PLANT SHELTER AND KIT INCLUDING THIS
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2024009132
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-05-21
- Filing Date
- 2024-08-27
- Publication Date
- 2025-03-14
Smart Images
Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: PLANT SHELTER AND KIT COMPRISING SAME TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a plant shelter, which may be configured to receive a retaining peg or stake, for securing the shelter around a plant (e.g., a climbing plant or tree) or a portion of a plant. The present invention also relates to a kit comprising at least one retaining peg or stake and at least one plant shelter.
[0002] TECHNICAL CONTEXT
[0003] Plant shelters are known in the art and generally include a basic plastic structure configured to surround the plant to allow the plant to grow without being disturbed by harsh environmental elements or animals. The plastic used may be translucent to allow some light to reach the growing plant through the walls of the basic plastic structure. Other configurations of the structure simply allow light to pass through one or more openings in the structure.
[0004] The opaque nature of conventional plastic structures generally does not allow sufficient light to reach the plant through the walls of the structure. While one or more additional openings may be configured in the structure, these openings may allow for either growth or survival of the plant resulting from contact with environmental elements or animals. Smaller openings may be provided, but the facility may still be damaged by wind. In addition, the holes or other openings provided in the structure may compromise the overall strength of the structure. Holes and / or openings also provide growth pathways for the plant, and when the shelter is removed, damage may occur to the portions of the plant that extend through these holes or openings.
[0005] In the case of shelters used to surround vines, such as in a vineyard, a shelter is placed around the growing vine at the base of the vine by pushing the shelter into the soil / earth around the base of the vine. For additional support, the shelter may be attached to a trellis wire via a separate twist or tie that is wrapped around the trellis wire and a portion of the shelter, such as through a hole formed in the side of the shelter.
[0006] A retaining peg configured to provide a plant shelter, which may be configured to receive such a retaining peg, multiple anchor points without requiring the use of separate ties, and an associated plant shelter, is described in GB2567277 and with reference to Figures 1 to 8B of the accompanying drawings, as shown below.
[0007] Known retaining pins and kits comprising one or more shelters and one or more retaining pins
[0008] The invention relates, by way of example, to retaining pegs that allow and / or provide multiple anchoring points for a shelter (e.g., a plant shelter) to improve the stability of the shelter. For example, and as illustrated in [Fig. 1], the retaining pegs 200 include a body portion 210 and a wire attachment portion 220. As shown in [Fig. 1], the retaining pegs may be used in conjunction with a shelter 1 that may be configured to receive and allow the body portion 210 of the retaining peg 200 to pass through at least a portion of the shelter 1 to directly or indirectly secure the shelter to a section of earth positioned beneath or proximate the shelter.For example, the shelter may include at least one through channel configured to allow the body portion of the retaining peg to pass therethrough and provide a means for securing the shelter to the earth beneath or adjacent the shelter. As illustrated in [Fig.l], for example, the body portion 210 of the retaining peg 200 passes from the top of the shelter 1 through a through channel (not shown in [Fig.l]) and extends out of the bottom of the shelter to engage (e.g., penetrate) the earth or soil beneath the shelter.
[0009] Exemplary retaining pegs may include a body portion configured to directly or indirectly secure a plant shelter to a section of soil positioned beneath and / or proximate the plant shelter and a wire attachment portion configured to engage a wire (e.g., a trellis wire) located above and / or proximate the plant shelter. The wire attachment portion may include a first end proximate the body portion of the retaining peg and a second end distal to the body portion of the retaining peg, the wire attachment portion including a plurality of curved portions to define at least one hook portion spaced from the body portion. [Fig. 2], for example, illustrates a front view of an exemplary retaining peg. As shown in [Fig.2], the retaining peg 200 includes a body portion 210 and a wire attachment portion 220, the wire attachment portion including a first end 222 proximate and / or adjacent to the body portion 210 and a second end 224 distal to the body portion 210. As illustrated in [Fig. 2], the second end 224 may include a hook portion 226 including a generally downwardly extending portion 227 having a . end point 228. The view shown in [Fig. 2] represents examples of dimensions in the X direction and the Z direction, in which the Y direction extends perpendicular to the plane of the paper. [Fig. 2] includes relative dimensions of the various features of an example in millimeters. These dimensions are not limiting, but given only as examples.
[0010] The body portion may lie substantially or completely in an imaginary ZX plane (e.g., generally two-dimensional with respect to the entire retaining pin) and the at least one hook portion may, at least partially, lie in a different imaginary plane intersecting and extending through the imaginary ZX plane including the body portion of the retaining pin. Figures 3 and 5, for example, each illustrate that the hook portion 226 that includes the generally downwardly extending portion 227 lies in a different imaginary plane intersecting and extending through the imaginary ZX plane including the body portion 210 of the retaining pin 200. In this regard, the body portion 210 generally does not include a component extending in the Y direction as illustrated in both [Fig. 3] and [Fig. 5]. [Fig.3], for example, illustrates a top view of a retaining peg according to certain embodiments of the invention in which the Z direction extends perpendicular to the plane of the paper. [Fig. 5], for example, illustrates a side view of a retaining peg in which the X direction extends perpendicularly through the plane of the paper. In this regard, the wire attachment portion 220 includes components in each of the X, Y direction, and Z direction. As in [Fig. 2], Figures 3 and 5 each include relative dimensions of the various features of an example in millimeters. These dimensions are not limiting, but are given by way of example only.
[0011] The wire attachment portion may include at least one hook portion including a generally downwardly extending portion that includes a ZX plane component that may be spaced apart from and generally parallel to the body portion of the retaining peg. [Fig. 4], for example, illustrates an exploded front view of a wire attachment portion 220 of an exemplary retaining peg. In this regard, [Fig. 4] illustrates the relative dimensions of the wire attachment portion in the Z direction and in the X direction, which Y direction extends perpendicularly through the plane of the paper. As shown in [Fig. 4], the wire attachment portion 220 includes at least one hook portion 226 including a generally downwardly extending portion 227 that includes a ZX plane component that may be spaced apart from and generally parallel to the body portion 210 of the retaining peg.In this regard, the hook portion 226 has an end point 228 which may be located outside the imaginary ZX plane comprising the body portion 210 of the retaining pin 200, as best illustrated in Figures 3 and 5. In this . In this regard, the wire attachment portion comprises a three-dimensional structure while the body portion of the retaining peg comprises a generally two-dimensional structure relative to the overall structure of the wire retaining portion.
