Interactive warning systems and methods

Abstract

An interactive, multi-message, multimedia hazard communication labeling and hazard control system which communicates critical consumer safety information, including: 1) the core or principal hazard (i.e., FALL HAZARD); 2) a core or principle signal word (i.e., DANGER, CAUTION, WARNING, etc.) which indicates the level of hazard; 3) the core or principal consequence(s) of interaction with that hazard (i.e., Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious injury or death!); 4) the core or principal hazard controls and/or hazard mitigation messages arranged in around the periphery or in close proximity of the principal hazard depicted graphically; 5) the core or principal hazard controls and/or hazard mitigation messages arranged around the periphery or in close proximity of the principal hazard in text format; 6) a quick response (QR) code which provides a scannable, digital link to a web-based platform which provides both specific, as well as, general hazard control information about the control of the core or principal hazard; and 7) a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) which links directly to the web-based information providing digital web-based information about the control of the core or principle hazard.

Claims

1. A hazard communication and control system for hazardous products, comprising in combination: a main placard for a hazardous product, having a front side and a back side, the front side having a central graphic depicting a core hazard for the hazardous product along with text highlighting a principal hazard for the hazardous product, and a plurality of hazard control symbols depicting hazard control methods related to the principal hazard along with a text hazard control messages for each of the hazard control symbols, the plurality of hazard control symbols each with the text hazard control messages surrounding the central graphic with the text highlighting the principal hazard, wherein the back side of the placard includes a second central graphic depicting contact information for a manufacturer of the hazardous product, and a second plurality of hazard control symbols depicting second hazard control methods related to the principal hazard along with second text hazard control messages for each of the second hazard control symbols, the second plurality of hazard control symbols each with the second text hazard control messages surrounding the second central graphic with the text highlighting the principal hazard, wherein at least one of the plurality of the hazard control symbols includes a quick reference (QR) code; and a hazardous product website that is accessed by a link from the quick reference (QR) code; a hazardous information video on the website, wherein playing the video is directly related to identification and control of the principal hazard for the hazardous product; the main placard being attached to a first component of the hazardous product, the central graphic depicting the core hazard for the first component of the hazardous product along with text highlighting the principal hazard for the first component of the hazardous product, and the plurality of hazard control symbols depicting hazard control methods related to the principal hazard for the first component, along with a text hazard control messages for each of the hazard control symbols, the plurality of hazard control symbols each with the text hazard control messages surrounding the central graphic with the text highlighting the principal hazard, the hazardous information video on the website being a first hazardous information video that is directly related to the identification and the control of the principal hazard for the first component of the hazardous product; a second placard for a second component of the hazardous product, having a front side with a second central graphic depicting a second core hazard for the second component of the hazardous product along with text highlighting a principal hazard for the second component of the hazardous product, and a second plurality of hazard control symbols depicting hazard control methods related to the principal hazard along with second text hazard control messages for each of the second hazard control symbols, the second plurality of hazard control symbols each with the second text hazard control messages surrounding the second central graphic with the second text highlighting the principal hazard of the second component of the hazardous product; a second quick reference (QR) code on the front side, the second quick reference (QR) code providing a second website link, the second quick reference (QR) code being different from the quick reference (QR) code; the hazardous product website for being accessed from the second website link from the second quick reference (QR) code; and a second hazardous information video on the website, wherein playing the second hazardous information video is directly related to identification and control of the principal hazard for the second component of the hazardous product, the second hazardous information video being different from the first hazardous information video.

2. The hazard communication and control system of claim 1, wherein the text on the central graphic includes a message selected from at least one of WARNING, CAUTION and DANGER.

3. The hazard communication and control system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of hazard control symbols with the text hazard control messages, are divided into separate hazard quadrants or are located in symmetrically-divided quadrants.

4. The hazard communication and control system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of hazard control symbols and text hazard control messages on the front side include general instructions for using the hazardous product, and wherein the second plurality of hazard control symbols each with the second text hazard control messages surrounding the second central graphic with the text highlighting the principal hazard are more specific to safer use of the hazardous product.

