AU2005100592B9

AU2005100592B9 - Emergency lighting exit signage

Info

Publication number: AU2005100592B9
Application number: AU2005100592A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Tony Fardell; Herbert Qian
Original assignee: CLEVERTRONICS Pty Ltd
Current assignee: CLEVERTRONICS Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2005-07-21
Filing date: 2005-07-21
Publication date: 2007-02-22
Anticipated expiration: 2013-07-21
Also published as: AU2005100592A4; AU2007100181B4; AU2005100592B4; AU2007100181A4

Description

10/01/2007 15:16 61-3-98901337 PATENT ATTORNEY SERV PAGE 05/14 EMERGENCY LIGHTING EXIT

SIGNAGE

This innovation or invention relates to emergency exit signage in legend elements (norall sisting f the word EXIT with or without arrows or a In a preferred embodiment it pictogram with or without an arrow) may be changed. In a preferred embodiment S relates to emergency exit signage in which the legend elenents maybe changed and Q^ 5 relates to emergency exit sign^ag 0 which provides a high degree of vandal resistance and which is tamper resistant.

SThere are a number of types of prior art emergency EXIT signs. The most commonly used prior art emergency exit sign is internally illuminated and comprises a contrasting transilluminated white legend spelling the wod EXIT on green background in a form and of dimensions that comply with ASINZS 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 COMS ID No: SBMI-05872879 Received by IP Australia: Time 15:19 Date 2007-01-10 10/01/2007 15:16 61-3-98901337 PATENT ATTORNEY SERV PAGE 06/14 signs will change and the word EXIT will not be used. The symbol of a running person in g a pictogra will replace the word EXIT to comply with international standards, Sspecifically 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 o changed using the running person pictogramlsymbol.

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 cgress/escape 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.

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.

The present inventors have solved the problem by having one or more clear diffuser covers overlying the diffusers and releasably secured to the diffuser.

Interchangeable legends are sandwiched between the diffuser(s) and the clear diffuser covers- Although in the prior art relating to advertising signs it has been suggested to sandwich an advertising message between a diffuser and a cover, this has not been suggested in relation to exit signs and does not form pan of the common general 2 COMS ID No: SBMI-05872879 Received by IP Australia: Time 15:19 Date 2007-01-10 10/01/2007 15:16 61-3-98901337 PATENT ATTORNEY SERV PAGE 07/14 exit sigs. A disadvantage with the pknowledge in Australia in relation to energency exit A dwith suggestions which have been made in the prior art in relation to advertising signs is that O the manner of disassembling the sign to change the legend are complicated and time consuming. This complexity may be acceptable in the advertising field where there may N only be one or two signs in a store, however, many buildings contain hundreds or even thousands of emergency exit signs It would be an advantage if access to the legend was simple so that the legends could be changed quickly or during installation the legends can Sbe inserted' into the signs quickly and easily to reduce the costs associated with the installation and maintenance of the signs.

The present inventors have solved this problem having a clear diffuser cover overlying the diffuser and releasably secured directly to the diffuser. This avoids the necessity for a complicated process of disassembling the sign in order to change the legend or a complicated process for the insertion of the legend prior to fixing a new sign in a building. None of the prior art which the inventors are aware of suggests releasably securing the clear diffuser cover directly to the diffuser.

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 latches. The term "diffuser assembly" means the diffuser together with the clear diffuser cover.

3 COMS ID No: SBMI-05872879 Received by IP Australia: Time 15:19 Date 2007-01-10 10/01/2007 15:16 61-3-98901337 PATENT ATTORNEY SERV PAGE 08/14 0 It is preferred that the diffuser cover is a clip-on cover. Any suitable manner of F clipping the cover to the diffuser is acceptable. It is preferred, but not essential, that the c, cover is removable by use of a tool such as a screw driver.

0 It is preferred although not essential that the legends may only be removed by 5 hand tool from the whole diffuser assembly when the diffuser assembly has been

ON

t demounted from the body.

0 0 An emergency exit sign may contain more than one diffuser. Wall mounted signs 0 usually have only one diffuser. Exit signs suspended from the ceiling may have two or more diffusers.

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.

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.

4 COMS ID No: SBMI-05872879 Received by IP Australia: Time 15:19 Date 2007-01-10 10/01/2007 15:16 61-3-98901337 PATENT ATTORNEY SERV PAGE 09/14 o In use, the locating positioners, typically lugs, mate with the associated mating Spositioners, typically slots at the lower edge of the diffuser. The top of the clear diffuser cover is then pressed into position so that the resilient finger members bias as they enter 0 through the corresponding female members. Once the clear diffuser 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 0 O profile of the finger members may engage. The co-operating male and female members Sact as a latching mechanism. To remove the clear diffuser cover and thereby change the C legend, a diffuser may be removed from the housing. Access is then gained to the inside to of the diffuser and each of the resilient finger members may be biased away foim the shoulder and urged through the corresponding opening.

Alternatively the cover may be removed from the diffuser without removing the diffuser from the housing.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention there is provided an internally illuminated emergency exit sign including: a body having a translucent diffuser; a clear diffuser cover releasably mounted to overlie said diffuser; and a legend element sandwiched between the diffuser and the diffuser cover, wherein the clear diffuser cover is releasably secured directly to the diffuser, and wherein the assembly comprising the diffuser, the clear diffuser cover and the legend element sandwiched therebetween, can be selectively demounted from the body, and wherein the clear diffuser cover and diffuser have cooperating members which latch the cover in its position overlying the diffuser.

COMS ID No: SBMI-05872879 Received by IP Australia: Time 15:19 Date 2007-01-10 10/01/2007 15:16 61-3-98901337 PATENT ATTORNEY SERV PAGE 10/14 0 Another kind of sign which is commonly used is a blade or edgelit illuminated EXIT sign. Therefore, according to a further embodiment of the invention there is Sprovided a blade or edgelit illuminated emergency exit sign including:

O

a housing containing lighting components: a translucent diffuser blade mounted oin said housing; Sa clear diffuser cover overlying said diffuser blade and releasably secured directly 0 to said diffuser blade; and a legend element sandwiched between the diffuser and the diffuser cover.

Cl It is preferred that the diffuser cover is a clip-on cover. Any suitable manner of clipping the cover to the diffuser is acceptable. In the case of blade lights, removal of the clear diffuser covers may be facilitated with the use of a tool such as a screwdriver although use of a tool is not essential.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the 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 blade. It is preferred that the locating positioners be in the form of locating lugs which mate with corresponding openings on 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 6 COMS ID No: SBMI-05872879 Received by IP Australia: Time 15:19 Date 2007-01-10 10/01/2007 15:11S 61-3-98901337 PATENT ATTORNEY SERV PAGE 11/14 o mechanism. The male member operates in a similar manner to a telephone jack except 1 that the resilient arm lies flush with the surface of the blade so that a tool may facilitate c, removal of the male member. To remove the diffuser cover a tool such as a screwdriver may be used to press the resilient arm away from engagement with the inside surface of C- s the female member thereby freeing the male member. It is to be understood that use of a tool is not essential but may facilitate the removal process.

o Brief Description of the Drawings O Possible and preferred features of the present innovation or invention will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it is to be 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 invention or innovation.

Jn the drawings: Figure I is a perspective view of an illuminated sign according to the present invention or innovation.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a diffuser cover of the sign of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a diffuser of the 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 5 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 in 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 7 COMS ID No: SBMI-05872879 Received by IP Australia: Time 15:19 Date 2007-01-10 10/01/2007 15:16 61-3-98901337 PATENT ATTORNEY SERV PAGE 12/14 Shas two illuminated dilfusers 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 lugs (11) and male members Lugs (11) extend from the edge of the diffuser cover Male members C, 5 (12) consist of a resilient finger member having a hook like profile.

I Figure 3 shows a diffuser Diffuser includes a frame (24) within which 0 diffuser cover is designed to lie. On the inside of frame (24) are slots (22) which are O 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 shown in Figure 4, is shoulder (31) which is designed to engage male members (12).

A removable legend (not shown) is sandwiched between diffuser cover and diffuser The diffuser cover cannot be easily removed when the box light has been assembled. In order to remove diffuser cover from diffiser it is necessary to 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 diffuser 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 sides of the blade 33 includes a. frame 36 in which diffuser covei 34 is designed to lie. On the inside of frame 36 are slots 37 which are sized to receive lags 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 8 COMS ID No: SBMI-05872879 Received by IP Australia: Time 15:19 Date 2007-01-10 10/01/2007 15:16 61-3-98901337 PATENT ATTORNEY SERV PAGE 13/14 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 0 the use of a tool such as a screwdriver. In order to remove diffuser cover 34 from blade 33 arm 43 is pressed away from engagement with shoulder 39. This may be done t without a tool although the use of a tool such as a screwdriver may facilitate the removal 0 O of the diffuser cover. The diffuser cover 34 may then be removed from blade 33 to Schange the 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 defined in the claims.

9 COMS ID No: SBMI-05872879 Received by IP Australia: Time 15:19 Date 2007-01-10

Claims

2. A blade or edgelit illuminated emergency exit sign including: O a housing containing lighting components: a translucent diffuser blade mounted on said housing; to a clear diffuser cover overlying said diffuser blade and releasably secured directly to said diffuser blade; and a legend element sandwiched between the diffuser and the diffuser cover.
3. An internally illuminated emergency exit sign including: a body having a translucent diffuser; a clear diffuser cover releasably mounted to overlie said diffuser; and a legend element sandwiched between the diffuser and the diffuser cover, wherein the clear diffuser cover is releasably secured directly to the diffuser, and wherein the assembly comprising the diffuser, the clear diffuser cover and the legend element sandwiched therebetween, can be selectively demounted from the body.
4. A sign according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the clear diffuser cover and the diffuser have cooperating members which releasably latch the cover and the diffuser together. A sign according to any one of claims 1 to 4 substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. COMS ID No: SBMI-05872879 Received by IP Australia: Time 15:19 Date 2007-01-10