Protective device for the stem of a plant

Abstract

The present application relates to a protective device 1 for the stem 2 of a plant 3 comprising a bent wire 4 and comprising at least a first arm 5, one free end 7a of which can be buried, which initially extends linearly and vertically with respect to the ground 8. Said at least one first arm 5 extends in a plurality of bent sections 9 lying on a plane surrounding, in use, said stem 2.

Description

[0001] Protective device for the stem of a plant DESCRIPTION

[0002] The present application concerns a protective device, particularly for the stem of a plant.

[0003] Nowadays, the problem of preserving the stems of plants, especially in the postplanting phase, from possible damage resulting not only from wind and heavy rain, but also from impacts imparted to the stems by animals or due to the use of strimmers to clear surrounding weeds is well known.

[0004] Guards for trees and plants are therefore known and usually consist of a container configured to form a cylindrical tube that surrounds the stem of the tree or plant to allow them to grow without being damaged.

[0005] Such a solution is for example indicated in patent application GB2104366A.

[0006] Such known solutions have various drawbacks, due for example to the fact that it is necessary to bury the lower part of the cylinder to support it. This can lead to damaging the roots of the plant as well as not being stable over time.

[0007] Furthermore, since the cylinder has a conformation that causes it to completely surround the plant, the latter is not irradiated by the sun and therefore its growth is restricted.

[0008] A further example is described in utility model DE8300795 Ul. This solution involves the use of two articulated portions formed by wire sections. One of the main drawbacks of the device described in this document concerns excessive construction complexity and generally the fact that assembly steps are required. It also proves to be inconvenient during use as assembly requires the use of tools. The main task of the present invention is therefore to solve the technical problems highlighted by eliminating one or more of the drawbacks referred to in the above-mentioned prior art and thus devising an invention that allows optimal protection of the stem of a plant from possible accidental impacts on it.

[0009] As part of the above task, another important aim is to provide an invention that allows the plant to grow optimally while being able to be irradiated by the sun. Yet another aim is to obtain an invention that is stable once placed close to the stem of the plant.

[0010] Another important aim is to create an invention that can be installed, even by untrained personnel, quickly and easily without the need for special means ortools.

[0011] Last but not least, the aim is to achieve an invention that is structurally simple, has low construction costs and can be made with the usual well-known equipment. The task and purposes mentioned, as well as others which will appear more clearly later, are achieved by a device according to claim 1, optionally equipped with one or more of the features of the dependent claims.

[0012] Further features and advantages of the invention will become clear from the detailed description of a particular, but not exclusive, embodiment, illustrated by way of indication and not limitation in the accompanying tables of drawings, in which:

[0013] ■ Fig. 1 shows the device in an initial three-quarter view from the side;

[0014] ■ Fig. 2 shows the device in a second three-quarter view from the side;

[0015] ■ Fig. 3 shows the device in a front view;

[0016] ■ Fig. 4 shows the device in a top view;

[0017] ■ Fig. 5 shows the device in a bottom view;

[0018] ■ Figure 6 shows the device in the planted condition;

[0019] ■ Figure 7 shows the device in the previous figure rotated through ninety degrees;

[0020] ■ Fig. 8 shows a different embodiment of the device, in an initial three- quarter view from the side;

[0021] ■ Fig. 9 shows the device in the previous figure, in a second three-quarter view from the side;

[0022] ■ Fig. 10 shows the device in the previous figure, in a three-quarter view from the side;

[0023] ■ Fig. 11 shows the device in the previous figure in a front view;

[0024] ■ Figure 12 shows the device in the previous figure in the planted condition. In the following embodiments, individual characteristics, reported in relation to specific examples, can actually be interchanged with other different characteristics, existing in other embodiments.

[0025] With reference to the above-mentioned figures, a protective device for the stem 2 of a plant 3 is indicated by the number 1.

[0026] The protective device 1 consists of a single wire 4, bent into a varying shape, comprising at least a first arm 5.

[0027] In the particular embodiments illustrated, the protective device 1 comprises asecond arm 6 equivalent to said first arm 5.

[0028] Said first and second arms 5, 6 each have a free terminal end 7a, 7b that can be buried, i.e. it is configured to be driven into the ground 8.

[0029] Both said first and second arms 5, 6 extend, in use, linearly and vertically with respect to the ground 8 in which the stem 2 of a plant 3 is planted.

[0030] The length of the first and second arms 5, 6 is the most appropriate depending on specific requirements, as is the material of which to make said wire 4 and the overall length thereof.

[0031] The first and second arms 5, 6 have the same or different lengths.

[0032] The first arm 5 extends, on the opposite side to said free terminal end 7a, according to a plurality of bent sections 9 sequential to each other, which are variously arranged in space, and which are connected to said second arm 6.

[0033] These bent sections 9 lie on a curved surface which, in use, partially surrounds said stem 2.

[0034] The number of bent sections 9 may vary according to specific requirements; in Figures 1 to 7 the number of bent sections 9 is ten, while in Figures 8 to 12 the number of bent sections 9 is four.

