NZ562536A

NZ562536A - Shelter means for trees or other plants

Info

Publication number: NZ562536A
Application number: NZ56253607A
Authority: NZ
Inventors: Mark Edward Bloxwich
Original assignee: Mark Edward Bloxwich
Priority date: 2007-10-10
Filing date: 2007-10-10
Publication date: 2009-09-25
Also published as: WO2009051500A1

Abstract

A tree guard comprises a flexible material wrapped around and fastened to a helical spring coil frame, thus defining a tube. The tree guard further comprises a support post and securing means for connecting the support post to the tube. The securing means is preferably releasably connectable to the support post, and the point of connection between the support post and securing means is preferably adjustable.

Description

562536 PATENTS FORM NO. 5 Our ref: RC506923NZPR NEW ZEALAND PATENTS ACT 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION SHELTER MEANS FOR TREES OR OTHER PLANTS I, Mark Edward Bloxwich a New Zealand citizen, of 5 Watten Close, Singapore, 287728, Singapore, hereby declare the invention, for which I pray that a patent may be granted to me and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: 562536 2 SHELTER MEANS FOR TREES OR OTHER PLANTS Field of the Invention The invention relates to a shelter means, hereinafter referred to as "tree guards" for the protection of trees or other plants. In particular, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a tree guard that may be secured to provide a protective growing environment in use, but may be easily compressed for storage and/or transport.

Background Tree guards have long been used for the protection of trees, shrubs, bushes and the like 15 from excessive sun, wind, cold and browsing wildlife during their most vulnerable early growth stages. A variety of tree guards have been previously used, however, each has several limitations.

A tree guard commonly used by orchardists comprises four wooden stakes driven into the 20 ground around a young tree or plant. A permeable shade cloth (often a wind break fabric) can be wrapped around the stakes and secured with staples to provide a sheltered environment for the tree or plant. This method of protection is not only labour intensive, but also requires materials such as stakes, cloth and staples.

US 5,090,155 discloses a substantially rigid shade protection tube that may be secured over a tree by means of a stake. The substantially cylindrical tube is constructed of a photodegradabie polyolefin material that may break down over time. The shade apparatus is not only expensive, but is also substantially rigid, therefore taking up large amounts of space during transport and storage.

US 5,471,783 also discloses a substantially rigid shade protection tube that may be secured over or around a tree by means of a stake. The tube is constructed of a sheet of flexible material that may be rolled or folded to form a substantially rigid tube. While the cylinder may comprise a number of holes for the transmission of light and water, the sheet 35 used to form the cylinder is substantially solid to maintain the apparatus as a rigid tube. 562536 3 A number of alternative apparatus have been provided, which include further examples of rigid tubes or substantially rigid frames where the protective material must be subsequently secured to provide a protective cavity.

The term "tree" is used herein in a broad sense, and includes bushes, shrubs, saplings and the like.

Object of the Invention It is an object of the present invention to provide a shelter means for trees or other plants which avoids or mitigates at least some of the disadvantages of existing methods of protecting trees or other plants, or at least provides the public with a useful choice.

Summary of the Invention According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a tree guard comprising a flexible material wrapped around and fastened to a helical spring coil frame, thus defining a tube, the tree guard further comprising a support post and securing means for connecting the support post to the tube.

Preferably the securing means is releasably connectabie to the support post.

Preferably the securing means is releasably connectabie to the tube.

Preferably the tube is resiliently compressible along a longitudinal axis.

Preferably the tree guard comprises means for holding the tube in a compressed configuration.

Preferably a point of connection between the securing means and the support post is adjustable.

Preferably the position of the securing means on the support post can be adjusted to a position whereby, in use, the securing means and support post bear at least a portion of the weight of the tube. 562536 4 Preferably the securing means includes a clip portion adapted to engage an upper edge of the tube.

Preferably the support post includes a securing means engaging portion.

Preferably the securing means engaging portion is a projecting portion.

Preferably the projecting portion is defined by a curved portion of the support post.

Preferably the securing means includes an aperture adapted to receive the projecting portion of the support post.

Preferably the securing means includes a clip portion adapted to engage the support post.

Preferably the support post is substantially circular in transverse cross section.

Preferably the tree guard further comprises further securing means adapted to connect a base of the tube to a substrate.

Preferably the spring coil frame is enclosed in a sleeve.

Preferably the flexible material is a wind break fabric.

Preferably the flexible material is an impermeable polyethylene sheet.

