GB2618848A

GB2618848A - Hedge laying device

Info

Publication number: GB2618848A
Application number: GB2207425.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Henry Vaughan Jerome
Original assignee: Biovorn Ltd
Current assignee: Biovorn Ltd
Priority date: 2022-05-20
Filing date: 2022-05-20
Publication date: 2023-11-22
Also published as: GB202207425D0

Abstract

A hedge laying device 1 comprising a framework 2 to which is connected to a housing 12 comprising a channel having a top panel 13, a left 14 and a right 14’ side panels, an open bottom, and a front opening 24 and a rear opening 25 at opposite ends thereof, and wherein the hedge laying device further comprises a vehicle connector 28, arranged in use to connect the device to a vehicle. At least a portion of the left and right side panels taper inwardly from the front opening such that the front opening is wider than the rear opening. The entire top panel may be movable to increase or decrease the height of the rear opening. Also disclosed is a vehicle comprising a hedge laying device and a method of laying a hedge using the hedge-laying device.

Description

HEDGE LAYING DEVICE

Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a hedge laying device, in particular a device for moving plants to lay a bodge and particularly but not exclusively to a hedge laying device attached or attachable to a vehicle. The invention further relates to methods of laying hedges.

Background to the Invention

Fledge laying is the process of bending and partially cutting through the stems of a line of plants or small trees near ground level and arching the sterns without breaking them fully, so they can grow horizontally and be intertwined. The bent plants are sometimes then tied together so that the compacted shape is maintained. Unlike trimming, hedge laying encourages the trees to be regenerated in a compacted hedge shape and this prevents the formation of gaps in the hedges. This in turn results in a denser and more continuous hedge for retaining livestock and improved habitat for wildlife including birds, insects and smaller mammals. Typically hedge laying is a manual task and therefore it is time and labour intensive, consequently the modern method of managing hedges is to use a hedge trimmer which, over time, will lead to a less compact and thinner hedge. It can also be difficult to manage large hedgerows or lay hedgerows in hard-to-reach places or on particularly uneven ground.

An example of a mechanical hedge laying device is described in UK patent application GB2590596 in which the hedge laying device comprises an arm which bends the central trunk of the plants. A known problem of this device is that only the central stem is bent and not the outer branches of the plants, and after the plants are bent with this type of device an additional manual step is required to tie the branches so that the hedge remains compacted. It would be advantageous to provide a hedge laying device that efficiently bends the plants into the hedge shape and does not require a tying stage after the bending process so that the process of hedge laying is quicker and easier.

US patents US578408 and US225073 describe examples of a mechanical hedge laying device in which the device comprises rollers on a framework and wheels. Known problems with this device are that the device is designed to be pulled along the ground and therefore the height of the resulting hedges is limited by the height of the device. A device that is dragged or pushed along the ground can also be limited by uneven terrain as it would then be difficult to successfully move the device along the hedgerow. Another known problem of the devices described in US578408 and US225073 is that the devices comprise cavities between the rollers which result in the plants not being fully compressed and bent by the device, or which can damage any plants which move into the cavities, such as snapping of the plant stems completely.

It would therefore be advantageous to provide a hedge laying device which can he used to create different heights along the same hedgerow. without requiring significant readjustment of the device during use; and/or to enable a hedgerow to be laid at any desired height without significant manipulation of the device; and/or such that the device can he used in areas of uneven terrain or customised to suit the landscape or surrounding livestock, whilst still providing an even hedgerow height.

It would also he advantageous to provide a hedge laying device that compresses the plant from multiple sides so that the plant is efficiently compressed into a hedge.

It would furthermore be advantageous to provide a hedge laying device that minimises the likelihood of full plant stem/trunk snapping or shearing.

It is an aim of embodiments of the invention to overcome one or more problems of the prior art, whether expressly disclosed herein or not.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a hedge laying device comprising a framework to which is connected a housing comprising a channel having a top panel, left and right side panels, an open bottom, and a front opening and a rear opening at opposite ends of the channel, and wherein the hedge laying device further comprises a vehicle connector, arranged in use to connect the device to a vehicle.

In some embodiments, the rear edge of the top panel and the rear edges of the left and right side panels form the rear opening of the housing. In some embodiments the front edges of the top panel and front edges of the left and right side panels form the front opening of the housing.

