System and method for constructing a barrier impassable to burrowing animals

Abstract

System for constructing a barrier in the ground that is impassable for burrowing animals, in particular beavers, comprising a blade element (9) that can be pressed into the ground (8) and having a cutting edge (10), and at least one barrier element (12, 19) that can be detachably attached to the blade element (9) to form a barrier in the ground, wherein the at least one barrier element (12, 19) is angled at a lower end (13) and wherein the angled end (13) of the at least one barrier element (12, 19) in a state attached to the blade element (9) encompasses the cutting edge (10) of the blade element (9).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a system and a method for erecting a barrier in the ground that is impassable for burrowing animals, in particular beavers or muskrats.

[0002] The present invention is particularly used for bank reinforcements and embankments as protection against damage caused by burrowing animals.

[0003] Due to the rapid spread of the beaver in Central Europe, extensive measures are now necessary to protect earthen dams, roads and riverbanks from damage. Field paths or agricultural land are often located next to ditches. In areas populated by beavers, it is common for the beaver to dig tubes into the embankment below the water surface. These tubes usually begin below the water surface and end above it. It is in this area above the water surface that the beaver often builds its home. Above these ditches and tunnels created by the beavers, the ground often collapses, particularly when the ground is under pressure. This in turn means that riverbanks where field paths or other agricultural land are located must be constantly rehabilitated.

[0004] Various state-of-the-art measures are already known to provide protection against burrowing animals. For example, installing protective mesh in ditches is a known practice. However, this is not a practical solution, as ditches must be regularly cleared of vegetation with a mower. Such protective mesh is disruptive.

[0005] Another well-known measure is to excavate the grass base of the ditch slope to a depth of approximately 20 cm and install a protective grid down to the bottom of the watercourse. The vegetation layer is then re-installed. However, this procedure is very laborious and costly.

[0006] From the publication DE 20 2015 105 518 U1, a device for repelling burrowing animals is known. It consists of a metal grid that can be arranged or is arranged on the embankment of a water-bearing channel, an anchoring device, and a means for preventing the metal grid from being lifted from the embankment. The anchoring device prevents the metal grid from moving downward. However, such protective grids can easily be undermined by the animals being repelled.

[0007] EP 3 696 328 A1 describes a device for installing vertical burrowing animal protection grids, in particular for bank reinforcements and embankments, as protection against damage caused by burrowing animals, consisting of two coupled shaped sheets which can accommodate protective grids or mats.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide an efficient protection of bank reinforcements and embankments against burrowing animals such as beavers, muskrats and other pests in a simple and quick manner.

[0009] This object is achieved according to the invention by a system having the features of claim 1 and by a method having the features of claim 8.

[0010] The blade element of the system according to the invention can be used to create an opening, in particular a gap, at a desired depth in the ground. At least one blocking element can be releasably fixed to the blade element of the system according to the invention to form a barrier in the ground. Due to the fact that the at least one blocking element is angled at a lower end and the angled end of the blocking element engages around the cutting edge of the blade element, the latter can be pressed into the ground when the blade element is pressed in. Once the blocking element has reached the desired depth in the ground, the blade element can be pulled out of the ground again without the blocking element also being pulled out.The angled end of the at least one blocking element has a type of barb which causes the lower end of the blocking element to hook into the ground so that the blocking element remains in the ground when the blade element is pulled out of the ground.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention, the blade element is in the form of a cutting plate, which can preferably be coupled to a commercial vehicle, such as an excavator. In this embodiment, which can be coupled to a commercial vehicle, the force of the vehicle can be used to press the blade element into the ground. For this purpose, a vibration module can further facilitate the pressing into the ground. Preferably, the cutting edge is designed as a cutting bevel. This makes the blade element even easier to press into the ground. Preferably, the system according to the invention comprises a plurality of elongated, in particular rod-shaped barrier elements, which can be independent of one another, for example as individual rods. However, the elongated barrier elements can also be connected to one another, for example as a grid mat.Both designs are cost-effective to produce, easy to handle and gentle on animals.

[0012] In addition to the above-mentioned embodiments of shut-off elements, it is also possible for the at least one shut-off element to be a bent plate, in particular a perforated sheet plate.

[0013] Advantageously, the at least one shut-off element is made at least partially of metal and can be attached to the blade element by magnetic force. For this purpose, at least one magnet can be provided on the blade element or on the shut-off element. Attaching the shut-off element to the blade element by magnetism has several advantages. Firstly, it allows for quick and easy fixation of the shut-off element to the blade element in the optimal position. Furthermore, the magnetic connection can be released when the blade element is pulled out of the ground by simply separating the elements, without having to loosen any mechanical connections.

[0014] Preferably, recesses, such as notches, are provided in the cutting edge of the blade element. These recesses are particularly advantageous for the aforementioned rod-shaped blocking elements. These can be inserted into the notches with their angled ends. This prevents the rod-shaped blocking elements from shifting laterally when pressed into the ground. The notches also have the advantage that the blocking elements arranged there always have the same distance from one another.

[0015] Advantageously, the angled end of the at least one blocking element forms an angle α of less than 90°, preferably approximately 30° to 60°. Such an angled end of the blocking element acts particularly well as a barb in the soil.

[0016] The method according to the invention comprises the following steps: a) arranging at least one shut-off element on a blade element such that a lower end of the shut-off element engages around a cutting edge of the blade element; b) pressing the blade element with the at least one shut-off element into the ground to a desired depth; c) Pulling the blade element out of the ground without the shut-off element.

[0017] The at least one barrier element can be a bent plate, in particular a perforated sheet. Preferably, however, a plurality of elongated, in particular rod-shaped barrier elements are arranged on the blade element. These can also be connected to one another and be in the form of a grid mat.

[0018] Advantageously, at least one blocking element is fixed to the blade element by magnetic force. This provides the advantages already outlined above.

[0019] In a further development of the system according to the invention, the at least one blocking element is formed from a continuous material, e.g., from a round steel roll. The material of the blocking element is first bent or angled at its free end using a bending tool such that it engages the cutting edge of the blade element. The blocking element thus formed is then pressed into the ground with the blade element. Before reaching the desired depth in the ground, the blocking element is cut to length at an upper end using a cutting tool.

[0020] Typically, the blade element is pushed further into the soil until the shut-off element is completely submerged. Then, another shut-off element can be created using the above procedure.

[0021] Further features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the drawings and the subclaims. The individual features may be implemented individually or in combination with one another.

[0022] The drawings show: Fig. 1: a schematic representation of a prior art burrowing animal protection system; Fig. 2: a system according to the invention in a still disassembled state; Fig. 3: the system of Fig. 1 in assembled state; Fig. 4: a side view of the system from Fig. 2; Fig. 5: another example of a shut-off element; Fig. 6: an auxiliary device for arranging the shut-off elements of Fig. 1 to the blade element of Fig. 1.

[0023] Fig. Figure 1 shows a system 1 according to the invention in a disassembled state. It schematically shows a ditch 1 with water 2 and a tunnel 3 dug by a beaver with adjoining beaver lodge 4. As in Fig. 1, the beaver digs a tunnel below the water surface into the embankment 5 of the ditch 1. The tunnel 3 initially runs essentially vertically and then upwards so that the end of the tunnel and the burrow 4 are above the water surface. This has the advantage for the beaver that the water 2 closes off the burrow 4. The construction of such tunnels and burrows makes the embankment area of ​​the ditch 1 very unstable, which often leads to it collapsing, particularly if there are forest roads or the like in the bank area. In order to prevent the beaver from building such tunnels and burrows, it is known from the state of the art to position, for example, perforated plates 6 or grates in the embankment area. To do this, a corresponding gap is usually first made in the ground. The perforated plate 6 or grate is then inserted.This is very laborious and often has the disadvantage that the gap collapses again immediately after it has been created because soil penetrates into it from the side.

[0024] Based on the embodiments described below and the Fig. The invention will now be explained in more detail in Figures 2 to 6.

[0025] Fig. Figure 2 shows a system 7 according to the invention in a disassembled state. The system 7 comprises a blade element in the form of a cutting plate 9 with a cutting edge 10 that can be pressed into the soil 8. The cutting plate 9 has a receiving device 11 for coupling to an excavator arm.

[0026] The system 7 further comprises a plurality of barrier rods 12 that can be releasably attached to the cutting plate 9 to form a barrier in the ground 8. Both the cutting plate 9 and the barrier rods 12 are made of steel. The barrier rods 12 are angled at their lower end 13. Thus, each barrier rod 12 comprises a base section 14 and a short hook section 15 projecting from the base section 14. The base section 14 is connected to the hook section 15 via a rounded connecting section 16.

[0027] The Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 show the system 7 in the assembled state. In this state, the locking rods 12 are attached to the cutting plate 9. The lower end 13 of each locking rod 12 engages the cutting edge 10 of the cutting plate 9. This engagement of the cutting edge 10 is shown in Fig. 4 clearly visible.

[0028] The base section 14 of a barrier rod 12 forms an angle α of approximately 50° with the hook section 15.

[0029] In the area of ​​the cutting edge 10 of the cutting plate 9, several indentations 17 are provided at equal distances from one another. Above each indentation 17, two magnets 18 are arranged one above the other on the cutting plate 9 (wherein Fig. 2 only a pair of magnets are shown). It is precisely the combination of the indentations 17 and the magnets 18 that enables an extremely simple and efficient fixation of the locking bars 12 to the cutting plate 9. Thus, the respective locking bars 12 only need to be inserted into the indentations 17 with their lower ends, so that the cutting edge 10 in the area of ​​the indentations 17 is encompassed by the lower ends 13 of the locking bars 12. Furthermore, only the respective base section 14 of a locking bar 12 needs to be brought into contact with the magnets 18 to ensure a good hold on the cutting plate 9. This is shown in Fig. 3 clearly visible.

[0030] It is also conceivable that, instead of magnets, a mechanical connection could hold the barrier elements in place until they are partially buried in the ground. Once the barrier elements are partially buried, the soil will fix the barrier elements to the blade element, which will then secure the barrier elements to the blade element.

[0031] To carry out the method according to the invention with the aid of the system 7, the procedure is as follows. First, the barrier rods 12 are arranged on the cutting plate 9 as described above. Then, the cutting plate 9, with the cutting edge 10 facing forward and the barrier rods 12 arranged on the cutting edge 9, is pressed into the soil 8 to the desired depth. As soon as the cutting plate 9 has reached the desired depth, it is withdrawn from the ground. When the cutting plate 9 is withdrawn, the barrier rods 12 hook into the ground with their hook-shaped ends 13. Due to the fact that the cutting plate 9 is not connected to the barrier rods 12 mechanically, but only magnetically, the cutting plate can be easily detached from the barrier rods 12 when withdrawn from the ground.With the barrier rods 12 remaining in the ground, an effective barrier is created in the ground, which can hardly be passed by burrowing animals, especially beavers.

[0032] Fig. Figure 5 shows another example of a barrier element in the form of a grid mat 19. The grid mat 19 also includes barrier rods 12 that can be inserted vertically into the ground and are connected to each other via cross braces 20. Such a barrier element is particularly impenetrable to burrowing animals.

[0033] Fig. 6 shows a support frame 21 for holding the barrier rods 12 of the system of Fig.2. With the help of this frame 21, the barrier rods can already be brought into the appropriate position for arrangement on the cutting plate 9. For this purpose, the frame 21 has a holding plate 22 with notches 23. These notches 23 are spaced the same distance apart as the indentations 17 in the cutting plate 9. By arranging the lower ends 13 of the barrier rods 12 in the notches 23 and fixing the base sections 14 of the barrier rods 12 to a fixing bar 24 of the frame 21 using magnets 25, the barrier rods 12 can be fixed together and simultaneously to the cutting plate 9. The frame 21 also has two handles 26.

Claims

[1] System for erecting a barrier in the ground that is impassable for burrowing animals, in particular beavers, comprising a blade element (9) that can be pressed into the ground (8) and has a cutting edge (10), and at least one blocking element (12, 19) that can be releasably fastened to the blade element (9) to form a barrier in the ground, wherein the at least one blocking element (12, 19) is angled at a lower end (13) and wherein the angled end (13) of the at least one blocking element (12, 19) engages around the cutting edge (10) of the blade element (9) when fastened to the blade element (9). [2] System according to claim 1, characterized by that the blade element is in the form of a cutting plate (9) which can preferably be coupled to a commercial vehicle, such as an excavator, wherein the cutting edge (10) is preferably designed as a cutting bevel. [3] System according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized byin that it comprises a plurality of elongated, in particular rod-shaped barrier elements (12), which can be independent of one another or connected to one another as a grid mat (19). [4] System according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by that the at least one shut-off element is a bent plate, in particular a perforated sheet plate. [5] System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the at least one shut-off element (12, 19) is made at least partially of metal and can be fastened to the blade element (9) by means of magnetic force. [6] System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that recesses (17), such as notches, indentations or the like, are provided in the cutting edge (10) of the blade element (9). [7] System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the angled end (13) of the at least one shut-off element (12, 19) encloses an angle α of less than 90°, preferably of approximately 30° to 60°. [8] Method for erecting a barrier in the ground that is impassable for wild animals, in particular beavers, using a system according to one of claims 1 to 7, comprising the following steps: a) arranging at least one blocking element (12, 19) on a blade element (9) such that a lower end (13) of the blocking element (12, 19) engages around a cutting edge (10) of the blade element (9); b) pressing the blade element (9) with the at least one blocking element (12, 19) into the ground (8) to a desired depth; c) Pulling out the blade element (9) without the shut-off element (12, 19) from the ground (8). [9] Method according to claim 8, characterized bythat a plurality of elongated, in particular rod-shaped blocking elements (12) are arranged on the blade element (9), which can be independent of one another or connected to one another as a grid mat (19). [10] Method according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterized by that the at least one blocking element (12, 19) is fastened to the blade element (9) by means of magnetic force, wherein at least one magnet (18) is preferably arranged on the blade element. [11] Method according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the at least one blocking element (12, 19) is formed from a continuous material, e.g. from a round steel roll, wherein the material of the blocking element (12, 19) is first folded or angled at its free end with a bending tool in such a way that it engages around the cutting edge (10) of the blade element (9), wherein the blocking element (12, 19) thus formed is pressed into the ground with the blade element (9), wherein the blocking element (12, 19) is cut to length at an upper end with the aid of a cutting tool before reaching the desired depth and wherein the blade element (9) is then preferably pressed further into the ground until the blocking element (12, 19) is completely in the ground.

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