Patent Application
20200143717
The present invention relates to a portable, hand-held traffic control sign and in particular, to a portable, hand-held sign for directing motor vehicle traffic.
Many road construction situations require signs to convey information and instructions to motorists. Often it is necessary for a worker to hold such a sign for extended periods of time, frequently in changing weather and lighting conditions.
Currently, a traffic control worker may use an octagonal sign with a conventional stop sign indicator on one side and a conventional slow sign indicator on a second side. While such a sign may be effective during the daytime or during times with good visibility, such a sign may be inadequate at night or in poor visibility and changing weather conditions. Specifically, due to the reflective material of the sign, external lights directed at the sign reflect off the sign but obscure the traffic signal, and thus do not provide motorists with a clear indication of what traffic signal (stop or slow) is being indicated. Additionally, the need to use external lights can be a problem in remote or other areas.
More recently, attempts have been made to address this problem with signs that include a flashing light on one or more of the sides of the sign. While this may draw a motorist's attention to the sign, it still does not provide a clear and effective indication of what traffic signal is being indicated to the motorist.
Therefore, there is a need for a traffic control sign that addresses one or more of these shortcomings.
The present invention provides a hand-held traffic sign that has enhanced visibility, is easy to hold, is portable, and has long battery life. Additionally, in various aspects to enhance the visibility and more clearly indicate the appropriate traffic signal, the present sign utilizes lights that correspond to the traffic signal (e.g., red for stop, yellow for slow).
Accordingly, in one or more aspects, the present invention may be broadly characterized as providing a portable, self-illuminating traffic sign with: a sign head having a first and second side and made of a reflective panel having a color for visually indicating a traffic signal and additionally having an aperture; a first collar extending from the first side of the panel, about or surrounding the aperture, and having an outermost edge furthest from the sign head; a second collar extending from the second side of the panel, about the aperture, and having an outermost edge furthest from the sign head; a first light assembly disposed on the outermost edge of the first collar; a second light assembly disposed on the outermost edge of the second collar; and a handle attached to the reflective panel having a switch configured to selectively activate at least one of the first light assembly, the second light assembly, or both.
The portable, self-illuminating traffic sign may also include: a base disposed on a pole and located opposite the sign head; and a battery electrically connected to at least one of the first light assembly, the second light assembly, or both. The battery may be disposed at least eight inches above the base. A connection between the handle and the pole with the battery may be waterproof.
Both the first light assembly and the second light assembly may comprise light emitting diodes.
The first light assembly and the second light assembly may generate different color light.
The first light assembly and the second light assembly, when activated, flash sixty times per minute.
In another aspect, the present invention may be generally characterized as providing a portable, self-illuminating traffic sign with: a sign head made of a reflective panel having a first side comprising a first traffic sign with a first predominant color and a second side comprising a second traffic sign different from the first traffic sign with a second predominant color different from the first predominant color; a first pair of light assemblies, each disposed on a first collar extending from the first face; a second pair of light assemblies, each disposed on a second collar extending from the second face; and, a handle attached to the reflective panel.
The handle may include a switch having a first position, second position, and a third position, wherein the switch is configured to activate the first light assembly when in the first position, activate the second light assembly when in the second position, and activate neither the first light assembly nor the second light assembly in the third position. The switch may be connected to a battery disposed in a pole, the pole having a base at one end, and the sign head disposed at a second end of the pole. The pole may include two poles that are selectively connected.
The first pair of light assemblies may generate light corresponding to the first predominant color, and the second pair of light assemblies may generate light corresponding to the second predominant color. Both the first pair of light assemblies and the second pair of light assemblies may flash sixty times per minute, when activated.
The first pair of light assemblies and the second pair of light assemblies may include light emitting diodes.
The reflective panel may have a first aperture and a second aperture, wherein a first light assembly of the first pair of light assemblies and a third light assembly of the second pair of light assemblies are disposed on either side of the first aperture, such that the first light assembly and the third light assembly face in opposite directions; and wherein a second light assembly of the first pair of light assemblies and a fourth light assembly of the second pair of light assemblies are disposed on either side of the second aperture such that the second light assembly and the fourth light assembly face in opposite directions. Wiring for the first light assembly and the second light assembly may be located on the second face and may be covered by a cap comprising the second predominant color.
In another aspect, the present invention may be broadly considered as providing a portable, self-illuminating traffic sign having: a sign head made of a reflective panel having a first side comprising a first traffic sign with a first predominant color and a second face comprising a second traffic sign different from the first traffic sign with a second predominant color different from the first predominant color; a first pair of light assemblies, each light assembly disposed on a collar extending away from the first face; a second pair of light assemblies, each light assembly disposed on a collar extending away from the second face; and, a first pole having a first end attached to the sign head and a second end with a handgrip with a threaded portion; a second pole having a threaded connector at one end and a base at a second end, the threaded connector configured to be selectively secured to the threaded portion of the first pole, a battery disposed within the second pole; and, a switch disposed in the handgrip and configured to selectively provide and prohibit power flow from the battery to the light assemblies.
The switch may include a toggle switch having a first position, a second position, and a third position, wherein the toggle switch in the first position is configured to allow power to flow from the battery to the first pair of light assemblies, wherein the toggle switch in the second position is configured to allow power to flow from the battery through the second pair of light assemblies, and wherein the toggle switch in the third position is configured to prevent power from flowing to either the first or second pair of light assemblies. The portable, self-illuminating traffic sign may also include corresponding electrical connectors for selectively connecting the battery to the first and second pair of light assemblies. The first traffic sign comprises a stop sign and the first predominant color is red, and wherein the second traffic sign comprises a slow sign and the second predominant color is yellow/orange.
These and other aspects and embodiments of the present invention, which may be combined in any manner, will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art based upon the following description of the drawings and detailed description of the preferred embodiments.
The attached figures in the drawings will make it possible to understand how the invention can be produced. In these figures, similar reference numbers denote similar elements.
As mentioned above, a new hand-held traffic sign has been invented. The new sign is self-balancing with a battery inside a pole located near the lower base. A roll pin may be located approximately 10″ from the bottom of the pole to keep the battery up high enough to be away from the elements (e.g., water, rain, snow, ice, etc.) but yet low enough in the sign assembly to distribute weight to create ease of balance and handling. The battery position is specific to allow for the correct length of power cord to attach into the sign handle assembly. The base at the bottom of the power stick protects the battery from the environment and is waterproof. The base is also designed to stabilize and balance the sign for ease of use and to reduce operator/flagger fatigue. The handle for the sign has two main purposes: (A) to quickly and easily assemble and disassemble the sign for ease of storage, transportation, portability, and charging; and (B) hold the power cord connector in the correct position so it is easily accessible to plug in and out to the sign head and charger. According to preliminary investigations, the battery life, depending on the temperature, can be approximately 40 hours long before charging is required.
The sign head is constructed in either a twenty-four inch (24″) or eighteen inch (18″) size sign head, both approved by Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) as set forth in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). Four light bezels are mounted to the sign head above and below the “STOP” and “SLOW” lettering (e.g., two 4″ yellow light emitting diode (LED) flashing lights on the “SLOW” side and two 4″ red LED flashing lights on the “STOP” side). The speed of the light flashing should conform to the standards set forth in the MUTCD recommendations. Rubber grommets may be used through drilled holes in the sign to prevent any electrical shorts or damaged wires. The four LED lights use waterproof grommets to mount them to the bezels.
The LED wires for all of the LED lights are preferably only on one side of the sign head (e.g., the “SLOW” side of the sign head). The wires run down the sign face and are covered by a waterproof cosmetic appliqué.
The sign head may be connected to the sign pole in a design and fashion using the two lower bezels to support and allow the pole-to-head connection to be rigid and waterproof to protect the wires and electrical components. The sign head is constructed of a reflective material that conforms with standards and requirements set forth in the MUTCD.
The wires are inside the pole and follow the pole down to the handle and central wiring harness. As noted above, the handle has multiple functions. It connects the upper sign head and pole to the lower power stick making this flagger sign a “two-piece design.” The threads of complimentary threaded portions have a high pitch for fast assembly of the two pieces. The handle may be a split two-piece design acting as a clamp to grip the upper sign head pole firmly and also has a hollow area inside to house the electronics includes the wiring and the three-way on-off-on rocker switch.
The three-way rocker switch is designed and fitted into the two-piece handle so it is flush and easy to use with one finger while grasping the pole handle. The three-way rocker allows for only one side of the sign to flash at a time, therein reducing confusion for traffic in both directions and for the flagger. The three-way rocker function allows for a “flash back” to the other flagger/co-worker in a one-way traffic situation and configuration where the flagger signs must be turned simultaneously. This aids the flaggers to both rotate their signs in one-way traffic configurations more safely and easily. No radios are required with this operation. The three-way rocker also has an “off” position to save battery life while not in use.
A “12-volt pigtail” is also included in the handle wiring harness so the LED lights can run off a 12-volt power supply, such as a vehicle's 12-volt socket. This will extend the life of the batter or operate the power of the sign if the batteries are unable. The pole handle is designed to comfortably fit an average hand grip and has an upper and lower ridge to keep the flagger in the appropriate area in a comfortable manner. This sign head is designed to operate in all weather conditions.
With this general description in mind, an exemplary embodiment will be described with the understanding that this description is not intended to be limiting.
Turning to
The first collar 124 of the depicted embodiment has a cylindrical shape. Alternatively, the first collar 124 may be configured with another shape, for example one that is generally triangular, rectangular, pentagonal, etc.
Turning to
As can be seen in
However, as indicated it is preferred that the first light assembly 122 (or any other light assembly herein) is disposed on the outermost edge of the collar to increase the visibility of the light being emitted from the light assembly. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the light emitted from the first light assembly 122 is viewable at an angle greater than 15, or 20, up to 60.
A qualitative comparison between a sign with light assemblies at the outermost edge of the collar and a sign with light assemblies located closer to the sign was conducted. As indicated in the below TABLE 1, not only did the present light assembly (located at the outermost edge) light over a greater range of angles, but the intensity of the light was greater as well.
Returning to
Any light source can be included in the first light assembly 122. While LEDs are a preferred light source for the sign 100, other types of light sources are also acceptable including incandescent lights, halogens, fluorescents, etc. Any light source typically able to be seen over long distances may be an acceptable alternative. Additionally, the color of the light emitted by the light source of the first light assembly 122 may be directly from the LEDs or the color of the light may be a result of the light passing through a translucent cover of the light assembly 122, wherein the color of the cover provides the light with the desired color.
Moving to the second protrusion 130, the second light assembly 132, and the second collar 134 shown in
Also shown in
The second pole 140 includes a battery 145 retained within the second pole 140. For example, the battery 145 may be a lithium ion battery or other rechargeable battery. The battery 145 is preferably retained at least ten (10) inches off the ground to ensure the power source is kept from interacting with anything harmful or damaging that may get into the second pole 140 (e.g., water). As a result, the second pole 140 includes a roll pin or similar structure 147 to maintain the battery 145 above the base 142.
The traffic sign 100 as shown in
The base 142 supports the weight of the portable, self-illuminating traffic sign 100 such that a person would not need to hold the sign for extending periods of time. Additionally, the base 142 and the battery 145 act to stabilize the present traffic sign 100 to decrease the effort required to keep the sign upright. As a result, a person holding the sign 100 may not need to expend as much effort preventing the sign 100 from tipping.
Turning to
The second side 202 additionally includes a third protrusion 210 having a third light assembly 212 and a third collar 214. The second side 202 further includes a fourth protrusion 220 having a fourth light assembly 222 and a fourth collar 224. The third protrusion 210 and the fourth protrusion 220 are arranged and constructed similarly to the first protrusion 120 and the second protrusion 130 as discussed above. Thus, the above portion of the present description is incorporated herein by reference here mutatis mutandis.
Since the second side 202 is a “SLOW” sign, the predominant color of the second side 202 is yellow/orange. As a result, the third light assembly 212 and the fourth light assembly 222 will preferably emit yellow/orange light. Apart from the color of the light, these assemblies 212, 222 are generally the same as those discussed above, and thus the above portion of the present description is incorporated herein by reference here mutatis mutandis.
As can be seen in both
As shown in
Additionally, as can be seen in
Turning to
As discussed above, it is preferred that the toggle switch 310 is a three-position switch. Accordingly, in a first position, the toggle switch 310 activates the first light assembly 122 and the second light assembly 132 on the first side 104 of the sign 100. In a second position, the toggle switch activates the third light assembly 212 and the fourth light assembly 222 of the second side 202 of the sign 100. In the third position of the toggle switch 320, none of the light assemblies 122, 132, 212, 222 are activated (i.e., the sign 100 is off).
In some examples, activating the light assemblies 122, 132, 212, 222 includes the light assemblies 122, 132, 212, 222 emitting a steady light. Alternatively, when the light assemblies 122, 132, 212, 222 are activated, they may emit light intermittently (i.e. flash). In such examples, the light assemblies 122, 132, 212, 222 preferably flash approximately sixty (60) times per minute. Accordingly, a flasher control module 350 is included in the handgrip 108 of the handle 106. For example, the flasher control module 350 may be an LED flasher relay.
In use, the sign 100 is typically powered by the battery 145. However, in some instances, a different power source could be used. The power source could be external such as a power system of a car, truck, or portable generator. Accordingly, corresponding electrical connectors 360, 370 are provided for selectively establishing electrical connection between the battery 145 and the light assemblies 122, 132, 212, 222. However, as noted above, it is contemplated that the sign 100 is sometimes powered from a power source other than the battery 145. Thus, the connection between the electrical connectors 360, 370 may be broken and the connector 370 may be connected to another power source. Additionally, the battery 145 may be charged by connecting its electrical connector 360 to a power source, such as a 12 v automotive accessory outlet in a vehicle or in a household 110v outlet.
Turning to
A first end 430 of the handgrip 108 may be coupled to the first pole 110 (
As is apparent from the foregoing specification, the invention is susceptible of being embodied with various alterations and modifications which may differ particularly from those that have been described in the preceding specification and description. It should be understood that I wish to embody within the scope of the patent warranted hereon all such modifications as reasonably and properly come within the scope of my contribution to the art.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/766,829 filed on Nov. 5, 2018, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62766829 | Nov 2018 | US |
