GB2119835A

GB2119835A - Ice hazard warning sign

Info

Publication number: GB2119835A
Application number: GB08211453A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Carl Patrick Harrell
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1982-04-21
Filing date: 1982-04-21
Publication date: 1983-11-23

Abstract

The invention is desired to give an indication to motorists when ambient conditions are such as could lead to the formation of ice. A coloured liquid having high expansion and low freezing point characteristic is used to mask a highly reflective and luminous surface. The liquid is sealed in a vessel so shaped to accommodate its expansion over the operating temperature. The vessel is designed so that as the temperature approaches freezing a noticeable drop in the level of the liquid unmasks a reflective surface. In the preferred form the vessel is mounted in a housing having a warning message cut out of its front panel. The position of the warning message is such that when the temperature approaches freezing point the accompanying drop in liquid level exposes the reflective surface thereby defining the cut out message. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Ice warning sign This invention relates to a Road Hazard Warning Sign designed with the object of giving an indication to motorists when ambient conditions are such as could lead to the formation of ice. In the preferred form of the invention a coloured liquid having high expansion and low freezing point characteristics is used to mask a highly reflective and luminous surface. The contraction of the coloured liquid is so arranged to expose the reflective surface and indicate when the ambient temperature approaches 320F.

The invention may be carried into practice in various ways and one embodiment will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing. A coloured liquid 1.

with high expansion characteristics is sealed into a vessel 2. The vessel is so designed to accommodate the expansion of the liquid over the operating temperature range. The shape of the vessel and the characteristics of the liquid therein are such as to result in a noticeable drop in the level of the liquid as the temperature approaches 320F.

The narrow channel section of the vessel 3. will be of clear transparent construction and will be backed by or have in close proximity to the rear face a luminous highly reflective surface 4.

The whole assembly could be mounted in a housing 5. and the warning message 6. cut out from the front panel 7. alternatively the warning message could be attached directly to the front of the channel section.

The position of the warning message is such that when the temperature approaches freezing point the accompanying drop in liquid level within the channel section results in the reflective surface being exposed thereby clearly defining the cut out message.

When the temperature is well above freezing point the liquid, which would preferably be the same colour as the face surrounding the message, will cover the reflective surface and the message will not be defined.

Such an invention will be able to operate in daylight and also at night time. The invention requires no electrical power, has no moving parts, and once installed would require no maintenance.

Claims (Filed 21st April 83) 1. A road hazard warning sign which can indicate when ambient conditions are such as could lead to the formation of ice on the road.

2. A road hazard warning sign as claimed in 1.

in which a coloured liquid having high expansion and low freezing characteristics is used to mask a highly reflective and luminous surface.

3. A road hazard warning sign as claimed in either of the two preceding claims in which the contraction of a coloured liquid is so arranged to expose the reflective surface when conditions are such that the formation of ice is likely.

4. A road hazard warning sign as claimed in any of the preceding claims in which a coloured liquid is contained in a vessel. The shape of the vessel and the characteristics of the liquid are such as to result in a noticeable drop in liquid level when the temperature falls to that at which the formation of ice is likely.

5. A road hazard warning sign as claimed in any of the preceding claims in which a coloured liquid is contained in a vessel a front section of which is constructed from a transparent material.

6. A road hazard warning sign as claimed in any of the preceding claims in which a coloured liquid is contained in a vessel having a highly reflective and luminous backing to the rear section which reflects any light entering the transparent front section over that area not masked by the coloured liquid.

7. A road hazard warning sign as claimed in any of the preceding claims in which the vessel assembly is mounted in a housing having cut out section in the shape of a warning message-or in another form the warning message could be attached direct to the vessel.

8. A road hazard warning sign constructed and arranged substantially as herein, specifically described with reference to the accompanying drawing.

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION Ice warning sign This invention relates to a Road Hazard Warning Sign designed with the object of giving an indication to motorists when ambient conditions are such as could lead to the formation of ice. In the preferred form of the invention a coloured liquid having high expansion and low freezing point characteristics is used to mask a highly reflective and luminous surface. The contraction of the coloured liquid is so arranged to expose the reflective surface and indicate when the ambient temperature approaches 320F. The invention may be carried into practice in various ways and one embodiment will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing. A coloured liquid 1. with high expansion characteristics is sealed into a vessel 2. The vessel is so designed to accommodate the expansion of the liquid over the operating temperature range. The shape of the vessel and the characteristics of the liquid therein are such as to result in a noticeable drop in the level of the liquid as the temperature approaches 320F. The narrow channel section of the vessel 3. will be of clear transparent construction and will be backed by or have in close proximity to the rear face a luminous highly reflective surface 4. The whole assembly could be mounted in a housing 5. and the warning message 6. cut out from the front panel 7. alternatively the warning message could be attached directly to the front of the channel section. The position of the warning message is such that when the temperature approaches freezing point the accompanying drop in liquid level within the channel section results in the reflective surface being exposed thereby clearly defining the cut out message. When the temperature is well above freezing point the liquid, which would preferably be the same colour as the face surrounding the message, will cover the reflective surface and the message will not be defined. Such an invention will be able to operate in daylight and also at night time. The invention requires no electrical power, has no moving parts, and once installed would require no maintenance. Claims (Filed 21st April 83)

1. A road hazard warning sign which can indicate when ambient conditions are such as could lead to the formation of ice on the road.

2. A road hazard warning sign as claimed in 1.