Portable protective gear

Abstract

To provide a low-risk, portable protective device that allows children to maintain a safe distance while keeping their field of vision intact, in the event of encountering harmful wildlife such as bears while commuting to or from school or taking a walk. [Solution] The portable protective device is an umbrella-shaped tool, with a face-like pattern on the umbrella vinyl to visually deter animals. A handle member 11 is provided at one end of the shaft, and a nozzle 12 is provided at the other end, exposed on the outside of the umbrella vinyl. The nozzle is in direct communication with a liquid reservoir filled with animal repellent 14 inside the shaft. Pressing the spray lever 16 sprays the liquid from the liquid reservoir in the manner of a manual pump. A security buzzer 18 is provided on the shaft to emit a loud alarm sound to deter target animals and alert third parties. When not in use, the nozzle can be covered with a nozzle cover 13, and the spray lever can be fixed with a lock pin 17 to prevent accidental operation.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a portable protector that provides a low-risk repellent means which can be handled even by children, allowing a user to safely maintain a distance while securing their own field of view when children going to or from school or adults taking a walk encounter harmful wild animals such as bears. [Background Art]

[0002] In recent years, there have been an increasing number of cases of bears appearing in human settlements and residential areas, and preventing damage when encountering bears has become a social issue. Commonly adopted countermeasures include carrying repellents such as bear spray, using acoustic devices such as bear bells, taking evasive actions (evacuation and reporting), and issuing warnings by local governments. These measures are aimed at immediate intimidation and avoidance. However, for example, repellents may harm the user depending on the wind direction, and a device that can be safely used by anyone and sufficiently ensure personal safety has not yet been established.

[0003] In addition, as prior art, many devices for protecting oneself from animals including bears have been developed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a "harmful wild animal repellent device comprising a skeletal component that is deployable and folded and stored when not in use, power means for deploying the skeletal component, and a member attached to the skeletal component for stimulating the vision of the target wild bird or animal <omitted> and characterized by repelling harmful wild birds and animals and improving safety", which is a device that visually intimidates animals by deploying it like opening an umbrella to make it appear larger; and Patent Document 2 discloses a "defense goods in which a jump-type folding umbrella is incorporated into a mountaineering cane <omitted>, the jump umbrella is suddenly deployed to intimidate an opponent, and when the opponent attacks, a spear attached to the tip of the cane is used to stab a vital part such as the opponent's throat to repel the attack", which is an attack-capable device, among other known devices.

[0004] However, the above-mentioned existing technologies (prior-patent technologies) and common countermeasures still have the following problems when considered from the perspective of being actually carried by children going to and from school and used when encountering a bear. Firstly, while the invention described in Patent Document 1 primarily envisions visual intimidation through deployment, the umbrella fabric is often opaque or colored. This makes it difficult for short children to confirm the location of bears or other animals while intimidating them, thus posing a challenge for children to maintain awareness of the target animal's behavior during an encounter. Secondly, the invention described in Patent Document 2 lists components such as gunpowder, gas pressure, a small cylinder, and a spear, and these are based on mechanics and safety designs for adults. The challenge lies in adopting a simple and safe operating method that can be carried by children, is easy to operate, and prevents accidental operation. Thirdly, while the invention described in Patent Document 2 envisions a propulsion mechanism using pressurized gas or explosive projectiles, considering that it will be carried by a child, the entire device must be lightweight. Furthermore, there are challenges in that the specific configurations that satisfy the need for ease of carrying, such as preventing liquid leakage and malfunction during transport, are limited. Finally, while multiple repellent methods such as visual (deployable / face-shaped panels), olfactory (repellent spray), and auditory (sound) are individually described in general countermeasures and prior art, designs that integrate these in a low-risk manner that children can operate independently (unified operation, prevention of malfunctions, reduction of secondary harm) have not been sufficiently demonstrated. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-160017 [Patent Document 2] Official Gazette No. 3200859 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] Therefore, having already described the current situation and the problems of prior art in the background technology section, the technical problems that this invention aims to solve are as follows. (1) Ensuring continuous visibility through the umbrella: The design must allow a short child to continuously grasp the location and behavior of the target animal even while using protective gear to deter it. (2) The need for a low-risk operating method that is less prone to accidental operation: A simple operating method is needed that does not use explosives, high-pressure sources, sharp parts, etc., and that children can operate intuitively and safely. (3) Balancing portability and safety during transport: It is necessary to ensure that the product is lightweight enough to be carried daily, such as when children go to and from school or when adults go for walks, while also having a structure that prevents leakage and accidental spraying. (4) The need for an integrated design of multiple repellent measures: An integrated design is required that centrally operates and manages visual, olfactory, and auditory repellents under the premise of low risk. (5) The need for spray direction control and reduction of secondary damage: It is necessary to control the spray direction and take protective measures to reduce self-exposure and the impact on the surroundings caused by the spraying of repellent. The objective is to provide portable protective equipment that overcomes the above technical challenges. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the aforementioned problems, the portable protective device according to the present invention is characterized in that the rod-shaped central axis has a sound generating means on the central axis, a handle at one end and a nozzle at the other end, the central axis is a skeletal member that can be unfolded into an umbrella shape, a transparent umbrella cloth member supported by the skeletal member, a mechanism for moving a handle member back and forth to open and close the skeletal member, a face-shaped visual stimulus member provided on the outer surface of the umbrella cloth member, a liquid reservoir for storing an animal repellent that communicates with the nozzle and a spray driving means for spraying the animal repellent, and a lock, a sealing structure, or both for preventing accidental spraying and leakage of the liquid reservoir and the spray driving means, the nozzle is configured to spray the animal repellent outward from the umbrella cloth member, and the handle member has a shape that secures a predetermined gap between it and the activation switch for the sound generating means and the lock, sealing structure, or both for the liquid reservoir and the spray driving means, and the portable device is characterized in that the umbrella cloth member can be folded and stored when not in use. In addition to the above features, the sound generating means operates in conjunction with the deployment of the skeletal member, the jet driving means is a manual pump type, the portable device is stored in a shoulder bag-like storage body, and the device is equipped with a storage-induced opening prevention structure that prevents the umbrella from being deployed when stored. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The main effects of this invention are as follows: <1> from <5> This is shown below. <1> Ensuring visibility and reducing self-exposure to radiation. By using transparent umbrella fabric components, the position and movement of the target animal can be continuously observed through the umbrella, allowing even short children to deter the animal while simultaneously maintaining awareness of its behavior. Furthermore, the configuration that sprays repellent from the tip of the umbrella allows control over the position and direction of the spray when the umbrella is open, reducing the risk of backsplash affecting the user due to wind direction, and is expected to reduce the risk of self-exposure under certain usage conditions. <2> Enhanced visual intimidation By equipping the outside of the umbrella with a face-like visual stimulus element, the deterrent effect is enhanced because, in addition to the intimidation provided by the change in size when the umbrella fabric is unfolded, a strong visual stimulus can be delivered to the opponent in a short time. <3> A child-safe operating mechanism. By employing manual spraying mechanisms, opening / closing mechanisms, and spray locks to prevent accidental operation, without using explosives, high-pressure gases, or sharp protrusions, even children can operate it intuitively and safely. Furthermore, by using a security buzzer or similar sound-emitting device, it is possible to alert those nearby of the imminent danger. <4> Balancing portability and secure storage. By making it lightweight and adopting a shoulder bag-like storage compartment, it ensures portability for children going to and from school and for adults taking walks. It also features an opening prevention structure that prevents the umbrella from being opened when stored, and a leak-proof sealing and locking structure that enhances safety when carrying it. <5> High inhibitory effect due to combined stimuli By integrating composite repelling means combining vision, smell and hearing, the effect of suppressing the approach and attack of animals can be enhanced compared to a single stimulus. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] [Figure 1] It is a front view of the portable protector according to the present invention when the umbrella is opened (fully opened). [Figure 2] It is a left side view of the portable protector according to the present invention when the umbrella is opened (fully opened). [Figure 3] It is a left cross-sectional view of the portable protector according to the present invention when the umbrella is opened (fully opened), with the umbrella cloth member omitted. [Figure 4] It is an A-A cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 of the portable protector according to the present invention when the umbrella is opened (fully opened) and before the animal repellent is sprayed. [Figure 5] It is an A-A cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 of the portable protector according to the present invention when the umbrella is opened (fully opened) and after the animal repellent is sprayed. [Figure 6] They are a plan view (left figure) of the portable protector according to the present invention when the umbrella is closed, and a plan view (right figure) of the portable protector in the closed state and housed in a storage body. [Figure 7] It is a perspective view showing a state where a child wears the portable protector according to the present invention over the shoulder. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0010] An embodiment of the portable protector of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, unless specifically stated, the configurations, drawings and the like described for this portable protector are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, and are merely illustrative examples. FIG. 1 is a front view of the portable protector according to the present invention when the umbrella is opened (fully opened), and FIG. 2 is a left side view of the same when the umbrella is opened (fully opened). In addition, since the portable protector is not a tool held with the umbrella cloth facing upward like a rain umbrella, but a tool held with the umbrella cloth facing sideways to protect oneself from animals, the state shown in FIG. 1 is defined as the front view.

[0011] (Flow of using the portable protector according to the present invention) The portable protective device 01 according to the present invention is an umbrella-shaped tool as shown in Figures 1 and 2. A facial pattern 03 for visually intimidating animals is formed on the umbrella vinyl 02 provided as umbrella fabric. When an animal approaches, a user opens the umbrella and directs the umbrella vinyl 02 toward the animal for use. Figure 3 is a left side view in which the umbrella vinyl 02 is omitted so that the inner side of the umbrella can be visually recognized. The portable protective device 01 according to the present embodiment is configured centering on a rod-shaped shaft (i.e., shaft rod 04) similarly to a general vinyl umbrella. Eight main ribs 05 each having one end connected to the shaft rod 04 are arranged so as to form a regular octagon when the umbrella is opened, and the umbrella vinyl 02 is connected thereto. A dowel 06 provided on the main rib 05 and an upper runner 07 are connected by a rod-shaped bone member 08. Further, a support rib 10 having one end connected to a lower runner 09 is connected to the bone member 08, whereby when the lower runner 09 is slid back and forth, the umbrella vinyl 02 can be opened and closed.

[0012] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of Figure 1 when the portable protective device according to the present invention is opened (fully opened) and before animal repellent is sprayed, and Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of Figure 1 when the portable protective device according to the present invention is opened (fully opened) and after animal repellent is sprayed. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the shaft 04 has a handle member 11 at one end on the right side of the figure and a nozzle 12 at the other end. The nozzle 12 is exposed outside the umbrella vinyl 02, and this exposed portion is covered by a nozzle cover 13. This embodiment has a structure in which the nozzle 12 of the shaft 04 is directly connected to a liquid reservoir 15 that is filled with animal repellent 14 inside the shaft 04. As shown in Figure 5, when spraying the animal repellent 14 towards an animal, the nozzle cover 13 is removed, a lock pin 17 for fixing the position of the spray lever 16 is pulled out, and the spray lever 16, which has the function of pushing out the liquid in the liquid reservoir 15 in the manner of a manual pump, is pushed towards the nozzle 12, thereby spraying the animal repellent 14 towards the target animal. Furthermore, the lock pin 17 for fixing the position of the spray lever 16 is inserted into the shaft 04 and functions as a stopper to prevent the spray lever 16 from being pushed out toward the nozzle 12. By pulling out the lock pin 17 just before spraying at an animal, it prevents the spray lever 16 from accidentally operating and causing misfires during transport or other situations.

[0013] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, a security buzzer 18 is integrated into the central part of the shaft 04, and by pressing the buzzer switch 19, a loud sound can be emitted that the target animal dislikes or that warns of the presence of dangerous animals in the vicinity. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the upper runner 07 and lower runner 09, which are components of the umbrella frame, are made annular in shape, and the protrusions on the shaft rod 04, such as the spray lever 16 and lock pin for spraying the animal repellent 14, and the buzzer switch 19 for generating sounds that animals dislike, are configured to fit within the inner diameter of the annular upper runner 07 and lower runner 09. With this configuration, the lower runner 09 can be slid smoothly back and forth, and the face-like pattern 03 on the umbrella vinyl 02 can be changed by the sliding motion, continuously intimidating animals.

[0014] (Regarding umbrella fabric components) The function of the umbrella fabric component in this invention is to provide a deterrent effect by shielding the target while ensuring the user's field of vision. Therefore, it is required to have a certain degree of transparency and a certain degree of durability to protect against animals. The umbrella vinyl 02 in this embodiment uses a multilayer composite material that is transparent and durable. It is a multilayer film with a scratch-resistant coating on the outer layer and transparent reinforcing fibers (mesh) sandwiched in the middle, which allows for both tear strength and transparency. To improve visibility, a vinyl sheet made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) can be used, or instead of making the entire surface transparent, a transparent window can be provided at the child's line of sight when using the portable protective device 01, and the rest can be made of an opaque and durable material to enhance safety. There are no limitations to the selection of materials according to the desired effect.

[0015] (Regarding facial features) The function of the face-like pattern 03 in this invention is to provide a strong visual stimulus to target animals and exert a deterrent effect when the umbrella is opened. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the face-like pattern 03 is made to resemble a face on the entire surface of the umbrella vinyl 02, and is equipped with large eyes, a mouth, and teeth. There are no limitations on the method of drawing the face-like pattern 03, such as printing with weather-resistant ink or attaching tear-resistant synthetic fabric patches by heat welding or sewing. Furthermore, measures to provide visual stimulation may be taken, such as placing retroreflective tape or reflective print on the eyes and outline to improve visibility at night, or using mirrored material to reflect light and temporarily dazzle the eyes.

[0016] (Regarding umbrella frame components) The function of the umbrella frame member in this invention is to stably support the umbrella vinyl 02, reliably and smoothly transmit the opening and closing operation centered on the shaft 04, and protect the umbrella vinyl 02 from external forces during use. As shown in paragraph

[0012] and Figure 3, the umbrella frame member of this embodiment constitutes a frame structure including main ribs 05 and secondary ribs 10, and the umbrella vinyl 02 is opened and closed by the forward and backward sliding of the lower runner 09. Furthermore, by adopting a dimensional relationship that takes into consideration interference between the annular shape of the upper runner 07 and the lower runner 09 and the protrusion on the shaft body 04 that fits within the inner diameter, the lower runner 09 is configured to slide smoothly. The main ribs 05, secondary ribs 10, and frame members 08 can be made of hollow metal tubing (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum alloy) or fiber-reinforced composite materials (e.g., fiberglass, carbon fiber). It is desirable to provide reinforcing caps or terminal patches at the ends of the ribs to alleviate stress concentration on the umbrella vinyl 02. The joints of each member can be fitted with pin connections that have excellent fatigue resistance or appropriate cushioning materials, and rust-preventive treatments can be applied to the surfaces to ensure corrosion resistance and weather resistance. In this embodiment, the main ribs 05 consist of eight ribs, but it is desirable to adjust the number and arrangement of the main ribs 05 depending on the function to be emphasized, such as by using six main ribs 05 to improve the operability of the injection drive means.

[0017] (Regarding the shaft) The function of the shaft 04 in this invention is not only to transmit the opening and closing operation of the umbrella as the central structure of the entire portable protective device 01, but also to integrally hold various functions such as the handle function of the handle member 11, the spraying function of the animal repellent 14 provided by the nozzle 12 and liquid reservoir 15, and the sound generation function of the security buzzer 18, or to allow them to be attached externally. As for the material of the shaft 04, lightweight and highly rigid aluminum alloy, stainless steel, etc. can be used, and it is desirable to apply rust prevention treatment to the surface to ensure corrosion resistance and weather resistance. Furthermore, the handle member 11 may be given an anti-slip surface or its handle shape may be changed to make it easier for children to hold. In this embodiment, all functions are enclosed in the shaft 04, but it is also possible to configure it so that it does not interfere with the opening and closing operation of the umbrella vinyl 02, such as by attaching the security buzzer 18 to the end of the handle member 11 from the outside.

[0018] (Regarding the injection drive mechanism) The function of the spray driving means in this invention is to release the animal repellent 14 held in the liquid reservoir 15 outwards from the spray nozzle 12 in response to the user's operation, thereby exerting a deterrent effect by providing an olfactory stimulus to the target animal. This embodiment includes a nozzle 12, a nozzle cover 13, an animal repellent 14, a liquid reservoir 15, a spray lever 16, and a lock pin 17. A manual pump system is employed, in which the animal repellent 14 in the liquid reservoir 15 is pressurized by manually operating the spray lever 16 and sprayed from the nozzle 12. The spray drive means is not limited to a manual pump system; it can be a compressed gas type, a spring-type system, or not integrated with the shaft 04, as long as it does not interfere with the opening and closing operation of the umbrella vinyl 02 and can be handled safely by children.

[0019] (Regarding the nozzle) The purpose of the spray nozzle 12 in this invention is to provide spray characteristics that allow the animal repellent 14 held in the liquid reservoir 15 to reach an effective distance to the target animal, while maintaining a pressure range that can be safely operated even by children. The shape of the nozzle 12 should preferably be such that it forms a jet stream that maintains a certain straightness, rather than a porous shape that disperses in a mist-like manner, so that the animal repellent 14 can reach a distance of about 5 to 7 meters. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, four small-diameter openings were provided and adjusted to form a jet stream that can diffuse while maintaining distance and force, thereby obtaining an area-based repellent effect. However, a configuration with a single opening is also acceptable and is not limited to this.

