NL2032941B1

NL2032941B1 - Plant truss support and method for assembling such

Info

Publication number: NL2032941B1
Application number: NL2032941A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Teeuwen Nathalie; Cornelius Maria Meulendijks Martinus; Laurens Hendrik Manders Fabian
Original assignee: Mt&M B V
Priority date: 2022-09-02
Filing date: 2022-09-02
Publication date: 2024-03-21

Abstract

Plant truss support and method for assembling such The invention relates to a truss support, including a plurality of blades (17) mutually joined on alternating edges of each blade via ribs (6, 7), the ribs being formed on one side by first folding lines (6) running across a respective gap (5), each gap (5) extending on both sides of the respective first folding line (6) into adjacent blades (17), and the ribs (6, 7) being formed on an opposite side by second folding lines (7). The gaps (S) line up for forming a slot (8) extending across the blades (17). And the blades (17) are joined at one edge (19) transverse to the ribs (6, 7) in a compressed state and at an opposite edge (20) thereof free to fan out. [Fig. 9.]

Description

Plant truss support and method for assembling such

The present invention relates to a plant truss support for supporting a stem of a truss carrying fruit, and a method for manufacturing such a truss support.

BACKGROUND

When growing fruit, as for example in green houses, the stem of the plant is cultivated to grow straight up. When fruit or a truss of fruit branches off from the main stem, the stem of this truss will bend over time. And the larger the fruit on the truss grows, the more it will bend due to gravity. There is arisk for the truss stem to snap or even break under its own weight i.e. the weight of the fruit carried by the truss stem. To address this various types of truss supports of various types of material have been developed.

Once the fruits of the plant has been harvested, the remainder of the plants is disposed of as waste. This plant harvesting waste does include these truss supports, which ran in the number of thousands. Dozens of truss supports per plant, hundreds of plants per harvest or greenhouse. The waste would preferably be disposed of as bio-degradable waste, such that it can be used e.g. as compost or environmental friendly way of waste-processing. One way of separating would be to manually pick out the truss supports, but more preferred would be to be allowed to process the plant waste and truss supports indiscriminately. For this purpose, truss supports of plastic or metal are less desirable. Though truss support of bio-degradable plastic materials have been proposed, the time required for these plastics to degrade is deemed too long, as waste processing regulations do not allow these to be processed as biological waste. Hence, even though bio-degradable such truss supports are not easily bio-disposable.

Furthermore, during growth of the plant bearing the fruit, the stem of each truss will expand.

Currently available truss supports have a fixed size and form, which limits the moment in time when they can be placed. When placing them too early when the stem is small there is a risk of them falling off, when placing them too late they may no longer fit on the stem or the stem may already have snapped.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to alleviate the disadvantages of truss supports as described above.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by providing a truss support which comprises a plurality of blades mutually joined on alternating edges of each blade via ribs, the ribs being formed on one side by first folding lines running across a respective recess, each recess extending on both sides of the respective first folding line into adjacent blades, and the ribs being formed on an opposite side by second folding lines. Wherein the recesses line up for forming a slot extending across the blades, and wherein the blades are joined at one edge transverse to the ribs in a compressed state and at an opposite edge thereof free to fan out.

According to one aspect, there is provided a method for creating a truss support , which comprises providing a flat elongated strip, punching at least two recesses in the strip spaced apart in longitudinal direction along the elongated strip, creasing the strip along first respective folding lines, each first folding line running across a center of a respective one of the at least two recesses, and creasing along second respective folding lines, each second folding line running across a respective middle between two neighboring recesses, and folding the strip in alternating directions along each of the first and second folding lines such that each recess is divided in two parts and the recesses line up forming a slot.

According to another aspect, there is provided a truss support comprising an elongated flat strip which comprises at least two recesses spaced apart in longitudinal direction along the elongated strip, wherein the at least two recesses are formed such that a center of each respective recess defines a first respective folding line transverse to or along the longitudinal direction of the strip, wherein the at least two recesses are arranged such that a middle between two neighboring recesses defines a second respective folding line transverse to the longitudinal direction of the strip. Wherein the truss support comprises an net state and a support state, wherein in the net state the strip extends within a single plane, and wherein in the support state the strip is folded in alternating directions along each first folding line and each second folding line such that each recess is divided in two parts to line up for forming a slot.

According to a further aspect, there is provided a net of a truss support comprising an elongated flat strip comprising at least two recesses spaced apart in longitudinal direction along the elongated strip, a lip and tongue at opposing outer ends of the strip, the lip and tongue extending sideways in the same direction from the elongated strip, wherein the at least two recesses are formed such that a center of each respective recess defines a first respective folding line transverse to or along or along the longitudinal direction of the strip, wherein the at least two recesses are arranged such that a middle between two neighboring recesses defines a second respective folding line transverse to the longitudinal direction of the strip, and wherein the at least two recesses are arranged such that upon folding the net along the first and second folding lines in alternating directions, the recesses are folded in two parts and line up for forming a slot.

A truss support as disclosed may be applied to a stem of a truss of fruit. The blades of the truss support being able to fan out on one side allows for a greater flexibility; meaning the truss support may be applied in an early growth stage of a plant and, due to ability of fanning out of the blades, be able to accommodate growth of the stem. As if the truss support grows along with the truss stem.

Furthermore, a truss support as disclosed lends it very well to be made of biodegradable material, such as cardboard, or other paper-like materials, and preferably recycled materials. In addition, a truss support as disclosed has a shape that lends it very well to be manufactured starting from a flat and/or sheet like material.

Particular embodiments of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims.

Further objects, aspects, effects and details of particular embodiments of the invention are described in the following detailed description of a number of exemplary embodiments, with reference to the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

By way of example only, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates schematically an example of a truss support in accordance with the invention in a net state;

FIG. 2 illustrates the truss support of FIG. 1 in a creased position;

FIG. 3 illustrates the truss support of FIG. 1 in a folded position;

FIG. 4 illustrates the truss support of FIG. 1 in a compressed position;

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a method for assembling a truss support in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates another example of a method for assembling a truss support in accordance with the invention:

FIG. 7 illustrates the truss support of FIG. 1 in a closing member folding position;

FIG. 8 illustrates the truss support of FIG. 1 in a closed position;

FIG. 9 illustrates the truss support of FIG. 1 in a support state;

FIG. 10 illustrates schematically a further example of a truss support in accordance with the invention in a net state;

FIG. 11 illustrates schematically another example of a truss support in accordance with the invention in a net state;

FIG. 12 illustrates schematically yet another example of a truss support in accordance with the invention in a net state;

FIG. 13 illustrates schematically yet another example of a truss support in accordance with the invention in a net state;

FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of another example of a truss support in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 15 illustrates a side view of the truss support of Fig. 14;

FIG. 16 illustrates another side view of the truss support of Fig. 14; and

FIG. 17 illustrates another perspective view of the truss support of Fig. 14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to Fig. 1, an example of a truss support 1 in accordance with the invention is schematically shown in unfolded net state. In the Figs. 2-4, the truss support is shown in various position when it is assembled from a net state into a compressed position. Figs. 7 and 8 schematically show the truss support 1 in various positions when further assembling into a support state as shown inFig.9.

The truss support 1 includes an elongated flat strip 2 including at least two recesses 5 spaced apart in longitudinal direction 14 along the elongated strip 2. In this example, there are seven recesses 5. The recesses 5 are formed such that a center of each respective recess 5 defines a first respective folding line 6, in this example transverse to the longitudinal direction of the strip 2. The at least two recesses 5 are arranged such that a middle between two adjacent i.e. neighboring recesses 5 defines a second respective folding line 7 transverse to the longitudinal direction of the strip 2.

