Plant support tool

Abstract

To provide a plant support tool for reducing a labor and time for assembling and detachment of a pole and a coupling member, and being easily installed even when a plant body is planted.SOLUTION: A plant support tool 1 is a resin integrated molded article, and has: a support part 4; and multiple column parts 5. The support part 4 has a first end 41 and a second end 42 which face each other at initial positions where the ends are separated each other, the ends being provided on an opening part 6 where one part on a ring-shaped part is cut. When the first and second ends 41,42 move from the initial positions to a circumferential direction, the opening part 6 is opened / closed, and the ends have flexibility. The column parts 5 are arranged at prescribed intervals in a circumferential direction of the support part 4, and extend in one direction in parallel from the support part 4. An engagement part 7 is provided on the first end 41 side of the support part 4 is provided, a hook part 9 which can engage to the engagement part 7 is provided on the second end 42 side. At a position where the engagement part 7 and the hook part 9 engage, energizing force acts so that the first and second ends 41, 42 return to the initial positions, and the engagement part 7 is engaged to the hook part 9.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a plant support tool. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, various supports for plants have been known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a plant support device that is assembled using a plurality of straight rod-shaped supports and connecting members, and is installed in a flowerpot or the like. In one example, three supports and three connecting members are separate members, and the plant support device is assembled by fitting the supports into clamping portions provided on the connecting members. In another example, the plant support device is assembled by fitting the supports into clamping portions provided on an annular connecting member. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 3148053 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, assembling or disassembling a plurality of separate supports and connecting members, as in the plant support device described in Patent Document 1, tends to be time-consuming. Also, in the case of a plant support device assembled using a single annular connecting member and support, it is difficult to install the device in a flowerpot when a plant is already planted, and there is a concern that the plant may be damaged.

[0005] The present invention was devised in consideration of these points, and the problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a plant support device that reduces the labor required for assembling and disassembling the posts and connecting members, and can be easily installed even when plants are planted. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One feature of the plant support that solves the above-mentioned problems is a plant support made of a one-piece molded resin product, comprising a flexible support section having a first end and a second end facing each other at an initial position separated from each other in an opening section that is interrupted in a ring shape, and configured so that the opening section is opened and closed by moving the first end and the second end in a circumferential direction from the initial position, a plurality of support sections that are arranged at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction of the support section and extend linearly in parallel in one direction from the support section, an engaging section provided on the first end side of the support section, and a locking section provided on the second end side and configured to be able to engage with the engaging section, and a biasing force is applied to return the first end and the second end to their initial positions at a position where the engaging section and the locking section engage, thereby locking the engaging section to the locking section.

[0007] One feature and advantage of the above configuration is that the plant support tool has a ring-shaped support part and a plurality of support pole parts molded integrally, which can save the effort of assembling the support part and the support pole parts. In addition, the support part has an open part and is flexible, and the first end part and the second end part are brought close to each other from the initial position, so that the engagement part can be engaged with the locking part. At the position where the engagement part and the locking part are engaged, a biasing force acts so that the first end part and the second end part return to the initial position, and the locking part is locked to prevent the engagement part from moving in the direction in which the open part of the support part opens. Therefore, by elastically deforming the support part in the direction in which the first end part and the second end part approach each other or move away from each other, the engagement part and the locking part can be easily engaged or released from the engagement state. Furthermore, the support part can be elastically deformed so that the first end part and the second end part move away from each other in the circumferential direction of the support part and the open part opens. As a result, even when a plant body has already been planted, the plant support tool can be easily installed by surrounding the plant body from the open part that is opened larger than the plant body.

[0008] In the above-mentioned plant support device, the engagement portion may be formed in a hook shape, one of the support pole portions may be arranged at a position adjacent to the second end portion, and the joint portion with the support portion may function as the locking portion.

[0009] One feature and advantage of the above configuration is that the plant support is disposed so that one of the pole parts is adjacent to the second end, and the hook-shaped engagement part can be hooked onto the joint between the pole part and the support part. Since the pole part also functions as the locking part, a plant support with a simpler structure can be constructed.

[0010] In the above-mentioned plant support tool, the joint portion between the post part and the support part may be formed in the shape of a flat plate that is wider than the post part.

[0011] One feature and advantage of the above configuration is that the joint between the pole part and the support part is wider than the pole part and is formed in a flat plate shape, which improves the strength of the joint part and makes it possible to configure a plant support tool in which the pole part is less likely to break even if it is bent in a direction different from the direction in which the pole part extends or if the engaging part is caught on the pole part.

