JP7744650B2 - Flag Support Structures and Flag Supports - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a flag support structure and a flag support device.

Safety flags (green cross flags) and company flags are set up at building construction sites and similar locations. Utility Model Registration No. 3212506 (Patent Document 1) describes a flag support device that allows multiple flags to be set up vertically, and includes a cylindrical pole fixing portion that is fixed to the flagpole, and a flag support rod that protrudes from the pole fixing portion and extends horizontally. The flag support rod is equipped with a clip portion that holds the lower flag and a string attachment portion that can be used to tie the string attached to the lower flag.

As a structure for stretching a sheet 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.

Utility Model Registration No. 3212506 JP 2009-48001 A

In the flag support structure of Patent Document 1, the flag support pole is supported by a cantilever on the pole, and the bottom end of the flag is only secured to the pole with a tie string. As a result, in strong winds, the flag may be blown around by the wind and damaged.

In addition, in the sheet support structure of Patent Document 2, the four corners of the flag are secured with hooks to take wind pressure into consideration, 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, if the flag is subjected to wind pressure in strong winds, the hooks connecting the flag to the flag material itself may be damaged.

The present invention was 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.

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 horizontally between the pair of support posts and attached at both ends to the pair of support posts; a second rail member extending horizontally 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, and at least one of the first and second rail members is attached to the support posts so that it can move vertically so that the flag is in a tensioned state. Note that in this specification, "both ends" means the ends on one and the other (horizontal) sides, and does not necessarily mean the ends in the strict sense.

Preferably, the first crosspiece is fixed to the support at a predetermined height, and the second crosspiece is attached to the support so as to be movable vertically.

The second crosspiece may not be fixed to the pole when installed, and tension may be applied to the flag by its own weight.

Preferably, the first rail member includes an upper rail with upper engaging portions that engage with engaged portions provided on at least both ends of the upper edge 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. Furthermore, the second rail member includes a lower rail with lower engaging portions that engage with engaged portions provided on at least both ends of the lower edge 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.

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

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 hooked into the hole.

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 and second connecting members each have a vertical cylindrical portion that fits into the pole, and two horizontal cylindrical portions that intersect the vertical cylindrical portion and are arranged on the same axis.

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

A flag support device according to another aspect of the present invention comprises a first rail member extending laterally between a pair of posts and having both ends attached to the pair of posts, and a second rail member extending laterally between the pair of posts below the first rail member and having both ends attached to the pair of 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 so that the flag is tensioned when installed and can move vertically relative to the posts.

In a flag support device 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 flag's upper edge; 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 flag's lower edge. At least one of the first connecting member and the second connecting member is attached to the pole so that it can move vertically relative to the pole, so that the flag is in a tensioned state when installed.

This invention reduces transportation costs and improves wind pressure resistance and aesthetics.

1 is a front view schematically showing a flag support structure according to an embodiment of the present invention; (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 of the configuration of the upper engagement portion. 10 is a flowchart showing a flag installation procedure according to an embodiment of the present invention. 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. 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. FIG. 10 is an exploded view showing a flag support device according to a modified embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that identical or corresponding parts in the drawings will be designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will not be repeated.

(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 the 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.

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 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. It is desirable that the material of the flag 2 be wind-resistant, and it is made of tent fabric, for example.

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

The first crosspiece member 30A is attached at both ends to a pair of posts 11, 12 and supports the top edge of the flag 2. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2(A), the first crosspiece member 30A includes an upper crosspiece 31 having multiple upper engagement portions 33 provided along its length, and a pair of first connecting members 41, 42 connected to both ends of the upper crosspiece 31 and attached to the posts 11, 12. The multiple upper engagement portions 33 respectively engage with multiple 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.

The second crosspiece member 30B is attached at both ends to a pair of posts 11, 12 and supports the bottom edge of the flag 2. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2(A), the second crosspiece member 30B includes a lower crosspiece 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 crosspiece 32 and attached to the 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 in the same position as the engaged portions 21 in the horizontal direction.

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 crosspiece 30A and second crosspiece 30B are separate from the posts 11 and 12, transportation is easier and transportation costs can be reduced.

In this embodiment, the first crosspiece 30A is fixed to the upper ends (at a predetermined height) of the posts 11 and 12 by first connecting members 41 and 42. In contrast, the second crosspiece 30B is attached to the posts 11 and 12 by second connecting members 43 and 44 so that it can move vertically relative to the posts 11 and 12. This allows the flag 2 to be installed in a state where it is pulled up and down, improving its aesthetic appearance.

