megaphone

Abstract

To provide a megaphone with an extremely simple structure, lightweight and easy to handle, quick and easy to assemble and fold, and excellent portability, storage, and versatility for various uses. [Solution] A megaphone 100 having a sound amplification function is formed from a single material and is a rectangular tube shape consisting of n (n is a natural number of 3 or more) side parts 111, 112, 113, 114 which are substantially the same shape in plan view, wherein folds 122, 123, 124, 125 are formed on adjacent side parts 111, 112, 113, 114, a connecting part 132 is provided on the side part 114 located on the other end 100b side that connects to the side part 111 located on the one end 100a side, and a holding mechanism part 140 is provided on the side parts 113, 114 that can maintain the folded state when folded along the folds 122, 123, 124.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a megaphone with excellent portability, particularly a foldable megaphone that is easy to form and fold and can be used for various purposes.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, various megaphones have been proposed and provided in consideration of carrying and storage.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a frustum-of-a-right-pyramid-shaped foldable megaphone formed by sequentially connecting the hypotenuses of four identical right trapezoids. In this megaphone, it can be used not only for amplifying sound but also as a folding fan when folded in half, and when folded into four, it is convenient for carrying and storing without taking up much space.

[0004] Also, Patent Document 2 below discloses a megaphone that can be used as a fan made of cardboard cut into a fan shape, with creases made on it and bent along them to form a frustum-of-a-pyramid shape, and the left and right paper ends are overlapped and fixed with a fixture to enable arbitrary disassembly and assembly. This megaphone integrates the functions of a megaphone and a folding fan, aiming to facilitate carrying, transportation, and storage.

[0005] Furthermore, Patent Document 3 below discloses a megaphone that is not bulky, has excellent portability, can be easily assembled during use, has shape retention, and exhibits sound amplification performance. This megaphone is made of a single sheet of paper and can generate a loud impact sound, enhancing its value as a novelty item.

[0006] Furthermore, Patent Document 4 discloses a portable megaphone that is flattened and compact. In this megaphone, the body is constructed by assembling it into a cylindrical shape that gradually expands from the mouthpiece to the tip, and several folds are provided from the mouthpiece to the tip so that the body can be folded into a flat shape, and a fastening projection that can maintain the folded state along the folds of the body and a projection that can be detachably engaged with this projection are provided on the body other than the mouthpiece. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Publication No. Showa 61-130999 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 6-64299 [Patent Document 3] Patent No. 3655600 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Public Gazette No. 55-16320 [Disclosure of the Invention] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] As mentioned above, various innovative megaphone designs have been proposed and offered. However, the reality is that there is still room for improvement in terms of ease of forming a megaphone shape, maintaining that shape, foldability, portability, storage, and versatility for multiple applications.

[0009] Furthermore, there has recently been a demand for portable tools that are highly suitable for emergency situations. Megaphones could be one such tool, but the reality is that none have yet been proposed or provided that fully meet this requirement.

[0010] This invention was made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a megaphone that solves the aforementioned problems, has an extremely simple structure, is lightweight and easy to handle, can be formed and folded quickly and easily, and is excellent in portability, storage, and versatility for various uses. Furthermore, this invention aims to provide a megaphone that is superior in productivity and cost-effectiveness. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] This invention is characterized by having the following configuration in order to achieve the above objective.

[0012] (1) A megaphone having a sound amplification function, formed from a single material and having a rectangular tube shape consisting of n (n is a natural number of 3 or more) side parts that are substantially the same shape in plan view, wherein adjacent side parts have folds, a connecting part is provided on one end of the side part to connect to the side part on the other end, and a holding mechanism is provided on the side part that can maintain the folded state when folded along the folds.

[0013] (2) The configuration of (1) above is characterized in that one of the folded parts is formed to be wider than the other folded parts.

[0014] (3) The configuration of (1) or (2) above, characterized in that a stress relaxation mechanism is provided on the folded portion.

[0015] (4) The configuration of any one of (1) to (3) above, wherein the retaining mechanism is characterized in that it comprises a hook portion, a hook hole portion or claw portion that surrounds the hook portion when folded, and a claw receiving portion to which the claw portion is detachably attached when folded.

[0016] According to the above configuration, it is possible to provide a megaphone with an extremely simple structure that can be formed and folded quickly and easily, reliably maintains its shape, is lightweight and easy to handle, and is also highly portable and easy to store.

[0017] Moreover, according to the above configuration, it is possible to manufacture a megaphone at a low cost, and it is excellent in productivity and economy.

[0018] Furthermore, according to the above configuration, it is also excellent in expandability for various uses such as use as a folding fan, generation of a striking sound, and a loudspeaker for rescue in an emergency.

