GB2358422A

GB2358422A - Visual and audible hazard warning triangle

Info

Publication number: GB2358422A
Application number: GB0001322A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Lindsay Webb
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2000-01-20
Filing date: 2000-01-20
Publication date: 2001-07-25
Also published as: GB0001322D0

Abstract

Warning triangle comprises: plastic back plate 1, metal stand 6, rubber feet 7, light emitting diodes 3, reflective strips 4, 5, battery pack 8, Fig 2, and speaker 10, Fig 2. The unit is assembled by opening the legs of the support stand 6 and adjusting the rubber feet 7. The LEDs 3 flash simultaneously when activated by power switch 9, Fig 2. An audible tone may be activated by switch 11, Fig 2.

Description

2358422 ARD WARNING INDICATOR This invention relates to a Hazard Warning

Indicator, which is free standing, in the shape of a triangle and may be placed and situated on any highway or footway, by the user, be it a motorist, utility work person or anyone wishing to warn and bring to the attention, both visibly and optionally audibly, of any highway & footway user that there is an imminent obstacle, danger, or hazard.

Warning Triangles are already a legal requirement for any motorist travelling along roads of many continental countries and are recommended in the highway code for use on roads in the UK, although they are not at present part of legislation. Current triangles are based on reflective material and unless the triangle is placed at a certain angle the reflective material does not always catch the light and is therefore ineffective in some circumstances such as daylight, rain and fog, to alert on coming vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians. They do not offer any audible option.

The object of this invention is to act as a Hazard Warning Indicator that alerts on coming traffic, be it on the highway or footway, that there is an imminent obstacle, danger or hazard. Therefore ensuing the safety of the Hazard Warning Indicator User, and the highway or footway user.

Accordingly this invention provides a Hazard Warning Indicator comprising of a robust metal stand with rubber feet, durable plastic lenses, high velocity LED's, battery pack, Speaker and a rigid, durable all weather plastic back plate. The Hazard Warning Indicator not only uses reflective material it also illuminates a red triangle in lights, produced by all the LED's flashing simultaneously, and emits a audible tone.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing in which. - Figure 1 illustrates the Hazard Warning Indicator front view, (as stored) Figure 2 illustrates the Hazard Warning Indicator Rear view, (as stored) Figure 3 illustrates the Hazard Warning Triangle, from above erected Figure 4 illustrates the Hazard Warning Triangle, section of one facet.

1 ReferTing to the drawing the Hazard Warning Indicator comprises of (1) plastic shaped back plate (used as a template for all other components to attached therefore offering rigidity and a waterproof seal) (2) 3 x red lenses (3) 12 x High velocity LEDS (4) red reflective strip (5) white reflective strip (6) robust metal stand (7) rubber feet (8) Battery Pack & IC (9) Power Switch (10) Speaker (11) Audio On / Off Switch The Hazard Warning Indicator unit is stored in a flat format as Fig 1.

The Hazard Warning Indicator unit can be assembled for use in a matter of seconds by firstly, opening the legs of the robust metal support stand 6, fig 3, and placing on the floi a distance away from the hazard, facing on coming traffic. The rubber feet 7 can be adjusted to make sure the unit is level, steady and secure. The Hazard Warning Indicatof can then be activated by switching on the unit at the power switch 9,fig 2.

All twelve LED 's will then flash simultaneously.

By moving the audio on /off switch 11, fig 2, an audible tone may be activated.

When the user is ready to re store the Hazard Warning Unit, he simply returns the robust metal support stand 7, fig 3, to it's home position and switches of the unit at the power switch 9,fig 2.

The Hazard Warning Indicator offers a secure audible and visual alert in all weather conditions, bad light and even day light and can be used on any highway or footway by anyone who wishes to alert oncoming traffic of an obstacle, danger or hazard, as it has adopted the uniform international symbol of a red triangle..

The Hazard Warning Indicator offers further visual prompting in the way of reflective strips 4 & 5, which when crossed with direct light, stand out visually very bright.

The Audible tone will be of particular use where a pedestrians view might be obscured either partially or totally from the unit.

The unit is light and compact and can be stored flat and can be assembled by anyone, even a disabled person.

2

Claims

CLAI MS

The Hazard Warning Indicator comprising of a robust metal stand with rubber feet, enables the unit to be placed and adjusted dependant on the surface of the terrain, is fitted with durable high quality optical plastic lenses, high velocity LED's, audible speaker, and a rigid durable all weather plastic back plate, in the shape of a triangle emits both visual and (optional audible) warnings, that can be seen in all conditions and heard when circumstances demand an audible tone.

3