AU2005100592B4 - Emergency lighting exit signage - Google Patents

Description

21/07/2005 15:35 61-3-98901337 PATENT ATTORNEY SERV PAGE 83/16 O EMERGENCY LIGHTING EXIT SIGNAGE c This innovation or invention relates to emergency exit signage in which the C-s legend elements (normally consisting of the word EXIT with or without arrows or a Ci pictogram with or without an arrow) may be changed. In a preferred embodiment it relates to emergency exit signage in which the legend elements may be changed and ON which provides a high degree of vandal resistance and which is tamper resistant.

O There are a number of types of prior art emergency EXIT signs. The most tn commonly used prior art emergency exit sign, is internally illuminated and comprises of a 0 contrasting transilluminated white legend spelling the word EXIT on a green background in a form and of dimensions that comply with AS/NZS 2293.1 3 requirements. The legend elements are generally in the form of self adhesive sheets applied onto the external visible surfaces of a sign's translucent diffuser(s) and thus are subject to tampering or defacing by vandals since they are easily accessible above doors, along egress or escape routes and similar in buildings. This is a major safety concern since these exit signs are the only visual directional information normally available in a building directing evacuees to the nearest fire exit and safety in an the event of an emergency arising requiring a forced evacuation.

Because the legend elements are normally applied directly onto the external surface of the translucent diffuser(s), electrical wholesalers normally stock a number of different exit signs or legend elements or diffuser permutations and combinations or shelf adhesive sheets which allow arrow(s) to be peeled off to take into account their customers i.e. electrical contractors, requirements. A maximum of four different exit signs or legends would be required to-be stocked with this EXIT type i.e. the word EXIT with either a left or a right arrow, or with both left and right arrows; or the word EXIT without any arrows. In the near future the legislative requirements for exit 1 COMS ID No: SBMI-01368023 Received by IP Australia: Time 15:38 Date 2005-07-21 21/07/2005 15:35 61-3-98901337 PATENT ATTORNEY SERV PAGE 04/16 o signs will change and the word EXIT will not be used. The symbol of a running person in a pictogram will replace the word EXIT to comply with international standards, specifically ISO 3864-1. This standard sets out the specific form, colour and dimensions required to comply. It will be an advantage to enable an electrical wholesaler or contractor to stock or use a single exit sign in which the legend elements may be easily IC) changed using the running person pictogram/symbol.

o It is highly desirable that the exit sign legends be such that the intended Sdirectional information may not be easily tampered with or the directional egress/escape Cl information unintentionally changed after installation and/or during the life of such signage i.e. it is preferred that they be reasonably tamperproof and resistant to vandal attacks.

Emergency exit signs include a body which generally incorporates a gear tray containing lamp and battery control devices, batteries or uninterrupted power supply (UPS) to illuminate exit signs in the event of a power failure and have one or more illuminated diffusers depending on whether the exit sign is to be suspended from a ceiling or affixed to a wall. Wall mounted signs usually have only one diffuser.

However exit signs suspended from the ceiling may have two or more diffusers.

The legend should be such that a passer by cannot easily remove it or alter the intended egress route without either dismantling the diffuser from the body and/or using hand tools in a simular manner to standard electrical safety requirements. The use of hand tools to gain access to electrical equipment has long been recognised by most international standards i.e. IEC ISO as a mandated safety requirement. All exit signs will become subject to these requirements with the adoption of the new Australian standard for emergency lighting in buildings AS60598.2.22 due to mandated by Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB).

2 COMS ID No: SBMI-01368023 Received by IP Australia: Time 15:38 Date 2005-07-21 21/07/2005 15:35 61-3-98901337 PATENT ATTORNEY SERV PAGE 05/16 It is an object of the present innovation or invention to overcome or alleviate one or more of the difficulties associated with prior art emergency lighting signs.

SThe present inventors have solved the problem by having one or more clear C, diffuser covers overlying the diffusers and releasably secured to the diffuser or to the body. Interchangeable legends are sandwiched between the diffuser(s) and the clear diffuser covers.

