AU2017245456A1 - Illuminated Sign - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract A portable illuminated sign comprising, a sign head mounted on a pole, 5 an electric light source, an image on the sign head arranged to be illuminated by the light source, and an electrical power source arranged to provide electrical power to the light source.

Description

ILLUMINATED SIGN

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a portable illuminated sign which may be held via a pole. Background of the Invention

Signs are used for all sorts of different purposes. However, when daytime weather conditions are dull, particularly during foggy periods, or at night, conventional signs which are not illuminated can easily be missed by those to whom the signs are directed. This is especially of concern when the signs are directed at motorists.

It is very important that motorists and cyclists can see signs relating to safety. For instance, at pedestrian crossings and especially children’s pedestrian crossings outside schools, it is very important that signage stands out in such a way that it cannot be missed. By illuminating signs, the likelihood of the signs being seen by those to whom it is directed is greatly increased.

Where it is possible to use fixed signs in association with external power supplies such as the mains supply, it is generally easy to provide appropriate illuminated signage. However, in some circumstances where temporary signage may be required, such as at road works, or pedestrian crossings operated at specific times of day, this is not possible. Hence there is a need for an illuminated sign construction which is both readily visible and portable. In some circumstances it is particularly desirable that the illuminated sign can be carried by hand.

Disclosure of the Invention

The invention provides a portable illuminated sign comprising, a sign head mounted on a pole, an electric light source, an image on the sign head arranged to be illuminated by the light source, and an electrical power source arranged to provide electrical power to the light source.

The sign head may comprise one or more outer members on which the image is mounted. Where the image is illuminated by the light source provided within the sign head, it is preferred that at least part of the outer member be translucent or transparent in order to allow the image to be highlighted by the light source.

Alternatively, the light source may comprise an integral part of the image itself. For example, the light source may comprise an electroluminescent material which forms a part of the image.

The image may comprise text such as a sign saying “Danger”, “Stop”, “Slow”, or similar. It may comprise pictorial information and/or mixtures of pictorial and textual information. It may be one, two or three dimensional.

The light source may be any form of electrical source suitable for the purpose such as fluorescent, electroluminescent, light emitting diode (LED), incandescent, electric arc, or any other form of lighting.

The electrical power source may comprise battery, solar, chemical, generated, capacitive, thermocouple or other source. It may particularly comprise battery power.

Suitably, the sign head may comprise two outer members joined together. The outer members may be mounted on a frame member. The sign head may be secured to a pole or handle.

Suitably, the sign head is secured to the pole or handle by a resilient or springloaded connection which allows the sign head to be deflected in relation to the pole or handle if accidentally bumped by a user or other person. The connection between the sign head and pole may be by means of a flexible joint which allows the sign head to flex from a sudden gust of wind, in the direction of the wind, therefore reducing the shock and strain on the shoulder of the person holding the sign.

For this purpose, the frame member may comprise a metal ring connected to the pole or handle. A light source such as one or more rows of LEDs may be provided within the frame head. One or more reflectors may be provided within the frame head to direct light from the light source towards the image. Having the sign head illuminated reduces the need for the operator to be directly in the path of oncoming vehicles’ headlights which is otherwise necessary to illuminate conventional reflective-only hand held signs.

Audible means such as buzzer or alarm may be provided in association with the sign for warning purposes. The audible means may be mounted on the sign head and/or the handle or pole.

Switching means by way of control button or buttons may be fitted on the handle or pole to regulate the sign into various modes such as “on-off’, “flashing”, “audible” or “intermittent”.

Plastics material may be used to form the outer member or members. The plastics material may be formed by moulding processes such as vacuum forming, rotational moulding or injection moulding.

Preferred aspects of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 shows a plan view of a frame member and connector for use with a sign according to one embodiment of the invention;

Figures 2 and 3 show typical textual images which may be used on a sign head according to the invention;

Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an illuminated sign on a pole constructed in accordance with the invention;

Figure 5 shows an alternative sign head to that shown with respect to Figures 1 to 4;

Figure 6 shows the sign head of Figure 5 as it would be constructed joined to a handle or pole;

Figure 7 shows a sign head according to another embodiment of the invention;

Figure 8 shows a cross section side view of the sign head in Figure 7 when mounted on a hand-held pole;

Figure 9 shows an enlarged view of the top portion of Figure 8;

Figure 10 shows a sign head according to a further embodiment of the invention;

