GB2483071A

GB2483071A - Hazard warning sign

Info

Publication number: GB2483071A
Application number: GB1014103.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul Richard Moore
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-08-24
Filing date: 2010-08-24
Publication date: 2012-02-29
Anticipated expiration: 2030-08-24
Also published as: GB201014103D0; GB2483071B

Abstract

A hazard warning sign 2 has a first row 10 of lights 8 forming a first edge BC of a triangle and a second row 12 of lights 8 forming a second edge AC of the triangle, the first edge BC and second edge AC meeting at a first corner C of the triangle. A control unit (32, figure 4) is provided for controlling illumination of the lights 8. In a first illumination mode, the control unit 32 controls the first 10 and second 12 rows of lights to be illuminated sequentially such that light appears to move towards the first corner C along the first edge BC and second edge AC.

Description

HAZARD WARNING SIGN

The present invention relates to the field of hazard warning signs.

Hazard warning signs may be used to inform drivers of oncoming traffic that there is an obstacle on the road. For example, after an accident or breakdown a reflective sign may be placed on the road to indicate the position of a stationary vehicle.

However, the reflective sign may not be easily visible in bad weather conditions and in certain circumstances may be ignored or overlooked, particularly on busy main roads and motorway hard shoulders where stationary vehicles are vulnerable. The.present technique seeks to provide a hazard warning sign with a greater visual impact.

Viewed from one aspect, the present invention provides a hazard warning sign ri'rnrr1 ci n (r a first row of lights forming a first edge of a triangle; a second row of lights forming a second edge of the triangle, the second edge meeting the first edge at a first corner of the triangle; and a control unit configured to control illumination of the first and second rows of lights; wherein: the control unit has a first illumination mode for controlling each of the first and second rows of lights to be illuminated sequentially such that light appears to move towards the first corner along the first edge and the second edge.

The hazard warning sign comprises first and second rows of lights arranged to form first and second edges of a triangle. The first and second edges meet at a first corner of the triangle. The hazard warning sign also comprises a control unit for controlling illumination of the first and second rows of lights. The control unit has a first illumination mode in which the first and second rows of lights are illuminated sequentially so that light appears to move towards the first corner. The apparent movement of light caused by the sequential illumination of the first and second rows catches the eye of an oncoming driver and so enables the hazard warning sign to be seen more easily in bad weather conditions than a conventional reflective sign. Moreover, by illuminating the first and second rows of lights so that light appears to move along both the first edge and the second edge towards the first corner of the triangle, the first and second rows of lights will appear to indicate a direction corresponding to the first corner. For example, the sequentially illuminated first and second rows of lights may appear to an onlooker to be forming an arrow pointing towards the first corner. This can be useful for directing traffic away from a stationary vehicle or other obstacle, for example. By positioning the hazard warning sign with the first corner positioned furthest from the obstacle, then the hazard warning sign will appear to direct oncoming traffic away from the obstacle.

The rows of lights may be sequentially illuminated in a number of ways in order to achieve the effect of light movement towards the first corner. In one embodiment, the control unit may control each of the first and second rOws of lights to be illuminated sequentially in descending order of distance from the first corner.

However, it is also possible for only a subset of lights to be illuminated.

Alternatively, the lights within a row may be divided into groups and each group may in turn be illuminated, in descending order of distance from the first corner.

In one embodiment, the first row of lights may comprise a sequence of M lights, and in the first illumination mode the control unit may control illumination of the first row of lights such that when an 1th light in the sequence is switched on, an (i..Q)tl1 light in the sequence is switched off, where Q<iM and Q?1. In a similar way, the second row of lights may comprise a sequence of N lights, and in the first illumination mode the control unit may control illumination of the second row of lights such that when a th light in the sequence is switched on, a (jR)th light in the sequence is switched off, where R<jN and R?il.

In this case, as each light in the sequence is turned on, a preceding light in the sequence is turned off. If the preceding light is the light immediately preceding the light currently being turned on (i.e. Q=1 and R1), then at any time only one light will be on and the first illumination mode will give the impression of a dot of light moving along the first edge and second edge towards the first corner of the triangle. On the other hand, if the preceding light is a light that is two or more lights back in the sequence (i.e. Q>1 and R>1) then a number of adjacent lights will remain on at any one time and this will give the impression of a small line of lights moving along the first and second edges towards the first corner.

Alternatively, the first row of lights may comprise a sequence of M lights, arid in the first illumination mode the control unit may control illumination of the first row of lights such that when an 1th light in the sequence is switched on, the first to (11)th lights in the sequence remain on, where l<iM. Similarly, the second row of lights may comprise a sequence of N lights, and in the first illumination mode the control unit may control illumination of the second row of lights such that when a th light in the sequence is switched on, the first to (jl)th lights in the sequence remain on, where 1 <jN. In this case, as each light in the sequence is turned on, all previous lights in the sequence remain on, so that lines of light appear along the first and second edges of the triangle, with the length of the lines steadily increasing until the lines reach the first corner.

In the first illumination mode, the control unit may control illumination of lights of the first row in phase with illumination of lights of the second row. In this case, the lights of the first row will be turned on and off in synchronisation with corresponding lights in the second row. This can provide the impression of an arrow of light converging upon the first corner.

Alternatively, in the first illumination mode the control unit may control illumination of lights of the first row out of phase with illumination of lights of the second row. For example, the control unit may illuminate one light of the first row, then one light of the second row, then a next light of the first row, then a next light of the second row, and so on. In another example, the control unit may illuminate the lights of the first row in sequence, followed by the lights of the second row in sequence, giving the impression of moving dots or lines of light being foniied alternately on the first and second edges of the triangle. Hence, it is not necessary for the first and second rows to be illuminated in phase with one another.

Preferably, in the first illumination mode the control unit performs a plurality of illumination cycles, each illumination cycle comprising controlling each of the first and second rows of lights to be illuminated sequentially. For example, each illumination cycle may sequentially illuminate each of the first and second rows of lights and then switch off any lights that are still on. By repeating this cycle a number of times, a continually moving light display is provided which catches the eye of onlookers.

The first and second rows of lights form first and second edges of a triangle. It is not essential for the third edge of the triangle to have any lights. In order to provide an indication of a desired direction, the hazard warning sign could be rotated to place the triangle in different orientations such that the first corner points towards the desired direction.

However, in some embodiments the hazard warning sign may comprise a third row of lights forming a third edge of the triangle, the third edge meeting the second edge at a second corner of the triangle, and the control unit may have a second illumination mode for controlling each of the second and third rows of lights to be illuminated sequentially such that light appears to be moving towards the second corner along the second edge and the third edge.

By providing a third row of lights forming the third edge of the triangle, and a second illumination mode in which the second and third rows of lights are illuminated sequentially with light appearing to move towards the second corner along the second and third edges, the direction indicated by the hazard warning sign can be changed without needing to rotate the warning sign. When the first illumination mode is used, then light will appear to converge on the first corner, thus indicating the direction pointed to by the first corner. When the second illumination mode is used, then light will appear to converge on the second corner, thus indicating the direction pointed to by the second corner.

The provision of first and second illumination modes may be particularly useful for indicating the position of an obstacle in the road. When the hazard warning sign is orientated with the first and second corners pointing towards the left and right, then the first and second illumination modes can be selected to direct traffic to the left or right of the obstacle as appropriate. For example, in the UK a vehicle parked on the hard shoulder is on the left-hand side of the road and so the appropriate illumination mode can be selected for directing traffic to the right of the vehicle using the warning sign.

The other illumination mode could then be used for directing traffic to the left of the vehicle, for example when a vehicle has broken down in the outside (right-most) lane of a British motorway or dual carriageway, or when a vehicle is parked on the hard shoulder in a country such as France where the traffic drives on the right.

In one embodiment, the hazard warning sign may comprise a multi-mode switch for selecting whether the control unit is in the first illumination mode or the second illumination mode. Hence, the user of the sign can use the switch to select whether the sequential illumination of the lights is in the direction of the first corner or the direction of the second corner.

The control unit may control the second illumination mode in a corresponding way to the first illumination mode.

Thus, in the second illumination mode, the control unit may control each of the second and third rows of lights to be illuminated sequentially in descending order of distance from the second corner.

The sequential illumination may be performed either with a preceding light being switched off as the next light is turned on, or with lights staying on until all lights in the row are illuminated.

Hence, the second row of lights may comprise a sequence of N lights, arid in the second illumination mode the control unit may control illumination of the second row of lights such that when a j1 light in the sequence is switched on, a (jR)th light in the sequence is switched off, where R<jN, and Rl; and the third row of lights may comprise a sequence of P lights, and in the second illumination mode the control unit may control illumination of the third row of lights such that when a kth light in the sequence is switched on, a (kS)th light in the sequence is switched off, where S<kP and S>1.