5. The hazard communication and control system of claim 1, wherein the placard has a general pentagon shape.

6. The hazard communication and control system of claim 5, wherein the placard includes a side protruding tab for indicating both sides of the placard provide for a hazard communication and control to the user.

7. A method of using the hazard communication and control system of claim 1, comprising the method steps of: directly attaching the main placard to the hazardous product; scanning the quick reference (QR) code with a smart phone; linking to the hazardous product website on the smart phone; playing the hazardous information video on the hazardous product website, which is directly related to the identification and the control of the principal hazard for the hazardous product.

8. A hazard communication and control system for hazardous products, comprising: a plurality of separate hazard communication and controls for use with a hazardous product, wherein each of the plurality of separate hazard communication and controls are used during unpacking and assembly of the hazardous product, wherein the plurality of separate hazard communication and controls includes: a main placard for being directly attached to the hazardous product, the main placard having a front side and a back side, the front side having a central graphic depicting a core hazard for the hazardous product along with text highlighting a principal hazard for the hazardous product, and a plurality of hazard control symbols depicting hazard control methods related to the principal hazard along with a text hazard control messages for each of the hazard control symbols, the plurality of hazard control symbols each with the text hazard control messages surrounding the central graphic with the text highlighting the principal hazard, wherein at least one of the plurality of hazard control symbols includes a quick reference (QR) code link; a hazardous product website being accessed by the quick reference (QR) code link; a hazardous information video on the hazardous product website, wherein playing the video is directly related to identification and control of the principal hazard for the hazardous product; the main placard being attached to a first component of the hazardous product, the central graphic depicting the core hazard for the first component of the hazardous product along with text highlighting the principal hazard for the first component of the hazardous product, and the plurality of hazard control symbols depicting hazard control methods related to the principal hazard for the first component, along with a text hazard control messages for each of the hazard control symbols, the plurality of hazard control symbols each with the text hazard control messages surrounding the central graphic with the text highlighting the principal hazard, the hazardous information video on the website being a first hazardous information video that is directly related to the identification and the control of the principal hazard for the first component of the hazardous product; a second placard for a second component of the hazardous product, having a front side with a second central graphic depicting a second core hazard for the second component of the hazardous product along with text highlighting a principal hazard for the second component of the hazardous product, and a second plurality of hazard control symbols depicting hazard control methods related to the principal hazard along with second text hazard control messages for each of the second hazard control symbols, the second plurality of hazard control symbols each with the second text hazard control messages surrounding the second central graphic with the second text highlighting the principal hazard of the second component of the hazardous product; a second quick reference (QR) code on the front side, the second quick reference (QR) code providing a second website link, the second quick reference (QR) code being different from the quick reference (QR) code; the hazardous product website for being accessed from the second website link from the second quick reference (QR) code; and a second hazardous information video on the website, wherein playing the second hazardous information video is directly related to identification and control of the principal hazard for the second component of the hazardous product, the second hazardous information video being different from the first hazardous information video.

9. The hazard communication and control system of claim 8, wherein the text on the central graphic includes a message selected from at least one of WARNING, CAUTION and DANGER.

10. The hazard communication and control system of claim 8, wherein the plurality of hazard control symbols with the text hazard control messages are divided into separate hazard quadrants or are located in symmetrically-divided quadrants.

11. The hazard communication and control system of claim 8, wherein the back side of the placard includes: a second central graphic depicting contact information for a manufacturer of the hazardous product, and a second plurality of hazard control symbols depicting second hazard control methods related to the principal hazard along with second text hazard control messages for each of the second hazard control symbols, the second plurality of hazard control symbols each with the second text hazard control messages surrounding the second central graphic with the text highlighting the principal hazard.

12. The hazard communication and control system of claim 11, wherein the plurality of hazard control symbols and text hazard control messages on the front side include general instructions for using the hazardous product, and wherein the second plurality of hazard control symbols each with the second text hazard control messages surrounding the second central graphic with the text highlighting the principal hazard are more specific to safer use of the hazardous product.

13. The hazard communication and control system of claim 8, wherein the plurality separate hazard communication and controls further includes: a hazard communication and control label on an outside of packaging of hazardous product, the label includes the quick reference (QR) code to link to the website having the video information directly relating to identification and control of the principal hazard for the hazardous product.

14. The hazard communication and control system of claim 13, wherein the plurality separate hazard communication and controls further includes: at least one of a tear sheet warning and an instructions sheet warning, placed inside of the packaging that includes the quick reference (QR) code to link to the website having the video information directly relating to identification and control of the principal hazard for the hazardous product.

15. The hazard communication and control system of claim 14, wherein the plurality separate hazard communication and controls further includes: an evidence label directly adhered to a surface of the hazardous product, the evidence label providing evidence the hazard control placards have been installed and the evidence label includes the quick reference (QR) code to link to the website having the video information directly relating to identification and control of the principal hazard for the hazardous product.

16. A method of using hazard communication and control system of claim 8, comprising the method steps of: directly attaching the main placard to the hazardous product; scanning the quick reference (QR) code with a smart phone; linking to the hazardous product website on the smart phone; playing the hazardous information video on the hazardous product website, which is directly related to the identification and the control of the principal hazard for the hazardous product.

17. A hazard communication and control system for hazardous products, comprising: a main placard for a hazardous product, having a front side with a central graphic depicting a core hazard for the hazardous product along with text highlighting a principal hazard for the hazardous product, and a plurality of hazard control symbols depicting hazard control methods related to the principal hazard along with a text hazard control messages for each of the hazard control symbols, the plurality of hazard control symbols each with the text hazard control messages surrounding the central graphic with the text highlighting the principal hazard; a quick reference (QR) code on the front side, the quick reference (QR) code providing a website link; a hazardous product website for being accessed from the link from the quick reference (QR) code; a hazardous information video on the website, wherein playing the video is directly related to identification and control of the principal hazard for the hazardous product; the main placard being attached to a first component of the hazardous product, the central graphic depicting the core hazard for the first component of the hazardous product along with text highlighting the principal hazard for the first component of the hazardous product, and the plurality of hazard control symbols depicting hazard control methods related to the principal hazard for the first component, along with a text hazard control messages for each of the hazard control symbols, the plurality of hazard control symbols each with the text hazard control messages surrounding the central graphic with the text highlighting the principal hazard, the hazardous information video on the website being a first hazardous information video that is directly related to the identification and the control of the principal hazard for the first component of the hazardous product; a second placard for a second component of the hazardous product, having a front side with a second central graphic depicting a second core hazard for the second component of the hazardous product along with text highlighting a principal hazard for the second component of the hazardous product, and a second plurality of hazard control symbols depicting hazard control methods related to the principal hazard along with second text hazard control messages for each of the second hazard control symbols, the second plurality of hazard control symbols each with the second text hazard control messages surrounding the second central graphic with the second text highlighting the principal hazard of the second component of the hazardous product; a second quick reference (QR) code on the front side, the second quick reference (QR) code providing a second website link, the second quick reference (QR) code being different from the quick reference (QR) code; the hazardous product website for being accessed from the second website link from the second quick reference (QR) code; and a second hazardous information video on the website, wherein playing the second hazardous information video is directly related to identification and control of the principal hazard for the second component of the hazardous product, the second hazardous information video being different from the first hazardous information video.

18. A method of using the hazard communication and control system of claim 17, comprising the method steps of: directly attaching the main placard to the hazardous product; scanning the quick reference (QR) code with a smart phone; linking to the hazardous product website on the smart phone; playing the hazardous information video on the hazardous product website, which is directly related to the identification and the control of the principal hazard for the hazardous product.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

(1) The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements.

(2) FIG. 1A is an enlarged view a first warning label with QR code link to video before using the hazardous product that can be placed on outer surface of the outside package/box/container of the hazardous product.

