NZ618706B2 - Protection system for mechanized covering of plant crops - Google Patents
Protection system for mechanized covering of plant crops Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- NZ618706B2 NZ618706B2 NZ618706A NZ61870612A NZ618706B2 NZ 618706 B2 NZ618706 B2 NZ 618706B2 NZ 618706 A NZ618706 A NZ 618706A NZ 61870612 A NZ61870612 A NZ 61870612A NZ 618706 B2 NZ618706 B2 NZ 618706B2
- Authority
- NZ
- New Zealand
- Prior art keywords
- cables
- longitudinal
- transverse
- poles
- cable
- Prior art date
Links
- 230000001681 protective Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 19
- 230000002787 reinforcement Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000003014 reinforcing Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 238000001556 precipitation Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 241000196324 Embryophyta Species 0.000 description 5
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 240000002799 Prunus avium Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000219094 Vitaceae Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000019693 cherries Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000000875 corresponding Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000013399 edible fruits Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000021021 grapes Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
- A01G13/00—Protecting plants
- A01G13/02—Protective coverings for plants; Coverings for the ground; Devices for laying-out or removing coverings
- A01G13/0206—Canopies, i.e. devices providing a roof above the plants
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
- A01G13/00—Protecting plants
- A01G13/02—Protective coverings for plants; Coverings for the ground; Devices for laying-out or removing coverings
- A01G13/025—Devices for laying-out or removing plant coverings
Abstract
Disclosed is a horticultural crop protection system for the mechanized covering of plant crops which are usually planted in rows, and is able to effectively withstand atmospheric turbulence or weather conditions such as rain or wind to protect the food crop underneath. The protection system is of the type in which vertical poles (1) are arranged along the rows and have heights greater than those of the crowns of the plants to be protected. The poles are interconnected by longitudinal (3) and transverse (2) cables to form an overhead supporting lattice roof structure. The system comprises a means for mechanizing the steps of extending flexible protective sheets (4) over the roof structure and removing them therefrom. The poles (1) are in a staggered or grid arrangement such that they are transversely aligned in even- numbered rows (F2, F4, etc.) only and in odd-numbered rows (F1, F3, etc.) only, the whole arrangement being such that the transverse connecting cables (2) intersect the longitudinal cables (3) alternately at points at which neither the transverse nor the longitudinal cables are supported by poles (1). The transverse cables (2) run above the longitudinal cables at the intersection points; and in that each protective sheet (4) is arranged so that its median longitudinal part slides on the longitudinal cable (3), passing alternately over a support pole (1), where it is supported from below by the longitudinal cable and by the portion of transverse cable (2) which interacts with the pole, and subsequently passing under a transverse cable (2) at the point of intersection with the longitudinal cable where the sheet is supported solely by the longitudinal cable, the whole arrangement being designed to form a protective covering which is supported from below and above by the support cables (2, 3). e type in which vertical poles (1) are arranged along the rows and have heights greater than those of the crowns of the plants to be protected. The poles are interconnected by longitudinal (3) and transverse (2) cables to form an overhead supporting lattice roof structure. The system comprises a means for mechanizing the steps of extending flexible protective sheets (4) over the roof structure and removing them therefrom. The poles (1) are in a staggered or grid arrangement such that they are transversely aligned in even- numbered rows (F2, F4, etc.) only and in odd-numbered rows (F1, F3, etc.) only, the whole arrangement being such that the transverse connecting cables (2) intersect the longitudinal cables (3) alternately at points at which neither the transverse nor the longitudinal cables are supported by poles (1). The transverse cables (2) run above the longitudinal cables at the intersection points; and in that each protective sheet (4) is arranged so that its median longitudinal part slides on the longitudinal cable (3), passing alternately over a support pole (1), where it is supported from below by the longitudinal cable and by the portion of transverse cable (2) which interacts with the pole, and subsequently passing under a transverse cable (2) at the point of intersection with the longitudinal cable where the sheet is supported solely by the longitudinal cable, the whole arrangement being designed to form a protective covering which is supported from below and above by the support cables (2, 3).
