FR3134952A1 - Insect trap - Google Patents

Abstract

Device blocking insects that progress on the trunk(1) of trees. The invention called "insect trap" is mainly adapted to ants. It is made up of a first element, the collar(2), adapted to the circumference of the trunk(1) of the tree. It receives in its material a support plate (3) or light frame (6). Its closure is made effective by the choice of two closure systems (5 or 5bis). An open tube (3) is fixed on the collar (2) by gluing, forming two “skirts (9)”. This is the main part on which the role of stopping the ants rests. The trap being installed, a clamp (4) closes everything. The device according to the invention placed on the trunk (1) of the trees is particularly intended to stop ants that cause damage to fruit trees. Figure to be published with the abstract [Fig 1]

Description

Insect trap

The present invention concerns the production of a device fixed to the trunk ⁽¹⁾ of trees, in particular fruit trees, in order to constitute an obstacle to insects (ants, etc.) which climb to reach the foliage occupied mainly by aphids. If a tutor is installed, it will also be equipped with one.

Insect control is traditionally carried out by using a product such as glue or other sticky products.
Effective upon application, they become less effective after a few days as they dry and require renewal. Another disadvantage is that at the end of use, traces of product remain.

The device according to the invention makes it possible to remedy this drawback. It turns out to be an insect barrier. After a few days, these disappear.

This device, or trap, comprises according to the invention, for its production, the assembly of 3 elements: a collar ⁽²⁾ , a tube ⁽³⁾ , a clamp ⁽⁴⁾ .

The diagram of the insect trap is shown in , , , .

1st element – The necklace (2)

First element of the trap, the collar ⁽²⁾ fixes it on the trunk ⁽¹⁾ . It is made from a flexible, resistant material capable of withstanding atmospheric conditions. It must easily fit the trunk ⁽¹⁾ and the imperfections of the bark.

The manufacture of “foam” material of the sleeves insulating the water pipes of a boiler room can serve as a model for making a collar ⁽²⁾ .

Due to its shape, it will offer resistance to deformation. Equipped with a shape memory like the collar ⁽²⁾ , a thin frame ^{( 6 )} made of plastic or other material, or a very fine mesh, of format and dimensions, identical to the collar ⁽²⁾ is incorporated therein. This addition strengthens it and provides a spring effect when closing. After separation, introduction, release, the collar ⁽²⁾ is positioned with force on the trunk ⁽¹⁾ .

1. A partir d’un tuyau, armé de l’armature^{( 6 )}, coupé dans le sens de la longueur, des cercles sont coupés pour obtenir des colliers⁽²⁾,
2. Par injection dans un moule.

Manufacturing can be considered in at least two ways:

1. From a pipe, reinforced with the reinforcement ^{( 6 )} , cut lengthwise, circles are cut to obtain collars ⁽²⁾ ,
2. By injection into a mold.

One trap cannot fit all trees. Each having its own dimensions, a referenced range – for example 8-10, 10-12, 12-14 centimeters (corresponds to the circumference of trunks sold commercially) – must be offered.

The detail of the collar ⁽²⁾ is shown in , .

1st element – Example of necklace (2)

Trunk trap ⁽¹⁾ with a circumference between 8 and 10 centimeters. A 9 cm tree falling between these two dimensions, the adjustment of the collar ⁽²⁾ on the trunk ⁽¹⁾ will not be possible. He will be free. To remedy this drawback, a simple means is envisaged. This involves increasing the circumference of the collar ⁽²⁾ by several millimeters or centimeters in order to shape at each end one of the two extensible closure systems presented in , , , , . One of the systems will increase or decrease the circumference of the collar ⁽²⁾ by a male/female sliding game ⁽⁵⁾ . The same effect will take place through the sliding game of the two opposing parts – head to tail ^(5bis) (second system). After positioning, the tightness of the closure is ensured. The collar ⁽²⁾ is held firmly on the trunk ⁽¹⁾ , insects cannot pass between the trunk ⁽¹⁾ and the collar ⁽²⁾ .

2nd element – The tube (3)

This is the main and defining piece of the trap. It is up to her to interrupt the progression of insects on the trunk ⁽¹⁾ towards the foliage.

