Installation device for installing hoops in the ground to form a growing tunnel

Abstract

The present invention relates to an implantation device for planting hoops (1) in the ground to form a growing tunnel. The implantation device (5) includes, in particular, bending means (53) for bending said hoop (1) from a straight state to a bent state and for planting said hoop (1) in the bent state in the ground. The bending means (53) comprise at least two clamps (531) for clamping said rod (1), each of which comprises at least one first jaw (6) having a contact surface (61), generally dihedral in shape, which comprises: - a curved portion (611), forming the base of said contact surface (61), and - two diverging portions (612), extending said curved portion (611) and defining an opening (613) in said contact surface (61). Figure for the abstract: 7

Description

Title of the invention: Implantation device for implanting hoops in the ground for the purpose of forming a cultivation tunnel Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of implantation devices, for the implantation of hoops in the ground with a view to forming a cultivation tunnel. State of the art

[0002] A growing tunnel comprises a plurality of hoops implanted / planted in the ground, which serve as a framework / roof for a protective strip (for example a protective film or a protective net).

[0003] For this, it is classic to use hoops which are made of metallic material.

[0004] These metal hoops can be preformed for installation. They can also be bent automatically, just before installation, from straight rods.

[0005] For this, the implantation device advantageously comprises:

[0006] - storage means, for storing the rods in a rectilinear state,

[0007] - distribution means, for the individual removal of said stems from a straight state from said storage means and for their transport to bending means,

[0008] - bending means, for bending said rod from the rectilinear state to the bent state and for planting said stem in the bent state in the ground.

[0009] For storage and for further use, these metal hoops must be torn off and then straightened using a dedicated straightening device.

[0010] However, in practice, the various operations of deformation of the metal rods, whether in bending or in straightening, are relatively complex to implement and can pose operating / adjustment problems respectively on the implantation devices and on the aforementioned straightening devices.

[0011] Furthermore, once installed, the metal hoops are susceptible to plastic bending phenomena. For example, during strong winds, the metal hoops are likely to bend, with, as a corollary, a risk of degradation of the associated protective strip and the underlying plants.

[0012] As a replacement for metal hoops, composite hoops offer many advantages, particularly in terms of lightness, corrosion resistance and flexibility.

[0013] However, these composite hoops require specific tools for their bending and their planting, which must be designed so as not to damage them.

[0014] It is in this context that it would be interesting to have a technical solution adapted to the installation of composite hoops in the ground with a view to forming a growing tunnel, making it possible to protect the hoops while simplifying and accelerating the greenhouse construction process. Presentation of the invention

[0015] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawback of the state of the art, the present invention proposes an implantation device for the implantation of hoops in the ground with a view to forming a cultivation tunnel.

[0016] The hoops consist of rods which are made of a flexible material, having a rectilinear state at rest and capable of being elastically bent from said rectilinear state to a bent state to form a hoop.

[0017] The implantation device comprises:

[0018] - storage means, for storing the rods in a rectilinear state,

[0019] - distribution means, for the individual removal of said stems from a straight state from said storage means and for their transport to bending means,

[0020] - bending means, for bending said rod from the rectilinear state to the bent state and for planting said stem in the bent state in the ground.

[0021] The bending means comprise:

[0022] - at least two clamps intended to pinch said rod, and

[0023] - means for operating said at least two clamps, for bending and for planting of said stem.

[0024] According to the invention, said clamps each comprise at least one first jaw comprising a contact surface, of generally dihedral shape, which comprises:

[0025] - a curved portion, forming the bottom of said contact surface, and

[0026] - two divergent portions, extending said curved portion and defining a opening of said contact surface.

[0027] Such an implantation device structure makes it possible to benefit from the advantages of “flexible” hoops without fear of damaging them during handling. The present invention thus makes it possible to facilitate the construction of a culture tunnel.

[0028] Other non-limiting and advantageous characteristics of the product according to the invention, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations, are the following:

[0029] - the curved portion has a section in the shape of an arc of a circle, for example having a radius ranging from 3.5 to 4.5 mm;

[0030] - the diverging portions are flat, defining for example an angle ranging from 45° at 55°;

[0031] - the contact surface is terminated by two chamfered lateral edges, of preferably having a curved cross-section;

[0032] - the clamps of the bending means each comprise two second jaws com additional jaws forming stops, arranged on either side of the first jaw; preferably, the second jaws each comprise an elongated contact surface whose longitudinal axis is oriented perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the contact surface of the first jaw; more preferably, the elongated contact surface of said second jaws comprises a flat central portion which is delimited laterally by two chamfers, preferably having a curved cross-section;

[0033] - the dispensing means comprise at least two clamps intended to clamp said rod, and means for operating said at least two clamps, for individual sampling and for transporting said rods; preferably, said at least two clamps of the distribution means comprise a first jaw comprising an elongated contact surface, which elongated contact surface is terminated by a rib and is delimited laterally by two chamfered edges, preferably comprising a curved cross-section;

[0034] - the jaws are made of metallic material or plastic material.

[0035] The present invention also relates to a set of jaws for an implantation device according to the invention.

[0036] The present invention also relates to the agricultural system, for the formation of a cultivation tunnel.

[0037] The agricultural system includes:

[0038] - an implantation device, according to the invention, and

[0039] - hoops, suitable for being implanted in the ground for the formation of a tunnel of culture.

[0040] And the hoops consist of rods made of a flexible material which has a rectilinear state at rest,

[0041] which rods are capable of being elastically bent from said rectilinear state to a bent state to form a hoop,

[0042] which rods comprise:

[0043] - a longitudinal body made of a flexible material, capable of being bent elastically tically, and

[0044] - a tubular protective covering, enveloping said longitudinal body.

[0045] Other non-limiting and advantageous characteristics of the system according to the invention, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations, are the following:

[0046] - the longitudinal body of the hoops is made of fiberglass;

[0047] - the protective coating of the hoops is chosen from thermo materials plastics;

[0048] - the rod of the hoops has a diameter ranging from 5 to 8 mm, with a coating of protection with a thickness of 0.3 to 0.8 mm.

[0049] - the curved portion of said at least one first jaw equipping the bending means has a diameter equal to or greater than the diameter of said rods; preferably, the ratio between, on the one hand, the diameter of the curved portion and, on the other hand, the diameter of the rods, is 1 to 1.3.

[0050] The present invention also relates to a method for implanting hoops in the ground, with a view to forming a cultivation tunnel, by implementing an implantation device according to the invention.

[0051] Of course, the various features, variants and embodiments of the invention may be combined with each other in various combinations to the extent that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. Detailed description of the invention

[0052] Furthermore, various other characteristics of the invention emerge from the appended description given with reference to the drawings which illustrate non-limiting embodiments of the invention and where:

[0053] [Fig-1] illustrates, in a generally very schematic manner, an implantation device according to the invention to form a culture tunnel;

[0054] [Fig.2] is a schematic, side and partial view of a hoop in its original state straight;

[0055] [Fig.3] is a schematic view, in cross section, of a hoop;

[0056] [Fig.4] is a schematic view of the main steps implemented in a method for automatically installing the hoops according to the invention;

[0057] [Fig.5] is a very schematic and isolated view of the implantation device;

[0058] [Fig.6] is a schematic and front view of the bending means;

[0059] [Fig.7] is a schematic and isolated view of the clamps equipping the bending means and the means of distribution;

[0060] [Fig.8] represents, in isolation, a first jaw equipping the clamps of the bending means, respectively from the side (drawing 8A.) and in perspective (drawing 8B.);

[0061] [Fig.9] represents, in isolation, a first jaw equipping the pliers of the distribution means, respectively from the front (drawing 9A.) and from the side (drawing 9B.).

[0062] It should be noted that, in these figures, the structural and / or functional elements common to the different variants may have the same references.

[0063] Generally speaking, [Fig.l] illustrates the formation of a culture tunnel T by for the implantation of hoops 1 in the ground S by the implementation of an implantation device 5 according to the invention. Grow tunnel

[0064] Such a cultivation tunnel T, classic in itself, is useful for the protection of plants which are placed on a strip of land B.

[0065] This culture tunnel T can extend over several hundred meters.

[0066] For this purpose and according to the invention, the culture tunnel T (partially shown in [Fig.l]) comprises:

[0067] - several hoops 1 according to the invention, also called “flexible hoops”, and

[0068] - a protective strip, conventional in itself and not shown, for example a film of protection or a protective net, which covers the aligned hoops 1. Hoops

[0069] The hoops 1 serve as a framework / frame for the protective strip.

[0070] These hoops 1 are planted vertically in the ground S, parallel and spaced apart from each other (each hoop 1 advantageously extends in a vertical plane).

[0071] The hoops 1 are still oriented transversely relative to the longitudinal axis of the cultivation tunnel T and the strip of earth B.

[0072] According to the invention, at least one of the hoops 1 (preferably all of the hoops 1) consists of a rod (designated by the same reference 1) made of a flexible material which has a rectilinear state at rest (see in particular figures 1, 2 and 4A).

[0073] Such a rod 1 according to the invention is capable of being bent from the rectilinear state, at rest (figure 4A), to a bent state (also called “bending state”), elastically deformed, to form an arch 1 (figure 4B).

[0074] By “bent” is meant in particular a bending deformation with a bending radius advantageously in a semicircle (advantageously on a central section of this arch 1).

[0075] In this bent state, the two ends 11 of the rod 1 then advantageously extend along two parallel axes (parallel to one another), advantageously at least over the length of the section intended to be planted in the ground S (see figure 4C).

[0076] This rod 1 according to the invention is also capable of returning to its rectilinear state, from the bent state, when the constraint is released (in particular when the rod 1 is torn from the ground S).

[0077] Still according to the invention, as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the rod 1 is advantageously composite and comprises:

[0078] - a longitudinal body 2 (or longitudinal core or rod), made of a material flexible, capable of being elastically bent into a bent state from a rectilinear state, and

[0079] - a protective covering 3 (also called “sheath”), tubular, enveloping said longitudinal body 2.

[0080] Such a rod 1 thus forms a sheathed fiber arch.

[0081] The rod 1, the longitudinal body 2 and the protective covering 3 have advantageously gentely circular sections (see [Fig.3]).

[0082] Generally, the longitudinal body 2 is preferably solid. This longitudinal body 2 advantageously has a circular cross-section.

[0083] The longitudinal body 2 advantageously extends coaxially with respect to the neutral fiber of the rod 1.

[0084] The longitudinal body 2 is preferably made of glass fibers, for example E glass fibers, advantageously with a thermosetting resin intended to secure said glass fibers together.

[0085] The longitudinal body 2 advantageously has a shape memory property in a rectilinear state, corresponding to the rectilinear state of the rod 1.

[0086] The protective coating 3 is advantageously flexible and preferably capable of deforming elastically.

[0087] This protective coating 3 is advantageously adapted to follow the deformations of the longitudinal body 2.

[0088] The protective coating 3 is advantageously chosen from thermoplastic materials, preferably from thermoplastic polymers, for example polypropylene.

[0089] This protective coating 3 is advantageously extruded, preferably post-extruded, around the longitudinal body 2.

[0090] The protective coating 3 advantageously has a constant thickness over the circumference of the longitudinal body 2 and over the length of the latter.

[0091] As an example, in connection with [Fig.2], the rod 1 has the following dimensions:

[0092] - the rod 1 has a diameter El ranging from 5 to 8 mm;

[0093] - the longitudinal body 2 advantageously has a diameter E2 ranging from 4.2 to 7.7 mm ;

[0094] - the protective coating 3 has a thickness E3 ranging from 0.3 to 8 mm.

[0095] Still generally, the rod 1 has two free ends 11. And the rod 1 has for example a length ranging from 2000 to 3000 mm (distance between the two free ends 11).

[0096] The rod 1 is advantageously capable of being deformed in bending, with advantageously a minimum bending diameter of 200 mm, preferably 250 mm.

[0097] This hoop 1 is advantageously usable in a thermal range of -25°C to 90°C. Implantation device

[0098] The implantation device 5 according to the invention is suitable for the implantation of such hoops 1.

[0099] The implantation device 5 is advantageously coupled to, or carried by, a traction engine E.

[0100] In particular, this implantation device 5 makes it possible to benefit from the advantages of the “flexible” hoops 1, without fear of damaging them during handling.

[0101] For this, such an implantation device 5 is for example similar to that described in document EP-0 465 327, usually used for metal hoops 1.

[0102] As shown in [Fig.5], this implantation device 5 comprises:

[0103] - storage means 51, also called “store”, for storing the rods 1 in a rectilinear state,

[0104] - distribution means 52, for the individual removal of the stems 1 in a rectilinear state from said storage means 51 and for their transport to bending means 53,

[0105] - bending means 53, for bending the rod 1 from the rectilinear state to the bent state and for planting this stem 1 in the bent state in the ground S.

[0106] As shown in [Fig.6], the bending means 53 comprise:

[0107] - at least two clamps 531 intended to pinch the rod 1, and

[0108] - operating means 532 of said at least two clamps 531, for bending and for planting this stem 1.

[0109] And according to the invention, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the clamps 531 each comprise jaws 6, 7 which are intended to clamp a hoop 1 without damaging it.

[0110] In this sense, the clamps 531 each comprise at least one first jaw 6 comprising a contact surface 61, of generally dihedral shape.

[0111] As described in connection with [Fig.8], this contact surface 61 comprises:

[0112] - a curved portion 611, concave, forming the bottom of the contact surface 61, and

[0113] - two divergent portions 612, extending the curved portion 611 and defining a opening 613 of this contact surface 61.

[0114] Preferably, this contact surface 61 defines a longitudinal axis 61', parallel to the longitudinal axis of the curved portion 611.

[0115] Preferably, the curved portion 611 has a section in the shape of an arc of a circle, for example having a radius ranging from 3.5 to 4.5 mm.

[0116] This curved portion 611 advantageously extends over an angular sector ranging from 45° to 55°.

[0117] Still preferably, the diverging portions 612 are planar, defining for example an angle A ranging from 45° to 55°.

[0118] Still generally, the contact surface 61 is advantageously terminated by two lateral edges 615 (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 61') which are chamfered.

[0119] Preferably, the two lateral edges 615 have a curved cross-section (figure 8B).

[0120] Generally, the first jaw 6 of each clamp 531 is advantageously movable in rotation, advantageously parallel to the longitudinal axis 61' of the contact surface 61.

[0121] This first jaw 6 is advantageously movable between:

[0122] - a closing position, in which the rod 1 is clamped with second jaws 7 ([Fig.7] in particular), and

[0123] - an open position, in which the rod 1 is spaced apart from the second jaw 7 for supporting a rod 1.

[0124] Still preferably, the clamps 531 of the bending means 53 each comprise two second complementary jaws 7, forming stops, arranged on either side of the first jaw 6 ([Fig.7]).

[0125] The second jaws 7 each comprise an elongated contact surface 71 whose longitudinal axis 71' is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 61' of the contact surface 61 of the first jaw 6.

[0126] Preferably, the elongated contact surface 71 of these second jaws 7 comprises a flat central portion 711 (parallel to the longitudinal axis 71') which is delimited laterally by two chamfers 712 (also parallel to the longitudinal axis 71'), preferably having a curved cross-section.

[0127] Generally, the operating means 532 comprise pivoting heads 5321, carrying the clamps 531, which are articulated around longitudinal axes. These pivoting heads 5321 are carried by a template 5322 in the shape of an arc of a circle open towards the ground and serving as a support for a rod 1 when it is bent.

[0128] The pivot axis of the clamps 531 is advantageously parallel to the path axis of the implantation device 5.

[0129] Each clamp 531 is thus intended to undergo a rotational movement, advantageously over a quarter turn and in an opposite direction to each other.

[0130] Each clamp 531 is advantageously movable, according to an oscillating movement, between:

[0131] - a support position, in which the longitudinal axis 61' of the surface of contact 61 of the first jaw 6 advantageously extends horizontally, and

[0132] - a bending position, in which the longitudinal axis 61' of the surface of contact 61 of the first jaw 6 advantageously extends vertically.

[0133] The template 5322 advantageously extends perpendicular to the path axis of the implantation device 5.

[0134] The template 5322 is movable in a transverse plane, advantageously vertical. This template 5322 is thus animated by a vertical oscillating back and forth movement, illustrated schematically in Figures 5 and 6, to ensure a planting step in the ground S.

[0135] Furthermore, as illustrated in [Fig.7], the distribution means 52 comprise:

[0136] - at least two clamps 521 intended to clamp the rod 1 in a rectilinear state, and

[0137] - operating means 522 of said at least two clamps 521, for the pre individual lifting and for transporting stems 1.

[0138] Said at least two clamps 521 define a gripping axis 521', preferably opening upwards to receive and deliver a rod 1 in a rectilinear state.

