Flag Support Structures and Flag Supports

Abstract

To provide a flag support structure capable of improving wind pressure resistance and aesthetics while reducing transportation costs.SOLUTION: A flag support structure (1) includes: a pair of posts (11, 12) extending in the vertical direction; a first crosspiece member (30A) that extends across the pair of posts in the horizontal direction and both ends of which are attached to the pair of posts; a second crosspiece member (30B) that extends across the pair of posts in the horizontal direction below the first crosspiece member and both ends of which are attached to the pair of posts; and a flag (2) that is arranged in an area enclosed by the pair of posts, the first crosspiece member, and the second crosspiece member, and the upper side and the lower side of which are supported by the first crosspiece member and the second crosspiece member respectively. At least one of the first crosspiece member and the second crosspiece member is attached movably in the vertical direction with respect to the posts so that the flag is in a pulled state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a flag support structure and a flag support device. [Background technology]

[0002] Safety flags (green cross flags) and company flags are set up at building construction sites, etc. Utility Model Registration No. 3212506 (Patent Document 1) describes that in order to be able to set up multiple flags above and below, a flag support device is provided with a cylindrical pole fixing part that is fixed to a flagpole, and a flag support rod that protrudes from the pole fixing part and extends laterally, and that the flag support rod is provided with a clip part that holds the lower flag and a string hook part to which the string of the lower flag can be tied.

[0003] As a structure for stretching a sheet body such as a flag, a sheet support structure has been proposed in the past, as shown in JP 2009-48001 A (Patent Document 2), in which four engaging parts are provided at each of the four corners of the flag, and the flagpole has a flagpole body mainly made of a rod-shaped member and four hook members connected to the flagpole body and engaging with each of the four engaging parts. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 3212506 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-48001 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the flag support structure of Patent Document 1, the flag pole is supported by a cantilever on the pole, and the bottom end of the flag is only fixed to the pole with a string. Therefore, in strong winds, the flag may be blown by the wind and damaged.

[0006] Furthermore, in the sheet support structure of Patent Document 2, the four corners of the flag are secured with hooks in consideration of wind pressure, but the horizontally extending upper and lower cross bars are welded to the vertical bars, which increases transportation costs and makes it difficult to install the flag in a taut state. Furthermore, when the flag is subjected to wind pressure in strong winds, the hooks connecting the flag to the flag material itself may be damaged.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a flag support structure and flag support device that can reduce transportation costs and improve wind pressure resistance and aesthetics. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A flag support structure according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a pair of vertically extending parallel support posts, a first rail member extending laterally between the pair of support posts and attached at both ends to the pair of support posts, a second rail member extending laterally between the pair of support posts below the first rail member and attached at both ends to the pair of support posts, and a flag positioned in an area surrounded by the pair of support posts, the first rail member, and the second rail member, the upper and lower ends of which are supported by the first and second rail members, at least one of the first and second rail members being attached so as to be movable vertically relative to the support posts so that the flag is in a tensioned state. Note that in this specification, "both ends" refers to the ends on one and the other (horizontal) sides and does not necessarily mean the ends in the strict sense.

[0009] Preferably, the first rail member is fixed to the support at a predetermined height, and the second rail member is attached to the support so as to be movable in the vertical direction.

[0010] The second rail member may not be fixed to the pole when installed, and tension may be applied to the flag by its own weight.

[0011] Preferably, the first rail member includes an upper rail having upper engaging portions that engage with engaged portions provided at least at both ends of the upper side of the flag, and a pair of first connecting members connected to both ends of the upper rail and attached to the pole, while the second rail member includes a lower rail having lower engaging portions that engage with engaged portions provided at least at both ends of the lower side of the flag, and a pair of second connecting members connected to both ends of the lower rail and attached to the pole.

[0012] Alternatively, it is also desirable that the first rail member includes an upper rail and a pair of first connecting members attached to the support, each connected to both ends of the upper rail and having upper engaging portions that respectively engage with the engaged portions provided at both ends of the upper edge of the flag, and that the second rail member includes a lower rail and a pair of second connecting members attached to the support, each connected to both ends of the lower rail and having lower engaging portions that respectively engage with the engaged portions provided at both ends of the lower edge of the flag.

[0013] It is desirable that the engaged portion is a hole, and that the upper engaging portion and the lower engaging portion are configured as hooks that can be caught in the hole.

