gap exists between the edge
of the netting and the ground. The gap combined with the open top
of the netting provided by the lower shade factor at the top of the
tree provides for air flow through the trees to reduce air
temperature. In other words, the venting region of the netting
material with sun shading provided at the sides of the netting does
not trap warm air underneath which could cause air temperatures to
rise. In some embodiments the width of the netting is such that in
use the gap between the edge of the netting material and the ground
below is about 1 m. FIGS. 27 and 28 are close up views of a netting
of one embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 26. FIG. 27 is a close up
photograph of the venting region of the netting, and showing the
construction of that region. FIG. 28 is a close up photograph of
the peripheral region of the netting, and showing the construction
of that region. In this embodiment the venting and peripheral
regions are comprised of netting having the same basic construction
but the peripheral region also employs a lay-in (404) in every
second row of knitting, such that the netting of the peripheral
region has a smaller average aperture size and a greater shade
factor compared to the venting region which has a lower shade
factor and greater air permeability. In this embodiment, the
netting of the venting region has an aperture size of about 4 mm,
and in the peripheral region the average aperture size (accounting
for lay-in) is smaller than the venting region because of the
lay-in. The material from which the venting region is comprised may
for example be polyethylene without pigment (or with a clear or
colourless pigment), producing a region of clear netting, and
providing a pleasing aesthetic effect. The material from which the
peripheral region is comprised may for example be polyethylene
comprising carbon black and provide a high level of shading to
plants beneath the netting.
[0468] The construction profile may also vary in UV light
reflectivity, visible light reflectivity, or infrared light
reflectivity, or any combination thereof.
[0469] In some embodiments the construction profile achieves
different heat reflectivity across the width of the netting.
Differing heat reflectivity across the width may be achieved
through use of yarns having different heat reflectivity (in
particular, infrared radiation reflectivity) properties. Differing
heat reflectivity across the width may also be achieved through use
of regions having different yarn density, different cover factor
(through differing knit/weave pattern, or different width/thickness
of yarns), different levels of pigment, or through use of pigments
that have differing heat reflectivity characteristics, or any
combination of these factors. Through use of regions of different
heat reflectivity, and considering factors such as the orientation
of a row of plants relative to the path of the sun, it becomes
possible to influence the temperature of the environment in which a
plant is growing based on daily or seasonal variations.
[0470] In some embodiments, the region of highest heat reflectivity
may be located above the plants or trees.
[0471] In other embodiments the region of highest heat reflectivity
may be located on the side of the plants or trees that receive the
most sun. For example, heat reflectivity may be greater on one side
of a notional longitudinal centre line of the material than the
other side. On a row of plants or trees aligned in a north-south
orientation, the material may be installed over the row such that
the region of higher heat reflectivity faces towards the afternoon
sun (i.e. the west side) thereby reducing the impact of afternoon
heat on the plants. On a row of plants or trees aligned in a
east-west orientation, the material may be installed over the row
such that the region of higher heat reflectivity is on the side
that faces towards the predominant direction of the sun (i.e. south
side for Northern hemisphere, north side for Southern
hemisphere).
[0472] In some embodiments differing heat reflectivity is achieved
by having a greater concentration of pigment in the yarns on one
side of a notional centre line such that the yarns comprising the
netting on that side reflect 60 to 80% of solar radiation across
the wavelength range 700-1000 nm and a lower concentration of
pigment on the other side of the notional centre line such that
that the yarns comprising the netting on the other side reflects 20
to 40% of solar radiation across the wavelength range 700-1000 nm.
For a north-south planted row of plants, the side of the netting
with the greater heat reflectivity may be arranged to be on the
west side of the row to provide protection from the afternoon sun.
For east-west planted rows, the side of the netting with greater
heat reflectivity may be arranged to be on the southern side for
Northern Hemisphere, and on the northern side for the Southern
hemisphere.
[0473] In situations where even further heat protection is
required, the netting may comprise three regions of different heat
reflectivity. For example, with reference to the north-south
oriented row discussed above, a region of highest heat reflectivity
may be located in a longitudinal central region of the netting
which in use sits above the top of the plants providing protection
from the midday sun, a region of intermediate heat reflectivity may
be located on one side of the longitudinal central region of the
netting to hang beside the plants on the west side to provide
protection from the afternoon sun, and a third region of lowest
heat reflectivity may be located on the other side of the
longitudinal central region of the netting to provide protection
from the morning sun.
[0474] In a preferred embodiment, differing levels of heat
reflectivity may be achieved using different concentrations of
pigment in the different regions of the netting. In one embodiment
the netting is comprised of yarns comprising a white pigment, with
a first region comprising yarns having a pigment concentration
sufficient such that the tapes/yarns reflect approximately 30% of
solar radiation, on average, across the wavelength range 400 to 700
nm, and a second region comprising yarns having a pigment
concentration sufficient such that the tapes/yarns reflect
approximately 70% of solar radiation, on average, across in the
wavelength range 400 to 700 nm.
[0475] The horticultural advantages of netting having differing
levels of heat reflectivity may include the mitigation of one or
more of heat stress, moisture stress and/or transpiration stress
that a plant may otherwise suffer when exposed to too much heat.
The mitigation or elimination of such aspects assists with the
provision of an environment that may enhance the growth and
development of a plant or the fruit on it. Also, differing levels
of heat reflectivity may provide a more uniform heat environment
over an entire plant which may also assist with management of heat
related stress responses. The provision of a material having
regions of differing heat reflectivity allows heat shielding on the
areas of a plant that may suffer most, but minimal interference in
the areas that do not need such protection. The afternoon sun tends
to generate more heat stress and at times sunburn to fruit than the
morning sun. Accordingly more protection to the afternoon sun
enables the better value to be achieved from the shade
material.
[0476] As explained above, a netting material comprising a
construction profile may provide a useful shade factor profile for
protecting plants from excessive sunlight during different times of
the day. However, netting comprising a construction profile may
also be useful for protecting plants or trees from hail stones or
frozen rain in extremely cold climates or conditions. Such netting
may comprise a central region of comprising a relatively high
density construction. The perimeter regions 300 of the netting may
comprise a relatively low density construction. And intermediate
regions 200 of the netting between the perimeter regions 200 and
the central region 100 may comprise an intermediate density
construction in comparison to the other regions. The aperture size
of the netting in the relatively high density construction region
is smaller than the aperture size of the netting in the
intermediate and low density construction regions. And the aperture
size of the netting in the intermediate density construction region
is smaller than the aperture size in the low density construction
region. In some embodiments for hail netting, the central portion
comprises an aperture size of 5 mm, the intermediate regions
comprise an aperture size of 6 mm, and the perimeter regions of the
netting comprise an aperture size of 7 mm. In an alternative
embodiment, the central portion comprises an aperture size of 4 mm,
the intermediate regions comprise an aperture size of 5 mm, and the
perimeter regions of the netting comprise an aperture size of 6 mm.
The smaller aperture size protects the tops of the plant or trees
beneath the netting material from hail coming from directly above
the plants.
[0477] In some embodiments, netting comprising regions of different
thickness yarns may also be useful for protection from frozen rain
or hail. For example, with reference to FIG. 5, a central region
may be formed from a yarn having a heavier gauge or thickness
compared to the thickness of the yarn used in the construction of
an intermediate region. And the intermediate regions may be formed
from a yarn having a heavier gauge or thickness compared to the
thickness of the yarn used in the construction of peripheral
regions. The heaver yarns provide a higher strength and more
protection compared to lighter yarns used in other areas of the
netting.
[0478] In some embodiments, thicker or wider yarns, or tighter knit
or weave may be provided in combination with each other and/or in
combination with varying pigmentation levels. In some embodiments
this could further enhance the variation in shade factor between
regions of the netting. Alternatively, thicker or wider yarns or a
tighter weave or knit may be provided with a reduced amount of
pigment. Stated differently, thinner or narrower yarns or a looser
weave or knit may be provided with a higher level of pigmentation.
According to such embodiments the netting material with improved
hail resistance or strength in some regions compared to other
regions others may be provided while maintaining a more uniform
light transmission across the width of the netting material.
[0479] For example, in some embodiments the construction profile
comprises different thickness yarns with different pigmentation, a
first region of the netting material comprising a first yarn and a
second region comprising a second yarn, the first yarn being
thicker than the second yarn, and the second yarn comprising a
higher pigmentation level than the first yarn.
[0480] In some embodiments the construction profile comprises
different width yarns with different pigmentation, the first region
of the netting material comprising a first yarn and the second
region comprising a second yarn, the first yarn being wider than
the second yarn, and the second yarn comprising a higher
pigmentation level than the first yarn.
[0481] In some embodiments the construction profile comprises
different sized apertures and difference pigmentation, the first
region of the netting material constructed from a first yarn to
comprise a first aperture size and the second region of the netting
material constructed from a second yarn to comprise second aperture
size, the second aperture size being larger than the first aperture
size and the second yarn having a higher pigmentation level than
the first yarn.
[0482] The netting is typically machine-knitted on a warp knitting
machine or other knitting-machine. The netting comprises an array
of mesh apertures. The mesh apertures of the preferred embodiment
are shaped with a combination of rounded base and pointed peak,
forming four sides with four yarn intersections points and are
substantially uniform in shape and size.
[0483] In some embodiments, between the yarn intersections the
connecting yarn portions may extend substantially linearly or be
knitted or knotted.
[0484] The sides of the mesh apertures between the yarn
intersection points may comprise single or twin yarns, or be
comprised of triple or multiple yarns in alternative
embodiments.
[0485] In four-sided forms of mesh apertures, the shape of the
apertures may be substantially square, rectangular or any other
shape. It will also be appreciated that the mesh apertures may be
knitted to have more than four sides, and with yarn intersection
points in alternative forms of the knitted mesh construction to
create more complex mesh aperture shapes, for example but not
limited to hexagonal shaped apertures.
[0486] The netting is stretchable or extendible in both the width
axis or direction and the length axis or direction. The length
direction is typically the machine or manufacturing direction.
[0487] In the preferred embodiment comprising equi-length four
sided mesh apertures, the mesh size of the equi-length four sided
mesh apertures is defined by the length of the sides between the
intersections, measured when the netting is in a taut but
non-stretched state in both length and width directions. Preferably
the length of each side may be in the range of approximately 3 mm
to 20 mm.
[0488] The yarn from which the netting is knitted is typically a
monofilament yarn of any suitable material. Typically, the yarn is
extruded from a polymer resin. Each yarn may be a single
monofilament, or alternatively may comprise twin or multiple
monofilaments. Monofilament yarns may be circular in cross-section
or otherwise shaped. For circular cross-section monofilament yarns,
the yarn preferably has a diameter in the range of approximately
0.1 mm to 1 mm, even more preferably 0.2 mm to 0.8 mm, and even
more preferably 0.2 mm to 0.4 mm, and even more preferably 0.15 to
0.3 mm and most preferably 0.15 mm to 0.25 mm. In denier (grams per
9000 metres of the yarn) the yarn is preferably in the range of
approximately 50 to 1000 denier, more preferably 50 to 700 denier,
even more preferably 100 to 500 denier, even more preferably 100 to
300 denier, even more preferably 150 to 250 denier or most
preferably 200 to 300 denier. Monofilament yarn may be stretchable
or non-stretchable in length, and may be elastic or non-elastic.
