JPH11155372A - Water supplier of water of the like to water-absorbing foam for cut flower - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a water supplier of water, etc., capable of sufficiently and surely supplying water to a foam to prevent the foam becoming no use of supplying water to the cut flower causing shortening of the life of a cut flower by gradual decreasing of water preserved in the water absorbing foam for cut flowers used to flower arrangement by water supplement to the cut flowers due to evaporation of water from the surface of the foam, etc. SOLUTION: This water supplies 4 of water, etc., used in inserting to a water absorbing foam for cut flowers comprises a liquid receiving vessel main body 1 and an inserting part 2 to a water absorbing foam having a water supplying hole 3, and has the water supplying hole 3 at a side wall of the inserting part 2.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a water supply device for supplying a liquid such as water to a water-absorbent foam for cut flowers used in a flower arrangement.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In the field of flower arrangements, in recent years, various and diverse arrangements have been frequently made using water-absorbent foams for cut flowers. This water-absorbent foam for cut flowers is used by inserting cut flowers after sufficiently absorbing water in advance. The foam, for example, a water-absorbent foam obtained by foam-molding a phenolic resin, has excellent water absorbency, reliable water retention, and characteristics that various cut flowers can be easily inserted and securely held.
It is an indispensable material for flower arrangements.

[0003] Even if water is sufficiently absorbed in the water-absorbing foam for a cut flower before use, after a certain time has passed since the cut flower was inserted, water supply to the cut flower, evaporation of water from the foam surface, and the like may occur. The water retained in the foam gradually decreases, and water is not supplied to the cut flowers, resulting in shortening the life of the cut flowers. In order to avoid this, conventionally, the foam was placed on a water basin filled with water, and water was sucked up from a lower portion of the foam to compensate for the reduced water, and water was supplied to cut flowers. In some cases, the foam surface is covered with a synthetic resin film such as a polyethylene film in order to reduce evaporation of water from the foam surface. On the other hand, in the field of horticulture such as pot planting, as a means of replenishing water and the like, water is stored in a container, inserted into the soil and gradually replenished with water, etc. Activators of plants and ampules of nutrients in the form of being inserted into vegetation are used.

[0004]

However, the means for arranging a water-absorbent foam for cut flowers on a water basin has a structure in which water is sucked up by a capillary action from a lower portion of the foam. When the water content exceeds a certain level, it is difficult to sufficiently supply water to the upper part of the water-absorbent foam, the upper part of the foam tends to dry, and the water supply to cut flowers becomes insufficient. Further, this means can be used only in a form in which a basin is placed on a table, a floor or a flower bed, and cannot be used in the case of a hanging flower type in which the foam is suspended or placed on a wall or a side surface of a table. In the means for covering the foam surface with a synthetic resin film, a small hole is formed on the surface to allow sufficient water absorption before use and not to hurt the stem when cutting flowers are inserted into the foam. The film does not completely seal the foam surface. Therefore, although the evaporation of water from the foam surface is reduced to some extent, the water supplied to the cut flowers is not different from the water not covered with the synthetic resin film, so that the water retained in the foam is prevented from being reduced. It cannot be said that the effect can be expected. In addition, although this form has a small hole in the surface, it is still poor in water absorption when water is absorbed before use, and it is sufficient to absorb more water than the one without a synthetic resin film It takes much longer time. Even if a small hole is formed in the surface of the synthetic resin film, the soft stem may be damaged depending on the type of cut flower.

[0005] Water holders, plant activators and nutrient ampoules, which are used in the field of horticulture such as pot planting, are intended to be inserted into soil even if they are inserted into a water-absorbing foam for cut flowers. Since it is a completely different form of a water-absorbing foam, it is difficult to supply water to the part of the foam that needs water supply accurately and sufficiently, and the practicality of supplying water to the foam cannot be expected.

