NL2036850B1

NL2036850B1 - Insect trap, and method for preventing insects from reaching plants in a greenhouse

Info

Publication number: NL2036850B1
Application number: NL2036850A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Jozeph Verboom Gijsbertus
Original assignee: Verboom Beheer B V
Priority date: 2024-01-22
Filing date: 2024-01-22
Publication date: 2025-08-01

Abstract

The invention relates to an insect trap for preventing insects from damaging a plant, wherein the insect trap comprises: a disc—shaped trap body having a receiving opening in the center thereof configured for receiving an elongated external object, and an outer edge, wherein the receiving opening is bound by an inner edge, the disc—shaped trap body comprising a slit extending from the receiving opening radially outwards to the outer edge, thereby defining a gap bound by a first gap edge and a second gap edge, wherein the disc—shaped trap body is moveable from an unfolded state, in which the disc—shaped trap body is substantially flat, to a folded state, in which the disc—shaped trap body is substantially cone—shaped, wherein the insect trap comprises a fixing mechanism for mechanically fixing the disc—shaped trap body in the folded state thereof, and configured for preventing the disc—shaped trap body from unfolding unintentionally.

Description

P142857NLOO

INSECT TRAP, AND METHOD FOR PREVENTING INSECTS FROM REACHING

PLANTS IN A GREENHOUSE

BACKGROUND

The invention relates to an insect trap, and to a method for preventing insects from reaching plants in a greenhouse.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In countries all over the world, greenhouses are installed for cultivating among others plants, such as gerberas, therein. For cultivating gerbera plants, the gerberas are placed into cultivation systems having multiple legs in order to be arranged at a distance from the ground surface. Gerbera plants, known as being a warm weather crop, thrive under greenhouse conditions, including, but not limited to, temperatures in the range of 12-25 °C and a relative humidity (RH} in the range of 60 - 90% RH.

Gerbera plant cultivators are faced with the problem of insects, such as earwigs, making up the insect order Dermaptera, that feed on the gerbera plants. The earwigs are omnivorous insects and feed on the gerbera plants by eating, chewing or gnawing thereon. As a result, a part of the possible harvest, which part may be up to 20% of the possible harvest, is destroyed by earwigs. This is disadvantageous, as losing a part of the possible harvest results in a lower yield for the gerbera plant cultivators.

It is an object of the present invention to prevent the gerbera plant cultivators from losing a part of their possible harvest due to insects, in particular earwigs.

According to a first aspect, the invention provides an insect trap for preventing insects from damaging a plant, wherein the insect trap comprises: a disc-shaped trap body having a receiving opening in the center thereof configured for receiving an elongated external object, and an outer edge, wherein the receiving opening is bound by an inner edge, the disc-shaped trap body comprising a slit extending from the receiving opening radially outwards to the outer edge, thereby defining a gap bound by a first gap edge and a second gap edge, wherein the disc-shaped trap body is moveable from an unfolded state, in which the disc-shaped trap body is substantially flat, to a folded state, in which the disc- shaped trap body is substantially cone-shaped, wherein the insect trap comprises a fixing mechanism for mechanically fixing the disc-shaped trap body in the folded state thereof, and configured for preventing the disc-shaped trap body from unfolding unintentionally.

The insect trap according to the invention, for example, may be used in a greenhouse in which gerbera plants are cultivated. Often, the gerbera plants are placed in a cultivation system, which have legs to place the respective cultivation system above the bottom, i.e. the ground surface, of the greenhouse. In such greenhouses, a number of insects, such as earwigs, may be present. The earwigs crawl into the cultivation system via the legs placed thereof, to get into the gerbera plants. When the earwigs have reached a gerbera plant, they feed on the respective gerbera plant, thereby weakening or even killing the gerbera plant. The insect trap according to the invention may be placed around one or more of the legs below the cultivation system. Therefore, the insect trap is placed around the leg while being in the unfolded state, such that the leg is received within the receiving opening. Subsequently, the insect trap, in particular the disc-shaped trap body thereof, is folded into the folded state, such that the insect trap becomes cone-shaped. When in the folded state, the trap body is fixed therein by the fixing mechanism. When in the folded state, the base of the cone-shaped trap body is facing towards the bottom of the greenhouse. After mounting the insect trap, earwigs crawling upwards on the leg with the insect trap encounter the insect trap, thereby preventing the earwigs from crawling further upwards.

As described, the insect trap is fixed in the folded state by means of the fixing mechanism. When applied in the greenhouse, in which the temperatures and humidity may be relatively high, keeping the insect trap in the folded state by means of an adhesive or glue is unreliable, as the adhesive or glue tends to lose its adhesive strength because of the high humidity. Due to the fixing mechanism, fixing of the insect trap in the folded state is achieved in a reliable manner. The invention, thus, has as an advantage that insects are prevented from crawling into the gerbera plants. This is advantageous, as the insects are thus prevented from damaging the plants, and the cultivator is prevented from losing a part of its harvest due to insects crawling into it. This results in a higher yield for the cultivator.

In the context of the present patent application, mechanically fixing has to be understood as Joining parts together by mechanical action through friction or deformation. These are different to welding (thermal) and glues (chemical).

In an embodiment, the fixing mechanism comprises a first fixing member arranged at or near the second gap edge, and a second fixing member arranged at or near the first gap edge. This is advantagecus, as folding the disc- shaped trap body into the folded state also results in moving the first fixing member and the second fixing member towards each other.

In an embodiment, the first fixing member comprises a fixing slot arranged parallel to the second gap edge. Optionally, the first fixing member comprises a two or more fixing slots. In an embodiment thereof, the first fixing member is formed by a permanent through-hole or by a fracture line configured to be fractured for inserting the fixing nock. When the first fixing member comprises multiple fixing slots, the insect trap advantageously may be arranged on a variety of different rod-shaped elements, such as legs, with different diameters.

An advantage of provided fracture lines may be that the fixing slots in the disc-shaped trap body that are not required to be fixed remain intact, such that the disc- shaped trap body remains intact.

In an embodiment, the second fixing member comprises a fixing nock configured to be inserted through the fixing slot in order to fixing the disc-shaped trap body in the folded stated thereof. Preferably, the fixing nock is arranged at the first gap edge and extends into the gap towards the second gap edge. An advantage of this embodiment is that moving the fixing nock towards the first fixing member is a movement that is also part of folding the disc- shaped trap body into the folded state. This is advantageous, as folding and fixing the disc-shaped trap body in the folded state may be done in as less movements as possible, and optionally even in a single movement.

In an embodiment, the fixing nock has a rectangular portion extending substantially parallel to the first gap edge, wherein the rectangular portion, at the end facing towards the inner edge and at the end facing towards the outer edge, is provided with tapering portions, wherein the tapering portions taper in a direction away from the rectangular portion. In an embodiment thereof, the fixing slot has a first length in the radial direction of the disc- shaped trap body, and the fixing nock has a second length in the radial direction of the disc-shaped trap body, wherein the first length is smaller than the second length.

According to the embodiment, the fixing nock may be inserted into the fixing slot such that the tapering portions of the fixing nock prevent the fixing nock from slipping out of the fixing slot. This is advantageous, as this embodiment 5 provides a reliable fixing by means of the fixing mechanism.

In an embodiment, the disc-shaped trap body has a top side and a bottom side, wherein the bottom side is at least partially coated with an adhesive, preferably a dry adhesive. When the insect trap is arranged at a leg of a cultivation system, the bottom side faces towards the ground surface, such that the earwigs crawly directly onto the adhesive when reaching the insect trap. This is advantageous, as it reduces the risk of earwigs being able to pass the insect trap.

In an embodiment, the insect trap comprises a protective film arranged at the bottom side of the disc- shaped trap body configured for protecting the bottom side before use.

In an embodiment, the disc-shaped body is manufactured from a flexible material, such as polystyrene or any other suitable material.

According to a second aspect, the invention provides a method for preventing insects from reaching plants in a greenhouse, wherein the greenhouse comprises a cultivation system arranged therein, wherein the cultivation system is provided with legs to place the cultivation system at a distance from the ground surface, wherein the method comprises the steps of: - providing an insect trap according to any one of the preceding claims; - optionally, removing the protective film; - placing the insect trap around a leg; — folding the disc-shaped trap body into the folded state, such that the disc-shaped trap body becomes substantially cone-shaped; and - fixing the disc-shaped trap body in the folded state by means of the fixing mechanism.

The method according to the invention has at least the same technical advantages as described in relation to the insect trap according to the first aspect of the invention.

In an embodiment, the insects are earwigs.

