WO2000048164A1

WO2000048164A1 - Portable and flexible band

Info

Publication number: WO2000048164A1
Application number: PCT/EP2000/000959
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christian Blank; Ewald Eisen; Andreas Mahr; Gerd Zimmermann; Jeff Kauffman
Original assignee: Christian Blank; Ewald Eisen; Andreas Mahr; Gerd Zimmermann; Jeff Kauffman
Priority date: 1999-02-08
Filing date: 2000-02-07
Publication date: 2000-08-17
Also published as: AU3153300A; DE29902067U1

Abstract

The invention relates to a portable, flexible band (1) which can be printed or written on. The invention is characterised in that the band (1) is rolled up around a pivotable shaft (2) within a solid support device when the band (1) is in an initial state. Said band (1) can be manually drawn out of the support device, whereby the band (1) engages with the shaft (2) and thus tenses a return spring mechanism. In a preferred embodiment, the spring mechanism is produced by a stretched rubber band (8).

Description

Portable and flexible band

The present invention relates to a portable and flexible tape that is printable and / or writable. The use of such a tape is primarily intended to express opinions at major events such as sporting events or pop concerts.

A wide variety of fan articles can be purchased in a wide range of entertainment and sports sectors. They usually serve to signal the owner's sympathy or reluctance to a certain group or an individual. The so-called "fan scarf" is particularly well known from sports such as football or ice hockey. In the simplest version, such a scarf is simply knitted in the colors of the respective club, but the club emblem and a message can also be attached to it.

However, the possibilities of printing or describing a scarf are limited due to its surface properties. Furthermore, it may be desirable for certain reasons to only show the sympathy for a team or a group to the public during the event itself or within a like-minded environment. Therefore, it is sometimes desirable to transport such objects as simply and inconspicuously as possible.

Based on a "fan scarf", the invention is therefore based on the object of specifying a writable or printable device for expressing opinions, which is easy and compact to transport and can be used in an original manner.

This object is achieved by a belt which has the features of claim 1.

The printable or writable tape is rolled up around a shaft that is rotatably supported within a support frame. To disseminate a message on the tape, the tape is pulled out of the carrying frame by hand, taking the shaft with it, which tensions a spring mechanism that drives back. The tape is then pulled in again independently. The invention is further developed by the features of the further claims. Completely rolling up can be prevented by a stop device attached to the end of the belt. When pulling out the band, the shaft can advantageously latch relative to the carrying frame, the latching being released again by a brief pulling movement of the band or by the actuation of a switching element attached to the carrying frame. Furthermore, a device for emitting an optical and / or acoustic signal can be provided.

In a further development, the band and the spring mechanism can be an integral part of a portable everyday object, the original function of this object being retained completely or at least partially. However, the carrying frame can also be simply installed in a non-functional housing in the form of a commodity.

Finally, the invention is not limited to the use of a single band. At least one further band can be provided in a housing, which can be pulled out in the same or in the opposite direction.

In an advantageous embodiment, the housing is made from a thin-walled plastic sleeve. The necessary wall thickness results from the compromise of stability compared to the holding pressure of the hand and the effort to make the carrying frame or housing as light as possible.

In a further embodiment, the housing and / or the head parts are covered with a soft material (e.g. foamed plastic or the like). The soft cover ensures a comfortable grip. It also prevents serious injuries if the portable tape is thrown.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the housing consists of a supporting (grid) frame, which is preferably surrounded by a soft covering. The frame provides the necessary stability with low weight, while the soft cover ensures a comfortable grip and security.

In a further preferred embodiment, locking devices are attached to the opposite ends of the band. The tape can thus be attached to window panes (e.g. on the back of the car) or to fences when unrolled. According to a further embodiment, the housing is made of cardboard or solid paper. These materials are easily recyclable, inexpensive, light and soft despite being sufficiently stable.

In a further embodiment, at least one of the head parts can be locked in relation to the housing. This prevents the head parts from rotating in or on the housing.

According to a further embodiment, at least one of the head parts is sunk in the housing or is flush with it. The headboards usually have to be made of harder material. Lowering the head parts into the housing, which may be made of softer material or covered with it, ensures less risk of injury.

In preferred configurations, the edges that appear on the housing are rounded.

