GB2440505A

GB2440505A - A retractable netting device for shielding a pond or garden bed

Info

Publication number: GB2440505A
Application number: GB0615248A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Tai Tokes Ayoola
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-07-31
Filing date: 2006-07-31
Publication date: 2008-02-06
Also published as: GB0615248D0

Abstract

A unit for use in shielding a pond or garden bed with one or more retractable variable tension netting devices. The unit comprises net side housing parts 11, 16 both joined to a main retractable net housing pan 6. The unit is fitted connected to an extension means 3 which is used to attach it an suitable stable object. Joint member 10 allow the housing parts to be attached or detached as required.

Description

-1 -2440505 An adaptable shield unit The present invention relates to

an adaptable shield unit for ponds or garden bed.

Previously to prevent debris, animals and other objects from finding their way into a pond, or to cover a garden bed of growing foliage a net or plastics material cover is usually draped over said pond or bed and held in place by pegs or boulders which help to prevent lumping and consequent collapses.

The use of the conventional net or plastics material covers can lead to a number of different problems. Nets held with pegs end up expanding and slop into the pond, due to loss of initial tension and/or the weight of the debris. Conventional nets or plastics material covers are a hazard, as they are unable to maintain their tension when heavy objects for instance a small child or an animal lands or falls on them. Often the expansion of the pond or foliage in a bed would lead to the purchase of new bigger nets or plastics material covers creating increased expenses. If the pond or the bed is surrounded by concrete, it is often very difficult to secure a net or plastic with pegs. Boulders, paving stones and rocks are used often as a replacement, but are often very heavy and unattractive.

Accordingly the present invention is directed to an adaptable shield unit for use in shielding a pond or garden ned with one or more retractable variable tension netting devices, with detachable parts for varied use, comprising one or more attachable housing parts for the variable tension netting, a brake to maintain constant tension on netting, and releasable attachment means.

The unit preferably has a retractable device for the purpose of automatic retraction of the nets or other materials.

The adaptable shield unit preferably has four housing parts which allows for storage of several yards of netting or other materials.

The adaptable shield unit is preferably adjustable so that the netting or material of choice can be lengthen or shortened, for adequate coverage.

The adaptable shield unit is preferably detachable so that the four separate units can all function independently.

The adaptable shield unit preferably has a brake installed, on each housing part to prevent automatic retraction of the netting or other material.

The adaptable shield unit preferably has additional members that can be added to it to stabilize as well as maintain constant tension while in use.

Examples of adaptable shield units made in accordance with the present invention will now be described hereinbelow with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a top view of an adaptable unit according to the present invention, with three housing parts and an attachment device, Figure 2 shows a top view of an adaptable shield unit, a single housing part and an attachment means, Figure 3 shows a top view of an adaptable shield unit, a single housing part with stabilising attachment means at each end, and Figure 4 shows a top view of an adaptable unit with four housing parts.

In Figure 1 shows an adaptable unit where a main housing part 6 is attached to side housing parts 11 and 16 and an attachment device 3. The main housing part 6 and one or both of the side housing parts 11, 16 are equipped with a reel of nettings which are connected so as to be retractable within the housing part. The reel is designed to allows automatic retraction of the netting but when extended can be secured by brake 17. The main housing part is also equipped with a number of handles 14 to aid additional attachment of the part. A partially extended net from side housing part 11 is shown with a male attachment hooks 13, which are compatible with a female attachment eyes 15 on side housing part 16. A detachable attachment means 1 is attached to an extention -4--.

member 3. The attachment member 3 can be adjusted in length using telescopic means 5 which are releasably attached to attachment means 1 can be by connection part 4. The attachment member 3 is releasably attached to main housing part 6 by a flexible connection part 9. The angle of attachment of part 9 can be varied. The attachment means 1 comprises a pair of spring loaded jaws 2. The parts 1, 3, 6, 11 and 16 are all detachable and inter-changeable Figure 2 shows an alternative embodiment in which the two side housing parts 11 and 16 have been removed, leaving the main housing part 6 and the extension member 3 and attachment means 1. The main housing part 6 is shown with a partially drawn net 12 with a handle 14.

Figure 3 shows a further alternative embodiment usind just the main housing part 6 The main housing part is equipped at either end with stabilising members 7.

The main housing part is shown with a partially drawn net 12 equipped with a series of hooks 13 on its extended side.

Figure 4 shows a further alternative embodiment with an additional housing part 17 and all parts shown in Figure 1. * -5-

Claims

Claims 1. An adaptable shield unit for use in shielding a pond or

garden bed with one or more retractable variable tension netting devices, with detachable parts for varied use, comprising one or more attachable housing parts for the variable tension netting device, a brake to maintain constant tension on the netting, and reasable attachment means.

2. An adaptable shield unit according to claim 1, in which the retractable netting is stored in the housing part.

3. An adaptable shield unit according to claim 2, in which the retractable netting is stored in the housing part equipped with a brake.

4. An adaptable shield unit according to any preceding claim, in which there is more than one housing and more than one retractable net.

5. An adaptable shield unit according to claim 4, in which the more than one retractable netting housing part can be attached to one another as needed.

6. An adaptable shield unit according to any preceding claims, in which the retractable netting housing part can be attached to one or more attachment means with different functions.

7. An adaptable shield unit according to claim 6, in which attachment means can be attached and adjusted to different angles.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows Amended Claims 1. An adaptable shield unit where one housing part can be attached to another with retractable variable tension netting device, or other material, with detachable parts for varied use comprising of one or more attachable housing parts for variable tension
2. An adaptable shield unit according to claim 1, in which the retractable material, can take varied foim and is stored in the housing part.

3. An adaptable shield unit according to claim 2, in which the retracting material is stored in a housing part equipped with a break. I. * * * I.. *S**

4. An adaptable shield unit according toy preceding claim, in which there are more than one housing and more than one retractable material. *** *

5. An adaptable shield unit according to claim4, in which more that one ** housing can be attached to another via the retractable material as needed.

6. An adaptable shield unit according to any preceding claims, in which the retractable material housing can be attached to one or more attachment means or housing part with diflrent functions.

7. An adaptable shield unit according to claim 6, in which more than one attachment means is used to stabilize one or more housing part.

8. An adaptable shield unit according to any proceeding clams, in which a retractable material can be attached to morn than attachment means to foem an enclosure for varied functions. * **. * . * *. S. * S.. * I.. * .* * ** S..