Figure 11 shows a cross section side view of the top portion of the sign head in Figure 10;

Figure 12 is a side view of an illuminated sign on a pole constructed in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention;

Figure 13 is an enlarged view of the top portion of Figure 12;

Figure 14 shows a sign head according to a further embodiment of the invention;

Figure 15 is a cross section side view of the sign head in Figure 14 when mounted on a hand-held pole;

Figure 16 is an enlarged view of the circled portion of Figure 15;

Figure 17 is a plan view of an illuminated sign representing a further embodiment according to the invention;

Figure 18 is a partial cross-sectional view of the sign of Figure 17; and

Figure 19 is a partial cross-sectional view of a sign similar to that shown in Figure 18.

The various elements identified by numerals in Figures 1 to 6 are listed in the following integer list.

Integer List I Illuminated sign 3 Pole 7 Sign head 9 Batteries 10 Lower pole element II Connector 12 Upper pole element 13 Wiring 15 Image 17 Outer member 19 Frame member 21 Ring 23 Leg 25 Connector 27 Control button 28 Tubular core 29 Light source 31 Reflector 33 Sound source 35 Clip 37 Flange 39 Sign head 41 Illuminated sign 101 Illuminated sign 103 Pole 105 Panel 107 Sign head 110 Battery pack 113 Wiring 114 Adhesive layer 127 Switch 156 Sheet 158 Reflective face 160 Back wall 162 Reflective sheet material 164 Outside face 166 Front wall 168 Perimeter 170 LED illuminators 171 LED illuminators 172 Letter cut outs 174 Spacer element 201 Illuminated sign 203 Pole 207 Sign head 270 LED’s 275 One side 277 Other side 278 Clear sheet 279 Clear sheet 280 Rear face 281 Rear face 282 Circular rebate 283 Circular rebate 284 Circular panel 285 Circular panel 286 Reflective sheet 287 Reflective sheet 301 Illuminated sign 303 Pole 307 Sign head

370 LED 374 Coloured spacer 378 Clear reflective sheet 379 Clear reflective sheet 384 Coloured panel 385 Coloured panel 386 Coloured reflective sheet 387 Coloured reflective sheet 390 Clear circular sheet 391 Clear circular sheet 401 Illuminated sign 402 Mounting rod 403 Pole 404 Lower rod 405 Upper rod 406 Adjuster 407 Sign head 408 Connector 409 Battery 410 Wire 411 Charging socket 412 Switch 414 Translucent reflective sheet 415 STOP sign 416 Bolt 417 Edge 420 Ring 470 LED’s 501 Illuminated sign 502 Mounting rod 503 Pole 505 Upper rod 508 Adjustable locking device 509 Battery 511 Female charging plug 513 Male plug

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

Referring to Figures 1 to 4 of the drawings, it is noted that the components shown in Figures 1 to 3 may be used to form the completed illuminated sign, generally designated 1, as shown in Figure 4.

The illuminated sign comprises a pole 3 which is formed of two elements, namely a lower pole element 10 and an upper pole element 12 which may be joined by a connector 11. A sign head 7 is joined to the upper pole element 12 by the connector 25.

Batteries 9 are provided in the lower pole element and these provide power by way of wiring 13 to the light source 29 housed in the sign head 7.

The sign head 7 is formed from two dished outer members 17 in abutment which are joined together by a clip 35 which fits over the flanges 37 forming the edges of the outer members 17.

The outer members may be typically formed of any transparent or translucent material such as a moulded plastics material. An image 15 which may typically be textual in form is provided on at least one of the outer places of the outer members 17. The image may be opaque, translucent or transparent. It may be coloured. If the image is itself translucent or transparent material, the portion of the outer members not covered by the image may be opaque.

When the light source is itself the image, it may comprise electroluminescent material which is connected to the wiring 13 in place of the light source 29.

The two outer members are held in place by a frame member 19 which may be formed of a resilient material such as a springy metal. The frame member may comprise a ring 21 having two legs 23 fitted in a connector 25. In turn, the connector co-operatively fits within a recess provided at the top of the upper pole element whereby to securely hold the sign head at the top of the pole 3.

Control buttons 27 can be provided on the pole 3. These are most suitably located on the upper pole element 12 and may be used to control the way in which the sign is displayed electronically. For example, one of the buttons may switch the sign on or off. Another button may be used to provide intermittent illumination of the sign. Another button may make the sign flash. Another button may illuminate alternative text provided on the sign where there is an option to provide two or more types of images on the sign, each image being arranged in such a way that the control button can selectively illuminate one or other of the images.

