EP0853298A2

EP0853298A2 - A warning device for motor cars exiting garages and the like

Info

Publication number: EP0853298A2
Application number: EP98500003A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Antonio Luis Jorge Fierro
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1997-01-09
Filing date: 1998-01-07
Publication date: 1998-07-15
Also published as: ES1036074Y; ES1036074U; EP0853298A3

Abstract

The structure (1) made up of translucent panels (2) carrying inscriptions (3) is fixed outside the building close to the vehicle exit door. The inscriptions (3) are illuminated by a light located within the structure (1) and audiovisual alarm signals (4) work simultaneously, the foregoing activated by sensors (6) detecting a vehicle travelling towards the exit.

The invention is useful to give an advance warning of motor cars leaving garages or enclosures located within buildings.

Description

OBJECT

The object of the present Patent of Invention application is a warning device for motor cars exiting garages and the like that not only serves the purpose for which it was designed but moreover contributes a number of advantages explained hereinafter and others that are inherent in the organisation and construction thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Vehicles of all kinds, in particular motor cars, cause a well-known problem as they exit garages or enclosures located within buildings. The problem affects pedestrians walking on the pavement and the drivers of other vehicles travelling on the road alike.

No specific device is currently known for giving pedestrians and other vehicles an advance warning of such circumstance to prevent accidents. That is why, when a vehicle exits an enclosure straight onto the pavement, the assistance of a third party standing outside the enclosure is today required to direct the operation, stopping pedestrians and other vehicles to facilitate the exit of the vehicle from the garage and cause no upsets or accidents in so doing.

The problem is worse when the pedestrian is blind, for his or her blindness prevent the presence of the vehicle sticking out of the garage from being noticed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The applicant for the present Patent of Invention has conceived a device designed to be fitted outside the garage close to the door, which includes means emitting illuminated legible and/or siren or human voice like audible messages. These means are automatically activated when the vehicle passes between sensors that sense its presence at a position preceding the vehicle exit, which means are switched off likewise automatically when the vehicle leaves the sensitive area.

Accordingly, a pedestrian walking along the pavement or the driver of a vehicle travelling on a road is given sufficient advance warning of the situation that is about to take place, so as to be able to take the necessary precautions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to complete the description of the invention and for an easier understanding of the formal and functional features thereof, a sheet of drawings is attached hereto schematically showing the warning device subject of the invention.

Figure 1 is a perspective of the device to be fitted outside a garage or the like.

Figure 2 is a sectional plan view of the door of such garage or the like, showing the location of the sensors designed to activate the illuminated and sound means fitted in the external device.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The construction of the warning device constituting the object of the invention is described hereinafter in order to clearly show its structure and advantageous use with reference to the drawings that represent a preferred embodiment for informative purposes and should therefore be considered in the broadest sense and not to limit the scope of the invention.

The perspective of figure 1 shows the device, that comprises a prismatic structure -1-, but could be shaped otherwise, its longer faces -2- consisting of translucent panels that serve as a support for inscriptions -3- in large characters for easier reading when a light located within the structure -1- is lit and illuminates the same, whereas the inscriptions -3- no longer catch the eye when the light is switched off.

The structure -1- also has an outer element -4- that generates an audiovisual alarm, the sound of which alarm may comprise a siren or a human voice reproduction in the form of messages warning of the situation that is about to take place.

The structure -1- includes arms -5- to be anchored into the front of the building.

The warning means aforesaid, the light illuminating the legends -3- on the panels -2-, and the audiovisual alarm -4-, are connected to sensors -6- located within the garage -7- that detect a vehicle travelling towards the exit and cause the said warning means located in the external structure -1- to be activated.

Claims

A warning device for motor cars exiting a garage or the like, essentially characterised in that it comprises a hollow structure located outside a building close to the exit door, consisting of translucent panels serving as a support for legends printed in large characters, which structure includes an internal lamp and an external conventional audiovisual alarm generating apparatus, the said lamp and apparatus being connected to sensors located inside the garage ready to sense vehicles travelling towards the exit and activate the respective lamp and alarm apparatus.
A warning device for motor cars exiting a garage or the like, as in claim 1, characterised in that the audiovisual alarm generating apparatus emits a sirenlike sound.
A warning device for motor cars exiting a garage or the like, as in claim 1, characterised in that the audiovisual alarm generating apparatus emits a sound reproducing the human voice.