CA2039903A1 - Warning-signal light assembly - Google Patents
Warning-signal light assemblyInfo
- Publication number
- CA2039903A1 CA2039903A1 CA002039903A CA2039903A CA2039903A1 CA 2039903 A1 CA2039903 A1 CA 2039903A1 CA 002039903 A CA002039903 A CA 002039903A CA 2039903 A CA2039903 A CA 2039903A CA 2039903 A1 CA2039903 A1 CA 2039903A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- lamp
- housing member
- open front
- assembly
- housing
- 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
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V21/00—Supporting, suspending, or attaching arrangements for lighting devices; Hand grips
- F21V21/08—Devices for easy attachment to any desired place, e.g. clip, clamp, magnet
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
- B60Q1/26—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
- B60Q1/50—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating other intentions or conditions, e.g. request for waiting or overtaking
- B60Q1/503—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating other intentions or conditions, e.g. request for waiting or overtaking using luminous text or symbol displays in or on the vehicle, e.g. static text
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
- B60Q1/26—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
- B60Q1/50—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating other intentions or conditions, e.g. request for waiting or overtaking
- B60Q1/544—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating other intentions or conditions, e.g. request for waiting or overtaking for indicating other states or conditions of the vehicle occupants, e.g. for indicating disabled occupants
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21W—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO USES OR APPLICATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS
- F21W2111/00—Use or application of lighting devices or systems for signalling, marking or indicating, not provided for in codes F21W2102/00 – F21W2107/00
- F21W2111/02—Use or application of lighting devices or systems for signalling, marking or indicating, not provided for in codes F21W2102/00 – F21W2107/00 for roads, paths or the like
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Lighting Device Outwards From Vehicle And Optical Signal (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
There is disclosed a warning-signal light assembly for placing in the window of a vehicle to warn traffic of situations requiring extra caution. The assembly is made up of housing means comprising a housing member and a frame, the housing means having a space for enclosing a lamp. A slidable panel capable of being illuminated by the light in the form of pictograms is disposed between the housing member and the frame. Particularly, the assembly may be installed in the rear window of a car and connected to the electrical system of the vehicle. The lamp of the assembly is lit up only when the user wishes to transmit a particular signal or message.
There is disclosed a warning-signal light assembly for placing in the window of a vehicle to warn traffic of situations requiring extra caution. The assembly is made up of housing means comprising a housing member and a frame, the housing means having a space for enclosing a lamp. A slidable panel capable of being illuminated by the light in the form of pictograms is disposed between the housing member and the frame. Particularly, the assembly may be installed in the rear window of a car and connected to the electrical system of the vehicle. The lamp of the assembly is lit up only when the user wishes to transmit a particular signal or message.
Description
2 0 3 ~ ~ ~ ?3 WARNING-SIGNAL LIGHT ASSEMBLY.
The present invention relates to a warning-signal light assembly for a vehicle that lights up only when desired.
"Baby on board~' warning signs have recently become more and more popular and an increasing number of people having children have hung up this sign permanently to the rear window of their vehicle~
One drawback of leaving these signs permanently in a car, may be ~he fact that other drivers do not pay attention to ~hem anymore, since only half the time is there really a child on board. Moreover, this phenomenon which, at the beginning had a serious and important purpose, has now turned into a big farce wi~h all sorts of jokes being written on similar signs, such that the real warninys are not being ta~en seriously anymo;ce.
The present invelltion obviates at these disadvantages by providing a ~arning signal assembly that is being lit up by the car driver only when a child is on board. Furthermore, this lnvention also provides different types of pictograms replaceable in the lightir,g frame such that OTl emergency, the drlver may send a message to other dri~ers passing along the way.
One object of the present invention is to provide a warning-signal light clssembly that r~y be lit up ~ Q ~
only when the user desires so.
Another object of the invention is to provide a warning-signal light assembly that may be used for multiple purposes in any emergency situation that may arise in traffic.
A further object of the invention is to provide an assembly which is inexpensive to produce, easily installed by the car owner and requires little electrical current such that it can be lit even if the car engine is not running.
To obtain the above-mentioned objects, the invention provides a warning-signal light assembly for a vehicle, said assembly comprising: housing means comprising a housing member having an open front, an open frame member sized to fit onto the open front, the frame member being detachably connected to the housing member, and lamp receiving space, a lamp mounted in the lamp-receiving space, means for electrically supplying the lamp, and a removable panel slidably engageable between the open front and open frame, the panel having at least some portion of it capable of being illuminated by the light, whereby, when the lamp is turned on, the light illuminates the panel in a pattern corresponding to the portion.
f In ::';f ~r~win~C; which illustrate examples of two embodi.ments of the invention:
Figure 1 is an explodad perspective view of the assembly of the invention, Figure 2 is a perspective view of the warning-si.gnal light assembly of the invention ready to be installed on the window of a vehicle, Figure 3 is rear elevational view of a car having a second embocliment of the invention secured on the outside of t~le driver's side window, Figure 4 i6 a perspective view of the warning signal assembly according to the second embodiment of the invention.
