WO2007036740A1 - Hazard warning sign and method - Google Patents

Hazard warning sign and method Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2007036740A1
WO2007036740A1 PCT/GB2006/003635 GB2006003635W WO2007036740A1 WO 2007036740 A1 WO2007036740 A1 WO 2007036740A1 GB 2006003635 W GB2006003635 W GB 2006003635W WO 2007036740 A1 WO2007036740 A1 WO 2007036740A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
hazard warning
warning sign
sign according
hazard
substrate
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2006/003635
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Angus Craig
Robin Clothier
Original Assignee
Angus Craig
Robin Clothier
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Angus Craig, Robin Clothier filed Critical Angus Craig
Publication of WO2007036740A1 publication Critical patent/WO2007036740A1/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F19/00—Advertising or display means not otherwise provided for
    • G09F19/22—Advertising or display means on roads, walls or similar surfaces, e.g. illuminated
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F19/00—Advertising or display means not otherwise provided for
    • G09F19/12—Advertising or display means not otherwise provided for using special optical effects

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a hazard warning sign and a method of warning of a hazard.
  • the sign is arranged to display a warning at predetermined ambient temperatures, such as during wintry conditions.
  • Wintry conditions can render roads, paths and pavements dangerous due to the formation of layers of ice thereon.
  • Layers of ice or snow reduce friction between a surface on which the ice or snow has formed, for example on roads, paths or pavements and objects traveling on that surface, for example, vehicles or people.
  • a surface on which the ice or snow has formed for example on roads, paths or pavements and objects traveling on that surface, for example, vehicles or people.
  • a hazard warning sign arranged to display a warning at predetermined ambient temperatures wherein the sign comprises a first surface and a second surface and wherein the visual contrast between the first surface and the second surface reversibly changes at a predetermined ambient temperature.
  • a method of warning of a hazard at predetermined ambient temperatures including the steps of: providing a sign having a first surface and a second surface; selecting the first and second surfaces such that the visual contrast between the first and second surfaces reversibly changes at a predetermined ambient temperature.
  • the visual contrast can be a difference in colour or shade between the first and second surfaces.
  • the contrast in colour or shade between the first and the second surfaces can reversibly increase at the predetermined ambient temperature.
  • At least one of the first and the second surfaces can reversibly change between exhibiting a colour and becoming translucent or transparent at the predetermined ambient temperature.
  • At least one of the first and second surfaces can comprise an ink exhibiting a change in visual contrast at the predetermined ambient temperature.
  • the colour of the ink can reversibly change between translucent or transparent and a shade of crimson, such as magenta, at the predetermined temperature.
  • the second surface can comprise the ink and the colour of the first surface can be selected to maximise the visual contrast with the ink when at the predetermined temperatures at which a warning is displayed.
  • the ink can be a thermochromic ink.
  • the predetermined ambient temperature can be in the region below which the freezing of water can typically occur.
  • the predetermined ambient temperature can be in the range between 0 and 8 0 C.
  • the predetermined ambient temperature can be around 5 0 C.
  • At least one of the first and second surfaces can be shaped in the form of a hazard warning.
  • the hazard warning can be one or more symbol(s) or text.
  • the symbols or text can be tailored to elucidate a warning specific to the particular hazard likely to be experienced at the predetermined ambient temperatures.
  • the first surface can be a substrate and the second surface can be arranged to cover at least a portion of the substrate.
  • the second surface can comprise an ink exhibiting a visual contrast at the predetermined ambient temperature and can be applied to the substrate.
  • the second surface can be printed onto the substrate.
  • the second surface can be translucent or transparent above the temperature of 5°c.
  • the substrate can be printed with text.
  • the substrate can be luminous.
  • the second surface can be arranged to obscure a luminous portion of the substrate at temperatures below the predetermined ambient temperature.
  • the substrate may be of a suitable plastic material, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
  • the sign can be further provided with a securing means for securing the sign in such a way that the first and second surfaces are visible in use.
  • the sign can be substantially flat and can have the first and second surfaces located on one side and the securing means located on another side.
  • the securing means can comprise a self-adhesive backing.
  • the sign can be provided with a reinforcing means to impart rigidity to the sign.
  • the reinforcing means can comprise a plate.
  • the plate can be made from aluminium or plastic.
  • the plate can be provided with a fastening means for fastening the sign to a supporting means in use.
  • the fastening means can include spring clips or brackets in combination with nuts and bolts.
  • the supporting means can be a post or a wall.
  • the plate can serve a dual purpose; imparting rigidity to the sign and providing a point of attachment for the fastening means.
  • the sign can be provided with one or more high visibility portions.
  • One of the first or second surfaces can at least partially be formed from a high visibility portion.
  • the sign can a have a high visibility border and at least a portion of the first and second surfaces can be provided within the border of the sign.
  • the high visibility portions can be reflective or luminous.
  • the method can include exposing the sign to ambient external temperatures.
  • the sign is particularly suited for use outdoors.
  • FIG. 1 is a front view of a hazard warning sign.
  • a hazard warning sign shown generally at 10 in Fig. 1 is suitable for display and use outdoors where there is a risk from frost, ice, snow or sleet on external surfaces as a result of wintry conditions.
  • Fig. 1 is a front view of the sign 10 showing a display portion 20 of the sign 10 intended to be displayed outwardly and visible in use.
  • the sign 10 has a first surface in the form of a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) substrate 18.
  • PVC polyvinyl chloride
  • the sign 10 is also provided with a second surface in the form of several characters 12a - 12g spelling the word "WARNING" and printed onto the PVC substrate 18.
  • Each character 12 is created by printing a thermochromic ink onto the PVC substrate 18.
  • thermochromic ink used in the present embodiment is selected so that it undergoes a visual transition in colour contrast in the region of 5°C.
  • the characters 12 exhibit a magenta colour. The colour disappears and the characters 12 become translucent or transparent at temperatures in excess of 5°C.
  • a suitable thermochromic ink is DynaColorTM and can be obtained from Chromatic Technologies Inc.
  • the ink is preferably adapted for printing on a substantially impermeable dewetting surface.
  • the sign 10 is particularly suited for use outdoors. At the onset of temperatures below 5°C, when there is a risk of frost, ice, sleet and snow the characters 12 will display a visual contrast with the PVC substrate 18. Thus, the characters 12 and the substrate 18 should preferably be selected to maximise the contrast below the temperature of interest. Accordingly, the PVC substrate 18 is white and the characters change to a deep magenta in colour when exposed to an ambient temperature of less than 5°C.
  • the magenta colour has the advantage that it displays a significant contrast against a light-coloured or white background, in addition to being a colour which observers would generally associate with a warning or danger.
  • the substrate 18 is also provided with a symbol 14 and text 16 printed thereon.
  • the symbol 14 is an exclamation mark enclosed in a triangle, which is a generally recognised warning symbol.
  • the text 16 reads "If the word "WARNING" appears below there is a risk of icy conditions.” In the present embodiment, the symbol 14 and the text 16 exhibit a permanent contrast with the substrate 18.
  • Luminous or reflective strips or a border can be provided on or surrounding the symbol 14, text 16 and characters 12 on the sign 10 to enhance the visibility thereof.
  • the PVC substrate 18 can be luminous or reflective such that the display portion 20 is highly conspicuous at night time or in dark conditions and the characters 12 become silhouetted against the substrate 18 below the predetermined ambient temperature.
  • a rear side (not shown) of the sign 10 is the side opposing the display portion 20 and is provided with an adhesive enabling the sign 10 to be attached to a backing plate in use.
  • the PVC substrate 18 can be sufficiently thick and rigid so that it can accommodate separate fastening means that can be provided directly on the rear side of the display portion 20 to be used for attachment to a post, wall or other suitable support in use.
  • the sign can be provided with one or more hole(s).
  • a suspension means such as one or more chain(s) adapted to pass through the one or more hole(s) enables the sign to be fixed to a bracket and suspended in use.
  • a protective layer covering the adhesive is removed and the adhesive provided on the rear side of the sign 10 is used to affix the sign to an aluminium backing plate (not shown).
  • the aluminium backing plate is then appended to a permanent or temporary structure for use with the sign 10, such as a post.
  • the aluminium backing plate is fixed to the post using clips that co-operate with the post and are secured using nuts and bolts.
  • a sign provided with holes can be suspended in a manner previously described. In this way the sign 10 is supported or suspended in use with the display portion 20 facing outwardly and visible to observers of the sign 10.
  • the sign 10 can be displayed outside schools, at entrances to public buildings, in railway stations, in car parks, near pavements and on roadsides.
  • the temperature of the surrounding environment at the location of display of the sign 10 determines the degree of visual contrast between the characters 12 and the substrate 18.
  • the text 16 and the symbol 14 place observers of the sign on notice that the sign 10 is intended to indicate a risk of icy conditions.
  • the characters 12 are selectively visible to alert the observer to the potential danger at appropriate temperatures.
  • the characters 12 are translucent or transparent and thus no notice of warning is displayed on the sign 10.
  • the characters 12 automatically change colour to a deep magenta, thereby increasing the contrast between the characters 12 and the substrate 18 from zero (above 5°C when the characters are translucent or transparent) to a marked contrast (below 5°C when the magenta characters 12 are vivid and clearly distinguishable against the white substrate 18).
  • the sign 10 Since the sign 10 functions due to interaction with the surrounding environment it is targeted to operate only in specific conditions in which a greater risk of accident or injury is likely. Therefore the sign 10 promotes a greater awareness of the anticipated dangers.
  • Known photochromic inks are not UV stabilised, and so are not conventionally used in outdoor situations.
  • the sign of the present invention is used seasonally, during cold weather. A sign can be installed at the start of a cold season and will function satisfactorily for a period of time, typically 6 to 8 months. At the end of this period the sign may be removed, and replaced with a new sign at the start of the next cold season.

