Garden Frame

Abstract

The objective is to provide a garden frame that maintains overall strength while improving the expandability of the frame. [Solution] The present invention, which solves the above problems, is a garden frame X that can form a closed frame shape, comprising a plurality of frame plates 1, a plurality of support posts 2, and a connecting member 3 that can connect the frame plates 1 and the support posts 2, wherein the frame plate 1 has mounting portions P that can be connected to the connecting member 3 at both end faces and has a recess 11 along its entire length, and in a preferred form, the connecting member 3 has a fitting portion 32 that can be fitted into the mounting portion P, and the fitting portion 32 has a shape corresponding to the shape of the mounting portion P including the recess 11.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a garden frame that can be easily assembled and extended.

Background Art

[0002] In securing space for flower beds and home gardens, it is necessary to be easy to install and ensure sufficient strength. Among these, in terms of ease of installation, a method of assembling standardized parts can be cited. However, since actual installation conditions vary from place to place, frames that are easy to reassemble and extend have been developed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The prefabricated retaining frame described in Patent Document 1 has a configuration in which members with a U-shaped cross-section attached to both ends of the frame body and engaging strips of connecting columns are fitted together, enabling easy assembly. However, since the claws of the column engaging strips and the panel engaging strips are short, there are problems such as deformation when a large amount of soil is placed in the frame or the engaging strips are easily detached.

[0005] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a garden frame that can improve the expandability of the frame while maintaining the overall strength.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present invention, which solves the above problems, is a garden frame that can form a closed frame shape, comprising a plurality of frame plates, a plurality of support posts, and connecting members that can connect the frame plates and the support posts, wherein the frame plates have mounting portions that can be connected to the connecting members at both end faces and have recesses along their entire length. This configuration allows for improved frame expandability while maintaining overall strength.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connecting member has a fitting portion that can be fitted into the mounting portion, and the fitting portion has a shape corresponding to the shape of the mounting portion including the recess. This configuration makes it easy to maintain the stability of the frame's assembled state.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fitting portion is provided in multiple parts, including two that correspond to the shapes near both ends in the height direction of the mounting portion. This configuration allows for compatibility with frames of various cross-sectional shapes.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connecting member has a locking body that can be locked to the support column, the locking body including a main branch portion that protrudes in the direction opposite to the fitting portion and a secondary branch portion that extends in a direction intersecting the main branch portion. This configuration allows for easy installation of support columns and also facilitates vertical extension of the frame.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a bottom plate is further provided, which is supported by at least one pair of opposing frame plates. This configuration allows for easy elevation of the space within the retaining wall created by the frame. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The present invention, which solves the above problems, provides a garden frame that can improve the expandability of the frame while maintaining overall strength. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the basic configuration of a garden frame according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is an exploded view showing the individual components constituting the corner of a garden frame according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is an explanatory diagram showing the members constituting the corner of a garden frame, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, from a plan view and a front view. [Figure 4] These are a perspective view and a front view showing another configuration of a garden frame according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is an exploded view showing the configuration of a corner in another configuration of a garden frame according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view showing an example of a garden frame configuration according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is an explanatory diagram showing the basic configuration of a garden frame according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view showing another configuration of a garden frame according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view showing yet another configuration of a garden frame according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] The garden frame X according to each embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The description will detail the configuration of the embodiment, the method of implementation, and other embodiments in that order. The embodiments described below are merely examples of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0014] ≪First Embodiment≫ As shown in FIG. 1, the garden frame X according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of frame plates 1, support columns 2, connecting members 3, positioning members 4, and lid portions 5, respectively. The frame plate 1 and the support column 2 can be connected via the connecting member 3. By appropriately determining the connection direction, a closed shape as shown in FIG. 1 is formed, and soil retention can be achieved inside.

[0015] The frame plate 1 is a long plate-shaped member forming the main part of the garden frame X, ensuring a floor area with a predetermined length and enabling soil retention by its height and thickness. The frame plate 1 has recesses 11 throughout its length direction. In the present embodiment, it further has an intermediate convex portion 12, an inner reinforcing portion 13, and a hole portion 14.

[0016] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2(a), the recess 11 is a groove-shaped portion provided substantially parallel to the length direction and extending throughout on one surface side formed in the length direction and height direction of the frame plate 1, particularly on the surface facing the inside when the garden frame X is assembled. In the present embodiment, a plurality of recesses 11 are provided in the height direction of the frame plate 1, and between the recesses 11, an intermediate convex portion 12 is provided extending throughout the length direction of the frame plate 1. With such a configuration, the bottom plate 6 described later can be easily installed and supported, and deflection deformation in the length direction of the frame plate 1 can be suppressed.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2(b), the frame plate 1 has a hollow cross-section, and an inner reinforcing portion 13 is formed inside. The inner reinforcing portion 13 is a beam-shaped reinforcing member provided inside the frame plate 1, connecting the surface having the recess 11 and the surface opposite thereto. Thereby, while reducing the weight of the frame plate 1, it can sufficiently receive the load applied in the thickness direction and enable soil retention. Also, a plurality of inner reinforcing portions 13 are provided in the height direction of the frame plate 1, and in its cross-sectional shape, corresponding to the configuration of the connecting member 3 described later, it is particularly arranged to be intertwined between the fitting portions 32. In the following description, the opening portion formed by the inner reinforcing portion 13 and the hollow portion at the end portion (particularly both end faces) of the frame plate 1 is referred to as the attachment portion P.

[0018] The internal reinforcing portion 13 is provided at the boundary between the recess 11 and the protrusion at the height-direction end, as well as at multiple locations on the intermediate protrusion 12. This configuration allows for the strength of the frame plate 1 to be ensured with fewer components, and also allows for easy adaptation to the shape of the fitting portion 32, which will be described later.

[0019] As shown in Figures 2(a) and 2(b), the hole 14 is a hole that penetrates through the frame plate 1 in the thickness direction near the end of the frame plate 1, and enables the positioning of the connecting member 3, which will be described later.

[0020] As shown in Figures 2(a), 2(b), and 3(a), the support column 2 is a rectangular prism-shaped member (in this embodiment, a rectangular parallelepiped with a roughly square cross-section) having a side width approximately equal to the width direction of the frame plate 1, and allows the corners of the garden frame X to be formed by changing the connection direction of the frame plate 1. The support column 2 also has an outer wall portion 21 that maintains its outer shape, an engaging portion 22 that can engage and connect with the connecting member 3, and an insertion portion 23 into which the positioning member 4 can be inserted. Furthermore, the length of the support column 2 is approximately equal to or slightly shorter than the height direction of the frame plate 1 (hereinafter, this length direction will be referred to as the "axial direction"). With this configuration, the garden frame X can be easily assembled by combining it with the frame plate 1, and the top surface can be made flush with the frame plate 1 when the positioning member 4 and / or cover portion 5, which will be described later, are attached.

[0021] As shown in Figures 2(b) and 3(a), the outer wall section 21 determines the shape of the corners of the support columns 2 in a plan view and is a member that extends over the entire height direction, maintaining the shape of the corners of the garden frame X, or the connection state with the connecting members 3 and, consequently, the frame boards 1. With this configuration, the shape of the garden frame X can be maintained even during assembly or disassembly, making it easier to ensure safety during work.

[0022] As shown in Figures 2(b) and 3(a), the engaging portion 22 is a space formed in a T-shape in a plan view extending inward from the outer wall portion 21, and the portion of the inner wall surface forming this space, enabling engagement of the locking body 33 of the connecting member 3, which will be described later. Furthermore, the engaging portion 22 is provided at each of the corners formed by the outer wall portion 21. In other words, the outer wall portion 21 and the engaging portion 22 are arranged alternately adjacent to each other in a plan view, and the engaging portion 22 is positioned to face in multiple directions, enabling connection of the frame plate 1 to a single support column 2 in multiple directions.

