IES65975B2 - "Warning device" - Google Patents

Abstract

An emergency warning system for use by a vehicle driver in the event of breakdown or accident consists of a collapsible folding reflective triangle (3), which in its assembled configuration of use is mounted on a supporting structure consisting of a container or box (1) standing on legs (2). A triangular lamp (5) hinged in the interior of the container (1) is swung into an operative configuration, in which it is located centrally in the open region bounded by the triangle (3). A battery for powering the lamp (5) is housed within the container (1). The arrangement is such that in a storage or transport configuration, the triangle (3) and the legs (2) are accommodated within the container (1). A compact, reliable and easily transportable emergency warning system is thus provided, the container (1) being dimensioned for easy fitting in the boot or passenger compartment of a private or commercial vehicle.

Description

This invention relates to emergency warning systems. The invention relates in particular to emergency warning systems of the kind used by vehicle drivers in the event of breakdown or accident. Known warning systems of this kind frequently include the use of an emergency triangle or otherwise configured alerting means, suitably reflective in nature.

A deficiency of such systems is however the absence of any positive illuminating means and the dependence on reflectivity of the warning device. Thus under poor lighting conditions or where opposing lighting prevails, such as the headlamps of oncoming vehicles, a warning triangle may not be immediately apparent or sufficiently alerting to the drivers of vehicles approaching the hazard in question.

It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide an improved warning system facilitating more immediate and safer recognition of the presence of a hazard condition. It is a further object of the invention to provide a self-contained hazard warning means incorporating an illuminating feature. 360975 '<1 ί - 2 According to the invention, there is provided an emergency warning system comprising (a) an alerting portion, (b) means for supporting the alerting portion in an alerting 5 disposition, (c) illuminating means for association with the alerting portion, and (d) . power supply means for the illuminating means.

An emergency warning system according to the invention may comprise a container for holding the component parts of the system in a storage configuration of the system. Said container suitably also defines said supporting means. In a favoured arrangement, said supporting means comprises a plurality of leg members, said leg members also being storable within the container in the storage configuration of the system. Preferably, a hinged lid closes off the interior of the container in the storage configuration of the system.

Said illuminating means is suitably a lamp. In a preferred construction, said alerting portion is a warning triangle, said warning triangle preferably being reflective. Said warning triangle may be assembled from a plurality of triangle portions and is suitably storable in a disassembled condition within said container. Said illuminating means is preferably located within the periphery of said warning triangle in use of the system. Said illuminating means may include lens or prismatic means. In any arrangement, it is preferred that said illuminating means be hingedly mounted for pivoting displacement between an operating disposition external of said container and an internal storage disposition within said container.

Said container preferably also contains battery means, said battery means defining said power supply means of the system, and said power supply means suitably further comprises flasher means for establishing intermittent operation of said illuminating means, as required. - 3 The invention also extends to an emergency warning system substantially as described herein with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described having regard to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a pictorial sketch of a system according to the invention in a configuration of use, and Figure 2 shows the system of Figure 1 in a storage configuration.

As shown in Figure 1, a system according to the invention comprises a container or box 1 which, in a disposition of use, is supported on a number of legs 2, suitably four. A warning triangle 3 of reflective material assembled from three triangle portions 3a, 3b, 3c is put together and mounted on the front face 4 of the container or box 1. A triangular lamp 5 is hingedly mounted within the top face 6 of the box 1 so as to be swivelable between a storage disposition in which it is located internally within the box 1 and an external disposition of use in which it is located substantially centrally in the open region within the periphery of the portioned triangle assembly 3. This assembled configuration of the system of the invention is shown in Figure 1.

The system is shown in a storage configuration in Figure 2, in which the front face 4 of the box 1 is directed downwardly and the top face 6 is directed forwardly. The hinged rear face 11 of the box 1 is opened to show the internal arrangements, in partial representation.

