Tree support structure

Abstract

To provide a tree support structure that is equipped with a rational adjustment mechanism such that a target tree can be properly supported at all times even as it shows hypertrophic growth.SOLUTION: A tree support structure includes a holding member 2 for a trunk Pa of a tree P, an anchor member 3, and a linkage member 4 that spans between the holding member 2 and the anchor member 3 to support the trunk Pa. The holding member 2 consists of a pair of clamping bodies 2a, 2a that clamp the trunk Pa, combined such that the spacing between the pair of clamping bodies 2a, 2a can be adjusted.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an improvement in a support structure for supporting planted trees so as to minimize the impact of wind damage on the trees.

Background Art

[0002] As techniques for preventing trees from lodging due to wind damage, there are those disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3. In recent years, while typhoons are becoming larger due to climate change, the number of cases where tall trees of about 4 m in height are planted in situations where a large soil thickness cannot be secured, such as rooftop greening and artificial ground, is increasing, and there has been a growing demand for stably supporting trees especially in such situations.

[0003] Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose a technique for supporting a tree by tensioning a wire between a tree support framework or a base plate and the trunk of the tree. However, the techniques described in both documents do not take into account the thickening growth of trees.

[0004] Patent Document 3 discloses a technique in which left and right support constituent members that sandwich the trunk of a tree are supported by support piles. However, the technique of this Patent Document 3 also does not take into account the thickening growth of trees.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The main problem that this invention aims to solve is to rationally provide a support structure for this type of tree with an adjustment function that ensures the tree is always properly supported even as it grows larger. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above objective, in this invention, the tree support structure comprises a holding member for the tree trunk and Anchor member and The system comprises a connecting member that is installed between the holding member and the anchor member to support the trunk, The holding member is made up of a pair of clamping bodies that clamp the trunk, combined so that the distance between them can be adjusted.

[0008] The anchor members are provided in pairs or more, spaced apart from adjacent anchor members in the direction circumferential to the trunk, and each anchor member is provided with a passage through which the connecting member passes. The connecting member comprises two wires and a connecting member located between one end of the two wires, which connects the two wires in such a way that the distance between the two ends of the wires can be variably adjusted. One embodiment of this invention is to position the connecting member between two adjacent anchor members in the direction circumferential to the trunk, by passing one of the two wires through the passage portion of one adjacent anchor member and the other of the two wires through the passage portion of the other adjacent anchor member, and by connecting the other ends of the two wires to the holding member.

[0009] Furthermore, four anchor members, designated as first to fourth anchor members, are provided in the direction circumferential to the trunk, with spacing between adjacent anchor members, and each of the first to fourth anchor members is provided with a passage portion through which the connecting member passes. The aforementioned connecting member is provided in two parts, a first and a second connecting member, and each of the first and second connecting members comprises two wires and a connecting member located between one end of the two wires, which connects the two wires in a manner that allows for variable adjustment of the distance between the two ends of the two wires. The wire portion of the first connecting member is passed through the passing portion of the first anchor member and the second anchor member so that the connecting member is positioned between the adjacent first anchor member and the second anchor member in the direction of circumferential movement around the trunk, and the other ends of the two wires of the first connecting member are connected to the holding member. Furthermore, one embodiment of this invention is to pass the wire portion of the second connecting member through the passing portion of the third anchor member and the fourth anchor member such that the connecting member is positioned between the third anchor member and the fourth anchor member adjacent to each other in the direction of circumferentially circumferencing the trunk, and to connect the other ends of the two wires of the second connecting member to the holding member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to this invention, a tree support structure of this type can be rationally provided with an adjustment function that ensures the tree is always properly supported even as it grows larger. That is, since the holding member consists of a pair of clamping bodies that are combined with adjustable spacing, the spacing (distance) between the pair of clamping bodies can be changed in accordance with the tree's growth.

[0011] Furthermore, if it becomes necessary to change the length of the connecting member spanning between the anchor member and the holding member, for example, if the mounting position of the holding member moves upward due to the growth of the tree and the distance between the anchor member and the holding member increases, the length can be changed simultaneously in the direction that circles the trunk by adjusting the connecting member. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1]Figure 1 is a perspective configuration diagram showing the usage state of the tree support structure according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a plan configuration diagram of the state in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a side configuration view of the main part of the support structure. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a plan configuration view of the main part of the support structure. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a plan configuration view of the main part of the support structure, showing the right end of Figure 2 in an enlarged manner. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a plan configuration view of the main part of the support structure. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective configuration diagram mainly showing the holding member constituting the support structure. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a side configuration diagram mainly showing the anchor member constituting the support structure. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a plan configuration diagram mainly showing the anchor member constituting the support structure. [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0013] Hereinafter, typical embodiments of the present invention will be described based on Figure 1 to Figure 9.

[0014] The support structure 1 according to this embodiment supports the tree P so as to minimize the influence of wind damage on the planted tree P in a situation where a large soil thickness cannot be secured.

[0015] Typically, such a support structure 1 is suitable for use in supporting trees P planted in rooftop greening or artificial ground.

[0016] Such a support structure 1 includes a holding member 2 for the trunk Pa of the tree P, an anchor member 3, and a connecting member 4.

[0017] The holding member 2 is formed by combining a pair of clamping bodies 2a that clamp the trunk Pa such that the distance between the two can be adjusted.

[0018] The connecting member 4 is installed in a tensioned manner between the holding member 2 and the anchor member 3 to support the trunk Pa.

[0019] In the illustrated example, the support structure 1 supports the trees P planted on the artificial ground.

[0020] In Figure 1, the symbol B represents the base that constitutes the artificial ground, the symbol T represents the planting tray placed on the base B, the symbol M represents the soil in the planting tray T, the symbol P represents a tree, the symbol Pa represents the trunk of tree P, and the symbol Pb represents the roots of tree P.

[0021] The anchor member 3 only needs to be fixed in some way to the base B side of the artificial ground, and to be capable of having a connecting member 4 erected between it and the holding member 2 as described above. For example, it may be a pile-like structure whose lower end is driven into the base B side for fixation.

[0022] In the illustrated example, the anchor member 3 is erected on the base B with its lower end 3e fixed to the base B. The connecting member 4 is installed between the upper end 3f of the anchor member 3 and the holding member 2.

[0023] In the illustrated example, the anchor member 3 is installed using a stainless steel plate 5.

[0024] A plate 5 is laid on the base B, and soil M is placed on top of it via the tray T. Although not shown in the diagram, typically, soil M is further piled on the base B to a height that conceals the tray T and the upper end 3f of the anchor member 3.

[0025] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, anchor members 3 are erected at each of the four corners of the plate 5. Each anchor member 3 consists of a nut 3g fixed to the upper surface of the plate 5, a bolt 3h whose lower end is screwed into the nut 3g, and an eye nut 3i screwed into the upper end of the bolt 3h. In the illustrated example, the wire 4c of the connecting member 4, described later, can be passed through the annular portion of the eye nut 3i, and this annular portion forms the passage portion 3j, described later.

[0026] Since the holding member 2 consists of a pair of clamping bodies 2a that are combined with an adjustable spacing, the spacing (distance) between the pair of clamping bodies 2a can be changed in accordance with the enlargement growth of the tree P.

[0027] In the illustrated example, each of the pair of clamping bodies 2a is formed by bending a rectangular metal plate. In the illustrated example, each pair of clamping bodies 2a is formed to have a central portion 2b and left and right ear portions 2c. The retaining member 2 is attached to the trunk Pa such that its center 2d (see Figure 6) substantially coincides with the center of the trunk Pa. In a plan view, one of the pair of clamping bodies 2a is positioned on one side of a hypothetical straight line x (see Figure 6) passing through the center 2d of the retaining member 2, and the other of the pair of clamping bodies 2a is positioned on the other side of this straight line x. Each of the pair of clamping bodies 2a has an ear portion 2c positioned towards the center and a central portion 2b positioned outside of the ear portion 2c, with a step 2e between the ear portion 2c and the central portion 2b. Furthermore, each pair of clamping bodies 2a has through holes 2f for bolts 2m in the left and right ear portions 2c on a hypothetical straight line y (see Figure 3) that substantially divides the clamping body 2a vertically.

[0028] In the illustrated example, a bolt 2m is passed through the through hole 2f of the right ear portion 2c of one of the pair of clamping bodies 2a in Figure 6 and screwed into the through hole 2f of the right ear portion 2c of the other clamping body 2a in Figure 6. Similarly, a bolt 2m is passed through the through hole 2f of the left ear portion 2c of the other clamping body 2a in Figure 6 and screwed into the through hole 2f of the left ear portion 2c of one of the pair of clamping bodies 2a in Figure 6. This allows the pair of clamping bodies 2a to be joined with a trunk Pa in between. In addition, the distance between the pair of clamping bodies 2a can be variably adjusted by screwing the bolt 2m in and out.

[0029] In addition, in the illustrated example, a cushioning material 2g is attached to the inside of the central portion 2b of each of the pair of clamping bodies 2a. In the illustrated example, the cushioning material 2g is made of a tubular body made of rubber. The cushioning material 2g is provided on the clamping body 2a with its hollow internal space open to the outside at both ends, and its outer surface in close contact with the inner surface of the central part 2b of the clamping body 2a. In the illustrated example, the clamping body 2a and the cushioning material 2g are integrated by screwing a screw 2i through a hole 2h formed in the central part 2b of the clamping body 2a to a plate 2j located inside the cushioning material 2g. As a result, in the illustrated example, the holding member 2 contacts the trunk Pa of the tree P via the cushioning material 2g, and in the mounted state where it clamps the trunk Pa of the tree P, it does not damage the trunk Pa. The 2g of cushioning material can be made of a material with properties (softness) that will not damage the trunk Pa of the tree P, such as rubber, plastic elastomer, foamed plastic, or cork.

[0030] Two or more of the anchor members 3 are provided in the direction R (see Figure 2) that circumfers the trunk Pa, with a gap between adjacent anchor members 3. In this embodiment, four anchor members 3 are provided, designated as first to fourth anchor members 3a to 3d, with spacing between adjacent anchor members 3 in the direction R that circumfers the trunk Pa. In addition, the first to fourth anchor members 3a to 3d each have a passing portion 3j that allows the connecting member 4 to pass through. In the illustrated example, the annular portion of the eye nut 3i provides the first to fourth anchor members 3a to 3d with a passing portion 3j that allows the connecting member 4 to pass through.

[0031] Furthermore, in this embodiment, two connecting members 4 are provided: a first and a second connecting member 4a and 4b. In addition, the first and second connecting members 4a and 4b each include two wires 4c and a connecting member 4f located between one end 4d of the two wires 4c, which connects the two wires 4c in a manner that allows for variable adjustment of the distance between the ends 4d of the two wires 4c.

[0032] Wire 4c is preferably made of stainless steel from the viewpoint of weather resistance.

[0033] In the illustrated example, the connecting member 4f utilizes a turnbuckle 4g. In the figure, reference numeral 4h denotes the body of the turnbuckle 4g, and reference numeral 4i denotes hooked bolts that are screwed into the left and right sides of the body 4g so as to be able to move back and forth.

[0034] One end 4d of the two wires 4c is hooked onto the hook of one hooked bolt 4i of the turnbuckle 4g, folded back, and secured to the center of the wire 4c, thereby fixing it to the turnbuckle 4g. The other end 4d of the two wires 4c is hooked onto the hook of the other hooked bolt 4i of the turnbuckle 4g, folded back, and secured to the center of the wire 4c, thereby fixing it to the turnbuckle 4g. In the figure, reference numeral 4p indicates a metal tube through which the wires 4c are crimped to achieve the aforementioned fixing.

[0035] A tension coil spring 4j, a carabiner 4k (as a connecting element), and a double ring 4o (as a connecting element) are attached to the other ends 4e of each of the two wires 4c. The other ends 4e of each of the two wires 4c are connected to the holding member 2 via these components.

[0036] In this embodiment, the connecting member 4f is positioned between the first anchor member 3a and the second anchor member 3b, which are adjacent to each other in the direction R circumferential to the trunk Pa, by passing the wire 4c portion of the first connecting member 4a through the passing portion 3j of the first anchor member 3a and the second anchor member 3b, and the other ends 4e of the two wires 4c of the first connecting member 4a are connected to the holding member 2. Furthermore, the wire 4c portion of the second connecting member 4b is passed through the passing portion 3j of the third anchor member 3c and the fourth anchor member 3d so that the connecting member 4f is positioned between the adjacent third anchor member 3c and the fourth anchor member 3d in the direction R that circumfers the trunk Pa, and the other ends 4e of the two wires 4c of the second connecting member 4b are each connected to the holding member 2.

[0037] In the illustrated example, the plate 5 is rectangular, and the tree P is planted on its center. Since anchor members 3 are provided at each corner of the plate 5, the wires 4c of the connecting member 4 are stretched at four locations in the direction R that circles the trunk Pa of the tree P, with gaps between adjacent wires 4c, so as to follow a hypothetical straight line z (see Figure 2) connecting the trunk Pa of the tree P and each corner of the plate 5.

[0038] The first connecting member 4a, on the left side of Figure 2, is arranged to have a portion along the straight line z and a portion along the width direction of the plate 5. The portion along the width direction is located between the first anchor member 3a and the second anchor member 3b, and the connecting member 4f is positioned there. The second connecting member 4b, on the right side of Figure 2, is positioned to have a portion along the straight line z and a portion along the width direction of the plate 5. The portion along the width direction is located between the third anchor member 3c and the fourth anchor member 3d, and the connecting member 4f is positioned there. In the illustrated example, the first connecting member 4a and the second connecting member 4b, arranged in this manner, support the central tree P from four directions.

[0039] Although not shown in the diagram, the tree P can also be supported by one connecting member 4 and two anchor members 3. Alternatively, the tree P can be supported by three or more connecting members 4 and six or more anchor members 3.

[0040] As a result, if, in response to the enlargement and growth of the tree P, for example, the mounting position of the retaining member 2 moves upward due to the growth of the tree P, increasing the distance between the anchor member 3 and the retaining member 2, and it becomes necessary to change the length of the connecting member 4 that spans between the anchor member 3 and the retaining member 2, the length can be simultaneously changed in the direction R that circles the trunk Pa by adjusting the connecting member 4f.

[0041] In the illustrated example, by adjusting the connecting member 4f between the first anchor member 3a and the second anchor member 3b, and by rotating the body 4h of the turnbuckle 4g ​​in the illustrated example, the length of the portion of one of the two wires 4c constituting the first connecting member 4a that lies along the straight line z located between the anchor member 3 and the holding member 2, and the length of the portion of the other of the two wires 4c constituting the adjacent first connecting member 4a that lies along the straight line z located between the anchor member 3 and the holding member 2, can be changed simultaneously. Furthermore, by adjusting the connecting member 4f between the third anchor member 3c and the fourth anchor member 3d, the length of the portion of one of the two wires 4c constituting the second connecting member 4b that lies along the straight line z located between the anchor member 3 and the holding member 2, and the length of the portion of the other of the two wires 4c constituting the adjacent second connecting member 4b that lies along the straight line z located between the anchor member 3 and the holding member 2, can be changed simultaneously by rotating the body 4h of the turnbuckle 4g ​​in the illustrated example. In the illustrated example, when the body 4h of the turnbuckle 4g ​​is rotated, the distance between the hooks of one hooked bolt 4i and the other hooked bolt 4i that constitute the turnbuckle 4g ​​changes, and the length of the portion of the wire 4c that constitutes the connecting member 4 that is located along the straight line z between the anchor member 3 and the holding member 2 is adjusted.