Alternatively, the second row of lights may comprise a sequence of N lights, and in the second illumination mode the control unit may control illumination of the second row of lights such that when a th light in the sequence is switched on, the first to (j..1)th lights in the sequence remain on, where 1<j«=N; and the third row of lights comprises a sequence of P lights, and in the second illumination mode the control unit may control illumination of the third row of lights such that when a kth light in the sequence is switched on, the first to (k-i)th lights in the sequence remain on, where i<kP.

In the second illumination mode, the control unit may control illumination of the lights of the second row in phase, or out of phase, with illumination of lights of the third row.

In a similar way to the first illumination mode, in the second illumination mode the control unit may perform a plurality of illumination cycles, each illumination cycle comprising controlling each of the second and third rows of lights to be illuminated sequentially.

The first and second illumination modes need not be the only illumination modes provided by the control unit. For example, one or more other illumination modes could also be provided for illuminating the lights in a different manner. For example, the control unit could have a flashing mode for flashing the lights of the warning sign on and off. The multi-mode switch can be configured to select between any available illumination modes.

The hazard warning sign may be implemented in several ways. For example, the sign could be provided as a flexible sheet on which the respective rows of lights are arranged to form edges of a triangle. The sheet could then be tethered to a stationary vehicle, for example.

However, in one example, the hazard warning sign may comprise a support plate having a front surface and a back surface. The first and second rows of lights (and third row of lights, if there is a third row) may be arranged on the front surface. A stand may be provided for supporting the support plate, the stand extending from the back surface of the support plate. The stand enables the hazard warning sign to stand independently from the vehicle or other obstacle being indicated by the sign, so that the sign can be placed a distance away from the vehicle or obstacle.

For example, the support plate may be a triangular plate, with the rows of lights arranged on the edges of the plate. The triangular plate may have a hole in the middle, or could be a continuous triangular plate. Alternatively, the support plate may be square or rectangular, or any other shape, with the lights arranged in the shape of a triangle on the plate.

In one embodiment, the stand for supporting the support plate may be detachable from the support plate. Detaching the stand from the support plate may allow the hazard warning sign to be stowed in a more compact form.

The stand may be configured such that, when the hazard warning sign is placed on the ground, the second edge is in a substantially horizontal orientation. In this orientation, the first and second corners of the triangle will point to the left and right, and so the hazard warning sign can be used to indicate a direction to the left or right.

The stand may comprise a base member extending from the back surface of the support plate such that the base member runs along the ground when the hazard warning sign is placed on the ground; and the hazard warning sign may further comprise an anchoring arm extending laterally outwards from the base member. The anchoring arm can stabilise the hazard warning sign when the hazard warning sign is sitting on the ground. Also, the anchoring arm can be secured under a heavy object such as the wheel of a vehicle, for example to prevent movement of the hazard warning sign by the wind.

In this way, the hazard warning sign can be made of lighter construction as it need not rely on its own weight to remain in position.

The anchoring arm may be adjustable such that the anchoring arm may extend from either side of the base member. This enables the anchoring ann to be used to secure the hazard warning sign on either side of a heavy object. For example, if securing the anchoring arm under a wheel of a vehicle, then the anchoring arm can be adjusted in dependence on which side of the vehicle the hazard warning sign is to be placed.

The hazard warning sign may comprise an attachment for connecting a flexible strap to the hazard warning sign. This enables the warning sign to be strapped to a surface such as the rear window of a vehicle using the strap.

When the support stand is detachable, then the same attachment may be used for connecting either the strap or the stand to the hazard warning sign as required.

Viewed from another aspect, the present technique provides a hazard warning sign comprising: at least one row of lights having a first end and a second end; a control unit configured to control illumination of the row of lights; wherein: the control unit has a first illumination mode for controlling the row of lights to be illuminated sequentially such that light appears to move towards the second end, and a second illumination mode for controlling the row of lights to be illuminated sequentially such that light appears to move towards the first end; and the hazard warning sign further comprises a multi-mode switch for selecting whether the control unit is in the first illumination mode or the second illumination mode.

Another type of warning sign may comprise a row of lights having a first end and a second end. A multi-mode switch is provided for switching the direction in which the lights are sequentially illuminated. By choosing the appropriate illumination mode, the lights can be used to indicate one direction or another.

The above, and other objects, features and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 schematically illustrates an example of a hazard warning sign having first and second rows of lights illuminated sequentially in a first illumination mode; Figure 2 illustrates an example of a hazard warning sign having second and third rows of lights illuminated sequentially in a second illumination mode; Figure 3 shows an example of a hazard warning sign having a support stand with an adjustable anchoring ann; Figure 4 illustrates an example of a hazard warning sign having an attachment for a flexible strap; Figure 5 illustrates an example of securing a hazard warning sign to a wheel of a vehicle using an anchoring arm; Figure 6 illustrates an example of securing a hazard warning sign to a vehicle using a flexible strap; Figure 7 illustrates an example of a hazard warning sign standing independently from a vehicle; Figure 8 illustrates a strip of LEDs suitable for use as a row of lights on a hazard warning sign; Figure 9 illustrates an example of a hazard warning sign comprising a row of lights; and Figure 10 illustrates another example of a hazard warning sign comprising a row of lights.

Figure 1 illustrates a hazard warning sign 2 comprising a support plate 4 and a support stand 6 for supporting the support plate 4 in a substantially upright position. In this example, the support plate 4 is triangular, but other shapes may be used instead if desired. The support plate 4 may have a reflective surface to improve the overall visibility of the warning sign. The support stand 6 is foldable so that it can be folded against the support plate 4 when the hazard warning sign 2 is not in use to facilitate.

storage and holding.

A number of lights 8 are formed on the surface of the support plate 4, although it will be appreciated that the lights 8 could instead be recessed flush with the surface of the support plate 4. The lights 8 may comprise light emitting diodes (LEDs) of any desired colour. The lights 8 are arranged in a triangle ABc with a first row 10 of lights forming a first edge BC of the triangle, a second row 12 of lights forming a second edge AC of the triangle, and a third row 14 of lights forming a third edge AB of the triangle.

The first edge BC and second edge AC meet at a first corner C, the second edge AC and third edge AB meet at a second corner A, and the first edge BC and third edge AB meet at a third corner B. The lights 8 are powered by a power source, for example a battery, which may be located in a housing integrally bonded to the back surface of the support plate 4, for example. Alternatively, the lights may be powered by an auxiliary power source such S as the cigarette lighter of a vehicle.

A control unit (not visible in Figure 1) is provided for controlling the illumination mode of the lights 8. The control unit may be provided on the back surface of the support plate 4, for example. The control unit may comprise a microcontroller or other control circuit, for example.

In a first illumination mode, the control unit controls the third row 14 of lights to be off, and controls the first row 10 of lights and second row 12 of lights to be illuminated sequentially in a direction heading towards the first corner C. As shown by the directional arrows in Figure 1, this causes the appearance that light is moving along the first edge BC and second edge AC towards the first corner C. The control unit controls the first and second rows of lights 10, 12 such that multiple illumination cycles of sequential illumination are performed, with each illumination cycle comprising the control unit illuminating the lights 8 of each of the first and second rows 10, 12 in sequence and then switching off the lights 8 before starting another cycle. The sequential illumination of the lights 8 enables the sign 2 to be highly visible even in bad weather conditions, since the apparent movement of the light draws the ee of an oncoming observer.

For example, the lights 8 of the first and second rows 10, 12 can be sequentially illuminated in descending order of distance from the first corner C, with the light farthest from the first corner C being illuminated first, followed by the next farthest, and so on, until the light closest to the first corner C has been illuminated. Other patterns of illumination are also possible as long as there is an overall trend of lights being successively illuminated in the direction towards the first corner C. When illuminating the first and second rows 10, 12 in sequence, then as each light is turned on in succession a preceding light may be turned off. If, as a current light is turned on, the light 8 immediately preceding the current light is turned off, then this gives the appearance of a small dot moving towards the first corner C. On the other hand, if a light 8 that is two or more lights back in the sequence from the current light is turned off as the current light is turned on, then this gives the appearance of a small line of light moving along the edge of the triangle towards the first corner C. Alternatively, as each light is turned on the preceding lights in the sequence may stay on, so that a line is built up extending from one of the corners A, B towards the first corner C. The convergence of the light on the first corner C gives the appearance of a moving arrow pointing in the direction of the first corner C. Hence, the warning sign can be used to signal a direction to oncoming drivers to enable them to avoid an obstacle.

