GB2372556A

GB2372556A - Signalling Apparatus with Coloured Lights

Info

Publication number: GB2372556A
Application number: GB0104202A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Ford
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-02-21
Filing date: 2001-02-21
Publication date: 2002-08-28
Also published as: GB0104202D0

Abstract

A signalling apparatus 10 is locatable on the inside of a window of a house so as to be visible from the outside of the house. The apparatus 10 comprises four different colour strobe lights 18. The lights 18 are selectively operable to identify the house to a potential caller and provide an indication dependent on the colour of light 18 which operates.

Description

Signalling Apparatus This invention concerns signalling apparatus.

When trying to seek a new location, and particularly a domestic dwelling, it can be difficult to identify the location and particularly in the dark. This can be a particular problem for doctors or the emergency services, or persons trying to deliver items to a domestic address.

According to the present invention there is provided signalling apparatus, the apparatus comprising light means and means for selectively producing one of a number of visual signals whereby to identify a location to be sought by a third party, and provide an indication of the requirement at the location.

The apparatus may be arranged such that the visual signals comprise flashing lights.

The apparatus may be arranged such that the visual signals are of different colours. The colours may comprise any or all of yellow, red, blue and green.

The light means may comprise a plurality of lamp means, each capable of producing different colour light. The lamp means may be in the form of strobes.

The apparatus may be mountable inside a building so as to be visible from outside thereof. The apparatus may be mountable on the inside of a window, and may comprise one or more suckers selectively engageable on a pane of glass.

Alternatively, the apparatus may be locatable outdoors, and may comprise ground engagement means.

The apparatus preferably comprises a housing which locates the light means.

The apparatus may comprise control means for selectively operating the light means. Control means may be provided on the housing.

Alternatively or in addition, remote control means may be provided, which may include a hand set, which permit actuation of the light means by radio control or otherwise. The apparatus may be powered by mains, battery and/or solar power.

Indication means may be provided on the apparatus to indicate that a light means is operable, and the indication means may be visible and/or audible within a building upon which the apparatus is mounted. Indication means could also be provided on a hand set.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which : Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic front view of signalling apparatus according to the invention; and Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic side view of the apparatus of Fig. 1 in use.

The drawings show signalling apparatus 10 suitable for mounting inside a house for instance on the inside of an upstairs window, or any other window which provides the clearest indication to the nearest road. The apparatus 10 comprises a housing 12. Four suckers 14 are provided on the front of the housing 12, one towards each corner, to permit removable mounting on a window pane 16 as shown in Fig. 2. The apparatus 10 comprises four lights 18 mounted to extend through the front of the housing 12. The lights 18 are in the form of strobes which are respectively blue, green, red and yellow. A control switch 20 is provided on the rear of the housing 12 to permit a selective one of the lights 18 to be switched on to flash. An LED indicator 22 is also provided on the rear of the housing 12 to provide an indication that one of the lights 18 is operable.

The apparatus 10 could be mains powered, perhaps with a battery backup. Alternatively, the principal power source could be a battery, and a low battery indicator could be provided.

In use, when it is required to indicate that a person is required to call on a location at which the apparatus 10 is situated, a respective one of the lights 18 is caused to flash. The blue light could signify that the emergency services are required to call. The green light could signify that a doctor is required to call. The red light could indicate that there is some form of an emergency and a caller is required, whilst the yellow light could indicate that a delivery is expected.

In addition or as an alternative to the control switch 20, a remote control means could be provided. This will permit the apparatus to be actuated from anywhere within the range of the remote control, and would be particularly useful with elderly or disabled persons. In this context a remote control device could be provided, which could for instance be worn around a person's neck, such that in the eventuality of a fall or other accident, the wearer could actuate the apparatus 10 and the red light 18 in particular, to show that assistance is required. Additionally, associated with the operation of the emergency red light, an audible warning such as a buzzer located in the apparatus may sound to indicate to the person in the house, who may not be in the same room as the apparatus, that the alarm has been raised.

In an alternative arrangement (not shown) particularly suited for use with long drives and the like, an outdoor apparatus could be provided which may include a mounting post engageable in the ground. This arrangement could have a similar configuration to the apparatus 10 and could be located near an entrance to a drive or gate to a property. In general this would be operated by radio control, though switch means could be provided on the apparatus. This apparatus would be ideally suited to be powered by solar power.

There is thus described signalling apparatus which readily permits a location to be identified when a caller is expected. In the case of the first described apparatus this can be located wherever is appropriate and provides the best view from an adjoining road or the like. The apparatus also provides a readily visual indication in the instance of an accident such as a fall. The apparatus is of relatively simple configuration and can thus be inexpensively and robustly manufactured.

Various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the apparatus may be mountable by other means.

The apparatus may comprise different lights or less lights than those indicated above. A single light source could be provided which can provide different colour lights. The apparatus could perhaps be connected to an automatic dialling system to indicate if an emergency takes place to call for assistance. Different audible warnings may be linked to the different coloured lights. An emergency audible warning, associated with the operation of the red light, may sound externally.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Signalling apparatus, the apparatus comprising light means and means for selectively producing one of a number of visual signals whereby to identify a location to be sought by a third party, and provide an indication of the requirement at the location.
2. Signalling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is arranged such that the visual signals comprise flashing lights.
3. Signalling apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the apparatus is arranged such that the visual signals are of different colours.
4. Signalling apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the colours comprise any or all of yellow, red, blue and green.
5. Signalling apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the light means comprises a plurality of lamp means.
6. Signalling apparatus according to claim 5, wherein each lamp means produces different colour light.
7. Signalling apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the lamp means are in the form of strobes.
8. Signalling apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus is mountable inside a building so as to be visible from outside thereof.
9. Signalling apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the apparatus is mountable on the inside of a window.
10. Signalling apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the apparatus comprises one or more suckers selectively engageable on a pane of glass.
11. Signalling apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the apparatus is locatable outdoors.
12. Signalling apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the apparatus comprises ground engagement means.
13. Signalling apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus comprises a housing which locates the light means.
14. Signalling apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus comprises control means for selectively operating the light means.
15. Signalling apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the control means are provided on the housing.
16. Signalling apparatus according to claim 14 or 15, wherein remote control means are provided which permit actuation of the light means by radio control or otherwise.
17. Signalling apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the remote control means includes a handset.
18. Signalling apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is powered by mains, battery and/or solar power.
19. Signalling apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein indication means are provided on the apparatus to indicate that a light means is operable.
20. Signalling apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the indication means are visible within a building upon which the apparatus is mounted.
21. Signalling apparatus according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the indication means are audible within a building upon which the apparatus is mounted.
22. Signalling apparatus according to any of claims 19 to 21, wherein indication means are provided on a hand set.
23. Signalling apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.
24. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed herein, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims.