US5644998A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
All purpose mulch system
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1995-03-13
•
Granted: 1997-07-08
•
Expires: 2015-03-13
Abstract
Abstract Mulching system using opaque artificial mulching material (1) in perforated embodiments. Perforated embodiments have predetermined pattern of precisely spaced uniform holes (10) preperforated during manufacture. Preperforations allow pre-seeding before mulch is applied to effect weed prevention for densely planted wide row crops. Will also automatically provide proper spacing and eliminate need for thinning crop. Preperforation provides protection from root maggots. Some embodiments have abrasive substance (7) on top side, or abrasive substance (8) on bottom side, or on both sides to repel and destroy both slugs and snails. This is accomplished by abrasive substance (7 or 8) lacerating skin of slugs or destroying digestive tract through ingestion of abrasive substance (7 or 8), other embodiments can have weatherproof sticky substance-clear or insect attractant colored (11) applied to mulching material (1) and covered by removable protective film (9). Purpose of weatherproof sticky substance-clear or insect attractant colored (11) is to trap crawling or flying insects which can destroy crop. Removable protective film (9) is to provide easy handling until mulch is applied to soil. Insect attractant colored mulching material (12) is for luring insect to trap. Four classes of hole (10) spacing and size provided for perforated embodiments. Preferred embodiment utilizing all elements of invention is illustrated in FIGS. 8A to 8D.
Inventors
- 👤 Edward Krolick
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 13:41
CPC Classifications
A; A01; A01G; A01G13/00; A01G13/30; A01G13/32; A01G13/33; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S111/00; Y10S111/90
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
139 words
An agricultural growth enhancement method comprising the steps of: a. sowing a selected type of seed upon the earth in a manner consistent with the type of seed selected; and b. providing an opaque sheet of unitary composition selectively pre-perforated with a predetermined pattern of visible holes of a predetermined size and shape with a predetermined space between them, said opaque sheet having an upper and lower surface; and c. applying a gummous weatherproof sticky substance onto said opaque sheet except where said holes occur; and d. applying diatomaceous earth to said gummous weatherproof sticky substance on said opaque sheet to loosely affix said diatomaceous earth to said opaque sheet; and e. placing said opaque sheet upon the seeded earth so that only a predetermined fraction of said seeds exposed by said holes will germinate and continue to grow.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
139 words
An agricultural growth enhancement method comprising the steps of: a. sowing a selected type of seed upon the earth in a manner consistent with the type of seed selected; and b. providing an opaque sheet of unitary composition selectively pre-perforated with a predetermined pattern of visible holes of a predetermined size and shape with a predetermined space between them, said opaque sheet having an upper and lower surface; and c. applying a gummous weatherproof sticky substance onto said opaque sheet except where said holes occur; and d. applying diatomaceous earth to said gummous weatherproof sticky substance on said opaque sheet to loosely affix said diatomaceous earth to said opaque sheet; and e. placing said opaque sheet upon the seeded earth so that only a predetermined fraction of said seeds exposed by said holes will germinate and continue to grow.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
160 words
An agricultural growth enhancement method comprising the steps of: a. sowing a selected type of seed upon the earth in a manner consistent with the type of seed selected; and b. providing an opaque sheet of unitary composition selectively pre-perforated with a predetermined pattern of visible holes of a predetermined size and shape with a predetermined space between them, said opaque sheet having an upper and lower surface; and c. applying a clear gummous weatherproof sticky substance onto said upper surface of said opaque sheet except where said holes occur; and d. applying a removable protective film over an upper surface of said clear gummous weatherproof sticky substance and said holes, whereby said removable protective film can be removed from said clear gummous weatherproof sticky substance subsequent to said lower surface of said opaque sheet being placed upon the seeded earth so that only a predetermined fraction of said seeds exposed by said holes will germinate and continue to grow.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
160 words
An agricultural growth enhancement method comprising the steps of: a. sowing a selected type of seed upon the earth in a manner consistent with the type of seed selected; and b. providing an opaque sheet of unitary composition selectively pre-perforated with a predetermined pattern of visible holes of a predetermined size and shape with a predetermined space between them, said opaque sheet having an upper and lower surface; and c. applying a clear gummous weatherproof sticky substance onto said upper surface of said opaque sheet except where said holes occur; and d. applying a removable protective film over an upper surface of said clear gummous weatherproof sticky substance and said holes, whereby said removable protective film can be removed from said clear gummous weatherproof sticky substance subsequent to said lower surface of said opaque sheet being placed upon the seeded earth so that only a predetermined fraction of said seeds exposed by said holes will germinate and continue to grow.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method as recited in claim 2 wherein said gummous weatherproof sticky substance is insect attractant colored.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method as recited in claim 2 wherein said opaque sheet is insect attractant colored.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method as recited in claim 2 wherein said gummous weatherproof sticky substance and said opaque sheet are both insect attractant colored.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
184 words
An agricultural growth enhancement method comprising the steps of: a. sowing a selected type of seed upon the earth in a manner consistent with the type of seed selected; and b. providing an opaque sheet of unitary composition selectively pre-perforated with a predetermined pattern of visible holes of a predetermined size and shape with a predetermined space between them, said opaque sheet having an upper and lower surface; and c. applying a gummous weatherproof sticky substance onto said opaque sheet except where said holes occur; and d. applying diatomaceous earth to said gummous weatherproof sticky substance on said opaque sheet to loosely affix said diatomaceous earth to said opaque sheet on said lower surface; and e. applying a removable protective film over an upper surface of said clear gummous weatherproof sticky substance and said holes, whereby said removable protective film can be removed from said clear gummous weatherproof sticky substance subsequent to said lower surface of said opaque sheet being placed upon the seeded earth so that only a predetermined fraction of said seeds exposed by said holes will germinate and continue to grow.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
184 words
An agricultural growth enhancement method comprising the steps of: a. sowing a selected type of seed upon the earth in a manner consistent with the type of seed selected; and b. providing an opaque sheet of unitary composition selectively pre-perforated with a predetermined pattern of visible holes of a predetermined size and shape with a predetermined space between them, said opaque sheet having an upper and lower surface; and c. applying a gummous weatherproof sticky substance onto said opaque sheet except where said holes occur; and d. applying diatomaceous earth to said gummous weatherproof sticky substance on said opaque sheet to loosely affix said diatomaceous earth to said opaque sheet on said lower surface; and e. applying a removable protective film over an upper surface of said clear gummous weatherproof sticky substance and said holes, whereby said removable protective film can be removed from said clear gummous weatherproof sticky substance subsequent to said lower surface of said opaque sheet being placed upon the seeded earth so that only a predetermined fraction of said seeds exposed by said holes will germinate and continue to grow.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method as recited in claim 6 wherein said gummous weatherproof sticky substance is insect attractant colored.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method as recited in claim 6 wherein said opaque sheet is insect attractant colored.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method as recited in claim 6 wherein said opaque sheet and said gummous weatherproof sticky substance are both insect attractant colored.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2000-07-07 | 2001-01-06 | 2001-07-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-07-07 | 2005-01-06 | 2005-07-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-07-07 | 2009-01-06 | 2009-07-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |