ES2878290A1 - PORTABLE AREA DELIMITATION DEVICE (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

Portable area delimitation device that is foldable and comprises one or more pieces, in this case it is also removable, and the pieces have a main body (2) made of a flexible and deformable material such that, when the device is deployed and assembled when appropriate, it forms a geometric figure that determines a specific area. The device is designed to be stretched over terrain and is flexible and lightweight so when folded or disassembled it is comfortable and easy to carry. Deployment or assembly is also quick for ease of use. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

DESCRIPTION

PORTABLE AREA DELIMITATION DEVICE

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention describes a portable, flexible, light and deformable area delimitation device that can comprise one or more pieces so that, when unfolded, and assembled if they are several pieces, it forms a geometric figure (such as a hoop, annulus, an arc or a polygon) to mark an area on the ground. Being flexible and deformable, it adapts to any surface. Being foldable and removable, it can be stored and transported comfortably. It is also easy to use and disassembles / unfolds quickly.

TECHNICAL PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Multiple physical systems are known for the identification and marking of areas. One type of spacers known up to now are vertical spacers that pose a physical obstacle. These vertical spacers can take multiple forms, fixed or removable, and can be made of different materials.

There are also systems for identifying horizontal areas, without the need to have a physical obstacle associated with it that blocks the way to the marked area. These types of indicators include, for example, marking with paint, the use of tapes or unit sheets.

The use of identification systems and / or separation of areas is a common solution especially useful in common areas, designed for use by many people, within which you want to establish a certain privacy or distance from other users.

This happens, for example, in restaurants where you want to separate the diners at some tables from those who are seated at nearby tables. In this way, each group of people can have a certain separation that allows them to speak without other people listening to them, avoid prying eyes, etc.

Currently, due to the global expansion of the Covid-19 pandemic, this type of identification or area separation systems have become even more popular. Right now it is not only about separating areas of groups of people to achieve greater comfort for users, but these separations are associated with hygienic and sanitary issues. In many cases, these are not even voluntary requirements that people have the option of meeting to use public spaces, but rather they are obligations imposed by law.

In open spaces, for public use, where a high influx of people is expected, it is necessary to delimit the space for each person or groups of people. In this way, the capacity can be controlled and a safe distance between people can be guaranteed to prevent the possible spread of the virus.

These distances are very difficult to respect in outdoor spaces, especially in natural places such as beaches or the countryside. For this, a solution that has been proposed is the use of vertical area identification systems that involve the installation of methacrylate screens in the sand on the beach or in the field, where such a high influx of people is expected.

One of the problems associated with this type of separation when used for example on beaches or in a meadow is that they have a high visual impact. People who are going to enjoy a day in nature suddenly have to face vertical elements that take away their views of the sea or the mountains. Even when transparent methacrylate panels are used, they end up staining due to the wind that carries sea mist or land, etc. In addition, the panels are joined together and kept in a vertical position through the use of posts that are generally not transparent.

Another important disadvantage of these systems is that they are fixed systems, that is, even when there is no one on the beach or in the field, they are still installed. These are not systems that can be easily retrieved at times with fewer crowds or on windy or rainy days when only a few people would like to make use of the places where they have been installed. Likewise, the fact that they are always kept in fixed positions means that people cannot change position based on weather conditions, for example depending on how the sun hits at a certain time of day or at a certain time of year.

On the other hand, just as in closed spaces, horizontal area identification systems are being used, there are no known systems of this type that are valid to be used in natural settings. The systems currently used include the use of painted lines on the ground, light projections that delimit the area or adhesives also arranged on the ground. The only of these options that could be used outdoors would be that of light projections, but when they are used in open spaces and during the central hours of the day, which is when there is usually a greater influx of people, the lights projected with clarity.

Therefore, it is necessary to develop an area delimitation device for personal use (to be used alone or in the company of a group of people that includes family / friends), which is portable so that the user can place it wherever they want. depending on the weather conditions or your personal preferences, that it can be used outdoors and that does not imply a visual impact or of any other type in the public or private space in which it is used.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a portable area delimitation device that enables the previously described problems to be solved.

The portable area delimitation device is flexible so that it adapts to whatever terrain it is to be placed on. It is also removable or deployable to occupy the minimum space in its transport and storage. It is preferably also made of light materials so that it is more comfortable to transport. The device in the folded / disassembled position takes up very little space to be conveniently stored in a case, backpack or similar.

Thanks to all this, it provides a simple solution with notable advantages to delimit and identify an area of interest with respect to existing media with similar functionalities.

The device can be made of a single piece or several pieces assembled together and is deployable such that it folds for storage and transport and unfolds for use. The device can have different configurations, it can be circular, such as a circular ring or crown; it can be polygonal, such as a square; it can be open, such as an arch; or it can have a combination of straight and curved sections. Furthermore, the profile of the main body could be, for example, a flat laminar body or be, for example, an inflatable body.