[0042] In the illustrated example, the other end 4e of the wire 4c is passed through the annular portion 4ja formed on one end of the tension coil spring 4j, folded back, and fixed to the center side of the wire 4c, thereby securing it to the tension coil spring 4j.

[0043] The carabiner 4k has an annular portion 4ja formed at the other end of the tension coil spring 4j and a double ring 4o passing through it. In Figure 3, the reference numeral 4m is a movable part that forms part of the annular carabiner 4k and opens a part of the carabiner 4k when the free end 4ma is pushed inward. In the illustrated example, the carabiner 4k is divided into two internal spaces by a movable stopper 4n, with the annular portion 4ja of the tension coil spring 4j located on the lower end side of the stopper 4n and the double ring 4o located on the upper end side.

[0044] In the illustrated example, a double ring 4o is passed through a hole 2k formed in the left ear portion 2c of one of the pair of clamping bodies 2a constituting the holding member 2 in Figure 3, and a double ring 4o is also passed through a hole 2k formed in the right ear portion 2c of the other of the pair of clamping bodies 2a constituting the holding member 2 in Figure 3. The other ends 4e of the two wires 4c constituting the first connecting member 4a are connected to the double ring 4o of one of the pair of clamping bodies 2a via the spring 4j and carabiner 4k, respectively, and the other ends 4e of the two wires 4c constituting the second connecting member 4b are connected to the double ring 4o of the other of the pair of clamping bodies 2a via the spring 4j and carabiner 4k, respectively.

[0045] By stretching a wire 4c between the holding member 2 and the anchor member 3 so as to apply a constant tension to the spring 4j, the swaying of the tree P due to wind is effectively and appropriately suppressed.

[0046] Naturally, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but includes all embodiments that can achieve the objectives of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] P Tree Pa trunk 2. Retaining member 2a Clamping body 3 Anchor members 4 connecting members

Claims

1. A support member for the tree trunk, Anchor member and The system comprises a connecting member that is installed between the holding member and the anchor member to support the trunk, The holding member is formed by combining a pair of clamping bodies that clamp the trunk, with the distance between them adjustable. The anchor members are provided in pairs or more, spaced apart from adjacent anchor members in the direction circumferential to the trunk, and each anchor member is provided with a passage through which the connecting member passes. The connecting member comprises two wires and a connecting member located between one end of the two wires, which connects the two wires in such a way that the distance between the two ends of the wires can be variably adjusted. A tree support structure comprising: one of the two wires is passed through the passage portion of one adjacent anchor member, the other of the two wires is passed through the passage portion of the other adjacent anchor member, and the other ends of the two wires are connected to the holding member, such that the connecting member is positioned between two adjacent anchor members in a direction that encircles the trunk.

2. A support member for the tree trunk, Anchor member and The system comprises a connecting member that is installed between the holding member and the anchor member to support the trunk, The holding member is formed by combining a pair of clamping bodies that clamp the trunk, with the distance between them adjustable. The anchor members are arranged in a direction circumferential to the trunk, with four anchor members, from the first to the fourth, spaced apart from adjacent anchor members, and each of the first to the fourth anchor members is provided with a passage through which the connecting member passes. The aforementioned connecting member is provided in two parts, a first and a second connecting member, and each of the first and second connecting members comprises two wires and a connecting member located between one end of the two wires, which connects the two wires in a manner that allows for variable adjustment of the distance between the two ends of the two wires. The wire portion of the first connecting member is passed through the passing portion of the first anchor member and the second anchor member so that the connecting member is positioned between the adjacent first anchor member and the second anchor member in the direction of circumferential movement around the trunk, and the other ends of the two wires of the first connecting member are connected to the holding member. A tree support structure comprising: the connecting member being positioned between the third anchor member and the fourth anchor member, which are adjacent to each other in the direction of circumferencing the trunk, the wire portion of the second connecting member being passed through the passages of the third anchor member and the fourth anchor member, and the other ends of the two wires of the second connecting member being connected to the holding member.

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