Sewn wood sheet, tubular protection in sewn wood sheet and implementation method.

Abstract

The invention relates to a sheet of peeled or sliced ​​wood (1a) having a first longitudinal dimension (h) parallel to a direction (XX) of extension of the wood fibers and a second transverse dimension (L) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (h), the sheet (1a) comprising a plurality of textile thread stitching lines (2) extending transversely, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (XX). The invention also relates to a plant seedling device which is biodegradable after the necessary protection period, animal-friendly, resistant while allowing the growing tree to break it so as not to have to remove it, making its operation inexpensive. Figure for abstract: Fig. 2

Description

Title of the invention: Sewn wooden sheet, tubular protection made of sewn wooden sheet and method of implementation.

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of manufacturing wooden objects, in particular from peeled or sliced ​​wood, in particular for application in the field of horticulture and forestry.

[0002] It is known to use tubular plastic protections that are placed around young plants in order to protect them from animals, in particular.

[0003] In particular, in the forest, deer use trees to rub their antlers and rid them of dried velvet once the bone growth of the antlers is complete.

[0004] Friction, on the one hand, but also blows from antlers on the other, damage trees, especially when they are young. The plants are thus broken, stripped of their protective bark, twisted, and sometimes even dug up.

[0005] Young plants are also grazed by animals for food.

[0006] Finally, they can suffer significant competition from wild plants which can lead to the death of the plant.

[0007] To avoid this, it is known to use tubular plastic protection devices that are placed around the plants. One of the best-known products is marketed under the brand name Tubex®.

[0008] To fix them, they are either partially buried or, preferably, fixed to a stake which is itself buried. The advantage of these protections is their low cost.

[0009] Once the plant has grown sufficiently, either the tree bursts the tube, or the operators remove them.

[0010] In practice, many are left in nature, causing significant long-term plastic pollution.

[0011] It has already been proposed to use recycled plastic. While this solution avoids the consumption of hydrocarbons for its synthesis, it does not solve the problem of pollution, particularly at the end of its life.

[0012] It has also been proposed to replace plastic with multi-layer cardboard, which has the advantage of being compostable. Such a product is, for example, marketed under the name “Biowit NT BTR”.

[0013] However, it has poor resistance to blows from wood and perforation, as well as to certain climatic conditions, which means it deteriorates too quickly compared to the necessary protection time, typically between 3 and 6 years. They must therefore be replaced, which is expensive.

[0014] To improve this, it has been proposed to coat the cardboard with a protective material, but this adversely affects biodegradability and residual pollution.

[0015] Finally, it has also been proposed to use stakes made of sawn or split wood, these stakes being attached to each other by wire. Such a product is, for example, marketed under the name "WitaPro Tree shelter".

[0016] Although these products have good resistance to friction, they are quickly damaged when the antlers of deer get caught in the wire, particularly at the junction between the stakes, risking injuring the animals in the process.

[0017] There is therefore a significant need to provide a plant seedling device that is biodegradable after the necessary protection period, respectful of animals, resistant while allowing the growing tree to break it so as not to have to remove it, making its operation inexpensive.

[0018] Peeled or sliced ​​wood sheets are known for making plywood or lightweight packaging. However, these peeled or sliced ​​wood sheets are also known to be very brittle along the grain direction, as the cut is made along the grain direction. Simply bending it will split and break it.

[0019] Peeling and slicing are done using a non-toothed blade, with a respective movement of the blade and the log which is unidirectional, as opposed to sawing whose movement is bidirectional and which generates numerous chips.

[0020] Slicing is cutting along the log, in the direction of the fibers, using a blade that is forced down against the log with each cut. Once the sheet is cut, the log or blade is offset by the thickness of the sheet to be sliced, then the blade is forced down again to obtain the sheet of wood.

[0021] This cutting is sequential and only allows sheets to be obtained with a maximum width equal to the maximum diameter of the log. In addition, the sheets obtained by slicing a log do not all have the same width.

[0022] Although slicing is a technique suitable for forming sheets of wood according to the present invention, unrolling will be preferred, which makes it possible to obtain a sheet of great width, or at least to obtain sheets of identical widths.