The assembly is shown generally at (5) in figure 1 and comprises a box-shaped housing ~7) having a rear wall (9), an open front (11), and four side walls (13a, 13b, 13c, 13d). The rear wall and four sides define a lamp-receiving space or chamber ~15) in which can be mounted a lar.lp (17) constituted by any suitable bulb (19) and a socket (21). As illustrated particularly in figure 1, the lamp may be inserted and secured to the socket through a bayonet-catch mechanism (23). Of course, it will appear obvious that such an arrangement ~or holding the bulb does not limit the present application to this particular embodiment since multiple atta h~nents ~re known for bulbs and sockets.
The socket (21) is held i.~side the lamp-receiving ~3~
cham~er ~15) ~ia a holder (25) consisting of a first tongue portion (25a) extending from underneath the socket (21). This tongue has a second portion (25b~ sharply bent at substantially 90 degree angle extending downwardly from the first portion (25a). The bent portion (25b) comprises an opening (27) adapted to receive a screw or the like. Correspondingly, there is an opening (not shown) in the rear wall (9) of the housing that cooperates with the opening of the tongue to receive a bolt or a screw, the socket (21) is thereby attached to the housing (7).
.
If desired, reflective material may be mounted on or near the housing rear wall (9) to enhance the brightness of the lamp (17). There may be mounted a parabolic reflector (29) sized to fit inside the housing and disposed behind the lamp (17) (e.g.
between the lamp t17) and the rear wall (9)). This reflector (29) may be quadrilateral as illustrated ;in figure 1, hav'ng an arclla~c~ curve from left to right, the convex side facing the rear wall (9) and the concave side facing the oE-en front (11). This reflector has also an opening (31) aligned with the openings in the rear wall of the housing ~not shown) and the one of the lamp holder (27), such that when the lamp (17) is secured to the housing (7~, tlle reflectox (29) is s~ueezed in between and the-reby secured.
The present invention relates to a warning-signal light assembly for a vehicle that lights up only when desired.
"Baby on board~' warning signs have recently become more and more popular and an increasing number of people having children have hung up this sign permanently to the rear window of their vehicle~
One drawback of leaving these signs permanently in a car, may be ~he fact that other drivers do not pay attention to ~hem anymore, since only half the time is there really a child on board. Moreover, this phenomenon which, at the beginning had a serious and important purpose, has now turned into a big farce wi~h all sorts of jokes being written on similar signs, such that the real warninys are not being ta~en seriously anymo;ce.
The present invelltion obviates at these disadvantages by providing a ~arning signal assembly that is being lit up by the car driver only when a child is on board. Furthermore, this lnvention also provides different types of pictograms replaceable in the lightir,g frame such that OTl emergency, the drlver may send a message to other dri~ers passing along the way.
One object of the present invention is to provide a warning-signal light clssembly that r~y be lit up ~ Q ~
only when the user desires so.
Another object of the invention is to provide a warning-signal light assembly that may be used for multiple purposes in any emergency situation that may arise in traffic.
A further object of the invention is to provide an assembly which is inexpensive to produce, easily installed by the car owner and requires little electrical current such that it can be lit even if the car engine is not running.
To obtain the above-mentioned objects, the invention provides a warning-signal light assembly for a vehicle, said assembly comprising: housing means comprising a housing member having an open front, an open frame member sized to fit onto the open front, the frame member being detachably connected to the housing member, and lamp receiving space, a lamp mounted in the lamp-receiving space, means for electrically supplying the lamp, and a removable panel slidably engageable between the open front and open frame, the panel having at least some portion of it capable of being illuminated by the light, whereby, when the lamp is turned on, the light illuminates the panel in a pattern corresponding to the portion.
f In ::';f ~r~win~C; which illustrate examples of two embodi.ments of the invention:
Figure 1 is an explodad perspective view of the assembly of the invention, Figure 2 is a perspective view of the warning-si.gnal light assembly of the invention ready to be installed on the window of a vehicle, Figure 3 is rear elevational view of a car having a second embocliment of the invention secured on the outside of t~le driver's side window, Figure 4 i6 a perspective view of the warning signal assembly according to the second embodiment of the invention.
The assembly is shown generally at (5) in figure 1 and comprises a box-shaped housing ~7) having a rear wall (9), an open front (11), and four side walls (13a, 13b, 13c, 13d). The rear wall and four sides define a lamp-receiving space or chamber ~15) in which can be mounted a lar.lp (17) constituted by any suitable bulb (19) and a socket (21). As illustrated particularly in figure 1, the lamp may be inserted and secured to the socket through a bayonet-catch mechanism (23). Of course, it will appear obvious that such an arrangement ~or holding the bulb does not limit the present application to this particular embodiment since multiple atta h~nents ~re known for bulbs and sockets.
