Patent Publication Number: US-2007097505-A1

Title: Illuminated signaling device

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
      This patent application is related to non-provisional U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/171,715 (Attorney Docket No. 60009.0001US01) entitled, “Versatile Garment for Enhancing the Safety of Personnel in Low-Light Conditions” filed on Jun. 30, 2005, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
      Embodiments of the invention relate generally to the field of safety flags and safety devices. More particularly, embodiments of the invention relate to a signaling device for enhancing the visibility of an object to which the signaling device is attached.  
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      It is often desirable, and sometimes even required by law, to draw attention to a particular object or situation in order to enhance the safety of persons in close proximity to the object or situation. For example, when an object loaded in a vehicle extends out from the rear of the vehicle a certain distance, local statutes often require a safety flag to be attached to the end of the load to ensure that drivers behind the loaded vehicle are aware of the potential danger. These safety flags often take the form of red or orange cloth, flags manufactured from brightly colored or reflective material, or placards secured to the load. The same applies to vehicles carrying extra wide loads.  
      Similarly, safety flags or other types of warning signals are often used to draw attention to highway workers or drivers with disabled vehicles on the side of a road. For highway workers, large diamond-shaped warning signs are often placed in stands along the side of the road and are sometimes accompanied by brightly colored flags. For situations involving disabled vehicles, drivers often carry warning signs, such as small brightly colored reflective triangles to place alongside the road to warn other drivers that a disabled vehicle is ahead. However, most of these warning signs are not visible at night, without direct light from an outside source such as vehicle headlights reflecting off of the surface of the warning sign. Some of the large signs used by highway workers include a single large beacon light, but these signs are very large and cumbersome, requiring a rigid stand to hold the sign in place.  
      There are other situations where it is useful to be able to mark a location using highly visible means. Hikers, hunters, and surveyors often want to mark a particular location. A hiker who does not want to get lost or who wants to point out a particular route to another hiker might mark a tree with paint or ribbon, or insert a flag or stake in the ground. Similarly, hunters who want to identify a particular area for another hunter might do the same. Surveyors often mark trees and other locations using paint.  
      There are a couple of problems with these marking methods. First, although the methods employed by hikers, hunters, surveyors, and others to mark a location are useful in that they often provide the desired visibility, their utility decreases as ambient light decreases. As it gets dark, paint, ribbons, flags, and stakes are more difficult to see, even if brightly colored and even reflective. Second, some of these methods, such as using paint, are destructive and permanent. Therefore, it is highly desirable to have a portable, non-destructive, temporary signaling device that is highly visible under all ambient light conditions that may be used in any situation where it is desirable to draw attention to an object or situation.  
      It is with respect that, these and other considerations that the various embodiments of the present invention have been made.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      Aspects of the present invention address these problems and others by providing a signaling device that provides enhanced visibility in low-light conditions through incorporating self-illumination features, provides versatility through multiple mounting mechanisms at multiple locations on the device, provides versatility through multiple configurations that allow a user to alter the arrangement of reflective tape and lights, and provides portability through flexible materials that allow for compact folding and storage.  
      According to one aspect of the present invention, a signaling device has first and second layers, the second layer attached to the first layer and having a reflectance greater than the first layer. The first layer has a mounting mechanism located at more than one location on the first layer for securing the signaling device to an object. The signaling device additionally has a plurality of lights electrically connected to a power source receiving means.  
      According to another aspect of the present invention, a signaling device has a first layer and a second layer detachably connected to the first layer. A mounting mechanism is located at a plurality of reinforced locations on the first layer for securing the signaling device to an object. A plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) are attached to the second layer, each LED being electrically connected to a means for receiving a power source.  
      A further aspect of the present invention includes a signaling device with a mesh layer and a reflective tape layer detachably connected to the mesh layer. At least one magnet and at least one grommet are fixed to the signaling device for securing the signaling device to an object. A plurality of LEDs are attached to the reflective tape layer. Each of the LEDs is electrically connected to a means for receiving a power source located within the reflective tape layer.  
      These and various other features as well as advantages, which characterize the present invention, will be apparent from a reading of the following detailed description and a review of the associated drawings. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  is a top view of a signaling device illustrating a reflective strip with LEDs and signaling device mounting mechanism in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 2  is a partially exploded top view of a signaling device illustrating a detachable reflective strip with LEDs and signaling device mounting mechanism in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIGS. 2A-2D  are top views of LED patches for use with the signaling device of  FIG. 2 ;  
       FIG. 3  is a front view of a signaling device attached to a tree or pole illustrating a signaling device utilized for marking a location in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a signaling device attached to an extended vehicle load illustrating a signaling device utilized to draw attention to an object in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a signaling device magnetically attached to a vehicle illustrating a signaling device utilized to draw attention to a disabled vehicle in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 6A  is a side view of a LED within a protective cover in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and  
       FIG. 6B  is a top view of a LED within a protective cover in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
      The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which illustrative embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.  
      Being able to draw attention to a specific person, place, or situation is essential to the safety of many individuals. People who experience a flat tire or other mechanical problem with their vehicle need a portable signaling device for warning other drivers of the location of the disabled vehicle while they change the tire or wait for help. Drivers with cargo extending outward from the back of their vehicles or drivers with wide loads need a signaling device that is easily attached to their cargo to alert other drivers of the potential dangers associated with the oversized load. Hikers, hunters, and others have a need for marking a particular location on a trail or in the woods. Aspects of the present invention provide improved signaling devices to alert others of potentially hazardous situations or to mark a specific location or object. Signaling devices according to aspects of the present invention are versatile, portable, and highly visible, allowing persons to easily store, transport, and display the signaling device under a variety of conditions and situations.  
      Signaling devices according to aspects of the present invention provide users with the ability to provide increased visibility to an object in low light conditions utilizing self-illumination, without relying on reflecting light from sources outside of the device. The signaling device illumination sources are protected, increasing the durability and life of the device. According to various embodiments, the device provides audible alarms in addition to visual illumination, detachable illumination, non-visible light illumination, as well as various lighted detachable patterns, symbols, messages, beacons, and identification.  
       FIG. 1  illustrates a top view of a signaling device  100  according to one embodiment of the present invention. Signaling device  100  is shown throughout the figures as having four sides and being generally rectangular in shape, however it is to be understood that signaling device may be any shape with any dimensions. Signaling device  100  is preferably made from mesh  104 . Mesh  104  allows for air penetration when signaling device  100  is used on cargo extending from a moving vehicle, minimizing damage to the signaling device and improving durability. Mesh  104  also minimizes the weight of device, which is an important aspect to hikers, hunters, and any others who might carry signaling device  100  for long distances. For clarity, only a portion of signaling device  100  shown in  FIG. 1  and other figures is shown as mesh  104 , but it is to be understood that the entire surface may be mesh.  
      Mesh  104  may be a bright color to provide a sharp contrast with the surrounding environment in order to attract attention. Suitable colors include but are not limited to neon orange, neon green, or neon yellow. All materials are flame retardant. While the material of mesh  104  may be rigid, it is preferable that the mesh be manufactured from any suitable flexible material, allowing signaling device  100  to be folded or rolled up. Folding or rolling signaling device  100  minimizes the footprint of the device and allows it to be stored and transported with minimal required space. Signaling device  100  should be of a size, when folded or rolled, that it will readily fit inside an emergency vehicle kit, within a spare tire compartment, or under or behind a vehicle seat.  
      In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, signaling device  100  includes a pouch sewn to the mesh  104 . The pouch may be made from any material and secured in any location on device  100 , either permanently or detachably. Signaling device  100  may be folded into the pouch to minimize the size of device  100  when not in use and to facilitate carrying. Securing means such as VELCRO loops may be incorporated on the exterior of the pouch to allow the device  100  to be attached to a belt or belt loop when stored in the pouch. The pouch may alternatively be used to carry survival packs, first aid kits, or items such as spare batteries or flashlights. Additional pouches may be incorporated on device  100  for these purposes.  
      Signaling device  100  includes reinforced corners  102 .  FIG. 1  shows a signaling device  100  with four corners, each corner having reinforcement to support any number of mounting mechanisms. As stated above, signaling device  100  may include any number of corners, or no corners at all if shaped like a circle or ellipse. It is preferable that each corner be reinforced for attachment means, but it is within the scope of this invention to locate the attachment means at any one or more of the corners or at any location on signaling device  100  other than the corners.  
