Grapefruit tree girdling and peeling device
By designing a grapefruit tree girdling and peeling device with a flexible binding band and serrated teeth, the problems of inconvenient adjustment and insufficient stability in the existing technology have been solved, achieving precise girdling and efficient improvement of fruit quality.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ZHONGJIANG COUNTY YONGZHENG POMELO IND PROFESSIONAL COOP
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-29
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-15
AI Technical Summary
Existing grapefruit tree girdling and peeling tools are difficult to adjust quickly and accurately according to different branch diameters, and their stability is insufficient, affecting the girdling effect.
A device comprising a handle, a girdling blade, and a tightening strap was designed. The tightening strap is made of a flexible composite material and its diameter can be adjusted by the engagement of a pawl and a ratchet tooth. The girdling blade is detachable to ensure full contact with the tree trunk and adopts a hexagonal hollow structure to meet girdling standards.
It achieves convenient and precise diameter adjustment and stability, ensures consistent girdling depth and complete peeling, improves the efficiency and effectiveness of girdling, and meets the needs of refined cultivation and management of pomelo trees.
Smart Images

Figure CN224234293U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of fruit tree planting and maintenance tools, specifically to a device for girdling and peeling grapefruit trees. Background Technology
[0002] Grapefruit trees require girdling during their juvenile and mature stages. The purpose of girdling is to promote flower bud differentiation, preserve flowers and fruits, control tree vigor, and improve fruit quality. Promoting flower bud differentiation involves girdling blocking the transport of photosynthetic products to the roots, concentrating nutrients in the above-ground parts, increasing the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio in leaves, and stimulating the synthesis of hormones related to flower bud differentiation (such as cytokinins), thereby increasing the number and quality of flowers. Preserving flowers and fruits means that girdling during flowering reduces fruit drop, especially effective for varieties with low flower counts or low fruit set. By intercepting nutrients, it enhances the competitiveness of young fruits, inhibits summer shoot growth, and avoids competition for nutrients. Controlling tree vigor is beneficial for overly vigorous trees; girdling temporarily inhibits root activity, reduces water and nutrient absorption, moderates vegetative growth, and promotes reproductive growth. Improving fruit quality means that nutrients are prioritized for the fruit after girdling, increasing single fruit weight, improving taste, and reducing fruit cracking.
[0003] The standard for girdling is to perform the procedure 15-20 cm above the ground on the main trunk. For mature trees, main branches or lateral branches (2-4 cm in diameter) can be selected. Avoid girdling too low on the main trunk to prevent fungal infection. The girdling depth should cut through the phloem (bark) without damaging the xylem, adhering to the principle of "cutting the bark without damaging the wood." Cutting into the xylem may weaken the tree or even kill it. The girdling width is generally 0.2-0.3 cm, adjusted according to the tree's age (0.3 cm blades can be used for trees over 10 years old). The girdling should be a complete circle, avoiding spiral or semi-circular cuts, otherwise the effect will be poor.
[0004] In the cultivation and management of pomelo trees, girdling is an important cultivation technique. It temporarily hinders the downward transport of nutrients by cutting the bark of branches, thereby increasing fruit set and promoting flower bud differentiation. However, existing pomelo girdling tools have significant technical defects in practical application. First, because pomelo trees vary in age (old vs. young) and branch thickness varies considerably on the same tree, traditional girdling tools generally use fixed sizes or complex adjustment structures, making it difficult for operators to quickly and accurately adjust the tool according to different branch diameters. Second, some simple adjustment structures lack stability during use and are prone to loosening and displacement. Furthermore, since the trunk is not perfectly round, overly hard girdling blades cannot fully contact the trunk during rotation, affecting the girdling depth and the completeness of the peel, thus weakening the actual effect of the girdling technique. For example, scissor-type girders, which wrap around the trunk to achieve the cutting purpose, suffer damage due to inconsistent pressure and uneven trunk surface. Therefore, there is an urgent need to design a girdling and peeling tool that can be conveniently and precisely adjusted in diameter to adapt to different tree ages and branches of different thicknesses, in order to meet the needs of refined cultivation and management of pomelo trees. Utility Model Content
[0005] To address the aforementioned technical problems, the present invention aims to provide a device for girdling and peeling pomelo trees, which effectively solves the problems existing in the prior art. It exhibits numerous advantages in terms of diameter adjustment, stability, and girdling blade design, and can better meet the needs of refined cultivation and management of pomelo trees, thus possessing significant practical value.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this utility model is as follows:
[0007] A grapefruit tree girdling and peeling device includes a handle, a girdling blade, and a tightening strap. The handle is divided into a hand-held part and an operating part. The operating part has a C-shaped cross-section. The fastening end of the tightening strap is hinged to one end of the operating part. The movable end of the tightening strap is inserted into the locking end of the hole in the operating part and can freely move in and out of the locking end to expand or reduce the girdling diameter. The operating part also has a pawl that extends into the locking end of the hole to hold the tightening strap in place.
