GB2328065A - Attachment for warning triangles - Google Patents

Abstract

A set of panels carrying words, letters, diagrams and/or drawings that can be fitted into or onto a vehicle's existing warning triangle, to provide other drivers with information to the nature of the emergency and/or need. The panels may be made of a light weight, flexible, water proof material for easy storage, for example in a tubular container. The panels may include means for attachment to the warning triangle, e.g. adhesive strips or press studs.

Description

ATTACHMENT FOR WARNING TRIANGLES This invention relates to a panel adapted for mounting on a conventional warning triangle and having on it one or more of words, letters, diagrams and pictures intended to convey a message to passing motorists or other road users.

Warning triangles intended to warn road users of a stationary vehicle ahead causing an obstruction or potential obstruction are well known and are compulsory in Europe and widely used in the UK. A warning triangle does not, however, inform road users why the obstruction has occurred; in many instances the obstruction could be moved very quickly if other road users knew what the problem was and could stop to give assistance. In other cases, the motorist may be in need of urgent attention e.g. as a result of injury or illness.

An object of the invention is to use the vacant space between the three arms of the warning triangle to convey a message to passing motorists indicating the nature of the emergency or breakdown which has caused the vehicle to stop and/or to indicate the nature of the assistance required. An example of this could be where a car has overheated due to lack of water in the radiator. The driver would place the warning triangle on the road and, in accordance with the invention, mount on it a panel indicating a need for water.

In a preferred embodiment, the panels will be triangular in shape to fit within the area bounded by the three arms of the warning triangle. The panels may suitably be made of a lightweight, flexible, waterproof material, (e.g. plastics) for easy storage e.g. in rolled up form e.g. for storage in a tubular container. Preferably there will be a plurality of the panels each having a message in the form of drawing, diagram word or letters, on it, to depict a different need or emergency. For use at night the message may be formed of reflective or luminous material.

The panels will suitably also have means for attaching them to a warning triangle, e.g. an attachment on each corner to fix it to the warning triangle. The attachment may be, for example, in the form of a tape or strap which may be tied to the warning triangle or adhesive strips. Alternatively, for example, the triangle and panel may be fitted with the respective parts of press stud fittings.

Examples of panels according to the invention are set out in Fig 1 to Fig 12.

Fig 1. Picture of a tap with water dripping from it, this would be used by a driver who desperately needed water either for radiator or drinking.

Fig 2. Picture of oil would be used when a driver has ran out of oil.

Fig 3. Picture of petrol pump would be used when driver has ran out of petrol.

Fig 4. Picture of flat tyre with air coming out. The driver has a puncture and needs help.

Fig 5. Picture of phone headset: shows the driver urgently needs the use of a phone.

Fig 6. Picture showing SOS showing driver needs help urgently.

Fig 7. Picture showing a red cross, showing the driver needs medical help.

Fig 8. Picture of breakdown truck: shows other drivers that the vehicle is waiting for assistance.

Fig 9. Picture showing police car (999). Asking other drivers to get the police.

Fig 10. Picture of food: showing the driver needs food, possible diabetic.

Fig 11. Shows word OK; which would show other drivers that no help is needed.

Fig 12. Picture of fan belt: showing the driver needs a fan belt.

Claims (8)

1. A panel adapted for mounting on a warning triangle of the kind used by motorists and having on it one or more of words, letters, pictures and diagrams intended to convey a message to passing motorists.

2. A panel as claimed in Claim 1 which is made of flexible waterproof material.

3. A panel as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 in which the message is in luminous or reflective material.

4. A panel as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 3 in which the message indicates the nature of a need or an emergency.

5. A panel as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 4 including means for attaching it to a warning triangle.

6. A plurality of panels as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, each conveying a different message.

7. The combination of a warning triangle and one or more panels as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 6.

8. A tubular container having stored therein in rolled up form a plurality of panels as claimed in Claim 6.