In a preferred embodiment, the part or parts that make up the device comprise a main body made of a light and flexible material such as a synthetic or plastic textile. Preferably the main body is a laminar body or an inflatable body such that it is as light as possible and takes up less space during storage and transportation. To give rigidity to the assembly, the device can comprise flexible rods (external stiffening elements) linked to the main body, for example arranged inside it through grooves. These rods make up the outer perimeter of the device. Likewise, to tension the main body, the device can comprise a cord (inner stiffening element) that delimits the inner perimeter of the main body and contributes to give the device firmness.

The device is intended to be unfolded (and assembled if there are several pieces) prior to use. When it is already in an extended position, occupying its maximum surface area, it is arranged on the ground to be delimited, thus marking a perfectly established area framed inside the device.

In an exemplary embodiment, the main body can be brightly colored so that it is easily visible even from a distance or to be able to quickly recognize which is the area delimiting device of each user. In other cases, it could be in more discreet colors if it is to be used, for example, in a private setting where such differentiation is not necessary or in protected natural spaces where it is convenient to provide better integration into the environment.

Fixing elements can be used to ensure a fixed position of the device in the field. In this sense, the main body can have through holes, eyelets or elastic elements, intended to receive said fixing elements.

It can also comprise housings or pockets to allow the user to store their belongings in a comfortable way. For example, if you are at the beach and want to bathe, you can keep your phone and keys so that they are out of sight. They could also be used to store the fixing elements to the ground.

The use of the portable area delimitation device is not limited to the current situation in which, for health reasons, it is required to maintain social distance between people of different groups, but it is also very useful on any other occasion. Some examples of its use could be to delimit a minimum space between people on the beach on busy days and thus maintain a personal space in which to be calm and be able to leave belongings with some security, so that users have an idea visual even at a distance from where they have left their belongings, so that users can establish with children an area within which to stay and play and prevent them from getting lost, etc.

As previously described, the essential advantages over other known types of area delimiting devices are that it is portable and that it is easy and convenient to use. It also has a low cost so that any user can get one or they could even be distributed by public bodies for the purpose of raising awareness of social distancing, by private companies for advertising purposes, etc. Additionally, it is a solution with zero negative impact on the ground or the environment since it is only placed on the ground when it is going to be used and then removed without leaving traces or residues (which does happen, for example, when paints are used. to delimit areas).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

To complete the description and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, this specification is accompanied, as an integral part thereof, by a set of drawings where, with an illustrative and non-limiting nature, it has been represented the next:

Figure 1 represents a perspective view of the portable area delimitation device in a first embodiment in which it is in the shape of a circular crown.

Figure 2 represents a detail view from the perspective of Figure 1, partially sectioned, where the main body, the outer stiffening element, which is a flexible rod and the inner stiffening element, which is a cord, are observed.

Figure 3 represents a plan view of a portable area delimiting device in a second embodiment in which it has a polygonal configuration.

Figure 4 represents a detailed view of the device shown in figure 3 in which a groove of the main body is observed and the stiffening elements and the connecting element that joins two contiguous external stiffening elements can be seen.

Below is a list of the different elements represented in the figures that make up the invention:

1. Portable area delimitation device

2. Main body

3. Exterior stiffening element

4. Interior stiffening element

5. Connecting element

6. Slot

7. Asshole

8. Accommodation

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention should not be limited to the embodiment described herein. Other configurations can be made by those skilled in the art in light of the present description. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is defined by the following claims.

A portable area delimiting device (1) is proposed that is foldable and can be removable and comprises at least one piece with a main body (2) made of a flexible and deformable material. The unfolded part or the union of assembled parts forms a geometric body that defines a specific area.

The device can also have at least one outer stiffening element (3) and it can have an inner stiffening element (4). The outer stiffening element (3) is flexible and is linked to one of the ends of the main body (2) forming the outer perimeter of the device (1).

In the figures you can see the portable area delimitation device. Said device can have a closed or open shape and comprise curved, straight sections or a combination of both. Regarding the section of the main body (2), this is preferably a laminar body or an inflatable body. In a first embodiment, shown in Figures 1 and 2, the main body (2) has a circular configuration and can be, for example, a circular ring or crown, an oval, etc. In a second embodiment, shown in Figures 3 and 4, the main body (2) has a polygonal configuration. It can be a rectangle, a square, etc. In other embodiments, the main body (2) has a configuration that combines straight sections and curved sections or has an open configuration, such as in the shape of an arc or a partially open circle.

Preferably the main body (2) is a laminar body or an inflatable body. It is also preferably made of synthetic textile or plastic. These materials are, in addition to flexible and deformable, lightweight materials to facilitate and improve the transport of the device. In cases where there is at least one external stiffening element (3), it can be a flexible rod and it can be telescopic. When it is telescopic, it can be folded and unfolded comfortably and easily to facilitate assembly and subsequent collection of the device.

The outer stiffening element (s) (3) are, in this case shown in the figures, flexible rods, joined at their ends by means of joining elements (5), which are part of the device (1). The external stiffening elements (3) offer an elastic assembly and provide rigidity. As previously described, the device (1) can comprise at least one internal stiffening element (4) that helps the tensioning of the main body (2).