STherefore, according to first aspect of the present invention there is provided an t¢ internally illuminated emergency exit sign including: a body having one or more translucent diffusers; and one or more clear diffuser covers releasably secured to said diffusers or said body; and one or more legend elements sandwiched between the diffusers and the clear diffuser covers.

The present invention suits any type of illuminated emergency exit signs. Two types of emergency exit signs are now sold in Australia and New Zealand. The back-lit or box type where the light source (normally a fluorescent tube) is contained in between the body and a diffuser or two diffusers; and the blade or edge lit type where the light source which can be a fluorescent tube or a range of LED's is positioned at an edge or edges of the diffuser blade.

In one preferred embodiment of the invention, when the exit sign is a back lit or box type, the legend may only be changed by removing the whole diffuser assembly from the exit body and then disengaging the diffuser cover upper latches with the use of a hand tool. The term "diffuser assembly" means the diffuser together with the clear diffuser cover.

3 COMS ID No: SBMI-01368023 Received by IP Australia: Time 15:38 Date 2005-07-21 21/07/2005 15:35 61-3-98901337 PATENT ATTORNEY SERV PAGE 06/16 o According to a further embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an internally illuminated box or back-lit EXIT sign including: Sa body containing lighting components and having one or more open sides for C1 receiving a diffuser; one or more removable translucent diffusers sized to be received on the open Iy sides of the body; 0 o one or more clear diffuser covers which overlie said diffuser(s) and are releasably Ssecured to said diffuser(s) or said body; and C, one or more legends which are sandwiched between the clear diffuser covers and o1 the diffuser. It is preferred that the diffuser cover is a clip-on cover.

It is preferred that the legends may only be removed from the whole diffuser assembly when the clear diffuser cover is removed by hand tool from the diffuser.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the clear diffuser covers include along a first edge, preferably the lower edge, a plurality of locating positioners which mate with a plurality of associated mating positioners on the diffusers. For example, the clear diffuser covers may include along the first edge a number of locating lugs which mate with corresponding openings on the diffusers. It is preferred that the clear diffuser cover lies in a recessed area of the diffuser so that the diffuser cover lies flush with the diffuser. The openings may therefore be formed in the frame of the recessed area.

In a preferred embodiment on a second edge opposite the first edge, preferably on the upper edge, there is provided a plurality of resilient male members which mate with corresponding female members on the panels. The male member is preferably a finger member. In a preferred embodiment each resilient finger member has a hook-like profile which engages with a corresponding engagement surface which may form part of the corresponding female members.

4 COMS ID No: SBMI-01368023 Received by IP Australia: Time 15:38 Date 2005-07-21 21/07/2005 15:35 21/7/0051535 61-3-99901337 PATENT ATTORNEY SERf AE 71 PAGE 07/16 It is preferred that the female members comprise a slot in the upper portion of the panel underlying the clear diffuser cover. It is preferred that on the inside of the slot there is provided a surface, preferably a shoulder, for the male member to engage.

In use, the locating positioners, typically lugs, mate with th~e associated mn.ating positioners, typically slots at the lower edge of the diffuser. The top of the clear diffuser ON cover is then pressed into position so that the resilient finger members bias as they enter through the corresponding female members. Once the clear diffihser cover Is in place the resilient finger members engage with the engagement surface on the inside of the diffuser. It is preferred that the engagement surface is a shoulder onto which a hook like profile of the finger members may engage. The co-operating male and female members act as a latching mechanism.

To remove the clear diffuser cover and thereby change the legend, a diffuser is removed from the housing. Access is then gained to the inside of the diffuser and each of the resilient finger members may be biased away from the shoulder and urged through the corresponding opening.

Mnother kind of sign which is commonly used is a blade or edgelit illuminated EXIT sign. In the case of blade lights, the clear diffuser covers are preferably only removable with the use of a tool such as a screwdriver. TherefCore, according to a Anrther embodiment of the invention there is provided a blade or edgelit illuminated EXIT sign including: a housing or body containing lightinig components; a translucent diffuser blade having one or more illuminated panels mounted on said housing or body; one or more clear diffuser covers overlying said diffuser blade and releasably secured to said blade panels and/or said housing or body; COMS ID No: SBMI-01368023 Received by P1 Australia: Time 15:38 Date 2005-07-21 21/07/2005 15:35 61-3-98901337 PATENT ATTORNEY SERV PAGE 08/16 O one or more legends sandwiched between the blade and the clear diffuser Scover(s).

It is preferred that the diffuser cover is a clip-on cover. Any suitable manner of Cl clipping the cover to the diffuser is acceptable. However, it is preferred that the covers are preferably only removable by use of a tool such as a screwdriver.

SIn the preferred embodiment of the invention, the diffuser covers include along a O first edge, preferably the lower edge, a plurality of locating positioners which mate with a ln plurality of associated mating positioners on the blade. It is preferred that the locating 0 positioners be in the form of locating lugs which mate with corresponding openings on to the blade.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, on a second edge of the diffuser cover, opposite the first edge, preferably on the upper edge, there is provided a plurality of male members which mate with corresponding female members on the blade.

It is preferred that the male member includes a resilient arm having a profile shaped to engage with the inside of the female member. To attach the diffuser cover the female members are pressed into the corresponding male members. The resilient arm biases to allow insertion and once inserted is biased to engage with the inside surface of the female member. The co-operating male and female members act as a latching mechanism.

The male member operates in a similar manner to a telephone jack except that the resilient arm lies flush with the surface of the blade so that a tool is needed to remove the male member.

To remove the diffuser cover a tool such as a screwdriver is used to press the resilient arm away firom engagement with the inside surface of the female member thereby freeing the male member.

6 COMS ID No: SBMI-01368023 Received by IP Australia: Time 15:38 Date 2005-07-21 21/07/2005 15:35 21/7/0051535 61-3-99901337 PATENT ATTORNEY SERV PG 91 PAGE 09/1G o ]Brief Description of the Drawings CA Possible and preferred features of the present innovation or invention will flaw be Zdescribed with particular reference to the accompanying draw'ings Howvr iis tbe understood that the features illustrated in and described with reference to the drawings are not to be construed as limiting on the scope of the invcntion or innovation.

In the drawings: o Figure 1 is a perspective view of an illuminated sign according to the present tn invention, or innovation.

esetv iwo ifsrcvro h ino iue1 Figure 2 is a perspective view of a diffuiseoer of tle sign of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of an illuminated sign according to the present invention showing cross-sectional details of the latching mechanism and locating lug.

Figure is a perspective view of an illustrated sign according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention showing cross-sectional details of the latching mechanism and locating lug.

Figure 1 shows an emergency lighting sign of the present invention or innovation.

Shown int Figure 1 is a box light which is a standard type of emergency light such as an exit light. Box light consists of a housing which contains electronic assemblies and lighting components Box light is designed to be mounted on a ceiling and so has two illuminated diffusers Each diffuser comprises a diffuser cover which overlies the diffusers and is releasably secured to the diffusers As shown in Figure 2, each of the diffuser covers includes Jugs (11) and male members, Lugs (11) extend from the edge of the diffuser cover Male memn.bers (12) consist of a resilient finger member having a 1ho0k like profIle.

7 COMS ID No: SBMI-01368023 Received by IP Australia: Time 15:38 Date 2005-07-21 21/07/2005 15:35 61-3-98901337 PATENT ATTORNEY SERV PAGE 10/16 Figure 3 shows a diffuser Diffuser includes a frame (24) within which diffuser cover is designed to lie. On the inside of frame (24) are slots (22) which are SZ sized to receive lugs Frame (24) also includes female members (23) which comprises an opening in the inside of frame On the inside of the diffuser.(3) shown in Figure 4, is shoulder (31) which is designed to engage male members (12).

c A removable legend (not shown) is sandwiched between diffuser cover and 2 diffuser The diffuser cover cannot be easily removed when the box light has g been assembled. In order to remove diffuser cover from diffuser it is necessary to 0 remove diffuser from housing The male members (23) may then be biased away from shoulders (31) so that the hook like profile no longer engages shoulder (31) and the diffuser cover may be removed from diffT ser to change the legend.

In Figure 5, is shown a blade light (31) which consists of housing (32) which contains lighting and electronic assemblies. Blade light (31) has a blade (33) which acts as an illuminated sign. Blade (33) includes legend (35) which in Figure 5 is the word EXIT. Blade (33) also includes diffuser cover (34) which overlies the blade (33) and is releaseably secured to the blade (33).

Each of the diffuser covers 34 includes a frame 36 in which diffuser cover 34 is designed to lie. On the inside of frame 36 are slots 37 which are sized to receive lugs 41.

Frame 36 also includes female members 38 which comprises an opening on the inside of frame 36. On the inside of opening 38 is shoulder 39 which is designed to engage male members 42. Male member 42 has a resilient arm 43 which biases to allow insertion and removal of male member 42. A removable legend 35 is sandwiched between diffuser blade 33 and diffuser cover 34. The diffuser cover 34 cannot be easily removed without the use of a tool such as a screwdriver. In order to remove diffuser cover 34 from blade 33 it is necessary to insert a screwdriver to press arm 43 away from engagement with 8 COMS ID No: SBMI-01368023 Received by IP Australia: Time 15:38 Date 2005-07-21 21/07/2005 15:35 61-3-98901337 PATENT ATTORNEY SERV PAGE 11/16 o shoulder 39. The diffuser cover 34 may then be removed from blade 33 to change the (CA legend.

It is to be understood that various alterations, modifications, and/or additions may be made to the features of the possible and preferred embodiments of innovation or invention as herein described without departing from the scope of the invention as 0defined in the claims.

9 COMS ID No: SBMI-01368023 Received by IP Australia: Time 15:38 Date 2005-07-21

Claims (7)

1. 2. An internally illuminated sign including: C a body containing lighting components and having one or more open sides for receiving a diffuser; one or more removable translucent diffusers sized to be received on the open sides of the body; one or more clear diffuser covers which overlics said diffuser(s) and are releasably secured to said diffuser(s) or said body; and one or more legends which are sandwiched between the diffuser cover(s) and the diffuser(s).
2. 3. A blade or edgelit illuminated sign including: a housing containing lighting components; a translucent diffuser blade having one or more illuminated panels mounted on said housing; one or more clear diffuser covers overlying said diffuser blade and releasably secured to said blade panels and/or said housing; one or more legends sandwiched between the blade and the difflser cover.
3. 4. A sign according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the cover is a clip-on cover. COMS ID No: SBMI-01368023 Received by IP Australia: Time 15:38 Date 2005-07-21 21/07/2005 15:35 61-3-98901337 PATENT ATTORNEY SERV PAGE 13/16 o 5. An internally illuminated sign according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein one edge C' of the diffuser cover has a plurality of locating positions which mate with a plurality of mating positions on the diffusers and the opposite edge of the diffuser cover has a C' plurality of resilient male members which mate with corresponding female members on the panels.
4. 6. A blade or edge lit illuminated sign according to claim 3 wherein one edge of said o diffuser cover has a plurality of locating positions which mate with a plurality of tn associated mating positions on said blade and the opposite edge of said diffuser cover has O a plurality of male members which mate with corresponding female members on the io blade.
5. 7. A sign according to any one of claims 1, 2 or 4 or 5 wherein the diffuser cover may not be removed without first removing the diffuser from the body.
6. 8. A sign according to any one of claims 1, 3, 4 or 6 wherein a tool is required in order to remove the diffuser cover from the panel.
7. 9. A sign according to any one of claims 1 to 8 substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of the drawings. I1 COMS ID No: SBMI-01368023 Received by IP Australia: Time 15:38 Date 2005-07-21