Megaphone

Abstract

To address such a problem that it involves tedious work to shape a megaphone from a planar state.SOLUTION: A megaphone 100 is constituted by overlapping two fan-shaped transparent resin plates and fusion-bonding both ends. Edges 1a and the 1b of the megaphone 100 respectively include one hole (holes a and b) on an edge on a side of a small arc portion 1c, one hole (holes c and d) near a center, and one hole (holes e and f) on a large arc portion 1d. A string 3 is passed through the holes a to f so that the string 3 is arranged in three rows substantially in parallel on an inner plate 1. When the string 3 is pulled in this parallel arrangement state, the end edges 1a and 1b are pulled evenly to be neatly and easily transformed from an unfolded state into a megaphone shape.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a megaphone that is convenient for carrying and has multiple uses.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a megaphone as described in Patent Document 1 has been known. This megaphone is composed of a pair of flexible plate bodies, and these plate bodies are in the shape of a folding fan. A long hole is provided near the opposing side portions of one plate body, and a string for hanging around the neck is passed through a hole near the center. A hook is provided near the center of the side edge. On the other plate body, a convex portion to be inserted into the long hole is formed at the side end. Also, a hook corresponding to the hook is provided near the center of the side edge. In this megaphone, the pair of plate bodies are each rolled up, the convex portion is inserted into the long hole, and the hooks are engaged with each other to hold this state, forming the shape of a megaphone. It can be used as a megaphone, but if it is put on the head, it becomes a hat. In addition, it can be used as a folding fan in a flat state.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Although the above-mentioned conventional megaphone has multiple uses, when using it as a megaphone, it is necessary to insert the convex portion into the long hole and fasten it with a hook, and the assembly is very troublesome. Also, since the plate bodies are in a two-piece configuration where they are separate from each other, handling is troublesome. The present invention has been made to solve such problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The megaphone according to the present invention has a main body that is a sector as a whole having a small arc portion and a large arc portion and is formed by overlapping transparent plates, a string for deforming the main body, and a plurality of holes are provided in the vicinity of both end edges of the main body substantially along the end edges as follows, the string is passed through the opposing holes of both end edges, and at one end edge, the string passes over the end edge and is passed through the hole from the opposite surface, and the string is substantially parallel vertically.

[0006] Also, the megaphone according to the present invention has a main body that is a sector as a whole having a small arc portion and a large arc portion and is formed by overlapping an inner plate and an outer plate made of transparent plates, and a string for deforming the main body. A hole is provided at each of both end edges in the vicinity of both end edges of the main body, one hole (holes a, b) at the end edge on the side of the small arc portion, one hole (holes c, d) near the center, and one hole (holes e, f) at the large arc portion 1d. For the hole, the tip of the string is first passed through from the outer plate of hole b, the string that has come out of the inner plate goes around the outer plate across the opposite edge, is passed through from the outer plate to the inner plate at hole a, and is arranged along edge 1a and passed through from the inner plate to the outer plate at hole e. Next, the string brought to the inner plate across edge 1a is passed through from the inner plate to the outer plate at hole f on the opposite edge, then arranged along the edge and passed through from the outer plate to the inner plate at hole d, and reaches hole c on the opposite side on the inner plate side but goes around the outer plate across the edge, is passed through hole c from the outer plate and comes out to the inner plate, and the string that has come out of the inner plate is led to hole b by diagonally crossing the inner plate and is passed through from the inner plate to the outer plate at hole b.

[0007] One end edge of the transparent plate of the main body may be connected and the other end edge may be unconnected. Further, at the other end edge, a configuration may be adopted in which one end edge is folded back and inserted into the folded-back portion of the other end edge.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a plan view in an unfolded state showing a megaphone according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a rear view of the megaphone shown in FIG. 1. This megaphone 100 has a structure in which two fan-shaped transparent resin plates are overlapped and both ends are fusion-bonded. The arc portions are not joined. Although there is no limitation on the transparency, it is preferable to have a transparency such that the inside can be seen in order to sandwich a printed matter such as an advertisement between the resin plates. Hereinafter, for the sake of explanation, the resin plate that becomes the inner side when the megaphone 100 is deformed is referred to as the inner plate 1, and the resin plate that becomes the outer side is referred to as the outer plate 2.

[0010] A plurality of holes for passing a deformation string 3 are provided at the edges 1a and 1b of the megaphone 100. Specifically, at both edges 1a and 1b, one hole (holes a, b) is provided at the edge on the side of the small arc portion 1c, one hole (holes c, d) is provided near the center, and one hole (holes e, f) is provided at the large arc portion 1d. The holes a to f are provided through the fusion-bonded portions of the edges 1a and 1b, penetrating the inner plate 1 and the outer plate 2. Further, the string 3 is passed through the holes a to f. The order of passing the string 3 is as follows.

[0011] First, the tip of the string 3 is passed through the outer plate 2 of the hole b. The string 3 that comes out of the inner plate 1 straddles the opposite edge 1a and goes around to the outer plate 2, and is passed from the outer plate 2 to the inner plate 1 through the hole a. Next, it is passed from the inner plate 1 to the outer plate 2 through the hole e arranged along the edge 1a. Next, the string 3 brought to the inner plate 1 after straddling the edge 1a is passed from the inner plate 1 to the outer plate 2 through the hole f of the opposite edge 1b.

[0012] Subsequently, the string 3 is arranged along the edge 1b and passed from the outer plate 2 to the inner plate 1 through the hole d. This string 3 reaches the opposite hole c on the inner plate 1 side but goes around to the outer plate 2 across the edge and is passed through the hole c from the outer plate 2 and comes out of the inner plate 1. The string 3 that comes out of the inner plate 1 is guided to the hole b by diagonally crossing the inner plate 1 and is passed from the inner plate 1 to the outer plate 2 through the hole b. In this state, the end portions of the string 3 are in a state of coming out of the outer plate 2 from the hole b. The end portions of the string 3 are tied together and passed through the cord stopper 5 so that the length can be adjusted and fixed.

[0013] The string 3 is preferably one with good slipperiness. Also, since it is preferably difficult to fray, a synthetic fiber string is preferred. It is preferable to provide hemming at the holes so as to reduce the friction with the string 3.

[0014] By passing the string 3 through the holes a to f as described above, the string 3 will be arranged in three rows substantially parallel on the inner plate 1. When the string 3 is pulled in this parallel arrangement, the edge portions 1a and 1b are evenly pulled and deformed beautifully from the unfolded state into a megaphone shape.

[0015] Note that the inner plate 1 and the outer plate 2 may have the same shape, or only one of them may have a punched hole or the like near the center. A punched hole may be provided so that writing can be done on the paper sandwiched inside. Also, the joint portion at both end edges is preferably structured to include a fold-back to ensure strength.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a mold for cutting a printed matter sandwiched between resin plates of a megaphone into a predetermined shape. This mold 6 is fan-shaped and substantially similar to the resin plate. A paper with predetermined content printed along the outer edge of this mold 6 is cut by a cutter. This mold 6 is provided as an accessory. The mold 6 may be provided with a design such as characters as a cut-out portion (not shown). Thereby, the user can easily describe the design on the paper. Also, the mold 6 can be put into a storage state by sandwiching it between resin plates.

[0017] Next, the usage method of this megaphone 100 will be described. FIGS. 4 to 7 are explanatory views showing the deformation process of the megaphone according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the string 3 extending from the hole b is pulled while the megaphone 100 is lightly held in the hand. Thereby, the edge portions are pulled by the string 3 arranged across the inner plate 1. At this time, the small arc portion 1c, the central portion 1f, and the large arc portion 1d are evenly pulled by the string 3, and both end edges are smoothly pulled closer.

[0018] As the string 3 is pulled, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the two end edges 1a and 1b gradually approach each other, and finally, as shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 7, they are joined in a state where the two end edges 1a and 1b partially overlap. The portions of the holes a, c, and e are at the bottom, and the portions of the holes b, d, and f are on top and overlap. The string 3 is in a form that directly communicates with the holes a and b, the holes c and d, and the holes e and f in the overlapping state. Therefore, the edges 1a and 1b will neatly overlap each other.

[0019] FIG. 8 shows the internal state when it becomes a megaphone shape. In this way, since the edges 1a and 1b overlap each other, the shape of the megaphone 100 is neatly formed. Therefore, it is easy to hold in the hand, and the sound is transmitted to the entire surface without leakage. Also, since the string 3 extends outside, it can be used to hang the megaphone 100.

[0020] Furthermore, one of the edges 1a and 1b can have a non-fused structure. For example, in FIG. 1, the left edge 1b is fused, but the right edge 1a on the opposite side is not connected to the resin plates of the outer plate 2 and the inner plate 1. This is to absorb the minute deviation caused by the difference between the outer plate 2 and the inner plate 1 when deforming into the shape of the megaphone 100. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the undulation of the inner plate 1 when deforming into the megaphone shape and to neatly round it. At this time, since the phenomenon of the holes through which the string 3 passes shifting between the outer plate 2 and the inner plate 1 occurs, it is preferable to make one of the holes an elongated hole in the arc direction. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the string 3 from being restricted. Or, the diameter of one of the holes may be increased to absorb the deviation of the centers of the holes.

[0021] Next, another usage method will be described. As shown in FIG. 9, the outer plate 2 and the inner plate 1 can be spread out to form a hat-like shape. FIG. (a) of the same figure is a top view, and FIG. (b) of the same figure is a bottom view. In this case, by pulling the string 3 on the side of the large arc portion 1d, it can be used as a chin strap. The usage environment of the megaphone 100 is often outdoors such as a baseball field. In this case, it is very convenient if it can be worn on the head for sunshade, as shown in FIG. 10, for sunshade and rain protection. Also, since the small-diameter side is open, the air permeability is good.

[0022] (Embodiment 2) FIG. 11 is an exploded view showing a megaphone according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. This megaphone 200 has substantially the same configuration as the megaphone 100 according to Embodiment 1 described above, but the attachment form of the string 3 is different. One end of the string 3 is fixed to the hole f. The string 3 exits the inner plate 1 through the hole f to the outer plate 2, crosses the edge 1a, reaches the inner plate 1, and is directly passed to the hole e on the opposite side. The string 3 passes through the hole e, and the string 3 that has passed through the hole e is guided and passed through the hole c in the outer plate 2. The string 3 that has passed through the hole c from the outer plate 2 to the inner plate 1 is passed to the opposite edge 1b and straddles the edge 1b and is passed from the outer plate 2 to the inner plate 1 with respect to the hole d. The string 3 passed through the hole d is passed from the inner plate 1 to the outer plate 2 along the edge 1b to the hole b. The string 3 passed through the hole b straddles the edge 1b and reaches the inner plate 1, and is further passed to the hole a of the opposite edge 1a and extends out directly from the hole a.

[0023] When the string 3 is pulled in this state, the string 3 is pulled through each of the holes a to f, and the edges 1a and 1b approach each other, and finally, it becomes a megaphone shape. Since the string 3 is passed through the hole so as to straddle the edges 1a and 1b on one of the both edges 1a and 1b, when the megaphone 200 is formed into a shape, the edges 1a and 1b overlap each other and a beautiful megaphone shape is formed. In addition, the attachment structure of the string 3 is simple. Since the string 3 extends long, if it is folded back and the end is engaged with a part of the main body, it can be hung around the neck.

[0024] (Embodiment 3) FIG. 12 is a plan view showing a megaphone according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view of the megaphone shown in FIG. 12. This megaphone 300 has a structure in which two transparent resin plates in a fan shape are overlapped and one end 1b which is a radial straight line portion is joined. The arc portions 1c and 1d are not joined. Although there is no limitation on the transparency, it is preferable to have such a transparency that the inside can be seen in order to sandwich a printed matter such as an advertisement between the resin plates.

[0025] At the other end 1a of the megaphone 300, the radial straight part is not joined by the inner plate 1 and the outer plate 2, and the end of the outer plate 2 is folded back. The folded part 21 has a constant width. The end 1a of the inner plate 1 is inserted between the overlapping parts 21. As a result, the end 1a of the outer plate 2 and the end 1a of the inner plate 1 overlap by the said width (overlapping part 21). This overlapping part 21 also has the effect of preventing the printed matter from falling out when it is sandwiched inside. Also, when used as a cap to be described later, as shown in Fig. 14, it is possible to prevent the overlapping part 21 from spreading and creating a gap between the outer plate 2 and the inner plate 1.

[0026] In the overlapping part 21, a long hole 11 is provided near the edge of the inner plate 1. A normal circular hole 22 may be provided at the end of the outer plate 2. When the megaphone 300 is rounded, where displacement occurs due to the difference between the inside and the outside, by making the long hole 11 near the edge of the inner plate 1, the said difference can be absorbed. Also, as shown in Fig. 15(a), the long hole 11 of the inner plate 1 is made into a large hole 12 with a diameter set to have a margin with respect to the diameter of the string 3 to be described later, and the same effect can be obtained. Also, the shape or dimensions of the holes 11, 12 of the inner plate 1 and the hole 22 of the outer plate 2 may be reversed. The following description of the holes is assumed to be provided under the above conditions.

[0027] Also, as shown in Fig. 15(b), the overlapping part 21 may be formed continuously with the fusion part between the inner plate 1 and the outer plate 2, and a hole 13 to be described later may be provided in the fusion part. In other words, the edge of the outer plate 2 is folded back to form a fusion part 22, a part extending from this fusion part 22 is formed, and an overlapping part 21 with the edge of the inner plate 1 is formed. In this case, a hole is not required at the edge 1a of the inner plate 1. Since there is no hole in the overlapping part 21, the displacement during the deformation into the megaphone shape to be described later can be smoothly absorbed.

[0028] Furthermore, it may be configured as shown in Fig. 15(c). That is, in the configuration of (b) above, the edge of the outer plate 2 is further folded back, the edge of the inner plate 1 is folded back, and the folded portions are locked together. This locking restricts the relative movement due to the hooked state of the folded portions and their displacement. In particular, when deformed into the shape of a hat, it can prevent the inner plate 1 and the outer plate 2 from coming off at the overlapping portion 21. It is also effective in terms of waterproofing.

[0029] Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 15(d), a fold line is provided radially near the edge of the inner plate 1 to form a ridge 27, and the ridge 27 absorbs the displacement during deformation into the megaphone shape. That is, the displacement between the inner plate 1 and the outer plate 2 is absorbed by the deformation of the ridge 27. Since the deformation of the ridge 27 increases the radial strength of the megaphone, the megaphone is formed neatly.

[0030] A plurality of holes (any of the holes 11, 22, 12, 13 in the above form) through which the string 3 for deformation is passed are provided at the edges 1a, 1b of the megaphone 300. Specifically, at both edges 1a, 1b, one hole (holes a, b) is provided at the edge 1a, 1b on the side of the small arc portion 1c, one hole (holes c, d) is provided near the center, and one hole (holes e, f) is provided at the large arc portion 1d. The string 3 is passed through the holes. The order of passing the string 3 is as follows.

[0031] First, the tip of the string 3 is passed through the outer plate 2 of the hole b, and the string 3 that comes out of the inner plate 1 straddles the opposite edge 1a and goes around the outer plate 2 and is passed through the outer plate 2 into the inner plate 1 at the hole a. Next, it is passed from the inner plate 1 to the outer plate 2 through the hole e arranged along the edge 1a. Next, the string 3 brought to the inner plate 1 across the edge 1a is passed from the inner plate 1 to the outer plate 2 through the hole f of the opposite edge 1b.

[0032] Subsequently, the string 3 is arranged along the edge 1b and passed through the hole d from the outer plate 2 towards the inner plate 1. This string 3 reaches the hole c on the opposite side on the inner plate 1 side but loops around the outer plate 2 across the edge, passes through the hole c from the outer plate 2, and exits the inner plate 1. The string 3 that has exited the inner plate 1 is led to the hole b by diagonally crossing the inner plate 1 and is passed through the hole b from the inner plate 1 towards the outer plate 2. In this state, the ends of the string 3 are in a state of exiting the outer plate 2 from the hole b. The ends of the string 3 are tied together and passed through the cord stopper 5 so that the length can be adjusted and fixed.

[0033] The string 3 is preferably one with good slipperiness. Also, since it is preferably difficult to fray, a synthetic fiber string is preferred. It is preferable to provide grommets in the holes to reduce friction with the string 3.

[0034] The outer plate 2 and the inner plate 1 may have the same shape, or only one of them may have a large-diameter punched hole near the center. By providing the punched hole, it is possible to write on the paper sandwiched inside (not shown).

[0035] The usage method of this megaphone 300 is the same as that of the above-described Embodiment 1, but it is different in the following points. When the string 3 is pulled, the edges 1a and 1b are pulled and the whole is deformed into a megaphone shape. In the overlapping portion 21, a difference occurs between the outer plate 2 and the inner plate 1, and displacement occurs between the outer plate 2 and the inner plate 1. This displacement causes undulations when forming the megaphone shape. However, since this displacement is absorbed in the overlapping portion 21, when forming the megaphone shape, the inner plate 1 does not undulate and a clean megaphone shape is formed.

[0036] According to this megaphone 300, when deforming from a planar state to the megaphone 300 shape, a clean megaphone shape can be formed. Furthermore, when spreading the space between the inner plate 1 and the outer plate 2 and using it like a hat, since it spreads along the fold line of the overlapping portion 21 and the outer plate 2 and the inner plate 1 are connected by the string 3, the edges 1a and 1b of the inner plate 1 and the outer plate 2 do not separate from each other, and since it is blocked by the overlapping portion 21, it can also defend against rain.

[0037] (Embodiment 4) FIG. 16 is an exploded view showing a megaphone according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. This megaphone 400 is characterized in that a radial slit 25 is provided in a part of the inner plate 1. Since the rest has the same configuration as the megaphone 100 according to Embodiment 1, the same reference numerals are given to the same components and the description thereof is omitted. The slit 25 may be only a cut, or may be formed such that the cuts overlap as shown in FIG. 17. Thereby, when deformed into a megaphone shape, the displacement between the inner plate 1 and the outer plate 2 is absorbed, and the undulation of the inner plate 1 is prevented.

[0038] (Embodiment 5) FIG. 18 is an exploded view showing a megaphone according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. This megaphone 500 has the same configuration as the megaphone 100 of Embodiment 1, but an accessory hole 6 for attaching an accessory 7 such as a bell, a charm, an LED lamp, etc. is provided. The accessory hole 6 penetrates the inner plate 1 and the outer plate 2. The position of the accessory hole 6 is preferably provided on the small-diameter side of the arc portion. As shown in FIG. 19, the accessory 7 is attached to the accessory hole 6 by a string.

[0039] (Embodiment 6) FIG. 20 is an exploded view showing a megaphone according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention. This megaphone 600 has a structure in which two fan-shaped transparent resin plates are overlapped and both ends are fusion-bonded. The arc portions are not joined. There is no limitation on the transparency, but it is preferably transparent enough to see the inside because a printed matter such as an advertisement is sandwiched between the resin plates. Also, as shown in Embodiment 2, one edge may not be joined. A plurality of snap buttons 601 are provided on the edges 1a and 1b of the megaphone 100. The snap button 601 on the edge 1a and the snap button 601 on the edge 1b are paired. Holes a and b through which a string 3 is passed are provided at the edges on the side of the small arc portion 1c of both edges 1a and 1b.

[0040] In this megaphone 600, it is deformed into a megaphone shape to connect the snap buttons 601. Thereby, the megaphone shape is maintained.

[0041] Also, as another example, in the megaphone 650 shown in FIG. 21, instead of the snap button 601, a hook-and-loop fastener 602 is provided on the edges 1a and 1b. Also in this case, it is deformed into a megaphone shape to connect the hook-and-loop fasteners 602 to each other. Thereby, the megaphone shape is retained.

Explanation of Signs

[0042] 100 Megaphone 1 Inner plate 2 Outer plate 3 String a - f Holes 4 Cord stopper

Claims

[Claim 1] The main body has a sector shape having a small arc portion and a large arc portion, and is configured by stacking two resin plates, at least one of which is transparent; The resin plates of the main body are connected at one end edge and not connected at the other end edge when stacked, The megaphone is characterized in that the main body is rolled and deformed into a megaphone shape.

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