[0023] Thus, as shown in [Fig.l], the peeled wood is obtained by applying a blade B along a log B and oriented substantially tangentially to the log W, then rotating the log in the direction of the arrow Fl around its longitudinal axis XX, which is also the direction of the wood fibers. This results in obtaining a sheet of wood FB of height h substantially equal to the length of the log, of thickness e generally between 1 and 5 millimeters and whose length L depends on the use that will be made of the sheet of wood. In the application example described below, the length L is linked to the diameter that we wish to obtain for the tubular protection. The length L represents the perimeter of the tubular protection, possibly to which we add the length of the overlapping zone of the vertical edges of the sheet (see [Fig.5]).

[0024] The idea behind the invention is to use a sheet of unrolled wood and to reinforce it with lines of textile threads made of biodegradable material sewn into the sheet of unrolled wood perpendicular to the fibers. This combination makes it possible to obtain a sheet that does not tear easily or whose pieces remain together. It also prevents the antlers of animals from getting caught in a crevice since the sheet is smooth, continuous, and the seam is taut and very thin. In the extreme and very unlikely case where the antler or a claw of an animal were to pass between the seam and the wood, the textile thread would break locally, not injuring the animal, and only very marginally affecting the overall strength of the sheet.

[0025] Thus, according to the invention, the subject of the invention is a sheet of peeled or sliced ​​wood having a first longitudinal dimension parallel to a direction of extension of the wood fibers and a second transverse dimension perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the sheet comprising a plurality of textile thread stitching lines extending transversely, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0026] A sheet of peeled wood having a first dimension parallel to a direction of extension of the wood fibers and a second dimension perpendicular to the direction of extension of the wood fibers, the sheet comprising a plurality of textile yarn stitching lines extending perpendicular to the direction of extension of the wood fibers.

[0027] According to other embodiments: - the wooden sheet can have a thickness between 1 and 3 millimeters; - the stitching lines can be spaced between 1 and 10 centimeters apart; - the seam lines may have piercing points in the wood sheet spaced between 5 and 20 millimeters apart; - the textile thread can be in a material chosen from natural fibers such as linen or cotton; - the wooden sheet may comprise a plurality of holes (3) for the passage of light; and / or - the wood may be impregnated with a solution comprising at least one of the following elements: a phytosanitary treatment, a fertilizer, a repellent or a mixture of these.

[0028] The invention also relates to a device for protecting plant plans, comprising a previously sewn wooden sheet rolled up on itself or intended to be rolled up on itself.

[0029] According to other embodiments: - when the sheet is rolled up on itself, the longitudinal edges of the sheet may be opposite each other; - when the sheet is rolled up on itself, it may have an area of ​​overlap of the longitudinal edges of the sheet; - the device may further comprise a stake provided with a point and a notch arranged at a distance from the point such that in the position of use, the notch covers the longitudinal edges of the sheet and keeps the sheet rolled up on itself; and / or - the longitudinal edges of the sheet may be held against each other or opposite each other by at least one stitching line.

[0030] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a previous sewn wooden sheet, comprising the following steps: a) placing a wooden log in a rotating device along a longitudinal axis of the log, substantially parallel to a direction of extension of the wood fibers; b) rotating the log of wood and then applying a blade longitudinally against the log of wood in a substantially tangential manner so as to cut a sheet of wood, substantially parallel to the direction of extension of the wood fibers; c) sewing into the sheet of wood a plurality of stitching lines substantially perpendicular to the wood fibers to obtain a sewn sheet of wood.

[0031] The invention also relates to a method for implementing a previous plant protection device, comprising the following steps: a) selecting a previous sewn wooden sheet; |3) roll the sheet of wood on itself; y) place the rolled sheet of wood around a plant to be protected and hold it in this position using a fixing means.

[0032] Other characteristics of the invention will be set out in the detailed description below, given with reference to the appended drawings, which illustrate, respectively:

[0033] [Fig-1] a schematic perspective view of the wood peeling process according to prior art;

[0034] [Fig.2], a schematic front view of a sheet of wood according to the invention, and comprising a plurality of seam lines transverse to the XX direction of the wood fibers;

[0035] [Fig.3], a schematic perspective view of a first example of embodiment of a method of manufacturing a sewn wooden sheet according to the invention;

[0036] [Fig.4], a schematic perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment of a method of manufacturing a sewn wooden sheet according to the invention; and

[0037] [Fig.5] a schematic perspective view of a preferred use of the sheet of wood sewn according to the invention as a tube for protecting plant plants.

