Device for marking dangerous objects and hazardous areas, and set with at least one such device

Abstract

Device (10) for marking dangerous objects and danger areas, with a holder (11) which can be placed on and / or on the ground with its lower end (13) and extends upwards from there, and with at least one marker comprising a sign (20) indicating the location and existence of the dangerous object or danger area, characterized by that three or more signs (20) are provided as a marker, which can be fixed to the upper end (12) of the holder (11) and project from it over a flat area. and wherein the signs (20) are arranged at such angles to each other that they are visually perceptible to a person regardless of the direction from which the person looks at the marking.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for marking dangerous objects and hazardous areas such as mines, grenades, explosives, unexploded ordnance, munitions, etc. Naturally, the outlines of minefields, already cleared paths in hazardous areas, and other such areas that should or must be specially marked to avert danger can also be marked with such devices. This is intended to facilitate the clearing of such areas by special forces and to create a means of preventing people from entering these areas or approaching these objects and being injured or even killed.

[0002] Devices for marking such objects and areas are known, typically marked with a sign. A disadvantage of these devices is that the sign(s) are often not visible from all directions (i.e., from a full 360°), but only from specific directions or angles. However, in a minefield, battlefield, war zone, or similar environment, the ground is usually uneven, and there may be no clear paths from which people, emergency personnel, vehicles, soldiers, etc., can approach. Furthermore, visibility can be poor, for example, due to snow, rain, fog, smoke, steam, ordnance, dust, darkness, etc. In such cases, it is problematic if the warning sign cannot be seen from the direction from which the person is looking at the device.

[0003] Marking devices are described in documents US 6,480,115 B2 and US 6,876,308 B1. The devices shown here each have a holder to which a sign with the imprint "MINES" or similar can be attached. The devices are transported to the desired locations by vehicles such as tanks. A disadvantage is that the devices are so unwieldy that deployment by operators on foot is not possible, and that the sign may be difficult or impossible to see from some directions.

[0004] The object of the invention is therefore to avoid the aforementioned disadvantages and to develop a device that enables easy deployment by people on foot and that is easily and clearly visible from all directions. Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide a set comprising one or more of the devices according to the invention. These objects are achieved by the characterizing features of claims 1 and 16, which are of particular importance as follows.

[0005] The marking consists of three or more signs that project outwards from the top of the bracket. The signs are arranged at angles to each other so that they can be seen by a person regardless of their viewing direction. For example, with three signs, they could be arranged at angles of approximately 120° to each other, with four signs at 90° angles, and so on. It is advantageous if the angles are as uniform as possible. "Projecting outwards" within the meaning of this patent is understood to mean that the material of the sign stands out from the bracket, with the central axis of the bracket running parallel to the mounting axis of the sign. The surface of the sign stands out so that it is clearly visible and does not hang limply like a flag on a flagpole in calm weather.

[0006] In a preferred embodiment, the signs are arranged next to each other to form a single sign element. This can be achieved, for example, by gluing, welding, one-piece manufacturing, laminating, or similar methods. The signs can also be attached to each other using a foil hinge, which has the advantage that the signs can be easily aligned to achieve the correct angles. Each sign should measure at least 15 cm x 15 cm for square signs and 20 cm x 28 cm for triangular signs. Of course, other sign shapes are also covered by the invention.

[0007] Preferably, the bracket can have a cover at its upper end. This can prevent water from entering the bracket from above if the bracket is wholly or partially hollow. Furthermore, the bracket can also serve to additionally secure and / or fasten the signs or sign element to the bracket.

[0008] To make signs or sign elements more visible even in poor visibility conditions such as darkness, fog, or when airborne particles or substances impair visibility, they can be fully or partially illuminated and / or reflective and / or phosphorescent and / or glow-in-the-dark and / or in signal colors. All known methods of active or passive illumination are suitable, such as tritium, strontium aluminate, fluorescent paints, LEDs, etc. It is important that the illumination lasts for an extended period, for example, at least twelve hours.

[0009] At least one of the signs should have a label, such as a pictogram, letters, numbers, symbols, or similar, on at least one side. Ideally, each sign should have such a label on both sides. This label can then clearly indicate the danger, for example, with the word "BOMB" or similar, a depiction of an explosion or a bomb, or a combination of the above. It is also possible to display a code of numbers and / or letters that further specifies the type and extent of the danger. Different labels can be used for different purposes.

[0010] Furthermore, it is possible to provide a field or area for operator marking on one or more of the signs, on one or both sides. It is also possible to designate the entire side of the sign for marking. In this case, for example, the operator placing the device can note additional information such as the date, type of find, etc. Marking can be done with a durable and highly visible pen, such as a weatherproof grease pencil. This type of pen will not fade even after several years and can be applied safely and easily under all weather conditions. Marking with other types of pens is, of course, also possible.

[0011] Signs or sign elements that can be rolled up, folded, or stored in another space-saving manner are particularly preferred. Only at the point of use, when the signs or sign elements are removed, do they unfold to their correct size. This can happen automatically as soon as the signs or sign elements are removed from a covering such as a case, bag, or similar container, or when a fastening such as a strap, retaining strap, loop, or similar is removed. An operator can then easily transport the signs and unfold them to their correct size at the point of use to ensure they are clearly visible.

[0012] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the entire device, and especially the signs, are made of a weather-resistant material. The device is intended to mark the hazard for as long as necessary, possibly even for years. Therefore, the sign material must not fade, crack, become damaged, etc., under rain, frost, heat, sunlight, storms, and other influences. For example, a single- or multi-layered plastic film, which may also have one or more coatings, can be used as the material.

[0013] In addition to optical perceptibility, the device can also be equipped with a device that allows electronic tracking in order to display the information and position, for example, on a digital map.

[0014] To ensure the signs are at the correct height on the bracket and the bracket itself isn't too unwieldy, it can consist of several segments that can be connected to one another. Depending on the requirements, two or more segments can be joined together to achieve the desired height. The segments can then be significantly shorter than the bracket itself, making them much easier for an operator to handle. However, the exact height also depends on the precise placement. If the sign is placed in a depression or hollow, the bracket should be taller than if it's placed on a hilltop to ensure good visibility. To simplify installation, the segments can be connected without tools.

[0015] The segments are preferably joined together in a bayonet-like manner. In this configuration, at least one cam is provided on one side of each segment, and at least one recess on the other. When two segments are assembled, the cam on one side of the first segment engages with the recess on the other side of the second segment. This engagement can be achieved through positive locking and / or frictional locking. This connects the multiple segments, allowing them to form the mounting bracket.

[0016] A pointed wedge can be provided at the lower end of the bracket, which can be driven into the ground near the hazard. This can be done using a hammer or other driving tool, or even by hand or foot. The pointed wedge can have an insertion plate, which, when struck, drives the wedge into the ground. The wedge can also have one or more wings that widen from the point towards the insertion plate to improve both insertion and retention in the ground.

[0017] At the upper end of the bracket, a mounting element can be provided to which the signs or sign element can be easily attached, either directly or indirectly. For example, one or more slots can be provided into which the signs or sign element can be inserted. The slots can also be equipped with one or more locking tabs or protrusions to hold the signs or sign element in place. Both the mounting element and the wedge can be designed so that, like the segments themselves, they can be connected to each other via a bayonet fitting on one of the segments. This makes mounting both the wedge and the mounting element to the bracket particularly easy for a single operator. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the wedge can be removed from the base using one of the segments if necessary.Alternatively, a handle made of flexible material and / or a loop can be provided to pull the wedge out of the ground, or this can be done on the wedge itself.

[0018] Since some munitions are triggered by changes in the surrounding magnetic field, it is particularly advantageous to manufacture the device entirely or partially from non-magnetic material. This material cannot be influenced by a magnetic field and is not itself affected by it. This is especially important when using a wedge, as the risk of triggering is greatest in this case. Therefore, the wedge should definitely be made of non-magnetic material.

[0019] The invention further provides a set that can be carried by an operator, even on foot, to mark danger zones, hazardous objects, and ordnance. This set comprises an enclosure such as a bag, housing, case, or similar, in or on which the components can be arranged, and at least one bracket that can be assembled from at least two segments, as well as at least three signs and / or one sign segment. With this, an operator can reliably mark a hazard, ordnance, or other hazardous object. For most applications, however, it is advantageous to provide several brackets and several sign segments so that multiple danger zones can be marked. The set can further include one or more of the following items to improve or complete the marking: a striking element such as a hammer or similar., one or more grease sticks, , one or more wedges, one or more connecting links, one or more covers.

[0020] Further advantages and embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the further description, and the drawings. The figures illustrate the invention in several embodiments. They show: Fig. 1: A device according to the invention in a first embodiment, in perspective, Fig. 2: the shield element made of Fig. 1, in perspective, Fig. 3: Another embodiment of the shield segment, in perspective Fig. 4: a segment from Fig. 1, in perspective, Fig. 5: one side of the segment made up Fig. 4, Fig. 6: the other side of the segment from Fig. 4, Fig. 7: the plug-in link made of Fig. 1, Fig. 8: another embodiment of the plug-in element Fig. 9: the cover made of Fig. 1, Fig. 10: the wedge from Fig. 1, in perspective from the side, Fig. 11: the wedge out Fig. 10. Perspective view from below.

[0021] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a device 10 according to the invention. This comprises a holder 11 to which a shield element 21, composed of three shields 20 in the form of a three-winged cross, is attached. The angles between the individual shields 20 are 120°. The holder 11 is composed of three segments 30 and has a mounting member 15 at its upper end 12 to which the shield element 21 is attached. At its lower end 13, the holder 11 has a wedge 14.

[0022] Shield element 21 is in Fig. Figure 2 shows it in more detail. Here it is shown in the form it assumes when unpacked and before it is attached to the holder 11 or the connecting element 15. The signs 20 are attached to each other via a film hinge. Each of the two sides 22, 23 of each sign 20 has a label 24. In this case, the label 24 shows a pictogram of an upside-down bomb. The contrast between the label 24 and the background of the sign 20 can be chosen so that the label 24 immediately catches the eye, for example, a white bomb on a signal red or orange background.

[0023] Fig. Figure 3 shows another embodiment of the shield element 21 with the three shields 20. These are also arranged as in Fig. 2, fixed to each other via a film hinge, and each of their two sides 22, 23 bears a label 24, also in the form of a bomb. Additionally, a field 25 is provided on which an operator can make notes on the sign 20 using a pen, such as a grease pencil, a pencil, or similar, for example, regarding the type and size of the ordnance found. Although only one field 25 is shown here, it is of course possible to provide such fields 25 on all signs 20 and also on only one or both sides 22, 23.

[0024] The Fig. Figures 4 to 6 show a segment 30 from which the bracket 11 can be assembled. The segment 30 has two cams 33 on one side 31 and two recesses 34 on the other side 32. The cams 33 are provided on a connecting part 35, which can be operatively connected to a counter-connecting part 36 on another side 32 of a second segment 30. The connecting part 35 is narrower and can be inserted into the counter-connecting part 36 to join the two segments 30 together.

[0025] The connecting part 35 and the counter-connecting part 36 are shown in the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. In Fig. Figure 4 shows a guide 37 on the inside of the mating connecting part 36, which guides the cam 33 to the recess 34 via a rotational movement. When both cams 33 are positioned in both recesses 34, the two segments are securely connected.

[0026] In Fig. Figure 7 shows a first embodiment of a plug-in member 15, which has three receiving slots 17, of which only one is shown here. The three plates 20 of the plate segment 21 can be inserted into these three receiving slots 17 to secure the plate segment 21 there. The plug-in member 15 also has a mating connecting part 36, which again comprises two recesses 34 and can be brought into operative connection with a connecting part 35 of a segment 30 to secure the plug-in member 15 to a segment 30 of the holder 11.

[0027] At the in Fig. The attachment element 15 shown in Figure 8 represents a second embodiment. The receiving slots 17 for receiving the signs 20 or the sign segment 21 are visible. These slots have guide edges to facilitate insertion of the signs into the receiving slots 17. Furthermore, each receiving slot 17 has a projection 26 that prevents the respective sign 20 from simply slipping out of the guide slot 17, as the sign 20 engages with the projection 26 at its outer edge and is thus held in the receiving slot 17 on the attachment element 15.

[0028] The in Fig. The cover 16 shown in Figure 9 can be attached to the mounting element 15 on the side facing away from the mating connector 36. The cover 16 also has three receiving slots 17 that grip the three plates 20 of the plate segment 21 from above when the cover 16 is attached to the mounting element 15. Here, too, guide edges are provided on the cover 16 to facilitate the insertion of the plates 20 into the receiving slots 17. This provides additional security for the plate segment 21. This is not strictly necessary if the second embodiment of the mounting element 15 with the projections 26 is used. The receiving slots 17 can be designed so that the plates 20 of the plate segment 21 wedge themselves into them.

[0029] Furthermore, the Fig. 10 and Fig.11 the wedge 14. This has an insertion plate 19, which is suitable for applying force to drive the wedge 14 into the ground. Furthermore, the wedge 14 comprises three wings 18, which widen towards the insertion plate 19. This simplifies insertion into the ground and helps to secure the wedge 14 in the ground.

[0030] Furthermore, the wedge 14 has a connecting part 35 which includes two cams 33 and can be brought into operative connection with a counter-connecting part 36 on a segment 30 in order to fasten the wedge 14 to the bracket 11.

[0031] Finally, it should be noted that the embodiments shown here are merely exemplary configurations of the invention. The invention is not limited to these. Further modifications and variations are possible. Instead of a wedge, the holder can also have one or more feet or weights at its lower end. The lettering can be designed differently than shown. Multiple areas for marking by an operator can also be provided on one or both sides of a sign. The guide edges on the cover and / or the mounting element can be on one or both sides and can be straight or curved. Reference symbol list: 10 Device 11 bracket 12 Upper end of 11 13 Lower end of 11 14 wedge 15 Plug-in link 16 Cover 17 recording slots 18 wings on 14 19 Insert plate 20 sign 21 Shield element 22 One page of 20 23 Other page of 20 24 Labels 25 Field 26 lead 30 segment 31 One page of 30 32 Other page of 30 33 cams 34 Exclusion 35 Connecting part 36 Counter-connecting part 37 lead for 33 QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 6,480,115 B2

[0003] US 6,876,308 B1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Device (10) for marking dangerous objects and danger areas, with a holder (11) which can be placed on and / or on the ground with its lower end (13) and extends upwards from there, and with at least one marker comprising a sign (20) indicating the location and existence of the dangerous object or danger area, characterized by , that three or more signs (20) are provided as a marker, which can be fixed to the upper end (12) of the holder (11) and project from it over a flat area. and wherein the signs (20) are arranged at such angles to each other that they are visually perceptible to a person regardless of the direction from which the person looks at the marking. [2] Device (10) according to claim 1, characterized by, that the signs (20) are arranged together as sign element (21) and can be fixed together on the holder (11). [3] Device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that a cover (16) is provided at the upper end (12) of the holder (11). [4] Device (10) according to claims 1 to 3, characterized by that one or more of the signs (20) and / or the sign element (21) are wholly or partially illuminated and / or reflective and / or in signal colors and / or phosphorescent and / or luminescent. [5] Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that one or more of the signs (20) have a label (24) such as text and / or numbers and / or a pictogram on one or both sides (22, 23). [6] Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by, that on one or more of the signs (20) on one or both sides (22, 23) at least one field (25) is provided for marking. [7] Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that the signs (20) and / or the sign element (21) are foldable or rollable and only automatically stand upright during use and project flat from the holder (11). [8] Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by that the signs (20) and / or the sign element (21) are made of a weather-resistant material. [9] Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by that the device (10) has one or more transmitters such as Bluetooth transmitters, GPS transmitters, UWB transmitters or similar. [10] Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by , that the holder (11) consists of several segments (30) that can be fixed to one another without tools. [11] Device (10) according to claim 10, characterized by , that the segments (30) can be fixed to one another in the manner of a bayonet fitting, wherein at least one cam (33) is arranged on one side (31) of a segment (30), while at least one recess (34) is provided on the other side (32) of the segment (30) and during assembly a cam (33) of a first segment (30) can be brought into force-fit and / or form-fit connection with a recess (34) of a second segment (30). [12] Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by , that a pointed wedge (14) is provided which can be inserted and / or driven into the ground and to which the holder (11) can be attached with its lower end (13). [13] Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by, that a mounting element (15) can be fixed at the upper end (12) of the holder (11), on which the signs (20) and / or the sign element (21) can be arranged directly or indirectly. [14] Device (10) according to claim 11 and according to one of claims 12 or 13, characterized by , that the wedge (14) and / or the attachment element (15) can be fixed to one of the segments (30) in the manner of a bayonet fitting and have at least one cam (33) or at least one recess (34) for this purpose. [15] Device (10) according to one of claims 10 or 11 and according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized by , that the wedge (14) can be pulled out of the ground by means of at least one of the segments (30) and / or a handle made of flexible material and / or a loop and / or the wedge (14) itself. [16] Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized by that the device (10) consists wholly or partly of non-magnetic material. [17] Set comprising at least one device (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims and comprising two or more segments (30) and at least three signs (20) and / or a sign element (21) as well as an enclosure such as a bag, a case or the like in or on which the components can be arranged. [18] Set according to claim 17 with additionally at least one impact element and / or one and / or one or more pins and / or one or more wedges (14)

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