JP2010068722A - Fruit guard - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fruit guard ensuring protection of a fruit even when falling on disaster or bird injury so as to prevent the fruit from being formed into an unnatural shape, and also preventing the fruit from causing rupture or suffering cracks even when the fruit grows larger. <P>SOLUTION: The fruit guard 30 is such that a first member 32 and a second member 33 cut in halves are engaged to be put on the fruit so as to cover the periphery of the fruit not completely growing large. The fruit guard is formed so as to have a volume smaller than that of the fruit growing large to a maximum extent, and is set up so as to be uncoupled so that the fruit grows larger than the volume of the fruit guard 30 when the fruit grows large to a maximum extent. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a fruit protector that is attached to a fruit that has not yet been enlarged and protects the fruit.

  It is common for fruit such as apples to be bagged in a state where they have reached the fruit tree before being enlarged. By putting a bag on a fruit that has not yet matured, it is possible to improve the color and prevent insects from being always exposed to sunlight.

  On the other hand, a method of attaching to a fruit that has not been enlarged yet such as tomato, melon, watermelon and the like and arbitrarily shaping the shape of the fruit has been conventionally known (see, for example, Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, and Patent Document 3). ).

Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a modeling frame is arranged around a fruit so as to form a spherical fruit such as a tomato, melon, and watermelon into a non-spherical shape such as a cube.
Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a modeling tool for making vegetables such as eggplant and cucumber into various shapes.
Patent Document 3 also discloses a modeling tool for modeling a fruit such as melon or watermelon into an arbitrary shape.

Japanese Patent Publication No.55-27767 Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 61-92267 Utility Model Registration No. 3134612

  Fruits such as apples and grapes can be used to improve the color and insect repellent effect by applying bags, but they cannot prevent scratches and fall from fruit trees due to disasters such as typhoons. There is a problem that the market value is lost and it can no longer be sold.

In addition to the danger of falling, fruits are exposed to various dangers, such as scars caused by strawberries and scars eaten by animals such as birds.
However, until now, little consideration has been given to protecting fruits from falling or scratching, and only measures have been taken, such as setting up a net to prevent birds from coming. For this reason, there is a problem that measures for protecting fruits are eagerly desired.

  On the other hand, mounting a structure for modeling around a fruit or vegetable is known as described above. However, if the food is made artificial rather than natural, the consumer's willingness to buy may be temporarily increased, but quickly gets bored. In addition, the natural shape also increases appetite and willingness to purchase.

  Further, when a fruit is formed by arranging some structures around fruits and vegetables in this way, it is difficult to confirm to what extent the fruit is enlarged even if the fruit is enlarged. Since it is disclosed that the cultivation container of patent document 3 uses the transparent acrylic member in this respect, it can grasp | ascertain about the magnitude | size of a fruit. However, the cultivation container of patent document 3 has clamped the acrylic member with the volt | bolt and the nut, and when the fruit enlarged beyond the volume of the cultivation container, there existed a possibility that a fruit might burst or produce a crack.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to reliably protect the fruit even if it encounters a disaster or a bird, and not to make the fruit an unnatural shape. An object of the present invention is to provide a fruit protector that can be made and does not cause rupture or cracking even if the fruit is enlarged.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention comprises the following arrangement. That is, according to the fruit protector according to the present invention, the first member and the second member that are formed in half are engaged and attached to the fruit so as to cover the periphery of the fruit that is not yet enlarged. The fruit protector is formed so that its volume is smaller than when the fruit is maximally enlarged, and when the fruit is maximally enlarged, the fruit can be larger than the volume of the fruit protector. , Wherein the engagement is disengaged.
By adopting this configuration, the surrounding area is covered so as not to be scratched even in the event of a disaster such as a fall or a trap, and damage from birds and beasts can be prevented. In addition, since the engagement is disengaged when the fruit grows large, the fruit can be prevented from being broken or cracked in an attempt to be larger than the protective equipment, and the disengagement can be easily detected during farm work. Therefore, the harvest time can be made appropriate. Furthermore, by making the internal space into the original shape of the fruit, it can be formed into a natural shape, so stable sales can be expected without causing a temporary boom or the like.

In addition, the engaging portion is provided on one of the claw-like member provided on one of the first member and the second member formed in half, and on the other of the first member and the second member. And an annular member that engages with the claw-like member, and the claw-like member is broken due to fruit enlargement, and the engagement is released.
According to this configuration, the nail-like member is easily broken and engaged when the fruit is enlarged by making the nail-like member thin enough to be easily broken or by making a cut. Can come off.

Further, the first member and the second member are tightened, and tightening means provided to be broken when the engagement between the first member and the second member is released due to fruit enlargement is provided. It may be characterized by being.
According to this configuration, when the fruit is enlarged and disengaged, the tightening means falls and falls onto the paper surface, so that the worker only has to check whether the tightening means is on the ground or not so that the fruit is suitable for harvesting. You can easily know that it has grown to a large size.

