This invention relates to a mannequin device. Sole female drivers are increasingly becoming the victims of attack and/or theft whilst in their vehicles. It has therefore been proposed to provide an inflatable mannequin or so-called dummy which can be inflated and positioned on the passenger's seat of the vehicle. The mannequin then gives the perception to would be attackers that the female driver is accompanied in the vehicle by a male passenger.

These mannequins generally comprise a rectangular pillow-like torso formed from clear plastics, and a hollow elastomeric head sealed to one end of the torso, the head having realistic hair and other features. In use, the mannequin is inflated by mouth using a filler tube located on its shoulder. The torso can then be dressed in real clothes and carried out to the vehicle. The vehicle's seat belt serves to keep the mannequin upright in the passenger's seat.

A disadvantage of these mannequins is that at close quarters it is very difficult to mistake them for real people. Thus, people can easily see that the passengers is fake if the vehicle is stopped or travelling slowly e.g through towns. Often people spotting the mannequin will ridicule the female driver, thereby attracting exactly the type of attention that she is trying to avoid.

Furthermore, inflatable mannequins are not popular with female drivers as they are perceived to be embarrassing.

I have now devised a mannequin device which alleviates the above mentioned problems.

In accordance with this invention there is provided a mannequin device comprising an inflatable mannequin connected to apparatus for inflating and deflating the mannequin.

Thus, in use the mannequin can be deflated quickly and easily e.g. inside a vehicle, so that the driver is able to avoid embarrassing or potentially dangerous situations. The mannequin may then re-inflated once the situation has passed. Preferably the apparatus comprises a pump or fan for inflating the mannequin. To deflate the mannequin the pump or

fan may be turned off, or a valve opened to allow the air inside the mannequin to escape. In one embodiment, the valve comprises a stopper which closes an outlet in the inflatable mannequin. Preferably the pump or fan can be selectively configured to either inflate or deflate the mannequin.

Preferably the pump or fan is electrically operated. Advantageously, the pump or fan comprises a lead having a plug on its end for connecting to the cigarette lighter socket of a vehicle.

Another disadvantage with known types of inflatable mannequin is that they are very conspicuous whilst being carried to or from the vehicle, even if they are deflated.

Thus, in accordance with this invention as seen from a second aspect there is provided a mannequin device comprising an inflatable mannequin attached to a container which houses the mannequin when deflated.

Preferably the container also houses means for inflating and/or deflating the mannequin. Preferably the container comprises a closure.

In one embodiment the container may comprise a rigid box having a compartment which houses the means for inflating and/or deflating the mannequin.

In an alternative embodiment the container may comprise a flexible bag having a rigid compartment which houses the means for inflating and/or deflating the mannequin.

An embodiment of this invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side view of a mannequin device when deflated, the device being shown on the passenger seat of a car;

Figure 2 is a side view of the device of Figure 1, when inflated; and Figure 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the device of Figure 1 with some parts shown removed.

Referring to the drawings, there is shown a mannequin device comprising an inflatable mannequin 10 attached to a case 11. The mannequin 10 comprises an inflatable torso T, arms A

and head H, with the lower part of the body being omitted. The head is preferably formed from a flesh coloured elastomeric material having hair attached thereto, so that it resembles the head of a real person when viewed from a distance. In a preferred embodiment the head resembles that of a man.

The case 11 comprises a shallow main compartment 12 for storing the mannequin 10, and two smaller sub-compartments 13, 14 at one end. A lid 15 for closing the main compartment 12 is hinged to a rear sidewall of the case 10. A fan assembly 16 for inflating the mannequin 10 is mounted inside the sub-compartment 13. the assembly comprises an electrical motor 17 connected via an ON/OFF switch 18 to a plug 19 on the end of a flexible power lead 20. The plug 19 is preferably configured to fit into the cigarette lighter socket of a vehicle. The lead 20 and plug 19 can be stored inside the sub-compartment 14 when the device is not in use.

The motor 17 drives an impeller (not shown) which draws in air through an inlet port 21 on the case 11. The outlet from the impeller is connected to a 3-way valve 22. The valve 22 is also connected to an outlet port 23 on the case 11 and to a tube 24 connected to the mannequin 10. A dial 25 is provided on the valve 22 for selectively connecting the mannequin 10 to the outlet port 23 or to the fan assembly 16. In a third position the valve 22 is able to isolate the air inside the mannequin.

In use, the device can be placed inconspicuously on the passenger's seat of a vehicle. The power can be applied to the device, once the lid 15 has been unfastened.

The fan assembly 16 quickly inflates the mannequin 10, so that it emerges from its storage compartment 12. The fan assembly 16 can be de-energised once the mannequin 10 has fully inflated. The dial 25 on the valve 22 is then turned to the position in which the air inside the mannequin 10 is isolated, thereby preventing it from deflating. At the end of a journey or when entering a built up area, the driver can turn the dial 25 on the valve 22 to a position in which air escapes from the mannequin 10 through the outlet port 23. The mannequin 10 therefore collapses out of sight back into the case 11.

In a preferred embodiment the speed of deflation of the mannequin is enhanced by configuring the fan assembly so that it is also able to extract air. Thus, the driver can deflate the mannequin very quickly to avoid embarrassing or potentially dangerous situations. The mannequin can be re-inflated once the situation has passed.