The netting is relatively lightweight. Preferably the weight of the
netting is in the range of approximately 10 to 200 grams per
m.sup.2. In alternative embodiments, the weight of the netting is
in the range of approximately 15 to 80 grams per m.sup.2, or 20 to
60 grams per m.sup.2, or 20 to 40 grams per m.sup.2, or 30 to 40
grams per m.sup.2, or 25 to 35 grams per m.sup.2.
[0489] The crop protection netting may have a cover factor (as
herein defined) of less than 40%, less than 30%, less than 20%,
less than 10%, or less than 5%. In some embodiments, the netting
may have a first lengthwise extending region having a cover factor
of 80 to 95% and comprising generally at least 70% of the width of
the material, and a second lengthwise extending region having a
cover factor of 10 to 30% and comprising generally between 200 mm
and 1 m of the width of the material.
[0490] As described, netting of the invention may include at least
one reflective yarn. The reflective yarn may be of a polymer
containing one or more pigments which give the material desired
properties, such as desired light reflective properties for
example. In some embodiments, the pigment may be a white pigment.
Reflective netting may provide various benefits to the trees or
plants being covered and/or enhances the visibility of the netting
to insects or birds. This may increase the effectiveness of the
netting as insect deterrent or to reduce bird entanglement or both.
For example, the reflective yarn may reflect at least 10% or at
least 50% of solar radiation on average across the UV (wavelength
about 280-400 nm), visible (wavelength about 400-700 nm) and very
near infrared (wavelength about 700-800 nm) ranges, and which
transmits at least 10% on average of solar radiation across the
wavelength range about 800-2500 nm. In some embodiments the yarn
may reflect more solar radiation than it transmits and absorbs in
the UV, visible, and very near infrared ranges. In some embodiments
the yarn may transmit at least 15% or at least 20% of solar
radiation on average in the wavelength range about 800-2500 nm. In
some embodiments the yarn may reflect at least 10% on average of
solar radiation across the wavelength range about 800-2500 nm. In
some embodiments the yarn may comprise a resin having 0.25% to 6%
by weight of at least one white pigment.
[0491] In some embodiments the material may also incorporate a
compound or compounds added to increase the extent to which the
material reflects and/or absorbs radiation from the earth when the
material is placed over or adjacent to plants.
[0492] In some embodiments the material may also incorporate a
compound or compounds added to increase the extent to which the
material transmits and/or absorbs radiation from the earth when the
material is placed over or adjacent to plants.
[0493] As referred to previously in some embodiments the material
may also incorporate a compound or compounds added to increase the
extent to which the material reflects and/or absorbs solar
radiation when the material is placed over or adjacent to
plants.
[0494] As referred to previously in some embodiments the material
may also incorporate a compound or compounds added to increase the
extent to which the material transmits and/or absorbs solar
radiation when the material is placed over or adjacent to
plants.
[0495] As crop protection netting, the netting of the invention is
particularly suitable covering trees or other plants for sun
protection or for insect and bird exclusion or hail protection.
[0496] The netting may be stretchable so that as trees or plants
covered by the netting grow the netting can stretch to accommodate
growth.
[0497] Described above are netting materials and embodiments
thereof with a shade factor which varies across the width of the
netting. A particular embodiment of such a netting is now described
in detail. First however related crop protection netting(s) are
described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 18 and then FIGS. 19 and
20, to aid understanding of the knit structure of the subsequently
described netting of the invention which uses this knit structure
and also has a shade factor which varies across the width of the
netting.
[0498] FIG. 14 is a plan view of a portion of crop protection
netting in a taut but un-stretched state and FIG. 15 is a plan view
of a portion of the netting stretched outwardly in the direction of
arrows L. Optionally edge portions (not shown) of the netting may
be reinforced or formed with different material to assist in fixing
the netting to the ground. As shown, the entire netting or majority
of the netting if the edges are reinforced is formed from a knitted
mesh construction shown.
[0499] The netting is typically machine-knitted on a warp knitting
machine or other knitting-machine. The netting comprises an array
of mesh apertures 14. The mesh apertures 14 of the preferred
embodiment are shaped as seen in FIG. 18, with a combination of
rounded base and pointed peak, forming four sides with four yarn
intersections points and are substantially uniform in shape and
size. This shape could be said to be a diamond pattern. The
orientation of the mesh apertures 14 relative to the length L and
width W directions of the netting need not be as shown in FIG.
14.
[0500] Referring particularly to FIG. 14 each shaped mesh aperture
14 is defined substantially by four sides 14a-14d of substantially
equal length of yarn, which are connected by four knit
intersections 14e. At the knit intersections 14e the yarns of which
the netting is formed are looped around each other. Between the
yarn intersections 14e the connecting yarn portions 14a-14d extend
substantially linearly and are not continuously knitted or knotted
(as in the prior art netting types referred to above). The sides
14a-d may have non-equal lengths in alternative forms of the
netting. As shown, the sides 14a-14d between the intersections 14e
comprise twin yarns, but be comprised of triple or multiple yarns
in alternative embodiments. In the four-sided form of the mesh
apertures, the shape of the apertures may be substantially square,
rectangular or any other shape. It will also be appreciated that
the mesh apertures may be knitted to have more than four sides, and
with intersections 14e in alternative forms of the knitted mesh
construction to create more complex mesh aperture shapes, for
example but not limited to hexagonal shaped apertures.