[0139] Said at least two clamps 521 of the distribution means 52 comprise a first jaw 8.

[0140] As shown in more detail in [Fig.9], this first jaw 8 comprises an elongated contact surface 81.

[0141] This elongated contact surface 81 is terminated by a rib 811 (parallel to the gripping axis 521').

[0142] This elongated contact surface 81 is advantageously delimited laterally by two chamfered edges 812 (perpendicular to the gripping axis 521'), preferably comprising a curved cross-section.

[0143] The operating means 522 of said at least two clamps 521 provide an oscillating translational movement, in a forward / reverse direction.

[0144] Preferably, the translation axis of the grippers 521 is oriented horizontally, perpendicular to the gripping axis 521'.

[0145] These maneuvering means 522 ensure a movement of the clamps 521, according to an oscillating movement illustrated schematically in [Fig.5], between:

[0146] - a rear position, for the individual sampling of a rod 1 in a state straight from the storage means 51, and

[0147] - a front position, for transporting a rod 1 to the bending means 53 and for the presentation of the rod 1 to the bending means 53.

[0148] Generally speaking, the jaws 6, 7 and 8 are advantageously made of metallic material or plastic material.

[0149] The jaws 6, 7 and 8 according to the invention advantageously form a set of jaws 6, 7 and 8, or kit, which makes it possible to convert an implantation device for metal hoops into an implantation device 5 according to the invention which is adapted to implant “flexible” hoops 1. Agricultural system

[0150] The present invention also relates to the agricultural system 10, for the formation of a cultivation tunnel T.

[0151] This agricultural system 10 comprises:

[0152] - the implantation device 5 according to the invention, and

[0153] - “flexible” hoops 1, suitable for being implanted in the ground S for the formation of a T-growing tunnel.

[0154] Generally, the curved portion 611 of said at least one first jaw 6 equipping the bending means 53 has a diameter equal to or greater than the diameter of the rods 1.

[0155] Preferably, the ratio between, on the one hand, the diameter of the curved portion 611 and, on the other hand, the diameter of the rods 1, is from 1 to 1.3.

[0156] Alternatively, the diameter of the rods 1 is greater than or equal to the diameter of the curved portion 611 of said at least one first jaw 6 equipping the bending means 53.

[0157] Preferably, the ratio between, on the one hand, the diameter of the rods 1 and, on the other hand, the diameter of the curved portion 611, is from 1 to 1.3. Implantation process

[0158] The present invention also relates to the method of implantation, advantageously automatic, of the “flexible” hoops 1 in the ground S for the formation of a culture tunnel T by the implementation of the implantation device 5 according to the invention.

[0159] As illustrated very schematically in [Fig.4], the implantation method according to the invention comprises successive steps for the successive implantation of each of the arches 1 in the ground S.

[0160] This implantation method comprises the following steps:

[0161] - a step of taking a rod 1 according to the invention, in a rectilinear state (figure 4A), from the storage means 51 by the implementation of the distribution means 52;

[0162] - a step of bending this rod 1, to form an arch 1 (figure 4B), by the implementation of bending means 53,

[0163] - a step of planting this stem 1 in a bent state (figure 4C), by putting in work of bending means 53.

[0164] The jaw structure 6, 7, 8 allows different manipulations of the rods 1, without damaging the latter.

[0165] In particular, the bending step is obtained by a rotational movement of the two clamps 531.

[0166] The planting step consists of introducing the free ends 11 of the stem 1, in a bent state, into the soil S.

[0167] For this, this rod 1 is advantageously arranged in a plane oriented vertically and perpendicular to the ground strip B.

[0168] Then the rod 1 is advantageously maneuvered according to a vertically oriented translation movement, from a high position in which the free ends 11 of the rod 1 extend above the ground S and are oriented towards the ground S, towards a low position in which the free ends 11 of the rod 1 (still in the bent state) are driven into the ground S.

[0169] The free ends 11 of the rod 1 are advantageously introduced to a depth ranging from 5 to 30 cm.

[0170] The free ends 11 of the rod 1, driven into the ground S, ensure that a constraint is maintained on the rod 1 which remains in its bent state.

[0171] The successive steps are thus repeated for the installation of each of the hoops 1, advantageously regularly spaced from each other, along the length of the strip of land B.

