CA2028237A1 - Structure for a signal reflector - Google Patents
Structure for a signal reflectorInfo
- Publication number
- CA2028237A1 CA2028237A1 CA002028237A CA2028237A CA2028237A1 CA 2028237 A1 CA2028237 A1 CA 2028237A1 CA 002028237 A CA002028237 A CA 002028237A CA 2028237 A CA2028237 A CA 2028237A CA 2028237 A1 CA2028237 A1 CA 2028237A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- reflecting plate
- guide wall
- retro
- reflective sheet
- opening
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000006978 adaptation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007769 metal material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003068 static effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Landscapes
- Illuminated Signs And Luminous Advertising (AREA)
Abstract
TITLE OF THE INVENTION:
AN IMPROVED STRUCTURE FOR A SIGNAL REFLECTOR
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A signal reflector rotatably mounted and is rotatable by wind or breeze action. The reflector comprises a supporting frame, a reflecting plate with a retro-reflective sheet mounted on at least one surface of the plate, and a pair of guide walls projected at the edge of the reflecting plate. Any incident light of a light source falling onto the retro-reflective sheet will be reflected in a flashing manner.
AN IMPROVED STRUCTURE FOR A SIGNAL REFLECTOR
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A signal reflector rotatably mounted and is rotatable by wind or breeze action. The reflector comprises a supporting frame, a reflecting plate with a retro-reflective sheet mounted on at least one surface of the plate, and a pair of guide walls projected at the edge of the reflecting plate. Any incident light of a light source falling onto the retro-reflective sheet will be reflected in a flashing manner.
Description
- 2~2~2~
AN IMPROVED STRUCTURE FOR A SIGNA~ REFLECTOR
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a signal reflector, in particular, to a signal reflector mounted with a retro-reflective sheet, rotatable by wind or breeze action. While rotating, the effective reflection area of the retro-reflective sheet increases or decreases repeatedly when the light of headlights (or any light source) fallen thereon to produce an effect similar to flashing (bright-dark scintillation) as observed by a viewer.
Conventional signal reflectors such as traffic signal reElectors, road signs, and direction indicators, are usually made from ordinary mirror, reflective plastics, or metallic materials. These indicators are stationed a-t roadside, or road-dividers, or on -traffic circles. It should be noted that when headlights strike these reflectors at night, the incident liyht is ref].ected, but these stationed reflectors merely provide a static reElec-ting effect and do no-t provide a flashing effect so as to enhance the ~indication or warning effectiveness of the reflec-tor. As a result, conventional reflectors are impera-tively in need of improvement.
S MMARY OF THE IN~ENTION
It is therefore an object of this invention to provide an improved structure for a signal reflector which mitigates the above drawbacks.
2~2823~
It is a further object of this invention to provide an improved structure for a signal reflector of economical construction.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved signal reflector which is free to rotate by wind or breeze action.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an improved signal reflector which does not require external driving means nor electricity.
Still a further object of the present invention is to provide an improved signal refIector which can reflect incident light to cause a flashing effect to enhance indication or warning effectivenes-s.
Other objects of this invention will become 15. . apparent as the description proceeds in connection with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
E'IG. 1 is a perspective view oE a signal reflector in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a cross section view of the reflecting plate of the signal reElector showing the first and second guide wall in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of FIG. 1 along line 3-~3 showing the first and second guide wall in accordance with the present invention; and FIG. ~ is a perspective view of a further preferred embodiment in accordance with the present invention.
~2823Pi, CANADA602 ~ 3 -DETAII.ED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMsO~IMENT
Referring to FIGS 1-3, the preferred embodiment of the present invention as adapted for mounting at roadside, on road-dividers, on traffic circles, or at any location where indications are required. The signal reflector in accordance with the present invention comprises a supporting frame (12), a reflecting plate (14) (which can be of rectangular, circular, hexagonal, directional arrow, etc., shapes) mounted thereon with a retro-reflective sheet (10) on at least one surface thereof, and a pair of guide walls (20,22) projected at the edge of said reflecting plate (14). The reflection effect of the retro-reflective sheet (10) is different from a general mirror or rough surface. When light falls on -the retro-reflective sheet (10), the incident light is reflected back -to the light source effectively, despite the angle formed between the inciden-t light with the surEace of the retro-reflective sheet (10).
Referring again to the drawlngs and particularly to ~IG. l, it can be seen that an opening (16) is provided in said supporting frame (12) so as to enable -the adaptation of said reflecting plate (14) and -thus permits the subsequen-t rotation thereof. At the inner edge of said opening (16), diametrically and horizontally mounted with an opposite pair of holding elel~ents (18) so as -to ro-tatably support said reflecting plate (l~) by the edge thereof. A rotating shaft (30) is provided to the axis of said reElecting plate (14) and is rotatably mounted to said holding element (18) provided at -the inner edge of said supporting frame (12).