[0501] The netting is stretchable or extendible in both the width
axis or direction indicated by arrow W and the length axis or
direction indicated by arrow L in FIGS. 14 and 15 which is
typically the machine or manufacturing direction. FIG. 15 shows a
portion of the crop protection netting of FIG. 14 that has been
stretched in the length direction L (causing some contraction or
reduction in the width direction W and also causing the mesh
apertures 14 to change shape). FIG. 15a shows a portion of the crop
protection netting of FIG. 14 that has been stretched in the width
direction W (causing some contraction or reduction in the length
direction L and also causing the mesh apertures 14 to change
shape.
[0502] In the preferred embodiment shown the mesh size of the
equi-length four sided mesh apertures 14 is defined by the length
of the sides 14a-d between the intersections 14e, measured when the
netting is in a taut but non-stretched state in both length and
width directions. Preferably the mesh size may be in the range of
approximately 1, 2, or 3 mm to 20 mm, 3 mm to 10 mm, more
preferably approximately 3 mm to 8 mm, even more preferably 4 mm to
6 mm, even more preferably 3 mm to 5 mm, even more preferably
approximately 3.5 mm to 4.5 mm. In one preferred form for
pollinating insect exclusion the mesh size may be approximately 4
mm.
[0503] The yarn from which the netting described above is knitted
is typically a monofilament yarn of any suitable material as
previously mentioned. Typically, the yarn is extruded from a
polymer resin. Each yarn yarns may be single monofilaments, or
alternatively may comprise twin or multiple monofilaments. The
monofilament yarns may be circular in cross-section or otherwise
shaped. For circular monofilament yarns, the yarn preferably has a
diameter in the range of approximately 0.1 mm to 1 mm, even more
preferably 0.2 mm to 0.8 mm, and even more preferably 0.2 mm to 0.4
mm, and more preferably 0.15 to 0.3 mm and most preferably 0.15 mm
to 0.25 mm. In denier (grams per 9000 metres of the yarn) the yarn
is preferably in the range of approximately 50 to 1000 denier, more
preferably 50 to 700 denier, even more preferably 100 to 500
denier, even more preferably 100 to 300 denier, even more
preferably 150 to 250 denier or most preferably 200 to 300 denier.
The monofilament yarn may be stretchable or non-stretchable in
length, and may be elastic or non-elastic depending on
requirements. The netting is relatively lightweight. The weight of
the netting is preferably in the range of approximately 10 to 100
grams per m.sup.2, more preferably 15 to 80 grams per m.sup.2, even
more preferably 20 to 60 grams per m.sup.2, even more preferably 20
to 40 grams per m.sup.2, even more preferably 30 to 40 grams per
m.sup.2 and even more preferably 25 to 35 grams per m.sup.2 and
most more preferably 30 to 40 grams per m.sup.2.
[0504] The crop protection netting may have a cover factor (as
herein defined) of less than 80%, less than 50%, less than 30%,
less than 20%, less than 10%, or less than 5%.
[0505] Referring now particularly to FIG. 16 which is a closer view
of a small portion of the netting with three separate monofilament
yarns or strands of the netting shown, and FIGS. 17a-c which each
show the path of a one of the three yarns in an individual
intersection in the netting and FIG. 17d which shows enlarged an
individual intersection circled by a dashed line, each intersection
is formed by knitting together of three yarn parts (of three yarns
extending lengthwise beside each other) passing through the
intersection: [0506] a first yarn 22 which enters the intersection
along a first axis A and exits the intersection along the same
first axis, so that a first connecting portion 22a to a first
adjacent intersection (of the four connecting portions to the
intersection from four immediately adjacent and surrounding
intersections) comprises adjacent lengths of the same yarn 22
[0507] a second yarn 20 which enters the intersection along a
second axis B, passes through (and around) the loop within the
intersection of the first yarn 22, and extends to and returns from
a second adjacent intersection along a third axis C so that a
second connecting portion 20a to that adjacent intersection
comprises adjacent lengths of the same yarn 20, and exits the
intersection along a fourth axis D, and [0508] a third yarn 21
which enters the intersection along second axis B so that a third
connecting portion 21a from a third adjacent intersection comprises
portions of both yarns 20 and 21, passes through the loop in the
intersection of the first yarn 22, and exits the intersection along
fourth axis D with yarn 20, so that a fourth connecting portion 24a
to a fourth adjacent intersection comprises portions of both yarns
20 and 21.
[0509] Referring now particularly to FIG. 16.1 that is showing a
variation on the knit pattern of FIG. 16, this variation of FIG.