[0038] [Fig. 2] illustrates a sheet of wood 1a obtained according to the manufacturing method according to the invention. The sheet of wood 1a according to the invention comprises a sheet of wood 1 obtained after unwinding a log of wood according to the method illustrated in [Fig. 1], and a plurality of sewing lines 2 of textile thread extending transversely, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0039] The sheet of wood 1a has a first longitudinal dimension h parallel to a direction XX of extension of the wood fibers and a second dimension L transverse and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction XX.

[0040] In the application described below, the longitudinal dimension h is the height of the tubular protection device in the position of use, and the transverse dimension L corresponds to the perimeter of the tubular protection device in the position of use, or to the perimeter to which the length of the edge overlap zone is added, as illustrated in [Fig.5].

[0041] The stitching lines 2 are obtained by piercing the wood with a needle, and by threading according to a stitching pattern determined by a conventional bobbin and reel system.

[0042] The needle must be chosen to be strong enough to pierce the wood, and the sewing machine must be adjusted to allow said piercing.

[0043] The illustrated stitching pattern is a two-thread knotted straight stitch, i.e., two threads intertwine at each hole, with the holes being substantially aligned.

[0044] Of course, other patterns and other techniques such as interlooping are possible, with one or more threads.

[0045] It is preferred to make the sheet 1 so that it has a thickness of between 1 and 3 millimeters, preferably between 1.5 and 2.5 millimeters, advantageously 2 millimeters. This thickness is optimal to allow sewing with a machine without breaking the sheet during the sewing operation.

[0046] This thickness also allows the sheet to be rolled up on itself without splitting it.

[0047] Within the scope of the invention, the stitching can advantageously be carried out on fresh wood or on wood kept moist to prevent any cracking of the sheet 1 during the piercings for the stitching.

[0048] A thickness of between 1 and 2 millimeters is also favorable for this use since with light woods such as beech, the sheet obtained is thin enough to let sunlight pass through, which is beneficial to the growth of the plant. As illustrated in [Fig.5], it is also possible, alternatively or in combination, to provide a plurality of holes 3 for direct passage of light. The size of these holes is chosen to prevent a deer antler from being able to penetrate it.

[0049] Alternatively or in combination, the 1-la wood sheets may undergo a partial lignin removal treatment to increase the translucency of the sheets and the transmission of light to the plant.

[0050] In order to ensure good resistance to the wood sheet, despite its longitudinal fragility in the direction of the fibers, the seam lines are spaced apart by a distance DI of one to a few centimeters, preferably between 1 and 10 centimeters.

[0051] Of course, the number of stitching lines 2 per unit of length in the direction XX, as well as the size of the stitching points (distance D2 between two piercing points 2a of the wooden sheet in the transverse direction) will be adapted according to the desired resistance, the stresses undergone by the wooden sheet, the type of wood used, the thickness of the sheet 1, the desired flexibility and durability in relation to the service life required for the intended use.

[0052] For example, in the context of the use of a sewn wooden sheet according to the invention, made of ash, as a tube for protecting plant seedlings, the stitching lines are advantageously spaced apart by a distance of between 2 and 3 centimeters, and the spacing D2 between two piercing points 2a of the wooden sheet is advantageously between 5 and 20 millimeters.

[0053] A particularly interesting advantage of using a sheet of wood as a tube for protecting plant seedlings is that the wood, due to its low thickness, can easily be impregnated with a solution such as a phytosanitary treatment, a fertilizer, a repellent or a mixture of these.

[0054] [Fig. 3] illustrates an example of an embodiment of a method for obtaining a sewn wooden sheet according to the invention by unrolling. The person skilled in the art will be able to adapt it to slicing.

[0055] This method comprises the following steps: a) a wooden log W is placed in a rotating device (not shown) along a longitudinal axis XX of the log W, this axis being substantially parallel to the direction of extension of the wood fibers; b) the wooden ball W is then rotated and a blade B is applied longitudinally against the wooden ball in a substantially tangential manner so as to cutting a sheet of wood 1 with a thickness of between 1 and 5 millimeters depending on the type of wood used, substantially parallel to the direction of extension of the wood fibers; c) the sheet of wood 1 thus obtained is then directed in the direction of the arrows F2 towards one or more sewing machines arranged so as to sew thereon a plurality of stitching lines 2 substantially perpendicular to the direction of extension of the wood fibers, and to obtain a sewn sheet of wood 1a according to the invention.

