GB2249422A - Signalling device - Google Patents

Abstract

A signalling device, for example as shown in Figure 2, comprises a housing 11, a visual signalling element 15 carried by the housing 11 and moveable thereto between a first position in which the signal conveyed by the signalling element 15 is visible to an observer, and a second position in which the signal conveyed by the device is not visible to the observer, and an inertial mechanism 16 for moving the element 15 relative to the housing 11. In the arrangement shown, the signalling element 15 is urged by the inertial mechanism to move in a plane parallel to the plane of the window of the housing (see also Figure 3). In an alternative arrangement, element 15 is arranged to pivot from a first position in which it is viewable through a window of the housing, to a second position in which it is displaced away from the window (Figure 6.). <IMAGE>

Description

SIGNALLING DEVICE This invention relates to an inertial signalling device particularly, but not exclusively, intended for use in road vehicles.

It is known to make use of the inertia, or momentum, of a moving component to provide an output when the steady state condition of the component is disturbed. For example, it is known in an inertia switch that a change in the steady state conditions of a steel ball may cause the ball to move relative to a housing, and thus complete an electrical circuit for energising a warning device.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a signalling device which is purely mechanical in its operation thereby avoiding the need for an electrical power supply.

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a housing, a visual signalling element carried by the housing and movable relative thereto between a first position in which the signal conveyed by the device is visible to an observer, and a second position in which the signal conveyed by the device is not visible to the observer, and, an inertial mechanism for moving the element relative to the housing.

Preferably said inertial mechanism comprises a mass movable relative to the housing and means coupling the mass to the signalling element so that when the mass moves relative to the housing the signalling element is also moved relative to the housing.

Conveniently the signalling element is a component carrying a legend or symbol.

Conveniently said component is mounted for movement within the housing in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the window of the housing, the legend or symbol being divided into a plurality of spaced strips extending transverse to the direction of movement of the component relative to the window, the window having a plurality of spaced opaque strips whereby movement of the component relative to the window can produce a first position in which the strips of the legend or symbol are visible in the gaps between the opaque strips of the window, and a second position in which the strips of the legend or symbol are obscured by the opaque strips of the window.

Desirably said component is guided for movement parallel to the plane of the window and is coupled to one limb of a pivoted bell-crank arrangement the other limb of which carries an inertial mass, whereby a disturbance in the steady state conditions of the device can give rise to movement of the inertial mass relative to the housing thus moving said component relative to the housing.

Alternatively the component is pivotally mounted within the housing for movement between a first position in which the legend or symbol is visible through a window of the housing, and a second position in which the legend or symbol is displaced away from the window.

Desirably the housing incorporates adjustable mounting means.

One example of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a signalling device in accordance with the first example of the present invention, Figure 2 is an exploded view of the device illustrated in Figure 1, Figure 3 is a transverse cross sectional view of the device of Figure 1, Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 1 of a signalling device in accordance with a second example of the present invention, and Figures 5 and 6 are transverse cross sectional views respectively illustrating the device of Figure 4 in two alternative operative states.

Referring first to Figures 1, 2 and 3 of the accompanying drawings the signalling device is intended for attachment to the rear window of a road vehicle and is intended to indicate to following vehicles that the brakes have been applied. The device includes an elongate, hollow, moulded synthetic resin housing 11 having a rectangular rear (in relation to the mounting of the device within a vehicle) face closed by a transparent rectangular synthetic resin panel 12. The panel 12 is provided with a plurality of opaque black strips 13 extending parallel to the long edges and spaced apart from one another by a distance equal to the strip width so that the panel defines alternate opaque and transparent strips.

At its opposite ends the housing 11 is pivotally mounted in triangular, synthetic resin mounting blocks 13 each of which has a face 13a carrying a self adhesive layer whereby the signalling device can be affixed either to, or adjacent, the inner surface of the vehicle rear window. When the blocks 13 are secured in place the housing 11 can be pivoted relative to the blocks about the common axis of the pivot pins 14 which connect the housing 11 to the blocks 13. As illustrated in Figure 2 the pivot pins 14 and/or the bores in the blocks 13 for receiving the pins 14 can be serrated so that although the housing 11 can be pivoted relative to the blocks there will be significant resistance to rotation of the pins 14 in the bores of the blocks 13 so that the position of the housing 11 can be adjusted, and the housing will then remain in the adjusted position.

Disposed within the housing 11, closely adjacent the inner face of the panel 12, is a signalling element 15.

The element 15 is in the form of a planar rectangular sheet of synthetic resin material of similar, but slightly smaller, dimensions to the panel 12. The face of the element 15 presented towards to panel 12 has the word "BRAKE" thereon in a fluorescent bright colour on a dark, conveniently black, background. The letters forming the word "BRAKE" are not solid in that they are divided into a plurality of parallel strips by strips of the same colour as the background. The strips on the element 15 extend parallel to the long edges of the element and the black strips, and the brightly coloured strips are equally spaced and are of equal width, their width being equal to the width of the black strips on the panel 12.It will be understood therefore that when the element 15 is placed against the panel 12 it can be moved in a plane parallel to the plane of the panel 12 and in a direction transverse to the length of the strips between a first position in which the black strips on the panel 12overlie the black strips on the element 15 so that the coloured strips forming the letters "BRAKE" are visible through the transparent strips of the panel 12, and a second position in which the black strips of the panel 12 overlie the coloured strips forming the letters "BRAKE" so that only the black strips of the element 15 are visible through the transparent strips of the panel 12, and thus the panel 12 appears to be wholly black.

The width dimension of the element 15 is such that movement of the element 15 within the housing 11 relative to the panel 12 between the first and second positions is possible, and in order to effect such movement there is provided an inertial mechanism comprising an elongate bell-crank lever 16 and an inertial mass 17. The bellcrank lever 16 is formed from relatively rigid metal wire and comprises an elongate portion 16a which extends parallel to the length of the element 15, and lies in contact with the face of the element 15 remote from the panel 12. The portion 16a is pivotally connected to the element 15 adjacent the long edge thereof which will be lowermost in use. At its opposite ends the portion 16a is integral with parallel portions 16b which extend at right angles to the portion 16a in a direction away from the element 15.The ends of the portions 16b remote from the portion 16a terminate in upstanding legs 16cut the legs 16c being parallel to one another and extending upwardly from the portions 16b at an acute angle thereto.

As can be seen in Figure 3, the acute angle between the legs 16c and the portion 16b is such that when the portions 16b are disposed at right angles to the plane of the element 15 then the free ends of the legs 16c terminate adjacent the element 15. The legs 16c are interconnected by an elongate cylindrical rod defining the inertial mass 17. The rod 17 is conveniently formed from steel or other material of high specific density and extends parallel to the portion 16a of the bell-crank lever.

The wall of the housing 11 remote from the panel 12 is formed with wide, inverted, U-shaped recess 18 for accommodating the bell-crank lever 16 and the inertial mass 17. The free ends of the limbs of the U-shaped recess 18 define platforms upon which the portions 16b of the bell-crank lever 16 can rest, and the corners of the bell-crank lever defined by the legs 16c and the portions 16b constitute the fulcrum of the lever. It will be recognised that with the signalling device positioned so that the panel 12 is vertical then the effect of the mass 17 acting through the bell-crank lever, and the mass of the element 15 itself, will be to move the element 15 towards a lowermost position relative to the panel 12.

The relationship between the strips of the panel 12 and the strips of the element 15 is such that in this position of the element 15 the letters "BRAKE" are obscured and the observer viewing the panel 12 simply sees a black panel. Displacement of the mass 17 in a direction away from the element 15 will cause the bellcrank lever 16 to pivot in the housing 11 about the junction of the legs 16c and the portion 16b and will thus slide the element 15 upwardly relative to the panel 12 until either the mass 17 abuts the base of the recess 18, or the upper edge of the element 15 abuts the inner surface of the upper part of the housing 11 at which point the relationship between the panel 11 and the element 15 will be such that the coloured strips forming the letters "BRAKE" are visible through the transparent strips of the panel 12 and an observer viewing the panel 12 will see the word "BRAKE" in a fluorescent colour against a black background. Upon release of the mass 17 the parts will return to their starting positions under gravity.

It will be recognised that when the device is fitted adjacent the inner surface of the rear window of a vehicle then during acceleration, or constant speed conditions the element 15 will remain in its lowermost position. However, when deceleration occurs, and the magnitude of the deceleration exceeds a predetermined value the momentum of the mass 17 will cause the mass 17 to move forwardly relative to the housing 11 thus moving the element 15 to display the word "BRAKE" in the panel 12. The value of deceleration at which movement of the mass 17 occurs is dependent upon the friction within the moving parts of the device, and usually will be such that positive application of the brakes is needed in order to reach a deceleration value at which the "BRAKE" legend is displayed.Naturally the design of the signalling device may incorporate components for applying a predetermined resistance to movement of the moving parts. As an alternative nr in addition some resilient means, for example a return spring, could be incorporated to urge the element 15 towards its lowermost position.

It will be recognised that the housing 11 tapers to a narrow dimension adjacent its uppermost edge, and this together with the trapping of the element 15 by the bellcrank lever against the panel 12 obviates the need for guide surfaces within the housing for guiding the movement of the element 15. It will be understood however that if desired the housing could incorporate grooves guiding movement of the element 15 relative to the panel 12.

