megaphone

Abstract

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

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a portable and versatile megaphone. [Background technology]

[0002] A megaphone such as that described in Patent Document 1 has been known for some time. This megaphone consists of a pair of flexible plates shaped like a folding fan. One plate has long holes near the opposing sides, and a string for hanging it around the neck is passed through a hole near the center. A hook is provided near the center of the side edge. The other plate has a protrusion formed on its side edge that is inserted into the slot, and a hook corresponding to the hook is provided near the center of the side edge. This megaphone is made by rolling a pair of plates, inserting the protrusions into the slots, and then engaging the hooks to hold the megaphone in place. It can be used as a megaphone, but when worn on the head it becomes a hat. When flattened, it can also be used as a fan. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Publication No. S60-172731 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Although the above-mentioned conventional megaphones are versatile, they are very difficult to assemble because they require inserting the protrusion into the slot and fastening it with a hook when used as a megaphone. Also, the two-piece structure makes handling difficult. The present invention has been made to solve these problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The megaphone of the present invention comprises a main body having a generally fan-shaped configuration with a small arc portion and a large arc portion and having a transparent plate laminated thereon; a string for deforming the body, and a plurality of holes are provided in the vicinity of both end edges of the body and substantially along the end edges as follows: The string is passed through holes facing each other on both end edges, and at one end edge, the string straddles the edge and passes through a hole from the opposite surface, and the strings are approximately parallel at the top and bottom.

[0006] Furthermore, the megaphone according to the present invention has a main body that is fan-shaped overall, having small and large arc portions, and is constructed by stacking inner and outer transparent plates, and a string for deforming the main body, and at both ends near both ends of the main body, holes are provided: one at the edge on the side of the small arc portion (holes a, b), one near the center (holes c, d), and one at the large arc portion 1d (holes e, f). The tip of the string is first passed through the holes from the outer plate at hole b, and the string that comes out on the inner plate straddles the opposite edge and wraps around to the outer plate. The string is passed from the outer plate to the inner plate through hole a, then arranged along edge 1a and passed through hole e from the inner plate towards the outer plate, then straddling edge 1a and brought to the inner plate and passed through hole f on the opposite edge from the inner plate towards the outer plate, then arranged along the edge and passed through hole d from the outer plate towards the inner plate, then reaches hole c on the opposite side on the inner plate side, straddling the edge and going around to the outer plate, then passed through hole c from the outer plate and out onto the inner plate, and the string coming out of the inner plate crosses the inner plate diagonally and is led to hole b, and passed through hole b from the inner plate towards the outer plate.

[0007] The transparent plate of the main body may have one edge connected and the other edge not connected.Furthermore, at the other edge, the edge of one side may be folded back and the edge of the other side may be inserted into the folded back part. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view showing a megaphone in an unfolded state according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the megaphone shown in FIG. [Figure 3] 10 is a plan view showing a mold for cutting a printed material to be sandwiched between resin plates of a megaphone into a predetermined shape. FIG. [Figure 4] 10A to 10C are explanatory diagrams showing the deformation process of the megaphone according to the present invention. [Figure 5] 10A to 10C are explanatory diagrams showing the deformation process of the megaphone according to the present invention. [Figure 6] 10A to 10C are explanatory diagrams showing the deformation process of the megaphone according to the present invention. [Figure 7] 10A to 10C are explanatory diagrams showing the deformation process of the megaphone according to the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the internal state when the megaphone shape is formed. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing another method of use. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing another method of use. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a development view showing a megaphone according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a megaphone according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view of the megaphone shown in FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view of the megaphone shown in FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example of the megaphone shown in FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a development view showing a megaphone according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example of the megaphone shown in FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a development view showing a megaphone according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the megaphone shown in FIG. 8 is used. FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a development view showing a megaphone according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a development view showing a megaphone according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a megaphone according to a first embodiment of the present invention in an unfolded state. FIG. 2 is a rear view of the megaphone shown in FIG. 1. This megaphone 100 has a structure in which two fan-shaped transparent resin plates are stacked one on top of the other and fused at both ends. The arced portions are not joined. There are no limitations on the transparency, but it is preferable that the transparency be such that the interior can be seen, since printed material such as advertisements can be sandwiched between the resin plates. For the sake of explanation, the resin plate that becomes the inside when transformed into megaphone 100 will be referred to as inner plate 1, and the resin plate that becomes the outside will be referred to as outer plate 2.

