MAGNETIC LED WARNING ARROW SIGN

Abstract

A portable lighted arrow sign for removable attachment to a surface of a vehicle is provided. The magnetic plate member has a plurality of light emitting diodes as illuminated members configured to display the shape of the arrow, which directs oncoming traffic away from the vehicle when the magnetic plate member is magnetically connected the surface of the vehicle. The magnetic plate member is characterized as portable in size and configured to be grasped by a user's hand, to maneuver and position the lighted arrow sign upon the surface of the vehicle. The portable lighted arrow sign is preferably characterized as having a length sufficient to extend laterally outwardly from the vehicle in the form of a cantilever, to provide improved warning and direction to oncoming traffic.

Claims

1. A lighted arrow sign for removable attachment to a surface of a vehicle, comprising: an elongated magnetic plate member for removable magnetic adherence to the surface of the vehicle, said elongated magnetic plate member forming a shape of a double-headed arrow having a first magnetic arrowhead disposed opposite a second magnetic arrowhead, each magnetic arrowhead magnetically attachable to the surface of the vehicle; said elongated magnetic plate member comprising a plurality of light emitting diodes configured to display the shape of the double-headed arrow for the direction of oncoming traffic relative to the vehicle when at least a portion of the first or second magnetic arrowhead of said double-headed arrow is magnetically connected to the surface of the vehicle.

2. The lighted arrow sign of claim 1, wherein the elongated magnetic plate member is characterized as portable in size and configured to be grasped by a user's hand to maneuver and position said lighted arrow sign upon the surface of the vehicle.

3. The lighted arrow sign of claim 1, wherein the elongated magnetic plate member is characterized as having a length sufficient to extend laterally outwardly from said vehicle to form a cantilever, when the first magnetic arrowhead or the second magnetic arrowhead is magnetically attached directly to the surface of the vehicle, wherein said cantilever directs oncoming traffic away from said vehicle.

4. The lighted arrow sign of claim 1, further comprising a battery and a switch electrically interposed between said battery and said LEDs for powering of said LEDs at the option of a user.

5. The lighted arrow sign of claim 4, wherein the switch comprises the surface of the vehicle, wherein said magnetic adherence to said surface of the vehicle continues flow of electrical energy through the surface of the vehicle from the battery to the LEDs.

6. The lighted arrow sign of claim 1, further comprising a periodic interruption circuit arranged to discontinue the flow of electrical energy from a battery to the LEDs periodically so as to produce a flashing effect characterized as illustrating the shape of an arrow.

7. The lighted arrow sign of claim 1, further comprising a periodic interruption circuit arranged to discontinue the flow of electrical energy from a battery to the LEDs periodically so as to produce a flashing effect characterized as a moving arrow.

8. The lighted arrow sign of claim 1, further comprising a battery and a switch electrically interposed between said battery and said LEDs, wherein the switch comprises the surface of the vehicle, wherein magnetic adherence of the first magnetic arrowhead or the second magnetic arrowhead to the surface of the vehicle continues flow of electrical energy through the surface of the vehicle from the battery to the LEDs for powering of said LEDs at the option of the user.

9. A portable lighted warning arrow comprising: an elongated magnetic rod configured for removable magnetic attachment to a metal surface of a vehicle, said elongated magnetic rod comprising a first end outlining a first magnetic triangle opposite a second end outlining a second magnetic triangle, and an elongated magnetic member connecting said first magnetic triangle to the second magnetic triangle for the direction of oncoming traffic relative to the vehicle, said first magnetic triangle, second magnetic triangle, and elongated magnetic member each comprising a plurality of light emitting diodes electrically connected to a portable power source, wherein said elongated magnetic rod is configured to cantilever outwardly from the first magnetic triangle or the second magnetic triangle; a battery electrically connected to said LEDs; and a switch electrically interposed between said battery and said LEDs for powering of said LEDs at the option of a user.

