JP7829115B2 - Expandable and contractible warning device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a warning device that can be installed, for example, at road construction sites or accident scenes to attract the attention of onlookers such as drivers of moving vehicles by swinging its arm, thereby preventing further accidents, or to be installed at event venues for promotional purposes to attract customers. It is characterized by its ability to be folded compactly and easily carried.

Conventionally, there are warning devices that can create necessary traffic and regulation hand signals and signs in response to the situation at traffic accident scenes, etc., to ensure safe traffic control.
Specifically, there are devices that have a base on which air can be injected and stopped to allow a human-shaped torso for traffic control to be inflated and deflated, and the left or right arm of the inflated, standing doll body can be extended and bent to form the required traffic control hand signal sign (see Patent Document 1).

Utility Model Registration No. 3163897 Gazette

Conventional warning devices consist of a soft, cylindrical body to which arms extending in a direction intersecting the direction of the body's extension (horizontally in this example) are connected. When the device is placed on the ground or elsewhere and air is supplied to the body, the internal air pressure increases, and a three-dimensional anthropomorphic figure is displayed.
However, the torso and arms are fixedly connected, making it nothing more than a simple doll.
In other words, since the arms do not move (oscillate) relative to the torso, the attention-gathering function is limited.
This invention solves the problems of the prior art by swinging the arms relative to the torso to attract the viewer's attention in a highly effective way.
Furthermore, it does not require a mechanical mechanism to swing the arms relative to the torso, and instead relies solely on changes in air pressure to perform its function.

(1) The present invention is an expandable and contractible warning device comprising a flexible cylindrical body that can be expanded and contracted by supplying and exhausting gas inside, and an expandable and contractible cylindrical arm that communicates internally with the body and extends in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the body, wherein when gas is supplied to the body, the air pressure inside the body and the arm rises, causing them to expand and become taut, and when the supply of gas is stopped, the internal air pressure drops, and the taut state of the arm is released first.

In this invention, when gas (e.g., air) is supplied to the torso, the air pressure inside the torso and the arms increases, causing them to stretch and become taut. When the supply of gas is stopped, the internal air pressure decreases, and the tension in the arms is released first. As a result, the tension in the arms is released while the tension in the torso remains, and the arms, now taut, become biased against the taut torso.
When gas is supplied again, the arm becomes tense and returns to its original position from its deviated position.
Therefore, by repeatedly supplying and stopping the gas to the torso, the arm section will move back and forth between its original position and an offset position relative to the torso.

(2) The present invention relates to an inflatable and retractable warning device for erecting on the ground, such as on a road, to attract the attention of onlookers, comprising a soft cylindrical body that can be inflated and retracted by supplying and exhausting air inside, and an inflatable and retractable cylindrical arm that communicates internally with the body and extends in a direction intersecting the direction of extension of the body, wherein the body is installed on the ground so that its direction of extension is vertical, when air is supplied to the body the air pressure inside the body increases and consequently extends vertically and becomes taut and fixed, the arm extends from the body in a direction intersecting the vertical direction and becomes taut and fixed in the same way as the body, when the supply of air is stopped the internal air pressure decreases, first the tension of the arm is released and its tip hangs down due to gravity, and when air is supplied again the internal air pressure increases again and the arm is fixed in its original position in a taut state.

In this invention, when air is supplied to the torso, the air pressure inside the torso increases, causing it to extend vertically and become taut and fixed. The arms, similar to the torso, extend from the torso in a direction intersecting the vertical and become taut and fixed. When the air supply is stopped, the internal air leaks out through minute gaps in the torso and arms, causing the air pressure to decrease. First, the tension in the arms is released, and their tips hang down due to gravity. When air is supplied again, the internal air pressure increases again, and the arms are fixed in their original taut position. As a result, the tension in the arms is released while the tension in the torso remains, and the released arms hang down due to gravity relative to the taut torso.
Furthermore, when air is supplied again, the arm becomes tense and returns to its original upward position.
Therefore, by repeatedly supplying and stopping air to the torso, the arms move up and down relative to the torso, making it appear as if a person is swinging their arms up and down.
Thus, in this invention, there is no need for a separate mechanism to move the arms up and down; the arms can be made to swing up and down by repeatedly supplying and stopping air to the torso.

