CATERPILLAR TRAP AND ITS FUNNEL DEVICE

Description

[0001] The present invention falls within the field of caterpillar traps, and more particularly traps for pine processionary caterpillars.

[0002] During their life cycle, processionary caterpillars pass through five larval stages. At the end of the fifth of these stages, the processionary caterpillars become stinging and descend from the tree, led by a lead caterpillar. This corresponds to the procession of pupae. The latter will burrow into the soil, a few centimeters underground.

[0003] The stinging apparatus of the processionary caterpillar poses health risks to humans and animals. Their hairs contain a stinging and allergenic substance that causes severe itching and irritation, which can sometimes be accompanied by eye and lung damage, or even more serious allergic reactions. Processions can travel considerable distances from the tree. Therefore, it is important to prevent the spread of these stinging caterpillars.

[0004] There are several methods of capturing and / or eliminating processionary caterpillars.

[0005] More specifically, the applicant designed a first caterpillar trap described by document FR 2 946 834. This document describes a caterpillar trap, in particular for pine processionary caterpillars. This caterpillar trap makes it possible to divert the caterpillars from the tree trunk, towards a harvest bag, filled with soil.

[0006] This caterpillar trap comprises a collar consisting of a strip of flexible or semi-rigid material, comprising on its inner side and partly along its length a profile made of flexible material. By winding the collar around a tree trunk, this profile made of flexible material takes on the shape of the latter, forming a track path between it and the collar. Note that the collar comprises tightening and fixing means allowing this winding, but also its tightening around the tree trunk, in a manner braced by the path floor.

[0007] As they descend to the ground, the caterpillars encounter the obstacle of this crawl space. They therefore tend to continue their progress by turning around the tree trunk along this crawl space, leading them to a descent hole that they are supposed to use to reach a harvest bag.

[0008] However, this configuration allows these caterpillars to continue their progression around the trunk without necessarily returning to the descent hole provided for this purpose. This can cause an accumulation of caterpillars on the profile until the trap overflows, causing the caterpillars to fall to the ground and therefore not allowing them to be properly evacuated into the collection bag.

[0009] Pine processionary caterpillars are known to be gregarious organisms that secrete a number of hormones, including a hormone called "trace hormone." Although the secretory organ for this trace hormone is unknown, it has been found that it is secreted and deposited by pine processionary caterpillars as they move. This trace hormone is deposited in a trail that can take the form of a thread. However, it has been observed that pine processionary caterpillars that succeed a first pine processionary caterpillar follow the trail of the previous pine processionary caterpillar(s).

[0010] Furthermore, pine processionary caterpillars tend to move along the tree trunk on the crawling floor. Thus, the combination of these two behaviors leads pine processionary caterpillars to circle the tree trunk on the crawling floor and bypass the descent hole during one or more passages. This phenomenon can lead to a large accumulation of caterpillars in the caterpillar trap or, in extreme cases, to the caterpillars overflowing from the caterpillar trap. The applicant observed that it was not uncommon to count more than 3,000 caterpillars accumulating in a trap. Considering that a caterpillar has more than a million hairs, each measuring a few microns, and consequently, the extreme volatility of these hairs, such an accumulation of caterpillars can create a significant health risk.

[0011] It is therefore necessary to find an alternative solution for trapping processionary caterpillars, which does not cause them to clump together on the trap, i.e. which allows the caterpillars to be transported correctly to the collection bag.

[0012] The present invention aims to overcome the drawbacks of the state of the art in order to solve the aforementioned problems, by proposing a caterpillar trap, in particular for pine processionary caterpillars, comprising: a profile, forming a track floor, a track collection bag connected to the track floor, a collar in the form of a wall which externally delimits the track floor, and clamping and fixing means intended to wrap and tighten the collar around a tree trunk in a manner braced by the track floor, at least one orientation member projecting from the track floor, the orientation member being provided to extend between the periphery of the tree trunk and the collar or vice versa, so as to separate the tracks from the tree trunk and / or the collar,

[0013] The caterpillar trap is characterized in that it further comprises a funnel device, a lower mouth of which opens into the caterpillar collection bag and in that at least one end of the path floor is connected with an upper mouth of this funnel device.

[0014] As they move around the trunk, the caterpillars come into contact with the conveyor belt. Naturally, they will follow the conveyor belt's path. The latter's connection with a funnel device then allows the caterpillars to be oriented and guided directly toward the harvest bag.

[0015] According to the invention, the orientation member extends between the periphery of the tree trunk and the collar or vice versa, so as to separate the caterpillars from the tree trunk and / or the collar, thus directing the path of the caterpillars towards the harvesting bag.