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  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Accounting & Taxation (AREA)
  • Marketing (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Road Signs Or Road Markings (AREA)

Abstract

The invention provides a hazard warning sign (10) and a method of warning of a hazard at predetermined ambient temperatures. The sign (10) comprises a first surface (18) and a second surface (12a-12g). The visual contrast between the first surface (18) and the second surface (12a- 12g) reversibly changes at a predetermined ambient temperature. The visual contrast can increase at the onset of the predetermined temperature. One of the first surface (18) and the second surface (12a- 12g) can comprise an ink exhibiting a change in visual contrast at the predetermined ambient temperature. The ink can reversibly change between transparent or translucent and a magenta colour at the predetermined temperature. The sign (10) can be used for warning of frost and icy conditions below the predetermined temperature.

Description

"Hazard Warning Sign and Method"
The present invention relates to a hazard warning sign and a method of warning of a hazard. In particular, the sign is arranged to display a warning at predetermined ambient temperatures, such as during wintry conditions.
Wintry conditions can render roads, paths and pavements dangerous due to the formation of layers of ice thereon. Layers of ice or snow reduce friction between a surface on which the ice or snow has formed, for example on roads, paths or pavements and objects traveling on that surface, for example, vehicles or people. During cold weather when wintry conditions are experienced, there is an increased risk of accident and injury when traveling on surfaces covered with ice, frost or snow, due to the reduction in friction and resultant loss of grip on the surface.
According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a hazard warning sign arranged to display a warning at predetermined ambient temperatures wherein the sign comprises a first surface and a second surface and wherein the visual contrast between the first surface and the second surface reversibly changes at a predetermined ambient temperature.
According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of warning of a hazard at predetermined ambient temperatures including the steps of: providing a sign having a first surface and a second surface; selecting the first and second surfaces such that the visual contrast between the first and second surfaces reversibly changes at a predetermined ambient temperature. The visual contrast can be a difference in colour or shade between the first and second surfaces. The contrast in colour or shade between the first and the second surfaces can reversibly increase at the predetermined ambient temperature. At least one of the first and the second surfaces can reversibly change between exhibiting a colour and becoming translucent or transparent at the predetermined ambient temperature.
At least one of the first and second surfaces can comprise an ink exhibiting a change in visual contrast at the predetermined ambient temperature. The colour of the ink can reversibly change between translucent or transparent and a shade of crimson, such as magenta, at the predetermined temperature.
The second surface can comprise the ink and the colour of the first surface can be selected to maximise the visual contrast with the ink when at the predetermined temperatures at which a warning is displayed. The ink can be a thermochromic ink.
The predetermined ambient temperature can be in the region below which the freezing of water can typically occur. The predetermined ambient temperature can be in the range between 0 and 80C. The predetermined ambient temperature can be around 50C.
At least one of the first and second surfaces can be shaped in the form of a hazard warning. The hazard warning can be one or more symbol(s) or text. Thus the symbols or text can be tailored to elucidate a warning specific to the particular hazard likely to be experienced at the predetermined ambient temperatures. The first surface can be a substrate and the second surface can be arranged to cover at least a portion of the substrate. The second surface can comprise an ink exhibiting a visual contrast at the predetermined ambient temperature and can be applied to the substrate. The second surface can be printed onto the substrate. The second surface can be translucent or transparent above the temperature of 5°c.
The substrate can be printed with text. The substrate can be luminous. The second surface can be arranged to obscure a luminous portion of the substrate at temperatures below the predetermined ambient temperature. The substrate may be of a suitable plastic material, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
The sign can be further provided with a securing means for securing the sign in such a way that the first and second surfaces are visible in use. The sign can be substantially flat and can have the first and second surfaces located on one side and the securing means located on another side. The securing means can comprise a self-adhesive backing.
The sign can be provided with a reinforcing means to impart rigidity to the sign. The reinforcing means can comprise a plate. The plate can be made from aluminium or plastic. The plate can be provided with a fastening means for fastening the sign to a supporting means in use. The fastening means can include spring clips or brackets in combination with nuts and bolts. The supporting means can be a post or a wall. Thus the plate can serve a dual purpose; imparting rigidity to the sign and providing a point of attachment for the fastening means.
The sign can be provided with one or more high visibility portions. One of the first or second surfaces can at least partially be formed from a high visibility portion. The sign can a have a high visibility border and at least a portion of the first and second surfaces can be provided within the border of the sign. The high visibility portions can be reflective or luminous.
The method can include exposing the sign to ambient external temperatures. Thus the sign is particularly suited for use outdoors.
One embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawing, in which:- Fig. 1 is a front view of a hazard warning sign.
In the present embodiment, a hazard warning sign shown generally at 10 in Fig. 1 is suitable for display and use outdoors where there is a risk from frost, ice, snow or sleet on external surfaces as a result of wintry conditions.
Fig. 1 is a front view of the sign 10 showing a display portion 20 of the sign 10 intended to be displayed outwardly and visible in use. The sign 10 has a first surface in the form of a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) substrate 18. The sign 10 is also provided with a second surface in the form of several characters 12a - 12g spelling the word "WARNING" and printed onto the PVC substrate 18. Each character 12 is created by printing a thermochromic ink onto the PVC substrate 18.
The particular thermochromic ink used in the present embodiment is selected so that it undergoes a visual transition in colour contrast in the region of 5°C. Thus when the sign 10 is in a cool environment below about 5°C, the characters 12 exhibit a magenta colour. The colour disappears and the characters 12 become translucent or transparent at temperatures in excess of 5°C. A suitable thermochromic ink is DynaColor™ and can be obtained from Chromatic Technologies Inc. For use in the present invention, the ink is preferably adapted for printing on a substantially impermeable dewetting surface.
The sign 10 is particularly suited for use outdoors. At the onset of temperatures below 5°C, when there is a risk of frost, ice, sleet and snow the characters 12 will display a visual contrast with the PVC substrate 18. Thus, the characters 12 and the substrate 18 should preferably be selected to maximise the contrast below the temperature of interest. Accordingly, the PVC substrate 18 is white and the characters change to a deep magenta in colour when exposed to an ambient temperature of less than 5°C. The magenta colour has the advantage that it displays a significant contrast against a light-coloured or white background, in addition to being a colour which observers would generally associate with a warning or danger.
The substrate 18 is also provided with a symbol 14 and text 16 printed thereon. The symbol 14 is an exclamation mark enclosed in a triangle, which is a generally recognised warning symbol. The text 16 reads "If the word "WARNING" appears below there is a risk of icy conditions." In the present embodiment, the symbol 14 and the text 16 exhibit a permanent contrast with the substrate 18.
Luminous or reflective strips or a border (not shown) can be provided on or surrounding the symbol 14, text 16 and characters 12 on the sign 10 to enhance the visibility thereof. Alternatively, the PVC substrate 18 can be luminous or reflective such that the display portion 20 is highly conspicuous at night time or in dark conditions and the characters 12 become silhouetted against the substrate 18 below the predetermined ambient temperature. A rear side (not shown) of the sign 10 is the side opposing the display portion 20 and is provided with an adhesive enabling the sign 10 to be attached to a backing plate in use. Alternatively, the PVC substrate 18 can be sufficiently thick and rigid so that it can accommodate separate fastening means that can be provided directly on the rear side of the display portion 20 to be used for attachment to a post, wall or other suitable support in use. According to a further embodiment, the sign can be provided with one or more hole(s). A suspension means such as one or more chain(s) adapted to pass through the one or more hole(s) enables the sign to be fixed to a bracket and suspended in use.
Before use, a protective layer covering the adhesive is removed and the adhesive provided on the rear side of the sign 10 is used to affix the sign to an aluminium backing plate (not shown). The aluminium backing plate is then appended to a permanent or temporary structure for use with the sign 10, such as a post. The aluminium backing plate is fixed to the post using clips that co-operate with the post and are secured using nuts and bolts. Alternatively, a sign provided with holes can be suspended in a manner previously described. In this way the sign 10 is supported or suspended in use with the display portion 20 facing outwardly and visible to observers of the sign 10.
The sign 10 can be displayed outside schools, at entrances to public buildings, in railway stations, in car parks, near pavements and on roadsides. The temperature of the surrounding environment at the location of display of the sign 10 determines the degree of visual contrast between the characters 12 and the substrate 18. The text 16 and the symbol 14 place observers of the sign on notice that the sign 10 is intended to indicate a risk of icy conditions. The characters 12 are selectively visible to alert the observer to the potential danger at appropriate temperatures.
Above the predetermined ambient temperature of interest of 5°C, the characters 12 are translucent or transparent and thus no notice of warning is displayed on the sign 10. However, when the temperature drops below 5°C and there is a consequent danger of ice, frost, snow and sleet, the characters 12 automatically change colour to a deep magenta, thereby increasing the contrast between the characters 12 and the substrate 18 from zero (above 5°C when the characters are translucent or transparent) to a marked contrast (below 5°C when the magenta characters 12 are vivid and clearly distinguishable against the white substrate 18).
Since the sign 10 functions due to interaction with the surrounding environment it is targeted to operate only in specific conditions in which a greater risk of accident or injury is likely. Therefore the sign 10 promotes a greater awareness of the anticipated dangers.
Known photochromic inks are not UV stabilised, and so are not conventionally used in outdoor situations. However the sign of the present invention is used seasonally, during cold weather. A sign can be installed at the start of a cold season and will function satisfactorily for a period of time, typically 6 to 8 months. At the end of this period the sign may be removed, and replaced with a new sign at the start of the next cold season.
Modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A hazard warning sign arranged to display a warning at predetermined ambient temperatures, wherein the sign comprises a first surface and a second surface and wherein the visual contrast between the first surface and the second surface reversibly changes at a predetermined ambient temperature.
2. The hazard warning sign according to claim 1 , wherein the visual contrast is a difference in colour between the first and second surfaces.
3. The hazard warning sign according to claim 1 , wherein the visual contrast is a difference in shade between the first and second surfaces.
4. The hazard warning sign according to any preceding claim, wherein the visual contrast between the first surface and the second surface reversibly increases at the predetermined ambient temperature.
5. The hazard warning sign according to any preceding claim, wherein the visual contrast between one of the first surface and the second surface reversibly changes between exhibiting a colour and becoming transparent at the predetermined ambient temperature.
6. The hazard warning sign according to any preceding claim, wherein one of the first surface and the second surface comprises an ink exhibiting a change in visual contrast at the predetermined ambient temperature.
7. The hazard warning sign according to claim 6, wherein the ink reversibly changes between transparent and a magenta colour at the predetermined temperature.
8. The hazard warning sign according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein second surface comprises the ink and the first surface comprises at least one colour selected to maximise the visual contrast with the ink when at the predetermined temperatures at which the warning is displayed.
9. The hazard warning sign according to any one of claims 6-8, wherein the ink is a thermochromic ink.
10. The hazard warning sign according to any preceding claim, wherein the predetermined ambient temperature is in the range from 0 to 80C.
11. The hazard warning sign according to any preceding claim, wherein the predetermined ambient temperature is in the range from 4 to 60C.
12. The hazard warning sign according to any preceding claim, wherein one of the first surface and the second surface is shaped in the form of a hazard warning.
13. The hazard warning sign according to any preceding claim, wherein the hazard warning is selected from the group consisting of symbols and text.
14. The hazard warning sign according to any preceding claim, wherein the hazard warning is selected to elucidate a warning specific to the particular hazard likely to be experienced at the predetermined ambient temperatures.
15. The hazard warning sign according to any preceding claim, wherein the first surface is a substrate and the second surface is arranged to cover at least a portion of the substrate.
16. The hazard warning sign according to claim 15, wherein the second surface comprises an ink exhibiting a visual contrast at the predetermined ambient temperature and wherein the ink is applied to the substrate.
17. The hazard warning sign according to claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the second surface is printed onto the substrate.
18. The hazard warning sign according to any one of claims 15-17, wherein the second surface is transparent above the temperature of 5°c.
19. The hazard warning sign according to any one of claims 15-17, wherein the second surface is translucent above the temperature of 5°c.
20. The hazard warning sign according to any one of claims 15-19, wherein the substrate is printed with text.
21. The hazard warning sign according to any one of claims 15-20, wherein the substrate is luminous.
22. The hazard warning sign according to claim 21 , wherein the second surface is arranged to obscure a luminous portion of the substrate at temperatures below the predetermined ambient temperature.
23. The hazard warning sign according to any one of claims 15-22, wherein the substrate is made from a plastic material.
24. The hazard warning sign according to any one of claims 15-23, wherein the substrate is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
25. The hazard warning sign according to any preceding claim, wherein the sign is further provided with a securing means for securing the sign such that the first surface and the second surface are visible in use.
26. The hazard warning sign according to claim 25, wherein the sign is substantially flat, having two sides and wherein the first and second surfaces are located on one side and the securing means are located on the other side.
27. The hazard warning sign according to claim 25 or claim 26, wherein the securing means comprises a self-adhesive backing.
28. The hazard warning sign according to any preceding claim, wherein the sign is provided with a reinforcing means to impart rigidity to the sign.
29. The hazard warning sign according to claim 28, wherein the reinforcing means comprises a plate.
30. The hazard warning sign according to claim 29, wherein the plate is made from a material selected from the group consisting of aluminium and plastic.
31. The hazard warning sign according to claim 29, wherein the plate is provided with a fastening means for fastening the sign to a supporting means in use.
32. The hazard warning sign according to any preceding claim, wherein the sign is provided with one or more high visibility portions.
33. The hazard warning sign according to any preceding claim, wherein one of the first surface and the second surface is at least partially formed from a high visibility portion.
34. The hazard warning sign according to any preceding claim, wherein the sign has a high visibility border surrounding and defining a central area within the border, and wherein at least a portion of the first and second surfaces are provided within the central area.
35. The hazard warning sign according to claim 32, wherein the high visibility portion comprises a material selected from the group consisting of reflective materials and luminous materials.
36. A method of warning of a hazard at predetermined ambient temperatures including the steps of: providing a sign having a first surface and a second surface; selecting the first and second surfaces such that the visual contrast between the first and second surfaces reversibly changes at a predetermined ambient temperature; and exposing the sign to ambient external temperatures.
PCT/GB2006/003635 2005-09-30 2006-09-29 Hazard warning sign and method WO2007036740A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0519924.5 2005-09-30
GBGB0519924.5A GB0519924D0 (en) 2005-09-30 2005-09-30 "Hazard warning sign and method"