In some embodiments, the framework of the hedge laying device comprises a plurality of frame members fanning an outer framework or cage in which the housing is situated. The housing may be connected to the framework via the top panel and/or side panels. The front panel may be connected to the framework via the front edge of the top panel. In other embodiments the framework may comprise at least front and rear bars, connected via a frame spine member, and the front edge of the top panel may be connected to the front bar, optionally with the rear frame member being connected to at least one of the left and right side panels. The framework may also include at least left and right lower frame members, which may extend substantially along the bottom edges of the left and right side panels respectively. The left and right lower frame members may comprise sled or ski portions on the bottom thereof, which in use may enable the device to glide more easily along the ground or across bent plant stems.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the left and right side panels taper inwardly from the front opening to the rear opening, such that the front opening is wider than the rear opening. This particular configuration is advantageous because the panels ensure that the plant stems/trunks entering die channel of die housing are bent inwardly ensuring that the plants are suitably compressed into a denser hedge form with fewer gaps three-dimensionally between plant stems/trunks. In some embodiments the whole of the left and right, side panels taper inwardly.

In some embodiments, a portion of the top panel is moveable such that the height of the back edge of the top panel can he adjusted upwards or downwards so that the height of the back opening can be increased or decreased. In some embodiments, the entire top panel is movable. In some embodiments the movable portion of the top panel is movable in a rotatable or hinged manner. In some embodiments, the movable portion of top panel is hydraulically movable, and may be rotatably movable by a hydraulic device such as a hydraulic piston and cylinder device, for example. This movable top panel is advantageous because it allows the height of the back opening to be adjusted such that the device can accommodate different volumes of material in the hedge, being fully compressed with smaller volumes of hedge material and fully opened when processing large volumes of hedge material. It also has the advantage of allowing for plants to be compressed to different heights in the final hedge or to a uniform height. This in turn can account for the flexibility and size of a variety of plants to ensure that the plants are bent, and laid, leaving a remaining continuous portion of sapwood (phloem and cambium) on one side of the laid trunk, whilst compressing the stems/thinks to the desired compactness thereby encouraging the formation of a continuous hedge without gaps.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the top panel comprises wings extending downwardly such that the wings provide an extension of the height of the side panels when the movable portion of the top panel is raised. In some embodiments the wings are positioned outside the left and right side panels, and in some embodiments the wings are alternatively positioned inside the left and right side panels (within the channel structure). This configuration comprising side wings attached to the movable top panel is advantageous because once the movable portion of the top panel is raised, the wings prevent gaps appearing at the side of the hedge laying device between the side panels and top panel therefore ensuring that the plants are suitably funnelled along the sides of the device such that a manual tying step is not required after the device is passed over the plants; and to prevent plant stems/trunks from being broken off in any gap that might be formed if the movable top panel portion and side panels were to have gaps therebetween when the movable portion is raised.

In some embodiments, the front opening of the hedge laying device comprises a roller positioned at, or in the region of, the top of the opening and extending at least partway between the left and right side panels. In some embodiments, the roller is connected to the front edge of the top panel or to the framework (such as the front bar in embodiments in which the framework comprises a front bar). In some embodiments, the roller extends across the entire front opening between the left and right side panels. The configuration comprising a roller at the top of the front opening is advantageous because the roller facilitates the smooth movement of the plants into the front opening without breaking so they can subsequently be bent by the hedge laying device.

The side panels may include a bottom edge, forming the open bottom of the channel. The bottom edges of the side panels may comprise smooth edges. The smooth edges may be used to reduce friction of the device as it travels along ground level, if the device is used on ground level. The smooth edges may comprise a metal, such as a polished metal, or may comprise an anti-friction coating, for example. In some embodiments the bottom edges comprise a ski or sled structure.

The vehicle connector may be located on the framework or housing. In some embodiments the vehicle connector may be located on the framework, and in embodiments in which the framework comprises front and rear bar connected therebetween by a spine frame member, the vehicle connector may be located on the front bar or the spine frame member. The vehicle connector may comprise a connector for connecting an articulated arm or joint, such as an articulated arm or joint socket, for example. The vehicle connector may comprise an articulated arm or joint.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising a hedge laying device of the first aspect of the invention.

