Attention attracting mat

Abstract

To enable a visually handicapped person or the like to easily and safely move outdoors or indoors, especially indoors at a low cost.SOLUTION: The speaker is provided with a sounding body 12, a base material 14 on which the sounding body 12 is placed, and a cover material 16 covering an upper face of the base material 14 together with the sounding body 12, the sounding body 12 is made of a plate-like spring material swollen to one face side, and the sounding body 12 is contained and supported in a container space 20 between the base material 14 and the cover material 16. The sounding body 12 swells in a dome shape or a semi-cylindrical shape.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a warning mat that is placed in front of an obstacle, danger, etc. to notify visually impaired people, etc., of the presence of the obstacle, danger, etc. in advance. [Background technology]

[0002] Fig. 10 is an explanatory diagram of tactile paving blocks installed on roads, station platforms, etc. For the visually impaired, tactile paving blocks such as those shown in Fig. 10 are laid on roads, station platforms, etc. There are mainly two types of tactile paving blocks: guide blocks 100 and warning blocks 102.

[0003] The guide blocks 100 are installed for the purpose of safely guiding visually impaired people. A plurality of parallel ridges 104 are provided on the top surface of the guide blocks 100, and visually impaired people can safely reach their destination by following the direction of the ridges 104 on the top surface of the guide blocks 100. The guide blocks 100 are installed in places that indicate routes of travel, such as on train platforms and in passageways of public facilities, as well as on the way to major intersections and building entrances.

[0004] The warning blocks 102 are installed to notify visually impaired people of dangerous locations and changes in direction of travel. The multiple protrusions 106, which are small, cup-shaped bulges, enable visually impaired people to sense that they need to change direction of travel or that a dangerous location is approaching. The warning blocks 102 are installed in front of stairs and escalators, at the edge of station platforms, before intersections and crosswalks, and at building entrances and doorways.

[0005] While such measures are taken outdoors for the visually impaired, they are not taken within the average home. In an average home, the visually impaired must memorize the layout of entrance steps, doors, staircases, and furniture, and rely on their memories to navigate within the home safely.

[0006] However, until visually impaired people memorize the layout of entrance steps, doors, stairs, furniture, etc., they are at risk of tripping over steps, bumping into doors or furniture, or nearly falling down the stairs. Even after memorizing the layout, they may mispredict and trip over steps, bump into doors or furniture, or nearly fall down the stairs. Even able-bodied people are at risk of tripping over steps, bumping into doors or furniture, or nearly falling down the stairs if the room is dark. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-193261 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-2130 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to enable visually impaired people (visually impaired people, injured or ill people, pregnant women, elderly people, etc.) and able-bodied people to move more safely outdoors and indoors, especially indoors. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present invention solves this problem with the following attention-grabbing mat. That is, the present invention comprises one or more sound-generating bodies, a base material on which the sound-generating bodies are placed, and a covering material that covers the upper surface of the base material together with the sound-generating bodies, the sound-generating bodies being made of a plate-shaped spring material that bulges out on one side. The base material and the covering material are connected in an area that surrounds the sound-generating bodies, forming a storage space. The sound-generating bodies are stored and supported in the storage space. The base material and the covering material can be connected by sewing, heat welding, or adhesive bonding.

[0010] The warning mat according to the present invention is installed and used in a position in front of an obstacle, danger, or the like. When a visually impaired person, etc., traveling indoors, reaches a position in front of an obstacle, danger, or the like and steps on the sound-generating body within the warning mat, the sound-generating body deforms downward and, halfway through this deformation, suddenly bulges downward. The sudden bulging of the sound-generating body produces a sharp warning sound (a clicking sound) and an impact (a clicking sensation). When the pressure on the sound-generating body is released, the bulging portion of the sound-generating body suddenly returns to its original shape. The sudden return of the sound-generating body produces a sharp warning sound and an impact. The visually impaired person, etc., receives this sharp warning sound with their ears and feels the impact with their feet, thereby realizing that an obstacle, danger, or the like is ahead. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The present invention has an advantage that, since it is provided with a sounding body, when the sounding body is stepped on or when the stepping is released, a part of the sounding body is suddenly deformed to emit a sharp warning sound or give an impact to the sole of the foot, so that the person who stepped on it knows that he is just before an obstacle or danger and can proceed forward carefully.