[0035] The first and second arms 5, 6 are arranged, in use, substantially parallel to each other and are longer than the length of said bent sections 9 so as to be capable of being buried, at the free terminal ends 7a, 7b, partially or fully.

[0036] In some embodiments, the bent sections 9 are arranged, in use, not parallel to each other and may have different shapes in plan with respect to each other. Each of said bent sections 9 has the same height or different heights.

[0037] The bent sections 9 are placed, in use, out of the ground 8; alternatively one or more of them may be partially buried in the ground 8.

[0038] Each of said bent sections 9 has a desired amplitude (width) and height.

[0039] The bent sections 9 may all be the same shape or each may have a different shape in the sense of having equal or different widths or equal or different heights or equal or different shapes.

[0040] The bent sections 9 appear to lie on a curved surface that defines a protective screen partially surrounding said stem 2 and / or said plant 3.

[0041] Note that, in some embodiments, the protective screen formed by the bent sections 9 defines a lower edge, and the free terminal ends 7a, 7b of the arms protrude axially beyond this lower edge along a direction defined by the windingaxis of the bent sections 9.

[0042] Each bent section 9 is, in plan, substantially U-shaped or V-shaped and is arranged, in the particular embodiments illustrated, according to a plane substantially parallel, in use, to said stem 2 and / or to said plant 3, as illustrated in Figures 1 to 7, or according to a plane substantially transverse to said stem 2 and / or to said plant 3, as shown in Figures 8 to 12 illustrating a second embodiment.

[0043] In other words, taking as a reference the winding axis defined by the curved surface on which the bent sections 9 lie surrounding the stem 2, each of the bent sections 9 may have a main extension direction either parallel to that axis, as shown in Figures 1 to 7, or transverse to it, as in Figures 8 to 12.

[0044] In said device 1 said plurality of bent sections 9 is thus arranged in an arched conformation which is adapted to partially surround, in use, the stem 2 of a plant 3.

[0045] This arched conformation is open at a space or opening 10 defined between said first and second arms 5,6 in order to allow said stem 2 to pass between them. Said plurality of bent sections 9 is elastically deformable in order to facilitate the positioning of said stem 2 within said device 1.

[0046] Said plurality of bent sections 9 is interposed between said first and second arms 5,6. Said first and second arms 5, 6 have a length greater than or equal to the maximum height of said plurality of bent sections 9.

[0047] The free terminal ends 7a, 7b of said first and second arms 5,6 extend beyond the arrangement plane of said plurality of bent sections 9.

[0048] Each bent section 9 is made up of a pair of linear segments 9a, 9b which, in the embodiments shown, are substantially parallel to each other and are connected to each other by a curved or arched or linear segment 9c.

[0049] The use of the invention is as follows: the user initially grasps the device 1 and slides it, at said opening 10, to said stem 2.

[0050] Alternatively, if the stem has larger dimensions than said opening 10, the user will grasp said first and second arms 5, 6 elastically deforming said plurality of bent sections 9 in order to create easier access for the passage of said stem 2 by enlarging the dimensions of said opening 10.

[0051] The dimensions of the device 1, and thus the number and shape of the bent sections 9, are naturally such that said bent sections 9 are arranged, in use,outside the stem 2.

[0052] The user will then bury the free terminal ends 7a, 7b, or one of them if only the free terminal end 7a is provided, in the ground 8 until the plurality of bent sections 9 are arranged around the stem 2 and / or the plant 3, which will thus be protected. To increase the stability of the device once buried, one or more of said bent sections 9 may also be partially buried in the ground 8.

[0053] In practice, it was found that the invention achieved the above-mentioned task and purpose by providing a device that achieves optimal protection of the stem of a plant from possible accidental impacts on it.

[0054] At the same time, the device allows the plant to grow optimally being able to be irradiated by the sun.

[0055] The device can be adapted, during installation, to the size of the stem and is stable once placed close by the stem of the plant.

[0056] Furthermore, the device can be installed even by untrained personnel, quickly and easily, and without the need for any special equipment or tools.

[0057] Finally, the invention is structurally simple and has low implementation costs. Naturally, the invention is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the same inventive concept; moreover, all the details may be replaced by other technically equivalent elements.

[0058] In practice, any components and materials can be used according to requirements (as long as they are compatible with the specific use), the dimensions, the contingent shapes that constitute the components of the invention and the prior art.

[0059] Where the features and techniques mentioned in any claim are followed by reference marks, such reference marks are intended to be affixed solely for the purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and, consequently, such reference marks have no limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference marks.

[0060] Characteristics indicated as advantageous, appropriate or similar may also be missing or replaced by equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A device (1) for protecting the stem (2) of a plant (3) characterised in that it comprises a bent wire (4) comprising at least a first arm (5), a free end (7a) of which is configured to be driven into the ground from which said stem (2) protrudes, said at least one first arm (5) extending initially linearly and being configured to extend, in use, vertically with respect to the ground from which said stem (2) protrudes, said at least one first arm (5) extending in a plurality of bent sections (9) arranged in sequential manner and configured in such a way as to lie on a curved surface surrounding, in use, said stem (2).

