Installation method for natural fiber mats and natural fiber mats

Abstract

To provide a method for installing natural fiber mats and a natural fiber mat that not only prevents the fibers from unraveling due to pulling on the edges, but also allows for easy installation of edges that are less prone to unraveling, depending on the shape of the installation. [Solution] A method for constructing a natural fiber mat 100, which is constructed by weaving warp ropes 1 and weft ropes 2 in the warp and weft directions, wherein the rope R is composed of multiple strands R1 made by twisting together plant fibers R2, and the method is configured to include an extension forming step in which the end 11 of the warp rope 1 forms an extension 12 that extends outward from the edge rope 23 of the weft rope 2 that is closest to the mat contour 4, an edge forming step in which the extension 12 is folded back to form an edge 3 in which the edge rope 23 is wrapped around the extension 12, and a fixing step in which the folded extension 12 and the edge rope 23 are fixed at the edge 3.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for constructing a natural fiber mat for laying a mat on the ground and a natural fiber mat.

Background Art

[0002] There are various types of ground such as soil, mud, gravel, and asphalt on the ground, and in some cases, a mat may be laid on the ground according to the purpose. For example, natural turf may be laid in a garden of soil or gravel so that pets and children can play safely, or a mat may be laid on an asphalt or muddy road so that a car does not get stuck in snow or mud. In any case, since natural fibers are used, the load on the environment is small. Thus, laying a mat made of natural materials on the ground according to the purpose has been carried out.

[0003] However, natural turf is easily damaged by the claws and teeth of pets, and in particular, the edges are easily curled. Also, when laying a mat on a road for anti-slip purposes, the mat may shift due to the friction of the tires of a car. Instead of natural turf or artificial turf, a mat may be laid in the garden, but in this case as well, the edges are easily frayed, and if a pet bites or a child pulls it, the weaving of the mat loosens and it becomes easily damaged. When there is a possibility of curling, shifting, or fraying, in order to prevent this, the edges of the laid mat are also fixed to the ground.

[0004] Thus, various mats and their construction methods have been conventionally studied for laying on the ground for a specific purpose. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for fixing a natural fiber mat laid on the ground using U-shaped piles (spikes). The technique of Patent Document 1 lays a base material layer composed of an aggregate of natural fibers and having self-shape retention properties on the ground, and penetrates the base material layer using U-shaped piles and embeds them in the ground, so that the natural fiber mat is fixed to the ground. As a result, it possesses sufficient strength and self-shape retention, and is said to prevent fraying, collapse of natural fibers, peeling, damage, or breakage of the mat even under harsh environmental conditions such as strong winds and heavy rain.

[0005] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses technology relating to a doormat made of coir fibers. The technology in Patent Document 2 involves crossing warp and weft threads, which are thick yarns (approximately 4 mm in diameter) made by twisting two strands of coir fiber, and binding the intersections with binding threads made of the same coir fibers to construct the doormat. In addition, the edges are knitted with threads made of the same coir fibers. This is said to moderately increase the rigidity of the stacked structure, thereby improving its cushioning properties. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-317013 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-280561 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] However, the natural fiber mat described in Patent Document 1 is a base layer in which natural fibers are intertwined and, if necessary, bound together with a binder, and is therefore considered to be similar to so-called nonwoven fabric or compressed cotton. When such a base layer is fixed to the ground by inserting U-shaped stakes through it, there is room to say that it has sufficient strength for the purpose of stabilizing vegetation, but it is insufficient for purposes such as pets and children playing on it, or for vehicles to drive over it. In particular, it is thought that if a force is applied in a planar direction or if the edges are pulled, the fibers will unravel at the boundary of the U-shaped pile.

[0008] On the other hand, the doormat described in Patent Document 2 is thought to be used without being fixed to the ground, but it also shares similarities with Patent Document 1 in that it is made of natural fibers and is a mat that is laid on the ground. This doormat is reinforced by knitting the edges with other threads. However, edging is complex and time-consuming, and if the mat is to be laid outdoors, there is the problem that it is not easy to apply the edging on-site according to the shape of the mat to be installed.