[0016] Such a steering device allows, in particular, the tracks to be moved away from the tree trunk, so as to prevent the tracks from going around the funnel device leading to the harvesting bag. This feature ensures that the tracks descend towards the harvesting bag.

[0017] More specifically, in order to guide the path of the processionary caterpillars, the orientation member can extend radially or tangentially from the collar and / or from the periphery of the tree trunk.

[0018] Preferably, at least one orientation member comprises a fin which extends from a first end adjacent to the trunk or adjacent to the collar, towards a second end disposed at a distance from the trunk and / or at a distance from the collar.

[0019] According to a particular embodiment, the funnel device comprises a flange forming a support console for at least one section of profile defining a continuity of the path floor, the flange extending from the upper mouth of the funnel device, towards its lower mouth.

[0020] Advantageously, this support console comprises two sections of profile defining the continuity of the path floor at each of the ends of the latter. The support console extends from the upper mouth of the funnel device, towards its lower mouth, symmetrically on either side of a vertical median plane.

[0021] Preferably, the flange is made of a flexible or semi-rigid material that adapts to the shape and dimensions of the tree trunk. This flange serves as a support for the profile sections that define the trajectory of the caterpillars along the trap. Consequently, as they progress along the tree trunk, the caterpillars reach the profile sections, where they continue their progression towards the collection bag.

[0022] Preferably, the flange constitutes a part of the funnel device, preventing, due to a smooth and non-rough surface condition, the progression of the tracks on it. This characteristic helps to guide the descent of the tracks, in an optimal manner, towards the collection bag.

[0023] The path of the processionary caterpillars as described by the invention allows a smooth and natural evacuation of the caterpillars towards the collection bag, avoiding an accumulation of these on the path floor.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, orientation members are fixed to the flange symmetrically on either side of a vertical median plane.

[0025] Located on either side of the flange device, the steering devices drive the tracks towards the funnel device. This specific configuration helps prevent tracks from bypassing the funnel device regardless of their direction of travel.

[0026] Preferably, the caterpillar trap comprises means for counting the caterpillars preferably arranged at the level of the funnel device. Unlike the traps described by the prior art where the caterpillars turn several times on the conveyor floor, it is possible to count the caterpillars because they are directly directed towards the harvesting bag. Indeed, when the caterpillars turn several times around the trunk, a counting device would then provide erroneous data.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, at its end adjacent to the trunk, the end adjacent to the trunk extends above the path floor, while the second end extends above the upper mouth of the funnel device.

[0028] Such a configuration not only allows the tracks to detach from the trunk, but also ensures that the trajectory of the conveyor floor is followed. This configuration therefore prevents any risk of bypassing the funnel device.

[0029] The present invention also relates to a funnel device of a caterpillar trap according to the invention.

[0030] The funnel device is characterized in that it comprises a flange forming a support console with two sections of profile intended to respectively define one end (9) of a track path floor, the support console extending from an upper mouth of the funnel device, in the direction of a lower mouth, symmetrically on either side of a vertical median plane, the funnel device also comprising orientation members fixed on the flange symmetrically on either side of said vertical median plane.

[0031] This device can be adapted to an existing caterpillar trap. Combined with a collar system and held in position on the tree trunk, this funnel device allows the caterpillars to naturally move towards the collection bag. Removable and economical, this funnel device can be easily mounted on an existing system.

[0032] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the detailed description which follows of the non-limiting embodiments of the invention, with reference to the appended figures, in which: There Figure 1 schematically represents an overall view of the caterpillar trap according to the invention with part A of the collar shown in transparency; The Figure 2 schematically represents a front view of the funnel device according to the invention; The Figure 3 schematically represents a top view of an end portion of the walkway floor according to the invention; and The Figure 4 schematically represents a top view of the caterpillar trap according to the invention.

[0033] The present invention relates to a caterpillar trap 1, in particular for pine processionary caterpillars.

[0034] More particularly, this caterpillar trap 1 comprises a collar 2, in the form of a wall. Preferably, the collar 2 is made of a flexible or semi-rigid material. For information, the collar 2 may be made of a synthetic material, with low roughness, such as a polypropylene strip. A smooth material will be chosen more preferably, so as to prevent the caterpillars from being able to progress, in particular to climb up along the collar 2.

