Assembly system

Abstract

An assembly system (1), in particular for assembling an insect trap (2), comprising a joint (3), defining a joint axis (10), and a support post (4) extending along a post axis (6), wherein the joint (3) is adapted to form a connection between one or more trays (5), adapted to contain aqueous solutions and sample storage liquids for insect capture, and the support post (4), wherein the joint (3) comprises a coupling portion (7), and wherein the coupling portion (7) and the support post (4) are shaped so as to be connectable to each other by shape coupling in a direction parallel to the post axis (6), wherein, in the connected configuration, the joint axis (10) and the post axis (6) are parallel to each other, preferably coincident, and wherein the joint (3) comprises a hooking portion (8), distinct from the coupling portion (7), wherein the hooking portion (8) is configured to hook the one or more trays (5) to the joint (3).

Description

Assembly system

[0001] , Field of the invention

[0002] , The present invention relates to an assembly system, in particular a modular assembly system for an insect trap.

[0003] , Prior art

[0004] , Insect traps are systems used for passive monitoring of insects (preferably pollinators, but also pests), that is, for sampling the quantity and diversity of insects, and are essential activities in many research projects, land protection and conservation agencies, and spin-offs or freelancers operating in the environmental and agricultural sectors.

[0005] , To date, passive monitoring of flying insects is carried out using tools assembled without scientific rigour and having variable sizes and colours. An example of such tools is the “pan-trap” or “water trap”.

[0006] , Known pan-traps are formed by a plurality of containers of different colours, for example three containers in yellow, blue and white, connected with makeshift, usually unstable, fasteners to one or more support posts, so as to support the containers at a given height from the ground, for example at grass height.

[0007] , Such known rudimentary systems are not convenient to use and transport, and their structural instability easily compromises their operation. US5062390A describes a bird feeder, in particular for hummingbirds, comprising a stem rising from the centre of a bowl and a lid for the bowl through which the stem passes, wherein such lid is selectively lockable to the stem to occasionally allow loosening and permit filling of the bowl. KR102117368B1 describes a stackable pot system composed of a central pole unit and pot units arranged radially around it, wherein each pot unit, with a hollow sleeve, is concentrically fixed to the pole unit, and wherein an angle adjustment unit, by means of an assembly edge, grooves and pressure pins, allows to set and lock the inclination of each pot. KR102047475B1 describesa stackable pot assembly that optimises space and plant cultivation, comprising central pole units around which cultivation pot units are concentrically fixed and angle adjustment units allow the inclination of each pot to be fixed. KR102159615B1 describes a landscaping apparatus for plants that simplifies the realisation of green spaces thanks to support tools fixed to vertical rods, which support cultivation containers inclined upwards and outwards for inserting pots with plants, allowing adjustments of height, width and curvature, and both single and double layouts, all with integrated functions of fixing, pot coupling and irrigation.

[0008] , There is therefore a felt need for an insect trap improved with respect to the prior art.

[0009] , In particular, there is a felt need for an assembly system, in particular a modular assembly system, which makes the insect trap easily installable in an operational environment and which allows a stable and simplified assembly, as well as having overall reduced costs, and being height-adjustable.

[0010] , Solution

[0011] , The purpose of the present invention is to provide an assembly system, in particular a modular assembly system for an insect trap, that overcomes at least some of the critical issues highlighted in the prior art.

[0012] , A particular purpose of the present invention is to provide an assembly system, in particular a modular assembly system for an insect trap, which makes the insect trap easily installable in an operational environment and which allows a stable and simplified assembly, as well as having overall reduced costs, and being height-adjustable.

[0013] , These and other purposes are achieved by means of an assembly system and an insect trap according to the independent claims.

[0014] , The dependent claims relate to preferred and advantageous embodiments of the present invention.

[0015] , Figures

[0016] , To better understand the invention and appreciate its advantages, some exemplary and non-limiting embodiments thereof will be described below, with reference to the accompanying figure, wherein:

[0017] , figure 1 is a perspective view of an insect trap, comprising an assembly system according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0018] , figure 2 is a perspective view of a component of an assembly system, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0019] , figure 3 is a perspective view of a further component of an assembly system, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0020] , figure 4 is a perspective view of a further component of an assembly system, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0021] , figure 5 is a perspective view of a component of an insect trap, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0022] , figure 6 is a perspective view of a further component of an insect trap, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0023] , figure 7 is a perspective view of an insect trap, comprising an assembly system according to a further embodiment of the invention.

[0024] , Description of some preferred embodiments

[0025] , Assembly system 1

[0026] , In the present description, an assembly system is generally denoted by the reference number 1.