An object of the present invention is to gradually reduce water previously held in a water-absorbent foam for cut flowers used in flower arrangements by supplying water to cut flowers, evaporating water from the foam surface, and the like. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a water supply tool such as water which can supply water to the foam sufficiently accurately in order to prevent water from being supplied to cut flowers and to shorten the life of the cut flowers. Note that the water or the like refers to water containing water and a nutrient for cut flowers or a life-prolonging agent.

In order to achieve the above object, the present inventors have reached the present invention through the following research progress. When the liquid dropping means used for the drip of the medical device is adopted for the water supply device for the above purpose, a fixed amount of water is always supplied regardless of the water holding state of the water absorbent foam for cut flowers. ,
Water supplied beyond the water absorption capacity of the foam leaks out of the foam and soils around the flower arrangement during use. Next, a cylindrical shape with one end opened and the other end closed (for example, a photographic film case shape)
The container is adopted as the water supply device for the above purpose, and after the opening of the container is turned upward and water is poured into the container, the foam which has sufficiently absorbed water in advance is inserted into the container from above, and then , Return up and down to the state when used. In this case, the container can function as a water supply device for supplying water to the foam in accordance with a decrease in water previously held in the foam. However, after inserting water into the container, when inserting it into the foam, in order to ensure sufficient water in the container to be used for water supply, it must be prepared for use through the above procedure. , Complexity is inevitable. Furthermore, since the process of turning upside down is performed as described above, the water supply tool cannot be inserted into the foam after decorating the cut flowers or the like, and it can be said that it is actually difficult to use. In addition, the water-absorbent foam used for the flower arrangement once has an insertion hole when a cut flower or the like is inserted, but it is common practice to use the water-absorbent foam with the insertion hole again for the flower arrangement. I have. When using the foam having such an insertion hole, when the opening of the container is inserted into the foam, if the insertion portion has an insertion hole made of cut flowers, air flows through the insertion hole. Therefore, the water in the container flows out from the opening of the container at a stretch, and the above purpose is not achieved. Therefore, when using the water-absorbent foam without the insertion hole, or when using the water-absorbent foam with the insertion hole again, the container must be inserted avoiding the insertion hole, which is economical and practical. It is difficult to use because of its nature.

In order to overcome the above inconvenience, the position and size of the opening of the above-mentioned container are examined, and further, the container is inserted into the water-absorbent foam for the cut flower by avoiding the insertion hole by the cut flower. Also, the diameter, size, and shape of the insertion portion into the foam were studied so that the foam could be easily inserted into the foam.

[0009]

That is, a first aspect of the present invention is a water supply device for water or the like used by being inserted into a water-absorbent foam for cut flowers, the liquid storage container body having a water supply hole and a water supply hole. A water supply tool such as water to the water-absorbent foam for cut flowers, comprising a water supply hole on the side wall of the insertion part, comprising a water-absorbing foam, and a second invention,
A water supply device for water or the like used by being inserted into a water-absorbent foam for cut flowers, comprising a liquid container main body and an insertion portion for the water-absorbent foam having a water supply hole, and a water supply hole formed on a side wall of the insertion portion. And a water supply device for water or the like to the water-absorbing foam for cut flowers, wherein the water supply device according to the first invention is attached to the water supply device according to the first invention. The accessory cover for a water supply device according to the first aspect of the present invention, which is used as a candlestick and has a function as a candlestick.

