Floated sand pool

Abstract

To provide a sanitary floated sand pool where many children can play together.SOLUTION: A floated sand pool includes a sand pool placement base including a bottom part and a wall part surrounding the periphery of the bottom part. In the sand pool placement base, the bottom part and the wall part hold sand. The sand pool placement base is provided under the bottom part for holding the bottom part above the ground. A bottom surface of the sand pool in which sand is held by the bottom part and the wall part is separated from the ground.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sandbox, and more particularly to a floating sandbox whose bottom is separated from the ground and does not come into contact with the ground. [Background technology]

[0002] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a conventional sandbox 100. Referring to FIG. 12, the conventional sandbox 100 has a rectangular retaining wall 130 in the ground 110, and a permeable layer 140 made of pebbles or crushed stones at the bottom, in which sand 120 is stored. Therefore, during heavy rain, water in the ground flows back into the permeable layer, and there is a risk that germs, moisture, etc. will enter the sandbox 100. As shown in FIG. 13, the conventional sandbox 100 made by digging into the ground 110 has a lot of moisture, which causes problems such as the decay of fallen leaves and serves as a breeding ground for germs, etc. Therefore, centipedes, earthworms, insects, etc. may enter the sandbox 100.

[0003] Conventional sandboxes 100 are constructed as described above and have been used for children to play in. However, because the sandboxes 100 themselves are installed directly in the ground in parks, childcare facilities, etc., they are often soiled with fallen leaves and dog and cat droppings, posing hygiene problems.

[0004] To address this problem, Kotobuki Co., Ltd. has disclosed on its website an example of a sandbox toy that is made by filling a large, bowl-shaped plastic container about 1m in diameter with sand to prevent foreign objects from getting into the sand, and then setting up a sandbox around the bowl where several children can gather to use it as a sandbox. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0005] [Non-Patent Document 1] Kotobuki Corporation website Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Conventional sandboxes were constructed as described above. There were sandboxes similar to sandboxes that took sanitary considerations into account, but the number of children who could play there was limited, and only a few children could play around the bowl, and there was a risk of falling when playing on the sand.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and has as its object to provide a hygienic floating sandbox where many children can play together. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The floating sandbox of the present invention includes a bottom and a wall surrounding the bottom, with sand held between the bottom and the wall, and a sandbox stand provided below the bottom for holding the bottom above the ground, with the bottom surface of the sandbox, with the sand held between the bottom and the wall, being separated from the ground.

[0009] Preferably, the base and walls are constructed from a plurality of logs adjacent to one another.

[0010] More preferably, the bottom or the inside of the wall is covered with a water-permeable sheet.

[0011] The floating sand pit may be provided with a means for moving the floating sand pit.

[0012] An electric heating device may be provided at the bottom or at the bottom and wall of the portion where the sand is held. Effect of the Invention

[0013] In the floating sandbox of the present invention, a sandbox stand is provided between the bottom where the sand is held and the ground, creating a gap, which makes it easier for the bottom to dry and prevents bacteria and insects from the ground from entering the sandbox through the bottom. As a result, a hygienic floating sandbox can be provided where many children can play together. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the basic configuration of a floating sand pit according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view taken in the direction indicated by the arrow 2-2 in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the overall configuration of a floating sand pit based on the basic configuration shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 4 is a side view seen from the direction indicated by the arrow 4-4 in FIG. 3. [Diagram 5] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the sandbox play equipment shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the sandbox play equipment shown in FIG. [Figure 7] 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration in which plate materials are used for the walls of the sandbox play equipment shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 8] 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration in which an electric heater is incorporated into the sand-filled portion of the floating sand pit shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 9] 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration in which an electric heater is incorporated into the sand-filled portion of the floating sand pit shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 10] This is an illustration showing wind passing through the bottom of a floating sand pit. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 shows a child playing in a floating sandbox. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a conventional sandbox play equipment. [Figure 13] This is an illustration showing the negative image of a traditional sandbox. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the basic configuration of a floating sandbox according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view seen from the direction indicated by the arrow 2-2 in FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the floating sandbox 10 is rectangular when viewed from above, and includes a bottom 11 formed of a plurality of adjacent logs, and a wall 13 formed of a plurality of adjacent logs surrounding the periphery of the bottom 11, and sand 15 is held by the bottom 11 and the wall 13. The bottom 11 is held by a sandbox stand 19 made of concrete, metal, or the like for holding the bottom 11 on the ground 17. The sandbox stand 19 is a rectangular parallelepiped member that is continuous with one side of the bottom 11, and at least three of them are arranged at intervals on the side that intersects with one side of the bottom 11, and the sandbox stand 19 forms a gap 16 between the bottom 11 and the ground 17. In this way, a gap 16 is provided between the bottom 11 and the ground 17, allowing air to flow through this portion, making it easy for the floating sand box 10 to dry.

[0016] Here, the floating sand pit 10 is a stationary type and can be moved to any desired location using a lifting machine or the like.

[0017] Rollers or the like may be used for the sandbox stand 19. At this time, since there is a possibility that the floating sandbox 10 may move due to some force, a means of fixing it in place, such as driving stakes into the ground, must be provided.