The hedge laying device may comprise a vehicle connector at or on the top of the hedge laying device, connected to the vehicle. This particular configuration is advantageous because it allows for the height of the hedge laying device to be adjusted independently to the height of the ground. This in turn ensures that the hedge is bent to a suitable height in areas of uneven terrain. This also ensures that the height of the hedge can be customised to suit the landscape and/or the livestock that the hedge is enclosing.

In some embodiments the vehicle is detachably connected to the hedge laying device whilst in other embodiments the vehicle is integrally connected via the vehicle connector. The vehicle connector may be as described hereinabove for the first aspect of the invention. The vehicle may be a farm vehicle, such as a tractor. In some embodiments the vehicle may be a truck or flat-bed truck, a quadbike or digger.

The vehicle or hedge laying device may comprise an articulated arm or joint, connected to or integral with the vehicle connector, and the vehicle and hedge laying device may be fixedly connected to the articulated arm, or at least one of the vehicle and hedge laying device may be removably connected therefrom.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of laying a hedge using a hedge laying device of the first aspect of the invention or a vehicle of the second aspect of the invention, wherein the method comprises the steps of: a) moving the hedge laying device over plants in a hedgerow such that the plants enter the front opening; b) further moving the device such that the plants are bent forwards, being compressed in and passing through, the channel formed by the top, left and right panels, before exiting the rear opening.

Step a) may comprise moving the front opening of the housing such that the top edge is positioned at the desired height, and then moving the device into the plants such that the stems of the plants are bent forwards, the bent part of the stems entering the channel as the device is moved along the hedgerow. During bending, the stems may or will suffer partial snapping, leaving at least a portion of intact cambium and phloem extending up the entire length of the stern, but ensuring the bent stem remains laid after the device is no longer constraining the stems. The laid plants or stems may then exit the back opening of the device.

In some embodiments, the hedge laying device is positioned in step a) so that the top edge of the back opening is positioned at the desired height of the hedge. In some embodiments the hedge laying device is vertically adjusted before step a) or during step a) and step b). In embodiments in which the hedge laying device is connected to a vehicle by way of an articulated arm or joint, the hedge laying device can be vertically and horizontally adjusted by way of the articulated arm or joint.

In some embodiments, the movable portion of top panel is vertically adjusted I 0 prior to or during steps a) and/or I)) so that the top eke of the back opening and/or the height of the back opening is adjusted to conform to changes in land levels along the hedgerow and maintain a substantially uniform height of the formed hedge.

In some embodiments, the hedge laying device may be lowered to ground level during step a) and/or step b), whilst in other embodiments the hedge laying device may IS be positioned above the ground level during at least part or all of the method.

Detailed Description of the Invention

In order that the invention may be more clearly understood embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a first embodiment of the hedge laying device of the invention.

Figure 2 9 Figure 3 is a top view of a first embodiment of the hedge laying device according to figure 1 illustrates a side view of the housing of the embodiment of the hedge laying device of figure 1, with the movable top panel vertically adjusted upwards to increase the height of the back opening Figure 4 illustrates a side view of the housing of the embodiment of the hedge laying device of figure 1 with the movable top panel vertically adjusted downwards to decrease the height of the back opening Figure 5 is a top view of a second embodiment of the hedge laying device of the invention with an alternative frame spine member Figure 6 is a top view of a third embodiment of the hedge laying device of the invention with alternative side panels Figure 7 is a side view of the housing of a fourth embodiment of the hedge laying device with the movable portion of the top panel vertically adjusted upwards to increase the height of the back opening A first embodiment of the invention is illustrated by way of example in figure 1, and figure 2. The hedge laying device (1) comprises an outer framework (2). The outer framework (2) comprises a front frame structure (3) with a front bar (4), from the ends of which extend, perpendicularly, left (5) and right (5') front frame members. Parallel with the front bar (4) is a rear bar (6), from the ends of which extend, perpendicularly, left (7) and a right (7') rear frame members. The rear bar (6) and rear left (7) and right frame members (7') together comprise a back frame structure (8). The front bar (4) and the rear I 0 bar (6) are parallel with each other. The front frame structure (3) is therefore essentially parallel with the back frame structure (8).

The front bar (6) of the front frame structure (3) and the rear bar (6) of the back frame structure (8) are connected by a spinal frame member (9) extending therebetween.