[0012] As indicated above, Figures 2-5 include examples (non-limiting) of relative dimensions of the various structural features of an example in millimeters. These dimensions are not limiting, but are given only as examples. For example, the retaining peg may include an overall height in a Z-direction (as illustrated in [Fig. 2]) and the wire attachment portion includes a wire attachment height of about 1% to about 10% of the overall height in the Z-direction, such as about 1% to about 5%, or about 1% to about 3%, or about 1% to about 2% of the overall height in the Z-direction.The wire tie portion may include a wire tie height of at most about any of the following: 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, and 2% of the total height in the Z direction of the retaining pin and / or at least about any of the following: 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, and 5% of the total height in the Z direction of the retaining pin.
[0013] The wire attachment portion may comprise a width in an X direction comprising from about 5% to about 25% of the total height of the retaining peg in the Z direction, such as from about 5% to about 20%, or from about 5% to about 15%, or from about 8% to about 12%, or about 10% of the total height of the retaining peg in the Z direction. The width of the wire attachment portion in the X direction may comprise at most about any of the following: 35%, 30%, 25%, 20%, 15% and 10% of the total height in the Z direction of the retaining peg and / or at least about any of the following: 3%, 5%, 8%, 10%, 12% and 15% of the total height in the Z direction of the retaining peg.
[0014] The wire attachment portion may include a total depth in a Y direction comprising from about 1% to about 20% of the total height of the retaining peg in the Z direction, such as from about 2% to about 15%, or from about 2% to about 10%, or from about 2% to about 5%, or from about 3% to about 5% of the total height of the retaining peg in the Z direction. The total depth in a Y direction of the wire attachment portion may include at most about any of the following: 25%, 20%, 15%, 10% and 5% of the total height in the Z direction of the retaining peg and / or at least about any of the following: 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5% and 10% of the total height in the Z direction of the retaining peg.
[0015] The depth in the Y direction of the wire attachment portion may comprise a first depth portion extending out of the imaginary ZX plane comprising the body portion and including the end point of the at least one hook portion, wherein the first depth portion may comprise from about 25% to about 60% of the total depth in the Y direction, such as from about 30% to about 55%, or from about 35% to about 55%, or from about 40% to about 50%, or from about 40% to about 45% of the total depth in the Y direction. The first depth portion may comprise at most about any one of the following: 65%, 60%, 55%, 50%, 45%, 40% and 35% of the total depth in the Y direction and / or at least about any one of the following: 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40% and 45% of the total depth in the Y direction.
[0016] As illustrated in each of Figures 2 to 5, the wire attachment portion includes a plurality of curved portions providing an overall three-dimensional structure. The wire attachment portion, for example, may include a first plurality of curvatures in an imaginary ZX plane (e.g., illustrated in Figures 2 and 4), a second plurality of curvatures in an imaginary YX plane (e.g., illustrated in [Fig. 3]), and a third plurality of curvatures in an imaginary ZY plane (e.g., illustrated in [Fig. 5]). As illustrated in [Fig. 4], the first plurality of curvatures in the imaginary ZX plane includes, at least, a first curvature (zx plane) 230, a second z curvature 232, a third z curvature 234, and a fourth curvature (Z-x plane) 236. As illustrated in [Fig.3], the second plurality of curvatures in the imaginary YX plane comprises, at least, a first curvature (y-plane 242, a second curvature (y-plane 244 and a third curvature,,, / ,,,, y_xj246. As illustrated in [Fig.5], the third plurality of curvatures in the imaginary ZY plane comprises, at least, a first curvature (PianZ-Y) 252, a second curvature (PianZ-Y) 254 and a third curvature f / , / fl„z yj256. Figures 3 to 5 each include relative dimensions representing the relative angles (in degrees) of each of the respective curvatures. In this regard, these values are given only as examples and are not limiting.For example, each of the curvatures 230, 232, 234, 236, 242, 244, 246, 252, 254 and 256 may independently of each other curvature comprise a value which deviates at most by about any one of the following: 50%, 45%, 40%, 35%, 30%, 25%, 20% and 10% from the respective value listed in the figures and / or at least by about any one of the following: 1%, 2%, 3%, 5%, 8%, 10%, 15% and 20% from the respective value listed in the figures.
[0017] The first curvature 230 may be located at a first position of the wire attachment portion proximate the body portion of the retaining peg and each of the second curvature (pian ZX) 232, first curvature,,, / ,,,, YX> 242 and the first curvature (pianZ-Y) 252 may be located at a second position of the wire attachment portion, wherein the first position is located between the first body position and the retaining pin. The third bend (j,ianZ-x) 234, the second bend (pian rxj244, and the second bend,,, / ,,,, zj, 254 may each be located at a third position of the wire attachment portion, wherein the second position is located between the first position and the third position. The fourth bend,,, / ,,,, ZZ| 236, the third bend,,, / ,,,, rX)246 and the third bend,,, / ,,,, zj, 256 may each be located at a fourth position of the wire attachment portion, wherein the third position is located between the second position and the fourth position.
[0018] The first curvature,,, / ,,,, z230 may comprise a circular or semi-circular structure adjacent to or near the body portion 210 as illustrated in [Fig. 4]. As shown in [Fig. 4], the circular or semi-circular structure may vary by adjusting the radius from a center point 231. In the particular example illustrated in [Fig. 4], the radius from the center point 231 is 9.4 mm. As indicated above, however, this value is only an example and is not limiting. For example, the first curvature,,, / ,,,, z_x) 230 may be modified by adjusting the radius from the center point 231 and includes a value that deviates by at most any one of the following: 50%, 45%, 40%, 35%, 30%, 25%, 20% and 10% of the respective value listed in [Fig.4] and / or by at least any one of the following: 1%, 2%, 3%, 5%, 8%, 10%, 15% and 20% of the respective value listed in [Fig.4].The wire attachment portion may include at least one first linear portion 233 positioned between the second position and the third position. The wire attachment portion may include a second linear portion 235 positioned between the fourth position and the end point 228 of the at least one hook portion 226.