[0010]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, an example of a water supply tool for supplying water or the like to the water-absorbent foam for cut flowers of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a water supply tool for supplying water or the like to a water-absorbent foam for cut flowers of the present invention. The water supply device 4 includes a liquid container main body 1 for storing water and the like, and an insertion portion 2 into the water-absorbent foam for facilitating insertion into the water-absorbent foam. It has a hole 3. 2 and 3 are perspective views of another example of a water supply tool for supplying water or the like to the water-absorbent foam for cut flowers of the present invention. Further, FIG. 4 shows a water supply device for water and the like to the water-absorbent foam for cut flowers having a function as a candlestick of the present invention, and a water absorbent for cut flowers of the present invention provided with an attached cover having a function as a candlestick of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an example of a water supply device for supplying water or the like to a water-soluble foam, and FIG. 5 shows a water-absorbent foam for cut flowers which has a function as a guide display or is designed as an ornament according to the present invention. A side view of an example of a water supply device for water or the like, and a water supply device for water or the like to the water-absorbing foam for cut flowers of the present invention equipped with an attached cover having each function or being designed as an ornament. is there. Now, after water or the like is stored in the water supply device 4, the water supply device 4 is inserted into the foam 7 which has been sufficiently absorbed with water in advance. If the foam 7 in the vicinity of the water supply hole 3 of the water supply tool 4 has a sufficient water absorption state, water in the water supply tool 4 will not be supplied to the foam 7 from the water supply hole 3, When the water retained in the foam 7 gradually decreases and the foam 7 in the vicinity of the water supply hole 3 becomes slightly dry, the air in the foam 7 and the water in the water supply tool 4 are removed. Water is supplied to the foam 7 in a replacement manner.
This water is supplied in accordance with the drying condition of the foam 7, water or the like is supplied to the foam 7 when the foam 7 dries, and air enters the water supply tool 4 in a form that replaces the water. The supply of water and the like to 7 is stopped. That is,
The water supply tool 4 functions as an automatic water supply function.

[0011] The present inventor also prototyped and tested a water supply device having a water supply hole at the tip of the insertion portion, which is similar to an ampoule of a plant active agent and a nutrient used in the field of horticulture. Most of the water in the water supply device was supplied to the lower part of the insertion part, and the water supply to the upper part of the water-absorbing foam 7 which mainly required the water supply rather than the lower part of the insertion part was rarely performed. In addition, when a water supply device having a water supply hole at the tip of the insertion portion is used, although the part where the water tends to be dry is originally above the water supply hole, the water supply is only directed downward. Because of this, the water supply downward was excessive, and when used in a hanging flower type flower arrangement, a phenomenon in which water leaked from the lower surface of the foam 7 was also observed. On the other hand, FIGS.
In the water supply device 4 for water or the like of the present invention shown in FIG.
The water supply hole 3 is provided in the side wall of the foam, and by supplying water in the lateral direction of the insertion portion 2, the upper part of the foam 7 which needs more water supply than the lower part of the foam is dried. And the foam 7 can be placed in a sufficiently hydrated state regardless of its location. In this way, the foam 7 is always placed in a sufficiently hydrated state, so that the water supply to the cut flowers is always sufficiently performed, whereby the water-absorbent foam for the cut flowers is used and the flower arrangement is performed. It was possible to maintain the freshness of cut flowers for 24 hours or more.

In the water supply device 4 for supplying water or the like to the water-absorbent foam for cut flowers of the present invention, the liquid container main body 1 and the insertion portion 2 for the water-absorbent foam are formed continuously as shown in FIG. And may be connected as a separate part by a connecting means such as a tube made of synthetic resin. FIG. 3 (d)
As shown in (1), the container main body 1 and the insertion section 2 may be connected by a pipe-shaped connecting means, and the container main body 1 and the insertion section 2 may be arranged with a distance therebetween. Further, as shown in FIG. 3 (c), the connecting portion between the container main body 1 and the insertion portion 2 may be formed in a bellows shape. By using the water supply device 4 in such a form, the water supply device 4 can be easily used in an arrangement that does not interfere with the flower arrangement, and the water supply device 4 used in a form hidden behind the flower arrangement can be more easily used. preferable.

The shape and size of the liquid container main body 1 in the water supply device 4 for supplying water or the like to the water-absorbent foam for cut flowers of the present invention are not particularly limited, but are hidden by a flower arrangement as shown in FIGS. In the water supply device 4 used in the form, the necessary amount of liquid is required, the handling is easy, and the size of the cut flower 8 is inconspicuous so as not to disturb the flower arrangement. In order to satisfy the conditions considered to be satisfied, it is preferable that the shape is as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, and the liquid capacity is about 10 to 300 cc,
About 50 cc is desirable. Further, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the water supply tool 4 having a function as a candlestick or other functions or a design as a decorative article is provided.
In the water supply device 4 having a function as a candlestick and other functions, and being attached to the water supply device 4 attached to the water supply device 4 which is designed as a decorative product, the respective functions and Any shape and size required by the design can be taken. Here, FIG.
An example of the water supply tool 4 having a plurality of insertion portions 2 into a water-absorbent foam and also having a function as a candlestick is shown.

The shape and size of the insertion part 2 of the water-absorbent foam in the water supply device 4 for water or the like into the water-absorbent foam for cut flowers of the present invention are not particularly limited as long as they can be inserted into the water-absorbent foam 7. However, in consideration of the ease of insertion and withdrawal from the foam 7, the shape is preferably narrowed toward the tip as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, and may be a cone, a truncated cone, or a polygonal pyramid. It is preferable to use a shape such as a truncated polygonal pyramid. In addition, the size of the water-absorbent foam 7
In consideration of the fact that the hole of the insertion portion 2 remains in the foam 7 after the insertion or withdrawal of the foam 7 and the normal use size of the foam 7, the length in the distal direction is about 10 to 80 mm,
It can be said that the diameter is preferably about 5 to 20 mm.
Furthermore, the length in the tip direction is about 20 to 40 mm and the diameter is 1
Those having a size of about 0 to 15 mm are more practical and desirable.

The material of the liquid container main body 1 and the insertion portion 2 into the water-absorbent foam in the water supply device 4 for supplying water or the like to the water-absorbent foam for cut flowers of the present invention does not leak liquid such as water. If it is not particularly limited, synthetic resin,
Glass, ceramics, metal, waterproof paper or cloth, etc. can be used. In particular, a synthetic resin is excellent in moldability and inexpensive, and is preferable as a material of the water supply tool of the present invention because of its simplicity and ease of handling of the molded product.

The water supply hole 3 provided in the insertion portion 2 of the water-absorbent foam of the water-supplying device 4 for supplying water or the like to the water-absorbent foam for cut flowers of the present invention is provided on the side wall of the insertion portion 2.
As a result of repeating the experiment while changing the size of the water supply hole 3, it is difficult to smoothly supply water if the size of the water supply hole 3 is too small. The size of the water supply hole 3 is preferably such that the diameter thereof is about 1 to 8 mm in order to sufficiently exhibit the automatic water supply function according to the above and to appropriately supply the foam 7 with water.
Furthermore, it can be said that a diameter of 2 to 4 mm is desirable. The number, shape, and position of the water supply holes 3 may be appropriately determined in consideration of the length, size, and the like of the insertion portion 2, and are not particularly limited. In consideration of the above, the number of the water supply holes 3 is preferably 3 to 20, and more preferably 3 to 8 for appropriate water supply to the foam 7. It is desirable.

As means for accommodating water or the like at the time of using the water supply device 4 for supplying water or the like to the water-absorbing foam for cut flowers of the present invention, as shown in FIG. After the cap portion 5 is removed and the inside of the water supply tool 4 is filled with water or the like, the cap portion 5 is attached and used again, or as shown in FIG. It is possible to use a form in which water or the like is sucked from the water supply hole 3 and used without being provided. Above all, the form in which the cap section 5 is provided at the tip of the insertion section 2 can be said to be preferable in terms of simplicity of handling and failure of injection.

