FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
The Patent Rules, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See sections 10 & rule 13)
1. TITLE OF THE INVENTION
SHADE NET WITH VARIABLE SHADE FACTOR
2. APPLICANT (S)
NAME NATIONALITY ADDRESS
GARWARE TECHNICAL FIBRES LIMITED IN Plot No.11, Block D-1, MIDC,
Chinchwad, Pune - 411019,
Maharashtra, India.
3. PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be
performed.

TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of shade nets for
agriculture. In particular, the present disclosure relates to construction of a shade net using a combination yarn.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in
understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the
information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed
invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Shade nets are commonly used in regions whose climate is hot, such
as tropical regions. A typical requirement for atmosphere inside a shade house that
is amenable to healthy crop growth can be a temperature in the range of 25 to 35
°C and a relative humidity in the range of 65 to 75%.
[0004] A shade house is a structure that is enclosed by woven or knotted nets
inside which plants are cultivated. The shade nets allow only a required amount of
sunlight through while maintaining optimum humidity and temperature inside the
shade house. Shade nets are therefore, required to be sufficiently sturdy to withstand
direct sunlight and other environmental degradation agents such as humidity and
temperature as well.
[0005] Monofilament yarns consist of a single filament. The filament size is
much larger than those found in multifilament yarn. Consequently, monofilament
is relatively stiff and is used mainly for the production of rope and twine. The fibre
size range is typically 75– 5000 denier. The monofilament yarn is preferred for
making yarns used in shade nets.
[0006] Generally, for the purpose of shade nets, tape filament yarn is used in
order to provide additional stiffness and rigidity.
[0007] However, in practice, the shade nets made of monofilament or tape
yarn have a fixed shade factor, and are used during all periods of the year,
irrespective of amount of ambient sunlight and humidity. In order to maintain a
uniform intensity of sunlight for plants, during periods of the year when there is

more sunlight, a screening net may have to be added to the existing shade net in order to provide additional shade. Similarly, during periods of the year when there is less sunlight, the screening net may have to be removed. The use of an additional screening net may not ensure uniform sunlight inside the shade house and, further, adds to het cost of maintaining the shade house.
[0008] There is, therefore, a requirement in the art for a shade house that can
provide uniform shade factor and can be used throughout the year without need for any additional nets. `
OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0009] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one
embodiment herein satisfies are as listed herein below.
[0010] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide for a shade net made
of a hybrid yarn with a variable shade factor, and are used during all periods of the
year, irrespective of amount of ambient sunlight and humidity.
[0011] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide for a shade net that
maintain a uniform intensity of sunlight for plants, during periods of the year when
there is more sunlight.
[0012] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide for a shade net that
maintains uniform sunlight during periods of the year when there is less sunlight.
[0013] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide for a shade net that
reduces cost of maintaining the shade house.
[0014] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a range of shade
factors that enables use of the proposed shade net as a standalone means for
providing shade to the plants, without requiring additional screening nets.
SUMMARY
[0015] The present disclosure relates to a net with variable mesh size. The net
may include a hybrid yarn made of a combination of monofilament yarn and elastic yarn. The hybrid yarn may be knitted in a predefined geometric configuration to form the net having a plurality of mesh being coupled to one another, and having

mesh size of a first predefined value. Further, the hybrid yarn may be adapted to be
stretched upon application of a predetermined force on the net in a predetermined
direction, and contract to its actual shape upon removal of the applied
predetermined force from the net, and wherein application of the predefined force
on the net increases the mesh size from the first predefined value to a second
predefined value.
[0016] In an embodiment, removal of the applied predetermined force from
the net may decrease the mesh size of the net from the second predefined value to
the first predefined value.
[0017] In an embodiment, the net may be configured to restrict passage of
one or more objects having a size greater than the mesh size of the net, through it.
The mesh size of the net may be adjusted between the first predefined value and the
second predefined value based on the size of the one or more objects to be restricted
by the net.
[0018] In an embodiment, the one or more objects may include any or a
combination of insects, hail, and bird.
[0019] In an embodiment, the mesh size of the net may be varied between the
first predefined value and the second predefined value to adjust shade factor of the
net within a predetermined range to control an amount of solar radiation allowed to
pass through the net.
[0020] In an embodiment, the predefined range of the shade factor provided
by the net may lie between 15 to 95%.
[0021] In an embodiment, each of the plurality of mesh may include a
plurality of loops having values of loop length and a distance between the plurality
of loops in a predetermined range to facilitate uniform dispersion of solar radiation
through the net.
[0022] In an embodiment, the monofilament yarn may be made of a first
material selected from Crimped Polyester, and wherein the elastic yarn is made of
a second material selected from Multifilament, PBT Polybutylene Terephthalate
(PBT) fibre, HDPE, PP and Polyester.