Description
TITLE:
PROTECTION SYSTEM FOR MECHANIZED COVERING OF PLANT CROPS
DESCRIPTION
The invention relates to a protection system for the mechanized covering of plant
crops, for example fruit crops such as cherries, grapes or the like, with transparent
sheets or protective nets, hereinafter referred to simply as “protective sheets”,
characterized by simplicity of construction and by the extensive and distributed
fastening of the sheets to the overhead supporting lattice structure which supports
them, thus ensuring that the protective covering formed by the sheets is positioned in
a highly stable manner when in use, even in the presence of considerable
atmospheric turbulence. Patent application no. BO2011A000109 in the name of the
present applicant is cited as the most similar prior art to the invention, and it
discloses the provision of cross pieces spaced apart on the protective sheets, these
ends of these cross pieces being designed to interact with appropriate overhead
guiding and fastening means suitably arranged on and along the rows of plants. By
comparison with this solution, it is no longer necessary to provide the sheets with
cross pieces, and considerable benefits are obtained as a result. It is an object of
the invention to at least provide the public with a useful choice. The invention
provides a protection system for the mechanized covering of plant crops as set forth
in claim 1. Preferred features are set forth in the dependent claims. The
characteristics of the present invention, and the advantages resulting therefrom, will
be made clearer by the following description of a preferred embodiment of the
invention, illustrated purely by way of non-limiting example in the figures on the two
attached sheets of drawings, in which:
- Figs. 1 and 2 are schematic views of the system, in a plan view from above
and in perspective;
- Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an element for covering the upper ends of the
poles which carry the overhead longitudinal and transverse cables to support the
protective sheets;
- Figs. 4 and 5 show two details of the system in views taken, respectively,
along the section lines IV-IV and V-V of Figure 2.
In Figures 1 and 2, the symbols Fl, F2, Fn denote rows of plants P, in each of which
vertical poles 1 are suitably anchored in the ground, the height of the poles being
such that their upper ends are suitably higher than the crowns of the plants P, these
poles being arranged in a staggered or grid pattern, for example with only the poles
of the even-numbered rows F2, F4 etc. and only the poles of the odd-numbered rows
Fl, F3 etc. being aligned transversely with each other. Additionally, each even-
numbered pole is positioned longitudinally at the mid-point of the distance between
two consecutive odd-numbered poles, and the inverse of the same arrangement is
found in the case of the odd-numbered poles. The poles 1 of the even-numbered
rows and those of the odd-numbered rows are interconnected by transverse cables,
more specifically by at least two transverse cables 2, 2' which intersect in the shape
of an X, are arranged on an imaginary vertical plane, and are spaced apart by a
predetermined distance D 1 and fixed at the positions of the poles 1, but intersect
each other at points 102 located on the median longitudinal axis of each adjacent row
where there are no support poles for the cables. The poles 1 of the various rows are
also interconnected by longitudinal cables, more specifically by at least two
longitudinal cables 3, 3' which also intersect each other in the shape of an X, are
arranged on an imaginary vertical plane, and are spaced apart from each other by a
predetermined distance D2 at the positions of the poles 1 but intersect each other at
points 103 positioned at the mid-points of the distances between the consecutive
poles 1 of each row. As a result of the offset arrangement of the poles 1 and a
suitable inclination of the longitudinal cables relative to the transverse ones, the
points of intersection 103 of the longitudinal cables are located on the same vertical
as the points of intersection 102 of the transverse cables, and preferably, as shown
in Figure 4, the intersections 103 are located under the points of intersection 102 of
the transverse cables (see below). In Figures 1 and 2 it can be seen that each row
can be covered, longitudinally for example, by at least one corresponding sheet 4,
whose width is related to that of each row and is such that the sheets of adjacent
rows do not touch and/or interfere with each other in a negative way, while remaining
as close as possible to each other, each sheet being initially wound around a
collecting shaft 5 placed in any suitable position at one end of the row and driven by
a reduction drive unit 6, and at least the head end of each sheet being connected by