The various aspects and features described and shown in the specification can be applied, individually, wherever possible. These individual aspects, in particular the aspects and features described in the attached dependent claims, can be made subject of divisional patent applications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be elucidated on the basis of an exemplary embodiment shown in the attached drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a top view of an insect trap in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 shows a bottom view of the insect trap of figure 1;

Figure 3 shows the insect trap of figure 1 in a folded state; and

Figure 4 shows a cultivating tray with a number of insect traps as shown in figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A top view of an insect trap 1 in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the invention is shown in figure 1. The insect trap 1 is intended to prevent insects, in particular, earwigs from reaching plants, in particular gerbera plants, from reaching the plants, as earwigs tend to feed on the gerbera plants by eating, chewing or gnawing thereon. Due to the earwigs feeding on a gerbera plant, the respective gerbera plants may get weak, or sometimes even

: die, which results in a lower harvest and thus lower yield for a gerbera cultivator.

As shown in figure 1, the insect trap 1 is provided with a disc-shaped trap body 2 having a top side A and a bottom side B. The disc-shaped body 2, for example, is made from polystyrene or any other suitable material. The disc- shaped trap body 2, in the center thereof is provided with a receiving opening 3 configured for receiving a not shown rod- shaped component. The receiving opening 3 defines an inner edge 4 of the disc-shaped trap body 2, wherein the disc- shaped trap body 2 also has an outer edge 5.

In the exemplary embodiment, the receiving opening 3 is substantially circular. However, it is noted that in alternative embodiment, the receiving opening 3 may have another shape.

The disc-shaped body 2 has a slit 6 extending between the inner edge 4 and the outer edge 5. The slit &6 defines a gap 7 within the disc-shaped body 2, which gap 7 is bound by a first gap edge 8 and a second gap edge 9. As shown in figure 1, the first and second gap edges 8, 9 extend between the inner edge 4 and the outer edge 5 and run substantially parallel or parallel to each other.

Although not shown, it is noted that the disc- shaped body 2 is coloured yellow. In an alternative embodiment, the disc-shaped body 2 may have any other suitable colour.

As schematically indicated in figure 2, in which the bottom side B of the disc-shaped body 2 is shown, the bottom side B is provided with a trapping adhesive 25 in particular a dry trapping adhesive 25. Due to the trapping adhesive 25, any insects that walks over the bottom side B of the insect trap 1 gets stuck and, thus, trapped, on the bottom side of the disc-shaped body 2.

In an alternative embodiment, a part of the bottom side B may be free from a trapping adhesive, or the bottom side B may be completely free from a trapping adhesive.

As schematically indicated in figure 3, the insect trap 1 may be folded into a folded state. Folding the insect trap 1 into the folded state is done by moving the second gap edge 9 towards and beyond the first gap edge 8, thereby placing the second gap edge 9 and a first adjacent part of the disc-shaped trap body 2 under a second adjacent part of the disc-shaped trap body 2 adjacent to the first gap edge 8. As a result, the first and second adjacent parts of the disc-shaped body 2 overlap with each other as clearly shown in figure 3. When the insect trap 1 is in the folded state thereof, the disc-shaped trap body 2 is substantially shaped as a cone, wherein the top side A of the disc-shaped trap body 2 is directed upwards, and the bottom side B is directed downwards.

When the bottom side B is provided with the trapping adhesive 25, the trapping adhesive 25 adheres the first and second adjacent parts of the disc-shaped trap body 2 to each other.

As shown in figures 2 and 3, the disc-shaped trap body 2 comprises a fixing mechanism 10 for mechanically fixing the disc-shaped trap body 2 in the folded state thereof, and configured for preventing the disc-shaped trap body 2 from unfolding unintentionally. The fixing mechanism 10 comprises a number of fixing slots 11, defined as first fixing members, arranged in the part of the disc-shaped trap body 2 adjacent to the second gap edge 9, and a fixing nock 12 configured to be inserted into one of the fixing slots 11 and arranged at the first gap edge 8 extending therefrom towards the second gap edge 9. The fixing nock 12, as shown in figures 1 and 2, has a rectangular portion 14 extending substantially parallel to the first gap edge 8. The rectangular portion 14, at the end facing towards the inner edge 4 and at the end facing towards the outer edge 5, is provided with tapering portions 13, wherein the tapering portions 13 taper in a direction away from the rectangular portion 14.

