Electric snail barrier

Abstract

An electric snail barrier (1) for protecting a planted area from snails, comprising a flexible, cuttable carrier track (10), at least two substantially parallel, electrically insulated conductor tracks (20, 21) arranged on or in the carrier track (10), a plurality of clamping spikes (30) that can be anchored in the ground, and a connector housing (40) that can be connected to the carrier track (10), wherein the clamping spikes (30) each have a receptacle (31) for receiving the carrier track (10), into which the carrier track (10) can be inserted and in which the carrier track (10) is held in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner. and wherein the electrical connection between the power supply unit (44) and the conductor tracks (20, 21) is made via contact means (42) which are designed for electrical contacting the conductor tracks (20, 21) and are arranged on the connector housing (40) and / or on at least one of the clamping prongs (30) or on a separate component, and wherein the connector housing (40) includes a power supply unit (44) configured to provide an electrical voltage between the conductor tracks (20, 21).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to an electric snail barrier for use in home and small gardens, in particular for protecting vegetable beds, raised beds, plant containers and ornamental plants from snails and similar crawling animals. State of the art: Known electric snail barriers

[0002] Electric snail barriers are generally known from the prior art. The principle is based on the fact that when a snail crosses the barrier, it typically touches two current-carrying conductors simultaneously and thereby receives an electrical impulse that prevents it from crawling any further. Various embodiments of electric snail barriers are known from patent literature. Tubular solutions

[0003] One known solution uses a flexible tube with several parallel, electrically conductive zones along its longitudinal axis. The tube is flexible and bendable, and the conductive traces are distributed around its entire circumference. These traces can be made of copper, carbon-infused plastic, or conductive rubber. The barrier is typically operated with a DC voltage in the range of 1–75 V. One advantage of this solution is the high flexibility of the tubular support, which adapts well to uneven ground. Potential disadvantages of tubular designs include:

[0004] The manufacturing process may require increased production effort, possibly including complex extrusion processes.

[0005] The hose may need to be filled with sand, water or granules to ensure sufficient contact with the ground.

[0006] Filling the hose can make it more difficult to handle.

[0007] Due to the low ground mounting, grasses and plants can form "climbing bridges" or cause short circuits. Galvanic solutions

[0008] Another well-known solution uses galvanic cells, in which two or more metal sheets are mounted on a plastic strip at a sufficient distance in the electrochemical series. The metal sheets form a galvanic cell, so that a contact voltage builds up between them without the need for an external power source. Possible disadvantages of galvanic systems are:

[0009] Voltage generation is highly dependent on weather conditions.

[0010] The voltage is relatively low and irregular.

[0011] Potential corrosion of the metal sheets can significantly impair the long-term effectiveness.

[0012] No possibility of voltage regulation or pulse control. Sewn-on or glued-on conductor tracks

[0013] Other well-known solutions use ribbon-like plastic carriers onto which copper foil strips or conductive strips are sewn or glued. In sewn-on versions, a thread seam is used to secure the conductive traces. In glued-on versions, the conductive traces are fixed with adhesive to a non-conductive carrier film. Potential disadvantages of these solutions include:

[0014] Sewing it on is labor-intensive and expensive.

[0015] Seams can weaken over time due to UV radiation and weathering.

[0016] Integrated solutions for electrical supply or ground mounting are often lacking.

[0017] The material used for the conductor tracks often contains a high proportion of copper; copper is particularly prone to corrosion under weather conditions and under current voltage in combination with moisture, which can increase electrical resistance and impair conductivity. Self-adhesive conductive tracks

[0018] Solutions are also known where the user has to attach the conductive traces to flower pots or raised beds themselves, usually using self-adhesive conductive strips. Possible disadvantages of these solutions include:

[0019] Applying the stickers can be time-consuming for the user.

[0020] Depending on the adhesive used, the system can only be glued once and cannot be removed and used elsewhere.

[0021] The user must ensure that the distance between the two glued conductor tracks is neither too large nor too small.

[0022] The substrate is not always suitable for a permanent, solid adhesive bond. Non-electric snail barriers

[0023] Besides electrical solutions, mechanical snail barriers are also known from the prior art. These typically use vertical surfaces with outwardly overhanging sections, from which closely spaced obstacles protrude, or walls with circumferential collars. The contact area for snails is so limited that the animals cannot gain a foothold.