The socket (21) is held i.~side the lamp-receiving ~3~
cham~er ~15) ~ia a holder (25) consisting of a first tongue portion (25a) extending from underneath the socket (21). This tongue has a second portion (25b~ sharply bent at substantially 90 degree angle extending downwardly from the first portion (25a). The bent portion (25b) comprises an opening (27) adapted to receive a screw or the like. Correspondingly, there is an opening (not shown) in the rear wall (9) of the housing that cooperates with the opening of the tongue to receive a bolt or a screw, the socket (21) is thereby attached to the housing (7).
.
If desired, reflective material may be mounted on or near the housing rear wall (9) to enhance the brightness of the lamp (17). There may be mounted a parabolic reflector (29) sized to fit inside the housing and disposed behind the lamp (17) (e.g.
between the lamp t17) and the rear wall (9)). This reflector (29) may be quadrilateral as illustrated ;in figure 1, hav'ng an arclla~c~ curve from left to right, the convex side facing the rear wall (9) and the concave side facing the oE-en front (11). This reflector has also an opening (31) aligned with the openings in the rear wall of the housing ~not shown) and the one of the lamp holder (27), such that when the lamp (17) is secured to the housing (7~, tlle reflectox (29) is s~ueezed in between and the-reby secured.
3~
Onc~, tne lalnp ~17) is mountf3d iIl the housing (7), an Gpen frame member (33) is secured to the open front of the housing (11). Of course, this frame (33) must be sized to fit the open front (11). In order to secure the open frame (33) to the open front (11), both members are provided with positive engagement means to assemble one onto the other.
The upper and lower portions of the peripheral ledge (35) of the open front (11) comprises a ridge (37) disposed therealong, thereby constituting a first aspect of positive engagement means between the open front (11) of the housing and the open frame (33).
In counterpart, as a second aspect of the positive engagement means, the peripheral ledge (39) of the frame member (33) comprises at least two pairs of lugs (41) disposed in space relationship to the corresponding ridges (37). Each lug (41) is shaped to snugl~ and resiliently engage the underside of the ridge (37) of the housing ledge (35) when the frame (33) is aligned with, and pushed into the housiny open front (11). The lugs (41) are resilient enough such that the~ may be pushed ~ slightly upward in order to disengage them from the underside of the corresponding ridge (37). This deslgn allo~s the frame (33) to be removably moun~ed b~ conveni~ntly ~napping it in and out of the housi.rlg (7).
The le~gth of these lugs (41) must be such that, once snapped in the ridg~ (37) of the housing, ~3~
there mllSt be some space left between the open frort (ll~ and the frame (33) to allow sliding or insertion of a flat translucent panel (43) (pre-erably 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch thick but not restrictad thereto).
Thls panel (43) is sized to fit between the housing open front (ll) an~ the open frame (33). A portion of it must be light-transmitting with a shape forming a picto~ram (45). The open front (11) of the housing and the open frame (33) may comprise grabbing means to facilitate fingars to grab one side of the panel (~3) and pull it out from the frame (33). Such grabbing means may be embodied by a notch (47) molded in one side of the open front and another molded in the corresponding side of the frame (49).
Of course, it will appear obvious that the open frame member (33) may be covered with a thin sheet of acetate or other translucent material to protect the front panel (43) and to protect the lamp-receiving chamber while no panel is insertsd in the assembly. ~lternatively, the frame member (33) may be unitary with the front panel (43). Instead of changing just the panel for different messages, one could changes the whole frame (33).
To facilitate lts installment and securing in a vehicle, such a~ a car, the housing may be provided with means to secure it to a window. ~s illustrated ~Q3~
in fi~re 1, the housiny is provided with a pair of fins ~51) extending from the top and bottom sides of the housing (7), each fin (51) comprising a finger (53) extending perpendicularly to the fin (51) toward the opan front (11) of the housing.
Each of these finger (53) is adapted to receive a suction cup (55) adapted to adhere to a plane surface such as a window. To make the assembly more aesthetically appealing, the open frame (33) possesses also a pair of fins (57) extending from its top and bottom sides which interact with the housing fins (51) to close the assembly. The extremities (59) of the frame fins (57) are incurved in order to fit around the fingers (53) of the housing fins (51), such that each fin does not interfere with the insertion of the suction cups (55).
This assembly may also be secured to the window of a vehicle by any other suitable means. Hooks, rivets, or even self-fastening or sticking means may be employed to secure tha assembly in place.
Also, salf-sticking means in combination with a ball bearing-type of connection (as the ones already existing for the rear view mirror of automobiles) could provide a more permanent installation for the assembly~ However, suction cups (55) provide a simple way to secure the assembly and, to remove the assembly when it is not in use or, to transfer it from one vehicle to the next.
In this respect, the use of such an assembly is not restricted to cars or the like. Indeed, such an assembly may be disposed at the rear of a child's bicycle seat or, for other instances, to a motorcycle. Modiications and adaptations to transfer this assembly for a bicycle or motorcycle will appear obvious to anyone skilled in this domain.
