WO2007068981A2 - Signalling method and apparatus - Google Patents

Signalling method and apparatus Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2007068981A2
WO2007068981A2 PCT/GB2006/050452 GB2006050452W WO2007068981A2 WO 2007068981 A2 WO2007068981 A2 WO 2007068981A2 GB 2006050452 W GB2006050452 W GB 2006050452W WO 2007068981 A2 WO2007068981 A2 WO 2007068981A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
hand
item
generating
apparel
visible signal
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2006/050452
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2007068981A3 (en
Inventor
Andrew Brough
Original Assignee
Andrew Brough
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 Andrew Brough filed Critical Andrew Brough
Publication of WO2007068981A2 publication Critical patent/WO2007068981A2/en
Publication of WO2007068981A3 publication Critical patent/WO2007068981A3/en

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A41—WEARING APPAREL
    • A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
    • A41D13/00—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches
    • A41D13/01—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches with reflective or luminous safety means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A41—WEARING APPAREL
    • A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
    • A41D19/00—Gloves
    • A41D19/015—Protective gloves
    • A41D19/0157—Protective gloves with luminous or reflective means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B5/00—Visible signalling systems, e.g. personal calling systems, remote indication of seats occupied
    • G08B5/004—Reflective safety signalling devices attached on persons

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method of providing a signal, in particular to a method of providing a signal using gloves or other hand apparel bearing material for generating a visible signal.
  • Gloves bearing reflective elements can be used to increase visibility of a person's hand. This can be useful when signalling to other road users, especially at night, for example when a cyclist signals his intention to turn right or left as set out in the Highway Code.
  • GB2397213 discloses a glove with a light emitting diode and an electric circuit within the glove.
  • the light emitting diode can be made to flash on and off to act as an indicator for a cyclist.
  • Gloves using lights and electronics such as this require a source of power and are likely to be expensive to manufacture and potentially cumbersome to wear.
  • One aspect of the invention provides a method of providing a signal to at least one individual as specified in Claim 1.
  • a further aspect of the invention provides an item of hand apparel suitable for performing the method of providing a signal as specified in Claim 9.
  • the invention provides a simple and effective method of providing a flashing signal using a pair of gloves bearing material for generating a visible signal.
  • Figures 1 and 2 show a cyclist signalling to following traffic by opening and closing the palm of a glove bearing material for generating a visible signal
  • Figures 3 and 4 show a person signalling by opening and closing the palm of a pair of gloves bearing material for generating a visible signal.
  • the method of signalling of the invention preferably uses a pair of gloves each bearing material for generating a visible signal on the palm of the gloves.
  • the material for generating a visible signal may be a high visibility material or reflective material and may extend across the fingers of the glove.
  • the material must be provided on the glove such that when the person wearing the glove makes a fist, all the material for generating the visible signal is hidden from view. As shown in Figure 1, a cyclist may use the gloves to signal to other cyclists, motorists or pedestrians.
  • the cyclist 1 wears a glove 2 on each hand.
  • the glove 2 has reflective material 4 on the palm of the glove.
  • Figure 1 shows the cyclist 1 signalling that he intends to turn right by extending his right arm 3 out to the side in the usual manner.
  • the cyclist 1 turns the palm of the glove 2 towards these vehicles.
  • the cyclist 1 then closes his fist as shown in Figure 2.
  • the cyclist repeatedly opens and closes his right fist wearing the glove 2.
  • light from the headlights of the vehicles behind the cyclist 1 is reflected from the reflective material 4 on the palm of the glove when his fist is open.
  • the reflective material 4 is hidden from view when the fist is closed, so when the fist is closed no light is reflected from the glove. Repeated opening and closing of the fist produces a blinking signal to the vehicles behind the cyclist, much like an indicator light on a vehicle. Using this method the cyclist can signal to other road users in the manner prescribed by the Highway Code, whilst also directing the palm of the glove 2 in the direction in which he wishes to provide an additional signal.
  • Pedestrians may also use the gloves, for example to provide a signal to other road users as shown in Figure 3.
  • like reference numerals are used to refer to like features.
  • Figures 3 and 4 show a person 5 wearing a pair of gloves 2 with reflective material 4 on each palm.
  • the person wearing the gloves repeatedly opens and closes their fists in the direction of a light source as shown in Figure 4.
  • the light source may be the headlights of oncoming traffic.
  • the reflective material 4 is hidden from view when the fist is closed, and this repeated opening and closing of the fist produces a blinking signal to the oncoming traffic, much like hazard indicator lights on a car.
  • the gloves are simple and inexpensive and can easily be carried in the boot of the car for use in such emergency situations, either by members of the public or by members of the emergency services.
  • the material for providing a visible signal on the gloves may be a high visibility fluorescent material to enable use during the day time.
  • the method of providing the signal in this case is identical, but the gloves do not rely on a direct source of light such as car headlights.
  • the gloves may comprise both fluorescent material and reflective material to enable use during the day or night.
  • the gloves may also be used to transmit a message to another person using Morse code.
  • Morse codes uses a series of dots and dashes to represent letters of the alphabet. The dots and dashes could be communicated visually as a series of reflected light pulses by opening and closing the palms when wearing the gloves.
  • This method of signalling is of use in many other different situations.
  • the method could be used by ground staff at an airport for manoeuvring aircraft or signalling to pilots. It could also be used aboard sailing craft.
  • the method of signalling is also very useful in situations where temporary signalling is required, for example when work is being carried out at the roadside. In these situations where temporary signalling is required, use of the method of the invention would be far cheaper and easier to implement than setting up a system of temporary traffic lights.
  • the method of the invention is not limited to gloves but could equally be used with mittens or any other item worn on the hand.
  • the method of signalling of the invention uses items of hand apparel that are lightweight and simple to use without any need for a power source or complicated electronics.
  • the signal provided by a flashing light signal is much easier to see than a static light signal, and a flashing signal can convey far more information.
  • the colour of the material for generating a visible signal on the hand apparel can also be varied depending on the intended users.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Professional, Industrial, Or Sporting Protective Garments (AREA)
  • Gloves (AREA)
  • Adornments (AREA)
  • Illuminated Signs And Luminous Advertising (AREA)

