Support structure

Abstract

To provide a support structure that has a small number of parts, has excellent shape stability when unfolded, and can be folded and stored in a compact shape.SOLUTION: A support structure 10 includes a support body 11 formed by connecting a plurality of sets of support units 20 each of which is formed by connecting a pair of support members 21a, 21b rotatably at their intersection by an upper connection member 50 and a lower connection member 60. By setting the position of an intersection 22 below the middle between the support members 21a and 21b, when the support unit 20 is unfolded into an X-shape, the separation dimension at the upper ends between the support members 21a and 21b is larger than the separation dimension at the lower ends, and the support structure 10 as a whole has a shape of a virtual inverted truncated pyramid in which the area at the upper end is larger than the area at the lower end. Since the planar area at the upper end side which is more susceptible to sunlight is larger, the support structure 10 suitable for the growth of plants such as morning glory can be provided.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a support structure for assisting the growth of plants, and particularly to a support structure suitable for growing vine plants such as morning glories.

Background Art

[0002] Observation records of the growth of morning glories are adopted as one of the learning tasks in elementary schools. And, in general, a flowerpot for growing morning glories is provided with a support structure for winding the vines of morning glories. As a support structure for assisting the growth of plants conventionally used, for example, those configured to be foldable as described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 are known.

[0003] The support structure described in Patent Document 1 is composed of four support columns arranged in the vertical direction (vertical direction), and horizontal (horizontal direction) connecting rods rotatably attached via connection pieces at the upper, middle, and lower positions of each support column. This support structure is configured to be foldable into a rod shape by pulling adjacent support columns in opposite directions along the axis.

[0004] The support structure described in Patent Document 2 is obtained by adding a structure in which an inner support column is arranged at the center of the four support columns (outer support columns) in the structure described in Patent Document 1, and is rotatably connected to each of a pair of opposing outer support columns by a connecting rod near the upper and lower ends of the inner support column. In the use state of this support structure, since the inner support column and the connecting rod are located at the center of the four support columns, it has the advantage that the central space can be effectively utilized for the growth of plants.

[0005] The column structure described in Patent Document 3 is configured by connecting a plurality of sets of basic units, each formed by connecting a pair of connecting members so as to be relatively rotatable at the intersection position, in the vertical direction and the circumferential direction, by connecting the ends of the respective connecting members to each other with a connecting member so as to be relatively rotatable to form a framework. This column structure has a regular square column shape in the deployed state, and based on the structure in which a pair of intersecting connecting members are rotatably connected, the whole can be folded in a pantograph shape. Incidentally, the column structure of Patent Document 3 can also be folded into a rod shape by extending the whole in the height direction, or can be folded into a flat shape by contracting the whole in the height direction.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] The column structure described in Patent Document 1 has a structure in which horizontal connecting rods are rotatably connected to four vertical columns. In the deployed state, the rotating part of the connecting rod has a certain degree of mobility, so there is a problem of low form stability. Furthermore, when in the folded state, the adjacent columns are shifted in the axial direction in opposite directions, so the overall length becomes longer than the length dimension of the column itself, and there is room for improvement in compactness during storage.

[0008] The column structure described in Patent Document 2 is improved compared to the column structure of Patent Document 1 in that an inner column is provided so that the upper central region can be effectively utilized for plant growth, but it has other problems similar to those of Patent Document 1.

[0009] The column structure described in Patent Document 3 has a configuration in which basic units, each formed by rotatably connecting connecting members in a crossed manner, are framed. Although it has form stability in the deployed state and compactness in the folded state, there is a problem that it takes a lot of time to assemble because the number of parts and the number of movable connection points are large.

[0010] In view of the above conventional problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a column structure that has a small number of members, is excellent in form stability in the deployed state, and can make the form in the folded storage state compact.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0011] In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is a column structure for assisting the growth of plants, comprising a column main body portion including a plurality of sets of column units each formed by rotatably connecting a pair of crossed rod-shaped column members at their crossing portions. In the column main body portion, the plurality of sets of column units are arranged so as to surround a predetermined central axis, and each upper end portion of adjacent column members is flexibly connected by an upper connecting member, and each lower end portion of adjacent column members is flexibly connected by a lower connecting member. The positions of the crossing portions of the plurality of sets of column units are set at positions displaced above or below the middle of the column members.

[0012] With this configuration, since a plurality of sets of column units each consisting of a pair of column members rotatably connected at the crossing portion are flexibly connected by the upper connecting member and the lower connecting member, each member is flexible or rotatable and integrated. By setting the position of the crossing portion above or below the middle of the column member, when the column unit is deployed in an X shape, the separation dimensions between the upper end side and the lower end side of the column member are different. In the stored state of the column main body portion, the height dimension of the entire column structure is accommodated within the height of the column unit itself.

[0013] The invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein the crossing portion is set at a position below the middle of the column member.

[0014] With such a configuration, by setting the position of the intersection part below the middle of the support member, when the support unit is deployed in an X shape, the separation dimension on the upper end side of the support member becomes larger than the separation dimension on the lower end side.

[0015] The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein an operating member is arranged on the central axis, and the operating member and each of the plurality of upper connecting members are connected by a plurality of connecting members, one end of which is rotatably connected to the operating member and the other end of which is rotatably connected to the upper connecting member. The lifting and lowering along the central axis of the operating member and the form change between the deployed state in which all the support units exhibit an X shape and the stored state in which all the support units exhibit an I shape are configured to be interlocked via the connecting members.