The invention is explained in more detail using the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawing.

Show it:

1 shows a view of a first exemplary embodiment of a band held in a can-like housing;

Fig. 2 in supervision the housing according to Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 shows the housing in partial section along line H-II of Fig. 2;

Figure 4 shows the housing in section along line I- "of Fig. 1;

5 shows a view of a second exemplary embodiment of a band integrated in a housing designed as binoculars;

6 shows the binoculars in partial section along line II-II of FIG. 7.

Fig. 7 in supervision the binoculars with the band retracted; 8 is a top view of the binoculars with the tape partially extended;

Fig. 9 the binoculars in section along line I-I of Fig. 5;

10 shows a view of a third exemplary embodiment of a band integrated in a housing designed as a bottle;

11 shows the bottle in partial section along line III-III of FIG. 12;

12 is a top view of the bottle with the band retracted;

13 is a top view of the bottle with the tape partially extended;

14 the bottle in partial section along line I-I of FIG. 10;

15 shows the bottle in section along line II-II of FIG. 10.

16 shows a band surrounded by a soft protective jacket

17 shows a stability framework

Fig. 18 is an extended band with fasteners

Fig. 19 a recessed headboard

Fig. 20 a rotation protection.

A first exemplary embodiment will first be explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

In this example, an elongated band 1 is wound around a shaft 2, which is rotatably held in a cylindrical housing 3, which serves as a support frame. One end of the band 1 is attached to the rotatable shaft 2, while at the other end, which protrudes from a slot 4 in the wall of the housing 3, a handle 5 is attached or formed. When the band 1 is pulled back, this handle 5 or an element thereof comes into contact with the housing 3, thereby preventing the band 1 from being pulled completely into the interior of the housing 3. The two ends of the housing 3 are closed by head parts 6a and 6b, from each of which a hook 7a or 7b protrudes into the interior of the housing 3. On these two On the one hand, the shaft 2 is placed on hooks 7a and 7b, on the other hand, an annular rubber band 8 is also suspended thereon, which runs inside the rotatable shaft 2.

When the band 1 is pulled out of the slot 4 of the housing 3, the shaft 2 rotates, a web 9, which passes through the shaft 2 at approximately half the height, the rubber band 8, which runs on both sides of the web 9 (see FIG. 4) takes with it when it rotates. As a result, the rubber band 8 is twisted when pulled out. If the band 1 is then released again, the tensioned rubber band 8 turns again and the band 1 is pulled back until the handle 5 comes into contact with the housing 3. The device can then be easily transported in this state.

Even if not shown, it is nevertheless expedient if the rubber band 8 is still twisted somewhat in the retracted state of the band 1, that is to say it exerts a pretension.

The mechanism for retracting the tape 1 shown here is characterized by its simplicity and ease of implementation. Of course, other forms of a spring mechanism are also conceivable. For example, the shaft 2 itself can be suspended on one or both sides with a rubber band in the housing 3. It would also be possible to use a spiral spring that is tensioned during the rotational movement. The size of the housing 3 can be matched to the width and length of the band 1.

The ends of the shaft 2 and the head parts 6a and 6b can be designed so that the shaft 2 locks against the housing 3 when the band 1 is pulled out, as is known per se in window blinds. As a result, the tape 1 can be unrolled to specific lengths without having to use additional force to maintain the set length. The locking of the rotatable shaft 2 can then be released again by a brief pulling movement of the belt 1. However, a switching element attached to the housing 3 is also conceivable, by means of its actuation, for example by means of thumb pressure, the locking of the shaft 2 is released.

A further development of the first exemplary embodiment is shown in FIGS. 5 to 9. In this example, band 1 and the spring mechanism just explained are an integral part of binocular binoculars 10, which can be seen in full view in FIG. 5. It consists of two objectives 11a, 11b, at the ends facing the eyes of which there are two eyepieces 12a, 12b, the two objectives 11a, 11b having two attachments 13a, 13b, which have a C cross section and can be pushed into one another, as is the case with this is shown in Fig. 9. The known from the first embodiment head parts 6a and 6b with the hooks 7a and 7b for mounting the shaft 2 and holding the rubber band 8 are on one of the two approaches 13a, 13b, in this case the approach 13a of the right lens 1 la attached, while the end of the band 1 opposite the shaft 2 is attached to the second projection 13b. The right lens 11a, together with its attachment 13a, thus takes over the function of the carrying frame, while the left lens 1 lb takes on the role of the handle from the first exemplary embodiment. In the assembled state, the band 1 is completely encased by the housing of the binoculars 10 and thus protected from rain or other external influences. To unroll the tape 1, the two lenses 11a, 11b are separated from one another (see FIG. 8), the corrugated shape of the outer wall of the lenses 11a, 11b allowing easy handling.