(3) In the present invention, it is preferable that the volume of the space inside the torso is greater than the volume of the space inside the arm.
If the volume of the space inside the torso is larger than the volume of the space inside the arms, then when approximately the same amount of air escapes from both the torso and arms simultaneously, the amount of air remaining in the arms will be relatively small. Even if the torso still maintains its rigidity, the arms will lose their rigidity and sag due to gravity.
Therefore, by repeatedly supplying and stopping air to the torso, the arms can be easily made to swing up and down.

(4) In the present invention, it is preferable that the volume of the space inside the torso is 10 times or more the volume of the space inside the arm.
If the volume of the space inside the torso is more than 10 times the volume of the space inside the arms, the arms can be moved up and down without significantly changing the shape of the torso.

(5) In the present invention, it is preferable that the material of the arm portion is softer than the material of the torso portion.
If the material of the arms is softer than the material of the torso, even if the overall internal air pressure decreases, the arms will contract first, making them more flexible at the base, and causing them to droop relatively quickly.
On the other hand, since the torso is rigid compared to the arms, the upright position is held securely.

(6) In the present invention, it is preferable that the connection portion between the torso and the arm portion be softer than the other parts.
If the connection between the torso and arms is softer than other parts, the arms will easily droop even if the amount of air escaping from inside is relatively small.
In other words, the arm swings in a rapid response to the supply and cessation of air, and since a relatively large amount of air remains overall, a robust state is maintained even when the air is released, i.e., when the arm hangs down.

(7) Preferably, the arm portion has a fine exhaust port that communicates with the outside.
If tiny, pinhole-like exhaust vents that communicate with the outside are formed in the arm, when the air supply is stopped, air will quickly escape from the arm, causing it to droop easily.

(8) Preferably, an air intake port for an air blower is connected to the fuselage, and by activating the air blower, air is supplied to the fuselage, causing the internal air pressure to rise, and by stopping the air blower, the air pressure inside the fuselage falls.
In other words, the arm can be made to swing simply by repeatedly turning the air blower on and off periodically, so no other parts are needed, making it simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

(9) It is also conceivable that an air intake port for an air blower is connected to the fuselage, and that by activating the air blower, air is supplied to the fuselage, causing the internal air pressure to rise, and by closing the air intake port for the air blower, the air pressure inside the fuselage falls.
A cover is provided to open and close the air intake port of the air blower, and by opening and closing this cover, the supply and stop of air can be performed instantaneously, allowing the arm to swing more quickly.

(10) Preferably, a weight is detachably attached to the arm.
When weights are attached to the arm, the arm's downward movement becomes even more rapid, which can more effectively attract the viewer's attention.

In this invention, the arm portion can be moved back and forth between its original position and an offset position relative to the torso portion by an extremely simple structure and operation that involves repeatedly supplying and stopping gas to the torso portion.
In other words, it is a simple and inexpensive device that allows the arms to swing relative to the torso, and can attract the viewer's attention more strongly than a fixed device.

This is a front view of a first embodiment of one embodiment of the present invention. This is a front view of a second embodiment of one embodiment of the present invention. This is a front view of a third embodiment of one embodiment of the present invention. This is a front view of a fourth embodiment of one embodiment of the present invention. This is a partial cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of one embodiment of the present invention. This is a partial cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of one embodiment of the present invention. This is a horizontal cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the present invention. This is a vertical cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the present invention. This is a control block diagram of one embodiment of the present invention. This is a different control block diagram from Figure 9 of one embodiment of the present invention. This diagram shows the movement of the arm of an air blower switch in one embodiment of the present invention. This diagram shows the operation of a normally closed switch and arm in one embodiment of the present invention. This diagram shows the operation of a normally closed switch and arm in one embodiment of the present invention.

This embodiment is a human-shaped warning device used for traffic control and the like, as shown in Figures 1 to 4, in which a head 3 is provided at the upper end of a human-shaped torso 1 installed so as to extend vertically, and arms 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, and 2F extend from shoulders 4 in directions intersecting the extending direction of the human-shaped torso 1 (horizontal, diagonally upward, diagonally downward, etc.).
Here, the arms are denoted by the number 2, with the left arm extending horizontally being 2A (Figure 1), the right arm extending horizontally being 2B (Figures 1 and 2), the left arm extending upwards being 2C (Figure 2), the right arm extending diagonally upwards to the right being 2D (Figure 3), the right arm extending diagonally downwards to the right being 2E (Figure 4), and the left arm extending downwards being 2F (Figures 3 and 4).

As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the basic configuration consists of a base 5 that is portable and can be stably installed at a predetermined weight, an air blower 6 with a predetermined capacity and an LED 7 mounted on it, and a bag-shaped human-shaped torso 1 attached to which air is injected around the outer circumference to inflate it into a life-sized anthropomorphic figure such as a police officer or security guard, allowing it to stand upright.

The base 5 can be an elliptical or polygonal plate shape of a predetermined weight, but it is basically a circular board with an air intake port 9 of a predetermined diameter opened in a part of the bottom surface and an external air intake port 10 opened on the side, and air is drawn in by an air blower 6 through a predetermined mesh filter and supplied to the humanoid torso 1.
Furthermore, a control device 11 for controlling the air blower 6 and LED 7 is mounted on the base 5.

The air blower 6 is a small one, similar to those used in vacuum cleaners, and is designed to inflate the humanoid torso 1 so that it can stand upright in a short time of 5 to 10 seconds with an airflow rate of 5 to 30 ^m³ /min, preferably 10 to 20 ^m³ /min. It is preferable that its power cord be connected to a 12V power plug, such as a cigarette lighter plug in a vehicle, to supply power, but a 100V commercial power supply may also be used.

The humanoid torso 1 is formed by cutting a thin, durable, and flexible sheet, such as a translucent or opaque vinyl sheet or nylon sheet, which is waterproof, slightly breathable, and flexible, into an appropriate shape and sewing it together to form a bag. Its lower circumference is then airtightly attached to the circumference of the base 5, and it is inflated and made to stand upright by supplying air through the air blower 6.

Furthermore, the shoulder portion 4 shown in Figures 5 and 6 may be made of the same material as the humanoid torso portion 1 and arm portion 2, but it may also be made of an even thinner, more flexible material. If the shoulder portion 4 is soft, the arm portion 2 can be swung even more easily.
Furthermore, to maintain its original shape even if some air escapes from the inside, the tip portions of the torso 1 and arm 2 can be constructed from thicker or harder materials.
Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, a flashlight 8, which acts as a weight, is detachably attached to the swinging arm portions 2D and 2E. When the flashlight 8 is attached to the arm portions 2D and 2E in this way, it acts as a weight, making the downward movement of arm portion 2E faster, and at night, the flashlight 8 can be illuminated to draw the viewer's attention even more effectively.
The arm portion 2 may be made of a transparent or translucent material, and may be fitted with LEDs connected in a tape-like fashion inside to cause it to blink.
Although not shown in the diagram, each arm 2 has a tiny exhaust port of a few millimeters in diameter made at its tip using a grommet punch. If the air supply is cut off, the air inside the arm 2 can be rapidly expelled, allowing the arm 2 to descend quickly.
The capacity of the humanoid torso 1 is approximately 1.5 ^m³ , and the capacity of each arm 2 is approximately 0.1 ^m³ . However, if the capacity of the torso 1 is greater than the capacity of the arms 2, it can be put to practical use.

Next, we will explain the block diagrams in Figures 9 and 10.
Figure 9 shows an air blower 6 without an opening/closing cover. A switch 13 is connected to the power supply 12, and power is supplied to the air blower 6 from the switch 13 via a timer 14.
However, when the air blower 6 is activated and air is supplied to the humanoid torso 1 from the lower end, the humanoid torso 1 first inflates due to the air pressure, and then air is supplied to the arms 2, forming the overall shape of a human body.
Subsequently, when the switch 13 is turned on and off at predetermined intervals, for example every 5 seconds, as shown in Figure 11, the air blower 6 supplies air when the switch 13 is on, causing the arm 2 to rise, and when the switch is off, air is discharged and the arm 2 to descend.
Therefore, when the switch 13 is turned on and off at the timing set by the timer 14, the arm 2 will move up and down accordingly.
Alternatively, two switches may be provided: the first switch may be used to powerfully operate the air blower 6 to inflate the torso, and then the second switch may be used to turn the air blower 6 on and off to swing the arm 2. It is also possible to rotate the air blower 6 in the reverse direction to actively exhaust air.