longitudinal cables 7 to a collecting shaft 8 which is located at the other end of the
rows and is driven by a reduction drive unit 9 which can be electrically connected to
the aforementioned unit 6, for operation in step with the latter. Each pair of reduction
drive units 6 and 9 can drive a plurality of sheets simultaneously. The feed and
collection shafts with their reduction drive units can be located on the ground or in a
position above ground level. The initial distinction made between the feed and
collection shafts is not essential, since, in solutions that will be evident to persons
skilled in the art, for example with a different direction of entry to or exit from the shaft
of the sheets 4 or the cables 7, each shaft 5 and 8 can serve simultaneously either
as a feed shaft or as a collection shaft. The reduction drive units 6 and 9 can be
fixed, to provide an opening or closing movement of the sheets which may or may
not be fully automatic, in response to a manual or semiautomatic or automatic
command, with the provision of sensors and programmed logic units which, for
example, react to the atmospheric conditions and/or forecasts of these conditions. In
a different embodiment, the reduction drive units 6 and 9 can be removable for use
on a plurality of shafts 5 and 8 in succession. The number 10 indicates an optional
transverse reinforcement which can be provided at the head end of the sheets 4 and
which can have its ends connected to the pulling cables 7 . The sheets 4 can be
reinforced on their longitudinal edges by having these edges suitably folded back as
indicated by 104 in Figure 5, and reinforcing cores (not shown) formed by auxiliary
cables or by an extension of the pulling cables 7 can be placed inside these
reinforced edges. It is also possible to provide suitable reinforcement for the median
longitudinal area of the sheets 4 with which the sheets slide over and in contact with
the tops of the poles 1, each of these tops being provided for this purpose with a
rounded protective head of suitable material, as indicated by 11 in Figure 3 . The
number 12 schematically indicates the means for fixing the head 11 to the top of the
pole 1. The sheets 4 can be monolithic or can be composite, being formed for
example from two adjacent sheets, fixed to each other by their inner longitudinal
sides, thereby forming a sheet which is provided with the aforesaid median and
longitudinal reinforcement. As seen in Figures 1 and 2, the pulling cables 7 pass over
the transverse cables 2 which are supported by the poles 1 of each row, but pass
under the transverse cables 2 which are supported by the poles of the adjacent rows,
in such a way that, when the cables 7 are collected on the shaft 8 in order to extend
the sheet 4 over a row, the sheet itself passes over the portions of transverse cables
2 supported by the poles 1 of the row concerned but passes under the area of
intersection 102 of the transverse cables 2 supported by the poles of the adjacent
rows, in such a way that, partially as a result of the longitudinal tension to which it is
subjected, the sheet assumes a roof-like transverse configuration in the form of a
symmetrical double slope, as shown in Figure 5, and a broken or zigzag longitudinal
configuration as shown in Figure 4, with the sheet made to adhere to the upper
branches of the X-shaped spans of the longitudinal cables 3. Additionally, over the
whole extension of these longitudinal spans, the sheet 4 is given a roof-like
transverse configuration with a symmetrical double slope, since the sheet interacts
with the lower branches of the X-shaped spans of the transverse cables 2, in the
portions comprising their points of intersection 102. Clearly, with the solution
described, the sheets 4 are securely fastened to the support cables in an
arrangement capable of withstanding even considerable atmospheric turbulence
while not creating pockets in which rain and/or hail could accumulate. The
longitudinal cables 3 and/or the transverse cables 2 can be monolithic continuous
cables or can be formed from lengths of cable positioned in sequence with each
other and suitably fastened to the support poles 1. The inclinations of the longitudinal
and/or transverse cable can be varied in order to provide different inclinations of the
sheets, including a zero inclination in the case in which the cables are parallel to
each other or are composed of a single transverse cable 2 and a single longitudinal
cable 3. Clearly, the invention can be varied in its construction in numerous ways
without departure from the guiding principle of the invention as described and
illustrated and as claimed below.
Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and claims
the terms “comprise”, “comprising” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive
sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense. That is, in the sense of
“including, but not limited to”.