      Reinforced corners  102  operate to strengthen mesh  104  at locations where mechanisms for mounting the signaling device  100  to external objects are located. Reinforced corners  102  are two nylon pieces of material sewn together such that mesh  104  is sandwiched between the two pieces of material. It should be appreciated that any material may be used to reinforce the corners. The material is preferably anti-static, but may contain any characteristics as long as the material is suitable for adding strength to the corners of the signaling device  100 . Alternatively, the mounting locations on the signaling device  100  may be reinforced using only a single piece of reinforcement material or by using a hardening solution applied to the mesh  104 . Reinforcement material may not only be sewn to the mesh  104 , but also welded to the mesh or secured to the mesh using adhesive.  
      Signaling device  100  is versatile, allowing a user to secure the device to virtually any object using any one of multiple mounting mechanisms. One such mounting mechanism includes grommets  106 . Grommets  106  are preferably made from metal for durability purposes, but may be plastic, nylon, or any type of material now known or developed in the future. Grommets  106  may be used to tie the signaling device  100  to an object as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , which are discussed below. Reinforced corners  102  also contain magnets  108 . Magnets  108  are sewn into each reinforced corner  102  and are used to secure signaling device  100  to a metal surface as discussed below with respect to  FIG. 5 . Additionally, hook and loop fasteners such as VELCRO may be attached to reinforced corners  102  to provide additional means for attaching signaling device  100  to an object. Attachment means are discussed below with respect to  FIGS. 2 and 3 . Additional mounting mechanisms may be incorporated into signaling device  100 , including but not limited to snaps, buttons, and zippers.  
      Signaling device  100  has a reflective strip  112  attached to the mesh  104 . Reflective strip  112  adds to the visibility of the device  100  since it has a reflectance that is greater than that of the mesh  104 . Because reflective strip  112  reflects more light than mesh  104 , it is more easily seen in low-light conditions with the aid of an outside light source such as the headlights of an automobile or a flashlight. Reflective strip  112  may be reflective tape that is sewn or otherwise permanently attached to mesh  104 . Alternatively, reflective strip  112  may be detachably attached to the device  100  as described below with respect to  FIG. 2 . Preferably, reflective strip  112  is a bright color that contrasts not only the surrounding environment, but also contrasts the color of mesh  104 . As an example, mesh  104  may be neon orange, while reflective strip  112  is neon yellow. By using contrasting colors, more attention is drawn to the signaling device  100 . It is to be understood, however, that mesh  104  and reflective strip  112  may be any color, including the same color.  
      While the colors of mesh  104  and reflective strip  112  draw attention to the signaling device  100  in daylight conditions, it is the increased reflectance of reflective strip  112  that enhances the safety of the user in low-light or nighttime conditions. In low-light conditions, lights that shine on reflective strip  112  are reflected, making strip  112  more perceptible than the surrounding environment. This increased reflectance is of great benefit to the user when located within close proximity to the path of an oncoming vehicle since the headlights of the vehicle will likely be reflected off of reflected strip  112  back to the driver of the vehicle, alerting the driver of any potentially dangerous situation marked by the signaling device  100 . Reflective strip  112  meets American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards.  
      To ensure that the signaling device  100  is seen at night without having to depend on reflected light from the headlights of the vehicle or someone&#39;s flashlight, the signaling device  100  includes a plurality of self-illuminating light assemblies  114 . As seen in  FIG. 1 , light assemblies  114  are spaced apart along reflective strip  112 . It should be appreciated that any number and location of light assemblies  114  may be used. Wires  120  electrically connect each light  114  to power source  116 , located within reflective strip  112 . Power source  116  is preferably common low-profile batteries such as those used in watches. It should be understood that any number, type, or size of batteries sufficient to provide power to light assemblies  114  may be used depending on the number and type of lights connected to the power source. It should also be appreciated that alternate power sources may also be used such as solar power cells electrically connected to solar panels secured to the signaling device  100 .  
      The electrical circuit comprised of the light assemblies  114 , power source  116 , and connecting electrical wires  120  further includes on/off button  118 . On/off button  118  is secured at a location within reflective strip  112  such that a user presses a marked location on a reflective strip to compress button  118  within the reflective strip in order to activate and deactivate the light assemblies  114 . Reflective strip  112  comprises at least a top reflective surface and a backing. The on/off button  118  and the wiring  120  connecting light assemblies  114  to the on/off button  118  and power source  116  are located between the top reflective surface and the backing of reflective strip  112 . By locating the electrical components within reflective strip  112 , the circuit components are hidden and protected from damage due to ordinary wear and tear from use of the signaling device. It is to be understood that on/off button  118  could protrude through a reflective strip  112 , be a toggle or rocker switch, or be located on or proximate to the power source  116 . By placing the on/off button  118  within a reflective strip on the front of the signaling device  100 , the user has easy access to the button, while the button remains protected for durability and water-resistant purposes.  
      It is also to be understood that the light assemblies  114  and corresponding wiring and circuitry may be located on device  100  separate from reflective strip  112 . In an alternate configuration in which the light assemblies  114  are located on reflective strip  112  but the power source  116  is located elsewhere on signaling device  100 , the electrical wiring exits reflective strip  112  through an aperture to connect to power source  116 . Signaling device  100  may be water-resistant or water-proof if the electrical components are sealed and protected from moisture intrusion by means known in the art.  
      As one skilled in the art will appreciate, light assemblies  114  may be wired such that all lights remain on in a steady state, flash simultaneously in a regular on and off pattern, flash simultaneously in a pattern of any number of quick flashes followed by an off state of longer duration before repeating the pattern of quick flashes, flash in any type of regular or irregular pattern to include Morse Code or any other type of communicative code, flash in a programmed or random sequence, or any combination or variation thereof. The known circuitry for controlling the lights is located within a small box containing the power source  116  but may be located anywhere on signaling device  100 . The lights in light assemblies  114  are preferably LEDs, but any other light source may be used. The lights in light assemblies  114  may be any color including red, blue, green, yellow, white, orange, or any combination thereof.  
      In an alternative embodiment, light assemblies  114  emit non-visible light such as infra-red or ultraviolet. In doing so, the device  100  may be used by military personnel and hunters who wish to maintain stealth while remaining in visual contact with one another or to mark a particular location for another to find. By using night-vision goggles, binoculars, or a monocular as known in the art designed to detect light with wavelengths in the non-visual range on an electromagnetic spectrum, signaling device  100  may be seen and distinguished from the surrounding environment by the flashing lights that are unable to be seen by the naked eye.  
       FIG. 2  shows a signaling device  100  with a detachable reflective strip  112  according to one embodiment of the present invention. Signaling device  100  includes attach means  202  and detachable reflective strip  112 . This embodiment allows a user to reconfigure signaling device  100  with reflective strips  112  and light assemblies  114  of varying colors and configurations. Users may optionally add illuminated messages, identification, or beacons to the device. This feature allows a person to use the signaling device  100  in a number of situations and to alter the configuration of the device depending on the specific requirements of the given task. Attach means  202  may be a hook or loop patch, such as VELCRO, sewn or otherwise permanently attached to the mesh  104 . The detachable reflective strip  112  would have a corresponding hook or loop patch backing so as to quickly attach to device  100 . Additional attach means  202  includes but is not limited to snaps, buttons, zippers, tape, or any other means that would allow a reflective strip  112  or other LED patch  208  to be secured and removed. It is also to be understood that in alternate embodiments of the present invention, reflective strip  112  or LED patch  208  may be permanently secured to mesh  104  using stitching or adhesive such that the strip or patch may not be removed.  
      Reflective strip  112  shown in  FIG. 2  has LED configuration  206 , which comprises four LEDs  114  and on/off button  118 . To power the LEDs  114 , the reflective strip would preferably include its own power source  116  and provide space between the top reflective surface and the backing of the reflective material to house the circuitry associated with the LEDs. Alternatively, power source  116  may be secured to mesh  104  and include electrical wiring from power source  116  to a terminating plug. Electrical wiring  120  within reflective strip  112  would terminate at a connector configured to mate with the terminating plug on mesh  104  to complete the circuit.  
       FIGS. 2A-2D  illustrate examples of additional LED patches  208  that may be used with the device embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 2A  shows a patch  208  with LEDs configured in the shape of an arrow  210 . This configuration is useful for directing traffic in one direction, i.e. around an accident, or to point hikers or rescue personnel in a particular direction. This patch and all others described here might also include magnets, grommets, and hook and loop fasteners for independently attaching the patch  208  to an object without using the non-illuminating portion of signaling device  100 .  FIG. 2B  shows a patch  208  in a cross configuration  212  to indicate medical personnel, or if rotated 45 degrees, patch  208  may be used as an “X” to identify a particular location or object.  FIG. 2C  shows a patch  208  in a warning triangle configuration  214 . Finally,  FIG. 2D  shows a patch  208  with beacon light  216 . This patch includes a single large beacon light to further draw attention to the signaling device  100 . The configurations of patch  208  is not limited to the those shown in  FIGS. 2A-2D . Any patch configuration or reflective strip  112  with any number and color of LEDs may be used to customize the signaling device  100  for a any given application.  
      Referring back to  FIG. 2 , signaling device  100  may include further mounting mechanisms at reinforced corners  102 . Specifically, in addition to grommets  106  and magnets  108 , VELCRO fasteners  204  may be secured to each reinforced corner  102 . Hook fasteners  204 A are attached to signaling device  100  at each reinforced corner on a front side of the device while loop fasteners  204 B are attached to the signaling device at each corner on a rear side of the device. For clarity, only two hook fasteners  204 A and two loop fasteners  204 B are shown in  FIG. 2 , but it should be understood that each reinforced corner  102  could have hook fasteners  204 A attached on one side of signaling device  100  and loop fasteners  204 B on the other side of the signaling device. By placing hook fasteners  204 A on the front of signaling device  100  and loop fasteners  204 B on the back of the device, a user is presented with several more options for attaching the device  100  to an object. First, signaling device  100  may be wrapped around an object such that one edge of the signaling device overlaps an opposite parallel edge of the device, allowing loop fasteners  204 B proximate to one edge of the device to engage hook fasteners  204 A proximate to the opposite parallel edge of the signaling device. Other options for mounting signaling device  100  to an object are shown in  FIG. 3 .  
      VELCRO fasteners  204  also serve to facilitate storage of signaling device  100 . To store the device, a user may remove reflective strip  112  from VELCRO attach means  202  and attach it to corresponding VELCRO fasteners  204  along one edge of signaling device  100 . Starting with the same edge to which reflective strip  112  is now attached, the user may roll signaling device  100  from front to back up to the VELCRO attach means  202 . The user then wraps the opposite edge of signaling device  100  around the roll and attaches the remaining VELCRO fasteners  204  to VELCRO attach means  202  or to other VELCRO strips attached to the signaling device  100  for this purpose in order to secure the signaling device in a rolled configuration.  
       FIG. 3  illustrates marking scenario  300  in which a signaling device  100  is attached to a tree  302  in order to mark a location. Hikers and hunters, as well as others, often desire to mark a location along a trail or in the woods to identify a location for other hikers or hunters. One method of attaching the signaling device to tree  302  is using the VELCRO fasteners  204  described above with respect to  FIG. 2 . A VELCRO strip  306  is used to wrap around the tree  302  and engage hook fasteners  204 A located on the front of signaling device  100 . Similarly, a VELCRO strip  306  could be used to wrap around the tree  302  and engage loop fasteners  204 B on the rear of signaling device  100 . Another method for attaching signaling device  100  to tree  302  is using string or rope  304  connected to grommets  106 .  
      Another feature of a signaling device  100  according to one embodiment of the present invention that enhances the location marking capabilities of the signaling device is audible device  318 , shown in  FIG. 3 . Audible device  318  may be any device that produces an audible tone of sufficient volume to alert others of the location of the signaling device. Audible devices  318  may include an alarm as known in the art that produces a steady tone, an intermittent tone, or a voice recording. Audible devices  318  are secured to device  300  permanently through stitching, detachably through any of the fastening means discussed above, or in a pouch stitched to device  300 . Using both the audible device  318  and LEDs  114 , a person lost in the woods would increase the chance of early rescue by alerting others both audibly and visually to their location.  
       FIG. 4  shows extended load scenario  400  in which a signaling device is attached to an extended vehicle load  402  to caution other drivers of the potential danger. In this embodiment, one end of string or rope  406  is tied to grommets  106  on signaling device  100  with the opposing end of string or rope  406  tied to strap  404  to secure the signaling device to the extended load. Through bright colors, reflective strip  112 , and LEDs  114 , signaling device  100  draws attention to the extended load  402 . Mesh  104  allows wind to penetrate the signaling device  100 , minimizing damage to the device from prolonged use in the vehicle&#39;s slipstream.  
       FIG. 5  shows disabled vehicle scenario  500  in which a signaling device  100  is attached to a disabled vehicle  502  to alert drivers to the hazardous situation while the driver of the disabled vehicle makes repairs or waits for help. In this embodiment, signaling device  100  is attached to the vehicle  502  using magnets  108  located within each reinforced corner  102 . Signaling device  100  is ideal for this application since it can be easily rolled up or folded and stored within a vehicle. Upon an emergency, signaling device  100  easily attaches to a vehicle as seen in  FIG. 5  utilizing magnets  108  concealed within reinforced corners  102 . Because the magnets  108  are concealed within the reinforced corners  102 , a user may attach signaling device  100  to a vehicle without fear of scratching or otherwise harming the vehicle finish. LEDs  114  ensure that other drivers will see the disabled vehicle  502  clearly, even in low-light conditions, from any angle without having to rely on light being reflected off of the signaling device. Magnets  108  allow the signaling device  100  to be used in any situation with a metal surface, not only with automobiles. Another application would be to magnetically attach signaling device  100  to a metal highway construction sign to increase the visibility of the warning sign.  
      In addition to the color and light effects of signaling device  100 , the device may be marked with the letters “POLICE,” “DOT,” “US ARMED FORCES,” a company name, or any other identifying insignia corresponding to the user. Alternatively, mesh  104  may be marked with messages such as “CAUTION” or “SLOW.” These identifiers and messages may be printed on the mesh  104  using a contrasting color, or may be created using reflective strip  112  or patch  208 . It is to be understood that reflective strip  112  may be secured to mesh  104  in any pattern or configuration. A further embodiment for increasing the visibility of signaling device  100  includes fiber-optic thread sewn into device  100  from light assemblies  114 . Fiber-optic thread receives and transmits light from light assemblies  114  or from independent light sources as known in the art and may be sewn along the edges of device  100  or in any pattern desired to provide additional illumination to device  100 .  
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  illustrate a light assembly  114  according to one embodiment of the present invention. Light assembly  114  comprises a LED  602  and protective cover  604 . Protective cover  604 , as seen in  FIG. 6A , is dome shaped. However, it is to be understood that protective cover  604  may be any shape. Protective cover  604  is preferably made of a durable, scratch-resistant, heat-resistant material to ensure long life. Cover  604  is transparent or translucent to allow light from the LED within to emit light in all directions. Alternatively, cover  604  may allow for varying amounts of light to penetrate different portions of the cover. This feature may be useful to limit the amount of light seen by the user from one particular angle while maintaining maximum light penetration at all other viewing angles. Protective cover  604  has an aperture  606  in which the LED  602  is located. The LED  602  is recessed within the aperture  606  such that the LED does not protrude above the protective cover  604 . This feature prevents the LED  602  from damage from being hit by objects or rubbed against objects separate from the device. The LED  602  and protective cover  604  are secured to a reflective strip using adhesive, heat means, or any other appropriate methods. Each protective cover  604  and corresponding LED  602  is raised so that it protrudes away from the reflective strip to which it is attached. Being raised allows for the maximum amount of light emitted from each LED to be visible. Raising the LED  602  and protective cover  604  also allows for light from the LED to be reflected off of the reflective strip to which it is attached.  
      The versatility of a signaling device according to embodiments of the present invention is substantially increased over typical signaling devices. Through the use of multiple mounting mechanisms, including but not limited to any combination of grommets, magnets, and hook and loop fasteners, signaling device  100  is readily displayed under a wide variety of situations. This versatility makes signaling device  100  useful as a safety device to alert others of potential dangers and also as a location marker to identify specific objects or locations for others. Signaling device  100  could even be used in children&#39;s games such as variations of the traditional “capture the flag” game. By turning on LEDs  114  or audible device  318 , children who capture the flag can alert others of the victory. Further adding to the versatility of signaling device  100 , reflective strip  112  is detachable, allowing for the customization of the signaling device to suit a specific purpose through the use of optional patches  208 .  
      The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the composition of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.