[0012] In the above-mentioned plant support tool, the engaging portion may be configured to have a hook shape that opens outward beyond the periphery of the support portion.

[0013] One feature and advantage of the above configuration is that the engaging portion is formed in a hook shape that opens outward from the periphery of the support portion. This allows the engaging portion, which is returning to the outside (initial position) due to the biasing force, to be hooked onto the support portion that functions as a locking portion by lightly pushing the first end of the support portion inward from the periphery of the support portion. Furthermore, by opening the engaging portion outward, the engaging state with the support portion is maintained unless a force is applied to push the engaging portion inward from the periphery of the support portion, making it possible to configure an engaging portion that is less likely to come off. Also, when removing the installed plant support, the engaging state can be easily released by pushing the first end of the support portion inward from the periphery of the support portion.

[0014] In the above-mentioned plant support tool, the engaging portion may be configured so that a tip portion thereof is hook-shaped and curved outward from the periphery of the support portion.

[0015] One feature and advantage of the above configuration is that the tip of the hook-shaped engaging part is curved outward from the periphery of the support part. This allows the engaging part to open widely outward and be curved, so that the engaging part can be slid onto the support pole and hooked onto it. This allows the engaging part to engage with the support pole more smoothly.

[0016] In the above-mentioned plant support device, the engaging portion may have a flat surface on the surface inside the periphery of the support portion, and may have a stepped shape formed so that the thickness on the support portion side is thicker than the flat surface.

[0017] One feature and advantage of the above configuration is that the inner surface of the locking portion is provided with a flat surface and a stepped shape. By providing the locking portion with a flat surface, it is possible to make it easier to hook the engaging portion. The stepped shape is thicker on the support portion side than on the flat surface. Therefore, when the engaging portion is hooked on the locking portion, the stepped shape prevents the engaging portion from moving in the insertion direction of the support portion. This makes it possible to suppress positional deviation of the engaging portion in the engaged state, making it possible to make the configuration more difficult to come off.

[0018] In the above-mentioned plant support device, the support portion has an insertion portion formed at the extended tip so that the support portion becomes thinner toward the tip, and the outer portion of the insertion portion in the radial direction of the support portion may have a shape that is inclined toward the radially inward direction.

[0019] One feature and advantage of the above configuration is that the tip of the support is provided with an insertion section that is formed so that the support tapers toward the tip. The outer portion of the insertion section in the radial direction of the support is formed with a shape that is inclined toward the inside. This makes it difficult for the support to get caught on the inner wall of a flowerpot when inserted into the soil of the flowerpot, etc., and allows it to be inserted so that it slides along the inner wall of the flowerpot. This makes it possible to configure a plant support that is easier to insert into the soil of a flowerpot, etc. Effect of the Invention

[0020] By having the configurations of each of the above-mentioned inventions, the present invention can provide a plant support device that reduces the labor required for assembling and disassembling the posts and connecting members, and can be easily installed even when plants are planted. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the plant support tool according to the embodiment, showing a state in which a first end and a second end are in an initial position. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the plant support tool, showing the inside of the support pole portion that functions as an engagement portion. [Diagram 3] 4 is a perspective view of the plant support tool, showing a state in which an engagement portion is hooked onto a locking portion. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the plant support tool. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a side view of the plant support tool. [Figure 6] 13 is a diagram showing the state in which the open portion is widened and the support portion is deformed when the plant support tool is placed in a flowerpot. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the plant support tool being installed in a flowerpot. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The plant support 1 according to this embodiment is used by being placed in a flowerpot of size 4 to 6, for example. The plant support 1 is made of resin such as polypropylene, and as shown in FIG. 1, is configured as an integrally molded product having a ring-shaped (approximately circular) support part 4 and multiple (3) support pole parts 5 to be inserted into soil or the like.

[0023] The support part 4 has an open part 6 that is interrupted at one point in the ring shape, and has a first end 41 and a second end 42 that face each other in an initial position separated from each other in the open part 6. That is, the support part 4 is configured so that, in the initial position, a gap of, for example, about several millimeters is formed in the open part 6. The support part 4 is flexible, and the open part 6 can be opened and closed by the first end 41 and the second end 42 moving in the circumferential direction from the initial position. The open part 6 of the support part 4 can be opened to an extent that the support part 4 is deformed into a substantially linear shape.

[0024] The engaging portion 7 formed in a hook shape is provided on the first end 41 side of the support portion 4. As shown in FIG. 4, the engaging portion 7 has a U-shaped curved portion 71 in which the first end 41 of the support portion 4 is curved into a U-shape at the opening portion 6, and opens outward from the periphery of the support portion 4. Furthermore, the engaging portion 7 has a shape in which the tip portion 72 is curved outward from the periphery of the support portion 4. The opening of the engaging portion 7 is narrowed at an intermediate portion 73 between the U-shaped curved portion 71 and the tip portion 72. The supporting portion 4 is configured so that the engaging portion 7 can be hooked on a locking portion 9 described later from the inside of the supporting portion 4 by bringing the first end portion 41 close to the second end portion 42 so that the engaging portion 7 is located inside the periphery of the supporting portion 4, as shown in FIG. 3.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of (three) support parts 5 are arranged at a predetermined interval in the circumferential direction of the support part 4, and extend linearly from the support part 4 in one direction (the insertion direction of the support part 5). As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, each support part 5 is gently inclined in side view, and the tip part of the extended support part 5 is located radially inward from the periphery of the support part 4 in plan view. Here, the outside of the support part 5 is the peripheral side or outside in the radial direction of the support part 4 in plan view, and the inside of the support part 5 is the center side or inside in the radial direction of the support part 4. Each support part 5 has an insertion part 51 formed at the extended tip part so that the support part 5 becomes thinner toward the tip. The insertion part 51 has a shape in which the outer part 52 is inclined toward the inside. In addition, the outer shape of the insertion part 51 is formed in a curved shape without corners so that it does not injure the worker or the plant body even if it touches it when installing the plant support tool 1. Moreover, since the support portion 5 is made of resin, the cross section viewed from the longitudinal direction is made to be cross-shaped in order to make it less likely to break.

[0026] The joints 8 between the support column 5 and the support section 4 are each formed in a flat plate shape wider than the support column 5. As shown in FIG. 1, the joints 8 become wider from the support column 5 to the support section 4, and have a curved outer shape. This makes the support column 5 less likely to break even if a bending force is applied to the support column 5 in the lateral direction (circumferential direction of the support section 4), and improves its strength. One of the three support columns 5 is disposed in a position adjacent to the second end 42 of the support section 4. The joints 8 between the support column 5 and the support section 4 near the second end 42 function as a locking section 9 that can be engaged with the engagement section 7. Specifically, the engagement section 7 can be hooked onto the joints 8 (locking section 9) near the second end 42, and at the position where the engagement section 7 and the locking section 9 are engaged, a biasing force acts so that the first end 41 and the second end 42 return to their initial positions, thereby locking the engagement section 7 to the locking section 9.

[0027] As shown in Fig. 2, the locking portion 9 has a flat surface 81 that is partially recessed in the thickness direction on the inner side of the periphery of the support portion 4. A portion 82 below the flat surface 81 (toward the support portion 5) of the locking portion 9 protrudes in the thickness direction from the flat surface 81, forming a stepped shape. Providing the locking portion 9 with the flat surface 81 makes it easier to hook the engaging portion 7. Also, providing a stepped shape can prevent the hooked engaging portion 7 from shifting in position toward the support portion 5.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 3, the plant support 1 is installed in a flowerpot or the like in such a state that the first end 41 and the second end 42 of the support part 4 in the initial position are brought close to each other, the engagement part 7 is hooked to the locking part 9 from the inside of the support part 4, and the engagement part 7 is locked to the locking part 9. When installing in a flowerpot in which a plant body is already planted, the open part 6 is opened wider than the plant body so that the first end 41 and the second end 42 of the support part 4 are separated (see FIG. 6). Then, while surrounding the plant body with the support part 4, the open part 6 is returned from the open state to the initial position, and the first end 41 and the second end 42 are brought close to each other to engage the engagement part 7 with the locking part 9. The support part 5 is inserted into the potting soil to install the plant support 1 in the flowerpot (see FIG. 7).

[0029] When releasing the engagement between the engagement portion 7 and the locking portion 9, the area near the engagement portion 7 on the first end 41 side of the support portion 4 is pushed inward from the periphery of the support portion 4, whereby the engagement portion 7 moves away from the locking portion 9 and the first end 41 returns to its initial position due to the biasing force (see Figure 4).

[0030] <Effects of the embodiment> In the plant support tool 1 according to the embodiment, the ring-shaped support part 4 and the multiple support pole parts 5 are integrally molded, which can reduce the effort required for assembling the support part 4 and the support pole parts 5. The support part 4 is provided with an open part 6 and is flexible, and the first end part 41 and the second end part 42 can be brought close to each other from the initial position to engage the engagement part 7 with the locking part 9. At the position where the engagement part 7 and the locking part 9 are engaged, a biasing force acts so that the first end part 41 and the second end part 42 return to the initial position, and the locking part 9 locks the movement of the engagement part 7 in the direction in which the open part 6 of the support part 4 opens. Therefore, by elastically deforming the support part 5 in the direction in which the first end part 41 and the second end part 42 approach or move away from each other, the engagement part 7 and the locking part 9 can be easily engaged or released from the engaged state. Furthermore, the support part 5 can be elastically deformed so that the first end part 41 and the second end part 42 move away from each other in the circumferential direction of the support part 4 to open the open part 6. As a result, even when a plant body has already been planted, the plant support tool 1 can be easily installed by surrounding the plant body from the opening 6 which is wider than the plant body.

[0031] The plant support tool 1 is disposed so that one of the support pole parts 5 is adjacent to the second end part 42, and a hook-shaped engagement part 7 can be hooked onto a joint part 8 between this support pole part 5 and the support part 4. Since the support pole part 5 also functions as the locking part 9, a plant support tool 1 with a simpler structure can be constructed.

[0032] In the plant support 1, a joint portion 8 between the post part 5 and the support part 4 is formed in a flat plate shape and is wider than the post part 5. This improves the strength of the joint portion 8, and makes it possible to configure a plant support 1 in which the post part 5 is less likely to break even if it is bent in a direction different from the direction in which the post part 5 extends or if the engagement part 7 gets caught on the post part 5.

[0033] In the plant support 1, the engagement portion 7 is formed in a hook shape that opens outward from the periphery of the support portion 4. With this, by lightly pushing the first end 41 of the support portion 4 inward from the periphery of the support portion 4, the engagement portion 7 that tries to return to the outside (initial position) due to the biasing force can be hooked on the support portion 5 that functions as the locking portion 9. Furthermore, by opening the engagement portion 7 outward, the engagement state with the support portion 5 is maintained unless a force is applied to push it inward from the periphery of the support portion 4, making it possible to configure the engagement portion 7 that is less likely to come off. Furthermore, when removing the installed plant support 1, the engagement state can be easily released by lightly pushing the first end 41 of the support portion 4 inward from the periphery of the support portion 4.

[0034] In the plant support tool 1, the tip 72 of the hook-shaped engaging portion 7 is curved outward from the periphery of the support part 4. As a result, the engaging portion 7 opens widely outward and is formed in a curved shape, so that the engaging portion 7 can be slidably hooked onto the support. This allows the engaging portion 7 to engage with the support more smoothly.

[0035] In the plant support tool 1, a flat surface 81 is provided on the inner surface of the locking portion 9, forming a stepped shape. Providing the locking portion 9 with the flat surface 81 makes it easier to hook the engagement portion 7. The stepped shape has a thicker portion 82 below the flat surface 81 (towards the support portion 5). Therefore, when the engagement portion 7 is hooked onto the locking portion 9, the stepped shape prevents the engagement portion 7 from moving in the insertion direction of the support portion 5. This makes it possible to suppress displacement of the engagement portion 7 in the engaged state, making it more difficult to come off.

[0036] The plant support 1 has an insertion section 51 at the tip of the support section 5, which is formed so that the support section 5 becomes thinner toward the tip. An outer part 52 of the insertion section 51 is formed in a shape that is inclined toward the inside (toward the radial center of the support section 4). This makes it difficult for the support section 5 to get caught on the inner wall of the flowerpot when it is inserted into the soil of a flowerpot or the like, and the support section 5 can be inserted so as to slide along the inner wall of the flowerpot. This makes it possible to configure a plant support 1 that is easier to insert into the soil of a flowerpot or the like.

[0037] In the plant support tool 1, the support part 4 is formed in a substantially circular shape. In this way, by forming the support part 4 in a shape without corners, it is possible to configure the support part 4 that is less likely to break because force is not applied to one point when the opening part 6 is opened. Furthermore, the support part 4 is configured such that the first end 41 and the second end 42 are located away from each other in the initial position, and at least a gap is provided in the opening part 6. As a result, when the engaging part 7 is hooked on the locking part 9, the engaging part 7 is locked to the locking part 9 by a biasing force acting in a direction returning to the initial position, so that the engaging part 7 is less likely to come off and the engaged state can be made more stable.