[0023] As shown in Figures 2(b) and 3(a), the insertion portion 23 is a through hole or a hole of a predetermined depth that penetrates in the height direction at the center of the cross-section of the support column 2, allowing the positioning member 4, which will be described later, to be inserted. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3(a), by providing multiple outer wall portions 21 and engaging portions 22 in a rotationally symmetrical manner around the insertion portion 23, the degree of freedom in attaching the frame plate 1 is increased, and the user can easily handle the support column 2 without having to check the horizontal orientation of the support column 2.

[0024] The connecting member 3 is a member that fits between the frame plate 1 and the support column 2, enabling them to be connected, and has a base portion 31, a fitting portion 32, and a locking body 33. This simplifies the structure of the frame plate 1 and the support column 2, improving expandability and facilitating design changes.

[0025] The base plate portion 31 is a flat plate-shaped member provided in the center of the connecting member 3. As shown in Figures 2(a), 2(b), and 3(a), it is placed between the frame plate 1 and the support column 2 and sandwiched, maintaining a stable state in which each member is connected. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3(b), it is preferable that the base plate portion 31 has a shape in the planar direction that corresponds to the outer circumference of the cross-sectional shape of the frame plate 1, that is, a shape with irregularities that match the shape of the recess 11 and the intermediate protrusion 12. With such a configuration, unnecessary steps and corners are not created at the connection part between the frame plate 1 and the support column 2, improving the overall design of the garden frame X, and preventing soil from entering the inside of the frame plate 1.

[0026] The fitting portion 32 is a columnar or cylindrical member that protrudes in one direction from one side of the substrate portion 31 and can be fitted into the mounting portion P. In this embodiment, the fitting portion 32 includes a main projection 321 and a sub-projection 322.

[0027] As shown in Figures 2(a), 2(b), and 3(b), the main projection 321 is a prismatic or tubular member that protrudes from near both ends in the height direction of the base plate portion 31, and two are provided corresponding to the shape of the area near both ends in the height direction of the mounting portion P. In particular, the main projection 321 fits into the space defined by the end of the frame plate 1 and the internal reinforcing portion 13 at the mounting portion P. With this configuration, a reasonably stable connection can be achieved between the frame plate 1 and the main projection 321 regardless of the configuration of the sub-projection 322, including whether or not it is present, and changes in the shape of the mounting portion P (i.e., the cross-sectional shape of the frame plate 1) can be easily accommodated.

[0028] The secondary protrusions 322 are prismatic or tubular members that protrude from the base portion 31 between the two main protrusions 321, and multiple sub-protrusions 322 are provided in shapes corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the frame plate 1. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2(a), the sub-protrusions 322 have an elongated cross-sectional shape (narrow cross-section) corresponding to the thickness of the recess 11, and a relatively large cross-sectional shape (wide cross-section) corresponding to the thickness of the intermediate protrusion 12. Furthermore, each protrusion Q corresponds to the internal reinforcing portion 13 and is provided spaced apart to avoid it, so as to fit into the space defined by the internal reinforcing portion 13. With this configuration, even if the cross-sectional shape of the frame plate 1 is complex, the protrusions Q can be easily manufactured by combining simple shapes.

[0029] When the secondary projection 322 is fitted into the mounting portion P, it is preferable to have a hole or a short protrusion at a position corresponding to the hole 14. With this configuration, when the connecting member 3 is attached to the frame plate 1, the two can be easily positioned.

[0030] The locking body 33 is a member that protrudes from the base portion 31 in the direction opposite to the insertion portion 32, and can be connected by engaging with the engagement portion 22 of the support column 2. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3(a), the locking body 33 has a main branch portion 331 that protrudes in the direction opposite to the insertion portion 32, and secondary branch portions 332 that extend outwards on both sides from the tip of the main branch portion 331 (in a direction intersecting the main branch portion 331), forming a T shape in plan view. This allows it to engage with the engagement portion 22 by sliding. Moreover, it is preferable that the locking body 33 is provided over substantially the entire length of the base portion 31. With this configuration, even if a localized load is applied to the connecting member 3 while the support column 2 and the connecting member 3 are connected, the load is distributed and it is less likely to deform, and the gap through which soil can escape is reduced, making it easier to maintain the effect of soil retention. On the other hand, the locking body 33 may be provided with a gap between it and the end of the engaging portion 22 (especially the upper and lower ends), so that the locking body 33 can be easily inserted even if a small amount of soil has entered the engaging portion 22.

[0031] The frame board 1 and the support column 2 are connected via the connecting member 3 having the above configuration. At this time, the direction in which the frame board 1 and the connecting member 3 are connected is perpendicular to the direction in which the support column 2 and the connecting member 3 are connected. Therefore, unless a load is applied to the support column 2 in an oblique upward direction, the individual members will not come apart at once. Furthermore, when the garden frame X is assembled, the connection configuration of the connecting member 3 can easily withstand loads that translate the frame board 1 horizontally, and the frame can be kept in a stable state.

[0032] The positioning member 4 is a member that includes a stopper plate 41 and an insertion portion 42, and is capable of fixing at least two objects in a substantially straight line. In the present invention, the positioning member 4 can be connected to each other by inserting the insertion portion 42 into the insertion portion 23 of the support column 2. This enables horizontal positioning and vertical expansion of the garden frame X.

[0033] The retaining plate 41 is a flat plate-shaped member provided in the center of the positioning member 4. Its surface direction, as shown in Figures 2(a) and 2(b), extends in a direction that intersects (particularly perpendicular to) the axial direction of the support column 2 in the assembled state. The surface size of the retaining plate 41 is approximately equal to, or slightly smaller than, the outer cross-sectional diameter of the support column 2. In this embodiment in particular, the retaining plate 41 is a disc, and its diameter is smaller than the diameter of the inscribed circle of the cross-section of the support column 2. At the end face of the outer wall portion 21, it abuts against the trunk portion extending outward from the center, but does not abut against the branch portions extending from the ends of the trunk portion. This ensures that the end face of the support column 2 abuts against the retaining plate 41, maintaining a stable installation state. The thickness of the retaining plate 41 is approximately equal to the height of the frame plate 1 when the length of one support column 2 is added. With this configuration, even when two or more garden frames X are assembled stacked, the vertical dimensions do not shift, and soil retention can be properly achieved.

[0034] In the examples shown in Figures 2(a), 2(b), and 5, the stopper plate 41 is a disc, but it may be of any other shape as long as it is of a predetermined size. This shape may include, for example, an ellipse, an oval, a polygon, etc., and is not particularly limited as long as it can stably contact the end face of the support column 2, although a rotationally symmetrical figure is preferable. With this configuration, the user can easily handle the positioning member 4 without having to consider the orientation of the stopper plate 41. Also, due to the thickness of the stopper plate 41, when the locking body 33 of the connecting member 3 is inserted into the engagement portion 22 of the support column 2, the lower end of the locking body 33 contacts the thickness of the stopper plate 41. That is, the sum of the thickness of the stopper plate 41 and the length of the locking body 33 is approximately equal to the height of the frame plate 1. With this configuration, the gaps between each member are reduced, making it less likely for soil inside the garden frame X to leak out.

[0035] The insertion portion 42 is a thin, rod-shaped member that protrudes from approximately the center of the surface direction of the stopper plate 41, and its tip is pointed in a cone shape. In this embodiment, the insertion portion 42 is configured to protrude from the stopper plate 41 in two opposite directions. This allows one insertion portion 42 to be inserted into the insertion portion 23 of the support column 2, and the other insertion portion 42 to be driven into the ground where the garden frame X is installed. Furthermore, it is preferable that the two insertion portions 42 are arranged on approximately the same straight line. With this configuration, the support column 2 can be positioned with intuitive handling.

[0036] In the examples shown in Figures 2(a), 2(b), and 5, the insertion portion 42 is a rod-shaped and / or conical shape with a circular cross-section, but the cross-sectional shape is not particularly limited as long as it can be stably maintained in the inserted state in the insertion portion 23. Regarding this cross-sectional shape, symmetrical shapes such as a convex polygon, a cross-shaped cross-section, a V-shaped cross-section, a Y-shaped cross-section with 120-degree rotational symmetry, and a star-shaped cross-section are particularly preferred. With such a configuration, the user does not need to consider the orientation of the insertion portion 42, and the positioning member 4 can be handled easily.

[0037] As shown in Figures 2(a) and 2(b), the cover portion 5 is a flat plate-shaped member that can be attached to the end face of the support column 2, and closes the end face of the support column 2 by fitting it into the engaging portion 22, the insertion portion 23, or other holes. This prevents soil from entering the holes and gaps created by the support column 2, and helps maintain a good environment for use of the garden frame X.

[0038] Figures 4(a) and 4(b) show another assembly method of the garden frame X according to this embodiment. When the height (depth, or vertical length) of the garden frame X is extended depending on the usage conditions, the configuration shown in the figures is used. In this case, a positioning member 4 is used to connect the upper support column 2 and the lower support column 2.

[0039] As shown in Figure 5, when stacking garden frames X vertically to create multiple layers, the positioning member 4 is placed between the two support posts 2, and by inserting both of the two insertion parts 42 into the insertion part 23, the support posts 2 are connected to each other, and the assembly of the frame board 1, support posts 2, and connecting member 3 can be expanded vertically (up and down).

[0040] The present invention may have the following configurations. However, the configurations shown below are merely examples, and their presence or absence can be arbitrarily determined unless otherwise specified.

[0041] The cross-sectional shape of the support column 2 is a polygon on its outer edge. Here, the outer edge refers to the overall general shape of the cross-section that is perceived by the user, particularly by the outer wall portion 21. Furthermore, the term "polygon" is not limited to the approximate square shown in Figures 2(a), 2(b), and 3(a), but also includes approximate regular polygons, other polygonal shapes, etc., and may even include shapes that deviate from the mathematical definition of a polygon, such as those with rounded corners or chamfers. With this configuration, the garden frame X can be assembled into a variety of shapes, not limited to rectangles (and shapes that combine rectangles) as shown in the drawings, but also including other polygons with right angles, regular polygons, etc.

[0042] Examples of cross-sectional shapes for the support column 2 include a regular hexagon, a regular octagon, an isosceles triangle, and an equilateral triangle. In the case of a regular hexagon, when a frame plate 1 is attached to two adjacent engagement parts 22 via a connecting member 3, the angle between the two frame plates 1 becomes 60 degrees, and by using three of these support columns 2, the garden frame X can be assembled into an equilateral triangle. In the case of a regular octagon, when a frame plate 1 is attached to two adjacent engagement parts 22 via a connecting member 3, the angle between the two frame plates 1 becomes 45 degrees, and when a frame plate 1 is attached to two adjacent engagement parts 22 via a connecting member 3, the angle between the two frame plates 1 becomes 90 degrees, so by combining the two, the garden frame X can be assembled into a right-angled isosceles triangle.

[0043] The following describes in detail the method of carrying out the present invention with reference to the drawings. Furthermore, the method of carrying out the invention described below is merely an example, and is not limited to this method; the order of the steps may also be changed.

[0044] ≪Implementation Method≫ When assembling the garden frame X, the user first inserts the fitting part 32 into the mounting part P of the frame board 1 to attach the connecting member 3. The user then performs the same operation on both sides of all the necessary frame boards 1, attaching the connecting members 3 to both ends of the frame boards 1.

[0045] Next, the user inserts the insertion portion 42 of the positioning member 4 into one end of the support post 2, particularly the insertion portion 23, and connects the two. Then, the user inserts the other insertion portion 42 of the positioning member 4 into the installation surface (such as the ground) to fix the support post 2 to the installation surface. At this point, the support post 2 and the positioning member 4 become the reference positions that determine the installation position of the entire garden frame X.