Preferably the tree guard further comprises a plurality of support posts and a plurality of securing means for connecting the support posts to the tube.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of 30 protecting a tree or other plant, the method comprising positioning a tree guard according to the first aspect around the tree or plant to provide a protective environment.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a tree guard substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 1 - 5 or Figures 6 - 9. 562536 According to a further aspect the present invention broadly consists of a shelter means for trees or other plants comprising a layer of flexible material and resilient support means adapted to hold the layer of flexible material in a substantially tubular shape, wherein the shelter means is resiliently compressible along a longitudinal axis.

Further aspects of the invention, which should be considered in all its novel aspects, will become apparent from the following description given by way of example of possible embodiments of the invention.

Brief Description of the F igures Figure 1: Figure 2: Figure 3: Figure 4a: Figure 4b: Figure 5: Figure 6: Figure 7: Figure 8: Figure 9: Shows a side perspective view of a tree guard comprising a spring coil frame and flexible material (represented by cross hatched areas).

Shows a side perspective view of the tree guard of Figure 1 secured to a support post by different types of securing means, with flexible material removed for clarity, Shows a side perspective view of the tree guard of Figure 1 provided with height adjustment means, with flexible material removed for clarity.

Shows a side perspective view of the tree guard of Figure 1 in an extended configuration, with flexible material removed for clarity.

Shows a side perspective view of the tree guard in Figure 1 in a fully compressed configuration, with flexible material removed for clarity.

Shows a side perspective view of two stacked tree guards secured to a support post by securing means, with flexible material removed for clarity.

Shows a side perspective view of a second embodiment of the tree guard.

Shows an alternative embodiment of the securing means.

Shows an alternative embodiment of the support post.

Shows the securing means of Figure 7 engaged with the support post of Figure 8. 562536 6 Brief Description of Preferred Embodiments In general terms, the invention relates to an apparatus and method for the shelter and protection of trees and/or other plants. In particular, the invention relates to a tree guard 5 that may be secured to provide a protective growing environment in use, and which, in a preferred embodiment, may be easily compressed along its central or longitudinal axis for storage and/or transport. The versatility of the tree guard frame aillows the use of a variety of protective materials depending on the requirements of the user.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the shelter means is a tree guard generally referenced by arrow 100 in Figure 1. The tree guard 100 comprises a resilient support means that is adapted to hold a layer of flexible material in a substantially tubular shape as depicted in figure 1. The inner cavity 1 provided by the tubular shape will, in use, provide a protective environment for vulnerable trees or plants 2. The tree guard 100 may 15 be placed over or around a tree or plant 2, thus substantially or partially protecting the tree or plant 2 from external damage. In addition, the shelter means is resiliency collapsible to facilitate storage and transport.

In order to achieve resilient collapsibiiity, it is preferable that the resilient support means 20 comprises an elongate resiliently flexible member. The flexible member may be substantially helical in shape to form a spring coil frame 3. The flexible member may be made of any suitable flexible material, however in a preferred embodiment, the member is made of wire.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the tree guard 100 comprises a helical spring coil frame 3, which may be wrapped in a flexible material 4 to define a substantially cylindrical tube which may be open at a top end and a bottom end. Although Figure 1 shows only a portion of the flexible material for clarity, it is to be understood that the flexible material covers the entire frame 3.

The spring coil frame 3 may be of any suitable length and stiffness depending on the size of the tree guard 100 required, however, in a preferred embodiment, the frame 3 will define a tube suitable for the protection of immature trees and plants 2. In the most preferred embodiment, the frame 3 will define a protective tube approximately 800 mm 35 high by 800 mm wide. 562536 7 Those skilled in the art will realise the spring coil frame 3 may be made of any suitable material, however, it is preferred that the coil is made of plastic or metal. In the most preferred embodiment, the spring coil frame 3 is made of a 2.5 mm - 3.5mm high tensile wire coil.

The frame 3 may be wrapped in any flexible material 4 (depicted as crosshatched areas in figure 1) suitable for the protection of trees or plants from sun, cold, wind and/or animals. In a preferred embodiment, the flexible material 4 is wrapped around the frame 3 and fastened to the frame 3. The material 4 may be fastened at the top and bottom ends of 10 the coil frame 3 and optionally at additional points between the two ends. In a preferred embodiment, the coil frame 3 is enclosed in a sleeve that may be stitched or otherwise fastened to the flexible material 4 wrapped around the frame 3. In a preferred embodiment, the flexible material 4 is continuously stitched to the sleeve.

The flexible material 4 wrapped around the frame 3 may be any suitable material commonly used to protect vulnerable trees or other plants from sun, wind, cold and/or animals. By way of example, the flexible material 4 may be protective material such as a permeable wind break fabric, shade cloth or frost resistant cloth. Alternatively, the flexible material 4 may be a substantially impermeable sheet, such as polyethylene. The sleeve 20 covering the frame 3 may also be constructed of similar materials or more durable material to protect the coil frame 3 while allowing attachment of the protective material 4.

