Patent Description:
In the agricultural cultivation sector, it is known to build systems for the support of fruit trees along rows. These systems generally consist of a vertical grid made up of a plurality of poles planted vertically in the ground connected to each other by means of movable or fixed wires stretched horizontally. Said poles are conventionally divided into head poles on which said wires are constrained, in a movable or fixed manner, and intermediate poles arranged in a row between said head poles so as to guide the wires. This grid has the fundamental function of supporting the branches, shoots or fruit end of the plants in order to support them during their growth and allow the best arrangement of both the leaves and the fruits in the sun, so as to obtain optimal cultivation conditions.

The supporting structure of the grid is then completed, especially in the case of vines, by stakes to support the portion of the woody trunk of the plant, that is, the portion that does not carry leaf branches. The stakes are substantially rigid and elongated elements that are planted in the ground next to the plant and may have a cylindrical, oval, quadrangular, triangular, T-shaped section, all substantially regular if the stake is of metal, plastic or other preformed material. Alternatively, in the case of wooden supports, the shapes may be similar to those specified but irregular.

One or more fixed metal wires are then stretched horizontally between said stakes and reversibly constrained to them, so as to allow the fruit end to be tied along said wires to support it during the growth of the branches that will bear leaves and fruits.

Different methods are generally used to connect vertical stakes in a stable and firm manner with fixed wires that extend horizontally.

A first of these methods requires the use of common sections of metal wire which is wrapped around the region in which each horizontal wire crosses each vertical stake, whereby each section of wire is then tightened and closed by means of clamps, pliers or tongs in order to keep the horizontal wire and the vertical stake firmly joined.

This method has the major drawback in that each individual application requires demanding manual work. If we take into due consideration the fact that the preparation of medium-sized agricultural surfaces requires the application of a few thousand of these sections of wire to be tied and connected to a corresponding number of vertical stakes, we understand the need to reduce to the maximum the work time required to tie said wire sections so as to connect each of said horizontal wires to said vertical stakes. Furthermore, this method has the well-known drawback that, since the section of metal wire is generally arranged oblique, that is, angled with respect to both the vertical stake and the horizontal wire in order to be able to wind them both, said section of wire allows a certain horizontal sliding of the horizontal wire with respect to its initial point of application on the stake; this well-known circumstance - and which is also rather undesired due to further problems well known by those skilled in the art - contributes to making this method not very applicable.

Another method requires the use of a specific accessory to tighten and lock the wire with a double clamp; all that is required to mount this accessory is to use a simple screwdriver as a lever. When this screwdriver is used as a lever to exert a lever action, the accessory indicated above is deformed, thereby locking the stake optimally and definitively on the wire. However, it has a main drawback not only in that the accessory itself cannot be reused in another application, but also - and this is certainly its most serious drawback - in that this accessory is rather bulky, i.e. this accessory requires a lot of horizontal space, so it may disturb or be a hindrance for vegetation, or it may also damage the wire if it is of the protected type, typically with a plastic coating or jacket. In this case, in fact, it may happen that said accessory rips or scratches said coating or jacket, thus exposing the exposed wire and causing further easily imaginable problems. In addition, its free ends protrude creating danger of scratches to operators working on orchards.

As an alternative to the aforementioned solutions which provide for horizontal locking elements, vertical hooks have been proposed consisting of a saddle portion adapted to rest on an arc of a circle of a stake, connected to two folds adapted to each receive a portion of a horizontal wire symmetrically with respect to the stake and on its opposite side with respect to the engagement of the saddle portion. Two straight arms then slide parallel to each other and with respect to the stake and end with two arched ends adapted to engage the stake on the same side of the saddle portion. This element is for example described in patent <CIT>.

This element solves most of the aforementioned drawbacks and allows a strong tightening of the wire on the stake. On the contrary, however, some attention is required for the application since each of the two arms and their arched ends must be handled individually and correctly. This, of course, implies a certain waste of time and fine manual skills that the operator must acquire with practice. Moreover, although this element is formed by a simple metal piece, its conformation requires a certain degree of processing which increases its production costs. Furthermore, in the case of use of stakes of material that is degradable or more easily subject to breakages such as bamboo, the element falls to the ground or is positioned incorrectly so as to be dangerous for the interventions of agricultural machines and for operators.

ITPN20100031A1 discloses a device to block a plurality of elongated members each other, comprising a wire-like body shaped as a saddle to engage a first member, and a couple of prongs selectively engageable onto said first member. The body connects to the prongs defining a couple of first housings for receiving at least a second member. At least one of said prongs comprises a portion configured to be bent around a third member to define with said saddle a second hosing for said third member. Again, said device is rather complicated to be produced and to be activated.

<CIT> discloses a device having a branch deployed towards a top from each side of a U-shaped support post, where a lifting wire is fixed at an end of the branch. A transversal hooking and guiding unit hooks and guides the lifting wire to permit the free variation of the length of the wire. The branch is fixed on the post by a limiting, guiding and hooking unit that limits and guides the lateral and transversal displacements of the branch with respect to row of vine plants. The units are connected by a rod. It is evident that this device does not tighten a wire to a stake.

<CIT> illustrates an alternative locking element.

The technical problem underlying the present invention is therefore that of devising a locking element of horizontal metal or plastic wires on vertical stakes for implementing a support grid of plants, which is particularly cost-effective to produce. At the same time, the element should fix the metal wire to the stake in a reversible but strong manner, simply and without creating inconveniences or injuries to the operators once applied.

This problem is solved by an elastic and reversible locking element of horizontal metal or plastic wires on vertical stakes provided with such a geometry as to be assembled quickly with a few simple maneuvers even by unskilled personnel.

Therefore, a first object of the present invention is achieved with claim <NUM> and is an elastic and reversible locking element of horizontal metal wires on vertical stakes which is particularly handy.

A second object is a vertical locking element which is easy to assemble and which provides a tight locking without substantially protruding from the stake to which it is reversibly constrained.

A further object of the present invention is achieved with claim <NUM> and is a method for the reversible cross-locking of horizontal metal wires on vertical stakes comprising the use of the aforesaid locking element.

A still further object of the present invention is achieved with claims <NUM> and <NUM>, and is a system for supporting rows of plants and a method for supporting plants comprising said locking element.

Further features and advantages of the cross-locking element of the horizontal metal wires on the vertical stakes for supporting a row of plants according to the invention will become apparent from the following description of an embodiment given purely by way of non-limiting example with reference to the following figures, in which:.

With reference to <FIG>, the reference numeral <NUM> indicates an elastic and reversible cross-locking element of horizontal metal wires on stakes or vertical rods for supporting plants or parts of plants.

The locking element <NUM> consisting of a section of shaped metal wire which extends along a longitudinal axis X-X and which includes a first end <NUM> opposite a second end <NUM> through the interposition of a generally rectilinear central portion <NUM>.

The first end <NUM> is generally folded to form a ring comprising a continuous first portion <NUM>, and an interrupted second portion <NUM>. Said first and second portions are connected to each other by means of a first fold 5A and a second fold 5B so that they lie respectively on a first plane P1 and on a second plane P2. Preferably, said first and second planes are orthogonal to each other.

The first portion <NUM> has a general C-shape or horseshoe shape, preferably square, with a first section <NUM> bridging between a second section <NUM> and a third section <NUM>.

Similarly, the second portion <NUM> has a general C-shape or horseshoe shape, preferably square, with a first section <NUM> bridging between a second section <NUM> and a third section <NUM>.

In particular, the first section <NUM> of the second portion <NUM> has a continuous end with the second section <NUM> always of the second portion <NUM> and said second section is in turn continuous with the second section <NUM> of the first portion <NUM> by means of one 5A of said folds. The other end of the first section <NUM> is preferably separated from the third section <NUM> of the second portion <NUM> by an interruption <NUM>, while the third section <NUM> is continuous with the second section <NUM> of the first portion <NUM> by means of the other fold 5B. In this way, the aforementioned ring of the first end <NUM> is formed, preferably open. It should be noted that the first section <NUM> of the second portion <NUM> and the first section <NUM> of the first portion <NUM> are generally parallel to each other and orthogonal to the axis X-X, when they are rectilinear. When, on the other hand, they are arched, they show two respective points of contact with a stake from which respective tangents pass which are generally parallel to each other.

The central portion <NUM> comprises a first end <NUM> integral with the third section <NUM> of the second portion <NUM> of the first end <NUM>, by means of a third fold 5C.

A second end <NUM> of the central portion <NUM>, opposite the first end, is integral with the second end <NUM> of the locking element <NUM> by means of a fourth fold 5D.

The second end <NUM> comprises a first section <NUM> having a first end <NUM> connected to the second end <NUM> of the central portion <NUM> by means of said fourth fold 5D, and so as to form a sort of L with the same central portion. The fourth fold, then, causes the central portion <NUM> and the first section <NUM> of the second end <NUM> to be on a third plane P3, inclined with respect to both the first plane P1 and the second plane P2, and which generally extends parallel to the axis X-X. Said first section <NUM> is generally parallel to the first sections <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, of the first <NUM> and second <NUM> portions of the first end <NUM>. If it were arched, however, it would have a point of contact with the stake crossed by a tangent generally parallel to the aforementioned tangents. In other words, all the aforementioned first sections or their tangents with the point of contact with the stake extend transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis X-X.

Furthermore, a second end <NUM> of the first section <NUM> is connected with a first end <NUM> of a second section <NUM> of the second portion <NUM> by means of a fifth fold 5E. The second section <NUM> extends inclined, preferably substantially orthogonal, with respect to the first section <NUM> and generally orthogonal and towards the axis X-X. In addition, the second section <NUM> is preferably connected with its second end <NUM> to a first end <NUM> of a third section <NUM> of the second portion <NUM> by means of a sixth fold 5F. The third section <NUM> then extends in a direction generally along the axis X-X and in the opposite direction with respect to the first end <NUM>. Finally, the third section ends with a second free end <NUM>.

The shape of the locking element <NUM> of the present invention as just described is such that the two first <NUM> and second <NUM> ends are on the same side of the plane P3 defined by the aforementioned L formed by the central portion <NUM> and by the first section <NUM> of the second end <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the way of applying the locking element <NUM> of the present invention to a rod R or stake for plants for reversibly locking a metal or plastic wire W thereto will now be described.

Initially, as shown in <FIG>, the locking element <NUM> is fitted on the stake R planted in the ground by inserting the first ring end portion <NUM> thereof on the stake until it reaches the wire W. At this point, the locking element is oriented on the stake so as to keep the first section <NUM> of the first portion <NUM> of the first end <NUM> against the wall of the stake opposite that of locking of the wire W, while the second portion <NUM> of the first end <NUM>, the central portion <NUM> and the second end <NUM> are on the same side of the stake on which the wire W is located (<FIG>).

From this position, the second end <NUM> is pushed towards the opposite side of the stake, i.e. towards the side where the first section <NUM> of the first portion <NUM> is located (<FIG>). The first section <NUM> of the second portion <NUM> opposes this movement. By forcing the second end it is possible to bend the second end <NUM> and the central portion <NUM> slightly laterally with respect to the stake R so as to bring them to the opposite side with respect to that of the wire (<FIG>). Once the second end <NUM> has passed over the stake R, it is allowed to abut with its first section <NUM> against the stake itself (<FIG>). This operation may be advantageously carried out thanks to the elasticity of the material that makes up the locking element and thanks to three lever points (<FIG> and <FIG>): a first point D1 is the contact between the first section <NUM> of the first portion <NUM> of the first end <NUM> and the stake R, a second point D2 is between the first section <NUM> of the second portion <NUM> of the first end and the stake R on the side diametrically opposite to said first point, a third point D5 is between the wire W and the first 5A and second 5B folds.

The metal wire W is therefore firmly locked crosswise on the stake R. In fact, as shown in <FIG>, the recess of the first 5A and second 5B folds of the first end <NUM> simultaneously embrace the wire W and keep it pushed against the stake R. On the opposite side, as shown in <FIG>, the first section <NUM> of the second end <NUM> abuts against the stake so as to ensure the locking of the locking element <NUM> on the stake itself.

Furthermore, the second section <NUM> of the second end <NUM> abuts against the stake an intermediate point (D4) between the point of contact of the wire W on the stake R and the point of contact between said first section <NUM> and the stake itself (<FIG>). In this way, the locking element remains in its firm vertical position on the stake even when subjected to twisting caused by stresses that the wire W undergoes, for example during works on the row or on the plants.

Finally, the third section <NUM> of the second end portion <NUM> is oriented along the stake R and towards the ground so as not to leave protruding sections which may cause damage to the agricultural machinery or injure the operators (<FIG>).

From what has been explained, it is evident that the locking of the wire W on the stake R by means of the locking element <NUM> is safe and stable thanks to three/four points of contact of the locking element itself. In fact, as described above, a first point of contact D1 is located between the first section <NUM> of the first portion <NUM> of the first end <NUM> and the stake R, a second point D2 is between the first section <NUM> of the second portion <NUM> of the first end and the stake R on the side diametrically opposite to said first point, a third point D3 is between the first section <NUM> of the second end <NUM> and the stake R on the same side of the first point of contact D1 (<FIG>) and a possible fourth point D4 is between the second section <NUM> of the second end <NUM> and the stake R in an intermediate position between the first D1 or third D3 points of contact and the second one D2.

A further object of the present invention is, therefore, a method for the reversible cross-locking of a horizontal metal wire W on a stake or rod R by means of the locking element of the present invention.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the method comprises a step of rotating the central portion <NUM> around the wire W after the above step of forcing the second end <NUM> so as to perform at least one complete rotation before proceeding with the above step of releasing the second end. Preferably, this rotation step takes place at the second fold 5B so as to also involve the third section <NUM> of the second portion <NUM> of the first end <NUM> (<FIG>). In any case, at least one winding <NUM> is formed between said second fold 5B and third section <NUM> on the wire W (<FIG>).

In this way, advantageously, the element <NUM> is constrained to the wire W (<FIG>) and in the case of breakage and degradation of the stake R, the element <NUM> does not fall to the ground.

A further object of the invention consists in a method for the construction of a support grid of rows of plants comprising the steps of:.

Preferably, the method comprises further steps of construction of the grid such as those described in the introductory part of the present description, i.e. for example planting head poles in the ground to attach the ends of said metal wires, laying a plurality of movable wires to support the growing part of the plant, applying elastic compensation devices of the movable wires and other steps known per se.

A further object of the invention is a system for supporting rows of plants comprising a plant support grid comprising in turn a plurality of stakes planted vertically in the ground and horizontal metal wires stretched between said stakes and there tightened by means of reversible locking elements described above.

From what has been described so far, it is clear that the drawbacks associated with the elements and devices for hooking the metal wires on the stakes according to the prior art have been overcome and, at the same time, important advantages have been achieved.

The element of the invention is in fact very simple and quick to apply since there are no laborious operations for the operator. The insertion of a ring portion on the stake and the attachment of a single arm are easy actions even without a specific tool and reduce the fixing time compared to all known devices, even to the aforementioned elements provided with two arms.

The presence of sections of the two ends of the element which provide from three to four points of contact advantageously allows greater locking and resistance against the stresses transversal to the element itself. In particular, the locking of the first section <NUM> of the second portion <NUM> of the first end <NUM> (second locking point D2 on the stake R) is advantageous in that it is on the opposite side with respect to the first locking point D1 and in the proximity thereto. This causes the locking force exerted by the second end on the side of the stake opposite to the locking side of the wire to encounter a corresponding force on the opposite side of the stake. This distribution of forces ensures greater fixing than all other locking elements and devices known in the sector.

In addition, the device is constructively very simple to manufacture, with an economic advantage over more complex devices.

Numerous variations to the locking elements according to the present invention may be made by the man skilled in the art, although without departing from the scope of protection of the appended claims.

For example, the section of metal wire which constitutes the locking element of the invention is preferably made of stainless steel, but it may also be made of metal alloys or iron covered with zinc.

Claim 1:
Reversible elastic locking element (<NUM>) of a metal or plastic wire (W) orthogonally on a plant stake (R), consisting of a section of shaped metal wire having a longitudinal axis (X-X) and which includes a first end (<NUM>) opposite a second end (<NUM>) through the interposition of a generally rectilinear central portion (<NUM>), said first end (<NUM>) being folded to form a ring comprising a continuous first portion (<NUM>) and an interrupted second portion (<NUM>), characterized in that said first and second portions are connected to each other by means of a first (5A) and a second (5B) folds so that said portions lie on a first plane (P1) and on a second different plane (P2), respectively, and in such a way that said portions each comprises a respective first section (<NUM>, <NUM>) opposite each other and adapted to create two diametrically opposite locking points (D1, D2) of the element itself on the stake (R), the recess of said first (5A) and second (5B) folds being adapted to simultaneously embrace said wire (W) and keep it pushed against said stake (R), and said second end (<NUM>) being adapted to abut with a first section (<NUM>) against said stake (R).