[0012] Furthermore, the present invention has the advantage that it can reliably notify visually impaired persons of the presence of obstacles, dangers, etc., since it not only notifies visually impaired persons of the warning sound but also of the impact.

[0013] Furthermore, the present invention has the advantage that the device can function without using a power source, since the warning sound or impact is generated by the sudden deformation of the sound-producing body.

[0014] Furthermore, since the present invention can generate warning sounds and shocks without using a power source, there is no need for maintenance such as battery replacement to keep the device functioning, and therefore the device can be easily maintained, which is an advantage.

[0015] Furthermore, since the present invention can generate a warning sound and a shock without using a power source, there is no risk of an inoperable state such as a dead battery, and therefore there is an advantage in that one can live with the confidence that the device will always be operational.

[0016] Furthermore, since the present invention can generate a warning sound and shock without using a power source, it does not require an electronic circuit within the device, making the device less susceptible to breakdowns and therefore offering the advantage of high reliability.

[0017] Furthermore, the present invention has the advantage that there is almost no need to worry about deterioration over time, since the warning sound or impact is simply produced physically from a sound-producing body with a simple structure.

[0018] Furthermore, the present invention has the advantage that it has high physical durability, so there is almost no risk of damage even when a heavy object is placed on it.

[0019] Furthermore, the present invention has the advantage that when a corrosion-resistant material such as stainless steel is used as the material for the sound generating body, it will not rust or deteriorate.

[0020] Furthermore, the present invention has the advantage that if the type of warning sound emitted from the device is associated with each type of obstacle or danger, the type of obstacle or danger can be easily recognized by the warning sound.

[0021] Furthermore, the present invention has the advantage that if a resonator that resonates with the sound generated by the sound generator is connected to the sound generator, a louder warning sound can be generated. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a warning mat according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a warning mat according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view of a warning mat according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the attention calling mat according to the present invention is installed in front of the entrance and exit of a staircase. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the attention calling mat according to the present invention is installed in front of a door. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the packaging of the attention calling mat according to the present invention. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram of the tactile paving blocks installed on roads, station platforms, etc. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] To achieve the objective of enabling visually impaired people to move more safely outdoors and indoors, especially indoors, with a simple device configuration and without requiring maintenance such as battery replacement for the device to function. [Example]

[0024] Fig. 1 is a plan view of an attention calling mat according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in Fig. 1. In these figures, reference numeral 10 denotes an attention calling mat, which is made up of a sound generating body 12, a sheet-like substrate 14 on which the sound generating body 12 is placed, and a covering material 16 that covers the upper surface of the substrate 14.

[0025] The sounding body 12 is made of a spring material. Examples of spring materials that can be used include stainless steel, carbon steel, alloy steel, copper alloy, and plastic. Examples of plastic materials that can be used include PC (polycarbonate), POM (polyacetal), and PEEK (polyether ether ketone). Stainless steel is preferable in terms of corrosion resistance and mechanical strength.

[0026] The sounding body 12 is made of a plate material. The thickness of the plate material is preferably 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm. If the plate material has a thickness in this range, the desired warning sound and impact will be produced. The allowable range for the thickness of the plate material is 0.1 mm to 1 mm. If the thickness is less than 0.1 mm, it will be easily deformed when stepped on, making it difficult to produce a loud warning sound. If the thickness exceeds 1 mm, it will be difficult to deform when stepped on, making it difficult to produce a warning sound.

[0027] The sounding body 12 has an elongated shape. The width of the sounding body 12 is preferably 10 mm to 30 mm. If the width of the sounding body 12 is within this range, the desired warning sound and impact will be produced. The allowable width range for the sounding body 12 is 5 mm to 40 mm. If the width of the sounding body 12 is less than 5 mm, it will be easily deformed when stepped on, making it difficult to produce a loud warning sound. If the width of the sounding body 12 is greater than 40 mm, it will be difficult to deform when stepped on, making it difficult to produce a warning sound.

[0028] The sounding body 12 bulges outward in a semi-cylindrical shape toward one side (upward in FIG. 2). The height of the bulge of the sounding body 12 is preferably 15% to 20% of its width. If the height of the bulge of the sounding body 12 is within this range, the desired warning sound and impact will be produced. The allowable range for the height of the bulge of the sounding body 12 is 10% to 30% of its width. If it is less than 10%, it will be difficult to produce a loud warning sound, and if it exceeds 30%, it will be difficult for the bulge to deform when stepped on with a foot, making it difficult to produce a warning sound.

[0029] The base material 14 has a horizontally long rectangular shape. In the first embodiment, the base material 14 preferably has a length L of 300 mm to 1000 mm and a width H of 250 mm to 350 mm. Materials that can be used for the base material 14 include cardboard, cloth, plastic sheets, and metal plates. The thickness of the base material 14 is preferably 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm. If the floor 24 on which the base material 14 is to be installed is covered with a soft carpet or the like, the sounding body 12 will sink into the carpet and become less likely to deform, so in such cases the base material 14 needs to be firm and rigid.

[0030] The multiple sounding bodies 12 are oriented in the width direction of the base material 14 and are arranged in parallel at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction. The intervals between the sounding bodies 12 are preferably 10 mm to 15 mm. The covering material 16 can be, for example, a sheet of urethane foam, nonwoven fabric, cloth, PVC sheet, leather, etc. The covering material 16 is an elongated rectangle with the same shape and size as the base material 14.

[0031] The base material 14 and the covering material 16 are partially connected in the area surrounding the sounding body 12. In Example 1, the base material 14 and the covering material 16 are sewn together with sewing thread 18. A storage space 20 is formed between the base material 14 and the covering material 16. The sounding body 12 is stored in the storage space 20.

[0032] The back surface of the base material 14 is fixed to the floor 24 by an anti-slip sheet 22 to prevent slipping. As a means for fixing the back surface of the base material 14, double-sided adhesive tape or adhesive may be used in addition to the anti-slip sheet 22. The dimensions and pitch of the attention calling mat according to the present invention may be changed as appropriate depending on the purpose of installation and the construction environment. [Example]

[0033] Fig. 3 is a plan view of an attention calling mat according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in Fig. 3. The basic configuration of the attention calling mat according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, but differs in that the multiple sound generating bodies 12 are oriented in the longitudinal direction (the left-right direction in Fig. 3).

[0034] Furthermore, the base material 14 and the covering material 16 are not sewn but are partially adhered and connected by thermal welding. In Fig. 3, the hatched area surrounding the sound generator 12 is the welded portion 26 connected by thermal welding. 28 is double-sided adhesive tape. Note that the protrusions 104 of an existing guide block 100 may be formed from the sound generator 12 according to the present invention, and the attention calling mats 10 according to Examples 1 and 2 may be used as the existing guide block 100. [Example]

[0035] Fig. 5 is a plan view of an attention calling mat according to Example 3 of the present invention, and Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow CC in Fig. 5. The basic configuration of the attention calling mat according to Example 3 is the same as that of Example 1, but the sound generating body 12 is substantially square, with the central portion bulging out in a dome shape towards one side (upward in Fig. 6).

[0036] The central portion of the sound generating body 12 bulges out in a dome shape on one side. The height of the bulge is 10% to 30% of the diameter of the dome. The base material 14 and the covering material 16 are sewn and connected in a lattice pattern with sewing thread 16. Note that the protrusions 106 of an existing warning block 102 may be formed from the sound generating body 12 according to the present invention, and the attention calling mat 10 according to Example 3 may be used as the existing warning block 102.

[0037] Next, a description will be given of the case where the attention calling mat according to the present invention is installed at the entrance or exit of a staircase. Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the case where the attention calling mat according to the present invention is installed on a staircase. When the attention calling mat 10 according to the present invention is installed on a staircase, it is installed in front of the entrance to the staircase and in front of the entrance to the staircase, as shown in the figure.

[0038] When a visually impaired person walks toward the entrance or exit of a staircase and reaches the entrance or exit, the attention mat 10 installed in front of the entrance or exit is stepped on by the visually impaired person's foot. When the attention mat 10 is stepped on by the visually impaired person's foot, the sound generating body 12 inside the attention mat 10 is also stepped on by the visually impaired person's foot.

[0039] When the sound producing body 12 is stepped on by the foot of a visually impaired person, the bulging portion of the sound producing body 12 is pushed downward, deforming toward the other side, and during the deformation, the pushed portion suddenly bulges toward the other side. When the pushed portion suddenly bulges toward the other side, a sharp warning sound and impact are generated along with the sudden bulging. Furthermore, when the pressure is released, the bulging portion of the sound producing body suddenly returns to its original shape. The sound producing body suddenly returns to its original shape, emitting a sharp warning sound and impact.

[0040] Visually impaired people hear this sharp warning sound and feel the impact with their feet, letting them know that there is an obstacle or danger ahead. These warning sounds and impacts let visually impaired people know that they have reached the top or bottom of the stairs, allowing them to climb or descend the stairs carefully.

[0041] 8 is an explanatory diagram of the installation of the attention mat 10 of the present invention in front of a door. When the attention mat 10 of the present invention is installed in front of a door, it is placed on the floor 24 in front of the door, as shown in the figure. When a visually impaired person walks toward the door and reaches the front of the door, the attention mat 10 is stepped on by the visually impaired person's foot.

[0042] When the attention mat 10 is stepped on by a foot, a sharp sound is emitted from the sound generating body 12. When the pressure of the foot is released, another sharp sound is emitted. This clicking sound lets the visually impaired person know that they are standing in front of the door. Then, the visually impaired person can touch the door, find the door knob, and turn the knob to open the door.

[0043] The warning mat 10 of the present invention can be used both indoors and outdoors. Indoor locations include before and after stairs, in front of doors, in front of corners, and in front of obstacles in public facilities such as elderly care facilities, nursing homes, hospitals, libraries, schools, and government offices. Outdoor locations include before and after intersections, before and after stairs, before and after steps, and on train platforms.

[0044] The warning mat of the present invention is convenient for storage and handling when rolled up into a long shape, as shown in Figure 9. When installing this warning mat indoors, it is cut to an appropriate length, taking into consideration the space available at the installation location, and then installed at the desired location. [Industrial Applicability]

[0045] The main purpose of this invention is to alert the visually impaired and the like, but if it is installed around the house or on a balcony, it can be used to notify of intrusion by a third party, so it can also be used for crime prevention purposes. [Explanation of symbols]

[0046] 10. Caution mat 12 Sounding body 14 Base material 16 Covering material 18 Sewing thread 20 Storage space 22 Anti-slip sheet 24 beds 26 Welded area 28 double-sided adhesive tape

Claims

1. This attention-calling mat comprises a sound-generating body, a base material on which the sound-generating body is placed, and a covering material that covers the upper surface of the base material together with the sound-generating body, the sound-generating body being made of a bulging plate-like spring material on one side, and the sound-generating body being stored and supported between the base material and the covering material.

2. 2. The attention-attracting mat according to claim 1, wherein the sound-generating body is dome-shaped or semi-cylindrical.

3. 2. The attention-attracting mat according to claim 1, further comprising a resonator that resonates the sound generated by the sound-generating body.

4. 2. The attention-attracting mat according to claim 1, wherein the type of warning sound emitted from said sound-generating body corresponds to the type of obstacle or danger.

5. 2. The attention-attracting mat according to claim 1, wherein the sound-generating body is dome-shaped and constitutes a protrusion of the warning block.

6. 2. The attention-attracting mat according to claim 1, wherein the sound-generating body is bulging in a semi-cylindrical shape and forms a protrusion of the guide block.

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