Patent Publication Number: US-2022234496-A1

Title: Device for signaling a vehicle encumbrance

Description:
FIELD OF APPLICATION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     The present invention refers to a device for signaling a vehicle encumbrance. 
     In particular, the present device is especially suitable for signaling a transverse encumbrance of said vehicle, and is especially usable on agricultural and/or forestry machinery or for signaling a load protruding from said vehicle. 
     STATE OF THE ART 
     Devices are known for signaling an encumbrance, in particular a load protruding from a vehicle, in particular protruding laterally from the same vehicle, which comprise means for signaling the overall dimensions and means which connect said signaling means to the same vehicle. 
     These already-known signaling devices are rigidly fixed to the vehicle through corresponding connection means. 
     In practice, through these already-known signaling devices, for each vehicle or load it is necessary to arrange a corresponding connecting support for supporting said signaling means or panel at the vehicle and all this involves the need to make a plurality of connecting supports, each suitable for a specific size of the load to be signaled—all of the above involves considerable losses of time for the employed personnel. 
     Furthermore, it can also occur that a corresponding signaling panel will be erroneously mounted on the respective support, i.e. with corresponding retro-reflective strips which are arranged with an oblique orientation that is not legally compliant with the law, with the need to remake said assembly, or even worse, the vehicle would travel in a manner that is not compliant with current laws. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     With the present invention, it is desired to propose a new solution, alternative to the solutions known up to now and in particular it is proposed to overcome one or more of the drawbacks or problems referred to above and/or to satisfy one or more of the needs mentioned above and/or in any case indicated in the art and in particular inferable from that stated above. 
     A device is then provided for signaling a vehicle encumbrance, in particular of a transverse encumbrance of said vehicle, in particular usable on agricultural and/or forestry machinery or for signaling a load protruding from said vehicle, comprising means for signaling the overall dimensions and means which connect said signaling means to the same vehicle; characterized in that said means which connect said signaling means to the same vehicle are adapted to support said signaling means in respective positions, in particular transversal with respect to the same vehicle, said positions being comprised between a maximum extension position and a minimum extension position with respect to said vehicle. 
     In this manner, it is possible to use the same device for different use situations, in particular for different sizes of the vehicle, in particular of the agricultural and/or forestry vehicle, i.e. for different types of protruding loads. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       This and other innovative aspects, or specific advantageous embodiments, are in any case described in the below-reported claims, whose technical characteristics can be found in the following detailed description, illustrating preferred and advantageous embodiments, which are nevertheless to be considered as merely exemplifying and non-limiting of the invention; said description being made with reference to the enclosed drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective schematic view of a preferred embodiment of a device according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a front elevation schematic view of the preferred embodiment of a device according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a top plan schematic view of the preferred embodiment of a device according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a side elevation schematic view of the preferred embodiment of a device according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an exploded perspective schematic view of the preferred embodiment of a device according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 6A  illustrates a front elevation schematic view, partially disassembled, of the preferred embodiment of a device according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 6B  illustrates a perspective schematic view, partially disassembled, of the preferred embodiment of a device according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 7A  illustrates a front elevation schematic view, partially disassembled, of the preferred embodiment of a device according to the present invention, with, mounted thereon, the element for supporting the emission means of a corresponding light radiation; 
         FIG. 7B  illustrates a perspective schematic view, partially disassembled, of the preferred embodiment of a device according to the present invention, with, mounted thereon, the element for supporting the emission means of a corresponding light radiation; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a front elevation schematic view, illustrating only a part of the block for supporting the signaling means, of the preferred embodiment of a device according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a front elevation schematic view, illustrating the end work positions of the arm for supporting the signaling means of the preferred embodiment of a device according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 10A  illustrates an enlarged longitudinal section schematic view of a part of the preferred embodiment of a device according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 10B  illustrates an enlarged cross section schematic view, taken according to line C-C of  FIG. 10A , of part of the preferred embodiment of a device according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 10C  illustrates an enlarged cross section schematic view, taken according to line B-B of  FIG. 10A , of part of the preferred embodiment of a device according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 10D  illustrates a perspective schematic view of the preferred embodiment of connecting means to the vehicle of the device according to the present invention, in open condition; 
         FIG. 10E  illustrates an exploded perspective schematic view of an enlarged detail of the preferred embodiment of a device according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 10F  illustrates a schematic view of the enlarged detail of the perspective view of  FIG. 10E , in assembled condition; 
         FIG. 10G  illustrates an exploded perspective schematic view of an enlarged detail of the preferred embodiment of a device according to the present invention, taken from the side opposite that of  FIG. 10E ; 
         FIG. 10H  illustrates a schematic view of the enlarged detail of the perspective view of  FIG. 10G , in assembled and overturned condition; 
         FIG. 10I  illustrates a perspective cross section schematic view of an enlarged detail of the preferred embodiment of a device according to the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     In the enclosed figures, a preferred embodiment 1 is illustrated of a device for signaling a vehicle encumbrance, in particular of a transverse encumbrance of said vehicle, in particular usable on agricultural and/or forestry machinery or for signaling a load protruding from said vehicle. 
     As illustrated, the device  1  comprises respective means  11  for signaling the overall dimensions and the corresponding means  10 , which connect said signaling means  11  to the same vehicle. 
     Advantageously, as illustrated, it is provided that said means  10  which connect said signaling means  11  to the same vehicle are adapted to support said signaling means  11  in respective positions, in particular transversal with respect to the same vehicle, said positions being comprised between a maximum extension position and a minimum extension position with respect to said vehicle. 
     In this manner, it is possible to use the same device  1  for different use situations, in particular for different vehicle sizes, in particular of the agricultural and/or forestry vehicle, i.e. for different types of protruding loads. 
     Advantageously, as is inferred from the figures, said means which connect said signaling means  11  to the same vehicle comprise, or they are in the form of, an extensible support  10 , in particular, in use, extensible transversely to the vehicle, and such support is especially suitable for arranging said signaling means  11  between said maximum extension position and said minimum extension position with respect to the same vehicle. 
     In an advantageous manner, as is inferred in particular from  FIGS. 1 to 5 , said signaling means  11  comprise at least one corresponding signaling panel  111 , especially having a respective retro-reflective face  111   a  and/or a signaling strips, and in particular facing, in use, transversely with respect to a corresponding longitudinal direction of the vehicle. 