[0008] The tightening band is made of flexible composite material. On the outer side of the tightening band away from the trunk, there are ratchet teeth that cooperate with the pawl. The girdling knife is detachably installed on the tightening band. When the tightening band rotates, the cutting end of the girdling knife acts on the bark.
[0009] Furthermore, the operating part and the hand-held part are in the shape of a "7". The pawl is mounted on the upper end of the operating part through a pivot. The front end of the pawl extends into the interior of the locking end of the hole, and the tail end of the pawl extends backward and curves up to form a pressing pin.
[0010] Furthermore, a roller is installed at the lower end of the handheld part, and the radial surface of the roller is in contact with the surface of the tree trunk.
[0011] Furthermore, the ring cutter has a perforated hole in the middle of the tightening band near the fastening end of the tightening band. The ring cutter is embedded and detachably installed in the perforated hole. The cutting end of the ring cutter protrudes from the inner side of the tightening band, and the cutting edge of the ring cutter faces the same direction as the radial surface of the tightening band.
[0012] Furthermore, the ring cutter has a hexagonal hollow structure with a fixing block extending vertically at the top end, and the fixing block can be detachably fixed to the tightening strap.
[0013] Furthermore, the fixing block is provided with a strip-shaped fixing hole, and a bolt passes through the mounting hole on the tensioning band and the strip-shaped fixing hole to lock the ring cutter.
[0014] Furthermore, the cutting edge width of the circumferential cutter is 0.2-0.3 cm.
[0015] Furthermore, the circumferential cutting blades are arranged in two sets at a certain distance, and the distance between the two sets is less than the diameter of the tightening band.
[0016] The advantages of this utility model compared with the prior art are:
[0017] 1. This technology features a tightening band, with its fastening end hinged to one end of the operating unit. The movable end can be inserted into the locking end of the operating unit and move freely in and out, thereby expanding or reducing the circumferential diameter of the tightening band. Simultaneously, the operating unit is equipped with a ratchet, and the tightening band has ratchet teeth that engage with it. This structure allows the tightening band to be reliably adjusted to a suitable diameter, meeting the girdling needs of trees of different ages and branch thicknesses. Operators can quickly adjust the diameter simply by manipulating the movable end of the tightening band, making the operation convenient and precise, greatly improving the efficiency of girdling work.
[0018] 2. The tightening band is made of flexible composite material. This material's properties allow it to better conform to the shape of the tree trunk surface, ensuring full contact between the girdling knife and the trunk even on uneven surfaces. Furthermore, the coordinated design of the pawl and ratchet teeth effectively prevents the tightening band from loosening or shifting during use, ensuring the stability of the girdling process. This, in turn, guarantees consistent girdling depth and complete bark removal, allowing the girdling technique to fully exert its effects in promoting flower bud differentiation, preserving flowers and fruits, controlling tree vigor, and improving fruit quality.
[0019] 3. From the perspective of the installation and structural design of the girdling cutter, a perforated hole is provided in the middle of the tightening band near the fastening end. The girdling cutter is embedded and detachably installed in the perforated hole, with the cutting end protruding from the inner side of the tightening band, and the cutting edge facing the same direction as the radial surface of the tightening band. This design allows the girdling cutter to act on the bark at the optimal angle and position when the tightening band rotates around the trunk, improving the girdling effect. Simultaneously, the girdling cutter has a hexagonal perforated structure with a vertically extending fixing block at the top. The girdling cutter is locked by bolts passing through the mounting holes on the tightening band and the strip-shaped fixing holes on the fixing block, facilitating the disassembly and replacement of the girdling cutter. When the girdling cutter becomes worn or damaged, the operator can replace it promptly, ensuring the smooth progress of the girdling work. In addition, the cutting edge width of the circumcision blade is 0.2-0.3 cm, which meets the requirements for circumcision width in the circumcision standard. Furthermore, two sets are set at a certain distance, and the distance between the two sets is less than the diameter of the tightening band. This design enables more efficient circumcision in one operation, further improving work efficiency. Attached Figure Description
[0020] Figure 1 A top view of the structure with the tightening strap and handle in the loosened state;
[0021] Figure 2 A top view of the structure with the tightening strap and handle in a locked, wrapped position;
[0022] Figure 3 A top view of the structure where the tightening straps and handles act on the trunk and are in a locked, embracing state;
[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of a device for girdling and peeling pomelo trees, where AA is a magnified view of a portion at point A.
[0024] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the main structure of a grapefruit tree girdling and peeling device applied to the trunk. Detailed Implementation
[0025] To make the technical means, creative features, objectives and effects of this utility model easier to understand, the present utility model will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments.
[0026] like Figure 1 — Figure 5The illustrated grapefruit tree girdling and peeling device includes a handle 1, a girdling knife 2, and a tightening strap 3. The handle 1 is divided into a hand-held part 11 and an operating part 12. The operating part 12 has a C-shaped cross-section. The fastening end of the tightening strap 3 is hinged to one end of the operating part 12. The movable end of the tightening strap 3 is inserted into the locking end 12-1 of the hole in the operating part 12. This hole is a through hole that runs from front to back, making it convenient for the tightening strap 3 to pass through from the front and out from the back. When the tightening strap 3 is long and the trunk is thin, it is convenient for the tightening strap 3 to freely enter and exit the locking end 12-1 to expand or reduce the girdling diameter. In this way, regardless of the thickness of the trunk, the flexible tightening strap can be used to hold the trunk for girdling. In addition, in order to tighten the bent environmentally friendly tree trunk, the operating part 12 is also provided with a pawl 4 that extends into the locking end 12-1 of the hole to lock the tightening belt. In this way, the tightening belt can be locked when the environmentally friendly tree trunk is cut, so that the girdling knife 2 acts on the tree trunk and cuts the bark.
[0027] The tightening band 3 is made of flexible composite material, which has high strength and toughness and is not easily damaged or broken. On the outer side wall of the tightening band away from the trunk, there are ratchet teeth 31 that cooperate with the pawl 4. The ring cutter 2 is detachably installed on the tightening band 3. When the tightening band 3 rotates, the cutting end 21 of the ring cutter 2 acts on the bark.
[0028] Specifically, the operating part 12 and the handheld part 11 are in the shape of a "7", with a preferred angle of 120°-150°. The handheld part 11 extends vertically downward, and the operating part 12 extends horizontally, so that the operator's wrist can be naturally extended when holding it, reducing fatigue. The handheld part 11 is covered with a non-slip rubber sleeve, and the surface is textured to enhance grip stability. The operating part is made of aluminum alloy.
[0029] The pawl 4 is hinged to the top of the operating part via a stainless steel pivot with a diameter of 2-3 mm and a wear-resistant coating. The front end of the pawl 4 extends into the interior of the locking end 12-1, meaning the front end of the pawl 4 is hook-shaped with a 60° angle, fully engaging with the ratchet teeth 31 on the outer side of the tightening band 3. The tail end of the pawl 4 extends backward and forms a pressing pin 41 with a knurled surface for easy unlocking by pressing with a finger. A spring reset device (miniature compression spring) is provided inside the operating part 12 to ensure that the pawl always remains in contact with the ratchet teeth, preventing loosening. In the released state: pressing the pin at the tail end of the pawl separates the pawl from the ratchet teeth, and pulling the movable end of the tightening band allows for free adjustment of the encircling diameter. In the locked state: releasing the pin causes the pawl to engage with the ratchet teeth under the action of the spring, achieving one-way locking and preventing the tightening band from springing back during circumferential cutting.
[0030] The lower end of the handheld part 11 is equipped with a roller 6 via a miniature bearing. The radial surface of the roller 6 is in contact with the surface of the trunk 7, forming a stable three-point support (roller, tightening band, and cutting point) with the cutting end of the ring cutter 2, reducing shaking during operation.
[0031] The ring cutter 2 is located near the fastening end of the tightening band 3. A hollow hole is provided in the middle part of the tightening band 3. The ring cutter 2 is embedded and detachably installed in the hollow hole. The cutting end 21 of the ring cutter 2 protrudes from the inner side of the tightening band, and the cutting edge of the ring cutter 2 faces the same direction as the radial surface of the tightening band.
[0032] The inner side of the tightening strap 3 is attached with a silicone buffer strip and the surface is decorated with honeycomb-shaped pits to increase friction while avoiding damage to the bark. It is suitable for the tender branches of young trees.
[0033] The girdling blade 2 has a hexagonal hollow structure with a vertically extending fixing block 22 at the top end. The fixing block 22 is detachably fixed to the tensioning strap 3. The fixing block has a strip-shaped fixing hole 22-1, through which a bolt passes to the mounting hole on the tensioning strap and the strip-shaped fixing hole to lock the girdling blade. The radial position of the blade is finely adjusted through the strip-shaped hole to ensure that the cutting end (cutting edge) completely cuts into the bark.
[0034] The cutting end 21 of the girdling knife 2 has a width of 0.2-0.3 cm. The cutting end of the girdling knife protrudes 1.5-2 mm from the inner side of the tightening band. This size is smaller than the thickness of the bark (the bark of an adult tree is 2-3 mm thick). Combined with the flexible fit of the tightening band 3, it ensures that "the bark is cut without damaging the wood".
[0035] The girders 2 are arranged in two sets at a certain distance, with the distance between the two sets being less than the diameter of the tightening band. Using a single set of girders with a silicone buffer layer, the cutting depth is 1-1.5mm, suitable for young trees; using a double set of girders, adjusting the tightening band to fit snugly, the cutting depth is 1.5-2mm, suitable for mature trees.
[0036] The operating steps are as follows: First, adjust the diameter. Wrap the tensioning band around the tree trunk, pull the movable end through the hole, adjust to the appropriate diameter, and release the locking pin. Second, prepare for cutting. Ensure the rollers are in contact with the tree trunk, hold the handle with both hands, and rotate the device clockwise at a constant speed (approximately 15-20 rpm). A single ring cutter will complete one rotation for cutting, while a double ring cutter will complete half a rotation for ring cutting. Third, disassemble and reset. Press the locking pin to unlock the tensioning band, remove the device, and repeat step one for the next tree trunk. Carefully observe the cutting edge of the ring cutter and replace it frequently.
[0037] The above provides a detailed description of the grapefruit tree girdling and peeling device provided by this utility model. The specific embodiments are described only to help understand the method and core idea of this utility model. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications to this utility model without departing from its principles, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.
Claims
1. A device for girdling and peeling grapefruit trees, comprising a handle and a girdling blade, characterized in that: It also includes a tension strap. The handle is divided into a handheld part and an operating part. The operating part has a C-shaped cross-section. The fastening end of the tension strap is hinged to one end of the operating part. The movable end of the tension strap is inserted into the locking end of the hole in the operating part and can freely move in and out of the locking end to expand or reduce the wrapping diameter of the tension strap. The operating part is also provided with a pawl that extends into the locking end to lock the tension strap. The tightening band is made of flexible composite material. On the outer side of the tightening band away from the trunk, there are ratchet teeth that cooperate with the pawl. The girdling knife is detachably installed on the tightening band. When the tightening band rotates, the cutting end of the girdling knife acts on the bark.
2. The grapefruit tree girdling and peeling device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The operating part and the hand-held part are in the shape of a "7". The pawl is mounted on the upper end of the operating part through a rotating shaft. The front end of the pawl extends into the interior of the locking end of the hole, and the tail end of the pawl extends backward and is raised to form a pressing pin.
3. The grapefruit tree girdling and peeling device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The lower end of the handheld part is equipped with a roller, and the radial surface of the roller is in contact with the surface of the tree trunk.
4. The grapefruit tree girdling and peeling device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ring cutter is located near the fastening end of the tightening band. A perforated hole is provided in the middle of the tightening band. The ring cutter is embedded and detachably installed in the perforated hole. The cutting end of the ring cutter protrudes from the inner side of the tightening band, and the cutting edge of the ring cutter faces the same direction as the radial surface of the tightening band.
5. The grapefruit tree girdling and peeling device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The ring cutter has a hexagonal hollow structure with a fixing block extending vertically from the top end. The fixing block can be detachably fixed to the tightening strap.
6. The grapefruit tree girdling and peeling device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The fixing block has a strip-shaped fixing hole, and a bolt passes through the mounting hole on the tensioning band and the strip-shaped fixing hole to lock the ring cutter.
7. The grapefruit tree girdling and peeling device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The cutting edge width of the circumferential cutter is 0.2-0.3 cm.
8. The grapefruit tree girdling and peeling device according to any one of claims 4-7, characterized in that: The circumferential cutting blades are arranged in two sets at a certain distance, and the distance between the two sets is less than the diameter of the tightening band.