Saatband

Abstract

A seed strip (1) for delimiting a lawn area (100) to be mowed with a lawnmower (200) is proposed, comprising a carrier layer (10) for carrying seed (21, 22, 23) with a length (L) extending in a longitudinal direction (80) of the seed strip (1), and a first seed (21) containing seeds from a first group of plants (31), and a second seed (22) containing seeds from a second group of plants (32) that differ from the plants (31) of the first group, wherein the carrier layer (10) has a first longitudinal section (11) extending in the longitudinal direction (80) in which the first seed (21) is arranged, in particular in a planar distribution, and the carrier layer (10) has a second longitudinal section (12) extending in the longitudinal direction (80) in which the second seed (22) is arranged, in particular in a planar distribution.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a seed strip for bordering a lawn area to be mowed with a lawnmower.

[0002] Lawns are typically bordered by edging made of wood, stone, plastic, or metal, separating the lawn from flowerbeds, rock gardens, paths, or similar features. This edging is either installed flush with the surface or protrudes above it. A disadvantage of the latter is that mowing the lawn inevitably leaves an uncut strip of grass along the edge. This can be removed afterward with a string trimmer. While flush-mounted edging made of paving slabs can be driven over, largely avoiding uncut strips, these edgings heat up considerably in the sun, leading to increased drying of the adjacent lawn edges.

[0003] The task, therefore, is to provide an improved boundary for a lawn area to be mowed with a lawnmower, taking into account the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0004] The object of the invention is achieved by a seed tape comprising a carrier layer for carrying seed, having a length extending in a longitudinal direction of the seed tape, and a first seed containing seeds from a first group of plants, and a second seed containing seeds from a second group of plants that differ from the plants of the first group, wherein the carrier layer has a longitudinally extending first longitudinal section in which the first seed is arranged, in particular in a planar distribution, and the carrier layer has a longitudinally extending second longitudinal section in which the second seed is arranged, in particular in a planar distribution. The first longitudinal section is designed to be located closer to the lawn area than the second longitudinal section.

[0005] Seed tapes are a known technology for simplifying the cultivation of vegetables, flowers, or similar plants. To define the boundaries of a lawn area to be mowed with a lawnmower, the seed tape is laid on the ground and positioned along the edge of the lawn. If the edge is straight, the length of the seed tape runs parallel to the edge of the lawn. The seeds, arranged on or within the backing layer of the seed tape, begin to germinate when watered, and after a certain period, plants develop. The distribution and type of seeds in the seed tape determine the vegetation cover. If the seeds are rather large and scattered, i.e., spaced relatively far apart, a thin, localized vegetation will result.If, on the other hand, the seeds are distributed evenly, meaning across the entire area at relatively close intervals, especially less than 2 cm, and particularly less than 1 cm, a dense, even covering will develop. Even with a less dense distribution of seeds in the seed strip, it is possible to achieve dense coverage over time as the plants spread across the soil. For a lawn's perimeter, it is advantageous if the seeds are distributed evenly, allowing for rapid and dense growth. This dense, even covering can then be easily mowed with the lawnmower wheel. Simultaneously, the vegetation provides ground cover, protecting the soil from drying out in strong sunlight. This also reduces the tendency for the lawn's edges to dry out.

[0006] Various carrier layers are known in the prior art that can be used for seed tape. For example, a paper fleece or similar compostable and water-retaining material can be used. The carrier layer can also contain fertilizer and other substances that promote germination and plant growth.

[0007] It is specifically designed that the vegetation in the first longitudinal section is also mowed when the lawn is mowed, and that the vegetation in the second longitudinal section is either not mowed or only mowed on a portion facing the first longitudinal section. By arranging a first seed mixture in the first longitudinal section of the support layer and a second seed mixture in the second longitudinal section, the properties of the vegetation can be adapted to different requirements. In one embodiment, the first group of plants and the second group of plants differ in their growth rate and / or height and / or tolerance to cutting and / or their ability to stand upright. The first and second groups of plants can also differ in their resistance to crushing by the lawnmower wheels.Good tolerance to pruning is characterized in particular by rapid sprouting from the cut shoot, the formation of leaves below the cutting height, and the formation of a ground-level rosette of leaves or runners.

[0008] The vegetation in the second longitudinal section exhibits a slower growth rate and / or a lower height than the vegetation in the first longitudinal section, meaning it requires little to no mowing. If the seed strip is positioned between the lawn area and an obstacle such as a wall, tree, or similar structure, the first longitudinal section is within reach of the lawnmower. At least part of the second longitudinal section lies so close to the obstacle that the mower cannot reach and therefore cannot cut it. The height of the vegetation in the second longitudinal section, which cannot be mowed, is naturally limited by the amount of seed used.

[0009] In one embodiment, the first group of plants comprises grasses, in particular stand-forming grasses, for example Poa pratensis (meadow bluegrass), Poa angustifolia (narrow-leaved bluegrass), Agrostis capillaris L. (red bentgrass), Festuca guestfalica (ovina) (sheep's fescue).

[0010] The second group of plants includes in particular Trifolium (clover), Anthemis arvensis L. (field chamomile), Anthemis tinctoria (dyer's chamomile) and Barbarea vulgaris (Barbara herb).

[0011] In one embodiment, the second longitudinal section contains fewer seeds of the first group of plants per unit area than the first longitudinal section; in particular, the second longitudinal section is essentially free of seeds of the first group of plants. In this way, grass growth develops only in the first longitudinal section, i.e., adjacent to the lawn area, which, due to its growth, must be regularly mowed together with the lawn area by the lawnmower.

[0012] In one embodiment, the carrier layer has a third longitudinal section extending in the longitudinal direction, in which a third seed mixture, comprising seeds of a third group of plants, is arranged, in particular distributed over a surface area. The first seed mixture, the second seed mixture, and the third seed mixture differ with respect to the plants that will grow from the seeds they contain. The third longitudinal section is positioned further away from the lawn area than the second longitudinal section and, in particular, forms the outermost longitudinal section of the carrier layer. The third longitudinal section lies furthest from the lawn area to be bordered by the seed tape. The third longitudinal section is not driven over when the lawn is mowed.The plants in the third group are primarily low to medium-height flowering plants such as Agrostemma githago (corncockle), Papaver rhoeas (common poppy), Glebionis segetum (corn daisy), Calendula officinalis (marigold), and Malva sylvestris (common mallow). This third seed mix features a complete flowering component, at least some of which consists of perennial species. The species used originate primarily from arable weeds and ruderal vegetation. The third longitudinal section, in particular, can specifically increase the biodiversity of the typically low-biodiversity lawn area. This can be observed, for example, through an increased influx of hymenopterans and other insects.

[0013] Lawn mowers are available in different cutting widths to be optimally suited to the size of the lawn. In many cases, lawn mowers have a cutting width of 18 cm to 40 cm. Accordingly, lawn mowers often have a housing width of 24 cm to 60 cm. Since a gap must be maintained between the outer cutting edge of the blade and the outer edge of the housing, the housing width is greater than the cutting width. This distance between the outer cutting edge and the outer edge of the housing is typically between 3 cm and 10 cm for lawn mowers, especially self-propelled models.

[0014] Because the second longitudinal section is positioned between the first and third longitudinal sections, the relatively tall vegetation of the third longitudinal section is not pushed to the ground by the lawnmower housing and wheel. This non-cutting area of ​​the lawnmower, between the outer edge of the housing and the cutting mechanism, instead only cuts over the second longitudinal section. In this way, a neat and tidy edge to the lawn is easily achieved.

[0015] After laying the seed tape to define the lawn area, it is possible, for example, to teach an autonomous lawnmower the new mowing boundary. In one embodiment, the seed tape includes a guide element and / or a marker, particularly for positioning the guide element. The guide element can be a boundary wire that is already fixed in or on the seed tape, or that is laid on and / or directly next to the seed tape along a marker after the seed tape has been laid, or that is laid under or directly next to the seed tape along a marker before the seed tape has been laid. The autonomous lawnmower has a sensor for detecting the boundary wire and is controlled, in particular, to mow the edge of the lawn along the guide element.The new mowing boundary can be programmed either by the operator initially driving the lawnmower along the marked line, or by the lawnmower doing so independently through camera recognition of the line. Other methods of recognizing the line and transmitting this information to the lawnmower are also possible. Such navigation methods for autonomous lawnmowers are familiar to experts.

[0016] The distance between the guide marker or marking and an outer edge of the seed tape is greater than the width of the lawnmower housing on the side facing away from the lawn area and beyond the guide marker. To ensure sufficient clearance between the guide marker and the outer edge, the width of the seed tape measured perpendicular to its length must be at least half the width of the lawnmower housing. Depending on the size of the lawnmower, the width of the seed tape is therefore often at least 12 cm to 30 cm. This ensures that even if the seed tape is laid directly next to obstacles such as trees or walls, the lawnmower housing will not collide with them. The guide marker or marking is positioned in / on the seed tape.The marking makes it easier to define the path of the lawnmower, especially the laying of the boundary wire, since the seed tape already defines the distance and the use of a separate measuring device for correctly setting the distance can be dispensed with.

[0017] To ensure that the first longitudinal section is mowed across its entire width, the guide or marker is positioned on the seed belt such that an outer cutting edge of the mower blade extends at least to or into the second longitudinal section. Specifically, the guide or marker has a maximum distance to the second longitudinal section that is no more than half the cutting width of the mower blade. Depending on the size of the lawnmower, the maximum distance between the guide and / or marker and the second longitudinal section is therefore often between 9 cm and 20 cm.

[0018] For autonomous lawnmowers that operate without a boundary wire, the guiding element can also be another means recognizable by the lawnmower itself or by a person or machine controlling the lawnmower during a learning process. This means the mower travels along the seed strip in such a way that the outer cutting edge of its cutting mechanism extends into the second longitudinal section by a selected overlap length. The overlap length ensures that vegetation in the first longitudinal section that has fallen over and / or transitions into the second longitudinal section is still cut.

[0019] Especially when establishing new lawns, using a seed tape prevents grass seed from being sown right up against obstacles. The seed tape is placed against the obstacle, and its second longitudinal section bridges the area that cannot be mowed with the lawnmower. The width of this second longitudinal section of the support layer is therefore at least as wide as the area that cannot be mowed. The minimum width of this area is determined by the distance between the outer edge of the lawnmower housing and the outer cutting edge of the blades. To prevent the housing from contacting the obstacle and / or creating tracks, the lawnmower can drive in alternating, laterally offset passes, which are further away from the obstacle than the minimum width of the area that cannot be mowed.Depending on the size of the lawnmower, the width of the second longitudinal section of the seed strip, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, is in many cases at least between 8 cm and 15 cm.

[0020] Further features of the invention will become apparent from the description and the drawing, which shows exemplary embodiments of the invention described in detail below. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a seed tape in a top view according to a first embodiment, Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a seed tape in a top view according to a second embodiment, Fig. 3 A schematic side view of an autonomous lawnmower for mowing a lawn area, Fig. 4 A schematic top view of a lawn area with a seed tape and lawnmower attached to it. Fig. 3, Fig. 5 a schematic side view of the elevation profile from Fig. 4.

[0021] The Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows the structure of a seed tape 1 according to the invention. The seed tape 1 has a carrier layer 10, which in the exemplary embodiment is formed by a paper fleece. The paper fleece carries seeds that germinate after continuous irrigation and from which plants 31, 32, 33 develop over time. The carrier layer 10 has a length L, which extends in the longitudinal direction 80 of the carrier layer 10. The length L forms the greatest dimension of the seed tape 1. The length L of the seed tape 1 is at least 2 m, in particular at least 10 m. In this way, the seed tape 1 can be laid quickly, in particular rolled out. Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows a section of the seed tape 1, which continues in the same way in the longitudinal direction 80. In the exemplary embodiment, the carrier layer 10 has three longitudinal sections 11, 12, 13 extending in the longitudinal direction 80.

[0022] In this application, the first longitudinal section 11 abuts the lawn area 100 with an inner edge 5. Grass seeds are distributed evenly across the paper fleece in this first longitudinal section 11. The grass seeds are suitably identical to those already present in the lawn area 100. This ensures a seamless connection between the seed tape 1 and the lawn area 100. In the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 1. A marking 50 is provided on the inner edge 5 of the seed tape 1, at which the guide element 51, for example a boundary wire, is laid after the seed tape 1 has been laid. In the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. In the second embodiment, the guide element 51 is already integrated into the seed belt 1, thus eliminating the need for subsequent installation. Furthermore, the seed belts of the first and second embodiments are identical. The width b1 of the first longitudinal section 11 is dimensioned such that an autonomous lawnmower 200 traveling along the guide element 51 can, with its outer cutting edge 221 ( Fig. 3) extends beyond the first longitudinal section 11. In this way, the grass growth 31 of the first longitudinal section 11 can be completely mowed. To prevent the formation of ruts over time, the lawnmower 200 may be designed to travel offset from the regular track by approximately one wheel width, as shown in Fig. Figure 4 shows this. This must be taken into account when choosing the width b1 of the first longitudinal section 11.

[0023] In the exemplary embodiment, the second longitudinal section 12 borders directly on the first longitudinal section 11 and is bordered by a non-intersecting area c ( Fig. 3) of the lawnmower 200. In the second longitudinal section 12, in the exemplary embodiment, seeds of Anthemis arvensis L. (field chamomile), Anthemis tinctoria (dyer's chamomile), and Barbarea vulgaris (St. Barbara's weed) are contained, in particular distributed over a surface area. However, only one or two varieties of seeds or seeds of other flowering plants 32 with a low growth height h2 and good uprighting ability could also be used. In this way, the vegetation 32 of the second longitudinal section 12 can easily right itself again after the lawnmower housing or wheel 240 has passed over it. Due to the dense vegetation 32, the wheel 240 has a firm grip and also does not become muddy when the soil 110 is still moist. The width b2 of the second longitudinal section 12 is chosen such that the lawnmower 200, when traveling along the guide medium 51, still lies completely within the second longitudinal section 12 with its outer housing edge 210.In this way, the lawnmower 200 automatically maintains a distance to a third longitudinal section 13 adjoining the second longitudinal section 12, containing taller flowering plants 33 that are not to be mowed and / or an obstacle 120 such as a wall, a tree or the like.

[0024] In the exemplary embodiment, the third longitudinal section 13 contains predominantly seeds of Agrostemma githago (corncockle), Papaver rhoeas (common poppy), Glebionis segetum (corn daisy), Calendula officinalis (marigold), and Malva sylvestris (common mallow). However, a smaller number of seed varieties and / or seeds of other low to medium-height flowering plants 33 could also be used. The maximum height h3 of the flowering plants 33 in the third longitudinal section 13 is, in particular, higher than the maximum height h2 of the flowering plants 32 in the second longitudinal section 12, for example, 15 to 60 cm. The seed 21 of the first longitudinal section 11 can also contain seeds of flowering plants; however, these flowering plants—unlike the flowering plants 32, 33 of the other longitudinal sections 12, 13—require good tolerance to cutting. A large proportion of flowering plants increases the biodiversity of the lawn area by 100%.Furthermore, the boundary of the lawn area 100 can be customized with regard to color, flower shape, etc., by individually selecting the seeds of the flowering plants. In the illustrated embodiments, the third longitudinal section 13 forms an outer edge 6 of the seed strip 1. Because the lawnmower 200 does not drive over the third longitudinal section 13, its width b3 can easily be shortened, and it is still ensured that the lawnmower 200 does not collide with an obstacle 120 located at the outer edge 6 of the seed strip 1 during subsequent mowing. The presence of a third longitudinal section 13 facilitates the placement of the seed strip 1 against a local obstacle 120, as the seed strip 1 can simply be cut at this point, as shown in [reference missing]. Fig. Figure 4 shows that the third longitudinal section may be followed by 13 further longitudinal sections. In particular, it may be provided that the third longitudinal section 13 is followed by a second longitudinal section 12 and a first longitudinal section 11, resulting in a kind of flower island formed by the third longitudinal section 13 and bordered by the second longitudinal section 12 and the first longitudinal section 11.

[0025] In the illustrated embodiments, the boundaries between the longitudinal sections 11, 12, 13 run parallel to the guide element 51 or the marker 50, and the distance a of the guide element 51 to the second longitudinal section 12 corresponds to the width b1 of the first longitudinal section 11, since the guide element 51 is located at the inner edge 5. However, the guide element 51 can also be located at a distance from the inner edge 5 within the first longitudinal section 11. The marker 50 can also be located at a distance from the inner edge 5 within the first longitudinal section 11. It is possible for the guide element 51 or the marker 50 to run in a curved path within the first longitudinal section 11 instead of in a straight line, and for the boundaries of the longitudinal sections 11, 12, 13 to follow this path accordingly. During the production of the seed tape 1, the different seeds 21, 22, 23 are distributed accordingly on the carrier layer 10.In this way, the boundary of the lawn area 100 can be even better adapted to individual wishes and / or local conditions.

[0026] Fig. Figure 3 schematically shows a lawnmower 200 for autonomously mowing a lawn area 100. The lawnmower 200 has a housing with a housing width g, to which a cutting unit 220 for mowing, in particular mulching, is attached. The lawnmower 200 has a longitudinal median plane 280 running centrally through the housing, in which, in the exemplary embodiment, a rotational axis 281 of the cutting unit lies. The cutting unit 220 has an outer cutting edge 221, which is set back from the outer housing edge 210, thus forming an intrusion guard. The area c between the outer housing edge 210 and the outer cutting edge 221 merely passes over the ground but does not mow it. The lawnmower 200 has sensors to detect the edge of the lawn area 100.In the exemplary embodiment, the lawnmower 200 has sensors 230 arranged on both sides of the longitudinal center plane 280, which guide it to travel centrally with its housing and cutting mechanism 220 along the guide wire 51, which is designed as a boundary wire. As already mentioned, the control system can be programmed so that the lawnmower 200 does not travel permanently in the same path, but offset by one wheel width, in order to avoid permanent marks in the lawn area 100.

[0027] In the Fig. 4 and Fig.Figure 5 schematically shows the interaction of the seed tape 1 with the lawn area 100 and the lawnmower 200 in two different positions of the lawnmower 200. The seed tape 1 is already shown in a state in which the seeds 21, 22, 23 of the seed tape have formed a continuous growth consisting of first plants 31, second plants 32 and third plants 33. The seed tape 1 is positioned with its inner edge 5 against the lawn area 100, and the guide element 51 runs along the transition between the lawn area 100 and the seed tape 1 in the exemplary embodiment. The lawnmower 200 travels along the guide element 51 to mow the edge of the lawn area 100. In doing so, it passes over the lawn area 100, the first longitudinal section 11, and the second longitudinal section 12. The non-cutting area c of the lawnmower 200 is located exclusively within the second longitudinal section 12 with respect to the seed tape 1.The housing of the lawnmower 200 does not extend laterally beyond the second longitudinal section 12, so that the lawnmower 200 neither bends the flowering plants 33 of the third longitudinal section 13 nor gets caught on an obstacle 120 that extends to the second longitudinal section 12. To avoid wheel tracks, the lawnmower occasionally moves offset by one wheel width. One wheel width is typically no more than 5 cm. The width b of the seed strip is divided into the widths b1, b2, b3 of the longitudinal sections 11, 12, 13. The widths b1, b2, b3 of the longitudinal sections 11, 12, 13 are measured transversely to the longitudinal direction 80. The width b1 of the first longitudinal section 11 and the width b2 of the second longitudinal section 12 are adapted to the dimensions of the lawnmower 200 measured in the same direction. In the exemplary embodiment, the width b1 of the first longitudinal section 11 is identical to the distance a between the guide element 51 or thethe marking 50 and a boundary between the first longitudinal section 11 and the second longitudinal section 12. The width b1 or the distance a is approximately 40%–50% of the cutting width s of the cutting unit 220. The cutting width s of the cutting unit 220 is typically between 18 cm and 40 cm, depending on the size of the lawnmower 200. The width b1 of the first longitudinal section 11 or the distance a is therefore, in particular, between 7 cm and 20 cm. In this way, the guide element 51 or the marking 50 can be arranged on the inner edge 5 of the seed strip 1, and the cutting unit 220 reliably passes over and mows the first longitudinal section 11 across its entire width b1. It can also be provided that the width b1 of the first longitudinal section 11 is greater than the distance a. This results in a distance between the inner edge 5 of the seed tape 1 and the guide medium 51 or the marking 50.The width b1 of the first longitudinal section 11 is, in particular, less than 100 cm, and in particular less than 50 cm. The width b2 of the second longitudinal section 12 is at least 100%, and in particular at least 150%, of the width of the non-cutting area c of the lawnmower 200. Typically, the width of the non-cutting area c of the lawnmower 200 is between 3 cm and 10 cm, depending on the size of the lawnmower 200, so the width b2 of the second longitudinal section 12 is at least between 3 cm and 15 cm. To allow for driving offset by one wheel width, the width b2 of the second longitudinal section 12 should be at least between 8 cm and 15 cm. The width b3 of the third longitudinal section 13 is independent of the design of the lawnmower 200. Different widths b3 may be provided, depending on how wide the border of taller, flowering plants 33 around the lawn area 100 is to be.The greater the width b3 of the third longitudinal section 13, the easier it is to position the seed tape 1 on its outer side 6, even between obstacles, as these can simply be cut out of the third longitudinal section 13. The width b3 of the third longitudinal section 13 can be between 10 cm and 60 cm, particularly between 20 cm and 40 cm. The width b of the seed tape is, in particular, at most 200 cm, in particular at most 150 cm, and most certainly at most 100 cm. In this way, the seed tape 1, rolled up lengthwise, can be transported and handled manually with ease.

[0028] The exemplary embodiment shows an autonomous lawnmower 200. However, the invention is not limited to use with an autonomous lawnmower 200. The described advantages also apply to conventional lawnmowers. The dimensions of the conventional lawnmower can correspond to the dimensions of the autonomous lawnmower 200.

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