[0009] Thus, in mats made with natural fibers, even if the mat is fixed to the ground, there is a problem that the fibers tend to unravel when the edges are pulled. Furthermore, even with mats made using twisted warp and weft threads, when laid on the ground, it is necessary to reinforce the edges by knitting them with other threads, which is time-consuming and does not allow for easy knitting of the edges depending on the shape of the installation.

[0010] This invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a method for installing natural fiber mats and a natural fiber mat that can not only prevent the fibers from unraveling when the edges are pulled, but also allow for easy installation of edges that are less likely to unravel depending on the shape to be installed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The means employed by the inventors to solve the above problems are described below. The present invention relates to a method for constructing a natural fiber mat, which is constructed by weaving ropes together in the warp and weft directions. The ropes used in this natural fiber mat are made up of multiple strands of twisted plant fibers and comprise multiple warp ropes woven in the warp direction and multiple weft ropes woven in the weft direction. The basic configuration of the construction method for natural fiber mats of the present invention comprises an extension portion formation step, an edge portion formation step, and a fixing step. The extension formation process is a process in which the end of one of the warp ropes and the weft ropes extends outward beyond the edge rope of the other rope that is closest to the mat contour. The edge formation step is a step of forming an edge in which the edge rope is wrapped around the extended portion by folding the extended portion back. The fixing step is the step of fixing the folded extension portion and the edge rope at the edge portion.

[0012] In this invention, one end of one of the warp ropes or weft ropes forms an extension that extends outward from the edge rope closest to the mat contour of the other rope. By folding this extension back and wrapping it around the edge rope, an edge can be easily formed to match the shape to be constructed. Once the edge is fixed, even if the rope with the extension is pulled, or the edge itself is pulled, the edge is fixed by being wrapped around the edge rope, making it less likely for the ropes to twist or for the fibers constituting the ropes to unravel.

[0013] To solve the aforementioned problems, the present invention employs the following means: in the extension forming step, the extension is formed by the rope positioned above the edge rope of the other rope, and the end of the rope positioned below the edge rope of the other rope is processed to be shorter than the extension.

[0014] In the above configuration, an extension is formed by a rope positioned above the edge rope, and this extension is folded back and wrapped around the underside of the edge rope, thereby creating an edge that is less likely to unravel. On the other hand, by treating the end of the rope positioned below the edge rope to be shorter than the extension, the amount of protrusion of the shortened end from the edge rope is reduced. A shorter protrusion makes it harder for pets to chew on it or children to pull on it, and also makes it harder for the rope to twist or for the fibers that make up the rope to unravel. Furthermore, since the shortened end is not an extension, the number of extensions that need to be wrapped and secured is reduced, thus reducing the effort required for installation.

[0015] To solve the aforementioned problems, the present invention employs a means to make the mat contour a step-like shape by forming multiple edges consisting of the extensions made by the warp ropes and edges consisting of the extensions made by the weft ropes in each of the above steps.

[0016] When a natural fiber mat has a contour that is not parallel to the warp or weft ropes, a stepped mat contour can be created by constructing the contour in such a way that multiple edges are formed by extensions of the warp ropes and edges formed by extensions of the weft ropes. By making the mat contour stepped, even if the shape to be constructed is not linear, a contour that follows the shape in a stepped manner can be easily formed according to that shape.

[0017] To solve the aforementioned problems, the present invention employs a method in which, in the fixing step, a fixing device can be inserted through the edge portion, passing through the extension portion and the edge rope, and embedded in the ground on which the natural fiber mat is laid, thereby fixing it. By inserting the fasteners through both the extensions and edge ropes at the edges and embedding them in the ground, the edges become integrated with the ground, making it difficult for them to curl up. Furthermore, even if the natural fiber mat is pulled or the edges are tried to curl up, the twists in the ropes and the fibers that make up the ropes are less likely to unravel at the fasteners. Even if the natural fiber mat is pulled in the planar direction, the edges are fixed to the ground and thus do not move in position, so that a good appearance immediately after construction can be maintained for a long time.