The triangular lamp 5 has been swivelled about hinge 12 into its storage disposition. At the lower part of the container, the back as shown in Figure 2, a space is provided for batteries 13 and a flasher unit 14 for intermittent activation of the lamp 5. Space is also provided within the container for storage of the three component - 4 portions 3a, 3b, 3c of the triangle 3 which is assembled at the location of use. Portion 3a is shown in an exemplary storage disposition within the box. The legs 2 of the box 1 are also removable for storage within the unit and are put in place to support the box in use by being suitably shaped or cranked at their upper ends 15 for engagement or reception within slots provided on the underside of the box structure. Not all of these elements are shown in the storage, disposition of Figure 2. Again, just one leg 4 is shown In an exemplary storage disposition, the box 1 providing however sufficient space to accommodate all four legs and all three triangle portions.

A particular advantage of the invention is that it provides an improved warning device having an internal illumination facility and a battery 13 to drive the lamp 5 of the unit when required to indicate a warning situation. Thus the container 1 of the system of the invention may be carried round by a truck or other vehicle driver for placement at the location of a hazard or accident and assembly to provide an improved level of warning over and above that afforded by a simple reflective warning triangle.

At the location of use, the unit is taken from the cab or other storage compartment of the vehicle, the back 11 of the box 1 is opened, the legs 4 are removed and engaged in position in the base region of the box 1, which is then stood upright on the road or other surface. The three triangle portions 3a, 3b, 3c are then taken from the storage container 1 and assembled to define a reflective warning triangle 3 which is mounted on box 1 to be elevated some 400 to 600 mm above the support surface or roadway. The lamp may be swung upwardly into position within the open central region of the triangle 3 and switched on. The flashing triangular lamp within the triangle thus affords a high quality of alerting message to approaching drivers, combining positive alerting flashing illumination with a reflective warning also.

The triangle structure 3 may alternatively consist of hinged together portions 3a, 3b, 3c, assembled by pivoting the three sections - 5 3a, 3b, 3c into the appropriate triangular shape and then snapping the two free ends together, as distinct from being made up from three individual and separate sections. A spigot and socket arrangement at the two lower apexes of the triangle 3, or other like feature, allows it to be fitted onto the front panel 4 of the box 1 in a convenient manner to assume its upstanding disposition. The cranked upper ends 15 of the legs 4 enable them to be slid easily into the receiving slots on the underside of the box 1, to support the system of the invention and the warning triangle 3 and lamp 5 at a suitable height above the ground or other support surface. Within the box 1, a strap or bar may be provided to hold the battery in place and also to define storage regions within the box for the legs 4 and triangle 3 in their dismantled or folded condition. A simple transparent or translucent coloured front panel may be provided on the lamp 5, but a prismatic type front or lens structure is also feasible. In a further variant, the lamp 5 may be arranged to provide full or partial back lighting to the triangle portions 3a, 3b, 3c, thereby enhancing the level of warning provided by the system. In a still further variant, the strips 3a, 3b, 3c of the triangle 3 may themselves be illuminated, such as by a conventional lamp structure or other suitable arrangement, to provide a still superior level of alerting function.

Various further options may also be provided within the ambit of the present inventive concept.

Claims (5)

1. An emergency warning system comprising (a) an alerting portion, 5 (b) means for supporting the alerting portion in an alerting disposition, (c) illuminating means for association with the alerting portion, and (d) power supply means for the illuminating means.

2. An emergency warning system according to Claim 1 comprising a container for holding the component parts of the system in a storage configuration of the system. 15

3. A system according to Claim 2, wherein said container also defines said supporting means, and said supporting means further comprises a plurality of leg members, said leg members also being storable within the container in the storage configuration of the system.

4. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein said alerting portion is a warning triangle, said warning triangle preferably being reflective and being assembled from a plurality of triangle portions, and said illuminating means is hingedly mounted for 25 pivoting displacement between an operating disposition external of said container and an internal storage disposition within said container.

5. An emergency warning system substantially as described herein with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.