2. Protective device (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that said plurality of bent sections (9) ends with a second arm (6).

3. Protective device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that said plurality of bent sections (9) defines a protective screen which, in use, partially surrounds said stem (2) of said plant (3).

4. Protective device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that said at least one first arm (5), said plurality of bent sections (9) and optionally said second arm (6) are made of a single wire (4), bent into varying shapes.

5. Protective device (1) according to claims 2 and 4, characterised in that said second arm (6) has a respective free terminal end (7b) configured to be driven into the ground from which said stem (2) protrudes.

6. Protective device (1) according to one or more of claims 2 to 5, which is characterised in that said second arm (6) extends linearly and is configured to extend, in use, vertically with respect to the ground (8) in which said stem (2) of a plant (3) is planted.

7. Protective device (1) according to one or more of claims 2 to 6, characterised in that said first and second arms (5,6) have an equal or different length.

8. Protective device (1) according to one or more of claims 2 to 6, which is characterised in that said first arm (5) extends, on the opposite side to said free terminal end (7a), according to said plurality of bent sections (9), variously arranged in space, said plurality of bent sections (9) being connected to said second arm (6).

9. Protective device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims,characterised in that said bent sections (9) are configured in such a way that, in use, said curved surface partially surrounds said stem (2).

10. Protective device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims which is characterised in that said bent sections (9) are at least ten in number and preferably exactly ten in number.

11. Protective device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that said bent sections (9) are four in number and preferably exactly four in number.

12. Protective device (1) according to one or more of claims 2 to 11, characterised in that said first and second arms (5,6) are arranged, in use, substantially parallel to each other and have a length greater than that of said bent sections (9) so as to be capable of being buried, partially or fully, at said free terminal ends (7a, 7b).

13. Protective device (1) according to one or more of claims 2 to 12, characterised in that said first and second arms (5,6) are arranged, in use, not parallel to each other having, in plan, different shapes with respect to each other.

14. Protective device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that each of said bent sections (9) has the same height or different heights.

15. Protective device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims which is characterised in that said bent sections (9) are positioned, in use, outside said ground (8).

16. Protective device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that one or more of said bent sections (9) is, in use, partially buried in said ground (8).

17. Protective device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that each of said bent sections (9) has an identical or different shape and / or amplitude and / or height and / or width.

18. Protective device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims which is characterised in that said bent sections (9) lie on said curved surface in such a way as to define a protective screen which, in use, partially surrounds said stem (2) and / or said plant (3).

19. Protective device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that each of said bent sections (9) is substantially U-shaped or V-shaped in plan.

20. Protective device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, which is characterised in that each of said bent sections (9) is arranged in a plane substantially parallel or non-parallel, in use, to said stem (2) and / or to said plant (3).

21. Protective device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that each of said bent sections (9) is arranged in a plane substantially transverse, in use, to said stem (2) and / or to said plant (3).

22. Protective device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that said plurality of bent sections (9) is arranged according to an arched surface which is adapted to partially surround said stem (2), said arched surface being open at a defined space or opening (10) defined between said first and second arms (5,6) for the purpose of allowing said stem (2) to pass between them.

23. Protective device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that said plurality of bent sections (9) is elastically deformable in order to facilitate the positioning, within said device (1), of said stem (2).

24. Protective device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that said plurality of bent sections (9) is interposed between said first and second arms (5,6).

25. Protective device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that said first and second arms (5,6) have a length greater than or equal to the maximum height of said plurality of bent sections (9).

26. Protective device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that said free terminal ends (7a, 7b) of said first and second arms (5,6) extend beyond the arrangement plane of said plurality of bent sections (9).

27. Protective device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims which is characterised in that each of said bent sections (9) comprises a pair of linear segments (9a, 9b), substantially parallel or non-parallel to each other, which are connected to each other by a curved or arched or linear segment (9c).

28. Protective device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that said first and second arms (5,6) and / or said bent sections (9) are elastically deformable in order to temporarily enlarge the dimensions of said opening (10).

29. Protective device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims,characterised in that one or both of said free terminal ends (7a, 7b) are capable of being buried in said ground (8) so as to arrange said plurality of bent sections (9) around and protecting said stem (2).

30. Protective device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that one or more of said bent sections (9) is capable of being partially buried in said ground (8).

31. Protective device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims which is characterised in that said curved surface surrounding, in use, said stem (2) defines a winding axis, said at least one first arm (5) being configured in such a way that, in use, said winding axis is substantially parallel to the stem (2) of the plant (3).

32. Use of a protective device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims which is characterised in that said at least one first arm (5) is driven into the ground from which said stem (2) protrudes, and said plurality of bent sections (9) are arranged overall around said stem (2).

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