In use, the tree guard 100 may be placed over a tree or plant 2 and secured in position. By way of example, the tree guard 100 may be secured in the required position by 25 securing the frame 3 to one or more support posts 5 by one or more securing means 6 as shown in Figure 2. The securing means may be located on the inner or outer surface of the tree guard 100 to allow attachment to a support post 5. The securing means may be directly attached to the coil frame 3, the sleeve or the flexible material 4. Preferably, the securing means is attached to the coil frame 3 or the sleeve.

By way of example, the support post 5 may be a wooden or metal stake that can be passed through the securing means 6 and driven into the ground to maintain the positioning of the tree guard 100. The type of securing means 6 may vary depending on the type of support post 5 used and the function of the tree guard 100. For example, if a 35 wooden or metal stake is used, the securing means 6 may simply comprise ties or loops 562536 8 adapted for securing the tree guard 100 to the post 5. Alternatively, the tree guard 100 may be pegged to the ground by suitable securing means 7.

In one embodiment of the invention, the coil frame 3 supports the tree guard 100 in a fully 5 extended tube of maximum height. In an alternative embodiment, for example, where the spring coil frame 3 is less stiff, the tree guard 100 may be held in the fully extended tube configuration by attaching the securing means 6 to the support post 5.

The flexible nature of the coiled frame 3 may allow height adjustment of the tree guard 10 100. The maximum height of the tree guard 100 will be defined by the size of the flexible material 4 covering the frame 3 and/or the length/stiffness of the coil frame 3. However, the height may be reduced for the protection of different sized trees or plants 2 by compressing the coil frame 3. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the securing means 6 used to secure the tree guard 100 to a support post 5 may be adapted to hold 15 the tree guard 100 at a required height. By way of example, one securing means 6 substantially at the top end of the tree guard 100 may be adapted to hold or lock to the support post 5 at any required height.

Alternatively, the tree guard 100 may further comprise height adjustment means as shown in Figure 3. By way of example, the tree guard 100 may further comprise at least one 20 height adjustment means attached substantially at the top and bottom ends of the tree guard 100, which may be adjusted in length to compress or expand the tree guard 100 along its longitudinal axis L thereby reducing or increasing the height of the tree guard 100. In a preferred embodiment, the height adjustment means comprise a length of string 8 or a strap attached to the top and bottom ends of the tree guard 100. The length of the 25 string 8 can be adjusted by a tent cleat 9 or similar lock, thus enabling height adjustment of the tree guard 100.

In addition, the height adjustment means may be used to adapt the tree guard 100 for use on sloping ground. By way of example, a height adjustment means may be used to partially compress one side of the tree guard, while the opposite side remain fully 30 extended.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the height of the tree guard 100 may be reduced to provide a substantially fully compressed configuration for ease of transport and storage as shown in Figures 4a and 4b. The tree guard 100 may be held in the fully 35 compressed configuration using the height adjustment means 8. Alternatively, the tree 562536 9 guard 100 may be substantially fully compressed and clips or fasteners attached to the top and/or bottom ends of the tree guard 100 may be engaged to maintain the tree guard 100 in the substantially fully compressed configuration shown in Figure 4b.

While the maximum height of the tree guard 100 is defined by the length and stiffness of the flexible material, two or more tree guards may be stacked to provide a taller shelter 101, as depicted in figure 5. The stacked tree guards 100 may all be secured to one or more posts 5 as previously described. The stackable tree guards 100 may further comprise means for securing one tree guard on top of another, for example ties, straps or 10 clips.

In a further embodiment of the invention (not shown), the tree guard may be capped at one or both ends as required. For example, in use it may be necessary to have the top end substantially capped by protective material or a frost cap. Alternatively, the bottom 15 end of the tree guard may be substantially capped with a weed mat, adapted to allow growth of the tree or plant while preventing the growth of weeds.

Referring next to Figures 6, 7, 8 and 9, a more preferred embodiment 102 is shown, with similar numerals referring to similar features as in the preceding figures. As with Figure 1, 20 although only a portion of the flexible material is shown in Figure 6, it is to be understood that the flexible material forms a tube which is the full height of the frame.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 6 the securing means 11 connects the support posts 12 to an upper edge 10 of the tube. Referring in particular to Figures 7, 8 and 9, the 25 securing means 11 includes a body 13 provided with an elongate central aperture 14 adapted to engage a projecting securing means engaging portion 15 of the support post 12.