In this embodiment, the band 1 and the spring mechanism are components of an article of daily use, the original function of the article being retained in full. The device can therefore not only be used to publish the message on it by pulling out the tape 1, the binoculars 10 can also be used as such to track processes which are further away. This may be an advantage for sporting events that take place in large halls or stadiums - e.g. Football, baseball - take place or where small items are used, such as ice hockey pucks or golf balls.

However, further developments are also conceivable in which the original function of the everyday object is only partially or not at all preserved. In the present case of binocular binoculars 10, one of the two objectives 11a, 11b can be fully functional, while the housing of the second objective only serves to support the band 1 and the spring mechanism. The resulting object then still functions as a simple telescope. The binoculars 10 can be joined together as in the second exemplary embodiment, the tape 1 being unrolled again by pulling the two lenses 11a, 11b apart, but it is also possible, as in the first example, to make a slot on the outside of the second lens housing. through which the tape 1 can be pulled.

The invention is not limited to the use of a single band 1. In a further development of the example just illustrated, a further band 1 can be accommodated in an analog manner in the second lens housing. In this case, the housing of the binoculars 10 then only serves as a dummy, since it is its original Function no longer fulfilled. By using a second band 1, however, it is also possible to choose the application of the invention according to the external circumstances. Different messages can be printed on the two tapes - for example, applause and disapproval statements - which are shown according to the respective situation. The housing of the femglass can be designed so that the two bands can be pulled out in the opposite direction - possibly also simultaneously - or in the same direction. The possibility of showing two different messages is naturally given from the start by the fact that the front and back of the tape 1 can be printed differently. However, the use of a second belt expands the application options considerably, since both belts can also be unrolled at the same time.

A further possibility of integrating the band 1 and the spring mechanism into an article of daily use is shown in FIGS. 10 to 15. This is a bottle 14 which has the shape of a so-called "flask". This is divided into two spaces 16, 17 by a partition wall 18, a first space 16 which can be closed by the screw cap 19 of the bottle 14 and which can also be closed a liquid and a second space 17 on one side of the bottle 14, in which the band 1 is stored, this second space 17 is covered with a removable cap 15a, and a second cap 15b also covers the opposite side of the Bottle 14 is fixed there, however, on the top and bottom of the second space 17, the two head parts 6a and 6b are attached with their hooks 7a and 7b in such a way that the shaft 2 and the rubber band 8 are in the same way as in FIGS The first end of the band 1 opposite the shaft 2 is fastened to the removable attachment 15a, and the bottle 14 is fixed in one hand in order to pull out the band 1 held while the attachment 15a is removed with the other hand.

As in the previous example of the femglass 10, the use of a second band 1 is also possible here, by further dividing the first space 16 intended for liquid absorption with a further partition. The second band is then stored in an analogous manner on the opposite side to the first band 1, the second attachment 15b now also being designed to be removable. In contrast to the femglass 10, the bottle 14 does not lose its functionality here. The volume of the first space 16 is reduced by adding a second band, but liquid can still be taken up in it. In the embodiment according to FIGS. 10 to 15, the bottle 14 is held essentially on the two attachments 15a, 15b. However, if the bottle 14 contains two unrollable bands, both attachments 15a, 15b are inevitably removable. It is therefore initially not possible to unroll one of the two belts in a targeted manner and to continue to hold the bottle 14 to the second attachment. The invention can therefore advantageously be further developed such that the two attachments 15a, 15b latch against the housing of the bottle 14, the respective latching being releasable again by actuating a switching element, for example a simple push button.

There are no limits to the shape of the bottle 14. The present example of a "flask" seems sensible because it can simply be held in one hand while the tape 1 is being unrolled with the second hand, but other shapes are also conceivable. For example, the bottle 14 can be made more bulbous in the middle , which in turn allows more liquid to be taken in. However, to accommodate longer tapes, the bottle width can be increased on both sides.

The two exemplary embodiments of the glass 10 and the bottle 14 show that the present invention can be developed in a wide variety of ways. Housings in the form of various types of portable objects can serve to hold the band, since this requires only an elongated space - corresponding to the dimensions of the band - which can possibly also be attached to the outer wall of an object. In most cases, the original function of the article of use is retained in whole or at least in part. The band 1 can be integrated, for example, in the handle of an umbrella, a flashlight or in the housing of a camera. A cylindrical housing according to the first embodiment can be attached to a hat or caps. In the case of technically complex objects, however, it may not be desirable for reasons of cost that they are still functional, since with regard to the present invention the main object of the object is to serve as a carrying frame for the band 1 and the spring mechanism. In order to reduce the manufacturing costs, the band 1 can therefore simply be built into the dummy of an object. With regard to the primarily planned use of the invention as a fan article at sporting events, it seems particularly useful to integrate the band into sports equipment or at least into housings with corresponding shapes. Baseball bats, oversized ice hockey pucks, downsized footballs, tennis balls and the like are conceivable. In a further development geared towards use at sporting events, a signal transmitter can be provided which emits an acoustic and / or optical signal when the band 1 is pulled out and / or pulled back. This can be designed in such a way that changes in the signal, for example an increasing pitch or volume, characterize the length of the tape that has already been pulled out or the speed at which the tape is pulled. Furthermore, the band can also be integrated in a device for generating noise, for example in the handle of a ratchet.

It should also be noted that the invention is also suitable as a new advertising medium. While the fan message is on one side of the tape, one can be on the other side of the tape and / or on the case itself

Advertising message printed on it. An object in which the band is integrated can also act as an advertising medium itself, for example by putting the band in one

Housing, which has the shape and printing of a beverage can, is installed. Compared to a conventional scarf, the invention also has the essentials

Advantage that the surface properties of the tape can be chosen very differently. The band itself can, for example, be high-gloss or appear in different colors from different directions. It would also be possible

To apply parts of the messages in a phosphorescent color, which are then highlighted by spotlights or floodlights.

FIG. 16 shows part of the housing 3, the upper, open end of which is closed by the head part 6. Both the head part 6 and the housing 3 are each surrounded with soft material 20, 21. The soft cover creates a more comfortable grip for the user. In addition, the material is used to dampen shocks if the portable band is misused as a projectile or as a striker. Natural materials such as leather, rubber, latex etc. or plastics (foamed, non-foamed) can be used as materials for the cover. For example, materials can be used that are also used in the manufacture of mattresses, exercise mats and other upholstery. The thickness ratio between housing 3 and protective jacket 20 depends on the materials used in each case. The housing and the head part 6 ensure stability; they absorb the tensile forces generated when the tape is pulled out, support the rotating shaft inside the housing and absorb the hand pressure generated by the user. The protective jacket 20 and the protective cap 21 dampen impacts and create a pleasant feeling of holding. These tasks determine the choice of materials and the choice of wall or layer thicknesses. The soft protective jacket can be many times thicker than the housing wall. Basically, the endeavor is very good light and thin to hold. The preferred layer thickness of the protective jacket results from the total weight and overall dimension of the portable band.

In a simple and inexpensive embodiment, the housing consists of a thin-walled plastic sleeve. Depending on the height of the housing, even soft plastic material (such as drinking bottles) can be used. For stabilization, the housing can be provided with cross profiles (not shown). The tapes made in this way are less durable, but cheaper to manufacture and have a significantly reduced risk of injury. They can preferably be used once at conflict-laden sporting events.

A stabilizing frame 22 can be used within the housing both in the case of tapes surrounded with and without a soft protective jacket and protective cap. The frame shown in FIG. 17 consists of longitudinal struts 24 and annular cross struts 26. At one point, the frame has a slot 4 for pulling the tape through. The number of cross struts and longitudinal struts in turn results from the overall dimensions of the portable band and from the desired stability. The mesh size of the frame is the area enclosed by two adjacent cross struts and two adjacent longitudinal struts. With a small mesh size, it is possible to put a soft protective jacket directly over the stabilizing frame. With larger mesh sizes, a thin, firm film is preferably drawn over the frame so that the protective jacket is not squeezed into the openings. The headboards are inserted into the top and bottom of the frame.