[0018] The inside of the bottom 11 or the bottom 11 and the walls 13 is covered with a water-permeable sheet 18. In addition, since the bottom 11 and the walls 13 are formed by arranging a plurality of logs adjacent to each other, gaps are formed between the adjacent logs, and the bottom 11 and the walls 13 of the sandbox 10 are water-permeable. The water-permeable sheet 18 may be a mesh-like fabric that prevents sand from leaking from the floating sandbox 10 and prevents underground insects and small animals from entering through the bottom 11 and the walls 13. This allows rainwater to drain away even if it rains on the floating sandbox 10.

[0019] Although not shown here, a punched metal (metal mesh) may be provided inside the logs that form the bottom 11 and the wall 13, and a water-permeable sheet 18 may be provided inside the punched metal.

[0020] In Figures 1 and 2, 11a indicates the bottom sand-containing side, and 11b indicates the bottom ground side.

[0021] Next, the external appearance of the side of the floating sand pit 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2 will be described. Figures 3 and 4 are side views of the external appearance of the floating sand pit shown in Figures 1 and 2. Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the floating sand pit 10 has a wall 13 formed of a plurality of wall logs 27 stacked adjacently in the vertical direction.

[0022] Next, a specific configuration of the floating sandbox 10 will be described. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a specific overall configuration of the floating sandbox 10 based on the basic configuration shown in Fig. 1. Referring to Fig. 5, benches 21 are provided around the periphery of the floating sandbox 10, and the tops of the walls 13 are flattened so that children can play on it as a play table 14. In addition, a tarp 23 is placed above the floating sandbox 10.

[0023] 5, here, the bottom 11 is extended to the outside of the wall 13 where the sand 15 is held. Also, a bench 21 is provided on the outside of the wall 13 of the floating sandbox 10 so that children playing in the floating sandbox 10 can sit on the bench 21 and rest.

[0024] In addition, it is preferable that the upper part of the floating sand pit 10 is covered with a tarp 23. This is because such a configuration prevents fallen leaves and the like from falling and prevents rainwater from entering the floating sand pit 10, and keeps the sand 15 dry for a longer period of time.

[0025] Next, a modified example of the floating sand pit 10 will be described. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the modified example. Referring to Fig. 6, in the modified example, the length of the bottom 11 of the floating sand pit 10 shown in Fig. 5 is shortened, and benches 21 are provided outside the bottom 11.

[0026] Next, another modified example will be described. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing another modified example of the floating sand pit 10. Referring to Fig. 7, a configuration in which plate material 24 is used for the wall portion 11 of the floating sand pit 10 shown in Fig. 6 is shown.

[0027] Here, it is preferable to secure a distance of 10 cm to 15 cm between the ground 17 and the bottom ground side 11b. It is preferably 5 cm to 10 cm, and more preferably 5 cm or less. If it exceeds 15 cm, there is a possibility that a part of a child's body may get in and cause harm, and if it is 5 cm to 10 cm, it is easy for a child's toys to get in. Also, if it is less than 5 cm, it is difficult for a child's toys to get in.

[0028] Next, the depth (from the top of the wall) of the sand 15 in the floating sand pit 10 will be described. The depth of the sand 15 is preferably 15 cm to 60 cm, more preferably 20 cm to 50 cm, and most preferably 25 cm to 40 cm.

[0029] If the depth of the sand 15 is less than 15 cm, it is too shallow for small children to play in, and as the sand is scooped out while playing in the sand, the bottom sand storage side 11a where the sand 15 is stored at the bottom 11 of the wall 13 appears, and the sand 15 must be replenished frequently. If it exceeds 60 cm, the difference in height between the top of the floating sandbox 10 and the ground 17 becomes large, and there is a possibility that a small child may be seriously injured if they fall. If it exceeds 25 cm, the impact of the sand being scooped out while playing in the sand is reduced.

[0030] If it is less than 40 cm, the difference in height between the ground 17 and the top of the floating sandbox 10 will be lower, reducing the severity of injury when falling.

[0031] Here, it is preferable that the bottom 11 and the wall 13 are made of wooden logs or the like. With such a construction, the drying speed of the sand can be increased because the surface area of ​​the logs is large. Also, it is preferable that the surface of the bottom sand storage side 11a is made of a water-permeable sheet (e.g., nonwoven fabric).

[0032] Next, another modified example of the floating sand pit 10 will be described. Figures 8 and 9 are cross-sectional views showing another modified example, which correspond to the cross-sectional views of the floating sand pit from two directions shown in Figures 1 and 2. Here, an electric heating facility is provided in the filling section of the sand 15.

[0033] In the above embodiment, logs are used as the main components, but the present invention is not limited to this and components of other shapes may also be used.

[0034] 8 and 9, in floating sandbox 10a according to this embodiment, sand 15 inside wall 13 and bottom 11 is provided with electric heater (electric heating equipment) 26 covered with heater protection sheet 25. Electric heater 26 is provided in the part of floating sandbox 10a that holds the sand to prevent the temperature of the sand from dropping, allowing children to play in the sand even in cold environments. In addition, because electric heater 26 is covered with heater protection sheet 25, even if a child plays near electric heater 26 with a shovel or the like, it is possible to prevent the shovel or the like from breaking the wire.

