GB2252440A

GB2252440A - A signalling device

Info

Publication number: GB2252440A
Application number: GB9101873A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Nigel Payne
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1991-01-29
Filing date: 1991-01-29
Publication date: 1992-08-05
Anticipated expiration: 2011-01-29
Also published as: GB9101873D0; GB2252440B

Abstract

A signalling device 2 comprises an elongate member for positioning in or around a holder 14. The member comprises at least two portions of different appearance. As the member is formed of at least two separable sections, the position of one portion relative to another portion of different appearance can be changed. Advantageously, four separable sections of differing colours may be employed, the uppermost section signalling the milk order. <IMAGE>

Description

A SIGNALLING DEVICE The present invention relates to a signalling device.

A common problem to people who deliver, or may need to visit, domestic accommodation is the obtaining of information from a resident in the accommodation of interest. For example, in the United Kingdom, a person who delivers milk may know that the normal order of a household is two bottles of milk a day. However, they may find on arrival at the door of the household that a message has been left requesting an extra bottle of milk to be delivered that day, or that the usual order has been changed in some other way. They will then need to return to the delivery vehicle to obtain the extra milk. While this may seem a trivial problem when only one household is being considered, the normal delivery round of a delivery person includes a large number of households.

It is accordingly an object of the present invention to at least alleviate the above-identified problem.

According to the present invention, there is provided a signalling device comprising an elongate member for positioning in or around a holder, the member comprising at least two portions of different appearance and being formed of at least two separable sections whereby the position of one portion relative to another portion of different appearance can be changed.

The provision of such a signalling device, which can be placed in or around, eg., a milk bottle enables the householder to signal to the delivery person the required order for a particular day by changing the portion which is uppermost on the elongate member. As the portions are of different appearance, the delivery person may be able to identify for any household the required order for that day before leaving the vehicle to deliver the order and so can make appropriate provision.

Advantageously, the different appearance of the portions is provided by different colours which can be easily identified from a distance.

It will be appreciated that the signalling device of the present invention has potentially many uses. The daily changing of the relative positions of the portions of the signalling device may be used by a person who is house-bound to indicate to a health visitor that a visit is required or not necessary.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a side view of the embodiment of Figure 1 which indicates, more clearly, the two sections of the embodiment; Figure 3 shows a side view of the embodiment of Figure 1 which has been separated to show the separate parts; Figure 4 shows a side view of the embodiment of Figure 1 as inserted in a holder; Figure 5 shows an extension section for use with the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4.

As shown in the Figures, the signalling device 2 is formed of two sections 4, 6 which are joined together by a coupling ring 7. Each of the sections 4, 6 is divided into two portions 4a, 4b; 6a, 6b which are different in appearance. Advantageously the four portions 4a, 4b, 6a, 6b are of different colours so that they can be easily identified from a distance. The meaning of each colour may also be printed on to each portion, as indicated, so that the user does not need to memorise a code. In each section 4, 6, the portions 4a, 4b; 6a, 6b are separated by parts 8, 12 which are neutral in appearance, advantageously white in colour. As indicated in the Figures, each of the sections 4, 6 is manufactured by joining together two portions 4a, 4b; 6a, 6b of different colours using the parts 8, 12.It is expected that the parts of each section 4, 6 will not be separated during normal usage of the device 2.

As indicated previously, the device 2 is formed of two sections 4, 6 which can be separated. A coupling 7 is provided for joining an end of the section 4 to an end of the section 6. Accordingly, when the device 2 is placed in a holder 14, as shown in Figure 4, the device can be arranged so that any one of the portions 4a, 4b, 6a, 6b is uppermost. The colour of the uppermost portion will inform the mil delivery person of the order of the householder and the writing on the uppermost portion will remind the householder of the meaning of the colour.

Figure 5 shows an extension section 16 which comprises a single portion 16a of a predetermined appearance which is connected, preferably fixedly, to a collar 16b. Such an extension section 16 can be mounted at one end of another section to indicate an order of the householder. The extension section 16 can be used in addition to, or instead of, the sections 4, 6 having two portions. When used in addition to the double portioned sections 4, 6, one or more extension (single portioned) sections 16 may be used to indicate a multiple order. As with the double portioned sections 4, 6, the meaning of the colour of each portion 16a in the extension sections 16 can have the meaning of its colour printed thereon.

As shown, at least one, and preferably all, of the sections may be hollow to enable a note to be inserted inside, should the householder have a longer order or a more detailed message to communicate to the milkman. The note is thereby protected from the elements and can be easily retrieved. The sections of the device 2 may be of any cross-section. If the exterior of the sections is multi-sided, this will enable writing, eg. advertisements or information, to be more easily printed on the device.

In the embodiment shown, the sections are hexagonal in cross-section.

As described, the device 2 can be used with a holder, such as an empty milk bottle, into which the device can be inserted. Alternatively, a device 2, which is itself hollow, can be placed around a holder, such as a narrow bottle. In the latter case, the holder is effective to hold the device 2 upright, or in another suitable orientation. It will be appreciated that the cross-section of the device, including its external width and the internal width (if the device 2 is hollow) will be affected by the size of the holder and the arrangement of the device with respect to the holder.

The device 2 can be made of any suitable material such as extruded plastic. A device 2 for outdoor use would need to be able to withstand a variety of weather conditions.

Modifications to the embodiment described, and within the scope of the present invention will be apparent.

Claims

1. A signalling device comprising an elongate member for positioning in or around a holder, the member comprising at least two portions of different appearance and being formed of at least two separable sections whereby the position of one portion relative to another portion of different appearance can be changed.

2. A device according to Claim 1 in which each section is elongate, the device further comprising means for coupling an end of one section to an end of another section.

3. A device according to Claim 2 in which a coupling means comprises a separate coupling ring.

4. A device according to Claims 2 or 3 in which a coupling means comprises a collar at the end of one section for receiving an end of another section.

5. A device according to any one of the preceding claims in which at least one section comprises two portions of different appearance.

6. A device according to Claim 5 in which more than one of said sections comprises two portions of different appearance.

7. A device according to any one of the preceding claims in which the different appearance is provided by different colours.

8. A device according to any one of the preceding claims in which at least one of said sections is hollow.

9. A device according to any one of the preceding claims in which the exterior of at least one of said sections is multi-sided.

10. A device according to Claim 9 in which at least one of said sections-is hexagonal in cross-section.

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