ADJUSTABLE TWIG BENDER

Abstract

An adjustable twig bender is made of a metal wire. The adjustable twig bender includes two hooking sections extending from two ends of a bridging section. The hooking sections substantially extend in a same direction. In use, the hooking sections are engaged with two portions of a twig and the bridging section is wound around the twig.

Claims

1. An adjustable twig bender made of a metal wire and comprising a bridging section (12) and two hooking sections (14) extending from two ends of the bridging section (12), wherein the hooking sections (14) substantially extend in a same direction, and the hooking sections (14) are engaged with two portions of a twig and the bridging section (12) is wound around the twig in operation.

2. The adjustable twig bender according to claim 1, wherein the bridging section (12) extends along an arc.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013] The present invention will be described via detailed illustration of the preferred embodiment versus the prior art referring to the drawings wherein:

[0014] FIG. 1 is a front view of an adjustable twig bender according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] FIG. 2 is a front view of the adjustable twig bender of FIG. 1 in a position for bending a twig;

[0016] FIG. 3 is a front view of the adjustable twig bender in another position than shown in FIG. 2;

[0017] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a conventional twig-bending clip; and

[0018] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a twig clipped by the adjustable twig-bending clip shown in FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0019] Referring to FIG. 1, an adjustable twig bender 10 includes a bridging section 12 and two hooking sections 14 according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The adjustable twig bender 10 is preferably made of a metal wire that exhibits proper flexibility and rigidity. The proper flexibility allows the adjustable twig bender 10 to be bent by a torque. The proper rigidity allows the adjustable twig bender 10 to remain in shape after it is released from the torque.

[0020] Preferably, the bridging section 12 extends along an arc. Alternatively, the bridging section 12 extends rectilinearly.

[0021] The hooking sections 14 are formed at two opposite ends of the bridging section 12. The hooking sections 14 extend substantially in a same direction.

[0022] Referring to FIG. 2, at first, one of the hooking sections 14 is engaged with a portion of a twig 80. Then, the bridging section 12 is wound around the twig 80. Finally, the other hooking section 14 is engaged with another potion of the twig 80. Now, two portions of the twig 80 are engaged with the hooking sections 14, and at least two other portions of the twig 80 are in contact with the bridging section 12. Thus, twig 80 is bent and forced to extend in a desired direction. As mentioned above, the proper flexibility allows the bridging section 12 to be bent and wound around the twig 80. The proper rigidity allows the adjustable twig bender 10 to keep bending the twig 80.

[0023] Referring to FIG. 3, the bridging section 12 is further bent, and so is the twig 80. Thus, twig 80 can be bent and forced to extend in desired direction.

[0024] The bridging section 12 is properly long. Thus, the section of the twig 80 between the portions of the twig 80 engaged with the hooking sections 14 of the adjustable twig bender 10 is properly long. Hence, the twig 80 is bent mildly and will not be broken.

[0025] The use of the adjustable twig bender 10 exhibits several advantages. Firstly, the adjustable twig bender 10 bends and forces the twig 80 to extend in a desired direction since the bridging section 12 is made with proper flexibility and rigidity.

[0026] Secondly, the cost of using the adjustable twig bender 10 is low. The adjustable twig bender 10 can be removed from the twig 80 after 3 to 8 months when the shape of the twig 80 is permanently fixed. Then, the adjustable twig bender 10 can used to bend another twig.

[0027] Thirdly, the adjustable twig bender 10 controls the growth of a fruit tree such as the height and a horizontal size of the fruit tree. To control the growth of the fruit tree, twigs that extend upward are cut or bent. The adjustable twig bender 10 bends such twigs and hence controls the growth of the tree. With the height of the fruit tree kept at a proper value, fruit can be collected easily. With the horizontal size of a fruit tree kept at a proper value, leaves of the fruit tree spread in a large area and receive a large amount of sunlight so that photosynthesis in the leaves is adequate and that sweetness in the fruit is adequate.

[0028] Fourthly, the adjustable twig bender 10 facilitates the growth of the fruit. The adjustable twig bender 10 bends and forces the twig 80 to extend downward. Thus, the fruit dangles from the twig 80. That is, no portion of the fruit except a stem is in contact with the twig 80 so that the fruit tends to grow in a good shape and at a large amount.

[0029] Fifthly, the adjustable twig bender 10 limits a reflux ratio in the twig 80. The hooking sections 14 abut against two portions of the twig 80 and the bridging section 12 abuts against at least two portions of the twig 80, thereby preventing reflux of sap along the twig 80. Hence, nutrition accumulates in the fruit and the fruit grows well.

[0030] The present invention has been described via the illustration of the preferred embodiment. Those skilled in the art can derive variations from the preferred embodiment without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the preferred embodiment shall not limit the scope of the present invention defined in the claims.