[0024] These mechanical solutions often have the disadvantage that their effectiveness can depend on the specific snail behavior and local conditions. Furthermore, installing these structures is often inflexible and difficult. Chemical barriers

[0025] Chemical or material-based barriers are also known for application, spraying, or spreading along an area to be protected. These barriers utilize substances that either damage, deter, or hinder snails from crawling across them. Such barriers can be in the form of salts, granules, powders, pastes, or liquid coatings, for example. Some of these substances work by dehydrating or harming the animals, while others alter surface properties, such as making it difficult for the snails to adhere to or move across the substrate.

[0026] The effectiveness of these material-based barriers can depend on external factors such as rainfall, irrigation, or mechanical stress, potentially requiring reapplication. Furthermore, particularly in vegetable gardens, there is often a desire for solutions that do not rely on such substances. Summary of the disadvantages of the state of the art

[0027] In summary, electric snail barriers are known as such and employ various design approaches. However, the known solutions typically exhibit one or more of the following characteristics:

[0028] Multi-part constructions: Support element, conductor tracks, fasteners and power supply are often designed as separate components that must be combined on site.

[0029] Manufacturing effort: Tubular systems or solutions with sewn-on or specially bonded conductor tracks may require increased material or manufacturing effort.

[0030] Installation effort for the user: In many known systems, conductor tracks must be positioned or glued separately and the electrical supply must be connected separately.

[0031] Lack of constructive integration: The fixing in the ground, electrical contacting and power supply are often not designed as a coordinated, tool-free assembled system.

[0032] Limited structural adaptability: Some solutions are either mechanically rigid or so thin-walled that their shape stability may be limited when installed vertically.

[0033] Long-term stability of fastenings: Adhesive or sewn-on conductor tracks can be affected in their adhesion by weathering and mechanical stress. Object of the invention

[0034] The object of the invention is to provide an electric snail barrier in which the mechanical barrier, electrical conductors, ground fixing, power supply, and electrical contacting are structurally coordinated and implemented as a technically integrated system. In particular, an electric snail barrier is to be created that whose mechanical support and electrical conductors are combined in a single unit, where the conductor tracks are permanently connected to or integrated into the support element, which has a fastening device that can be anchored in the ground and holds the barrier in a substantially vertical, ground-closed position without additional fastening means, preventing crawling underneath, where the electrical contacting of the conductor tracks can take place without separate wiring or exposed connecting lines, which includes a power supply and control unit that can be directly connected to the barrier, which is adaptable to different fence shapes and lengths and allows for a closed boundary, which can be assembled without special expertise or tools, and whose electrical effect is harmless to humans and pets when used as intended. Description of the invention

[0035] The problem is solved by an electric snail barrier (1) according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims. Basic concept

[0036] Fig. Figure 1 shows a specific embodiment of an electric snail barrier. The electric snail barrier (1) according to the invention comprises a substantially vertically oriented, flexible carrier track (10), at least two conductor tracks (20, 21) arranged on or in the flexible carrier track, several clamping spikes (30) that can be anchored in the ground, and a connector housing (40) that can be connected to the flexible carrier track (10). The flexible carrier track (10) forms a mechanical barrier. The conductor tracks (20, 21) form an electrical deterrent device. The clamping spikes (30) serve for fixing the barrier to the ground. The connector housing (40) provides the electrical contact and the power supply. Flexible carrier track (10)

[0037] The flexible carrier sheet (10) consists of a weather-resistant, preferably UV-stabilized material. It is flexible and can be adapted to different fence shapes.

[0038] The flexible carrier track (10) can be cut to size, allowing it to be adapted to different circumference lengths. The height of the flexible carrier track is chosen to present a mechanical obstacle for snails. Conductor traces (20, 21)

[0039] Two substantially parallel conductive traces (20, 21) are arranged on or within the flexible carrier (10). The conductive traces (20, 21) are electrically insulated from each other and connectable to a power source. They can be integrated into the flexible carrier (10), incorporated during the extrusion process, or permanently applied. The conductive traces (20, 21) can be made of different electrically conductive materials. The distance between the conductive traces (20, 21) is dimensioned such that a snail crawling across the flexible carrier (10) typically contacts both conductive traces (20, 21) simultaneously. Clamping spikes (30)

[0040] Fig. Figure 2 shows a specific embodiment of a clamping spike (30). The clamping spikes (30) serve to anchor the electric screw barrier (1) to the ground. The clamping spikes (30) are inserted into the ground by means of a lower part shaped as a plug-in spike (36). Each clamping spike (30) has an upwardly open clamping receptacle (31) at its upper end.

