GB2309113A

GB2309113A - Vehicle hazard warning system

Info

Publication number: GB2309113A
Application number: GB9600765A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robert Lucas
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1996-01-15
Filing date: 1996-01-15
Publication date: 1997-07-16
Anticipated expiration: 2016-01-15
Also published as: GB9600765D0; GB2309113B

Abstract

This Hazard Warning System is designed in the form of a warning triangle 1 using an all weather fabric that is highly reflective in daylight hours and it also incorporates a border that represents a skeletal triangle 2 of flexible material that is designed to reflect powered light at night. The Hazard Warning System is constructed of several reflective fabric materials and is designed to fold away into a small flat pack that can be easily stored in the vehicle. When the vehicle is at a standstill and represents a hazard to other road users the Hazard Warning System can be quickly unpacked and easily fixed to the exterior of the rear of the vehicle using the plastic suction fixing points 4. The precise location for fixing the Warning System may vary slightly from vehicle to vehicle, however, it is intended that it is secured externally on the rear window (Fig 2. Fig 3). An additional security fixing is offered through the use of a lanyard 5, which fixes behind a closed door or window (Fig 4). The top apex 3 of the triangle which may protrude over the roof line, may be stiffened.

Description

SPECIFICATION Vehicle Hazard Warning System This invention relates to a hazard warning system for motor vehicles.

1 Motorists currently use a small red plastic warning triangle that they locate on the ground some distance away from their vehicle it breaks down. This indicates to traffic travelling in the same direction there is a hazard ahead. These triangles are generally made of a red rigid plastic material that reflects powered light. They fold down when not in use into a tube or oblong container.

2 The standard triangle, as described, has many limitations, most notably that whilst having reasonable reflective qualities at night it has little impact as a waming device in the day time, especially at a distance which is when you want it to be seen.

In addition to this limitation there are other significant disadvantages; namely the triangle can be blown over on windy days, it can be stolen or left behind when the motorist drives off, the motorist has to walk many yards away from the vehicle to erect this triangle and then return to collect it, and due to the relatively small size of the triangle and the fact it is located at ground level visual awareness of the device at a distance is considerably reduced.

3 It is an object of the present invention to eliminate or at least mitigate these problems and to this end there is provided a vehicle hazard warning system that comprises of a large triangle Fig 1 that will be located on the rear window of the vehicle Fig 2 Fig 3 and be highly visible both day and night.

4 The triangle is constructed of two types of reflective fabric materials Fig I that is widely approved and similar to those used by the police, emergency services and personnel at road works. The main body is made of a day time fluorescent weather proof reflective nylon, the triangle's skeletal outer edges are made of a white or red night-time reflective material Fig 1. 2. The overall size of the warning system is designed to fit to the lower corners of the vehicle's rear window with the top apex of the triangle Figl. 3, which is stiffened, extending above the vehicle's roof line. This gives maximum visual awareness of the stationary vehicle at far greater distances and as two reflective materials are used the effective performance of this triangle remain very high both during daylight hours and also at night.

5 A particular embodiment of the vehicle hazard warning system is that it will fit without any modification or special fittings to normal saloon cars, estate cars, four x four cars, hatch backs, mini-buses, and light vans. The triangle simply fixes externally to the vehicle's rear window using a number of plastic suction pads Fig 1.

4. The security nylon covered wire lanyard Fig 1. 5, is positioned behind a closed nearside door or window, this feature will ensure that the triangle remains with the vehicle and is not stolen. One major security advantage is that the vehicle can be locked and left totally secure as the triangle's suction fixings are all external.

SPECIFICATION Vehicle Hazard Warning System 6 Embodiments of the vehicle hazard waming system will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows the vehicle hazard warning system and component parts 1 to 6 Figure 2 shows the warning system fixed in the safety position on a saloon car.

Figure 3 shows the warning system fixed in the safety position on a hatchback car.

Figure 4 shows the security lanyard fixed behind a closed rear door

Claims

SPECIFICATION Vehicle Hazard Warning System Claims 1. The Vehicle Hazard Warning System is a highly effective safety aid for motorists and will be suitable for most vehicles as it attaches externally to the rear window. This warning triangle has been developed using the latest materials to maximise its visual awareness capabilities and as such will make a significant contribution towards reducing road accidents..

a) As claimed in 1, the triangle will be made of several high performance reflective fabric materials, that are designed to perform effectively both in daylight and at night.

b) As claimed in 1, the triangle will attach to the rear window of the vehicle using a number of plastic suction pads that are located on the underside of the triangle's outer edge.

c) As described in 1, the triangle will have a security lanyard to prevent theft. This nylon covered wire will be passed behind a door or window which then can be locked securing both the triangle and the vehicle.

d) As claimed in 1, the triangle will be visible at greater distances due to the high position that it occupies on the vehicle.The apex is stiffened, this allows the triangle to protrude above the vehicle's roof line thus increasing its awareness capability.

SPECIFICATION Vehicle Hazard Warning System Claims e) As in 1, the triangle can be packed away into a small flat pouch when not in use and stored in the vehicle.

f) As in 1, when the driver of the stationary vehicle erects the triangle it can be done in relative safety on the side of the vehicle away from the traffic.

g) As in 1. when the driver is ready to continue the journey the triangle can be removed from the rear screen in relative safety. Drivers do not have to put themselves at risk by walking away from the vehicle to retrieve the triangle or returning to collect it when having left it behind.