[0016] With such a configuration, since the operating member is connected to the upper connecting member via the connecting member so as to be liftable and lowerable, each member is bendable or rotatable and integrated. And since the lifting and lowering of the operating member and the form change of the support unit are interlocked, according to the lifting and lowering of the operating member, the support body changes its form to the deployed state or the stored state. Or, according to the form change of the support body, the operating member moves up and down. In the deployed state of the support body, the operating member and the connecting members are located above the support body. In the stored state of the support body, the operating member and the connecting members are located below, so that the height dimension of the entire support structure fits within the height of the support unit itself.

[0017] The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein in the stored state, the operating member and the connecting members are stored in the space surrounded by the support units.

[0018] With such a configuration, in the stored state, the operating member and the connecting members are stored in the space surrounded by the support units in the form of an I shape, so that the whole exhibits a rod shape.

[0019] The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein the support unit is configured such that a pair of two support members are arranged along the same virtual plane orthogonal to the rotation axis of the intersection portion.

[0020] With such a configuration, since the two support members are arranged along the same virtual plane, the surface side of the support unit is flattened.

[0021] The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein the support unit further includes an angle regulating means for regulating the intersection angle of the support members in the deployed state to a predetermined angle.

[0022] With such a configuration, the intersection angle of the support members in the deployed state is regulated so as not to spread beyond the predetermined angle by the angle regulating means.

[0023] The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to claim 6, wherein the length of the connecting member is set longer within a range where the support unit can elastically deform outward than the distance between the operating member and the upper connecting member when it is assumed that the operating member is at the same height as the upper connecting member when the support main body portion is in the deployed state.

[0024] With such a configuration, when the operating member is at the same height position as the upper end of the support main body portion, while the length of the connecting member is set longer than the distance between the operating member and the upper connecting member, the support unit is regulated so as not to be deployed beyond the maximum intersection angle by the angle regulating means. Therefore, the connecting member presses the support unit to elastically deform it outward, and the operating member receives the reaction force via the connecting member. As a result, the operating member tries to move upward or downward from the upper end of the support main body portion in order to cancel the reaction force.

Advantages of the Invention

[0025] As described above, according to the invention of claim 1, since a plurality of sets of column units each consisting of a pair of column members rotatably connected at the intersection are flexibly connected by the upper connection member and the lower connection member, each member is flexible or rotatable and integrated, so that the number of members can be reduced and the form stability of the column structure in the deployed state can be improved. By setting the position of the intersection above or below the middle of the column member, when the column unit is deployed in an X shape, the separation dimensions of the upper end side and the lower end side of the column member are different. Therefore, the form of the column structure in the deployed state can be changed based on the setting of the position of the intersection, and a column structure in an appropriate form according to the type of plant can be provided. In the stored state of the column main body, since the height dimension of the entire column structure is within the height of the column unit itself, space saving in the storage location of the column structure can be achieved.

[0026] According to the invention of claim 2, in addition to the effects of the invention of claim 1, by setting the position of the intersection below the middle of the column member, when the column unit is deployed in an X shape, the separation dimension of the upper end side of the column member is larger than the separation dimension of the lower end side. Therefore, the column structure in the deployed state as a whole exhibits the form of a virtual inverted frustum pyramid with a larger area on the upper end side than on the lower end side. As a result, the plan view area on the upper end side, which is easily exposed to sunlight, becomes larger, and a column structure suitable for the growth of plants such as morning glories can be provided.

[0027] According to the invention described in claim 3, in addition to the effects of the invention described in claim 1, since the operating member is connected to the upper connecting member via a connecting member so as to be able to move up and down, each member is bendable or rotatable and integrated. And since the up and down movement of the operating member and the morphological change of the support column main body are interlocked, according to the up and down movement of the operating member, the support column main body changes its form to the deployed state or the stored state. Therefore, by operating the up and down movement of the operating member, the form of the support column main body can be easily switched between the deployed state and the stored state. Or, according to the morphological change of the support column main body, the operating member moves up and down. Therefore, by changing the form of the support column main body, the operating member can be moved up and down. In the deployed state of the support column main body, since the operating member and the connecting member are located above the support column main body, plants such as morning glories can be wound around the upper central region of the support column main body. As a result, since the plants are more likely to receive sunlight, it is more advantageous for the growth of the plants. In the stored state of the support column main body, since the operating member and the connecting member are located below, the overall height dimension of the support column structure is within the height of the support column unit itself, so that the storage space of the storage location of the support column structure can be saved.

[0028] According to the invention described in claim 4, in addition to the effects of the invention described in claim 1, in the stored state, since the operating member and the connecting member are stored in the space surrounded by the support column unit in the form of an I-shape, the whole presents a rod-like form. Therefore, the support column structure can be made more compact, and further space saving of the storage location can be achieved.

[0029] According to the invention described in claim 5, in addition to the effects of the invention described in claim 1, since the two support column members are arranged along the same virtual plane, the surface side of the support column unit is flattened. Therefore, in the stored state, the side circumferential surface of the support column structure presents a form equivalent to the side circumferential surface of a prism, so that stacking and arrangement during storage are facilitated.

[0030] According to the invention described in claim 6, in addition to the effects of the invention described in claim 1, since the crossing angle of the support column members in the deployed state is restricted by the angle restricting means so as not to be wider than a predetermined angle, the form of the support column structure in the deployed state can be stabilized.

[0031] According to the invention described in claim 7, in addition to the effects of the invention described in claim 6, when the operating member is at the same height as the upper end of the support column main body, while the length of the connecting member is set to be longer than the distance between the operating member and the upper connecting member, the support column unit is restricted by the angle restricting means so that it cannot be deployed beyond the maximum crossing angle. Therefore, the connecting member presses the support column unit and elastically deforms it outward, and the operating member receives the reaction force via the connecting member. As a result, the operating member tries to move upward or downward relative to the upper end of the support column main body in order to cancel the reaction force. Therefore, when trying to lower the operating part located above the upper end of the support column main body in the deployed state of the support column main body, the support column unit exerts a resistance against the tendency to expand horizontally. Thus, a resistance also acts against the lowering of the operating part. For this reason, the operating member and the connecting member located above the support column main body are less likely to lower even when an external force acts, and it becomes easier to maintain their positions. That is, in the use state, it is possible to provide a support column structure in which a part for winding a plant such as morning glory is secured in the upper central region of the support column main body.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0032]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0033] [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 relates to the first embodiment of the present invention and is a perspective view showing the support structure in the deployed state.

[0034] As shown in the figure, the column structure 10 of this example is installed in a flowerpot U or the like to assist the growth of plants such as morning glories, and includes a plurality of sets of column units 20, an operation member 30, and a plurality of connecting members 40. In this example, four sets of column units 20 and four connecting members 40 are used, and the column structure 10 is constructed by a column main body 11 composed of four sets of column units 20 connected by an upper connecting member 50 and a lower connecting member 60, and an opening / closing operation part 12 composed of an operation member 30 and a connecting member 40.

[0035] The column main body 11 of this example is configured to have a form of an inverted frustum of a square pyramid in which the area of the upper surface is larger than the area of the lower surface in the deployed state. That is, each column unit 20 is arranged along each side surface of a virtual inverted frustum of a square pyramid. Also, as will be described later, the column main body 11 changes its form between the deployed state and the stored state, and is configured to be interlocked with the raising and lowering of the opening / closing operation part 12. In addition, on the lower surface of the lower connecting member 60, a support shaft 70 for fitting into a mounting hole 71 provided in the flowerpot U is formed to protrude downward.

[0036] FIG. 2 is a front view showing an example of a column member used for the column structure shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 relates to the column member shown in FIG. 2, (A) is an enlarged front view of a part, (B) is an enlarged rear view of a part, (C) is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line X-X of (B), FIG. 4 relates to the column unit used for the column structure shown in FIG. 1, (A) is a front view showing the stored state, (B) is a front view showing the deployed state, FIG. 5 is a view showing an enlarged intersection of the column unit shown in FIG. 4, (A1) is a front view of the stored state, (A2) is a right side view of the stored state, (B1) is a front view of the deployed state, (B2) is a right side view of the deployed state, FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line Y-Y of (B1) of FIG. 5, (A) of FIG. 7 is a plan view showing an example of an upper connecting member used for the column structure shown in FIG. 1, and (B) is a plan view showing an example of a lower connecting member used for the column structure shown in FIG. 1.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 2, the pair of strut members 21a and 21b that constitute the strut unit 20 are rod-shaped members made of plastic, metal, wood, or a composite material thereof, and each has joint portions 22a and 22b that are abutted to form the intersection portion 22. The upper portions 23a and 23b and the lower portions 24a and 24b provided above and below with the joint portions 22a and 22b interposed therebetween are respectively arranged along parallel axes m and n separated by a predetermined interval. As a result, the two strut members 21a and 21b exhibit a crank-like form in which the front view shapes are substantially mirror-symmetrical to each other. Further, apertures 25a, 25b, 26a, and 26b for inserting a rotating shaft body are formed at the upper and lower end portions of the strut members 21a and 21b when connecting to the upper connecting member 50 or the lower connecting member 60.

[0038] The formation positions of the joint portions 22a and 22b in the strut members 21a and 21b are set to be below the intermediate positions of the strut members 21a and 21b. That is, the length dimension T1 of the upper portions 23a and 23b is set to be larger than the length dimension T2 of the lower portions 24a and 24b. Therefore, the formation position of the intersection portion 22 is set by the ratio between the length dimension T1 of the upper portions 23a and 23b and the length dimension T2 of the lower portions 24a and 24b.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 3, the strut members 21a and 21b of this example adopt a structure in which ribs 27 inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction are formed at appropriate intervals on the inner surface side of the half pipe. With this structure, weight reduction of the strut members 21a and 21b and ensuring of bending strength are realized.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 4, a pair of column members 21a and 21b constitute a column unit 20 by being rotatably connected at an intersection 22. By rotating the column members 21a and 21b at the intersection 22, the column unit 20 can be transformed between a storage state in which the upper ends and the lower ends are brought close to each other to form an I-shaped configuration (see (A) in FIG. 4) and a deployed state in which the upper ends and the lower ends are separated to form an X-shaped configuration (see (B) in FIG. 4). Note that in this specification, the I-shaped configuration of the column unit 20 refers to a state in which the upper and lower ends of the column members 21a and 21b are brought closest to each other, even if it is not exactly the font of "I", and the X-shaped configuration of the column unit 20 refers to a state in which the upper and lower ends of the column members 21a and 21b are separated, even if it is not exactly the font of "X".

[0041] In this example, since the position of the intersection 22 is below the middle of the column members 21a and 21b, the separation dimension L1 on the upper end side in the deployed state is larger than the separation dimension L2 on the lower end side. The ratio of L1 to L2 is equal to the ratio of the length dimension T1 of the upper portions 23a and 23b to the length dimension T2 of the lower portions 24a and 24b described above. The value of L1:L2 (=T1:T2) is not particularly limited, but it may be appropriately set, for example, in the range of 1.01:1 to 2.5:1, preferably in the range of 1.1:1 to 2.2:1. For example, in this embodiment, L1:L2 is set to 1.7:1.

[0042] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the intersection 22 of the column members 21a and 21b can be provided, for example, by forming disk-shaped joining portions 22a and 22b having through holes at the centers in the middle of the column members 21a and 21b, overlapping these front and back, and inserting a shaft member 28 through the through holes. With this configuration, the column members 21a and 21b can rotate at the intersection 22. Further, in this example, the column members 21a and 21b are arranged along a predetermined virtual plane P orthogonal to the rotation axis Q of the intersection 22 (see A2 and B2 in FIG. 5). With this configuration, the surface side of the column unit 20 is flattened.

[0043] Furthermore, on the side circumferential surfaces of the disk-shaped joint portions 22a and 22b, there are provided step portions 29a to 29d that are separated in the stored state and come into contact with each other in the deployed state. These step portions 29a to 29d function as angle restricting means for restricting the intersection angle θ of the support members 21a and 21b so that it does not exceed a predetermined angle when they come into contact during deployment. This θ is a value that satisfies sin(θ / 2) = L1 / 2·T1 using the aforementioned L1 and T1.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 1 again, the four sets of support units 20 constructed as described above are arranged so as to surround the predetermined central axis S, and the upper end portions of adjacent support members 21a and 21b are flexibly connected by the upper connection member 50, and the lower end portions of adjacent support members 21a and 21b are flexibly connected by the lower connection member 60, whereby the support main body portion 11 is constructed. Further, the operation member 30 is arranged on the central axis S of the support main body portion 11, and this and each upper connection member 50 are connected by a plurality of connecting members 40 having one end rotatably connected to the operation member 30 and the other end rotatably connected to the upper connection member 50, whereby the opening / closing operation portion 12 is constructed. By making each support unit 20 have a common form and making the lengths of the respective connecting members 40 equal, the operation member 30 can be configured to move along the central axis S. The operation member 30 has, for example, a gripping portion 31 that can be used as a grip when raising and lowering it, and a bracket portion 32 that rotatably holds one end portion of the connecting member 40.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 7(A), the upper connecting member 50 includes, for example, a first bracket portion 51 that rotatably holds the other end portion of the connecting member 40, and second and third bracket portions 52 and 53 that rotatably hold the upper end portions of the adjacent support members 21a and 21b, respectively. The axes of the second and third rotation axes 52a and 53a of the second and third bracket portions 52 and 53 intersect the axis of the first rotation axis 51a of the first bracket portion 51 at an angle of 45 degrees, respectively, and the axes of the second and third rotation axes 52a and 53a are set to be orthogonal to each other. With this configuration, the adjacent support members 21a and 21b are held such that their upper end sides rotate within orthogonal planes. Further, the connecting member 40 is held such that it rotates within a plane that forms a 45-degree angle with the rotation planes of the support members 21a and 21b, respectively.

[0046] On the other hand, referring to FIG. 7(B), the lower connecting member 60 includes, for example, fourth and fifth bracket portions 61 and 62 that rotatably hold the lower end portions of the adjacent support members 21a and 21b, respectively. The axis of the fourth rotation axis 61a of the fourth bracket portion 61 and the axis of the fifth rotation axis 62a of the fifth bracket portion 62 are set to be orthogonal to each other. With this configuration, the adjacent support members 21a and 21b are held such that their lower end sides rotate within orthogonal planes.

[0047] In addition, in the present embodiment, by adopting a configuration in which the support members 21a and 21b are arranged along a predetermined virtual plane P orthogonal to the rotation axis Q of the intersection portion 22 (see A2 and B2 in FIG. 5), the upper connecting member 50 and the lower connecting member 60 are realized without difficulty in the above-described structure.

[0048] At the connection portions between the operation member 30 and the connecting member 40, between the upper connecting member 50 and the connecting member 40 and the support members 21a and 21b, and between the lower connecting member 60 and the support members 21a and 21b, appropriate clearances are formed around the first to fifth rotation axes, and the movable ranges of the respective members are expanded within a range that does not impair the form stability of the support structure 10.

[0049] Based on the configuration described above, for each support unit 20, the upper end of one support member 21a is flexibly connected via an upper connection member 50 to the upper end of the other support member 21b of the adjacent support unit 20. Similarly, for each support unit 20, the lower end of one support member 21a is flexibly connected via a lower connection member 60 to the lower end of the other support member 21b of the adjacent support unit 20. Further, the connecting member 40 that connects the operating member 30 and the upper connection member 50 is rotatable in the vertical direction with respect to the upper connection member 50 as the operating member 30 moves up and down.

