US2635375A - Danger sign - Google Patents

Description

D. HAYS DANGER SIGN April 21, 1953 Filed Sept. 2, 1949 Zhwentoi R96 Ba W W (Ittomeg S.

Patented Apr. 21, 1953 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 1 Claim.

This invention relates to danger signs for parked automobiles and trucks, and has foran object to provide a safety device for automobiles and trucks comprising a sign which can be set up a hundred feet or so in front or back of a stopped car or truck on the road, as, for example, when making repairs or changing a tire, to warn approaching drivers, and further, to provide such a sign which can be readily detached or taken down and carried in the car and as readily set up for use.

With the foregoing and other objects in v1ew, I have devised the construction illustrated in the accompanying drawing forming a part of this specification. It is, however, to be understood the invention is not limited to the specific details of construction and arrangement shown, but may embody various changes and modifications within the scope of the invention.

In this drawing:

Fig. l is a front view of this device set up ready for use;

Fig. 2 is an end view thereof;

Fig. 3 is a view of the back of the plate;

Figs. 4, 5, 6 and '7 are detail sections thereof substantially on lines 4-4, 5--5, 66 and l-'I respectively of Fig. 3, and

Fig. 8 is a rear view of the device taken down and ready for storing in a car.

The device comprises a sign plate II) of any suitable material, preferably sheet metal, with a danger sign II on it of any suitable words. The surface of the plate Il] may be a luminous or light reflecting surface forming a background for the letters, or, if preferred, the letters could be the reflecting surface contrasting with the surface of the plate. When in use it is supported on three supporting legs I2 and I3, the two legs I2 being located adjacent the ends of the plate It and substantially in the plane of the plate, while the leg I3 is attached to the plate at substantially the center thereof and is inclined backwardly and downwardly therefrom to provide a steadying and supporting brace, as shown in Fig. 2. A simple and effective means is provided for securing these legs to the plate It]. The two forward legs I2 are permanently attached to the plate, while the inclined leg I3 is detachably connected therewith. These legs are preferably substantially fiat strips of metal, and the legs I are pivotally connected to the plate ID by suitable rivets M. This rivet connection permits the legs I2 to be swung laterally to lie against the back of the plate I0 when not in use, as shown in Fig. 8, and then when it is desired to set up the sign they may be easily and quickly swung to the supporting position of Fig. l and the dotted line position of Fig. 3; to extend downwardly from the lower edge of the plate I0. To retain them in this position a pair of lugs I5 and It for each leg are lanced and bent backwardly from the plate II} and, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4, are spaced substantially the width of the legs I2 or a little greater to provide proper clearance. The lug or car I5 is substantially at right angles to the plate Ill, while the lug or ear I6 is somewhat inclined, as shown in Fig. 4, toward the lug I5, so that in swinging the leg from the collapsed position shown in Fig. 8 and in full lines in Fig. 3, it will slide up the inclined lug It to the dotted position of Fig. 4, flexing the leg slightly, and then when over the space between the lugs I5 and I6 the resiliency of the material will cause it to seat between the two lugs I5 and I 8 and retain it in this position when the device is in use. In collapsing or taking down the device the leg is merely sprung backwardly to remove it from the position between the lugs I5 and It, so that it is released, and then it may be readily swung to the position lying against the back of the plate I0, as shown in full lines Figs. 3 and 8.

As above indicated, the central or bracing le I3 is detachably connected to the plate III. For this purpose the plate I0 is lanced longitudinally at the center thereof adjacent the top and bottom edges, and then the material between these cuts or lances is forced backwardly to form the loops IT. The leg I3 is bent at the proper angle at I8, forming the upright portion I9 which is inserted through these loops l1, and the loops are so formed as to provide a gripping action on the portion IQ of the leg to secure it to the plate II], but will permit ready withdrawal or separation from the plate when taking down the plate, and then it may be placed on the back of the plate between the folded legs I2, as shown in Fig. 8. The parts may be placed in a suitable flat package or carton.

In use, the operator when forced to halt his car or truck on the road, may readily set up this device by swinging the two legs I2 from the folded position shown in full lines in Figs. 3 and 8 to the full line position of Fig. 1 and the dotted line position of Fig. 3, where they are securely held by the rivet I4 and the lugs I5 and It. The leg I3 may be easily and quickly attached to the plate II] by merely inserting the end portion I9 through the loops I1, and the device may be set at the proper distance either to the front or the rear of the halted car or truck, and will provide a very effective warning to an approaching driver. The legs form a very stable support for the sign 3 so that it is not liable to be blown over. After use, it may be as readily taken down and stored in the car by merely withdrawing the leg 13 from the loop I! and then swinging the leg I2 to the back of the plate 10.

It will be noted that in this construction the plate itself is the means for connecting the supporting legs and the legs are therefore connected to the plate rather than to each other or some separate structure.

Having thus set forth the nature of my invention, I claim:

A portable warning sign comprising a metal plate forming the body of the sign provided with a warning indication visible from the front thereof, a pair of forward supporting legs adjacent the opposite ends of the plate, means for pivotally securing said legs to the plate to extend downwardly therefrom in a supporting position and foldable to a collapsed position along the back of the plate, a third leg secured to the plate at an intermediate position and inclined downward- References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,135,241 Woods Apr. 13, 1915 1,629,229 Sharp May 17, 1927 2,205,818 Lane June 25, 1940 2,228,806 Anderson Jan. 14, 1941 2,594,464 Loucks Apr. 29, 1952 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 147,829 Switzerland Sept. 1, 1931

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