[0041] The clamping receptacle (31) comprises an insertion zone (32) and optionally a subsequent narrowed clamping zone (33). The insertion zone (32) can be designed or shaped to be wider than the section of the clamping receptacle (31) below it, thus facilitating the insertion of the flexible carrier track (10).

[0042] A clamping force is generated when the flexible carrier track (10) is inserted into the clamping spike (30). The flexible carrier track (10) can be held in the clamping receptacle (31) by a positive locking and / or force locking mechanism.

[0043] In a first embodiment ( Fig. 2) The clamping spike (30) is formed as a separate component. Here, the flexible carrier track (10) is fixed in the clamping receptacle (31) by the narrowed clamping zone (33).

[0044] In another embodiment ( Fig. 3) The clamping spike (30) is formed in at least two parts. Here, the fixing is additionally or alternatively achieved by the locking element (35), which engages over the upper edge of the flexible carrier track (10) and locks it against slipping upwards out of the clamping receptacle (31). The locking element (35) can be designed as a plug-in, slide-on, or snap-in component.

[0045] The clamping device (31) can be dimensioned so that two overlapping sections of the flexible carrier track (10) can be accommodated simultaneously.

[0046] The length of the clamping receptacle (31) is dimensioned such that it ends below the conductor area on the conductor-carrying side of the flexible carrier track (10) and does not cover the conductor tracks (20, 21), thus preventing any obstruction of the conductor tracks (20, 21) and consequently a potential stress-free transition area. If the design incorporates a locking element (35), this element is also designed so that it does not cover the conductor tracks (20, 21).

[0047] A stop plate (34) is provided on the clamping spike (30) to limit the clamping spike's penetration too deeply into the soil and to allow the flexible support track (10) to lie essentially close to the ground. The clamping spike (30) can be designed such that the stop plate (34) is only present on one side and extends essentially only along one side of the clamping spike (30), the stop plate (34) being designed so that the clamping spike (30) can be inserted into the soil tightly along an inner wall of a raised bed or planter.

[0048] Regardless of the embodiment of the clamping spikes (30), at least one of the clamping spikes (30) can have electrical contact means (42) which are connected to the conductor tracks (20, 21) and interact electrically with the connector housing (40) via a connecting element. Connector housing (40)

[0049] Fig. Figure 4 shows a specific embodiment of a connector housing (40) with an inserted, flexible carrier track (10) in a frontal view, Fig. Figure 5 shows the same connector housing (40) from a side perspective. The connector housing (40) establishes the connection between the power source and the conductor tracks (20, 21).

[0050] In one embodiment, the connector housing (40) can have a connector slot (41) in which contact means (42) and fastening means (43) are inserted and into which an end region of the flexible carrier track (10) can be inserted. In this embodiment, the contact means (42) and fastening means (43) are preferably arranged such that when the connector housing (40) is attached, electrical contact is made between the conductor tracks (20, 21) and the connector housing (40) is mechanically fixed simultaneously. The contact means (42) and fastening means (43) can be, but need not be, identical.

[0051] In a further embodiment, a separate component or a special clamping spike (30) can have contact means (42) that are electrically connected to the conductor tracks (20, 21). The separate component or the clamping spike (30) then connects the conductor tracks (20, 21) to the power source by means of the contact means (42) and a connecting element. In this case, the connector housing (40) can either be attached directly to this clamping spike (30) or placed separately.

[0052] The contact means (42) can be designed, for example, as spring-loaded contacts, clamping contacts, latching contacts or other electrically conductive contact structures.

