GB2254094A

GB2254094A - Warning triangle.

Info

Publication number: GB2254094A
Application number: GB9106646A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John West Holmes
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1991-03-28
Filing date: 1991-03-28
Publication date: 1992-09-30
Also published as: GB9106646D0

Abstract

The support (14) for a warning triangle is in the form of a box which is adapted to enclose the triangle when it is collapsed. The warning triangle (10) comprises three reflective, linear elements (11, 12, 13) and a light source (24) arranged to project light to make the triangle more visible. The first element (11) is pivotably attached to a support (14), the first (11) and second (12) elements are attached one to another and the third element (13) is pivotably attached to the second element (12). The light source includes one or more electric lamps (14) connected via an electric socket (26) to an electric power source (21). <IMAGE>

Description

WARNING TRIANGLES, FOR USE, E.G. ON ROADS.

This invention relates to a warning triangle of the kind intended to be carried on vehicles and used as a warning sign by being placed some distance to the rear of the vehicle to warn approaching vehicles of a hazard. Such triangles have other uses, e.g. in pedestrian precincts to warn people of obstructions.

Known warning triangles usually consist of a triangular piece of metal, wood or plastics, to the front of which is applied or secured a standard warning sign, and which has one or more support legs hinged to its rear surface.

Such triangles have the disadvantages firstly that they occupy a substantial volume when collapsed for storage or transport and secondly that they are difficult to illuminate effectively.

A further, known warning triangle attempts to overcome these disadvantages by providing three linear elements each of which is pivotably connected to one of the other elements and the free ends of the two elements not connected to one another are capable of locating relative to one another.

The pivoting of all three elements takes place in approximately the same plane such that the triangle can be altered between a collapsed configuration in which the elements are aligned with one another and an erect configuration in which free ends of the otherwise unconnected elements are located relative to one another to form a triangle.

One of the elements designated the base element includes a pivotable member (or strut) which is movable between a folded away position aligned with the element and an extended position perpendicular to the element, so that the triangle can be supported on the member when erected.

Whilst this arrangement provides a warning triangle which can readily be collapsed to a compact configuration, it suffers numerous disadvantages.

The pivotable member (or strut or brace) does not provide a stable base or support for the triangle, which .is prone to falling over and rotating about the pivot of pivotable member so that it no longer faces in the direction intended by the user of the triangle.

Furthermore, even when collapsed, the known warning triangle requires a separate container if it is to be protected from damage, e.g. as may occur when it is being carried in the boot of a motor vehicle.

This known warning triangle also has the disadvantage that it is difficult to illuminate effectively.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a collapsible warning triangle comprising three linear elements of substantially equal length, and a support, the first linear element being pivotably attached to the support, the first and second elements being attached to one another and the third element being pivotably attached to the second element, the first element including means whereby the first element and the free end of the third element may be located temporarily relative to one another to form a stable triangle, and the support being adapted to enclose the triangle when collapsed.

An advantage of this arrangement is that the support for the triangle doubles as a housing, and the triangle is attached to the support so that a separate box or container is not required.

Furthermore, the support, since it is required to house the triangle when collapsed, is of sufficient size to provide a stable base and low centre of gravity for the triangle. The triangle therefore is less prone to falling over, and can be more easily maintained facing in the direction intended by the user.

Preferably, the first and second elements are pivotably attached to the support.

This feature advantageously allows the triangle to be particularly compact when collapsed.

Conveniently the first and second elements are pivotable relative to one another. This feature also allows a particularly compact configuration of the triangle when collapsed.

It is preferable that the support comprises a hollow base and a lid, the base and a first part of the lid being locatable relative to one another and the first element being pivotably attached to a further part of the lid spaced from the first part such that, on erection of the warning triangle, the triangle extends between the lid and the base with the lid and base located relative to one another.

An advantage of this arrangement is that the two parts of the support can be readily adapted to form a particularly stable support for the triangle.

Preferably, the first part of the lid is pivotably attached to the base. This means that the triangle can be constructed as an item having no separable parts. This reduces the risk of parts of the warning triangle becoming lost or broken, and means that the triangle can comply with EEC and United Nations regulations which specify that warning triangles should have no separable parts.

In use of the triangle, the lid may conveniently brace the triangle in an upright position when the base rests on a horizontal surface, and the first and second elements may extend downwardly of the lid to contact the surface to either side of the base.

This allows the warning triangle to be braced laterally of the base as well as in a longitudinal direction. The stability of the triangle is thereby considerably enhanced.

