Young tree protector

Abstract

To provide a young tree protector that has a simplified constitution and easy assembly work, and does not block the growth of a young tree.SOLUTION: A young tree protector 1 includes: a cylindrical body 9 made of a resin net-like member having air permeability and light transmissivity, and including an overlapping part 4 in which at least two net-like members are overlapped and two bent parts 7a,7b protruded in directions separating from each other; and two connection parts 3a, 3b for connecting at least two net-like materials of the overlapping part 4 parallelly along a longer direction of the cylindrical body 9.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a young tree protector for protecting young trees planted in the ground from damage caused by pests and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] A conventional young tree protector is described in, for example, Patent Document 1. The sapling protector described in Patent Document 1 includes a cylindrical protective net for covering saplings and the like to prevent the saplings and the like from being eaten by wild animals, a support material disposed inside or outside the protective net, a first ring, and a second ring. The support material is fixed in a spiral shape to the peripheral wall of the protective net. The first ring is substantially annular and is integrally provided at one end of the support material. The second ring is substantially annular and is integrally provided at the other end of the support material. The protective net is configured to stably stand on its own cylindrically on the ground by fixing the support material to rod-shaped posts driven into the ground. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-161302 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the prior art of the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, a support material that holds the protective net in a cylindrical or truncated cone shape, a first ring, and a second ring are provided, and the support material is fixed to the support pole at multiple points by fasteners, so that the number of parts is large and the structure is complicated. Such a protection device for seedlings, etc. has a problem that the manufacturing cost is high, the assembly work on site is complicated, and the assembly work is time-consuming. In addition, in the prior art of Patent Document 1, a spiral support material is provided on the inside or outside of the protective net, so that when a young tree grows, the branch may get caught on the support material, which may hinder the normal growth of the young tree.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT An object of the present invention is to provide a young tree protector which has a simplified structure, is easy to assemble, and does not impede the growth of young trees. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention relates to a cylindrical body made of a resin mesh material having air permeability and light transmission properties, the cylindrical body including an overlapping portion where at least two sheets of mesh material are overlapped, and two folded portions that are convex in directions away from each other; and two joints that join the at least two mesh materials of the overlapping portion in parallel along the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical body.

[0007] The present invention is also characterized in that it further includes a support made of fiber-reinforced plastic inserted between the mesh material of the non-jointed portion of the overlapping portion between the two joints.

[0008] In addition, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a piezoelectric actuator, the piezoelectric actuator having a diameter of 7 mm or more and 12 mm or less, The non-jointed portion has a circumferential length of 25 mm or more and 35 mm or less.

[0009] In the present invention, the two joining portions are made of sewing thread that forms a stitch.

[0010] In the present invention, the resin is polypropylene.

[0011] In the present invention, the net material is a plain weave fabric of monofilament yarn having a thickness of 380 denier or more and 480 denier or less. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, the young tree protector includes a tubular body made of a resin mesh material having air permeability and light transmissivity. The tubular body includes an overlapping portion where at least two sheets of mesh material overlap, and two bent portions that are convex in directions away from each other. The tubular body is attached to cover a young tree planted on the ground when in use, and the tubular body can be installed upright on the ground by inserting a support into the overlapping portion and driving one end of the support into the ground. Since the tubular body has two bent portions, when the tubular body is installed upright on the ground by the support, the shape of the tubular body can be changed from a flat closed state to a cylindrical open state by the two bent portions without the worker having to manually unfold the tubular body into a cylindrical shape. In this way, the assembly work of the young tree protector is facilitated, and a young tree protector that does not hinder the growth of young trees with a simple configuration can be provided.

[0013] According to the present invention, the poles made of fiber-reinforced plastic are inserted between the mesh materials in the non-jointed parts of the overlapping parts, so that the young tree protector is lightweight, has high strength, and has high resistance to loads caused by snow accumulation and strong winds, and can prevent the young tree protector from collapsing due to snow accumulation and strong winds.Furthermore, since the fiber-reinforced plastic has excellent fatigue properties, it has high resistance to repeated loads such as snow accumulation and strong winds, can maintain the cylindrical body for a long period of time, and can provide a young tree protector with high weather resistance.

[0014] According to the present invention, the pole is made of a material having a diameter of 7 mm to 12 mm. Since the circumferential length of the non-jointed portion is 25 mm to 35 mm, it is not necessary to provide a separate structure for inserting the pole on the cylindrical body, and the overlapping portion can be formed at the same time as the cylindrical body to insert the pole. This reduces the number of manufacturing steps for the young tree protector, improving productivity. In addition, when the pole is inserted between at least two net materials, the net material of the non-jointed portion comes into contact with the pole, so that the frictional force against the pole prevents the cylindrical body from slipping due to its own weight. This allows the cylindrical body to be kept standing upright on the ground, and a young tree protector that can protect young trees for a long period of time with a simple structure can be provided.

[0015] Furthermore, according to the present invention, since the two joints are made of sewing thread that forms the seams, at least two sheets of net material can be sewn together easily and in a short time using a sewing device such as an industrial sewing machine to form a cylindrical body with an overlapping portion. This simplifies the manufacturing process of young tree protectors, improves productivity, and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0016] According to the present invention, polypropylene is used as the resin constituting the net material. Polypropylene has a specific gravity of 0.90 to 0.91, which is smaller than water, and a cylindrical body formed of a net material made of polypropylene has excellent weather resistance, and floats even if it is immersed in water due to rainfall, so it can be easily recovered. This makes it possible to suppress environmental pollution caused by the cylindrical body.

[0017] Furthermore, according to the present invention, since the net material is made of a plain weave of monofilament yarn of 380 denier or more and 480 denier or less, even if the cylindrical body is subjected to a high tensile force by the claws or the like due to an attack by a wild animal, the monofilament yarn is prevented from easily breaking, and it is possible to realize a cylindrical body that has high resistance to attacks by wild animals, strong winds, snow accumulation, etc. As a result, even if the cylindrical body is subjected to a load due to an attack by a wild animal, strong winds, snow accumulation, etc., it is not easily broken and can maintain a state in which it covers the young trees, protecting them. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a young tree protector 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the young tree protector 1 taken along the cutting line II-II in FIG. [Diagram 3] 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of an overlapping portion 4 of the young tree protector 1. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view perpendicular to an axis, showing a schematic configuration of a young tree protector 1. [Diagram 5]2 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a cylindrical body 9. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a young tree protector 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the visual inspection apparatus of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings used in the following description are schematic, and the dimensional ratios and the like in the drawings do not necessarily correspond to the actual ones.

[0020] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a young tree protector 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the young tree protector 1 taken along the section line II-II in Fig. 1, and Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of an overlapping portion 4 of the young tree protector 1. The young tree protector 1 is used to protect young trees T, such as seedlings or young trees, planted on the ground 6 by afforestation from damage caused by wild animals, such as deer, rabbits, wild boars, and mice, from snow accumulation, strong winds, and the like. Examples of young trees T include plants from the Cupressaceae family, such as Japanese cedar, Japanese cypress, and Japanese juniper; the Cannabaceae family, such as Japanese knotweed; the Fagaceae family, such as Quercus serrata, chestnut, sawtooth oak, and Ubamegashi oak; the Betulaceae family, such as Japanese white birch, alder, and alder; the Amaranthaceae family, such as sugar beet; the Rosaceae family, such as strawberry, peach, apple, plum, pear, and cherry; the Polygonaceae family; the Pinaceae family, such as red pine and black pine; the Urticaceae family; the Elm family, such as Zelkova; the Juglandaceae family; the Ginkgoaceae family; the Fabaceae family; the Salicaceae family; the Vitaceae family; the Caryophyllaceae family; the Theaceae family; the Brassicaceae family; the Rutaceae family; the Umbelliaceae family; the Oleaceae family; the Yew family; the Meliaceae family; and the like. Such young trees T are about 50 cm to 70 cm tall, and are known to grow to about 150 cm tall in three years after planting, and thereafter to be almost no damage caused by wild animals.

[0021] The young tree protector 1 of this embodiment is a cylindrical body 9 made of a resin mesh material having breathability and light transmission properties, and includes an overlapping portion 4 where at least two sheets of mesh material overlap, and the cylindrical body 9 including two folded portions 7a, 7b that are convex in directions away from each other, and two joints 3a, 3b that join the at least two sheets of mesh material of the overlapping portion 4 in parallel along the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical body 9. The overlapping portion 4 is formed by overlapping both widthwise end portions 2a, 2b of the strip-shaped mesh material perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and joining them by the two joints 3a, 3b in parallel along the longitudinal direction.

[0022] The net material is a plain weave fabric using resin monofilament yarns as the warp yarns 17 and weft yarns 18. The fabric is woven into a strip having a width of 900 mm to 1200 mm by a loom, and a long original cloth is prepared by winding it on a take-up reel provided on the loom. This long original cloth is cut to a predetermined length, for example, 1700 mm, before sewing to produce the required number of short strips of net material (for example, 200 to 300 pieces), and this net material is used as the material for the cylindrical body 9.

[0023] Plain weave refers to a weave structure in which warp threads 17 and weft threads 18 are alternately interwoven. Plain weave has a strong binding property between threads, resulting in a firm texture. Plain weave is also suitable for fine mesh materials because it is less likely to cause thread slippage. Furthermore, plain weave has excellent breathability and light transmittance, so it can provide an environment suitable for the growth of young trees T. In this embodiment, plain weave polypropylene fiber refers to a fiber made of a long-chain synthetic polymer whose main component is propylene "-CH2·CHCH3-". Polypropylene is light with a specific gravity of 0.91, floats on water, has high tensile strength, and has excellent chemical resistance and water resistance.

[0024] The overlapping portion 4 is formed by sewing parallel to the side edge 2a1 of one end 2a of the net material at a position of width B1 in the width direction from the side edge 2a1 with a single-needle industrial sewing machine to form a seam 3c, and an auxiliary sheet 11 is sewn to one end 2a of the net material. The auxiliary sheet 11 is made of soft polyvinyl chloride, for example, and has the same width as the width B2 of the overlapping portion 4 and the same length as the length of the short net material. By interposing such an auxiliary sheet 11 between one end 2a and the other end 2b, the misalignment between both ends 2a, 2b during sewing is suppressed, and even if the joints 3a, 3b are formed by sewing at high speed with an industrial sewing machine, the seam can be formed parallel to the side edges 2a1, 2b1, and the misalignment of each joint 3a, 3b can be suppressed. The width B1 may be, for example, 15 mm.

[0025] When the width of the mesh material is 900 mm and the width B2 of the overlapping portion 4 is 110 mm, the diameter of the tubular body 9 is 251 mm when converted into a circle, and when the width of the mesh material is 1200 and the width B2 of the overlapping portion 4 is 110 mm, the diameter of the tubular body 9 is 347 mm when converted into a circle. If the width of the mesh material is 900 mm to 1200 mm, almost all young trees can be accommodated in the tubular body 9 without hindering their normal growth.

[0026] After the auxiliary sheet 11 is sewn to one end 2a of the net material, the one end 2a and the other end 2b are overlapped by a width B2, and are simultaneously sewn by a two-needle industrial sewing machine from the seam 3c on one side edge 2a1 to a position of width B3 and from the other side edge 2b1 to a position of width B4, forming an overlapping portion 4 joined by two joining portions 3a, 3b having a length B5 in the circumferential direction. The width B2 may be, for example, 110 mm, the width B3 may be, for example, 25 mm, and the width B4 may be, for example, 35 mm. In this case, the length B5 of each joining portion 3a, 3b is 35 mm.

[0027] In another embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned auxiliary sheet 11 is used to suppress misalignment of each end 2a, 2b to be joined to each other, but if each end 2a, 2b can be positioned by other techniques such as a roller, the auxiliary sheet 11 does not have to be used.

[0028] The overlapping portion 4 may be configured by overlapping at least two sheets of a mesh material. For example, if it is necessary to increase the tensile strength of the overlapping portion 4, it may be configured by overlapping three or more sheets of the same material as the mesh material or a different material. The different material may be, for example, a resin sheet material or a mesh material.

[0029] In this embodiment, the pole 12 is a rod-shaped member made of FRP (Fiber-Reinforced Plastics) having a diameter φ of 7 mm to 12 mm and a length of 2.1 m. The length of the young tree protector 1 is, for example, 1700 mm, and the pole 12 is inserted into the overlapping portion 4 of the cylindrical body 9 and driven into the ground 6 by an operator for about 40 cm, so that the cylindrical body 9 is erected on the ground 6 in an approximately cylindrical open state. In addition, the two joints 3a and 3b have a circumferential length B5 of 25 mm to 35 mm, so that there is no need to provide a separate structure for inserting the pole 12 in the cylindrical body 9, and the overlapping portion 4 is formed to form the gap 13 for inserting the pole 12 at the same time as the cylindrical body 9. This reduces the number of manufacturing steps for the young tree protector 1, improving productivity.

[0030] Furthermore, when the support 12 is inserted between the two joints 3a, 3b and between the mesh material between both ends 2a, 2b, the non-jointed portion between the two joints 3a, 3b of both ends 2a, 2b of the mesh material comes into contact with the support 12, suppressing displacement of the tubular body 9 from the support 12 due to its own weight. This allows the tubular body 9 to be installed in a generally cylindrical shape standing upright from the ground 6. This simplifies the configuration of the young tree protector 1, and the young tree T can be protected by maintaining the young tree T in a contained state for a long period of time.

[0031] Since the circumferential length B5 between the two joints 3a, 3b is set to 25 mm or more and 35 mm or less for the support 12 having a diameter of 7 mm or more and 12 mm or less, the support 12 can be easily inserted into the gap 13 between the overlapping mesh material between the two joints 3a, 3b. The support 12 is sandwiched between the mesh material and held by the support 12. This prevents the cylindrical body 9 from easily shifting from the support 12 due to the load even if a load is applied to the cylindrical body 9 due to strong wind or snow accumulation, and the cylindrical body 9 can be maintained in an appropriate attachment state to the young tree T. If the cylindrical body 9 shifts from the support 12 due to the load, the cylindrical body 9 moves upward or downward along the support 12. If the cylindrical body 9 moves upward along the support 12, the lower end of the cylindrical body 9 will leave the ground 6 and it will no longer be possible to maintain the state in which it covers the young tree T. Furthermore, if the cylindrical body 9 moves downward along the support 12, the cylindrical body 9 will be compressed on the ground 6, causing many wrinkles, and the branches of the young tree T will come into contact with the cylindrical body 9, hindering normal growth of the young tree T. In contrast, since the support 12 has a diameter of 7 mm to 12 mm and a width direction length B5 between the joints 3a, 3b of 25 mm to 35 mm, the support 12 is sandwiched with moderate pressure by both ends 2a, 2b of the net material, and the frictional force between both ends 2a, 2b and the support 12 can suppress the displacement of the cylindrical body 9. This eliminates the need to fix the cylindrical body 9 to the support 12, and allows the appropriate attachment state to the young tree T to be maintained.

[0032] In addition, because the two joints 3a, 3b are formed by seams, both ends 2a, 2b of the net material can be sewn together easily and in a short time by a sewing device such as an industrial sewing machine to form the overlapping portion 4 and the cylindrical body 9. This facilitates the manufacturing process of the young tree protector 1 and improves productivity. As the sewing device, for example, an industrial lockstitch sewing machine equipped with two needles can be used.

[0033] In another embodiment of the present invention, the mesh material used for the cylindrical body 9 may be, instead of the polypropylene monofilament yarn described above, for example, polylactic acid fiber under the trade name "Ecodia" (registered trademark) manufactured by Toray Industries, Inc. The young tree T is, for example, a sapling of a cedar, a cypress, or the like, and since vermin such as deer, bears, and field mice eat the undergrowth outside the young tree protector 1 and the lower branches inside the young tree protector 1 die, work of weeding and pruning can be reduced.

[0034] The biodegradable resin is an aliphatic polyester polymer or an aliphatic polyesteramide copolymer, and is selected from the group consisting of polylactic acid, copolymers of lactic acid and other hydroxycarboxylic acids, polybutylene succinate, polyethylene succinate, polybutylene adipate, polybutylene succinate / adipate copolymers, polyhydroxybutyrate / valerate copolymers, poly-β-hydroxybutyric acid, polycaprolactone, and copolymers of caprolactone and other hydroxycarboxylic acids.

[0035] The tubular body 9 of the young tree protector 1 is made of a polylactic acid fiber under the product name "Ecodia" manufactured by Toray Industries, Inc. as a resin monofilament thread. This allows the tubular body 9 of the young tree protector 1 to decompose into water and carbon dioxide over time. After the young tree T has grown, only the support 12 needs to be removed, thereby reducing the workload of maintenance and management.

[0036] Since the cylindrical body 9 is made of monofilament yarn, the cylindrical body 9 itself drapes downward under its own weight, but the support 12 is inserted into the gap 13 between both ends 2a, 2b between the two joints 3a, 3b, and the cylindrical body 9 is provided with two bent parts 7a, 7b, so that the cylindrical body 9 has a stronger stiffness and has improved rigidity. Therefore, an internal space that does not inhibit the growth of the young tree T can be formed inside the cylindrical body 9. If the support 12 is not inserted into the overlapping part 4, it is impossible to stand the cylindrical body 9 on the ground 6. The support 12 suppresses deformation of the cylindrical body 9 due to draping, and the cylindrical body 9 can be installed in an upright state on the ground 6.

[0037] For example, a fiber-reinforced plastics (FRP) pole having a diameter of 8 mm and a length of 2.1 m is used as the pole 12. When the length of the cylindrical body 9 is 170 cm, the lower end of the pole 12 is driven into the ground 6 to a depth of about 40 cm.

[0038] Since the cylindrical body 9 has two bent portions 7a, 7b, each of the bent portions 7a, 7b functions as a rib, so to speak, and it is possible to suppress inward deformation of the cylindrical body 9 due to draping.

[0039] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the cylindrical body 9. Referring also to Fig. 4, the bent portions 7a and 7b are positioned so as to intersect with a second imaginary plane that includes the central axis L1 of the cylindrical body 9 and is perpendicular to the first imaginary plane, the second imaginary plane including the central axis L1 and perpendicular to the first imaginary plane, with respect to the first imaginary plane including the central axis L1. Therefore, the bent portions 7a and 7b are positioned almost symmetrically with respect to the first imaginary plane, and are formed to be convex in directions away from each other. Such bent portions 7a and 7b may be formed as creases by folding the cylindrical body 9 flat along the first imaginary plane without special processing, for example, when the young tree protector 1 is packed in a cardboard box for product shipment.

[0040] Furthermore, the cylindrical body 9 provided with the two bent parts 7a, 7b has higher rigidity than a case without the bent parts 7a, 7b, and therefore the buckling strength of the cylindrical body 9 as a long column in the direction of the central axis L1 is increased, suppressing deformation of the cylindrical body 9 due to its own weight. Therefore, an internal space is formed within the cylindrical body 9, and a space in which the young tree T can grow normally during use can be secured. The two bent portions 7a, 7b are formed as creases by folding the cylindrical body 9 flat, so that the two bent portions 7a, 7b are formed convex in the direction away from each other, and when the support 12 is inserted into the overlapping portion 4 to erect the cylindrical body 9, the rigidity of the bent portions 7a, 7b suppresses the inward deformation (drape) of the portion of the net material connected to the bent portions 7a, 7b due to its own weight, and the cylindrical body 9 is prevented from bending inward under its own weight and reducing the internal space of the cylindrical body 9 by changing the state in which the bent portions 7a, 7b open in the direction away from each other from the flat closed state. By providing the two bent portions 7a, 7b in the cylindrical body 9 in this way, it is possible to increase the rigidity of the cylindrical body 9 with a simple structure with a small number of parts, and to ensure a space that does not hinder the normal growth of the young tree T.

[0041] The overlapping portion 4 is joined at two parallel joints 3a, 3b along the longitudinal direction with both ends 2a, 2b of the width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the strip-shaped net material overlapped, so that the support 12 can be inserted between the two joints 3a, 3b of the overlapping portion 4. The widthwise length B5 of the two joints 3a, 3b is selected to a predetermined dimension corresponding to the diameter φ of the support 12. The predetermined dimension of the length B5 is selected to be 25 mm or more and 35 mm or less when the diameter φ of the support 12 is, for example, 8 mm. This allows the support 12 to be clamped with an appropriate pressure by the ends 2a, 2b between the two joints 3a, 3b. The appropriate clamping force refers to a force that can generate a friction force that makes it easy to insert the support 12 between the overlapping portions 4 and prevents the support 12 from easily slipping out of between the overlapping portions 4 after insertion.

[0042] The young tree protector 1 of this embodiment has an overlapping portion 4 in which the mesh material is joined at two joints 3a, 3b, and therefore even if the mesh material is a woven fabric, fraying of the threads of the tubular body 9 is suppressed, and deterioration over time due to long-term use is small, so that the young tree T can be protected from damage by the tubular body 9 for a long period of 10 to 20 years. Furthermore, by using polypropylene yarn as the resin monofilament yarn, it has high resistance to sunlight, wind, snow, and rain, is less susceptible to deterioration over time, and can provide high reliability in protecting the young tree T.

[0043] The FRP support 12 has a wide range of elastically deformable loads, and even if a large load acts on the support 12 due to the weight of snow accumulated on the cylindrical body 9 and strong winds, the support 12 can be prevented from being damaged or deformed. When the snow accumulated on the cylindrical body 9 melts and the load on the cylindrical body 9 is reduced, the support 12 returns to the straight shape it had before the load was applied. In addition, the FRP support 12 is lightweight and convenient to carry at a site such as in the mountains. The number of support 12 used is not limited to one, and multiple support 12 may be used. In this case, only one support 12 may be inserted into the overlapping portion 4, and the remaining support 12 may be tied to the one support 12 inserted into the overlapping portion 4 by a string or wire. The diameter of the support 12 is not limited to 7 mm or more and 12 mm or less, and support 12 exceeding 12 mm may be used as long as it can be inserted between the mesh material between the joints 3a and 3b of the overlapping portion 4.

[0044] 3, the warp threads 17 are represented by circles and the weft threads 18 are represented by solid lines. The warp threads 17 extend in the length direction of the young tree protector 1, and the weft threads 18 extend in the circumferential direction of the young tree protector 1 perpendicular to the warp threads 17. The length of the young tree protector 1 is approximately 1500 mm to 1700 mm, and the circular equivalent diameter of the cylindrical body 9 is approximately 350 mm to 600 mm.

[0045] The mesh material of the tubular body 9 is composed of, for example, 18 to 24 warp threads 17 per inch and 18 to 24 weft threads 18 per inch. The warp threads 17 and the weft threads 18 are made of, for example, polypropylene monofilament threads having a denier of 380 to 480.

[0046] The characteristics of polypropylene are specific gravity of 0.90 to 0.91 and tensile strength of 280 kgf / cm 2 , bending strength is 385~560kgf / cm 2 , and has high resistance to acids, alkalis, and organic solvents. In addition, polypropylene of a highly weather-resistant grade having a strength retention rate of 85 to 95% after 500 hours of weather resistance testing can be suitably used. The cylindrical body 9 is formed by a fabric using monofilament yarns made of such polypropylene as the warp yarns 17 and the weft yarns 18, so that the cylindrical body 9 is lightweight yet has high strength, reduces the workload of the worker installing the young tree protector 1, and can protect the young tree T for a long period of time against the collision force, biting force, and claw force of harmful animals.

[0047] By using polypropylene monofilament yarn, deterioration due to sunlight is reduced and the breathability of the tubular body 9 can be appropriately ensured. This suppresses stagnation of air inside the tubular body 9, and prevents the young trees T from dying due to a temperature rise inside the tubular body 9 caused by sunlight. In addition, it is possible to prevent the tips of the leaves of the young trees T from protruding outside the tubular body 9 through the gaps between the warp threads 17 and weft threads 18 that weave the tubular body 9, and thus prevent the young trees T from being eaten by harmful animals.

[0048] The support 12 inserted into the overlapping portion 4 is covered by each end 2a, 2b, so that the young tree T can be prevented from wrapping around the support 12. This can prevent the young tree T from wrapping around the support 12 and hindering the growth of the young tree T. In addition, since the overlapping portion 4 is connected to the cylindrical body 9 in the circumferential direction, the young tree T cannot wrap around the insertion portion 3, so that the young tree T can be prevented from wrapping around the overlapping portion 4 and hindering the growth of the young tree T.

[0049] The lower end of the cylindrical body 9 is fixed by a stake 10 driven into the ground 6 in which the young tree T has been planted. The stake 10 can be made using a long and slender piece of bamboo. A tip 10a of the stake 10 in the driving direction is formed at an acute angle to reduce the resistance that the stake 10 receives from the ground 6 when being driven. The other end 10b of the stake 10 is provided with a locking portion 10c that protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the driving direction and presses against the cylindrical body 9. The locking portion 10c may be realized by, for example, a recess formed by cutting out the other end 10b.

[0050] In the young tree protector 1, the lower end of the cylindrical body 9 is fixed to the ground 6 by the stake 10, so that a gap is prevented from occurring between the lower end of the cylindrical body 9 and the ground 6 in which the young tree T is planted, and the young tree T can be maintained in a state covered by the cylindrical body 9. This prevents the young tree T from being exposed to the outside due to the cylindrical body 9 being blown by the wind. It also prevents harmful animals from rolling up the lower end of the cylindrical body 9 and damaging the young tree T, and prevents the young tree T from being damaged by harmful animals.

[0051] 6 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a young tree protector 1a according to another embodiment of the present invention. The same reference numerals are used for parts corresponding to those in the above-mentioned embodiment, and duplicated explanations are omitted. In the young tree protector 1 of the above-mentioned embodiment, the support 12 inserted into the overlapping portion 4 is driven into the ground 6 to hold the cylindrical body 9 to the support 12. However, in the young tree protector 1a of this embodiment, in order to use in areas with a lot of snowfall or strong winds, the support 12 inserted into the overlapping portion 4 may be clamped from the outside of the overlapping portion 4 by one or more clips 20 to fix the cylindrical body 9 to the support 12. The clip 20 may be configured to be fitted from above the insertion portion 3 with the support 12 inserted into the insertion portion 3, and may be configured, for example, by a member having a substantially C-shaped cross section in which a part in the circumferential direction of a metal cylinder such as an aluminum alloy or stainless steel is cut off.

[0052] By clamping the insertion portion 3 to the support 12 with such a clip 20, it is possible to prevent the tubular body 9 from shifting relative to the support 12 in areas where strong winds blow, firmly fix the tubular body 9 to the support 12, achieve a more secure attachment of the tubular body 9 to the young tree T, and prevent the occurrence of gaps between the tubular body 9 and the ground 6.

[0053] In the above-described embodiment, the two joints 3a, 3b are formed by stitching with a sewing machine, but in other embodiments of the present invention, the two joints 3a, 3b may be formed by thermal fusion or ultrasonic bonding.

[0054] According to the present invention, the young tree protector 1, 1a includes a cylindrical body 9 made of a resin mesh material having air permeability and light transmission. The cylindrical body 9 includes an overlapping portion 4 where at least two sheets of mesh material overlap, and two bent portions 7a, 7b that are convex in directions away from each other. When used, the cylindrical body 9 is attached to cover a young tree T planted on the ground 6, and the cylindrical body 9 can be set on the ground 6 by inserting a support 12 into the overlapping portion 4 and driving one end of the support 12 into the ground 6. Since the cylindrical body 9 has two bent portions 7a, 7b, when the cylindrical body 9 is set upright on the ground 6 by the support 12, the shape of the cylindrical body 9 can be changed from a flat closed state to a cylindrical open state by the two bent portions 7a, 7b, without the worker having to manually unfold the cylindrical body 9 into a cylindrical shape. In this way, the assembly work of the young tree protector 1 is facilitated, and a young tree protector that does not hinder the growth of the young tree T with a simple configuration can be provided.

[0055] According to the present invention, the support 12 is made of fiber-reinforced plastic, which is lightweight and strong, and has high resistance to loads caused by snow and strong winds, making it possible to prevent the young tree protector 1, 1a from collapsing due to snow and strong winds. Furthermore, fiber-reinforced plastic has excellent fatigue properties, so it has high resistance to repeated loads such as snow and strong winds, can maintain the cylindrical body 9 for a long period of time, and can provide a young tree protector 1, 1a with high weather resistance.

[0056] According to the present invention, the support 12 is a thin rod-shaped member having a diameter of 7 mm to 12 mm. Since the widthwise distance between the two joints 3a, 3b is set to 25 mm to 35 mm, there is no need to provide a separate structure for inserting the support 12 in the cylindrical body 9. By forming the overlapping portion 4, a portion for inserting the support 12 can be formed simultaneously with the cylindrical body 9. This reduces the number of manufacturing steps for the young tree protector 1, 1a, and improves productivity. When the support 12 is inserted between the two joints 3a, 3b and between the two ends 2a, 2b, the portions between the two joints 3a, 3b of the two ends 2a, 2b of the net-like material are in close contact with the support 12, so that the displacement of the cylindrical body 9 relative to the support 12 due to its own weight is suppressed. This allows the cylindrical body 9 having an internal space to be kept upright from the ground 6, and the structure is simplified, making it possible to provide the young tree protector 1, 1a capable of protecting the young tree T for a long period of time.

[0057] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the two joints 3a, 3b are formed by stitching with sewing thread, so that both ends 2a, 2b in the width direction of the net material can be sewn easily and quickly with a sewing device such as an industrial sewing machine to form the overlapping portion 4 and the cylindrical body 9. This simplifies the manufacturing process of the young tree protectors 1, 1a, improves productivity, and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0058] According to the present invention, polypropylene is used as the resin for the monofilament threads that make up the net material. Polypropylene has a specific gravity of 0.90 to 0.91, which is smaller than water, and the cylindrical body 9 formed from the net material made of polypropylene monofilament threads has excellent weather resistance and floats even when immersed in water due to rainfall, preventing it from being submerged, thereby suppressing soil contamination.

[0059] Furthermore, according to the present invention, since the net material is made of a plain weave of monofilament yarn of 380 denier or more and 480 denier or less, even if the cylindrical body 9 is subjected to a high tensile force by the claws or the like due to an attack by a wild animal, the monofilament yarn is prevented from easily breaking, and it is possible to realize a cylindrical body 9 having high load-bearing capacity against animal attacks, strong winds, snow accumulation, etc. As a result, even if the cylindrical body 9 is subjected to a load due to an attack by a wild animal, strong winds, snow accumulation, etc., the monofilament yarn is prevented from easily breaking, and the young tree T can be maintained in a covered state, preventing damage to the young tree T.

[0060] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and various modifications and improvements are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. It goes without saying that all or part of the components of each of the above-mentioned embodiments can be appropriately combined within the scope of not contradicting each other. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 1,1a Young tree protector 2a, 2b end 3a,3b joint 4. Overlapping section 6 ground T young tree 7a, 7b Bending section 8 Cover 9 Cylindrical body 12 pillars 13. Gap 2a 1st side edge 2b 2nd side edge 20 clips

Claims

1. A cylindrical body made of a resin mesh material having air permeability and light transmission properties, the cylindrical body including an overlapping portion where at least two sheets of the mesh material overlap, and two folded portions that are convex in directions away from each other; and two joints that join the two sheets of mesh material of the overlapping portion in parallel along the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical body.

2. The young tree protector according to claim 1, further comprising a support made of fiber-reinforced plastic inserted between the mesh material of the unjoined portion between the two joints in the overlapping portion.

3. The strut has a diameter of 7 mm or more and 12 mm or less, The young tree protector according to claim 2, characterized in that the circumferential length of the non-jointed portion is 25 mm or more and 35 mm or less.

4. The young tree protector according to claim 1, characterized in that the two joints are made of sewing thread that forms a seam.

5. The young tree protector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the resin is polypropylene.

6. 4. The young tree protector according to claim 1, wherein the net material is made of a plain weave of monofilament yarn having a thickness of 380 denier or more and 480 denier or less.

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