[0172] The hoops 1 thus allow the installation of a protective strip (not shown), either simultaneously with the installation of these hoops 1 or after this installation of hoops 1.

[0173] When the growing tunnel T is dismantled, the operator tears each hoop 1 away from the ground S.

[0174] During this tearing, the hoop 1 (in the bent and elastically constrained state) automatically returns to its rectilinear state, at rest, in particular thanks to the elastic properties of its longitudinal body 2 (in particular its shape memory).

[0175] During handling, particularly during installation or removal, the hoop 1 is likely to suffer a breakage / degradation of its longitudinal body 2. The protective coating 3 then ensures confinement of this longitudinal body 2.

[0176] Of course, various other modifications may be made to the invention within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

Claims

1. Implantation device, for implanting hoops (1) in the ground (S) for the formation of a growing tunnel (T), said hoops (1) consisting of rods (1) which are made of a flexible material, having a rectilinear state at rest and capable of being elastically bent from said rectilinear state to a bent state to form a hoop, which implantation device (5) comprises: - storage means (51), for storing the rods (1) in a rectilinear state, - distribution means (52), for individually removing said rods (1) in a rectilinear state from said storage means (51) and for transporting them to bending means (53), - bending means (53), for bending said rod (1) from the rectilinear state to the bent state and for planting said rod (1) in bent state in the ground S,which bending means (53) comprise: - at least two clamps (531) intended to clamp said rod (1), and - operating means (532) of said at least two clamps (531), for bending and for planting said rod (1), characterized in that said clamps (531) each comprise at least one first jaw (6) comprising a contact surface (61), of generally dihedral shape, which comprises: - a curved portion (611), forming the bottom of said contact surface (61), and - two divergent portions (612), extending said curved portion (611) and defining an opening (613) of said contact surface (61). which clamps (531) of the bending means (53) each comprise two second complementary jaws (7) forming stops, arranged on either side of the first jaw (6).,

2. Implantation device according to claim 1, characterized in that the second jaws (7) each comprise an elongated contact surface (71) whose longitudinal axis (71') is oriented perpendicular to a longitudinal axis (61') of the contact surface (61) of the first jaw (6).

3. Implantation device, according to claim 2, characterized in that the elongated contact surface (71) of said second jaws (7) comprises a flat central portion (711) which is delimited laterally by two chamfers (712), preferably having a curved cross-section.

4. Implantation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the curved portion (611) has a section in the shape of an arc of a circle, for example having a radius ranging from 3.5 to 4.5 mm.

5. Implantation device, according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the divergent portions (612) are planar, defining for example an angle (A) ranging from 45° to 55°.

6. Implantation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the contact surface (61) is terminated by two chamfered lateral edges (615), preferably having a curved cross-section.

7. Implantation device, according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the distribution means (52) comprise: - at least two clamps (521) intended to clamp said rod (1), and - means (522) for maneuvering said at least two clamps (521), for individual sampling and for transporting said rods (1).

8. Implantation device, according to claim 7, characterized in that said at least two clamps (521) of the distribution means (52) comprise a first jaw (8) comprising an elongated contact surface (81), which elongated contact surface (81) is terminated by a rib (811) and is delimited laterally by two chamfered edges (812), preferably comprising a curved cross-section.

9. Implantation device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the jaws (6, 7, 8) are made of metallic material or plastic material.

10. Set of jaws (6, 7 and 8) for implantation device (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. Agricultural system, for the formation of a cultivation tunnel (T), which agricultural system comprises: - an implantation device (5), according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and - hoops (1), adapted to be implanted in the ground (S) for the formation of a cultivation tunnel (T), which hoops (1) consist of rods (1) made of a flexible material which has a rectilinear state at rest, which rods (1) are capable of being elastically bent from said rectilinear state to a bent state to form a hoop, which rods (1) comprise: - a longitudinal body (2) made of a flexible material, capable of being elastically bent, and - a protective covering (3), tubular, enveloping said longitudinal body (2).

12. Agricultural system according to claim 11, characterized in that the curved portion (611) of said at least one first jaw (6) equipping the bending means (53) has a diameter equal to or greater than the diameter of said rods (1), preferably, the ratio between, on the one hand, the diameter of the curved portion (611) and, on the other hand, the diameter of the rods (1), is 1 to 1.3.

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