Claims (11)
1. Protection system for the mechanized covering of plant crops planted in rows, wherein vertical poles are arranged along the rows and have heights greater than 5 those of the crowns of the plants to be protected, the poles being interconnected by longitudinal cables and transverse cables to form an overhead supporting lattice roof structure, the system comprising means for mechanizing the steps of extending over, and removing from, the roof structure, flexible protective sheets drawn from reels or other feed and collection means placed at one end of the rows or in intermediate 10 areas and connected to pulling and releasing means placed at the other end of the rows or in intermediate areas, the whole arrangement being such that a sloped protective covering is formed on the lattice roof, wherein the poles are in a staggered or grid arrangement such that they are transversely aligned in even-numbered rows only and in odd-numbered rows only, the whole arrangement being such that the 15 transverse connecting cables intersect the longitudinal cables alternately at points at which neither of the cables is supported by a pole the transverse cables are placed above the longitudinal cables at the intersection points; and each protective sheet is arranged so that its median longitudinal part slides on the longitudinal cable, and is placed alternately over a support pole, where it is supported not only by the pole and 20 by the longitudinal cable, but also by the portion of transverse cable which interacts with the pole, and then under the transverse cable at the point of intersection with the longitudinal cable where the sheet is supported from below by the longitudinal cable only, the whole arrangement forming a protective covering which is supported from below and above by the support cables, and which is therefore able to effectively 25 withstand even considerable atmospheric turbulence without becoming disorganized or damaged.
2. Protection system according to Claim 1, in which both the transverse cables and the longitudinal cables comprise respective pairs of cables which intersect each other to form X-shapes lying in imaginary vertical planes, the inclinations of these 30 pairs of cables being arranged such that the points of intersection of the pairs of cables are located in the rows of plants and the cables intersect each other with the transverse cables positioned above the longitudinal cables, the whole arrangement being arranged such that, in its interaction with the transverse cables, the protective sheet is positioned so as to form a double-sloped roof transversely, not only in the 5 areas in which the support poles are present but also in the intermediate areas in which the cables intersect each other and are not supported by the poles.
3. Protection system according to Claim 2, wherein in the intermediate areas, in which the cables intersect each other at the points of mutual intersection and are not supported by poles, the point of intersection of the transverse cables is slightly above 10 the point of intersection of the longitudinal cables and is at a height lower than that of the tops of the support poles, the whole arrangement being such that the portion of sheet extending between two consecutive support poles is forced to bear on the upper branches of the pair of underlying longitudinal cables, so as to assume a V- shaped lateral configuration with an angle which helps to stabilize the installation of 15 the sheets and therefore to impart considerable resistance of the sheets to atmospheric turbulence while also facilitating the run-off of precipitation.
4. Protection system according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the support poles are provided on their upper ends with respective covering heads of ogival shape, these heads being provided with means for fixing to the poles and 20 being provided with grooves or holes for supporting the longitudinal cables and transverse cables, these cables being either continuous or formed from lengths fastened to the lateral housings of the covering heads.
5. Protection system according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the sheets are reinforced on their longitudinal edges by sewn and/or welded or bonded 25 folded portions and provided with internal reinforcing cores, while reinforcement is also provided in the median longitudinal areas of the sheets arranged to slide and bear on the upper heads of the support poles and on the longitudinal cables, the sheets being monolithic or composite, each sheet being formed from two adjacent sheets fixed to each other at their inner longitudinal edges so as to form in 30 combination a sheet which has the aforesaid median longitudinal reinforcement.
6. Protection system according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the protective sheets are moved longitudinally by means of cables connected to the head ends of the sheets, these cables being wound on to powered means electrically connected to other powered means for feeding and subsequently collecting the 5 protective sheets.
7. Protection system according to claim 6, wherein head ends of the sheets are reinforced.
8. Protection system according to any one of the preceding claims, in which geared motors are provided for the sliding and guiding of the sheets and of the 10 cables, in response to a manual command or a semiautomatic or automatic command.
9. Protection system according to claim 8, wherein the geared motors are configured to open and/or close the sheets automatically.
10. Protection system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein said commands are 15 generated by means of the provision of sensors and programmed logic units which react to the atmospheric conditions and/or forecasts of these conditions.
11. A protection system substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
IT000357A ITBO20110357A1 (en) | 2011-06-22 | 2011-06-22 | PROTECTION SYSTEM FOR MACCANIZED COVERING OF VEGETABLE CROPS. |
PCT/EP2012/061808 WO2012175546A1 (en) | 2011-06-22 | 2012-06-20 | Protection system for mechanized covering of plant crops |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
NZ618706A NZ618706A (en) | 2016-01-29 |
NZ618706B2 true NZ618706B2 (en) | 2016-05-03 |
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