SIGNALLING DEVICE COMPRISING A FLAG ATTACHED TO A FLAG POLE

Abstract: A signalling device comprises a flag which is attached to a pole. The flag has a first surface (x) and an opposite second surface (y) with a different appearance, and the flag is provided with a fold line (7) over which the flag can be folded. In a first folded position the flag's first surface (x) faces outwards, and in a second folded position, where the flag's surfaces are folded 360 DEG in relation to the first folded position, the flag's second surface (y) faces outwards.

Description: SIGNALLING DEVICE COMPRISING A FLAG ATTACHED TO A FLAG POLE The invention concerns a signalling device comprising a flag which is attached to a pole. It is often difficult to know whether, e.g., a car which is lying with four wheels in the air has received help, or whether it contains injured persons. In the event of traffic accidents passing motorists are duty bound to stop in order to ascertain whether help is required. Ambulances on emergency calls are also required to stop, and this can be life-threatening for the patient who is already in the ambulance. Stopping on busy roads, especially motorways, is highly undesirable as it can lead to extremely dangerous situations. The object of the invention is to provide a singalling system which notifies passing motorists whether it is necessary to stop in order to help in the event of an accident involving a vehicle. The object is achieved with a signalling device of the type mentioned in the introduction, characterized by the features presented in the claims. The invention is kept in and used in connection with vehicles which travel in heavily trafficked areas. The signalling flag should have two possible colours, red or green. These can be luminous and thus reflect light. The signalling flag is used in the case of accident by the driver or the first person at the scene of the accident. It is placed on the vehicle, closest to the rest of the traffic. Help will be obtained more rapidly, or unnecessary stop¬ ping of other motorists will be prevented with associated dangerous consequences. The signalling flag is envisaged used in addition to the warning triangle, if used and also in other circumstances. The signalling flag can also be used if one is stopped at the roadside and does not require help. In this case the green side is used. The signalling flag is intended to be kept in the vehicle, easily accessible, e.g., between the seats. The signalling flag can also be used for other purposes, and in this case does not need to be luminous red/green. The invention will now be explained by means of a specific embodiment with reference to the drawing, in which: Fig. 1 illustrates the flag ready for use, fig. 2 illustrates the flagpole with foot, fig. 3 illustrates the flag half unfurled, figs. 4, 5 illustrate the same as figs. 1 and 2, the difference being a flange as a stopping system for the lower flag loops. The signalling flagpole 2, 2a, 2b and possibly 2c is made of plastic or rubber, since these are light materials and slightly flexible. The uppermost section of the pole 2a is thinner. The thin part is slightly longer than the flag's longest side 5. This is to enable the flag's loops to be passed down on to the pole. There can also be a flange 2c instead of the thicker part, see figs. 4 and 5, against which the loops stop. The flagpole can also consist of elements which can be pushed into one another, thus producing a telescopic flagpole. The actual flag 3 has two different surfaces and can be folded double about a folding edge 7. Folded one way, one side, preferably red, faces outwards, and folded the other way, the other side, preferably green, faces outwards. The folding is preferably performed at an angle of 360°, as indicated by the arrow P in fig. 3. There can also be text, company logos etc. on both sides if it is to be used for other purposes. Extending from all the outer corners, as an extension of the shortest sides 6, there is a loop 4 which can be slipped down on the upper part of the flagpole 2a. The flag can then wave in the wind, in order to be seen more easily. The loops can be provided in the corners of the flag itself. The flag can be designed in a luminous material to enable it to be more easily seen in poor light conditions. The material in the flag can be a cloth or a canvas. The flag can also be designed in a stiff material, while the fold line 7 can be made of a pliant canvas. The flagpole can be attached to a foot which can have a clamp or a magnet in order to be able to attach it to various parts of the car. The invention has been explained in the preceding section with regard to a specific embodiment. However, it is clear that different variations are possible within the scope of the invention, both with regard to the folding and attachment of the flag. The flag can be folded, e.g., along a fold line which is displaced in relation to the centre line, or the flag and its attachment can be designed in such a manner that, when in use, the two halves of the flag are at an angle in relation to each other, which results in the folding being performed at an angle which is less than 360°.

Claims: PATENT CLAIMS 1. A signalling device comprising a flag which is attached to a pole, characterized in that the flag has a first surface (x) and an opposite second surface (y), the surfaces being different in appearance, and that the flag is provided with a fold line (7) over which the flag can be folded, in such a manner that in a first folded position the flag's first surface (x) faces outwards, and in a second folded position, where the flag's surfaces are refolded in relation to the first folded position, the flag's second surface (y) faces outwards. 2. A signalling device according to claim 1 , characterized in that the flag is luminous. 3. A signalling device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the flag is made of stiff material, with a pliable material or a hinged section along the fold line (7). 4. A signalling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flag has loops, thus enabling the flag to wave by the arrangement of the loops around the pole. 5. A signalling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flagpole's (2, 2a, 2b, 2c) upper section (2a) has a cross sectional area which is less than the cross sectional area of the opening of the loops, and that the flagpole's lower section (2b) has a cross sectional area which is greater than the cross sectional area of the opening of the loops, or that the flagpole (2) has a flange (2c) which is larger then the opening of the loops, thus enabling the flag to be passed down on to the flagpole from above and abut against the lowest section (2b) or the flange (2c). 6. A signalling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flagpole is made of a flexible material, and will thus bend away under load, consequently avoiding the danger of stabbing. 7. A signalling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flagpole consists of elements which can be pushed into one another, thus producing a telescopic flagpole.

Inventors: GROESETH BRITT-KARIN, GROESETH, BRITT-KARIN
Applicants: GROESETH BRITT KARIN, GROESETH, BRITT-KARIN
Application year: 1996
Main classification: G09F17
IPC codes: B60R13, G09F17