[0014] Three or more poles may be provided at regular intervals, with upper and lower rails for supporting the flag arranged between the first and second poles, and between the second and third poles.It is also desirable that the first connecting member and the second connecting member each have a vertical cylindrical portion that is fitted into the pole, and two horizontal cylindrical portions that intersect the vertical cylindrical portion and are arranged on the same axis.

[0015] The support posts may also serve as posts for temporary fencing set up around the construction site.

[0016] A flag support according to another aspect of the present invention includes a first rail member extending laterally between a pair of posts and attached at both ends to the posts, and a second rail member extending laterally between the pair of posts below the first rail member and attached at both ends to the posts. The first rail member includes an upper rail with upper engaging portions that engage with engaging portions provided on at least both ends of the upper edge of the flag, and a pair of first connecting members connected to both ends of the upper rail and attached to the posts. The second rail member includes a lower rail with lower engaging portions that engage with engaging portions provided on at least both ends of the lower edge of the flag, and a pair of second connecting members connected to both ends of the lower rail and attached to the posts. At least one of the first connecting member and the second connecting member is attached to the posts so that the flag is tensioned when installed.

[0017] In a flag support according to yet another aspect of the present invention, the first rail member includes an upper rail and a pair of first connecting members attached to the pole, each of which is connected to both ends of the upper rail and has upper engaging portions that respectively engage with engaged portions provided at both ends of the top edge of the flag, while the second rail member includes a lower rail and a pair of second connecting members attached to the pole, each of which is connected to both ends of the lower rail and has lower engaging portions that respectively engage with engaged portions provided at both ends of the bottom edge of the flag. At least one of the first connecting member and the second connecting member is attached to the pole so as to be movable vertically relative to the pole so that the flag is in a tensioned state when installed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the present invention, transportation costs can be reduced, and wind pressure resistance and aesthetics can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view schematically showing a flag support structure according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2](A) is an exploded view from the front of the connecting structure of the flag support device that constitutes the flag support structure of an embodiment of the present invention, and (B) is a cross-sectional view showing an example configuration of the upper engagement portion. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart showing a flag installation procedure according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining the flag installation procedure in an embodiment of the present invention, showing the flag support device from the back side. FIG. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining the flag installation procedure in an embodiment of the present invention, showing the flag support device from the back side. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an exploded view showing a flag support device according to a modified embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0021] (Outline of flag support structure) The general configuration of a flag support structure 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a front view showing the flag support structure 1. Figure 2(A) is an exploded view showing the connecting structure of flag supports 10 that make up the flag support structure 1, and Figure 2(B) is a cross-sectional view taken along line IIB-IIB in Figure 2(A). Note that arrow A1 in Figures 1 and 2 indicates the upward direction, and arrow A2 indicates one lateral side (the left side on the paper) when viewed from the front.

[0022] Referring to Figures 1 and 2(A), the flag support structure 1 supports a rectangular (substantially rectangular or square) flag 2. A figure, letter, symbol, or the like is inscribed on the front of the flag 2 in advance. In Figure 1, as an example, two flags 2 are placed side by side (horizontally) when viewed from the front. In a typical example at a construction site, one of the two flags 2 is a safety flag and the other is a company flag. The material of the flag 2 is preferably wind-resistant, and is formed from tent fabric, for example.

[0023] Focusing on the support structure of one flag 2 (for example, the flag on the left side of Figure 1), flag support device 10 comprises a pair of vertically extending poles 11, 12, a first rail member 30A extending horizontally between poles 11, 12, and a second rail member 30B extending horizontally between poles 11, 12 below first rail member 30A. The pair of poles 11, 12 are located on either side of flag 2 and are arranged parallel to each other. The first and second rail members 30A, 30B are located above and below flag 2, respectively, and are arranged parallel to each other. In other words, flag 2 is arranged in the area surrounded by the pair of poles 11, 12, first rail member 30A, and second rail member 30B.

[0024] The first rail member 30A is attached at both ends to a pair of support posts 11, 12 and supports the top edge of the flag 2. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2(A), the first rail member 30A includes an upper rail 31 having a plurality of upper engagement portions 33 provided along the longitudinal direction, and a pair of first connecting members 41, 42 connected to both ends of the upper rail 31 and attached to the support posts 11, 12. The plurality of upper engagement portions 33 respectively engage with a plurality of engaged portions 21 provided on the top edge of the flag 2. The engaged portions 21 are provided on at least both ends of the top edge of the flag 2, and preferably also in the center.