[0035] The caterpillar trap 1 comprises clamping and fixing means 3, in particular the collar 2. The clamping and fixing means 3 make it possible to wrap and tighten the collar 2 around a tree trunk 6. As seen in the Figure 1, these clamping and fixing means 3 can be composed of holes 4 allowing the passage of a hanging system 5. Advantageously, the holes 4 arranged in an appropriate manner can also ensure the evacuation of rainwater flowing into the caterpillar trap 1.

[0036] Furthermore, the clamping and fixing means 3 give the collar 2 an adjustable side. This adjustable side allows a user to adapt the length of the collar 2 to the growth of the tree. Thus, when the user notices that a collar 2 positioned around the tree trunk 6 has an abnormal state of stretching, he simply needs to loosen the clamping and fixing means 3, adapt the collar to the circumference of the tree trunk 6, before tightening the clamping and fixing means 3.

[0037] As previously mentioned, the fixing and tightening means 3 can take many other forms of embodiment, such as a strap and buckle assembly, like a belt. Moreover, these tightening and fixing means 3 can be directly secured to the collar 2, in order to form a single piece.

[0038] The caterpillar trap 1 comprises a profile which extends from an inner side of the collar 2 towards the tree trunk 6. The profile extends in a plane perpendicular to the collar 2. Through its thickness, the profile is intended to constitute a spacer between the tree trunk 6 and the collar 2. In particular, the profile is defined to form a walkway floor 7 between this tree trunk 6 and the collar 2. The walkway floor 7 extends laterally between an inner edge 70 and an outer edge 71. Here, the collar 2 corresponds to a wall which externally delimits the walkway floor 7. For this purpose, the inner side of the collar 2 is secured to the outer edge 71 of the walkway floor 7. Preferably, the clamping means 3 make it possible to secure the collar 2 to the walkway floor 7.

[0039] The profile will advantageously be in the form of a flexible material, in particular foamed or rubber, allowing it to closely match the contour of a tree trunk 6. It is preferably of rectangular parallelepiped section.

[0040] In particular, the inner edge 71 of the path floor 7 is integral with the periphery of the tree trunk 6.

[0041] Note that incidentally, to perfect the passage seal between the tree trunk 6 and the path floor 7, a mastic 8 can be interposed between the two, at the time of installation of the caterpillar trap 1. However, the profile can also include a joint portion making it possible to match the grooves of the bark of the tree trunk 6. This joint portion extends laterally relative to the profile. The joint portion can be made by a laminate or a portion made of a material of greater flexibility than that of the profile.

[0042] Advantageously, the joint portion makes it possible not to use mastic 8 in order to perfect the sealing of the passage between the tree trunk 6 and the path floor 7. Here, the joint portion is integral with the inner edge 71 of the path floor 7.

[0043] Preferably, the positioning of the path floor 7 on the tree trunk 6 can be maintained by tightening the collar 2. The fixing of the path floor 7 through the collar 2 makes it possible to give an adjustable character to the profile. Just like the collar 2, it is thus possible to adapt by sliding the length of the profile according to the diameter of the tree trunk and subsequently according to its growth.

[0044] This holding in position can also, according to another possible embodiment, be carried out through fixing screws in the tree trunk 6. The holding in position of the path floor 7 can also be ensured by means of glue between the tree trunk 6 and the path floor 7.

[0045] As shown in the Figure 1 , the conveying floor 7 comprises at least one end 9 which communicates with an upper mouth of a funnel device 10. Here, the conveying floor 9 comprises two ends 9 which communicate with the upper mouth of a funnel device 10. The funnel device 10 makes it possible to connect the conveying floor 7 with the collection bag 11.

[0046] Preferably, a part A represents the collar 2 by transparency. The caterpillar trap 1 comprises a collection bag 11 for the caterpillars 1. In this example, the funnel device 10 opens through a lower mouth, into the collection bag 11 for the caterpillars.

[0047] The harvesting bag 11 is advantageously attached to the tree trunk 6 by means of a tightening strap. However, the harvesting bag 11 can also be made directly integral with the caterpillar trap 1. In order to visually blend into nature, the harvesting bag 11 can be provided with a bark pattern.

[0048] In addition, the collection bag 11 may comprise on its upper part, an opening for engaging the lower mouth of the funnel device 10, in this collection bag 11.

[0049] Furthermore, the two ends 9 of the path floor 7 extend symmetrically on either side of a vertical median plane 16. In this example, the two ends 9 extend from the upper mouth of the funnel device 10, towards its lower mouth opening onto the collection bag 11.

[0050] Therefore, the caterpillars descending along the tree trunk 6 encounter the caterpillar trap 1, in which they will follow the trajectory of the walking floor 7. By following this trajectory, the caterpillars will progress towards the ends 9 of the walking floor 7, leading them naturally and directly into the harvesting bag 11.

