Scoop

Abstract

To provide a scoop that can be prevented from being bulky.SOLUTION: In a folding state, first and second connection parts are bent, a first surface part and a second surface come close to each other than in a storable state and have a flat shape, and a scoop part has a flat shape. In the storable state, the first and second connection parts extend, the first surface part and the second surface part have a cylindrical shape, and the scoop part is curved or bent.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a scoop. [Background technology]

[0002] In gardening, for example, a shovel may be used when putting soil, fertilizer, etc., into a gardening container (for example, a pot) (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Here, the shovel may be wide, and when trying to put soil, etc., into the gardening container, the soil may spill out of the pot. For this reason, for example, a cylindrical gardening tool such as a soil container may be used in gardening, and by using the soil container, the user can more reliably put soil, etc., into the gardening container. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-120591 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] For example, a gardening soil container is configured in a cylindrical shape, and has a problem in that it is bulky during transportation, storage, and the like.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention has an object to provide a shovel that can avoid being bulky. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] [1] According to the present invention, there is provided a shovel having a scooping portion and a gripping portion, the shovel being configured to be deformable between a folded state and a stowable state, the scooping portion being provided to protrude from the gripping portion, the gripping portion having first and second connecting portions and first and second surfaces, the first surface and the second surface being provided to face each other, one end of the first surface and one end of the second surface being connected by a first connecting portion, the other end of the first surface and the other end of the second surface being connected by a second connecting portion, The scoop has a first connecting portion extending from the scooping portion side to the gripping portion side and formed to be foldable, and in the folded state, the first and second connecting portions are folded so that the first surface portion and the second surface portion are closer to each other than in the storable state and are flat, and the scooping portion is flat, and in the storable state, the first and second connecting portions are extended so that the first surface portion and the second surface portion are tubular, and the scooping portion is curved or bent.

[0007] According to the present invention, the scoop is configured to be transformable between a folded state and a stowable state. Here, in the folded state, the first and second connecting portions are folded so that the first surface portion and the second surface portion are closer to each other than in the storable state and are flat, and the scooping portion is also flat, thereby avoiding bulkiness. Furthermore, when the user uses the shovel, the shovel transforms from the folded state to the storable state, causing the first and second connecting parts to extend and the first and second surfaces to form a cylindrical shape, and the scooping part is curved or bent, allowing the user to properly scoop up soil, etc. and store the soil, etc. within the shovel.

[0008] Various embodiments of the present invention will be described below. The embodiments described below can be combined with each other.

[0009] [2] Preferably, there is provided a shovel as described in [1], further comprising a plate-shaped bottom portion, the bottom portion having first and second plate-shaped portions and a folded portion, the first plate-shaped portion being connected to the first surface portion, the second plate-shaped portion being connected to the second surface portion, the folded portion being connected to the first plate-shaped portion and the second plate-shaped portion, being formed to be foldable, and extending from the first connecting portion side to the second connecting portion side. [3] Preferably, there is provided a shovel as described in [2], wherein the folded portion is formed in a perforated shape. [4] Preferably, there is provided a shovel as described in any one of [1] to [3], wherein the first and second connecting portions form an angle of 0 degrees or more and 3 degrees or less with respect to the longitudinal direction of the shovel. [5] Preferably, there is provided the shovel according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the shovel is made of a single plate-shaped base material. [6] Preferably, there is provided the shovel described in [5], wherein the base material is composed of a mixed material of inorganic material and resin, pulp, a resin material, or a metal material, the inorganic material is greater in weight ratio than the resin, and the resin material is acrylic resin, polycarbonate resin, or PET resin. [7] Preferably, there is provided the scoop according to [6], wherein the base material has a thickness of 0.2 mm or more and 1.5 mm or less. [8] Preferably, there is provided the shovel as described in [7], wherein the thickness of the thickest part of the shovel in the folded state is 6 mm or less. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a scoop 100 according to an embodiment, seen from the left front side. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the scoop 100 according to the embodiment, seen from the right front side. [Diagram 3]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the scoop 100 according to the embodiment, as viewed from the rear side (bottom side). [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a development view of the scoop 100 according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] Fig. 5A is a top view of the scoop 100 according to the embodiment in a folded state. Fig. 5B is an end view showing the scoop 100 in the middle of folding at the position of line AA shown in Fig. 5A. Fig. 5C is an end view of the scoop 100 in the folded state after being further pushed in from the state shown in Fig. 5B. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Various characteristic features shown in the following embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0012] Embodiment 1. Description of the configuration of the embodiment As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the shovel 100 includes a scooping part 1, a grip part 2, and a bottom part 3. In the field of gardening, the shovel 100 is also called a soil container, and is a member that places emphasis on scooping up an appropriate amount of soil and depositing it accurately into a container, rather than digging up the soil. The shovel 100 is not made of metal, that is, it is made of non-metallic members. In the field of gardening, durability is emphasized, so the parts that come into contact with soil (the scooping part of a shovel or scoop) are generally made of metal, but the shovel 100 according to the embodiment is not made of metal. The shovel 100 is configured to be foldable. Specifically, the shovel 100 is configured to be capable of transforming into a folded state and a storable state. In the folded state, the entire shovel 100 has a flat shape. In the storable state, the user can scoop up soil, fertilizer, and the like.

[0013] In the embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4, the shovel 100 is composed of a single plate-shaped base material 10. That is, the components of the shovel 100 (in the embodiment, the scooping portion 1, the gripping portion 2, and the bottom portion 3) are integrally constructed. Specifically, the shovel 100 can be constructed by bending the single plate-shaped base material 10 and connecting the components of the base material 10 to each other. Because the shovel 100 is constructed from a single base material 10, the number of parts can be reduced, making it easier to manage.

[0014] The substrate 10 is made of a mixed material of inorganic substances and resins. This can ensure the rigidity and water resistance of the scoop 100. The inorganic substances are greater in weight ratio than the resins. As the inorganic substances constituting the substrate 10, specifically, for example, one or more substances selected from the group consisting of calcium carbonate, clay, silica, titanium oxide, talc, kaolin, and aluminum hydroxide can be adopted. The resin constituting the substrate 10 is a thermoplastic resin, specifically, for example, a resin selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, and polyethylene terephthalate can be adopted. As the substrate 10, for example, Limex (registered trademark) or stone paper can be adopted (for Limex, see Patent No. 5461614). In addition, when Limex (registered trademark) or the like is used as the substrate 10, it is possible to print on the surface, which is highly convenient.

[0015] The material of the substrate 10 is not limited to the above-mentioned mixture of inorganic substances and resins. The substrate 10 may be made of, for example, pulp (paper), resin (resin material), or metal (metal material). The resin (resin material) may be, for example, an acrylic resin, a polycarbonate resin, a PET resin, etc. The metal (metal material) may be, for example, tin. The base material 10 may be configured to be easily bent by making the bent portions (below-described bent portions 2B11, 2B21, 3t, and 3C) thinner than the other portions. This is true whether the base material 10 is configured from a mixed material of an inorganic substance and a resin, from pulp, from resin, or from metal.

[0016] The thickness (mm) of the base material 10 is specifically, for example, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, and may be within a range between any two of the numerical values ​​exemplified here. For example, the thickness of the base material 10 is 0.2 mm or more and 1.5 mm or less. This allows the base material 10 to have appropriate rigidity and to be prevented from breaking when scooping soil, etc., and also allows the user to easily fold the base material 10 from the storable state to the folded state, making it highly convenient.

[0017] The longitudinal length (cm) of the scoop 100 may be, for example, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or 30, and may be within a range between any two of the values ​​exemplified here. The length (cm) of the short side of the scoop 100 is specifically, for example, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, or 14 cm, and may be within a range between any two of the numerical values ​​exemplified here. The length in the short side here refers to the length of the scoop 100 in the folded state.

[0018] 1-1. Scooping section 1 As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the scooping part 1 is a part that is inserted into soil, fertilizer, etc., and is provided at the tip of the shovel 100. The scooping part 1 is formed so that its width (width in the short direction) becomes smaller toward the tip side so that soil, etc. can be easily scooped. In other words, the scooping part 1 has a tapered shape. The scooping part 1 is provided so as to protrude from the gripping part 2. The gripping part 2 is configured so as to be deformable into a folded state and a storable state. Specifically, in the embodiment, the scooping part 1 is flat in the folded state. Also, the scooping part 1 is formed so as to be curved in the storable state. In other words, the scooping part 1 has a curved surface that is convex downward. The scooping part 1 may be bent in the storable state. That is, the scooping part 1 may have a bent part (not shown) formed by bending. In this case, the bent part extends in the longitudinal direction C of the scoop 100.

[0019] 1-2.Gripping part 2 As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the grip portion 2 has a first surface portion 2A1 and a second surface portion 2A2, and a first connecting portion 2B1 and a second connecting portion 2B2. The grip portion 2 is configured to be deformable into a folded state and a storable state. Specifically, in the embodiment, the grip portion 2 has a flat plate shape in which two plate-like members (the first surface portion 2A1 and the second surface portion 2A2) are stacked. Furthermore, the grip portion 2 has a cylindrical shape in the storable state. Note that, in the embodiment, the grip portion 2 has an inner circumferential surface that forms a curved surface in the storable state, and the cross section of this curved surface can be circular, elliptical, or polygonal.

[0020] 1-2-1. First surface part 2A1 and second surface part 2A2 The first surface 2A1 is connected to the scooping part 1. When viewed from above in the folded state, the second surface 2A2 has an arc-shaped (part of an ellipse in this embodiment) edge 2A21. The edge 2A21 is formed so as to protrude from the scooping part 1 side toward the bottom part 3 side. The first surface portion 2A1 and the second surface portion 2A2 are provided so as to face each other. One end of the first surface portion 2A1 and one end of the second surface portion 2A2 are connected by a first connecting portion 2B1. The other end of the first surface portion 2A1 and the other end of the second surface portion 2A2 are connected by a second connecting portion 2B2.

[0021] 1-2-2. First connecting portion 2B1 and second connecting portion 2B2 The first connecting portion 2B1 and the second connecting portion 2B2 extend from the scooping portion 1 side to the gripping portion 2 side. In addition, the first connecting portion 2B1 and the second connecting portion 2B2 are formed to be bendable.

[0022] The first connecting portion 2B1 has a bent portion 2B11 formed by bending the base material 10, and this bent portion 2B11 extends in the longitudinal direction C of the scoop 100. In the embodiment, the scoop 100 is made of a single base material 10, and bending the base material 10 causes plastic deformation of the base material 10 to form the bent portion 2B11. The bent state is maintained at the bent portion 2B11.

[0023] The second connecting portion 2B2 also has a bent portion 2B21 formed by bending the base material 10, and this bent portion 2B21 extends in the longitudinal direction C of the scoop 100. For the bent portion 2B21, the base material 10 is also bent and plastically deformed, and the bent state is maintained. The second connecting portion 2B2 has an attachment surface portion 2B22 that is adhered to the second surface portion 2A2. In this embodiment, the second connecting portion 2B2 is adhered to a region Rg0 (see the trapezoidal broken line region in FIG. 4) of the first surface portion 2A1. The attachment surface portion 2B22 is formed in a plate shape and extends in the longitudinal direction C. Note that the attachment surface portion may be coupled by, for example, a thin magnet other than an adhesive, or an uneven portion may be formed on the base material 10 and the two may be fitted together to couple the two, and the coupling method is not particularly limited.

[0024] In the folded state of the scoop 100, the first connecting portion 2B1 and the second connecting portion 2B2 are bent and the first surface portion 2A1 and the second surface portion 2A2 are closer to each other than when in the storable state. In other words, in the folded state of the scoop 100, the first surface portion 2A1 and the second surface portion 2A2 are closer to each other (close to each other) and are flat. Here, the flat plate shape does not necessarily mean that the first surface portion 2A1 and the second surface portion 2A2 are completely flat, and may be slightly curved. Moreover, being close to each other means that the opposing distance between the first surface 2A1 and the second surface 2A2 is, for example, 3 mm or less. When the scoop 100 is in the folded state, the scooping portion 1 is in the shape of a flat plate. In the folded state of shovel 100, a force (elastic force) that tries to restore the original shape is generated due to the nature of the constituent material of shovel 100. For this reason, in the embodiment, the folded state of shovel 100 refers to a state in which shovel 100 is maintained in a pushed-in state as shown in Fig. 5C due to an external force from the user or a binding force of a bundling member such as a rubber or a string (not shown), and the first surface portion 2A1 and the bottom portion 3 are in contact, and the second surface portion 2A2 and the bottom portion 3 are in contact.

[0025] In addition, in the retractable state of the scoop 100, the first connecting portion 2B1 and the second connecting portion 2B2 are extended, and the first surface portion 2A1 and the second surface portion 2A2 are cylindrical. Also, the scooping portion 1 is curved or bent (curved in the embodiment).

[0026] In the embodiment, the mounting surface portion 2B22 is described as being connected to the second connecting portion 2B2, but this is not limited thereto, and the mounting surface portion 2B22 may be connected to the first surface portion 2A1. In this case, the mounting surface portion is adhered to the second surface portion 2A2.

[0027] In the embodiment, the first connecting portion 2B1 and the second connecting portion 2B2 extend parallel to each other. In other words, the first connecting portion 2B1 and the second connecting portion 2B2 extend in the longitudinal direction C. Note that the first connecting portion 2B1 and the second connecting portion 2B2 do not have to be completely parallel to each other. Specifically, the first connecting portion 2B1 is, for example, 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, or 3.0 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction C, and may be within a range between any two of the values ​​exemplified here. For example, the first connecting portion 2B1 is, with respect to the longitudinal direction C, 0 degrees or more and 3 degrees or less. The second connecting portion 2B2 is, for example, 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, or 3.0 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction C, and may be within a range between any two of the values ​​exemplified here. For example, the second connecting portion 2B2 is, for example, 0 degrees or more and 3 degrees or less with respect to the longitudinal direction C. The angle of the first connecting portion 2B1 relative to the longitudinal direction C and the angle of the second connecting portion 2B2 relative to the longitudinal direction C may be the same as or different from each other.

[0028] In this way, the first connecting portion 2B1 and the second connecting portion 2B2 are parallel or nearly parallel, making it easy for the user to grip the shovel 100. That is, in the case of a plastic shovel, the shape of the grip portion may be cylindrical, tapering from the scooping portion side toward the grip portion side. Since the shape of a plastic shovel is fixed, the user can grip even such a tapered cylindrical shape. In contrast, in the embodiment, the base material 10 has a moderate rigidity but is foldable, and is therefore more elastic than the above-mentioned resin scoop. If the material constituting the scoop 100 has a high elasticity, the scoop 100 will be difficult for a user to grip if it has a tapered cylindrical shape, as described above. To avoid this, the first connecting portion 2B1 and the second connecting portion 2B2 of the scoop 100 are configured to be parallel or nearly parallel.

[0029] 4, the length D (mm) of the first connecting portion 2B1 and the second connecting portion 2B2 in the longitudinal direction is, for example, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 1110, 115, 120, 125, 130, 135, 140, 145, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, or may be within a range between any two of the numerical values ​​exemplified here. The length of the first connecting portion 2B1 and the second connecting portion 2B2 in the longitudinal direction may be the same or different.

[0030] 1-3.Bottom 3 3 and 4, the bottom portion 3 has a first plate-shaped portion 3A, a second plate-shaped portion 3B, and a bent portion 3C. The first plate-shaped portion 3A is connected to the first surface portion 2A1. The second plate-shaped portion 3B is connected to the second surface portion 2A2. Specifically, the first plate-shaped portion 3A has a first main body portion 3A1 configured in a half-moon shape, and a first arm portion 3A2 connected to the first surface portion 2A1. The second plate-shaped portion 3B has a second main body portion 3B1 configured in a half-moon shape, and a second arm portion 3B2 connected to the second surface portion 2A2.

[0031] The first main body portion 3A1 and the second main body portion 3B1 are connected at the bent portion 3C. In other words, the bent portion 3C is connected to the first plate-shaped portion 3A and the second plate-shaped portion 3B. The bent portion 3C is formed to be bendable, and extends from the first connecting portion 2B1 side to the second connecting portion 2B2 side. As a result, when the user pushes the scoop 100 in the stowable state in the crushing direction (see FIG. 5B), the bottom portion 3 bends around the bent portion 3C as an axis and is quickly folded up (see FIG. 5C).

[0032] 3 and 4, the folding portion 3C is formed in a perforated shape. Since the folding portion 3C is formed in a perforated shape, the bottom portion 3 is easily bent, and as a result, the scoop 100 is easily deformed into a folded state. Note that the perforations are cuts formed at intervals.

[0033] The first piece 3A2 is provided along the first surface portion 2A1, and the second piece 3B2 is provided along the second surface portion 2A2. The first piece 3A2 is bonded to a region Rg1 (see the dashed line region in FIG. 4) of the first surface portion 2A1. The second piece 3B2 is bonded to a region Rg2 (see the dashed line region in FIG. 4) of the second surface portion 2A2. The region Rg1 is located at the end of the first surface portion 2A1 on the bottom 3 side in the longitudinal direction C. The region Rg2 is located at the end of the second surface portion 2A2 on the bottom 3 side in the longitudinal direction C.

[0034] The first arm 3A2 is provided with a pair of bent portions 3t, and the second arm 3B2 is provided with one bent portion 3t. These bent portions 3t are formed by bending the base material 10 to plastically deform the base material 10, similar to the bent portion 2B11 described above. In addition, the bent portions 3t are formed in a perforated shape, making it easy to fold the bottom portion 3 quickly.

[0035] In the embodiment, one of the first piece 3A2 and the second piece 3B2 is integrally connected to the grip portion 2, and the other of the first piece 3A2 and the second piece 3B2 is connected by being adhered to the grip portion 2. Note that the connection method is not particularly limited; for example, they may be connected by a thin magnet other than an adhesive, or an uneven portion may be formed on the base material 10 and the two may be fitted together to connect them.

[0036] Here, in the folded state, the thickest part of the scoop 100 is the part where the bottom part 3 is provided. This is because the four plates (the first surface part 2A1, the first plate-shaped part 3A, the second plate-shaped part 3B, and the second surface part 2A2) overlap at this position. Here, as shown in FIG. 5C, the thickness T of the thickest part of the scoop 100 in the folded state is 6 mm or less. In this way, the lower profile of the scoop 100 in the folded state is advantageous during transportation and storage. In particular, the larger the volume during transportation, the higher the transportation cost, so by transporting the scoop 100 in the folded state, it becomes easier to ensure the profits of the person selling the scoop 100.

[0037] 2. Functions and Effects of the Embodiments The scoop 100 is configured to be transformable between a folded state and a stowable state. 5C, in the folded state, the first connecting portion 2B1 and the second connecting portion 2B2 are bent, the first surface portion 2A1 and the second surface portion 2A2 are closer to each other than in the storable state and form a flat plate, and the scooping portion 1 also forms a flat plate. This makes it possible to prevent the scoop 100 from becoming bulky. In the storable state, the first connecting portion 2B1 and the second connecting portion 2B2 are extended, the first surface portion 2A1 and the second surface portion 2A2 are cylindrical, and the scooping portion 1 is curved or bent. In other words, when the user uses the scoop 100, the scoop 100 is transformed from the folded state to the storable state, and the first and second connecting portions are extended, the first surface portion and the second surface portion are cylindrical, and the scooping portion is curved or bent. This allows the user to properly scoop up soil and store the soil in the scoop 100.