[0025] The second rail member 30B is attached at both ends to a pair of support posts 11, 12 and supports the bottom edge of the flag 2. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2(A), the second rail member 30B includes a lower rail 32 having multiple lower engagement portions 34 arranged along its length, and a pair of second connecting members 43, 44 connected to both ends of the lower rail 32 and attached to the support posts 11, 12. The multiple lower engagement portions 34 respectively engage with multiple engaged portions 22 arranged on the bottom edge of the flag 2. The engaged portions 22 are arranged on at least both ends of the bottom edge of the flag 2, and preferably also in the center. The engaged portions 22 are arranged at the same position as the engaged portions 21 in the horizontal direction.

[0026] As a result, at least four corners of the flag 2 are supported by the flag support device 10, which is assembled in a rectangular frame shape. In this embodiment, the top and bottom edges of the flag 2 are supported at three points each. Therefore, this embodiment can improve wind pressure resistance. Furthermore, because the first and second crosspiece members 30A and 30B are separate from the posts 11 and 12, transportation is easy and transportation costs can be reduced.

[0027] In this embodiment, the first crosspiece member 30A is fixed to the upper ends (at a predetermined height) of the poles 11 and 12 by first connecting members 41 and 42. In contrast, the second crosspiece member 30B is attached to the poles 11 and 12 by second connecting members 43 and 44 so as to be movable in the vertical direction. This allows the flag 2 to be installed in a state where it is pulled up and down, thereby improving the aesthetic appearance.

[0028] When two flags 2 are placed side by side as shown in FIG. 1 , three poles 11, 12, and 13 are arranged at a predetermined interval, and an upper rail 31 and a lower rail 32 are similarly suspended between the poles 12 and 13. The upper rail 31 between the poles 12 and 13 is connected and supported by a pair of first connecting members 42 and 45, and the lower rail 32 between the poles 12 and 13 is connected and supported by a pair of second connecting members 44 and 46. The connecting members 42 and 44 attached to at least the central pole 12 are configured to connect and support the right ends of the upper rail 31 and the lower rail 32 on the left side of the drawing and the left ends of the upper rail 31 and the lower rail 32 on the right side of the drawing. Therefore, the flag support structure 1 according to this embodiment allows two flags 2 to be placed side by side with a simple configuration. Furthermore, the number of parts required for the flag support device 10 can be reduced.

[0029] The following provides a specific description of the configuration and arrangement of each member that constitutes the flag support device 10.

[0030] (post) The poles 11, 12, and 13 are typically metal rod-shaped members having a circular cross section. The poles 11, 12, and 13 all have the same diameter (outer diameter), for example, approximately 40 mm to 60 mm. The diameters of the poles 11, 12, and 13 are larger than the diameters of the upper crosspiece 31 and the lower crosspiece 32. The poles 11, 12, and 13 are arranged at intervals of 1000 mm to 2000 mm, for example, approximately 1300 mm to 1700 mm. The longitudinal lengths of the poles 11, 12, and 13 are determined appropriately depending on the installation height of the flag 2, etc.

[0031] In this embodiment, the posts 11, 12, and 13 also serve as temporary fencing posts that are placed at regular intervals around the construction site. That is, the posts 11, 12, and 13 are made of cylindrical pipes (single-tube pipes) used for scaffolding, etc. Therefore, according to this embodiment, there is no need to prepare dedicated posts, and the flag support device 10 can be assembled simply and efficiently. In addition, the number of parts of the flag support device 10 can be further reduced, further reducing transportation costs.

[0032] (Upper and lower rails) 1 and 2(A), the upper crosspiece 31 and the lower crosspiece 32 are typically metal rod-shaped members having a circular cross section. The upper crosspiece 31 and the lower crosspiece 32 may have the same diameter (outer diameter), for example, about 20 mm to 30 mm. The longitudinal length of the upper crosspiece 31 and the lower crosspiece 32 corresponds to the arrangement pitch of the supports 11, 12, and 13, for example, about 1300 mm to 1700 mm.

