AU2018101801A4

AU2018101801A4 - An improved haul road guide for night driving conditions

Info

Publication number: AU2018101801A4
Application number: AU2018101801A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Ian Leslie Dennis; Anthony Graham Young
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-12-18
Filing date: 2018-11-22
Publication date: 2019-01-03
Anticipated expiration: 2026-11-22

Abstract

A road edge marker comprising: an elongate light distribution member such as one or more translucent tubes connected vertically end to end; a ground mounting member for supporting the elongate light distribution member; an illumination assembly such as one or more LEDs and a reflector arranged to disperse light within the translucent tubes; and a rechargeable power assembly including a battery and a solar cell connected to the illumination assembly for powering thereof. 17a 17a 11a 11a 17b 17b 11b 11b FIG 3 FIG 4

Description

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

Innovation Patent

AN IMPROVED HAUL ROAD GUIDE FOR NIGHT DRIVING CONDITIONS

The following statement is a description of the invention:

2018101801 22 Nov 2018

AN IMPROVED HAUL ROAD GUIDE FOR NIGHT DRIVING

CONDITIONS

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is directed to a roadside guide to assist drivers of large 5 haul vehicles, as are often used in mines, to ascertain the edge of a road being travelled at night.

BACKGROUND

Any references to methods, apparatus or documents of the prior art are not to be taken as constituting any evidence or admission that they formed, or form part of the common general knowledge.

Open cut mining for extraction of minerals is a large scale operation. Typically 15 the mines cover many square kilometers and very large tip trucks are required to transport overburden and mined material from mining equipment. The trucks proceed over specially built “haul roads” from the pit side to points such as shipping or railway terminals for long haul transportation of mined material.

In order to assist in preventing the trucks straying from the road it is standard practice in Australia and other parts of the world to construct a bund along the edge of the haul road. A bund is simply a longitudinal mound of earth placed along the edge of the road. Figure 1 shows a tip truck 1 that is laden with a load 3 travelling a haul road 5 along the side of which a safety bund 7 has been 25 constructed.

In many cases government authority regulations specify a minimum height H (indicated in Figure 1) for the bund 7 and typically it is at least half the wheel diameter of the largest vehicle that will use the haul road in normal working 30 conditions.

Figure 2 depicts an accident wherein the truck 1 has strayed onto the bund 7 and has overturned thereby losing some of load 3. The Inventors believe that such incidents are more common at night since the trucks are very high with wheels of the order of two to four meters (or more) in diameter so that the driver is often located four or five meters above the road surface. Thus, depending on driving conditions, it may be difficult for the driver to see the road edge at night.

Mine safety is such an important issue that in many countries strict regulations govern the manner in which a mine is to be operated and in some of these countries the use of roadside guideposts required.

Although reflective road edge guide posts are often used nevertheless it can be difficult for the drivers of the tip trucks to ascertain the edge of the road whilst working at night time. Such difficulties are compounded at intersections and where dust or rain is a factor.

The Inventors have realized that it would be advantageous to provide an apparatus that would assist in helping mine operators to avoid the type of incident which has been described so that the associated danger and expense can be avoided.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a road edge marker comprising:

an elongate light distribution member;

a ground mounting member for supporting the elongate light distribution member;

an illumination assembly coupled to the light distribution member; and a rechargeable power assembly connected to the illumination assembly for powering thereof.

In preferred embodiment of the invention the elongate light distribution member comprises at least one tube having translucent walls.

The at least one tube may comprise a single tube or alternatively it may comprise two or more tubes connected end to end.

Preferably the illumination assembly comprises at least one light emitting diode and an associated reflector arranged to disperse rays of light within the at least one tubular body whereby light incident on an internal surface of a wall of the at least one tube proceeds through the wall for viewing from an external position. The at least one light emitting diode may be of a type that can selectively emit light of each of a number of different colors. Accordingly, if translucent white or clear frosted tubes are used then the marker can be set to glow with any one of the number of different colors. Furthermore, the tubes may be any one of a number of different colors so that when illuminated with a white LED their different colors will be visible at night. Consequently, a mine operator may readily choose markers of different colors to indicate different zones such as blue markers for lightning exclusion zones or red markers for stop or hazard regions.

Preferably the reflector acts both to disperse rays of light from the LED and also as a physical support for the LED and other components of the light assembly and the rechargeable power assembly.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the rechargeable power assembly comprises a photovoltaic cell and rechargeable battery with associated electrical circuitry for regulating charging of the battery from the photovoltaic cell and discharging of the battery to the illumination assembly. For example the associated electrical circuitry may be arranged to charge the battery during the day and discharge the battery to activate the illumination assembly during the night.

Preferably reflective regions are present on an outside surface of the at least one tubular body wherein reflective regions on opposed sides of the tubular body present different colors to viewers.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the ground mounting member includes a base in the form of a cap or plug that fastens to a lower end of the elongate light distribution member. Preferably a stake or peg extends from a base of the at least one tube for driving into earth. Alternatively the stake or peg may have been previously driven into the earth and the base is mounted to the stake or peg during installation.

Preferably the marker is 1.8m to 2m in height though shorter and taller versions may also be provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

Figure 1 illustrates a tip truck travelling along a haulage road of a mine site, the haulage road having a bund formed along its edge as is known in the prior art.

Figure 2 illustrates an accident involving the tip truck of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a side view of a road edge marker according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a partially cutaway view of the road edge marker of Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a top plan view of the road edge marker of Figure 3.

Figure 6 is a detail view of the top of Figure 4.

Figure 7 is an exploded view of a road edge marker according to a second and preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8 is a front view of the road edger marker of the second embodiment.

Figure 9 is a side view of the road edge marker of the second embodiment.

Figure 10 is an end view of the bottom of the road edge marker of the second embodiment.

Figure 11 is a top view of the road edge marker of the second embodiment.

Figure 12 is a first view showing road edge markers according to the second embodiment of the present invention in use.

Figure 13 is a second view showing road edge markers according to the second embodiment of the present invention in use.

Figure 14 is cutaway view of the road edge marker of the first embodiment in use at night showing the internal dispersion of light and its transmission through translucent walls of the road edge marker.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to Figure 3 there is shown a side view of a road edge marker 9 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a partially cutaway view corresponding to Figure 3. Figure 5 is a top plan view of the road edge marker 9 whereas Figure 6 is a partially cutaway detail view of the upper end of the road edge marker 9.

Road edge marker 9 includes an elongate light distribution member in the form of upper and lower tubes 11a, 11b which are joined end to end by coupler 13. Each of the tubes 11a, 11b is formed of a synthetic material, such as polyurethane or other suitably resilient material that is translucent. Other materials might also be used, for example frosted clear synthetic materials. However, it is desirable that whatever material is used it is both able to transmit light but also relatively UV stable since the road edge marker 9 is intended to be left outdoors in daylight for prolonged periods. Reflective regions 17a, 17b are affixed on the outer walls of the upper and lower tubes and also on the opposite side (not shown). Preferably the opposed reflective regions are of different colors and all of the markers along one side of the road are placed with regions of the same color facing the same direction to enable drivers to determine from the color which side of the road (i.e. left or right) the edge marker is placed on.

A bottom cover 14 is located over the bottom of the lower tube 11b. A ground mounting member in the form of a peg or stake 16 extends downwardly from the bottom cover 14 for insertion into the earth to thereby mount the road edge marker 9 in place during use. In other embodiments the ground mounting member might comprise a weighty pad or laterally extending base so that the road edge marker sits on the ground at a desired location rather than being inserted into the earth.

With reference to Figure 5 and Figure 6, a photovoltaic cell 17 is mounted atop cap 15. Inside cap 15 there is located a rechargeable battery 19 and a printed circuit board (PCB) 21. Cap 15 is formed with an opening 16 therethrough for the passage of wiring 18 from the photovoltaic cell 17 to electrical circuit 27.

On an underside of the PCB 21 there is located a light emitting diode (LED) 23 which is surrounded by a light reflector 25 for dispersing light from the LED 23 onto internal surfaces of the tubes 11a, 11b for transmission of light therethrough for viewing from an external position. The PCB 21 bears components comprising an electrical circuit 27 that is electrically coupled to the battery 19 and to the photovoltaic cell 17. The electrical circuit 27 is arranged to regulate charging of battery 19 during daylight and discharge from the battery 19 to the LED 23 at night for lighting of the LED. Such electrical circuits are known and commercially available.