Any suitable lamp of this warning-signal light assembly must be supplied electrically by any suitable means known in the art. As a first alternative, a 4 watt bulb may be supplied by the electrical system of the car via the cigarette lighter that is connected to the car battery.
Proper wiring (61) Is connected to the lamp wires (63) and exits from the housing through another opening (not shown) provided in the rear wall (g).
The wiring (61) terminates (at a length sufficient to at~ain ~he front of the vehicle) by a suitable cartrldge (65) adapted ~-o be plugged in the vehicle's ci~aret~e lighter ~for example as the one described ln U.S. patent 3,09g~505). When the lamp ~5 (17) of the assembly is ~urned off, a holder (67) may be supplied to support the cartridge (65) when i.t is not inserted -n b,le lighter. This holder may comprise a clip (69) and means to secure the clip to the cla-;hbc,ac~ o the vehi.cle such as a piece of self-stjcking pap~r or fo~m (71).
The assembly is thus supplied by the vehicle's own electrical system and may be conveniently lit up for hours as long as the motor is running. The choice of a 4 watt lamp may also permit the assembly to be lit up even when the motor is not running while taking up very little power. Of course, the assembly may also be connected permanently to the fuse box of the vehicle with the provision of a control button on the dashboard of the car. In this way, this assembly may become a standard feature incorporated in the vehicle.
As another alternative, for bicycles for example, the assembly may be supplied by one or a plurality of portable batterieæ.
As will be inferred from the present description, this assembly will be easily sold as a kit to be assembled by the user, along with one or a plurality of different pallels representing various pictograms. These pictograms are not necessarily restricted to the represerltation of "child on board" but may be directed to various situatlons where extra caution must be exerted, or to emergency situations where help is needed.
Of course, the hous ng (7) and frame (33) may be molded of heat resistant plastic with such resîliency as ~o allow snapping in and out of the frame and the housing. The panel (43) will be made pre~erably of a colored acetate sheet also heat resis ant. q~he clip ~69) of the holder may also be made of m~lded plastic, resilient enough to allow insertion of the cartridge.
To use this assembly, the user inserts the parabolic reflector (29) (if provided) in the lamp-receiving chamber (15) and it is aligned with the rear wall (9) of the asse~ly. As an alternative, the back wall of the housing may be covered with a reflective material of the type of aluminum foil or the like.
The lamp socket (21) is further inserted such that the opening of the holder (25b) is aligned with the opening of the reflector (31), and the two are secured to the housing by a screw or the like inserted through thè first opening of the housing.
The bulb (19) is then inserted in the socket (21).
The wiring (61) is passed through the second opening of the rear wall of the housing and is connected to the wires of the lamp (63)~ The open frame is then snapped in the housing through their respective positive engagement means, then the panel (43) is slipped between the housing (7) and the frame (33). Finally, the fingers (53) of the housing are inserted in the suction cups (55) which are then secured preferably to the rear window of the vehicle at a place where it will not hinder the driver's view. Of course, any permutation in these steps may be changed at will be the user.
~ ~ 3 ~ ~3 ~J ~i The wiring (61) and cartridge (65) are passed from the rear of the vehicle to the front and the clip (69) is installed on the dashboard of the car (near the cigarette lighter at a place which will be easily attained by the user) through the piece of self-sticking foam provided (70). The cartridge (65) is stored in the holder (69) until use of the assembly (5) where it will be connected to the lighter .
Alternatively, if the assembly is supplied by portable batteries included in the housing, an on/off switch may be provided on either side of the housing (7) to turn on the lamp (17), or on the lS dashboard of the car through appropriate wiring.
Particularly, for 'ibaby on board~ signs, the assembly may also ultimately be linked to an on/off switch actuated by the pressure of a child sitting on it. Therefore, the switch may be hidden underneath the cushion of a child~s seat, wherein the switch is actuated automatically when the child is seated in the cax seat. Alternatively, the pressure of a chlld si~ting on the seat may turn on a "safety beep~ si.gnal in a well known manner, to remind the parents to fasten the child's seat belt.
Afterwards, when the child~s seat-belt ls fastened and the chlld is secure, the ~safety beep" stops ~nd the lamp of the assembly is turned on, either automa~ica].ly by the fastening of the belt, or manually by a swi~ch actuated by a parent.
As a second embodiment on this warning-signal light assembly, the fin~ (157) may be both hingedly connected on the same side of the housing (107), i.e. for example, both on the upper side. In this manner, the assembly (105) may be secured to the outside of the driver's window when the car is in trouble. As shown in figure 3, this disposition of the warning sign will readily alert other drivers passing by.
As shown in figure 4, the assembly (105) may also comprise a housing (107) which does not contain a lamp but serves as a back frame for the panel (143) and houses the electrical connections for the l~nps. In this embodiments, the lamp may be replaced by one or a plurality of small fluorescent tubes (117) disposed inside a lamp-receiving space (115) defined by a space left between the open frame member (139) and the front panel (143). The panel (143) has a portion of it coated with a reflective material corresponding to any pictogram (145) desired and will reflect the light in the pattern of it8 refle~ive pnrtion. Once again, this assembly may be supplied by the electrical system of the car through suitabl~ ing (161), or may be battery operated. Since the fluorescent bulbs are easily accessible by the user, the housing may or may not be made up of two parts. Indeed, the housing member (107~ and the open frame (139) may be molded in one piece, or alternatively, may be made of two pieces connectable to each other by positive engagement means already described (not shown). Once again, a notch (147) is provided on one side of the assembly to allow easy insertion and removal of ~he sliding panel (143).
Onc~, tne lalnp ~17) is mountf3d iIl the housing (7), an Gpen frame member (33) is secured to the open front of the housing (11). Of course, this frame (33) must be sized to fit the open front (11). In order to secure the open frame (33) to the open front (11), both members are provided with positive engagement means to assemble one onto the other.
The upper and lower portions of the peripheral ledge (35) of the open front (11) comprises a ridge (37) disposed therealong, thereby constituting a first aspect of positive engagement means between the open front (11) of the housing and the open frame (33).
In counterpart, as a second aspect of the positive engagement means, the peripheral ledge (39) of the frame member (33) comprises at least two pairs of lugs (41) disposed in space relationship to the corresponding ridges (37). Each lug (41) is shaped to snugl~ and resiliently engage the underside of the ridge (37) of the housing ledge (35) when the frame (33) is aligned with, and pushed into the housiny open front (11). The lugs (41) are resilient enough such that the~ may be pushed ~ slightly upward in order to disengage them from the underside of the corresponding ridge (37). This deslgn allo~s the frame (33) to be removably moun~ed b~ conveni~ntly ~napping it in and out of the housi.rlg (7).
The le~gth of these lugs (41) must be such that, once snapped in the ridg~ (37) of the housing, ~3~
there mllSt be some space left between the open frort (ll~ and the frame (33) to allow sliding or insertion of a flat translucent panel (43) (pre-erably 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch thick but not restrictad thereto).
Thls panel (43) is sized to fit between the housing open front (ll) an~ the open frame (33). A portion of it must be light-transmitting with a shape forming a picto~ram (45). The open front (11) of the housing and the open frame (33) may comprise grabbing means to facilitate fingars to grab one side of the panel (~3) and pull it out from the frame (33). Such grabbing means may be embodied by a notch (47) molded in one side of the open front and another molded in the corresponding side of the frame (49).
Of course, it will appear obvious that the open frame member (33) may be covered with a thin sheet of acetate or other translucent material to protect the front panel (43) and to protect the lamp-receiving chamber while no panel is insertsd in the assembly. ~lternatively, the frame member (33) may be unitary with the front panel (43). Instead of changing just the panel for different messages, one could changes the whole frame (33).
To facilitate lts installment and securing in a vehicle, such a~ a car, the housing may be provided with means to secure it to a window. ~s illustrated ~Q3~
in fi~re 1, the housiny is provided with a pair of fins ~51) extending from the top and bottom sides of the housing (7), each fin (51) comprising a finger (53) extending perpendicularly to the fin (51) toward the opan front (11) of the housing.
Each of these finger (53) is adapted to receive a suction cup (55) adapted to adhere to a plane surface such as a window. To make the assembly more aesthetically appealing, the open frame (33) possesses also a pair of fins (57) extending from its top and bottom sides which interact with the housing fins (51) to close the assembly. The extremities (59) of the frame fins (57) are incurved in order to fit around the fingers (53) of the housing fins (51), such that each fin does not interfere with the insertion of the suction cups (55).
This assembly may also be secured to the window of a vehicle by any other suitable means. Hooks, rivets, or even self-fastening or sticking means may be employed to secure tha assembly in place.
Also, salf-sticking means in combination with a ball bearing-type of connection (as the ones already existing for the rear view mirror of automobiles) could provide a more permanent installation for the assembly~ However, suction cups (55) provide a simple way to secure the assembly and, to remove the assembly when it is not in use or, to transfer it from one vehicle to the next.
In this respect, the use of such an assembly is not restricted to cars or the like. Indeed, such an assembly may be disposed at the rear of a child's bicycle seat or, for other instances, to a motorcycle. Modiications and adaptations to transfer this assembly for a bicycle or motorcycle will appear obvious to anyone skilled in this domain.
Any suitable lamp of this warning-signal light assembly must be supplied electrically by any suitable means known in the art. As a first alternative, a 4 watt bulb may be supplied by the electrical system of the car via the cigarette lighter that is connected to the car battery.
Proper wiring (61) Is connected to the lamp wires (63) and exits from the housing through another opening (not shown) provided in the rear wall (g).