[0023] In an embodiment, the net may include one or more coupling elements
configured at predefined positions on the net to facilitate configuration of the net over an area of interest (AOI).
[0024] In an embodiment, the net may be adapted to be operatively coupled
to an apparatus that may be configured to apply the predetermined force on the net in the predetermined direction, to adjust the mesh size between the first predefined value and the second predefined value. The apparatus may be adapted to be operated by any or a combination of an automated means and manual means.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further
understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a
part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the
present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles
of the present disclosure. The diagrams are for illustration only, which thus is not a
limitation of the present disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary representation of a proposed net
structure, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary representation of a net house structure.
[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary representation of the functional
components of the net house structure, in accordance with embodiments of the
present disclosure.
[0029] FIGs. 4A-4I illustrate exemplary microscopic images of the shade net
in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0030] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures
are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and may have not been drawn to scale. For
example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figure may be exaggerated
relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various exemplary
embodiments of the present disclosure. Throughout the drawings, it should be noted
that like reference numbers are used to depict the same or similar elements, features,
and structures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the
disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0032] Shade nets are commonly used in regions whose climate is hot, such
as tropical regions. A typical requirement for atmosphere inside a shade house that is amenable to healthy crop growth can be a temperature in the range of 25 to 35 °C and a relative humidity in the range of 65 to 75%.
[0033] A shade house is a structure that is enclosed by the shade nets inside
which plants are cultivated. The shade nets allow only a required amount of sunlight through while maintaining optimum humidity and temperature inside the shade house. Shade nets are therefore required to be sufficiently sturdy to withstand direct sunlight and other environmental degradation agents such as humidity and temperature as well.
[0034] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of shade nets for
agriculture. In particular, the present disclosure relates to construction of a shade net using a combination yarn.
[0035] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary representation of a proposed net
structure (100), in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. As illustrated, in an aspect, the net with variable mesh size. The net may include a hybrid yarn (102) (or simply referred to as the yarn (102) hereinafter) made of a combination of monofilament yarn and elastic yarn. The hybrid yarn may be knitted in a predefined geometric configuration to form the net having a plurality of mesh (104) being coupled to one another, and having mesh size of a first predefined value. Further, the hybrid yarn may be adapted to be stretched upon application of a predetermined force on the net in a predetermined direction, and contract to its actual shape upon removal of the applied predetermined force from the net, and

wherein application of the predefined force on the net increases the mesh size from
the first predefined value to a second predefined value.
[0036] In an aspect, the proposed yarn (102) can be stretched and twisted
without losing its integrity and may be made of crimped polyester mono filament
and multifilament, PBT Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) fibre, HDPE, PP and
Polyester but not limited to the like.
[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, the tenacity of the hybrid yarn (102) in
the range of 3 GPD to 10 GPD but not limited to the like and elongation may be in
the range of 10% to 80% but not limited to the like.
[0038] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides for a shade house
(interchangeably referred to as the net house structure (200) (Ref. FIG. 2) herein)
made of the proposed hybrid yarn (102). The shade net (100) can include the hybrid
yarn (102) in a geometric configuration knitted in the form of a mesh (104) having
values of a loop length and a distance between loops in a predetermined range,
wherein a plurality of meshes are coupled with one another to form a net. The values
of loop length and a distance between loops of the plurality of meshes facilitates
uniform dispersion of incident solar radiation through the net.
[0039] In an embodiment, the shade net (100) can have a predefined distance
between knots of the mesh. The distance between knots of the mesh may determine
the mesh size, and the mesh size determines the amount of sunlight that can pass
through the shade net. A net with short distance between knots will allow lesser
sunlight through and, therefore, will have a higher shade factor.
[0040] In an embodiment, the shade net can be made using a process such as,
but not limited to Raschel Knitting and weaving.
[0041] In another embodiment, the proposed shade net (100) can be adapted
to provide a uniform shade factor across structure of the shade house. For example,
a typical shade factor range may be from 15% to 90% but not limited to it.
[0042] In another embodiment, the proposed shade net (100) made of the
hybrid yarn (102) can be stretched to increase distance between knots of mesh of
the shade net, thereby allowing greater sunlight in through the shade net and
decreasing the shade factor of the shade house.

