Signaling device

Abstract

The invention relates to a signaling device.

Description

[0001] Signal device

[0002] The invention disclosed here relates to a signaling device according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0003] The invention disclosed here relates to a signaling device comprising a balloon with an opening, which balloon can be inflated and expanded by introducing a fluid through the opening and via a valve arranged in the opening. The valve is arranged in the opening according to current teachings so that, on the one hand, a fluid can be introduced into the interior of the balloon, but, on the other hand, the fluid cannot escape from the balloon and the balloon thus retains the shape predetermined by the introduction of the fluid into the interior of the balloon.

[0004] An essential task of the signaling device according to the invention is to indicate a position.

[0005] Devices for indicating a position by means of an inflated balloon floating above the position are known in the prior art.

[0006] The features of the independently executable embodiments described below cannot be derived from DE20002657U1.

[0007] The device disclosed in CH705685B1 differs fundamentally from the device described below.

[0008] DE3237060A1 describes a device which is fundamentally different from the device disclosed below.

[0009] DE1531694 does not describe that the connecting nozzle 6 is released when a certain force level is reached.

[0010] US5582127 also does not show the features of the embodiments of the device according to the invention described below.

[0011] DE3237060 discloses a device for rescuing people in avalanches. The device comprises a balloon with a filling opening, which fill opening engages over a collar of a rigid housing. The device does not comprise any housing surfaces from which the inflating balloon can be pushed off. The device disclosed in DE202018107314 also does not comprise any housing parts for pushing off the inflating balloon.

[0012] DE1531694 discloses another balloon inflation device.

[0013] CH705685 discloses a device for locating avalanche victims. It is proposed to attach the inflated balloon to the person with a restraining device so that the balloon cannot move away from the person.

[0014] GB2525394 discloses a balloon attached to a housing for inflation, the housing not including housing parts for expelling the balloon.

[0015] US5582127 and US6082287 disclose a balloon attached to a housing for inflation, wherein the housing does not include housing parts for expelling the balloon.

[0016] The invention disclosed here attempts to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0017] This problem is solved by the first claim.

[0018] According to the invention, this is achieved in that the balloon further comprises a lighting means with a control device, wherein a change in length or a displacement of a switching element of the control device causes switching, in particular switching on, of the lighting means, wherein at least a first end of the switching element is fastened to a first balloon partial region of the balloon, and wherein a second end of the switching element is fastened to a second balloon partial region of the balloon, which balloon partial regions are moved apart by filling the balloon with the fluid and by stretching the balloon, whereby a change in length or a displacement of the switching element is achieved and whereby the lighting means is switched on.

[0019] The light source can thus be switched, in particular switched on, by stretching the balloon to a specific size, so that the balloon has precisely the specific size at which the length of the switching element is extended to a specific length. The person skilled in the art can specify the specific length of the switching element by selecting the switching element, which also specifies the specific size at which the balloon size and consequently the length of the switching element is required for the lamp to be switched, for example switched on.

[0020] In a similar manner, the light source can be switched by stretching the balloon to a specific size and thus moving the switching element to a specific position. This embodiment can be achieved by arranging the control element in the balloon as described above.

[0021] The user can provide an LED as the light source. The LED as the light source preferably includes a power supply.

[0022] The LED can be switched via a brightness sensor.

[0023] In principle, the light source can be arranged inside or on the outer or inner surface of the balloon.

[0024] If the light source is arranged inside the balloon, the switching element can be arranged as a chord extending inside the balloon, which chord undergoes the change in length or displacement described above when the balloon is expanded to a certain size. According to current theory, a chord (also called a secant) extends from one balloon section to an opposite balloon section, whereby the chord need not extend through a central region of the balloon. The chord can extend through the central region.

[0025] When the illuminant is arranged inside the balloon, the switching element can be arranged as an element extending on the inner surface of the balloon, so that the switching element experiences the change in length or displacement described above when the balloon is stretched to a certain size.

[0026] If the illuminant is arranged on the outer or inner surface of the balloon, the switching element can be arranged as an element extending along the outer surface of the balloon, so that the switching element undergoes the change in length or displacement described above when the balloon is expanded to a certain size. The control device of the balloon can be designed such that when the balloon shrinks and thus when the balloon sections are brought together, the illuminant remains switched on or is switched off.

[0027] The signaling device according to the invention can be characterized in that the illuminating means is arranged in an interior of the balloon or the illuminating means is integrated into a shell of the balloon or the illuminating means is arranged on the shell of the balloon.

[0028] A light source arranged inside the balloon illuminates the inflated balloon from the inside, making the lighting visible from all sides.

[0029] The illuminant can be arranged on the inner or outer surface of the balloon's envelope. Advantageously, after inflation, the balloon can be reinserted into the signaling device or replaced with another balloon.

[0030] A fixed arrangement of the light source in the balloon allows for easier folding of the balloon together with the light source and introduction into a closed area.

[0031] The user can inflate the above-described balloon of the signaling device according to the invention by blowing oxygen through the opening. Only the user's breathing air is introduced, preventing the signaling device from rising, since the user's breathing air and the ambient air usually have the same density.

[0032] To overcome this technical disadvantage, the embodiment claimed in claim 2 is proposed. The embodiment according to claim 2 is an embodiment that can be implemented independently of the embodiment according to claim 1.

[0033] The embodiment of the balloon with a light source can be carried out independently of an inflation device described below and / or any other shape of the balloon.

[0034] Likewise, the signaling device described below comprising the balloon and the gas container inside can be designed independently of an inflation device described below.The invention also relates to a signaling device, which signaling device is characterized in that the balloon further comprises a gas container arranged in the interior of the balloon and having an expulsion device, wherein a change in length or a displacement of an actuator of the expulsion device causes the gas container to open and consequently a gas to be expelled from the gas container, wherein at least a first end of the actuator is fastened to a first balloon section of the balloon, and wherein a second end of the actuator is fastened to a second balloon section of the balloon, which balloon sections are moved apart by filling the balloon with the fluid and by stretching the balloon, whereby the change in length or the displacement of the actuator is achieved and whereby the gas container is opened.

[0035] The gas is preferably a gas that is lighter than oxygen. The user can, for example, blow oxygen into the balloon and thereby expand the balloon to a certain size, at which size the gas container is opened by the applied change in length or displacement of the actuator. By opening the gas container placed inside the balloon, the interior of the balloon is filled not only with the oxygen but also with a gas that is lighter than oxygen, such as helium. The signaling device according to the invention rises when at least partially filled with a gas that is lighter than oxygen, such as helium.

[0036] The skilled person is able to dimension the quantity of gas held in the gas container in such a way that after opening the gas container and the gas flowing from the gas container into the interior of the balloon, a sufficient quantity of gas is contained inside the balloon so that the balloon can ascend.

[0037] Preferably, the gas container mentioned is filled with an overpressure using the gas which is lighter than oxygen.

[0038] The gas contained in the gas container can be helium. A person skilled in the art will preferably dimension a gas container so that it can hold 63.0 ml of helium or 2.2 g of helium at a pressure of 220 bar. A gas container of a test facility has a cylindrical shape with a diameter of 30.0 mm and a height of 120 mm. The test facility comprises three gas containers.

[0039] The signaling device according to the invention can be characterized in that the first balloon portion is arranged in the region of the opening.

[0040] One end of the control element or actuator is thus positioned near the opening. The control element or actuator is inserted into the balloon as a rigid element, and the other end is attached to the balloon's inner surface.

[0041] The signaling device according to the invention can be characterized in that the second balloon section is arranged opposite the first balloon section.

[0042] The balloon sections may be connected by a tendon extending through the balloon.

[0043] The balloon sections can be arranged by a straight line extending along the diameter or parallel to the diameter.

[0044] The signaling device according to the invention can be characterized in that a transmitter is arranged in the balloon.

[0045] The signaling device according to the invention can also be used in water sports. Placing a transmitter in the balloon ensures that the transmitter is located in a dry area. The inflated balloon also positions the transmitter above the water. The transmitter can emit a signal to locate the balloon.

[0046] The inflation device described below can be designed independently of the balloon embodiments described here.

[0047] In particular, the person skilled in the art can design the inflation device described below independently of the above-described lighting device comprising one or more LEDs and the switching means. For example, a signaling device comprising the inflation device described below can comprise a manually operated switch. The switch can be arranged on an LED. Such a switch can allow the LED to be switched to several brightness levels.

[0048] The LED can also be switched exclusively via a brightness sensor.

[0049] The signaling device according to the invention can be characterized in that the opening of the signaling device is coupled to an inflation device arranged on the outside of the balloon, which inflation device comprises a housing and a tube with a tube end region in fluid communication with the opening, which tube end region encloses the opening of the balloon to form an enclosing surface, which housing comprises curved or flat housing surfaces in the shape of a round or square funnel at a distance from the tube to a tube axis of the tube,During the introduction of the fluid into the balloon, on the one hand, a first frictional force acting between the enclosing surface and the balloon and a second frictional force acting between the housing surface and the inflating balloon and, on the other hand, an inflation force generated by the introduction into the balloon and a repulsion force component of the inflating envelope from the housing surface are in equilibrium.

[0050] The coupling element can be integrated into the balloon opening. Advantageously, the balloon neck, which encompasses the balloon opening and preferably the balloon valve, serves as the coupling element.

[0051] A tangent or a secant of a curvature can be determined to indicate the inclination of the curvature to an axis via the inclination of the tangent or secant to the curvature, respectively. The tangent can be determined at at least one of the endpoints of the curvature or at a midpoint of the curvature.

[0052] The fluid introduced into the balloon may be a gas lighter than oxygen, such as helium. The gas may also be a fluorescent gas, which, once introduced, acts as a luminous source inside the balloon. The balloon may include a balloon neck, which is folded over the end portion of the tube, as is the case with known devices for inflating balloons.

[0053] The housing surface can be designed as a flat surface or as a curved surface. For a curved surface, the inclination can be specified by a tangent at a point of curvature. The above-mentioned friction force FR2 is oriented parallel to the tangent at that point; the repulsion force FL2 is oriented normal to the tangent.

[0054] In order to calculate the frictional force FR2 or repulsive force FL2 exerted on the balloon by a curved casing surface, it may be necessary to determine the total effective frictional force FR2 or repulsive force FL2 using integral calculus.

[0055] A person skilled in the art can determine the equilibrium condition described above iteratively or by estimation. In principle, equilibrium is easier to determine for a flat, inclined housing surface.

[0056] In summary, the frictional forces act as forces restraining the balloon. The inflation force and the repulsion component act as forces detaching the balloon from the end of the tube. The basic idea is to create a housing shape that defines a certain state of the balloon, up to which state the balloon neck remains at the end of the tube. If this state is exceeded, the balloon neck is pulled away from the end of the tube.

[0057] The device according to the invention can comprise exclusively the mentioned housing surfaces as surfaces of the housing with which the balloon being inflated can be brought into contact in order to open a cap applied to the housing and enveloping the balloon with the housing surfaces by the inflating balloon or to pull the balloon from the tube.

[0058] In general, the device according to the invention can be characterized in that the opening of the balloon is coupled to an inflation device, which inflation device comprises a housing and a tube with a coupling element facing the opening, which coupling element ensures a fluid-tight flow of the fluid from the tube into the interior of the balloon, wherein the opening is detachable from the coupling element by overcoming a resistance force, which housing comprises curved or flat housing surfaces that are rotationally symmetrical and inclined to a tube axis of the tube at a distance from the tube,During the introduction of the fluid into the balloon, on the one hand, a resistance force acting between the coupling force and the opening and a second friction force (FR2) acting between the housing surface and the inflating balloon and, on the other hand, an inflation force (FL1) generated by the introduction into the balloon and a repulsion force component (FL2) of the inflating balloon from the housing surface are in equilibrium.

[0059] The balloon opening can be released from the coupling element by overcoming a resistance force. The coupling element is connected, for example, via a friction surface that opens when a certain resistance force is reached, or via a snap connection that opens when a certain resistance force is reached. Those skilled in the art are familiar with other suitable connection forms for connecting two elements, which connection forms open when the force acting on the connection form increases and a maximum resistance force is reached.

[0060] The resistance force can also be defined by a predetermined breaking point of a connecting element, which connecting element connects the opening and the coupling element until it breaks at the predetermined breaking point.

[0061] The coupling element and the pipe can be formed as a single piece. The coupling element can be connected to the pipe.

[0062] For example, the coupling element and the balloon applied to the coupling element can have defined frictional properties at their contact surface, via which frictional properties the first frictional force FR1 is defined. For this purpose, the surface of the coupling element forming the contact surface can be designed as a rough surface or as a surface containing an adhesive.

[0063] The ascending balloon can pull the coupling element from the tube, whereby the required pull-off force is defined by the embodiments described above. Additionally or alternatively, the device according to the invention can comprise a release device for pulling the coupling element from the tube or for expanding the coupling element.

[0064] The force acting between the inflating balloon and the housing surfaces can be defined by the position of the coupling element relative to the housing surfaces. Preferably, the coupling element is arranged beneath the housing surfaces when the tube is vertically oriented, so that the inflating balloon, which is in contact with the housing surfaces, is pulled against the housing surfaces. This can be achieved by subjecting the portion of the balloon encompassing the balloon opening to expansion.

[0065] The signaling device according to the invention can be characterized in that the housing is designed as a hollow cylinder, wherein the tube axis and the cylinder axis are arranged congruently.

[0066] The housing may include a carabiner for attaching the device to a garment or backpack. The carabiner may be coupled to the device with an elastic band or cord.

[0067] The signaling device according to the invention can be characterized in that the housing surfaces are funnel-shaped. The housing surfaces can have the shape of a funnel.

[0068] The signaling device according to the invention can be characterized in that the funnel end region of the funnel with the smaller diameter and the tube end region are arranged at substantially the same height when the tube axis or the cylinder axis is arranged vertically. The signaling device according to the invention can be characterized in that the housing comprises two housing halves with a joining surface.

[0069] A plane extending through the joining surfaces can extend through the cylinder axis. The hollow cylinder can thus be divided into two sub-regions, each of which has a semicircular or similar shape. The sub-regions can preferably be connected to one another by plugging.

[0070] The signaling device according to the invention can be characterized in that the signaling device comprises a pull-off element for manually releasing the coupling element from the pipe.

[0071] The pull-off element can be a lever, pressure element or the like, by means of which pull-off element a force is applied to the coupling element to release the coupling element from the pipe.

[0072] The signaling device according to the invention can be characterized in that the tube is coupled to at least one gas pressure capsule, which gas pressure capsule is filled with helium.

[0073] Helium gas is commonly used to inflate balloons because it has a lower density than the oxygen surrounding the balloon, thus causing the balloon to rise. Instead of helium, the skilled person may also use another gas that also has a lower density than oxygen.

[0074] The gas capsule may also be filled with a gas which, after being introduced into the interior of the balloon, becomes fluorescent.

[0075] The amount of fluid introduced into the balloon per unit of time after opening the pressure capsules depends, as mentioned above, on the filling pressure of the pressure capsules. The balloon may include a reduction valve in the opening to limit the amount of fluid flowing into the balloon via the tube per unit of time. The signaling device according to the invention may be characterized in that the balloon is connected to the inflation device via a cord.

[0076] The cord may have a defined length. The cord may also include markings indicating the length of the unwound cord.

[0077] The cord can have electrically conductive properties. This makes it possible to arrange the LED in the balloon, while the power storage device and at least part of the electrical circuit are arranged in the housing.

[0078] The cord can be attached at one point or at several, preferably four, points.

[0079] The cord can also be coupled to a switching element so that the LED can be switched by exerting a force on the cord.

[0080] The signaling device according to the invention can be characterized in that the cord is mounted on a reel so that it can be unwound, which reel is mounted so that it can rotate about a reel axis arranged congruently with the tube axis in order to unwind the cord.

[0081] The string can only be unwound from the spool by the balloon as it ascends. The balloon can unwind the string from the spool against a resistance such as a spring. The expert selects a sufficiently high resistance so that the string is always taut as the balloon ascends.

[0082] The gas flowing out of the gas pressure capsule can be guided into the balloon via fluid channels so that the unwinding of the cord is accelerated or slowed down. The unwinding of the cord from the spool can be slowed down by directing the flowing fluid onto a guide surface, which creates a force that slows the unwinding of the spool. Conversely, the unwinding of the cord can be accelerated by directing the flowing fluid onto a guide surface, which creates a force that accelerates the unwinding of the cord. For example, the spool can be viewed as a wheel and the aforementioned guide surfaces as the drive surfaces of a propeller, with the flow on the drive surfaces in or against the direction of rotation of the spool.

[0083] The signaling device according to the invention can be characterized in that the inflation device comprises a plurality of gas pressure capsules, wherein the inflation device comprises a plurality of mandrels for insertion into a respective gas pressure capsule, which mandrels have different extension lengths in the direction of the respective capsule to be opened.

[0084] According to the state of the art, opening a gas pressure capsule by inserting a mandrel into a desired opening is a process that requires the application of force. In an emergency, it is almost impossible for a user to apply the force required to open several gas pressure capsules simultaneously. The signaling device according to the invention can be designed so that the gas pressure capsules are opened one after the other in a sequence.

[0085] The device disclosed here can comprise a mandrel for a gas pressure capsule, which mandrel is inserted while destroying the pressure capsule, in particular a predetermined breaking point of the pressure capsule, to open the pressure capsule. To fill a balloon, a quantity of fluid is required, which quantity of fluid is preferably held in several pressure capsules, so that several pressure capsules must be opened to fill the balloon.

[0086] The device can comprise one mandrel for each pressure capsule to be opened. The device thus preferably comprises several pressure capsules and several mandrels. The mandrels are preferably inserted into the pressure capsules one after the other by manual actuation.

[0087] The mandrels can be positioned at different distances from the pressure capsules when inserted at a similar speed in their initial position. Equivalently, the mandrels can be accelerated at different times for insertion into the pressure capsules.

[0088] Additionally or alternatively, the mandrels can be inserted into the pressure capsules at different speeds during acceleration at similar times. The mandrels can be accelerated and inserted into the pressure capsules using a spring. The acceleration can be released by the user in an emergency situation. Alternatively or additionally, the user can preload the spring in an emergency situation.

[0089] The mandrels can also be inserted into the pressure capsules via an actuating device. The movement of the actuating device and the movement of the mandrels can be transmitted via a gear system, which also allows for serial insertion of the mandrels into the pressure capsules.

[0090] The gear can be designed, for example, as a thread. The actuating device is rotated like a nut around the thread axis. The thread can comprise an external thread and the actuating device an internal thread, wherein the external thread and the internal thread are in engagement. The thread converts a rotary movement of the actuating device into a linear movement, by means of which linear movement a mandrel can be introduced into the pressure capsule.

[0091] The amount of fluid introduced into the balloon per unit of time after opening the pressure capsules depends, as mentioned above, on the filling pressure of the pressure capsules. The signaling device may include a reduction valve in the tube to limit the amount of fluid flowing into the balloon via the tube per unit of time.

[0092] The actuating device or the aforementioned actuating element can act as a switching element for the LED. The LED can be switched additionally or alternatively via a brightness sensor.

[0093] The signaling device according to the invention can be characterized in that the inflation device comprises a lever or a rotary element or a push element, each as an actuating device for releasing the fluid flow from the pressure capsule into the balloon.

[0094] The device according to the invention may comprise a housing. The housing may have a conical shape, which may have its narrowest width in its upper region, where the balloon is dispensed, and its greatest width in the region of the lever or the rotating element. The greatest width may be in the lower region of the housing.

[0095] The housing may have a circular shape or an elliptical shape or an angular shape such as a pentagonal or hexagonal shape.

[0096] The housing can be connected via a securing element to the actuating element and to elements that are movable, in particular driven, upon actuation of the actuating element. The securing element can extend from the housing to the actuating element and the further elements, such as a cover mentioned below. The securing element can comprise a predetermined breaking point at the transition between the housing and the actuating element or further elements, so that the securing element is broken upon actuation of the actuating element and movement of the further element.

[0097] A rotary element opens the pressure capsule as a result of a rotary movement applied to the pressure capsule.

[0098] A push element can be a movable element relative to a pressure capsule, which element can be introduced into the pressure capsule by a push. The necessary push can be applied by a push with the operator's hand or by striking the device against a stationary object. The required push can also be applied via a preloaded spring.

[0099] The signaling device according to the invention can be characterized in that the signaling device is integrated into a life jacket.

[0100] The inflation device can inflate the balloon and the life jacket.

[0101] The signaling device according to the invention can allow a position to be marked over several days. This feature can be particularly useful for indicating the position of a person who has had an accident while swimming in the water.

[0102] The signaling device according to the invention can be characterized in that the balloon has the shape of a cylinder or a conical body such as a cone or a pyramid or sphere.

[0103] The cylinder can allow for a great vertical extension and thus a large volume with a small footprint. The aforementioned cylindrical shape, or the aforementioned conical shapes such as a cone or pyramid, can be advantageous for ballooning out of a crevasse or rocky gorge.