The first and second rows 10, 12 need not be illuminated in phase with one another but could instead be illuminated alternately if desired.

Figure 2 illustrates a second illumination mode of the hazard warning sign 2. In the second illumination mode, the first row 10 of lights is turned off by the control unit, while the second row 12 of lights and third row 14 of lights are illuminated sequentially in a direction heading towards the second corner A. Hence, light appears to move towards the second corner A, so that the hazard warning sign 2 indicates the direction faced by the second corner A. The second illumination mode may be controlled in a similar way to the first illumination mode.

As shown in Figure 3, the support stand 6 comprises a base member 20 which runs along the ground when the hazard warning sign 2 is placed on the ground. An adjustable anchoring arm 22 may be provided extending laterally outwards along the ground from the base member 20. The anchoring arm 22 provides an extension to the support stand 6 to enable the hazard warning sign 2 to be secured under a heavy object such as the wheel of a car, for example. The ann 22 may be adjustable to extend on either side of the base member 20 so that the warning sign 2 may be secured to an object located on either side of the warning sign 2. The anchoring arm 22 can be adjustable by rotating the anchoring arm 22 about a pivot coimectirig the anchoring arm 22 to the base member 20. Alternatively, if a detachable anchoring arm 22 is provided then the anchoring arm 22 can be detached from the stand 6 and re-attached to extend from the opposite side of the base member 20.

The stand 6 may be detachable from the hazard warning sign 2 by decoupling the stand from a stand attachment 26. When the stand 6 is removed from its attachment 26, then a flexible strap 30 may be coupled to the attachment 26 as illustrated in Figure 4. The flexible strap 30 enables the hazard warning sign to be suspended from a surface such as a door or boot of a vehicle, for example by trapping the strap 30 in the surround of a closed door or boot.

In an alternative embodiment, the attachment for attaching the strap 30 may be a different attachment to the attachment for attaching the stand 6.

As shown in Figure 4, a housing 32 is provided on the back surface of the support plate 4, for housing the control unit and power supply for the lights 8. A multi-mode switch 34 is provided on the housing 32 for selecting the illumination mode used by the control unit. By switching the multi-mode switch 34, the direction of oscillation of the rows of lights is changed.

Figure 5 shows an example of how the hazard warning sign 2 may be positioned close to a vehicle 40 with the anchoring arm 22 secured underneath the rear tyre 42 of the vehicle. This provides a secure and stable grounding for the hazard warning sign 2, avoiding the hazard warning sign 2 being moved by the wind, for example. By selecting the appropriate illumination mode (in this example, the first illumination mode shown in Figure 1), the hazard warning sign 2 is illuminated to give the impression of directional movement away from the stationary vehicle 40.

Figure 6 shows an example of the hazard warning sign 2 being positioned on the rear surface of a stationary vehicle 40. The support stand 6 has been removed, and the flexible strap 30 has been fitted to the attachment 26. By trapping the strap 30 in the rear door of the vehicle 40, the hazard warning sign 2 can be held securely in place. In the example of Figure 6, the second illumination mode has been selected so as to direct traffic to the right of the vehicle 40.

Figure 7 shows an example of the hazard warning sign 2 being supported by the support stand 6 in a position some distance behind the vehicle 40. For example, if the vehicle 40 is parked on a hard shoulder on the left hand side of a road, then the sign 2 could be positioned some way behind and to the right of the vehicle 40 with the lights 8 illuminated in the first illumination mode to point oncoming traffic away from the stationary vehicle 40.

Figure 8 shows a strip 50 of lights suitable for use as the rows 10, 12, 14 of lights 8 in the hazard warning sign 2 described above. The light strip 50 is flexible and waterproof and may be bonded to the hazard warning sign 2 using a flexible magnetic strip 52, or using an adhesive, for example. When not in use, the flexible light strip 50 may be rolled up and stored like a coiled spring.

A power line 54 is bonded to one end of the light strip 50 and is connected to a plug 58 for plugging into an auxiliary power supply such as a vehicle's auxiliary power socket or cigarette lighter. Alternatively, the light strip 50 may be powered by a battery pack 60 attached to the end of the power line 54. In some embodiments, the plug 58 and battery pack 60 may be detachable from the power line 54 so that the plug 58 and battery pack 60 can be interchanged, to enable the auxiliary power supply to be used when the battery 60 has run out, or to enable the battery to be used when no auxiliary power supply is available.