[0046] Next, the user connects the frame plate 1, to which the connecting member 3 is attached, to the fixed support column 2. At this time, the user slides the two together so that the locking body 33 enters and engages with the engaging portion 22.

[0047] The user repeats the above steps to position the support posts 2 and connect the frame boards 1 in any direction to assemble a closed garden frame X. Then the user fills the enclosed space inside the garden frame X with soil and other materials to create an environment for plant cultivation.

[0048] When disassembling the Garden Frame X, the user should follow the reverse procedure described above.

[0049] The garden frame X according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that components similar to those in the first embodiment will be described using the same reference numerals.

[0050] ≪Second Embodiment≫ As shown in Figures 6(a) and 6(b), the garden frame X according to this embodiment includes a plurality of frame boards 1 of different lengths, where the longer ones are referred to as long frame boards 1A and the shorter ones as short frame boards 1B. The long frame boards 1A and short frame boards 1B, like the frame boards 1 in the first embodiment, have recesses 11, intermediate protrusions 12, internal reinforcing parts 13, and holes 14, and serve as the main parts of the garden frame X, enabling soil retention.

[0051] In the example shown in this embodiment, the length of the long frame board 1A is twice the length of the short frame board 1B to which the support column 2 is attached via a connecting member 3. With this configuration, the area of ​​the garden frame X can be divided by half the length of the long frame board 1A, or a narrower area can be added to the area of ​​the garden frame X by the short frame board 1B, providing expandability to suit the usage conditions. However, the relationship between the lengths of the long frame board 1A and the short frame board 1B shown here is merely an example and may be changed as appropriate depending on the purpose, and frame boards 1 with lengths different from both may also be included.

[0052] As shown in Figures 6(a) and 7(a), the garden frame X according to this embodiment includes a bottom plate 6. The bottom plate 6 is a flat plate-shaped member with sufficient strength not to be easily bent by human hand force, and fits inside the closed shape formed by the frame plate 1. The length of one side of the bottom plate 6 is the sum of the length of the frame plate 1 and approximately twice the depth of the recess 11. With this configuration, as shown in Figure 7(b), the bottom plate 6 is supported at its periphery by the walls of at least one pair of opposing recesses 11, and serves as the bottom of the retaining wall regardless of the height of the frame plate 1. Here, Figure 7 shows a configuration in which the bottom plate 6 is supported in a direction that views the cross-section of a pair of opposing short frame plates 1B. For example, the bottom plate 6 is used when the height of the frame plate 1 is raised by the support column 2, as shown in Figure 6(a) with the short frame plate 1B, or when the installation surface on which the garden frame X is installed does not directly come into contact with the soil.

[0053] In Figure 7(b), the bottom plate 6 is supported by the lower recess 11 of the frame plate 1, but it may also be supported by the upper recess 11. The recess 11 shown in Figure 7(b) has an inclined wall surface on the side of the intermediate protrusion 12, but this part may also be provided horizontally to stably support the bottom plate 6. Alternatively, the bottom plate 6 may be sandwiched between the bottom surfaces of the recesses 11, so that the inclined wall surface of the recess 11 can adequately support the bottom plate 6.

[0054] The garden frame X, having the above configuration, can be assembled into various shapes by connecting the frame boards 1 in any shape using the support posts 2, connecting members 3, and positioning members 4. Some examples are shown below with reference to the drawings, but even forms not illustrated are included in the scope of the present invention if they are theoretically possible depending on how the components are assembled.

[0055] Examples In the example shown in Figure 6(a), a roughly square frame made of short frame plates 1B is provided on the outside and above a roughly square frame made of long frame plates 1A. The two frames share a common position at one point with the support column 2 and one side of the short frame plate 1B, and are connected by a positioning member 4. Furthermore, the frame made of short frame plates 1B is raised by the length of one support column 2, and a base plate 6 is provided to enable earth retention in mid-air.