In the embodiment shown in figures 1 and 2 the spinal frame member (9) comprises a Y-shaped member, comprising two arms at the front (9a) (9b) having a substantially V-shaped configuration, leading into a single rear arm (9c) at the back. The two front arms (9a) (9b) are connected to the front bar (4) and the rear arm (9c) is connected to the rear bar (6) of the framework (2).

The left front (5) and left rear (7) frame members are connected to each other at the distal ends thereof by a bottom left member (10) extending from the bottom of the front left member (5) to the bottom of the back left member (7). The right front (5') and back (7') members are connected at the distal ends thereof by a bottom right member (10'). The two bottom members (10, 10') at the bottom of the framework (2) comprise relatively smooth and flat bottom surfaces with a curved portion (11, 11') at the front thereof, connected to the front left and right frame members (5, 5'). The smooth, flat portion attached to the curved portion (11, 11') of these two bottom frame members (10, 10') at the bottom of the framework (2) effectively form skis or a sled structure, reducing friction when the device (1) is positioned on the ground and moved there along.

The outer framework (2) of the hedge laying device (1) is attached to a panelled housing (12) comprising a channel structure with a top panel (13), a left panel (14) a right panel (14') and an open bottom. The housing (12) further comprises a front opening (24)

I I

and rear opening (25), formed by the top panel (13) and left and right side panels (14, 14') at the ends of the housing (12).

The left panel (14) is attached to the outer framework (2) at the front left frame member (5) and the back left frame member (7) such that the left panel extends between the front frame structure (3) and the back frame structure (8). The bottom edge of the left panel (14) is attached to the left bottom frame member (10). The right panel (14') is attached to the outer framework (2) at the front right frame member (5') and the back right frame member (7') such that the right panel extends between the front frame structure (3) and the back frame structure (8). The bottom edge of the right panel (14') is attached to the right bottom frame member (10'). As illustrated in figure 2, a front portion of the left (14) and right (14') panels taper inwardly from the front of the hedge laying device (1) towards the back of the device (1). "[he remaining rear portions (14a, 14a') of the left (14) and right (14') side panels are essentially parallel. The tapering of the front portions results in the distance between the left (14) and right side panels (14') being larger at the front of the hedge laying device (1) and smaller at the back of the hedge laying device (1).

The top panel (13) comprises a front edge (15) and a mar edge (17). The top panel (13) extends from the front frame structure (3) to the back frame structure (8) and from the left (14) side panel to the right side panel (14') at the top of the housing (12) such that there are substantially no gaps between the left and right edges of the top panel (13) and the left (14) and right (14') side panels.

In the embodiment shown in figures 1 and 2, the top panel (13) is movable. The top panel (13) is connected to the framework (2) at the front eke (15) of the top panel (13). The front edge (15) of the top panel (13) is rotatably connected to the framework (2) at the front bar (4) by way of a rotatable hinge (16). The top panel is movable such that it can be raised upwards in a hinged manner such that the top panel (13) rotatably moves around a fixed axis at the front of the top panel (15) via the hinge (16).

Part of the rear of the top panel (13) is connected to a hydraulic arm (18) comprising a piston and cylinder configuration, arranged in use to rotatably lift the top panel via the hinge (16). The top of the hydraulic arm (18) is rotatably attached via an attachment (19) to the movable top panel (13) at the right edge of the top panel (13) near the rear edge (17). The hydraulic arm (18) is also attached to a hydraulic hose (20) connected to a hydraulic accumulator (21) which is further connected to a hydraulic interconnection hose (22). The hydraulic accumulator (21) is located at the back of the spinal frame member (9) close to the rear frame bar (6). The bottom of the hydraulic arm (18) is fixedly connected in the region of the rear end of the left member (7) and the bottom left member (10). A second hydraulic arm (18) is connected by the same means on the right side of the hedge laying device (1). In other embodiments the bottom of the hydraulic arm (18) may be connected on the right or left side or near the rear portions (14a, 14a' ) of the side panels, to the base of the rear left or right frame members (7, 7') or at more than one of these points.