The detachable portion 6 is provided in the liquid container main body 1 or the insertion portion 2 of the water-absorbent foam of the present invention for supplying water or the like to the water-absorbent foam for cut flowers by screwing or fitting. You may. When water or the like is stored in the water supply device 4, the water or the like can be easily stored if the detachable portion 6 is removed, water is added, and then the removable portion 6 is attached. When holding the flower arrangement for a long time,
In some cases, the storage capacity of water and the like may be insufficient. In this case, when all the water and the like stored in the water supply device 4 are supplied to the foam 7 and then the water supply device 4 is again used to store water and the like, the handling is particularly simple and desirable. I can say.
FIG. 3 shows an example. In this case, if air leaks into the water supply tool 4 from the removable portion 6 during use of the water supply tool 4, water is supplied from the water supply hole 3 regardless of automatic water supply according to the drying condition of the water-absorbing foam 7. As a result, the automatic water supply function according to the drying condition of the foam 7 cannot be exhibited, so that sufficient care must be taken to prevent air from leaking.

The water supply device 4 for supplying water or the like to the water-absorbent foam for cut flowers of the present invention is not limited to those used in an inconspicuous form so as not to interfere with the flower arrangement as shown in FIGS. In addition, it is also used as a part of the flower arrangement as a decorative item, having a function that also has other functions such as a candlestick or a design that complements the flower arrangement. 9 and 10 show an example of the state of use. In FIG. 9, the water supply tool 4 also has a function as a candlestick, and a candle is set on the upper part thereof. In recent years, when used in flower arrangements using candles, which have been increasing at wedding receptions, it is an epoch-making means for maintaining the freshness of cut flowers.
In FIG. 10, the water supply tool 4 is designed as an ornament and is used as a part of a flower arrangement. Furthermore, it is not limited to the candlestick and has other functions such as a guide display, a mark, an advertisement, a message transmission, an information transmission function, and a decoration such as a design or a design (for example, a mascot or a character). Is also good. In addition to these functions and the design as an ornament, the water supply device 4 itself is provided, and the water supply device 4 is provided with the attached cover 9 of the water supply device 4 having these functions. It is also possible to add functions to 4 or to design it as a decorative product.

The shape, size, material, etc. of the attached cover 9 used by being attached to the water supply device 4 for supplying water or the like to the water-absorbent foam for cut flowers of the present invention can be attached to the water supply device 4 to be used. Is not particularly limited as long as the shape, size, material, etc.
If the required functions are sufficiently exhibited and the design applied to the accessory cover 9 requires it, it can be arbitrarily determined.

[0021]

Next, a water supply device for water or the like to the water-absorbent foam for cut flowers of the present invention will be described more specifically with reference to Examples and Comparative Examples. Example, comparative example; size 80 mm × 1
Six 10 mm × 120 mm rectangular parallelepiped water-absorbing foams (trade name: Oasis) are immersed in a water tank filled with water and allowed to absorb water sufficiently by natural water absorption. Thereafter, each of the foams is cut into the same number of equal lengths. Cut roses were inserted at approximately equal intervals on all sides except the bottom of the foam. Two of the three water supply tools of the present invention shown in FIG. 2 having four water supply holes having a diameter of 2 mm on the side wall of the insertion part of the water supply tool and containing 30 ml of water, three of which are provided on the upper surface of the foam. Inserted at intervals. This was used as an example sample.
The remaining three were used as comparative sample. These six samples were suspended in a room for 24 hours with a string so that the upper surface in which the water supply device was inserted and the bottom surface in which the cut flowers were not inserted were substantially horizontal, and the cut flowers of each sample with the passage of time were taken. Of the foam and the degree of drying of the foam, and the state of water supply of the water supply device were observed.

In the comparative sample, after 10 hours, the surface of the water-absorbent foam began to be slightly dry, a decrease in freshness was observed in more than half of the cut flowers, and a decrease in freshness was observed in all cut flowers after 18 hours. . Observed 2
After 4 hours, most of the cut flowers had become wilted, and their freshness had dropped remarkably. At the end of the observation, the foam was slightly dry. In an example sample, the foam is sufficiently and effectively supplied with water from the water supply device of the present invention in accordance with the drying of the foam,
Moisture was maintained throughout the foam, and in the comparative example sample, some cut flowers showed a decrease in freshness.
Even after 0 hours, the freshness of most of the cut flowers was maintained. Further, no decrease in freshness was observed in all cut flowers during the observation, and all cut flowers were in a state where freshness was maintained 24 hours after the end of the observation. At the end of the observation, the foam was sufficiently moistened, including the upper part.