[0033] The upper engaging portions 33 of the upper rail 31 are provided at both longitudinal ends (more specifically, at positions closer to the center along the length of the horizontal cylinder portions 52, 53 described below) and at the center, corresponding to the positions of the engaged portions 21 of the flag 2. The lower engaging portions 34 of the lower rail 32 are also provided at both longitudinal ends (more specifically, at positions closer to the center along the length of the horizontal cylinder portions 62, 63 described below) and at the center, corresponding to the positions of the engaged portions 22 of the flag 2.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 2(B), the upper engaging portion 33 is configured with a generally J-shaped hook 33a having an open portion 33b at its tip. Similarly, the lower engaging portion 34 is configured with a generally J-shaped hook 34a having an open portion at its tip. In this case, the engaged portions 21 and 22 of the flag 2 are configured with holes 20 into which the hooks 33a and 34a are hooked. It is desirable to provide a ring-shaped reinforcing member (not shown) around the hole 20. The hooks 33a and 34a are pre-fixed to the upper rail 31 and the lower rail 32, respectively. The hooks 33a and 34a may be detachably fixed to the upper rail 31 and the lower rail 32 by known fastening means.

[0035] In the installed state, the hook 33a serving as the upper engagement portion 33 is disposed below the upper crosspiece 31, facing downward with its curved portion at its lower end, and the hook 34a serving as the lower engagement portion 34 is disposed above the lower crosspiece 32, facing upward with its curved portion at its upper end. It is desirable that the hooks 33a and 34a be disposed so that their open portions are located on the rear surface side. Note that the arrow A3 in Figure 2(B) indicates the front direction.

[0036] (First connecting member) In this embodiment, the first connecting members 41, 42, and 45 all have the same configuration and size. Therefore, here, a typical example of the configuration and arrangement of the first connecting member 41 attached to the support 11 will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2(A).

[0037] The first connecting member 41 integrally includes a vertical cylinder portion 51 that fits into the support 11, two horizontal cylinder portions 52 and 53 that intersect the vertical cylinder portion 51, and a lid portion 54 that closes the upper end opening of the vertical cylinder portion 51. The horizontal cylinder portion 52 is fixed to one horizontal side (left side of the drawing) of the vertical cylinder portion 51 by welding or the like, and the horizontal cylinder portion 53 is fixed to the other horizontal side (right side of the drawing) of the vertical cylinder portion 51 by welding or the like. The horizontal cylinder portions 52 and 53 are arranged on the same axis and have the same diameter and length. The inner diameter of the vertical cylinder portion 51 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the support 11, and the inner diameters of the horizontal cylinder portions 52 and 53 are slightly larger than the outer diameter of the upper crosspiece 31.

[0038] As shown in Fig. 4(A) described later, at least one through hole (not shown) is formed on the back surface of the vertical cylinder portion 51, and a nut 71 is welded to the outside of this through hole. At least one through hole (not shown) is also formed in each of the horizontal cylinder portions 52, 53, and a nut 72 is welded to the outside of this through hole. The nut 72 is disposed, for example, on the upper side of the horizontal cylinder portions 52, 53. Note that it is desirable to provide a plurality of nuts 71 (through holes) (for example, two) on the vertical cylinder portion 51 along the vertical direction.

[0039] (Second connecting member) In this embodiment, the second connecting members 43, 44, and 46 all have the same configuration and size. Therefore, here, a typical example of the configuration and arrangement of the second connecting member 43 attached to the support 11 will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2(A).

[0040] The basic configuration of the second connecting member 43 is substantially the same as that of the first connecting member 41, except that the second connecting member 43 does not have a cover portion 54. That is, the second connecting member 43 integrally includes a vertical cylinder portion 61 that is fitted onto the support 11 and two horizontal cylinder portions 62, 63 that intersect the vertical cylinder portion 61. The horizontal cylinder portion 62 is fixed to one horizontal side (left side of the drawing) of the vertical cylinder portion 61 by welding or the like, and the horizontal cylinder portion 63 is fixed to the other horizontal side (right side of the drawing) of the vertical cylinder portion 61 by welding or the like. The horizontal cylinder portions 62, 63 are arranged coaxially and have the same diameter and length. The inner diameter of the vertical cylinder portion 61 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the support 11, and the inner diameters of the horizontal cylinder portions 62, 63 are slightly larger than the outer diameter of the lower crosspiece 32. The vertical cylinder portion 61 is open at both ends and is configured to be movable along the support 11.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 4(B) described later, at least one through hole (not shown) is formed on the back surface of the vertical cylinder portion 61, and a nut 81 is welded to the outside of this through hole. At least one through hole (not shown) is also formed in each of the horizontal cylinder portions 62, 63, and a nut 82 is welded to the outside of this through hole. The nut 82 is disposed, for example, on the lower side of the horizontal cylinder portions 62, 63. Note that the vertical cylinder portion 61 may have only one nut 81 (through hole), and the longitudinal length of the vertical cylinder portion 61 may be shorter than that of the vertical cylinder portion 51 of the first connecting member 41. Alternatively, the vertical cylinder portion 61 may not be provided with a nut 81 (through hole).

