GB2507796A

GB2507796A - Protection device for placing around the base of a plant

Info

Publication number: GB2507796A
Application number: GB201220293A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John D Arcy
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-11-10
Filing date: 2012-11-10
Publication date: 2014-05-14
Also published as: GB201220293D0

Abstract

A plant protection device comprises a ground cover 1 which is raised toÂwards a ridge 2 near outer edge 3 and sloped downwards towards centre hole 4. An area 5 adjacent to the outer edge is in contact with the ground. Centre hole 4 is placed around the plant stem, area 11 adjacent to the central hole being in contact with the ground. A slot 6 joins the centre hole to the outer edge allows the device to be placed around the plant without damaging the stem or branches. A lightproof, waterproof and weatherproof adhesive tape may be applied to the slot to seal the slot against light ingress and water loss. Holes 8 accommodate pegs 9 to secure the protector to the ground 10. The device may be made from a lightproof material to prevent weed growth.

Description

Plant protector and irrigator The present invention relates to a plant protector and irrigator, comprising a Tight-blocking ground cover which provides for plant irrigation combined with moisture retention, weed suppression and temperature stabilization for the ground beneath.

Background

When plants are placed in the ground, they need large amounts of water and protection from weeds frost and excessive heat in order to establish roots effectively and to grow strongly.

This is especially true in the early stages of plant growth, and through the first season of growth.

Plants also need a free space around the stem to avoid stem rot. Fertiliser applied to the plant needs to be directed close to the root system for maximum efficiency and to avoid the promo-tion of weeds.

Currently, mulching and matting materials arc used as a ground cover, but thcsc arc bulky and heavy and are not convenient when planting a few plants and require large amounts of storage space. They also do not direct water or liquid fertiliser towards the root system of the plant.

Statement of Invention

The present invention proposes a light-blocking ground cover which is raised towards the outer edges and sloped downwards towards a central hole, an outer edge which is in contact with the ground, a means of fitting the device around a plant and a means of anchoring the device to the ground.

Advantages -The shape of the plant protector and irrigator ensures that water and liquid fertiliser is directed towards the root system of the plant which helps the plant grow strongly. At the same time, the plant protector acts as a ground cover to suppress weeds, to regulate the soil temperature and to retain moisture in the soil.

Preferably, the plant protector and irrigator has a slot extending from the central hole to the outer edge to facilitate fining around the plant. The slot is then sealed by covering with a lightproof, waterproof and weatherproof adhesive tape.

The slot extending from the central hole to the outer edge may have overlapping material to assist in sealing the groundeover.

The plant protector and irrigator may bc constructed from a plurality of parts which are then fitted together to form a continuous ground cover.

Preferably, the plant protector and irrigator has a continuous area in contact with the ground adjacent to the outer edge which acts as a light seal and optimises weed suppression.

Preferably, the plant protector and irrigator has an air gap under the ground cover to insulate the soil beneath and to prevent overheating and frost damage Preferably, the plant protector and irrigator has a plurality of small holes to anchor the cover to the ground using small pegs or stakes.

Preferably, the plant protector and irrigator has a plurality of small holes near the outer edge to anchor the cover to the ground.

The plant protector and irrigator may also have a plurality of holes placed around the central hole to assist with the anchoring of the cover to the ground Preferably, the plant protector and irrigator has a plurality of pegs or hooks to anchor the cov-er to the ground.

Preferably, the plant protector and irrigator has a variety of exterior edge profiles for fitting into specific spaces such as near walls, corners, borders and the like.

The plant protector and irrigator may be shaped to suit installation on a slope, whereby the raised portion of the lower section of the ground cover is higher than the upper section.

The plant protector and irrigator may be produced in a wide varicty of sizes depending on thc size of the plant stem and root system.

The plant protector and irrigator may contain additional fine drainage holes or pores in the area between the central hole and the outer ridge. These fine holes or pores allow water to drip through the cover but are small enough to block weeds.

The plant protector and irrigator may be produced in thin material to reduce cost and to facili-tate packing and shipping.

The plant protector and irrigator may be produced using various techniques such as injection moulding, vacuum forming and pulp moulding The plant protector and irrigator may be produced in materials with enhanced thermal proper-ties for harsh environments to provide additional temperature stabilization for the soil and the plant's root system.

The plant protector and irrigator may be produced in thicker materials for improved frost pro-tection and insulation for the soil and the plant's root system.

The plant protector may be covered by mulching materials and will continue to function as per the design intent.

Recycled, bio-degradable, photo-degradable or compostable materials may be used for the groundcover.

The plant protector and irrigator may be produced in a variety of colours to suit the landscape.

The plant protector may be reused for other planting as new plants generally only require this level of protection for the first season of growth.

The plant protector and irrigator, in square or rectangular form may be replicate to form a ma-trix of units where multiple plantings are required A number of plant protectors and irrigators, in square or rectangular form may be joined to-gether and anchored to the ground by overlapping their edges and using the corresponding holes along the outer edge.

Brief Description of Drawings

An example of the invention will now be described by referring to the accompanying draw-ing: Fig I shows a perspective of the plant protector and irrigator

Detailed Description

The plant protector and irrigator consists of a lightproof ground cover I which is raised to-wards a ridge 2 near the outer edge 3 and sloped downwards towards the centre hole 4.

There is an area 5 adjacent to the outer edge which is in contact with the ground The centre hole 4 is placed around the plant stem. There is an area II adjacent to the central hole which is in contact with the ground There is a slot 6 which joins the centre hole to the outer edge 3 to allow the protector to be placed around the plant without damaging the stem or branches.

There is a lightprool, waterproof and weatherproof adhesive tape 7 which is applied to the slot to seal the slot against light ingress and water loss.

There are small holes S which are used to accommodate pegs 9 which secure the protector to the ground 10