| 摘要 |
<p>Tree surround (10) comprises a circular wall (11) formed by injection moulding in the circular shape shown from flexible polymeric material, specifically polypropylene. The material is selected to be sufficiently flexible so that the wall (11) can be distorted or twisted as shown to allow the bead (18) to be inserted from one end and to be pushed or pulled with a sliding action. Because of the flexible nature of the material then allowing for the twisting of the wall (11), it is still feasible to slide the bead (18) into the space defined by the flange (18) and an offset flange (22). This is assisted by having a lead-in shape into the space. The offset flange (22) further defining the space allows for the alignment of the wall (11) to match at each of the ends. The side wall (11) has a curvature when seen in cross section, and has a larger diameter at its base lower edge (12) than at its upper edge. The extent of the taper thus formed is such as to ensure that respective surrounds will nest one within the other to enable efficient transport of many of the surrounds together in an assembled form. The lower edge (12) is in the form of a series of scallops (14) which define between them 'blunt spikes' (15) which can more readily enter the soil than a straight edge, and physically assist in the retention of the surround in a situation where it has been located. Moulding this shape as circular in the first instance means that the shape is in a resting mode when in this shape at the start. Accordingly, when the ends are joined, there will be minimal pressure to urge on an ongoing basis any separation of any interlocked joint. There will therefore be a minimal pressure on the joint.</p> |