     Preferably, in any case, as is inferred from said  FIGS. 1 to 5 , said signaling means  11  comprise a first and a second panel  111 ,  111 , especially retro-reflective and/or a signaling strips, which face in opposite directions, in particular face transversely with respect to opposed longitudinal directions of the vehicle. 
     Conventionally, the longitudinal axis of the vehicle can be defined as the axis coinciding with the main extension dimension of the same vehicle. 
     In practice, a first panel  111 , especially having a respective retro-reflective face  111   a  and/or a signaling strips, faces towards the rear part of the vehicle, while a second panel  111 , especially having a respective retro-reflective face  111   a  and/or a signaling strips, faces towards the front part of the vehicle. 
     As a particular advantage, as illustrated, said first and second panels,  111 ,  111 , especially retro-reflective and/or a signaling strips, are arranged parallel and/or longitudinally aligned with each other. 
     As a particular advantage, as illustrated, said first and second panels,  111 ,  111 , especially retro-reflective and/or a signaling strips, have square shape and/or, in any case, have the same dimensions. 
     With advantage, as is inferred in particular from said  FIGS. 1 to 5 , the respective signaling panel  111  is in the form of a thin metal or plastic plate, in particular having a respective retro-reflective surface  111   a , especially in strips, preferably oblique, and preferably in alternate strips of white and red color  111   b ,  111   r . In practice, the orientation of the oblique strips must, according to corresponding laws, have—starting from the edge of the panel which faces towards the vehicle—a progression which is descending, i.e. which goes from top to bottom, in the direction of the edge of the panel which is outside the vehicle or transported load. 
     With particular advantage, said signaling means comprise means for emitting a light radiation, not particular, illustrated in the enclosed figures, and in particular means for emitting a red color light radiation, and normally in the form of at least one lamp, possibly also an LED lamp. 
     In use on the device  1 , preferably, said emission means of a light radiation, in use, protrude, in particular laterally, with respect to the corresponding signaling panel  111 , i.e. with respect to said first and second signaling panels  111 ,  111 , preferably on the side of the respective panel  111  which is opposite that which faces towards the vehicle. 
     In practice, said emission means of a light radiation, in use, are arranged between said first and second panels  111 ,  111  and protrude, in particular laterally, with respect to said first and second signaling panels  111 ,  111 , preferably on the side of the respective panel  111  which is opposite that which faces towards the vehicle. 
     In an advantageous manner, as is inferred from the figures, means  13  are provided for supporting said signaling means  11 , or the respective signaling panel  111  and/or said emission means of a light radiation, on said means or support  10  for connecting to the vehicle. 
     Advantageously, as is inferred from the figures, said means  13  for supporting said signaling means  11  on said means or support  10  for connecting to the vehicle comprise a respective support block  13 , preferably suitably made of a corresponding plastic material. 
     With advantage, as is inferred from the figures, said support means or block  13  have a configuration, in particular general prismatic configuration, which is adapted to define, for the respective signaling panel  111 , a corresponding engagement surface  130   s  preferably, as illustrated, for engaging the central zone of the corresponding panel  111 . 
     In particular, said support means or block  13  having opposed first and second engagement surfaces  130   s ,  130   s  for said first and second signaling panels  111 ,  111 . 
     Preferably, as is inferred from the figures, said block  13 , at the respective engagement surface  130   s ,  130   s  has an extension of the respective side which is greater than at least the fourth part of the length of the corresponding side of said signaling panel  111 . 
     In this manner, it is possible to obtain a firm and strong support of the corresponding signaling panel  111 . 
     In an advantageous manner, as is inferred from the figures, said support means or block  13  have corresponding attachment means  130   f  for the respective signaling panel  111 , preferably provided at the respective engagement face or surface  130   s.    
     In particular, first and second attachment means  130   f ,  130   f  are provided or emerge at opposite engagement faces or surfaces  130   s ,  130   s  of said support means or block  13  for the opposed fixing of said first and second signaling panel  111 ,  111 . 
     Advantageously, as is inferred from the figures, said attachment means for the corresponding signaling panel  111  on the support means or block  13  comprise corresponding holes  130   f , provided on the corresponding engagement face or surface  130   s ,  130   s , for inserting corresponding fixing screws  130   v  for fixing the respective signaling panel  111 . 
     In particular, first and second holes  130   f ,  130   f  are provided on engagement faces or surfaces  130   s ,  130   s  opposite said support means or block  13  for the opposed fixing of said first and second signaling panels  111 ,  111 . 
     As illustrated, said screws  130   v  have a respective enlarged head and are inserted in corresponding holes  111   f  provided in the respective signaling panel  111 , traversing them in order to be inserted in said holes  130   f  at the respective engagement face or surface of said support means or block  130 . 
     With particular advantage, as is inferred from the figures, means  111 ′ f  are provided which are adapted to allow the assembly with correct orientation of the corresponding signaling panel  111 . 
     In this manner, it is possible to prevent the assembly of the respective signaling panel from taking place in an incorrect manner, with the need to have to remake said assembly, or even worse a vehicle would result that travels in a manner non-compliant with the law. 
     In an advantageous manner, as is inferred from the figures, said means which are adapted to allow the assembly with correct orientation of the corresponding signaling panel  111  comprise a corresponding insertion hole  111 ′ f  for a corresponding screw or pin, only when the respective panel is in the correct mounting position. 
     With advantage, as is inferred from the figures, the respective signaling panel  111  comprises four insertion holes  111   f  for corresponding attachment screws  111   v , and such four holes  111   f  are arranged at the vertices of a corresponding virtual square. Advantageously, a fifth hole  111 ′ f  is also provided in said signaling panel  111  for the insertion of a corresponding screw or pin, defining said mounting means with correct orientation of the corresponding signaling panel  111 ; said fifth hole  111 ′ f  being provided, on the virtual diagonal between two holes  111   v  at the vertices of said virtual square. In particular, advantageously, as illustrated, said fifth hole  111 ′ f  provided on the diagonal is in greater proximity to one of said opposite holes, between which the same virtual diagonal extends. 
     In this manner, an incorrect assembly of the respective signaling panel is prevented in a simple and inexpensive manner; such incorrect assembly would require remaking the assembly, or worse, would involve having a car that travels in a manner that is not legally compliant. 
     Advantageously, as is inferred from the figures, an element  15  is provided which is adapted to support said emission means of a light radiation. 
     In this manner, it is possible to arrange, on the device, also means which are adapted to emit a corresponding light radiation. 
     In an advantageous manner, as is inferred from the figures, said element  15  which is adapted to support said emission means of a light radiation is engageable with and disengageable from said means or block  13  for fixing said signaling means  11 . 
     In this manner, it is possible to use elements for supporting different means which are adapted to emit a corresponding light radiation. 
     Advantageously, as is inferred from the figures, the respective element  15  for supporting said emission means of a light radiation comprises means for engaging and disengaging the corresponding emission means of a light radiation, in particular in the form of a corresponding seat  151 , in which the emission means of a light radiation are engageable and disengageable. 
     In this manner, it is possible to substitute the same emission means of the light radiation, if necessary. 
     With advantage, as is inferred from the figures, said element  15  for supporting said emission means of a light radiation is in the form of a corresponding block  150 , in particular made of rigid material, preferably of plastic material, especially with general prismatic shape, and preferably having an enlarged plate  154 , defining a corresponding front surface that emerges or is positioned outside the seat  151  for engaging and disengaging emission means of a light radiation, and a corresponding attachment portion  155 , in particular with prismatic shape, and preferably hollow, which is extended from said enlarged plate  154 , and which is delimited by corresponding peripheral faces, one or more of which, in particular that opposite the insertion face of said screws  153   v ,  153   v , as will be better inferred from the following present description, engages with a corresponding surface  135  of said means or block  13  for supporting said signaling means  11 . 
     In an advantageous manner, as is inferred from the figures, said element or block  15  for supporting said emission means of a light radiation has respective through holes  152   f ,  152   f , in particular in the form of a first and a second hole  152   f ,  152   f , preferably being opened at opposite lateral surfaces of the same support element or block  15 , or of the corresponding attachment portion  155 , and in which corresponding screws  153   v ,  153   v  are inserted for attaching to said means or block  13  for supporting said signaling means  11 , in particular in the form of a first and a second screw  153   v ,  153   v , which, furthermore, are inserted in corresponding holes  135   f , in particular in the form of a first and a second hole  135   f ,  135   f , provided in the same means or block  13  for supporting said signaling means  11 . 
     With particular advantage, as is inferred from the figures, said means or support  10  for connecting said signaling means  11  to said vehicle comprise means  12  for connecting to said vehicle and means  14  for supporting said signaling means  11 . 
     Advantageously, as is inferred from the figures, said means  14  for supporting said signaling means  11  are extendable, or movable, with respect to said means  12  for connecting to said vehicle, so as to arrange said signaling means  11  between said maximum extension position and said minimum extension position with respect to the same vehicle. 
     In an advantageous manner, as is inferred from the figures, said means  14  for supporting said signaling means  11  comprise a corresponding arm  141 , which carries said signaling means  11 , and such arm  141  is slidable or movable with respect to said means  12  for connecting to said vehicle. 
     With advantage, as is inferred from the figures, said arm, which carries said signaling means  11 , is in the form of an elongated element, preferably in the form of an elongated tubular element,  141 , having a respective free end  142  for supporting said signaling means  11 . 
     Advantageously, as is inferred from the figures, said arm  141 , which carries said signaling means  11 , preferably made of respective tubular metal material, has a main longitudinal branch, preferably horizontal in use,  141 ′, and in particular lower in use, for coupling with said means  12  for connecting to the vehicle. 
     In an advantageous manner, as is inferred from the figures, said arm  141  which carries said signaling means  11 , or the respective free end  142 , has respective means for coupling with said means or block  13  for fixing said signaling means  11 . 
     With particular advantage, as is inferred from the figures, said means  142 , for coupling with said means or block  13  for fixing said signaling means  11 , comprise a corresponding portion or branch  142   a  of said support arm  141 , which is protruding perpendicularly, in particular in use protruding upward, in particular from said main longitudinal branch or portion  141 ′ of the same arm  141 , to which it is preferably connected through a corresponding curved connector portion  142   ab.    
     In this manner, it is possible to arrange said signaling means in an appropriate height position with respect to the load and to the vehicle. 
     With advantage, as is inferred from the figures, said means for coupling with said means or block  13  for fixing said signaling means  11  comprise a portion or branch  142   b  of said support arm, which has returned backward, in particular extending from said perpendicularly protruding portion or branch  142   a  and which is in particular parallel to the main longitudinal branch  141 ′ of the same support arm  141 , to which it is preferably connected through a corresponding curved connector portion  142   ab.    
     In this manner, one end is obtained of said support arm  141  which allows exerting an effective attachment action for said means or block  13  for supporting said signaling means  11 . 
     In an advantageous manner, as is inferred in particular from  FIG. 5 , said means or block  13  for supporting said signaling means  11  comprise a first and a second distinct part  131 ,  132  which are counterfacing and joined together, in particular each being made of corresponding plastic material. 
     Advantageously, as is inferred in particular from  FIG. 5 , said means or block  13  for supporting said signaling means  11  comprise a first and a second distinct part  131 ,  132  which are counterfacing and joined together, so as to define, between the same corresponding means, a receiving seat for said coupling means  142  of said support arm  141 , in particular for receiving said portion or branch  142   a  of said support arm  141 , which is protruding perpendicularly and/or of said portion or branch  142   b  of said support arm, which has returned backward. 
     In this manner, a quick and effective coupling is obtained between said means or block  13  for supporting said signaling means and said support arm  141 . 
     Advantageously, as is inferred in particular from  FIGS. 5, 7A and 8 , said first part  131  said means or block  13  for supporting said signaling means  11  is in the form of a respective generally hollow body, in particular a general elongated quadrangular shape, which comprises a first and a second longitudinal element  131   a ,  131   b  connected to each other through corresponding first and second perpendicular end elements  131   c ,  131   d  and an intermediate perpendicular element  131   e.    
     Meanwhile, in turn, said second part  132  of said means or block  13  for supporting said signaling means  11  is in the form of a body, also generally hollow, in particular with general quadrangular shape and comprises a first and a second longitudinal element  132   a ,  132   b , with one  132   b , that lower in use, extending longitudinally beyond the other  132   a , in use counterfacing said longitudinal elements  131   a ,  131   b  of the first part  131 , and connected to each other through corresponding first and second perpendicular end elements  132   c ,  132   d , in use, respectively counterfacing the intermediate perpendicular element  131   e  and the corresponding perpendicular end element  131   d  of said first part  131  of said means or block  13  for supporting said signaling means  11 . 
     In an advantageous manner, as is inferred from  FIGS. 5 and 8 , said first and said second parts  131 ,  132  of said means or block  13  for supporting said signaling means  11 , have corresponding faces, in particular flat  131 ′,  132 ′ adapted to be counterfacing and joined together. 
     With advantage, as is inferred from  FIGS. 5 and 8 , said first and said second part  131 ,  132  of said means or block  13  for supporting said signaling means  11 , have corresponding faces or surfaces  130   s ,  130   s  opposite said faces  131 ′,  132 ′ which are adapted to be counterfacing and joined together, and such opposed faces or surfaces  130   s ,  130   s  are adapted to receive a corresponding signaling panel  111  in engagement. 
     With particular advantage, as is inferred from  FIGS. 5 and 8 , said seat means of said means or block  13  for fixing said signaling means  11 , which are adapted to receive said support arm  141 , comprise a first seat  143   a  for the perpendicularly protruding portion or branch  142   a  of the same arm  141  and a second seat  143   b  for the portion or branch  142   b  returned backward, in particular extending from said perpendicularly protruding portion or branch  142   a.    
     In an advantageous manner, as is inferred from the  FIGS. 5, 7A and 8 , said seat means for said coupling means  142  of said support arm  141 , in particular the first seat  143   a  for receiving the perpendicularly protruding portion or branch  142   a  of the same support arm  141  and/or the second seat  143   b  for receiving the portion or branch  142   b  returned backwards, are defined respective semicircular surfaces  143   a ,  143   a  and/or  143   b ,  143   b , mutually counterfacing, respectively provided on said first  131  and on said second  132  part of said means or block  13  for fixing said signaling means  11 . 
     Advantageously, as is inferred from  FIGS. 5 and 8 , said first seat  143   a  for the perpendicularly protruding portion  142   a  is extended perpendicularly, i.e. it has a respective perpendicular axis, and in particular is provided on the longitudinal elements  131   b ,  132   b , in particular lower in use, of said first and second part of said means or block  13  for supporting said signaling means  11 , and is provided in particular on a corresponding protruding portion  132 ′ b  of the longitudinal element  132   b  of the second part  132 , which is extended with respect to the perpendicular end element  132   c  counterfacing the intermediate perpendicular element  131   e  of the first part of said means or block  13  for supporting said signaling means  11 . 
     With advantage, as is inferred from the figures, said second seat  143   b  for the returned backwards portion or branch  142   b  extends longitudinally, in particular for a length section corresponding to the width of the main part of the second part  132  of said means or block  13  for supporting said signaling means  11 . Said second seat  143   b  preferably is provided on the longitudinal elements  131   a ,  132   a  of said first and second part  131 ,  132  of said means or block  13  for supporting said signaling means  11 , in particular on a lowered portion  131 ′ a ,  132 ′ a  of these longitudinal elements  131   a ,  132   a  of said first and second part  131 ,  132 . 
     In an advantageous manner, as is inferred from  FIGS. 7A and 8 , said first part  131  of said means or block  13  for supporting said signaling means  11  has a portion  131 ″ which protrudes with respect to the second part  132  of the same means or block  13 , for supporting said signaling means  11 , and such protruding portion  131 ″ defines a seat  135  for housing said element or block  15  for supporting said emission means of a light radiation, preferably said seat being defined by a respective face or surface, especially flat, of the corresponding perpendicular end element  131   c  of said first part  131 . 
     With particular advantage, as is inferred from the figures, means  131   f ,  132   f ,  1312   v  are provided for joining said first and second counterfacing parts of said means or block  13  for supporting said signaling means  11 . 
     With advantage, as is inferred from the figures, said means for joining said first and second counterfacing parts of said means or block  13  for supporting said signaling means  11 , comprise corresponding holes  131   f ,  132   f  in said first and second part  131 ,  132  of the same means or block  13  for supporting said signaling means  11 , and corresponding joining screws  1312   v  are inserted in such holes  131   f ,  132   f.    
     In particular, respective first and second holes  131   f ,  132   f  and  131   f ,  132   f  for corresponding first and second screws  132   v ,  132   v  are provided at both sides of the respective seat, in particular of the first and second seat  143   a ,  143   b  for housing the corresponding portion or branch  142   a ,  142   b  of said coupling means of said support arm  143 . 
     Advantageously, said means or block  13  for fixing said signaling means  11  define means  132   g  for guiding and supporting a cable  30  for supplying electric power to said emission means of a light radiation, in particular provided on said second part  132  of said means or block  13  for supporting said signaling means  11 . 
     Advantageously, said means for guiding and supporting a cable  30  for supplying electric power to said emission means of a light radiation comprise a respective hook element, preferably a first and a second hook element  132   g ,  132   g , longitudinally spaced apart. 
     Said hook element  132   g  is preferably provided, or accessible, from the face of the same second part  132  of said means or block  13  for supporting said signaling means  11  which faces towards the corresponding signaling panel  111  fixed thereto. 
     Advantageously, the device  1  is movable between an operative signaling position and a rest position, and vice versa, in particular said device  1  being movable, especially rotatable, between an operative position transverse to the vehicle and a rest position longitudinal to the same vehicle, and vice versa. 
     In this manner, the device can be easily arranged in a position in which it does not cause encumbrance, in particular with regard to the vehicle driving operations, when it no longer needs to be used. 
     In an advantageous manner, as is inferred from the figures, said means  10  which connect said signaling means  11  to the same vehicle are rotatably connected, in particular rotatably with respect to a corresponding perpendicular or vertical axis R to the same vehicle. 
     As illustrated, said means  10  which connect said signaling means  11  to the same vehicle also comprise means  16  which are adapted to movably connect said means  14  for supporting the signaling device to said means  12  for connecting to said vehicle. 
     As is inferred from  FIG. 3A , said connecting means  16  are adapted to allow said means  14 , for supporting the device, to be moved into any one position comprised between a respective retracted position, respective to said means  12  for connecting to the vehicle, in particular in which the signaling device  10  is maximally close to said vehicle, and a respective extended position, with respect to the same connecting means  12 , in particular in which the same signaling device  10  is maximally distanced from the same vehicle. 
     Advantageously, as is inferred in particular from  FIG. 10B , said connecting means  16  have a plurality of pairs of surfaces  18 ,  19  of slidable engagement with corresponding pairs of surfaces  20 ,  21  of the means for connecting to the vehicle. 
     In this manner, it is possible to minimize the presence of clearances between the means for supporting the signaling device and means for connecting or fixing to the vehicle, and the vibrations that the signaling device can have when the vehicle is moving or running are considerably reduced. 
     Advantageously, as is inferred from the figures, the means  12  for connecting to the vehicle, are preferably in the form of a respective body, having a first part  121 , in particular upper in use, and a second part  122 , in particular lower in use, which are mutually counterfacing and define a respective housing chamber for said connecting means  16  and for a corresponding end portion  140 ′ of the means  14  for supporting the device. 
     In particular, as is inferred in particular from  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the respective part  121 ,  122  of the body  12  has a respective bottom wall  121   a  or  122   a , upper and/or lower in use, from which corresponding lateral walls  121   b ,  121   c  or  122   b ,  122   c  are extended in use that are mutually counterfacing at the respective perpendicular or free edges  123 . 
     Advantageously, as is inferred from the figures, a plurality of pairs of surfaces  18 ,  19 , in particular two pairs of surfaces  18 ,  19  of slidable engagement with corresponding pairs of surfaces  20 ,  21 , of the means for connecting to the vehicle  12 , are provided at the side or upper part of said connecting means  16 . 
     With advantage, as is inferred from the figures, a plurality of pairs of surfaces  18 ,  19 , in particular two pairs of surfaces  18 ,  19  of slidable engagement with corresponding pairs of surfaces  20 ,  21  of the means for connecting to the vehicle, are provided at the side or lower part of said connecting means  16 . 
     In practice, as is inferred from the figures, a plurality of pairs of surfaces, in particular two pairs of surfaces  18 ,  19  of slidable engagement with corresponding pairs of surfaces  20 ,  21 , of the means for connecting to the vehicle  12 , are provided in a respective semi-portion, in particular at a respective side or part, of said connecting means  16 . 
     In practice, as illustrated, two pairs of surfaces  18 ,  19  are provided on the side or upper part of the connecting means or body  16 , and two pairs of surfaces  18 ,  19  on the side or lower part of the same connecting means or body  16 . 
     In this manner, it is possible to minimize the presence of clearances between the means  14  for supporting the signaling device and the means  12  for connecting or fixing to the vehicle, and the vibrations that the signaling device can have when the vehicle is moving or running are considerably reduced. 
     Advantageously, as is inferred from the figures, the surfaces  18 ,  19  of each pair of surfaces of slidable engagement on said connecting means  16  face in opposite directions, in particular transversely opposite each other. 
     In an advantageous manner, as is inferred from the figures, the surfaces  18 ,  19  of each pair of surfaces of slidable engagement on said connecting means  16  are mutually counterfacing, in particular transversely counterfacing each other. 
     Advantageously, as is inferred from the figures, the surfaces  20 ,  21  of each pair of corresponding surfaces of slidable engagement of the means for connecting to the vehicle  12  face in directions, in particular transverse, opposite each other and preferably face towards corresponding lateral flanks of said means for connecting to the vehicle  12 , and especially being adapted to engage the surfaces  18 ,  19  of the respective engagement and sliding pair counterfacing each other. 
     With advantage, as is inferred from the figures, in use, the surfaces  18 ,  19  of each pair of surfaces of slidable engagement on said connecting means  16 , and/or the corresponding pairs of surfaces  20 ,  21  of the means for connecting to the vehicle  12 , are transversely aligned with each other. 
     In an advantageous manner, as is inferred from the figures, and as described above, on the connecting means  16 , two pairs of surfaces  18 ,  19  of slidable engagement are provided at the upper part  121  of said connecting means  12 . 
     As is inferred from the figures, therefore, on the means for connecting to the vehicle  12 , two pairs of corresponding surfaces  20 ,  21  of slidable engagement are provided at the lower part  122  of said connecting means  12 . 
     With advantage, as is inferred from the figures, and as described above, on the connecting means  16 , two pairs of engagement and slide surfaces  18 ,  19  are provided at the lower part  122  of said connecting means  12 . 
     As is inferred from the figures, therefore, on the means for connecting to the vehicle  12 , two pairs of corresponding surfaces  20 ,  21  are provided for engaging and sliding at the lower part  122  of said connecting means  12 . 
     In a particularly advantageous manner, as is inferred from the figures, said connecting means comprise, or consist of, a shaped corresponding body  16 , preferably made of plastic material, especially having a general prismatic shape. 
     Advantageously, as is inferred from the figures, in order to connect said means  12  for connecting to said vehicle and said means  14  for supporting the signaling device, a plurality of receiving seats  23  are provided for corresponding protrusions  25 . 
     In an advantageous manner, as is inferred from the figures, said receiving seats  23  are provided in said shaped connection body  16  and said protrusions being provided on said means, or arm,  12  for connecting to the vehicle, in particular on said first  121  and second  122  parts thereof. 
     With advantage, as is inferred from the figures, a plurality of receiving seats, in particular two receiving seats  23  for corresponding protrusions  25  is provided at a respective side, or part, in particular upper  16 ′ and/or lower  16 ″, of said connecting means or body  16 . 
     Advantageously, as is inferred from the figures, a plurality of protrusions, in particular two protrusions,  25  are extended from the respective side, in particular upper  12 ′ and/or lower  12 ″, of said means  12  for connecting to the vehicle, or from the respective upper part  121  or lower part  122 . 
     Advantageously, as is inferred from the figures, the respective protrusion  25 , or the respective pair of protrusions  25 ,  25 , is extended or are extended, in particular perpendicularly, from the bottom wall  121   a  or  122   a  of the respective upper part  121  or lower part  122  of said means  12  for connecting to the vehicle. 
     With advantage, as is inferred from the figures, the respective protrusion  25 , or the respective pair of protrusions  25 , 25  is extended or are extended, longitudinally for a main part of the length of said means  12  for connecting to the vehicle, or of the respective part  121  or  122  of said means  12  for connecting to the vehicle, and in particular for a length greater than half of the length of said means  12  for connecting to the vehicle, or of the respective part  121  or  122  of said means  12  for connecting to the vehicle. 
     In practice, the respective seat  23  comprises opposed surfaces, in particular lateral and mutually counterfacing  18 ,  19 , of slidable engagement with surfaces, in particular lateral,  20 ,  21  of the corresponding protrusion  25 . 
     As illustrated, said surfaces  20 ,  21  of the corresponding sliding protrusion  25  are provided at a respective end portion, i.e. at the free end, of the same protrusion  25 . 
     The respective seat  23  also has a respective bottom wall  23 ′, from which said slidable engagement surfaces  18 ,  19  are extended, preferably perpendicularly, which are of possible slidable engagement for the end edge  25 ′ of the respective protrusion  25 . 
     Advantageously, as is inferred from the figures, means  26  are provided for firm fixing of said connecting means or body  16  to said means  14  for supporting the signaling device. 
     In this manner, it is possible to further minimize the presence of clearances and the vibrations that the signaling device can have when the vehicle is moving or running are considerably reduced. 
     With advantage, as is inferred from the figures, said firm fixing means  26  comprise respective tab means  140  which are inserted within a corresponding gripping means  161 ,  162 . 
     In particular, as is inferred from the figures, said tab means comprise a respective enlarged tab  140 , which is extended from the free end of said means  14  for supporting the signaling device. 
     In particular, as illustrated, in use, said fixing tab  140  is arranged horizontally or substantially horizontal. 
     Advantageously, as is inferred from the figures, said gripping means comprise a first and a second opposite portion  161 ,  162  of said connecting means or body  16 , and such portions  161 ,  162  are adapted to receive and clamp together said tab means  140 , which are extended from said means  14  for supporting the signaling device. 
     With advantage, as is inferred from the figures, means  17  are provided for coupling said connecting means or body  16  to said means  14  for supporting the signaling device. 
     Preferably, as is inferred from the figures, said means for coupling said connecting means or body  16  to said means  14  for supporting the signaling device comprise a corresponding stem  170 , in particular the stem of a corresponding screw  17 , with enlarged head  17 ′, which is stopped by a corresponding nut  171 , which is inserted within a corresponding hole  14 ′,  16 ′ provided in said means  14  for supporting the signaling device and in said connecting means or body  16 . 
     In particular, a corresponding hole  16 ′ is provided in the respective gripping portion  161  or  162  of said connecting means or body  16  and a corresponding hole  14 ′, is provided in the tab portion  140  of said means  14  for supporting the signaling device. 
     Advantageously, as is inferred from the figures, means are provided for clamping said first and second opposite portions  161 ,  162  of said connecting means or body  16  against the corresponding tab  140  extended from said means  14  for supporting the signaling device. 
     In particular, as is inferred from the figures, said coupling means  17  define said means for clamping said first and second opposite portions  161 ,  162 , of said connecting means or body  16  against the corresponding tab  140  extended from said means  14  for supporting the signaling device. 
     In a further advantageous manner, as is inferred from the figures, said insertion tab  140  is defined by a crushed end portion of said means  14  for supporting the signaling device. 
     In practice, as is inferred from the figures, said connecting means or body  16  have a first and a second portion  161 ,  162  together defining a respective slit  163  for receiving the respective tab  120 . 
     As is inferred from the figures, said first and second portion  161 ,  162  of said connecting means or body  16  are connected to each other through a connection portion  164 , in particular from which said first and second portions  161 ,  162  are extended cantilevered, and which allows said first and second portions  161 ,  162  to be close to each other, in particular in a bending manner, i.e. due to elastic yielding, in order to engage, with the corresponding surfaces  161 ′,  162 ′, the opposite faces  120 ′,  120 ″ of the corresponding inserted tab or end portion of said means  14  for supporting the signaling device. 
     Advantageously, as is inferred from the figures, said connecting means or body  16  have a first and a second opposite external face  161 ″,  162 ″, at which respective surfaces  18 ,  19  are provided, which are provided on the same connecting means  16  for the slidable engagement of said means for connecting to said vehicle  12 , i.e, of the corresponding receiving seats  23  for corresponding protrusions  25  of said means for connecting to said vehicle  12 . 
     Said opposed external faces  161 ″,  162 ″ are preferably parallel to said internal surfaces  161 ′,  162 ′ of said first and second portion  161 ,  162  of said connecting means or body  16  which are for engaging the corresponding insertion tab or end portion  140  of said means  14  for supporting the signaling device. 
     With advantage, as is inferred from the figures, said first and second gripping portion  161 ,  162  have end surfaces that are mutually counterfacing  165 ,  165 , which diverge from each other in order to house a corresponding convergent portion of said connecting means or body  16 , which supports, or is upstream, of said insertion end portion or tab. 
     In an advantageous manner, as is inferred from the figures, means  28  are also provided for blocking, in the respective work position, said means or arm for supporting the signaling means  11  with respect to said means for connecting to said vehicle  12 , in particular said blocking means  28  being provided in proximity to the free end of said means  12  for connecting to said vehicle. 
     With advantage, as is inferred from the figures, said means for blocking said means or arm for supporting the signaling means  11  are engageable on the same means or arm for supporting the signaling means  11  in order to block them in the respective work position and they are disengageable therefrom in order to release them and allow the same means or arm, for supporting the signaling means  11 , to freely slide with respect to the means for connecting to the vehicle  12 . 
     Advantageously, as is inferred from the figures, said means for blocking said means or arm for supporting the signaling means  11  with respect to said means for connecting to said vehicle  12 , comprise respective actuation means, in particular in the form of a knob  28 , which are supported, especially in a freely screwable and unscrewable manner, by said means for connecting to said vehicle  12  and can be actuated, in particular manually, in an action of engagement or blocking of said means or arm for supporting the signaling means  11  and respectively in an action of disengagement and release of the same means or arm for supporting the signaling means  11 . 
     In an advantageous manner, as is inferred from the figures, said actuation means or knob  28  have a respective shank  28  that engages, i.e. whose free end engages, preferably with movement in perpendicular direction, a corresponding shaped and elongated plate  281 , in particular with curved shape, for in turn engaging said means  14  for supporting the signaling device and distributing force thereon. 
     In particular, said shaped plate  281  is housed within said means for connecting to said vehicle  12 , especially in the lower part  121  thereof, and has a respective hollow tube  282 , in particular perpendicularly extended with respect to said plate  281 , which is adapted to receive said engagement shank  280 . 
     Advantageously, as is inferred from the figures, means  31  are also provided for sliding said means  14  for supporting the signaling device with respect to said means for connecting to said vehicle  12 , in particular situated at the free end of said means  12  for connecting to said vehicle  28 , especially downstream of said engagement means that are blocking said means  14  for supporting the signaling device. 
     Said sliding means  31  are provided in proximity to the end wall  12   e  of said means for connecting to said vehicle  12 , i.e. the perforated exit wall  12   e  for said means  14  for supporting the signaling device, which is opposite the transverse wall  12   i  at the other side of the same means for connecting to said vehicle  12 . 
     In particular, as is inferred from the figures, said means  31  for sliding said means  14  for supporting the signaling device with respect to said means for connecting to said vehicle  12  comprise a first and a second semi-element, or semi-rings,  31 ,  31 , which peripherally engage on sides opposite said connecting means or body  16 . 
     Said first and second part  121 ,  122  of said means for connecting to said vehicle  12  have corresponding shaped seats  310 , in particular semi-annular, for the abutment of corresponding semi-elements or semi-rings  31 ,  31 . 
     In particular, said shaped seats  310  are provided downstream of the zone provided for said means  28  for blocking said means or arm for supporting the signaling means  11  at said means for connecting to said vehicle  12 . 
     Advantageously, as is inferred from the figures, means  36 ,  37 ,  38 ,  39  are provided for attaching together said first  121  and second  122  parts of said means for connecting to said vehicle. 
     With advantage, as is inferred from the figures, said attachment means between said first  121  and second  122  parts of said means for connecting to said vehicle  12  comprise corresponding pintle means  36 , in particular with conical shape, which are inserted in corresponding housings  37 , in particular said pintle means  36  and/or said housings  37  being provided at the end of corresponding column elements  360 ,  370 , which are extended from the corresponding part  121  and/or  122  of said means for connecting to said vehicle  12 , especially from the bottom wall  121   a ,  122   a  of the respective part  121  and/or  122  of said means for connecting to said vehicle  12 . 
     In particular, as illustrated, a pair of pintle elements  36 ,  36  is provided which are inserted in a corresponding pair of housings  37 ,  37 , which are at one end, in particular upstream, of said means for connecting to said vehicle  12 . 
     In addition, a second pair of pintle elements  36 ,  36  is also provided which are inserted in a corresponding pair of housings  37 ,  37 , and which are in proximity to the opposite end, or downstream end, of said means for connecting to said vehicle  12 , especially being arranged at, or laterally with respect thereto, said means  28  for blocking, in the respective work position, said means or arm for supporting the signaling means  11 . 
     In this manner, it is possible to connect together said first  121  and second  122  part of said means for connecting to said vehicle  12  in a particularly quick and easy manner. 
     In an advantageous manner, as is inferred from the figures, said means for attaching said first  121  and second  122  part of said connecting means also comprise screw joining means  38 , in particular in the form of a first and a second screw  38 ,  38 , which are inserted in corresponding through holes  38 ′,  38 ′ of a respective part  122  of said means for connecting to said vehicle  12  and which are screwed in corresponding threaded holes  39 ,  39  at the other part  121  of said means for connecting to said vehicle  12 . 
     Preferably, said through and threaded holes  38 ′,  39  are provided at, or in proximity to the means  28  for blocking, in the respective work position, said means or arm for supporting the signaling means  11 , preferably laterally with respect thereto, and/or in particular downstream of the corresponding pins and attachment housings  36  and  37 . 
     Advantageously, as is inferred from the figures, said longitudinal protrusions  25  for sliding said connecting means or body  16 , which are provided on the respective part  121  and/or  122  of said means for connecting to said vehicle  12 , are extended longitudinally starting from the columns  360 ,  370  for the attachment means at one end, in particular upstream, of said means for connecting to said vehicle  12 , up to reaching in proximity to the columns  360 ,  370  for the attachment means at the other end, in particular downstream, of the same means for connecting to said vehicle  12 . 
     In an advantageous manner, as is inferred from the figures, means  32  and/or  34  are provided for stopping the travel of said connecting means  16  in the respective work position, in particular in the retracted position, in particular in which the signaling device  10  is maximally close to said vehicle, and/or in the extended position, in particular in which the same signaling device  10  is maximally distanced from the same vehicle 
     With advantage, as is inferred from the figures, said means  32  and/or  34  for stopping the travel of said connecting means  16  in the respective work position are provided on said means for connecting to said vehicle  12 , in particular on the upper part  121  and/or on the lower part  122  thereof. 
     With advantage, as is inferred from the figures, said means for stopping the travel said connecting means  16 , in particular in the respective extended work position of said means  14  for supporting the signaling device, are defined by a corresponding engagement stud  32 , which is preferably provided protruding from said upper part  121  of said means for connecting to said vehicle  12 , in particular from the bottom wall  121   a  thereof, and which is extended between said protrusions  25  for slidable engagement of said connecting means or body  16 . 
     Preferably, said engagement stud  32  is situated upstream of said means  31  for sliding said means  14  for supporting the signaling device with respect to said means for connecting to said vehicle  12  and/or said means for blocking said means or arm for supporting the signaling means  11 , or said means  36 ,  37 ,  38 ,  39  for attaching said first  121  and second  122  part of said means for connecting to said vehicle  12 , and which are at the free end thereof. 
     Advantageously, as is inferred from the figures, said means for stopping the travel of said connecting means  16  in the respective retracted work position are defined by one or more corresponding columns  360  or  370  for corresponding attachment means  36  and/or  37  between said first  121  and second  122  part of said means for connecting to said vehicle  12  and which are arranged at one end, in particular upstream, of said means for connecting to said vehicle  12 . 
     In an advantageous manner, as described above, means are provided for supplying an electric current, in particular in the form of a respective electrical cable  30 . 
     Advantageously, as is inferred from the figures, said connecting means or body  16  have means  40  for retaining said means, or electrical power supply cable  30 . 
     In this manner, said electrical power supply means or cable  30  can be easily moved, i.e. extended or retracted, without risk of jamming, together with the movement of said means for supporting the signaling device. 
     Advantageously, as is inferred from the figures, said means for retaining said electrical power supply means or cable  30  are extended at a corresponding face, in particular lower in use, of said connecting means or body  16  and, preferably, comprise a corresponding ring element  40  for inserting and retaining said electrical power supply cable  30 . 
     With advantage, as is inferred from the figures, said connecting means or body  16  comprise a corresponding seat or channel  41  for storing said electrical power supply means or cable  30 , and such storage seat or channel  41  is at a corresponding face, in particular lower in use, of said connecting means or body  16  and leads into a corresponding hole  42  for passage of said electrical power supply cable  30 , which, preferably, corresponds with, or faces, in use, a corresponding hole  149  that is provided on said means, or arm, for supporting the signaling means  11 , in particular on a tilted face thereof, and through such hole  149  said cable passes into said means, or arm, for supporting the signaling means  11 . 
     As illustrated, said storage seat or channel  41  is situated between corresponding longitudinal seats  23  for slidable engagement which are provided on the respective face, in particular lower in use, of said connecting means or body  16 . 
     In an advantageous manner, as is inferred from the figures, means  44  are provided for stopping the electrical power supply means or cable  30  on the means  12  for connecting to said vehicle, in particular at the lower part  122  thereof, and such stopping means  44  are preferably provided between the end positions—in particular longitudinally opposed—which said connecting means or body  16  take on at respectively said retracted and extended positions of said means  14  for supporting the signaling device. 
     Advantageously, as is inferred from the figures, said means  44  for stopping electrical power supply means or cable  30  on the means  12  for connecting to said vehicle comprise a member or plate  45  for engaging and clamping the same electrical power supply means or cable  30  against said means for connecting to said vehicle  12 , or against a wall, in particular bottom or lower  122   a  of the respective part, in particular lower  122  of the same means for connecting to said vehicle  12 . 
     As illustrated, screw means are provided, i.e. in the form of first and second screws  46 ,  46  which clamp the member or plate  45  for engaging and clamping the same electrical power supply means or cable  30  towards and against said means for connecting to said vehicle  12 , i.e. against the wall, in particular bottom or lower,  122   a  of the respective part, in particular lower  122  of the same means for connecting to said vehicle  12 . 
     With advantage, as is inferred from the figures, said member or plate  45  for engaging and clamping the same electrical power supply means or cable  30  is extended, in particular transversely, fitting into at least one corresponding split  25 ′, provided in a corresponding longitudinal protrusion  25 , or in corresponding splits  25 ′ provided in both adjacent longitudinal protrusions  25 ,  25  for sliding said connecting means or body  16 , and such respective protrusion is in particular provided on the respective part, in particular lower  122 , of said means for connecting to said vehicle  12 . 
     In particular, said connecting means or body  16  has a longitudinal length which is greater than the longitudinal extension of the respective split  25 ′, in this case allowing to easily move beyond, without jamming, the same split by the same connecting means or body  16 , while this is moved along the respective protrusion 
     As is inferred from the figures, said means for connecting to the vehicle  12  comprise means  52 ,  54  for a fixing, in particular hinge fixing, preferably directly to the vehicle. 
     In particular, said means for connecting to said vehicle  12  define a corresponding hinge end joint, preferably for rotating around a vertical axis. In particular, a through hole is provided at the upper part of the body  12  for connecting to the vehicle and a corresponding through hole is provided at the lower part of the same body  12  of connection to the vehicle. 
     As is inferred from the figures, said means for connecting to the vehicle  12  comprise means protruding from the end, in particular upstream, of the same means for connecting to said vehicle  12 , and especially comprise a first and second portion  52 ,  54  protruding from the end wall  12  of the respective upper part and lower part  121 ,  122  of said means for connecting to said vehicle  12 , and such protruding means or portions such as protruding means or portions  52 ,  54  comprise a corresponding through hinging hole, preferably for hinging directly to the vehicle. 
     Advantageously, as illustrated, said means or recess  50  for arranging corresponding illumination means are in vicinity to one end of the same means for connecting to said vehicle  12 . 
     In addition, as illustrated, said means or recess  50  have a respective bottom in which a hole is provided for the passage of a corresponding electrical power supply cable. 
     In practice, as is evident, the above-illustrated technical characteristics allow —separately or in respective combination—attaining one or more of the following advantageous results: 
     it is possible to use the same device for different use situations, in particular for different types of vehicles; 
     a firm and strong support is obtained, for the corresponding signaling panel; 
     it is possible to prevent the assembly of the respective signaling panel from taking place in an incorrect manner, with the need to have to remake said assembly, or even worse, a vehicle would result that travels in a manner not compliant with the law; 
     it is also possible to easily arrange, on the device, means which are adapted to emit a corresponding light radiation; 
     it is possible to use elements for supporting different types of means which are adapted to emit a corresponding light radiation; 
     it is possible to arrange said signaling means in an appropriate height position with respect to the load and to the vehicle; 
     it is possible to easily arrange the device in a position where it does not cause encumbrance, in particular to the vehicle driving operations, when it no longer needs to be used. 
     The present invention is susceptible of clear industrial application. The man skilled in the art can also devise numerous modifications and/or variations to be made to the same invention, even if remaining within the scope of the inventive concept, as described in detail above. In addition, the man skilled in the art can devise further preferred embodiments of the invention which comprise one or more of the above-illustrated characteristics of the preferred embodiment. In addition, it must be intended that all the details of the invention can be substituted by technically equivalent elements.