[0051] As illustrated in figures 2 to 5, the track trap 1 comprises at least one orientation member 12. Advantageously, the orientation member 12 allows the separation of the tracks and the tree trunk 6 and / or the collar 2. With this in mind, the orientation member 12 projects from the path floor 7. In particular, the orientation member 12 can extend from the inner edge 71 to the outer edge 70 of the path floor 7. However, the orientation member 12 can also extend from the outer edge 70 to the inner edge 71 of the path floor 7.

[0052] The orientation member 12 aims to orient the path of the tracks towards the harvesting bag 11. For this purpose, the orientation member 12 can be oriented in several directions. In particular, the orientation member 12 can extend radially between each edge 70, 71. According to this configuration, the orientation member 12 can extend radially from the collar 2 towards the periphery of the tree trunk 6, or conversely from the periphery of the tree trunk 6 towards the collar 2.

[0053] It is also possible for the orientation member 12 to extend tangentially between each edge 70, 71. According to this configuration, the orientation member 12 extends tangentially from the periphery of the tree trunk or from the collar.

[0054] In this example, the caterpillar trap 1 comprises two orientation members 12. Preferably, each orientation member 12 is formed by a fin. In the example illustrated in figures 2 to 5, the fin extends from a first end 13 adjacent to the tree trunk 6, towards a second end 14 arranged at a distance from the tree trunk 6. Here, the fin extends tangentially from the periphery of the tree trunk 6. However, it is also possible for the fin to extend tangentially from the collar 2. This configuration makes it possible to direct towards the collection bag 11 caterpillars whose path would run along the collar 2.

[0055] According to a non-illustrated embodiment of the invention, it is also possible for the orientation member 12 to comprise a fin which extends parallel to the collar 2 and / or to the periphery of the tree trunk 6. This characteristic makes it possible to prevent the path of the tracks from bypassing the connection between the path floor 7 and the harvesting bag 11.

[0056] However, the fin can also extend from a first adjacent end of the collar 2 to a second end 14 arranged at a distance from the collar 2. In these two configurations, the second end 14 is free between the collar 2 and the trunk of the tree 6. Here, the second end 14 contributes to directing the path of the tracks on the path floor 7 towards the harvesting bag 11.

[0057] Preferably, at its end 13 adjacent to the tree trunk 6, the fin extends above the path floor 7, and at its second end 14 extends above the upper mouth of the funnel device 10. This fin makes it possible to shift the trajectory of the tracks from the tree trunk 6, ensuring their detachment from the latter, and directing them directly towards the funnel device 10.

[0058] According to another advantageous characteristic, the funnel device 10 comprises a flange 15. This flange 15 consists of an applique coming on a first side, to bear against the tree trunk 6. The flange 15 is integral on a first side with the inner edge 71 of the path floor 7. On a second side opposite the first, the flange 15 is integral with the outer edge 70 of the path floor 7. In this example, the flange 15 is made of flexible or semi-rigid material. Preferably, the flange 15 is made of synthetic material, with low roughness, such as a polypropylene strip. A second side of the flange 15 opposite the first side, forms a support console, for at least a part of the path floor 7. Here, the flange forms a support console for the two end pieces 9 of the path floor 7.

[0059] Preferably, the fixing of the path floor 7 and the orientation member 12 is carried out on the flange 15, in order to obtain a single part. This single part then allows a certain ease of mounting of the caterpillar trap 1 on the tree trunk 6.

[0060] In the example of the Figure 4 , two orientation members 12 are fixed on the flange 15 symmetrically and on either side of the vertical median plane 16. This symmetry allows a separation of the trajectory of the tracks, whatever the direction and direction of their movement on the ends 9 of the path floor 7.

[0061] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the orientation member 12 may also comprise a fin which extends from an adjacent end 13, 14 of the trunk of the shaft 6 to a second adjacent end 13, 14 of the collar 2. In this configuration, the fin forms a wall extending radially between the wall of the collar 2 and the trunk of the shaft 6. Preferably, in this configuration, the fin is arranged above the upper mouth of the funnel device 10.

[0062] In this case, the orientation member 12 connects the trunk of the tree 6 to the collar 2. In this configuration, the orientation member 12 opposes the movement of the tracks on the path floor 7, forcing them to descend towards the harvesting bag 11.