[0043] In another embodiment, the proposed shade net (100) can be adapted
such that, upon being stretched, the shade net can provide a uniform shade factor across structure of the shade house.
[0044] In another embodiment, the proposed shade net (100) made of the
hybrid yarn (102) can be contracted to decrease distance between knots of mesh of the shade net, thereby limiting sunlight in through the shade net and increasing the shade factor of the shade house.
[0045] In another embodiment, the proposed shade net (100) can be adapted
such that, upon being contracted, the shade net can provide a uniform shade factor across structure of the shade house.
[0046] In an embodiment, the proposed net may include an at least 60%
Shade Factor Net with net type as Rashcel but not limited to it with net construction L-1= standard mono yarn and L-2=standard mono yarn and the like.
[0047] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary representation of a net house structure
(200) where the proposed net can be supported with. In another embodiment, the proposed net house structure (200) may include a frame (206) for the net house (200) and a chain (202) and a pulley mechanism (204) for stretching and contracting the proposed shade net.
[0048] FIG. 3 with reference to FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary representation
of an apparatus (300) comprising one or more functional components of the net house structure, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The functional components may be used to stretch or contract the proposed net. For example, the functional components may include a locking mechanism (302), wire rope (306), round tube (308), reel (310), tubular motor (310), guide steel tensioning kit (324), FSS head bracket (322), spring structure (320), new heavy bottom rail (318), built in traction pulley (316) and a header bracket. The apparatus (300) can be adapted to stretch the shade net. The apparatus can be provided at location where the shade net is erected and can be coupled to the shade net. The apparatus can be manually operated or can be electronically operated. The apparatus can be operated to stretch the shade net, thereby varying the shade factor offered by the shade net.

[0049] Typically, the shade net may be designed such that it can let in
maximum sunlight during periods of the year when incident sunlight is low, and to increase shade factor of the shade net during remaining periods of the year, an additional screening net is provided to decrease sunlight passing through the shade net.
[0050] The ability of the proposed shade net to provide a range of shade
factors enables use of the proposed shade net as a standalone means for providing shade to the plants, without requiring additional screening nets. The use of a single shade net additionally, reduced expenses involved in providing adequate shade to plants.
[0051] In an exemplary embodiment, the proposed shade net can have a shade
factor of about 40%, which can be increased to about 60% by stretching it.
[0052] It can be appreciated that the proposed shade net can be tailored to
provide a required shade factor. In an exemplary embodiment, the shade factor of
the proposed net can be varied from about 15% to a total shade, i.e., 100%.
[0053] In another embodiment, the hybrid yarn can advantageously include
the rigidity and strength of the monofilament and the elasticity of the elastic yarn. The monofilament can have a low coefficient of thermal expansion which enables the shade net to have a longer life without significant degradation of shade factor, and can have a higher stiffness, due to which it can withstand deformation due to environmental factors such as wind. Additionally, due to uniformity in mesh size, temperature of the hybrid yarn, is prevented from getting too high.
[0054] In an exemplary embodiment, the shade house, can maintain
temperature and humidity within the shade house with a low co-efficient of variation. In an exemplary embodiment, a target temperature range may be between 25 °C and 35 °C. in another exemplary embodiment, a target humidity range may be between 65% and 75%.
[0055] FIGs. 4A-4I illustrate exemplary microscopic images of the shade net
in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 4A illustrates a stretchable 60% Shade Factor Net with net type as Rashcel but not limited to it with net construction L-1= Crimpled polyester, L-2=standard mono yarn but not limited

to it. FIG. 4B illustrates mesh opening of a STD 60% Shade Factor Shade Net while FIG. 4C illustrates mesh opening of stretchable 60% Shade Factor Net. FIG. 4D shows an L-1 Yarn Morphology of STD 60% Shade Factor Shade Net and FIG. 4E shows an L-1 Yarn Morphology of stretchable 60% Shade Factor Net. FIG. 4F shows L-2 Yarn Morphology of STD 60% Shade Factor Shade Net and FIG. 4G shows L-2 Yarn Morphology of Stretchable 60% Shade Factor Net. FIG. 4H and 4I shows mesh measurement of STD 60% Shade Factor Shade Net and Stretchable 60% Shade Factor Net respectively. Both shade nets have different density. In stretchable density or yarn path may be changed to take advantage of the stretchable nature of the yarn.
[0056] TABLE 1 and TABLE 2 below shows sample test results of Raschel
net with polyester crimped yarn and the proposed hybrid yarn. The samples have been made with various combinations of L-1 and L-2.
TABLE 1

Sr. No. Sample no 82 Sample no 83 Sample no 84
DATE 13.11.20 20.11.20 13.11.20 20.11.2 0 13.11.20 20.11.20
Type of Net Raschel Net Raschel Net Raschel Net
CONSTRU CTION SN/300DPES/300DHDPE/ GSM- /60%SF SN/300DPES/300DH DPE/GSM- /60%SF SN/300DPES/GSM-/60%SF
L1 300D X1 PES 300D X1 HDPE 300D X1 PES
L2 300D X1 HDPE 300D X1 PES 300D X1 PES
YARN/ COLOUR N.WHITE N.WHITE N.WHITE
ACTUAL ON M/C RESULTS Final results ON M/C RESULTS Final results ON M/C RESULTS Final results
GSM 111.96 117.04 98.6 4 130.75 133.3
SHADE FACTOR 58.47 59.31 61.7 4 78.73 80.54
W.P.I. 6 6 6 6 6 6
C.P.C. 5.2 5.2 4 2 4 4
SHADE NET BS NA 16.66 20 2 25.36 3 28.6

