Nighttime comparison shots between the Tri-Color Triangle ™ and others

The following shot shows the Tri-Color Triangle ™ under indoor flash photography conditions, illustrating the increased area of reflectivity of it compared with a conventional SMV emblem with engineering grade reflective strips (at right), a non-conforming triangle in the middle bottom and a test mule triangle at the top (with 2 white plastic conspicuity strips over 2 of the red stripes). The T-C T’s center section is reflecting orange at night in addition to the standard red section, solving a long-standing problem of SMV emblems not appearing the same at night as they do by day. Of course, the additional lime-green stripes on the outside of the red stripes also reflect, appearing the same at night as they do by day. The total increase in visual mass and the fact that this whole mass is reflective exponentially increases the margin of safety for slow-going equipment and approaching motorists at night, especially if there is a failure in vehicle lighting at the rear… a situation that may not be apparent to vehicle operators at the time.

 

 

The Tri-Color Triangle (tm) compared with other SMV emblems
The Tri-Color Triangle ™ compared with other SMV emblems. The emblem at R uses engineering grade red stripes and is 276.4; the triangle center bottom uses molded plastic reflectors and references no standard (though some identical models from mfgr. purport to meed 276.3 though the center section is molded orange plastic and is not fluorescent — see last shot); the triangle at center top is a test mule with 2 white DOT molded plastic conspicuity strips and the remaining red stripe meeting 276.3.
flash comparison mild angle
This flash photography shot is taken at a mild angle to the right of the array of triangles. Notice how the whole T-C T and the engineering grade red stripes on the R and center top triangles show up relatively well at this angle while the white conspicuity strips at the center top and the red molded plastic reflectors of the center bottom triangle are showing their ineffectiveness at this angle.
flash comparison sharp angle
The array of triangles at an even sharper angle taken from the right. Note the continued relative effectiveness of the T-C T, especially the lime-green stripes (showing up more yellow here than under normal lighting), and even the engineering grade stripes still do a serviceable job, considering their makeup. The white and especially the red molded plastic reflective strips’ ineffectiveness at increased angles is demonstrated. The greater reflective mass of the Tri-Color Triangle ™ is a backup in itself when motorists’ headlights hit it at obtuse angles (up to a practical limit), compared to the “hollow red triangle” effect of standard SMV emblems.
S L non-fluorescent emblem
This triangle, sold to largely the Amish trade, has this legend on the back making a claim of meeting ASA(B)E standard 276.3, an early standard, despite the fact that the center section of it is merely molded orange plastic that is not fluorescent, though SMV emblems since their inception have been required to be fluorescent “red-orange” (see the page on Fluorescense here). Other identical products from this manufacturer have no legend on the back (or front) whatsoever.

 

 

 

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  1. Pingback: The Tri-Color Triangle ™… coming to the tail-end of a tractor or the back of a buggy near you | <— (click bars for additional pages including Videos, Awards + Contact Information)

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