[0056] In the example shown in Figure 6(b), a roughly square frame made of short frame boards 1B is provided on top of a roughly square frame made of long frame boards 1A, which is mostly the same as in Figure 6(a). The position of the support posts 2 is the same at one point for both, but two sides of the short frame boards 1B overlap with the long frame boards 1A, so the support posts 2 of the frame made of short frame boards 1B are located inside the roughly square formed by the long frame boards 1A. This makes it easy to raise only a part of the garden frame X and secure a cultivation area for plants with deep roots.

[0057] In the example shown in Figure 8(a), another roughly square frame formed from short frame boards 1B is added to the configuration shown in Figure 6(b). In this configuration, two frames formed from short frame boards 1B are arranged in parallel, and their longitudinal direction is equal in length to one side of the lower frame formed from long frame boards 1A, thus overlapping overall. Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 8(b), one more roughly square frame formed from short frame boards 1B is added, resulting in three in parallel, and in the example shown in Figure 8(c), similarly, one more roughly square frame formed from short frame boards 1B is added, resulting in four in parallel. By changing the combination in this way, the garden frame X can be expanded vertically while the total floor area determined by the long frame boards 1A can be divided by the short frame boards 1B.

[0058] In the example shown in Figure 9(a), a single-tier garden frame X is constructed by combining long frame boards 1A and short frame boards 1B to form a roughly rectangular shape in plan view. In this example, two long frame boards 1A and one short frame board 1B are used in the longitudinal direction, but as shown in Figure 9(b), the basic configuration uses one long frame board 1A in the longitudinal direction and one short frame board 1B in the transverse direction, and a rectangle can be formed in any combination. Also, as shown in Figure 9(b), the roughly rectangular garden frame X can be extended vertically to form multiple tiers.

[0059] The following describes in detail the method of carrying out the present invention with reference to the drawings. Furthermore, the method of carrying out the invention described below is merely an example, and is not limited to this method; the order of the steps may also be changed.

[0060] ≪Implementation Method≫ The user performs the same procedure as in the first embodiment when assembling the garden frame X. However, when attaching the bottom plate 6, before attaching the last frame plate 1, the user inserts and supports the bottom plate 6 horizontally into the recess 11 of the other assembled frame plates 1, and then attaches the last frame plate 1.

[0061] Furthermore, when the user assembles the frame by stacking two or more frame boards 1, as shown in Figure 5, one of the insertion parts 42 of the positioning member 4 is inserted into the insertion part 23 at the upper end of the lower support column 2. The user then attaches the upper support column 2 so that the other insertion part 42 is inserted into the insertion part 23. Any number of support columns 2 are connected in this manner, and the connecting member 3 and frame board 1 are then connected to them. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0062] X Garden Frame 1 Frame board 1A long frame board 1B Short frame board 11 recess 12 Intermediate protrusion 13 Internal reinforcement section 14 Hole 2 pillars 21 Exterior wall 22 Engaging part 23 Insertion part 3 Connecting Members 31 Circuit board section 32 Inset part 321 Main protrusion 322 Secondary protrusion 33 Locking body 331 Main branch 332 Secondary branch 4 Positioning member 41 Stop plate 42 Insertion part 5 Lid 6 Bottom plate P Mounted part Q Projection

Claims

1. A garden frame comprising multiple frame boards, multiple support posts, and connecting members capable of connecting the frame boards and support posts, which can form a closed frame shape, The frame plate has mounting portions on both end faces that can be connected to the connecting members, and has recesses along its entire length, forming a garden frame.

2. The connecting member has a fitting portion that can be fitted into the mounting portion, and the fitting portion has a shape corresponding to the shape of the mounting portion, including the recess. The garden frame according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned fitting portion is provided in multiple parts, including two that correspond to the shape near both ends in the height direction of the mounting portion. The garden frame according to claim 2.

4. The connecting member has a locking body that can be locked to the support column, and the locking body includes a main branch portion that protrudes in the direction opposite to the insertion portion and a secondary branch portion that extends in a direction intersecting the main branch portion. The garden frame according to claim 2.

5. The structure further comprises a bottom plate supported by at least one pair of opposing frame plates, The garden frame according to claim 1.

Images