Figure 18 shows a (partially) extended tape 1 on the housing 3 two fastening hooks are attached. Two further hooks (not shown) are arranged at the opposite end of the band or on the handle 5. The tape can be attached to fences in sports arenas. Alternatively, suction cups 30 can be used, which are removed at two opposite ends of the tape. This means that the extended tape on window panes, e.g. the rear window in the car. Other applications (apart from demonstrating sympathy for sports clubs or political parties) are, for example, signaling an emergency (car accident, traffic jam, etc.) and protecting against the sun's rays.

It is also possible to manufacture the housing from cardboard. Both corrugated cardboard and solid cardboard as used in document rolls are conceivable. Cardboard is recyclable, and despite its lightness, it is very stable and hardly causes any impact injuries. The tapes made from cardboard can are offered as disposable items. The surface of the housing can be sprayed with an impregnation spray to protect against rain or coated with a thin plastic film. In principle, the headboards can also be made from cardboard, but it is usually more practical to use plastic for the headboards.

Figure 19 shows a housing 3 with a recessed head part. If the head part is made of harder material than the housing, such an arrangement is preferred for safety reasons. In order to prevent the head part from rotating in the housing, a rotation protection 34 is used between the head part and the housing. The anti-rotation device can be designed both as a protuberance of the housing (see FIG. 20) and as a protuberance of the head part (not shown).

It is also advantageous to round off the sharp edges that appear on the head part 6 (see FIG. 16) or on the housing 3 (see FIG. 19) in order to reduce the risk of injury. The edges are also rounded off if a soft protection is pulled over the housing or the head part.

Claims

Expectations

1. Portable flexible tape (1) which can be covered and / or described, characterized in that the tape (1) is rolled up in a starting state within a fixed support frame around a rotatable shaft (2) and can be pulled out of the support frame by hand , wherein the band (1) takes the shaft (2) with it and tensions a retracting spring mechanism.

2. Band according to claim 1, characterized in that the spring mechanism is a stretched rubber band (8), the rotational movement of the shaft (2) twisting the rubber band (8) when pulling out.

3. Band according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a stop device (5) is provided at the opposite end of the band (1) to the shaft (3), which comes into contact with the carrying frame when the band (1) is pulled back.

4. Belt according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the rotatable shaft (2) when releasing the force for pulling out the belt (1) relative to the support frame (2) can be locked.

5. Belt according to claim 4, characterized in that the latching of the rotatable shaft (2) by a pulling movement of the belt (1) is releasable.

6. Belt according to claim 4, characterized in that a switching element for releasing the latching of the rotatable shaft (2) is provided on the support frame.

7. Band according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a device for emitting an optical and / or acoustic signal is provided on the carrying frame at least when the tape (1) is pulled out.

8. A tape according to claim 7, characterized in that the device is designed so that the pitch, volume, brightness or the like of the emitted signal correlate with the length of the unrolled tape (1) and / or the pull-out speed.

9. Band according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the support frame is optionally installed together with the stop device in a housing in the form of a portable commodity.

10. Band according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the band (1) and the spring mechanism are an integral part of a commodity.

11. Band according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the commodity has the shape of binocular binoculars (10).

12. A belt according to claim 11, characterized in that the support frame is formed by a connecting piece (13a, 13b) between the two lenses (11a, 11b).

13. A belt according to claim 11, characterized in that the support frame is installed in one of the two lenses (11a).

14. A band according to claim 13, characterized in that a further band is provided which is installed in the second lens (11b).

15. A belt according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the commodity is a substantially flat bottle (14).

16. A belt according to claim 15, characterized in that the bottle (14) is divided by a partition (18) into a first space (16) for receiving liquid and a second space (17) for holding the support frame.

17. Band according to claim 16, characterized in that the first space (16) is further divided by a second partition and a second band is provided in the newly separated space.

18. Tape according to one of claims 9 to 17 and claim 3, characterized in that the stop device is latched relative to the housing and the latching can be released again by actuating a switching element.