The reflector 25 includes a central conical portion 29 having an apical opening 31 through which the LED 23 extends. The base of the conical portion 29 is continuous with an annulus 33 that extends radially toward the inner surface 35 of tube 11a. A tubular perimeter wall 37 extends upwardly from the outer edge of the annulus 33 and terminates in a mounting flange 38 which rests on an upper edge 39 of the upper tube 11a. Accordingly, the reflector 25 serves both to reflect and disperse light from the LED 23 and also to provide a support for the PCB 21 and battery 19 which locate above.

The cap, photovoltaic cell, battery, PCB (including LED) and reflector are preferably provided fastened all together as a single assembly that fits over the top of the upper tube 11a and which can be readily replaced if required. For example, if upper tube 11a, 11b becomes damaged then it can be readily replaced while retaining the cap, photovoltaic cell, battery, PCB (including LED) and reflector.

It will be realised from the above discussion that the reflector 25 and LED 23 serve to provide an illumination assembly that is coupled to a light distribution member in the form ofthe tubes 11a and 11b. At the same time, photovoltaic cell 17 and the battery 19 serve to provide a rechargeable power assembly that is connected to LED 23 of the illumination assembly. Of course, variations are possible and the rechargeable power assembly could conceivably not involve a photovoltaic cell but instead simply the battery and a recharge port. However, such an arrangement would require that the road edge marker 9 be connected to a conventional power source for recharging from time to time and thus would be impractical.

Figures 7 to 11 are various views of a second and preferred road edge marker 100 being a second embodiment of the present invention which includes an elongate light distribution member in the form of threadedly engaged upper and lower tubes 111a, 111b. Tubes 111a, 111b are identical and each has an upper threaded male end 102a, 102b and a lower threaded female end 103a, 103b. The upper threaded male end 102b of tube 111b is screwed into the lower threaded female end 103a of the upper tube 111a. Each of the tubes 111a, 111b is formed of a synthetic material, such as polyurethane or other suitably resilient material that is translucent. Other materials might also be used, for example frosted clear synthetic materials. However, it is desirable that whatever material is used it is both able to transmit light but also relatively UV stable since the road edge marker 100 is intended to be left outdoors in daylight for prolonged periods. Each tube 111a, 111b has front and rear planar sections

105a, 105b on which reflective regions such as reflective stickers are affixed.

Preferably the opposed reflective regions are of different colors and all of the markers along one side of the road are placed with regions of the same color facing the same direction to enable drivers to determine from the color which side of the road (i.e. left or right) the edge marker is placed on.

A bottom cover in the form of a cylindrical plug 114 is provided that has an outer thread that corresponds to the lower threaded female end 103b. The cylindrical plug 114 is screwed into the lower threaded female end 103b and is formed with a hole 107 therethrough that is dimensioned to receive and hold a peg or stake 116. In use the peg or stake extends downwardly from the bottom cover 114 and inserts into the earth to thereby mount the road edge marker 100 in place during use. In other embodiments an alternative to a stake peg such as a weighty pad or laterally extending member so that the road edge marker sits on the ground at a desired location.

The previously described cap 15 and associated photovoltaic cell 17, PCB 21, rechargeable battery 19, LED 23 and reflector 25 as described with reference to Figure 6 of the first embodiment, fits over the upper end of the upper threaded male end 102a.

The reflector 25 and LED 23 serve to provide an illumination assembly that is coupled to a light distribution member in the form of the tubes 111a and 111b. At the same time, photovoltaic cell 17 and the battery 19 serve to provide a rechargeable power assembly that is connected to LED 23 of the illumination assembly. Of course, variations are possible and the rechargeable power assembly could conceivably not involve a photovoltaic cell but instead simply the battery and a recharge port. However, such an arrangement would require that the road edge marker 9 be connected to a conventional power source for recharging from time to time and thus would be impractical.

