AU2016203984A1 - Vehicle sign - Google Patents

Abstract

A sign for attachment to a vehicle driven by a driver, the sign includes a first indication to others that an area where the vehicle is being driven or located is unfamiliar to the driver. In one form, the first indication includes a "T" symbol to indicate that the driver is a tourist of the area. Figure 1 Figure 2

Description

1 2016203984 14 Jun2016

VEHICLE SIGN

PRIORITY DOCUMENT

[0001] The present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2015904009 titled “Vehicle Sign” and filed on 1 October 2015, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to a sign for a vehicle.

BACKGROUND

[0003] When driving a vehicle in an unfamiliar area, a driver may need to divert a part of his attention to check for road signs and/or landmarks etc to navigate so to arrive at his/her intended destination. For example, when a tourist visits a place, that tourist may need to check a map or a GPS device frequently or constantly when driving to ensure that he/she is not lost. The problem is compounded when the place being visited by the tourist practises different road regulations (for example, driving on the different side of a road).

[0004] As a result, the driving performance of the tourist may not be satisfactory due to frequent breaking, slower than usual driving speed etc. This may increase the risk of an accident involving the vehicle driven by the tourist and other users of the road.

SUMMARY

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sign for attachment to a vehicle driven by a driver, the sign includes a first indication to others that an area where the vehicle is being driven or located is unfamiliar to the driver.

[0006] In one form, the sign indicates that the driver is a tourist of the area.

[0007] In one form, the first indication includes a “T” symbol.

[0008] In one form, the first indication is a word, a symbol or a phrase to mean tourist according to a language known by one or more residents of the area.

[0009] In one form, the first indication is formed or printed on a sheet. 2 2016203984 14 Jun2016 [0010] In one form, the sheet is configured for attachment to the vehicle with one or more of the following: tape, glue, adhesive, magnet, fastener, hook, Velcro, flexible plastic, slot, suction, vinyl and strap.

[0011] In one form, the sheet is electrostatic type, “see through” type, spotted type, or no moisture type.

[0012] In one form, the first indication is on a surface of the sheet; and the sign further includes a second indication is on another surface of the sheet.

[0013] In one form, the second indication indicates that the driver is a learner driver.

[0014] In one form, the second indication indicates that the driver is a probationary driver.

[0015] In one form, the sign is a disposable sign.

[0016] In one form, the first indication includes a predetermined colour or a predetermined combination of colour.

[0017] In one form, the predetermined combination of colour includes two parallel colour strips of different colours.

[0018] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rental car with a sign, the sign includes a first indication to others that an area where the vehicle is being driven or located is unfamiliar to the driver. In one form, the sign indicates that the driver is a tourist of the area. In one form, the first indication includes a “T” symbol. In one form, the first indication is a word, a symbol or a phrase to mean tourist according to a language known by one or more residents of the area.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0019] Embodiments of the present invention will be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: [0020] Figure 1 depicts an embodiment of a sign in accordance with the present invention with an exemplary placement of the sign with respect to a vehicle; [0021] Figure 2 depicts an embodiment of the sign, where the alphabet “T”, or its equivalent, is presented on one side of the sheet, and with alphabet “P” or “F” presented on the other side of the sheet; [0022] Figure 3 depicts an example of the sign; and 3 2016203984 14 Jun2016 [0023] Figure 4 depicts another example of the sign, including foreign character(s).

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0024] The invention relates to a way to indicate to others that a driver of a vehicle is unfamiliar with an area where the vehicle is being driven or located. The term “unfamiliar” refers to one or more of the following scenarios: (a) the driver is a tourist in the area; (b) the driver hasn’t been driving in the area for an extended time (> 3 months, for example); (c) the driver hasn’t been exposed to road regulation changes in the area; (d) the driver hasn’t been driving continuously for a period of time in the area (< 2 weeks continuous driving).

[0025] Referring to Figure 1, a sign 1 is attached to a rear window of car 3. When the car 3 is being driven on a road, or when the car 3 is stationary, such as stopping due to a red traffic light, others, including drivers of other vehicles or pedestrians near the car 3 can notice sign 1. The sign 1 includes an indication to drivers of other vehicles or pedestrians near car 3 so that drivers of other vehicles or pedestrians near car 3 could know that the driver of car 3 is unfamiliar with local roads and/or local road regulations. As a result, drivers of other vehicles or pedestrians near car 3 will pay more attention to car 3 as car 3 may be driven in an unexpected manner such as stopping frequently, stopping abruptly, slowing abruptly, turning abruptly etc. This may thus reduce the risk of an accident involving car 3.

[0026] Sign 1 is shown in Figure 1, just as an example, as a sheet attached to the rear window of car 3. Sign 1 can also be attached in other windows, such as the front window, or side windows. Plurality of sign 1 can also be attached in one or more of the rear window, front window and side windows of car 3. It is also possible to stick sign 1 outside of those windows.

[0027] Note that the car 3 is shown as an example. Sign 1 can be used in other forms of vehicles, including but not limited to van, 4WD, bike, scooter, caravan, tricycle, bicycle etc. When a window is not present in some forms of vehicles such, as a bike, the sign 1 can be attached to those vehicles in one or more ways described below.

[0028] While sign 1 is shown to be stuck on the windows in Figure 1, it can also be attached to other parts of car 3, as long as sign 1 can be viewed by drivers of other vehicles or pedestrians near car 3. For example, with proper design, it is possible to stick sign 1 on the body of the car 3. Further, various means can be used to achieve attachment of sign 1 to car 3, including, but not limited to, tape, clip, glue, strap, adhesive, Velcro, flexible plastic, “see through” type, spotted type, no moisture type, suction type, electrostatic, magnetic, vinyl etc. Sign 1 can also be attached to car 3 through slotting sign 1 into a frame/slot already attached to the car, or being hooked on to a part of car 3. 4 2016203984 14 Jun2016 [0029] Sign 1 can also be different from a sheet. For example, it can be a 3D shape, as long as it is readily visible by drivers of other vehicles or pedestrians near car 3.

[0030] The indication of sign 1 is shown to be an alphabet “T” 5 to represent the short form of “Tourist”. Other alphabets can be used depending on the local regulations and legislations. For example, a certain country may decide to set alphabet “BB” to represent tourist. As long as that was understood by drivers of other vehicles or pedestrians near car 3, for example through local news or local TV publicity that cars with indication “BB” means the driver of a vehicle is unfamiliar with an area where the vehicle is being driven or located, such usage would be within the scope of the present invention. A combination of “T” and other alphabet(s), word(s), phrase(s) is possible too. Examples will be explained with reference to Figure 3 and 4.

[0031] Figure 2 shows a production of an embodiment of sign 1. In this embodiment, sign 1 is produced as a sheet with the indication “T” 5 printed on one side of the sheet. On the other side of the sheet, either alphabet “P” 11 is printed or alphabet “L” 13 is printed. Alphabet “L” 13 is used to indicate that the driver is a learner driver while alphabet “P” 11 is used to indicate that the driver is a probationary driver. By having this arrangement, the sheet with alphabet “T” 5 to indicate that a driver of a vehicle is unfamiliar with an area where the vehicle is being driven or located can be sold together with the commonly used “P” 11 and “L” 13 indications. Further, if “T” 5 is printed at the back of “P” 11 or “L” 13, a driver of a vehicle unfamiliar with an area where the vehicle is being driven or located can borrow a vehicle owned by a person being a learner driver or probationary driver, then flip the “P” 11 or “L” 13 sign to show the “T” 5 sign to drivers of other vehicle or pedestrians nearby.

[0032] The sign to be attached to a vehicle for the purpose of alerting drivers of other vehicles or pedestrians nearby that the driver is unfamiliar with the local roads or road regulations can be made into disposable form. For example, the sign can be a disposable sticker to be attached to a vehicle when driven by a tourist, and the sticker can be peeled off and disposed off when the tourist has finished his/her driving trip. For convenience, the disposable stickers can be made into a roll.

[0033] In one embodiment of sign 1, sign 1 is printed on a light-reflective material so that it is easily noticeable at night time. It is possible to only have the alphabet(s) being reflective, or the background being reflective rather, than having all being reflective.

[0034] Figure 3 depicts another embodiment of sign 1 discussed with respect to Figure 1. In this embodiment, the sign 21 is an approximately square sheet, dimensions of which measured to be 16cm x 16cm. Of course, other shapes and/or dimensions, such as rectangular sheet, triangular sheet, kite shape of various sizes etc. may be suitable too as long as the sign can be viewed by drivers of other vehicle or pedestrians nearby. In this Embodiment, the indication of the sign 21 includes an alphabet “T” 23, and the 2016203984 14 Jun2016 5 word “TOURIST” 25 at the bottom of the alphabet “T” 23. This is to ensure that any other drivers of other vehicles or pedestrians nearby would understand the meaning of the sign, even if they are not aware of the meaning of alphabet “T” 23.

[0035] Figure 4 depicts another embodiment of sign 1 discussed with respect to Figure 1. In this embodiment, the sign 31 is an approximately circular, radius of which measured to be 16cm. Of course, other shapes and/or dimensions, such as oval, may be suitable too, as long as the sign can be viewed by drivers of other vehicles or pedestrians nearby. In this Embodiment, the indication of the sign 31 includes an alphabet “T” 33, and the word “TOURIST” in Chinese character 35, at the bottom of the alphabet “T” 33. This is to ensure that any other drivers of other vehicles or pedestrians nearby would understand the meaning of the sign, even if they are not aware of the meaning of alphabet “T” 33. This sign can probably be more suitable in countries where Chinese characters are commonly used, such as China.

[0036] In one form, “T” will be used universally but is used together with a local version of “TOURIST”. For example, “T” used with Spanish version of “TOURIST” in Spain etc.

[0037] It is also possible to have rental cars having a “T” sign, or equivalent, readily accessible by the driver to be made visible to drivers of other vehicle or pedestrians nearby, if so desired by the driver. It is also possible to make it a requirement for a tourist to make visible such a sign when driving a rental car. It is also possible to require a rental car having a permanent “T” sign, especially those specially selected cars meant to be rented to tourists only.

[0038] In another embodiment, a specific colour or a colour combination can be used in a sign attached to a vehicle in order to indicate to others that the vehicle is being driven in an area unfamiliar to the driver. For example, as long as it is in conformity with local rules and regulations, colour such as a primary, secondary, tertiary colour, a colour from RGB colour chart, or a colour from any colour chart, can be used. The purpose of the colour or the colour combination can be made known to locals through public campaigns, advertisements etc. When a combination of more than one colour is used as a sign, a possible embodiment is to arrange two strips of different colours in parallel. Of course, different arrangements are possible and different shapes other than a strip are possible.

[0039] Throughout the specification and the claims that follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the words “comprise” and “include” and variations such as “comprising” and “including” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers, but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. 2016203984 14 Jun2016 6 [0040] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement of any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

[0041] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention is not restricted in its use to the particular application described. Neither is the present invention restricted in its preferred embodiment with regard to the particular elements and/or features described or depicted herein. It will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth and defined by the following claims.

Claims (19)

1. A sign for attachment to a vehicle driven by a driver, the sign includes a first indication to others that an area where the vehicle is being driven or located is unfamiliar to the driver.

2. The sign according to claim 1, wherein the sign indicates that the driver is a tourist of the area.

3. The sign according to claim 1, wherein the first indication includes a “T” symbol.

4. The sign according to claim 1, wherein the first indication is a word, a symbol or a phrase to mean tourist according to a language known by one or more residents of the area.

5. The sign according to claim 1, wherein the first indication is formed or printed on a sheet.

6. The sign according to claim 5, wherein the sheet is configured for attachment to the vehicle with one or more of the following: tape, glue, adhesive, magnet, fastener, hook, Velcro, flexible plastic, slot, suction, vinyl and strap.

7. The sign according to claim 5, wherein the sheet is electrostatic type, “see through” type, spotted type, or no moisture type.

8. The sign according to claim 5, wherein the first indication is on a surface of the sheet; and the sign further includes a second indication is on another surface of the sheet.

9. The sign according to claim 8, wherein the second indication indicates that the driver is a learner driver.

10. The sign according to claim 8, wherein the second indication indicates that the driver is a probationary driver.

11. The sign according to claim 1, wherein the sign is a disposable sign.

12. The sign according to claim 1, wherein the first indication includes a predetermined colour or a predetermined combination of colour.

13. The sign according to claim 12, wherein the predetermined combination of colour includes two parallel colour strips of different colours.

14. A rental car with a sign, the sign includes a first indication to others that an area where the vehicle is being driven or located is unfamiliar to the driver.

15. The rental car according to claim 12, wherein the sign indicates that the driver is a tourist of the area.

16. The rental car according to claim 12, wherein the first indication includes a “T” symbol.

17. The rental car according to claim 12, wherein the first indication is a word, a symbol or a phrase to mean tourist according to a language known by one or more residents of the area.

18. The rental car according to claim 12, wherein the first indication includes a predetermined colour or a predetermined combination of colour.

19. The rental car according to claim 18, wherein the predetermined combination of colour includes two parallel colour strips of different colours.