[0023]

According to the above constitution, if the water supply device of the present invention for supplying water to the water-absorbent foam for cut flowers is used, the water retained in the water-absorbent foam is supplied to the cut flowers, When the water is hardly supplied to the cut flowers due to the evaporation of water or the like, water can be supplied from the water supply tool to the foam sufficiently and accurately, so that sufficient water can always be supplied to the cut flowers. As a result, it was possible to maintain the freshness of the cut flowers for 24 hours or more, while using the water-absorbent foam for cut flowers and performing the flower arrangement. In particular, there has been no effective water supply means so far, hanging or hanging flower type flower arrangement is an epoch-making tool for maintaining the freshness of cut flowers, and the water supply device of the present invention It is not a flower arrangement, it is possible to enhance the decoration effect. Furthermore, if the water supply device has more functionality such as a function as a candlestick, or if the water supply device itself is designed to enhance the flower arrangement as a decorative item, it is more functional, easier to use, and even more. It is possible to produce a flower arrangement that is gorgeous and matches the atmosphere of use. In addition, by attaching an accessory cover of the water supply device having a function such as a candlestick or the design as a decorative product to the water supply device, it is possible to perform these functions or design the product as a decorative product. Can also. If used in this form, it is possible to easily add the function and design required at that time to the water supply tool,
It can also be easily replaced as needed. Like this
By using the water supply device and the attached cover of the present invention, the range of uses, places, and forms of the effect of the flower arrangement can be greatly expanded, and the effect and the decoration of the flower arrangement in various uses can be realized.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a water supply tool for supplying water or the like to a water absorbent foam for cut flowers of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing another example of a water supply tool for supplying water or the like to the water-absorbent foam for cut flowers of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing still another example of a water supply tool for supplying water or the like to a water-absorbent foam for cut flowers of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing still another example of a water supply tool for supplying water or the like to the water-absorbent foam for cut flowers of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a side view showing still another example of a water supply tool for supplying water or the like to the water-absorbent foam for cut flowers of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an example of a use state of a water supply tool such as water for the water absorbent foam for cut flowers of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing another example of a usage state of a water supply tool such as water for the water-absorbent foam for cut flowers of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing still another example of a use state of a water supply tool such as water for the water absorbent foam for cut flowers of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing still another example of a use state of a water supply tool such as water for the water absorbent foam for cut flowers of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing still another example of a use state of a water supply tool such as water for the water-absorbent foam for cut flowers of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Liquid container main body 2 Insertion part to a water-absorbent foam 3 Water supply hole 4 Water supply tool 5 Cap part 6 Detachable part 7 Water-absorbent foam 8 Cut flower 9 Attached cover used by attaching to a water supply tool

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A water supply device for water or the like which is used by being inserted into a water-absorbing foam for cut flowers, comprising a liquid container main body and an insertion portion for the water-absorbing foam having a water supply hole. Characterized by having a water supply hole on the side wall of the
Water supply tool for water etc. to the water-absorbent foam for cut flowers. 2. A water supply device for water or the like used by being inserted into a water-absorbing foam for cut flowers, comprising a liquid container main body and an insertion portion for the water-absorbing foam having a water supply hole. A water supply tool for supplying water to a water-absorbent foam for cut flowers, the water supply hole having a water supply hole in a side wall thereof and further having a function as a candlestick. 3. The accessory cover of the water supply device according to claim 1, wherein the cover is used by being attached to the water supply device according to claim 1, and has a function as a candlestick.