2~2823~1 Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, said reflecting plate (14) is mounted with a pair of guide walls (20, 22) at the edge thereof in such a way that said guide walls (20, 22) are perpendicularly projected to the edge so as to provide resistance when the wind blows. The first guide wall (20) is perpendicularly mounted at the upper edge of said reflecting plate (14) and said second guide wall (22) is mounted to the lower edge of said reflecting plate (14) in such a way -that the projection oE said first guide wall (20) on the surface of said reflecting plate (14) is opposite to that of the second guide wall (22). A counter balance weight (24) is mounted to the second guide wall (22) in such a way that the second guide wall is heavier. When said reflecting plate (14) rotates about its axis, it will return to be at rest according to the principle of equilibrium, with the second guide wall facing downward and said irst guide wall (20) facing upward. In this instance, the reElector in accordance with the present invention provides a maximum eEfective reflective area.
A slot (26) is provided along -the surEace oE said second guide wall (22). The slot (26) permits the fixing of the said reflecting plate (14) from rotating by engaging with a locking peg (28) rotatably mounted to said supporting frame (12) at a location corresponding to said slot (26).
~ In operation, if wind or breeæes occur, wi-th the aid of said guide walls (20, 22) to increase windage and produce unequal wind resistance on the edges of the reflecting plate (14), the moving air causes said reflecting plate (14) to rotate or to swing about its axis. If the incident light from a light source falls onto the surface of said reflecting plate (14), since the effective reflection area of the retro-re1ective 2~2823~
sheet (10) increases and decreases repeatedly, the retro-reflective sheet (10) thereon will reflect the incident light in a flashing manner. Thus, this reflected light provides a significant warning or indication.
Referring to FIG. 4, a further embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. It can be seen that said reflecting plate (14) is replaced by an arrow signal plate. Similarly, the edge of said plate is provided wi-th a pair of guide walls as that in the first preferred embodiment.
While the invention has been described and illustrated in detail, it should be clearly understood that this is intended by way of illustration and example only and is not to be taken by way of limitation. The spirit and scope of this invention being limited only by the terms of the following claims.
AN IMPROVED STRUCTURE FOR A SIGNA~ REFLECTOR
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a signal reflector, in particular, to a signal reflector mounted with a retro-reflective sheet, rotatable by wind or breeze action. While rotating, the effective reflection area of the retro-reflective sheet increases or decreases repeatedly when the light of headlights (or any light source) fallen thereon to produce an effect similar to flashing (bright-dark scintillation) as observed by a viewer.
Conventional signal reflectors such as traffic signal reElectors, road signs, and direction indicators, are usually made from ordinary mirror, reflective plastics, or metallic materials. These indicators are stationed a-t roadside, or road-dividers, or on -traffic circles. It should be noted that when headlights strike these reflectors at night, the incident liyht is ref].ected, but these stationed reflectors merely provide a static reElec-ting effect and do no-t provide a flashing effect so as to enhance the ~indication or warning effectiveness of the reflec-tor. As a result, conventional reflectors are impera-tively in need of improvement.
S MMARY OF THE IN~ENTION
It is therefore an object of this invention to provide an improved structure for a signal reflector which mitigates the above drawbacks.
2~2823~
It is a further object of this invention to provide an improved structure for a signal reflector of economical construction.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved signal reflector which is free to rotate by wind or breeze action.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an improved signal reflector which does not require external driving means nor electricity.
Still a further object of the present invention is to provide an improved signal refIector which can reflect incident light to cause a flashing effect to enhance indication or warning effectivenes-s.
Other objects of this invention will become 15. . apparent as the description proceeds in connection with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
E'IG. 1 is a perspective view oE a signal reflector in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a cross section view of the reflecting plate of the signal reElector showing the first and second guide wall in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of FIG. 1 along line 3-~3 showing the first and second guide wall in accordance with the present invention; and FIG. ~ is a perspective view of a further preferred embodiment in accordance with the present invention.
~2823Pi, CANADA602 ~ 3 -DETAII.ED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMsO~IMENT
Referring to FIGS 1-3, the preferred embodiment of the present invention as adapted for mounting at roadside, on road-dividers, on traffic circles, or at any location where indications are required. The signal reflector in accordance with the present invention comprises a supporting frame (12), a reflecting plate (14) (which can be of rectangular, circular, hexagonal, directional arrow, etc., shapes) mounted thereon with a retro-reflective sheet (10) on at least one surface thereof, and a pair of guide walls (20,22) projected at the edge of said reflecting plate (14). The reflection effect of the retro-reflective sheet (10) is different from a general mirror or rough surface. When light falls on -the retro-reflective sheet (10), the incident light is reflected back -to the light source effectively, despite the angle formed between the inciden-t light with the surEace of the retro-reflective sheet (10).
Referring again to the drawlngs and particularly to ~IG. l, it can be seen that an opening (16) is provided in said supporting frame (12) so as to enable -the adaptation of said reflecting plate (14) and -thus permits the subsequen-t rotation thereof. At the inner edge of said opening (16), diametrically and horizontally mounted with an opposite pair of holding elel~ents (18) so as -to ro-tatably support said reflecting plate (l~) by the edge thereof. A rotating shaft (30) is provided to the axis of said reElecting plate (14) and is rotatably mounted to said holding element (18) provided at -the inner edge of said supporting frame (12).
2~2823~1 Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, said reflecting plate (14) is mounted with a pair of guide walls (20, 22) at the edge thereof in such a way that said guide walls (20, 22) are perpendicularly projected to the edge so as to provide resistance when the wind blows. The first guide wall (20) is perpendicularly mounted at the upper edge of said reflecting plate (14) and said second guide wall (22) is mounted to the lower edge of said reflecting plate (14) in such a way -that the projection oE said first guide wall (20) on the surface of said reflecting plate (14) is opposite to that of the second guide wall (22). A counter balance weight (24) is mounted to the second guide wall (22) in such a way that the second guide wall is heavier. When said reflecting plate (14) rotates about its axis, it will return to be at rest according to the principle of equilibrium, with the second guide wall facing downward and said irst guide wall (20) facing upward. In this instance, the reElector in accordance with the present invention provides a maximum eEfective reflective area.
A slot (26) is provided along -the surEace oE said second guide wall (22). The slot (26) permits the fixing of the said reflecting plate (14) from rotating by engaging with a locking peg (28) rotatably mounted to said supporting frame (12) at a location corresponding to said slot (26).
~ In operation, if wind or breeæes occur, wi-th the aid of said guide walls (20, 22) to increase windage and produce unequal wind resistance on the edges of the reflecting plate (14), the moving air causes said reflecting plate (14) to rotate or to swing about its axis. If the incident light from a light source falls onto the surface of said reflecting plate (14), since the effective reflection area of the retro-re1ective 2~2823~
sheet (10) increases and decreases repeatedly, the retro-reflective sheet (10) thereon will reflect the incident light in a flashing manner. Thus, this reflected light provides a significant warning or indication.
Referring to FIG. 4, a further embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. It can be seen that said reflecting plate (14) is replaced by an arrow signal plate. Similarly, the edge of said plate is provided wi-th a pair of guide walls as that in the first preferred embodiment.
While the invention has been described and illustrated in detail, it should be clearly understood that this is intended by way of illustration and example only and is not to be taken by way of limitation. The spirit and scope of this invention being limited only by the terms of the following claims.
Claims
1. A signal reflector comprising (a) a reflecting plate mounted with a retro-reflective sheet on at least one surface thereof, (b) a supporting frame having an opening adapted for said reflecting plate being horizontally and rotatably mounted at the axis thereof to the inner edge of said opening, (c) a pair of first and second guide walls being perpendicularly mounted to the edge of said reflecting plate in such a way that said first guide wall is perpendicularly projected oppositely to said second guide wall, said second guide wall having a counter balance weight mounted thereon, (d) an opposite pair of holding elements diametrically and horizontally mounted to the inner edge of said opening, (e) a shaft mounted along the axis of said reflecting plate and in turn mounted to said holding elements and enabling the rotation of said reflecting plate within said opening about said shaft, and (f) a locking peg rotatbly mounted on one side of said supporting frame such that said locking peg is inserted into a slot provided on the said second guide wall directly corresponding to said locking peg, whereby said reflecting plate is rotated by wind or breeze action, an effective reflection area of the retro-reflective sheet increases or decreases repeatedly when the light of headlights fallen thereon to produce a flashing effect.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US42938589A | 1989-10-31 | 1989-10-31 | |
| US429,385 | 1989-10-31 | ||
| JP1989136238U JPH0376017U (en) | 1989-11-24 | 1989-11-24 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2028237A1 true CA2028237A1 (en) | 1991-05-01 |
Family
ID=26469868
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002028237A Abandoned CA2028237A1 (en) | 1989-10-31 | 1990-10-25 | Structure for a signal reflector |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2028237A1 (en) |
-
1990
- 1990-10-25 CA CA002028237A patent/CA2028237A1/en not_active Abandoned
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |