US1739289A - Light-reflecting signal device - Google Patents

Description

Dec. 10, 1929. E. M. CARTER 1,739,289

LIGHT REFLECTING SIGNAL DEVICE Filed April 3, 1928 Fig. 2.

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Patented Dec. 10, 1929 ESTHER M. CARTER, OF-NEWTONVILLE, MASSACHUSETTS- LIGET-REFLECTING SIGNAL DEFIOE L Application filed April 3,

My invention aims to provide means for giving visual signals, warnings, or other information by light reflection; while susceptible of widely varying uses, it finds particular application in use by pedestrians, bicyclists or others to give warning, to approaching vehicle-drivers, of the users presence upon or near a highway.

In the drawings wherein'I have shown certain illustrative embodiments of my invention,

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a device embodying one form of my invention, the device being in this instance in the general form of a military collar or abbreviated cape;

Fig. 2 is a detail section on the line 22 of Fig. 1; a

Fig. 3 is a perspective view'of a second illustrative embodiment of the" invention, in this instance in the general form of a belt or beltlike device; I

Fig. 4 is a section in the line 4-4: of Fig. 3;

Fig, 5 shows a further illustrative embodiment of the invention, wherein the device is supported by or forms a part of a garment.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, and first to Figs. 1 and 2, the device or safety signalling means there shown is adapted to encircle the wearers neck. It is preferably a relatively light weight device and of a flexible nature, permitting it to be rolled or folded into a compact package for carriage in a pocket, hand bag, or otherwise, when not required for use. The illustrative device, as "shown, comprises a base or main element 1 formed of suitable fabric or other flexible material, having a lustrous or light reflecting finish or surface. For this purpose '1 preferably employ a metal cloth, or imi- 40 tation metal cloth commonly known as metalline, or any fabric or other. flexible material which is lustrous or capable of reflecting light, and preferably white, silver or steel in color. Said base or reflecting element desirably is given a protective, transparent covering 2, which may be a flexible transparent cellulosic sheet material such as a comparatively heavy glassene or other suitable material. It is preferably colored or tinted, in accordance with the color most 1928. Serial No. 267,068.

appropriate as a signal or warning under the circumstances with which the device is to be used. For useby a pedestrian or bicyclist to warn an approaching vehicle, by reflection of the light therefrom, the color red, as a danger u or warning, is generally em loyed. Said base and outer mem bers 1 and 2 respectively are placed flatwise against each other and secured, as by a suitable edging or peripheral binding 3, shown at the upper on edge of the device of Figs. 1 and 2, or by hemming, as illustrated at the lower edge in said figures. The described device is preferably cut or otherwise disposed in its formation so as readily to assume a substantially as circular form, in the general manner'of a collar., Suitable means such as one or more buttons, or other fastener, as indicated at 4 may be provided for releasably securing together the two ends of, the device, to retain it in position about the neck or upon the shoulders of the wearer. It will be understood that the described safety signal orv warning device isparticularly for use under conditions of diminished visibility, whether at night or dur- (5 ing the day, and'will reflect back to a vehicle driver light rays from the vehicles own lamps, informing the driver of the presence of tlllie signal carrier or wearer in or near his pat In Figs. 3 and 4, I have illustrated another form of device also embodying my"invention. The safety signal means in this instance is of a belt-like form comprising a reflective base member or strip 5, which may be similar 55 in character to the element 1 of Figs. 1 and 2, and a transparent outer member or strip 6 having a character similar to that of the I element 2 of Figs. 1 and 2. Said. base and outer strips 5 and 6 are secured together as by stitching, hemming, or binding at their edges, as indicated at 7, 7. A buckle 8, or other releasable fastening means is rovided to secure the device in position a out the wearers body. s

In Fig. 5 a further embodiment of my invention is illustrated wherein a reflective or base element 9 and outer transparent element 10 are carried in superposed relation upon a garment 11 either permanently, as a portion 100 thereof, or detachably, said base and outer elements being secured together as by the stitching indicated at 12. As illustrated in Fig. 5 the device is provided with means whereby it may be attached to and removed from the garment. said means comprising the pairs of eyelets or the like 13. 13 through which pins 14. 14 or other fastening devices may be passed.

In some instances, and in connection with a device such as that of any of the illustrative embodiments of my invention I may dispense with an outer or transparent covering element. in which case the reflective or base element may be itself colored or tinted to afford by reflection a light signal of the desired color.

My invention is not limited to the particular embodiments thereof herein illustrated and described by way of example. its scope being set forth in the following claims.

I claim 1. A device for affording warning to a vehicle-driver of the presence of a pedestrian, bicyclist or other person in or near the path of the vehicle, said means comprising a lightreflecting flexible fabric base element, a flexible, overlying, transparent, protective, element, means securing said elements together, and means for retaining the device in position upon the person to reflect back to an approaching vehicle-driver light rays therefrom as a visual warning signal. I

2. A device for affording warning to a vehicle-driver of the presence of a pedestrian, bicyclist or other person in or near the path of the vehicle, said means comprising an annular, flexible light-reflecting element, a covering for said annular element including a coextensive flexible, transparent, colored member, and means for securing together the opposite ends of said device to retain it in position about the wearers person.

3. A device for affording warning to a vehicle-driver of the presence of a pedestrian, bicyclist or other person in or near the path of the vehicle. said means comprising an annular, flexible light-reflecting element of general collar-like form, a similarly formed transparent, flexible and colored member overlying and secured to said annular element, and means to retain said device in position about the wearersneck.

In testimony whereof, I have signed my name to this specification.

' ESTHER M. CARTER.

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