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2007036740A1 true WO2007036740A1 (en) 2007-04-05

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2443876A (en) * 2006-11-15 2008-05-21 Alan John Haley Black ice warning sticker

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3927753A1 (en) * 1989-08-23 1991-02-28 Ralf Jeising Traffic warning sign for ice or scolding danger - has temp.-dependent coating transparent at normal temp. otherwise becoming opaque and/or coloured
US5202677A (en) * 1991-01-31 1993-04-13 Crystal Images, Inc. Display apparatus using thermochromic material
GB2289707A (en) * 1994-05-18 1995-11-29 Michael Alan Ward Thermographic road marking and/or sign
JPH0822259A (en) * 1994-07-08 1996-01-23 Sain Board Ee:Kk Road sign
EP0955413A2 (en) * 1998-05-04 1999-11-10 U.S.P. TRANSFERS INDUSTRIELLE FARBÜBERTRAGUNG GESELLSCHAFT mbH Ice warning system
GB2373279A (en) * 2001-03-14 2002-09-18 Mitch Sorbie Thermochromic display

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3927753A1 (en) * 1989-08-23 1991-02-28 Ralf Jeising Traffic warning sign for ice or scolding danger - has temp.-dependent coating transparent at normal temp. otherwise becoming opaque and/or coloured
US5202677A (en) * 1991-01-31 1993-04-13 Crystal Images, Inc. Display apparatus using thermochromic material
GB2289707A (en) * 1994-05-18 1995-11-29 Michael Alan Ward Thermographic road marking and/or sign
JPH0822259A (en) * 1994-07-08 1996-01-23 Sain Board Ee:Kk Road sign
EP0955413A2 (en) * 1998-05-04 1999-11-10 U.S.P. TRANSFERS INDUSTRIELLE FARBÜBERTRAGUNG GESELLSCHAFT mbH Ice warning system
GB2373279A (en) * 2001-03-14 2002-09-18 Mitch Sorbie Thermochromic display

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2443876A (en) * 2006-11-15 2008-05-21 Alan John Haley Black ice warning sticker

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Publication number Publication date
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