Background Art Unfortunately, drivers of motor vehicles often attempt to avoid liability for a motor vehicle accident by leaving the scene of the accident. Where the accident was witnessed, the offending driver may be subsequently located by way of the witnesses. However, in some cases, the victims of the accident are killed or permanently disabled, and there are no witnesses to the accident. These accidents are often termed'hit and run'accidents.

In the case of hit and run accidents, authorities are reliant on forensic techniques, such as location and identification of paint chips and the like, to identify the offending vehicle. These techniques are time and labour intensive, and are not always successful.

Some devices directed to facilitating this problem have been developed. For example, the invention in Japanese Patent Application 11245854 discloses a column formed from a fragile material, such as glass or plastic, wherein the column is marked in numerous places with a mark identifying the particular vehicle. On impact, the column fractures, leaving a large number of particles having a means of identifying the vehicle at the scene of the accident. However, not all collisions will cause the column to fracture. In particular, collisions with less massive objects, such as pedestrians are unlikely to fracture the column so the problem of hit and run accidents is largely unsolved.

Japanese Patent Application 11310169 discloses an invention that incorporates a reservoir of vehicle identifying markers that are dropped onto the surface of the

road when the vehicle is subjected to an impact when the brakes are applied, or when a sensor detected a foreign object when the brakes are applied. In many hit and run type accidents, the driver of the offending vehicle does not realise that their vehicle is about to collide with an object before doing so, so the brakes of the vehicle are not applied. Accordingly, this invention does wholly solve the problem of identification of vehicles involved in hit and run accidents.

The preceding discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Disclosure of the Invention In accordance with the present invention there is provided a device for discouraging the flight of a vehicle from an accident scene, the device comprising a reservoir adapted to releasably store markers capable of identifying the vehicle, a speed sensor for obtaining data relating to the speed of the vehicle, and at least one collision sensor for detecting whether the vehicle has collided with an object, wherein the reservoir, the speed sensor and the or each collision sensor are interfaced such that, in use, where the collision sensor detects a collision and the speed sensor indicates that the vehicle is travelling or has travelled beyond a prescribed speed in a particular journey, the reservoir releases the markers therefrom.

The speed sensor may be provided in the form of a mechanical speed sensor.

In one form of the invention, the device further comprises a power supply. In one form of the invention, the power supply is provided in the form of a power supply of the motor vehicle.

In a preferred form of the invention, the device further comprises a timer, a vehicle immobiliser adapted to immobilise the vehicle and an input means, wherein the timer, the vehicle immobiliser and the input means are interfaced with the or each collision sensor such that, in the event of the collision sensor sensing a collision, the timer is activated and, in the absence of an input from the input means and after a predetermined period has elapsed, the vehicle immobiliser immobilises the vehicle.

In a preferred form of the invention, the device comprises a further reservoir adapted to releasably store markers capable of identifying the vehicle, interfaced with the or each collision sensor such that, in the event that the or each collision sensor detects a second collision, and the speed sensor indicates that the vehicle is travelling beyond a prescribed speed, the reservoir releases the markers therefrom.

Preferably still, the or each collision sensor and the vehicle immobiliser are interfaced such that, in the event that the or each collision sensor detects a second collision, the vehicle immobiliser immobilises the vehicle.

In one form of the invention, the device comprises a first collision sensor and a second collision sensor, wherein the second collision sensor is adapted to detect only a severe collision.

In a preferred form of the invention, the second collision sensor is located relative to the first collision sensor such that the second collision sensor is triggered only in the event of a severe collision.

Preferably, the second collision sensor is interfaced with the vehicle immobiliser such that, in the event the second collision sensor is triggered the vehicle immobiliser immobilises the vehicle.

In one form of the invention, the device further comprises an indicator means, wherein the indicator means is interfaced with the vehicle immobiliser such that, when the vehicle immobiliser is activated, the indicator means is also activated.

In a preferred form of the invention, the indicator means is provided in the form of an emergency lamp.

Preferably, the device includes a security circuit, wherein the security circuit is secured to and unique to the vehicle and is interfaced with the vehicle immobiliser such that the vehicle immobiliser interrogates the security circuit, and in the absence of a predetermined signal, immobilises the vehicle.

In one form of the invention, the security circuit is provided in the form of a link circuit, comprising a series of terminals that are linked internally and externally in a specific manner to enable a relay to be energised when the vehicle is turned on, said relay closing a contact allowing power to be supplied to the ignition system of the motor vehicle.