The third element may conveniently contact the base opposite the lid, and the base may include means for locating the base and the third element relative to one another to limit relative movement between the triangle and base.

The stability of the triangle in use is further enhanced by this arrangement.

Preferably, the support is weighted to stablize the warning triangle during use. Such a feature is particularly advantageous, e.g.

when the warning triangle is to be used in a high wind.

Preferably, the triangle includes a light source arranged to project light to enhance the visibility of the triangle. An advantage of this feature is that reliance is not placed on illumination of the triangle from an external source, such as the headlamps of an approaching motor vehicle.

Preferably, the light source is disposed to project light forwardly of one or more of the elements of the warning triangle. This means that the triangle is visible in use from a considerably greater distance than previous warning triangles.

The light source may conveniently be a reflector of light.

Preferably, the light source comprises one or more electric lamps, an electric circuit and an electric power source. The electric circuit may preferably be adapted to cause regular or irregular flashing of the or each electric lamp.

This makes the warning triangle particularly eye-catching.

The electric lamps may conveniently include a xenon discharge lamp and the electric circuit a discharge lamp trigger circuit. The use of a xenon discharge lamp and circuit is particularly advantageous in the application of the triangle to warn road users of a hazard.

The electric power source may conveniently include one or more batteries housed in the support for the triangle. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the warning triangle, the batteries may constitute the weights for weighting the warning triangle.

It 15 desirable that the or each battery is rechargeable, and that the electric circuit includes a recharging circuit for the batteries.

The use of rechargeable batteries enables the construction of a fully self-contained warning triangle.

There now follows a description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, by way of example, with reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a warning triangle according to the invention in a fully erect configuration; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the warning triangle of Figure 1 in a partially collapsed configuration; and Figure 3 is a perspective view of the warning triangle of'Figures 1 and 2 - in a collapsed position enclosed within its support.

Referring to the drawings, there is shown a warning triangle 10 comprising three linear elements 11,12,13 and a support 14 in the form of a box-like housing 16 and a lid 17.

The first 11 and second 12 linear elements are pivotably connected to one another by means of a pivot 15 located at one end, so that these two elements can pivot between a collapsed configuration in which they lie parallel one adjacent the other, and an erect configuration in which they diverge from one another with the flat faces of the two elements substantially in the same plane.

Adjacent the opposite end of the second linear element 12 is pivotably connected the third linear element 13 by means of pivot 19.

Linear element 13 is connected so that the second 12 and third 13 linear elements are pivotable between collapsed and erect configurations in a manner similar to that of the first Il and second 12 linear elements.

The free end of the third linear element 13 on pivoting thereof to an erect configuration lies behind the first linear 11 element when the elements are erected to form a triangle. The first linear element and the free end of the third linear element include means for mutual location so that the triangle may be secured in an erect configuration when desired.

The means for mutual location are not visible in the drawing figures but a number of arrangements is possible, e.g the third linear element 13 may locate by dropping into a latch formed on the rear of first linear element 11.

The first 11 and second 12 linear elements are pivotably connected at their upper ends by means of a hinge 18 to the interior of the forwardmost end of lid 17. It will be appreciated that the warning triangle can therefore be pivoted such that the three linear elements lie substantially parallel to one another as shown in Figure 2, and the hinge 18 permits the linear elements when so configured to be stowed inside the lid 17.

Lid 17 is pivotably connected at its rearmost end 20 to the boxlike housing 16. It will be appreciated that when the linear elements 11,12,13 are stowed in'a collapsed configuration inside the lid 17, the lid 17 can be closed over the box-like housing 16 as shown in Figure 3 to contain the warning triangle in its entirety as a secure and compact package.

The arrangement of the linear elements 11,12,13, the lid 17 and the housing 16 is such that on erection of the warning triangle the linear elements form an "A" shaped member extending downwardly between the free end of lid 17 and the housing 16. The first 11 and second 12 linear elements extend obliquely downwardly beyond the level of the top of the housing 16 to either side thereof. Thus, when the housing 16 stands on a horizontal surface the first and second linear elements 11,12 contact the surface to either side of housing 16.

The third linear element 13 extends horizontally across the upper face of the housing 16. This face includes a pair of notches 21 In which the lowermost edge of the third linear element 13 engages on erection of the warning triangle 10.