[0019] The retaining pin may comprise a wire or an injection-molded structure. The retaining pin, for example, may be formed from a polymeric material, a ceramic material, or a metallic material, such as copper. Suitable polymeric materials may comprise one or more polyolefins, such as polypropylene or polyethylene. For example, the polymeric material may comprise a blend of a polypropylene and a copolymer of polyethylene and polypropylene.
[0020] Also provided is a kit comprising at least one retaining peg as described and described above and a shelter configured to receive and allow the retaining peg to pass through at least a portion of the shelter to directly or indirectly secure the shelter to a section of earth positioned beneath the shelter. The shelter (e.g., a plant shelter) may comprise at least one channel passing through extending across a shelter length of the shelter from a first shelter end to a second shelter end. The at least one through channel may be configured to receive and allow the retaining peg to pass through the at least one through channel. The shelter (e.g., a plant shelter) may additionally or alternatively include a collapsible shelter. In this regard, the collapsible shelter may be configured to transition from a collapsed configuration (e.g., generally flat) to an uncollapsed configuration (e.g., expanded into a three-dimensional tubular structure defining a conduit therethrough) upon application of pressure by a user. The shelter may include a double-walled wrap-around shelter that may lay flat upon application of pressure and upon removal of pressure, the wrap-around shelter rolls upon itself to define a tubular structure that may surround a plant in need of protection.Such shelters, when rolled up on themselves, can be described as being divided vertically to allow the diameter of the tubular structure to expand, especially as the plant grows.
[0021] The shelter may include an outer longitudinal tubular structure having an outer wall, a first outer longitudinal tubular structure end, and a second outer longitudinal tubular structure end longitudinally opposite the first outer longitudinal tubular structure end. The shelter may further include an inner longitudinal tubular structure positioned within the first longitudinal tubular structure and having an inner wall, a first inner longitudinal tubular structure end, and a second inner longitudinal tubular structure end longitudinally opposite the first inner longitudinal tubular structure end.The shelter may include a segmented annular portion positioned between the outer wall and the inner wall, wherein the segmented annular portion includes a plurality of segmented annular partition walls defining a plurality of through-channels extending from the first outer longitudinal tubular structure end to the second outer longitudinal tubular structure end. At least one of the segmented annular partition walls may extend directly or indirectly from an outer surface of the inner longitudinal tubular structure to and connect directly or indirectly to an inner surface of the outer longitudinal tubular structure. In this regard, the outer and inner longitudinal tubular structures may be joined together via at least one of the segmented partition walls either as a unitary structure (e.g.,, formed as a single piece and being free from any fastening articles such as screws, bolts, clips or the like) or as an assembled structure, in which the individual components (e.g. . e.g., the outer and inner longitudinal tubular structures and the segmented annular partition walls) may releasably engage, such as by screws, bolts, clips, and the like, each other to form an assembled shelter. One or more through channels may be defined by an interior surface of the outer longitudinal tubular structure, an exterior surface of the inner longitudinal tubular structure, and one or more segmented annular partition walls. The plurality of segmented annular partition walls may extend the entire length of the shelter from the first outer longitudinal tubular structure end to the second outer longitudinal tubular structure end.However, in other examples, the plurality of segmented annular walls may extend only along a portion of the shelter beginning at the first outer longitudinal tubular end.
[0022] The plurality of segmented annular partition walls may include a unitary top plate integral with the shelter (e.g., the top plate(s) may be integral with the shelter without the need for separate attachment means to the longitudinal tubular structures) and positioned flush with the outer and / or inner first end and / or second end of the longitudinal tubular structure. The unitary top plate may include a plurality of apertures extending through the top plate and to the opposite end of the shelter to define through-channels for receiving the one or more retaining structures. In this regard, the plurality of apertures may align with apertures at the opposite end of the shelter.In other examples, however, the unitary top plate may have a plurality of holes, while the opposite end of the shelter may be open toward the ground such that the plurality of holes may receive one or more retaining structures that may be inserted into the ground without being aligned with a second set of holes.
[0023] The plurality of segmented annular partition walls may include one or more cap portions that extend and / or connect together the outer and inner longitudinal tubular structures, wherein the one or more cap portions may include holes in a top-facing surface extending through a thickness of the one or more cap portions to a bottom-facing surface to define through-channels for receiving retaining pegs. In this regard, the one or more cap portions need not extend significantly (if at all) in the longitudinal direction of the annular space defined between the outer and inner longitudinal tubular structures. The one or more cap portions may be positioned at either or both of the first end and second end of the shelter.Holes located in an upper portion of the cap (e.g., located . at or near the first end of the shelter) may be aligned with holes located in a lower portion of the cap (e.g., located at or near the second end of the shelter). The cap portion(s) may releasably engage the respective ends of the shelter, including by engaging the outer and inner longitudinal tubular structures and snapping into place at one or both ends of the shelter.
[0024] The shelter may include from about 1 to about 50 segmented annular partition walls. The shelter may include from about 3 to about 30 segmented annular partition walls. The shelter may include from about 5 to about 10 segmented annular partition walls. As such, the shelter may include a number of segmented annular partition walls, at least about any of the following: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 segmented annular partition walls and / or at most about 50, 40, 30, 25, 20, 15, and 10 segmented annular partition walls (e.g., about 3 to 15 segmented annular partition walls, about 5 to 10 segmented annular partition walls, etc.).
[0025] The second end of the outer and / or inner longitudinal tubular structure may be configured to be inserted below ground level. For example, the second end of the outer and / or inner longitudinal tubular structure may include a blade or blade-like end or a generally narrower thickness to facilitate insertion below ground level. The second end of the outer and / or inner longitudinal tubular structure may also extend above ground or be flush with the ground. In this regard, the portion of the outer longitudinal tubular structure that extends just above ground level may be protected from degradation.
[0026] The inner longitudinal tubular structure may be configured to receive a plant (or a portion of a plant) therein. In this regard, for example, the inner longitudinal tubular structure and the outer longitudinal tubular structure may be configured to fit over and / or encircle the plant or a portion of the plant (e.g., tree or bush trunk, vine, etc.). Thus, the longitudinal tubular structure may be manufactured in a variety of sizes (length and diameter) to accommodate many different sizes of trees, shrubs, or vines.
[0027] For example, [Fig.6A] is an isometric view of a shelter that may be included in a kit according to an example, and [Fig.6B] is a top view of the shelter of [Fig.6A] according to the example. As shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the exemplary shelter 1 comprises an outer longitudinal tubular structure 4 having an outer wall 10, a first end 30, and a second end 40 longitudinally opposite the first end 30; an inner longitudinal tubular structure 5 positioned within the outer longitudinal tubular structure 4 and having an inner wall 20, a first end 35, and a second end 45 longitudinally opposite the first end 35; and a segmented annular portion 6 positioned between the outer longitudinal tubular structure 4 and the inner longitudinal tubular structure 5. As illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the segmented annular portion 6 may comprise a plurality of segmented annular partition walls 70, at least partially defining a plurality of through channels 50 extending from the first end 30 of the outer longitudinal tubular structure to the second end 40 of the outer longitudinal tubular structure.In this regard, the plurality of segmented annular partition walls 70 may separate the ring defined by the outer longitudinal tubular structure 4 and the inner longitudinal tubular structure 5 into a plurality of through channels 50.
[0028] The plurality of through channels 50 may be configured to receive at least one retaining peg, such as those described and disclosed previously herein. For example, at least one or each of the plurality of through channels 50 may be configured (e.g., sized) to receive or accommodate at least one retaining peg. The shelter may further include at least one retaining peg for providing structural support to the shelter when inserted through any one or more of the plurality of through channels 50. [Fig. 6B] illustrates a top view of the shelter of [Fig. 6A]. As shown in [Fig. 6B], the shelter 1 includes a conduit 36 extending the entire length of the shelter to allow a plant to extend therethrough.As illustrated in Figures 6A and 6B, a retaining pin may be inserted into any one of the plurality of through channels 50 defined, at least partially, by the plurality of segmented annular partition walls 70.
[0029] At least one of the outer longitudinal tubular structure, the inner longitudinal tubular structure, the plurality of segmented annular partition walls, or any combination thereof comprises at least one of a synthetic polymer, a biodegradable polymer, a biocomposite, or any combination thereof. Such a structure may be formed by extrusion directly into the tubular shape.
[0030] As indicated above, the shelter may additionally or alternatively comprise a foldable shelter configured to transition from a folded configuration to an unfolded configuration upon application of pressure by a user. The shelter may comprise a foldable shelter having a first compression portion extending longitudinally from the first shelter end to the second shelter end and a second compression portion longitudinally opposite the first compression portion. compression and extending longitudinally from the first shelter end to the second shelter end. The shelter may also include a first side of the collapsible shelter defined by the first compression portion, the second compression portion, the first shelter end, and the second shelter end. The shelter may further include a second side of the collapsible shelter opposite the first side, wherein the first compression portion and the second compression portion are configured to flexibly pivot from an uncollapsed configuration and to allow a first side of the collapsible shelter to become substantially parallel to the second side of the collapsible shelter to form a collapsed configuration.
[0031] At least one of the first compression portion and the second compression portion may include a region of increased extensibility relative to the remainder of the collapsible shelter. In this regard, the localized increase in extensibility and / or flexibility facilitates the ability of these portions to flexibly pivot to provide a collapsible structure. At least one of the first compression portion and the second compression portion may include a crease extending from the first shelter end to the second shelter end. At least the first compression portion or the second compression portion may include a fluted structure, a honeycomb structure, or a hinged structure extending from the first shelter end to the second shelter end.
[0032] [Fig.7A], for example, illustrates an isometric view of a folded shelter 1 according to one example. The shelter 1 illustrated in [Fig.7A] is defined by a longitudinal structure 110 having a first end 30 and a longitudinally opposite second end 40. [Fig.7A] shows a first longitudinal compression portion 33 and a second longitudinal compression portion 35, both extending substantially continuously in the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal structure 110 from the first end 30 to the second end 40. The shelter 1 illustrated in [Fig.7A] is configured to fold at the first longitudinal compression portion 33 and the second longitudinal portion 35.For example, the construction materials of the shelter 1, the amount of material extruded in the vicinity of the first longitudinal compression portion 33 and the second longitudinal compression portion 35, and / or the orientation of the fibers of the material of the longitudinal structure 110 may be such that the shelter 1 folds at the first longitudinal compression portion 33 and the second longitudinal compression portion 35 to form a folded shelter 1 illustrated in [Fig. 7A]. In other words, the first longitudinal compression portion 33 and the second longitudinal compression portion 35 may each be configured to pivot flexibly, allowing one side (e.g., a first side) of the longitudinal structure 110 defined by the first longitudinal compression portion 33, . the second longitudinal compression portion 35, the first end 30 and the second end 40 to become substantially parallel to an opposite side (e.g., a second side) opposite the first side (e.g., the first side) of the longitudinal structure 110.
[0033] [Fig.7B] is an isometric view of the shelter of [Fig.7A] in an unfolded and unfolded configuration according to one embodiment of the invention. The shelter 1 of [Fig.7B] is substantially cylindrical in shape. As shown in [Fig.7B], the first longitudinal compression portion 33 and the second longitudinal compression portion 35 shown in [Fig.7A] substantially disappear when the shelter 1 is in its unfolded state. The first longitudinal compression portion 33 and the second longitudinal compression portion 35 may be defined by a stretchable region that allows the first longitudinal compression portion 33 and the second longitudinal compression portion 35 to flexibly pivot radially along their axis. In this regard, the stretchable region(s) may comprise a latent stretching capacity greater than the remainder of the shelter.
[0034] The longitudinal tubular structure shown in Figures 7A and 7B is configured to be substantially flat upon application of an axial force applied to the longitudinal tubular structure, otherwise known as an unfolded and / or uncrimped shape. An opposing force applied to both sides of the circular tube causes the tubular structure to curl or open axially to form the tubular body of the longitudinal tubular structure. Each end of the longitudinal tubular structure 30, 40 will compress the longitudinal tubular structure in the folded or crimped state. Such a structure may be formed by extrusion directly into the unconstrained tubular shape.
