Abstract:
A self-erecting device which can serve as a signaling unit as well as a debris collection unit. The signaling unit provides a chamber for debris and has an opening for the collection of debris therein. A base member has a beveled edge to facilitate the collection of debris into the chamber. The self-erecting and debris collection device is simple in construction and easy to operate.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
     Technical Field 
     This invention relates to a self-erecting signal device. More particularly, it relates to a self-erecting signal device which is particularly suited for signaling spills or spots on floors so as to serve as a warning as well as a receptacle for debris. 
     Inflatable signaling devices are well-known. These are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,762,327; 3,113,551; 3,250,241; 3,707,320; 3,720,181 and 3,892,081. 
     Self-inflatable enclosures are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,929,214 and 5,941,752. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 2,881,662 discloses a warning sign having an opening for receiving objects. 
     Fluid absorbing mats are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,270,089; 5,506,040; 5,549,945; 5,597,418 and 5,834,104. 
     The prior art does not provide a self-erecting signaling device. Neither does it provide a self-erecting signaling device which is adaptable to for use with a liquid absorbing mat as well as provide a receptacle for debris. 
     There is a need for a self-erecting signaling device to indicate spills on a floor. These occur frequently in stores and other public places and particularly those which provide products which when dropped on a floor result in a liquid or slippery substance. This is a hazardous condition for shoppers and pedestrians, as falls can occur. Not only is a self-erecting signaling device beneficial, it is even more useful if it is combined with an absorbing material which can absorb the spilled material as well as provide a receptacle for debris. 
     The objects of the invention therefore are: 
     a) Providing a self-erecting signaling device. 
     b) Providing a self-erecting signaling device which is easily activated. 
     c) Providing a self-erecting signaling device of the foregoing type which is simple in construction and economical to produce. 
     d) Providing a self-erecting signaling device of the foregoing type which includes a fluid absorbing feature. 
     e) Providing a self-erecting signaling device of the foregoing type which can also include a receptacle for debris. 
     Providing a self-erecting signaling device of the foregoing type which facilitates the collection of debris and disposal thereof. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     The foregoing objects are accomplished and the shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by the self-erecting and debris collecting device of the invention which in one embodiment includes a base member constructed to rest on a surface and a gas generating member. An inflatable member is in fluid communication with the gas generating element and a signal member is erected by the inflatable member. The signal member is constructed and arranged to provide a receptacle for debris. 
     In another embodiment, the inflatable member is in the signal member and the signal member is connected to the inflatable member. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the receptacle includes an opening extending over a portion of the base member. 
     In another preferred embodiment, the base member includes a beveled edge positioned adjacent the opening. 
     In another aspect, the invention provides a self-erecting and debris collecting device which includes a signal member, the signal member constructed and arranged to provide a receptacle for debris. An inflatable member is connected to the signal member. The inflatable member is constructed and arranged to be inflated by a self-contained expandable member. A base member is connected to the inflatable member. 
     In yet another aspect, the base member includes an absorbent member constructed and arranged to absorb liquid and spills on a surface. 
     These and still other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description which follows. In the detailed description below, a preferred embodiment of the invention will be described in reference to the full scope of the invention. Rather, the invention may be employed in other embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of the self-erecting device of this invention. 
         FIG. 1A  is a side view of an inflatable member employed in the self-erecting device of FIG.  1 . 
         FIG. 1B  is a view similar to  FIG. 1A  illustrating the activation of the inflatable member. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the self-erecting device of  FIG. 1  in the erected state. 
         FIG. 3  is a view similar to  FIG. 2  with a portion broken away to show the inflatable member. 
         FIG. 4  is a view similar to  FIG. 1  showing an alternative embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is a view similar to  FIG. 2  showing another embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a view similar to  FIG. 1  showing another embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is a view similar to  FIG. 3  showing the  FIG. 6  embodiment in an erected state. 
         FIG. 8  is a view similar to  FIG. 1  showing another embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  is a view similar to  FIG. 3  showing the  FIG. 8  embodiment in an erected state. 
         FIG. 10  is a view similar to  FIGS. 1A and 1B  showing a preferred embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  is a sectional view taken along line  11 — 11  of FIG.  10 . 
         FIG. 12  is a view similar to  FIG. 3  showing yet another preferred embodiment. 
         FIG. 13  is a side view of the device shown in  FIG. 12  illustrating a function of the device. 
         FIG. 14  is a vertical sectional view of the device shown in FIG.  13 . 
