Importance

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Abstract

A hand held beacon uniquely suited for hailing taxicabs is an excellent signalling device that is easy to operate and adaptable for carrying. By pushing a button on the handle portion that releases a protruding member from a groove in a light element, the tubular plastic light element that has a lower annular metal lip and that is telescoped between an outer tube and an inner copper tube springs up and closes a circuit to cause a bulb at the top of the handle portion to beam light through the light element. The transparent light element tube has a reflective, blocking layer adhesively attached to the inside of the tube other than at transparent or translucent portions defining the letters of the word 'TAXI' and defining adjacent translucent annular bands. The reflective layer, which reflects light coming from outside in some embodiments is reflective also on the inside for enhanced distribution of light through the light element. On one or opposite sides of the beacon, transparent portions not blocked by reflective material beam out light in the shape of the word 'TAXI', especially at night. A semispherical cover at the top of the plastic light element is made of yellow-tinted translucent plastic so it simultaneously beams light in almost all directions. The observer sees the word 'TAXI' lit up with bright yellow horizontal lines of light and a half moon cover glowing next to it. The light element is pushed back into the handle housing by hand.

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First Claim