[0035] At least one of the first longitudinal compression portion 33 and the second longitudinal compression portion 35 may be open (e.g., cut or slit to form an envelope) and configured to overlap a portion of the body of the longitudinal structure 110 in the unfolded or uncreped state. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the overlapped portion along the body of the longitudinal structure 110 provides structural support along the longitudinal direction of the shelter 1. One or more circumferential reinforcing portions substantially surrounding the longitudinal tubular structure, either along the interior of the longitudinal tubular structure or along the exterior of the longitudinal structure, may be included to provide stability to the structure in the unfolded or uncreped state.
[0036] [Fig.8A] illustrates an isometric view of a folded shelter according to another example. [Fig.8B] is an isometric view of the shelter of [Fig.8A] in an unfolded, unfolded configuration. The shelter 1 of [Fig.8A], in a folded form, includes a longitudinal tubular structure 110 having a first end 30 and a second end 40 longitudinally opposite. Whereas the shelter 101 of Figures 8A and 8B may be configured to include a first longitudinal compression line 140 and a second longitudinal compression line 142 longitudinally opposite the first longitudinal compression line 140. The first longitudinal compression line 140 and the second longitudinal compression line 142 are substantially continuous along the longitudinal tubular structure 110 extending from the first end 30 to the second end 40.
[0037] The first longitudinal compression line 140 and the second longitudinal compression line 142 may be configured to flexibly pivot, allowing a first side of the longitudinal tubular structure 110 defined by (i) the first longitudinal compression line 140, (ii) the second longitudinal compression line 142, (iii) the first end 30, and (iii) the second end 40 to become substantially parallel to a second side of the longitudinal tubular structure 110 opposite the first side.
[0038] The first longitudinal compression line 140 and the second longitudinal compression line 142 may each be defined by a fold that extends along the longitudinal tubular structure 110. The first longitudinal compression line 140 and the second longitudinal compression line 142 may be fluted lines within the body of the longitudinal tubular structure 110. Honeycomb structures may extend along the first longitudinal compression line 140 and the second longitudinal compression line 142 in the body of the longitudinal tubular structure 110.
[0039] The first longitudinal compression line 140 and the second longitudinal compression line 142 may be a hinged structure capable of being flexed and unflexed to allow the shelter 1 to fold and unfold. The hinged structures define the first longitudinal compression line 140 and the second longitudinal compression line 142 in the exemplary embodiments of Figures 8A and 8B. The shelter 1 may additionally be configured to fold further where the sides defined between the first longitudinal compression line 140 and the second longitudinal compression line 142 become more substantially aligned.
[0040] The first longitudinal compression line 140 and the second longitudinal compression line 142 may be a combination of any of the structures defined herein, i.e., any combination defined by a fold, grooves, dimples, a hinge, or any other flexibly pivotable structure contemplated by a person skilled in the art having an interest in the present invention. to allow the longitudinal tubular structure to be compressed in the folded or crimped state.
[0041] The shelter may comprise a synthetic polymer. For example, the synthetic polymer may comprise at least one of polyethylene, polypropylene, partially aromatic polyester, fully aromatic polyester, polyhexamethylene diadipamide, polycaprolactam, aromatic polyamide, partially aromatic polyamide, aliphatic polyamide, or any combination thereof.
[0042] The shelter may comprise a biodegradable polymer. For example, the biodegradable polymer may comprise at least one of cellulose, polylactic acid, cellophane, native starch, thermoplastic starch, polyhydroxybutyrate, polyhydroxybutyrate-co-b-hydroxy valerate, polyglycolic acid, polycaprolactone, compostable bioplastic, platinum-catalyzed silicone, reclaimed potato starch resin, or any combination thereof.
[0043] The shelter may further comprise at least one of an ultraviolet stabilizer, a waterproofing additive, an extender, a pro-degradation agent, a reinforcing filler, an animal repellent, a fungal repellent, a bacterial repellent, a pigment, or any combination thereof. The shelter may comprise a pigment to provide, for example, a white or green appearance. In some applications, for example, it may be desired to provide a white shelter to eliminate the traditional approach of painting tree trunks to protect them from sunlight, which can damage the bark, particularly in young trees. Such white shelters, for example, may be advantageously provided in a previously discussed wrap-around type shelter whose diameter will expand with trunk growth without surface cracking achieved with the traditional approach of applying white paint to a tree trunk.
[0044] In some alternative examples, the shelter (e.g., an outer longitudinal tubular structure and / or the inner longitudinal tubular structure) may comprise a mesh. Such shelters may be more suitable for applications in which exposure of the plant to sunlight is particularly desired.
[0045] There remains a need in the art for an improved plant shelter that can be configured to better receive a retaining peg as described above for securing the shelter to the ground / earth around the base of a plant. Summary of the invention
[0046] One or more embodiments of the invention may solve one or more of the aforementioned problems. Some embodiments, according to the invention, provide a plant shelter configured to receive and allow a retaining peg to pass through at least a portion of the shelter to directly or indirectly secure the shelter to a section of earth positioned beneath the shelter, the shelter comprising: a. a through channel extending through a shelter length of the shelter from a first shelter end to a second shelter end; wherein the at least a portion of the shelter for directly or indirectly securing the shelter to a section of earth positioned beneath the shelter comprises the through channel, which is configured to receive and allow the retaining pin to pass therethrough; b. a first longitudinal portion extending across a shelter length of the shelter from a first shelter end to a second shelter end and laterally from one side of the through channel by about 50 mm to 60 mm to a first free end; and c. a second longitudinal portion extending across a shelter length of the shelter from a first shelter end to a second shelter end and laterally from an opposite side of the through channel to that of the first longitudinal portion to a second free end; wherein the first and second longitudinal portions are wrapped, in use, whereby the first free end of the first longitudinal portion is wrapped over the second free end of the second portion to define an initial overlap, thereby forming a circumferentially deployable tubular structure for protecting a growing plant therein.
[0047] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the initial overlap is approximately 60 mm to 70 mm.
[0048] According to one embodiment of the present invention, each of the first and second longitudinal portions comprises a double-walled structure, comprising an inner wall and an outer wall connected to each other by a plurality of segmented partition walls.
[0049] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of segmented partition walls defines a plurality of through channels extending from the first outer longitudinal tubular structure end to the second outer longitudinal tubular structure end.
[0050] According to one embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the outer walls, the inner walls, the plurality of segmented partition walls or any combination thereof comprises at least one of a synthetic polymer, a biodegradable polymer, a biocomposite or any combination thereof.
[0051] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the synthetic polymer comprises at least one of a polyethylene, a polypropylene, a partially aromatic polyester, a fully aromatic polyester, a polyhexamethylene diadipamide, a polycaprolactam, an aromatic polyamide, a partially aromatic polyamide, an aliphatic polyamide or any combination thereof.
[0052] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the biodegradable polymer comprises at least one of a cellulose, a polylactic acid, a cellophane, a native starch, a thermoplastic starch, a polyhydroxybutyrate, a polyhydroxybutyrate-co-b-hydroxy valerate, a polyglycolic acid, a polycaprolactone, a compostable bioplastic, a platinum-catalyzed silicone, a reclaimed resin or any combination thereof.
[0053] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the plant shelter further comprises at least one of an ultraviolet stabilizer, a waterproofing additive, an extender, a pro-degradation agent, a reinforcing filler, an animal repellent, a fungal repellent, a bacterial repellent, a pigment, or any combination thereof.
[0054] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the through channel comprises a major lateral dimension of approximately 10 mm and a minor lateral dimension, perpendicular to the major lateral dimension, of approximately 4.5 mm to 6.5 mm.
[0055] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the shelter length of the shelter is in the range: 0.4 m to 1.2 m.
[0056] The present invention in at least one of its embodiments relates to a kit comprising:
[0057] (i) a plant shelter as described above; and
[0058] (ii) a retaining peg or stake configured to be passed through the through channel of the shelter to directly or indirectly secure the shelter to a section of earth positioned beneath the shelter.
[0059] The present invention in at least one of its embodiments a method of protecting a plant, comprising:
[0060] (i) surrounding the plant or a portion of the plant with a shelter as described previously; and
[0061] (ii) inserting a retaining peg or stake through the through channel.
[0062] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprises engaging an overhead wire with a wire attachment portion of the retaining peg.
[0063] The present invention relates, in at least one of its embodiments, to a method of manufacturing a plant shelter, comprising:
[0064] extruding a tubular structure having a through channel extending through a shelter length of the shelter from a first shelter end to a second shelter end; and
[0065] longitudinally cutting the tubular structure at a distance of about 50 mm to 60 mm from the through channel, thereby forming said first and second longitudinal portions of the plant shelter as described above.
[0066] Other objects and characteristics will emerge from the detailed description which follows read in conjunction with the attached drawings.
[0067] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)
[0068] The invention will now be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be understood as being limited to the embodiments set forth above; on the contrary, these embodiments are provided so that the present description meets applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout this specification, and in which:
[0069] [Fig.l] illustrates a known retaining pin having a body portion extending through a plant shelter;
[0070] [Fig.2] illustrates a front view of a known retaining pin; [Fig.3] illustrates a top view of a known retaining pin;
[0071] [Fig.4] illustrates an exploded front view of a wire attachment portion of a known retaining pin;
[0072] [Fig.5] illustrates an exploded side view of a wire attachment portion of a known retaining pin;
[0073] [Fig.6A] illustrates an isometric view of a known shelter configured to receive a retaining pin;
[0074] [Fig.6B] illustrates a top view of the shelter known for [Fig.6A];
[0075] [Fig.7A] illustrates an isometric view of a known collapsible shelter in a folded configuration;
[0076] [Fig.7B] illustrates an isometric view of a known collapsible shelter in an uncollapsed or deployed configuration;
[0077] [Fig.8A] illustrates an isometric view of a known collapsible shelter in a folded configuration;
[0078] [Fig.8B] illustrates an isometric view of a known collapsible shelter in an uncollapsed or deployed configuration;
[0079] [Fig.9] illustrates an isometric view of a plant shelter according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0080] [Fig.10A] illustrates an end view of the shelter of [Fig.9] as extruded, before a dividing step;
[0081] [Fig.10B] illustrates the shelter of [Fig.10A] in an enveloped form after division;
[0082] [Fig. 1A] corresponds to [Fig. 10A] and illustrates an alternative embodiment, with a different location for a dividing line; and
[0083] [Fig. 11B] corresponds to [Fig. 10B], showing the shelter of [Fig. 11A] in an enveloped form after division. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0084] The invention will now be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be understood as being limited to the embodiments set forth above; on the contrary, these embodiments are provided so that the present description meets applicable legal requirements. For the purposes of this description and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", "the", "the", include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0085] It is understood, however, that the drawings are given only for the purpose of illustration and not for the purpose of defining the limits of the invention, for which reference should be made to the appended claims. All relative dimensions illustrated in the figures are given by way of example and are not limiting. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the relative dimensions may vary depending on any number of factors, including, but not limited to, the intended use and performance of the illustrated article.
[0086] The invention includes, according to certain embodiments, a retaining peg that can be used in conjunction with a shelter for protecting and / or enhancing plant growth, in I. Definitions
[0087] The terms "significant," "meaningful," or "substantially" may encompass all of the quantity as specified, according to certain embodiments of the invention, or substantially but not all of the quantity specified according to other embodiments of the invention.
[0088] The terms "polymer" or "polymeric", as used interchangeably herein, may include homopolymers, copolymers, such as, for example, block, graft, random and alternating copolymers, terpolymers, etc., as well as mixtures and modifications thereof. Furthermore, unless otherwise specifically limited, the terms “polymer” or “polymeric” shall include all possible structural isomers; stereoisomers including, without limitation, geometric isomers, optical isomers, or enantiomers; and / or any chiral molecular configuration of such polymer or polymeric material. Such configurations include, but are not limited to, isotactic, syndiotactic, and atactic configurations of such polymer or polymeric material.
[0089] The term "biocomposite," as used herein, may include two or more distinct substances of natural and biological origin that are combined to yield a novel material having properties not present in either individual material. According to certain embodiments of the invention, the biocomposite materials may include biopolymers and / or biofibers.
