GB2243861A

GB2243861A - Improvements in reflector systems

Info

Publication number: GB2243861A
Application number: GB9109249A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Douglas Lunan Stewart
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1990-05-11
Filing date: 1991-04-30
Publication date: 1991-11-13
Also published as: GB9010657D0; GB9109249D0

Abstract

A reflector system for delineating roads comprises retro-reflectors rotatably mounted on a cord tensioned between supports. Each reflector comprises a boss (13) supporting two or more blades (10, 11) set at different angles relative to the cord. The angles are selected both to provide a rotational force from the wind and to ensure high reflectivity for any direction of incident light either as the reflector rotates, or from the random orientation of reflective surfaces along the cord if the reflectors are stationary. Rotation also reduces accrection of mud on the reflector, by generating centrifugal acceleration by increasing the exposure of the reflective surfaces to the cleansing effect of rain. <IMAGE>

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN REFLECTOR SYSTEMS Background of the invention This invention relates to a reflector system for the delineation of roads, and to a novei reflector for use in such systems.

the risk of a road accident more than doubles at night. Roadworks are particulerly hazardous, because cf the confusing variety of devices which awe used fo! delineation and direction. These devices utilise retroreflective surfaces for consicuity, but these can be ineffective if mud or other opaque material is adhering to íhen, or if the plane of the reflector is not at or near the normal to the line of incident light.

It is the aim of the present invention to provide an improved reflector system for delineating roads which is inexpensive to manufacture and easy to install. it is a further aim to provide a reflector system which is wind-operated to provide self-cleaning properties and an intermittent light signal. It is a further aim to provide a reflector system which is effective for any direction of incident light. It is a further aim to improve the conspicuity of pedestrian restraints comprising cords tensioned between supports.

According to the present invention there is provided a reflector system comprising a cord adapted to be tensioned between two fixed or moveabie supports, the cord being provided with a plurality of reflectors mounted on the cord at spaced locations along the length of the cord. The reflectors are rotatably mounted at each location.

Further according to the present invention there is provided a reflector comprising a boss adapted to be rotatably mounted on a support and at least two reflective blades mounted on said boss.

Description of the Drawings Figs. 1 and 2 are perspective views of two embodiments of a reflector made in accordance with the invention.

Fig. 3 is an elevational view illustrating a reflector system made in accordance with the present invention and utilising a preferred embodiment of reflector.

Fig. 4 is an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of ejector of the system of Fig. 3 Referring to the drawings, Fig. 1 snows a reflector comprising flat, semicircular blades 10 and 1i mounted on a sphericai boss 13. which is rotatably mounted on spindle it. Both sides of each blade are provided i; retro-reflective surfaces. The orientation of the blade relative to the spindle is intended to provide as much reflectivity as possibie for any direction of incident light, i.e. to minimise the angle between incident light and the normal to one of the reflectors at some point in its rotation.Blade 10 has a pitch 15 of 22* relative to the line of the cord. and blade 11 has a pitch 16 of 67us'. If the blades are rotating and all faces are retro-reflective, the ale between any incident light and the normal to at least one of the reflectors will at scne point as it rotates be not more tnan 22.

Accretion cf mud or other meterial to the reflector is reduced bv the centrifugal acceleration due to rotation. A further cleaning effect is provided bp rotation because that eoses more faces of the reflector to the scouring effect of rain than if the reflector was stationary.

Fig .2 shows a ref lector whose main difference from that shown in Fig.i is that it hes four reflective blades. Opposing blades 21 and 22 have a pitch 23 of 22 relative to spindle 24, and blades 25 and 26 have a pitch 27 of 67).

Fig.3 shows a reflector similar to that shown in Fig.2, in which each reflector comprises two identical plastics mouldings 30 incorporating integral snep joints 31. Each blade is provided with recessed surfaces 32 to which retro-reflective material is attached. The supporting cord is provided with uniformly spaced coliars or other protrusions, which ensure longitudinal fizity on the cord after assembly of the system.

Fig .4 is an elevation of an embodiment of a reflector system made in accordance with the invention. Cord 40 is tensioned between supports 41, and is provided with a plurality of reflectors 42 mounted rotatably at uniformly spaced centres along the cord. en the reflectors are rotated by wind. each one will reflect the headlights of a vehicle approaching from any direction. so the cord will provide effective delineation. In the absence of wind, the random orientation of reflectors along the cord will also reflect light incident from any direction.

Claims

CLAYS

1. A reflective system comprising a cord adapted to be tensioned between two supports, the cord being provided with a plurality of reflectors rotatably mounted on the cord at spaced iocations along the length of the tory.

2. A reflective system as claimed in claim i, wherein the reflectors comprise a boss rotatably mounted at a fixed position on the cord, the boss carrying two or more blades radiaily mounted theron.

3. A reflective system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the blades are fiat.

4. A reflective system as claimed in claims 2 and 3, wherein the angle between the plane of each blade and the axis of the cord differs from the angie between the plane of at least one other blade and the axis of the cord.

5. A reflective system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the reflector comprises two planes mounted on opposite sides of the boss. The angle between one blade and the axis o the cord is between 10 and 5, and the angle between the other blade and the axis of the cord is between 55 and 800.

6. A reflective system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the reflector comprises two blades mounted on opposite sides of the boss. and the angles between the planes of the blades an: the axis of the cord are 220 and c-70.

7. A reflective system as claimed in claims 2 to 4, wherein the reflector comprises four blades mounted symmetrically around the boss. The angles between the planes of one opposing pair of blades and the axis of the cord are 22 and the angles between the planes of the other opposing pair of blades and the axis of the cord are 67 .

8. A reflective system as claimed in cialm . wherein the reflector comprises two identical halves, each comprising half of the boss and the two blades mounted thereon. and each adapted to be snap-fitted together over a bearing spindle fitted to the cord.

9. A reflective system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

10. A reflector substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.