protective gear

Abstract

To provide an effective and highly practical self-defense technique that can be used against an animal in front when suddenly encountering an animal such as a bear that may cause serious bodily harm to a person. [Solution] The self-defense device 10 comprises a throwing container 2 for storing a self-defense item 9, a container holder 3 for holding the throwing container 2, and an attachment 5 attached to the container holder 3 and capable of attaching another attachment object 20, and the container holder 3 is equipped with a release structure 4 for releasing the throwing container 2 it is holding.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a self-defense device, and more particularly to a self-defense device that can be used when encountering an animal that can cause bodily harm, such as a bear. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, due to the declining birthrate and aging population, and the dramatic decline in the resident and working population in rural areas due to the outflow of people to cities, damage to crops caused by wild boars, bears, deer, etc. has increased, and damage caused by their intrusion into human residential areas has also increased sharply, making effective countermeasures urgently needed nationwide. In particular, human injuries caused by bears have become more serious, becoming a disaster-level problem. Many patent applications have been filed to address the issue of animal damage. For example, Patent Document 1, listed below, discloses a hiking walking stick made of a hard and strong material such as iron, which can be used as a weapon to kill attacking bears by striking them.

[0003] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a device for a belt to be worn on the body, equipped with a light and sound generator, which is intended as a defensive measure against attacks from behind by bears or wild boars, and which aims to scare and drive away attackers by emitting a powerful, blinding light behind the victim, or by emitting sounds such as the roars and high-frequency sounds of wild animals. has been disclosed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2025-89209 A "Bear Stick" [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2022-83388 "Bird and animal protection device with light" [Patent Document 3] JP 2008-51442 A "Chemical spray container" Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the walking stick disclosed in the above-mentioned Document 1 requires a considerable weight to achieve the striking force it aims for, making it difficult to carry and requiring a certain level of skill to use, making it impractical for elderly people and others with limited physical strength. Furthermore, the function of the technology disclosed in Document 2 is solely a defensive function that intimidates animals behind, and is not effective in self-defense in the event of a sudden encounter with a bear or other animal in front of you. There is a need for an effective and highly practical self-defense technique that can be used against animals in front of you when you suddenly encounter an animal that could cause serious personal injury, such as a bear.

[0006] Therefore, the problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide an effective and highly practical self-defense technique that can be used against animals in front of you when you suddenly encounter an animal, such as a bear, that could cause serious bodily harm to you, taking into account the prior art. For example, to provide a highly practical self-defense technique that can effectively repel or keep the bear away while ensuring your safety when encountering a bear. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] While considering the above-mentioned problem, the inventor of the present application came up with the idea of ​​using a marking ball or the like that can be thrown to identify fleeing criminals or vehicles in the event of a sudden incident such as a bank robbery. Various patent applications have been filed for marking balls and the like. For example, the above-mentioned Patent Document 3 discloses a portable marking ball that can color an identification target with a coloring solvent using a simple structure without a launching device, comprising a drug bag made of an elastic material, a gas cylinder filled with compressed gas, and a means for opening the drug bag. While this technology and other marking balls are intended solely for the purpose of marking targets, the idea of ​​easily breaking the container in an emergency to expose and release a contained substance with a specific effect is also useful for the problem solved by the present invention.

[0008] The inventor confirmed that the problem could be solved by storing a repellent with an odor that is disliked by bears and other target animals in a container such as a ball that is easy to carry and can be easily destroyed in an emergency, and by making the container easy to carry. Based on the above considerations, the inventor completed the present invention. That is, the device claimed as a utility model in this application, or at least the device disclosed therein, as a means for solving the above problem is as follows.

[0009] [1] A self-defense device comprising a throwing container for storing a self-defense item, a container holder for holding the throwing container, and an attachment attached to the container holder to which other attachment objects can be attached, characterized in that the container holder is provided with a release structure for releasing the throwing container it is holding. [2] The self-defense tool described in [1], characterized in that the throwing container is formed so that the inside can be exposed when thrown onto the ground, floor, or other target. [3] The self-defense tool according to [1], characterized in that the release structure is a one-touch structure that is released by a single manual operation.

[0010] [4] The self-defense tool according to [1], characterized in that the release structure is a structure for releasing the throwing container from the container holder. [5] A self-defense tool according to any one of [1], [2], [3], and [4], characterized in that the self-defense container is characterized by an odor. [6] The self-defense tool according to any one of [1], [2], [3], and [4], characterized in that the self-defense container is an animal repellent. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The self-defense device of the present invention, configured as described above, provides an effective and practical self-defense technique against animals in front of you when you suddenly encounter a bear or other animal that could cause serious bodily harm. Furthermore, the self-defense device of the present invention allows you to respond immediately to the encounter or approach of such harmful animals, providing immediate repelling effects. Furthermore, the structure consisting of the throwing container, container holder, and attachment can be designed to be lightweight and compact, making it highly portable. Therefore, it is suitable for carrying during outdoor activities, forestry work, agricultural work, construction work, and other civil engineering work. Furthermore, if the throwing container is formed or manufactured from natural materials, it can prevent adverse effects on the natural environment even if it is left abandoned after being thrown.

[0012] Specifically, when it comes to bears, conventional techniques for scaring them away with sound, such as bear bells, sirens, and firecrackers, are merely preventative measures designed to keep bears away and are ineffective during encounters. Furthermore, they may be counterproductive against bears accustomed to humans. Bear spray is difficult to administer quickly and easily, has a limited effective distance, and is easily affected by wind. Bear sprays that meet EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) standards, while proven effective, are extremely expensive and difficult to purchase. Furthermore, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 above is difficult to carry and therefore lacks practicality. In contrast, the present invention allows for bear repellent effects when encountered with a bear by simply throwing it immediately when the bear approaches. It is quicker to use and easier to operate than bear spray, and is not significantly affected by distance or wind. Therefore, when encountering a bear, it is possible to effectively repel the bear while ensuring safety. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing the basic structure of the self-defense tool of the present invention. [Figure 1-2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing the state in which the self-defense tool shown in FIG. 1 is attached. [Figure 2] 2A and 2B are explanatory diagrams showing the actions (a) and (b) of the self-defense tool shown in FIG. [Figure 2-2]2A and 2B are explanatory diagrams showing the actions (c) and (d) of the self-defense tool shown in FIG. [Figure 2-3] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the action (e) of the self-defense tool shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing the basic configuration of the release structure of the self-defense tool of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a first example of the self-defense tool of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram showing the second example of the self-defense tool of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram showing the third example of the self-defense tool of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is an explanatory diagram showing the fourth example of the self-defense tool of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is an explanatory diagram showing product example 5 of the self-defense tool of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram conceptually illustrating the basic configuration of the self-defense tool of the present invention. As shown in (a) of the figure, the self-defense tool 10 mainly comprises a throwing container 2 for containing a self-defense object 9, a container holder 3 for holding the throwing container 2, and an attachment 5 attached to the container holder 3 to which another attachment object 20 can be attached. The container holder 3 is equipped with a release structure 4 for releasing the held throwing container 2. When the self-defense tool 10 is ready for use, the throwing container 2 contains the self-defense object 9.

[0015] FIG. 1-2 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing the attachment state of the self-defense tool shown in FIG. 1. As shown in the figure, the self-defense tool 10 having such a configuration is attached to another attachment object 20 using its attachment tool 5. The intended attachment objects 20 are primarily the clothing, belts, bands, bracelets, collars, bags such as backpacks, bags, and pouches carried by the person using the self-defense tool 10, and the body itself. The self-defense tool 10 is normally attached to these attachment objects 20. The container holder 3 connected to the attachment tool 5 holds the throwing container 2 in which the self-defense item 9 is stored.

[0016] 2, 2-2, and 2-3 are explanatory diagrams showing the operation of the self-defense tool shown in Fig. 1, showing, in order, (a) when the throwing container is released, (b) when it is grabbed, (c) when it is thrown, (d) when the interior is exposed, and (e) when the repelling action is completed. In the event of an emergency requiring the use of this self-defense tool 10, first, as shown in Fig. 2(a), the release structure 4 is operated to release the throwing container 2 held in the container holder 3 from the container holder 3. Next, as shown in Fig. 2(b), the released throwing container 2 is grabbed by the hand of the self-defense tool user (carrier) M.

[0017] Thereafter, as shown in (c) of Figure 2-2, the throwing container 2 is thrown toward the throwing target G. The throwing target G is primarily assumed to be the ground or floor. When encountering a target B such as a bear, it is preferable to throw the ground or other object between the self-defense tool user M and the target B as the throwing target G rather than throwing directly toward the target B, in order to ensure the effectiveness of the self-defense tool 10. This is because if the throwing container 2 is thrown toward the target B, it may miss the target B and potentially increase the attacking power of the target B, and by setting the throwing target G between the two as the boundary, a distance from the target B can be maintained.

[0018] Next, as shown in (d) of Figure 2-2, the throwing container 2 is thrown at the throwing target G and collides with the throwing target G, exposing its interior. At this time, the material, shape, structure, etc. of the throwing container 2 can be appropriately designed so that it can emit a sound that has a deterrent effect, a repellent effect, or a repelling effect on the corresponding target B.

[0019] The structure of the throwing container 2 may be such that it can be restored to its original state after its interior is exposed, such as an openable / closable structure in which two parts are hinged together, or a divisible structure in which it is separated into two or more parts. On the other hand, it may also be such that it cannot be restored after being thrown, i.e., it remains destroyed. Regardless of the structure, if the self-defense tool 10 is to be used in a natural environment such as a mountain forest, it is preferable that the throwing container 2 be formed or manufactured from naturally occurring materials so as not to leave a burden on the environment even if it is left abandoned after being thrown.

[0020] If the throwing container 2 is designed to emit a specific sound S upon impact with the throwing target G and exposure of its interior, the quality, volume, duration of the sound, etc. can be designed as appropriate. The sound S first impacts the target B, stopping it from moving. The material, shape, structure, etc. of the throwing container 2 can be designed as appropriate so that this sound S can be a sound that imitates or resembles a gunshot or explosion, or a similar sound, that has a deterrent, evasive, or repelling effect on the target B.

[0021] As shown in Figure 2-3, i.e., (e), the self-defense container 9 is released from the exposed throwing container 2. The self-defense container 9 is an object that repels target B, such as an object that emits a specific odor. If target B is an animal that poses a threat to humans, such as a bear, a repellent against that animal would be suitable. Furthermore, the self-defense container 9 and the repellent may be in either a liquid or solid form. A repellent should be one whose active ingredients evaporate and dissipate quickly, making it detectable by target B. Because the effectiveness of repellents can decrease over time due to deterioration of their ingredients, they should be replaced as needed.

[0022] The release and dispersion O of the self-defense contents 9 from the throwing container 2, whose interior is exposed, into the environment repels the target B and moves away from the self-defense device user M. The self-defense device user M can then take further action while confirming their safety. Also, if two or more self-defense devices 10 are carried, the second one can be thrown in the same way to deliver a follow-up blow to the target B, further ensuring the repelling effect.

[0023] As shown in Figure 1, the self-defense tool 10 of the present invention is basically configured as one throwing container, one container holder, and one attachment, but is not limited to this. For example, the following configuration patterns are not excluded from the present invention. -Consists of one mounting fixture, one container holder, and two or more throwing containers One mounting fixture, two or more container holders, one throwing container on each container holder One mounting fixture, two or more container holders, and two or more throwing containers on each container holder.

[0024] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram conceptually illustrating the basic configuration of the release mechanism of the self-defense tool of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the self-defense tool 310 can be configured with a one-touch structure in which the release mechanism 34 is released ((g) in the figure) by a single manual operation m ((f) in the figure). A one-touch structure is a structure that functions with a single operation by the self-defense tool user (carrier) M, preferably a single simple movement such as pushing, grasping, or pulling with the hand. By using the one-touch release mechanism 34, the self-defense tool user can quickly release the throwing container 32 with a single manual operation m, allowing for a quick transition to the subsequent throwing motion.

[0025] As shown in Figure 3, the self-defense device 310 can be configured such that its release mechanism 34 is a structure that releases the throwing container 32 from the container holder 33. Therefore, when the release mechanism 34 is operated, the throwing container 32 is released from the container holder 33 while the connection between the container holder 33 and the attachment 35 remains. It goes without saying that this release can be achieved by a one-touch mechanism as described above.

[0026] The present invention does not exclude the use of a release mechanism that releases the container holder from the attachment. However, the configuration described in Figure 3 is more preferable because it allows for direct release of the container and a quick transition to the subsequent throwing operation.

[0027] As mentioned above, the throwing container 2 and other components of the self-defense tool 10 may be either designed to be destroyed when thrown or to be reconstructed without being destroyed. Furthermore, the material, shape, size, and other factors may be designed as appropriate. However, the shape should be easy to throw. Therefore, a ball shape is optimal. In this case, spherical shapes such as golf balls and tennis balls, as well as shapes like a rugby ball, are not excluded.

[0028] Furthermore, in an emergency situation such as encountering a bear or the like, a person may panic and fail to grasp the throwing container 2. Therefore, various measures can be taken to design the throwing container 2 as desired, such as providing dimples (concave structures) or convex structures on the surface to make it easier to hold in the palm of your hand, or using an easy-to-grip or non-slip material for the surface structure.

[0029] The container holder 3 and other components that make up the self-defense tool 10, including the release structure 4, can be freely and appropriately designed in terms of structure, shape, material, size, etc. Examples will be shown in the embodiments described below. Also, carabiners used in mountain climbing and other similar applications, or attachments with carabiner-like structures, can be suitably used as attachments 5 that make up the self-defense tool 10. [Example]

[0030] The following describes an embodiment of the invention, specifically a self-defense tool for use against bears, but the invention is not limited to this. The following describes the embodiment with an outline of the development plan for the self-defense tool (hereinafter also referred to as "Bear Killer Z").

[0031] <1. Purpose of development> The self-defense tool "Kuma Killer Z" is designed to ensure safety in the event of an encounter with a bear and effectively keep bears away.

[0032] <2. Product Overview> The Bear Killer Z is a portable ball-shaped device that is effective when thrown at bears when they approach. The ball is equipped with a special mechanism that emits sounds and smells that bears dislike, keeping them away.

[0033] <3. Features> 1) Environmental friendliness: By using naturally derived materials, it does not have a negative impact on the natural environment. 2)Portability: The lightweight and compact design makes it ideal for outdoor activities, forestry work, and farm work. 3) Immediate effectiveness: This is a mechanism that responds immediately and is effective when a bear approaches.

[0034] <4. Market Potential> 1) Demand is high in areas close to bear habitats, and it is likely to become a necessity for outdoor enthusiasts, farmers, foresters, and construction workers. 2) It is highly likely that it will become widely used as a simple form of self-defense against bear attacks, which are occurring frequently nationwide. 3) In recent years, due to the effects of climate change, the presence of many wintering bears has been confirmed, and year-round demand is expected.

[0035] <5. Superiority> 1) Bear bells, sirens, firecrackers, and other noise-making devices are preventative measures to keep bears away, but are not effective in the event of an encounter. 2) This self-defense tool, "Bear Killer Z," is effective when encountered with a bear; simply throw it at it. It is quicker to operate than bear spray and is not affected by distance or wind. (EPA-certified bear sprays, which are proven effective, are very expensive and difficult to purchase.)

[0036] <6. Parts Configuration> 1) The repellent placed inside the ball can be a mixture of wood vinegar and capsaicin, or an equivalent product. For example, the repellent introduced on the website at the following URL: URL:https: / / www.marugotoaomori.jp / blog / 2019 / 12 / 21619.html Furthermore, since the effectiveness of repellents decreases over time due to deterioration of their components, it is advisable to manage them so that they are always as effective as possible, for example by replacing them every year. 2) Existing "security color balls" or "silicon water balloons" that explode when thrown and hit an object will be used as containers for the repellent. 3) The whole is made up of a ball, a hard capsule to protect the ball, and a carabiner for carrying.

[0037] <7.How to use> When going out into forests or other areas where there is a risk of encountering a bear, always carry the Bear Killer Z. Keep the Bear Killer Z in a location where you can operate it immediately in an emergency. When you encounter a bear, with a single touch, take out the ball from the Bear Killer Z and throw it at a landing point on the path between you and the bear, causing it to explode. For example, the "splash" sound will frighten the bear, and the repellent will be dispersed, repelling it.

[0038] <8. Product Examples> <8.-1 Product Example 1> FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a first example of the self-defense tool of the present invention. The components of the "Kuma Killer Z" 410 are as follows: <1> Use the 45 carabiner attachment <2> Container holder 43 consists of a cylindrical hard case 436 and a screw-lock type lower cap 437 The cylindrical hard case 436 and the screw-lock type lower cap 437 are joined by screwing, and the screw-lock type lower cap 437 is formed so that it can be easily removed from the cylindrical hard case 436 by rotating it slightly in the opposite direction. Furthermore, the cylindrical hard case 436 and the screw-lock type lower cap 437 are designed to be liquid- and odor-resistant and crack-resistant. <3> Lower cap packing <4> Throwing container 42 Repellent ball

[0039] The usage of "Kuma Killer Z" 410 is as follows. Remove the screw-lock type lower cap 437 from the cylindrical hard case 436. This allows the repellent-containing ball 42 that has fallen out of the cylindrical hard case 436 to be grabbed. (c) Throw the repellent ball 42 onto the ground or somewhere else in the direction of the bear.

[0040] <8.-2 Product Example 2> FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a second example of the self-defense tool of the present invention. The components of the "Kuma Killer Z" 510 are as follows: <1> Mounting device 55 Carabiner <2> Container holder 53 Cylindrical hard case 536 and hinge mechanism lower cap 537 The hinge mechanism lower cap 537 is configured to open downward by operating a one-touch release structure (not shown). Furthermore, the cylindrical hard case 536 and the hinge mechanism lower cap 537 are designed to be liquid- and odor-resistant and crack-resistant. <3> Lower cap packing <4> Throwing container 52 Repellent ball

[0041] The usage of "Kuma Killer Z" 510 is as follows. The lower cover (hinge mechanism lower cap) 537 is opened by operating the one-touch release structure. This allows the repellent-containing ball 52 that has fallen out of the cylindrical hard case 536 to be picked up. (c) Throw the repellent ball 52 onto the ground or somewhere else in the direction of the bear.

[0042] <8.-3 Product Example 3> FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a third example of the self-defense tool of the present invention. The components of the "Kuma Killer Z" 610 are as follows: <1> Mounting device 65 Carabiner <2> Container holder 63 Split holder The upper portion 636 and the lower portion 637 are formed so that they can be easily separated by pulling the lower portion 637 downward. Furthermore, the container holder (split type holder) 63 has a structure that prevents liquid leakage, odor leakage, and breakage. <3> Throwing container 62 Repellent ball

[0043] The usage of "Kuma Killer Z" 610 is as follows. (a) The lower part 637 of the split holder 63 is pulled downward. Grab the repellent-containing ball 62 that has been released along with the lower part 637. (c) Throw the repellent ball 62 onto the ground or somewhere else in the direction of the bear.

[0044] <8.-4 Product Example 4> FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a fourth example of the self-defense tool of the present invention. The components of the "Kuma Killer Z" 710 are as follows: <1> Mounting device 75 Carabiner <2> Container holder 73 spherical hard case The spherical hard case 73 is formed from two hemispherical parts, which can be separated like a paper lantern by operating a one-touch release mechanism (not shown). The container holder (spherical hard case) 73 is designed to be leak-proof, odor-proof, and break-proof. <3> Throwing container 72 Repellent ball

[0045] The usage of "Kuma Killer Z" 710 is as follows. By operating the one-touch release mechanism, the spherical hard case 73 opens in a balloon-like shape. This allows the repellent-containing ball 72 that has fallen out of the spherical hard case 73 to be picked up. (c) Throw the repellent ball 72 onto the ground or somewhere else in the direction of the bear.

[0046] <8.-5 Product Example 5> FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the fifth example of the self-defense tool of the present invention. The components of the "Kuma Killer Z" 810 are as follows: <1> Mounting device 85 Carabiner <2> Container holder 83 "Droplet-shaped" holder with clothespin mechanism The holder 836 can hold the throwing container 82 by pinching it, and is configured so that the holder 836 can be opened by gripping the knob 937. Although the holder 836 shown in the figure is shaped like a clothespin, it may be shaped like two hemispheres like the above-mentioned product example 4 "Kuma Killer Z" 710. It may also be shaped like a basket or net. <3> Throwing container 82 Repellent ball

[0047] The usage of "Kuma Killer Z" 810 is as follows. By gripping the knob 837, the holder 836 of the container holder 83 opens. This allows the repellent-containing ball 82 that has fallen from inside the container holder 83 (holder 836) to be grabbed. (c) Throw the repellent ball 82 onto the ground or somewhere else in the direction of the bear.

[0048] <9. Conclusion> All of product examples 1 to 5 are conveniently portable and allow for quick release, pick-up, and throwing of the throwing container (repellent ball) 42, etc. When thrown to the ground, the repellent ball 42, etc. breaks, making a sound that startles bears, and the repellent inside disperses into the air, repelling the bear and causing it to retreat. In this way, "Bear Killer Z" is an effective bear repellent when encountering a bear, and is highly practical. [Industrial Applicability]

[0049] The self-defense device of this invention provides effective and practical self-defense in the event of a sudden encounter with a bear or other animal that may cause personal injury. It is in high demand in areas close to bear habitats, and is likely to become a necessity for outdoor enthusiasts, farmers, foresters, and construction workers in the future. It is also likely to become widely used as a simple form of self-defense against bear attacks, which are frequent nationwide, including in urban and residential areas. Furthermore, with the recent increase in the number of bears hibernating due to climate change and other factors, year-round demand is expected. Therefore, this device has high industrial applicability in all industrial, lifestyle, and related fields where there is a risk of animal damage from bears and other animals. [Explanation of symbols]

[0050] 2, 32...Throwing container 3, 33...container holder 4, 34...Release structure 5, 35...Mounting fixture 9, 39...Self-defense containers 10, 310…Self-defense equipment 20...Other mounting targets B...Relevant G...Throwing target M...Self-defense equipment user (carrier) m…Manual operation O…Release and spread of self-defense items into the environment S: specific sound

[0051] ==The following are product example codes== 42, 52, 62, 72, 82...Throwing containers 43, 53, 63, 73, 83...container holder 45, 55, 65, 75, 85... Mounting fixtures 410, 510, 610, 710, 810...Self-defense equipment ("Bear Killer Z") 436, 536... Cylindrical hard case 437...Screw-lock lower cap 537...Hinge mechanism lower cap 636...Upper part (split holder) 637...Lower part (split holder) 836…Holder 837... knob

Claims

1. a throwing container for containing self-defense items; a container holder for holding the throwing container; a mounting tool attached to the container holder and capable of mounting another mounting object; The container holder is provided with a release structure for releasing the held throwing container. A self-defense tool characterized by:

2. 2. The self-defense tool according to claim 1, wherein the throwing container is formed so that the inside can be exposed when thrown onto the ground, floor, or other target.

3. 2. The self-defense tool according to claim 1, wherein the release structure is a one-touch structure that is released by a single manual operation.

4. 2. The self-defense tool according to claim 1, wherein the release structure is a structure for releasing the throwing container from the container holder.

5. 5. A self-defense tool according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein the self-defense container is characterized by an odor.

6. 5. A self-defense tool according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein the self-defense container is an animal repellent.

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