[0035] It is to be noted that the water-permeable sheet 18 may be used in place of the heater protection sheet 25. Here, the water-permeable sheet 18 has a double structure, and an electric heater 26 is built in it.

[0036] The electric heater 26 used here is preferably an agricultural underground heater. Such a heater will not burn plant roots or children. Also, since it is for agricultural use, it is not affected by moisture or humidity. Furthermore, it can be used with 100V or 200V household power sources, is economical in terms of electricity bills, and solar panels can be used.

[0037] With this type of heater, the temperature can be set from 10 degrees to 800 degrees, and since it is for use in a sandbox, a temperature of 10 to 30 degrees is ideal.

[0038] Regular sandboxes are prone to moisture and humidity, making them breeding grounds for bacteria, so adding an electric heater 26 would be a disadvantage as it would increase the likelihood of bacteria multiplying. Regular sandboxes do not use permeable sheets 18, but instead use chestnut stones or crushed stone, which could lead to a disconnection. Regular sandboxes do not use permeable sheets 18, so chestnut stones and crushed stone are the norm, as there is no way for water to escape even if permeable sheets 18 are used.

[0039] As described above, the floating sandbox according to this embodiment has the following advantages over conventional sandboxes:

[0040] It is expected that the sand will be washed away by rain and the sun's rays will naturally disinfect the area.

[0041] Especially during heavy rain, germs are washed away and the sand can be expected to have a great cleaning effect.

[0042] Moisture evaporates from all six sides - the top, sides, and bottom - so the entire sandbox is always dry.

[0043] This will reduce the number of times the sandbox needs to be disinfected.

[0044] Unlike conventional sandboxes, the sand layer is not below ground level, so disinfectant and rainwater do not accumulate and the sandbox is kept clean.

[0045] In conventional sandboxes, heavy rain can cause seepage water to flow back into the sandbox's permeable layer, resulting in the accumulation of dirty water. However, in the floating sandbox of this embodiment, even in heavy rain, the dirt on the sand is simply washed away.

[0046] In addition, the sand has good drainage and dries quickly, providing a clean sandbox, and the difference in level with the ground increases the amount of exercise children get.

[0047] The base and walls of the floating sandbox may be made of wood, plastic, metal, or concrete.

[0048] In the case of a wooden floating sandbox, when dry, it shrinks by 3% to 5% depending on the moisture absorption conditions of the wood, and when it becomes wet due to rainwater, it is necessary to leave a gap at the contact points of the bottom 11 and the wall 13.

[0049] Therefore, it is essential to leave a gap of 3% to 10% when assembling. If the gap is less than 3% when assembled, it may disappear when water is absorbed, which will hinder the drainage of rainwater. If the drainage of rainwater is hindered, the decay will progress faster.

[0050] If the gap during assembly is 10% or more, the gap will become larger when dry and sand from the sandbox container may leak out.

[0051] Since the contact areas between pieces of wood are difficult to dry out, it is preferable to treat them with an antiseptic.

[0052] In addition, by providing a means (such as wheels) for moving the part above the bottom of the sandbox (the entire floating sandbox), it is possible to move the floating sandbox and clean out the garbage that has accumulated in the gaps. Then, it can be moved to a sunny place and dried in the sun.

[0053] 10 and 11 are diagrams showing infants and children playing in the floating sandbox. Referring to Fig. 10 and Fig. 11, infants and children can play with sand in the floating sandbox in a safe, clean, and favorable environment.

[0054] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to the drawings, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. Various modifications and variations can be made to the illustrated embodiment within the same scope as the present invention or within an equivalent scope. [Industrial Applicability]

[0055] According to the present invention, a hygienic floating sandbox can be provided in which many children can play together. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 10,10a floating sandbox, 11 bottom, 11a bottom sand storage side, 11b bottom ground side, 13 wall, 14 play table, 15 sand, 16 gap, 17 ground, 18 permeable sheet, 19 sandbox stand, 21 bench, 23 tarp, 24 wall (wooden board), 25 heater protection sheet, 26 electric heater, 27 wall logs, 100 conventional sandbox, 110 ground, 120 sand, 130 retaining wall, 140 permeable layer.

Claims

1. A floating sandbox comprising a bottom and a wall surrounding the bottom, sand being held between the bottom and the wall, a sandbox stand provided below the bottom for holding the bottom above the ground, and the bottom surface of the sandbox, in which sand is held between the bottom and the wall, being separated from the ground.

2. 2. The floating sand pit of claim 1, wherein the bottom and the walls are comprised of a plurality of logs adjacent to one another.

3. 3. The floating sandbox according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inside of the bottom or the wall is covered with a water-permeable sheet.

4. 3. The floating sand pit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the floating sand pit is provided with a means for moving the floating sand pit.

5. 3. The floating sand pit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an electric heating device is provided at the bottom of the portion where the sand is held.

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