A multi-mode switch 56 is provided for selecting the direction of light flow along the light strip 50. By switching the multi-mode switch 56, the visual flow of light illumination can be selected, for example as left-to-right, right-to-left, or oscillating continually from side to side, or as any other pattern of illumination. The switch housing includes a control unit for controlling the illumination pattern based on the switch setting.

The light strip 50 may itself be considered a hazard warning sign for directing traffic away from a stationary vehicle or obstacle. For example, as shown in Figure 9, the magnetic strip 52 enables the light strip 50 to be attached to the side of a vehicle 40, with the power line 54 fitted through an open window and attached to the cigarette lighter of the vehicle 40 or battery sitting within the vehicle 40. By selecting the appropriate illumination mode of the light strip 50, the visual flow of light can be arranged to travel, for example, from lefi to right, directing traffic to the right of the vehicle 40.

Alternatively, the light strip 50 may be affixed to the rear of a vehicle 40 as shown in Figure 10. Again, the power line 54 may be passed through an open window.

The multi-mode switch 56 can be used to select a given ilJumination pattern, for example an oscillating flow of light back and forth along the light strip 50.

Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described in detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various changes and modifications can be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as defmed by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A hazard warning sign comprising: a first row of lights forming a first edge of a triangle; a second row of lights forming a second edge of the triangle, the second edge meeting the first edge at a first corner of the triangle; and **j + A *S1;i1,--;,-., --1+1- Sf a Lu11LruI uiuI l.u11iiur.A IA) U1ILLUI IUUIIJJJICLU'Jll J1 LIIL, k1kL UlILL /1iI.L I.) VV lights; wherein: the control unit has a first illumination mode for controlling each of the first and second rows of lights to be illuminated sequentially such that light appears to move towards the first corner along the first edge and the second edge.
2. A hazard warning sign according to claim 1, wherein in the first illumination mode, the control unit controls each of the first and second rows of lights to be illuminated sequentially in descending order of distance from the first corner.
3. A hazard warning sign according to any of claims 1 and 2, wherein the first row of lights comprises a sequence of M lights, arid in the first illumination mode the control unit controls illumination of the first row of lights such that when an th light in the sequence is switched on, a (-Q)th light in the sequence is switched off, where Q<iM and Q?l;and the second row of lights comprises a sequence of N lights, and in the first illumination mode the control unit controls illumination of the second row of lights such that when a th light in the sequence is switched on, a (jR)th light in the sequence is switched off, where R<jN and R>1.
4. A hazard warning sign according to any of claims 1 and 2, wherein the first row of lights comprises a sequence of M lights, and in the first illumination mode the control unit controls illumination of the first row of lights such that when an ith light in the sequence is switched on, the first to (il)th lights in the sequence remain on, where l<iM; and the second row of lights comprises a sequence of N lights, and in the first illumination mode the control unit controls illumination of the second row of lights such that when a th light in the sequence is switched on, the first to (j1)th lights in the sequence remain on, where 1<jN.
5. A hazard warning sign according to any preceding claim, wherein in the first illumination mode the control unit controls illumination of lights of the first row fri phase with illumination of lights of the second row.
6. A hazard warning sign according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein in the first illumination mode the control unit controls illumination of lights of the first row out of phase with illumination of lights of the second row.
7. A hazard warning sign according to any of the preceding claims, wherein in the first illumination mode, the control unit performs a plurality of illumination cycles, each illumination cycle comprising controlling each of the first and second rows of lights to be illuminated sequentially.
8. A hazard warning sign according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a third row of lights forming a third edge of the triangle, the third edge meeting the second edge at a second corner of the triangle; wherein: the control unit has a second illumination mode for controlling each of the second and third rows of lights to be illuminated sequentially such that light appears to be moving towards the second corner along the second edge and the third edge.
9. A hazard warning sign according to claim 8, comprising a multi-mode switch for selecting whether the control unit is in the first illumination mode or the second illumination mode.
10. A hazard warning sign according to any of claims 8 and 9, wherein in the second illumination mode, the control unit controls each of the second and third rows of lights to be illuminated sequentially in descending order of distance from the second corner.
11. A hazard warning sign according to any of claims 8 to 10, wherein the second row of lights comprises a sequence of N lights, and in the second illumination mode the control unit controls illumination of the second row of lights such that when a th light in the sequence is switched on, a (jR)th light in the sequence is switched off, where R<jN and R>l;and the third row of lights comprises a sequence of P lights, and in the second illumination mode the control unit controls illumination of the third row of lights such that when a kth light in the sequence is switched on, a (kS)th light in the sequence is switched off, where S<kP and S?1.
12. A hazard warning sign according to any of claims 8 to 10, wherein the second row of lights comprises a sequence of N lights, and in the second illumination mode the control unit controls illumination of the second row of lights such that when a th light in the sequence is switched on, the first to (j-i)th lights in the sequence remain on, where i<jN; and the third row of lights comprises a sequence of P lights, and in the second illumination mode the control unit controls illumination of the third row of lights such that when a kth light in the sequence is switched on, the first to (k-i)th lights in the sequence remain on, where I <kP.
13. A hazard warning sign according to any of claims 8 to 12, wherein in the second illumination mode the control unit controls illumination of lights of the second row in phase with illumination of lights of the third row.
14. A hazard warning sign according to any of claims 8 to 12, wherein in the second illumination mode the control unit controls illumination of lights of the second row out of phase with illumination of lights of the third row.
15. A hazard warning sign according to any of claims 8 to 14, wherein in the second illumination mode, the control unit performs a plurality of illumination cycles, each illumination cycle comprising controlling each of the second and third rows of lights to be illuminated sequentially.
16. A hazard warning sign according to any preceding claim, comprising: a support plate having a front surface, said first and second rows of lights being arranged on said front surface; and a stand for supporting the support plate, the stand extending from a back surface of the support plate.
17. A hazard warning sign according to claim 16, wherein the stand is detachable from the support plate.
18. A hazard warning sign according to any of claims 16 and 17, wherein the stand is configured such that, when the hazard warning sign is placed on the ground, the second edge is in a substantially horizontal orientation.
19. A hazard warning sign according to any of claims 16 to 18, wherein the stand comprises a base member extending from the back surface of the support plate such that the base member runs along the ground when the hazard warning sign is placed on the ground; and the hazard warning sign further comprises an anchoring arm extending laterally outwards from the base member.
20. A hazard warning sign according to claim 19, wherein the anchoring arm is adjustable such that the anchoring arm may extend from either side of the base member.
21. A hazard warning sign according to any preceding claim, comprising an attachment for connecting a flexible strap to the hazard warning sign.
22. A hazard warning sign comprising: at least one row of lights having a first end and a second end; a control unit configured to control illumination of the row of lights; wherein: the control unit has a first illumination mode for controlling the row of lights to be illuminated sequentially such that light appears to move towards the second end, and a second illumination mode for controlling the row of lights to be illuminated sequentially such that light appears to move towards the first end; and the hazard warning sign further comprises a multi-mode switch for selecting whether the control unit is in the first illumination mode or the second illumination mode.
23. A hazard warning sign substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 1 to 7.
24. A hazard warning sign substantially as herein described with reference to Figures8tolO.amended claims have been filed as follows:-CLAIMS1. A hazard warning sign comprising: a first row of lights forming a first edge of a triangle; a second row of lights forming a second edge of the triangle, the second edge meeting the first edge at a first corner of the triangle; and **j + A *S1;i1,--;,-., --1+1- Sf a Lu11LruI uiuI l.u11iiur.A IA) U1ILLUI IUUIIJJJICLU'Jll J1 LIIL, k1kL UlILL /1iI.L I.) VV lights; wherein: the control unit has a first illumination mode for controlling each of the first and second rows of lights to be illuminated sequentially such that light appears to move towards the first corner along the first edge and the second edge.2. A hazard warning sign according to claim 1, wherein in the first illumination mode, the control unit controls each of the first and second rows of lights to be illuminated sequentially in descending order of distance from the first corner.3. A hazard warning sign according to any of claims 1 and 2, wherein the first row of lights comprises a sequence of M lights, arid in the first illumination mode the control unit controls illumination of the first row of lights such that when an th light in the sequence is switched on, a (-Q)th light in the sequence is switched off, where Q<iM and Q?l;and the second row of lights comprises a sequence of N lights, and in the first illumination mode the control unit controls illumination of the second row of lights such that when a th light in the sequence is switched on, a (jR)th light in the sequence is switched off, where R<jN and R>1.4. A hazard warning sign according to any of claims 1 and 2, wherein the