[0063] The characteristics of the caterpillar trap 1 according to the present invention contribute to directing the caterpillars directly towards the collection bag 11, it is then possible to count the caterpillars. For this purpose and according to a preferred embodiment, the caterpillar trap 1 comprises means for counting the caterpillars. These counting means allow the establishment of statistics or even the evaluation of the number of caterpillars present in the collection bag 11. These counting means may comprise sensors fixed on the end parts 9 of the path floor 7, at the level of the flange 15 of the funnel device 10. The counting means may also be useful for triggering a health alert which would aim to alert the population of the start of the stinging processions. It is entirely conceivable that such a funnel device 10 could equip a caterpillar trap according to the state of the art.

[0064] In this sense, the invention also relates to a funnel device 10 comprising the flange 15, on which ends 9 of the path floor 7 are fixed (illustrated in Figure 2 ). In this example, the holding in position of these ends 9 on the flange 15 is ensured by clamping screws or any other mechanical and / or chemical fixing system.

[0065] The funnel device 10 comprises at least one section of profile intended to define one end 9 of a track floor 7 of the tracks. Preferably, the funnel device 10 comprises two sections of profile intended to respectively define one end 9 of a track floor 7 of the tracks.

[0066] In this example, the ends 9 extend symmetrically on either side of a vertical median plane 16, from the upper mouth of the funnel device 10, towards its lower mouth. Here, the ends 9 are intended to open onto the collection bag 11.

[0067] In the same way, the funnel device is equipped with at least one orientation member 12, and preferably two orientation members 12. The two orientation members 12 extend symmetrically along the median plane 16. Here, the two orientation members 12 are fixed between the flange 15 and each of the ends 9 of the path floor 7.

[0068] The funnel device 10 allows use on an already existing caterpillar trap. Indeed, the funnel device 10 is removable, and can be attached to another caterpillar trap, such as that described in the prior art.

[0069] Preferably, the funnel device 10 comprises means for counting the tracks, such as sensors. For information purposes, the counting means may be fixed to the ends 9 of the track floor 7.

Claims

1. Caterpillar trap (1), in particular for pine processionary caterpillars, comprising: - a profile, forming a path floor (7) for the caterpillars, - a caterpillar collection bag (11) connected to the path floor (7), - a collar (2) in the form of a wall which externally delimits the path floor (7), and - clamping and fastening means (3) for winding and tightening the collar (2) around a tree trunk (6) such that it is spaced apart therefrom by the path floor (7), - at least one orienting member (12) projecting from the path floor (7), the orienting member (12) being designed to extend between the periphery of the tree trunk (6) and the collar (2) or vice versa, so as to separate the caterpillars from the tree trunk (6) and / or from the collar (2), characterized in that it further comprises a funnel device (10), a lower mouth of which opens into the caterpillar collection bag (11), and in that at least one end (9) of the path floor (7) is connected to an upper mouth of this funnel device (10).

2. Caterpillar trap (1), in particular for pine processionary caterpillars, according to claim 1, that the orienting member (12) extends radially or tangentially from the collar (2) and / or from the periphery of the tree trunk (6).

3. Caterpillar trap (1), in particular for pine processionary caterpillars, according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one orienting member (12) comprises a fin which extends from a first end (13) adjacent to the trunk (6) or adjacent to the collar (2), to a second end (14) arranged at a distance from the trunk (6) and / or at a distance from the collar (2).

4. Caterpillar trap (1), in particular for pine processionary caterpillars, according to claim 3, characterized in that the end (13) adjacent to the trunk extends above the path floor (7), while the second end (14) extends above the upper mouth of the funnel device (10).

5. Caterpillar trap (1), in particular for pine processionary caterpillars, according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a flange (15) forming a support bracket for at least one profile portion defining a continuity of the path floor (9), the flange (15) extending from the upper mouth of the funnel device (10) toward its lower mouth.

6. Caterpillar trap (1), in particular for pine processionary caterpillars, according to claim 5, characterized in that orienting members (12) are fastened to the flange (15) symmetrically on either side of a vertical median plane (16).

7. Caterpillar trap (1), in particular for pine processionary caterpillars, according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises caterpillar counting means preferably arranged at the funnel device (10).

8. Funnel device (10) intended to be associated with a caterpillar trap according to one of claims 1 to 7, the funnel device being characterized in that it comprises a flange (15) forming a support bracket for two profile portions for respectively defining one end (9) of a path floor (7) for the caterpillars, the support bracket extending from an upper mouth of the funnel device (10) toward a lower mouth, symmetrically on either side of a vertical median plane (16), the funnel device (10) further comprising orienting members (12) fastened to the flange (15) symmetrically on either side of said vertical median plane (16).