System, components and method of a gradually colour shifted traffic control system

Abstract

A new and useful system, method and system components are provided, for helping a vehicle operator to ease his/her driving, when is driving at certain speed and is approaching from at a substantial distance to a street intersection so that the decision of whether the vehicle speed should be reduced or maintained can be made at convenient time. By providing with anticipated information relative to an imminent light change, a vehicle operator will have the sufficient time to react calmly to any situation that could put at risk his/her own integrity and/or the integrity of some others. This new and improved traffic control system is designed in a manner that is efficient and effective, in a manner that is useful and helpful, in a manner that is designed in a compact and low profile design; It is designed the best and the most simple way to provide and give to a vehicle operator a better, safely, relaxing and a pleasant driving.

Claims

1. A traffic light structure comprising a light arrangement of 3 concentric light arrays, an inner array, an outer array and an intermediate array located between the inner and outer arrays, one of the inner and outer arrays comprising a red light array and the other of the inner and outer arrays comprising a green light array, the intermediate array comprising an amber light array; and a light control device that illuminates the concentric light arrays in a sequence in which the green light array is illuminated followed by at least a portion of the amber light array and then followed by at least a portion of the red light array, whereby a driver approaching the light structure is given a visual alert of the impending illumination of the red light array.

2. The traffic light structure of claim 1, wherein each of the outer, inner and intermediate arrays comprises concentric arrays of LED lights, each concentric array of LED lights comprising the color LED lights of the respective color array of the associated red, green and amber arrays.

3. The traffic light structure of claim 2, wherein each of the outer, inner and intermediate arrays comprises a substrate carrying the concentric arrays of LED lights of the associated red, green and amber arrays.

4. The traffic light structure of claim 3, wherein the substrates carrying the concentric arrays of LED lights are located in a substantially spherical enclosure with a translucent front that enables the light structure to be viewed there through.

5. The traffic light structure of claim 4, wherein the control device is located in the substantially spherical enclosure and is configured to control the illumination of the concentric arrays of LED lights in a predetermined sequence.

6. The traffic light structure of claim 5, wherein the array of LED lights forming the outer array are green LEDs, and the array of LED lights forming the inner array are red LEDs.

7. The traffic light structure of claim 5, wherein an annular brim is located at the perimeter of each substrate carrying an array of LED lights.

8. A traffic light structure comprising: a) a light arrangement of 3 concentric light arrays having an inner array of red lights, an outer array of green lights, and an intermediate array of amber lights; and, b) a light control device that causes illumination of the concentric light arrays in a sequence in which the outer light array is illuminated followed by at least a portion of the intermediate light array, and then followed by at least a portion of the inner light array.

9. The traffic light structure of claim 8, wherein each of the outer, inner and intermediate arrays comprises at least three concentric circles of lights.

10. The traffic light structure of claim 9, wherein each of the outer, inner and intermediate arrays comprises a substrate carrying concentric arrays of LED lights of the associated red, green and amber arrays.

11. The traffic light structure of claim 9, further including a spherical enclosure with a translucent front that enables the light arrangement to be viewed therethrough.

12. The traffic light structure of claim 11, wherein the light control device is located in the substantially spherical enclosure and is configured to control the illumination of the concentric arrays of LED lights in a predetermined sequence.

13. The traffic light structure of claim 8, further including a first annular brim positioned between the inner and intermediate array of lights, a second annular brim positioned between the intermediate and outer array of lights, and a third annular brim located at an external periphery of the outer array of lights.

14. A light for a traffic signal comprising: a) a circularly shaped center primary light; b) a secondary light totally encircling the primary light; and, c) a tertiary light totally encircling the secondary light.

15. The light for a traffic signal according to claim 14, further including a spherical enclosure with a translucent front that enables the primary, secondary, and tertiary lights to be viewed therethrough.

16. The light for a traffic signal according to claim 15, wherein each of the primary, secondary, an tertiary lights include arrays of LED lights.

17. The light for a traffic signal according to claim 16, wherein the arrays of LED lights are chosen from a group consisting of red, green and amber.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS AND EXHIBITS

(1) FIG. 1 is a schematic isometric illustration of the system, including the system components, and some of the elements that make up the traffic control system, according with the principles of the present invention, which include: the housing, front cover shield, the mounting bracket; the green, amber and red LED's arrangement; the brims of green, amber and red LED's arrangements, the cut section A-A, and a pole.

(2) FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view illustration of the system, including the system components, and the method by which the traffic control system is formed; which include a housing, front cover shield, Green, amber and red LED's arrangements; Plates (substrates) for the green, amber and red LED's arrangements, aperture to install the system, and a gradually Tinted shades graph of the front cover shield.