The truss support 1 has an unfolded net state, as shown in Fig. 1, and a support state. as shown in Fig. 9. In the unfolded net state the strip 2 extends within a single plane. In the net state the strip may undergo various processing steps, such as further punching or creasing. In the support state the strip 2 is folded in alternating directions along each first folding line 6 and each second folding line

7 such that each recess 5 is divided in two parts Sa, 5b to line up for forming a slot i.e. open slot 8, as also seen in Fig. 4. Referring to Figs. 2 and 3, with the folding along the folding lines 6, 7 ribs and blades 17 in between the ribs 6,7 are formed such that the blades 17 are mutually connected i.e. joined by the ribs 6,7 on alternating edges of the each blade 17. In this manner, each recess 5 extends on 5 both sides of the respective first folding line 6 into adjacent blades 17.

As aresult, the slot 8 will have a common depth along its” length. It will be understood that the recesses may take various different forms and /or shapes that are able to provide a slot suitable for the support of the stem of a truss of fruit. The size is to be chosen in consideration of the type of plant and expected thickness of the stem. Similarly, the size of the side opening of the slot 8 which will be placed over the stem is determined by the shape of the recess 5. A narrowing of the recess 5 at the center, near or at the first folding line 6, will provide a narrow entrance opening of the slot 8.

The truss support 1 may further include a number of cutouts. When applied along and/or across an intended folding line this may alleviate folding operations as it reduces folding tension. Hence , the truss support may include along at least one of the respective first and second folding lines 6,7, at least one cutout 10, 11 extending lengthwise along the at least one respective folding line 6, 7. In the example of Fig. 1, the truss support 1 includes cutouts in the form of slits 10 each one extending lengthwise along the second folding lines 7. In the example of Fig. 1, these slits 10 are placed centrally with regard to the intended folding line running transverse to the length of the strip. The truss support of Fig. 1 further includes edge cutouts 11, which terminate at an edge of the strip 2. The edge cutouts are placed at both sides of the strip, where the intended first and second folding lines 6, 7 intersect side edges 2¢, 2d of the strip 2.

In order to bring the truss support 1 in a closed position, the strip may includes two co-operating closing members 3, 4. Preferably at or near outer ends 2a, 2b of the strip. In the example of Fig. 1, the closing members include a lip 3 and tongue 4 at opposing outer ends 2a, 2b of the strip 2. The lip 3 and tongue 4 extend sideways from the elongated strip 2. The lip 3 may include a slit 9 for receiving the tongue 4. The lip 3 and the tongue 4 are arranged such that the tongue 4 snugly fits in the slit 9 of the lip 3 when the truss support is in a compressed position, such as shown in Fig. 8.

In other embodiments, the closed position may be achieved by applying glue. Or there may be a snap lock or clamp or other element pinching the blades together on one side. Either way the blades are maintained in a closed position by any such closing means.

In Fig. 1 the closing members extend sideways in the same direction from the elongated strip 2. In the example of Fig. 11 the closing members extend sideways in opposite directions from the elongated strip 2. In both examples, the closing members co-operate to lock together and bring the truss support in a closed position. In the closed position the truss support 1 on one side is kept at a fixed length, whereas the other side is allowed, or at least not prevented, from fanning out. The fanning may occur due to a spring-like action of the folded parts.

With regard to size, as the truss support is intended to support fruits or more precisely the stem of a truss carrying fruit, the truss support has dimensions in the order of 1 -3 cm by 0.5 — 1.5 cm.

The slot has a diameter of about 0.5 — 1 cm and length determined by that of the truss support. When formed from a strip, in the net state the strip may have a length of between 10 ~ 17 cm, or 12 -14 cm and a width 1.5 -3 cm, and preferably about 2 cm. In the support state this may result in a length of 1 ~ 3 cm, or 1.5 — 2cm, The width will depend on the distance between ribs i.e. folding lines. The recesses intended to form the slot have dimensions of about 0.5 cm by about 1 cm.

Referring to Fig. 5, a method for assembling a truss support is shown. The method starts with providing 501 a flat elongated strip 2. The flat strip 2 may be of any material that is foldable or that may be processed to be foldable, such as cardboard, paper, metal or the like. More preferably it is made of a material that is bio-degradable. In some embodiments, the material may be foldable only after applying certain preparational operations.

The method further includes punching 502 at least two recesses 5 in the strip 2 spaced apart in longitudinal direction 14 along the elongated strip 2, i.e. along an lengthwise axis of the strip. In some embodiments the longitudinal direction may follow a straight line 14, in other embodiments the longitudinal direction may follow a curved line 15. A curvature of the curved line may either emphasize or diminish a curvature of the slot 8 that may be formed.

The method further includes creasing 503 the strip 2 along first respective folding lines 6, each first folding line 6 running across a center of a respective one of the at least two recesses 5. And further creasing the strip 2 along second respective folding lines 7, each second folding line 7 tanning across a respective middle between two neighboring i.e. adjacent recesses 5. The creases of the first folding lines 6 may be applied to one side of the strip 2, and the creases of the second folding lines 7 may be applied to an opposite side of the strip 2. In some embodiments, the first folding line 6 or lines may be applied transverse to the longitudinal direction of the strip 2. In other embodiments, the first folding line 6 may be applied along the longitudinal direction of the strip 2. With creasing 503 applied, a creased position of the truss support is obtained.

The method further includes folding 504 the strip 2 in alternating directions along each of the first and second folding lines 6,7 such that each recess 5 is divided in two parts 5a, 5b and the recesses 5 line up forming a slot 8. Accordingly, a truss support in a support state is obtained. The slot 8 i.e. channel may be positioned over a stem of a truss of fruit as truss support.

Referring to Fig. 6, another method for assembling a truss support is shown. Herein the steps of providing 601 the flat elongated strip, punching 602 at least two recesses 3 in the strip 2, and creasing 605 the strip 2 along folding lines are similar to those as explained in relation to Fig. 5. To further enhance the folding operation, cutouts may be applied. The dimensioning of these cutouts further provides a manner for controlling a spring -like action due to the folded parts of the truss support. Thereto, the method may further include punching 603 at least one cutout 10, 11 along at least one of the respective first and second folding lines 6,7. The at least one cutout 10, 11 may be punched such that the least one cutout 10, 11 extends lengthwise along the at least one respective folding line 6, 7. The at least one cutout may be further or alternatively punched such the least one cutout 11 terminates at an edge of the strip 2.

To further enhance the functioning of the truss support 1 in the support state, closing members may be provided. Thereto the method of Fig. 6 further inclades punching 604 closing members 3, 4 at and/or near outer ends 2a, 2b of the strip 2. With closing members provided, in addition to the example explained in relation to Fig. 5, the method may further include moving the closing to engage and lock.

The closing members may take the form of a lip 3 with a slit 9 and a tongue 4. With closing members provided as extending sideways. such as e.g. lip 3 and tongue 4, in addition to the example explained in relation to Fig. 5, creasing 605 folding lines may further include creasing a folding line across the sideways extending closing members. In particular with e.g. a lip 3 and tongue 4, as shown in Fig. 4, folding line 12 across the tongue and folding line13 across the lip are creased. With the closing members provided as lip and tongue, folding 606 of the strip may further include folding the lip 3 to engage the tongue 4 and snugly fit the tongue 4 in the slit 9 of the lip 3.

Referring to Fig. 4, the truss support is shown in compressed position, wherein all parts of the strip are folded along the first end second folding lines 6 and 7. For some applications, this may be sufficient to function as truss support. In other applications, it may be required to lock the closing members 3, 4. Thereto, in this example. the lip 3 and tongue 4 are folded along folding lines 13. 12 respectively. Fig. 7 shows the truss support 1 in a closing member folding position, wherein the lip may 3 may be moved to engage the tongue 4. Fig. 8 shows the truss support 1 in a closed position, wherein the tongue 4 snugly fits in the slit 9 of the lip 3. Fig. 9 shows the truss support 1 in a fanned position, wherein on one side the closing members maintain the folded parts of the truss support on that side in a compressed position while on the other side of the truss support the folded parts are allowed to fan out. In this manner, the blades 17 are joined at one edge 19 transverse to the ribs 6, 7 in the compressed state and at an opposite edge 20 thereof free i.e. open to fan out. The truss support 1 of Fig. 1 as shown in Fig. 9 is in the support state that allows to support the stem of truss of fruit.

Figs. 10-13 shows various embodiments of the truss support differing in the implementation of some parts or elements. Fig. 10 for example, illustrates a difference of the line along which the recesses may be arranged with regard to the strip 2; a curved line instead of a straight line. Fig. 11 for example illustrates the closing members extending along the length of the strip 2. Fig. 12 for example illustrates the closing members extending sideways transverse the longitudinal strip 2, located more to the middle of the strip; near the outer ends instead of at the outer ends.

Fig. 13 then shows an embodiment with the first folding line 16 running along the length of the strip 2, instead of transverse. This may reduce the number of folding operations for assembling the truss support 1.

Referring to Figs. 14-17, another example of a truss support 18 is shown. Instead of starting from a net and folding, this example may be formed by injection molding with a bio-degradable material, such as bio-degradable plastic. Or any other means for bio-degradable plastic molding as e.g. thermoforming. The truss support again has a plurality of blades 17 which are mutually joined on alternating edges of each blade via ribs 6, 7. These ribs are formed on one side by first folding lines 6 running across a respective gap i.e. recess 5. On an opposite side the ribs are formed by second folding lines 7. Each gap 5 extends on both sides of the respective first folding line 6 into adjacent blades 17. Similar to the other embodiments described, the recesses 5 line up for forming a slot 8 which extends across the blades 17. The blades 17 are joined at one edge 19 transverse to the ribs 6, 7 in a compressed state and at an opposite edge 20 thereof free i.e. open to fan out. The tlexible slot formed therewith may support the stem of a truss.

Although the present invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited to the specific form set forth herein. Rather, the invention is limited only by the accompanying claims and, other embodiments than the specific above are equally possible within the scope of these appended claims.

Furthermore, although exemplary embodiments have been described above in some exemplary combination of components and/or functions, it should be appreciated that, alternative embodiments may be provided by different combinations of members and/or functions without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, it is specifically contemplated that a particular feature described, either individually or as part of an embodiment, can be combined with other individually described features, or parts of other embodiments.

Claims

CONCLUSIONS l. Bundle clamp (1, 18), comprising: a plurality of leaves (17) connected alternately along edges of each leaf by means of ribs (6, 7), wherein the ribs (6, 7) are formed on one side by first fold lines (6) running over a respective opening (5), each opening (5) extending into adjacent sheets (17) on both sides of the respective first fold line (6), and the ribs (6, 7) on a opposite side are formed by second fold lines (7); wherein the openings (5) are aligned to form a slot (8) extending transversely across the blades (17); and wherein the blades (17) are connected in a compressed state at one edge transverse to the ribs (6, 7) and free to fan out at an opposite edge thereof.

2. Method for assembling a truss clamp, comprising: providing a flat elongated strip (2); punching at least two openings (5) in the strip (2) at a distance from each other in the longitudinal direction along the elongated strip (2); scoring the strip (2) along first respective fold lines (6), each first fold line (6) running over a center of a respective one of the at least two openings (5), and scoring along second respective fold lines (7) , each second fold line (7) running over a respective center between two adjacent openings (5); folding the strip (2) in alternate directions along each of the first and second fold lines (6,7) such that each opening (5) is divided into two parts (5a, 5b) and the openings (5 ) align to form a slot (8).

Method according to claim 2, further comprising: punching closing parts (3, 4) at and/or near ends (2a, 2b) of the strip (2); and moving the closing parts (3,4) to engage and close.

Method according to claim 3, wherein the closing parts comprise a lip (3) with a slit (9) and a tongue (4); and wherein moving the locking members (3,4) to engage and close includes folding the lip (3) to engage the tongue (4), and the tongue (4) snugly in the gap

(9).

5. Method according to any of the claims 2-4, further comprising: punching at least one recess (10, 11) over at least one of the respective first and second fold lines (6, 7).

Method according to claim 5, wherein: the at least one recess (10, 11) extends in the longitudinal direction along the at least one respective fold line (6, 7); and/or the at least one recess (11) ends at an edge (2c, 2d) of the strip (2).

Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the at least two openings (5) are aligned in relation to the strip (2) in a straight line (14) or in a curved line (15).

8. Bungee clamp (1), comprising: an elongated flat flat strip (2), comprising: at least two openings (5) spaced apart in longitudinal direction along the elongated strip (2): wherein the at least two openings (5 ) are shaped such that a center of each respective opening (5) defines a first fold line (6) transverse to or along the longitudinal direction of the strip (2); wherein the at least two openings (5) are arranged in such a way that a center between two adjacent openings (5) defines a second respective fold line (7) transverse to the longitudinal direction of the strip (2), wherein the truss clamp has a deflection state and a supporting state wherein in the unfolded state: the strip (2) extends in a single plane; and wherein in the supporting condition: the strip (2) is folded in alternating directions along each first fold line (6) and each second fold line (7) such that an opening (5) is divided into two parts (5a, Sb ) to align to form a slot (8).

A truss clamp according to claim 8, further comprising: at least one recess (10, 11) extending along at least one of the first and second fold lines (6, 7), respectively.

A truss clamp according to claim 9, wherein the at least one recess (11) ends at an edge of the strip (2).

A truss clamp according to any one of the preceding claims 8 - 10, further comprising: at least two cooperating closing parts (3, 4) at opposite ends (2a, 2b) of the strip (2) for holding the truss clamp in a closed position. position.

A truss clamp according to claim 11, wherein the closing parts comprise a lip (3) and a tongue (4) at opposite ends (2a, 2b) of the strip (2), wherein the lip (3) and the tongue (4) ) extend sideways of the elongated strip (2).

A truss clamp according to claim 12, wherein: the lip (3) comprises a slit (9) for receiving the tongue (4), and the lip (3) and the tongue (4) are arranged in such a way that the tongue (4) fits snugly into the gap (9) of the lip (3) when the hawser clamp is in the supporting position.

A truss clamp according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the lip (3) and the tongue (4) extend transversely to the elongated strip (2).

A truss clamp according to any one of the preceding claims 8-14, wherein at least two openings (5) are aligned in relation to the strip (2) in a straight line (14) or in a curved line (15).

16. Outlet of a hawser clamp (1), comprising: an elongated flat flat strip (2), comprising: at least two openings (5) spaced apart in a longitudinal direction along the elongated strip (2); a lip (3) and tongue (4) at opposite ends (2a, 2b) of the strip (2), the Hp (3) and tongue (4) extending laterally in the same direction from the elongated strip (2);

wherein the at least two openings (5) are arranged such that a center of each respective opening (5) defines a first respective fold line (6) transverse to or along the longitudinal direction of the strip (2), wherein the at least two openings (5) arranged so that a center between two adjacent openings (5) defines a second respective fold line (7) transverse to the longitudinal direction of the strip (2); and wherein the at least two openings (5) are arranged in such a way that when folding the blank along the first and second fold lines (6, 7) in alternate directions, the openings are divided into two parts (5a, 5b ) and align to form a slot (8).

17. Stretch according to claim 16, further comprising: along at least one of the first and second fold lines (6, 7) respectively, at least one recess (10, 11) located longitudinally along the at least one respective fold line (6, 7) ) extends.

18. Stretch according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the at least one recess (11) ends at an edge of the strip (2).

19. Stretch according to any one of the preceding claims 16-18, wherein the lip (3) and tongue (4) extend transversely to the elongated strip (2).

20. Stretch according to any one of the preceding claims 16-19, wherein: the lip (3) comprises a slit (9) for receiving the tongue (4), and the lip (3) and the tongue (4) are so shaped that the tongue (4) fits snugly into the gap fits (9) of the lip (3) when the lash is brought into a supporting position.

21. Bundle clamp, comprising a unfolding according to any one of the preceding claims 16-20, wherein the truss clamp comprises an unfolded unfolded state and a folded supporting state.