Effect of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, there is an effect that it has an extremely simple structure, is light and excellent in handling property, is quick and easy to form and fold, and is excellent in portability, storage property, and expandability for various uses. Moreover, according to the present invention, there is a practical effect that it is possible to provide a megaphone excellent in productivity and economy.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1] It is an exploded view of a megaphone according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a view showing a state where the megaphone is folded in half according to the same embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a view showing a state where the megaphone is folded into a quarter according to the same embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a view schematically showing a megaphone formed as a loudspeaker function device according to the same embodiment. [Figure 5] It is an exploded view of a megaphone according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a view showing a state where the megaphone is folded in half according to the same embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a view showing a state where the megaphone is folded into a quarter according to the same embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a view showing a state where the megaphone is folded in half and used as a folding fan according to the same embodiment. [Figure 9] It is an exploded view of a megaphone according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This figure shows the megaphone folded in half, relating to the same embodiment. [Figure 11] This figure shows the megaphone folded to one-quarter of its original size, relating to the same embodiment. [Figure 12] This figure shows the megaphone folded in half and used as a fan, relating to the same embodiment. [Figure 13] This is an exploded view of a megaphone according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] This figure shows the megaphone folded in half, relating to the same embodiment. [Figure 15] This figure shows the megaphone folded to one-quarter of its original size, relating to the same embodiment. [Figure 16] This figure shows the megaphone folded in half and used as a fan, relating to the same embodiment. [Figure 17] This is an exploded view of a megaphone according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] This figure shows the megaphone folded in half, relating to the same embodiment. [Figure 19] This figure shows the megaphone folded to one-quarter of its original size, relating to the same embodiment. [Figure 20] This figure shows the megaphone folded in half and used as a fan, relating to the same embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0021] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the figures.

[0022] (First embodiment) A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. The megaphone 100 formed as an amplified sound function device according to the first embodiment is formed from a single material in a rectangular tube shape composed of n (n is a natural number of 3 or more, n = 4 in this embodiment) side portions 111, 112, 113, 114 having substantially the same shape in plan view, and can be easily folded and formed into a megaphone. Adjacent side portions (i.e., side portion 111 and side portion 112, side portion 112 and side portion 113, side portion 113 and side portion 114) forming the megaphone 100 are respectively formed with crease portions 122, 123, 124, and a connecting portion 131 constituting a connecting mechanism portion 130 that connects to the side portion 114 existing on the other end portion 100b side is provided on the side portion 111 existing on the one end portion 100a side via a crease portion 121 formed at a position facing the crease portion 122 of the side portion 111. Further, when folded along the crease portions 122, 123, 124, holding mechanism portions 140 are provided on the side portions 113, 114 so as to be able to hold at least the folded state in the folded state, which is a feature.

[0023] Here, in order to prevent the side portions that become the inner side when folding from getting in the way, the widths W1 (in the short side direction) of the side portions 111, 112 that become the inner side when folding are formed shorter than the widths W2 (in the short side direction) of the side portions 113, 114 that become the outer side when folding (W1 < W2). Thereby, the megaphone 100 can be easily folded. The difference between W1 and W2 may be appropriately determined within a range of several millimeters (preferably 1 to 5 mm) depending on the size of the megaphone 100, the thickness or strength of the side portion. Of course, it is also possible to set W1 = W2 or W1 ≒ W2.

[0024] Also, when the longitudinal lengths of the respective side portions 111, 112, 113, 114 are L, hook portions 143 constituting the holding mechanism portion 140 and hook receiving portions 144 into which the hook portions 143 are detachably fitted are provided at positions from L / 5 to L / 3 from the narrow ends of the widths of the side portions 113, 114 that become the outer side when folding, and hook through holes 151, 152 for passing through the hook portions 143 and the hook receiving portions 144 are formed in the side portions 111, 112 that become the inner side when folding.

[0025] Here, a hook portion 143 and a hook receiving portion 144 are provided at positions L / 5 to L / 3 from the narrow ends of the outer side portions 113 and 114 when folded, and hook passing holes 151 and 152 are drilled in the inner side portions 111 and 112 through which the hook portion 143 and the hook receiving portion 144 pass. As a result, the lower parts of the hook portion 143 and the hook receiving portion 144 act as fulcrums, allowing the wider ends of the side portions to open appropriately when folded, and producing a moderate clapping sound when struck.

[0026] Furthermore, mouthpieces 161, 162, 163, and 164 are formed at the narrow ends of each side portion 111, 112, 113, and 114, respectively. By partially connecting (preferably with a connection width of 0.5 to 1.0 mm) the two mouthpieces 163 and 164 that connect to the outer side portion when folded, and the mouthpieces 161 and 162 that connect to the inner side portion when folded, the mouthpieces 161, 162, 163, and 164 do not spring back when folded inward, and the configuration allows the mouthpieces 161, 162, 163, and 164 to be fixed inward towards the megaphone 100 when a megaphone 100 with a sound amplification function is formed.

[0027] Furthermore, cut portions 171 and 172 are provided at the lower ends of side portions 111 and 112 (i.e., adjacent parts of mouth rest portions 161 and 162) and at the lower ends of side portions 113 and 114 (i.e., adjacent parts of mouth rest portions 163 and 164). Near the cut portions 171 and 172, thickness adjustment holes 181 and 182, which function as a stress relief mechanism, are drilled. Thus, the structure is designed to release the repulsive force when mouth rest portions 161, 162, 163, and 164 are bent.

[0028] The connecting mechanism 130 is configured to connect the connecting portion 131, which is folded via the fold portion 121, by welding it to the longitudinal edge of the side portion 114 on the other end 100b side using ultrasonic waves or the like.

[0029] Furthermore, the edges 111a, 112a, 113a, and 114a of each side portion 111, 112, 113, and 114, opposite to the mouthpiece portions 161, 162, 163, and 164 in the longitudinal direction, are formed in a gentle curve.

[0030] Furthermore, while the Megaphone 100 is made of a resin such as plastic that is resistant to environmental changes such as weather, it is of course not limited to this and may be made of other materials such as paper (waterproof paper is preferable) or metal.

[0031] In such a megaphone 100, when folded in half, the mouthpieces 161, 162, 163, and 164 provided at the narrow ends of the side sections 111, 112, 113, and 114 become straight, making them easy to fold inward (see Figure 2).

[0032] Furthermore, when folded to one-quarter of its original size, one side of the mouthpieces 161, 162, 163, and 164, which are located at the narrow ends of the side sections 111, 112, 113, and 114, will be lowered (see Figures 3 and 4). [Examples]

[0033] For example, a prototype was made with 100 megaphones, with the length L of the side sections 111, 112, 113, and 114 set to 230 mm, and the hook position set 50 mm from the narrowest end of the side sections 111, 112, 113, and 114. When used at a baseball game, it was found to be easy to fold, and the subtle degree of opening when folded allowed for a moderate clapping sound when struck. As a result, it was possible to clap and cheer while the megaphone was folded, confirming its effectiveness.

[0034] Furthermore, it can be easily folded to a quarter of its original size, making it convenient for carrying and storage. For example, when climbing or hiking, it can be easily stored in or hung from a backpack. In an emergency, the folded megaphone 100 can be quickly and easily taken out and transformed into a megaphone to amplify a voice and call for help, and it can also be used to deter animals from approaching.

[0035] According to the above embodiment, the megaphone 100 can be formed quickly and easily with an extremely simple structure, ensuring stable shape retention, and can be folded quickly and easily, resulting in excellent portability and storage. Moreover, it can be manufactured at low cost, offering excellent productivity and economic efficiency.

[0036] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, because it is lightweight and easy to handle, it is also highly adaptable to other multi-purpose applications, such as in emergencies.

[0037] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 5 to 8. Parts and functions identical to those of the first embodiment will be described with the same numbers and reference numerals, and will be partially omitted.

[0038] The megaphone 100 formed as a voice amplifier according to the second embodiment is formed from a single material having a horn-shaped voice amplifying function composed of n (n is a natural number of 3 or more, and n = 4 in this embodiment) side portions 111, 112, 113, 114 having substantially the same shape in plan view, and can be easily folded and formed into a megaphone. And, crease portions 122, 123, 124 are respectively formed in adjacent side portions (that is, side portion 111 and side portion 112, side portion 112 and side portion 113, side portion 113 and side portion 114) forming the megaphone 100, and a connecting portion 132 constituting a connecting mechanism portion 130 for connecting to the side portion 111 existing on the one end portion 100a side is provided via a crease portion 125 formed at a position facing the crease portion 124 of the side portion 114 existing on the other end portion 100b side. Further, when folded along the crease portions 122, 123, 124, a holding mechanism portion 140 for making it possible to hold the folded state is provided in the side portions 113, 114.

[0039] Here, in order to prevent the side portions that become the inner side when folding from getting in the way, the widths W1 (in the short side direction) of the side portions 111, 112 that become the inner side when folding are formed shorter than the widths W2 (in the short side direction) of the side portions 113, 114 that become the outer side when folding (W1 < W2). Thereby, the megaphone 100 can be easily folded. The difference between W1 and W2 may be appropriately determined within a range of several millimeters (preferably 1 to 5 mm) depending on the size of the megaphone 100, the thickness or strength of the side portion. Of course, it is also possible to set W1 = W2 or W1 ≒ W2.