[0056] In [Fig.3], six sewing heads 10 are illustrated, which may belong to six single-head machines, or to a multi-head machine for example.

[0057] In this embodiment, the wooden sheet 1a is thus sewn continuously.

[0058] It can then be cut to the desired length L to form, in use, tubes of diameters adapted according to the species of plant, for example.

[0059] Alternatively, as illustrated in [Fig.4], the sheet of wood can be unrolled, then stored and / or transported to the sewing station. It is then possible to subject it to treatment, for example to facilitate sewing or to make it more translucent.

[0060] More specifically, the wood is unrolled in step i) and cut into a sheet 1.

[0061] The wooden sheets 1 thus cut are stacked in step ii). They can be stored and / or transmitted directly to step iii) where each sheet 1 is sewn with a plurality of stitching lines to obtain a sewn wooden sheet 1a.

[0062] The advantage of this method of sewing the sheets one by one, and not continuously as in [Fig.3], makes it possible to provide stopping points at the ends of each sewing line 2.

[0063] The sewn wooden sheets are then stacked in step iv) for packaging for marketing or use.

[0064] [Fig. 5] illustrates the preferred use of a sewn wooden sheet 1a according to the invention, namely a device for protecting plant plans in which the sewn wooden sheet 1a is rolled up on itself (or intended to be rolled up on itself if it is marketed flat, which facilitates its storage and transport).

[0065] When the sheet 1a is rolled up on itself, the longitudinal edges 1b of the sheet 1a may be placed opposite each other without overlapping, or, as illustrated in [Fig. 5], the sheet may have a zone ZR of overlapping or overlapping of the longitudinal edges 1b of the sheet.

[0066] If the sewn sheets 1a are formed into a tube during manufacture, it may be chosen to sew the longitudinal edges 1b so as to hold them against each other or opposite each other by at least one line of sewing.

[0067] Alternatively, the sewn sheets according to the invention can advantageously be marketed flat, which facilitates packaging, transport, storage and handling.

[0068] In this case, it may be useful to provide a tube-shaped holding means during use.

[0069] This may be, for example, a split wooden rod capable of pinching and holding the two longitudinal edges 1b against each other in the overlap zone.

[0070] [Fig.5] illustrates another possibility in which a staking stake 20 is provided to hold the sewn sheet in the position of use.

[0071] In this embodiment, the staking stake is provided with a point 21 (visible by transparency through the tube formed by the sewn sheet 1a) at a first end and a notch 22.

[0072] According to the invention, this notch 22 is arranged at a distance from the point 21 such that when the stake 20 is driven into the ground in the direction of the arrow F3, the notch 22 covers (arrow F4) and pinches the longitudinal edges 1b of the sheet 1a to keep the sheet rolled up on itself in the position of use.

[0073] Other holding systems may be provided without departing from the invention.

[0074] Thus, to implement a plant protection device according to the invention, one begins by selecting a sewn wooden sheet according to the invention, then the sewn wooden sheet is rolled up on itself and placed around a plant to be protected. It is then held in this position using a fixing means, such as for example the staking stake 20 provided with a notch 22.

[0075] Thus, thanks to the seams perpendicular to the direction of extension of the wood fibers, therefore to the direction of easy tearing of the sheet, a notch in the sheet will not propagate laterally. Even if it did, following several blows received or by degradation due to bad weather, the seam lines will keep the pieces together, for the entire duration of the necessary use of the protective tube.

[0076] In five years, which is the average required duration of use, the sewn wooden sheet will retain its primary function, while beginning to degrade through the part in contact with the ground. When the tree grows, the force exerted against the sheet will tear the seams.

[0077] The sheet of wood or the pieces that constitute it will then fall to the ground and its biodegradation will end, nourishing, in the process, the soil near the tree.

[0078] Other applications of the sewn wooden sheet according to the invention are also possible, such as the manufacture of more resistant crates, palisades to cover a barrier, temporary borders for the garden.

[0079] In the field of tree planting and forestry, the invention presents a solution for the protection of trees, forest plants and climbing plants. It is a system for protecting tree seedlings or shelters for tree seedlings using a rigid tubular structure made from ecological, biodegradable and compostable materials.