Abstract

A method of providing a signal to at least one individual comprises the steps of: (a) locating a item of hand apparel on a user's hand, wherein the item of hand apparel is provided with a material for generating a visible signal and the (5) material for generating a visible signal is hidden from view when the user's hand is closed; (b) directing the user's hand towards the at least one individual; and (c) repeatedly opening and closing the user's hand.

Description

Signalling Method and Apparatus
Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a method of providing a signal, in particular to a method of providing a signal using gloves or other hand apparel bearing material for generating a visible signal.
Background of the Invention
Gloves bearing reflective elements can be used to increase visibility of a person's hand. This can be useful when signalling to other road users, especially at night, for example when a cyclist signals his intention to turn right or left as set out in the Highway Code.
Gloves bearing reflective elements have been suggested as ways to improve this situation. For example, USl 966822 describes a glove with a reflector on the back of the glove. When a cyclist extends their arm to indicate their intention turn right or left, the headlights of traffic behind the cyclist are reflected by the reflector on the glove rendering the cyclist's signal more visible to the traffic.
A flashing light similar to indicator or hazard lights on a car is more easily visible than a static reflected light. GB2397213 discloses a glove with a light emitting diode and an electric circuit within the glove. The light emitting diode can be made to flash on and off to act as an indicator for a cyclist.
Gloves using lights and electronics such as this require a source of power and are likely to be expensive to manufacture and potentially cumbersome to wear.
It would be desirable to provide a glove that can be used to provide a flashing signal that does not require any electronics. Summary of the Invention
One aspect of the invention provides a method of providing a signal to at least one individual as specified in Claim 1.
A further aspect of the invention provides an item of hand apparel suitable for performing the method of providing a signal as specified in Claim 9.
The invention provides a simple and effective method of providing a flashing signal using a pair of gloves bearing material for generating a visible signal.
Brief Description of the Drawings
In the drawings, which illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention:
Figures 1 and 2 show a cyclist signalling to following traffic by opening and closing the palm of a glove bearing material for generating a visible signal; and
Figures 3 and 4 show a person signalling by opening and closing the palm of a pair of gloves bearing material for generating a visible signal.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments
The method of signalling of the invention preferably uses a pair of gloves each bearing material for generating a visible signal on the palm of the gloves. The material for generating a visible signal may be a high visibility material or reflective material and may extend across the fingers of the glove. The material must be provided on the glove such that when the person wearing the glove makes a fist, all the material for generating the visible signal is hidden from view. As shown in Figure 1, a cyclist may use the gloves to signal to other cyclists, motorists or pedestrians.
With reference to Figure 1, the cyclist 1 wears a glove 2 on each hand. The glove 2 has reflective material 4 on the palm of the glove. Figure 1 shows the cyclist 1 signalling that he intends to turn right by extending his right arm 3 out to the side in the usual manner. To signal to the vehicles behind him, the cyclist 1 turns the palm of the glove 2 towards these vehicles. The cyclist 1 then closes his fist as shown in Figure 2. To provide the signal the cyclist repeatedly opens and closes his right fist wearing the glove 2. light from the headlights of the vehicles behind the cyclist 1 is reflected from the reflective material 4 on the palm of the glove when his fist is open. As shown in Figure 2, the reflective material 4 is hidden from view when the fist is closed, so when the fist is closed no light is reflected from the glove. Repeated opening and closing of the fist produces a blinking signal to the vehicles behind the cyclist, much like an indicator light on a vehicle. Using this method the cyclist can signal to other road users in the manner prescribed by the Highway Code, whilst also directing the palm of the glove 2 in the direction in which he wishes to provide an additional signal.
Pedestrians may also use the gloves, for example to provide a signal to other road users as shown in Figure 3. like reference numerals are used to refer to like features.
Figures 3 and 4 show a person 5 wearing a pair of gloves 2 with reflective material 4 on each palm. In order to provide a signal to another person, the person wearing the gloves repeatedly opens and closes their fists in the direction of a light source as shown in Figure 4. The light source may be the headlights of oncoming traffic. As shown in Figure 4, the reflective material 4 is hidden from view when the fist is closed, and this repeated opening and closing of the fist produces a blinking signal to the oncoming traffic, much like hazard indicator lights on a car.
This method of signalling would be particularly useful after an accident to warn other road users of the danger ahead. The gloves are simple and inexpensive and can easily be carried in the boot of the car for use in such emergency situations, either by members of the public or by members of the emergency services.
The material for providing a visible signal on the gloves may be a high visibility fluorescent material to enable use during the day time. The method of providing the signal in this case is identical, but the gloves do not rely on a direct source of light such as car headlights. Alternatively the gloves may comprise both fluorescent material and reflective material to enable use during the day or night.
The gloves may also be used to transmit a message to another person using Morse code. Morse codes uses a series of dots and dashes to represent letters of the alphabet. The dots and dashes could be communicated visually as a series of reflected light pulses by opening and closing the palms when wearing the gloves.
This method of signalling is of use in many other different situations. For example, the method could be used by ground staff at an airport for manoeuvring aircraft or signalling to pilots. It could also be used aboard sailing craft.
The method of signalling is also very useful in situations where temporary signalling is required, for example when work is being carried out at the roadside. In these situations where temporary signalling is required, use of the method of the invention would be far cheaper and easier to implement than setting up a system of temporary traffic lights.
The method of the invention is not limited to gloves but could equally be used with mittens or any other item worn on the hand.
The method of signalling of the invention uses items of hand apparel that are lightweight and simple to use without any need for a power source or complicated electronics. The signal provided by a flashing light signal is much easier to see than a static light signal, and a flashing signal can convey far more information. The colour of the material for generating a visible signal on the hand apparel can also be varied depending on the intended users.

Claims

Claims
1. A method of providing a signal to at least one individual comprising the steps of:
(a) locating a item of hand apparel on a user's hand, wherein the item of hand apparel is provided with a material for generating a visible signal and the material for generating a visible signal is hidden from view when the user's hand is closed;
(b) directing the user's hand towards the at least one individual; and
(c) repeatedly opening and closing the user's hand;
2. A method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the item of hand apparel is a glove.
3. A method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the item of hand apparel is a mitten.
4. A method as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the material for generating a visible signal is a high visibility material
5. A method as claimed in Claim 4, wherein the high visibility material comprises fluorescent material.
6. A method as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the material for generating a visible signal comprises reflective material for reflecting light.
7. A method as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the material for generating a visible signal comprises fluorescent material and reflective material.
8. A method as claimed in Claim 6 or 7, wherein a light source is incident on the reflective material.
9. An item of hand apparel suitable for performing the method of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the item of hand apparel is provided with a material for generating a visible signal and the material for generating a visible signal is hidden from view when the user's hand is closed.
10. An item of hand apparel as claimed in Claim 9, wherein the item is a glove.
11. An item of hand apparel as claimed in Claim 9, wherein the item is a mitten.
12. An item of hand apparel as claimed in any of claims 9 to 11, wherein the material for generating a visible signal is a high visibility material.
13. An item of hand apparel as claimed in Claim 12, wherein the high visibility material comprises fluorescent material.
14. An item of hand apparel as claimed in any of claims 9 to 11, wherein the material for generating a visible signal comprises reflective material for reflecting light.
15. An item of hand apparel as claimed in any of claims 9 to 11, wherein the material for generating a visible signal comprises fluorescent material and reflective material.
16. A method of signalling substantially as shown in and described with reference to the drawings.
PCT/GB2006/050452 2005-12-17 2006-12-14 Signalling method and apparatus WO2007068981A2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0525723A GB2433870A (en) 2005-12-17 2005-12-17 Signalling method and glove
GB0525723.3 2005-12-17

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2007068981A2 true WO2007068981A2 (en) 2007-06-21
WO2007068981A3 WO2007068981A3 (en) 2007-08-02

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2006/050452 WO2007068981A2 (en) 2005-12-17 2006-12-14 Signalling method and apparatus

Country Status (2)

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GB (1) GB2433870A (en)
WO (1) WO2007068981A2 (en)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2467191A (en) * 2009-01-26 2010-07-28 Nicola Jowett Kurtz Seamless mitten for babies or children
USD771901S1 (en) 2015-09-25 2016-11-22 Ironclad Performance Wear Corp. Glove back
USD774276S1 (en) 2015-11-19 2016-12-20 Ironclad Performance Wear Corp. Glove back
USD774275S1 (en) 2015-11-19 2016-12-20 Ironclad Performance Wear Corp. Glove back
USD774277S1 (en) 2015-11-19 2016-12-20 Ironclad Performance Wear Corp. Glove back
WO2018042062A1 (en) * 2016-09-02 2018-03-08 Larrauri Puebla Gonzalo Support accessory for the back of the hand
US11229249B2 (en) 2015-09-25 2022-01-25 Brighton-Best International, Inc. Glove with optimized safety markings

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2787236A (en) * 1955-11-21 1957-04-02 Edward E Welch Gloves for directing traffic
DE29718745U1 (en) * 1997-10-12 1998-05-28 Rech, Hans, 89407 Dillingen Device for increasing the safety of unlit road users
US5898942A (en) * 1998-06-11 1999-05-04 Anderson; Thomas R. Safety glove
US6976274B1 (en) * 2002-06-19 2005-12-20 Dufresne Rhonda E Traffic control glove

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1630730A (en) * 1926-05-10 1927-05-31 George H Daugherty Signaling device
US5433025A (en) * 1993-02-02 1995-07-18 Zyborg, Inc. Movable hand sign and method of assembling the same

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2787236A (en) * 1955-11-21 1957-04-02 Edward E Welch Gloves for directing traffic
DE29718745U1 (en) * 1997-10-12 1998-05-28 Rech, Hans, 89407 Dillingen Device for increasing the safety of unlit road users
US5898942A (en) * 1998-06-11 1999-05-04 Anderson; Thomas R. Safety glove
US6976274B1 (en) * 2002-06-19 2005-12-20 Dufresne Rhonda E Traffic control glove

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2467191A (en) * 2009-01-26 2010-07-28 Nicola Jowett Kurtz Seamless mitten for babies or children
USD771901S1 (en) 2015-09-25 2016-11-22 Ironclad Performance Wear Corp. Glove back
US11229249B2 (en) 2015-09-25 2022-01-25 Brighton-Best International, Inc. Glove with optimized safety markings
USD774276S1 (en) 2015-11-19 2016-12-20 Ironclad Performance Wear Corp. Glove back
USD774275S1 (en) 2015-11-19 2016-12-20 Ironclad Performance Wear Corp. Glove back
USD774277S1 (en) 2015-11-19 2016-12-20 Ironclad Performance Wear Corp. Glove back
WO2018042062A1 (en) * 2016-09-02 2018-03-08 Larrauri Puebla Gonzalo Support accessory for the back of the hand

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2433870A (en) 2007-07-11
GB0525723D0 (en) 2006-01-25
WO2007068981A3 (en) 2007-08-02

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