Since the linear elements are pivotably secured at hinge 18 to lid 17, and lid 17 is pivotably secured at its rearmost end 29 to housing 16, it will be seen that when erect the warning triangle is particularly stable because the linear elements are prevented from moving relative to lid 17 and housing 16. The notches 21 provide further limitation on the relative movement between the linear elements and the box-like housing 16, so that the structure is very rigid.

When standing on a flat surface the length of housing 16 provides longitudinal support for the warning triangle, and prevents it from falling over backwards or forwards. In this latter respect the third linear element 13 contacts the upper face of housing 16 at a point approximately mid-way along its length. That part of housing 16 disposed forwardly of the triangle prevents the triangle from falling over forwards, and that disposed rearwardly prevents the triangle from falling over backwards.

Since the first 11 and second 12 linear elements extend downwardly to contact the horizontal surface to either side of the housing 16 lateral support is provided for the warning triangle to prevent it from falling over sideways. The warning triangle of the invention is therefore extremely stable in use.

When erected, the "A" shaped member of the warning triangle presents forwardly a substantially triangular, hoop-like face, to which is applied a triangular, hoop-like region 22 of highly reflective material.

In the embodiment shown, region 22 is an inner band of flourescent material approximately 2.5cm wide and surrounded by an outer band of retro-reflective material approximately 3cm wide (corner cube reflector) because this arrangement satisfies certain regulations concerning the construction of warning triangles. However, the arrangement of the hoop-like region can be adapted to suit differing requirements if desired.

Hoop-like region 22 appears, on illumination by an external light source, as the reflective portion of a warning triangle of known kind.

The triangular, hoop-like face also includes a plurality of lamps 24 arranged around its outer periphery, outwardly of the hoop-like face.

The lamps 24 may be, for example, festoon type tungsten filament lamps, or xenon discharge lamps.

The lamps 24 are connected by means of appropriate wiring 26 between the lamps 24 and the lid 17 to a suitable control or (in the case of xenon lamps) discharge trigger circuit 25 located if required in the boxlike housing 16 at the rear end thereof, adjacent the region 20 at which lid 17 is attached to housing 16.

Housing 16 includes a plurality of batteries housed in two parallel channels 27 extending along the interior of housing 16 adjacent the longitudinal side walls 28 thereof. The batteries are operatively connected to the lamps via the control or discharge circuit (if present) to provide electrical power for the lamps 24.

A suitable switch (not shown) for switching on and off the overall lamp circuit is provided, for example towards the rear of housing 16.

The switch is in a preferred embodiment of the invention a proximity switch so that the lamp circuit is operated on opening of the lid 17. It will thus be clear that once the warning triangle has been erected the lamp circuit can be switched on so that the lamps 24 project light forwardly of the warning triangle so that it is visible even in dark conditions when it is not illuminated by an external light source.

The lamps are in the embodiment shown arranged all to illuminate simultaneously, and the control or discharge circuit 25 includes circuitry to cause the lamps to illuminate on a periodic basis, for example regularly once per second. However, various.other arrangements for the lamps 24 are possible. For example, the control or discharge circuit 25 may include circuitry to sequence a series of discharges around the periphery of the triangular, hoop-like face; and the periodic discharging of the lamps may be arranged to be irregular if desired, or to adopt any of a variety of sequences. Alternatively, the lamps may be permanently illuminated.

In the embodiment shown, the batteries contained within the channels 27 are re-chargeable batteries. The circuit 25 includes appropriate circuitry and a connector port (not shown) which enables the rechargeable batteries to be connected to an external power source, such as a transformer, for re-charging. However, it will be appreciated that other forms of battery can be used, in which case the charging port and circuit can be dispensed with. In preferred embodiments of the invention the batteries are alkaline cells or HP "D" type cells. It is also conceiveable that the warning triangle of the invention can be adapted to operate entirely by means of an external power source, for example a transformer connected to a mains electricity supply. Such an arrangement may be of use, for example when the warning triangle is to be erected for a long period of time e.g. in a pedestrian precinct.

The warning triangle of the Invention iS an extremely stable, robust and self contained unit. It also solves the problem of visibility of warning triangles when not illuminated from an external source such as the headlamp of an approaching motor vehicle.

It will be appreciated that the construction and arrangement of the lid, base and battery channels can be varied. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the base and lid can be dispensed with, in which case the warning triangle of the invention will comprise an "A" shaped member equivalent to three lInear elements erected to form a triangle having lamps such as the tungsten filament or xenon discharge lamps 24, with appropriate control or discharge circuitry if required and batteries. The discharge circuitry and batteries may be, but need not be included in a base arranged to provide stability for the warning triangle.