In an embodiment, the main body (2) comprises at least one slot (6) that forms an opening through which the outer stiffening element (3) can be inserted, and the inner stiffening element (4) when present. . In this way, the stiffening elements (3, 4) are housed inside the main body (2).

The at least one connecting element (5) can be seen in Figures 2 and 4 and is configured to join two ends of an outer stiffening element (3) or the outer stiffening elements (3) of adjoining pieces.

When there is one, the inner stiffening element (4) is linked to the main body (2) and determines its inner perimeter. Preferably it is a cord or other similar element that helps to tighten the assembly and give firmness to the main body (2). That is, the inner stiffening element (4) is linked to one end of the main body (2) opposite the end where the outer stiffening element (3) is located and also provides rigidity to the device (1) when it is assembled and / or deployed.

Thus, in the cases in which the main body (2) has the shape of a circular crown and comprises external (3) and internal (4) stiffening elements, the external stiffening element (3) forms the external diameter of the main body (2 ) and the inner stiffening element (4) forms the inner diameter.

In the embodiment in which the device has a polygonal configuration, it can have a square shape, for example, as seen in Figures 3 and 4.

Figure 3 shows the portable area delimiting device in an embodiment in which it is flexible, deployable and assembled and has a polygonal configuration. In this case, the device has a single piece that comprises an enveloping main body (2), preferably made of a synthetic textile or plastic. In this exemplary embodiment, it is possible to observe the grooves (6) configured to introduce external stiffening elements (4) and the internal ones (3) when there are any.

In said figure there are also eyelets (7), through holes or elastic elements that are arranged in the main body (2) and that are configured to allow the passage of a fixing element of the device (1) to the ground. In this way, a Once the device (1) has been deployed and / or assembled, it is placed on the ground to mark the desired area and it can be fixed to said ground with fixing means such as picks or the like. The fixing means make it possible to ensure the position of the device (1) at all times to prevent it from moving with the wind, someone from moving it unintentionally, etc. Preferably said eyelets (7) are inserted in the main body (2).

Likewise, the device (1) can comprise, as seen in figure 3, at least one housing (8) or pockets in the main body (2). In a preferred example, the housings (8) are made of the same material as the main body (2).

Figure 4 shows a detailed view of one of the corners of the polygon that makes up the device (1). In this case, the outer stiffening elements (3) that define the outer perimeter are rods or profiles assembled together with joining elements (5), closing the polygon in such a way as to offer a flexible structure. In this example, the inner stiffening element (4) that gives strength to the main body (2) is also a cord. Furthermore, the figure clearly shows the grooves (6) that allow the stiffening elements (3, 4) to pass through.

Claims (15)

1. Portable area delimitation device characterized in that it is foldable and comprises at least one piece with a main body (2) made of a flexible and deformable material such that the unfolded piece or, when there are a plurality of pieces, the joint of pieces Unfolded and assembled, it forms a geometric body that delimits a specific area on a terrain where the device is placed. 2. Portable area delimitation device according to claim 1 in which the geometric body can have a closed or open shape and comprise curved, straight sections or a combination of both. 3. Portable area delimitation device according to any one of the preceding claims comprising at least one external stiffening element (3) that is flexible and is linked to one of the ends of the main body (2) forming the outer perimeter of the device ( one). 4. Portable area delimitation device according to claim 3, in which each piece comprises an inner stiffening element (4) linked to one end of the main body (2) opposite the end in which the outer stiffening element (3) is located. configured to provide rigidity to the device (1) when it is deployed and, assembled if there are several pieces, forming the inner perimeter of the device. 5. Portable area delimitation device according to claim 3, wherein the outer stiffening element (3) is a flexible rod. 6. Portable area delimitation device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the outer stiffening element (3) is telescopic. 7. Portable area delimitation device according to any one of claims 3 to 6 comprising at least one connecting element (5) configured to join two ends of an outer stiffening element (3) or the outer stiffening elements (3) of adjoining pieces. 8. Portable area delimitation device according to claim 4, wherein the inner stiffening element (4) is a cord. 9. Portable area delimitation device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main body (2) is made of synthetic textile or plastic. 10. Portable area delimitation device according to any one of claims 3 to 9, in which the main body (2) comprises grooves (6) configured to allow the passage of at least one external stiffening element (4). 11. Portable area delimitation device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the pieces comprises, in the main body (2), at least one eyelet (7), hole or elastic element, configured to allow the passage of an element for fixing the device (1) to the ground. 12. Portable area delimitation device according to any one of the preceding claims comprising at least one housing (8) in the main body (2). 13. Portable area delimitation device according to any one of the preceding claims in which the main body (2) is a laminar body or is an inflatable body. 14. Portable area delimitation device according to any one of the preceding claims having the shape of a ring or circular crown. 15. Portable area delimitation device according to any one of claims 1 to 13 having a polygonal shape.