At a glance
| Patent number | CN206808261U (application CN201720700734) |
| Type | China utility model (实用新型) - protects product shape and structure |
| Original title | Tree root protection device (一种树根保护装置) |
| Patent owner | Individual inventor |
| Inventor | Wang Shengliang |
| Filing date | 2017-06-16 |
| Grant date | 2017-12-29 |
| Status (China) | Lapsed - terminated for non-payment of annual fees (effective 2018-06-16, recorded 2019-06-04) |
| Patent family | Only this Chinese patent - no US, European, Japanese, PCT or other filings listed |
| Cited by | 2 later documents, including one PCT application by another company |
| Source | Google Patents (search for CN206808261U) |
What the claims cover, in plain language
Claim 1 - a tree root protection device with a middle mesh cover, an upper mesh cover on it that is ring-shaped with a center hole at the top, and a lower mesh cover at its bottom end that is buried in the ground, ring-shaped, with a bottom hole in the center for roots to grow through.
Claim 2 - bare joints at both ends of the middle cover connect it to the upper cover. Claim 3 - the center hole has a second joint that connects to the trunk. Claim 4 - mesh openings of 1.5 x 1.5 cm to 2 x 2 cm. Claim 5 - made of iron wire 0.5-1 mm in diameter. Claim 6 - the wire is aluminum- or tin-coated.
This is a simplified reading for orientation only. The legal scope is defined by the exact claim wording in the official Chinese document.
What this means for US production
This patent was filed only in China, and it lapsed in 2018 because annual fees were not paid. It no longer restricts anyone - in China or elsewhere.
Before production, keep in mind:
- Other patents may exist. Wire root baskets and tree guards are sold widely in the US, and some designs may be patented. Have a freedom-to-operate (FTO) search done by a US patent attorney before volume production.
Customization and manufacturing
What can be customized
| Area | Options |
|---|---|
| Size | Panel and ring sizes for 1-gallon to larger nursery stock - to be confirmed in design |
| Wire | Gauge chosen for the protection period you want; thicker wire lasts longer |
| Coating | Aluminum or tin coating as in the patent, or galvanized for longer life |
| Mesh opening | Smaller openings for voles, larger for gophers and rabbits |
| Top collar | Domed collar as in the patent, or a taller trunk sleeve |
| Packaging | Flat packs of single sets, 5- or 10-packs, bulk cartons for orchards |
| Branding | Printed header cards, carton print, instructions |
Things to plan for (US market)
- Claims - describe it as a physical barrier; any pest-control claims should be modest and honest.
- Corrosion life - test the protection period in different soils before stating it on packaging.
- Edges - cut wire ends should be safe to handle; include gloves advice in the instructions.
How a project runs
- Inquiry - target trees, pests, sizes and quantity.
- Design - panel sizes, wire gauge, coating and mesh.
- Prototype - sample sets for fit and installation tests.
- Pilot run - small batch to check cutting, coating and flat packing.
- Production - volume production, packaging and shipping.
Quantities & timeline
Welded or woven mesh is cut and formed on standard equipment; no custom molds are needed. Send us your sizes, wire, quantity and target price and we will reply with options.
Patent drawings
Drawings reproduced from the public patent document for reference.
