Reference to related applications The present invention is related to the applicant's earlier Australian application 24403/95 and its counterpart applications Japanese 529245/1995, Canadian 2190638, European 95918464.9 and US 08/737493, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Throughout this specification the related earlier applications will be referred to as"our earlier application".

Background of the invention As described in our earlier application hazard and safety/warning devices are required in certain circumstances. It is the object of the present invention to provide one such device which is able to be used in normal situations and in anormal situations-such as in areas containing volatile gases and/or liquids. In such situations, pyrotechnic flares cannot be used, and a device with no flame or extensive heat output must be used to prevent the risk of fire and/or explosion.

An example of such a situation will be an overturned tanker containing a petroleum product, with the inherent risk of not only fire but a major explosion.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a device which is capable of having one or more of rechargeable batteries, replaceable batteries, replaceable globes, and light emitting diodes.

Brief Description of the Invention With the above and other objects in mind the present invention provides a safety/warning device including a stem extending upwardly from and generally perpendicular to a base, the stem having an upper end in which is located a lens; the base having a container portion in which is able to be located at least one battery to power the device, the base also having a top from which the stem extends; there being a motor located within the container portion to enable rotation of a shaft extending from the base and within the stem to the upper end of the stem, the shaft having an upper end on which is mounted a reflection device for rotation with the shaft.

Preferably, the shaft has a longitudinal axis about which it rotates.

Advantageously, the container portion of the base has a flat lower surface and at least one side wall which tapers inwardly towards the lower surface. More advantageously, the side wall is curved. The radius of curvature of the side wall may vary. Preferably, the side wall has a lower portion of a first radius of curvature and an upper portion of a second radius of curvature.

Preferably, there is a lower disc mounted on the shaft and adapted to be driven by the motor by means of a system drive. The system drive may be a belt drive, friction drive, or a gear drive.

Advantageously, there is a bearing into which the upper end of the shaft passes and is supported thereby, the reflection device being mounted on the shaft below the bearing at an angle thereto. Alternatively, the bearing is located below the reflection device. Preferably, the angle is 45 degrees.

Advantageously, there is provided a downwardly-directed reflector above the reflection device and in which is located a light source. Preferably, the reflector is parabolic.

Alternatively, there is provided a light source mounted within the stem, the reflection device rotating relative thereto.

It is preferred that the stem and the top are made as a one-piece moulding.

It is further preferred that the lens extends around the stem. It is preferred that the reflection device is mounted on the shaft at a height corresponding to the height of the lens in the stem.

It is further preferred that the stem is translucent, although it may be transparent.

There may be provided a handle mounted on the stem adjacent the top of the base. Preferably, the handle has a plurality of arms extending radially outwardly from the stem, each arm having an outer end. The outer ends may be joined by a handle ring. It is preferred that the handle ring be concentric with the stem.

The side wall of the container portion of the base may have a plurality of radially-outwardly extending lugs adjacent the lower surface of the base, the lugs being provided to assist in the self-righting action of the device, and to resist movement of the device on any surface on which it is located.

Preferably, the outer edge of the ring of the handle is on the same radius of curvature as the upper portion of the side wall of the container portion of the base.

Description of Drawings In order that the invention may be readily understood there shall now be described by way of non-limitative example only a preferred constructions of safety/warning devices incorporating the principe features of the present invention, the description being with reference to the accompanying illustrative drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view from above and one side of the device; Figure 2 is a side view of the device of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the interior of the device with the cover removed; Figure 4 is a side view corresponding to Figure 3; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a second entitlement; and Figure 6 is a vertical cross-sectional views of the embodiment of Figure 5.

Description of preferred embodiment To refer to Figures 1 to 4 of the drawings, there is shown a safety/warning device having a base 10, a stem 12, lens 14 and a handle 16.

The base 10 has a container portion 18 and a top 20. The container portion 18 has a lower surface 22 which is generally flat or planar, and a side wall 24 which tapers radially inwardly towards the lower surface 22. The side wall 24 is generally curved and has a lower portion 26 of a first radius of curvature, and an upper portion 28 of a second radius of curvature. The top 20 is a separate component to the container portion 18 and is held in secure relationship thereto in any suitable manner such as, for example, by being engaged in the manner of snap fit, threaded engagement, or the like. However, the top 20 should be able to be relatively easily removed from the container portion 18 to enable access to the interior of the container portion 18.