[0042] (Flag installation method) A flag installation method using the flag support device 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 5. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the flag installation procedure according to this embodiment. Figures 4 to 5 are schematic diagrams for explaining the flag installation procedure, showing the flag support device 10 as viewed from the back side. For ease of understanding, the flag installation method will be described here for the case where one flag 2 is installed.

[0043] 3, workers first erect supports 11 and 12 (step P1). In this embodiment, supports 11 and 12 are installed when constructing a temporary enclosure.

[0044] Next, first connecting members 41 and 42 are fixed to both ends of upper rail 31 to form first rail member 30A, and second connecting members 43 and 44 are fixed to both ends of lower rail 32 to form second rail member 30B (step P2).

[0045] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4A , the end of the upper crosspiece 31 on one lateral side (left side in the drawing) is fitted into the horizontal tube portion 53 of the first connecting member 41, and the two are fastened together with a bolt 73. That is, the bolt 73 is threaded into the nut 72 of the horizontal tube portion 53, and the tip of the bolt 73 is pressed against the outer circumferential surface of the upper crosspiece 31 to fasten the two together. Similarly, the end of the upper crosspiece 31 on the other lateral side (right side in the drawing) is fastened together with the bolt 73 threaded into the nut 72 of the horizontal tube portion 52 of the first connecting member 42. As described above, the upper crosspiece 31 is connected to the first connecting members 41, 42 with the hook 33 a serving as the upper engaging portion 33 facing downward and the open portion 33 b positioned on the back surface side. Note that, during the fastening operation with the bolt 73, the hook 33 a (upper engaging portion 33) of the upper crosspiece 31 is positioned opposite the nut 72, making the fastening operation easy.

[0046] 4(B), the end of the lower crosspiece 32 on one lateral side (the right side of the drawing) is fitted into the horizontal cylinder portion 63 of the second connecting member 43, and a bolt 83 is screwed into a nut 82 to secure them together. Similarly, the end of the lower crosspiece 32 on the other lateral side (the left side of the drawing) is fixed together by screwing a bolt 83 into a nut 82 on the horizontal cylinder portion 62 of the second connecting member 44. The lower crosspiece 32 is connected to the second connecting members 43, 44 with the hook 34a serving as the lower engagement portion 34 facing upward and with its open portion positioned on the back surface side. Even during the fastening operation with the bolt 83, the fastening operation can be easily performed because the hook 34a (lower engagement portion 34) of the lower crosspiece 32 is positioned opposite the nut 82.

[0047] By the work of step P2, the upper rail 31 and the first connecting members 42, 43 are united to form the first rail member 30A for supporting the flag 2 from above. In addition, the lower rail 32 and the second connecting members 43, 44 are united to form the second rail member 30B for supporting the flag 2 from below. Note that the work of step P2 may be performed before step P1.

[0048] Next, the worker attaches the first crosspiece 30A and the second crosspiece 30B to the pair of support posts 11, 12. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4C, to attach the second crosspiece 30B first, the second connecting members 43, 44 (vertical tube portions 61) are inserted into the support posts 11, 12 from above and moved downward while maintaining a substantially parallel state (step P3). Because the support posts 11, 12 do not have any protrusions for latching or the like, and both ends of the vertical tube portions 61 of the second connecting members 43, 44 are open, the second connecting members 43, 44 are free to move vertically relative to the support posts 11, 12 (although some friction may be tolerated). At this stage, the second connecting members 43, 44 may be temporarily fixed at any position on the support posts 11, 12 with bolts (not shown) using the nuts 81 of the vertical tube portions 61.