first row of lights comprises a sequence of M lights, and in the first illumination mode the control unit controls illumination of the first row of lights such that when an ith light in the sequence is switched on, the first to (il)th lights in the sequence remain on, where l<iM; and the second row of lights comprises a sequence of N lights, and in the first illumination mode the control unit controls illumination of the second row of lights such that when a th light in the sequence is switched on, the first to @-l) lights in the sequence remain on, where 1<j«=N.5. A hazard warning sign according to any preceding claim, wherein in the first illumination mode the control unit controls illumination of lights of the first row in phase with illumination of lights of the second row.6. A hazard warning sign according to any of claims I to 4, wherein in the first illumination mode the control unit controls illumination of lights of the first row out of phase with illumination of lights of the second row.7. A hazard warning sign according to any of the preceding claims, wherein in the first illumination mode, the control unit performs a plurality of illumination cycles, each illumination cycle comprising controlling each of the first and second rows of lights to be illuminated sequentially. r8. A hazard warning sign according to any of claims I and 2, comprising a third 0 row of lights forming a third edge of the triangle, the third edge meeting the second If) edge at a second corner of the triangle; wherein: " 20 the control unit has a second illumination mode for controlling each of the second and third rows of lights to be illuminated sequentially such that light appears to be moving towards the second corner along the second edge and the third edge.9. A hazard warning sign according to claim 8, comprising a multi-mode switch for selecting whether the control unit is in the first illumination mode or the second illumination mode.10. A hazard warning sign according to any of claims 8 and 9, wherein in the second illumination mode, the control unit controls each of the second and third rows of lights to be illuminated sequentially in descending order of distance from the second corner.11. A hazard warning sign according to any of claims 8 to 10, wherein the second row of lights comprises a sequence of N lights, and in the second illumination mode the control unit controls illumination of the second row of lights such that when a th light in the sequence is switched on, a (jR)th light in the sequence is switched off, where R<jN and R>l;and the third row of lights comprises a sequence of P lights, and in the second illumination mode the control unit controls illumination of the third row of lights such that when a kth light in the sequence is switched on, a (kS)th light in the sequence is switched off, where S<kP and Sl.12. A hazard warning sign according to any of claims 8 to 10, wherein the second row of lights comprises a sequence of N lights, and in the second illumination mode the control unit controls illumination of the second row of lights such that when a th light in the sequence is switched on, the first to (j-i)th lights in the sequence remain on, where i<jN; and the third row of lights comprises a sequence of P lights, and in the second illumination mode the control unit controls illumination of the third row of lights such that when a kth light in the sequence is switched on, the first to (k-i)th lights in the sequence remain on, where I <kP.13. A hazard warning sign according to any of claims 8 to 12, wherein in the second illumination mode the control unit controls illumination of lights of the second row in phase with illumination of lights of the third row.14. A hazard warning sign according to any of claims 8 to 12, wherein in the second illumination mode the control unit controls illumination of lights of the second row out of phase with illumination of lights of the third row.15. A hazard warning sign according to any of claims 8 to 14, wherein in the second illumination mode, the control unit performs a plurality of illumination cycles, each illumination cycle comprising controlling each of the second and third rows of lights to be illuminated sequentially.16. A hazard warning sign according to any preceding claim, comprising: a support plate having a front surface, said first and second rows of lights being arranged on said front surface; and a stand for supporting the support plate, the stand extending from a back surface of the support plate.17. A hazard warning sign according to claim 16, wherein the stand is detachable from the support plate.18. A hazard warning sign according to any of claims 16 and 17, wherein the stand is configured such that, when the hazard warning sign is placed on the ground, the second edge is in a substantially horizontal orientation.19. A hazard warning sign according to any of claims 16 to 18, wherein the stand comprises a base member extending from the back surface of the support plate such that the base member runs along the ground when the hazard warning sign is placed on the ground; and the hazard warning sign further comprises an anchoring arm extending laterally outwards from the base member. (\JQ 20. A hazard warning sign according to claim 19, wherein the anchoring arm is adjustable such that the anchoring arm may extend from either side of the base member. Q2021. A hazard warning sign according to any preceding claim, comprising an attachment for connecting a flexible strap to the hazard warning sign.22. A hazard warning sign substantially as herein described with reference to Figures ito 7. (\J