(3) FIG. 3 is a schematic exploded view illustration of the system including the system components, and the method by which the traffic control system is formed; including a housing, front cover shield, Green, amber and red LED's arrangements; plates (substrates) for each of the green, amber and red LED's arrangements, control device; the two halves that conform the aperture to install the system and a back cover.

(4) FIG. 4 is a schematic front view illustration of the system, including the system components, and the method by which the traffic control system is formed; Which include a green, amber and red LED's arrangements; Brims for green, amber and red LED's arrangements, and some of the LED's singles lights.

(5) FIG. 5 is a schematic sliced (cross sectional) side view illustration of the system, including the system components, and the method by which the traffic control system is formed; Which include a housing, front cover shield, brims of Green, amber and red LED's arrangements; Plates for green, amber and red LED's arrangements, an aperture to install the system and a back cover.

(6) FIG. 6 is a schematic sequence front view illustration of the system, including the system components, and the method by which the traffic control system is formed; Which illustrates the sequences of the Traffic control system and is showing how the different arrangement of LED's lights green, amber and red are gradually shifting.

(7) Exhibit's A, B, C, D, E, F and G are a series of photographs and colored drawings showing the manner in which a traffic control system, according to the invention, is use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(8) As described above, the present invention relates to a new and useful traffic control system; having a new improved arrangement of lights (preferably LED's) that are controlled to perform a gradually shifting color, and designed to provide a warning signal to the operator of an oncoming vehicle by shifting gradually from green light (go), through the red light (stop) in order to alert the vehicle's operator and provide him/her with enough time to react, so the decision of whether the vehicle speed should be reduced or maintained can be at a convenient time. The traffic control system is designed in a manner that is efficient and effective, and provides a compact, aesthetic and a low profile design.

(9) The principles of the invention are described herein in connection with one preferred form of traffic control structure and from that description, the manner in which the principles of the invention can be applied to various forms of traffic control devices will be apparent to these in the art.

(10) As illustrated in the figures, a system according to the invention includes a traffic control system (1) that is primarily formed by, a housing (05) in the shape of a sphere. The housing accommodates inside some other components that are part of the traffic control system, including: the concentric green (30), amber (25) and the red (20) arrays of LED's lights; a plate (60), which forms or carries a substrate for a concentric arrangement of green LED's, plate (55) which forms or carries a concentric arrangement of amber LED's and the plate (50) which forms or carries a substrate for a concentric arrangement of red LED's. As seen from the figures, the plates and their LED's form concentric arrays of green, amber and red lights. The plates (50, 55, 60) keep in place the LED's elements; The front cover shield (10) this translucent component protects the elements inside; the mounting bracket (15); and a series of brims (35,40,45) are associated with the plates and the back cover (75) forms the back of the housing. A control device is located inside the housing and is in circuit communication with the LEDs on each of the plates (see FIG. 3)

(11) As described above, FIG. 1 illustrates some of the components or elements that are part of the traffic control system (1) that is showed in a full display The housing (05) is preferably in the shape of sphere, and is useful in a manner that can be used to hold and protect the rest of the elements that are part of the system. The housing is designed in a compact and low profile design to give it a more aerodynamic design, and has a front cover shield (10) that is useful in a manner that can be used to protect the components inside of the housing (05) from outside environmental hazard elements (e.g. water, dust, moist, etc.). The front cover shield is translucent which allows the LED arrangements (20, 25, 30) to be seen (as well as further elements that are part of the preferred system), in a manner that is visible to any driver approaching the system. Mounting bracket (15) is coupled to the housing (05) is useful in a manner that can be used to support and allow the system to rotate for a better alignment, and can be used to install the traffic control system (1) with a respective supportive pole (03). Some other internal elements are: a. the concentric multimember array of red color LED's (20) which is useful in a manner that can be used to mark a Stop signal, to alert a driver of an imminent stop of the vehicle's transit. b. the concentric arrangement of multimember array of amber color LED's (25) which is useful in a manner that can be used to mark a Warning signal to alert a driver to reduce the speed or to stop the vehicle. c. the concentric arrangement of multimember array of green color LED's (30) that is useful in a manner that can be used to mark a Go signal to alert a driver of a vehicle, that the vehicle is allowed to move forward. d. A brim (35) that is useful in a manner that can be used to project a shade over the Red LED's (20) arrangement, in a manner to give it more visual effect, thereby to enhance LED's (20) colors. e. A brim (40) that is useful to project a shade over the Amber LED's (25) arrangement, in a manner to give it more visual effect, thereby to enhance the LED's (25) colors. f. A brim (45) that is useful in a manner that can be used to project a shade over the Green LED's (30) arrangement, in a manner to give it more visual effect, thereby to enhance LED's (30) colors.

(12) FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective illustration of the configuration of the traffic control system (1), showing some of the components: specifically, a. the housing (05) preferably in the shape of sphere, which holds and protects the rest of the elements that are part of the system, and is designed in a compact and low profile design to give it a more aerodynamic design, b. the translucent front cover shield (10) that protects the components inside of the housing (05) from outside environmental elements (e.g. water, dust, moist, etc.), and allows light from the concentric arrays of the LEDs, and other arrangements within the housing (e.g. an arrow graphic (02) that is gradually tinted from darker to lighter shades, to block some sun-rays, in order to enhance the colors of the series of LED's arrangements (20, 25, 30) that are part of the traffic control system (1) c. the concentric arrangements of multimember Red, amber and green plate (substrate) supported LED's that produce the basic illumination of the traffic control system, and have respective brims that enhance the illumination provided by the LED arrays. d. the aperture (70) that is useful to secure and lock the mounting bracket (15) element.

(13) FIG. 3 is schematic exploded illustration of the configuration of the traffic control system (1), showing the housing (05), the translucent front cover shield (10), the set of two half-apertures (70-A, 70b) that together forms one whole aperture that can be used to support some other element, the concentric arrangements of multimember Red, amber and green plate (substrate) supported LED's that produce the basic illumination of the traffic control system, and have respective brims that enhance the illumination provided by the LED arrays, the back cover (75) and the control device that is in circuit communication with the arrays of green, amber and red LEDs, to control their illumination (e.g. each of the different color arrays can be entirely illuminated sequentially with the other color arrays, or some of the different color arrays can be gradually and sequentially illuminated, or can be illuminated in a fashion that gradually overlaps another color array)

(14) FIG. 4 is schematic front view illustration of the configuration of the traffic control system (1), showing the concentric array of red LEDs (20) located in the centre of the three LED color arrangements, the brim (35) surrounding the red LEDs, the concentric array of amber LEDs surrounding the array of red LEDs, the brim (40) surrounding the array of ambler LEDs, the concentric array of green LEDs surrounding the array of amber LEDs, and the brim (45) surrounding the array of green LEDs;

(15) FIG. 5. (A-A) Is schematic sliced (cross sectional) view illustration of the configuration of the traffic control system (1), showing the housing (05), the translucent front cover shield (10), the aperture (70) that is formed by the elements 70-a that is part of the back cover (75) and 70-b that is part of the housing (05), and is useful, in securing and locking the mounting bracket, the back cover (75) that is removable to install or to give maintenance to some elements that are inside of the housing (05) and are part of the traffic control system (1) and to protect and to give extra support to the housing (05), the plates with the red, amber and green LEDs, and the brims associated with those plates.

(16) FIG. 6 is a schematic front view sequence illustration of the system, including the system components, and the method by which the traffic control system (1) is formed; which illustrates the sequences of the traffic control system (1) and shows how the different arrangements of green LED's (30) lights, amber LED's (25) lights and red (20) LED's lights are gradually shifting. The following phases explain in detail the performance of the different sections of the traffic control system (1): Phase 1.Illustrates the green LED's arrangement (30) in full display, it means, that this section of the traffic control system (1) just starts its sequence, in a manner that, it is sending commands to a vehicle operator (s) to drive forward in a safe disposition. Phase 2.Is showing that the first outer circle of the green LED's arrangement (30) is Off, this means, that a vehicle operator can continue to drive forward safely, as well, that he/she has time to proceed and to maintain the speed of the vehicle. This is the first warning for a light color change Phase 3.showing that the first and second outer circles of green LED's arrangement (30) are Off, this means that a vehicle operator (s) can continue to drive forward safely, as well, that he/she still has time to proceed and to maintain the speed of the vehicle; This criteria will depend on the vehicle speed and the substantial distance to the street intersection, this is a second warning for a light color change. Phase 4.Is showing that all the circles of the green LED's arrangement (30) are Off, it means that a vehicle operator may continue to drive with caution, as well if, the decision of whether the vehicle speed should be reduced or maintained can be made at convenient time, depending on the distance in which the vehicle is from the street intersection and provides the last warning to an vehicle operator, about an imminent color light change from the traffic control system (1). Phase 5.Illustrates the amber LED's arrangement (25) in full display which is the second section of the traffic control system (1), in a manner that an imminent change of light color had occurred. this means, that a vehicle operator should be prepare to stop he/her vehicle or may continue to drive forward with caution, the decision of whether the vehicle speed should be reduced or maintained can be made at convenient time, depending on the distance in which the vehicle is at this moment from the street intersection. Phase 6.Is showing that the first outer circle of the amber LED's arrangement (25) is Off, this mean that a vehicle operator should prepare to stop, due to the information obtained from the traffic control system (1), this represent a warning of an expected change of color light with anticipated time to a vehicle operator. Phase 7.Is showing that the first and second outer circles of the amber LED's arrangement (25) are Off, this mean that a vehicle operator should be ready to stop, due to the information obtained from the traffic control system (1), this represent a second warning of an expected change of color light with anticipated time to a vehicle operator. Phase 8.Is showing that all the circles of the amber LED's arrangement (25) are Off, this mean that a vehicle operator must be stopped, due to the information obtained from the traffic control system (1), this represent an imminent color light change is about to occur or has occurred. Phase 9.Illustrates the red LED's arrangement (20) in full display which is the third section of the traffic control system (1), in a manner that an imminent change of light color had occurred, this means, that all the participating traffic vehicles at this point should be stopped. Phase 10.Illustrates the traffic control system (1), and showing that no LED's arrangements (20, 25, 30) are On, this means that the cycle sequence is end it, and the system is about to re initiate its sequence one more time.

(17) The location of the traffic control system, with respect to oncoming vehicles is made with anticipated time at certain distance from the street intersection, that a vehicle operator needs to react to a suddenly event and possibly find a solution to avoid any incident that it could happen, as well, to avoid that a vehicle operator jams on the brakes causing undue strain on the vehicle and with the possibility of an accident when passing through an intersection, and putting he/she in a harsh and stressful position, that he/she might be concerned in violating any traffic law. For this reason the location of each traffic control system can be programmed individually one different from other, with a different intervals of times, this can be applied depending on the configuration and the needs of each street intersection; If the street intersection is too broad, the require programmed interval of times for this particular traffic control system will be longer, in order to give enough time to a driver to cross it and to perform an adequate driving; Compared with one street intersection that is narrow, which will require a shorter programmed interval of times, due to a smaller distance that a vehicle operator has to cross, he/she will require less time to cross it. Therefore, since each street intersection has its own needs, each traffic control system will require its own configuration.

(18) As seen from the foregoing description, applicant has provided a new and useful concept for a traffic control. The basic form of the traffic control structure comprises a light arrangement of 3 concentric light arrays, an inner array, an outer array and an intermediate array located between the inner and outer arrays. One of the inner and outer arrays (preferably the inner array) comprises a red light array and the other of the inner and outer arrays (preferably the outer array) comprises a green light array. The intermediate array comprises an amber light array. A light control device is provided that illuminates the concentric light arrays in a sequence in which the green light array is illuminated followed by at least a portion of the amber light array and then followed by at least a portion of the red light array, so that a driver approaching the light structure is given a visual alert of the impending illumination of the red light array.

(19) Exhibit's A, B, C, D, E, F and G are a series of photographs and colored drawings showing the manner in which a traffic control system, according to the invention, is used.

(20) Thus, applicant has described here a utility Traffic control system and a related assembly method, in which an sphere-shaped housing is installed to a support unit (more preferably a pole), contains and protects in its interior series of components that are essential to the performance of the traffic control system, which includes: A translucent material front cover that protects and lets see through some others components, these are: red LED's arrangement, amber LED's arrangement, green LED's arrangement, those components are coupled respectively with some other components inside of the housing, these are a series of plates; these plates keep in place all the LED's lights elements, also give the shape of a circumference to the different LED's arrangements. Therefore these plates are coupled with one another.

(21) Other components of the system include: A back cover this provides access to the back of the housing to install, to remove or to give maintenance to some components of the traffic control system. Also provides some apertures by the body of the housing (more preferably to the sides) in which a mounting bracket can be installed. Some further components are a series of LED's elements in the form of an arrows, to provide some information about the turning access;

(22) Also includes some other LED's arrangements, in a manner that can be used as an emergency colored lights to alert a vehicle operator when an emergency vehicle is in the vicinity. More further, it can include other components in its system, in which can be: a video camera, a laser-radar speed unit, sensor device, vehicle counter device, etc. That can be installed (more preferably inside of the protective spherical shape housing) and be part of the Traffic control system. In which, has been designed to provide enough anticipated information relative to a imminent light change to a vehicle operator, when he/she is driving at certain speed and is approaching to an street intersection, in order to avoid certain situations that can put at risk his/her integrity. It is designed in the best and simple way to provide to a vehicle operator a better, safety and pleasant driving.

(23) With the foregoing disclosure in mind the manner in which a traffic control system is designed, installed and adapted into other useful devices will be apparent to those in the art.