[0090] The term "biodegradable," as used herein, may include all biocomposite and biopolymer materials, including those made at least in part from sustainable sources and whose cycle is CO2 neutral, completely slag-free, and biodegradable at the end of their useful life (e.g., by natural biodecomposition or combustion). II. Shelter(s) and retaining pin(s)
[0091] According to the invention, there is provided an improved plant shelter 1000, as illustrated by way of example in Figures 9-10B and with reference to Figures 11A and 11B. The plant shelter 1000 is generally similar to known examples as described above, but includes several key differences that improve ease of use and performance. The shelter 1000 is configured to receive and allow a retaining peg to pass through at least a portion of the shelter to directly or indirectly secure the shelter to a section of earth positioned beneath the shelter. In this regard, the shelter includes a through channel 1050 extending through a shelter length of the shelter from a first shelter end 1030 to a second shelter end 1040 to receive a peg or stake to pass therethrough to directly or indirectly secure the shelter to a section of earth positioned beneath the shelter.The shelter length of the shelter is typically in the range: 0.4 m to 1.2 m, for example 0.4 m, 0.5 m, 0.6 m or 0.75 m.
[0092] A first longitudinal portion 1200 extends laterally from one side of the through channel 1050 by about 50 mm to 60 mm to a first free end 1210. The first longitudinal portion 1200 extends over the entire shelter length of the shelter from the first shelter end 1030 to the second shelter end 1040. A second longitudinal portion 1300 extends laterally from an opposite side of the through channel 1050 to that of the first longitudinal portion 1200 to a second free end 1310. The second longitudinal portion 1300 extends the entire shelter length of the shelter from the first shelter end 1030 to the second shelter end 1040.
[0093] The shelter 1000 is generally formed by extruding a tubular structure having a through channel 1050 extending through a shelter length of the shelter from a first shelter end 1030 to a second shelter end 1040; and longitudinally cutting or slitting the tubular structure at a slit line 1400 at a distance of about 50 mm to 60 mm from the through channel, thereby forming said first and second longitudinal portions 1200, 1300 of the plant shelter 1000.
[0094] The first and second longitudinal portions 1200, 1300 are wrapped, in use, whereby the first free end 1210 of the first longitudinal portion is wrapped over the second free end 1310 of the second portion to define an initial overlap 1500, thereby forming a circumferentially expandable tubular structure for protecting a growing plant therein. The initial overlap 1500 is approximately 60 mm to 70 mm. The overlap 1500 naturally returns to a fixed diameter tube, due to a material memory effect, and gradually expands as the tree grows. An additional securing strip (not shown) may be added to prevent unwanted opening of the tubular shape, e.g., separation of the two respective free ends 1210, 1310.
[0095] Alternatively, the shelter may be formed from a pre-cut flat shape, for example by cutting a sheet of material and then rolling it into a tubular shape with an overlap.
[0096] In another embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 1A and 1 1B, the dividing line 1400' is located much further around the circumference of the tubular shape than in the embodiment of Figures 10A and 10B. Here, the dividing line 1400' is approximately 150 mm to 160 mm from the through channel 1050', thereby forming first and second longitudinal portions 1200', 1300' of the plant shelter 1000' that are much more regularly sized than those 1200, 1300 of the previous embodiment. As such, the overlap 1500' is more or less opposite the location of the through channel 1050'. The overlap 1500' is also smaller, at approximately 40 to 50 mm. An advantage of the greater overlap of the embodiment of Figures 10A and 10B is that it will be less likely to open, which tends to occur particularly in warm climatic conditions.Another advantage of the arrangement of the embodiment of Figures 10A and 10B is that the overlap 1500 is located adjacent to the through channel 1050, so that the free ends 1210, 1310 are located adjacent to the reinforcing support provided by the peg or stake. retaining when received in the through channel in use. This may help to mitigate warping of the shelter or unintentional opening of the shelter by deformation of the free ends 1210, 1310.
[0097] The through channel 1050 includes a major lateral dimension of approximately 10 mm and a minor lateral dimension, perpendicular to the major lateral dimension, of approximately 4.5 mm to 6.5 mm. This size and shape of the through channel 1050 facilitates the insertion of the fixing pegs, so that pegs of different diameters can be employed. As such, the through channel 1050 is of a suitable size to accommodate either a retaining peg of the type described above or, for example, a stake, suitable for supporting a tree or sapling. The through channel thus eliminates the need for an external stake, connected by clamps, as currently employed with known tree shelters.
[0098] III. Method for protecting a plant or a tree
[0099] In yet another aspect, the invention relates to a method of protecting a plant (e.g., a tree). According to some embodiments of the invention, the method of protecting a plant or tree includes surrounding the plant or a portion of the plant with a shelter. According to some embodiments of the invention, the shelter may be configured to receive and allow a retaining peg (such as a retaining peg described and disclosed herein) or a stake to pass through at least a portion of the shelter to directly or indirectly secure the shelter to a section of earth positioned beneath the shelter. In this regard, the shelter may include at least one through channel extending at least partially through a shelter length of the shelter from a first shelter end to a second shelter end.The methods may further comprise a step of inserting a retaining peg as described herein or a stake through at least one through channel of the shelter. According to some embodiments of the invention, the method may further comprise a step of engaging a wire (e.g., a mesh wire) with the wire attachment portion of the retaining peg. As previously indicated, the retaining pegs of the invention eliminate the need to use a separate twist or tie to attach the shelter to a nearby wire (e.g., a mesh wire). In this regard, the kits and methods according to some embodiments of the invention may be devoid of twists or ties, such as those traditionally employed to anchor a shelter to a nearby wire.