[0018] In order to solve the above problems, it is possible to solve them not only by means of the construction method of the natural fiber mat but also by providing means as the natural fiber mat. Its basic configuration is a natural fiber mat formed by weaving ropes intersecting in the warp direction and the weft direction. The ropes are composed of a plurality of strands in which plant fibers are twisted together, and include a plurality of warp ropes woven in the warp direction and a plurality of weft ropes woven in the weft direction. An extension portion extending outward from the edge rope is formed at the end of one of the warp rope and the weft rope by the end of one of the ropes. The extension portion forms an edge portion that wraps the edge rope by being folded back, and at the edge portion, the folded extension portion and the edge rope are fixed.

[0019] In the above configuration, the extension portion formed by the end of one of the warp rope and the weft rope forms an edge portion that wraps the edge rope by being folded back, so that the edge portion can be easily adjusted to the shape for construction without using other members. And because the edge portion is fixed, even if one of the ropes with the extension portion is pulled or the edge portion itself is pulled, the edge portion wraps and fixes the edge rope, making it difficult for the twisting of the rope and the fibers constituting the rope to come undone.

[0020] As a means adopted by the present invention to solve the above problems, it is also possible to configure the extension portion by a rope arranged so as to be above the edge rope among the one rope, and to configure the end of the rope arranged so as to be below the edge rope among the one rope to be shorter than the extension portion.

[0021] In the above configuration, an extension part is formed by a rope arranged so as to be on the upper side of the edge rope, and the edge part constituted by the extension part entraps and fixes the edge rope, so that the twisting of the rope and the fibers constituting the rope are less likely to come undone. On the other hand, by configuring the end of the rope arranged so as to be on the lower side of the edge rope to be shorter than the extension part, the amount of protrusion of the end from the edge rope of the end that has been shortened is reduced. When the amount of protrusion of the end is reduced, it becomes difficult for a pet to bite or for a child to pull, and the twisting of the rope and the fibers constituting the rope are less likely to come undone.

[0022] As a means adopted by the present invention to solve the above problems, a plurality of edge parts composed of the extension parts formed by the warp ropes and a plurality of edge parts composed of the extension parts formed by the weft ropes are provided, and it is also possible to configure the contour part of the natural fiber mat to be stepped.

[0023] <00001​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ [Figure 2] These are partial and enlarged diagrams illustrating the rope structure of the natural fiber mat of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram showing the edge of the rope of the natural fiber mat of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the process for forming an extension portion of the natural fiber mat of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the edge formation process for the natural fiber mat of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the fixing process for the natural fiber mat of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a plan view showing a modified example 1 of the natural fiber mat of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram showing a modified example 2 of the natural fiber mat of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0026] Embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 6. As shown in Figure 1, the natural fiber mat 100 of the present invention is constructed by weaving ropes R·R… in the warp and weft directions. In Figure 1, the vertical direction is the warp direction, and the horizontal direction is the weft direction. This Natural Fiber Mat 100 can be laid in the garden to create a play area for pets and children, or laid on rough roads during floods or on roads prone to freezing to prevent cars from getting stuck or slipping.

[0027] The natural fiber mat 100 is woven to have a thickness of 30 mm to 60 mm, preferably 35 mm to 50 mm. If the thickness is less than 30 mm, the cushioning effect is impaired, and the hard feel of protrusions such as stones and roots on the ground is easily transmitted to the surface. On the other hand, if the thickness exceeds 60 mm, the entire natural fiber mat 100 becomes heavy and its flexibility is impaired, making it difficult to lay.

[0028] The weaving method for the Natural Fiber Mat 100 can employ various methods, as long as they are similar to plain weave, where multiple ropes R·R… woven in the warp direction intersect with multiple ropes R·R… woven in the weft direction. For example, in addition to the typical plain weave where warp and weft ropes R·R… are intersected alternately at equal intervals to create a checkerboard pattern, twill weave or satin weave, where multiple ropes R·R… are intersected across each other, and diagonal weave (basket weave), where multiple ropes R·R… are bundled together and woven, can also be employed.

