GB2482705A

GB2482705A - Foldable fabric warning triangle

Info

Publication number: GB2482705A
Application number: GB1013499.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Daniel Ray John Campsall
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-08-11
Filing date: 2010-08-11
Publication date: 2012-02-15
Also published as: GB201013499D0

Abstract

A reflective warning triangle mounted on two collapsible fabric discs (2, figure 1), joined at the base and with restraining straps to the side (5, figure 2). The warning triangle can be expanded and secured in an emergency situation. It may also be folded to one third of its original size and may be stored in a small pouch (11, figure 6).

Description

Foldable Fabric Warning Triangle

Background

This invention relates to a hazard warning triangle that can be used at the road side in emergencies. Some motorists, especially motorcyclists, have need of a warning triangle that can be easily stowed and carried, and which is light and compact.

Statement of Invention

To meet this need, this invention proposes a foldable fabric warning triangle that can be easily stored. The reflective warning triangle is mounted on a foldable fabric disc which can be collapsed into a small pouch; when expanded the triangle can be securely positioned using an item such as a motorcycle helmet.

Advantages The very compact design will allow many motorists to carry a warning triangle which can be easily transported even with limited storage.

Introduction to Drawings

An example of the invention will now be described by referring to the accompanying drawings: * Figure 1. shows the front elevation of the foldable fabric warning triangle; * Figure 2 shows the side elevation with something being used to provide ballast, in this case a motorcycle helmet; * Figure 3 shows the flexible fabric discs being laid flat against one another as the first stage in folding the warning triangle for storage; * Figure 4 shows how the two discs are twisted in the second stage of the folding; * Figure 5 shows how the discs then collapse to one third of the original diameter ready to be stored; Figure 6 shows how the folded disc can be stowed in a small bag for ease of storage.

Detailed Description

The warning triangle 1 is made of an appropriate reflective material is mounted on the uppermost of two fabric discs 2. The discs are made using lightweight fabric stretched over a flexible circular band 3. The two discs are joined either by stitching, fastening rings or similar at a point directly below the warning triangle on the uppermost disc 4.

The warning triangle is erected by separating the two discs moving them to the point at which they are perpendicular from one another pivoting around the joint described above. Two elasticated restraining straps 5 are similarly joined to each of the discs 6 in order to tether the two discs to one another ensuring that the warning triangle only opens to an angle of approximately ninety degrees. Once opened out, an appropriate object 7 such as a motorcycle helmet (as illustrated) can be used to provide ballast and ensure that the warning triangle does not blow away.

The warning triangle can be easily packed away at a fraction of its size when erected. This process begins by folding the two discs so that they lie flat against one another 8. The two discs can then be taken together and twisted into a figure-of-eight shape 9, then the discs will automatically twist again in order to create three loops of the rim 10 and the warning triangle will have collapsed to around one third of its expanded diameter.

Once the two discs have been twisted and folded together in this way, they can be stored in a small pouch 11. which can be easily stored for future use.

Claims

Claims 1. A warning triangle comprising collapsible fabric discs, one with a surface mounted reflective triangle which can be expanded and secured with ballast.
2. A warning triangle according to claim 1, in which the discs can be hinged to an open position in which the first is perpendicular to the second and will not move past the perpendicular position through the use of restraining straps.
3. A warning triangle according to claim 1. in which the tensile strength of each disc is created by a flexible rim sewn or sealed into the fabric.
4. A warning triangle according to claim 3, in which the flexible rim can be twisted and folded to allow the disks to be collapsed to a smaller size.
5. A warning triangle according to claim 4, in which the collapsed discs can be stored in a small pouch or pocket.