In the embodiment shown the securing means engaging portion 15 is defined by a 30 substantially "U" shaped curved projecting portion in the support post 12. However, in other embodiments (not shown) the securing means engaging portion 12 may be defined by a solid tab.

The support post 12 is preferably provided with a plurality of securing means engaging 35 portions 15, in order to allow the user to adjust the height of the tube. 301136464 562536 As is shown in Figure 8, the support post 12 may be formed from two separate parts 12A, 12B, which are joined together by a connector 12C. This may reduce the overall size of the device when disassembled for transport.

The engagement between the securing means 11 and the support post 12 is preferably enhanced by means of a resilient clip portion 16 which releasably grips the support post 12 and holds it in engagement.

The securing means 11 is provided with a pair of arms 17, one extending on each side of 10 the body 13, each arm 17 being provided with a further resilient clip portion 18 adapted to releasably grip the upper edge 10 of the tube. In a preferred embodiment the upper edge 10 may be provided with a strip of suitable reinforcing material 19 in order to prevent premature wear of the upper edge due to successive engagements and disengagements of the further clip portions 18.

In a preferred embodiment at least one of the support means engaging portions 15A is positioned such that a securing means 11 engaged, in use, with that support means engaging portion 15A is sufficiently high that a portion of the weight of the tube will be borne by the securing means 11. In alternative embodiments the frame 2 may be 20 manufactured such that it is biased towards a substantially collapsed position. In this embodiment the securing means 11 may bear a portion of the weight of the tube regardless of which engaging portion 15 the securing means 11 is engaged with.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention provides a shelter for 25 trees or other plants which is relatively easy to manufacture, is simple and quick to install, is easily collapsible for storage and transportation, is adjustable in height, and which can be stacked to provide a taller sheltered cavity.

Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the words 30 "comprise", "comprising" and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive sense, that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".

Although the invention has been described by way of example with reference to preferred 35 embodiments, modifications and variations may be made to the invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the appended claims.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z, -1 MAY 71109. 301136464 562536 11 <

Claims

1. A tree guard comprising a flexible material wrapped around and fastened to a helical spring coil frame, thus defining a tube, the tree guard further comprising 5 a support post and securing means for connecting the support post to the tube.

2. The tree guard of claim 1 wherein the securing means is releasably connectabie to the support post. 10

3. The tree guard of claim 1 or 2 wherein the securing means is releasably connectabie to the tube.

4. The tree guard of claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the tube is resiliency compressible along a longitudinal axis. 15

5. The tree guard of claim 4 comprising means for holding the tube in a compressed configuration.

6. The tree guard of claim 4 or 5 wherein a point of connection between the 20 securing means and the support post is adjustable.

7. The tree guard of claim 6 wherein the position of the securing means on the support post can be adjusted to a position whereby, in use, the securing means and support post bear at least a portion of the weight of the tube. 25

8. The tree guard of any one of the preceding claims wherein the securing means includes a clip portion adapted to engage an upper edge of the tube.

9. The tree guard of any one of the preceding claims wherein the support post 30 includes a securing means engaging portion.

10. The tree guard of claim 9 wherein the securing means engaging portion is a projecting portion. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z. -1 MAY 2009 RECEIVED 562536 12. 5 13. 10 14. 15. 15 16. 17. 20 18. 25 19. 20. 30 12 The tree guard of claim 10 wherein the projecting portion is defined by a curved portion of the support post. The tree guard of claim 10 or 11 wherein the securing means includes an aperture adapted to receive the projecting portion of the support post. The tree guard of any one of the preceding claims wherein the securing means includes a clip portion adapted to engage the support post. The tree guard of any one of the preceding claims wherein the support post is substantially circular in transverse cross section. The tree guard of any one of the preceding claims further comprising further securing means adapted to connect a base of the tube to the ground. The tree guard of any one of the preceding claims wherein the spring coil frame is enclosed in a sleeve. The tree guard of any one of the preceding claims wherein the flexible material is a wind break fabric. The tree guard of any one of the preceding claims wherein the flexible material is an impermeable polyethylene sheet. The tree guard of any one of the preceding claims further comprising a plurality of support posts and a plurality of securing means for connecting the support posts to the tube. A method of protecting a tree or other plant, the method comprising positioning the tree guard of any one of claims 1 to 19 around the tree or plant to provide a protective environment. A tree guard substantially as herein described with - 5 or Figures 6-9. 562536 13 Abstract A tree guard comprises a flexible material wrapped around and fastened to a helical spring coil frame, thus defining a tube. The tree guard further comprises a support post and securing means for connecting the support post to the tube. The securing means is preferably releasably connectabie to the support post, and the point of connection between the support post and securing means is preferably adjustable.