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 lower rail 32 on the left side of the page and the left ends of the upper rail 31 and lower rail 32 on the right side of the page. 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 in the flag support device 10 can be reduced.

Below, we will explain in detail the configuration and arrangement of each component that makes up the flag support device 10.

(post)
The poles 11, 12, and 13 are typically metal rod-shaped members with 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 1,000 mm to 2,000 mm, for example, approximately 1,300 mm to 1,700 mm. The longitudinal lengths of the poles 11, 12, and 13 are determined appropriately depending on the installation height of the flag 2, etc.

In this embodiment, the posts 11, 12, and 13 also serve as temporary fencing posts placed at regular intervals around the construction site. In other words, 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 in the flag support device 10 can be further reduced, further reducing transportation costs.

(Upper and lower rails)
1 and 2A, 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, approximately 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, approximately 1300 mm to 1700 mm.

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

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

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

(First connecting member)
In this embodiment, the first connecting members 41, 42, 45 all have the same configuration and size. Therefore, here, a representative 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).

The first connecting member 41 integrally comprises 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 opening of the vertical cylinder portion 51. The horizontal cylinder portion 52 is fixed to one horizontal side of the vertical cylinder portion 51 (left side of the drawing) by welding or the like, and the horizontal cylinder portion 53 is fixed to the other horizontal side of the vertical cylinder portion 51 (right side of the drawing) 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.

As shown in Figure 4(A) below, at least one through hole (not shown) is formed on the back side 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, for example, located on the upper side of the horizontal cylinder portions 52, 53. It is desirable to provide multiple (for example, two) nuts 71 (through holes) on the vertical cylinder portion 51 along the vertical direction.

(Second connecting member)
In this embodiment, the second connecting members 43, 44, and 46 all have the same configuration and size. Therefore, here, a representative 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).

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

As shown in Figure 4(B) below, at least one through hole (not shown) is formed on the back side 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 nuts 82 are, for example, located on the underside 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).

(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.

Referring to Figure 3, workers first erect the posts 11 and 12 (step P1). In this embodiment, the posts 11 and 12 are installed when constructing the temporary fence.

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

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4(A), the end of the upper crosspiece 31 on one lateral side (left side of 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 secure the two together. Similarly, the end of the upper crosspiece 31 on the other lateral side (right side of the drawing) is fastened together with a 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 33a serving as the upper engaging portion 33 facing downward and its open portion 33b positioned on the backside. During fastening with the bolt 73, the hook 33a (upper engaging portion 33) of the upper crosspiece 31 is positioned opposite the nut 72, making fastening easy.

As shown in Figure 4(B), the end of the lower crosspiece 32 on one lateral side (the right side of the drawing) is fitted into the horizontal tube portion 63 of the second connecting member 43, and a bolt 83 is screwed into a nut 82 to secure the two together. Similarly, the end of the lower crosspiece 32 on the other lateral side (the left side of the drawing) is secured by screwing a bolt 83 into a nut 82 on the horizontal tube 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 its open portion positioned on the back surface. Even during fastening with the bolt 83, the hook 34a (lower engagement portion 34) of the lower crosspiece 32 is positioned opposite the nut 82, making fastening easy.

By performing step P2, the upper rail 31 and the first connecting members 42 and 43 are integrated to form the first rail member 30A for supporting the flag 2 from above. Furthermore, the lower rail 32 and the second connecting members 43 and 44 are integrated to form the second rail member 30B for supporting the flag 2 from below. Note that step P2 may be performed before step P1.

Next, the worker attaches the first crosspiece 30A and the second crosspiece 30B to the pair of support posts 11, 12. As shown in Figures 3 and 4(C), 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 generally parallel position (step P3). Because the support posts 11, 12 do not have any protrusions for latching, and the vertical tube portions 61 of the second connecting members 43, 44 are open at both ends, 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 point, 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 on the vertical tube portions 61.

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 once 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 (Figure 5(A)) are threaded into nuts 71 of the vertical tube portions 51 to firmly 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.

The extension direction of the support posts 11, 12 is not limited to the vertical direction and may be slightly inclined. Furthermore, the extension direction of the first and second crosspiece members 30A, 30B is not limited to the horizontal direction and may be slightly inclined.

Once the framework of the flag support structure 1 is complete, the worker attaches the flag 2 to the upper rail 31 and lower rail 32 (process 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 on the upper edge of the flag 2. The hooks 33a have openings 33b on the back side, allowing the flag 2 to be hung from the back side. Additionally, the multiple hooks 34a on the lower rail 32 are passed through the multiple holes 20 on the lower edge of the flag 2, engaging the lower edge of the flag 2 with the lower rail 32. Note that a fold-back portion 23 (Figure 5(B)) may be provided around the entire periphery of the back side of the flag 2.

As described above, the second connecting members 43, 44 are attached to the posts 11, 12 so that they can move freely in the vertical direction. Therefore, even when the upper edge of the flag 2 is suspended from the upper rail 31, the height of the lower rail 32 (second rail member 30B) can be adjusted and the hook 34a of the lower rail 32 can be easily passed through the lower hole 20. During this process, the flag 2 temporarily becomes slack, 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), 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.

As shown in step P8 of Figure 3, the second connecting members 43, 44 may be permanently fixed to the poles 11, 12 with bolts (not shown) while tension is applied to the flag 2. However, in this embodiment, 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.

In this case, since the lower rail 32 is relatively heavy (for example, approximately 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 it is suspended and supported by the upper rail 31 via the flag 2.

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

Furthermore, if the flag 2 is hit by a strong gust of wind, the lower bar 32 may move slightly upward, preventing the flag 2 from coming off the upper hook 33a and the lower hook 34a or damaging the hooks 33a and 34a.

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

Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the fastening means such as the bolts 74 and nuts 71 described above are not located on the front side, thereby improving the aesthetic appearance of the flag support structure 1 when viewed from the front.

When installing two flags 2 as shown in Figure 1, the two lower crosspieces 32 (left and right) can be fixed to the three second connecting members 43, 44, 46 in step P2, and the three second connecting members 43, 44, 46 can be inserted into the three posts 11, 12, 13 at once in step P3. Similarly, the two upper crosspieces 31 (left and right) can be fixed to the three first connecting members 41, 42, 45 in step P2, and the three first connecting members 41, 42, 45 can be inserted into the three posts 11, 12, 13 at once in step P4.

<Modification>
In this embodiment, the first connecting members 41, 42 are fixed to the upper ends of the support columns 11, 12, but they may be fixed at a position below the upper ends without having the lid portion 54.

In addition, in this embodiment, tension is applied to the flag 2 by pulling the second crosspiece 30B downward. However, instead of (or in addition to) this, tension can 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 able to move up and down along the posts 11, 12. However, in either case, the first crosspiece 30A is fixed to the posts 11, 12 with bolts or the like when installed.

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

Referring to FIG. 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 horizontal ends of the upper rail 31 fit, 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 horizontal ends of the lower rail 32 fit, 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.

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 at both ends of the upper edge 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 at both ends of the lower edge 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 manner, the engaging portions 33, 34 do not need to be provided on the upper rail 31 and the lower rail 32, respectively.

In addition, in this embodiment, the fastening means for fastening the two components that make up the flag support device 10 is configured using bolts and nuts, but this is not limited to this example and, for example, a ratchet mechanism may also be used.

In addition, in this embodiment, each connecting member 41-44 has two horizontal tube portions to accommodate cases where two or more flags 2 are installed side by side, but if only one flag 2 is required, each connecting member 41-44 may have only one horizontal tube portion.

Furthermore, the second connecting members 43, 44 have vertical tube portions 61 with open ends, allowing them to move freely in the vertical direction. However, instead of the vertical tube portions 61, they may be composed of two semicircular members that fit together from the front and back sides of the supports 11, 12. In this case, the second crosspiece members 30B can be attached to the supports 11, 12 first.

In addition, while the upper engaging portion 33 and the lower engaging portion 34 are described as being composed of substantially J-shaped hooks 33a, 34a, they may alternatively be composed of hooks with an openable and closable closing member. They may also be composed of members other than hooks. In such cases, the engaged portions 21, 22 of the flag 2 are not limited to the holes 20.

Furthermore, while the support posts 11, 12 are described as also serving as fencing posts, this is not a limitation. In such cases, if portability is not a consideration, the first crosspiece member 30A may be pre-fixed to the pair of support posts 11, 12 by welding or the like.

The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, not the above description, and is intended to include all modifications that are equivalent in meaning to and within the scope of the claims.

1 Flag support structure, 2 Flag, 10 Flag support device, 11, 12, 13 Pole, 21, 22 Engaged portion, 30A, 130A First crosspiece member, 30B, 130B Second crosspiece member, 31 Upper crosspiece, 32 Lower crosspiece, 33 Upper engagement portion, 34 Lower engagement 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 (8)

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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 at 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. 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 .