A groove portion for accommodating the tightening means may be formed at a location where the tightening means is disposed.
According to this configuration, since the tightening means is caught in the groove portion, the tightening means can be prevented from slipping down.

A sensor that detects that the first member and the second member are separated from each other is provided. When the sensor detects that the first member and the second member are separated from each other, the fact is detected. An informing means for informing may be provided.
In other words, in the past, it was necessary to look around the orchards and fields frequently so as not to miss the harvest time, but according to this configuration, the fruit was enlarged to a size suitable for harvest You can find it easily.

  Further, if the notifying means is a light emitting means, it can be confirmed more quickly whether it is suitable for harvesting.

  According to the fruit protector of the present invention, it is possible to reliably protect the fruit even if it encounters a disaster or a bird, so that the fruit does not have an unnatural shape, and bursts even if the fruit is enlarged. And no cracks.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a fruit protector according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
The whole block diagram of the fruit protector of this embodiment is shown in FIGS. In the present embodiment, the target fruit is an apple.
The fruit protector 30 is composed of a first member 32 and a second member 33 each having a concave portion whose inside is curved. The first member 32 and the second member 33 are each formed of a lightweight material such as plastic and have a thickness of about 1 to 2 mm.

By combining the first member 32 and the second member 33, a space 35 in which apples before enlargement can be stored is formed.
Moreover, the outer wall surface which forms the outer side of this space 35 has comprised the general shape of an apple. Therefore, the space 35 is nearly spherical and does not have a particularly odd shape.

The first member 32 is provided with a claw-like member 36 that protrudes toward the second member at a portion that contacts the second member 33 (an edge 37 of the curved recess). The claw-like member 36 has a claw body 36a that protrudes upward from the end edge portion 37, and a hook portion 36b that gradually spreads in the horizontal direction from the upper part to the lower part of the claw body 36a.
A plurality of such claw-like members 36 are provided along the edge 37 of the recess of the first member 32. In the present embodiment, the first member 32 is provided with three claw-like members 36.

On the other hand, an annular member 40 that engages with the claw-like member 36 is provided at a location corresponding to the location of the second member 33 where the claw-like member 36 of the first member 32 is provided. The annular member 40 protrudes outward from a portion of the second member 33 that contacts the first member 32 (an end edge of the curved recess), and an opening that opens in a direction perpendicular to the protruding direction is formed. Is formed.
The same number of the annular members 40 as the claw-like members 36 are provided. In the present embodiment, three annular members 40 are provided on the second member 33.

  In the present embodiment, in the first member 32, the annular member 41 is provided at a position facing the portion where the claw-like member 36 is formed, with the concave portion interposed therebetween. In the second member 33, A claw-like member 42 is provided at a position opposite to the portion where the annular member 40 is formed with the recess interposed therebetween.

Therefore, when the first member 32 and the second member 33 are aligned so that the recesses face each other, the claw-like member 36 of the first member 32 is inserted into the annular member 40 of the second member 33, The lower end surface of the hook portion 36b of the claw-like member 36 comes into contact with the end surface of the annular member 40 and engages as a stopper.
Similarly, the claw-like member 42 of the second member 33 is inserted into the annular member 41 of the first member 32, and the lower end surface of the hooking portion of the claw-like member 42 abuts against the end surface of the annular member 41 to prevent it from coming off. Become engaged.

Further, a drain hole 43 for draining water is formed on the bottom surface of the fruit protector 30 with which the first member 32 and the second member 33 are engaged. This is provided in order to drain water because if the rainwater accumulates in the fruit protector 30 after the fruit that has not yet been enlarged is disposed inside, the fruit will rot.
Further, a fruit pattern hole 44 for allowing the fruit pattern of the apple to pass therethrough is formed on the upper surface of the fruit protector 30.

On the upper surface of the fruit protector 30, a string ring member 46 through which a string for hanging on a branch of a fruit tree is passed is provided. Thereby, the weight of the fruit protector 30 can be applied to the branches of the fruit tree so that the weight of the fruit protector 30 is not applied to the upper surface of the fruit.
Moreover, the string annular member 46 is provided at two locations of one fruit protector, so that it can be suspended from the branches at two locations, and the fruit protector 30 can be securely held on the fruit tree.

  Further, the two string annular members 46 may be provided on the first member 32 and the second member 33, respectively. By configuring in this way, as described later, when the fruit is enlarged and the first member 32 and the second member 33 are separated, the first member 32 and the second member 33 fall from the fruit tree. You can avoid it.

Moreover, you may provide the fastening means (not shown) which fastens the 1st member 32 and the 2nd member 33 so that the circumference | surroundings of a fruit protector may be tied. The tightening means may be formed of a weak material such as paper or thin vinyl that is extremely easy to cut.
By winding around the first member 32 and the second member 33 by such tightening means, as will be described later, the fruit enlarges and the first member 32 and the second member 33 When the fruit is separated, the tightening means is cut and dropped, so that the fruit enlargement can be recognized at a glance. Therefore, it is preferable that the tightening means is a conspicuous color because it is easy to recognize that it is falling.

  Further, if the tightening means is left as it is, there is a high possibility that the tightening means will slide down on the surface of the fruit protector 30. Therefore, it is preferable to form a groove 52 at a place where the tightening means is provided. The tightening means can be prevented from slipping down by being disposed on the groove 52.

Then, the effect | action when a fruit enlarges is demonstrated.
The space 35 inside the fruit protector 30 of the present embodiment is formed with a volume smaller than the size at the fruit harvest time. Therefore, when the fruit is enlarged in the fruit protector 30, the fruit presses the fruit protector 30 from the inside and damages the nail-like member 36. It can be seen at a glance that the fruit is sufficiently enlarged due to the claw-like member 36 being damaged. Further, the first member 32 and the second member 33 are separated due to breakage of the claw-like member 36, whereby the tightening means is cut. Therefore, it is possible to easily determine that the tightening means has fallen to the ground and that the fruit has enlarged without approaching the vicinity of the fruit tree.

In addition, the nail | claw-shaped member of this embodiment is provided with three 1st members and three on the 2nd member, a total of six.
Of these, all may be provided so as to be breakable, or at least one of them may be provided so as to be breakable.
As shown in FIG. 4, the shape of the breakable claw-like member 36 may include, for example, a notch 39 so that the area of the coupling portion between the claw body 36 a and the hooking portion 36 b is reduced. Good.

(Second Embodiment)
An embodiment having a configuration different from the above-described embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 shows the fruit protector 30 cut in the horizontal direction and viewed from above from below. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the component same as embodiment mentioned above, and description may be abbreviate | omitted.
In this embodiment, the magnet 48 is provided in the site | part which joins the 1st member 32 and the 2nd member 33, and the 1st member 32 and the 2nd member 33 are joined by magnetic force.

  In the present embodiment, when the engagement between the first member 32 and the second member 33 is released, a sensor 51 that detects the release of the engagement is provided. As the sensor 51, a capacitance sensor or the like that measures the distance between the first member 32 and the second member 33 can be used.

The detection signal of the sensor 51 is connected to notifying means for notifying the worker that the fruit has enlarged. An example of the notification means is a display means 55 such as an LED.
When the sensor 51 detects that the first member 32 and the second member 32 are disengaged, the sensor 51 outputs a detection signal to the display means 55. The display means 55 turns on (or flashes) the LED to indicate that the engagement has been disengaged. Therefore, it can be easily determined that the fruit has enlarged without approaching the vicinity of the fruit tree.

The fruit protector 30 described above can be exposed to sunlight moderately by making it transparent or translucent.
Further, in addition to the water drain hole 43 and the fruit pattern hole 44, a plurality of holes may be perforated on the side surface. Thereby, fresh air can be supplied to the fruit.

  In addition, it is not limited to an apple as a fruit, It can use for various fruits, such as a pear, a peach, a mandarin orange, a persimmon, a watermelon, and a melon.

  As described above, the present invention has been variously described with reference to preferred embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. is there.

It is a perspective view which shows the 1st member of the fruit protector which concerns on this invention. It is a perspective view from the bottom face direction of a fruit protector. It is a perspective view from the upper surface direction of a fruit protector. It is an enlarged view of a nail | claw-shaped member. It is explanatory drawing of 2nd Embodiment of a fruit protector.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 30 Fruit protector 32 1st member 33 2nd member 35 Space 36,42 Claw-shaped member 36a Claw main body 36b Hook part 37 Edge part 40, 41 Annular member 43 Drain hole 44 Fruit pattern hole 46 Ring for ring Member 48 Magnet 51 Sensor 52 Groove 55 Display means

Claims (6)

A fruit protector that is attached to the fruit by engaging the first member and the second member formed in half so as to cover the periphery of the fruit that has not yet enlarged,
Its volume is formed smaller than when the fruit is maximally enlarged,
A fruit protector, wherein the engagement is disengaged so that the fruit can be larger than the volume of the fruit protector when the fruit is maximally enlarged. The engaging portion is provided on a claw-like member provided on one of the first member and the second member formed in half, and on the other of the first member and the second member. And an annular member that engages with the claw-like member,
The fruit protector according to claim 1, wherein the nail-like member is provided to be disengaged by breaking the nail-like member due to fruit enlargement.   The first member and the second member are tightened, and tightening means is provided so as to be broken when the engagement between the first member and the second member is released due to fruit enlargement. The fruit protector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fruit protector is provided.   4. The fruit protector according to claim 3, wherein a groove portion for accommodating the tightening means is formed at a place where the tightening means is disposed. A sensor for detecting that the first member and the second member are separated from each other;
When the sensor detects that the first member and the second member are separated from each other, an informing means for informing the fact is provided. The fruit protector of Claim 1.   6. The fruit protector according to claim 5, wherein the notifying means is a light emitting means.