Plant scissors and sponges for gripping cut plants

Abstract

The purpose of this invention is to provide plant scissors that can grasp and collect cut plants without dropping them. [Solution] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the plant scissors 1 of this invention comprises a sponge attachment member 10 having a sponge attachment surface 11 perpendicular to the blade surface, in which the first blade 2a and the second blade 2b are rotatably connected to each other via a rotation axis 3.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to scissors for plants, such as grass shears and branch cutters.

Background Art

[0002] Scissors for plants, such as grass shears for cutting weeds and branch cutters for pruning tree branches, have been in widespread use for a long time. They have the same basic structure as ordinary scissors, with a pair of blades overlapped so that they intersect, and are connected via a rotating shaft at the intersection part so as to be rotatable relative to each other. By opening the blades to insert a plant therebetween and then closing the blades, the sandwiched plant is cut.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes pliers with a clamping function, in which a pair of scissor blades intersecting at a fulcrum and a pair of clamping members intersecting at a fulcrum are overlapped, the fulcrum of the scissor blades and the fulcrum of the clamping members are supported by a common support shaft, the feet of the scissor blades and the feet of the clamping members on the same side are fixed to corresponding handles respectively, and a spring part is interposed between the clamping member and the fulcrum.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Widely used scissors for plants can easily cut weeds and extra tree branches. However, the parts separated from the main body of the plant fall off. Therefore, after cutting, it is necessary to rake up and collect the cut leaves and branches. That is, two-stage operations of cutting and then collecting are required. In addition, the cut plants may have thorns or be infested with insects. In such cases, it is unpleasant to pick them up by hand, and there is also a possibility of injury or insect bites.

[0006] Reference 1 describes scissors with a gripping function that can stably grip cut flowers and other plants, making it easy to cut and harvest even those growing at a distance. However, grass stems and leaves are slippery, making it difficult to hold them firmly to prevent them from falling. Also, some weed stems are hard and difficult to cut, and it may not be possible to cut them completely in one go. In this case, if you continue to hold onto the uncut stems, you cannot release the scissors from the remaining plant (the base of the weed or the part where the branches are growing). On the other hand, if you open the scissors, you can release the uncut stems, but the stems and leaves that have already been cut will fall off. Furthermore, the structure, which incorporates a spring between the clamping member and the fulcrum, is complex. The spring force must be precisely adjusted; if it's too weak, it cannot grip the cut plant, and if it's too strong, strong force is required to close the scissors. Moreover, even if the spring is properly adjusted initially, its repulsive force decreases with use. Replacing or readjusting the spring to restore it to the appropriate state is not practical.

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide plant scissors that can grasp and collect cut plants without dropping them. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the plant scissors of this invention have a first blade and a second blade that are rotatably connected to each other via a pivot axis, and each of the first and second blades is provided with a sponge mounting member having a sponge mounting surface perpendicular to the respective blade surface. Preferably, the plate-shaped member constituting the sponge mounting surface is provided with a falling object gripping portion perpendicular to the sponge mounting surface at the tip on the blade side. Alternatively, the plate-shaped member constituting the sponge mounting surface may be made of a ferromagnetic material, a magnet may be attached to one side of the sponge, and the sponge may be attached to the sponge mounting surface by the magnetic force of the magnet. The sponge mounting member may be detachably attached to the first and second blades.

[0009] Furthermore, the pre-cut plant-gripping sponge of this invention is attached to the sponge mounting surface of a sponge mounting member that is attached to the first or second blade of a plant scissors and has a sponge mounting surface perpendicular to each blade, and is substantially rectangular in shape. A magnet may be provided on the surface in contact with the sponge mounting surface. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] The plant scissors of this invention allow for easy collection of cut plants by directly gripping them. This eliminates the need to touch the plants directly with your hands from cutting to collection. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a plan view showing the open position of plant scissors. [Figure 2] This is a plan view showing the closed position of plant scissors. [Figure 3] This is a plan view showing an example of a sponge mounting component. [Figure 4] This is a plan view showing the main body of a pair of plant scissors. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing an example of a sponge mounting component. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of the plant-holding sponge from the plant-holding surface side. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view of the plant gripping sponge from the mounting surface side. [Figure 8] This is a plan view showing another example of the main body of a pair of plant scissors. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Embodiments for carrying out this invention will now be described. Figure 1 is a plan view showing a plant scissors in an open state. Plant scissors are scissors used for cutting plants, and include, for example, weeding scissors for cutting weeds, pruning scissors for cutting branches of trees and shrubs, and pruning scissors for pruning bonsai.

[0013] The scissors body 1 of the plant scissors has a pair of a first blade 2a and a second blade 2b, which overlap so as to intersect near the blade edge. At this intersecting part, a rotating shaft 3, which is a support shaft, is provided, and the first blade 2a and the second blade 2b are connected to each other rotatably. Further, the first blade 2a and the second blade 2b are provided with a handle 4 portion continuing from the blade edge. This is the basic structure generally provided in scissors.

[0014] The first blade 2a and the second blade 2b are provided with sponge attachment members 10 each having a sponge attachment surface 11 perpendicular to each blade surface, and a cut plant gripping sponge 20 (hereinafter simply referred to as "sponge") is attached to the sponge attachment surface 11. In the sponge 20, a plant gripping surface 22 facing an attachment surface 21 contacting the sponge attachment surface 11 generally follows the blade line. When the blade tips are open, the plant gripping surfaces 22 of the sponge 20 of the first blade 2a and the second blade 2b are separated from each other. On the other hand, in a state where the blade tips are closed for cutting, the plant gripping surfaces 22 of the sponge 20 of the first blade 2a and the second blade 2b are in contact with each other. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a closed state of the plant scissors.

[0015] The sponge attachment member will be described. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the sponge attachment member. Further, FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the scissors body of the plant scissors corresponding to the sponge attachment member of this example.

[0016] A connecting portion 12 connected to the first blade 2a or the second blade 2b of the plant scissors has a sponge attachment surface 11 perpendicular to each blade when connected.

[0017] The connecting part 12 in this example is a strip-shaped member having a predetermined width, and a plurality of holes 13 are formed therein. And a strip-shaped plate member 14 is formed vertically along one side of the connecting part 12, and the surface of the plate member 14 on the connecting part 12 side serves as the sponge attachment surface 11. In this example, the plate member 14 is longer than the connecting part 12 and protrudes in the cutting edge direction. Further, the plate member 14 is bent vertically toward the connecting part 12 at a position protruding from the cutting edge, and the bent portion serves as the falling object gripping part 15. Here, triangular valleys are repeatedly formed at the tip of the falling object gripping part 15, and it has a saw-tooth shape. Note that the tip of the plate member 14 may be ended near the cutting edge without bending. In this case, the falling object gripping part 15 is not formed, but the cutting edge can be inserted and used even in a narrow place.

[0018] In the scissors main body part of this example, an extension part 5 is formed on each of the first blade 2a and the second blade 2b on the side opposite to the blade line. An example of the outer shape of a normal plant scissors is shown by a dotted line, but the scissors main body part of this example has a shape that spreads outward, and the spreading part is the extension part 5. And a hole 6 is provided in this extension part 5. This hole 6 corresponds to the position of the hole 13 of the connecting part 12 of the sponge attachment member 10.

[0019] The hole 6 of the scissors main body part and the hole 13 of the sponge attachment member 10 are both of a size through which a bolt can pass. By aligning the hole 6 of the scissors main body part and the hole 13 of the sponge attachment member 10, passing a bolt through them, and attaching a nut, the sponge attachment member 10 can be attached to the scissors main body part. Here, it is preferable to use a hexagonal socket bolt, and even a small bolt can be tightened with a strong force and firmly fixed. Due to the formation of the extension part 5, the connecting part 6 contacts the scissors main body part over a wide area, and the space between the holes 13 can also be set wide, and the connection is also strong.

[0020] When the sponge attachment member 10 is attached to the main body in this way, the sponge attachment surface 11 becomes roughly parallel to the blade line, and the plant gripping surfaces 22 of the first blade 2a and the second blade 2b are in a state where their tips are touching each other. The distance between the sponge attachment surface 11 and the blade line corresponds to the width of the sponge 20.

[0021] The sponge mounting member 10 may be made by integral molding of plastic, or it may be formed by bending a metal plate. In particular, if a ferromagnetic material such as a steel plate or stainless steel plate is used, the sponge mounting surface 11 can be made ferromagnetic so that magnets easily adhere to it. Even if it is made of plastic, it can be made ferromagnetic by attaching a steel plate or stainless steel plate to the sponge mounting surface 11.

[0022] In this example, the sponge attachment member 10 is fixed to the scissors body with a bolt, making it easy to remove.

[0023] Next, we will describe the sponge for gripping plants. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the plant-gripping sponge from the plant-gripping surface side, and Figure 7 is a perspective view of the plant-gripping sponge from the mounting surface side.

[0024] The material of the plant-gripping sponge 20 does not need to be special and specific to the application of this invention; many materials commonly recognized as sponges, such as those used for shock absorption or dishwashing, can be used. It is generally rectangular in shape, with one of its broad surfaces being the mounting surface 21 that contacts the sponge mounting surface 11, and the opposite surface being the plant-gripping surface 22. The sponge 20 has a length that covers most of the entire blade line of the scissors, that is, from the base to the tip of the blade. The distance between the surface 21 that contacts the sponge mounting surface 11 and the plant-gripping surface 22, i.e., the thickness of the sponge 20, is sufficient to grip the plant that will be cut in a single cut, and a distance of 20 mm is suitable for many plant-gripping scissors.

[0025] The mounting surface 21 is provided with a fixing portion 23 for fixing it to the sponge mounting surface 11. This sponge, with the fixing member 23 attached, can be provided as a consumable item for use with plant scissors.

[0026] As a fixing member, for example, adhesive tape as shown in Figure 7a can be attached to the mounting surface 21. Before use, a protective tape is attached over this adhesive tape, and when the protective tape is removed, the adhesive surface is exposed, and the sponge 20 can be attached to the sponge mounting surface 11. Adhesive tape is inexpensive and simple. For example, double-sided tape the same width as the mounting surface 21 can be cut to the length of the mounting surface 21 and attached.

[0027] The adhesive tape has sufficient adhesive strength, so it is unlikely to come off during use, and it can be removed relatively easily when it is time to replace it.

[0028] If the plate-shaped member 14 constituting the sponge mounting surface 11 is made of a ferromagnetic material, a magnet can be provided on the mounting surface 22 as a fixing member. For example, as shown in Figure 7b, a magnetic rubber sheet can be attached. Magnetic rubber sheets with an adhesive surface are also widely available, and they can be easily attached by cutting them to the shape of the mounting surface 22. Alternatively, a strong small magnet such as a neodymium magnet can be attached, as shown in Figure 7c.

[0029] By using magnets as fixing members, the sponge 20 can be easily attached to and detached from the sponge mounting surface 11.

[0030] The cutting of plants using the plant scissors of this invention will now be described. The sponge attachment member 10 is attached to the first blade 2a and the second blade 2b, and the sponge 20 is attached to the sponge attachment surface 11. At this time, the plant gripping surface 22 of the sponge 20 is generally aligned with the blade line.

[0031] Then, the end with the sponge 20 is pointed towards the tip of the plant to be cut, and the plant is cut. When cutting grass growing on the ground, the end with the sponge 20 is pointed upwards, and when cutting tree branches, the end with the sponge 20 is pointed towards the tip of the branch to be cut. The handle 4 is operated to open the first blade 2a and the second blade 2b, the plant is placed between them, and the first blade 2a and the second blade 2b are closed to cut the plant. At this time, the sponges 20 of the first blade 2a and the second blade 2b also move closer to each other. The cut plant is held by the sponge 20 and does not fall. The surface of the sponge has a high coefficient of friction and firmly grips the plant. In addition, the sponge is flexible and can deform, so it can grip the plant regardless of the amount or shape of the cut plant.

[0032] With the plant held in place, it is moved to a container for collecting the plant, such as a bag or basket. When the first blade 2a and the second blade 2b are opened, the sponges 20 separate, the previously held plant falls, and is collected in the container. With conventional plant scissors, the process involves two steps: cutting the plant and then gathering the fallen plant, which is time-consuming. Furthermore, collecting the scattered plant is troublesome, and some plants are inevitably left behind. With this invention, cutting and collecting the plant can be done simultaneously simply by closing and opening the first blade 2a and the second blade 2b, just like with ordinary scissors.

[0033] Some plants have thorns, or sharp leaves like those of cogon grass that can injure your hands. They may also have insects attached, increasing the risk of being stung. Even if there are no visible insects, people who dislike insects may be reluctant to touch plants simply because they suspect insects might be present. With the plant scissors of this invention, cutting and collection can be done without touching the plants by hand, allowing for safe and worry-free work.

[0034] In this example, the plate-shaped member 14 constituting the sponge mounting surface 11 is provided with a falling object gripping portion 15 perpendicular to the sponge mounting surface 11 at the tip on the blade side. This pair of falling object gripping portions 15 move apart and closer together by opening and closing the first blade 2a and the second blade 2b. If any plant falls during cutting and collection and cannot be collected, the plant can be collected by gripping it with the falling object gripping portion 15 and releasing it over a collection container. In this case as well, there is no need to touch the fallen plant with your hands, nor is there any need to bring out other tools such as fire tongs. Because the tip is serrated, even small plant fragments can be easily grasped.

[0035] Even if there are some inaccuracies in the mounting position of the sponge mounting member 10 or in the shape and dimensions of the sponge, the sponge 20 can be flexibly deformed to absorb these errors. Also, if some of the plant is not completely cut during cutting, the first blade 2a and the second blade 2b can be moved towards the tip of the plant while keeping them closed. The remaining plant will slip out from between the sponges 20, while the cut plant will remain in place.

[0036] The scissor body may be made even larger. Figure 8 is a plan view showing another example of the scissor body of a planting scissor. In Figure 8, the first blade 2a and the second blade 2b are generally band-shaped and are wide, including near the blade tip. The sponge attachment surface and the falling object gripping part can be arranged as shown by the dashed line.

[0037] The above explanation is based on an example in which the sponge attachment member 10 is detachably attached. However, the sponge attachment member 10 may also be fixed integrally with the scissor body. In ordinary plant scissors, the first blade 2a and the second blade 2b are narrow, and it may be difficult to detachably attach the sponge attachment member 10 so as not to interfere with the opening and closing operation. Therefore, the sponge attachment member 10 may be fixed near the outer parts of the first blade 2a and the second blade 2b by welding or strong adhesive. If it is integrated by welding or the like, even small connection parts can be firmly fixed. This makes it possible to use ordinary plant scissors that are normally sold on the market as the scissor body, and to realize the plant scissors of this invention with simple processing. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0038] 1. Plant scissors 2a.1st blade 2b.Second blade 3. Rotation axis (support axis) 4. Pattern 5.Extension part 6. Hole 10. Sponge mounting component 11. Sponge mounting surface 12. Connection 13. Hole 15.Falling object gripping part 20. Sponge for holding plants (sponge) 21. Mounting surface 22. Plant gripping surface

Claims

1. A planting shear in which a first blade and a second blade are rotatably connected to each other via a pivot axis, and each of the first and second blades is provided with a sponge attachment member having a sponge attachment surface perpendicular to the blade surface.

2. The plant scissors according to claim 1, wherein a plate-shaped member constituting the sponge mounting surface is provided with a falling object gripping portion perpendicular to the sponge mounting surface at the tip on the blade side.

3. The plant scissors according to claim 1, wherein the plate-shaped member constituting the sponge mounting surface is made of a ferromagnetic material, a magnet is provided on one side of the sponge, and the sponge is attached to the sponge mounting surface by the magnetic force of the magnet.

4. The plant scissors according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a sponge attachment member is detachably attached to the first blade and the second blade.

5. A roughly rectangular, pre-cut sponge for gripping plants, which is attached to the sponge mounting surface of a sponge mounting member that is attached to the first or second blade of a plant scissors and has a sponge mounting surface perpendicular to each blade.

6. A pre-cut plant-gripping sponge according to claim 5, wherein the surface in contact with the sponge mounting surface is equipped with a magnet.

Images