The wiring (61) terminates (at a length sufficient to at~ain ~he front of the vehicle) by a suitable cartrldge (65) adapted ~-o be plugged in the vehicle's ci~aret~e lighter ~for example as the one described ln U.S. patent 3,09g~505). When the lamp ~5 (17) of the assembly is ~urned off, a holder (67) may be supplied to support the cartridge (65) when i.t is not inserted -n b,le lighter. This holder may comprise a clip (69) and means to secure the clip to the cla-;hbc,ac~ o the vehi.cle such as a piece of self-stjcking pap~r or fo~m (71).
The assembly is thus supplied by the vehicle's own electrical system and may be conveniently lit up for hours as long as the motor is running. The choice of a 4 watt lamp may also permit the assembly to be lit up even when the motor is not running while taking up very little power. Of course, the assembly may also be connected permanently to the fuse box of the vehicle with the provision of a control button on the dashboard of the car. In this way, this assembly may become a standard feature incorporated in the vehicle.
As another alternative, for bicycles for example, the assembly may be supplied by one or a plurality of portable batterieæ.
As will be inferred from the present description, this assembly will be easily sold as a kit to be assembled by the user, along with one or a plurality of different pallels representing various pictograms. These pictograms are not necessarily restricted to the represerltation of "child on board" but may be directed to various situatlons where extra caution must be exerted, or to emergency situations where help is needed.
Of course, the hous ng (7) and frame (33) may be molded of heat resistant plastic with such resîliency as ~o allow snapping in and out of the frame and the housing. The panel (43) will be made pre~erably of a colored acetate sheet also heat resis ant. q~he clip ~69) of the holder may also be made of m~lded plastic, resilient enough to allow insertion of the cartridge.
To use this assembly, the user inserts the parabolic reflector (29) (if provided) in the lamp-receiving chamber (15) and it is aligned with the rear wall (9) of the asse~ly. As an alternative, the back wall of the housing may be covered with a reflective material of the type of aluminum foil or the like.
The lamp socket (21) is further inserted such that the opening of the holder (25b) is aligned with the opening of the reflector (31), and the two are secured to the housing by a screw or the like inserted through thè first opening of the housing.
The bulb (19) is then inserted in the socket (21).
The wiring (61) is passed through the second opening of the rear wall of the housing and is connected to the wires of the lamp (63)~ The open frame is then snapped in the housing through their respective positive engagement means, then the panel (43) is slipped between the housing (7) and the frame (33). Finally, the fingers (53) of the housing are inserted in the suction cups (55) which are then secured preferably to the rear window of the vehicle at a place where it will not hinder the driver's view. Of course, any permutation in these steps may be changed at will be the user.
~ ~ 3 ~ ~3 ~J ~i The wiring (61) and cartridge (65) are passed from the rear of the vehicle to the front and the clip (69) is installed on the dashboard of the car (near the cigarette lighter at a place which will be easily attained by the user) through the piece of self-sticking foam provided (70). The cartridge (65) is stored in the holder (69) until use of the assembly (5) where it will be connected to the lighter .
Alternatively, if the assembly is supplied by portable batteries included in the housing, an on/off switch may be provided on either side of the housing (7) to turn on the lamp (17), or on the lS dashboard of the car through appropriate wiring.
Particularly, for 'ibaby on board~ signs, the assembly may also ultimately be linked to an on/off switch actuated by the pressure of a child sitting on it. Therefore, the switch may be hidden underneath the cushion of a child~s seat, wherein the switch is actuated automatically when the child is seated in the cax seat. Alternatively, the pressure of a chlld si~ting on the seat may turn on a "safety beep~ si.gnal in a well known manner, to remind the parents to fasten the child's seat belt.
Afterwards, when the child~s seat-belt ls fastened and the chlld is secure, the ~safety beep" stops ~nd the lamp of the assembly is turned on, either automa~ica].ly by the fastening of the belt, or manually by a swi~ch actuated by a parent.
As a second embodiment on this warning-signal light assembly, the fin~ (157) may be both hingedly connected on the same side of the housing (107), i.e. for example, both on the upper side. In this manner, the assembly (105) may be secured to the outside of the driver's window when the car is in trouble. As shown in figure 3, this disposition of the warning sign will readily alert other drivers passing by.
As shown in figure 4, the assembly (105) may also comprise a housing (107) which does not contain a lamp but serves as a back frame for the panel (143) and houses the electrical connections for the l~nps. In this embodiments, the lamp may be replaced by one or a plurality of small fluorescent tubes (117) disposed inside a lamp-receiving space (115) defined by a space left between the open frame member (139) and the front panel (143). The panel (143) has a portion of it coated with a reflective material corresponding to any pictogram (145) desired and will reflect the light in the pattern of it8 refle~ive pnrtion. Once again, this assembly may be supplied by the electrical system of the car through suitabl~ ing (161), or may be battery operated. Since the fluorescent bulbs are easily accessible by the user, the housing may or may not be made up of two parts. Indeed, the housing member (107~ and the open frame (139) may be molded in one piece, or alternatively, may be made of two pieces connectable to each other by positive engagement means already described (not shown). Once again, a notch (147) is provided on one side of the assembly to allow easy insertion and removal of ~he sliding panel (143).