16.1 has extra looping. FIG. 16.1 is a closer view of a small
portion of the netting with three separate monofilament yarns or
strands of the netting shown and intersection indicated at 114e,
FIGS. 17.1 a-c each show the path of a one of the three yarns in an
individual intersection in the netting, and FIG. 17.1 d shows an
enlarged an individual intersection circled by a dashed line again,
each intersection is formed by knitting together of three yarn
parts (of three yarns extending lengthwise beside each other)
passing through the intersection: [0510] a first yarn 122 which
enters the intersection and does an extra loop before entering axis
1A, then extends along a first axis 1A and exits the intersection
along the same first axis, so that a first connecting portion 122a
to a first adjacent intersection (of the four connecting portions
to the intersection from four immediately adjacent and surrounding
intersections) comprises adjacent lengths of the same yarn 122
[0511] a second yarn 120 which enters the intersection along a
second axis 1B, passes through (and around) the loop within the
intersection of the first yarn 122, and then goes behind the loop
created by the first yarn 122 to create an extra loop then extends
to and returns from a second adjacent intersection along a third
axis 1C so that a second connecting portion 120a to that adjacent
intersection comprises adjacent lengths of the same yarn 120, and
exits the intersection along a fourth axis 1D, and [0512] a third
yarn 121 which enters the intersection along second axis 1B so that
a third connecting portion 121a from a third adjacent intersection
comprises portions of both yarns 120 and 121, passes through the
loop in the intersection of the first yarn 122, and exits the
intersection along fourth axis 1D with yarn 120, so that a fourth
connecting portion 124a to a fourth adjacent intersection comprises
portions of both yarns 120 and 121.
[0513] The extra looping in FIGS. 18.1 and 17.1 creates a similar
net to FIGS. 16 and 17 but the extra looping gives a reduction in
how stretchable the net is and this may in some applications be a
more desired option. A plan view of Figure of 16.1 and 17.1 is
shown in FIG. 18.1.
[0514] Another feature of the netting construction of the preferred
embodiment is that each yarn intersection in the netting is
connected to adjacent and surrounding yarn intersections by the
connecting yarn portions 4a-d each comprising at least two yarn
lengths. In a preferred embodiment, each yarn intersection in the
netting is connected to adjacent and surrounding yarn intersections
by connecting yarn portions each comprising at least two yarn
lengths that are at least free of knots or loops for 2 mm or more
in length between the intersections.
[0515] This intersection knitting is repeated at each intersection
in the netting. FIG. 16 shows the path of individual yarns in a
larger portion of the netting. FIG. 18 shows a section of the
material in which some individual yarns are shown in a contrasting
colour from which it can be seen how individual yarns proceed down
the length L of the material in the warp direction. Arrow L in FIG.
18 also indicates the machine or manufacturing direction. The many
individual yarns all extend along the length of the netting and
each yarn follows an approximate lengthwise zig-zag path, looping
at each intersection in the netting comprising the yarn to one side
and then to another side so that is linked to the two adjacent
pairs of yarns on both sides. Referring to FIG. 18 it can be seen
that there is a pattern of zig-zags of two yarn parts, such as
indicated at 30, between intersections 14e, with a loop, such as
indicated at 31, to one side and then a loop, such as indicated at
32, to the other side, from successive intersections.
[0516] FIG. 19 is a plan view of a portion an embodiment of a crop
protection netting which is knitted from a combination of
monofilament and tape, in a taut but un-stretched state, and FIG.
19.1 is a closer view of a smaller portion of the crop protection
netting of FIG. 19. In this embodiment one of the multiple yarns
201 of which the netting is formed comprises a tape. The other one
or two or more yarn or yarns comprise monofilament 202 (or may
comprise multi-stranded yarn). For example relative to the netting
of FIG. 16 one of the three yarns or strands 20, 21, and 22 of that
figure is a tape, while the other two remain monofilament (or
multifilament). Alternatively two of the yarns 20, 21, and 22 are
tape while the other yarn remains monofilament (or multifilament).
The tape(s) 201 increase(s) shading provided by the netting while
the monofilament 202 gives the netting additional strength than if
made entirely of tape. In preferred embodiments of this netting the
tape(s) 201 may have a width in the range from about 1 to about 5
mm, or about 1 to about 3, or about 1 to about 2 mm, or 1.4 to 1.8
mm and in a particularly preferred form has a width about 1.6 mm.
All of the netting may be knitted of a combination of monofilament
and tape or only lengthwise parts with other adjacent lengthwise
parts knitted from monofilament alone. That is, across its width
the netting comprises two or more lengthwise `stripes` of sections
knotted from monofilament only (or multifilament) and sections
knitted from a combination of monofilament and tape--such `stripes`
may be of the same or different individual widths across the
overall width of the netting.
[0517] FIG. 19.2 is a plan view of a portion a variant of the crop
protection netting of FIGS. 19 and 19.1. In this netting tapes 201
are spaced across the width of the netting with, in between the
tape strands or elements, monofilament 202 that has been replaced
by tape in the embodiment of FIGS. 19 and 19.1 remaining as
monofilament of FIG. 19.1 That is, in this embodiment every second
similar monofilament rather than every similar monofilament
comprises a tape. In other variants every third or fourth or fifth
(and so on) similar monofilament is replaced with a tape.
[0518] FIG. 20 is a plan view of a portion another embodiment of
the crop protection netting knitted from monofilament and with
lay-in monofilament through the netting, in a taut but un-stretched
state in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, and FIG.
20.1 is a closer view of a smaller portion of the crop protection
netting of FIG. 20. The netting is the same as that of FIGS. 16 to
18 except that in this embodiment the netting also comprises lay-in
monofilament 203 extending through the netting as shown, woven
through the mesh apertures and/or around at least some of the
intersections of the yarns of which the netting is formed. The lay
in could also be made of a tape, to increase the level of shading.
The lay in could also be in every aperture rather than every fourth
one as shown in FIG. 20.1. Again this lay in increases shading
provided by the netting. In preferred embodiments the lay-in 203
may have a width in the range from about 1 to about 5 mm, or about
1 to about 3, or about 1 to about 2 mm, or about 1.4 to 1.8 mm and
in a particularly preferred form has a width about 1.6 mm.
Alternative to lay-in monofilament as shown the lay-in 203 may
comprise multifilament or tape. The yarns of which the netting is
formed ie the knitted yarns, may comprise monofilament,
multifilament yarn, or tape also. Typically the lay-ins 203 extend
through the netting substantially in the same direction to one
another. Typically the lay-ins extend in a length of the netting
(such as a warp or machine direction of the netting). All of the
netting may comprise a lay-in tape or monofilament or multifilament
or only lengthwise parts. That is, across its width the netting
comprises one or more lengthwise `stripes` of sections with a
lay-in and one or more other sections without a lay-in--such
`stripes` may be of the same or different individual widths across
the overall width of the netting.
[0519] Having described immediately above knit structures,
embodiments of netting which are embodiments of the invention,
which use this knit structure and also have a shade factor which
varies across the width of the netting, are now described. To vary
the shade factor across the width of the netting the netting in
general terms comprises a greater amount of the tape or lay-in in
at least a first region of the netting than in a second region of
the netting. In one form of the netting having a higher shade
factor in the first region ie centre of the width of the netting,
the netting comprises more tape or lay-in in the first region than
in the second region. The `more tape or lay-in` may comprise a
higher frequency of the tape or lay-in in the first region and/or
the tape or lay-in in the first region is wider and/or heavier. In
another form of the netting the netting may have a higher shade
factor in a first region ie centre of the width of the netting, an
intermediate shade factor in a second region, and a lowest shade
factor in a third region, the netting comprises a greater amount of
said tape or said lay-in said first region, a lesser amount of tape
in said second region than in said first region, and a lesser again
amount of tape in said third region than in said second region. For
example, the netting may comprise a greater amount of said tape or
said lay-in said first region, a lesser amount of tape in said
second region than in said first region, and no tape in said third
region.
[0520] In some embodiments the shade factor could be varied
`gradually` or with a gradient across the width of the netting by
having many regions of differing shading factor. By example,
netting materials having two or three regions of different shade
factors are described above. However, in some embodiments the
netting material may have more than three different shade regions.
For example, a netting material may have multiple, for example 15,
different regions, a centre region having the highest shade factor
and seven regions each side of the central region each having a
different lower shade factor to provide a netting material with a
more graduated change in shading factor from a higher factor in the
centre to a lower factor at the edges.
[0521] A netting material providing a high level of shading
typically has a high cover factor to block out sunlight. It follows
that a netting material providing a high level of shading typically
has a higher or increased weight compared to netting materials
providing lower shading levels. Heavier weight netting materials
may be less desirable. Where the netting material is draped over a
tree or plant the tree or plant must bear the weight of the netting
material and weaker limbs of the tree may be broken or damaged or
fruit may be damaged.
[0522] In one aspect of the invention a netting material is
provided that has a high shading factor or cover factor (coverage)
with a reduced weight. In a preferred embodiment the netting
material has a leno weave construction. A typical prior art leno
weave material is illustrated in FIG. 21C that has weft yarns 301
and pairs 302 of warp yarns 302a and 302b, the pairs of warp yarns
302 spaced apart across the width of the material. The two warp
yarns 302a and 302b in each pair of yarns 302 cross at a cross-over
point 303 between adjacent weft tapes 301 so that the warp yarns
extend over and under adjacent weft yarns alternatively.
[0523] In some embodiments of the present invention the leno woven
netting material comprises weft tapes. The tapes preferably have a
width many times its thickness. In some embodiments the warp yarns
are monofilaments. With reference to FIGS. 21A and 21B, in a
netting material according to some embodiments of the present
invention the distance between adjacent cross over points 303 along
a pair of warp yarns is less than the width of the weft tapes, so
that the weft tapes are folded at each pair of warp yarns. That is,
in some embodiments, the warp yarns are woven tightly around the
weft tapes so that the warp yarns pull each tape tightly to bunch
or fold the tape between the warp yarns in each pair of warp yarns.
However, the spacing between adjacent pairs 302 of warp yarns is
sufficient to allow the weft tapes to substantially unfold between
the adjacent pairs of warp yarns, so that adjacent weft tapes
overlap or abut between adjacent pairs 302 of warp yarns. The
overlapping or abutting weft tapes 301 result in a high cover
factor to provide a high level of shading. This contrasts with
prior art leno woven materials, as described above, where a leno
weave is used to provide an open weave to allow light and air to
pass through the woven material.
[0524] The leno woven netting material provides a high cover factor
due to adjacent tapes overlapping or abutting in between the
adjacent pairs of warp tapes. However this leno construction, while
providing a high cover factor, may also be lightweight. Where the
tapes abut without overlapping or with minimal overlapping a high
coverage factor may be achieve for a relatively low weight per
square meter of netting material. In some embodiments the
combination of the dimensions of the weft tapes, the distance
between adjacent cross over points of the warp yarns in each pair
of warp yarns, and the spacing between adjacent pairs of warp yarns
provides a cover factor of at least 70% and a weight of less than
100 grams per square metre. In contrast, knitted netting materials
have overlapping yarns in the knotted areas of the netting material
resulting in higher weight per square metre of netting material for
a given cover factor.
[0525] In one preferred example of a netting material the warp
tapes have a width of about 3 mm and thickness of about 0.050 mm,
and the pairs of warp yarns are spaced apart by a distance of about
24 mm. The warp yarns have a thickness of about 0.285 mm. The
distance between cross over points in each pair of warp yarns may
be about 1 to 2 mm and preferably less than 2 mm. For these
dimensions each tape is folded or bunched onto itself at each pair
of warp yarns but is substantially unfolded for a substantial
length between adjacent pairs of warp yarns to overlap or abut with
adjacent tapes to provide a higher cover factor. In this embodiment
the netting material has a weight of about 80 gsm and a cover
factor of about 95%. Increasing the distance between adjacent pairs
of warp yarns further beyond a spacing of 24 mm in the above
example may not achieve a substantial further increase in cover
factor.
[0526] In some embodiments the width of the weft tapes is at least
twice the distance between adjacent cross over points so that the
weft tapes may unfold to overlap or abut adjacent weft tapes in
between warp yarn cross over points. To allow weft tapes to be
unfolded in between warp yarn pairs, in some embodiments the
distance between adjacent pairs of warp yarns is at least three
times, or five times, or ten times the width of the weft tapes. In
a preferred embodiment the distance between adjacent pairs of warp
yarns is about eight times the width of the weft tapes.
[0527] The combination of the width of the weft tapes and the
spacing of the warp yarns can be altered to achieve a desired
netting material weight and cover factor. In some embodiments the
netting material has a cover factor of at least 85%, or 90% or 95%,
or about 95%. In some embodiments the netting material has a weight
of less than 100 gsm, or 95 gsm, or 90 gsm, or 85 gsm, or 80 gsm,
or about 80 gsm.
[0528] In some embodiments the netting material comprises weft
tapes having a thickness of about 25 to 75 microns and a width of
about 1 to 5 mm and preferably about 2 mm to 4 mm, or about 3 mm,
and monofilament warp yarns having a thickness of about 250 to 300
microns. In some embodiments the warp yarns may have a weight of
about 250 denier to 1000 denier and in one preferred embodiment a
weight of about 500 denier. In some embodiments the weft tapes may
have a weight of about 600 denier to 2500 denier and in one
preferred embodiment a weight of about 11000 denier. When weaving
the warp yarns tightly over and under the weft tapes in the leno
weave the distance between the warp yarn cross over points is
determined by the tape cross section and also the cross section of
the warp yarns. For a larger warp yarn cross section and/or tape
cross section the further part the warp yarn cross over points will
be and therefore the wider the tapes will need to be to overlap or
abut in between the cross over points to provide a higher shade
factor.
[0529] Having described immediately above a leno weave
construction, embodiments of netting which are embodiments of the
invention, which use this weave construction and also have a shade
factor which varies across the width of the netting, are now
described. To vary the shade factor across the width of the netting
the spacing between the warp yarns may be varied. However, unlike
the earlier described embodiments described with reference to FIG.
4 where the spacing between warp yarns was decreased in order to
achieve a higher shade factor, in the leno weave construction
described above, a lower shade factor may be achieved by decreasing
the spacing between adjacent pairs of warp yarns. For example, the
distance between pairs of warp yarns may be 20 mm in a region of
higher shade factor, and 8 mm in a region of lower shade factor.
Where there is a small distance between adjacent pairs of warp
yarns, the tapes being folded at the warp yarns does not unfold
between adjacent warp yarn pairs resulting in a gap between
adjacent weft tapes. Such a netting is illustrated in FIG. 21D,
where the region of the material on the left side of the
illustration has greater spacing between adjacent pairs of warp
yarns 302 and greater cover factor, and the region on the right
side of the illustration has less spacing between adjacent pairs of
warp yarns 302 and lower cover factor. The dashed lines on the weft
tapes 301 illustrate folds in the tapes. FIG. 21E is the same
illustration as FIG. 21D, but the weft tapes 301 of the material
have been coloured black to better illustrate the coverage
difference between the two regions. FIG. 21E is a schematic
illustration based on an actual sample of fabric. In the sample of
fabric the cover factor of the region on the left was 95%, and the
cover factor of the region on the right was 74%. While not wishing
to be bound by any particular theory, the inventor considers that
for a given tape width, warp yarn cross over spacing the
relationship between cover factor and spacing between warp yarn
pairs is conceptually as shown by the graph of FIG. 25. In the
graph of FIG. 25 cover factor is on the vertical axis and spacing
between adjacent pairs of warp yarns is on the horizontal axis. For
a given netting material there will be a minimum cover factor M
achieved at a particular spacing between warp yarn pairs. At that
particular spacing between warp yarn pairs the weft tapes do not
unfold between adjacent warp yarn pairs and so a gap is present
between adjacent weft tapes between warp yarn pairs. As the spacing
between warp yarn pairs is increased, the tapes can unfold between
warp yarn pairs to spread out and close the gap between adjacent
weft tapes. Thus by increasing the spacing between the warp yarn
pairs the cover factor of the material increases. Decreasing the
spacing between adjacent warp yarn pairs to be less than the
spacing at which the minimum cover factor is achieved would see the
cover factor begin to increase, as the coverage provided by the
warp yarns would become significant and influence the cover factor
of the netting material. For example, if the pairs of warp yarns
were spaced tightly side by side then a high cover factor would be
achieved. However, the weight of the netting material would also
increase significantly. By choosing a leno construction that is on
the right hand side of the minimum coverage in the graph of FIG. 25
a high cover factor may be achieved for a reduced weight netting or
shade material. To be on the right hand side of the minimum
coverage point in the graph of FIG. 25 it is necessary for the
distance between adjacent pairs of warp yarns to be sufficient to
allow the weft tapes to unfold. To be on the right hand side of the
minimum coverage point in the graph of FIG. 25 and achieve a
substantial increase in cover factor above the minimum cover factor
point it is necessary for the distance between adjacent pairs of
warp yarns to be sufficient to allow the weft tapes to
substantially. In graph of FIG. 25 the dashing line indicates a
cover factor of 100%.
[0530] Table 1 below illustrates cover factor increasing as the
spacing between warp yarns increases for a leno weave material of
the construction described above, and as illustrated in FIG. 21D.
The leno weave material comprised of polyethylene warp
monofilaments, and polyethylene warp tapes. The warp filaments were
0.3 mm in diameter, and of 500 denier. The weft tapes were 2.5 mm
wide, and of 1150 denier. The weft tape insertion rate was 17 tapes
per inch. The distance between crossover points along a pair of
warp yarns was 1.5 mm, which caused slight folding of the weft
tapes. The material comprised three different regions of coverage,
the different coverage achieved by varying only the spacing between
pairs of warp yarns (i.e. spacing between pillars) across the width
of the material. The spacing between pairs of warp yarns (i.e.
spacing between pillars) for each of the three regions is detailed
below, along with the weight (grams per square meter) with the
material. As illustrated in the table, as the pillar distance
increased, coverage increased as well. The three different regions
of the material correspond to the section of the curve of FIG. 25
to the right of the minimum coverage point.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Pillar distance Cover Factor Mass (mm) (%)
(gsm) 7.9 73.8 92 16 90.6 84 23.9 94.7 80
[0531] In a preferred leno construction as described the netting
material has pairs of warp yarns spaced across the width of the
netting and woven over and under the weft elements as in the known
leno construction. However, in some embodiments there may be more
than two warp yarns grouped together, each group spaced apart
across the width of the netting material. For example, each group
of warp yarns could comprise a pair of warp yarns as known in the
art, and a third yarn twisted around the pair.
[0532] For example, with reference to FIG. 1, peripheral regions
300 of the netting material may comprise a leno weave with a
spacing between the pairs of warp yarns at or near to a minimum
spacing defined by the minimum cover factor M in FIG. 25 to give a
low cover or shade factor. An intermediate region 200 may have a
larger spacing between the pairs of warp yarns to give a higher
cover factor compared to the peripheral regions 300. And a centre
region 100 may have an even larger spacing between the pairs of
warp yarns to give an even higher cover factor for the netting
material.
[0533] In some embodiments the leno woven netting material may be
combined with another netting material or materials to form a
netting material having a varying shade or cover factor over the
width of the netting material. A netting material may comprise a
knitted netting material in one region of the netting providing a
low cover factor and forming a venting region, and a leno weave
netting material as described in another region of the netting
material providing a high cover factor to provide a shading region.
For example, as described above with reference to cherry trees, or
temperate fruit trees, where it may be desirable to provide a
netting material having a lower cover factor in a central region
and a higher cover factor in peripheral regions, a netting material
in some embodiments of the invention may have a knitted netting
material in the central region, and a leno construction netting as
described above in the peripheral regions of the netting material.
The knitted region may provide a venting region allowing warmer air
to escape, while the regions either side may provide a shade. The
knitted construction in the central region may have an aperture
size of 5 mm to 20 mm and may be knitted from monofilaments. The
knitted region of the netting material provides an `open` section
of the netting material, while still providing protection against
birds or hail for example. In the peripheral regions either side of
the central region the leno weave netting construction provides
shading against sunshine, to reduce warming effect of sun on the
trees. In a preferred embodiment where the edges of the netting
does not reach the ground level, a gap is provided between the
edges of the netting and the ground so that air flow is open from
outside of the netting below the canopy of the trees and up through
the central knitted region of the netting material to above the
canopy of the trees. The leno construction may be attached to the
knitted construction by stitching, bonding with adhesive or any
other suitable attachment method. The knitted construction may
comprise a cover factor of less than 50% wherein the leno woven
material may comprise a cover factor of greater than 70%.
Alternatively, both regions may be of leno weave construction, with
the venting region being of leno weave construction having lower
factor, and the shading region being of leno weave construction and
having a higher cover factor.
[0534] In various Figures the netting materials are illustrated as
drape netting, that is netting draped over trees. However netting
materials according to various embodiments of the present invention
may be used in vertical or horizontal net installations also, for
example vertically arranged windbreak netting materials, or netting
installations suspended by overhead wires.
[0535] In general, the netting materials of the invention described
above have been described in relation to a single length of
material extending to cover a single row of plants. In some
embodiments a plurality of lengths of such materials may be
stitched together along their lengthwise edges to form a larger
material capable of covering multiple rows of plants, each length
of material forming a repeating unit of material with
characteristics effective to enhance the protection or development
of a row of plants intended to be located beneath that unit of
material. Alternatively, rather than forming multiple lengths of
material separately and stitching them together along their
lengthwise edges, an equivalent effect can be achieved by
manufacturing a single piece of material having a plurality of such
repeating units across the width of a single length of
material.
[0536] In some embodiments the nettings of the invention are drape
nets, draped over plants without any supporting structure. In other
embodiments the nettings of the invention are supported by
structures comprising, for example, post and wires.
[0537] The skilled person will appreciate that the present
invention can be achieved using a variety of knits and weaves. For
example, a netting material according to some embodiments of the
invention may comprise a pillar knit construction, a diamond knit
construction having a mesh with diamond shaped apertures, or a
hexagonal knit construction having a mesh with hexagonal knit
constructions.
[0538] The foregoing describes the invention including a preferred
form thereof, alterations and modifications as will be obvious to
those skilled in the art are intended to be incorporated in the
scope hereof, as defined in the accompanying claims.
* * * * *