[0027] , The assembly system 1 is in particular suitable for assembling an insect trap 2.

[0028] , The assembly system 1 comprises a joint 3. The joint 3 defines a joint axis 10.

[0029] , Moreover, the assembly system 1 comprises a support post 4. The support post 4 extends along a post axis 6.

[0030] , The joint 3 is adapted to form a connection between one or more trays 5 and the support post 4.

[0031] , The trays 5 are adapted to contain aqueous solutions and sample storage liquids for insect capture.

[0032] , The joint 3 comprises a coupling portion 7.

[0033] , The coupling portion 7 and the support post 4 are shaped so as to be connectable to each other by shape coupling in a direction parallel to the post axis 6.

[0034] , In the connected configuration, the joint axis 10 and the post axis 6 are parallel to each other, preferably coincident.

[0035] , Moreover, the joint 3 comprises a hooking portion 8, distinct from the coupling portion 7.

[0036] , The hooking portion 8 is configured to hook the one or more trays 5 to the joint 3.

[0037] , Advantageously, an assembly system 1 thus configured allows to assemble more easily and more firmly an insect trap 2, in particular of the “pan-trap” type.

[0038] , In fact, the assembly system 1 features structural simplicity and overall reduced costs, while at the same time allowing to securely fasten and hook one or more trays 5 at a given height of a support post 4 by means of the joint 3 described above.

[0039] , According to one embodiment, the coupling portion 7 of the joint 3 and the support post 4 are configured to form a shape engagement with elastic deformation.

[0040] , According to one embodiment, the coupling portion 7 of the joint 3 defines a coupling seat 9.

[0041] , The coupling seat 9 is configured to receive the support post 4.

[0042] , Specifically, the coupling seat 9 is shaped so as to form a geometric coupling with the support post 4.

[0043] , According to one embodiment, the coupling seat 9 is a blind seat. Specifically, the blind coupling seat 9 is suitable for receiving an end portion of the support post 4.

[0044] , According to one embodiment, the coupling seat 9 has a cross shape in a section transverse to the joint axis 10.

[0045] , According to this embodiment, the support post 4 has a cross section in a section transverse to the post axis 6.

[0046] , Advantageously, such configuration allows to achieve overall reduced costs, due to the smaller amount of material used to make the support post 4, while at the same time obtaining high structural strength.

[0047] , According to one embodiment, the joint 3 comprises two opposite coupling portions 7, adapted to receive two respective and opposite support posts 4. Specifically, the two opposite coupling portions 7 face in opposite directions.

[0048] , Advantageously, a joint 3 thus configured allows to make a modular assembly system 1, since the joint 3, to which two opposite support posts 4 are connected, forms a module that can be replicated to increase the length of the system 1 in a simplified manner, without the need for additional structural components.

[0049] , According to one embodiment, the hooking portion 8 is positioned interposedbetween the two opposite coupling portions 7.

[0050] , Advantageously, such configuration reduces the overall encumbrance of the system 1.

[0051] , According to one embodiment, the joint 3 has an axisymmetric shape with respect to the joint axis 10.

[0052] , According to one embodiment, the joint 3 comprises an intermediate body 11, extending along the joint axis 10.

[0053] , Preferably, the intermediate body 11 has a cylindrical shape coaxial to the joint axis 10.

[0054] , Moreover, the joint 3 comprises a planar wall 12, transverse to the joint axis 10. The joint seat 9 is defined on the planar wall 12.

[0055] , Preferably, the joint 3 comprises two planar walls 12 positioned opposite with respect to the intermediate body 11.

[0056] , Preferably, the joint seats 9 formed by the respective planar walls 12 have the same shape.

[0057] , According to one embodiment, the hooking portion 8 defines at least one hooking hole 13, preferably a pair of hooking holes 13, to hook a respective tray 5 to the hooking portion 8.

[0058] , According to one embodiment, the joint 3 comprises a disc-like wall 14 extending transversely to the joint axis 10 with respect to the intermediate body 11. The disc-like wall 14 defines the hooking portion 8.

[0059] , According to one embodiment, the disc-like wall 14 defines a plurality of pairs,preferably three pairs, of hooking holes 13 to hook respective trays 5.

[0060] , Specifically, a tray 5 is hookable to a pair of hooking holes 13.

[0061] , Advantageously, the provision of a pair of hooking holes 13 for each tray 5 prevents undesired rotation of the tray 5 and maintains the tray 5 in the predefined hooking position.

[0062] , According to a preferred embodiment, the hooking holes 13 are holes passing through the disc-like wall 14.

