Fastening tool and fastening tool unit for lane dividers

Abstract

The objective is to provide a fastening tool for lane dividers with high rigidity. [Solution] A fastening tool 10 for a lane divider 1 having a column 2 and a base 3, comprising: a plate-shaped annular portion 11 having a first opening 11A through which the column 2 is inserted; at least one first engaging portion 12 protruding from the lower surface of the annular portion 11 and capable of engaging with at least one first engaging portion 3A provided on the base 3; and a pair of handle portions 13 extending radially from the outer edge of the annular portion 11.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fastening tool and a fastening tool unit for a lane separation marker.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, lane separation markers installed on highways and general roads may be fixed to the ground by fastening members such as adhesives and bolts. When installing or removing such a lane separation marker from the ground, a fastening tool for the lane separation marker is used. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a fastening tool for a lane separation marker (pole cone) having a column portion and a pedestal. The fastening tool has a handle portion (base) that is a rod, two arms that extend in a direction away from one end of the handle portion, and two engaging portions (insertion protrusions) that protrude from the two arms. The lane separation marker is installed on or removed from the ground by rotating the fastening tool with each engaging portion inserted into an engaging hole (hole) provided in the pedestal.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] A large rotational torque is required to install or remove a lane separation marker from the ground. Therefore, a large load is applied to the fastening tool during the installation or removal operation, and the fastening tool may be deformed.

[0005] In view of the above background, an object of the present invention is to provide a fastening tool for a lane separation marker with high rigidity.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention is a fastening tool (10) for a lane divider (1) having a column (2) and a base (3), comprising: a plate-shaped annular portion (11) having a first opening (11A) through which the column is inserted; at least one first engaging portion (12) protruding from the lower surface of the annular portion and capable of engaging with at least one first engaging portion (3A) provided on the base; and a pair of handle portions (13) extending radially from the outer edge of the annular portion.

[0007] In this embodiment, the rigidity of the fastening tool against rotational torque is higher compared to cases where the annular portion is not formed (for example, when the first engaging portion is provided at the tips of two arms extending away from each other from one end of the handle portion). Furthermore, since the annular portion is formed in a plate shape, the fastening tool can be made compact.

[0008] In the above embodiment, the fastening tool may further include at least one connecting portion (14) that connects an adjacent pair of the first engaging portions.

[0009] According to this embodiment, the rigidity of the first engagement portion with respect to rotational torque can be improved.

[0010] In the above embodiment, the plurality of connecting portions connect all of the first engaging portions and preferably have an annular shape in plan view.

[0011] According to this embodiment, the rigidity of the first engagement portion with respect to rotational torque can be further improved.

[0012] In the above embodiment, the pair of handle portions may be provided at opposing positions on the annular portion.

[0013] According to this embodiment, the user can easily apply a load or rotational torque evenly to the fastening tool from above during installation or removal work.

[0014] Another aspect of the present invention is a fastening tool unit (15) for a lane separator having a column portion and another base (30) of a different shape from the base, comprising the fastening tool and an accessory member (16) positioned below the annular portion and having a second opening (18A) through which the column portion is inserted, wherein the upper surface (20) of the accessory member is provided with at least one receiving portion (25) for receiving the first engaging portion of the annular portion, and the lower surface (21) of the accessory member is provided with at least one second engaging portion (19) that can engage with at least one second engaged portion (30A) provided on the other base, and the fastening tool engages with the other base via the accessory member.

[0015] According to this embodiment, even if the shape and arrangement of the first engaging portion of the fastening tool do not correspond to the shape and arrangement of the second engaged portion of the other base, the fastening tool can be engaged with the base via the attached member. Therefore, by appropriately changing the attached member, lane dividers having bases of various shapes can be installed or removed using the fastening tool. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the above embodiments, a fastening tool for lane dividers with high rigidity can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] In the first embodiment, a lane separator and the ground on which the lane separator is installed: (a) front view of the lane separator (b) plan view of the lane separator (c) cross-sectional view of the ground [Figure 2] Perspective view of a fastening tool according to the first embodiment [Figure 3] Plan view of the fastening tool according to the first embodiment [Figure 4] Side view of a fastening tool according to the first embodiment [Figure 5] Diagram illustrating the method of using the fastening tool according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Plan view of the lane separator according to the second embodiment [Figure 7]Perspective view of the accessory member according to the second embodiment [Figure 8] Plan view of the accessory member according to the second embodiment [Figure 9] Side view of the accessory member according to the second embodiment [Figure 10] Explanatory drawing showing the usage method of the fastening tool unit according to the second embodiment

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The fastening tool 10 according to the embodiment is used during the installation or removal operation of the lane separation marker 1. <First Embodiment>

[0019] First, the lane separation marker 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the lane separation marker 1 has a column portion 2 and a pedestal 3. Referring to FIG. 1(a), the column portion 2 has a cylindrical shape and extends in the vertical direction. The column portion 2 is formed of, for example, an elastic material, and an elastic material cap 5 is fitted to the upper end of the column portion 2. Further, a reflective sheet 4 is attached to the upper portion of the column portion 2.

[0020] Referring to FIGS. 1(a) and (b), the pedestal 3 is fixed to the ground 6 and is disposed at the lower end of the column portion 2 to erect the column portion 2. The pedestal 3 has a flat frustum shape, and the radial length of the pedestal 3 is longer than the radial length of the column portion 2. The pedestal 3 is formed of, for example, an elastic material. The surface of the ground 6 may be paved or may not be paved. The paving may be asphalt paving, concrete paving, or other paving.

[0021] The pedestal 3 is provided with four first engagement holes 3A (an example of the first engaged portion) penetrating in the vertical direction. The four first engagement holes 3A are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the pedestal 3. In the present embodiment, the first engagement hole 3A is a through hole, but in other embodiments, the first engagement hole 3A may not penetrate the pedestal 3 or may be a groove.

[0022] A bolt 8 is provided on the underside of the base 3. The bolt 8 is rotatable about the central axis X of the base 3. Referring to Figure 1(c), a nut 7 is embedded in the ground 6 on which the lane divider 1 is installed. The nut 7 is fixed to the ground 6, for example, with mortar.

[0023] The lane divider 1 is fixed to the ground 6 by fastening nuts 7 and bolts 8 together, and by bonding the lower surface of the base 3 to the ground 6 with adhesive. Specifically, after applying adhesive to the lower surface of the base 3 or the ground 6, the lane divider 1 can be installed on the ground 6 by rotating it around the central axis X and fastening the nuts 7 and bolts 8 together. On the other hand, when removing the lane divider 1, the lane divider 1 can be removed from the ground 6 by rotating it around the central axis X, releasing the fastening of the nuts 7 and bolts 8, and peeling off the adhesive layer (not shown) between the lower surface of the base 3 and the ground 6 from the ground 6. <Fastening tool 10>

[0024] Next, the fastening tool 10 will be described with reference to Figures 2-4. The fastening tool 10 is formed from, for example, a metal material and is used to rotate the lane divider 1 around a central axis X. The fastening tool 10 comprises a plate-shaped annular portion 11 having a first opening 11A through which the column portion 2 is inserted, four engaging projections 12 (an example of a first engaging portion) protruding from the lower surface of the annular portion 11 and capable of engaging with a first engaging hole 3A provided in the base 3, a pair of handle portions 13 extending radially from the outer edge of the annular portion 11, and four connecting portions 14 connecting adjacent pairs of engaging projections 12.

[0025] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the annular portion 11 and the pair of handle portions 13 are integrally formed, for example, by cutting out a piece of metal. The first opening 11A is located at the center of the annular portion 11. The pair of handle portions 13 are located opposite each other on the annular portion 11. The length of the base end 13A of each handle portion 13 is longer than the length of the tip end 13B. That is, as shown in Figure 3, each handle portion 13 has a tapered shape in plan view, becoming narrower from the base end 13A to the tip end 13B. Furthermore, each handle portion 13 is arranged point-symmetrically with respect to the center of the annular portion 11.

[0026] Referring to Figures 2 and 4, each engaging projection 12 (hereinafter simply referred to as engaging projection 12) has a cylindrical shape and is arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the annular portion 11. The engaging projection 12 is formed to a diameter that can engage with the first engaging hole 3A of the base 3. The engaging projection 12 is integrally formed with the annular portion 11, for example, by welding. In this embodiment, the engaging projection 12 is fixed so as to penetrate the annular portion 11, but in other embodiments, it may be fixed to the lower surface of the annular portion 11.

[0027] Referring to Figure 3, the four connecting portions 14 connect all the engaging projections 12 and have an annular shape in plan view. In this embodiment, the connecting portion 14 is composed of four members. In other embodiments, one member may be configured annularly to connect all the engaging projections 12. In this case, each portion of one member that connects an adjacent pair of engaging projections 12 is defined as one connecting portion 14. Referring to Figure 4, both ends of each connecting portion 14 are fixed by welding or the like to the middle of the extending direction of the engaging projections 12. <How to use fastening tool 10>

[0028] Next, with reference to Figure 5, the method of using the fastening tool 10 will be explained. First, the user inserts the column portion 2 of the lane divider 1 into the first opening 11A of the fastening tool 10, and engages the engaging projection 12 of the fastening tool 10 with the four first engaging holes 3A of the base 3. Then, the user grasps the handle portion 13 with both hands and rotates the fastening tool 10 around the central axis X. This allows the lane divider 1 to be installed on the ground 6 or removed from the ground 6. <Effects>

[0029] In the fastening tool 10, since the engaging projection 12 is provided on the annular portion 11, the rigidity of the fastening tool 10 against rotational torque is higher compared to when it is not formed on the annular portion 11 (for example, when the engaging projection 12 is provided on the tips of two arms that extend away from each other from one end of the handle portion 13). Furthermore, since the annular portion 11 is formed in a plate shape, the fastening tool 10 can be made compact.

[0030] The fastening tool 10 has four connecting parts 14 that connect adjacent pairs of engaging projections 12, thereby improving the rigidity of the engaging projections 12 against rotational torque.

[0031] Since the four connecting parts 14 connect all the engaging projections 12 and have an annular shape in plan view, the rigidity of the engaging projections 12 against rotational torque can be further improved.

[0032] Since the pair of handles 13 are provided at opposing positions on the annular portion 11, the user can easily apply even load or rotational torque to the fastening tool 10 from above during installation or removal work.

[0033] Since the length of the base end portion 13A of each handle portion 13 is longer than the length of the tip portion 13B, the rigidity against rotational torque can be improved. <Second Embodiment>

[0034] Next, the fastening tool unit 15 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 10. Note that components not specifically mentioned here are the same as in the first embodiment; therefore, the same or similar elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted. The fastening tool unit 15 comprises a fastening tool 10 and an accessory member 16. The fastening tool unit 15 is used during the installation or removal of a lane divider 1 having a column portion 2 and a base 30 (an example of another base) with a different shape from the base 3. The base 30 according to this embodiment differs from the base 3 according to the first embodiment in, for example, the shape, number, and arrangement of holes.

[0035] The base 30 of the lane divider 1 is fixed to the ground 6 and positioned at the lower end of the column 2, thereby erecting the column 2. The base 30 has a flattened truncated cone shape, and the radial length of the base 30 is greater than the radial length of the column 2. The base 30 is formed from, for example, an elastic material. Referring to Figure 6, the base 30 is provided with two second engagement holes 30A (an example of a second engaged portion) that penetrate in the vertical direction. The two second engagement holes 30A are positioned opposite each other in the circumferential direction of the base 30. In this embodiment, the second engagement holes 30A are through holes, but in other embodiments, the second engagement holes 30A do not have to penetrate the base 30, or they may be grooves. <Attached component 16>

[0036] Referring to Figures 7-9, the accessory member 16 has a ring portion 18 having a second opening 18A through which the column portion 2 is inserted, and two pins 19 (an example of a second engagement portion) provided on the lower surface 21 of the ring portion 18 and capable of engaging with two second engagement holes 30A of the base 30. The accessory member 16 is formed from, for example, a metal material.

[0037] Referring to Figure 9, the second opening 18A is formed so that its diameter widens from the upper surface 20 to the lower surface 21 of the ring portion 18. In other words, the upper surface 20 of the ring portion 18 has a flat shape, while the lower surface 21 of the ring portion 18 has a tapered shape, with its outer diameter narrowing towards the second opening 18A. The tapered shape of the lower surface 21 of the ring portion 18 may correspond to the shape of the upper surface of the base 30. In other embodiments, the lower surface 21 of the ring portion 18 may have a flat shape.

[0038] The upper surface 20 of the ring portion 18 is provided with four receiving portions 25 for receiving the engaging projections 12 of the annular portion 11 of the fastening tool 10. The four receiving portions 25 and the second opening 18A are formed, for example, by cutting out a single metal member. In this embodiment, the four receiving portions 25 are through holes that penetrate from the upper surface 20 to the lower surface 21 of the ring portion 18. In other embodiments, the receiving portions 25 do not have to penetrate the ring portion 18, or they may be grooves.

[0039] The two pins 19 are positioned opposite each other in the circumferential direction of the ring portion 18 and protrude from the lower surface 21 of the ring portion 18. Each pin 19 is fixed to the ring portion 18, for example, by welding. In this embodiment, each pin 19 is fixed so as to pass through the ring portion 18, but in other embodiments, it may be fixed to the lower surface 21 of the ring portion 18. <How to use the fastening tool unit 15>

[0040] Next, with reference to Figure 10, the method of using the fastening tool unit 15 will be explained. First, the user inserts the column portion 2 of the lane divider 1 into the second opening 18A of the attachment member 16 and engages the two pins 19 of the attachment member 16 with the two second engagement holes 30A of the base 30. Next, the user inserts the column portion 2 of the lane divider 1 into the first opening 11A of the fastening tool 10 and engages the engagement projections 12 of the fastening tool 10 with the four receiving portions 25 of the attachment member 16. That is, the attachment member 16 is positioned below the annular portion 11 of the fastening tool 10. Then, with the fastening tool 10 engaged with the base 30 via the attachment member 16, the user grasps the handle portion 13 with both hands and rotates the fastening tool 10 around the central axis X. This allows the lane divider 1 to be installed on the ground 6 or removed from the ground 6. <Effects of the second embodiment>

[0041] Even if the shape and arrangement of the engaging projection 12 of the fastening tool 10 do not correspond to the shape and arrangement of the second engaging hole 30A of the base 30, the fastening tool 10 can still be engaged with the base 30 via the attached member 16. Therefore, by appropriately changing the attached member 16, lane dividers 1 having bases 3 and 30 of various shapes can be installed or removed using the fastening tool 10.

[0042] This concludes the description of specific embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be broadly modified and implemented. For example, the shape of the attached member 16 (more specifically, the shape and arrangement of the pin 19) may be formed to correspond to the shape of the base of the lane divider 1 used for installation or removal work. Also, the fastening tool 10 or fastening tool unit 15 may be used to further tighten the fastening of the nut 7 and bolt 8 when not performing installation or removal work on the lane divider 1. The lane divider 1 does not necessarily need to be fixed to the ground 6, but only needs to be fixed to the road surface. For example, the lane divider 1 may be fixed to the road surface of a bridge.

[0043] In addition, the specific configuration, arrangement, quantity, and materials of each component and part can be modified as appropriate, as long as they do not depart from the spirit of this invention. For example, the engaging projection 12 of the fastening tool 10 and the first engaging hole 3A of the base 3 or the receiving portion 25 of the accessory member 16, as well as the two pins 19 of the accessory member 16 and the second engaging hole 30A of the base 30, do not necessarily have to be the same number, as long as they engage with each other and can rotate the lane divider 1 around the central axis X. Furthermore, not all of the components shown in the above embodiment are essential, and can be selected as appropriate. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0044] 1: Lane divider 2: Pillar part 3: Pedestal 3A: First engagement hole (an example of the first engaged part) 10: Fastening tool 11: Ring section 11A: 1st opening 12: Engaging projection (an example of the first engaging part) 13: Handle section 14:Connection part 15: Fastening tool unit 16: Accessory parts 18A: 2nd opening 19: Pin (an example of a second engaging part) 20:Top surface 21: Bottom surface 25: Receptor part 30: Base (an example of another base) 30A: Second engagement hole (an example of the second engaged part)

Claims

1. A fastening tool for a lane divider having a column and a base, A plate-shaped annular portion having a first opening through which the column portion is inserted, A portion protruding from the lower surface of the annular portion and capable of engaging with at least one first engaging portion provided on the base, A fastening tool comprising a pair of handle portions extending radially from the outer edge of the annular portion.

2. The fastening tool according to claim 1, further comprising at least one connecting portion that connects an adjacent pair of first engaging portions.

3. The fastening tool according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of connecting portions connect all of the first engaging portions and have an annular shape in plan view.

4. The fastening tool according to claim 1, wherein the pair of handle portions are provided at opposing positions of the annular portion.

5. A fastening tool unit for a lane separator, having the column portion and another base having a different shape from the base, The fastening tool according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The system includes an accessory member positioned below the annular portion and having a second opening through which the column portion is inserted, The upper surface of the accessory member is provided with at least one receiving portion for receiving the first engaging portion of the annular portion, The lower surface of the attached member is provided with at least one second engaging portion that can engage with at least one second engaging portion provided on the other base, The fastening tool is a fastening tool unit that engages with the other base via the attached member.

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