GB743575A - Improvements in or relating to indicating or signalling systems on road vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

743,575. Road traffic signals on vehicles. BLACKMORE, A. D. Dec. 12, 1952 [Dec. 17, 1951], No. 29547/51. Class 118(2) [Also in Group XVIII] A road vehicle has an indicating system comprising indicating devices located at the front and rear end respectively of the vehicle, each device having a casing arranged within or formed by a recess in the vehicle body, which casing houses electrically operable illuminating means and has a face including index markings, the illuminating means of both the front and rear indicating devices being arranged in circuit with a spring-loaded automatic return push-button switch normally in open circuit position and operable by the driver on the vehicle, so that when the pushbutton is pressed by the driver; the switch closes the circuit and the front and rear indicating devices are simultaneously illuminated to give a visual signal that the vehicle is giving way, to allow a pedestrian to cross in front of the vehicle, and as soon as the driver removes his finger from the push-button to engage gear and drive off, the switch returns automatically to the off or open circuit position and the devices are simultaneously switched off. In the construction described the front sign bears the words "cross now" and the rear sign bears the word "stop" and a symbol consisting of two intersecting lines. The front sign is intended to indicate to pedestrias that they may cross the road and the rear sign indicates to following vehicles that the vehicle has stopped for this purpose. Each sign consists of a casing 1 mounted on a bracket 4 in the vehicle body and containing a lamp 9 and reflector 7. The reflector is held in place by a screwed rim 10 which rim also holds in place a glass cover 11. Mounted behind the cover 11 is a sheet metal stencil sign 12 held behind the glass cover by a resilient wire ring 13. The front sign has a green 'glass cover or backing so that the sign is green on a black ground. The rear sign has a red glass cover or backing. Alternatively an uncoloured glass cover may be used and a sheet of coloured translucent material be used between the cover and sign or behind the sign; in a modification the sign may be in front of the cover. In a further modification the sign is a painting on the uncoloured glass cover. If desired a switch may be associated with the brake or with the gear box or clutch of the vehicle in order that the signs may automatically be switched off immediately the brakes are released and the vehicle commences to move.