GB2122786A

GB2122786A - Gravity activated signalling devices

Info

Publication number: GB2122786A
Application number: GB8312773A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robert Swift Gillett
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1982-05-12
Filing date: 1983-05-10
Publication date: 1984-01-18
Also published as: GB8312773D0; GB2122786B

Abstract

For use as direction indicators by the riders of vehicles using hand signals, the device is worn on the arm or wrist, and emits flashing light signals when the arm is moved from the riding to the signalling position. Mercury switches or swinging armature switches may be used, and several sets of contacts provide for switching on different coloured lights at different switch orientations.

Description

SPECIFICATION Gravity activated signalling devices The present invention relates to gravity activated signalling devices, and in particular to such devices when used as direction indicators by the riders of vehicles (which term is to be taken to include bicycles and tricycles) using hand signals.

In this instance the device is worn on the arm or wrist, and emits flashing light signals when the arm is moved from the riding to the signalling position.

The device differs from existing traffic indicators in the following respects; it embodies a gravity switch which is activated by a change of arm position; it does not require a mechanism for signal cancellation; it does not rely on the memory of the rider for signal cancellation, and it is attached to the rider, and not the vehicle.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a signalling device comprising light emitting means, a flasher unit, a gravity operated switch and a source of electrical energy, arranged so that a flashing signal occurs when the device is in one or more preselected positions.

Preferably, the light emitting means comprises at least one incandescent filament bulb, while the flasher unit may be of the electro-thermal type customarily used in the direction indicator circuit of automobiles.

Desirably, the gravity operated switch employs a mercury globule or metal ball, though a switch with swinging metal contacts may also be used.

Advantageously, one or more dry cell batteries may be employed as a source of electrical energy.

The components of the signalling device may be mounted on a flexible, non-conducting support which is then enclosed within a fabric or flexible plastic sleeve when the device is to be worn on the arm or wrist.

To illustrate (but not limit) the present invention, reference is now made to the accompanying drawings.

The device (Figure 1) consists of a band of fabric 1 provided with straps 2 and buckles 3, or a band of elastic fabric, so that it may be secured about the arm or wrist.

Attached to the fabric is an electric battery 4, two light bulbs 5, a flasher unit 6 (e.g. of the bimetallic or hot wire type), wiring gnd a gravity switch 7. The gravity switch 7 (Figure 2) comprises a block of non-conducting material 8 on which is mounted a curved, preferably semicircular, sealed tube 9 containing a globule of mercury 10. Two metal contact pins 11 project into the tube 9 on each side of its mid-point on the outer circumference. The mercury 10 runs in the tube 9 as the arm position is changed (Figure 3) from the riding position A, to the correct signalling position B, to the incorrect signalling position C, and will only complete the circuit from battery 4 to bulbs 5 when bridging the two metal contacts 11 (position B).

Maintenance of a completed circuit during arm movement is dependant on the distance between the metal contacts 1 the volume of mercury 10, and the capacity and shape of the tube 9. These parts are arranged so that signal emission will occur only during a precise positioning of the arm and will be maintained through a small arc 6 of arm movement (Figure 4-positions A and D circuit incomplete, positions B and C circuit complete).

The gravity switch 7 is mounted on the fabric 1 (Figure 5) in a manner that will allow it to be turned about a central fixing bolt 1 2 and clamped in a position A, B or C, chosen by the user. This adjustment enables the user to set the device so that it will emit signals at an arm position suited to individual requirements i.e. when in position B-set to operate with the arm at a low signalling position; when in position C-set to operate with the arm at a high signalling position.

An alternative gravity switch employing swinging metal contacts is illustrated in Figures 6, 7 and 8.

In Figure 6 two metal bars A and B are free to swing about pivots X and Y, and to make contact with a fixed metal block C. Circuit wiring is attached to bars A and B. Both bars are in contact with block C and the circuit complete only when the switch is in the horizontal position.

In Figure 7 contact is broken when the switch is moved from the horizontal position B, as shown, to positions A or C.

Maintenance of a completed circuit during arm movement is dependent on the length of the block C and the angle of suspension 4 of bars A and B, as indicated in Figure 8.

The components of the signalling device may be arranged so that when in use, signals are visible from the front and from the rear of the user.

Additionally, the signalling device may incorporate an audio warning circuit designed to operate only if the lights are working. Such an arrangement would reassure the user of the proper working of the device, and resist any temptation by the user to look at the device, when this attention should be directed to the surrounding traffic.

Alternatively, and with obvious appropriate modification where necessary, the device of the present invention may be exploited in a variety of end uses, for example, as signalling means for use by a policeman on point duty (Figure 9, where four sets of metal contact 11 are employed in conjunction with two different coloured lights), or by blind persons where the signalling device may be attached to the traditional "white-stick", or by "school crossing" patrol persons when the signalling device may be fitted to their wellknown "lollipop" stop signs.

Equally, the invention may be employed with marking or identification lights where the lights are normally subject to movement, for example, on (boat) mast heads or on buoys, or in the case of people walking on unlit or poorly lit roads, where the swinging motion generated by the effect of walking is sufficient to actuate the device.

Claims

1. A signalling device comprising light emitting means, a flasher unit, a gravity operated switch and a source of electrical energy, arranged so that a flashing signal occurs when the device is in one or more preselected positions.

2. A signalling device according to Claim 1 in which the light emitting means comprises at least one incandescent filament bulb.

3. A signalling device according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 in which the flasher unit is electrothermal.

4. A signalling device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3 in which the gravity operated switch employs a mercury globule.

5. A signalling device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3 in which the gravity operated switch includes swinging metal contacts.

6. A signalling device according to any one of the preceding claims in which the source of electrical energy comprises one or more dry cell batteries.

7. A signalling device according to any one of the preceding claims in which the components thereof are mounted on a flexible, non-conducting support.

8. A signalling device according to Claim 7 in which the support is enclosed within a flexible sleeve.

9. A signalling device according to any one of the preceding claims in which audio warning means are incorporated.

10. A method of signalling in which a device according to any one of the preceding claims is used.

11. A signalling device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of the accompanying figures.

1 2. A method of signalling substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of the accompanying figures.