[0038] The plant support 1 is an integrally molded product, and the position of the support part 5 is fixed relative to the support part 4. This makes it easy to position the support part 5, and saves the effort of installing it in a flowerpot or the like. In addition, since the support part 4 and each support part 5 are fixed integrally, tilting and deformation after installation of the plant support 1 can be suppressed compared to the case where separate supports and connecting members are assembled. In addition, the support part 5 extends in one direction (insertion direction) from the support part 4, and does not protrude from the support part 5 in the direction opposite to the insertion direction (upward). Therefore, when inserting the insertion part 51 into the soil to install the plant support 1, it is easy to push it by hand from the support part 4 side toward the insertion direction, and workability and safety can be improved. In addition, since there is no protruding part above the support part 5, it is possible to prevent the plant body from getting caught or the plant body from being damaged. Furthermore, when viewed from the side, the support part 5 extends with a gentle incline toward the radial center of the support part 4, so that it is less likely to get caught on the inner wall of the flowerpot when inserted into the soil, and it is easy to install in flowerpots that narrow toward the bottom.

[0039] When a force is applied to the vicinity of the engagement part 7 of the first end 41, pushing the support part 4 inward from the periphery of the support part 4, the support part 4 elastically deforms, and the engagement part 7 and the locking part 9 are engaged or disengaged. In other words, the plant support tool 1 can be attached and detached without opening or closing the hook-shaped engagement part 7 itself. This makes it possible to prevent the engagement part 7 from being damaged by excessive force being applied thereto.

[0040] The plant support tool 1 has a narrow opening at the U-shaped curved portion 71 of the engagement part 7 and at an intermediate portion 73 between the tip portion 72. This makes it more difficult for the engagement part 7 to come off when the engagement part 7 is hooked onto the locking part 9, and the engagement state between the engagement part 7 and the locking part 9 can be stably maintained when the plant support tool 1 is in use.

[0041] Since the plant support 1 is made of resin material, it does not splinter or break, which can cause injury or disease to plants, and the safety of workers who assemble it can be improved. In addition, the flexibility of the support part 4 allows it to be installed on any size flowerpot.

[0042] Since the plant support tool 1 is made of resin such as polypropylene, the color of the components can be changed as desired depending on the material used. Also, it is easy to separate and can be made recyclable.

[0043] The plant support device of the present invention is not limited to the appearance, configuration, etc. described in the above embodiment, but can be embodied in various other forms by various modifications, additions, deletions, and combinations of configurations without changing the gist of the present invention.

[0044] The plant support according to the present invention is not limited to the flowerpot exemplified in the above embodiment, but includes those used for flowerpots or planters of various sizes and types, and the size of the support part and the length of the support part can be changed as appropriate. In addition, the plant support also includes those that are installed directly on the ground.

[0045] The shape and size of the engaging portion of the plant support tool, the direction of the hook-shaped opening, etc. are not limited to those in the above embodiment and can be selected as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0046] 1 Plant supports 4 Support part 5 Support section 6 Open area 7 Engagement part 8 Joint site 9 Locking part 41 First end 42 Second end 51 Insertion part 52 Outer part of the insertion part 71 U-shaped curve 72 Tip 73 Middle part 81 Flat Surface 82 Area below the flat surface (support side)

Claims

1. A plant support tool made of a resin integrally molded product, a flexible support portion having a first end and a second end facing each other at an initial position separated from each other in an open portion that is interrupted at one point in the ring shape, and configured such that the open portion opens and closes as the first end and the second end move in a circumferential direction from the initial position; A plurality of support columns are arranged at predetermined intervals in a circumferential direction of the support portion and extend linearly in parallel in one direction from the support portion; an engagement portion provided on the first end side of the support portion; a locking portion provided on the second end side and configured to be engageable with the engaging portion, A plant support device in which a biasing force acts to return the first end and the second end to their initial positions at a position where the engagement portion and the locking portion engage, thereby locking the engagement portion to the locking portion.

2. The plant support device according to claim 1, The engaging portion is formed in a hook shape, One of the support pole parts is disposed at a position adjacent to the second end part, and a joint part with the support part functions as the locking part.

3. The plant support device according to claim 2, A plant support tool, wherein the joint portion between the post portion and the support portion is formed into a flat plate shape that is wider than the post portion.

4. The plant support device according to claim 3, The engaging portion is a hook-shaped portion that opens outward from the periphery of the support portion.

5. The plant support device according to claim 4, The engaging portion has a hook-like tip that is curved outward from the periphery of the support portion, in this plant support tool.

6. The plant support tool according to any one of claims 3 to 5, The engaging portion has a flat surface on the surface inside the periphery of the support portion, and has a stepped shape formed so that the thickness on the support portion side is thicker than the flat surface.

7. The plant support tool according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The support portion has an insertion portion formed so that the extended tip portion becomes thinner toward the tip, and the outer portion of the insertion portion in the radial direction of the support portion has a shape that is inclined toward the inside in the radial direction.

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