The upper pole element may be provided with a tubular core which can act as a conduit for wires extending from the batteries 9 in the lower pole element 10 to the various control buttons and hence ultimately to the light source 29.

Reflectors 31 may be provided in association with each light source, the reflectors being positioned so that light is reflected away from the upper and lower ends of the sign head towards the central portion where the image 15 is located.

Optionally, a sound source 33 may be provided on the sign head 7 and/or the pole 3. The sound source may also be controlled by one of the control buttons 27.

Referring to Figures 5 and 6, there is shown a different shaped sign head 39 which essentially can be constructed and operated in a similar fashion to that described in relation to Figures 1 to 4.

The sign head is mounted on a pole as shown in Figure 6 and the various integers identifying the various elements of the illuminated sign 41 shown in Figure 6 are constructed in similar fashion to those already described in relation to Figures 1 to 4.

Figures 7 to 9 show an illuminated sign 101 retrofitted to an existing standard non-illuminated handheld stop sign. The existing stop sign comprises a circular metal panel 105 mounted on a pole 103. To that panel 105 is affixed an illuminated sign head 107. A battery pack 110 is attached by wiring 113 to the sign head. A switch 127 in the wiring 113 turns the illumination in the sign head 107 on and off. The sign head 107 is affixed to the metal panel 105 by an adhesive layer 114.

The sign head 107 has the form of a hollow disc formed mostly from plastics materials. The back wall 160 of the sign head 107 is formed from a sheet of material having a white reflective face 158 towards the front of the sign head. The front wall 166 of the sign head is a plain clear sheet of plastics material. A sheet of translucent red reflective sheet material 162 is adhered to the outside face 164 of the front wall 166 of the sign head and positioned with its reflective face facing outwards. The sheet 162 has the relevant insignia letters cut from it to form the word STOP as shown in Figure 7. On the inside of the perimeter 168 of the sign head 107 is affixed a circumferential array of forty two LED illuminators 170.

When the sign 101 is not internally illuminated but is illuminated by oncoming car headlights, the reflective sheet 162 will reflect red back towards the vehicle while the letters for the word STOP will also shine brightly because light from the headlights will pass through the letter cut outs 172 in the sheet 162 reflect off the white reflective face 158 of sheet 156 and exit back through the cut outs 172 so the word STOP shines white. Thus the sign is fully reflective under headlight illumination.

When the sign 101 is internally illuminated by closing the switch 127, the LEDs light up which causes light to flood throughout the hollow sign head 107, reflecting off the white reflective face 158. Light exits through the red translucent sheet 162 and through the cut outs 172 so that both the red portion and the cut out letters are illuminated in their contrasting colours.

The embodiment shown in Figures 10 and 11 is substantially the same as that shown in Figures 7 to 9 except that instead of the LEDs being arranged around the perimeter of the sign head 107, the LEDs 171 are instead mounted into the edges of a spacer element 174 which fills the cavity of the sign head 107 except for a generally rectangular region surrounding the insignia 172. In this way the LEDs may provide a greater illumination for the word STOP although they would not provide illumination for the upper and lower portions of the film 162.

The LEDs indicated by white spots in Figures 7 and 10 are not directly visible from the front of the sign because they are overlaid by the translucent red sheet 162 mounted on the front of the sign. However there are likely to be bright spots showing through the sheet 162 at those points and those bright spots are indicated by the white spots on Figures 7 and 10.

The illuminated sign 201 shown in Figures 12 and 13 is a double-sided sign whose sign head from one side 275 shows the word STOP in red letters on a white background and is illuminated by LEDs spaced around the perimeter. However from its other side 277 the sign shows the word SLOW in black coloured letters on an amber background.

The embodiment shown in Figures 12 and 13 has the same battery pack 110 and plug 111 as described above. The sign 201 shown in Figures 12 and 13 has a custom made pole 203 onto which is mounted the sign head 207. The sign head comprises a sandwich construction of circular sheets of rigid plastics material around the perimeter of which is spaced an array of LEDs 270 in much the same manner as the LEDs in Figures 7 to 9. A pair of clear sheets 278 and 279 lay back to back forming the main continuous structure of the sign head 207. The rear faces 280 and 281 respectively of those clear sheets each carry a circular rebate 282 and 283 into which a respective circular panel 284 and 285 of coloured reflective material is recessed. Panel 284 is red and panel 285 is amber. The outer layer on each side of the sandwich construction is a white reflective sheet 286 and 287 through which is cut apertures representing the relevant indicia. Sheet 286 carries apertures for the word STOP and sheet 287 carries apertures for the word SLOW.

The clear sheets 278 and 279 act as light channels to carry the light from the LEDs to the centre of the sign where the light is reflected off the respective coloured panels 284 and 285 and out through the apertures in sheets 286 and 287.

The embodiment shown in Figures 14 to 16 is a sign 301 whose sign head 307 is double sided. Like the embodiment in Figures 12 and 13, the sign shows the word STOP in white on a red background on one side and the word SLOW in black on an amber background on the other side.

The sign 301 has a custom made pole 303 onto which is mounted the sign head 307. The sign head 307 comprises a sandwich construction of sheets of semi-rigid plastic material. A pair of clear circular sheets 390 and 391 continue over the full area of the sign head and four layers are sandwiched between them. Centrally to the sign head are a pair of generally rectangular sheets of clear reflective material, namely panel 384 which is white and panel 385 which is black in colour which are set so that their reflective faces 394 and 395 are facing outwards. Over the top of each of those reflective faces is a respective clear reflective sheet 378 and 379 of the same size as the coloured panels 384 and 385. That 4-ply layer is covered again on each side by the circular sheets 390 and 391 which extend diameter larger than the coloured sheets. The outer portion of the gap between the sheets 390 and 391 is occupied by a clear or coloured spacer 374 which also carries the generally rectangular array of LEDs 370. A coloured reflective sheet 386 and 387 covers each respective outer face of the sheets 390 and 391 and have removed from them apertures to spell out the words STOP and SLOW. Alternative indicia can be used to change the instruction of the sign.

In the sign 301 the sheets 378, 379, 390 and 391 form light guides by which the light from the LEDs passes to reflect off the coloured reflective surface and out through the apertures cut in the external sheets 386 and 387.

Referring to Figures 17 and 18, there is shown an illuminated sign comprising a pole 403 having a sign head 407 mounted thereon. The pole comprises three elements, namely a lower rod 404, an upper rod 405 telescopically mounted within the upper rod and a mounting rod 402 mounted on top of the upper rod 405 by means of a connector 408.

In order to minimize weight, it is preferred that each of the pole components be tubular and may be constructed of a light weight material such as aluminium.

The length of the pole may be varied by telescopically sliding the lower rod 404 within the upper rod 405 and securing it at the desired length by means of the adjuster 406 as is known in the art. The adjuster 406 may comprise a rotatable collar which is adapted to hold the lower rod fixed in relation to the upper rod when the pole is adjusted to its desired length. A rechargeable battery 409 is housed inside the mounting rod 402 and is connected via the wires 410 to the LEDs 470. A charging socket 411 is provided at the bottom of the battery in close proximity to the bottom of the mounting rod in order that it can be readily accessible to a plug for recharging the battery when the upper rod 405 is removed from connection with the mounting rod. A switch 412 is provided on the mounting rod 402 for switching the LEDs on and off as required.

Multiple LEDs are arranged around the internal perimeter of the sign head to ensure even lighting of the STOP sign 415 from within the sign head 407.

The front and back of the sign head comprise translucent reflective sheets 414 moulded in a dished fashion with the flanges 417 of each dish coming into abutment with each other in the manner illustrated.

The dished translucent reflective sheets are held together by a ring 420 secured around the perimeter of the abutting translucent reflective sheets by any suitable means such as gluing or by using clips, bolts or screws.

The ring itself is generally C shaped and may suitably be formed of a rubber or plastics material secured in such a fashion as to prevent entry of moisture into the cavity defined by the abutting translucent reflective sheets.

Fixing members such as bolts 416, screws or the like are used to secure the sign head 407 to the mounting rod 402.

It is noted that the translucent reflective sheet is suitably an engineered grade of translucent/transparent reflective material which reflects at least 60%, more preferably 80% of light from an external light source.