(3) FIG. 1B shows a package/box/container of the hazardous product with the first warning label of FIG. 1A.

(4) FIG. 2A shows a second warning of a tear sheet insert with QR code that can be placed inside the package/box/container shown in FIG. 1B.

(5) FIG. 2B shows the package/box/container with the second warning tear sheet with QR code of FIG. 2A inserted inside.

(6) FIG. 3A shows a third warning label with QR code link to video before using the hazardous product that can be placed on outer surface of the outside package/box/container of the hazardous product.

(7) FIG. 3B shows a harness instruction sheet with the third warning label of FIG. 3A as an insert placed in the package/box/container of the hazardous product.

(8) FIG. 4 shows the harness instruction sheet of FIG. 3B and tree stand instruction sheet both with the third warning label of FIG. 3A both as an insert placed in the package/box/container of the hazardous product.

(9) FIG. 5A is a front view of a main hazard warning and control placard for being attached to the tree stand hazardous product.

(10) FIG. 5B is a back view of the placard of FIG. 5A.

(11) FIG. 5C shows a tree stand hazardous product with the placard of FIGS. 5A-5B directly attached thereto.

(12) FIG. 6A is a front side of second hazard warning and control placard with QR code, for use with accessories to the main hazard product.

(13) FIG. 6B is a back side of the second hazard warning control placard of FIG. 6A.

(14) FIG. 6C shows an accessory (harness) to the main hazardous product with the second hazard warning control placard attached thereto.

(15) FIG. 7 shows another accessory (ratchet strap) to the main hazardous product with the second hazard warning control placard attached thereto.

(16) FIG. 8A shows a stick-on evidence label with QR code.

(17) FIG. 8B shows the evidence label of FIG. 8A directly adhered to the hazardous product.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(18) Before explaining the disclosed embodiments of the present invention in detail it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its applications to the details of the particular arrangements shown since the invention is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. In the Summary above and in the Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments and in the accompanying drawings, reference is made to particular features (including method steps) of the invention. It is to be understood that the disclosure of the invention in this specification does not include all possible combinations of such particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment of the invention, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with and/or in the context of other particular aspects and embodiments of the invention, and in the invention generally.

(19) In this section, some embodiments of the invention will be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout, and prime notation is used to indicate similar elements in alternative embodiments.

(20) Multiple hazard control messages can be related to the principal hazard message and reduces redundancy related to the common signal word such as Danger, Warning and Caution labels, increasing message effectiveness while reducing the physical size of the label. QR codes are included to provide consumers with digitally-based, hazard communication and hazard control information dramatically increasing the hazard communication and control effectiveness of this system over traditional Danger, Warning and Caution labels.

(21) The novel systems and methods can allow for labels and placards/tags to be used with any potentially hazardous products as described in the example below.

(22) In one embodiment, the novel hazard control system and method can be adapted for a hazardous product, such a tree stand product that include the actual tree stand along with accessory products for the tree stand that can include but are not limited to a separate harness and a ratchet strap.

(23) In this embodiment, there can be eight (8) different hazard warnings and controls for the user of the tree stand product and the accessories of the harness and ratchet strap as indicated in I through VIII below. In this embodiment, there can be eight (8) layers of Product Defensibility that provide safety for the users as well as extra liability protection for the hazardous product manufacturer.

(24) I FIRST WARNING Danger Warning Label with QR code link to video before using on outside box/package;

(25) QR logos can be included on the face of product packaging to quickly warn users and like to a specific online safety video;
II SECOND WARNINGTear sheet insert placed inside of box/package. Warning to view video with QR code link to video. Sheet must be included on top of the instructions so it is one of the first things the user sees. A preferred embodiment can be sheet (or full sheet), different colored paper, such as yellow paper, and/or grayscale or color, with or without identical print on both sides.
III THIRD WARNINGHarness Instruction Insert placed inside of box/package.
IV FOURTH WARNINGTree Stand Instruction Insert (label, hang-tag, placard) placed inside of box/package.
V FIFTH WARNINGMain Product Placard/Tag placed on main product (tree stand). 12 Different Warnings & Instructions on this placard alone
VI SIXTH WARNINGComponents/Accessories Placard/Tag placed on Components/Accessories (Harness) 11 Different Warnings & Instructions on this placard alone
VII SEVENTH WARNINGComponents/Accessories Placard/Tag placed on Components/Accessories (Ratchet Strap) 11 Different Warnings & Instructions on this placard alone
VIII EIGHTH WARNINGEvidence Label Sticky Type Label placed on all products (tree stand, harness, ratchet strap) Provides evidence the placards were installed on all products Provides Trackability and Traceability

(26) FIG. 1A is an enlarged view a first warning label with QR code link to video before using the hazardous product that can be placed on the outside package/box/container of the hazardous product. The first warning label 10 can include a graphic depicting a core hazard for the hazardous product along with text highlighting a principal hazard for the hazardous product. Additionally, the first warning label can include a quick reference (QR) code to link to a website having a video information directly relating to identification and control of the principal hazard for the hazardous product.

(27) FIG. 1B shows a package/box/container of the hazardous product with the first warning label 10 of FIG. 1A.

(28) FIG. 2A shows a second warning of a tear sheet insert 20 with QR code that can be placed inside the package/box/container shown in FIG. 1B. The tear sheet can include another image of the quick reference (QR) code to link to a website having a video information directly relating to identification and control of the principal hazard for the hazardous product.

(29) FIG. 2B shows the package/box/container with the second warning tear sheet 20 with QR code of FIG. 2A inserted inside.

(30) FIG. 3A shows a third warning label 30 with QR code link to video before using the hazardous product that can be placed on outer surface of the outside package/box/container of the hazardous product. The third warning label 30 can also include a graphic depicting a core hazard for the hazardous product along with text highlighting a principal hazard for the hazardous product. Additionally, the first warning label can include a quick reference (QR) code to link to a website having a video information directly relating to identification and control of the principal hazard for the hazardous product.

(31) FIG. 3B shows a harness instruction sheet with the third warning label 30 of FIG. 3A as an insert placed in the package/box/container of the hazardous product.

(32) FIG. 4 shows the harness instruction sheet of FIG. 3B and tree stand instruction sheet both with the third warning label 30 of FIG. 3A both as an insert placed in the package/box/container of the hazardous product.

(33) FIG. 5A is a front view of a placard 50 for being attached to the tree stand hazardous product. FIG. 5B is a back view of the placard 50 of FIG. 5A. Referring to FIGS. 5A-5B, the placard 50 can be a stiff tag formed from plastic, cardboard, and the like, having waterproof surfaces with a front side and a back side. The placards 50 can include tags with printed/written notice for public display.

(34) The placard 50 can be a hang tag, which can use a strand, such as a wire, plastic, and the like to attach the placard 50 to the main hazardous product.

(35) The front side of the placard 50 can have a central graphic depicting a core hazard for the hazardous product along with text highlighting a principal hazard for the hazardous product, and a plurality of hazard control symbols depicting hazard control methods related to the principal hazard along with a text hazard control messages for each of the hazard control symbols. The plurality of hazard control symbols each with the text hazard control messages can surround the central graphic with the text highlighting the principal hazard. There can be approximately 2 to approximately 5 hazard control symbols each with the text hazard control messages can surround the central graphic with the text highlighting the principal hazard. hazard control symbols each with the text hazard control messages can surround the central graphic with the text highlighting the principal hazard.

(36) At least one of the plurality of hazard control symbols includes a quick reference (QR) code to link to a website having a video information directly relating to identification and control of the principal hazard for the hazardous product.

(37) The text on the central graphic of the front of the placard 50 can include a message selected from at least one of WARNING, CAUTION and DANGER.

(38) The plurality of hazard control symbols with the text hazard control messages on the front side of the placard 50 can be divided into separate hazard quadrants.

(39) The plurality of hazard control symbols with the text hazard control messages on the front side of the placard 50 can be located in symmetrically-divided quadrants.

(40) The back side of the placard 50 can include a second central graphic depicting contact information for a manufacturer of the hazardous product, and a second plurality of hazard control symbols depicting second hazard control methods related to the principal hazard along with second text hazard control messages for each of the second hazard control symbols.

(41) The second plurality of hazard control symbols each with the second text hazard control messages surrounding the second central graphic with the text highlighting the principal hazard. The plurality of hazard control symbols and text hazard control messages on the front side include general instructions for using the hazardous product, and the second plurality of hazard control symbols each with the second text hazard control messages surrounding the second central graphic with the text highlighting the principal hazard can be more specific to safer use of the hazardous product as shown in comparing FIG. 5B to FIG. 5A.

(42) An embodiment of the placard 50 can have a general pentagon shape. The placard 50 can include a side protruding tab for indicating both sides of the placard provide for a hazard communication and control to the user.

(43) FIG. 5C shows a tree stand hazardous product with the placard 50 of FIGS. 5A-5B directly attached thereto.

(44) FIG. 6A is a front side of second hazard warning and control placard 60 with QR code, for use with accessories to the main hazard product, such as the tree stand. FIG. 6B is a back side of the second hazard warning control placard 60 of FIG. 6A. The second placard 60 can be made from similar material as the main placard 50, and have a longitudinal shape, such as but not limited to generally rectangular, and the like, and also include a tab edge which indicates to the user there are two sides of warnings and instructions. The second placard 60 can be a hang tag, which can use a strand, such as a wire, plastic, and the like to attach the second placard 60 to the accessories.

(45) The second placard 60 can include a quick reference (QR) code to link to a website having a video information directly relating to identification and control of the principal hazard for the hazardous product. The second placard 60 can include up to approximately eleven or more different warnings and instructions on this placard alone. A graphic on the front of the placard 60 can also include a message selected from at least one of WARNING, CAUTION and DANGER. The back side of the placard 60 can include more specific controls and warnings and instructions than on the front side.

(46) FIG. 6C shows an accessory (harness) to the main hazardous product with the second hazard warning control placard 60 attached thereto.

(47) FIG. 7 shows another accessory (ratchet strap) to the main hazardous product with the second hazard warning control placard 60 attached thereto.

(48) FIG. 8A shows a stick-on evidence label 80 with QR code. The evidence labels 80 can having a sticky backing that makes the label 80 difficult to remove, and can include a quick reference (QR) code to link to a website having a video information directly relating to identification and control of the principal hazard for the hazardous product. The label 80 can also include URL inks and be serialized. The evidence labels 80 can be adhered directly to the hazardous product is evidence that the evidence label has been installed. The evidence label 80 can also be adhered directly to all separate components, such as the main hazardous product and all of the accessories to the main hazardous product.

(49) FIG. 8B shows the evidence label 80 of FIG. 8A directly adhered to the hazardous product.

(50) All of the placards and tags and labels referenced above can also include DO NOT REMOVE instructions as well.

(51) Examples of other hazardous products that can use the novel interactive warning systems and controls can include but is not limited to hang on stands, climbing stands, ladder stands, jaw ladder stands, tripod stands, aftermarket harnesses, stick ladders, climbing aids (non-continuous), tree stand safety rope (lifeline), self rescue devices, OEM (original equipment manufacturer) harness, OEM ratchet straps, OEM cam-buckle straps, OEM tree belts, and the like.

(52) Although the hazardous communications system and method provides embodiments in English, the system and methods can be provided in multiple languages simultaneously.

(53) The hazardous communications system and method can be provided in symmetrically-divided quadrants. The hazardous communications system and method can also be provided in non-symmetrically divided quadrants.

(54) While the invention has been described, disclosed, illustrated and shown in various terms of certain embodiments or modifications which it has presumed in practice, the scope of the invention is not intended to be, nor should it be deemed to be, limited thereby and such other modifications or embodiments as may be suggested by the teachings herein are particularly reserved especially as they fall within the breadth and scope of the claims here appended.