[0038] 3. Variations In the embodiment, the shovel 100 is constructed by folding one sheet of base material 10 and connecting the constituent parts of the base material 10 to each other, but this is not limited thereto. The shovel 100 may be constructed from a plurality of sheets of base material 10. For example, when the first surface portion 2A1 and the second surface portion 2A2 are constructed from different base materials (independent base materials), the first connecting portion 2B1 may have an attachment surface portion similar to the second connecting portion 2B2, and the attachment surface portion may be bonded to the second connecting portion 2B2 to connect them to each other. Here, the first surface portion 2A1 and the second surface portion 2A2 are described as being constructed from different base materials, but other portions (for example, the bottom portion 3, etc.) may also be constructed from different base materials. The number of sheets of base material 10 constituting the shovel 100 may be, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, and may be within a range between any two of the numerical values ​​exemplified here.

[0039] In the embodiment, the scoop 100 has been described as being used in gardening (as a soil container), but is not limited thereto. The scoop 100 may be used, for example, to scoop up small solid foods or powdered foods (for example, flour, breadcrumbs, rice, beans, spices, etc.). [Explanation of symbols]

[0040] 100: Shovel 10: Base material 1: Scooping section 2: Grip part 2A1: First surface part 2A2: Second surface part 2A21 ;edge 2B1: 1st connection part 2B11: Bent part 2B2: 2nd connection part 2B21: Bent part 2B22: Mounting surface part 3: Bottom 3A: First plate-shaped portion 3A1: 1st main body part 3A2: 1st piece 3B: 2nd plate-shaped part 3B1: 2nd main body part 3B2: 2nd piece 3C: Bent part 3t: bending part

Claims

1. A scoop having a scooping part and a gripping part, The scoop is configured to be transformable between a folded state and a stowable state, The scooping portion is provided so as to protrude from the gripping portion, The grip portion has first and second connecting portions and first and second surface portions, The first surface portion and the second surface portion are provided to face each other, One end of the first surface portion and one end of the second surface portion are connected by a first connecting portion, The other end of the first surface portion and the other end of the second surface portion are connected by a second connecting portion, The first and second connecting portions extend from the scooping portion side to the gripping portion side and are bendable, In the folded state, the first and second connecting portions are folded, so that the first surface portion and the second surface portion are closer to each other than in the storable state and are flat, and the scooping portion is flat, A shovel in which, in the storable state, the first and second connecting portions are extended, the first surface portion and the second surface portion form a cylindrical shape, and the scooping portion is curved or bent.

2. 2. The scoop according to claim 1, Further comprising a plate-shaped bottom portion, The bottom portion has first and second plate-shaped portions and a bent portion, The first plate portion is connected to the first surface portion, The second plate portion is connected to the second surface portion, A shovel, wherein the folding portion is connected to the first plate portion and the second plate portion, is formed to be bendable, and extends from the first connecting portion side to the second connecting portion side.

3. The scoop according to claim 2, A scoop, wherein the folded portion is formed in a perforated shape.

4. The scoop according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A shovel, wherein the first and second connecting portions form an angle of 0 degrees or more and 3 degrees or less with respect to the longitudinal direction of the shovel.

5. The scoop according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The scoop is composed of a single plate-shaped base material.

6. The scoop according to claim 5, The substrate is made of a mixed material of an inorganic substance and a resin, pulp, a resin material, or a metal material; The inorganic material is larger in weight ratio than the resin, The resin material is acrylic resin, polycarbonate resin, or PET resin.

7. 7. The scoop according to claim 6, The base material has a thickness of 0.2 mm or more and 1.5 mm or less.

8. The scoop according to claim 7, The shovel has a thickness of 6 mm or less at its thickest part in the folded state.

Images