[0029] In the configuration shown in Figure 1, each of the weft and warp ropes R·R… is not woven as a single rope, but rather employs a diagonal weave in which multiple ropes R·R… are woven together in close proximity to each other. In the warp direction, warp ropes 1,1… are woven in, which are formed by tightly attaching and aligning two ropes R,R. Similarly, in the weft direction, weft ropes 2,2… are woven in, which are formed by tightly attaching and aligning two ropes R,R….

[0030] In the weaving process, first, two ropes R·R… are placed side by side to form one warp rope. The number of ropes to be placed can be appropriately selected according to the desired width of the natural fiber mat 100. In this case, adjacent ropes 1·1… may be arranged so that they are in close contact, or they may be arranged with a small gap between them.

[0031] Next, two ropes R·R… are placed side by side to form weft rope 2, and these pairs of weft ropes 2 are woven into the warp ropes 1·1…. At this time, every other warp rope 1·1… is slightly lifted at any given position, and one weft rope 2 is inserted into the gap created by lifting. In this way, the upper and lower sides of the warp ropes 1·1… can be alternately inserted and crossed.

[0032] After inserting one weft rope 2, insert another weft rope 2 next to it. The method of insertion is the same as above, but the relationship between the upper and lower sides of the warp ropes 1·1… being inserted is reversed compared to the adjacent weft ropes 2. That is, if weft ropes 2 are inserted in the order of top-bottom-top-bottom… for any parallel vertical ropes 1·1…, then the adjacent weft ropes 2 will be inserted in the order of bottom-top-bottom-top…. In weaving the weft ropes 2·2…, adjacent weft ropes 2·2… may be placed in close contact with each other, or they may be placed with a small gap between them.

[0033] As shown in Figure 2, the rope R that makes up the natural fiber mat 100 with the above configuration is composed of multiple strands R1, R1, etc., each made by twisting together plant fibers R2, R2, etc. Plant fiber R2 is an environmentally friendly natural fiber, and various types of fibers can be used as long as they can be twisted together to achieve high strength. For example, coconut fiber (coir), Manila hemp fiber, sisal fiber, flax fiber, jute fiber, kenaf fiber, cotton fiber, pineapple fiber, banana fiber, rice straw, wheat straw, bamboo fiber, rush grass, etc. are possible, but coconut fiber is used in the form shown in Figure 2.

[0034] The thickness of rope R can be between 10 mm and 40 mm in diameter, preferably between 15 mm and 30 mm. If the diameter is less than 10 mm, rope R is too thin, resulting in a thin natural fiber mat 100 with poor cushioning. If the diameter exceeds 40 mm, the flexibility of rope R is compromised, making weaving difficult.

[0035] Strand R1 is made by twisting together multiple strands of this plant fiber R2·R2… to form a single cord. By twisting them together, a strand R1 that is strong in tension can be made, but in this invention, multiple strands R1·R1… are combined to form a single rope R. The thickness of strand R1 can be between 3 mm and 15 mm in diameter, preferably between 5 mm and 10 mm. If the diameter is less than 3 mm, strand R1 is too thin, and when pulled, the twisted plant fibers R2·R2… will easily unravel. If the diameter exceeds 15 mm, strand R1 is too thick, and when assembled as rope R, the flexibility of rope R is impaired, making weaving difficult.

[0036] Various methods can be used to construct a rope R. For example, multiple strands R1·R1… can be twisted together to form a single rope R. Alternatively, multiple strands R1·R1… can be braided together to form a rope R. Various braiding methods can be used, such as three-strand braid, chain braid, and slash braid. In the example in Figure 2, three sets of two strands R1·R1 are twisted together, and these are then twisted together to form a single rope R. However, the number of strands R1·R1… required to form rope R can be selected as appropriate.

[0037] The rope R, constructed as described above, is environmentally friendly because it is made from plant fibers R2·R2…, has a unique appearance, and drains water appropriately. Furthermore, because it is constructed by twisting together multiple strands R1·R1… of plant fibers R2·R2…, it is not only strong in tension but also resistant to unraveling even if bitten or stepped on by pets.

