Weather-Resistant, Crush-Resistant Lighted Panel for Roadways, Driveways or Walkways

Abstract

Disclosed is a weather-resistant and crush-resistant display panel for placement on or in the surface of roadways, driveways, walkways, patios, or other locations and substrates. The panel is sealed within a polycarbonate enclosure with installed electro (electric/electronic) components that are protected by the set-up polycarbonate which cooperates with the enclosure and its installed components to become structurally reinforced. Light generated within or directed through the polycarbonate carries images/logos for displays, from these difficult roadways, driveways or walkways installation environments, for convenient and effective viewing by the public.

Claims

1. A crushproof, water resistant panel comprising: a body, wherein said body is configured to be crushproof, wherein said body comprises a translucent top; a display, wherein said display is configured to be displayed through said translucent top of said body, wherein said display is configured to provide a lighted display of an image; an energy storage device configured to provide power to said lighted display; wherein said body comprises a polycarbonate material filling said body.

2. The panel of claim 1, wherein said display comprises and image positioned beneath said translucent top and a light configured to emit light so as to illuminate said image.

3. The panel of claim 1, wherein said display comprises an electronic display.

4. The panel of claim 1, wherein said energy storage device comprises a battery.

5. The panel of claim 3, wherein said panel comprises a controller, wherein said controller is configured to control said electronic display.

6. The panel of claim 5, wherein said panel comprises a port configured to connect said controller to an external electronic device.

7. The panel of claim 5, wherein said controller is configured for wireless communication with an external electronic device.

8. The panel of claim 7, wherein said controller is configured for Bluetooth communication with an external electronic device.

9. The panel of claim 1, wherein said panel is configured for connection with an external solar energy collection device.

10. The panel of claim 1, wherein said panel comprises an internal solar energy collection device.

11. The panel of claim 5, wherein said controller is configured to store data, wherein said data comprises a plurality of images to display on said controller.

12. The panel of claim 11, wherein said controller is configured to cycle images from said memory to display on said display.

13. The panel of claim 5, wherein said controller is configured to display images from an external electronic device.

14. The panel of claim 1, wherein said panel is configured to be installed in or on the surface of a roadway.

15. The panel of claim 1, wherein said panel is configured to be installed in or on the surface of a patio.

16. The panel of claim 1, wherein said panel is configured to be installed in or on the surface of a pedestrian pathway.

17. The panel of claim 1, wherein said display is configured to display video.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] FIG. 1 is a top, schematic view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a front, cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 along the line - - - + FIG. 2 thereof.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a side, cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 along the line - - - + FIG. 3 thereof.

[0023] FIG. 4 is a bottom, schematic view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1.

[0024] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of FIG. 2.

[0025] FIG. 6 is a top view of an embodiment of the invention.

[0026] FIG. 7 is a top view of an embodiment of the invention.

[0027] FIG. 8 is a top view of an embodiment of the invention.

[0028] FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view along line A of FIG. 8.

[0029] FIG. 10 is a top view of an embodiment of the invention having integrated solar panels.

[0030] FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view along line A of FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0031] While the presently disclosed inventive concept(s) is susceptible of various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments thereof have been shown in the drawings and will be described below in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the inventive concept(s) to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the inventive concept(s) as defined in the claims.

[0032] Referring to the FIGS. 1-5, there is shown one, but not the only, embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a top, schematic view of lighted panel 1, with displayed image/logo 18 through transparent polycarbonate cover 20. Polycarbonate base 22 acts to support cover 20 and close and seal display 1 and provide a bottom mounting surface therefore. Display 1 in this case is divided on the inside by internal divider 70 between the display side on the right, and solar panel 41 side on the left. Inside, wiring orifice 71 enables electrical connection by electrical wires or circuit lines among electro-components on different sides of internal divider 70.

[0033] FIG. 2 is a front, cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 along the line - - - +FIG. 2 thereof, showing right side logo light guide cavity 60 with light guide 16, logo film 18 and micro-controller board 24. The left side boundary in this view of cavity 60 is internal divider 70 with wiring orifice 71 extending therefrom and leftward into power cavity 40. Power cavity 40, with batteries 31 and solar panel 41, receives sunlight energy through transparent polycarbonate cover 20, and stores it as electrical energy in batteries 31.

[0034] Both logo light guide cavity 60 and power cavity 40 are filled with epoxy or polymer fill 80 (polycarbonate). Light guide cavity 60 is filled with epoxy 80 on the right side up to the bottom of controller board 24 and light guide 16, the bottoms of which become a tight cap or lid on cavity 60 when epoxy 80 sets up. Likewise, power cavity 40 is filled with epoxy 80 on the left side in FIG. 2, up to the bottom of solar panel 41, which becomes a tight cap or lid on cavity 40 when epoxy 80 sets up.

[0035] Therefore, upon construction of display 1, internal divider 70, polycarbonate cover 20, base 22, and the two filled-up cavities, light guide cavity 60 and power cavity 40, plus the two tight caps of controller board 24 and light guide 16 in cavity 60, and the tight cap of solar panel 41 in cavity 40, all cooperate to make a reinforced, strong and sturdy enclosure as discussed above when epoxy 80 sets up in both cavities. This way, panel 1, when completed, can withstand compressive forces and stresses and fatigue, and not fail by crushing or otherwise disintegrating under the weight of cars, trucks or other vehicles or alternatively bicycles, pedestrians, or other items or travelers that are anticipated to place weight on the panel depending on where the panel is positioned. For example, a panel configured to be positioned in or on a roadway will be configured to be crushproof to withstand typical forces associated with a roadway. In contrast, a panel configured for positioning in a patio will not be required to be as strong to be considered crushproof.

[0036] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which an image is displayed in a film, light guide or embedded in the cover of an embodiment of the invention. A light source is provided for emanating light from behind the image to provide an illuminated image.

[0037] FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which integrated solar panels are placed surrounding the image.

[0038] While certain preferred embodiments are shown in the figures and described in this disclosure, it is to be distinctly understood that the presently disclosed inventive concept(s) is not limited thereto but may be variously embodied to practice within the scope of the following claims. From the foregoing description, it will be apparent that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the following claims.