Each of the fixing slots 11 has a first length when seen in the radial direction of the disc-shaped trap body 2, and the fixing nock 12 has a second length when seen in the radial direction of the disc-shaped trap body 2. The first length is slightly smaller than the second length, such that the fixing nock 12 may be inserted through one of the fixing slots 11, whereafter the fixing nock 12 is hooked into the respective fixing slot 11 such that unintended removal of the fixing nock 12 out of the respective fixing slot 11 is prevented. Intended removal of the fixing nock 12 out of the respective fixing slot 11 by a user is possible.

In an alternative embodiment, the fixing mechanism 10 may comprise a single fixing slot 11, wherein the single or multiple fixing slots 11 may be formed as a permanent through-hole or as a fracture line that might be broken when required.

Figure 4 shows the intended use of an insect trap 1 as described in relation to figures 1 to 3, wherein figure 4 shows a part of a cultivating tray 20 to be used in a greenhouse. A number of gerbera plants 21 are arranged in the cultivation system 20 for cultivating the gerbera plants 21.

The cultivation system 20 has a plurality of legs 22, such that the cultivation system 20 is placed on a distance from the ground surface. Each of the legs 22 is provided with an insect trap 1, wherein the respective tray leg 22 is received within the receiving opening 3 in such manner that the inner edge 4 of the disc-shaped trap body 2 engages the respective leg 22. It, thereby, is prevented that earwigs may enter the cultivating system 20 via the legs 22.

It is to be understood that the above description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiments and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. From the above discussion, many variations will be apparent to one skilled in the art that would yet be encompassed by the scope of the present invention.

Claims

CONCLUSIONS

An insect trap for preventing insects from damaging a plant, the insect trap comprising: a disk-shaped trap body having a receiving opening in a center thereof configured to receive an elongated external object, and an outer edge, the receiving opening being bounded by an inner edge, the disk-shaped trap body comprising a slot extending radially outwardly from the receiving opening to the outer edge, thereby defining an opening bounded by a first opening edge and a second opening edge, the disk-shaped body being movable from an unfolded state, in which the disk-shaped body is substantially planar, to a folded state, in which the disk-shaped body is substantially conical, the insect trap comprising a fixing mechanism for mechanically fixing the disk-shaped trap body in its folded state and configured to prevent the disk-shaped trap body from unintentionally unfolding.

2. An insect trap according to claim 1, wherein the fixing mechanism comprises a first fixing member disposed at or near the second opening edge, and a second fixing member disposed at or near the first opening edge.

An insect trap according to claim 2, wherein the first fixing member comprises a fixing slot arranged parallel to the second opening edge.

An insect trap according to claim 3, wherein the first fixing member comprises two or more fixing slots.

An insect trap according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the first fixing member is formed by a permanent passage or by a break line configured to be broken for insertion of the fixing cam.

An insect trap according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the second fixing member comprises a fixing cam configured to be inserted through the fixing slot for fixing the disc-shaped body in its folded state,

7. An insect trap according to claim 6, wherein the fixing cam is arranged on the first opening edge and extends into the opening in the direction of the second opening edge.

8. An insect trap according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the fixing cam has a rectangular portion extending substantially parallel to the first opening edge, the rectangular portion being provided with tapered portions at the end facing the inner edge and at the end facing the outer edge, the tapered portions tapering in a direction away from the rectangular portion.

9. An insect trap according to claims 3 and 6, wherein the fixing slot has a first length in the radial direction of the disc-shaped trap body, and the fixing cam has a second length in the radial direction of the disc-shaped body, the first length being smaller than the second length.

An insect trap according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the disc-shaped trap body has a top and a bottom, the bottom being at least partially covered with an adhesive, preferably a dry adhesive.

An insect trap according to claim 10, comprising a protective film disposed on the underside of the disc-shaped trap body, configured to protect the underside before use.

An insect trap according to any preceding claim, wherein the disc-shaped body is made of a flexible material, such as polystyrene or any other suitable material.

13. A method for preventing insects from reaching plants in a greenhouse, the greenhouse comprising a cultivation system disposed therein, the cultivation system comprising legs for positioning the cultivation system at a distance from the ground surface, the method comprising the steps of: — providing an insect trap according to any one of the preceding claims; — optionally, removing the protective film; - placing the insect trap around a leg; - folding the disc-shaped trap body into the folded condition, so that the disc-shaped trap body becomes substantially cone-shaped; and — mechanically fixing the disc-shaped trap body in the folded condition by means of the fixing mechanism.

The method of claim 13, wherein the insects are earwigs. -0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-