Non-linear signalling device for vehicles

A light bar for mounting to a roof of a vehicle comprising:

• a frame for traversing the roof of the vehicle;
• a plurality of signalling devices distributed along the frame to form a non-linear pattern that is symmetrical about a plane that is parallel to a heading of the vehicle when the light bar is mounted to the roof;
• and
• an assembly providing a protective cover for each of the signalling devices were at least one of the covers on each side of the plane are offset in that direction of the heading of the vehicle with respect to other covers on the same side of the plane.

A light bar for mounting to a vehicle comprising in combination:

• a continuous frame for traversing a roof of the vehicle;
• means at both ends of the frame for securing the frame to opposing edges of the roof;
• a plurality of signalling devices distributed substantially evenly along the frame to form a pattern that is symmetrical about a plane that is parallel to the heading of the vehicle when the light bar is mounted to the roof such that each signalling device on one side of the plane is offset relative to adjacent ones of the signalling devices in the direction of the heading of the vehicle;
• a dome assembly for protecting the signalling devices and transmitting light emanating from the signalling devices where a portion of the assembly that transmits light from one of the signalling devices in a direction transverse to the heading of the vehicle is offset in the transverse direction with respect to the similar portions of the assembly for the other signalling devices.

An emergency lighting system that includes a light bar for mounting to a roof of a vehicle and providing a signalling pattern whose primary warning effect can be alternatively directionalized into at least four distinct zones about the vehicle, the system comprising:

• a frame for the light bar mounted to the roof of the vehicle;
• a plurality of signalling devices for radiating light distributed along the frame to form a non-linear pattern such that more than two of the signalling devices are distinctly visible in each zone and at all positions within the zone;
• and
• a single electrical control system for controlling the operation of each of the plurality of signalling devices and for coordinating the operation of teach signalling device in order to generate signalling patterns employing some or all of the signalling devices.