10. The portable lighted warning arrow of claim 9, wherein the elongated magnetic rod is characterized as portable in size and configured to be grasped by the user's hand to maneuver and position said warning arrow upon the surface of the vehicle.

11. The portable lighted warning arrow of claim 9, further comprising a periodic interruption circuit arranged to discontinue the flow of electrical energy from the battery to the LEDs periodically so as to produce a flashing effect characterized as illustrating a shape of a warning arrow.

12. The portable lighted warning arrow of claim 9, wherein the switch is disposed within a portion of either the first or second magnetic triangle, wherein magnetic attachment of the first or second magnetic triangle to said metal surface of the vehicle continues flow of electrical energy from the battery to the LEDs.

13. The portable lighted warning arrow of claim 9, wherein the switch comprises the metal surface of the vehicle, wherein said magnetic attachment to said metal surface of the vehicle continues flow of electrical energy from the battery to the LEDs.

14. A flexible emergency sign for application to a surface of a vehicle, comprising: a flexible magnetic substrate comprising an arrangement of light emitting diodes (LEDs) embedded within the flexible magnetic substrate and configured in a shape of an arrow, said LEDs adapted to emit light through the flexible magnetic substrate; a battery secured to the flexible magnetic substrate; and a switch electrically interposed between the battery and the LEDs.

15. The flexible emergency sign of claim 14, further comprising a periodic interruption circuit electrically arranged to discontinue the flow of electrical energy from the battery to the LEDs periodically so as to produce a flashing effect characterized as illustrating the shape of an arrow.

16. The flexible emergency sign of claim 14, further comprising a periodic interruption circuit electrically arranged to discontinue the flow of electrical energy from the battery to the LEDs periodically so as to produce a flashing effect characterized as illustrating the shape of a moving arrow.

17. The flexible emergency sign of claim 14, wherein the shape of the arrow comprises the shape of a double headed arrow having a first head opposite a second head.

18. The flexible emergency sign of claim 14, wherein the switch comprises at least a portion of a metal surface of the vehicle, wherein magnetic attachment of the flexible magnetic substrate to said metal surface of the vehicle continues flow of electrical energy from the battery to the LEDs to power the LEDs.

19. The flexible emergency sign of claim 14, wherein the surface of the vehicle is curved, said flexible magnetic substrate configured to magnetically attach and conform to said curved surface, at the option of the user.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals throughout the figures identify substantially similar components, in which:

[0037] FIG. 1 is a front view of an exemplary lighted arrow sign for removable attachment to a surface of a vehicle in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

[0038] FIG. 2 is a front view of an exemplary portable lighted warning arrow in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

[0039] FIG. 3 is a back right perspective view of an exemplary lighted arrow sign for removable attachment to a surface of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, with such exemplary arrow sign magnetically attached to and extending laterally outward from the vehicle to form a cantilever.

[0040] FIG. 4A is a back right perspective view of an exemplary lighted arrow sign for removable attachment to a surface of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, said arrow sign magnetically attached to a vehicle.

[0041] FIG. 4B is a back right perspective view of another exemplary lighted arrow sign for removable attachment to a surface of a vehicle in accordance with embodiments of the invention, said arrow sign magnetically attached to a vehicle.

[0042] FIG. 5 is a back right perspective view of an exemplary portable lighted warning arrow for removable attachment to a surface of a vehicle in accordance with embodiments of the invention, as illustrated as magnetically attached to and extending laterally outward from the vehicle to form a cantilever.

[0043] FIG. 6 is a back right perspective view of an exemplary portable lighted warning arrow for removable attachment to a surface of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, as illustrated as magnetically attached to a vehicle.

[0044] FIG. 7 is a front view of a flexible emergency sign for application to a surface of a vehicle in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

[0045] FIG. 8 is a front view of an exemplary flexible emergency sign for application to a surface of a vehicle showing an exemplary power source, switch, and periodic interruption circuit in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

[0046] FIG. 9 is a back right perspective view of an exemplary flexible emergency sign for application to a surface of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, said emergency sign magnetically attached to and wrapping around a corner of vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] For a further understanding of the nature and function of the embodiments, reference should be made to the following detailed description. Detailed descriptions of the embodiments are provided herein, as well as, the best mode of carrying out and employing the present invention. It will be readily appreciated that the embodiments are well adapted to carry out and obtain the ends and features mentioned as well as those inherent herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, persons of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the following disclosure is illustrative only and not in any way limiting, as the specific details disclosed herein provide a basis for the claims and a representative basis for teaching to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner. It should be understood that the devices, materials, methods, procedures, and techniques described herein are presently representative of various embodiments. Other embodiments of the disclosure will readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0048] As used herein, axis means a real or imaginary straight line about which a three-dimensional body is symmetrical. A vertical axis means an axis perpendicular to the ground (or put another way, an axis extending upwardly and downwardly). A horizontal axis means an axis parallel to the ground.

[0049] As used herein, homogeneous is defined as the same in all locations, and a homogeneous material is a material of uniform composition throughout that cannot be mechanically separated into different materials. Examples of homogeneous materials are certain types of plastics, ceramics, glass, metals, alloys, paper, board, resins, high-density polyethylene and rubber.

[0050] FIGS. 1 through 8 show the basic constructional details and principles of operation of a magnetic LED sign in accordance with preferred embodiments of the invention. FIG. 1 shows a lighted arrow sign 100 for removable attachment to a surface of a vehicle 106. The lighted arrow sign 100 has particular utility in bringing attention to a car which has stalled or is stopped on or near a roadway and cannot be moved. Preferably, an elongated magnetic plate member 102 for removable magnetic adherence 104 to a surface of a vehicle 106. In a preferred embodiment, the magnetic plate member 102 may form a shape of an arrow. The magnetic plate member 102 may include a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) 108 as illuminated members. In an alternative embodiment, the illuminated members may be iridescent lights, for example. The LEDs 108 may configured to display a shape, such as an arrow, for the direction of oncoming traffic relative to the vehicle. The lighted arrow sign 100 allows for versatility when attaching to a vehicle 106. A portion of said magnetic plate member may magnetically connected the surface of the vehicle, allowing the remaining portion to extend away from the vehicle 106, providing an extended area as opposed to when the sign 100 is applied in its entirety to the vehicle 106. The lighted arrow sign 100 is preferably made of a light-weight but durable plastic material such as a thermoplastic or olefin material. Other durable plastics may also be used, such as ABS, polypropylene, polycarbonate, or polyethylene plastics which exhibit various degrees of weatherability and durability. As used herein, homogeneous is defined as the same in all locations, and a homogeneous material is a material of uniform composition throughout that cannot be mechanically separated into different materials. Examples of homogeneous materials are certain types of plastics, ceramics, glass, metals, alloys, paper, board, resins, high-density polyethylene and rubber.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 2, a portable lighted warning arrow 200 preferably comprises an elongated magnetic rod 202 configured for movable magnetic attachment 203 to a metal surface 204 of a vehicle 206, said magnetic rod 202 forming a shape of an arrow, for example, for the direction of oncoming traffic relative to the vehicle 206. A person having the ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various alternative shapes may be useful. Preferably, the warning arrow 200 includes a plurality of light emitting diodes 208 electrically connected via wiring 210, for example, to a portable power source 212. Preferably, the rod 202 may be configured in the shape of an arrow for directing oncoming traffic away from the vehicle 206 as shown in FIG. 4A, for example. Referring to FIG. 4B, in one embodiment, the warning arrow 200 forms the shape of an arrow comprising the shape of a double headed arrow 207 having a first head opposite a second head. In an embodiment, elongated magnetic rod 202 is configured to cantilever outwardly, as show in FIG. 5 from said magnetic attachment to the vehicle 206. Preferably, a battery 214 electrically connected to said LEDs 208. In some embodiments, alternative power sources, such as power from the vehicle 206, may be used to power the portable lighted warning arrow 200. A switch 216 may be electrically interposed between said battery 214 and said LEDs 208 for powering of said LEDs 208 at the option of the user.

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 6-8, a flexible emergency sign 300 for application to a surface of a vehicle 306 is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, a flexible magnetic substrate 302 may include an arrangement of light emitting diodes 308 configured in the shape of an arrow. Preferably, a battery 314 may be secured to an underside 318 of the flexible magnetic substrate 302. In some embodiments, a switch 316 may be electrically interposed by a wire 317, for example, between a terminal 320 which is preferably arranged to couple to the battery 314 and the LEDs 308. Preferably, a periodic interruption circuit 322 may be arranged to discontinue the flow of electrical energy from the battery 314 to the LEDs 308 periodically so as to produce a flashing effect characterized as the shape of a moving arrow, for example. Alternative configurations may be arranged to produce a variety of desired visual effects. In a preferred embodiment, the sign 300 may be molded and preferably is of substantially rigid, yet somewhat pliable plastic material of a thickness, which is thin for signs of such material, that is of between one-thirty-seconds and one-sixteenths inch, and with the overall area being of a height of at least about 8 to 10 inches and the base being of about 10 to 12 inches. Preferably, the material of the sign is polypropylene of the class which does not substantially soften except about 120 degrees F. The flexible magnetic substrate 302 may be composed of a particulate ferromagnetic body formed of a metallic oxide such as barium ferrite or the like and a mixture of rubber or plastic containing small quantities of compounds such as plasticizers, stabilizers, or the like, for example.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 8, switch 316 may be electrically interposed between terminal 320, which is preferably arranged to be couplable to the battery 314, and the LEDs. Switch 316 may be of any of several known types, including sliding, toggle, and push-button type switches. In another embodiment, a battery is electronically connected to the LEDs, and the switch 316 preferably includes the surface 104, 204, 304 of the vehicle, such that the magnetic adherence to the surface 104, 204, 304 of the vehicle 106, 206, 306 continues the flow 324 of electrical energy from the battery (e.g., 314) to the LEDs (e.g., 308), to power the LEDs by completing the exemplary circuit at 324 as illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0054] In the specific illustrative embodiment of FIG. 8, the periodic interruption circuit 322 is electrically interposed between the battery terminals 315 and the LEDs 308. Periodic interruption circuit 322 is preferably arranged to discontinue the flow of electrical energy from the battery 314 to the LEDs 308 periodically so as to produce a flashing effect. Thus, in addition to reducing the overall consumption of electric energy by the LEDs, the resulting flashing of the LEDs enhances the ability of the display to attract the attention of a person to whom the message is directed. Periodic interruption circuit 322 is preferably of a known type and may be for example, an astable multivibrator circuit, of the type which is readily available. In the present embodiment, therefore, when switch 316 is closed so as to provide electrical energy to periodic interruption circuit 322, the periodic interruption circuit 322 will provide a periodic voltage between flexible electrical conductors (i.e., wire) 317, allowing for flashing of the LEDs 308 providing illuminating warning to oncoming traffic in the shape of the arrow as then configured, for example, when held magnetically attached to a stalled vehicle (e.g., 106, 206, 306). In a practical embodiment of the invention, the voltage between flexible electrical conductors 317 has a substantially rectangular wave form.

[0055] The LEDs 108, 208, and 308 shown in the Figures are preferably electrically connected to a power supply, such as a DC power supply or an AC outlet, by a power cord or electrical wire 117, 217, and 317. In a preferred embodiment, the LEDs 108, 208, and 308 are electrically connected to a battery 314, as illustrated, for example, in FIG. 8. In another embodiment, the flexible emergency sign 100 is configured such that the LEDs 108, 208, and 308 may be electrically connected to an accessory power outlet of an automobile, such as a cigarette lighter socket.

[0056] All U.S. patents and publications identified herein are incorporated in their entirety by reference thereto.