Extending generally vertically upwardly from the top 20 is the stem 12. As can be seen, the stem 12 generally tapers radially outwardly towards its upper end 30. The upper end 30 has a lens 14 extending therearound. Between the lens 14 and the upper end 30 is provided a ring 32. The lens 14 may be of any suitable material or colour providing it is generally light transmitting. Mounted above lens 14 is a cap 34 having an upper surface 36 and a side wall 38. The side wall 38 is of larger diameter than the stem 12. Preferably, the stem 12 at upper end 30 has a portion 40 of greater diameter such that it"blends"with cap 34. The portion 40 is translucent, or of a generally translucent character, and has indentations 44 to assist gripping when removing cap 34, and a lower portion 42. Both the upper surface 36 and side wall 38 are generally translucent, such that a light glow effect can be provided.

It is preferred that the material of the stem 12 is generally translucent so that, although light will not be transmitted therethrough in a major way, the stem 12 will generally glow upon the device being activated.

Mounted on the stem 12 is the handle 16. The handle 16 has four arms 46, although different numbers may be used, with the arms 46 extending generally radially outwardly from a central hub 48, which securely locates around the stem 12. The radial arms 46 each has an outer end 50. The outer ends 50 are joined by a handle ring 52 concentric with stem 12. The ring 52 provides an easy gripable ring so that a user can grasp the handle ring 52 to be able to locate the device in an appropriate position. As can be seen, the radial arms 46 not only extend radially outwardly, but extend axially upwardly such that the ring 52 is spaced from the top 20 by a sufficient amount to enable ease of use, such as by a hand of a user with the hand being able to pass between the top 20 and the ring 52 without undue difficulty or risk of injury.

Extending radially outwardly from the side wall 24 of container portion 18 are a plurality, preferably four lugs 54, which also extend axially upwardly along the side wall 24. The lugs 54 are intended to assist in the self-righting feature of the device, and also to prevent the device from moving along any surface upon which it is placed in a generally"walking"manner.

Located on top 20 is an on/off switch 56 to enable the device to be operated. This is preferably of a"push-for-on"and"push-for-off"switch, although any form of switch may be used.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4 there is an operating mechanism for the safety/warning device. Part of this is located within the container portion 18 of base 10, and partly located within the stem 12 including lens 14 and cap 34.

Located within container portion 18 are a plurality, preferably four, batteries 58, each being located in a sleeve 60 with appropriate terminals 62,64 at the ends thereof. Naturally, wiring (not shown) is used to connecting the batteries 58 either in series, parallel, or a combination thereof.

Also mounted within container portion 18 and extending upwardly within the stem 12 is a shaft 66 having a lower end 68 and an upper end 70. Securely mounted on shaft 66 at lower end 68 is a lower disc 72, and non-releasably mounted on upper end 70 is an upper bearing support 74 for a bearing 42 for shaft 66 whilst enabling it to rotate therein. The shaft 66 and disc 72 have a common longitudinal axis, about which the shaft 66 (as well as disc 72) rotates.

Rotation is provided by a motor 76 which drives the lower disc 72 by means of a friction drive 78. However, a gear drive or belt drive may be used, if desired. The bearing support 74 locates relatively securely within stem 12, preferably in the region of ring 32.

Mounted relative to shaft 66 by means of a mounting bracket 80 is a reflection device 82, preferably in the form of a circular mirror. Preferably the reflection device 82 is mounted relative to shaft 66 at an angle, with the angle preferably being 45 degrees. As can be seen, the reflection device 82 is also co- axial with the shaft 66. Therefore, upon shaft 66 being rotated by virtue of the action of motor 76 on lower disc 72 via the friction drive 78, the reflection device 82 will also rotate.

If desired, a lower bearing support (not shown) with a lower bearing (not shown) may be used. These would be located slightly above disc 72.

Mounted within cap 34 is a light source generally designated as 84. This includes a globe 86 mounted in a terminal 88, and a parabolic reflector 90 so as to direct light from the globe 86 axially downwardly towards the reflection device 82.

In this way, upon the reflection device 82 rotating when the globe 86 is illuminated, light will shine upon the reflection device 82 such that a strobe or flashing effect is created when considered from any radial point.

It is preferred that the batteries 58 be of appropriate size and weight so that by themselves they constitute the necessary ballast in the container portion 18 to provide for an automatic self-righting feature for the device. Furthermore, by the handle ring 52 being within the same radius of curvature as the upper portion 28 of side wall 24, upon the device being forced on its side, the curved nature of the side wall 24 has effect through to the handle ring 16 and this, combined with the weight of the batteries 58, will provide for an automatic self-righting action.

By appropriate selection of batteries 58, globe 86 and lens 14, it should be possible to produce a device having daylight/night properties to equal or exceed those of the normal pyrotechnic flares which, are presently used. That would enable the device to be visible in day or night at distances of up to 200 metres and would be suitable for use on highways with traffic at speeds in excess of 100 kilometres per hour without having to rely upon reflected light from sunlight or from headlight beams. As can be seen, with the lens 14 extending around the stem 12, the device will have a 360 degree horizontal light beam which can be either flashing or pulsating. The device can also be used with clip on bases, free standing, with magnetic or suction attachment, a stay, road bollard, spike, or the like, as desired.

It is preferred that the device be made of a suitable plastics material such that it is able to withstand a one metre drop which may occur during deployment.

With the base 10 being generally hemispherical, and with the weight of the batteries 58, the device will be inherently self-righting when dropped on a surface such as a road.

If desired, the upper surface 36 of cap 34 may be provided with an area (which may be all or part of the upper surface 36) to enable a generally vertically directed beam to be provided such that the device can be used for use in marking- out emergency helicopter landing zones, particularly for helicopters that undertake medical evacuations from traffic accidents, and search and rescue sites. To enable this, the parabolic reflector 90 may have one or more openings therein to enable light to be transmitted substantially axially upwardly through the upper surface 36 of cap 34. In this event, the base 10 should have sufficient weight to prevent the device from rolling during the descent and take off of large helicopters.

Although the device may be forced on its side from the down draft of rotor blades, it would return to its upright position when the down draft had ceased.

It is preferable that the parabolic reflector 90 be focussed on the reflection device 82 so as to provide for maximum luminous intensity. This luminous intensity is preferably at least or greater than 17cd. s. With the rotation of shaft 66, the"flashing"created by the reflection device 82 is preferably at a flash rate greater than 60 flashes per minute, and less than 120 flashes per minute, preferably 90 flashes per minute. Therefore, the rate of rotation of shaft 66 should be between 60 and 12 revolutions per minute, preferably 90 revolutions per minute.

By altering the nature of the reflection device 82 from a flat mirror to a mirror having a profile, the nature of the beam emanating therefrom can be varied.

This may provide a very narrow beam, or a beam spreading above and/or below a horizontal plane through the optical centre of the reflection device 82. The spread of this beam may be up to 10 degrees above and/or 5 degrees below that horizontal plane. It is preferred that the beam be over an angle which does not exceed 15 degrees.

The lens 14 may be made of any suitable material or colour and may include clear, red, blue, amber, green, magenta, or black, if desired.

With the shaft 66 rotating at speeds up to 2 revolutions per minute (2Hz) with a variance of up to 10%, there may be provided a control for varying the rate of the rotation of shaft 66 and therefore the flash rate and flash duration. This may be a simple rheostat-styled device or regulation to control the voltage supplie to the motor 76 and therefore the motor 76 rotation rate, and thus the rotation rate of shaft 66. An intermediate pinch wheel in the friction drive 78 may be provided to control the flash rate.

It is preferred that the joins between the cap 34 with lens 14, lens 14 with stem 12, as well as top 20 with container portion 18, are relatively air-tight. If desired, seals may be used. It is also preferred that those joins be relatively dust, and water, tight.

The batteries 58 may be of any suitable nature or size such as, for example, there may be four alkaline manganese D cells such as those produced by"Duracell"under their catalogue number MN1300. The battery capacity is preferably greater than 15000ma/hr at 20°C. Alternatively suitable rechargeable "D"cells may be used. The container portion 18 is preferably removable from the top 20 by means of a screwed joint or the like to allow access to the battery sleeves 60 to enable the batteries 58 to be removed therefrom for replacement and/or recharging if rechargeable cells are selected.

It is preferred that the motor 76 be a relatively small motor such that it would draw less than 5% of the total current drawn by the globe 86.

Furthermore, the cap 34 may be able to be removed in any appropriate way to enable the access to the globe 86 to change the globe 86 when and as required or desired.

To now refer to Figures 5 and 6 of the drawings, there is shown a second embodiment safety/warning device. In this description like components will have like reference numerals with a prefix number 2. The embodiment shown has a base 210, a stem 212, lens 214 and a handle 216.

The base 210 has a container portion 218 and a top 220. The container portion 218 has a lower surface 222 which is generally flat or planar, and a side wall 224 which tapers radially inwardly towards the lower surface 222. The side wall 224 is generally curved and has a lower portion 226 of a first radius of curvature, and an upper portion 228 of a second radius of curvature. The two radii of curvature may be the same, if desired, or different. The top 220 is a separate component to the container portion 218 and is held in secure yet releasable relationship thereto in any suitable manner such as, for example, by being engaged in the manner of snap fit, threaded engagement, or the like.