[0053] The connector housing (40) includes a power supply unit (44) and, optionally, an electronic circuit (45) configured to provide an electrical voltage between the conductor tracks (20, 21). Displays (46) and controls (47) may be attached to the connector housing for making settings or retrieving statuses. A connection for an external power supply (48) (e.g., a solar panel) may also be provided. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a specific embodiment of an electric spiral barrier (1). A flexible carrier track (10) folded into a circle is visible, with both ends held together by clamping spikes (30). The entire electric spiral barrier (1) is anchored near the ground with further clamping spikes (30). The parallel, circumferential conductor tracks (20, 21) are visible. In the rear part of the electrical snail barrier (1), a connector housing (40) with the connector shaft (41) was pushed over the end of the flexible carrier track (10) projecting into the inner area of ​​the fenced area in order to establish (not visible) electrical contact with the conductor tracks (20, 21). The connector housing (40) includes, in addition to the connector slot (41), a power supply unit (44), an internally installed electronic circuit (45), a display (46), a control element (47) and a connection for an external power supply (48). Fig. Figure 2 shows a side view of a specific embodiment of a one-piece clamping spike (30). The lower part is designed as a plug-in spike (36), above which is a stop plate (34) formed on one side. A flexible carrier track (10) was inserted into the clamping receptacle (31) from above via the insertion zone (32). The clamping zone (33) is designed to fix the flexible carrier track (10) with slight pressure. Fig. Figure 3 shows a side view of another specific embodiment of a two-part clamping spike (30) in which a locking element (35) is used to secure the flexible carrier track, which in this embodiment was inserted from above into a recess formed for this purpose. Fig. Figure 4 shows a specific embodiment of a connector housing (40) with an inserted, flexible carrier track (10) in a frontal view, Fig.Figure 5 shows the same connector housing (40) from a side perspective, so that the connector slot (41) and the contact means (42) attached to the connector housing (40) can be seen, which in this version also serve as fastening means (43). Specific example of implementation

[0054] In a specific embodiment, the electrical snail barrier could consist of a flexible carrier track (10) approximately 1.5 mm thick and approximately 10 cm wide, into which two electrically conductive conductor tracks (20, 21) are integrated. In this case, the conductor tracks (20, 21) are approximately 1 cm wide with a gap of approximately 0.8 cm between the first (20) and second conductor track (21).

[0055] The flexible carrier strip (10) is cut to the required length by the user, e.g., 2 m. The clamping spikes (30) are inserted into the ground along the area to be protected until the stop plate (34) reaches ground level. The cut flexible carrier strip (10) is pushed from above over the insertion zone (32) to the lower end of the clamping receptacle (31) and automatically secured by the clamping zone (33).

[0056] The depth of the clamping recess (31) is chosen such that the upper end of the clamping recess (31) ends approximately 0.5 to 1.0 cm below the second conductor track (21) in order to avoid bypassing the conductor tracks (20, 21) by means of an artificial bridge created with the clamping spike (30).

[0057] The two ends of the flexible support track (10) are overlapped by approximately 20 cm and fixed with a final clamping spike, creating a closed section. The connector housing (40) is attached to the end of the flexible support track (10) that extends into the inner area of ​​the fenced area by pushing the end of the flexible support track (10) into the connector shaft (41) and securing it there using fasteners (43).

[0058] The contact element (42), which in the case of spring clamps can also serve as the fastening element (43), establishes the electrical connection to the power supply unit (44). The user can now either insert a battery or connect it to an external power source via the designated port (48). The worm gear barrier is then ready for use. In the embodiment shown here, the electronic circuit (45) generates regular current pulses at intervals of approximately 1 second. The user can read the charge level of the power source on a display (46, here LEDs) by operating a control unit (47). A 9V block battery as the power source allows for several months of operation. Technical effects of the invention

[0059] The constructive combination of the flexible carrier track (10), the conductor tracks (20, 21), the clamping spikes (30) and the connector housing (40) provides an electrical worm gear barrier in which mechanical fastening, electrical contacting and power supply work together as a coordinated system.

[0060] The clamping spikes (30) allow the flexible carrier track (10) to be fixed in the ground without additional fasteners. Inserting the flexible carrier track (10) into the clamping receptacle (31), in conjunction with the function of the stop plates (34), enables the electric auger barrier (1) to be installed flush with the ground, thus preventing any possible creep underneath. The insertion zones (32) of the clamping spikes (30) facilitate the insertion of the flexible carrier track (10), while the clamping zones (33) ensure a secure hold.