[0080] A preferred use of this invention is to protect plants from browsing and rubbing by wild and domestic animals, as well as to mitigate damage caused by rubbing or friction. By using materials with specific characteristics and arrangements, the tree protection system ensures optimal growth and survival rate of plants, while preserving sustainability and ecological balance.

[0081] Tree shelters are designed in a tubular form, which provides a strong and reliable physical barrier around young plants. The use of rigid tubular structures ensures the stability and longevity of the shelters, allowing them to withstand various environmental conditions and external pressures. The materials used for the construction of these shelters are selected to strike a balance between durability and biodegradability, thus ensuring minimal impact on the ecosystem in the long term.

[0082] Wood, known for its strength and natural aesthetics, provides reliable protection while blending harmoniously into the environment. In addition, the wood fibers contribute to the overall strength of the shelters.

[0083] The textile thread used for the seams is chosen from biodegradable material, such as cotton, linen, or other natural fibers.

[0084] The biodegradable and compostable nature of these materials ensures that the shelters gradually decompose over time, eliminating the need for manual removal.

[0085] In some embodiments, as they degrade or when it rains, the shelters can release compounds into the soil, enriching it and promoting the growth of healthy plants. This environmentally friendly approach minimizes waste and allows for a more sustainable tree planting process.

[0086] Tree shelters are designed for easy installation and can accommodate a wide variety of tree and plant species. Their adjustable sizes and flexible structures meet the unique needs of different plant types, promoting optimal growing conditions. The shelters also provide a microclimate that protects young plants from extreme temperatures, wind and excessive sunlight, thus increasing their chances of survival.

[0087] The thickness of the wooden sheet allows light to diffuse into the tube for plant growth. Alternatively, it is possible to provide a plurality of holes to partially allow the sun's rays to pass through.

[0088] Overall, this innovative tree shelter system represents a significant advancement in tree planting techniques. By incorporating biodegradable and compostable materials, it offers a practical and sustainable solution for protecting young plants from grazing animals and reducing damage caused by rubbing. By emphasizing ecological balance and long-term environmental impact, this invention demonstrates an ecological approach to tree protection in modern forestry practices.

[0089] The possibility of marketing the shelters flat is also an important advantage, because many sheets can be transported at once, thus limiting the consumption of hydrocarbons during transport.

Claims

Claims

1. Device for protecting plant surfaces comprising a sheet of unrolled or sliced ​​wood (la) having a first longitudinal dimension (h) parallel to a direction (XX) of extension of the wood fibers and a second transverse dimension (L) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (h), characterized in that the sheet (la) comprises a plurality of lines of textile thread stitching (2) extending transversely, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (XX), the sheet of wood being wound on itself or intended to be wound on itself.

2. A plant protection device according to claim 1, wherein when the sheet (1a) is rolled up on itself, the longitudinal edges (1b) of the sheet are opposite each other.

3. Device for protecting plant plans according to claim 1, in which when the sheet (la) is rolled up on itself, it has an overlap zone (ZR) of the longitudinal edges (1b) of the sheet.

4. A plant protection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a stake (20) provided with a point (21) and a notch (22) arranged at a distance from the point such that in the position of use, the notch covers the longitudinal edges of the sheet and keeps the sheet rolled up on itself.

5. A plant protection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the longitudinal edges (1b) of the sheet are held against each other or opposite each other by at least one stitching line.

6. Plant protection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in which the wooden sheet (la) has a thickness (e) of between 1 and 3 millimeters.

7. A plant protection device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the stitching lines (2) are spaced apart by a distance (Dl) of between 1 and 10 centimeters.

8. A plant protection device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the stitching lines have piercing points (2a) of the wooden sheet spaced apart by a distance of between 5 and 20 millimeters.

9. Plant protection device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in which the textile thread is made of a material chosen from natural fibers such as linen or cotton.

10. A plant protection device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the wooden sheet comprises a plurality of holes (3) for the passage of light.

11. A plant protection device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the wood is impregnated with a solution comprising at least one of the elements taken from: a phytosanitary treatment, a fertilizer, a repellent or a mixture thereof.

12. Method for implementing a plant protection device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: a) selecting a plant protection device according to any one of claims 1 to 11; |3) rolling the wooden sheet (la) on itself; y) placing the rolled wooden sheet (la) around a plant to be protected and holding it in this position using a fixing means (20-22).

Images