Referring to Figure 19 there is shown an illuminated sign 501 very similar to that shown with respect to Figure 18 in that the sign head itself is essentially the same. The sign head is mounted on a mounting rod 502 which in turn is connected to an upper rod 505 comprising a portion of the pole generally designated 503. An adjustable locking device 508 slidable along the upper rod 505 may be used to connect the upper rod 505 to the mounting rod 502. The main difference between Figure 18 and Figure 19 relates to the positioning of the battery 509 in the upper rod 505. The battery is connected to a female charging plug 511 which allows the battery to be charged through the female charging plug when the upper rod 505 is disassembled from the mounting rod 502 and sign head.

After charging, the upper rod is pushed towards the mounting rod 502 so that the female charging plug 511 accepts the male plug 513 to form an electrical connection with the sign head whereby the LEDs in the sign head may be illuminated. The adjustable locking device 508 is then pushed upwardly so that it extends between the mounting rod 502 and upper rod 505 whereby to secure the two together when it is adjusted for locking.

Whilst the above description includes the preferred embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that many variations, alterations, modifications and/or additions may be introduced into the constructions and arrangements of parts previously described without departing from the essential features or the spirit or ambit of the invention.

It will be also understood that where the word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” and “comprising”, are used in this specification, unless the context requires otherwise such use is intended to imply the inclusion of a stated feature or features but is not to be taken as excluding the presence of other feature or features.

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia.

Claims (20)

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A portable illuminated sign comprising, a sign head mounted on a pole, an electric light source, an image on the sign head arranged to be illuminated by the light source, and an electrical power source arranged to provide electrical power to the light source.

2. The illuminated sign of claim 1 wherein the pole is tubular and the electrical power source is a rechargeable battery housed within the pole.

3. The illuminated sign of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the electric light source comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes.

4. The illuminated sign of any one of the preceding claims wherein the sign head comprises two dished outer members of translucent or transparent material, the outer members are in abutment with each other forming a cavity therebetween and the electric light source is located in the cavity.

5. The illuminated sign according to claim 4 wherein the light source comprises a plurality of lights arranged at spacings from each other in the cavity and from a generally central region of the cavity.

6. The illuminated sign according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the pole comprises a mounting rod upon which the sign head is mounted.

7. The illuminated sign according to claim 6 wherein the pole comprises an upper rod and a lower rod joined to each other and the upper rod is joined to the mounting rod.

8. The illuminated sign according to claim 7 wherein the lower rod is telescopically mountable within the upper rod whereby the length of the pole may be adjustable by moving the lower rod within the upper rod.

9. The illuminated sign according to claim 4 or claim 5 wherein the dished outer members have a generally circular shape and are provided with circumferential flanges which are held in abutment.

10. The illuminated sign according to claim 9 wherein the flanges are held in abutment by a generally C-shaped ring.

11. The illuminated sign according to claim 6 or claim 7 as appended to claim 4 wherein the mounting rod protrudes into the cavity and one or more fixing members extending through the dished outer members and the mounting rod are used to fix the sign head to the mounting rod.

12. The illuminated sign according to any one of claims 1 to 4 comprising a frame member having a ring shaped portion for holding the sign head, the ring shaped portion terminating in a leg section receivable in one end of the pole to secure the sign head to the pole.

13. The illuminated sign according to claim 12 wherein the leg section comprises a pair of legs extending from the ring shaped portion.

14. The illuminated sign according to any of the preceding claims wherein the sign head comprises a translucent or transparent material which has a high degree of light reflectivity.

15. The illuminated sign head according to claim 14 wherein the translucent or transparent material reflects at least 60% of external light.

16. The illuminated sign head according to claim 15 wherein the translucent or transparent material reflects at least 80% of external light.

17. The illuminated sign according to any one of claims 1 to 16 comprising a warning sound source operable by a control button provided on the pole.

18. The illuminated sign according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the sign head is retrofitted to an existing non-illuminated handheld sign with a pole, and the sign head comprises an array of light emitting diodes arranged forward of reflective face and rearwardly of a visible translucent or transparent face having a warning insignia formed thereon.

19. The illuminated sign according to claim 18 wherein the warning insignia comprises one or more cut-outs on the visible face.

20 The illuminated sign according to claim 7 wherein, the upper rod houses a rechargeable battery, a primary electrical connector is provided at the top end of the upper rod and a complementary connecting member is provided at the bottom end of the mounting rod, whereby the primary electrical connector may be brought into electrical connection with the complementary connecting member when the upper rod is joined to the mounting rod by an adjustable locking device provided on the pole.