However, the top 220 should be able to be relatively easily removed from the container portion 218 to enable access to the interior of the container portion 218.

Extending generally vertically upwardly from the top 220 is the stem 212.

As can be seen, the stem 212 generally tapers radially outwardly towards its upper end 230 at a slight angle. The upper end 230 has a lens 214 extending therearound and which is securely attached to upper end 230. The lens 214 may be of any suitable material or colour providing it is generally light transmitting. The lens 214 has a top 234 having an upper surface 236. The lens 214 also has a side wall 238. The side wall 238 is of the same diameter as the stem 212.

It is preferred that the material of the stem 212 is generally translucent so that, although light will not be transmitted therethrough in a major way, the stem 212 will generally glow upon the device being activated. Howler, it may be transparent, if required.

Mounted on the stem 212 is the handle 216. The handle 216 has three arms 246, although different numbers may be used, with the arms 246 extending generally radially outwardly from a central hub 248, which securely locates around the stem 212. The radial arms 246 each has an outer end 250. The outer ends 250 are joined by a handle"ring"252 concentric with stem 212. The ring 252 provides an easy gripable ring so that a user can grasp the handle ring 252 to be able to locate the device in an appropriate position. As can be seen, the radial arms 246 not only extend radially outwardly, but extend axially upwardly such that the ring 252 is spaced from the top 220 by a sufficient amount to enable ease of use, such as by a hand of a user, with the hand being able to pass between the top 220 and the ring 252 without undue difficulty or risk of injury.

Extending radially outwardly from the side wall 224 of container portion 218 are a plurality, preferably four, lugs 254 which also extend axially upwardly along the side wall 224. The lugs 254 are intended to assist in the self-righting feature of the device, and also to prevent the device from moving along any surface upon which it is placed in a generally"walking"manner.

Located on one arm 246 is an on/off switch 256 to enable the device to be operated. This is preferably of a"push-for-on"and"push-for-off"switch, although it may be a sliding switch using a permanent magnet to operate a reed switch to control the operation of the device. In this way the body of the stem 212 need not be penetrated by the switch mechanism, thus reducing the possibility of leaks.

Located within container portion 218 are a plurality, preferably four, batteries 258, each being located in a sleeve 260 with appropriate terminals 262, 264 at the ends thereof. Naturally, wiring (not shown) is used to connecting the batteries 258 either in series, parallel, or a combination thereof.

Also mounted within container portion 218 and extending upwardly within the stem 212 is a shaft 266 having a lower end 268 and an upper end 270.

Securely mounted on shaft 266 at lower end 268 is a lower disc 272. Upper end 270 engages in an upper bearing 242 under top 236 enabling it to rotate therein.

The shaft 266 and disc 272 have a common longitudinal axis, about which the shaft 266 (as well as disc 272) rotates. Rotation is provided by a motor 276 which drives the lower disc 272 by means of a belt drive pulley 278 and belt 279.

However, a gear drive or friction drive may be used, if desired.

Mounted relative to shaft 266 for rotation therewith by means of a mounting bracket 280 is a reflection device 282, preferably in the form of a circular mirror.

Preferably the reflection device 282 is mounted relative to shaft 266 at an angle, with the angle preferably being 45 degrees. As can be seen, the reflection device 282 is also co-axial with the shaft 266. Therefore, upon shaft 266 being rotated by virtue of the action of motor 276 on lower disc 272 via the belt drive 278, the reflection device 282 will also rotate.

A lower bearing support 281 with a lower bearing 283 may be used. These would be located above disc 272 and within stem 212, but below reflection device 282.

Mounted within stem 212 is a light source generally designated as 284.

This includes a plurality of light emitting diodes 286, preferably there are five high flux light emitting diodes 286 with an included beam angle of at least ten degrees.

However, globes may be used, if desired. In this way, upon the reflection device 282 rotating when the light source 284 is illuminated, light will shine upon the reflection device 282 such that a strobe or flashing effect is created when considered from any radial point from lens 214 The light emitting diodes 286 may be mounted on a circuit board affixed or otherwise secured to lower bearing support 281.

The light emitting diodes 286 are preferably provided with a constant current regulated source to provide constant light output up to the end of the discharge time of the batteries 258. This is typically 0.8 V per cell for an alkaline manganese primary cell. In this way there is constant light from the diodes 286 until the discharge from the batteries 258, rather than a gradual dimming of the light over a lengthy period of time.

The constant current regulated source (not shown) is preferably provided with a light emitting diode (not shown) which is switched ON when the remaining discharge time of the batteries 258 is below a predetermined period such as, for example, eight hours. This is preferably a surface mounted light emitting diode which is clearly visible to a user looking down on the stem 212. The surface mounted light emitting diode is preferably of a different colour to that of the diodes 286 to provide a clear distinction.

It is preferred that the batteries 258 be of appropriate size and weight so that by themselves they constitute the necessary ballast in the container portion 218 to provide for an automatic self-righting feature for the device. Furthermore, by the handle ring 252 being within the same radius of curvature as the upper portion 228 of side wall 224, upon the device being forced on its side, the curved nature of the side watt 224 has effect through to the handle ring 216 and this, combined with the weight of the batteries 258, will provide for an automatic self- righting action.

By appropriate selection of batteries 258, light emitting diodes 286 and lens 214, it should be possible to produce a device having daylight/night properties to equal or exceed those of pyrotechnic flares which are presently used. That would enable the device to be visible in day or night at distances of up to 200 metres and would be suitable for use on highways with traffic at speeds in excess of 100 kilometres per hour without having to rely upon reflected light from sunlight or from headlight beams. As can be seen, with the lens 214 extending around the stem 212, the device will have a 360 degree horizontal light beam which can be either flashing or pulsating. The device can also be used with clip on bases, free standing, with magnetic or suction attachment, a stay, road bollard, spike, or the like, as desired.

It is preferred that the device be made of a suitable plastics material such that it is able to withstand a one metre drop which may occur during deployment.

With the base 210 being generally hemispherical, and with the weight of the batteries 258, the device will be inherently self-righting when dropped on a surface such as a road, or in water such as in the ocean, a lake or a river.

If desired, the upper surfaces 236 of lens 214 may be provided with an area (which may be all or part of the upper surface 236) to enable a generally vertically directed beam to be provided such that the device can be used for use in marking- out emergency helicopter landing zones, particularly for helicopters that undertake medical evacuations from traffic accidents, and search and rescue sites. In this event, the base 210 should have sufficient weight to prevent the device from rolling during the descent and take off of large helicopters. Although the device may be forced on its side from the down draft of rotor blades, it would return to its upright position when the down draft had ceased.

With the rotation of shaft 266, the"flashing"created by the reflection device 282 is preferably at a flash rate greater than 120 flashes per minute, and less than 180 flashes per minute, preferably 150 flashes per minute. Therefore, the rate of rotation of shaft 266 should be between 120 and 180 revolutions per minute, preferably 150 revolutions per minute.

By altering the nature of the reflection device 282 from a flat mirror to a mirror having a profile, the nature of the beam emanating therefrom can be varied.

This may provide a very narrow beam, or a beam spreading above and/or below a horizontal plane through the optical centre of the reflection device 282. The spread of this beam may be up to 10 degrees above and/or 5 degrees below that horizontal plane. It is preferred that the beam be over an angle which does not exceed 15 degrees.

The lens 214 may be made of any suitable light-transmitting material and colour.

With the shaft 266 rotating at speeds up to 2 revolutions per minute (2Hz) with a variance of up to 10%, there may be provided a control for varying the rate of the rotation of shaft 266 and therefore the flash rate and flash duration. This may be a simple rheostat-styled device or reguiation to control the voltage supplied to the motor 276 and therefore the motor 276 rotation rate, and thus the rotation rate of shaft 266.

It is preferred that the join between lens 214 with stem 212 are permanent, as in by sonic welding, gluing, or the like, so that it is water and air-tight. For the join between top 220 and container portion 218, seals 221 may be used. The join between top 220 and container portion 218 should be relatively dust and water tight.

The container portion 218 is preferably removable from the top 220 by means of a screwed joint or the like to allow access to the battery sleeves 260 to enable the batteries 258 to be removed therefrom for replacement and/or recharging, if rechargeable cells are selected.

It is preferred that the motor 276 be a relatively small motor such that it would draw less than 5% of the total current drawn by the light emitting diodes 86.

The motor 276 together with pulley 278 and belt 279 are preferably mounted on a plate 285 releasably secured to the undersurface 287 of top 220. In this way, removal of container portion 218 will allow direct access to batteries 258.

By being releasably attached, access to motor 276 and belt 279 is provided.

Also, a spring 289 is provided between plate 284 and lower surface 222 to assist in maintaining a tight assembly, prevention of rattles, and as a shock absorber in the event the device is dropped onto a hard surface.

Whilst there has been described in the foregoing description a preferred construction of a safety/warning device incorporating the principe features of the present invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the technology concerned that many variations or modifications in details of design or construction may be made without departing from the essential nature of the present invention.

It will be understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the invention.