Claims (19)
1. A warning-signal light assembly for a vehicle, said assembly comprising:
housing means which comprises a housing member having an open front, an open frame member sized to fit onto said open front, said frame member being connected to said housing member, and at least one lamp receiving space, at least one lamp mounted in said lamp-receiving space, means for electrically supplying said lamp, and a removable panel slidably engageable between said open front and open frame, said panel having at least some portion of it capable of being illuminated by said light, whereby, when said lamp is turned on, said light illuminates said panel in a pattern corresponding to said portion.
housing means which comprises a housing member having an open front, an open frame member sized to fit onto said open front, said frame member being connected to said housing member, and at least one lamp receiving space, at least one lamp mounted in said lamp-receiving space, means for electrically supplying said lamp, and a removable panel slidably engageable between said open front and open frame, said panel having at least some portion of it capable of being illuminated by said light, whereby, when said lamp is turned on, said light illuminates said panel in a pattern corresponding to said portion.
2. A warning-signal light assembly for a vehicle, said assembly comprising:
a box-shaped housing member defining a lamp-receiving chamber, said housing member having a rear wall and an open front, an open frame member sized to fit onto said open front, said frame member being detachably connected to said housing member, a suitable lamp mounted in said lamp-receiving chamber, means for electrically supplying said lamp, and a removable panel slidably engageable between said open front and open frame, said panel having at least some portion of it capable to transmit light, whereby, when said lamp is turned on, said light is transmitted in a pattern corresponding to the light-transmitting portion of said panel.
a box-shaped housing member defining a lamp-receiving chamber, said housing member having a rear wall and an open front, an open frame member sized to fit onto said open front, said frame member being detachably connected to said housing member, a suitable lamp mounted in said lamp-receiving chamber, means for electrically supplying said lamp, and a removable panel slidably engageable between said open front and open frame, said panel having at least some portion of it capable to transmit light, whereby, when said lamp is turned on, said light is transmitted in a pattern corresponding to the light-transmitting portion of said panel.
3. A warning-signal light assembly for a vehicle, said assembly comprising:
a box-shaped housing member defining a lamp-receiving chamber, said housing member having a rear wall and an open front, a frame member sized to fit onto said open front having an open front portion, said frame member being detachably connected to said housing member, said open front portion comprising a panel having at least some portion of it capable to transmit light, a suitable lamp mounted in said lamp chamber, and means for electrically supplying said lamp, whereby, when said lamp is turned on, said light is transmitted in a pattern corresponding to the light-transmitting portion of said panel.
a box-shaped housing member defining a lamp-receiving chamber, said housing member having a rear wall and an open front, a frame member sized to fit onto said open front having an open front portion, said frame member being detachably connected to said housing member, said open front portion comprising a panel having at least some portion of it capable to transmit light, a suitable lamp mounted in said lamp chamber, and means for electrically supplying said lamp, whereby, when said lamp is turned on, said light is transmitted in a pattern corresponding to the light-transmitting portion of said panel.
4. A warning signal light assembly for a vehicle, the assembly comprising:
a housing member having an open front, an open frame member sized to fit onto said open front, said frame member being detachably connected to said housing member, said frame defining at least one lamp-receiving space, at least one suitable lamp mounted in said lamp receiving space, means for electrically supplying said lamp, and a removable panel slidably engageable between said open front and said open frame, said panel having at least some portion of it capable to reflect light, whereby, when said lamp is turned on, said light is reflected in a pattern corresponding to the light-reflective portion of said panel.
a housing member having an open front, an open frame member sized to fit onto said open front, said frame member being detachably connected to said housing member, said frame defining at least one lamp-receiving space, at least one suitable lamp mounted in said lamp receiving space, means for electrically supplying said lamp, and a removable panel slidably engageable between said open front and said open frame, said panel having at least some portion of it capable to reflect light, whereby, when said lamp is turned on, said light is reflected in a pattern corresponding to the light-reflective portion of said panel.
5. An assembly according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein said housing comprises means to removably secure said housing to the window of said vehicle.
6. An assembly according to claim 5, wherein said means comprises at least one fin extending outwardly from said housing, said at least one fin comprising a finger extending outwardly from said fin adapted to engage snugly into a suction cup adapted to adhere to said window.
7. An assembly according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 6, wherein said means for electrically supplying said lamp comprises means for electrically connecting said lamp to the lighter of said vehicle.
8. An assembly according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said lamp chamber further comprises a parabolic reflector disposed behind said lamp in said lamp-receiving chamber, wherein said reflector enhances the brightness of the light transmitted through said panel.
9. An assembly according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 6, wherein said open frame member and housing member comprise positive engagement means to assemble one onto the other.
10. An assembly according to claim 9, said housing member and frame member each comprising a peripheral ledge, said positive engagement means comprising at least one lug extending outwardly from the ledge of said frame, said at least one lug adapted to grip onto a ridge disposed along said ledge of said housing.