[0038] Here, the natural fiber mat 100 of the present invention is provided with an edge portion 3, as shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 3, the edge portion 3 is formed by folding back an extension portion 12, which is made up of the end portion 11 of the warp rope 1, and wrapping around the edge rope 23, which is one of the weft ropes 2. Note that Figure 3 is a schematic diagram in which the twisting of the ropes R is omitted, and the left figure is a view of the edge portion 3 from the end portion 21 side of the weft rope 2, and the right figure is a view of the edge portion 3 from the end portion 11 side of the warp rope 1. Here, the extension 12 is the portion that extends outward from the edge rope 23. The edge rope 23 is the weft rope 2 that is closest to the mat contour 4. That is, as shown in Figure 1, it is the outermost weft rope 2 in the case of the outer contour of the natural fiber mat 100.

[0039] In the example in Figure 3, the rope constituting the extension 12 is the warp rope 1, and the edge rope 23 is configured as one of the weft ropes 2. However, the rope constituting the extension 22 may be the weft rope 2, and the edge rope 13 may be configured as one of the warp ropes 1. For example, if the natural fiber mat 100 is rectangular in plan view, the mat contour 4 in the vertical direction can be a combination of the extension 12 of the warp rope 1 and the edge rope 23 of the weft rope 2, and the mat contour 4 in the horizontal direction can be a combination of the extension 22 of the weft rope 2 and the edge rope 13 of the warp rope 1.

[0040] In Figure 3, the extension 12 is composed of a rope from among the multiple diameter ropes 1·1… that is positioned above the edge rope 23. That is, the extension 12 is folded back downward from above the edge rope 23, passing outside, and is wrapped around the bottom of the edge rope 23, with its end 11 positioned inside the edge rope 23. In this way, it is preferable that the extension 12 is extended to a length such that, when the edge rope 23 is wrapped around it, its end 11 is positioned inside the edge rope 23.

[0041] A fastener F is inserted through the edge 3 of the above-described configuration. The fastener F has a shape in which a sharp metal rod is bent at its tip F1 to have two insertion parts F2, F2 and a connecting part F3. The insertion parts F2 pass through the extension part 12 and the edge rope 23, and the tip F1 is inserted so as to be embedded in the ground G. Here, the two ends F1, F1 are inserted into each of the two diameter ropes 1 so as to pass between the twists of the strands R1, R1... Also, the two insertion parts F2, F2 are not perpendicular to the connecting part F3, but are bent inward so that the ends F1, F1 are closer together. Therefore, when the end F1 is embedded in the ground G, the two insertion parts F2, F2 are intersecting as the end F1 is embedded in the ground G.

[0042] Because the ropes are secured by the fastener F as described above, even if the vertical rope 1 is pulled in a planar direction, the fastener F passes through the edge rope 23 at two points, top and bottom, relative to the warp rope 1. This makes it difficult for the extension 12 to unravel or for the strands R1, R1, etc. to unravel. In addition, because the fastener F also passes through the edge rope 23, it makes it difficult for the weft ropes 2, 2, etc. to shift. With respect to the diameter rope 1 positioned below the edge rope 23, both sides of the edge 3,3 are fixed with fasteners F, so that the edge rope 23 is strongly pressed towards the ground G. As a result, the diameter rope 1 positioned below the edge rope 23 is also strongly gripped between the edge rope 23 and the ground G, preventing it from easily coming undone or shifting.

[0043] Furthermore, with the insertion part F2 passing through the extension part 12 and the edge rope 23, and the tip F1 embedded in the ground G, even if someone tries to curl up the edge part 3, it becomes difficult for the edge part 3 to lift up from the ground G. Moreover, with the two insertion parts F2 and F2 intersecting and the tip F1 embedded in the ground G, it becomes difficult to pull it out perpendicular to the ground G, making it even more difficult for the edge part 3 to curl up.

[0044] Next, the installation method for the natural fiber mat 100 of the present invention will be described based on Figures 4 to 6. In this embodiment, the description will be based on the example of laying a square natural fiber mat 100 in a plan view. First, as shown in Figure 4, the warp ropes 1·1… and weft ropes 2·2… are woven diagonally and then cut according to the shape to be constructed. Alternatively, instead of cutting, pre-woven ropes to match the shape to be constructed may be used. Then, the extension formation process is carried out at four locations: both ends in the vertical direction (up and down direction in Figure 4) and both ends in the horizontal direction (left and right direction in Figure 4).

[0045] To explain using the upper vertical side as an example, in the extension formation process, the weaving of the outermost weft rope 2' is undone, and one pair of weft ropes 2' is removed. As a result, the rope adjacent to the removed weft rope 2' becomes the edge rope 23 closest to the mat contour 4. Consequently, the ends 11,11,… of the warp rope 1 extend outward beyond the edge rope 23 by the length that was woven into the removed weft rope 2'. This portion is formed as the extension 12.

[0046] At this time, of the extended portion, the part where the warp rope 1 was positioned above the edge rope 23 is left as the extension 12, and the part where the warp rope 1 was positioned below the edge rope 23 is cut along the edge rope 23. The cutting position can be shorter than the extension 12, but it is preferable to cut along the edge rope 23 to prevent the end 11 from being chewed by pets or pulled by children. In the example in Figure 4, every other warp rope 1·1… is cut, and every other extension 12·12… is formed. This is done at four locations on the top, bottom, left, and right contours of the natural fiber mat 100, namely 4·4….

[0047] Next, the edge ropes 23 are positioned according to the shape to be constructed. For example, if you want to lay the natural fiber mat 100 along the exterior wall, the edge ropes 2 should be positioned along the exterior wall. In this case, it is preferable to leave a gap of about one rope R from the exterior wall so that the edge 3 follows the exterior wall neatly when the construction is completed. In this state, the edge formation process is performed as shown in Figure 5. In the edge formation process, the extensions 12·12… formed in the extension formation process are folded back to form edges 3·3… in which the edge ropes 23·23… are wrapped by the extensions 12·12….

[0048] Specifically, the extension 12 is the portion where the end 11 of the warp rope 1, which is positioned above the edge rope 23, is extended. When winding the edge rope 23, the edge rope 23 is lifted, and the extension 12 is folded back from the top to the bottom of the edge rope 23, so that the end 11 is tucked under the edge rope 23. The end 11 is then positioned so that it faces the weft rope 2, which is positioned inside the edge rope 23. This allows the extension 12 to form an edge 3 that wraps around the edge rope 23. This is also done at four locations on the top, bottom, left, and right contours of the natural fiber mat 100.

[0049] Finally, a fixing process is performed at the edge 3. The fixing process involves fixing the folded extension 12 and the edge rope 23 in various ways. The fixing method may involve using a separate device or using an adhesive. In the example in Figure 6, a metal fixing device F is used. The fixing device F has a shape in which a metal rod with a sharp tip F1 is bent to have two insertion parts F2, F2 and a connecting part F3. This fixing device F is inserted so that the insertion parts F2 penetrate the extension 12 and one of the ropes R of the edge rope 23, and the tip F1 is embedded in the ground G. This is also done at four locations on the top, bottom, left, and right contours of the natural fiber mat 100.

[0050] Insert the fastener F with the insertion parts F2, F2 bent inward so that the tips F1, F1 of the fastener F are close together. When inserted in this way, the two insertion parts F2, F2 intersect within the ground G. Because the tip F1 is embedded in the ground G, it becomes difficult to pull it out perpendicular to the ground G, making the edge 3 less likely to curl up.

[0051] As described above, by using the fixing device F to secure the ropes, even if the vertical rope 1 is pulled in a planar direction, the fixing device F passes through the edge rope 23 at two points, top and bottom, relative to the warp rope 1. This makes it less likely for the extension 12 to unravel or for the strands R1, R1, etc. to unravel. In addition, because the edge rope 23 also passes through the fixing device F, the weft ropes 2, 2, etc. are less likely to shift. The diameter rope 1, positioned below the edge rope 23, has its edges 3,3 fixed with fasteners F,F, so that the edge rope 23 is strongly pressed against the ground G. As a result, the diameter rope 1, positioned below the edge rope 23, is also strongly gripped between the edge rope 23 and the ground G, preventing it from easily coming undone or shifting.