[0104] The balloon can comprise one or more chambers to be filled with fluid. The chambers can be arranged in a single plane or at different heights. A balloon in the shape of a cylinder or a sphere allows the chambers to be arranged.

[0105] The balloon's envelope can be made from a single piece or from several joined parts. Joining the parts together to form a balloon allows the string to be attached at the joining points. In particular, the balloon's parts can be welded.

[0106] A prototype balloon has a four-part envelope, with the envelope sections welded together. A cord is inserted into each weld seam and connected to the balloon envelope by welding.

[0107] The balloon may be orange on its outer surface and have white lettering saying "SOS".

[0108] The signaling device according to the invention can be characterized in that the balloon is manufactured as a composite material, which composite material comprises polyethylene on its inside, propylene in the middle layer and polyamide on the outside.

[0109] The material PPT is advantageous for use as a balloon because of its low weight and its tightness.

[0110] The signaling device according to the invention can be characterized in that the balloon has a surface with a light-reflecting property.

[0111] The signaling device according to the invention can be characterized in that the signaling device has a balloon envelope into which the balloon can be inserted.

[0112] The balloon envelope can protect the balloon from damage. This can be particularly advantageous if the balloon ascends into a crevasse or rock crevice. The balloon envelope can have light-reflecting properties, just like the balloon, or be transparent.

[0113] The signaling device according to the invention can be characterized in that the signaling device is arranged in a shell, which shell is opened by inflating the balloon.

[0114] The envelope can be a soft envelope like a sack. The sack can be opened by inflating it. The sack can have predetermined breaking points, which break when the balloon reaches a certain size, thus opening the sack.

[0115] The envelope may be a rigid envelope, such as a box or a container made of, for example, plastic. Similar to the aforementioned embodiment of a soft envelope, the rigid envelope can be opened or broken at a predetermined breaking point when the balloon reaches a predetermined size.

[0116] The signaling device according to the invention can be characterized in that the casing comprises two elements which are movable relative to one another, one element serving as an actuating element for releasing the gas held in the pressure capsule.

[0117] The invention is further explained with reference to the following embodiments shown in the figures:

[0118] Fig. 1 shows a sectional view of an embodiment of the signal device according to the invention,

[0119] Fig. 2 shows a detailed sectional view of an embodiment of the signal device according to the invention,

[0120] Fig. 3 shows a detailed sectional view of an embodiment of the signal device according to the invention,

[0121] Fig. 4 shows a sectional view of an embodiment of the signaling device according to the invention, Fig. 5 to Fig. 11 show sectional views and views of a further embodiment of the signaling device according to the invention,

[0122] Fig. 12 shows a possible shape of the mandrel,

[0123] Fig . 13 and Fig . 14 shows a supplementary device for withdrawing the balloon from the tube .

[0124] The embodiments shown in the figures merely show possible embodiments. It should be noted at this point that the invention is not limited to the specifically illustrated embodiments thereof, but rather combinations of the individual embodiments with one another and a combination of an embodiment with the general description given above are also possible. These further possible combinations do not have to be mentioned explicitly, since these further possible combinations are within the skill of the person skilled in this technical field based on the teaching of technical action based on the invention in question.

[0125] The scope of protection is determined by the claims. However, the description and the drawings must be used to interpret the claims. Individual features or combinations of features from the various embodiments shown and described may represent independent inventive solutions. The problem underlying the independent inventive solutions can be derived from the description.

[0126] In the figures, the following elements are identified by the preceding reference symbols. To maintain clarity, the relevant reference symbols are included in the figures.

[0127] 1 balloon

[0128] 2 Opening

[0129] 3 valve

[0130] 4 Control device

[0131] 5 Switching element

[0132] 6 bulbs

[0133] 7 first balloon section

[0134] 8 second balloon section

[0135] 9 first end switching element or actuator

[0136] 10 second end of switching element or actuator 11 inside of the balloon

[0137] 12 gas tanks

[0138] 13 Ejection device

[0139] 14 Actuator

[0140] 15 Inflation device

[0141] 16 Housing inflation device

[0142] 17 pipe

[0143] 18 Pipe end area Pipe 17

[0144] 19 Enclosing area

[0145] 20 Pipe axis

[0146] 21 housing area

[0147] 22 Cylinder axis

[0148] 23 pressure capsule

[0149] 24 Balloon neck

[0150] 25 Thorn

[0151] 26 lids

[0152] 27 Funnel end area

[0153] 28 Rotating element

[0154] 29 camps

[0155] 30 cord

[0156] 31 first gear element

[0157] 32 second gear element

[0158] 33 lead

[0159] 34 Guide

[0160] 35 first guide element

[0161] 36 second guide element

[0162] 37 surrounding edge

[0163] 38 Valve

[0164] 39 pressure chamber

[0165] 40 Puller

[0166] 41 Recess

[0167] 42 handle

[0168] Figure 1 shows a sectional view of a possible embodiment of the device according to the invention. The device shown in Figure 1 can be combined with at least one of the devices shown in Figures 2 and 3. The device shown in Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 and / or Figure 3 can also represent a stand-alone solution. The signaling device shown in Figure 1 comprises a balloon 1 with an opening 2, which balloon 1 can be expanded by introducing a fluid via the opening 2 and via a valve 3 arranged in the opening 2. The balloon 1 can be designed similarly to a commercially available balloon.

[0169] The embodiment shown in Figure 1 and discussed here offers a solution for filling the balloon 1 with a gas in an emergency. The gas preferably has a lower density than oxygen, so that the balloon 1 can ascend.

[0170] The signaling device according to the invention is characterized in that the opening 2 of the balloon 1 is coupled to an inflation device 15. For this purpose, the inflation device 15 comprises a tube 17 with a tube end region 18 facing the opening 2, which tube end region 18 is surrounded by a balloon neck 24 forming the opening 2 of the balloon, forming an enclosing surface 19. The balloon neck 24 expands upon application to the tube end region 18, thereby creating a tight connection between the balloon 1 and the tube 17.

[0171] The solution shown in Figure 1 is further characterized in that the inflated balloon 1 is pulled off the tube end region 18 at a certain size and is thus released. This object is achieved by providing a housing 16, which housing 16 comprises curved or flat housing surfaces 21 at a distance from the tube 17 to a tube axis 20 of the tube 17. The housing surfaces 21 can have the shape of a round funnel or the shape of a square funnel. The shape of the funnel extends around the tube axis 20.

[0172] The housing 16 further comprises, in a portion adjacent to the balloon neck 24, a free space designed to provide storage space for the uninflated balloon 1 (not shown in Figure 1). The portion of the housing 16 forming the housing surfaces 21 is designed as a body that is rotationally symmetrical about the balloon neck 24 and / or a tube axis 20 of the tube 17.

[0173] During the introduction of the fluid into the balloon 1, on the one hand, a first frictional force FR1 acting between the enclosing surface 19 and the balloon 1 and a second frictional force FR2 acting between the housing surface 21 and the inflating balloon 1 arise, and on the other hand, an inflation force FL1 generated by the introduction into the balloon 1 and a repulsion force component FL2 of the inflating balloon 1 from the housing surface 21. The aforementioned forces are in equilibrium while the balloon 1 is inflated and is applied to the tube end region 18.

[0174] The inflation force FL1 and the repulsion force FLS are the forces FL1, FL2 that release the balloon 1 from the tube end region 18. The releasing forces FL1, FL2 are continuously increased as the balloon 1 inflates until the aforementioned equilibrium no longer exists and the balloon 1 is released from the tube end region 18.

[0175] Since the inflation of the balloon 1 is always associated with a change in the size of the balloon 1, the shape of the balloon 1 can be defined via the design of the housing surfaces 21, in which shape of the balloon 1 the repulsion force component FL2 together with the inflation force FL1 is greater than the restraining forces, essentially than the first friction force FR1.

[0176] The rotationally symmetrical design of the housing surfaces 21 around the tube axis 20 will have an advantageous effect on the force state described above. This results in a rotationally symmetrical force state around the tube axis 20.

[0177] The signaling device according to the invention can be characterized in that the housing 16 is designed as a hollow cylinder, wherein the tube axis 20 and the cylinder axis 22 are arranged congruently.

[0178] The signaling device according to the invention can be characterized in that the housing surfaces 21 of the housing 16 have the shape of a funnel. Figure 1 shows a funnel with curved funnel surfaces having an arc-shaped profile. The funnel surfaces can also have a straight profile in the sectional view. The signaling device shown in Figure 1 has the special shape that the funnel end region 27 of the funnel-shaped housing surfaces 21 with the smaller diameter is arranged higher than the tube end region 18 when the tube axis 19 or the cylinder axis 22 is arranged vertically. The height position of the mentioned funnel end region 27 in relation to the tube end region will essentially determine, through the shape of the balloon 1, up to which shape of the inflated balloon 1 the mentioned state of equilibrium prevails and the balloon neck 24 adheres to the tube end region 18.

[0179] By arranging the tube end region 18 at a specific height relative to the housing surfaces 21, the use of the device described in Figure 1 can generally be limited to a specific inflated balloon shape. Essentially, only one balloon shape, in particular a balloon shape with a balloon neck 24, can be used for the device.

[0180] The signaling device according to the invention can be characterized in that the housing 16 comprises two housing halves with a joining surface. The housing 16 can be divided into the two housing halves.

[0181] The device according to the invention can provide for the housing halves of the housing 16 to be removed from the device for applying the balloon neck 24 to the tube end region 18. The housing 16 can be divided into the housing halves.

[0182] The balloon neck 24 is then applied to the tube end region 18. Subsequently, the housing 16 is reassembled by plugging the housing halves together.

[0183] The signaling device according to the invention can be characterized in that the tube 17 is coupled to at least one pressure capsule 23, which pressure capsule 23 is filled with helium.

[0184] The helium stored in the pressure capsule 23 is introduced into the balloon 1 by means of a gas release device.

[0185] The signaling device can be characterized in that the inflation device 15 comprises a plurality of mandrels 25 for insertion into a respective pressure capsule 23, 23', which mandrels 25 have different extension lengths in the direction of the respective capsule to be opened. Figure 1 shows only one mandrel 25, which mandrel 25 is inserted into the pressure capsule 23. After the mandrel 25 has been inserted into the pressure capsule 23, a further mandrel, not shown in Figure 1, is inserted into the pressure capsule 23'.

[0186] An actuating device for introducing the gas stored in at least two pressure capsules 23, 23' can be designed such that in a first step the pressure capsule 23 is opened and in a second step a fluid channel from the pressure capsule 23 to the pipe end region 18 is released by actuating the gas release device.

[0187] The opening of the pressure capsules 23, 23' is achieved by the above-described successive (serial) insertion of a mandrel 25 into each of the pressure capsules 23, 23'. One pressure capsule 23 after the other pressure capsule 23' is opened by inserting a mandrel

[0188] 25 open .

[0189] The device further comprises a valve lever 26. Actuation of the valve lever 26 opens the fluid channel from the pressure capsules 23, 23' into the balloon 1. Advantageously, the pressure capsules 23, 23' are arranged symmetrically to the tube axis 20, so that the fluid from the pressure vessels 23, 23' reaches the interior of the balloon 1 in a symmetrical manner.

[0190] The form of the actuating device is not limited to a lever 26. Instead of the lever shown in Figure 1,

[0191] 26 a loop may also be provided.

[0192] Figure 2 shows a detailed sectional view of balloon 1 as part of a possible embodiment of the signaling device according to the invention. Figure 2 also includes parts of the inflation device 15; however, the description of Figure 2 exclusively discusses the structure of balloon 1.

[0193] The signaling device according to the invention can also comprise exclusively the balloon 1 shown in Figure 2. The balloon 1 can be coupled to a cord not shown in Figure 2.

[0194] The balloon 1 comprises an opening 2, into which a valve 3 is also inserted. An interior 11 of the balloon 1 can be filled with, among other things, a fluid introduced through the opening 2, thereby expanding the balloon 1 and changing its size. Such balloons 1 are known in the art.

[0195] The embodiment of the balloon 1 shown in Figure 1 comprises a lighting means 6 with a control device 4 for switching the lighting means 6.

[0196] The control device 4 is designed such that a change in the length of a switching element 5 of the control device 4 causes switching, in particular switching on, of the lighting means 6. For this purpose, a first end 9 of the switching element 5 is attached to a first balloon section 7 of the balloon 1, and a second end 10 of the switching element 5 is attached to a second balloon section 8 of the balloon 1.

[0197] By introducing the fluid into the interior of the balloon 1, the balloon 1 is expanded and its size changes. Consequently, the balloon sections 7, 8 are moved apart by filling the interior of the balloon 1 with the fluid and by expanding the balloon 1 caused by filling the interior of the balloon 1 with the fluid. The switching element 5 thereby undergoes a change in length, whereby the illuminant 6 is switched via the control device 4.

[0198] Thus, the illuminant 6 arranged inside 11 of the balloon 1 is switched on by a change in the length of the control element 4 caused by the inflation of the balloon 1. This process can also be easily carried out in an emergency.

[0199] A light source 6 arranged inside 11 of the balloon 1 has the advantage that the balloon 1 is illuminated from the inside. The balloon 1 of the signaling device according to the invention is clearly visible in the dark.

[0200] Figure 1 shows an advantageous special form of the balloon 1. The first end 9 of the control element 5 is arranged in the region of the opening 2. The opening 2 further comprises a balloon neck 24. This arrangement has the advantage that a control element 5 designed as a rigid element, optionally together with the lighting means 6 and the control device 4, can be easily introduced through the opening 2. In an advantageous manner, the first end 9 can be attached in the region of the opening 2 and the second end 10 can be attached preferably on the opposite side to the inner surface of the balloon 1 using an adhesive surface or the like. The balloon 1, as shown in Figure 1, can be easily manufactured.

[0201] The change in length of a chord of a balloon 1 extending from the opening 2 to the opposite side is a well-determined change in length. This allows the switching of the illuminant 6 to be easily controlled via the switching element 5.

[0202] Preferably, the illuminating means 6 is switched on when the balloon 1 is large enough to ascend. The control device 4 may also include a delay circuit.

[0203] Figure 3 shows a sectional view of the balloon 1 as part of a possible embodiment of the signaling device according to the invention. The signaling device can also comprise exclusively the balloon 1 shown in Figure 3.

[0204] A balloon 1 as shown in Figure 1 and discussed above can be inflated by an inflation device 15 as described with reference to Figure 1.

[0205] If the user does not have an inflation device 15, he or she can inflate the balloon 1 shown in Figure 1 with breathing air, similar to a normal balloon. Introducing only breathing air or oxygen into the interior of the balloon 1 has the disadvantage that the balloon 1 cannot ascend. Such a balloon 1 is not suitable as a signaling device.

[0206] Figure 3 shows a detailed sectional view of another embodiment of the balloon 1.

[0207] The embodiment of the balloon 1 shown in Figure 3 comprises a gas container 12 arranged in the interior 11 of the balloon 1, with an expulsion device 13. Preferably, the gas container 12 is pressurized with the gas to be expelled.

[0208] In analogy to the circuit of the lighting means 6 described above, a change in the length of an actuator 14 of the expulsion device 13 leads to an opening of the gas container 12 and consequently an expulsion of a gas from the gas container 12 into the interior 11.

[0209] For this purpose, a first end 9 of the actuator 14 is fastened to a first balloon section 7 of the balloon 1 and a second end 10 of the actuator 14 is fastened to a second balloon section 8 of the balloon 1, which balloon sections 7, 8 are moved apart by filling the balloon 1 with the fluid and by stretching the balloon 1 caused by filling the balloon 1 with the fluid.

[0210] It is achieved by filling the balloon 1 and the resulting forced change in length of the actuator 14, so that the gas container 12 opens and the gas held in the gas container 12 is introduced into the interior. The balloon 1 shown in Figure 3 is thus filled in a first process step with the user's breath and in a subsequent process step with the gas flowing out of the gas container 12. The balloon 1 is therefore filled with a mixture of breath and gas. The gas held in the interior 11 is sufficient to allow the balloon 1 to rise.

[0211] The embodiments shown in Figures 2 and 3 can be implemented independently of the further features of the disclosure of the device according to the invention. The embodiments shown in Figures 2 and 3 can represent stand-alone solutions.

[0212] Figure 4 shows a further embodiment of the embodiment shown in Figure 1. The area above the housing surfaces 21 is covered by a cap 26. The non-inflated balloon 1 is arranged in the area between the housing surfaces 21 and the cap 26. The non-inflated or partially inflated balloon 1 is protected by the cap 26 and the housing surfaces 21. During inflation of the balloon 1, the force states shown in Figure 4 and described above are effective. Essentially, the inflation of the balloon 1 and the force state acting on the cap 26 as a result are controlled by the properties of the housing surfaces 21. The force acting on the inner surfaces, generated by the inflation of the balloon 1 and consequently the detachment of the cap 26 from the housing surfaces 21 is controlled by the frictional forces between the inflating balloon 1 and the housing surfaces 21.The friction between the housing surfaces 21 and the inflating balloon 1 ensures that the cap 26 is only removed from the housing surface 21 when the area between the housing surfaces 21 and the cap 26 is completely filled by the balloon 1. The cap 26 can also be connected to a housing surface 21 on one side by a joint (not shown in Figure 4). The joint can specify the shape of the movement with which the cap 26 is removed from the housing surface 21.

[0213] The cap 26 can further be connected to the housing surface 21 by a snap-in connection (not shown in Figure 4) as an example of a detachable mechanical connection.

[0214] A further embodiment is shown in different states and views in Figures 5 to 9.

[0215] Figure 5 shows this further embodiment in an uninflated state of the balloon 1. The signaling device shown in Figure 5 comprises the balloon 1 with an opening 2. The balloon 1 is made of an expandable material and can be expanded by introducing a fluid. The device comprises a valve 3 for introducing the fluid into the balloon, which valve 3 is arranged in the opening 2 when the balloon 1 is uninflated.

[0216] The balloon 1 comprises a lighting device 6 with a control device 4. The control device 4 is variable in length and has a first length in the deflated state of the balloon 1. At this first length, the control device 4 either activates the lighting device 6 or does not activate it. The reference numeral 4 indicates the approximate position of the lighting device 6 in the collapsed balloon 1.

[0217] A first end 9 of the switching element 5 is attached to a first balloon portion 7 of the balloon 1, and a second end 10 of the switching element 5 is attached to a second balloon portion 8 of the balloon 1. Reference numerals 7, 8, and 9 are not shown in Figure 1 because the exact position of these elements is not shown.

[0218] The aforementioned balloon sections 7, 8 are arranged in the folded balloon 1 in such a way that movement apart of the balloon sections 7, 8 is prevented. In the folded state, movement apart of these balloon sections 7, 8 is prevented in particular by filling the balloon 1 with the fluid and by expanding the balloon 1 caused by filling the balloon 1 with the fluid. The change in length or displacement of the switching element 5 and switching of the lighting means 6 are prevented by the fact that the folded balloon 1 is held in a closed area between housing surfaces 21 and a cover 26 placed on the housing surfaces 21 by these same elements.

[0219] In the signaling device shown in the figure, the opening 2 of the balloon 1 is coupled to an inflation device 15. Essentially, the entire portion below the collapsed balloon 1 is referred to as the inflation device 15.

[0220] The inflation device 15 described below can also be designed independently of the balloon 1 with the lighting means 6.

[0221] The inflation device 15 comprises a housing 16 and a tube 17 with a tube end region 18 facing the opening 2. The opening 2 of the collapsed balloon 1 encloses the tube end region, forming an enclosing surface 19. An opening region of the opening 2 of the balloon 1 is shown in dashed lines in Figure 5. The tube 17 and the tube end region 18 are shown in solid lines.

[0222] The housing 16 comprises flat housing surfaces 21 in the shape of a square funnel, spaced from the tube 17 and located at a distance from a tube axis 20 of the tube 17. The upper end of the tube 17 is formed at the center of the plan view of the funnel.

[0223] Until the fluid is introduced into the balloon 1, the opening 2 of the balloon 1 is held by a first frictional force (FR1) acting between the enclosing surface 19 and the balloon 1. For this purpose, the relevant surface area of ​​the tube end region 18 can be rough. It is also conceivable for the tube end region 18 to comprise an adhesive layer for holding the opening 2.

[0224] A coupling element is arranged in the opening 2 of the balloon 1, which coupling element is coupled to the inflation device 15, in particular to the tube 17 for introducing the fluid into the interior of the collapsed balloon 1. The coupling element ensures a fluid-tight flow of the fluid from the tube 17 into the interior 11 of the collapsed balloon 1.

[0225] The coupling element can be designed as a sealing ring. The coupling element can be formed integrally with the tube 17. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the housing 16 is designed as a hollow prism with a polygonal outline. The tube axis 20 and the cylinder axis 22 are arranged congruently.

[0226] It is the funnel end region 27 of the funnel with the smaller diameter above the pipe end region 18 in the vertical arrangement of the pipe axis 20 or the cylinder axis shown in Figure 5

[0227] 22. This ensures that the collapsed balloon 1 is arranged above the tube end region 18. This facilitates inflation of the collapsed balloon 1, since the collapsed balloon 1 has a minimal number of kinks or folds.

[0228] The signaling device according to the invention is characterized in that the tube 17 is coupled to at least one pressure capsule 23, which pressure capsule 23 is filled with helium. At least one mandrel 25 can be driven into a pressure capsule 23 in order to open it. The embodiment of Figure 5 comprises a rotary element 28 which can be rotated about the cylinder axis 22 for driving the mandrels 25. The drive of the mandrels 25 by the rotary element 28 is preferably such that the mandrels 25 are introduced into the pressure capsule 23 in a predetermined sequence and not simultaneously. Preferably, a single mandrel 25 is introduced into a pressure capsule 23 after another mandrel 25 has been introduced into another pressure capsule 23.

[0229] The serial insertion of the mandrels 25 can be implemented by a mechanism. It is also conceivable that the mandrels 25 are in their original position at different distances from the pressure capsules

[0230] 23 are arranged or have different lengths.

[0231] The helium flows from the pressure capsules 23 via the tube 17 into the balloon 1. The openings of the pressure capsules 23, the mandrels 25, the tube 17 and the balloon 1 are arranged in such a way that the helium first flows downwards and then upwards in the tube 17. This configuration of the subsequent flow directions allows the advantageous arrangement of the rotating element 28 in the lower region of the housing 16. The housing surface 21 arranged between the rotating element 28 and the cover 26. Figure 6 shows the embodiment shown in Figure 5 in a view from the outside. The user can grip the signaling device with one hand on the housing and with the other hand on the rotating element 28. The embodiment shown in Figure 6 can be enclosed by a film, which is not visible in Figure 6. The film can be designed as a waterproof cover.

[0232] Figure 7 shows the embodiment shown in Figures 5 and 6, wherein, in contrast to the illustration in Figure 5, the balloon 1 is inflated. The balloon 1 is still connected to the inflation device 15.

[0233] The balloon 1 comprises a lighting means 6 with a control device 4, wherein a change in length or a displacement of a switching element 5 of the control device 4 causes the lighting means 6 to be switched on. For this purpose, in the collapsed state of the balloon 1 shown in Figure 5, a first end 9 of the switching element 5 was attached to a first balloon section 7 of the balloon 1, and a second end 10 of the switching element 5 was attached to a second balloon section 8 of the balloon 1. By filling the balloon 1 with the fluid, as shown in Figure 6, and by expanding the balloon caused by filling the balloon (1) with the fluid, the balloon sections 7, 8 are moved apart. This achieves the above-mentioned change in length or displacement of the switching element 5 and switches the lighting means 6. The change in length or displacement of the switching element 5 is a progressive process.Figure 5 shows the control element with a change in length or displacement before the lamp 6 is switched on.

[0234] The light source 6 is arranged at the top point of the balloon 1. Since the balloon 1 is filled with helium, the light source 6 is always at this top point.

[0235] In the state shown in Figure 7, the opening 2 of the balloon 1 is coupled to the inflation device 15, which inflation device 15 comprises a housing 16 and a tube 17 with a tube end region 18 facing the opening 2.

[0236] Figure 7 shows a state of the balloon 1 in which the opening 2 of the balloon 1 encloses the tube end region 18, forming an enclosing surface 19. For this purpose, the opening 2 preferably has elastic properties. During the state shown in Figure 7, a first frictional force (FR1) acting between the enclosing surface 19 and the balloon 1 holds the balloon 1 back. A second frictional force (FR2) also acts between the funnel-shaped housing surfaces 21 and the inflating balloon 1. The second frictional force (FR2) decreases as the balloon 1 grows larger and progressively detaches from the housing surfaces 21. Figure 7 shows a state of the balloon 1 in which the balloon 1 only partially touches the housing surfaces 21.

[0237] The aforementioned restraining forces FR1 and FR2 are counteracted by an inflation force FL1 generated by the introduction into the balloon 1, as well as by a repulsion force component (FL2) of the inflating balloon 1 from the housing surface 21. These forces are in equilibrium depending on .

[0238] In the state of the balloon 1 shown in Figure 7, the balloon 1 is still arranged with the coupling element on the tube 17.

[0239] In the illustration of the signaling device shown in Figure 5, a cover 26 is clamped around the circumference of the housing surfaces 21. Due to the inflation of the balloon 1 and the associated space requirement of the balloon 1, the clamping of the cover 26 is released, and the cover 26 is opened by rotating about the bearing 29.

[0240] Figure 8 shows the embodiment of the signaling device shown in Figures 5 to 7 with a fully inflated balloon 1.

[0241] By inflating the balloon 1 and the resulting change in shape of the balloon 1, which inflation and change in shape can be seen in the illustrations in Figures 5 to 7, a change in length or displacement of the illuminant 6 is achieved.

[0242] The first end 9 of the switching element 5 is fastened to a first balloon section 7 of the balloon 1. The second end 10 of the switching element 5 is detached from the second balloon section 8 of the balloon 1 as a result of the balloon inflating and the associated change in length or displacement of the switching element 4 to a second length. This change in length and displacement of the switching element 4 leads to the lighting means 6 being switched on by the control device 4 before the second end 10 is detached from the second section 8. In the illustration in Figure 7, helium flows from at least one gas container 23 into the balloon 1. This process is independent of the switching of the lighting means 6 and the force conditions acting on the balloon 1. The helium flows from at least one gas container 23 via a pressure chamber 39 and a valve into the tube 17 and then further into balloon 1.

[0243] The valve 38 is located at the end of the pressure chamber 39, as seen in the direction of flow. The valve 38, in coordination with the pressure chamber 39, controls the amount of flowing gas, thus preventing noise.

[0244] The pressure chamber 39 can concentrate the gas flows from the containers 23 and lead them to the valve 38 and the pipe 17. The pressure chamber 39 can be made of a reinforced material to be able to maintain the pressures.

[0245] In the state of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 8, the illuminant 6 is arranged at the uppermost point of the balloon 1, wherein the uppermost point of the balloon 1 is defined by the introduction of helium into the balloon 1 and the geometric shape of the balloon 1. The illuminant 6 is arranged in or on the balloon 1 opposite the opening 2.

[0246] In addition to or as an alternative to the illuminant 6, the balloon 1 may also comprise further electronic or electrical devices such as a transmitting device.

[0247] By inflating the balloon 1 with helium, the balloon 1 rises and is thus removed from the housing 16, in particular from the housing surfaces 21. There are no forces restraining the balloon 1. The coupling element is removed from the tube 17.

[0248] The balloon 1 is connected to the inflation device 15 via a cord 30. The cord is mounted on a reel so that it can be unwound.

[0249] The balloon 1 has a surface with light-reflecting properties. The surface of the balloon 1 can be arranged in the lower region of the balloon 1, opposite the illuminant 6.

[0250] Figure 9 shows the housing 16 with an open lid 26 after the inflated balloon 1 and the cord 30 have been removed. Figure 10 shows, in a simplified form, a three-dimensional representation of the actuating device for introducing the mandrels 25 into the pressure capsules 23, so that the fluid stored in the pressure capsules 23 is released to inflate the balloon 1. The representation in Figure 10 does not show the elements required to ensure the flow of gas from the gas container into the balloon. The actuating device can also be designed independently of the balloon and / or the inflation device 15 described above.

[0251] The balloon 1 and other elements, to which element is not directly referred in the following description of Figure 10, are not included in Figure 10 for the sake of clarity.

[0252] Figure 10 shows a rotating element 28, which the user rotates in the indicated direction. The rotation is transmitted to a first gear element 31. The rotating element 28 and the first gear element 31 engage via a non-visible recess in the rotating element and a visible projection 33 arranged in the first gear element 31. It is also conceivable to form the first gear element 31 and the rotating element 28 as a single piece.

[0253] The first gear element 31 is engaged with a second gear element 32 via a guide 34. The guide converts the rotary movement of the rotary element 28 into a linear movement of the second gear element 34, so that the second gear element 34 and mandrels 25 attached to the second gear element 34 are moved linearly and parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotary movement of the rotary element 28. The mandrels 25 are introduced into the pressure capsules 23 by this linear movement. The tips of the mandrels 25 are at different distances from the respective pressure capsule, so that the mandrels 25 are introduced serially into the pressure capsules 23.

[0254] The guide 34 is formed by first guide elements 35 of the first gear element 31 and second guide elements 36 of the second gear element 32. The first guide elements 35 in the form of projections slide along an inclined surface surrounding the axis of rotation as a second guide element 36, whereby the rotating movement of the first guide elements 35 is converted into the linear movement of the second guide elements 36. The first guide elements 34 are guided by a circumferential edge 37 of the second gear element 32 and / or by a cylindrical projection (not shown in Figures 10 and 11) of the second gear element 32, which projection the first guide elements 35 surround.

[0255] Figure 11 shows the second gear element 32 in detail.

[0256] Figure 12 shows a possible shape of a mandrel 25 .

[0257] Fig. 13 shows a supplementary removal device 40 for removing the balloon 1 or the opening 2 of the balloon 1 from the tube end region 18. The removal device 40 can, for example, be combined with the device shown in Figs. 1 to 3 or with the device shown in Figs. 4 to 12.

[0258] The puller device 40 comprises a recess 41, which recess 41 preferably has a circular shape. The puller device 40 further comprises a handle 42, which handle 42 extends radially from the circular opening 41.

[0259] Figure 14 shows a bottom view and a top view of the use of the puller device 41. The embodiments described above can be combined with the puller device 43.

[0260] The puller 40 is arranged on the inflation device 15 such that a neck of the balloon 1 with the opening 2 extends through the recess 41. By pulling on the handle 42 of the puller 40, the opening 2 of the balloon 1 is pulled away from the tube end region 18. In the preferred embodiment shown here, the handle 42 has the shape of an arrow, which indicates the direction of pull to be applied.

Claims

Patent claims 1. A signaling device comprising a balloon (1) with an opening (2), which balloon (1) is expandable by introducing a fluid through the opening (2) and through a valve (3) arranged in the opening (2), characterized in that the balloon (1) further comprises a lighting means (6) with a control device (4), wherein a change in length or a displacement of a switching element (5) of the control device (4) causes the lighting means (6) to be switched on, wherein a first end (9) of the switching element (5) is attached to a first balloon section (7) of the balloon (1), and wherein a second end (10) of the switching element (5) is attached to a second balloon section (8) of the balloon (1), which balloon sections (7, 8) are moved apart by filling the balloon (1) with the fluid and by expanding the balloon (1) caused by filling the balloon (1) with the fluid,whereby the change in length or the displacement of the switching element (5) is achieved and whereby the illuminant (6) is switched., 2. Signaling device according to claim 1, characterized in that the illuminating means (6) is arranged in an interior (11) of the balloon (1) or the illuminating means (6) is integrated into a shell of the balloon (1) or the illuminating means (6) is arranged on the shell of the balloon (1).

3. Signaling device according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the first balloon section (7) is arranged in the region of the opening (2) and / or the second balloon section (8) is arranged opposite the first balloon section (7).

4. Signaling device comprising a balloon (1) with an opening (2), which balloon (1) by introducing a fluid through the opening (2) and is expandable via a valve (3) arranged in the opening (2), characterized in that the balloon (1) further comprises in its interior a lighting means (6) with a control device (4), which control device (4) is coupled via radio contact to an input unit, which input unit, when actuated by a person, transmits a signal for switching the lighting means (6) to the control device (4). Signaling device comprising a balloon (1) with an opening (2), which balloon (1) is expandable by introducing a fluid via the opening (2) and via a valve (3) arranged in the opening (2), characterized in that a transmitter is arranged in the balloon. Signaling device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the opening (2) of the balloon (1) is coupled to an inflation device (15).which inflation device (15) comprises a housing (16) and a tube (17) with a tube end region (18) facing the opening (2), which tube end region (18) encloses the opening (2) to form an enclosing surface (19), which housing (16) comprises, at a distance from the tube (17) to a tube axis (20) of the tube (17), curved or flat housing surfaces (21) in the shape of a round or square funnel, wherein during the introduction of the fluid into the balloon (1), on the one hand, a first frictional force (FR1) acting between the enclosing surface (19) and the balloon (1) and a second frictional force (FR2) acting between the housing surface (21) and the inflating balloon (1) and, on the other hand, an inflation force (FL1) generated by the introduction into the balloon (1) and a repulsion force component (FL2) of the inflating balloon (1) from the housing surface (21) are in equilibrium., Signaling device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the opening (2) of the balloon (1) is coupled to an inflation device (15), which inflation device (15) comprises a housing (16) and a tube (17) with a coupling element facing the opening (2), which coupling element ensures a fluid-tight flow of the fluid from the tube (17) into the interior (11) of the balloon (1), wherein the opening (2) is detachable from the coupling element by overcoming a resistance force, wherein during the introduction of the fluid into the balloon (1), on the one hand, a resistance force acting between the coupling force and the opening (2) and a resistance force acting between the housing surface (21) and the inflating balloon (1) and, on the other hand, an inflation force (FL1) generated by the introduction into the balloon (1) as well as a repulsion force component (FL2) of the inflating balloon (1) from the housing surface (21) are in equilibrium. Signaling device according to one of claims 6 to 7, characterized in that the funnel end region (27) of the funnel with the smaller diameter is above the tube end region (18) with a vertical arrangement of the tube axis (20) or the cylinder axis (22). Signaling device according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the signaling device comprises a pull-off element (40) for manually releasing the coupling element from the tube (17). Signaling device according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the balloon (1) is connected to the inflation device (15) via a cord (30). Signaling device according to one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that the inflation device (15) has a plurality of mandrels (25) for insertion into each comprising a pressure capsule (23), which mandrels (25) have different extension lengths in the direction of the respective capsule to be opened.

12. Signaling device according to one of claims 6 to 11, characterized in that the inflation device (15) comprises a lever (26) or a rotary element (28) or a push element, each as an actuating device for releasing the fluid flow from the pressure capsule (23) into the balloon (1).

13. Signaling device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the signaling device is arranged in a casing, which casing is opened by the inflation of the balloon (1).

14. Signaling device according to claim 13, characterized in that the envelope comprises two elements movable relative to one another, one element serving as an actuating element for releasing the gas held in the pressure capsule (23).

Images