[0100] These modifications and variations or other modifications and variations of the invention could be implemented by a person skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention which is more particularly set forth in the appended claims. Furthermore, it should be understood that aspects of the various embodiments may be interchanged in whole or in part. Furthermore, the person skilled in the art Those skilled in the art will understand that the foregoing description has been given by way of example only and is not intended to limit the invention as further described in these appended claims. Accordingly, the spirit and scope of the appended claims are not to be limited to the exemplary description of the versions contained herein. List of reference signs
[0101] 1 shelter
[0102] 4 external longitudinal tubular structure
[0103] 5 internal longitudinal tubular structure
[0104] 6 segmented annular portion
[0105] 10 outer wall
[0106] 20 inner wall
[0107] 30 first end
[0108] 33 first portion of longitudinal compression
[0109] 35 second longitudinal portion
[0110] 35 first end [YES] 36 conduit
[0112] 40 second end
[0113] 45 second end
[0114] 50 through channels
[0115] 70 partition walls
[0116] 101 shelter
[0117] 110 longitudinal tubular structure
[0118] 140 first longitudinal compression line
[0119] 142 second longitudinal compression line
[0120] 200 retaining pins
[0121] 210 portion of body s
[0122] 220 wire attachment portion
[0123] 222 first end
[0124] 224 second end
[0125] 226 portion of hook
[0126] 227 extension portion
[0127] 228 end point
[0128] 230, 232, 234, 236, 242, 244, 246, 252, 254, 256 curvatures
[0129] 231 central point
[0130] 233 first linear portion
[0131] 235 second linear portion
[0132]
[0133]
[0134]
[0135]
[0136]
[0137]
[0138]
[0139]
[0140]
[0141]
[0142] 1000 shelter 1030 first shelter end 1036 conduit 1040 second shelter end 1050 through channel 1200 first longitudinal portion 1210 first free end 1300 second longitudinal portion 1310 second free end 1400 dividing line 1500 overlap
Claims
Claims
1. A plant shelter (1, 101, 1000) configured to receive and allow a retaining peg (200) to pass through at least a portion of the shelter to directly or indirectly secure the shelter to a section of earth positioned beneath the shelter, the shelter comprising: a. a through channel (50, 1050) extending through a shelter length of the shelter from a first shelter end (30, 1030) to a second shelter end (40, 1040); wherein the at least a portion of the shelter for directly or indirectly securing the shelter to a section of ground positioned beneath the shelter comprises the through channel (50, 1050), which is configured to receive and allow the retaining peg (200) to pass therethrough; b. a first longitudinal portion (33, 1200) extending across a shelter length of the shelter from a first shelter end (30, 1030) to a second shelter end (40, 1040) and laterally from one side of the through channel (50, 1050) by about 50 mm to 60 mm to a first free end (1210); and c. a second longitudinal portion (35, 1300) extending across a shelter length of the shelter from a first shelter end (30, 1030) to a second shelter end (40, 1040) and laterally from an opposite side of the through channel (50, 1050) to that of the first longitudinal portion (33, 1200) to a second free end (1310); wherein the first and second longitudinal portions (33, 35, 1200, 1300) are wrapped, in use, whereby the first free end of the first longitudinal portion (33, 1200) is wrapped over the second free end (1310) of the second portion (35, 1300) to define an initial overlap, thereby forming a circumferentially deployable tubular structure for protecting a growing plant therein.
2. A plant shelter (1, 101, 1000) according to claim 1, wherein the initial overlap is approximately 60 mm to 70 mm.
3. A plant shelter (1, 101, 1000) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein each of the first and second longitudinal portions (33, 35, 1200, 1300) comprises a double-walled structure, comprising an inner wall (20) and an outer wall (10) connected to each other via a plurality of segmented partition walls (70).
4. A plant shelter (1, 101, 1000) according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of segmented partition walls (70) define a plurality of through channels (50, 1050) extending from the first outer longitudinal tubular structure end (30, 1030) to the second outer longitudinal tubular structure end (40, 1040).
5. A plant shelter (1, 101, 1000) according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the outer walls (10), the inner walls (20), the plurality of segmented partition walls (70), or any combination thereof, comprises at least one of a synthetic polymer, a biodegradable polymer, a biocomposite, or any combination thereof.
6. The plant shelter (1, 101, 1000) of claim 5, wherein the synthetic polymer comprises at least one of polyethylene, polypropylene, partially aromatic polyester, fully aromatic polyester, polyhexamethylene diadipamide, polycaprolactam, aromatic polyamide, partially aromatic polyamide, aliphatic polyamide, or any combination thereof.
7. The plant shelter (1, 101, 1000) of claim 5, wherein the biodegradable polymer comprises at least one of cellulose, polylactic acid, cellophane, native starch, thermoplastic starch, polyhydroxybutyrate, polyhydroxybutyrate-co-b-hydroxy valerate, polyglycolic acid, polycaprolactone, compostable bioplastic, platinum-catalyzed silicone, reclaimed resin, or any combination thereof.
8. A plant shelter (1, 101, 1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising at least one of an ultraviolet stabilizer, a waterproofing additive, an extender filler, a pro-degradation agent, a reinforcement, an animal repellent, a fungal repellent, a bacterial repellent, a pigment or any combination thereof.
9. A plant shelter (1, 101, 1000) according to any preceding claim, wherein the through channel (50, 1050) comprises a major lateral dimension of approximately 10 mm and a minor lateral dimension, perpendicular to the major lateral dimension, of approximately 4.5 mm to 6.5 mm.
10. A plant shelter (1, 101, 1000) according to any preceding claim, wherein the shelter length of the shelter is in the range: 0.4 m to 1.2 m.
11. Kit, comprising: (i) a plant shelter (1, 101, 1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 10; and (ii) a peg (200) or retaining stake configured to be passed through the through channel (50, 1050) of the shelter to directly or indirectly secure the shelter to a section of earth positioned beneath the shelter.
12. A method of protecting a plant, comprising: (i) surrounding the plant or a portion of the plant with a shelter according to any one of claims 1 to 10; and (ii) inserting a retaining peg (200) or stake through the through channel (50, 1050).
13. The method of claim 12, further comprising engaging an overhead wire with a wire attachment portion (220) of the retaining peg (200).
14. A method of manufacturing a plant shelter (1, 101, 1000), comprising: a. extruding a tubular structure having a through channel (50, 1050) extending through a shelter length of the shelter from a first shelter end (30, 1030) to a second shelter end (40, 1040); and b. longitudinally cutting the tubular structure at a distance of about 50 mm to 60 mm from the through channel, thereby forming said first and second longitudinal portions (33, 35, 1200, 1300) of the plant shelter (1, 101, 1000), according to any one of claims 1 to 10.