Recreational Vehicle Safety Alert System

Abstract

This disclosure relates generally to towing signs and, more specifically, to signs regarding vehicles in tow.

Apparatus that affixes to towed vehicles or equipment that is mounted to the vehicle which alerts other drivers to the potential hazard inherent in vehicle towing situations. The apparatus is comprised of a mesh material, encased wire border, durable and flexible strapping, and reflective or contrasting characters.

Claims

1. A safety alert sign comprising: an oblong shaped mesh surface; an encased flexible wire that is affixed to the edges of mesh surface; four hook and loops straps that are attached to the encased wire edging of the sign; and a warning message in reflective or high contrast characters.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

[0023] FIG. 1 Recreational Vehicle Safety Alert System Basic Design:

[0024] The Mesh Surface (1) ensures stability when traveling at highway speeds allowing air and rain water to pass through without causing a sail or billowing effect of the safety sign.

[0025] The Encased Flexible Wire (2), which consists of flexible, bendable wire wrapped in weather and sun resistant material, helps to eliminate or reduce scratching of surfaces.

[0026] The Hook and Loop Straps (3) provide flexibility to attach the safety sign to a variety of surfaces or equipment, such as a spare tire, certain rear windows, bicycles, or other equipment of various sizes and shapes.

[0027] The Reflective/High Contrast Characters (4) of the sign's message, alert other drivers to the towing situation.

[0028] FIG. 2 Recreational Vehicle Safety Alert System Attached to Vehicle:

[0029] This illustrates one of several options for attaching the safety sign to an external rear mounted spare tire using the Hook and Loop Straps (3). In this situation, the straps securely fasten behind the tire. The straps are long enough to fit most tire sizes.

[0030] The Reflective/High Contrast Characters (4) are visible against a tire or tire cover.

[0031] The sign's Mesh Surface (1) allows rain water to pass through and thereby avoid a buildup of water between the sign and the tire.

[0032] The Encased Flexible Wire (2) reduces rubbing and friction which can harm painted surfaces or wear fabric, such as tire covers.

[0033] FIG. 3 Recreational Vehicle Safety Alert System Attached to Other Recreational Equipment:

[0034] This figure illustrates one of several options for attaching the safety sign to bicycles or other equipment using the Hook and Loop Straps (3). In this situation, the straps easily fasten to the bicycle frame or other items/equipment mounted to or being carried on the towed vehicle.

[0035] The Reflective/High Contrast Characters (4) are easily visible against the bicycle or other equipment.

[0036] The Mesh Surface (1) allows rain water to pass through which prevents buildup between the sign and the equipment.

[0037] The Encased Flexible Wire (2) reduces rubbing and friction of affixed equipment and is flexible enough to fit a wide variety of equipment.

[0038] FIG. 4 Recreational Vehicle Safety Alert System Collapses for Storage

[0039] This illustration shows the sign collapsing for storage. By firmly holding the opposing shorter ends of the sign and twisting, the sign will collapse into a disc shape for storage.

[0040] The Encased Flexible Wire (2) is easily twisted, and the Mesh Surface (1) is flexible which allows the sign to collapse.

[0041] FIG. 5 Recreational Vehicle Safety Alert System Partially Collapsed

[0042] This diagram shows the sign reshaped for storage. The Mesh Surface (1) is held neatly in place by the twisted Encased Flexible Wire (2).

[0043] FIG. 6 Recreational Vehicle Safety Alert System Fully Collapsed

[0044] This figure shows the sign collapsed for storage. When fully collapsed, the sign forms a disc shape approximately twelve inches in diameter with a thickness of two inches. The Mesh Surface (1) is held neatly in place by the Encased Flexible Wire (2). The Hook and Loop Straps (3) fasten together to keep the shape secured during storage.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0045] The Recreational Vehicle Safety Alert System is uniquely constructed for flexibility, durability and effectiveness. It is comprised of a mesh surface, sturdy yet flexible, wire encased in weather resistant heavy-duty material, four hook and loop straps, and message in high contract or reflective characters.

[0046] The mesh surface is cut to an oval shape of approximately 18 to 30 inches. The weather resistant material is machine stitched to the edges of the mesh surface forming a casing which holds the sturdy flexible wire.

[0047] The weather resistant material that forms the casing also creates a border to which four hook and loop straps are anchored. The hook and loop straps are machine stitched to the casing border with heavy duty weather resistant thread. These straps are used to attach the sign to a wide variety of objects or surfaces.

[0048] The sturdy flexible wire is inserted into the casing. The ends of the wire are held together with a tape-like adhesive sheet. The casing is sealed with heavy duty weather resistant thread.

[0049] Once assembled, the encased wire forms a frame that holds the mesh surface taut.

[0050] The characters and images of the message are attached to the mesh surface with heat fusion or stenciled onto the mesh surface using highly reflective paint medium.

[0051] The construction of the Recreational Vehicle Safety Alert System is designed to fit almost any vehicle, regardless of vehicle make or model. The structure and composition allow for collapsing of the sign for convenient storage. The sign can also be stored flat.

[0052] The total weight of the materials used in the construction of this sign is less than one pound which makes it easy for one person to affix the sign to the towed vehicle or equipment.