BACKGROUND

Birds, especially woodpeckers, can be a source of considerable damage to drip irrigation pipelines. They poke holes in the pipes, for example to reach water in between watering sessions.

The damage of the pipeline means that the crops are inadequately watered as long as the pipeline remains unfixed, and the replacement of the piping is very labor and time consuming.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect, a device is provided that is a sleeve that is pervious to water and is durable against the damage from birds, especially woodpeckers.

In some embodiments, the sleeve covers and protects a drip irrigation pipeline.

In some embodiments, the sleeve is durable so that it protects the pipes from damage due to birds, for example, woodpeckers.

In some embodiments, the sleeve is permeable to water only up to a limited rate of flow per unit surface area, so that water emitted quickly from a point in the pipeline will spread inside the sleeve before penetrating through the sleeve to the outside, thereby spreading the water over a larger area than would be the case without the sleeve. In some embodiments, the sleeve has holes that are shaped and sized so that birds cannot effectively peck the pipeline through the sleeve

Investigations found that a white coloring makes it more difficult for some birds to peck the pipeline through the sleeve.

In some embodiments, the material of the sleeve is infused with a dopant that protects the sleeve from damage due to ultraviolet radiation. Examples of dopants that can protect against damage from ultraviolet radiation are (1) hindered amine light stabilizers, (2) hydroxybenzoates, (3) benzophenone, and (4) ultraviolet absorbers, such as certain phenols.

According to one aspect a sleeve for protecting a drip pipeline from damage by birds is provided, characterized by: the sleeve having an inner diameter larger by a factor between 2 and 4 compared to an outer diameter of the drip pipeline, and the sleeve being pervious to water flowing out of the drip pipeline.

In some embodiments the inner diameter is larger by a factor between 2.5 and 3.5 compared to the outer diameter of the drip pipeline.

In some particular embodiments the inner diameter is larger by a factor between 2.8 and 3.2 compared to the outer diameter of the drip pipeline.

In some embodiments The sleeve according to Claim 1 comprising a polymer mesh with more than 100 and less than 150 threads per 25 square centimeters. In some embodiments the mesh comprises between 70 and 100 threads per

5 cm in a longitudinal direction A of the pipeline and between 38 and 50 threads per 5 cm in a latitudinal direction B of the pipeline. In some embodiments the mesh comprises holes wherein the holes have a length in direction A at least 80% more than a width in direction B.

In some embodiments the diameter of each of the threads is between 0.20 mm and 0.26 mm.

In some embodiments a color of the sleeve is white.

In some particular embodiments each of the threads is white. In some embodiments each of the threads is infused with at least one dopant selected from a group consisting of

wherein R1 is H or methyl; each R2 is individually selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, methyl, and ethyl; R3 is selected from the group consisting of linear Cl- to C18-esters which are connected to formula (la) via the oxygen atom of the ester function; and with R4 being selected from the group consisting of Cl- to ClO-alkylene;

wherein R'l is selected from H, (2-propanyl) phenol, tert-butyl, tert-pentyl, sec-butyl, and (2-propanyl)phenol; R'2 is selected from (2-propanyl)phenol, tert-butyl, methyl, tert-pentyl, 1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl, and methyl; and R'3 is H or Cl;an alkyl ester of a 3,5-dialkylated 4-hydroxyphenyl propionic acid or a n-alkyl-3,5-dialkylated 4-hydroxybenzoate; n-hexadecyl 3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxybenzoate; n-alkyl-3,5-dialkylated 4-hydroxybenzoate; benzophenone, and mixtures thereof.

Some embodiments comprise a double fold stitched along a longitudinal direction A of the pipeline.

In some embodiments the double fold extends along an entire length in the longitudinal direction of the pipeline and is continuously stitched along the entire length.

In some embodiments the drip pipeline comprises a pipe and drippers positioned at intervals within the pipe.

In some embodiments the mesh continuously extends between each of adjacent drippers in the pipe. This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the protective sleeve 1, in place around a segment of irrigation pipe 2.

Figure 2 exhibits an expanded view of the sleeve.

Figure 3 shows an even more expanded view of the sleeve.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Reference 1 [Moran, Keidar, and Wolf, "protecting polyethylene irrigation pipes against damage caused by woodpeckers" Proceedings of the 9th Vertebrate Pest Conference (1980). 27. https://digitakommons un Led Vvpe9/27] reviews the damage to pipelines from birds and the effectiveness of various systems to prevent the damage.

At the time of publication of Reference 1, the only effective known solution for protecting polyethylene agricultural pipes from woodpeckers was burying pipes in the ground. Covering the piping with polyethylene sheets was not sufficiently effective. The then existing bird repellents were ineffective. Covering the piping with protective weeds was not sufficiently effective.

Burying of the agricultural piping underground was found to work effectively, but this solution is labor-intensive and requires much additional equipment, so burying the pipes is a less than ideal solution. There is a need for a better means of protecting agricultural pipes from damage by birds, especially woodpeckers.

Protective sleeves have been used to protect agricultural piping. See, for example, Reference 2 [US20040037647A1, "Irrigation Pipelines," Yonat et al.] However, the sleeves in reference 2 were designed for the purpose of protecting the piping from clogging due to earth or from damage due to roots. To the best of our knowledge there are no commercially available sleeves that are designed to protect piping from woodpeckers and other birds.

The description above is presented as a general overview of related art in this field and should not be construed as an admission that any of the information it contains constitutes prior art against the present patent application.

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the protective sleeve 100, in place around a segment of irrigation pipe 200. The irrigation pipe 200 is a drip pipeline.

According to one aspect a sleeve 100 for protecting a drip pipeline 200 from damage by birds is provided, characterized by: the sleeve 100 having an inner diameter 110 larger by a factor between 2 and 4 compared to an outer diameter 210 of the drip pipeline 200, and the sleeve 100 being pervious to water flowing out of the drip pipeline 200.

In some embodiments the inner diameter 110 is larger by a factor between 2.5 and 3.5 compared to the outer diameter 210 of the drip pipeline 200.

In some particular embodiments the inner diameter 110 is larger by a factor between 2.8 and 3.2 compared to the outer diameter 210 of the drip pipeline 200. A tighter fit of the sleeve 100 to the pipeline 200 has been found to allow the birds to more easily engage the sleeve, whereas a looser fit makes the sleeve 100 tend to slip when pecked, thus deflecting the blows from the pipeline 200. On the other hand, a larger diameter of the sleeve 100 is more expensive. We have also found that an inner diameter/outer diameter ratio of over 4 makes laying the sleeve down more difficult. The ideal ratio in all respects is thus found to be closer to 3.

In some embodiments the sleeve 100 comprises a polymer mesh 120 with more than 100 and less than 150 threads 122 per 25 square centimeters.

The polymer may comprise HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) and/or other polymers suitable for irrigation pipes, in particular for flexible pipes and those that can house therein drippers and can be perforated without too much effort for irrigation purposes. It will occur that the amenability to perforation at the same time makes the pipes susceptible to perforation by birds.

In some embodiments the mesh comprises between 70 and 100 threads per 5 cm in a longitudinal direction A of the pipeline and between 38 and 50 threads per 5 cm in a latitudinal direction B of the pipeline.

In reference to Figure 3, an expanded view of the mesh 120 in shown: In some embodiments the mesh 120 comprises holes 124 wherein the holes 124 have a length 125a in direction A at least 80% more than a width 125b in direction B.

The significance of the size and dimension of the holes is twofold. First, if the holes are too large then the birds can either peck through to the pipe underneath or pull the threads 122 apart to enlarge the holes 124. If the holes are too small then the birds can poke a hole through the sleeve as if the sleeve were a solid pipe. We believe that a rectangular shape of the holes 124 is more effective than square holes in preventing penetration. Second, we have been surprised to find that the sleeve improves the watering efficiency of the pipeline, in particular for fruit trees such as cherry trees and apple trees. Such fruit trees are characterized by shallow roots that laterally spread to a large extent as they grow. Therefore, as saplings grow they need uniform watering over a large area occupied by their roots. Apparently, the shape and size of the holes, and possibly the orientation of the holes (the long side in the direction A) facilitate a uniform dripping in between drippers (not shown) laid along the pipeline 200.

In some embodiments the diameter of each of the threads 122 is between 0.20 mm and 0.26 mm. We have found that thinner threads are sometimes torn. Thicker threads 122 do not seem to provide any benefit.

In some embodiments a color of the sleeve 100 is white. Although some literature has found that yellow is particularly effective in deterring birds from pipelines, we have tested yellow meshes and found that actually white is more effective. The colour may be a direct result of the mesh colour; however, in some embodiments the mesh 120 comprises titanium dioxide. Additives such as titanium dioxide may help not only to render the colour white, but rather may also help to slow down the discolouration of the mesh into yellowish or grayish hues due to weathering.

In some particular embodiments each of the threads is white.

In some embodiments each of the threads is infused with at least one dopant selected from a group consisting of

wherein R1 is H or methyl; each R2 is individually selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, methyl, and ethyl; R3 is selected from the group consisting of linear Cl - to C18-esters which are connected to formula (la) via the oxygen atom of the ester function; and with R4 being selected from the group consisting of Cl - to ClO-alkylene;

wherein R'l is selected from H, (2-propanyl) phenol, tert-butyl, tert-pentyl, sec-butyl, and (2-propanyl)phenol; R'2 is selected from (2-propanyl)phenol, tert-butyl, methyl, tert-pentyl, 1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl, and methyl; and R'3 is H or Cl;an alkyl ester of a 3,5-dialkylated 4-hydroxyphenyl propionic acid or a n-alkyl-3,5-dialkylated 4-hydroxybenzoate; n-hexadecyl 3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxybenzoate; n-alkyl-3,5-dialkylated 4-hydroxybenzoate; benzophenone, and mixtures thereof.

Without a UV-radiation protective material in the sleeves the sleeves have been found to last about a year. The purpose of the adding of the UV-protective material was thus to extend the life of the mesh to that of the pipes, that is about 3 years. However, to our astonishment the sleeves actually have now lasted 6 years, not only protecting the sleeve itself but also the pipe underneath during that time, thus greatly extending the lifetime of the pipes and saving in costs of laying the pipe and reducing the environmental damage of used pipes.

The UV-protective material/s may comprise 0.1-1.5% w/w of the mesh weight; typically the amount is up to 0.5% to meet EP A standards.

Some embodiments comprise a double fold 130 stitched along a longitudinal direction A of the pipeline. The double fold 130 can be formed by taking a rectangular piece of polymer mesh and juxtaposing its long sides, then folding the long sides together in one direction (making a first fold that contains the two long sides as two layers) and folding them again (folding the first fold) in the same direction (to make a second, double fold that contains four layers). The double fold 130 is stitched to the sleeve 100 itself, thus creating a side to the sleeve 100 that is actually 6 layers thick. This side of the sleeve is a potentially vulnerable feature of the sleeve that we have discovered can be opened by the resourceful birds; the double folding has so far stymied their efforts.

In some embodiments the double fold extends along an entire length in the longitudinal direction of the pipeline and is continuously stitched along the entire length. Again, the birds are adept at exploiting weak points in the structure but so far the continuous stitching frustrated their efforts.

In some embodiments the drip pipeline comprises a pipe and drippers positioned at intervals within the pipe.

In some embodiments the mesh continuously extends between each of adjacent drippers (not shown) in the pipe. The continuous extension allows for uninterrupted protection and full spread of the water in between the drippers.

In summary, the sleeve has one or more major features that each provide an advantage to the durability of a pipeline:

Shape and size of mesh holes, and optionally the orientation of the holes' long/short sides;

The inner diameter of the sleeve (does not include the fold)/outer diameter of the pipe ratio of about 3;

The colour of the mesh threads;

Adding UV-radiation protective compounds to the mesh, and A double fold.

In prefer embodiments the mesh has all of the above features. At present we believe that the last embodiment operates most efficiently, but other embodiments described herein are also satisfactory.

The sleeve 100 may additionally comprise heat-protective materials and antioxidants that help protect the sleeve from environmental damage and wear.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that the features described above may vary in shape and structure from those shown in the figures but fulfill the same or similar purpose such as to essentially achieve the same results.

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

Although the disclosure has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

In the description and claims of the present application, each of the verbs, "comprise," "include" and "have" and conjugates thereof, are used to indicate that the object or objects of the verb are not necessarily a complete listing of components, elements or parts of the subject or subjects of the verb. In the discussion unless otherwise stated, adjectives such as “substantially” and “about” modify a condition or relationship characteristic of a feature or features of an embodiment. The terms are understood to mean that the condition or characteristic is defined to within tolerances that are acceptable for operation of the embodiment for an application for which it is intended. Unless otherwise indicated, the word “or” in the specification and claims is considered to be the inclusive “or” rather than the exclusive or, and indicates at least one of, or any combination of, items it conjoins. Descriptions of embodiments in the present application are provided by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope. The described embodiments comprise different features, not all of which are required in all embodiments. Some embodiments utilize only some of the features or possible combinations of the features. Variations of embodiments of that are described, and embodiments comprising different combinations of features noted in the described embodiments, will occur to persons of the art.