Preferably, the or each collision sensor and the vehicle immobiliser are interfaced such that unauthorised interference with the or each immobiliser causes the vehicle immobiliser to immobilise the vehicle. In a preferred form of the invention, the or each collision sensor is interfaced with the security circuit.

In a specific form of the invention, the predetermined speed is 40 kilometres per hour.

In a specific form of the invention, the predetermined period is 24 hours.

Preferably, the or each reservoir comprises a container portion, a gate member, a plate member and at least one flexibly resilient element, wherein the container portion comprises a peripheral wall, an end wall and an opening opposed to the end wall, the plate member is slidably provided within the container, the gate member is removably positioned across the opening, and the flexibly resilient element is interposed between the plate member and the end wall to bias the plate member toward the opening, the markers being received within the

container between the plate member and the gate member, such that removal of the gate member causes the flexibly resilient means to drive the plate member toward the opening and thereby expel the markers through such.

In a specific form of the invention, the plate member is slidably provided within the container such that a circumference of the plate member is in sliding contact with the peripheral wall of the container.

In a preferred form of the invention, the reservoir further comprises a locking means and a rod member, wherein the rod member extends from the plate member, through the end wall of the container, and the locking means is adapted to releasably engage an end of the rod member remote from the plate member such that, when the locking means engages the rod member, the plate member is prevented from moving within the container.

Brief Description of the Drawings The present invention will now be described, with reference to one embodiment thereof, and the accompanying drawings, in which:- Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a device according to the embodiment; Figure 2 is a side elevation of a vehicle to which the device of Figure 1 has been fitted; Figure 3 is a partial wiring diagram of the device of Figures 1 and 2; and Figure 4 is a detail view of a reservoir of the device of Figures 1 to 3.

Best Mode (s) for Carrying Out the Invention In Figure 1 there is shown a schematic diagram of a device 10 for discouraging the flight of a vehicle from an accident scene. The device comprises first and second reservoirs 12 and 14 adapted to releasably store markers capable of identifying the vehicle, a speed sensor 16 for obtaining data relating to the speed

of the motor vehicle and first and second collision sensors 18 and 20 for detecting whether the vehicle has collided with an object.

The first collision sensors 18, the speed sensor 16 and the first reservoir 12 are interfaced such that, in the event of the collision sensor 18 detecting a collision when the speed sensor indicates that the speed of the vehicle exceeds a predetermined speed of 40 kilometres per hour, the contents of the reservoir are released.

The device 10 further comprises a timer 22 and a vehicle immobiliser 24. The timer 22 and the vehicle immobiliser 24 are interfaced with the first and second collision sensors 18 and 20 such that, in the event of the first collision sensor 18 sensing a collision, the timer 22 is activated and, after a predetermined period of 24 hours has elapsed, the vehicle immobiliser 24 immobilises the vehicle, and in the event of the first collision sensor 18 sensing a second collision, the vehicle immobiliser 24 immobilises the vehicle.

Further, the second reservoir 14 is interfaced with the first collision sensor 18 such that, in the event that the first collision sensor 18 detects a second collision, and the speed sensor 16 indicates that the vehicle is travelling beyond the prescribed speed of 40 kilometres per hour, the second reservoir 14 releases the markers therefrom.

The device 10 further comprises an indicator means in the form of an emergency lamp 28, wherein the emergency lamp 28 is interfaced with the vehicle immobiliser 24 such that, when the vehicle immobiliser 24 is activated, the emergency lamp 28 is also activated.

Additionally, the device 10 comprises a security circuit 30. The security circuit 30 is secured to and unique to the vehicle and is interfaced with the vehicle immobiliser 24 such that the vehicle immobiliser 24 interrogates the security circuit 30, and in the absence of a predetermined signal, immobilises the vehicle.

The security circuit also incorporates a time delay unit 26 :

Figure 2 shows the device 10 fitted to a motor vehicle 32. The first collision sensor 18 is fitted to the bumper 34 of the motor vehicle 32, whilst the second collision sensor 20 is located remotely therefrom, such that the second collision sensor is only triggered in the event of a severe collision. The emergency lamp 28 is located on the luggage rack 36 of the vehicle 32.

