GB2446560A

GB2446560A - Insect barrier for trees

Info

Publication number: GB2446560A
Application number: GB0702836A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Vincent Victor O'halloran
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-02-14
Filing date: 2007-02-14
Publication date: 2008-08-20
Anticipated expiration: 2027-02-14
Also published as: GB0702836D0; GB2446560B

Abstract

An insect barrier for trees comprises a barrier 1, 2 having a smooth surface and a compressible collar 3. The barrier 1, 2 may be in the form of a circular disc with a central cutout section and a radial cut in the circular disc. The edges of the radial cut may be overlapped and joined to form a frusto-conical shape. The cut edges may be joined by rivets, adhesive tape or hook and loop fastening. Alternatively the cut edges may be folded back on each other, one cut edge folded to an upper side and the other edge folded to an underside. The folded edges can then be interlocked with each other. The compressible collar 3 conforms to the shape of a tree trunk. The collar 3 may be tapered in cross section to compensate for non-circular tree trunks.

Description

-I

INSECT BARRIER FOR TREES

This invention relates to the use of a thin plastic or metal barrier with a smooth surface, to prevent insects from climbing up the trunks of trees.

There are Grease Bands, Fruit Tree Grease and Grease Band Tape on sale to prevent insects such as ants, wingless female moths etc from climbing up tree trunks. This is a problem throughout the world. The products referred to above are not very effective barriers, as the grease dries and picks up dust.

Ants protect aphids from ladybirds their natural predators and are rewarded with a sweet honeydew, which they take back to their nests. The moth caterpillar feed on fruit blossom and tree leaves, and also infect the fruit on the tree.

According to the present invention there is provided a thin plastic or metal barrier and a compressible collar, which when fitted will prevent insects from climbing up tree trunks.

Figure A shows the barrier 1. The small holes are optional and are used only, when the cut ends G to H are overlapped and secured together with plastic rivets or screws.

Figure B shows the barrier 2 with a fold on the top and bottom surface. When the folds are mated together, they form a tight fitting joint.

Figure C shows the compressible collar 3, which when fitted to the tree trunk with the barrier forms an effective insect barrier.

Figure D shows the barrier and collar fitted to the tree trunk.

The barriers I and 2 have a smooth surface, so that insects cannot crawl upside down on the under surface of the barrier, when it is fitted to the tree trunk This is the basis of this invention.

The barrier I as shown in figure A is formed from two outer semi-circles and two inner semi-circles with centres at E and F. These semi-circles are positioned symmetrically apart and joined with four straight lines. The blank is cut from datum G to H. The object of the offset semi-circles is so that, when the barrier is fitted, it forms a near true conical type shape. Alternatively, it may be in the shape of a disc or other shape with a central hole to suit the tree trunk. These shapes are cut from the outside to the inside. All these shapes including barrier I, when over-lapped are joined together with either plastic rivets, screws, double-sided tape, adhesives or hook and eye such as Velcro.

The barrier 2 as shown in Figure 13 may be formed from barrier 1, where the cut ends G to H are formed with one end bent up and the other bent in the opposite direction. The cut ends are as shown in Figure A. Barrier 2 including alternative shapes may also be produced by moulding.

The compressible collar ligure 3 compensates for non-circular tree trunks. It is tapered from L to M to allow for variations in tree sizes. The collar may also be of rectangular section.

To fit the collar it is placed around the tree trunk, slightly stretched and the ends butted together. The collar may also en-circle the tree trunk several times as required similar to a bandage. It is temporarily secured in this position with suitable adhesive tape. This tape is left on the collar, after the collar has been fitted.

To fit the barriers I or 2, both ends are pulled apart sufficiently to enable the barrier to encircle the trunk and collar, then the ends are released. The ends are now fastened together, as previously described, whilst ensuring there are no gaps for insects to crawl through and that the barrier is not too tight to damage the tree trunk. In time if the barrier is found to be too tight to remove due to tree growth, it can be easily cut and replaced with a new one.

Claims

I CLAIMS

1. A thin plastic or metal bamer with a smooth surface and a compressible collar, which when fitted together to encircle the tree trunk form an effective barrier and so prevent insects from crawling up the trunks of trees

2. A barrier as claimed in Claim I and as shown in Figure A with a cut from datum GtoH.

3. A barrier I as claimed in Claim 1 and Claim 2, where the cut ends can be overlapped and joined together with plastic rivets, screws, double sided tape, adhesive or hook and eye strips such as Velcro.

4. A barrier 2 as claimed in Claim 1 and Claim 2, where the cut ends are formed into folds on the top and bottom surfaces as shown in Figure B and these can be mated together to form a joint.

5. A barrier as claimed in Claim I in the shape of a disc or other shape with a central hole, cut from the outside to the inside, overlapped and joined together as described in Claim 3.

6. A barrier as claimed in Claim I in the shape of a disc or other shape with a central hole, cut from the outside to the inside, where the cut ends are formed into folds on the top and bottom surfaces typically as shown in Figure B and these can be mated together to form a joint.

7. A barrier as claimed in Claim 4 and Claim 6, where the barrier with folds are formed by a moulding process and the folds can be mated together to form ajoint

8. A barrier substantially as described herein with reference to Figures A to D of the accompanying drawings.

9.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows

I An insect barrier for trees comprising a flat flexible material of circular shape with a central circular cut-out portion and having a radial cut, where the edges of the cut are folded backwards, one edge being folded upwards and backwards and the other edge being folded downwards and backwards, so that the two edges are able to mate with each other and so the said flexible material can now be formed into a cone frustrum.

2 An insect barrier as claimed in Claim I, which is produced by a moulding operation. * S * **. *5S* * S S... S. I * a * * S.

I

IS.... * S S. **

* I S -

S

I a.. a