LENGTH .
WAY 6
SHADE NA 46.93 20 2 20.66 21.56
NET BS 2
DEPTH .
WAY 3
DIAPHGR NA NA NA NNA NA
AM A
BURSTING
STRENGT
H (kg/cm2)
CHAIN L1=1-0/1-2, L1=1-0/1-2, L1=1-0/1-2,
LINK L2=1-0/2-3 L2=1-0/2-3 L2=1-0/2-3
GEAR A-44/B-30 NA NA
Stretch
Study-1 at
constant
load
Parameters Length Way Depth Way Length e Length Way Depth
Way y Way
Length in 161 160 160 0 160 160
mm
Length at 232 196 185 2245 320
load(600gm) 7
in mm
%Stretch 44.10 22.50 15.63 8 53.13 100.00
Length after 162 190 175 1172 175
load in mm 6
TABLE 2

Stretch Study-2 at
constant length
Parameters Length Depth Length Depth Length Depth Way
Way Way Way Way Way
Length in mm 160 160 160 160 160 160

Length at 170 170 170 170 170 170
load(600gm) in mm
%Stretch 6.25 6.25 6.25 6.25 6.25 6.25
Load applied in 20 100 50 30 20 50
gm
Length after load in 160 160 160 160 160 160
mm
[0057] Due to the above stated-factors, the use of the shade house with the
proposed shade net provides an increased yield of crops grown within the shade house. The quality of yield is also improved as evidenced by increased stem girth and lankiness of crops grown under the proposed shade net.
[0058] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention,
other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.
ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0059] The present disclosure provides for a shade net made of a hybrid yarn
with a variable shade factor, and are used during all periods of the year, irrespective
of amount of ambient sunlight and humidity.
[0060] The present disclosure provides for a shade net that maintain a
uniform intensity of sunlight for plants, during periods of the year when there is
more sunlight.
[0061] The present disclosure provides for a shade net that maintains uniform
sunlight during periods of the year when there is less sunlight.
[0062] The present disclosure provides for a shade net that reduces cost of
maintaining the shade house.

[0063] The present disclosure provides a range of shade factors that enables
use of the proposed shade net as a standalone means for providing shade to the plants, without requiring additional screening nets.

We Claim:
1. A net with variable mesh size, the net comprising:
a hybrid yarn made of a combination of monofilament yarn and elastic yarn, wherein the hybrid yarn knitted in a predefined geometric configuration to form the net having a plurality of mesh being coupled to one another, and having mesh size of a first predefined value; and
wherein the hybrid yarn is adapted to be stretched upon application of a predetermined force on the net in a predetermined direction, and contract to its actual shape upon removal of the applied predetermined force from the net, and wherein application of the predefined force on the net increases the mesh size from the first predefined value to a second predefined value.
2. The net as claimed in claim 1, wherein removal of the applied predetermined force from the net decreases the mesh size of the net from the second predefined value to the first predefined value.
3. The net as claimed in claim 1, wherein the net is configured to restrict passage of one or more objects having a size greater than the mesh size of the net, through it, and wherein the mesh size of the net is adjusted between the first predefined value and the second predefined value based on the size of the one or more objects to be restricted by the net.
4. The net as claimed in claim 3, wherein the one or more objects comprises any or a combination of insects, hail, and bird.
5. The net as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mesh size of the net is varied between the first predefined value and the second predefined value to adjust shade factor of the net within a predetermined range to control an amount of solar radiation allowed to pass through the net.
6. The net as claimed in claim 5, wherein predefined range of the shade factor provided by the net lies between 15 to 95%.
7. The net as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of mesh includes a plurality of loops having values of loop length and a distance between the

plurality of loops in a predetermined range to facilitate uniform dispersion of solar radiation through the net.
8. The net as claimed in claim 1, wherein the monofilament yarn is made of a first material selected from Crimped Polyester, and wherein the elastic yarn is made of a second material selected from Multifilament, PBT Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) fibre, HDPE, PP and Polyester.
9. The net as claimed in claim 1, wherein the net comprises one or more coupling elements configured at predefined positions on the net to facilitate configuration of the net over an area of interest (AOI).
10. The net as claimed in claim 1, wherein the net is adapted to be operatively coupled to an apparatus that is configured to apply the predetermined force on the net in the predetermined direction, to adjust the mesh size between the first predefined value and the second predefined value, and wherein the apparatus is adapted to be operated by any or a combination of an automated means and manual means.