11. An assembly according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 6, wherein said means for electrically supplying said lamp comprises a battery.
12. A kit comprising:
a box-shaped housing member defining a lamp-receiving chamber, said housing member having a rear wall and an open front, an open-frame member sized to fit onto said open front of said housing member, said frame member being detachably connectable to said housing member, a lamp mountable in said lamp chamber, means for electrically supplying said lamp, and at least one removable panel slidably engageable between said open front and said frame member, said panel having at least some portion of it capable of transmitting light.
a box-shaped housing member defining a lamp-receiving chamber, said housing member having a rear wall and an open front, an open-frame member sized to fit onto said open front of said housing member, said frame member being detachably connectable to said housing member, a lamp mountable in said lamp chamber, means for electrically supplying said lamp, and at least one removable panel slidably engageable between said open front and said frame member, said panel having at least some portion of it capable of transmitting light.
13. A kit comprising:
a box-shaped housing member defining a lamp-receiving chamber, said housing member having a rear wall and an open front, at least one frame member sized to fit onto said open front of said housing member and having an open front portion, said frame member being detachably connectable to said housing member, said open front portion comprising a panel having at least some portion of it capable of transmitting light, a lamp mountable in said lamp chamber, and means for electrically supplying said lamp.
a box-shaped housing member defining a lamp-receiving chamber, said housing member having a rear wall and an open front, at least one frame member sized to fit onto said open front of said housing member and having an open front portion, said frame member being detachably connectable to said housing member, said open front portion comprising a panel having at least some portion of it capable of transmitting light, a lamp mountable in said lamp chamber, and means for electrically supplying said lamp.
14. A kit comprising:
a housing member having an open front, an open-frame member sized to fit onto said open front of said housing member, said open frame member defining a lamp-receiving space, said frame member being detachably connectable to said housing member, at least one lamp mountable in said lamp-receiving space, means for electrically supplying said lamp, and at least one removable panel slidably engageable between said open front and said frame member, said panel having at least some portion of it capable of reflecting light.
a housing member having an open front, an open-frame member sized to fit onto said open front of said housing member, said open frame member defining a lamp-receiving space, said frame member being detachably connectable to said housing member, at least one lamp mountable in said lamp-receiving space, means for electrically supplying said lamp, and at least one removable panel slidably engageable between said open front and said frame member, said panel having at least some portion of it capable of reflecting light.
15. A kit according to claim 12, 13 or 14, further comprising means to removably secure said housing member to the window of said vehicle.
16. A kit according to claim 15, wherein said means to removably secure said housing member to the window of a vehicle comprises at least one fin extending outwardly from said housing member, said at least one fin comprising a finger extending outwardly from said fin adapted to engage snugly into a suction cup adapted to adhere to said window.
17. A kit according to claim 12, 13, 14, or 16, wherein said means for electrically supplying said lamp is a battery.
18. A kit according to claim 12, 13, 14 or 16, wherein said means for electrically supplying said lamp comprises means for electrically connecting said lamp to the lighter of said vehicle.
19. A kit according to claim 12 or 13, further comprising a parabolic reflector disposable in said lamp chamber behind said lamp.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002039903A CA2039903A1 (en) | 1991-04-05 | 1991-04-05 | Warning-signal light assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002039903A CA2039903A1 (en) | 1991-04-05 | 1991-04-05 | Warning-signal light assembly |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2039903A1 true CA2039903A1 (en) | 1992-10-06 |
Family
ID=4147343
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002039903A Abandoned CA2039903A1 (en) | 1991-04-05 | 1991-04-05 | Warning-signal light assembly |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2039903A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2940776A1 (en) * | 2009-01-05 | 2010-07-09 | Willy Manikon | Lighting and blinking device for warning driver of preceding vehicle that security distance is insufficient, has case comprising cable to integrate switch to enable driver of vehicle to activate device, when distance is insufficient |
| WO2012004463A1 (en) * | 2010-07-05 | 2012-01-12 | Willy Frantz Manikon | Fixed and flashing luminous device for warning users |
| GB2504558A (en) * | 2012-09-01 | 2014-02-05 | Janet Sallis | Delivery aid |
-
1991
- 1991-04-05 CA CA002039903A patent/CA2039903A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2940776A1 (en) * | 2009-01-05 | 2010-07-09 | Willy Manikon | Lighting and blinking device for warning driver of preceding vehicle that security distance is insufficient, has case comprising cable to integrate switch to enable driver of vehicle to activate device, when distance is insufficient |
| WO2012004463A1 (en) * | 2010-07-05 | 2012-01-12 | Willy Frantz Manikon | Fixed and flashing luminous device for warning users |
| GB2504558A (en) * | 2012-09-01 | 2014-02-05 | Janet Sallis | Delivery aid |
| GB2504558B (en) * | 2012-09-01 | 2014-10-22 | Janet Sallis | A delivery aid |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |