OBJECT
[0001] 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
[0002] 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.
[0003] 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.
[0004] 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
[0005] 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.
[0006] 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
[0007] 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.
[0008] Figure 1 is a perspective of the device to be fitted outside a garage or the like.
[0009] 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
[0010] 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.
[0011] 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.
[0012] 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.
[0013] The structure -1- includes arms -5- to be anchored into the front of the building.
[0014] 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.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.