[0052] At the edge 3, the insertion part F2 penetrates the extension part 12 and the edge rope 23, and the tip F1 is embedded in the ground G. This makes it difficult for the edge 3 to lift up from the ground G even if someone tries to curl it up. Furthermore, because the two insertion parts F2 and F2 intersect and the tip F1 is embedded in the ground G, it becomes difficult to pull it out perpendicular to the ground G, making it even more difficult for the edge 3 to curl up.

[0053] In the example shown in Figure 6, the fixing process involves fixing the extension 12 and the edge rope 23 through each other, and then embedding the tip F1 into the ground G to fix it to the ground G as well. However, it is also possible to fix only the extension 12 and the edge rope 23, without fixing it to the ground G. Alternatively, multiple fasteners F may be inserted through the same edge portion 3.

[0054] As described above, the natural fiber mat 100 and its installation method of the present invention not only prevent the twisting of the ropes R, R... and the plant fibers R2, R2... from unraveling even when the edges 3 are pulled or when attempts are made to curl the ends 11, 21, but also allow for easy installation of edges 3, 3... that are less likely to unravel depending on the shape being installed.

[0055] "Differentiation Example 1" The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and other embodiments can also be adopted. For example, the matte contour portions 4·4… can be made in a stepped shape. In Figure 7, the natural fiber mat 101 has a shape where, in a plan view, the mat contour 4·4… is a square with one corner at the bottom left beveled at a 45-degree angle. Thus, as shown in Figure 7, the natural fiber mat 101 may be oblique or curved rather than orthogonal depending on the shape to be installed. This modified example of the natural fiber mat 101 can be installed neatly to match the shape to be installed, even with such shapes.

[0056] In this modified example, as shown in Figure 7, the mat contour 4 is made stepped by forming multiple edges 3,3, and 3 of the warp ropes 1,1, and 2,2, and 3,3, and 3 of the weft ropes 2,2, and 3 in the slanted portion of the mat contour 4. Specifically, at the rightmost end of the mat contour 4, the edge 3 is formed by the weft rope 2, and at the upper end of the mat contour 4, the edge 3 is formed by the warp rope 1. However, in the slanted sections, the edge 3 formed by the warp rope 1 and the edge 3 formed by the weft rope 2 are formed alternately, resulting in a stepped appearance for the slanted portion of the mat contour 4.

[0057] When forming the edges 3 of the vertical rope 1 and the edges 3 of the weft rope 2, in order to form the extensions 12 and 22, it is necessary to cut and remove the warp rope 1 or weft rope 2... closest to the diagonal mat contour 4 in a stepped manner, alternating between warp and weft. As a result, the extensions 12 and 22 also extend in a stepped manner in both warp and weft directions. In this modified example, each extension 12 and 22 is wrapped around the respective edge ropes 13 and 23 to form multiple edge sections 3, 3, etc., and the mat contour section 4 is made stepped.

[0058] In this modified example, the edge portions 3, 3... are formed to create a diagonally oriented, stepped mat contour 4. However, even when a circular hole (not shown) is provided on the inside, not just the outer mat contour 4, the natural fiber mat 101 can be installed according to the shape to be constructed by providing the edge portions 3, 3... in a stepped shape that follows the mat contour 4 of the hole.

[0059] "Differentiation Example 2" The present invention is not limited to the above-described form, and other forms can also be adopted. For example, as shown in Figure 8, an extension portion 12 can be formed by a warp rope 1 positioned above the edge rope 23, and an extension portion 12 can also be formed by a warp rope 1 positioned below the edge rope 23, and an edge portion 3 can be formed for each of these.

[0060] In this modified example, the natural fiber mat 102, in forming the edge 3, as shown in Figure 8(a), the warp rope 1, which is positioned above the edge rope 23, has its extension portion 12 folded back downward from above the edge rope 23, passing outside, and wrapped around the bottom of the edge rope 23 to form the edge 3. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 8(b), for the diameter rope 1 positioned below the edge rope 23, the extension portion 12 is folded back upward from below the edge rope 23, passing outside, and wrapped around the upper side of the edge rope 23 to form the edge portion 3.

[0061] In this modified example, whether the edge rope 23 is wound from top to bottom or from bottom to top, the extension 12 and the edge rope 23 are fixed together by a clamp-like fastener F. This fastener F can clamp and fix the edge 3 by tightening the upper and lower plate-shaped clamping members with a screw-type shaft member, thereby narrowing the distance between the clamping members. In this case, the shaft member is inserted through each of the two pairs of diameter ropes 1 so as to pass between the twists of the strands R1·R1….

[0062] In this modified example, the fastener F secures the extension 12 and the edge rope 23, but does not secure the edge 3 to the ground G. Even in this case, if the vertical rope 1 is pulled in the planar direction, the fastener F is inserted through the extension 12 at two points, above and below the edge rope 23, making it less likely for the extension 12 to unravel or for the strands R1·R1… to unravel. Also, because the fastener F passes through the edge rope 23, the weft ropes 2·2… are less likely to slip.

[0063] In addition, with respect to the warp rope 1 positioned below the edge rope 23, the extension 12 has fasteners F inserted at two points, above and below the edge rope 23, making it less likely for the extension 12 to unravel or for the twists of the strands R1·R1… to come undone. Also, because the edge rope 23 is also passed through, the weft ropes 2·2… are less likely to shift.

[0064] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the claims of the present invention. For example, a mixture of multiple types of plant fibers may be used, and instead of arranging two ropes side by side for the warp and weft ropes, a single rope may be used to form both the warp and weft ropes. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0065] 100, 101, 102 Natural Fiber Mat 1. Diameter rope 11 End 12 Extension 13 Edge rope 2 Weft ropes 21 End 22 Extension 23 Edge rope 3. Edge 4. Matte Contour F Fixture F1 Tip F2 Insertion part F3 Crossing Section R Rope R1 Strand R2 plant fiber G ground

Claims

1. A method for constructing a natural fiber mat, which is made by weaving ropes together in the warp and weft directions, The aforementioned rope is composed of multiple strands of twisted plant fibers, and comprises multiple warp ropes woven in the warp direction and multiple weft ropes woven in the weft direction. An extension forming step in which the end of one of the warp ropes and the weft ropes extends outward beyond the edge rope of the other rope that is closest to the mat contour, An edge forming step is to fold back the extension portion to form an edge portion in which the edge rope is wrapped by the extension portion, The process involves fixing the folded extension and the edge rope at the aforementioned edge, A method for installing natural fiber mats, characterized by having the following features.

2. In the extension formation step, the extension is formed by the rope that is positioned above the edge rope of one of the ropes. The method for constructing a natural fiber mat according to claim 1, characterized in that the end of one of the ropes, which is positioned below the edge rope, is treated to be shorter than the extension portion.

3. A method for constructing a natural fiber mat according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the mat contour is made stepped by forming a plurality of edges consisting of the extensions made by the warp ropes and edges consisting of the extensions made by the weft ropes.

4. The method for installing a natural fiber mat according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the fixing step involves inserting a fixing device through the edge portion so as to penetrate the extension portion and the edge rope and embedding it in the ground on which the natural fiber mat is laid.

5. A natural fiber mat constructed by weaving ropes together in the warp and weft directions, The aforementioned rope is composed of multiple strands of plant fibers twisted together, It comprises multiple warp ropes woven in the warp direction and multiple weft ropes woven in the weft direction, An extension is formed by the end of one of the warp ropes and the weft rope, extending outward from the edge rope that is closest to the mat contour of the other rope. The extension is folded back to form an edge that wraps around the edge rope, A natural fiber mat characterized in that the folded extension and the edge rope are fixed at the edge.

6. The extension is made up of one of the ropes, which is positioned above the edge rope. The natural fiber mat according to claim 5, characterized in that the end of the rope that is positioned below the edge rope of the one of the ropes is shorter than the extension.

7. The system comprises multiple edges, each consisting of an extension made by the warp rope and another consisting of an extension made by the weft rope. The natural fiber mat according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the mat contour portion is stepped.

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