PORTABLE, SELF-ILLUMINATING TRAFFIC SIGN

Abstract

A portable, self-illuminating traffic sign having a sign face with two opposite sides. One side indicates a first traffic signal, and the other side indicates a second traffic signal. Light assemblies are attached to each side of the sign. The light assemblies emit light that may match the predominant color of one of the sides of the sign. A battery may be disposed in a pole that connects to the sign. A handlegrip allows for the sign to be held and provides a switch to allow for the lights to be selectively turned on and off. The light assemblies are disposed within collar assemblies so as to reduce, or prevent, light emitted from the light assemblies reflecting off of the sign faces.

Claims

1. A portable, self-illuminating traffic sign comprising: a sign head having at least one side with a word displayed on the at least one side; a first collar extending from the at least one side of the sign head and disposed above the word; a first light assembly disposed on the first collar; a second collar extending from the at least one side of the sign head and disposed below the word; a second light assembly disposed on the second collar; a handle attached to the sign head at a first end; and, a battery located closer to a second end of the handle than a first end of the handle.

2. The portable, self-illuminating traffic sign of claim 1, wherein the handle has a switch configured to selectively activate the first light assembly, the second light assembly, or both.

3. The portable, self-illuminating traffic sign of claim 1, wherein the at least one side of the sign head comprises a stop sign.

4. The portable, self-illuminating traffic sign of claim 1, wherein the at least one side of the sign head comprises a slow sign.

5. The portable, self-illuminating traffic sign of claim 4, wherein the a second side of the sign head comprises a stop sign. 4.

6. The portable, self-illuminating traffic sign of claim 1, wherein the at least one side of the sign head further comprises a second side with a second word different from the first word.

7. The portable, self-illuminating traffic sign of claim 6, wherein the second side comprises a third collar extending from the second side of the sign head and disposed above the second word; a third light assembly disposed on the third collar; a fourth collar extending from the second side of the sign head and disposed below the second word; a fourth light assembly disposed on the fourth collar.

8. The portable, self-illuminating traffic sign of claim 7, wherein the first light assembly emits a light that corresponds to a color of the first side of the sign head, and wherein the third light assembly emits a light that corresponds to a color of the second side of the sign head.

9. The portable, self-illuminating traffic sign of claim 1, wherein the first and second light assembles are located on the first and second collars respectively so that light is prevents from directly shining onto the at least one side.

10. The portable, self-illuminating traffic sign of claim 1, wherein at least 60% of an intensity of light emitted by the first light assembly is viewed, when viewed at an angle of 45 degrees or greater from a line that extends orthogonally from a center of the at least one side.

11. The portable, self-illuminating traffic sign of claim 1, wherein the first light assembly emits a light that corresponds to a color of the at least one side of the sign head.

12. The portable, self-illuminating traffic sign of claim 1, wherein the at least one side of the sign head comprises a first side of a single reflective panel.

13. A portable, self-illuminating traffic sign comprising: a sign head having at least one side; a first collar extending from the at least one side of the sign head; a first light assembly disposed on the first collar; a pole having a first end attached to the sign head and a second opposite end; and, a battery located in the pole closer to the second opposite end than the first end.

14. The portable, self-illuminating traffic sign of claim 13, wherein the pole comprises two poles that are selectively connected.

15. The portable, self-illuminating traffic sign of claim 13, further comprising: a hand grip disposed on the pole between the first end and the second end.

16. The portable, self-illuminating traffic sign of claim 15, wherein the hand grip further comprises a switch.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] 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.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first side of a portable, self-illuminating traffic sign according to one or more aspects of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a top and front, partially unassembled view of a portion of the sign of FIG. 1.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the second side of the sign of FIG. 1.

[0025] FIG. 4 is a side view of the sign of FIG. 1.

[0026] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the sign of FIG. 1.

[0027] FIG. 6 is a perspective, unassembled view of a handgrip from the sign of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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 applique.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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 battery 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.

[0035] With this general description in mind, an exemplary embodiment will be described with the understanding that this description is not intended to be limiting.

[0036] Turning to FIG. 1, a portable, self-illuminating traffic sign 100 is shown which includes a sign head 102 having a first side 104. In the depicted embodiment, the first side 104 is a reflective panel having the coloring and markings corresponding to an American “STOP” sign. The sign head 102 is attached to a handle 106 having a handgrip 108 and a first pole 110 extending between the handgrip 108 and the sign head 102.

[0037] The sign head 102 additionally includes a first protrusion 120 having a first light assembly 122 disposed on a first collar 124 and a second protrusion 130 having a second light assembly 132 disposed on a second collar 134. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, a light assembly includes one or more light sources, necessary circuitry, a housing, and other protective structure, materials, and wiring to supply power to the light,

[0038] 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.

[0039] Turning to FIG. 2, the first collar 124 is disposed on the first side 104 about an aperture 125 in the sign head 102. It is contemplated that the aperture 125 is centrally located with respect to the first collar 124 , once the first collar 124 is installed on the sign head 102, but not required. A rubber or other nonconductive grommet 127 is installed in the aperture 125 to safely convey electrical wires 129 to a second side 202 (see FIG. 3) of the sign head 102 from the first side 104.

[0040] By using the collar 124, the present invention reduces or prevents light from the first light assembly 122 shining backward onto the first side 104 of the sign head 102 (which would create a glare that would reduce the ability of a person approaching from being able to read the sign head 102).

[0041] As can be seen in FIG. 2, the first light assembly 122 is disposed on an outermost edge 131 of the collar 124. The outermost edge 131 is the edge of the collar 124 furthest from the sign head 102. The first light assembly 122 can alternatively be disposed at any point along the height of the collar 124 (measured from the sign head 102 to the outermost edge 131). For example, the first light assembly 122 may be slightly offset (i.e., ⅛ inch) from the end of the collar 124.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

TABLE-US-00001 Present Light Comparative Light Intensity (estimated amount of light viewed) Intensity (estimated amount of light viewed) Angle (from center) Angle (from center) 0° 100% 0° 100% 45° 100% 20° ~50% 70° 100% 32° ~15% 87° >75% 40° 0

[0044] Returning to FIG. 1, the first light assembly 122, when in operation, emits a light corresponding to a color matching the predominant coloring of the first side 104. For example, the first light assembly 122 as shown in FIG. 1 emits a red light to match the red predominant in an American stop sign. In an alternative, the first light assembly 122 may emit a white light, or any color of light that corresponds to the first side 104. Additionally, by predominant color, it is meant that the color is at least 50% of the surface which contains the traffic signal.

[0045] 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.

[0046] Moving to the second protrusion 130, the second light assembly 132, and the second collar 134 shown in FIG. 1, those are arranged similarly to the first protrusion 120, the first light assembly 122, and the first collar 124. Thus, although not depicted as such, the second protrusion 130 additionally includes an aperture and rubber grommet for passing electrical wires through the sign head 102. Accordingly, the above portion of the present description discussing FIG. 2 is incorporated herein by reference mutatis mutandis.

[0047] Also shown in FIG. 1, the present traffic sign 100 further includes a second pole 140 with a base 142 disposed on one end of the second pole 140. A threaded connector 144 is disposed on the other end of the second pole 140. The second pole 140 attaches to the handle 106 via the threaded connector 144. The threaded connector 144 is described in further detail in FIG. 6.

[0048] 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.

[0049] The traffic sign 100 as shown in FIG. 1 may be between approximately five feet and six inches and seven feet and six inches from base 142 to the top of the sign head 102. The second pole 140 may be approximately four feet long. The portable, self-illuminating traffic sign 100 is designed to be both ergonomically arranged for user comfort and visibility for vehicle drivers. As a result, the length of the second pole 140 and the portable, self-illuminating traffic sign 100 may be arranged to maximize the ergonomics and visibility of the portable, self-illuminating traffic sign 100. As will be appreciated, these lengths and sizes are merely exemplary.

[0050] 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.

[0051] Turning to FIG. 3, a second side 202, opposite the first side 104, of the sign head 102 is shown. The second side 202 is made of a reflective panel having the coloring and markings corresponding to an American “SLOW” sign. The second side 202 may include a non-reflective border 204 around the “SLOW” sign to create the appearance of the traditional rectangular “SLOW” sign instead of an octagonal sign corresponding to the American “STOP” sign on the first side 104 (see FIG. 1).

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] As can be seen in both FIGS. 3 and 4, extending between the third protrusion 210 and the fourth protrusion 220 is a cap 230. The cap 230 may be a U- or C- shaped channel. As shown in FIG. 2, the wires 129 for the first light assembly 122 extend through the aperture 125 to the second side 202 of the sign head 102, and more specifically, into the third collar 214. Although not shown, these wires 129, along with the wires for the third light assembly 212 pass to the fourth collar 224 from the third collar 214 under the cap 230. The cap 230 may be made of a reflective material and includes the colors and markings of the second side 202. As a result, the cap 230 is less likely to distract a motorist.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 4, the sign head 102 is made of a single reflective panel. Accordingly, a thickness of the sign head 102 (distance between the two sides 104, 202) corresponds to the thickness of the single reflective panel. As a result, the present traffic sign 100 is thinner and often lighter in weight than signs that include two panels having a space between them.

[0056] Additionally, as can be seen in FIG. 4, the sign head 102 sits in a channel 160 in the first pole 110 and is held by a fastener 162 such as a screw or pin. As noted above, the depth of the channel 160 may depend on a distance from a lower edge of the sign head 102 to the second and fourth collars 134, 224. Thus, the second and fourth collars 134, 224 may sit on an upper end of the first pole 110.

[0057] Turning to FIG. 5, the electrical wiring of the present traffic sign 100 is shown. Specifically, each of the light assemblies 122, 132, 212, 222 are connected to a toggle switch 310. The toggle switch 310 selectively provides power to the lights of the light assemblies 122, 132, 212, 222 from the battery 145 in the second pole 140. The switch 310 may selectively provide power to the light assemblies 122, 132, 212, 222 to one or both sides 104, 202 of the sign head 102.

[0058] 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).

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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 12v automotive accessory outlet in a vehicle or in a household 110v outlet.

[0061] Turning to FIG. 6, the handgrip 108 is shown as having a first part 408a and a second part 408b. The first and second parts 408a, 408b may be held together with fasteners (not shown) which, as would be appreciated, may pass through apertures 410 in one of the two parts408a, 408b and into blind holes 420 in the other of the two parts 408a, 408b. Additionally, the parts 408a, 408b of the handgrip 108 may include complementary configured positioning means, such as protrusions 422 and indents 424. The complementary configured positioning means ensure that the two parts 408a, 408b are positioned correctly when the handgrip 108 is fastened together.

[0062] A first end 430 of the handgrip 108 may be coupled to the first pole 110 (FIG. 1) by a clamp fit and, optionally, an adhesive. As shown in FIG. 6, the handgrip 108 also includes a second end 432 with a threaded portion 434 to receive the threaded connector 144 of the second pole 140 (See, FIGS. 1 and 3). An aperture 440 in the threaded connector 144 allows for wires (not shown) from the battery 145 to terminate in the electrical connector 360 (FIG. 5). Once connected to provide electrical communication, the electrical connectors 360, 370 (FIG. 5) may be positioned in a cavity 450 within the handgrip 108. Additionally, the toggle switch 310 and the flasher module 350 may be held within the handgrip 108.

[0063] 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.