[0040] Furthermore, when the longitudinal length of each side portion 111, 112, 113, and 114 is L, a hook portion 143 and a hook receiving portion 144 into which the hook portion 143 is detachably fitted are provided at positions L / 5 to L / 3 from the narrow end of the outer side portions 113 and 114 when folded, and hook passing holes 151 and 152 are drilled in the inner side portions 111 and 112 through which the hook portion 143 and hook receiving portion 144 pass. The diameter of the hook passing holes 151 and 152 in this embodiment is larger than the diameter of the hook passing holes in the first embodiment. As a result, when the megaphone 100 is folded in half as shown in Figure 8 and fingers are inserted into the hook passing holes 151 and 152, it can be easily used as a fan or hand fan.

[0041] Here, a hook portion 143 and a hook receiving portion 144 are provided at positions L / 5 to L / 3 from the narrow ends of the outer side portions 113 and 114 when folded, and hook passing holes 151 and 152 are drilled in the inner side portions 111 and 112 through which the hook portion 143 and the hook receiving portion 144 pass. As a result, the lower parts of the hook portion 143 and the hook receiving portion 144 act as fulcrums, allowing the wider ends of the side portions to open appropriately when folded, and producing a moderate clapping sound when struck.

[0042] Furthermore, mouthpieces 161, 162, 163, and 164 are formed at the narrow ends of each side portion 111, 112, 113, and 114, respectively. By partially connecting (preferably with a connection width of 0.5 to 1.0 mm) the two mouthpieces 163 and 164 that connect to the outer side portion when folded, and the mouthpieces 161 and 162 that connect to the inner side portion when folded, the mouthpieces 161, 162, 163, and 164 do not spring back when folded inward, and the configuration allows the mouthpieces 161, 162, 163, and 164 to be fixed inward towards the megaphone 100 when a megaphone 100 with a sound amplification function is formed.

[0043] Furthermore, cut portions 171 and 172 are provided at the lower ends of side portions 111 and 112 (i.e., adjacent parts of mouth rest portions 161 and 162) and at the lower ends of side portions 113 and 114 (i.e., adjacent parts of mouth rest portions 163 and 164). Near the cut portions 171 and 172, thickness adjustment holes 181 and 182, which function as a stress relief mechanism, are drilled. Thus, the structure is designed to release the repulsive force when mouth rest portions 161, 162, 163, and 164 are bent.

[0044] The connecting mechanism 130 is configured to connect the connecting portion 132, which is folded via the fold portion 125, by welding the connecting portion 132 to the longitudinal edge of the side portion 111 on the end 100a side using ultrasonic waves or the like.

[0045] Furthermore, the edges 111a, 112a, 113a, and 114a of each side portion 111, 112, 113, and 114, opposite to the mouthpiece portions 161, 162, 163, and 164 in the longitudinal direction, are formed in a gentle curve.

[0046] Furthermore, while the megaphone 100 is made of a resin such as plastic that is resistant to environmental changes such as weather, it is not limited to this, and other materials such as paper (preferably waterproofed paper) or metal may also be used.

[0047] In such a megaphone 100, when folded in half, the mouthpieces 161, 162, 163, and 164 provided at the narrow ends of the side sections 111, 112, 113, and 114 become straight, making them easy to fold inward (see Figure 6).

[0048] Furthermore, when folded to one-quarter of its original size, one side of the mouthpieces 161, 162, 163, and 164, which are located at the narrow ends of the side sections 111, 112, 113, and 114, will be lowered (see Figure 7).

[0049] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, by folding it in half and fastening it with the snap fasteners 143 and 144, the folded state can be stably maintained, allowing it to function as, for example, a fan or folding fan.

[0050] According to the above embodiment, the same effects as the first embodiment described above are achieved, and the megaphone 100 can be quickly and easily formed with an extremely simple structure, and its shape can be reliably maintained. Furthermore, it can be folded quickly and easily, resulting in excellent portability and storage. Moreover, it can be manufactured at low cost, resulting in excellent productivity and economic efficiency.

[0051] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, because it is lightweight and easy to handle, it is also highly adaptable to other multi-purpose applications, such as in emergencies.

[0052] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 9 to 12. Parts and functions identical to those of the first and second embodiments will be described with the same numbers and reference numerals, and will be partially omitted.

[0053] The megaphone 100, formed as a sound amplification device according to the third embodiment, is formed from a single rectangular tubular material having a sound amplification function, consisting of n (n is a natural number of 3 or more; in this embodiment, n=4) side parts 111, 112, 113, and 114 that are substantially the same shape in plan view, similar to the embodiments described above, and can be easily folded and formed into a megaphone. Folding parts 122, 123, and 126 are formed on adjacent side parts that form the megaphone 100 (i.e., side part 111 and side part 112, side part 112 and side part 113, and side part 113 and side part 114).

[0054] Here, the fold line portion 126 is formed to have a double-line shape (i.e., a two-line shape), which is for facilitating folding. However, the fold line portion is not limited to the double-line shape, and of course, the fold line portion may be formed to have a multi-line shape so as to be wider than other fold line portions. Also, instead of or in addition to the fold line 126, the fold line portions other than the fold line portion 126 may also be formed into a multi-line shape. Further, a connecting portion 132 that constitutes a connecting mechanism portion 130 for connecting to the side surface portion 111 existing on the one end portion 100a side is provided on the side surface portion 114 existing on the other end portion 100b side through a fold line portion 125. Also, a holding mechanism portion 140 for enabling the holding of the folded state is provided on the side surface portions 113 and 114 when folded along the fold line portions 122, 123, and 126.

[0055] Here, in order to prevent the side surface portions that become the inner sides during folding from getting in the way, the widths W1 (in the short side direction) of the side surface portions 111 and 112 that become the inner sides during folding are formed to be shorter than the widths W2 (in the short side direction) of the side surface portions 113 and 114 that become the outer sides during folding (W1 < W2). Thereby, the megaphone 100 can be easily folded. The difference between W1 and W2 may be appropriately determined within a range of several millimeters (preferably 1 to 5 mm) depending on the size of the megaphone 100, the thickness or strength of the side surface portions. Of course, it is also possible that W1 = W2 or W1 ≒ W2.

[0056] Furthermore, when the longitudinal length of each side portion 111, 112, 113, and 114 is L, a hook portion 143 and a hook receiving portion 144 into which the hook portion 143 is detachably fitted are provided at positions L / 5 to L / 3 from the narrow end of the outer side portions 113 and 114 when folded, and hook passing holes 151 and 152 are drilled in the inner side portions 111 and 112 through which the hook portion 143 and hook receiving portion 144 pass. The diameter of the hook passing holes 151 and 152 in this embodiment is larger than the diameter of the hook passing holes in the first embodiment, similar to the second embodiment. As a result, when the megaphone 100 is folded in half as shown in Figure 12 and fingers are inserted into the hook passing holes 151 and 152, it can be easily used as a fan or hand fan.

[0057] Here, a hook portion 143 and a hook receiving portion 144 are provided at positions L / 5 to L / 3 from the narrow ends of the outer side portions 113 and 114 when folded, and hook passing holes 151 and 152 are drilled in the inner side portions 111 and 112 through which the hook portion 143 and the hook receiving portion 144 pass. As a result, the lower parts of the hook portion 143 and the hook receiving portion 144 act as fulcrums, allowing the wider ends of the side portions to open appropriately when folded, and producing a moderate clapping sound when struck.

[0058] Furthermore, mouthpieces 161, 162, 163, and 164 are formed at the narrow ends of each side portion 111, 112, 113, and 114, respectively. By partially connecting (preferably with a connection width of 0.5 to 1.0 mm) the two mouthpieces 163 and 164 that connect to the outer side portion when folded, and the mouthpieces 161 and 162 that connect to the inner side portion when folded, the mouthpieces 161, 162, 163, and 164 do not spring back when folded inward, and the configuration allows the mouthpieces 161, 162, 163, and 164 to be fixed inward towards the megaphone 100 when a megaphone 100 with a sound amplification function is formed.

[0059] Furthermore, cut portions 171 and 172 are provided at the lower ends of side portions 111 and 112 (i.e., adjacent parts of mouth rest portions 161 and 162) and at the lower ends of side portions 113 and 114 (i.e., adjacent parts of mouth rest portions 163 and 164). Near the cut portions 171 and 172, thickness adjustment holes 181 and 182, which function as a stress relief mechanism, are drilled. Thus, the structure is designed to release the repulsive force when mouth rest portions 161, 162, 163, and 164 are bent.

[0060] The connecting mechanism 130 is configured to connect the connecting portion 132, which is folded via the fold portion 125, by welding the connecting portion 132 to the longitudinal edge of the side portion 111 on the end 100a side using ultrasonic waves or the like.

[0061] Furthermore, the edges 111a, 112a, 113a, and 114a of each side portion 111, 112, 113, and 114, opposite to the mouthpiece portions 161, 162, 163, and 164 in the longitudinal direction, are formed in a gentle curve.

[0062] Furthermore, while the megaphone 100 is made of a resin such as plastic that is resistant to environmental changes such as weather, it is not limited to this, and other materials such as paper (preferably waterproofed paper) or metal may also be used.

[0063] In such a megaphone 100, when folded in half, the mouthpieces 161, 162, 163, and 164 provided at the narrow ends of the side sections 111, 112, 113, and 114 become straight, making them easy to fold inward (see Figure 10).

[0064] Furthermore, when folded to one-quarter of its original size, one side of the mouthpieces 161, 162, 163, and 164, which are located at the narrow ends of the side sections 111, 112, 113, and 114, will be lowered (see Figure 11).

[0065] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12, by folding it in half and fastening it with a hook, the folded state can be stably maintained, allowing it to function as, for example, a fan or a folding fan.

[0066] According to the above embodiment, the same effects as those of the first and second embodiments described above are achieved, and the megaphone 100 can be quickly and easily formed with an extremely simple structure, and its shape can be reliably maintained. Furthermore, it can be quickly and easily folded, resulting in excellent portability and storage. Moreover, it can be manufactured at low cost, resulting in excellent productivity and economic efficiency.

[0067] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, because it is lightweight and easy to handle, it is also highly adaptable to other multi-purpose applications, such as in emergencies.

[0068] (Fourth embodiment) A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 13 to 16. Parts and functions identical to those of the first to third embodiments will be described with the same numbers and reference numerals, and will be partially omitted.

[0069] The megaphone 100, formed as a loudspeaker according to the fourth embodiment, is formed from a single rectangular tubular material having a loudspeaker function, consisting of n (n is a natural number of 3 or more; in this embodiment, n=4) side portions 111, 112, 113, and 114 that are substantially the same shape in plan view, similar to the embodiments described above, and is easily foldable and can be formed into a megaphone. Folds 122, 123, and 124 are formed on adjacent side portions that form the megaphone 100 (i.e., side portion 111 and side portion 112, side portion 112 and side portion 113, and side portion 113 and side portion 114).

[0070] Also, connection claw pieces 134 and 135 that constitute the connection mechanism portion 130 are formed on the side surface portion 111 existing on the one end portion 100a side of the megaphone 100, and a connection piece portion 133 that constitutes the connection mechanism portion 130 is provided on the side surface portion 114 existing on the other end portion 100b side through a fold portion 125 formed at a position facing the fold portion 124 of the side surface portion 114. And claw piece receiving portions 136 and 137 into which the connection claw pieces 134 and 135 that constitute the connection mechanism portion 130 are detachably inserted are formed on this connection piece portion 133.

[0071] Here, in order to prevent the side surface portions that become the inside when folding from getting in the way, the widths W1 (in the short side direction) of the side surface portions 111 and 112 that become the inside when folding are formed shorter than the widths W2 (in the short side direction) of the side surface portions 113 and 114 that become the outside when folding (W1 < W2). Thereby, the megaphone 100 can be easily folded. The difference between W1 and W2 may be appropriately determined within a range of several millimeters (preferably 1 to 5 mm) depending on the size of the megaphone 100, the thickness or strength of the side surface portion. Of course, it is also possible to set W1 = W2 or W1 ≒ W2.

[0072] Also, when the longitudinal lengths of the respective side surface portions 111, 112, 113, and 114 are L, hook passing hole portions 151 and 152 that function as finger resting holes are formed at positions from the narrow ends of the widths of the side surface portions 113 and 114 that become the outside when folding to L / 5 to L / 3. The diameters of the hook passing hole portions 151 and 152 in the present embodiment are larger than the diameter of the hook passing hole portion in the first embodiment, similar to the second and third embodiments. Thereby, when the megaphone 100 is folded in two as shown in FIG. 16 and fingers are inserted into the hook passing hole portions 151 and 152, it becomes possible to easily function as a folding fan or a hand-held fan.

[0073] Furthermore, mouthpieces 161, 162, 163, and 164 are formed at the narrow ends of each side portion 111, 112, 113, and 114, respectively. By partially connecting (preferably with a connection width of 0.5 to 1.0 mm) the two mouthpieces 163 and 164 that connect to the outer side portion when folded, and the mouthpieces 161 and 162 that connect to the inner side portion when folded, the mouthpieces 161, 162, 163, and 164 do not spring back when folded inward, and the configuration allows the mouthpieces 161, 162, 163, and 164 to be fixed inward towards the megaphone 100 when a megaphone 100 with a sound amplification function is formed.

[0074] Furthermore, cut portions 171 and 172 are provided at the lower ends of side portions 111 and 112 (i.e., adjacent parts of mouth rest portions 161 and 162) and at the lower ends of side portions 113 and 114 (i.e., adjacent parts of mouth rest portions 163 and 164). Near the cut portions 171 and 172, thickness adjustment holes 181 and 182, which function as a stress relief mechanism, are drilled. Thus, the structure is designed to release the repulsive force when mouth rest portions 161, 162, 163, and 164 are bent.

[0075] Furthermore, folding and holding mechanisms 190 are provided on the side sections 111, 112, and 113. Specifically, the side section 111 is provided with a folding claw receiver 191, and the side section 112 is provided with a folding claw 192 that can be detachably inserted into the folding claw receiver 191. In addition, the side section 113 is provided with a folding claw attachment assist section 193 to facilitate the insertion and attachment of the folding claw 192 into the folding claw receiver 191 when folding the megaphone 100 to one-quarter of its original size.

[0076] Furthermore, the edges 111a, 112a, 113a, and 114a of each side portion 111, 112, 113, and 114, opposite to the mouthpiece portions 161, 162, 163, and 164 in the longitudinal direction, are formed in a gentle curve.

[0077] Furthermore, while the megaphone 100 is made of a resin such as plastic that is resistant to environmental changes such as weather, it is not limited to this, and other materials such as paper (preferably waterproofed paper) or metal may also be used.

[0078] In such a megaphone 100, when folded in half, the mouthpieces 161, 162, 163, and 164 provided at the narrow ends of the side sections 111, 112, 113, and 114 become straight, making them easy to fold inward (see Figure 14).

[0079] Furthermore, when folded to one-quarter of its original size, one side of the mouthpieces 161, 162, 163, and 164, which are located at the narrow ends of the side sections 111, 112, 113, and 114, will be lowered (see Figure 15).

[0080] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 16, by folding it in half and detachably inserting the folding claw piece 192 into the folding claw piece receiving part 191, the folded state can be stably maintained, allowing it to function as, for example, a fan or folding fan.

[0081] According to the above embodiment, the same effects as those of the first to third embodiments described above are achieved, and the megaphone 100 can be quickly and easily formed with an extremely simple structure, and its shape can be reliably maintained. Furthermore, it can be quickly and easily folded, resulting in excellent portability and storage. Moreover, it can be manufactured at low cost, resulting in excellent productivity and economic efficiency.

[0082] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, because it is lightweight and easy to handle, it is also highly adaptable to other multi-purpose applications, such as in emergencies.

[0083] (Fifth embodiment) A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 17 to 20. Parts and functions identical to those of the first to fourth embodiments will be described with the same numbers and reference numerals, and will be partially omitted.

[0084] The megaphone 100, formed as a loudspeaker according to the fifth embodiment, is made from a single rectangular tubular material having a loudspeaker function, consisting of n (n is a natural number of 3 or more; in this embodiment, n=4) side sections 111, 112, 113, and 114 that are substantially the same shape in plan view, and can be easily folded and formed as a megaphone. Folds 122, 123, and 126 are formed on adjacent side sections that form the megaphone 100 (i.e., side section 111 and side section 112, side section 112 and side section 113, and side section 113 and side section 114). Here, the fold 126 is formed to have a double line shape (i.e., two lines), which is to make it easy to fold. However, the folds are not limited to having a double line shape, and of course, the folds may be formed to have multiple lines that are wider than the other folds. Furthermore, it is also possible to replace or add multiple lines to the fold line 126, in addition to the fold line 126.

[0085] Furthermore, on the side portion 111 located at one end 100a of the megaphone 100, connecting claw pieces 134 and 135 constituting the connecting mechanism 130 are formed, and on the side portion 114 located at the other end 100b, a connecting piece 133 constituting the connecting mechanism 130 is provided via a fold 125 formed at a position opposite to the fold 126 of the side portion 114. The connecting piece 133 is equipped with claw piece receiving portions 136 and 137 into which the connecting claw pieces 134 and 135 constituting the connecting mechanism 130 are detachably inserted, and the connecting portion 133 constituting the connecting mechanism 130 is formed.

[0086] Here, in order to prevent the side faces that will be on the inner side when folding from getting in the way, the widths W1 (in the short side direction) of the side faces 111 and 112 that will be on the inner side when folding are formed to be shorter than the widths W2 (in the short side direction) of the side faces 113 and 114 that will be on the outer side when folding (W1 < W2). Thereby, the megaphone 100 can be easily folded. The difference between W1 and W2 may be appropriately determined within a range of several millimeters (preferably 1 to 5 mm) according to the size of the megaphone 100, the thickness or strength of the side faces. Of course, it is also possible to set W1 = W2 or W1 ≒ W2.

[0087] Also, when the longitudinal lengths of the respective side faces 111, 112, 113, and 114 are L, at positions from the narrow ends of the widths of the side faces 113 and 114 that will be on the outer side when folding to L / 5 to L / 3, hook through-hole portions 151 and 152 that function as finger-rest holes are formed. The diameters of the hook through-hole portions 151 and 152 in the present embodiment are larger than the diameter of the hook through-hole portion in the first embodiment, similar to the second to fourth embodiments. Thereby, when the megaphone 100 is folded in half as shown in FIG. 20 and fingers are inserted into the hook through-hole portions 151 and 152, it can be easily made to function as a folding fan or a hand-held fan.

[0088] Also, mouth-stop portions 161, 162, 163, and 164 are respectively formed at the narrow ends of the widths of the respective side faces 111, 112, 113, and 114. By partially connecting two mouth-stop portions 163 and 164 that are connected to the side face that will be on the outer side when folding and mouth-stop portions 161 and 162 that are connected to the side face that will be on the inner side when folding (preferably connection width: 0.5 to 1.0 mm), when the mouth-stop portions 161, 162, 163, and 164 are bent inward, they do not repel, and when the megaphone 100 having an amplification function is formed, the mouth-stop portions 161, 162, 163, and 164 can be fixed in the inner direction of the megaphone 100.

[0089] Furthermore, cut portions 171 and 172 are provided at the lower ends of side portions 111 and 112 (i.e., adjacent parts of mouth rest portions 161 and 162) and at the lower ends of side portions 113 and 114 (i.e., adjacent parts of mouth rest portions 163 and 164). Thickness adjustment holes 181 and 182 are drilled near the cut portions 171 and 172. Thus, the structure is designed to release the repulsive force when mouth rest portions 161, 162, 163, and 164 are bent.

[0090] Furthermore, folding and holding mechanisms 190 are provided on the side sections 111, 112, and 113. Specifically, the side section 111 is provided with a folding claw receiver 191, and the side section 112 is provided with a folding claw 192 that can be detachably inserted into the folding claw receiver 191. In addition, the side section 113 is provided with a folding claw attachment assist section 193 to facilitate the insertion and attachment of the folding claw 192 into the folding claw receiver 191 when folding the megaphone 100 to one-quarter of its original size.

[0091] Furthermore, the edges 111a, 112a, 113a, and 114a of each side portion 111, 112, 113, and 114, opposite to the mouthpiece portions 161, 162, 163, and 164 in the longitudinal direction, are formed in a gentle curve.

[0092] Furthermore, while the megaphone 100 is made of a resin such as plastic that is resistant to environmental changes such as weather, it is not limited to this, and other materials such as paper (preferably waterproofed paper) or metal may also be used.

[0093] In such a megaphone 100, when folded in half, the mouthpieces 161, 162, 163, and 164 provided at the narrow ends of the side sections 111, 112, 113, and 114 become straight, making them easy to fold inward (see Figure 18).

[0094] Furthermore, when folded to one-quarter of its original size, one side of the mouthpieces 161, 162, 163, and 164, which are located at the narrow ends of the side sections 111, 112, 113, and 114, will be lowered (see Figure 19).

[0095] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 20, by detachably inserting the folding claw piece 192 into the folding claw piece receiving part 191 and folding it in half, the folded state can be stably maintained, allowing it to function as, for example, a fan or folding fan.

[0096] According to the above embodiment, the same effects as those of the first to fourth embodiments described above are achieved, and the megaphone 100 can be formed quickly and easily with an extremely simple structure, and its shape is reliably maintained. Furthermore, it can be folded quickly and easily, resulting in excellent portability and storage. Moreover, it can be manufactured at low cost, resulting in excellent productivity and economic efficiency.

[0097] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, because it is lightweight and easy to handle, it is also highly adaptable to other multi-purpose applications, such as in emergencies.

[0098] This invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible as long as they do not deviate from its spirit. [Industrial applicability]

[0099] The megaphone of this invention has a significantly simpler structure than conventional designs, is compact, and offers excellent portability and storage, making it a convenient and practical megaphone. Furthermore, it can reduce manufacturing costs, allowing for its application in a variety of uses and promising further market expansion. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0100] 100... Megaphone 100a ... one end 100b...Other end 111,112,113,114…Side part 121, 122, 123, 124 ... Folded sections 125,126 ...Folded section 130 ...Connection mechanism 131, 132, 133 ... connection part 134,135 ...Connecting claw piece 136,137 ... Claw piece receiving part 140...Holding mechanism section 143 ... Hook part 144 ...Hook receiving part 151, 152 ...Hook and eyelet holes 160 ... Amplification function unit 161, 162, 163, 164 ... Mouthpiece 171,172 ...cut section 181, 182 ... Thickness adjustment holes (stress relaxation mechanism) 190 ...Folding and holding mechanism (holding mechanism) 191 ...Folding claw receiver 192 ...Folding claw section 193 ...Attachment aid for folding claw piece

Claims

1. A megaphone having a sound amplification function, formed from a single material and exhibiting a rectangular tubular shape consisting of n (where n is a natural number of 3 or more) side sections that are substantially the same shape in plan view, A fold is formed in the adjacent side portion. The side portion located at one end is provided with a connecting portion that connects to the side portion located at the other end. A megaphone characterized by having a holding mechanism on the side surface that allows it to maintain the folded state when folded along the aforementioned fold line.

2. The megaphone according to claim 1, characterized in that one of the above-mentioned folds is formed to be wider than the other folds.

3. The megaphone according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a stress relief mechanism is provided on the above-mentioned fold.

4. The megaphone according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the above-mentioned retaining mechanism comprises a hook portion, a hook hole portion or claw portion that surrounds the hook portion when folded, and a claw receiving portion to which the claw portion is detachably attached when folded.

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