Left (23) and right (23') downwardly directed wings extend perpendicularly from either side of the top panel (13) and extending in the same plane as the left and right side panels (14, 14'). When the top panel (13) is lowered and resting on top of the side panels (14, 14'), the perpendicular wings (23, 23') sit outside the left (14) and right side panels (14') of the housing (12) such that they partially overlap. In other embodiments the wings (23, 23') can sit inside the left (14) and right side panels (14') of the housing (12) such that they partially overlap inside the channel. The wings (23, 23') are connected to the top panel (13) and ensure that when the movable top panel is rotatably lifted in use, there is no gap between the side panels (14, 14') and the top panel (13), which provides an effectively continuous extension of the side panels (14. 14'). The advantage of this is that the plants passing through the channel formed by the housing (12) are less likely to become trapped in any gaps and be fully broken or become entangled.

The front edge (15) of the top panel (13), the front edge of the left panel (14) and the front edge of the right panel (14') form the front opening (24) of the channelled housing (12) and the hack edge (17) of the top panel (13), the back edge of the left panel (14) and the back edge of the right panel (14') form the back opening (25) of the channelled housing (12). The tapering of the side panels (14, 14') results in the width of the front opening (24) being bigger than the width of the back opening (25) and the height of the back opening is adjustable through the extension of the hydraulic arm (18) and therefore the lifting of the back edge of the movable top panel (17). The top panel can be moved such that the height of the front opening (24) and back opening (25) may be substantially the same, or the height of the front opening (24) may be larger than the height of the rear opening (25).

The hedge laying device (1) further comprises a roller (26). The roller (26) is located at the top of the front opening (24), attached to the front bar (6)0! the framework (2) at the front of the hedge laying device (1) by fixtures 27,27') on the left and right of the roller (26). The roller (26) extends across substantially the entire length of the front opening (24) between the left and right side panels (14, 14'). In other embodiments the roller (26) can be attached to the front edge (15) of the top panel (13). In some embodiments the roller (26) extends along at least a portion of the front opening (24) and in some embodiments the roller (26) extends the whole length of the front opening (24).

A vehicle connector (28) is attached to the spinal frame member (9) near the front of the device on one arm (9a). In other embodiments the vehicle connector (28) could be attached to any of the other arms of the spinal frame member (9b, 9c) or in the centre of the spinal frame member (9) or on the front bar (4) of the front frame structure (3). The vehicle connector (28) is arranged in use to attach to a vehicle, such as a farm vehicle, with an articulated arm. An example of a suitable farm vehicle includes but is not limited to a tractor or a truck, a flat-bed truck, a quadbikc, or a digger. The vehicle connector (28) of the hedge laying device (1) can be attached to an articulated arm of a vehicle by means of any suitable headstock or quick hitch which allows the hedge laying device to be easily removed so the articulate arm can be detached for other uses.

The hydraulic accumulator (21) is connected to the spinal frame member (9) near the back of the hedge laying device (1). In other embodiments the hydraulic accumulator (21) is connected to the rear bar (6) of the rear frame structure (8). The farm vehicle is further connected to the hedge laying device (1) through the hydraulic interconnection hose (22) which connects to the hydraulic accumulator (21) which in turn is connected to the hydraulic arm (18) at the back of the hedge laying device (1). The hydraulic interconnection hose (22) is attached to the vehicle in use such that the hydraulic arm (18) can be controlled from within the vehicle using power from the vehicle.

Examples of suitable materials for the framework (2) and panels (12, 13, 14) of the hedge laying device (1) include, but are not limited to, aluminium, steel or plastic.

In use, the hedge laying device (1) is connected to an articulated arm of a suitable vehicle, such as a tractor, by means of the vehicle connector (28) and the hydraulic interconnection hose (22) at the top of the hedge laying device (1). The vehicle and the hedge laying device (1) are then moved to a row of hedgerow plants or trees that are required to be bent into a compressed hedgerow through the hedge laying process. The hedge laying device (1) and the vehicle are oriented so that when the vehicle travels forward the hedge laying device (1) also moves forward and the plants enter the front opening (24) of the hedge laying device (1), pass through the panelled housing (12) and exit through the back opening (25).

Once the vehicle and hedge laying device (1) are correctly oriented, the hedge laying device (1) is lowered such that the front opening (24) is before or at an end of the row of plants. The hedge laying device (1) is vertically adjusted such that the front bar (4) at the top of the front opening (24) is oriented horizontally below the height of the plants before they are bent to form a hedge. In some embodiments, the hedge device is lowered to the ground such that the lower frame members (10, 10') are in contact with the ground.

In other embodiments, such as when the plants are taller, the hedge laying device (1) is not lowered to the ground and is instead held at desired height by the vehicle articulated arm. The vehicle then moves forwards so that the plants enter the hedge laying device (1) through the front opening (24). The roller (26) at the front of the device facilitates the entry of the plants into the front opening (24) of the hedge laying device (1) without the plants fully breaking or snapping at the front of the device (1). The plants are then bent forward by the top panel (13) and the side panels (14, 14') so that they partially break, close to the ground level, but not fully, leaving at least a section of intact cambium and phloem extending up the entire length of the plant, and are compressed into a flattened hedge shape as the hedge laying progresses. After passing through the panelled housing (12), the plants exit the hedge laying device (1) through the back opening (25) as a compressed hedge structure that does not need to be manually tied.

The height of the back edge (17) of the top panel (13) can be adjusted further using the hydraulic arm (18) or other suitable vertically adjustable device. The movement of the top panel (13) is illustrated in figure 3 and figure 4. As illustrated in figure 3, the hydraulic arm (18) can be extended and therefore the back edge (17) of the movable top panel (13) is raised. This increases the height of the back opening (25) of the hedge laying device (1). The hydraulic arm (18) can then be contracted as illustrated in figure 4, such that the movable top panel (13) is lowered thereby decreasing the height of the back edge (17) of the top panel (13) and therefore the height of the back opening (25) is reduced. This hydraulic movement adjusts the end height of the compressed plants and therefore the height of the resulting hedge. The vertical height of the hedge laying device (1) and the height of the movable top panel (13) can be adjusted at the start of the hedge laying process or it can be adjusted during the process to allow for hedges of more than one height to be formed or to account for uneven ground.

In use the curved front portion of the bottom horizontal frame members (11, 11') facilitate the forward movement of the hedge laying device (1) should the hedge laying device (1) be lowered so that the side panels (14, 14') are touching the ground, or pass along existing generally horizontal plant stems/trunks or branches. This is advantageous because it reduces the friction between the device (1) and the uneven ground surrounding the hedge or along existing generally horizontal branches/stools/trunks so that the hedge laying device (1) can smoothly move forwards and bend the stems or branches of plants without being damaged or causing subsequent damage to the vehicle connector (28), the articulated arm or the vehicle.

Alternative embodiments of the invention are illustrated in figures 5, 6, and 7 wherein like numerals represent like components in relation to figures 1 to 4.

In a second embodiment of the hedge laying device invention (501) as illustrated in figure 5, there may be a single spinal frame member (509) comprising one bar joining the front bar (4) and back bar (6) of the framework (2) at a single point. The spinal frame member (509) comprises a vehicle connector (528) in the middle or alternatively at the front of the hedge laying device (501). In some embodiments, there may be more than one spinal frame member (509) joining the front frame structure (3) and back frame structure (8). All other aspects of this second embodiment are identical to the first embodiment and the invention described for figures 1 to 4, and the device (501) of the second embodiment is used in essentially the same way as the device (1) of first embodiment.

In a third embodiment of a hedge laying device (601) of the invention, and as illustrated in figure 6, the entire left side panel (614) and right side panel (614') may be tapered from the front to the back of the device (601). The tapering of the entirety of both side panels results in the front opening (24) being wider than the back opening (25). All other aspects of this third embodiment are identical to the first embodiment and the invention described for figures 1 to 4, and the device (601) of the third embodiment is used in essentially the same way as the device (1) of first embodiment. The advantage of the whole of the side panels (614, 614') being tapered is that the plants are more gradually compressed therefore it would be advantageous to encourage the process of the branches of plants bonding together towards a central point or line in the middle of the hedge and for use with less flexible or more fragile plants such that they are not fully broken by the hedge laying process.

In a fourth embodiment of a hedge laying device (701) of the invention as illustrated in figure 7, a rear portion (713a) of the top panel (13) (towards the back opening (25) is movable and a front portion (713b) of the top panel (13) is fixed. in this embodiment, the movable portion of the top panel (713a) is rotatably fixed to the immovable portion of the top panel (713b) by bolts and holes (716). All other aspects of this fourth embodiment are essentially the same as the first embodiment and the device (701) is used in essentially the same way as the device (1) of the first embodiment.

In a fifth embodiment of the invention, the hedge laying device comprises a vehicle connector (28) and a hydraulic accumulator (21) which are integrated into a vehicle articulated arm wherein the vehicle is a farm vehicle for example a tractor, a truck, a flat-bed truck, a quadbike or a digger. This hedge laying device is therefore not detachable from the vehicle. The other features of the hedge laying device of the fifth embodiment of the invention are essentially the same as the embodiment shown in figures 1 to 4. This integrated hedge laying device would be advantageous as it does not have to be connected to a vehicle at the start of use thereby further reducing the time required for the hedge laying process. After this point, the method of use is essentially the same as the first embodiment described hereinabove for the embodiment of figures 1 to 4.

The above embodiments are described by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A hedge laying device comprising a framework to which is connected a housing comprising a channel having a top panel, left and right side panels, an open bottom, and a front opening and a rear opening at opposite ends thereof, and wherein the hedge laying device further comprises a vehicle connector, arranged in use to connect the device to a vehicle.
2. A hedge laying device according to claim I in which at least a portion of the left and right side panels taper inwardly from the front opening to the rear opening, such that the front opening is wider than the rear opening
3. A hedge laying device according to any preceding claim in which a rear edge of the top panel and the side panels form the rear opening of the housing, and at least a portion of the top panel including the rear edge is movable to increase and decrease the height of the rear opening.
4. A hedge laying device according to claim 3 in which the portion of the top panel including the rear edge comprises wings extending downwardly outside or inside the left and right side panels, and wherein the portion is movable such that the rear edge and wings may be raised and lowered to increase and decrease the height of the opening, and the wings provide an extension of the height of the side panels when the portion is raised.
5. A hedge laying device according to claim 3 or 4 wherein the entire top panel is moveable to increase and decrease the height of the rear opening.
6. A hedge laying device according to any one of claims 3 to 5 wherein the movable portion of the top panel is rotatably moveable.
7. A hedge laying device according to any claim 6 in which the top panel comprises a front edge and the front edge is rotatably attached to the framework.
8. A hedge laying device according to any one of claims 3 to 7 in which the top panel is hydraulically moveable.
9. A hedge laying device according to any preceding claim, wherein the front opening comprises a roller positioned at the top of the opening and extending at least partway between the left and right side panels.
10. A hedge laying device according to claim 9, wherein the roller is connected to a front edge of the top panel.
11. A hedge laying device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the roller extends across the entire front opening between the left and right side panels.
12. A hedge laying device according to any preceding claim in which the vehicle connector is detachably connectable to a vehicle.IS
13. The use of a hedge laying device of any preceding claim to lay a hedge.
14. A vehicle comprising a hedge laying device of any one of claims 1 to 12.
15. A vehicle as claimed in claim 14 wherein the hedge laying device is detachably connected to the vehicle by way of the vehicle connector.
16. A vehicle as claimed in claim 14, wherein the hedge laying device is integrally connected with the vehicle by way of the vehicle connector.
17. A method of laying a hedge using a hedge laying device according to any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein the method comprises the steps of: a) moving the hedge laying device over plants in hedgerow such that the plants enter the front opening; b) further moving the device such that the plants are bent forwards, passing through and being compressed within the channel formed by the housing, before exiting the rear opening.
18. A method according to claim 17 wherein the hedge laying device is connected to a vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 16.
19. A method according to claim 17 or 18 wherein the top edge of the back opening is positioned at the desired height of the hedge during step b).
20. A method according to any one of claims 17 to 19 wherein the hedge laying device is moved in a vertical or horizontal direction during steps a) and b) as the hedge laying device moves along a hedgerow, to account for any deviation in ground level along the hedge or position of the vehicle in relation to the hedge, to ensure the hedge maintains a substantially uniform height and direction of laid plants along the hedge.
21. A method according to any one of claims 17to 20 wherein a rear edge of the top panel and a rear edge of the side panels form the rear opening of the housing, and at least a portion of the top panel including the rear edge is movable to increase and decrease the height of the rear opening, and wherein the method comprises the step of adjusting the height of the rear opening of the housing to a desired height, prior to or during steps a) and/or b).