Figure 10 shows an air blower 6 with an open/close cover (not shown) attached to the air outlet, and a solenoid valve 15 opens and closes the cover. The air blower 6 is constantly driven to continuously supply air, and by turning the solenoid valve 15 on and off, the open/close cover is opened and closed, repeatedly supplying and cutting off air to the humanoid torso 1, causing the arm 2 to swing in the same manner as described above.

In the operation shown in Figure 12, the solenoid valve 15 is a normally closed valve (normally closed and opens when the power is on). When power is supplied to the normally closed valve, it opens, supplying air to the humanoid torso 1 and causing the arm 2 to rise. When power to the normally closed valve is stopped, it closes, cutting off the supply of air to the humanoid torso 1 and causing the arm 2 to descend.

In the operation shown in Figure 13, the solenoid valve 15 is a normally open valve (normally open and closed when the power is on). When power is supplied to the normally open valve, the valve closes, cutting off the air supply to the humanoid torso 1 and causing the arm 2 to descend. When power is stopped from the normally open valve, the valve opens, supplying air to the humanoid torso 1 and causing the arm 2 to rise.

Next, the movement of the arm 2 will be explained with reference to Figures 1 to 4.
In Figures 1 and 2, Figure 2 is the basic form, where the left arm 2C extends upward when air is supplied to the humanoid torso 1. As the internal air is expelled, the left arm 2C descends and becomes the left arm 2A, which extends horizontally, resulting in an overall "stop instruction" shape.
Furthermore, in Figures 3 and 4, Figure 3 is the basic form, where, with air supplied to the humanoid torso 1, the right arm 2D extends diagonally upward. As the internal air is expelled, the left arm 2D descends and becomes the left arm 2E, which extends diagonally downward, creating an overall "warning" shape.

1. Humanoid torso, 2. Arms, 3. Head, 4. Shoulders, 5. Base, 6. Air blower, 7. LED, 8. Flashlight, 9. Air intake, 10. Air intake, 11. Control device, 12. Power supply, 13. Switch, 14. Timer, 15. Solenoid valve.

Claims (3)

A retractable, human-shaped attention-grabbing device that is erected on the ground, such as on a road, to attract the attention of onlookers,
It comprises a flexible, cylindrical head and body that can be expanded and contracted by supplying and exhausting air internally, a cylindrical arm that is expandable and contractible internally to the body and extends in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the body, and has a volume smaller than that of the body, and an air blower that supplies air to the body.
The fuselage is placed on the ground with its extension direction being vertical, and air is supplied from the lower part of the fuselage by the air blower, causing the internal air pressure of the fuselage and head to increase, which in turn causes them to extend vertically and become taut and fixed in place.
The aforementioned arm portion extends from the torso portion in a direction intersecting the vertical direction, similar to the torso portion, and is fixed in a state of tension.
When the air supply from the air blower is stopped, the internal air pressure decreases, first releasing the tension in the arm , causing its tip to droop due to gravity. Before the torso and head begin to droop, air is supplied again, causing the internal air pressure to rise again and fixing the arm in its original taut position .
The aforementioned arm portion is a retractable warning device with a fine exhaust port that communicates with the outside. A retractable, human-shaped attention-grabbing device that is erected on the ground, such as on a road, to attract the attention of onlookers,
It comprises a flexible, cylindrical head and body that can be expanded and contracted by supplying and exhausting air internally, a cylindrical arm that is expandable and contractible internally to the body and extends in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the body, and has a volume smaller than that of the body, and an air blower that supplies air to the body.
The fuselage is placed on the ground with its extension direction being vertical, and air is supplied from the lower part of the fuselage by the air blower, causing the internal air pressure of the fuselage and head to increase, which in turn causes them to extend vertically and become taut and fixed in place.
The aforementioned arm portion extends from the torso portion in a direction intersecting the vertical direction, similar to the torso portion, and is fixed in a state of tension.
When the air supply from the air blower is stopped, the internal air pressure decreases, first releasing the tension in the arm , causing its tip to droop due to gravity. Before the torso and head begin to droop, air is supplied again, causing the internal air pressure to rise again and fixing the arm in its original taut position.
An expandable and contractible warning device with a weight attached to the aforementioned arm . The expandable and contractible warning device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the arm portion is swung at regular intervals by periodically turning the power supply of the air blower on and off.