2nd element – Tube composition (3)

Preformed during manufacture in the form of a tube ⁽³⁾ , it is in the form of a sheet, made of plastic or other material, preferably transparent, thin and rigid, rolled up, glued (except at the level of the closure) around the necklace ⁽²⁾ . Its length is several centimeters, its circumference is equal to that of the collar ⁽²⁾ , increased by several millimeters or centimeters so that the two edges overlap ⁽⁷⁾ .

This overlap ⁽⁷⁾ allows the increase or decrease in the circumference of the tube ⁽³⁾ accompanying the collar ⁽²⁾ and ensures the sealing of the device.

Thus in place, the tube ⁽³⁾ reveals “two skirts ⁽⁹⁾ ”, several centimeters in height; one lower, the other higher (inverted). On both sides of the skirts ⁽⁹⁾ , originally smooth, small imperfections ⁽⁸⁾ can be made so as to “hinder” the progression of insects (a few cm² shown for understanding).

The detail of the tube ^{( 3 )} is shown in .

2nd element – Role of the tube (3)

The tube ⁽³⁾ is the main obstacle encountered by the insect. Not being able to pass between the collar ⁽²⁾ and the trunk ⁽¹⁾ , it is in the presence of the lower skirt ⁽⁹⁾ . From then on, his journey is as follows:

It must lower the lower skirt ⁽⁹⁾ . Once at the bottom, he must go outside and completely raise the tube ⁽³⁾ . To progress, it must pass inside the upper skirt ⁽⁹⁾ and go down to the level of the collar ⁽²⁾ . From there, it can resume its journey towards the foliage or turn back by taking the opposite route.

The difficulties encountered “discourage” the insects which give up after a few days.

3rd element – The clamp (4)

It is a strip of plastic or other, the width of the collar ⁽²⁾ . It is glued there except at one of the ends which, at the level of the closure, will be adjusted to firmly hold the entire trap.

Miscellaneous

The components described for producing the collar ⁽²⁾ , the tube ⁽³⁾ , and the clamp ⁽⁴⁾ will evolve due to environmental constraints. Adaptations will have to be made.

Claims (4)

Device fixed to a tree trunk ⁽¹⁾ , to prevent insects from going into the foliage of trees, in particular fruit trees, with the aim of joining aphids, characterized in that it comprises a collar ⁽²⁾ and a tube ^{(3 )} assembled in this order and held firmly by a clamp ⁽⁴⁾ . Device according to claim 1 comprising a collar⁽²⁾

1. characterized in that the collar ⁽²⁾ is made of shape memory material incorporating a light frame ⁽⁶⁾ acting like a spring in order to press the collar ⁽²⁾ onto the trunk ⁽¹⁾ .
2. characterized in that a range of collars ⁽²⁾ with increasing dimensions is envisaged to accompany the sizes of the trunks.
3. characterized in that the collar ⁽²⁾ is subject to two different closing systems, one by male/female sliding ⁽⁵⁾ [Fig 3], the other by head/tail sliding ^(5bis) [Fig 4 ] allowing an enlargement or shrinkage of the circumference of the collar ⁽²⁾ .

Device according to claim 1 comprising a tube⁽³⁾

1. characterized in that a sheet of transparent material, preferably or otherwise, forms a tube ⁽³⁾ rolled up and glued to the collar ⁽²⁾ [Fig 5] so that the tube ⁽³⁾ placed in place reveals two “skirts ^{( 9 )} ”, one lower, the other upper.
2. characterized in that the internal sealing of the tube ⁽³⁾ is ensured when closed by the overlap ⁽⁷⁾ of one or the other of the sides of the sheet.
3. characterized in that the material making up the tube ⁽³⁾ can present on each side imperfections ⁽⁸⁾ made deliberately in order to hinder the progression of insects.
4. characterized in that the tube ⁽³⁾ is an obstacle which generates a path too complex for the insects allowing the cessation of the circulation of the latter.

Device according to claim 1 comprising a clamp ⁽⁴⁾ characterized in that it firmly holds the entire trap.