It will also be appreciated that the lamps 24 need not be tungsten filament or xenon discharge lamps, but can be virtually any device which generates or reflects light.

Claims

1. A collapsible warning triangle comprising three linear elements of substantially equal lengths; and a support, the first linear element being pivotably attached to the support, the first and second elements being attached to one another and the third element being pivotably attached to the second element, the first element including means whereby the first element and the free end of the third element may be located temporarily relative to one another to form a stable triangle, and the support being adapted to enclose the triangle when collapsed.

2. A warning triangle according to Claim 1 wherein the first and second elements are pivotably attached to the support.

3. A warning triangle according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the first and second elements are pivotable relative to one another.

4. A warning triangle according to any preceding claim wherein the support comprises a hollow base and a lid, the base and a first part of the lid being locatable relative to one another and the first element being pivotably attached to a further part of the lid spaced from the first part such that on erection of the warning triangle the triangle extends between the lid and the base with the lid and base located relative to one another.

5. A warning triangle according to Claim 4 wherein the first part of the lid is pivotably attached to the base.

6. A warning triangle according to Claim 4 or Claim 5 wherein in use the lid braces the triangle in an upright posItIon when the base rests on a horizontal surface, and the first and second elements extend downwardly of the lid to contact the surface to either side of the base.

7. A warning triangle according to any of Claims 4 to 6 wherein, in use, the third element contacts the base opposite the lid.

8. A warning triangle according to Claim 7 wherein the base includes means for locating the base and the third element relative to one another to limit relative movement between the triangle and the base.

9. A warning triangle according to any preceding claim wherein the support is weighted to stabilize the warning triangle during use.

10. A warning triangle according to any preceding claim wherein the triangle includes a light source arranged to project light to enhance the visibility of the triangle.

11. A warning triangle according to Claim 10 wherein the light source is a reflector of light.

12. A warning triangle according to Claim 10 or Claim 11 wherein the light source is disposed to project light forwardly of one or more of the elements.

13. A warning triangle according to any of Claims 10 to 12 wherein the light source comprises one or more electric lamps, an electric circuit and an electric power source.

14. A warning triangle according to Claim 13 wherein the electric circuit is adapted to cause regular or irregular flashing of the or each electric lamp.

15. A warning triangle according to claim 14 wherein the electric lamps include a xenon discharge lamp and the electric circuit includes a discharge trigger circuit.

16. A warning triangle according to any of Claims 13 to 15 wherein the electric power source includes one or more batteries housed in the support for the triangle.

17. A warning triangle according to Claim 9 and Claim 16 wherein the battery is disposed to weight the support.

18. Any novel combination or sub-combination disclosed herein.

18. A warning triangle according to Claim 16 or Claim 17 wherein the or each battery is rechargeable and the electric circuit includes a recharging circuit for the batteries.

19. A warning triangle substantially as herein described, with reference to or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

20. Any novel combination or sub-combination disclosed herein.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows

1. A collapsible warning triangle comprising three linear elements of substantially equal lengths; a support; and a light source carried by the triangle and arranged to project light to enhance the visibility of the triangle, the first linear element being pivotably attached to the support, the first and second elements being attached one to another and the third element being pivotably attached to the second element; the first element including means whereby the first element and the free end of the third element may be located relative one to another to form a stable triangle; the support being adapted to enclose the triangle when collapsed; and the light source comprising one or more electric lamps connected via an electric circuit to an electric power source.

10. A warning triangle according to any preceding claim wherein the light source is a reflector of light.

11. A warning triangle according to any preceding claim wherein the light source is disposed to project light forwardly of one or more of the elements.

12. A warning triangle according to any preceding claim wherein the electric circuit is adapted to cause regular or irregular flashing of the or each electric lamp.

13. A warning triangle according to claim 12 wherein the electric lamps include a xenon discharge lamp and the electric circuit includes a discharge trigger circuit.

14. A warning triangle according to any preceding claim wherein the electric power source includes one or more batteries housed in the support for the triangle.

15. A warning triangle according to Claim 9 and Claim 14 wherein the battery is disposed to weight the support.

16. A warning triangle according to Claim 14 or Claim 15 wherein the or each battery is rechargeable and the electric circuit includes a recharging circuit for the batteries.

17. A warning triangle substantially as herein described, with reference to or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.