[0049] Next, the first connecting members 41, 42 (vertical tube portions 51) of the first crosspiece 30A are inserted into the posts 11, 12 from above and placed over the upper ends of the posts 11, 12 (step P4). Because the first connecting members 41, 42 have lid portions 54, downward movement is restricted when the lid portions 54 come into contact with the upper ends of the posts 11, 12. In this state, the first connecting members 41, 42 are fixed to the posts 11, 12, respectively (step P5). Specifically, bolts 74 (FIG. 5(A)) are screwed into nuts 71 of the vertical tube portions 51 to permanently fix the first crosspiece 30A to the upper ends of the posts 11, 12. This completes the assembly of the flag support device 10, and the framework of the flag support structure 1 is completed.

[0050] The extending direction of the pillars 11, 12 is not limited to the vertical direction and may be slightly inclined. Furthermore, the extending direction of the first and second crosspiece members 30A, 30B is not limited to the horizontal direction and may be slightly inclined.

[0051] Once the framework of the flag support structure 1 is complete, workers attach the flag 2 to the upper rail 31 and lower rail 32 (step P6). Specifically, the flag 2 is hung from the upper rail 31 by passing the multiple hooks 33a on the upper rail 31 through the multiple holes 20 provided in the upper edge of the flag 2. The hooks 33a have openings 33b on the back side, so the flag 2 is hung from the back side. Also, the multiple hooks 34a on the lower rail 32 are passed through the multiple holes 20 provided in the lower edge of the flag 2, so that the lower edge of the flag 2 engages with the lower rail 32. Note that a fold-back portion 23 (FIG. 5(B)) may be provided around the entire periphery of the back side of the flag 2.

[0052] As described above, the second connecting members 43, 44 are attached to the posts 11, 12 so as to be freely movable in the vertical direction. Therefore, even when the upper edge of the flag 2 is suspended from the upper rail 31, the hook 34a of the lower rail 32 (second rail member 30B) can be easily passed through the lower hole 20 while adjusting the height of the lower rail 32. At this time, the flag 2 temporarily becomes loose as shown in FIG. 5(A). However, after the flag 2 is attached, the lower rail 32 (second rail member 30B) can be pulled downward (step P7), thereby applying tension to the flag 2 as shown in FIG. 5(B). In other words, the lower rail 32 can be positioned so that the flag 2 is tensioned. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the flag 2 can be installed in a taut state.

[0053] 3, while tension is applied to the flag 2, the second connecting members 43, 44 may be permanently fixed to the poles 11, 12 with bolts (not shown), but in this embodiment, the installation of the flag 2 is completed in step P7, and the flag support structure 1 is completed. In other words, the second connecting members 43, 44 are not permanently fixed to the poles 11, 12, but are left free to move up and down.

[0054] In this case, since the lower rail 32 is relatively heavy (for example, about 1.0 to 3.5 kg per unit length (1 m)), tension is constantly applied to the flag 2 by the weight of the second rail member 30B including the lower rail 32. In other words, the second rail member 30B is only restricted in its lateral and front-to-back movement by the supports 11, 12, but is not restricted in its downward movement, so that it is suspended from the upper rail 31 via the flag 2.

[0055] In this way, by not fixing the second crosspiece 30B to the posts 11, 12 even when the flag 2 is installed, the flag 2 is prevented from loosening even if it stretches due to solar heat, and the tensioned state of the flag 2 can be maintained at all times. As a result, the flag 2 is prevented from loosening and the lower edge of the flag 2 is prevented from coming off the lower hook 34a.

[0056] Furthermore, when the flag 2 is hit by a gust of wind, the lower bar 32 can move slightly upward, preventing the flag 2 from coming off the upper hook 33a and the lower hook 34a or damaging the hooks 33a, 34a.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the hooks 33a and 34a are inexpensive general-purpose products, so even if they are damaged, they can be quickly repaired.

[0058] In addition, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the fastening means such as the above-mentioned bolts 74 and nuts 71 are not arranged on the front side, thereby improving the aesthetic appearance of the flag support structure 1 when viewed from the front.

[0059] 1, when installing two flags 2, the two lower crosspieces 32 on the left and right sides may be fixed to the three second connecting members 43, 44, 46 in step P2, and the three second connecting members 43, 44, 46 may be inserted into the three posts 11, 12, 13 at once in step P3. Similarly, the two upper crosspieces 31 on the left and right sides may be fixed to the three first connecting members 41, 42, 45 in step P2, and the three first connecting members 41, 42, 45 may be inserted into the three posts 11, 12, 13 at once in step P4.

[0060] <Modification> In this embodiment, the first connecting members 41, 42 are fixed to the upper ends of the support posts 11, 12, but they may not have the lid portion 54 and may be fixed to a position below the upper ends.

[0061] Furthermore, in this embodiment, tension is applied to the flag 2 by pulling the second crosspiece 30B downward, but instead (or in addition) tension may be applied to the flag 2 by pulling the first crosspiece 30A upward. In other words, it is sufficient that at least one of the first connecting members 41, 42 and the second connecting members 43, 44 is movable up and down along the poles 11, 12. In either case, however, the first crosspiece 30A is fixed to the poles 11, 12 with bolts or the like when installed.

[0062] Furthermore, in this embodiment, tension is applied to the flag 2 in the up-down direction, but tension can also be applied to the flag 2 in the left-right direction. In this case, each of the upper crosspiece 31 and the lower crosspiece 32 can be made of an expandable member (for example, a plurality of tubes with different diameters). Alternatively, engagement portions 33, 34 that engage with holes 20 at both left and right ends of the flag 2 can be provided on the connecting members 41-44 fixed to the posts 11, 12, so that tension can be applied to the flag 2 in the left-right direction. An example of this configuration is shown in FIG. 6.

[0063] 6, the first rail member 130A includes an upper rail 31 and a pair of first connecting members 41, 42 each having horizontal cylindrical portions 53, 52 into which both lateral ends of the upper rail 31 are fitted, and an upper engagement portion 33 is provided on the upper rail 31 and each of the horizontal cylindrical portions 53, 52 of the pair of first connecting members 41, 42. Similarly, the second rail member 130B includes a lower rail 32 and a pair of second connecting members 43, 44 each having horizontal cylindrical portions 63, 62 into which both lateral ends of the lower rail 32 are fitted, and a lower engagement portion 34 is provided on the lower rail 32 and each of the horizontal cylindrical portions 63, 62 of the pair of second connecting members 43, 44.

[0064] In this case, the upper engaging portions 33 provided on each of the pair of first connecting members 41, 42 engage with the engaged portions 21 (holes 20) provided on both ends of the upper side of the flag 2, and the lower engaging portions 34 provided on each of the pair of second connecting members 43, 44 engage with the engaged portions 22 (holes 20) provided on both ends of the lower side of the flag 2. Note that when the upper engaging portions 33 and the lower engaging portions 34 are provided on the first connecting members 41, 42 and the second connecting members 43, 44 in this way, the upper rail 31 and the lower rail 32 do not need to have the engaging portions 33, 34, respectively.

[0065] In addition, in this embodiment, the fastening means for fastening the two components that make up the flag support device 10 is composed of bolts and nuts, but this is not limited to this example and, for example, a ratchet mechanism may also be adopted.

[0066] In addition, in this embodiment, each connecting member 41 to 44 has two horizontal tube portions so that it can accommodate cases where two or more flags 2 are placed side by side, but if it is sufficient to place one flag 2, each connecting member 41 to 44 may have only one horizontal tube portion.

[0067] Furthermore, the second connecting members 43, 44 are capable of moving vertically by having the vertical cylindrical portion 61 with both ends open, but may be configured with two semicircular members fitted together from the front and back sides of the supports 11, 12 instead of the vertical cylindrical portion 61. In this case, the second crosspiece member 30B can be attached to the supports 11, 12 first.

[0068] Furthermore, although the upper engaging portion 33 and the lower engaging portion 34 are configured by the generally J-shaped hooks 33a, 34a, they may be configured by hooks with closable closing members. They may also be configured by members other than hooks. In this case, the engaged portions 21, 22 of the flag 2 are not limited to the holes 20.

[0069] In addition, although the support posts 11 and 12 are described as also serving as fencing posts, the present invention is not limited to such an example. In this case, if portability is not a consideration, the first crosspiece member 30A may be fixed to the pair of support posts 11 and 12 in advance by welding or the like.

[0070] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 1 flag support structure, 2 flag, 10 flag support device, 11, 12, 13 support pole, 21, 22 engaged portion, 30A, 130A first crosspiece member, 30B, 130B second crosspiece member, 31 upper crosspiece, 32 lower crosspiece, 33 upper engaging portion, 34 lower engaging portion, 41, 42, 45 first connecting member, 43, 44, 46 second connecting member, 51, 61 vertical tube portion, 52, 53, 62, 63 horizontal tube portion, 54 lid portion.

Claims

1. a pair of support columns arranged parallel to each other and extending in the longitudinal direction; a first crosspiece member extending laterally between the pair of support columns and having both ends attached to the pair of support columns; a second crosspiece extending laterally between the pair of support columns below the first crosspiece and having both ends attached to the pair of support columns; a flag that is disposed in an area surrounded by the pair of posts, the first rail member, and the second rail member, and whose upper and lower sides are supported by the first and second rail members; The first rail is fixed to the pole at a predetermined height, and the second rail is attached to the pole so as to be movable in a vertical direction so that the flag is in a tensioned state. A flag support structure in which the second rail member is suspended from the first rail member via the flag by its own weight, thereby applying tension to the flag.

2. The first rail member includes an upper rail provided with upper engaging portions that engage with engaged portions provided on at least both ends of the upper side of the flag, and a pair of first connecting members that are connected to both ends of the upper rail and attached to the pole, The flag support structure described in claim 1, wherein the second rail member includes a lower rail having lower engaging portions that engage with engaging portions provided on at least both ends of the lower edge of the flag, and a pair of second connecting members connected to both ends of the lower rail and attached to the pole.

3. The first rail member includes an upper rail and a pair of first connecting members attached to the pole, the first connecting members being connected to both ends of the upper rail and having upper engaging portions that respectively engage with engaged portions provided at both ends of the upper side of the flag; The flag support structure described in claim 1, wherein the second rail member includes a lower rail and a pair of second connecting members attached to the pole, connected to both ends of the lower rail and having lower engaging portions that respectively engage with engaged portions provided at both ends of the lower edge of the flag.

4. the engaged portion is a hole, 4. The flag support structure according to claim 2, wherein the upper and lower engagement portions are configured as hooks that are hooked onto the holes.

5. The support pillars are provided at regular intervals in the form of three or more pillars, the upper and lower rails supporting the flag are disposed between the first and second poles and between the second and third poles, respectively; A flag support structure as described in any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the first connecting member and the second connecting member each have a vertical cylindrical portion that is fitted onto the support pole and two horizontal cylindrical portions that intersect the vertical cylindrical portion and are arranged on the same axis.

6. A flag support structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the support pole also serves as a pole for a temporary fence set up around a construction site.

7. A flag support for supporting a flag, comprising: a first crosspiece member extending laterally between the pair of support columns and having both ends attached to the pair of support columns; a second crosspiece extending laterally between the pair of support columns below the first crosspiece and having both ends attached to the pair of support columns; The first rail member includes an upper rail provided with upper engaging portions that engage with engaged portions provided on at least both ends of the upper side of the flag, and a pair of first connecting members that are connected to both ends of the upper rail and attached to the pole, The second rail member includes a lower rail provided with lower engaging portions that engage with engaged portions provided at least on both ends of the lower side of the flag, and a pair of second connecting members that are connected to both ends of the lower rail and attached to the pole, The first connecting member is fixed to the pole at a predetermined height, and the second connecting member is attached to the pole so as to be movable in a vertical direction so that the flag is in a tensioned state when installed. A flag support device in which the second rail member is suspended from the first rail member via the flag by its own weight, thereby applying tension to the flag.

8. A flag support for supporting a flag, comprising: a first crosspiece member extending laterally between the pair of support columns and having both ends attached to the pair of support columns; a second crosspiece extending laterally between the pair of support columns below the first crosspiece and having both ends attached to the pair of support columns; The first rail member includes an upper rail and a pair of first connecting members attached to the pole, the first connecting members being connected to both ends of the upper rail and having upper engaging portions that respectively engage with engaged portions provided at both ends of the upper side of the flag; the second rail member includes a lower rail and a pair of second connecting members attached to the pole, the second connecting members being connected to both ends of the lower rail and having lower engaging portions that respectively engage with engaged portions provided at both ends of the lower side of the flag; The first connecting member is fixed to the pole at a predetermined height, and the second connecting member is attached to the pole so as to be movable in a vertical direction so that the flag is in a tensioned state when installed. A flag support device in which the second rail member is suspended from the first rail member via the flag by its own weight, thereby applying tension to the flag.

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