[0010] The megaphone 100 has a plurality of holes in its edge portions 1a and 1b through which the string 3 for deformation is passed. Specifically, each of the two end edges 1a and 1b has one hole (holes a and b) on the edge on the side of the small arc portion 1c, one hole (holes c and d) near the center, and one hole (holes e and f) on the large arc portion 1d. The holes a to f are provided so as to penetrate the fused portions of the edges 1a and 1b through the inner plate 1 and the outer plate 2. The string 3 is passed through the holes a to f. The string 3 is passed through in the following order:

[0011] The tip of string 3 is first passed through outer plate 2 at hole b, and string 3 coming out at inner plate 1 goes around to outer plate 2 across edge 1a on the opposite side, and is passed through hole a from outer plate 2 to inner plate 1. Next, string 3 is arranged along edge 1a and passed through hole e from inner plate 1 to outer plate 2. Next, string 3, which has been brought to inner plate 1 across edge 1a, is passed through hole f on edge 1b on the opposite side, from inner plate 1 to outer plate 2.

[0012] Next, string 3 is placed along edge 1b and passed through hole d from outer plate 2 toward inner plate 1. This string 3 reaches hole c on the opposite side on the inner plate 1 side, but straddles the edge and goes around to outer plate 2, passes from outer plate 2 through hole c and emerges on inner plate 1. String 3 emerging from inner plate 1 crosses inner plate 1 diagonally and is guided to hole b, through which it is passed from inner plate 1 toward outer plate 2. In this state, the end of string 3 emerges from hole b on outer plate 2. The ends of string 3 are tied together and passed through cord stopper 5 so that the length can be adjusted and the string can be fixed.

[0013] The string 3 is preferably smooth and resistant to fraying, so is preferably made of synthetic fiber. It is preferable to provide grommets in the holes to reduce friction with the string 3.

[0014] By passing the strings 3 through the holes a to f in this manner, the strings 3 are arranged in three rows approximately parallel to each other on the inner plate 1. When the strings 3 are pulled in this parallel state, the edges 1a and 1b are pulled evenly, and the unfolded state is neatly transformed into a megaphone shape.

[0015] The inner plate 1 and the outer plate 2 may be of the same shape, or only one of them may have a hole near the center. The hole may be provided so that writing can be done on paper placed inside. In addition, it is preferable that the joints at both ends have a structure that includes a fold to ensure strength.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a mold for cutting a printed material to be sandwiched between the resin plates of a megaphone into a predetermined shape. This mold 6 is fan-shaped and is roughly similar in shape to the resin plates. A paper on which predetermined content has been printed is cut along the outer edge of this mold 6 using a cutter. This mold 6 is provided as an accessory. Designs such as letters may be provided as cutouts on the mold 6 (not shown). This allows the user to easily write the design on the paper. Furthermore, the mold 6 can be stored by being sandwiched between the resin plates.

[0017] Next, we will explain how to use this megaphone 100. Figures 4 to 7 are explanatory diagrams showing the deformation process of the megaphone according to the present invention. As shown in Figure 4, while lightly holding megaphone 100 in one's hand, pull on string 3 extending from hole b. This causes the string 3, which runs across inner plate 1, to pull the edges together. At this time, small arc portion 1c, central portion 1f, and large arc portion 1d are pulled evenly by string 3, and both end edges are pulled together smoothly.

[0018] As the string 3 is pulled, both end edges 1a and 1b gradually approach each other as shown in Figures 5 and 6, and eventually, as shown in the enlarged view of Figure 7, both end edges 1a and 1b are connected with a partial overlap. The holes a, c, and e are on the bottom, and the holes b, d, and f are on the top, overlapping. The string 3 passes directly through holes a and b, holes c and d, and holes e and f in an overlapping state. As a result, the end edges 1a and 1b neatly overlap each other.

[0019] Figure 8 shows the internal state when the megaphone is in its shape. As shown, edges 1a and 1b overlap, creating a beautiful shape for megaphone 100. This makes it easy to hold in the hand, and ensures that voices are transmitted to the entire surface without leaking out. Furthermore, string 3 extends outward, allowing megaphone 100 to be used for hanging.

[0020] Furthermore, one of the edges 1a, 1b may be unfused. For example, in FIG. 1, the left edge 1b is fused, but the opposite right edge 1a is not connected to the resin plates of the outer panel 2 and the inner panel 1. This is to absorb minute misalignments caused by differences between the outer panel 2 and the inner panel 1 when the megaphone 100 is formed. This prevents the inner panel 1 from rippling when the megaphone is formed, allowing it to be neatly rolled. In this case, the holes through which the string 3 passes may be misaligned between the outer panel 2 and the inner panel 1, so it is preferable to make one of the holes an elongated hole in the direction of the arc. This prevents the string 3 from being restrained. Alternatively, the diameter of one of the holes may be increased to absorb misalignment between the centers of the holes.

[0021] Next, another method of use will be described. As shown in Figure 9, the outer plate 2 and inner plate 1 can be spread out to form a hat-like shape. Figure 9(a) is an external view from above, and Figure 9(b) is an external view from below. In this case, the string 3 can be used as a chin strap by pulling the string 3 on the side of the large arc portion 1d. The megaphone 100 is often used outdoors, such as at a baseball stadium. In this case, it would be very convenient if it could be worn on the head to provide shade or protection from the rain, as shown in Figure 10. In addition, the opening on the narrow side allows for good ventilation.