[0050] Subsequently, the form change of the support structure 10 in this example will be described.

[0051] FIG. 8 is a front view showing the unfolded state of the support structure shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 9 is a front view showing an intermediate state between the unfolded state and the stored state of the support structure shown in FIG. 1, (A) of FIG. 10 is a front view showing the stored state of the support structure shown in FIG. 1, and (B) is an enlarged front view of the upper end side portion thereof.

[0052] The support structure 10 in this example changes its form between the unfolded state in which all the support units 20 exhibit an X-shaped form as shown in FIG. 8 and the stored state in which all the support units 20 exhibit an I-shaped form as shown in FIG. 10(A). And it is configured such that this form change is interlocked with the operation of the opening / closing operation unit 12.

[0053] In the deployed state shown in Fig. 8, when the operating member 30 is pushed downward along the central axis S in the support structure 10 of this example, as shown in Fig. 9, the connecting member 40 rotates so as to incline downward with respect to the horizontal direction, and its posture approaches the vertical direction. This change in the posture of the connecting member 40 acts to shorten the horizontal distance between the operating member 30 and the support unit 20 and bring the two closer. As a result, the support unit 20 moves inward, and in conjunction with this, the support members 21a and 21b of the support unit 20 are rotated so as to reduce the separation on the upper end side. And if it is in the state during storage shown in Fig. 9, an external force in a direction to reduce the distance between the opposing support units 20 is applied to the outer surface of the support main body 11. As a result, the support members 21a and 21b rotate so that the crossing angle becomes even smaller, and eventually the support structure 10 transitions to a storage state in which all the support units 20 exhibit an I-shaped form as shown in Fig. 10(A).

[0054] Conversely, to deploy the support structure 10 from the storage state, first, an external force in a direction to separate the two is applied to any one pair of opposing support units 20 in the support structure 10 in the storage state shown in Fig. 10(A). As a result, the support main body 11 transitions to the state during deployment shown in Fig. 9. And in the state of Fig. 9, when the operating member 30 is pulled up along the central axis S, the connecting member 40 rotates so as to approach the horizontal direction, thereby expanding the horizontal distance between the operating member 30 and the support unit 20. In conjunction with this, the support members 21a and 21b rotate so as to expand the crossing angle, and each support unit 20 expands the separation on its upper end side. Further, by pulling up the operating member 30 above the upper end of the support main body 11, each support unit 20 can be deployed to the maximum crossing angle regulated by the angle regulating means, and the support structure 10 can be transitioned to the deployed state in which all the support units 20 exhibit an X-shaped form as shown in Fig. 8.

[0055] In this example, as shown in FIG. 10(B), when the column main body 11 is in the stored state, the elevation angle α of the connecting member 40 with respect to the operating member 30 is about 90 degrees, and the connecting member 40 is configured to be in a posture close to the vertical direction. It should be noted that the value of the elevation angle α is preferably set appropriately within the range of 80 to 100 degrees. Further, the column main body 11 is set such that, in the stored state, an appropriate separation is created between the opposing column units 20, and a space 13 is formed at the center. Thereby, in the stored state, the operating member 30 and the connecting member 40 can be stored within the space 13 surrounded by the column units 20, and the overall shape of the column structure 10 can be made to exhibit a rod-like form. That is, in the stored state, the operating member 30 and the connecting member 40 do not protrude upward or laterally, and the height dimension of the column structure 10 is configured to fit within the height of the column unit 20 itself. As a result, the column structure 10 of this example can have a very compact form in the stored state, and space saving in the storage location can be achieved.

[0056] Further, in this example, a pair of two column members 21a and 21b are arranged along the same virtual plane P orthogonal to the rotation axis Q of the intersection portion 22 (see FIG. 5). Thereby, the surface side of each column unit 20 is flattened, and the entire column structure 10 in the stored state exhibits a quadrangular prism shape (see FIG. 10(A)). As a result, the advantage is obtained that stacking and arranging are very easy when storing the column structure 10.

[0057] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the operations of the connecting member and the column member accompanying the raising and lowering of the operating member in the column structure shown in FIG. 10, where (A) is a front view showing a state where the operating member is located above the upper connecting member, (B) is a front view showing a state where the operating member is at the same height position as the upper connecting member, and (C) is a front view showing a state where the operating member is located below the upper connecting member.

[0058] Referring to Fig. 11(B), in the case where the support column main body 11 is in the deployed state, the length D1 of the connecting member 40 is set to be longer than the distance D2 between the operating member 30 and the upper connecting member 50 when the operating member 30 is located at the same height as the upper connecting member 50 provided at the upper end of the support column member 21a (21b) by a dimension d. The magnitude of this dimension d is appropriately set within the range in which the support column unit 20 can elastically deform outwardly.