[0063] , According to one embodiment, the system 1 comprises a pointed end member 15.

[0064] , The pointed end member 15 is connectable to the support post 4, in particular at an end of the support post 4.

[0065] , The pointed end member 15 is provided with a tip 16 to drive the support post 4, and in particular the entire system 1, into the ground.

[0066] , The pointed end member 15 further comprises an end body 24 configured to form a shape coupling, preferably with elastic deformation, with the support post 4.

[0067] , In particular, the end body 24 defines a coupling seat 9 configured to receive the support post 4, in particular shaped so as to form a geometric coupling with the support post 4.

[0068] , According to one embodiment, the assembly system 1 is made of a plastic material, preferably ASA (Acrylonitrile styrene acrylate). In particular, the joint 3 and / or the support post 4 and / or the end body 24 of the pointed end member 15 are made of plastic material, preferably ASA.

[0069] , Insect trap 2

[0070] , According to a further aspect of the invention, an insect trap 2 comprises an assembly system 1 as previously described.

[0071] , The insect trap 2 further comprises at least one tray 5, preferably a plurality of trays 5, connectable to the joint 3 of the assembly system 1.

[0072] , The at least one tray 5 comprises a receptacle 17, adapted to contain aqueous solutions and sample storage liquids, so as to capture insects.

[0073] , The receptacle 17 comprises a bottom wall 18 and a peripheral wall 19.

[0074] , According to one embodiment, the bottom wall 18 defines a through opening 20.

[0075] , Moreover, the tray 5 comprises a plug 21. The plug 21 is configured to close the through opening 20.

[0076] , Specifically, the plug 21 is removably geometrically couplable to the through opening 20.

[0077] , Advantageously, such configuration allows to easily empty the contents of the receptacle 17. Therefore, it is possible to collect the samples, that is the captured insects, without the need to remove the tray 5 from the assembly system 1.

[0078] , According to one embodiment, the peripheral wall 19 comprises an edge 22.

[0079] , According to one embodiment, the edge 22 protrudes externally from the peripheral wall 19.

[0080] , According to one embodiment, the tray 5 comprises at least one hooking pin 23.

[0081] , The hooking pin 23 is configured to form a shape engagement with the joint 3.

[0082] , In particular, the hooking pin 23 is configured to be inserted into the at least one hooking hole 13 of the joint 3, forming a geometric coupling with the hooking hole 13.

[0083] , Preferably, each tray 5 comprises two hooking pins 23, positioned adjacentto each other.

[0084] , Advantageously, such configuration forms a firm connection of the tray 5 to the joint 3, preventing undesired rotation of the tray 5.

[0085] , According to one embodiment, the at least one hooking pin 23 is connected to the peripheral wall 19 outside the peripheral wall 19.

[0086] , Advantageously, such configuration ensures the stacking of a plurality of trays 5.

[0087] , According to one embodiment, the at least one hooking pin 23 is connected to the edge 22 protruding externally from the peripheral wall 19.

[0088] , Advantageously, such configuration ensures the stacking of a plurality of trays 5 and simplifies the connection of the tray 5 to the joint 3.

[0089] , According to one embodiment, each tray 5 has a diameter of about 15 cm and / or an internal volume of about 650 ml.

[0090] , According to one embodiment, the trays 5 are made of plastic material, preferably ASA (Acrylonitrile styrene acrylate).

[0091] , According to one embodiment, the trap 2 comprises three trays 5, of which one coloured yellow, one coloured blue and one coloured white.

[0092] , According to one embodiment, an inner surface 25 of the peripheral wall 19 and / or of the bottom wall 18 is corrugated. Advantageously, this facilitates the application of other paints.

[0093] , According to a further aspect of the invention, the assembly system 1 described above, associated with one or more trays 5 connectable to the joint 3 as described above, can be used for further uses, for example as a drinking trough for small animals.

[0094] , Advantageously, the assembly system 1 and the insect trap 2 described herein are easily installable in an operational environment, ensure high convenience in collecting samples without the need to remove the tray 5 from the assembly system 1, feature reduced costs, structural simplicity and application ease, and allow for high customisation as well as standardisation of monitoring activities.

