GB2606738A - Sign with extension portion - Google Patents

Abstract

A sign comprising a base 7 and at least one extension portion 25 disposed for movement on an extension mechanism, in which said base 7 comprises a connection mechanism 38 for connecting said sign to an article with which it is used, in which said extension portion 25 comprises a first face and said base comprises a second face, in which said extension portion 25 is movable on said extension mechanism between a first position (figure 2) in which said first face at least partially overlaps with said second face and a second position in which said extension portion extends laterally from a first side of said base and said first face and said second face are codirectional. The sign may be particularly suited for use with a bicycle.

Description

Sign with Extension Portion The present invention relates to a sign with an extension portion, for use particularly, but not exclusively, as a warning sign on bicycles.

Bicycles are vulnerable road users because their speed relative to passing motorised traffic is slow. As a result, cyclists are commonly overtaken by motorised traffic, and this presents a clear danger. Road traffic laws usually stipulate that motorised traffic overtaking bicycles should give them a lot of lateral space, so as to avoid accidents. However, in practice cars, vans and even larger vehicles often pass very close to cyclists, and this can lead to accidents in which the cyclist suffers serious injuries or worse.

It is widely known to fit bicycles with lights to make other road users aware of their presence. It is also known to fit warning signs to bicycles which carry visual indicia alerting other road users of their presence. However, to date no such signs directly address the issue of lateral space on either side which should be provided when overtaking.

The present invention is intended to overcome some of the above described problems.

Therefore, according to the present invention a sign comprises a base and at least one extension portion disposed for movement on an extension mechanism, in which said base comprises a connection mechanism for connecting said sign to an article with which it is used, in which said extension portion comprises a first face and said base comprises a second face, in which said extension portion is movable on said extension mechanism between a first position in which said first face at least partially overlaps with said second face and a second position in which said extension portion extends laterally from a first side of said base and said first face and said second face are codirectional.

Thus, the present invention provides a warning sign which can be attached to a bicycle, and which can be extended laterally in length to provide a clear visual warning to other road users to provide a sufficient safe space when overtaking. The feature that the extension portion can be moved between the first position and the second position provides for the sign to be adjusted in width to suit. In particular, in a low road traffic area the extension portion can be moved to its first position so as to reduce the width of the sign, and in a high road traffic area the extension portion can be moved to its second position so as to increase the width of the sign. This feature is relevant to cyclists, because anything which creates unnecessary additional drag is to be avoided, so when not needed the extension portion can be laterally retracted.

It will be appreciated that a sign comprising a base and an extension portion which can be moved relative thereto can be constructed in many different ways. However, in a preferred construction the base can comprise a housing, and the housing can comprises an internal area and a first track inside the internal area. The at least one extension portion can then comprise a first panel mounted for linear movement on the first track. The first panel can have the first face as a first side thereof, and in the first position the first face can be at least partially enclosed in the internal area. With this construction the width of the sign can be adjusted by sliding the first panel in and out of the housing on the first track. In the first position the first panel can be substantially enclosed in the housing, and in the second position all but an inner end which remains supported by the first track can extend therefrom.

When travelling along a road a cyclist will normally be positioned close to the kerb, and hence be mostly vulnerable to the off-side. However, in various traffic situations a cyclist will also be positioned in the centre of a road, for example when turning right in a country which drives on the left, or when entering or negotiating a roundabout or complex junction. In such situations a cyclist can be vulnerable on both sides.

Therefore, in a preferred construction the housing can comprise a second track inside the internal area, and the sign can comprise a second panel mounted for linear movement on the second track. The second panel can comprise a third face, and it can be moveable between a third position in which the third face is at least partially enclosed in the internal area, and a fourth position in which the second panel extends laterally from a second side of the base opposite to the first side thereof, and the third face and the second face are codirectional. With this arrangement the sign is extendable in two opposite directions. The user can choose which side to extend the sign depending on the circumstances, or they can extend it on both sides for the maximum effect.

The first panel and the second panel can be held in the second position in any known way, including by means of being a friction fit in the first track and the second track respectively. However, in one embodiment the first panel can comprise a first spring loaded locking pin and the housing can comprise at least one first locking pin slot. The first spring loaded locking pin can be located in the first locking pin slot in the second position. Likewise, the second panel can comprise a second spring loaded locking pin and the housing can comprise at least one second locking pin slot. The second spring loaded locking pin can then be located in the second locking pin slot in the fourth position. This is a simple and convenient arrangement for securing the first panel and the second panel in the second and fourth positions respectively.

Preferably the housing can comprise a plurality of first locking pin slots, and the first spring loaded locking pin can be locatable in each of the first locking pin slots in a plurality of alternate second positions. Likewise, the housing can comprise a plurality of second locking pin slots, and the second spring loaded locking pin can be locatable in each of the second locking pin slots in a plurality of alternate fourth positions. Therefore, the sign can be extended to different widths in either direction, as desired.

The housing can be made using any known manufacturing technique, including as a single piece using injection moulding. Alternatively the housing can be constructed from different parts such as first and second side walls, upper and lower pieces and first and second end pieces.

It will be appreciated that a sign which extends laterally from a bicycle will create drag. So, while in some possible constructions the first panel and the second panel can be solid, in one construction the first panel and the second panel can each comprise an opening therethrough. The opening reduces weight, and decreases drag.

In alternative embodiments the first panel and the second panel can be fully or partially made from a mesh or other light material in order to achieve the same effect. Furthermore, in one version of the invention the housing can also comprise an opening therethrough in order to reduce weight and decrease drag. A mesh or light material can be disposed in the opening in the housing if desired.

The first panel and the second panel can just be rectangular in shape, but preferably they can each comprise a tapering outer end. The tapering outer end creates the suggestion of a directional sign, indicating to other road users to move right or left around the bicycle. The shape of the first panel and the second panel can have different shapes to this depending on the customer requirements.

The sign can be affixed to anything which is vulnerable to being overtaken on a road or pavement, including a bicycle, a scooter, a moped, a motorcycle, a mobility vehicle or a horse. In any such circumstance the connection mechanism can be any known mechanism for connection to a vehicle, person or animal, including clamps, bolts, hooks, hook and loop fasteners, straps, belts and so on. The sign can also be affixed directly to the rider of any such vehicle or animal, or it can be worn directly by a pedestrian or runner. The connection mechanism can then be a belt, strap, harness or other device. It is also possible to integrate the sign of the invention into clothing of the rider, runner or pedestrian, for example a jacket or top with the sign built into the back. This could be in the form of a cyclist's top with a pouch on the front or back forming the housing, and the first panel and the second panel being extendable therefrom.

However, as mentioned above the primary use is on bicycles. As such, the connection mechanism can comprise an arm with a clamp provided on the outer end thereof for clamping to the seat post of a bicycle with which the sign is used. Such clamps are known and comprise two half annular parts which can be drawn together by a rotatable bolt, or one half annular part the ends of which can be drawn together with an adjustable rubber band. Furthermore, some bicycles have seat posts which are not annular, in which case the clamp can be constructed to integrate therewith accordingly in any of the known ways.

The arm can be rigid, or it can be malleable so the position of the sign can be easily adjusted to suit. The arm can be straight, or it can comprise a suitable curvature. The arm could also comprise an additional articulation mechanism such as a hinge or a ball joint.

Theft of bicycles, or of parts of bicycles is common. Therefore, it is known to provide means for component parts to be readily removed for safekeeping, such as snap-fit mounts for lights. As such, in one construction the connection mechanism can comprise a first clamp in which the housing is removably mountable, and the first clamp can then comprise an arm with a second clamp provided on the outer end thereof for clamping to the seat post of a bicycle with which the sign is used. The first clamp can be a resilient snap-fit type clamp comprising a pair of spaced latches which securely hold the housing when in a neutral state, but which can be flexed apart to allow the housing to be removed therefrom, or to be mounted therein. With this arrangement the housing and its moving parts can be readily manually removed from the bicycle for safekeeping. Therefore, the sign can be detached from the vehicle in different ways depending on its construction. The entire sign can be detached from the vehicle, or just the housing can be detached, leaving the arm in place.

In a second embodiment of the invention a simpler approach is employed. Namely, the sign can comprise a collapsible panel comprising the base as a central portion thereof, the at least one extension portion as a right side portion thereof, and with a first fold line between the central portion and the right side portion as the extension mechanism thereof. In the first position the right side can be rotated on the first fold line such that it overlies the central portion, and in the second position the right side can be rotated on the fold line such that it is coplanar with the central portion. The collapsible panel can then comprise a left side portion and a second fold line between the central portion and the left side portion. Again, the left side portion can be rotatable about the second fold line between a third position in which it overlies the central portion and a fourth position in which it is coplanar with the central portion. So, in this simpler version of the invention the sign can simply be unfolded to increase its width. This version of the invention is also simpler and cheaper to manufacture.

The connection mechanism in this version of the invention can comprise a support in which the collapsible panel can be removably mountable with the right side and the left side in their second and fourth positions respectively. The support can further comprises a frame provided with a mounting mechanism at an outer end thereof for connecting to a bicycle with which the sign is used.

In any version of the invention the first face can comprise indicia. This can be visual warning indicia and/or branding. Visual warning indicia can take the form of wording such as "STAY WIDE", "WARNING" or "PLEASE OVERTAKE. Such indicia can be provided in bright or fluorescent colours and it can also be reflective. The warning indicia could also be visual imagery such as arrows, chevrons or stripes. Branding indicia can be any company name or company logo. This could be a commercial sponsor, or branding associated with the vehicle or its rider.

The second face and the third face can also comprise indicia of the same kind which can be visual warning indicia and/or branding. As such the visual warning indicia and/or branding can be co-ordinated across the first, second and third faces.

In one version of the invention the sign further comprises one or more lights. Preferably these lights emit light in a direction which is co-directional with the first face. As such, the lights work in conjunction with the other features of the sign to alert other road users of the presence of the user. The lights can be any of the known kind commonly fitted to bicycles or the like, including those with different modes of constant light emission, flashing, strobing and so on. They could also include other functions such as direction indicators, or brake lights operated by a control panel or the brake levers. The lights can be removably mounted to the sign, or they can be an integral part of the sign.

The invention can be performed in various ways, but four embodiments will now be described by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first sign according to the present invention with a first panel thereof in its second position and a second panel thereof in its fourth position; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the first sign shown in Figure 1 with the first panel thereof in its first position and the second panel thereof in its third position; Figure 3 is a front view of the first sign shown in Figure 1 with the first panel thereof in its second position and the second panel thereof in its third position; Figure 4 is an exploded view of housing components of the first sign shown in Figure 1; Figure 5 is perspective view of a second sign according to the present invention, with a first panel thereof in its second position and a second panel thereof in its fourth position; Figure 6 is a bottom view of a third sign according to the present invention; Figure 7 is a partial diagrammatic view of the third sign as shown in Figure 6; Figure 8 is a perspective view of a collapsible panel part of a fourth sign according to the present invention, with a first panel thereof in its first position and a second panel thereof in its third position; Figure 9 perspective view of the collapsible panel and frame parts of the fourth sign, with a first panel thereof in its second position and a second panel thereof in its fourth position; Figure 10 is an end view of a support part of the fourth sign; Figure 11 is a perspective view of connection mechanism parts of the fourth sign; Figure 12 is a front view of a fifth sign according to the present invention; Figure 13 is a perspective view of a removable light of the fifth sign as shown in Figure 12; Figure 14 is a front view of a sixth sign according to the present invention; Figure 15 is a front view of a seventh sign according to the present invention; and, Figure 16 is a perspective view of a removable light of the seventh sign as shown in Figure 15.

As shown in the Figures, a sign 1 comprises a base, in the form of housing 2, and at least one extension portion, in the form of first panel 3, which is disposed for movement on an extension mechanism, in the form of first track 4. The base (2) comprises a connection mechanism, in the form of annular clamp 5, for connecting the sign 1 to an article with which it is used (not visible). The extension portion (3) comprises a first face 6 and the base (2) comprises a second face 7. The extension portion (3) is movable on the extension mechanism (4) between a first position, as show in Figure 2, in which the first face 6 at least partially overlaps with the second face 7 and a second position, as shown in Figure 1, in which the extension portion (3) extends laterally from a first side 8 of the base (2) and the first face 6 and the second face 7 are codirectional.

Referring to Figure 4, the housing 2 is a box structure comprising first and second side walls 9 and 10, upper and lower pieces 11 and 12 and first and second end pieces 13 and 14. These parts are formed from plastics materials and are secured together with an adhesive. Collectively they define an internal area 15. The upper and lower pieces 11 and 12 each comprise a pair of elongate slots 16 and 17 and 18 and 19 respectively. Opposed elongate slots 16 and 18 define the first tack 4, along which the first panel 3 can travel in a linear manner. As is clear from the Figures, in the first position the first face 6 is enclosed in the internal area 15, and in the second position all but an inner end 20 of the first panel 3 extends laterally from the housing 2.

The sign 1 also comprises a second panel 21 which is mounted for movement on a second track 22 provided inside the internal area 15. The second track 22 is defined by opposed elongate slots 17 and 19, and the second panel 21 can travel along the second track 22 in a linear manner just like the first panel 3. The second panel 21 comprises a third face 23, and it is moveable between a third position, as shown in Figure 2, in which the third face 23 is enclosed in the internal area 15, and a fourth position, as shown in Figure 1, in which the second panel 21 extends laterally from a second side 24 of the housing 2 opposite to the first side 8 thereof and the third face 23 and the second face 7 are codirectional.

The first panel 3 and the second panel 21 are a friction fit in the first track 4 and the second track 22 respectively, which ensures that the first panel 3 and the second panel 21 remain in the position adopted, unless subjected to sufficient manual force to overcome the friction fit.

In each case the first panel 3 and the second panel 21 comprise a large opening 25 therethrough, and a tapering end 26. The opening 25 also comprises a tapering side 27, such that an arrow head shape 28 is created at the outer end 29 of the first panel 3 and the second panel 21, which has an arrow head indicia 30 thereon. This creates a clear visual indication that overtaking traffic should steer clear. The opening 25 reduces drag which would otherwise be created if the first panel 3 and the second panel 21 were solid.

The annular clamp 5 is a known kind of clamp which is suitable for securing to the seat post of a bicycle (not shown) with which the sign 1 is used. The annular clamp 5 comprises a C-shaped clamp formed from a resilient plastics material, which comprises a pair of half annular arms 31 and 32, which extend from live hinge 33. The live hinge 33 is flexible enough to allow the arms 31 and 32 to be pulled apart a sufficient distance to allow the clamp 5 to be placed around the seat post of the bicycle. The outer ends 34 and 35 of the arms 31 and 32 respectively comprise apertures (not visible), through which screw threaded bolt 36 passes. The aperture at the outer end 35 or arm 32 comprises a screw thread, so rotation of the bolt 36 brings the arms 31 and 32 together in order to secure the clamp 5 around the seat post of the bicycle.

The annular clamp 5 forms the second clamp part of a greater connection mechanism. Namely, the sign 1 comprises a first clamp 37 in which the housing 2 is removably mountable, and the first clamp 37 comprises an arm 38 which has the annular clamp 5 provided on the outer end 39 thereof. The first clamp 37 is a resilient snap-fit type clamp comprising a pair of spaced latches 40 and 41 at either end of a spine part 42. The latches 40 and 41 securely hold the housing 2 when in a neutral state, but which can be flexed apart to allow the housing 2 to be removed therefrom, or to be mounted therein.

Along with the arrow head indicia 30 on the first face 6 and the third face 23, the second face 7 comprises visual warming indicia 43, in the form of the words "STAY WIDE". As such, co-ordinated visual warning indicia 30 and 43 is spread across the width of the sign 1, which is all co-directional as shown in Figure 1, and would face rearward of the bicycle to which the sign 1 is applied, and hence be visible to those overtaking.

Therefore, in use the user first attaches the sign 1 to their bicycle (not shown). This is done by removing the threaded bolt 36 from the threaded aperture at the outer end 35 of the arm 32, so as to allow the two arms 31 and 32 to be manually pulled apart and placed around the seat post of the bicycle. This is done with the second face 7 facing rearward of the bicycle. The threaded bolt is then applied to the threaded aperture and rotated to draw the outer ends 34 and 35 of the arms 31 and 32 together, so as to secure the annular clamp 5 to the seat post.

The user can then employ the sign 1 on their bicycle in multiple different ways. They can leave the first panel 3 and the second panel 21 in the first and third positions respectively, as shown in Figure 2, so they are both enclosed in the internal area 15, and the second face 7 overlies the first face 6 and the third face 23 such that they are not visible. With this configuration the sign 1 is at its narrowest, but the second face 7 and the visual warning indicia 43 it carries are still visible.

Alternatively, the user can manually move the first panel 3 on the first track 4 into its second position, as shown in Figure 3, so it extends laterally from the first side 8 of the housing 2, and in such a way that the first face 6 and the second face 7 are co-directional, and hence equally as visible from the rear of the bicycle. The first panel 3 stays in place due to its friction fit in the first track 4. This arrangement increases the width of the sign 1 to the right-hand side of the bicycle (which would be the offside in a country like the UK in which traffic travels on the left). This creates an additional visual warning to overtaking traffic to leave sufficient space around the bicycle. In particular, the arrow head indicia 30 works alongside the wording 43 to reinforce the meaning thereof, namely that overtaking traffic should steer clear. This arrangement is most appropriate in urban environments when the bicycle is travelling along a road adjacent to the kerb.

Alternatively, the user can also manually move the second panel 21 on the second track 22 into its fourth position, as shown in Figure 1, so it extends laterally from the second side 24 of the housing 2, and in such a way that the third face 23 and the second face 7 are co-directional, and hence equally as visible from the rear of the bicycle. The second panel 21 stays in place due to its friction fit in the second track 22. With this arrangement the width of the sign 1 is increased to both the right-hand side and the left hand side of the bicycle. This creates yet further additional visual warning to overtaking traffic to leave sufficient space around the bicycle. In particular, the arrow head indicia 30 on both the first face 6 and the third face 23 works alongside the wording 43 to reinforce the meaning thereof, namely that overtaking traffic should steer clear. This arrangement is appropriate in urban environments when the bicycle might regularly be positioned in the centre of a road, for example when turning right in a country which drives on the left, or when entering or negotiating a roundabout or complex junction. In such situations a cyclist can be vulnerable to overtaking traffic on both sides.

In addition to the above arrangements the sign 1 can also be set in other ways. For example, the first panel 3 can be moved to its first position inside the housing 2 while the second panel 21 can be moved to its fourth position extending from the second side 24 of the housing 2. This would be appropriate for use in countries in which traffic travels on the right, so overtaking traffic would pass to the left of the bicycle. Alternatively, the first panel 3 and the second panel 21 can each be moved to any intermediate position between their first and second and third and fourth positions respectively, as desired. For example, the first panel 3 can be positioned part way towards its second position, so as to reduce the width of the sign 1 while still employing the first face 6 as a visual warning. This could be done with just the arrow head indicia 30 extending from the housing 2. Alternatively, the first panel 3 could be positioned in its second position, while the second panel 21 could be positioned with just the arrow head indicial 30 extending from the housing 2. It will be appreciated that there are numerous other options available.

When not in use the user can readily remove the housing 2 from the first clamp 37 for safekeeping. They simply pull the latches 40 and 41 apart to release the housing 2 therefrom. To replace the housing 2 in the first clamp 37 for further use the user performs the opposite action.

The invention can be performed in various other ways without departing from the scope of claim 1. Namely, in a second embodiment shown in Figure 5 a sign 50 is the same as sign 1, except that the arm 51 is connected directly to the housing 52, so the housing 52 cannot be readily removed therefrom. This construction may be preferred because the connection between the arm 51 and the housing 52 is stronger and eliminates any instability experienced in use by the first clamp 37 in sign 1. It is also a simpler embodiment which may be cheaper to manufacture and buy.

In a third embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 7 the sign 60 is the same as sign 1 described above, except that instead of there being a friction fit between the first panel and the first track, and between the second panel and the second track, the sign 60 features a locking pin arrangement. Namely, the first panel 61 comprises a first spring loaded locking pin 62 and the housing 63 comprises six first locking pin slots 64. The locking pin 62 is mounted at an inner end 65 of the first panel 61, and extends downwardly. It extends from a lever 66 which is mounted on a pivot 67 which is biased by a coil spring (not visible) in a clockwise direction. An outer end 68 of the lever 66 abuts against an internal surface 69 of the first panel 61, which delimits the downward travel of the locking pin 62. The locking pin slots 64 are formed in the lower piece 70 of the housing 63 The locking pin 62 can be located in each of the six locking pin slots 64. When the first panel 61 is in the first position the locking pin 62 is located in an innermost slot 71, and when it is in the second position the locking pin 62 is in an outermost slot 72. To move the first panel 61 from one position to another the locking pin 62 is manually depressed, to fully or partially remove it from a locking pin slot 64, and the first panel 61 is then laterally manually moved to another position. Once in that position the locking pin 62 will travel downwardly into the corresponding locking pin slot 64. As such, the first panel 61 can be held securely in place in six different positions.

Equivalent features are provided on the second panel 73, and six second locking pin slots 74 are provided to enable the same functions. As such, the second panel 73 can also be held securely in place in six different positions.

Figures 8-11 show a fourth embodiment in which a simpler approach is employed. Namely, sign 80 comprises a collapsible panel 81 comprising a central portion 82, a right side position 83, a left side portion 84, a first fold line 85 between the central portion 82 and the right side portion 83, and a second fold line 86 between the central portion 82 and the left side portion 84. Visual warning indicia (not visible) like that described above is provided on the collapsible panel 81.

The collapsible panel 81 can be folded up as shown in Figure 8, or unfolded flat as in Figure 9. In the arrangement shown in Figure 8 the right side position 83 is arranged on the first fold line 85 such that it overlies the central portion 82. Likewise, the left side position 84 is arranged on the second fold line 86 such that it overlies both the central portion 82 and the right side portion 83. In the arrangement shown in Figure 9 the right side portion 83 is arranged on the first fold line 85 such that it is coplanar with the central portion 82. Likewise, the left side portion 84 is arranged on the second fold line 86 such that it is also coplanar with the central portion 82.

The connection mechanism in this embodiment of the invention comprises a support 87 in which the collapsible panel 81 can be removably mountable with the right side portion 83 and the left side portion 84 in their second and fourth positions respectively, as shown in Figure 9. The support 87 comprises a clip mechanism made up of a static jaw 88 and a spring loaded movable jaw 89. As such, collapsible panel 81 can be securely gripped between the static jaw 88 and the movable jaw 89, as shown in Figure 9. As is clear from Figure 10 the static jaw 88 and the movable jaw 89 are wider than the distance between the first fold line 85 and the second fold line 86, and as such the right side portion 83, the central portion 82 and the left side position 84 are held in the coplanar position shown. As such, the right side portion 83 and the left side portion 84 do not rotate about the first fold line 85 and the second fold line 86 respectively in use.

The static jaw 88 further comprises a triangular frame 90 provided with a mounting mechanism, in the form of first mounting plate 91, at an outer end 92 thereof. This is for connecting to second mounting plate 93 which is provided at the inner end 94 of arm 95, which has at its outer end 96 an annular clamp 97 for connecting to the seat post 98 of a bicycle 99 with which the sign 80 is used. Annular clamp 97 is the same as annular clamp 5 described above. Any suitable mechanism can be used to connect the first mounting plate 91 to the second mounting plate 93, such as a nut and bolt or the like.

In use the collapsible panel 81 is unfolded from the position shown in Figure 8 to the position shown in Figure 9, and removably mounted to the support 87. It will be appreciated that in this configuration the sign 80 is as wide as it can be. It is also possible to only unfold either the right side portion 83 or the left side portion 84, so as to create a sign similar to the arrangement shown in Figure 3, in which a directional pointer is only provided on one side. One advantage of the simplex arrangement of the fourth sign 80 is that the whole of the panel 81 can be moved laterally on the support 87, so the sign 80 can be arranged with only one side portion unfolded, but with the fold line in question arranged centrally in the support 87, so as to more centrally align the sign 80 on the bicycle 99. After use it is a simple matter to remove the panel 81 for safekeeping.

Therefore, sign 80 is much simpler in construction than sign 1 described above, which may make it cheaper to manufacture and to sell. It is also lighter, and may be easier to transport and to store.

Figure 12 shows a fifth embodiment in which sign 100 is the same as sign 1 except that it is provided with removable lights 101 and 102. Removable light 101 is shown in isolation in Figure 13. It functions to emit light in the same way as known bicycle lights, and is capable of emitting solid, flashing or strobing lights. However, removable light 101 comprises a clip section 103 for removably fitting it to a corresponding mounting point (not visible) on the rear of housing 104, such that light 101 faces in the same direction as first surface 105. In other words it emits light in a rearward direction of the bicycle, as known bicycle lights do. Removable light 102 is the same, only with the clip section (not visible) on the opposite side so it mounts to the opposite side of the housing 104. As such the lights 101 and 102 work in conjunction with the other features of the sign 100 to alert other road users of the presence of the user. The lights 101 and 102 may also be useful if the sign 100 would obscure a bicycle light normally fitted to the seat post of the bicycle.

As is clear from Figure 12 with this configuration the light 101 is visible through the opening 106 in the first panel 107 when the first panel 107 is in its second position. As such, the first panel 107 does not obstruct the light 101 in its second position. The same is true for the second panel (not visible) which does not obstruct the light 102 when it is in its fourth position.

Other configurations of light are shown in Figures 14 and 15. In a sixth embodiment shown in Figure 14 sign 108 is the same as sign 1 except that it is provided with integrated lights 109 and 110, which are not removable from housing 111. They are also arranged in a vertical rather than horizontal position. This arrangement of lights 109 and 110 may be preferred because they create less drag in this position. Having the lights integrated into the housing 111 also reduces the risk of the lights 109 and 110 being lost in use.

Finally, in a seventh embodiment shown in Figure 15 sign 112 is like sign 1 except that it is provided with removable lights 113 and 114. Removable light 113 is shown in isolation in Figure 16, and it comprises a clip section 115 for removably fitting it to a corresponding mounting point (not shown) on the rear of the housing 116, such that light 113 faces in the same direction as the first surface (not visible). In this embodiment the lights 113 and 114 are arranged on top of the housing 116. This arrangement of lights may be preferred because it reduces the width of the housing 116, and concentrates the lights 113 and 114 into one area. In addition, it may be preferred in constructions in which the first panel and the second panel do not comprise an opening, and would obscure lights fitted in the manner shown in Figures 13 and 14.

The invention can also be altered in various ways without departing from the scope of claim 1. For example in alternative embodiments (not shown) signs like sign 1 above are provided with connection mechanisms for connecting them to scooters, mopeds, motorcycles, mobility vehicles and horses. Known kinds of connection mechanism are used including clamps, bolts, hooks, hook and loop fasteners, straps, belts and so on. In other alternative embodiments (not shown) signs like sign 1 above are provided with connection mechanisms for connecting them to the rider of any vehicle or animal. Known kinds of connection mechanisms are used, including belts, straps or harnesses. In one embodiment the sign is integrated into clothing for a rider, runner or pedestrian, by being built into the back of it.

In another alternative embodiment (not shown) the housing is made using a single piece using injection moulding technique, so it is a unitary part.

In other alternative embodiments (not shown) the first panel and the second panel are partially made from a mesh. Furthermore, in one alternative embodiment (not shown) the housing comprises an opening therethrough in order to reduce weight and decrease drag. A mesh or light material can be mounted in the opening in the housing if desired.

In another alternative embodiment (not shown) the clamp for fitting to the seat post comprises a half annular part which can be drawn together with an adjustable rubber band.

In another alternative embodiment (not shown) the arm of the connection mechanism comprises an additional articulation mechanism in the form of a ball joint.

In other alternative embodiments (not shown) the indicia comprises branding This could be a commercial sponsor, or branding associated with the vehicle or its rider.

In other alternative embodiments (not shown) the lights include other functions such as being direction indicators, or brake lights operated by a control panel or the brake levers of the bicycle.

Finally, in other alternative embodiments (now shown) the lights are integral to the housing, but are arranged horizontally and either extend out sideways from the side of the housing, or are mounted on the top or bottom of the housing.

Thus, the present invention provides warning signs which can be attached to bicycles in particular, and which can be extended laterally in length to provide a clear visual warning to other road users to provide sufficient space when overtaking. The invention can be performed in multiple different ways as described above, and can include lights and other kinds of indicia.

Claims (15)

1. Claims 1. A sign comprising a base and at least one extension portion disposed for movement on an extension mechanism, in which said base comprises a connection mechanism for connecting said sign to an article with which it is used, in which said extension portion comprises a first face and said base comprises a second face, in which said extension portion is movable on said extension mechanism between a first position in which said first face at least partially overlaps with said second face and a second position in which said extension portion extends laterally from a first side of said base and said first face and said second face are codirecfional.
2. 2. A sign as claimed in claim 1 in which said base comprises a housing, in which said housing comprises an internal area and a first track inside said internal area, in which said at least one extension portion comprises a first panel mounted for linear movement on said first track, in which said first panel comprises said first face as a first side thereof, and in which in said first position said first face is at least partially enclosed in said internal area.
3. 3. A sign as claimed in claim 2 in which said housing comprises a second track inside said internal area, and in which said sign comprises a second panel mounted for linear movement on said second track, in which said second panel comprises a third face, in which said second panel is moveable between a third position in which said third face is at least partially enclosed in said internal area, and a fourth position in which said second panel extends laterally from a second side of said base opposite to said first side thereof, and said third face and said second face are codirectional.
4. 4. A sign as claimed in claim 3 in which said first panel comprises a first spring loaded locking pin and said housing comprises at least one first locking pin slot, in which said first spring loaded locking pin is located in said first locking pin slot in said second position, in which said second panel comprises a second spring loaded locking pin and said housing comprises at least one second locking pin slot, and in which said second spring loaded locking pin is located in said second locking pin slot in said fourth position.
5. 5. A sign as claimed in claim 4 in which said housing comprises a plurality of first locking pin slots, in which said first spring loaded locking pin is locatable in each of said first locking pin slots in a plurality of alternate second positions, in which said housing comprises a plurality of second locking pin slots, and in which said second spring loaded locking pin is locatable in each of said second locking pin slots in a plurality of alternate fourth positions.
6. 6. A sign as claimed in claim 3 in which said first panel and said second panel each comprise an opening therethrough.
7. 7. A sign as claimed in claim 3 in which said first panel and said second panel each comprise a tapering outer end.
8. 8. A sign as claimed in claim 1 in which said connection mechanism comprises an arm with a clamp provided on the outer end thereof for clamping to the seat post of a bicycle with which said sign is used.
9. 9. A sign as claimed in 2 in which said connection mechanism comprises a first clamp in which said housing is removably mountable, which first clamp further comprises an arm with a second clamp provided on the outer end thereof for clamping to the seat post of a bicycle with which said sign is used.
10. 10. A sign as claimed in claim 1 in which said sign comprises a collapsible panel comprising said base as a central portion thereof, said at least one extension portion as a right side portion thereof, and a first fold line between said central portion and said right side portion as said extension mechanism thereof, in which in said first position said right side is rotated on said first fold line such that it overlies said central portion, in which in said second position said right side is rotated on said fold line such that it is coplanar with said central portion, in which said collapsible panel comprises a left side portion and a second fold line between said central portion and said left side portion, in which said left side portion is rotatable about said second fold line between a third position in which it overlies said central portion and a fourth position in which it is coplanar with said central portion.
11. 11. A sign as claimed in claim 10 in which said connection mechanism comprises a support in which said collapsible panel is removably mountable with said right side and left side in their second and fourth positions respectively, which support further comprises a frame provided with a mounting mechanism at an outer end thereof for connecting to a bicycle with which said sign is used.
12. 12. A sign as claimed in claim 1 in which said first face comprises indicia.
13. 13. A sign as claimed in claim 12 in which said second face comprises indicia.
14. 14. A sign as claimed in claim 1 in which said sign further comprises one or more lights.
15. 15. A sign as claimed in claim 14 in which said one or more lights emit light in a direction which is co-directional with said first face.