[0059] By setting the length of the connecting member 40 as described above, the opening / closing operation unit 12 functions as follows. In the deployed state of the support column main body 11, when the operating member 30 located above the upper connecting member 50 shown in Fig. 11(A) is pushed downward along the central axis S to the position shown in Fig. 11(C), assume the case where the operating member 30 reaches the same height position as the upper connecting member 50 shown in Fig. 11(B) at this time. At this time, while the length D1 of the connecting member 40 is set to be longer than the distance D2 between the operating member 30 and the upper connecting member 50 by the dimension d, the support column unit 20 is restricted by the angle restricting means so that it cannot be deployed beyond the maximum crossing angle. For this reason, when the operating member 30 passes through the same height position as the upper connecting member 50, the connecting member 40 presses the support column unit 20 to elastically deform it outwardly by the dimension d. As a result, a reaction force acts on the operating member 30 via the connecting member 40. Similarly, when the operating member 30 is pulled up from the position in Fig. 11(C) to the position in Fig. 11(A), it receives a reaction force when passing through the same height position as the upper connecting member 50. In other words, it can be said that the operating member 30 is mechanically more stable when it is in the position shown in Fig. 11(A) or (C) than when it is in the position shown in Fig. 11(B).

[0060] From the above, it is understood that in order to move the operation member 30 from the position (A) in FIG. 11 to the position (C), or conversely from the position (C) to the position (A), when passing through the position (B) in FIG. 11, it is necessary to apply an external force that resists the resistance force generated based on the elastic deformation of the support unit 20. Therefore, when the operation member 30 and the connecting member 40 are located above the upper connecting member 50 shown in FIG. 11(A), it can be said that it is difficult for them to descend even when an external force acts. Thus, in the use state, it becomes easy to secure a part for winding plants such as morning glories in the upper central region of the support main body 11.

[0061] Incidentally, the bracket portion 32 of the operation member 30 may be provided with appropriate depression angle limiting means for limiting the depression angle β of the connecting member 40 with respect to the operation member 30 shown in FIG. 11(A) to a certain angle or less. By providing the depression angle limiting means, the upper limit position when the operation member 30 is moved upward can be defined. In this way, in the deployed state, even if the operation member 30 at the upper limit position is pulled up, the operation member 30 will not move further, so the support main body 11 will not be deformed. Therefore, when the support structure 10 is in the deployed state, by the user gripping the opening / closing operation portion 12, it becomes possible to lift or move the support structure 10 while maintaining the form of the deployed state, so that excellent handleability can be exhibited. The maximum value of the depression angle β limited by the depression angle limiting means may be appropriately set, for example, in the range of 45 degrees or less.

[0062] Similarly, when the operation member 30 is in the position (C) in FIG. 11, it also becomes difficult to move upward. Therefore, in the state of FIG. 11(C), when an external force in the storage direction acts on the support main body 11, it is possible to surely prevent the operation member 30 from moving upward and protruding.

[0063] The support structure 10 of this example configured as described above can be used in, for example, the following usage modes. When in use, assume a case where the rod-shaped support structure 10 (see Fig. 10) in a stored state and the flowerpot U (see Fig. 1) are provided. First, an external force in a direction to expand any of the support members 21a, 21b outward is applied to the rod-shaped support structure 10. Since the members of the support structure 10 are integrally connected so that each member interlocks, by applying an external force to only some of the support members 21a, 21b, all of the support units 20 can be deformed in the deployment direction presenting an X-shaped form. If the support body portion 11 is deployed halfway (see Fig. 9), the operating member 30 is pulled up along the central axis S. When the operating member 30 passes through the same height position as the upper connection member 50, the support body portion 11 can be moved to the maximum deployed state by the action of the connecting member 40 (see Fig. 8). When the support structure 10 reaches the maximum deployed state, the support shaft 70 formed on the lower surface of the lower connection member 60 is inserted into and fitted into the mounting hole 71 provided in the flowerpot U. By designing such that the separation dimension L2 on the lower end side of the support unit 20 in the deployed state matches the interval of the mounting holes 71 of the flowerpot U, the operation of inserting the support shaft 70 into the mounting hole 71 becomes easy. In a state where the support shaft 70 is inserted into the mounting hole 71, the interval between the lower ends of the support members 21a, 21b is fixed and the rotation of each support unit 20 is blocked, so that the entire support structure 10 is held so as not to easily deform its form.

[0064] The support structure 10 installed in the flowerpot U in this way, when used, for example, for the growth of morning glories, the morning glories grow while winding their vines around the support members 21a, 21b. When the vines of the morning glories reach the upper end portion of the support body portion 11, they further wind around the opening / closing operation portion 12 located above and grow.

[0065] The column structure 10 of this example has the form of an inverted frustum of a pyramid with the area on the upper surface side being larger than the area on the lower surface side, and has a portion for winding a vine around the upper central region of the column main body 11. For this reason, the apparent surface area in the upper region that is easily exposed to sunlight is large, which is advantageous for the growth of morning glories. And, for the morning glories in the growth process, since the apparent volume on the upper side becomes large, they will present a good-looking appearance.

[0066] When the growth of the morning glories is completed, the column structure 10 is pulled out from the flowerpot U and separated. Then, the operation member 30 of the column structure 10 in the deployed state (see FIG. 8) is pushed down along the central axis S. As a result, the column structure 10 changes its form such that the opposing column units 20 approach each other due to the action of the connecting member 40 (see FIG. 9). Subsequently, when an external force in the contraction direction is applied to the outer surface of the column main body 11, each member interlocks, and all the column units 20 can be shifted to a storage state in which they present an I-shaped form. At this time, the operation member 30 and the connecting member 40 are stored in the central space 13 of the column main body 11, and the entire column structure 10 presents a rectangular prism-shaped bar form. The column structure 10 that has become a rectangular prism in the storage state can reduce the gap between adjacent column structures 10 when arranged side by side or stacked adjacent to each other, and exhibits an excellent space factor, so that the storage space can be made more space-saving.