         FIG. 15  is a horizontal sectional view of the device shown in FIG.  12 . 
         FIG. 16  is a view similar to  FIG. 3  showing still another preferred embodiment. 
         FIG. 17  is a horizontal sectional view of the device shown in FIG.  16 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , the self-erecting device of this invention generally  10  includes a flexible signal element or member  12  attached to a base member  17 . Signal member  12  is composed of a plastic sheet which is preferably high density polyethylene. It is a flexible, expandable, pyramidal blanket which overlies the base member  17 . It is of a pyramidal configuration when inflated. An inflatable member  14  is connected to the signal member  12  as well as the base member  17 . Base member includes a lower fabric covering  18  and an upper fabric covering  18   a . The lower fabric covering  18  and upper fabric covering  18   a  are composed of a nonwoven fabric comprised of 75% PET and 25% cellulose, Grade 12124 from Ahlstrom Fiber Composites. An absorbent core layer  19  is composed of a cellulose/super absorbent polymer composite core material from Gelok International Corp. as Gelok(r) 500/50 composite. It is entrapped in the nonwoven matrix of the fabric coverings  18  and  18   a.    
     An expandable member  16  is placed inside the inflatable member  14 . This is seen in  FIGS. 1A and 1B . The inflatable member  14  is of a tubular configuration and contains two sachets  20  and  22 . The inflatable member  14  is composed of a flexible polypropylene gas impervious plastic material as are the sachets  20  and  22 . In the instance of the sachets, they contain components which when mixed together produce a gas. For example, sachet  22  can contain a carbonate or bicarbonate powder and sachet  20  an acid solution such as citric. These sachets  20  and  22  are constructed so they are breachable when a force is imposed so as to result in a mixing of the acid with the powder and produce carbon dioxide gas and provide an expandable member  16 . This gas generating system is indicated in  FIG. 1B  with the carbon dioxide being indicated at  23 . 
     In the following embodiments of  FIGS. 4-9 , the same parts are indicated with the same numbers as indicated in  FIGS. 1-3 . 
     The  FIG. 4  embodiment generally  40  is similar to embodiment  10  except that it additionally includes a frangible pad  34  which contains a carpet stain remover or a remover of stains on hard floors such as stone or terrazzo. The preferred stain remover is specific for the type of stain, either water-borne or oily. For water-borne spots and stains, the preferred stain remover is a 1% solution of sodium lauryl sulfate in water. For oily stains, the preferred stain remover is mineral spirits. The pad would be composed of a material similar to the sachets  20  and  22 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates still another embodiment generally  50 . In place of the previously described tubular inflatable member  14 , there is a latex balloon  52  containing frangible sachets  54  and  55  which contain the previously described acid and powder. 
       FIG. 8  shows yet another embodiment generally  60 . In place of the previously described tubular inflatable member  14  and the balloon  52 , there is a sponge  62  with a frangible water sachet  64 . 
       FIGS. 10 and 11  illustrate a preferred inflatable member  80  and expandable member  81 . In this instance, there is an inner sachet  84  containing water  86  and the outer expandable member  81  providing a compartment or sachet  82  for a powder  88  composed of sodium bisulfate and sodium carbonate. A pin hole  91  is located at one end of the sachet  82  for the purpose as later explained in the Operation. A precut or preweakened portion  92  is provided in the inflatable member  80  the purpose of which will also be later explained. 
     The preferred material for fabricating the inflatable member  80  is polypropylene. The expandable member  81  or sachet  82  is composed of high density polyethylene and sachet  84  is composed of low density polyethylene. 
     In a preferred manner, sachet  84  is heat sealed along its edges such as at  83  and  85  as well as at  87  where it is in turn sealed to sachet  82 . It will be recognized that in the instance of seals  83  and  84 , they are designed so that sachet  84  can be broken with hand or foot force to allow water  86  to escape and mix with powder  88 . Sachet  82  is in a like manner sealed in a tubular manner along edges  89  and  90  as well as at  94  where it is sealed to sachet  84  as well as inflatable member  80 . It will be seen that the inflatable member  80  is in turn sealed in tubular manner along its edges  95 ,  96  and  97 . 
     Inflatable member  80  is heat sealed to the outer member  12  at its opposing ends such as along seals  96  and  97 . 
     It will be recognized that inflatable member  14  as well as sachets  20  and  22  are sealed in a tubular manner such as previously described for inflatable member  80  and sachets  82  and  84 . It is not necessary for the sachets  20  and  22  to be connected to the inflatable member  14 . 
     The  FIG. 12  embodiment generally  100  incorporates the same basic components as described in  FIGS. 1-3  for self-erecting device  10 . It has the signal member  12  supported by the inflatable member  14  as well as the base member  17 . The difference between the previously described embodiments and that of  FIG. 12  is the opening  97  extending over a portion of the base member  17  and a beveled edge or lip  98  adjacent the opening  97 . There is also a handle  99 . The purpose of the opening  97 , the lip  98  and the handle  99  are described later in the Operation. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , the base member  17  includes the absorbent pad  19  and a generally rectangular support  103 . There is an intermediate arm portion  101  which forms a part of the support  103 . This serves as a base support for the inflatable member  14  such as at  102 . Support  103  and lip  98  are of a one piece construction and preferably composed of a plastic material such as polyvinyl chloride. They are secured to pad  19  as well as to signal member  12  such as by a hot melt adhesive. 
     The  FIG. 16  embodiment generally  110  is similar to embodiment  100 . It includes the inflatable member  14  (not shown). However, it does not employ the support  103 . Instead, the lip  98  is connected directly to the absorbent core  19 . Further, the handle  99  provided in embodiment  100  is eliminated, as the signal member  12  can be effectively grasped and folded without it. Lip  98  is secured directly to core or mat  19  such as by a hot melt adhesive. 
     Operation 
     A better understanding of the self-erecting devices of the invention will be had by a description of their operation. Referring to embodiment  10 , it will be supplied in a collapsed condition as shown in FIG.  1 . When a liquid spill is detected as indicated at  26  in  FIG. 2 , self-erecting device  10  is placed over the spill  26  and a force exerted on it such as by a foot. The force should be sufficient to fracture the sachets  20  and  22  and cause the citric acid solution and the carbonate powder to react. This is depicted in  FIG. 1B  with the carbon dioxide gas  23  evolving. As the gas evolves, it fills tubular inflatable member  14  causing it to rise and assume a pyramidal position as shown in FIG.  3 . The inflatable member  14  functions in a manner similar to the center pole in a tent. It is connected centrally to base member  17  such as at  66  and at the inside of peak or apex  68  of the erected outer member  12 . When placed over spill  26  in the erected position as seen in  FIG. 2 , it will serve as a warning device with the indicia  24 . At the same time, the absorbent layer  19  in base member  17  absorbs the liquid spill  26 . The absorbent layer  19  can be saturated with the spill. 
     Embodiment  40  functions in a similar manner as described for embodiment  110  except that this device  40  is designed for use on carpet spills or spills on stone or terrazo floors. In this instance, device  40  is placed over the spill and activated by the force of one″s foot. This simultaneously activates the sachets  20  and  22  as well as sachet  34  which contains the stain remover. 
     Embodiments  50  and  60  function in a similar manner as previously described for embodiment  10 . In embodiment  50 , the two sachets  54  and  55  are similar to sachets  20  and  22  and when fractured result in carbon dioxide gas which fills balloon  52 . This inflated balloon  52  assumes a position indicated in FIG.  7 . Balloon  52  is connected to base member  17  such as at  70 . It is also preferably connected to outer member  12  such as at  71  and  72 , but such connections are not necessary. 
     Embodiment  60  is activated by fracturing the water sachet  64  which is composed of breachable polypropylene. The water causes the sponge  62  to expand to the position shown in FIG.  9 . In this instance, the sponge  62  is connected to the sachet  64  which in turn is connected to the base member  17 . The sponge  62  is preferably an open cell compressed cellulose material. 
     The inflatable member  80  and expandable member  81  function in the same manner as previously described for inflatable member  14  and expandable member  16 . When the inner sachet  84  is breached, the water mixes with the powder  88  to form a gas and fill sachet  82  or expandable member  81 . The gas escapes through pin hole  91  and fills inflatable member  80  to thereby cause the outer member  12  to erect. In order to deflate the inflatable member  80 , it is torn open along the precut or weakened portion  92 . 
     Embodiment  100  also functions in the same manner as previously described for self erecting device  10 . The difference is that opening  97  and lip  98  provide a dust pan function. As seen in  FIG. 13 , debris such as broken glass on floor  104  is swept over lip  98  and into opening  97  by the broom. It will be deposited in the cavity  106  afforded by the tent structure of signal member  12 . In the event the spill also includes liquid material, it will be absorbed by the absorbent mat  19 . With the debris placed in cavity  106 , flexible signal member can be carried away such as by the handle  99 , folded up, and disposed of. 
     Accordingly, embodiment  100  is a multifunction device. It functions as a signal device; a depositor for debris as well as a disposal member. 
     Embodiment  110  functions in the same manner as previously described for embodiment  100 . The difference is that without the handle  99  as in embodiment  100 , the user simply picks up the unit by the apex of the conical section  112 . This allows the base pad  19  to sag, thereby keeping the collected debris from spilling out. 
     The self-erecting devices  10 ,  40 ,  50  and  60 , have all been described with an absorbent base member  17  or pad  19 . If desired, this can be eliminated so the self-erecting feature is provided for a warning device as shown in  FIG. 5  with embodiment  30 . In place of base member  17 , there is provided two cross members  31  and  32  which are connected at their centers such as at  72 . Outer member  12  is in turn connected at four positions  75  to the cross members  31  and  32 . The preferred material for composing cross members  31  and  32  is rigid paperboard. Although not shown in embodiment  30 , it will include the same inflatable member  14  which will be connected to the cross members  31  and  32  such as at  72  as well as inside peak  68 . 
     It will thus be seen that there is now provided a self-erecting device which is simple in construction as well as fast and efficient to operate. The self-erecting device provides a combined cleaning and signal apparatus which is adaptable to a wide variety of spill conditions. The absorbent layer  19  can be customized to particular facilities to accommodate the particular products being handled. 
     The preferred system for creating carbon dioxide gas for inflating the inflatable member  14  in embodiment  10  is water and sodium bisulfate and sodium carbonate powder. Alternatively, other systems could be employed such as the following acids: hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, citric phosphoric acid, acetic acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, sulfamic acid, formic acid or other water soluble organic or inorganic acids, as well as sodium bisulfite, or mixtures thereof which react with one or more of the following: lithium carbonate, lithium bicarbonate, sodium sesquicarbonate sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, ammonium carbonate, ammonium bicarbonate, magnesium carbonate, calcium carbonate or other bicarbonates or carbonates, or mixtures thereof. 
     Certain preferred plastic materials for fabricating the outer member  12 , inflatable member  14 , sachets  20 ,  22 ,  54 ,  55 ,  64  and pad  34  have been previously indicated. However, other materials could be employed such as the outer member  12  could be low-density polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, woven or nonwoven cotton or synthetic fabric, paper, foil, or other materials capable of being formed into flexible sheets. The inflatable members  14  and  80  could be low-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, vinyl, nylon (polyamide), natural or synthetic rubber or other materials capable of being formed into a flexible, sealable tube which can then hold pressure upon inflation. The breakable sachets  20 ,  22 ,  54 ,  55 ,  64  and pad  34  could be low-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, vinyl, nylon (polyamide), and foil or foil laminates thereof or other materials capable of holding liquids with minimal permeation through the film. Sachets  82  and  84  could also be composed of the previously indicated materials other than polyethylene. A certain preferred nonwoven fabric has been previously indicated for covering  18 . Other fabrics such as a nonwoven fabric comprised of cellulose and/or polypropylene or polyethylene, heavyweight paper, or polymer reinforced paper can be used. In the instance of covering  18   a , other materials such as a nonwoven or woven fabric or a liquid impervious layer such as aluminum foil, sheet polyethylene or propylene, could be employed. While a preferred material has been indicated for absorbent layer  19 , other materials could be employed such as polypropylene or polyethylene fibers, cellulosic fibers, wood flour, sawdust, ground dried corncob, diatomaceous earth, ground pumice, dried clay, cat litter, vermiculite, synthetic clay, fumed silica, fuller″s earth, or similar functional materials. Cross members  31  and  32  are composed of rigid paperboard. However, other materials could be employed such as wood, metal, corrugated paperboard or any moldable plastic or plastic composites with sufficient thickness and strength to form a semi-rigid base. While certain preferred stain removers having been previously indicated for certain stains, others can be used such as combinations of detergents, builders, chelating agents, or solvents. 
     Support  103  and lip  98  are described as being composed of polyvinyl chloride. Other materials could be employed, such as polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene or other plastics, thin gauge metals such as aluminum or galvanized sheet steel, or paperboard, both coated and uncoated. 
     The unique self-erecting device has been described for use with spills. If desired, it can be employed in conjunction with any slippery condition such as wet mopped floors to signal a slippery condition.