Patent ID: 7533487
Filing Date: 2009-05-19
Classification: A01G

Abstract:
1. A portable apparatus for protecting a specimen tree from substantial cold weather damage comprising: a hollow housing having a generally flattened configuration and being adapted in horizontal size for positioning beneath, and being substantially smaller than, a canopy perimeter width of the tree; an air movement source mounted within and operably connected to an electric power source, and arranged to draw air into said housing through a lower panel thereof; air discharge openings formed around an edge perimeter of said housing for discharging air generally laterally outwardly therefrom, said discharging air being produced by said air movement source; a ground support connected to and for holding said housing above the ground and beneath a canopy of the tree wherein the discharging air protectively intermingles with, and produces airflow around the foliage of the tree; said housing includes an interior baffle having a volcano-like shape with a central opening being positioned substantially above said discharge openings, and extending between said air movement source and a dome-shaped top panel of said housing to form a downwardly sweeping air flow path directing airflow to said openings and preventing wind-blown rain from entering said housing through said openings and coming in contact with said air movement source.