[0067] [Second Embodiment] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the deployed state of the column structure according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13 is a front view showing the storage state of the column structure shown in FIG. 12.

[0068] In the first embodiment described above, the column members and the connecting members of the column structure are formed of linear rod-shaped bodies. Instead of this, the column members 121a, 121b and the connecting member 140 may be formed of curved rod-shaped bodies.

[0069] The basic configuration of the support structure 100 shown in FIG. 12 is common to the above-described embodiments. That is, the support structure 100 includes four sets of support units 120, an operation member 130, and four connecting members 140. The support body portion 101 is constituted by the support units 120 connected by an upper connection member 150 and a lower connection member 160, and the opening / closing operation portion 102 is constituted by the operation member 130 and the connecting members 140. The pair of two support members 121a and 121b constituting each support unit 120 are rotatably connected at an intersection portion 122, and the length dimensions of the upper portions 123a and 123b provided above and below the intersection portion 122 are formed to be larger than the length dimensions of the lower portions 124a and 124b. Thereby, the formation position of the intersection portion 122 is set to be below the intermediate position of the support members 121a and 121b. As a result, the shape of the support body portion 101 in the deployed state is configured to present an inverted frustum of a pyramid in which the area on the upper end side is larger than the area on the lower end side. Further, by integrally connecting the respective members, the shape change of the support body portion 101 and the elevation and descent of the opening / closing operation portion 102 are interlocked. Note that a support shaft 170 for fitting into the mounting hole 71 of the flowerpot U is formed on the lower surface of the lower connection member 160.

[0070] In this example, the upper portions 123a and 123b and the lower portions 124a and 124b of the support members 121a and 121b, and each of the connecting members 140 are provided with a curvature that bulges outward. The curvature of each part is not particularly limited, but the dimension of bulging outward compared to the case of forming in a straight line shape may be appropriately set according to the implementation situation.

[0071] Note that when each member is curved, with respect to the elevation angle α (see FIG. 10(B)) of the connecting member 140 with respect to the operation member 130 in the stored state and the depression angle β (see FIG. 11(B)) of the connecting member 140 with respect to the operation member 130 in the deployed state as described in the first embodiment, it may be set with reference to the line connecting the rotation centers of the ends of each member.

[0072] In the column structure 100 of this example, since the column members 121a and 121b are curved, vines such as morning glories wound around them are less likely to slip off their surfaces, which contributes to the efficient growth of morning glories and the like. Also, when in the deployed state during use, by bending each column member 121a and 121b outward, the apparent surface area of the column main body 101 can be increased. As a result, morning glories and the like are more likely to receive sunlight, and there is also the advantage that the appearance during growth is improved. Furthermore, in the folded storage state, since the internal space of the column main body can be expanded, the dimensions of the operating member 130 can be increased.

[0073] As described above, in the column structure according to the present invention, the members are integrally connected so that each member can be bent or rotated freely, and each member is configured to interlock. Therefore, the morphological change operation between the storage state and the deployed state can be easily performed, and there is no risk of a part of the member separating during that time. Also, the column main body is configured by connecting a plurality of sets of column units each composed of a pair of two column members that are rotatably crossed, and the total number of members is made relatively small. As a result, compared with the conventional products described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the morphological stability of the column structure in the deployed state is improved and it is less likely to deform, so the effect that the work of installing the column structure in a flowerpot becomes easy is exhibited. Also, the fact that the opening and closing operation of the column structure is facilitated by providing the operation opening and closing part as in the first and second embodiments is an advantageous effect compared with the conventional products described in Patent Documents 1 and 3. These effects are particularly useful in light of the assumed working ability of first graders when the column structure of the present invention is used as a teaching material for first graders in elementary school.

[0074] By the way, in each of the above embodiments, the column structure included four sets of column units, the column main body in the deployed state had the form of an inverted quadrangular frustum, and in the storage state, it had the form of a regular quadrangular prism. However, the column structure may include three sets of column units, or five or more sets of column units. In this case, the column main body in the deployed state has the form of an inverted triangular frustum, or an inverted polygonal frustum with five or more sides, and in the storage state, it has the form of a regular triangular prism, or a regular polygonal prism with five or more sides.

[0075] Also, in each of the above embodiments, the intersection is formed below the intermediate position of the support member. However, the intersection may be formed above the intermediate position of the support member, and the separation dimension on the upper end side of the support unit in the deployed state may be set to be smaller than the separation dimension on the lower end side, so that the support body portion in the deployed state exhibits the form of a regular frustum pyramid in which the area on the lower end side is larger than the area on the upper end side. This form is suitable for the growth of plants that thrive in the area close to the ground because the area on the lower end side becomes larger. Also, the stability of the support structure in the deployed state is improved.

[0076] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the support member is formed in a half-pipe shape. However, alternatively, it may be formed of a hollow pipe-shaped, solid rod-shaped, or flat plate-shaped member. Also, the ribs may be omitted. Furthermore, the surface of the support member may be roughened so that the vine of the morning glory wound around it is less likely to slip.

[0077] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the stepped portion formed at the joint portion is used as the angle regulating means of the support member, but it is not limited thereto. For example, it is conceivable to configure the separation between the support members when the support members are deployed to be restricted by a string-shaped member or a chain-shaped member bridged between the support members. Or, if the position where the connecting member is horizontal is set as the maximum deployment position, the connecting member can function as the angle regulating means of the support member.

[0078] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the operation member and all the upper connecting members are connected by a connecting member. However, at least two opposing upper connecting members may be connected to the operation member by a connecting member.

[0079] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the opening / closing operation portion is connected to the support body portion so as not to be easily separated. However, the opening / closing operation portion may be detachable from the support body portion. This can be realized, for example, by providing an appropriate fitting structure between the end portion of the connecting member and the upper connecting member or by adding an attachment.

[0080] Furthermore, the operation member may be omitted and replaced with a member that only flexibly connects one end of each connecting member to another.

[0081] Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, a structure using a rotation shaft is adopted as the connection means between the upper connection member, the support member, and the connecting member, and the connection means between the lower connection member and the support member. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an appropriate connection structure such as a ball joint or a universal joint may be adopted.

[0082] Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, since the support body portion is constructed by four sets of support units, the rotation shafts of adjacent support members are configured to be orthogonal to each other in the upper connection member and the lower connection member. However, when the number of support units used is changed, the crossing angle of the rotation shafts of the support members may be appropriately changed accordingly.

[0083] Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, each support unit has a common form. However, some support units may have different forms. For example, the support unit of the first embodiment and the support unit of the second embodiment may be mixed and used.

[0084] Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, the support body portion is composed of a single-stage support unit group. However, another stage of support unit group may be stacked and connected on the upper part, and the support body portion may be composed of a support unit group connected in two upper and lower stages. Alternatively, the support unit groups may be stacked and connected in three or more stages to form a support body portion with a multi-stage structure. In these cases, the ratio of the separation dimension between the upper end side and the lower end side in the deployed state of the support unit may be made different in some stages or for each stage.

[0085] Furthermore, resistance-providing means for providing resistance to the rotation of the connecting member may be provided at either one or both of the connection points between the connecting member and the operation member and the connection point between the connecting member and the upper connection member when lowering the operation member located above. Thereby, in the deployed state, even if the operation member receives an external force, it becomes more difficult to descend, contributing to the improvement of the form stability of the support structure.

[0086] Furthermore, stoppers for preventing rotation or bending may be provided at some or all of the connection points between the members. This enables the column structure to be fixed in the form of the stored state and / or the deployed state as required.

[0087] Furthermore, the gripping part of the operation member may have a function as a nameplate on which a name can be written or a name sticker can be attached, in addition to the function as a grip, or a nameplate may be attachable. Alternatively, the gripping part may be omitted.

[0088] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the column structure includes an opening / closing operation part, but the opening / closing operation part may be omitted.

[0089] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, a support shaft for installing in a flowerpot is provided on the lower connection member, but instead of this support shaft, a longer anchor member for directly installing the column structure on the ground may be provided. Alternatively, the support shaft may be omitted.

Explanation of Signs

[0090] 10, 100... Column structure 11, 101... Column main body part 12, 102... Opening / closing operation part 13... Space 20, 120... Column unit 21a, 21b, 121a, 121b... Column members 22, 122... Intersection part 30, 130... Operation member 40, 140... Connecting member 50, 150... Upper connection member 60, 160... Lower connection member P... Virtual plane Q... Rotation axis S... Central axis U... Flowerpot α... Elevation angle β... Depression angle θ... Intersection angle In addition, the same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or corresponding parts.

Claims

1. A support structure for assisting the growth of plants, comprising: a support body having a plurality of sets of support units formed by pivotally connecting a pair of two intersecting rod-shaped support members at their intersection; in the support body, the plurality of sets of support units are arranged to surround a predetermined central axis, and each upper end of adjacent support members is flexibly connected by an upper connecting member, and each lower end of adjacent support members is flexibly connected by a lower connecting member; in the plurality of sets of support units, the position of the intersection is set at a position displaced above or below the middle of the support member; a support structure.

2. The support structure according to claim 1, wherein the intersection is set at a position below the middle of the support member.

3. An operating member is arranged on the central axis; one end of the operating member and each of the plurality of upper connecting members are connected by a plurality of connecting members that are rotatably connected to the operating member at one end and rotatably connected to the upper connecting member at the other end; the lifting of the operating member along the central axis and the morphological change between the deployed state in which all the support units exhibit an X-shaped form and the stored state in which all the support units exhibit an I-shaped form are configured to be interlocked via the connecting members; the support structure according to claim 1.

4. The support structure according to claim 3, wherein when in the stored state, the operating member and the connecting members are stored in a space surrounded by the support units.

5. The support structure according to claim 1, wherein in the support unit, the pair of two support members are arranged along the same virtual plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the intersection.

6. The support structure according to claim 1, wherein the support unit further comprises an angle regulating means for regulating the intersection angle of the support members in the deployed state to a predetermined angle.

7. The length of the connecting member is set longer than the distance between the operating member and the upper connecting member when assuming that the operating member is at the same height as the upper connecting member when the support body is in the deployed state, within a range where the support unit can elastically deform outward;

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