[0020] (Regarding the nozzle cover and locking pin) The function of the nozzle cover 13 and lock pin 17 in this invention is to provide a safety structure that prevents children who carry the portable protective equipment 01 on a daily basis from accidentally activating the spray drive mechanism, while also allowing for a quick transition to spray operation in emergencies. The nozzle cover 13 in this embodiment is a hemispherical protective member that covers the nozzle 12, and employs a configuration in which a slight snap-fit ​​structure with elastic claws is provided on the inside to lock onto the nozzle 12. The snap-fit ​​structure can be appropriately configured to achieve both holding power and ease of removal, such as a configuration in which the elastic claws lock onto a step on the outer circumference of the nozzle 12, or a click-fit structure that utilizes a shallow step. The lock pin 17 can be configured to restrain the operation by being inserted through a through hole formed on the side of the spray lever 16, or to lock onto a groove provided at the base of the spray lever 16, thus achieving both prevention of malfunction and quick release. These configurations can be replaced with other configurations insofar as the above-mentioned objectives are achieved, and do not limit the scope of this invention.

[0021] (Regarding the means of generating sound) The function of the sound generating means in this invention is to easily and reliably generate a loud alarm sound when the user of the portable protective device 01, especially a child, senses danger, thereby intimidating the target animal and alerting third parties. The sound generating means in this embodiment consists of a security buzzer 18, a buzzer switch 19, and a dry cell battery 20 as a power source, and the security buzzer 18 employs a piezoelectric or small speaker type that can generate sufficient sound pressure in a predetermined frequency band. The sound generating means is not limited to being integrated with the shaft rod 04, but can also be attached externally to the handle member 11, and the method of generating sound can be manual activation by the buzzer switch 19, or it can be configured to automatically generate sound in conjunction with the opening of the umbrella. These arrangements and activation methods can be replaced with other configurations as long as the above-mentioned objectives are achieved, and do not limit the scope of this invention.

[0022] (Regarding the storage compartment and the mechanism to prevent opening) As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the portable protective device 01 in this invention is configured to be housed in a shoulder bag-like storage unit 21 and is equipped with an opening prevention structure that prevents the umbrella from unintentionally opening while being carried. The storage unit 21 is formed from a bag-like member 22 and is sized to accommodate the handle member 11 with it protruding upwards, and is configured to be stably held against the user's body via a shoulder strap 23. In this stored state, the umbrella vinyl 02 and shaft 04 are housed inside the bag-like member 22, so the opening and closing mechanism of the umbrella is physically restrained and it cannot be opened. As a result, even if a child carries it while moving or going to and from school, the umbrella will not open accidentally, and it can be carried safely and easily. The storage unit 21 is not limited to a shoulder bag shape, but may also be a backpack, waist holder, or cylindrical case structure, or any other configuration that can prevent the umbrella from opening, and is not limited to the scope of this invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0023] 01 Portable protective equipment 02 Umbrella vinyl 03 Face-like patterns 04 Axis rod 05 Main bone 06 Dabo 07 Upper potter's wheel 08 Structural members 09 Lower potter's wheel 10 Bone 11 Handle member 12 Nozzle 13. Spray nozzle cover 14. Animal repellents 15 Liquid storage section 16. Spray lever 17 Locking pins 18. Personal alarm 19 Buzzer switch 20 dry cell batteries 21 Storage compartments 22 Bag-shaped member 23 Shoulder strap

Claims

1. The rod-shaped central axis is equipped with a sound generating mechanism on the central axis, has a handle at one end and a nozzle at the other end. The central axis comprises a skeletal member that can be unfolded into an umbrella shape, a transparent umbrella fabric member supported by the skeletal member, and a mechanism for moving a handle member back and forth to open and close the skeletal member. A face-shaped visual stimulus member provided on the outer surface of the umbrella fabric member, A liquid storage section for storing an animal repellent, which is connected to the aforementioned spray nozzle, and a spray driving means for spraying the animal repellent, The liquid reservoir and the injection drive means are equipped with either a lock, a sealing structure, or both, for the purpose of preventing accidental injection and leakage of liquid. The nozzle is configured to spray the animal repellent outwards from the umbrella fabric member. The handheld component has a shape that ensures a predetermined gap between it and any or both of the components related to the activation switch of the sound generating means, the liquid reservoir, and the lock and sealing structure of the injection driving means. This portable device is characterized by its ability to fold and store the umbrella fabric when not in use. Portable protective gear.

2. The sound generation means is characterized by operating in conjunction with the deployment of the skeletal member. The portable protective device according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned injection driving means is characterized by being a manual pump type. The portable protective device according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned portable device is configured to be stored in a shoulder bag-like storage compartment, and is characterized by having a storage-induced opening prevention structure that prevents the umbrella from being opened when stored. The portable protective device according to claim 1.

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