[0095] , Naturally, the expert in the field will be able to make modifications or adaptations to the present invention, without however departing from the scope of the claims set out below.Reference list:1. Assembly system2. Insect trap3. Joint4. Support post5. Tray6. Post axis7. Coupling portion8. Hooking portion9. Coupling seat10. Joint axis11. Intermediate body12. Planar wall13. Hooking hole14. Disc-like wall15. Pointed end member16. Tip17. Receptacle18. Bottom wall19. Peripheral wall20. Through opening 21. Plug22. Edge23. Hooking pin24. End body25. Corrugated inner surface

Claims

CLAIMS1. An insect trap (2), comprising an assembly system (1), comprising a joint (3), defining a joint axis (10), and a support post (4) extending along a post axis (6), wherein the joint (3) is adapted to form a connection between one or more trays (5), adapted to contain aqueous solutions and sample storage liquids for insect capture, and the support post (4), wherein the joint (3) comprises a coupling portion (7), and wherein the coupling portion (7) and the support post (4) are shaped so as to be connectable to each other by shape coupling in a direction parallel to the post axis (6), wherein, in the connected configuration, the joint axis (10) and the post axis (6) are parallel to each other, preferably coincident, and wherein the joint (3) comprises a hooking portion (8), distinct from the coupling portion (7), wherein the hooking portion (8) is configured to hook the one or more trays (5) to the joint (3), characterised in that the hooking portion (8) defines a pair of hooking holes (13) to hook a respective tray (5) to the hooking portion (8), wherein the joint (3) comprises a disc-like wall (14) extending transversely to the joint axis (10) with respect to the intermediate body (11), wherein the disc-like wall (14) defines the hooking portion (8), wherein the hooking holes (13) are holes passing through the disc-like wall (14), wherein the insect trap (2) further comprises at least one tray (5) connectable to the joint (3) of the assembly system (1), wherein the at least one tray (5) comprises a receptacle (17) adapted to contain aqueous solutions and sample storage liquids for insect capture, wherein the receptacle (17) comprises a bottom wall (18) and a peripheral wall (19), wherein the bottom wall (18) defines a through opening (20),wherein the tray (5) comprises a plug (21) configured to close the through opening (20), wherein the plug (21) is removably geometrically couplable to the through opening (20), wherein the peripheral wall (19) comprises an edge (22) protruding externally from the peripheral wall (19), wherein the tray (5) comprises two hooking pins (23), positioned adjacent to each other, configured to form a shape engagement with the joint (3), and wherein each hooking pin (23) is configured to be inserted into at least one hooking hole (13) of the joint (3), forming a geometric coupling with the hooking hole (13).

2. Insect trap (2) according to claim 1, wherein the coupling portion (7) of the joint (3) and the support post (4) are configured to form a shape engagement with elastic deformation.

3. Insect trap (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the coupling portion (7) of the joint (3) defines a coupling seat (9) configured to receive the support post (4), wherein the coupling seat (9) is shaped so as to form a geometric coupling with the support post (4), and wherein the coupling seat (9) is a blind seat and is suitable for receiving an end portion of the support post (4), and wherein, optionally, the coupling seat (9) has a cross shape in a section transverse to the joint axis (10).

4. Insect trap (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the joint (3) comprises two opposite coupling portions (7) adapted to receive two respective and opposite support posts (4).

5. Insect trap (2) according to claim 4, wherein the hooking portion (8) is positioned interposed between the two opposite coupling portions (7).

6. Insect trap (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the joint (3) has an axisymmetric shape with respect to the joint axis (10), wherein the joint (3) comprises an intermediate body (11), extending along the joint axis (10), having a cylindrical shape coaxial to the joint axis (10), wherein the joint (3) comprises a planar wall (12), transverse to the joint axis (10), wherein the joint seat (9) is defined on the planar wall (12).

7. Insect trap (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the disc-like wall (14) defines a plurality of, preferably three, pairs of hooking holes (13) to hook respective trays (5).

8. Insect trap (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a pointed end member (15) connectable to the support post (4), in particular at one end of the support post (4), wherein the pointed end member (15) is provided with a tip (16) to drive the support post (4), and in particular the entire assembly system (1), into the ground, wherein the pointed end member (15) comprises an end body (24) configured to form a shape coupling, preferably with elastic deformation, with the support post (4), wherein the end body (24) defines a coupling seat (9) configured to receive the support post (4), in particular shaped so as to form a geometric coupling with the support post (4).

9. Insect trap (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, made of plastic material, preferably ASA (Acrylonitrile styrene acrylate).

10. Insect trap (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of trays (5) connectable to the joint (3) of the assembly system (1).

11. Insect trap (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each tray (5) has a diameter of about 15 cm and / or an internal volume of about 650 ml.

12. Insect trap (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the trays (5) are made of plastic material, preferably ASA (Acrylonitrile styrene acrylate).

13. Insect trap (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle (17) comprises a bottom wall (18) and a peripheral wall (19), and wherein an inner surface (25) of the peripheral wall (19) and / or of the bottom wall (18) is corrugated.

Images