Figure 3 is a wiring diagram of the device 10. When the ignition system 38 of the vehicle 32 is switched to the'on position', the vehicle 32 may be started and_ the device 10 draws power from the 12v battery 40 thereof. The functioning of the engine of the vehicle 32 is controlled by the security circuit 30. The security circuit has 32 terminals (A through AE), linked intemally and externally to form a circuit.

If the circuit is correctly linked, the circuit enables the relay 42 to energise when the ignition system 38 is switched to the on posilion. Incorrect linking, such as if the link circuit is not properly installed, will not enable the relay 42 to energise, and will allow the relay 44 to energise, thus the vehicle 32 will be immobilised.

When the hand brake 46 of the vehicle 32 is released, the switch 48 is closed.

Further, when the clutch 50 of the vehicle 32 is depressed, the switch 52 is closed. The closing of the switches 48 and 52 activates the relay 54, which closes the contacts 56 and 58. When the speed sensor 16 indicates that the vehicle is travelling above approximately 40kph, switch 60 closes, activating relays 62 and 64, closing contacts 66,68 and 70. When contact 66 is closed, 12v power is supplied to relay 79, and to the first and second sensors 18 and 20.

Referring also to Figure 4, each of the first and second reservoirs 12 and 14 comprises a container portion 70, a plate member 72 and a flexibly resilient element in the form of a coil spring 74. The container portion 70 of each of the first and second reservoirs 12 and 14 comprises a peripheral wall 76, an end wall 78 and an opening 80 opposed to the end wall 78. A single gate member 82 is slidably positioned across the openings 80 of both the first and second reservoirs 12 and 14.

The plate member 72 is slidably provided within each container portion 70, such that a circumference of the plate member 72 is in sliding contact with the peripheral wall 76 of the container portion 70.

Each of the first and second reservoirs 12 and 14 further comprises a locking means in the form of a locking plate 83 and a rod member 84, wherein the rod member 84 extends from the plate member 72, through the end waft 78 of the container portion 70. The locking plate 83 is adapted to releasably engage an end 86 of the rod member 84 remote from the plate member 72 such that, when the locking plate 83 engages the rod member 84, the plate member 72 is prevented from moving within the container portion 70.

The coil spring 74 is provided about the rod member 84, interposed between the plate member 72 and the end wall 78, thereby biasing the plate member 72 toward the opening 80. A plurality of markers 86, capable of identifying the vehicle, are provided within each container portion 70 between the plate member 72 and the gate member 82.

A thin membrane 88, of sufficient strength to support the weight of the markers 86 is provided in the second reservoir 14, interposed between the markers 86 and the opening 80.

Referring now to both Figures 3 and 4, in the event of a collision, the first sensor 18 causes the relay 71 to close the contacts 90 and 92, closure of contact 92 completing the circuit to the motor94.

The rotation of the motor opens the first reservoir 12. At approximately 180 degrees rotation, a cam 96 on the motor 94 activates switch 98. The switch powers relay 100, and closes contact 102. This activates solenoid 104, releasing the locking plate 83. The spring 74 expels the precoded labels 86 from the first reservoir 12, about the scene of the accident. The movement of the locking plate 83 deactivates the switches 106 and 108, cutting supply to the relay 71 and the first sensor 18 circuitry, and giving supply through contact 70 to relay 110. The switch 108 then moves to the closed position, activating the timer 22.

After a 24 hour period has elapsed, the timer cuts supply to the hit and run device and to the engine, immobilising the vehicle, unless the hit and run device is repaired by an authorised company.

In a serious accident, the second sensor 20 is closed. When sensor 20 is closed or the first sensor 18 hit a second time, the relay 110 is activated, closing contacts 112 and 114. Closure of contact 114 powers solenoid 116, releasing the locking plate 83 of the second reservoir 14, allowing the precoded labels 86 to be expelled from the second reservoir at the point of impact. The removal of the second locking plate 83 activates the switch 118, which diverts electrical power from the engine of the vehicle 32, thereby immobilising such, and activating the emergency lamp 28.

The first and second sensors are protected by the security circuit 30, with the return lines of the sensors being connected such that disconnecting the return line to the sensors cuts the return line of the relay 42.

Further, a time delay circuit 120 is incorporated. Some drivers may try to avoid the precoded labels 86 from being distributed by turning the engine off prior to impact, however the delay circuitry continues to power the device 10 for 30 seconds thereafter. Modifications and variation such as would be apparent to the skilled addressee are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.