Turning now to the construction illustrated in Figures 4, 5 and 6. There is again provided a moulded synthetic resin housing 11 which is hollow, and has a rearwardly presented face in the form of a transparent panel 12. In this instance however the panel 12 is completely transparent and does not have opaque strips. The housing 11 is carried by a mounting bracket 13 which has a surface 13a carrying a self adhesive layer whereby the bracket 13 can be attached to the inner surface of the read window of a vehicle. Figures 5 and 6 illustrate the device attached to windows of different inclination, and thus it can be seen that in Figure 5 the position of the bracket 13 relative to the housing 11 differs from that illustrated in Figure 6 as a result of the different inclination of the window to which the device is attached.The housing 11 is pivotally mounted on the bracket 13 and as with the arrangement illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 some resistance to movement can be incorporated into this pivotal connection so that the housing will remain in an adjusted position relative to the bracket.

Within the housing 11 there is provided a signalling element 15 provided, on its face presented to the inner surface of the panel 12, with the legend "BRAKE" in a fluorescent bright colour on a dark, conveniently black background. The letters are solid letters, and are not broken into strips as is the case with the embodiment described above. The element 15 is mounted for pivotal movement within the housing 11 about a pivot axis extending generally along the uppermost horizontal, long edge of the element (the element being of rectangular form similar to the rectangular form of the panel 12).

Secured to the element 15 for movement therewith, but lying within the housing 11 at the opposite side of the pivot axis of the element 15 is an inertial mass 17 in the form of one or more steel blocks or the like.

In use the housing is positioned with the panel 12 vertically disposed, and the relative positioning of the element 15 and its associated mass 17 is such that gravity causes the mass 17 and the element 15 to swing around the pivot axis of the element 15 until the element 15 engages the face of the housing 11 remote from the panel 12 (Figure 5). In this position of the element 15 relative to the housing the legend "BRAKE" is not visible through the panel 12 to a normally positioned observer, that is to say to an observer in a following vehicle.

However, when the signalling device is caused to decelerate the mass 17 tends to move forwardly relative to the housing, and thus together with the element 15 pivots within the housing to bring the element 15 adjacent the inner surface of the panel 12 whereupon the legend "BRAKE" carried by the element 15 is readily visible through the panel 12.

It will be recognised that when constant speed, or acceleration conditions are re-established then the mass 17 and the element 15 will return, relative to the housing 11, to their rest positions but if desired some resilient return means such as a return spring could be incorporated to assist this movement. Similarly means may be incorporated for ensuring that a predetermined value of deceleration must be achieved before the element 15 is moved to a position where the legend is visible.

It will be recognised that in both of the embodiments described above the message to be conveyed could be a legend in the form of a word or a symbol, or in some cases could simply be an area of colour, for example simulating a conventional vehicle high level brake warning lamp. It will be understood that since the signalling device is purely mechanical the presence of a power supply is not necessary, and the complexity associated with electrical or electronic signalling devices.is avoided. The legend displayed may have a reflective component so that it is readily visible both at night, and in day light.

Claims (10)

1. A signalling device comprising a housing, a visual signalling element carried by the housing and movable relative thereto between a first position in which the signal conveyed by the device is visible to an observer, and a second position in which the signal conveyed by the device is not visible to the observer, and, an inertial mechanism for moving the element relative to the housing.

2. A signalling device as claimed in Claim 1 in which said inertial mechanism comprises a mass movable relative to the housing and means coupling the mass to the signalling element so that when the mass moves relative to the housing the signalling element is also moved relative to the housing.

3. A signalling device as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 in which the signalling element is a component carrying a legend or symbol.

4. A signalling device as claimed in Claim 3 in which the housing includes a window through which the signal can be seen when the signalling element is in its first position.

5. A signalling device as claimed in Claim 4 in which said component is mounted for movement within the housing in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the window of the housing, the legend or symbol being divided into a plurality of spaced strips extending transverse to the direction of movement of the component relative to the window, the window having a plurality of spaced opaque strips whereby movement of the component relative to the window can produce a first position in which the strips of the legend or symbol are visible in the gaps between the opaque strips of the window, and a second position in which the strips of the legend or symbol are obscured by the opaque strips of the window.

6. A signalling device as claimed in Claim 5 in which said component is guided for movement parallel to the plane of the window and is coupled to one limb of a pivoted bell-crank arrangement the other limb of which carries an inertial mass, whereby a disturbance in the steady state conditions of the device can give rise to movement of the inertial mass relative to the housing thus moving said component relative to the housing.

7. A signalling device as claimed in Claim 4 in which the component is pivotally mounted within the housing for movement between a first position in which the legend or symbol is visible through the window of the housing, and a second position in which the legend or symbol is displaced away from the window.

8. A signalling device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the housing incorporates adjustable mounting means.

9. A signalling device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings.

10. A signalling device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 4, 5, and 6 of the accompanying drawings.