[0061] The possibility of accommodating two overlapping sections of the flexible carrier track (10) in a clamping device (31) allows the formation of a closed enclosure with freely selectable length adjustment.

[0062] The pluggable design of the connector housing (40) with contact means (42) and fastening means (43) provides simultaneous mechanical fixing and electrical contacting of the conductor tracks (20, 21).

[0063] In alternative embodiments, the electrical contacting of the conductor tracks (20, 21) can also be carried out via a correspondingly designed clamping spike (30) which has electrical contact means (42) and is connected to the connector housing (40) via a connecting element.

[0064] By integrating the power supply unit (44) into the connector housing (40), a compact design of the electrical supply is achieved.

[0065] The design of the flexible carrier track (10) as a cuttable element allows for adaptation to different fence shapes and lengths. Reference symbol list 1 Electric snail barrier 10 flexible carrier track 20 conductor tracks, first 21 conductor track, second 30 clamping skewers 31 Clamping device 32 Insertion zone 33 clamping zone 34 Stop plates (single-sided) 35 locking element 36 skewers 40 connector housings 41 Connector slot 42 Contact agents 43 Fasteners 44 Power supply unit 45 Electronic Circuit 46 ads 47 Control element 48 external power supply connections

Claims

[1] Electric snail barrier (1) for protecting a planted area from snails, comprising a flexible, cuttable carrier track (10), at least two substantially parallel, electrically insulated conductor tracks (20, 21) arranged on or in the carrier track (10), a plurality of clamping spikes (30) that can be anchored in the ground, and a connector housing (40) that can be connected to the carrier track (10), wherein the clamping spikes (30) each have a receptacle (31) for receiving the carrier track (10), into which the carrier track (10) can be inserted and in which the carrier track (10) is held in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner, and wherein the electrical connection between the power supply unit (44) and the conductor tracks (20, 21) is made via contact means (42) which are designed for electrical contacting the conductor tracks (20, 21) and are arranged on the connector housing (40) and / or on at least one of the clamping prongs (30) or on a separate component, and wherein the connector housing (40) includes a power supply unit (44) configured to provide an electrical voltage between the conductor tracks (20, 21). [2] Snail barrier according to claim 1, characterized by , that the receiving (31) is dimensioned such that two overlapping sections of the carrier track (10) can be received simultaneously. [3] Snail barrier according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the recording (31) ends below the conductor tracks (20, 21) arranged on the carrier track (10). [4] Snail barrier according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized bythat the conductor tracks (20, 21) are integrated into the carrier track (10) or are introduced during the manufacturing process. [5] Snail barrier according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the power supply unit (44) is designed to accommodate a battery and / or includes a connection (48) for an external power supply. [6] Snail barrier according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that the electrical voltage is provided in the form of periodic pulses. [7] Snail barrier according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that the electrical contacting of the conductor tracks (20, 21) is carried out alternatively or additionally via at least one of the clamping spikes (30), which is designed to be electrically conductive or has electrical contact means (42). [8] Clamping spike (30) for fastening a flexible carrier track (10), with a receptacle (31) for receiving the carrier track (10), wherein the carrier track (10) is held in the receptacle (31) in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner. [9] Clamping spike according to claim 8, characterized by , that the receptacle (31) has an insertion zone (32) and a subsequent narrowed clamping zone (33) so that the carrier track (10) is held by clamping action. [10] Clamping spike according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by , that the clamping spike (30) has an additional locking element (35) which is designed to additionally fix the carrier track (10) located in the receptacle (31). [11] Clamping spike according to claim 10, characterized by , that the locking element (35) is designed as a pluggable, slideable or snap-in component. [12] Clamping spike according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized by, that the clamping spike (30) has a stop plate (34) which limits the penetration of the clamping spike (30) into the ground. [13] Clamping spike according to claim 12, characterized by , that the stop plate (34) is essentially semicircular and extends essentially only on one side of the clamping spike (30). [14] Electric snail repellent set comprising a carrier track (10) with conductor tracks (20, 21), a plurality of clamping spikes (30) according to one of claims 8 to 13 and a connector housing (40) according to claim 1.

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