[0022] (Embodiment 2) FIG. 11 is an exploded view showing a megaphone according to the second embodiment of the present invention. This megaphone 200 has substantially the same configuration as the megaphone 100 according to the first embodiment, but differs in the manner in which the string 3 is attached. One end of the string 3 is fixed to hole f. The string 3 passes through hole f from the inner plate 1 to the outer plate 2, straddles edge 1a, and reaches the inner plate 1, where it is passed through hole e on the opposite side. The string 3 passes through hole e, and is guided to and passed through hole c in the outer plate 2. The string 3 passes through hole c from the outer plate 2 to the inner plate 1, is passed to the opposite edge 1b, straddles edge 1b, and is passed from the outer plate 2 to the inner plate 1 through hole d. The string 3 passed through hole d passes along edge 1b from the inner plate 1 to hole b from the outer plate 2, and the string 3 passed through hole b straddles edge 1b to reach the inner plate 1, where it is passed to hole a in the opposite edge 1a and extends outward from hole a.

[0023] When the string 3 is pulled in this state, it is pulled through the holes a-f, causing the edges 1a, 1b to approach each other, eventually forming a megaphone shape. Since the string 3 is passed through the hole at one of the two end edges 1a, 1b so as to straddle the edges 1a, 1b, when it is molded into the shape of megaphone 200, the edges 1a, 1b overlap each other, forming a neat megaphone shape. In addition, the attachment structure of the string 3 is simple. Furthermore, since the string 3 extends long, it can be folded back and the end engaged with part of the main body, allowing it to be worn around the neck.

[0024] (Embodiment 3) Figure 12 is a plan view showing a megaphone according to embodiment 3 of the present invention. Figure 13 is a partial perspective view of the megaphone shown in Figure 12. This megaphone 300 has a structure in which two fan-shaped transparent resin plates are stacked one on top of the other and joined at one end 1b, which is the radially straight portion. The arc portions 1c and 1d are not joined. There are no restrictions on the transparency, but it is preferable that the transparency be such that the interior can be seen, as printed material such as advertisements will be sandwiched between the resin plates.

[0025] The radially straight portion at the other end 1a of the megaphone 300 is not joined by the inner plate 1 and the outer plate 2, and the end of the outer plate 2 is folded back. The folded back portion 21 has a certain width. The end 1a of the inner plate 1 is inserted between the overlapping portion 21. As a result, the end 1a of the outer plate 2 and the end 1a of the inner plate 1 overlap by that width (overlapping portion 21). This overlapping portion 21 also serves to prevent printed material from falling out when it is sandwiched inside. Furthermore, when used as a hat, as described below, the overlapping portion 21 can be prevented from widening to create a gap between the outer plate 2 and the inner plate 1, as shown in FIG. 14.

[0026] In the overlapping portion 21, a long hole 11 is provided near the edge of the inner plate 1. A normal circular hole 22 may be provided at the end of the outer plate 2. When the megaphone 300 is rolled up, a misalignment occurs due to a difference between the inside and outside, and by providing the long hole 11 near the edge of the inner plate 1, this difference is absorbed. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 15(a), the long hole 11 in the inner plate 1 can be replaced by a large hole 12 with a diameter set to allow for a margin for the diameter of the string 3 described below, to achieve the same effect. Furthermore, the shapes or dimensions of the holes 11, 12 in the inner plate 1 and the hole 22 in the outer plate 2 may be reversed. The following explanation of the holes assumes that they are provided under the above conditions.

[0027] 15(b), the overlapping portion 21 may be formed so as to be continuous with the fused portion between the inner plate 1 and the outer plate 2, and a hole 13, described below, may be provided in the fused portion. In other words, the edge of the outer plate 2 is folded back to form the fused portion 22, and a portion is formed extending from this fused portion 22 to form the overlapping portion 21 with the edge of the inner plate 1. In this case, no hole is required in the edge 1a of the inner plate 1. Because there is no hole in the overlapping portion 21, it can smoothly absorb any misalignment that occurs when the inner plate 1 is deformed into a megaphone shape, described below.

[0028] Furthermore, a configuration as shown in Figure 15(c) may be used. That is, in the configuration of (b) above, the edge of the outer panel 2 is further folded back, and the edge of the inner panel 1 is folded back, and these folded back portions are interlocked. This interlocking causes the folded back portions to catch together, thereby limiting relative movement that may occur due to misalignment. In particular, this can prevent the inner panel 1 and outer panel 2 from coming apart at the overlapping portion 21 when the panel is deformed into the shape of a hat. This is also effective in terms of waterproofing.

[0029] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 15(d), creases are made in the radial direction near the edge of the inner plate 1 to form peaks 27, which absorb any misalignment that occurs when the inner plate 1 is deformed into the megaphone shape. In other words, peaks 27 deform to absorb any misalignment between the inner plate 1 and the outer plate 2. The deformation of peaks 27 increases the radial strength of the megaphone, allowing it to be neatly formed.

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

[0031] The tip of string 3 is first passed through outer plate 2 at hole b, and string 3 coming out at inner plate 1 goes around to outer plate 2 across edge 1a on the opposite side, and is passed through hole a from outer plate 2 to inner plate 1. Next, string 3 is arranged along edge 1a and passed through hole e from inner plate 1 to outer plate 2. Next, string 3, which has been brought to inner plate 1 across edge 1a, is passed through hole f on edge 1b on the opposite side, from inner plate 1 to outer plate 2.

[0032] Next, string 3 is placed along edge 1b and passed through hole d from outer plate 2 toward inner plate 1. This string 3 reaches hole c on the opposite side on the inner plate 1 side, but straddles the edge and goes around to outer plate 2, passes from outer plate 2 through hole c and emerges on inner plate 1. String 3 emerging from inner plate 1 crosses inner plate 1 diagonally and is guided to hole b, through which it is passed from inner plate 1 toward outer plate 2. In this state, the end of string 3 emerges from hole b on outer plate 2. The ends of string 3 are tied together and passed through cord stopper 5 so that the length can be adjusted and the string can be fixed.

[0033] The string 3 is preferably smooth and resistant to fraying, so is preferably made of synthetic fiber. It is preferable to provide grommets in the holes to reduce friction with the string 3.

[0034] The outer plate 2 and the inner plate 1 may be of the same shape, or only one of them may have a large hole near the center. The hole allows writing to be done on a piece of paper placed inside (not shown).

[0035] The method of using this megaphone 300 is the same as in the first embodiment described above, but differs in the following respects: When string 3 is pulled, edges 1a, 1b are pulled together and the whole is deformed into a megaphone shape, but at overlapping portion 21, a difference occurs between outer plate 2 and inner plate 1, causing a misalignment between outer plate 2 and inner plate 1. This misalignment would cause rippling when the megaphone is shaped, but because overlapping portion 21 absorbs this misalignment, the inner plate 1 does not rippling when shaped into a megaphone, and a clean megaphone shape is formed.

[0036] This megaphone 300 can be neatly formed into the shape of megaphone 300 when transformed from a flat state into the shape of megaphone 300. Furthermore, when the space between inner plate 1 and outer plate 2 is spread out and used like a hat, the edges 1a, 1b of inner plate 1 and outer plate 2 do not separate because the panels are spread out at the fold line of overlapping portion 21 and outer plate 2 are connected to inner plate 1 by string 3, and the overlapping portion 21 also provides protection from rain.

[0037] (Fourth embodiment) Figure 16 is an exploded view showing a megaphone according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. This megaphone 400 is characterized in that a radial slit 25 is provided in a part of the inner plate 1. Other than that, it has the same configuration as the megaphone 100 according to the first embodiment, so the same components are given the same reference numerals and their explanations are omitted. The slit 25 may be a cut only, or as shown in Figure 17, it may be formed so that the cut overlaps. This absorbs the misalignment between the inner plate 1 and the outer plate 2 when it is deformed into the megaphone shape, preventing rippling of the inner plate 1.

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

[0039] (Embodiment 6) FIG. 20 is an exploded view showing a megaphone according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. This megaphone 600 has a structure in which two fan-shaped transparent resin plates are stacked one on top of the other and fused at both ends. The arc portions are not joined. There is no limitation on the transparency, but it is preferable that the transparency be such that the interior can be seen, since printed material such as advertisements can be sandwiched between the resin plates. Also, as shown in the second embodiment, one edge may be left unjoined. Multiple snap buttons 601 are provided on the edges 1a and 1b of the megaphone 100. The snap button 601 on the edge 1a and the snap button 601 on the edge 1b form a pair. Holes a and b for threading the string 3 are provided on the edges of the both edges 1a and 1b on the side of the small arc portion 1c.

[0040] This megaphone 600 is transformed into a megaphone shape and the snap button 601 is connected, thereby maintaining the megaphone shape.

[0041] 21 shows another example of a megaphone 650, which has hook-and-loop fasteners 602 attached to the edges 1a and 1b instead of the snap buttons 601. In this case, the megaphone is also deformed into a megaphone shape and the hook-and-loop fasteners 602 are connected together, thereby maintaining the megaphone shape. [Explanation of symbols]

[0042] 100 Megaphone 1 Inner plate 2. Outer panels 3. String a~f holes 4 Cord stopper

Claims

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

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