It will therefore be realised that in a preferred embodiment of the invention there is provided a road edge marker having an elongate light distribution member such as one or more translucent tubes connected vertically end to end. The road edge marker includes a ground mounting member, for example a plug or a cover that is configured to receive a peg, stake or a shaft of a pad, base in the form of supports the tubes. An illumination assembly is provided such as one or more LEDs and a reflector that is arranged to disperse light within the translucent tubes for transmission of the light therethrough. It is preferable that the light emitting assembly be located at the top of the marker adjacent the photovoltaic cell. However, it will be realized that in other embodiments the illuminating assembly could be located at the base of the tubes and arranged to direct light upwards inside the tubes. However, in that case wiring from the photovoltaic cell and/or the PCB down the tubes to the illuminating assembly would be required. The road edge marker of the preferred embodiment of the invention also has a rechargeable power assembly including a battery and a solar cell connected to the light source for powering thereof.

USE FOR THE INVENTION

Referring now to Figures 12 and 13, in use a plurality of road edge markers 100 are placed along the edge of the road 5 so that they demarcate the edge of the road and the base of the bund 7.

During daylight hours battery 19 is charged by electrical current from photovoltaic cell 17 regulated by the electrical circuit 27 of PCB 21.

Figure 14 illustrates the operation of a road edge marker 9 according to the first embodiment of the invention. The operation of the second embodiment 100 is entirely similar. At night the electrical circuit 27 places LED 23 in circuit with battery 19 so that LED 23 lights. Light from LED 23 and reflected light from reflector 25 is incident on the internal surfaces of the walls of tubes 11a and 11b. Since the tubes 11a and 11b are made of a translucent material some of the light 40 proceeds through the walls of the tubes 11a, 11b as indicated in Figure 9 so that the tubes appear to glow and can be readily seen by a driver of tip truck 1. Furthermore, since the road edge marker 9 is preferably at least two meters high it can be seen even though the driver may be positioned twice that height or more above the road surface. As a result, during night driving the driver is able to ascertain the edge of the road 5 and to avoid running into the bund 7 so that the risk of an accident is significantly reduced. Since in the preferred embodiment the road edge marker 9 is self-powering and recharged by sunlight during the day, it is believed that road markers according to the presently described preferred embodiment of the invention may be left in place for prolonged periods with little maintenance requirements.

The light emitting diode 23 may be of a type that can selectively emit light of each of a number of different colors. The PCB 21 may include a user operable switch for selecting between the available colors that the LED can emit. Accordingly, if translucent white or clear frosted tubes 11a, 11b are used then the marker 9 can be set to glow with any one of the number of different colors. Furthermore, the tubes 11 a, 11 b, may be any one of a number of different colors so that when illuminated with a white LED their different colors will be visible at night.

Consequently, a mine operator may readily choose markers of different colors to indicate different zones such as blue markers for lightning exclusion zones or red markers for stop or hazard regions.

In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. The term “comprises” and its variations, such as “comprising” and “comprised of’ is used throughout in an inclusive sense and not to the exclusion of any additional features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect.

The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

2018101801 22 Nov 2018

Throughout the specification and claims (if present), unless the context requires otherwise, the term substantially or about will be understood to not be limited to the value for the range qualified by the terms.

Any embodiment of the invention is meant to be illustrative only and is not meant to be limiting to the invention. Therefore, it should be appreciated that various other changes and modifications can be made to any embodiment described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A road edge marker comprising:

an elongate light distribution member;

a ground mounting member for supporting the elongate light distribution member;

an illumination assembly coupled to the light distribution member; and a rechargeable power assembly connected to illumination assembly for powering thereof.
2. A marker according to claim 1, wherein the elongate light distribution member comprises at least one tube having translucent walls.
3. A marker according to claim 1, wherein the at least one tube comprises two or more tubes connected end to end.
4. A marker according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the illumination assembly comprises at least one light emitting diode.
5. A marker according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the illumination assembly includes a reflector.
6. A marker according to claim 5, wherein the reflector acts both to disperse rays of light and also as a physical support for components of the light assembly and the rechargeable power assembly.
7. A marker according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rechargeable power assembly comprises a photovoltaic cell and rechargeable battery with associated electrical circuitry for regulating charging and of the battery from the photovoltaic cell and discharging of the battery to the illumination assembly.

2018101801 22 Nov 2018
8. A marker according to claim 7, wherein the electrical circuitry is arranged to charge the battery during the day and discharge the battery to activate the illumination assembly during the night.
9. A marker according to any one of the preceding claims at least two meters in height, wherein reflective regions are present on an outside surface of the at least one tubular body wherein reflective regions on opposed sides of the tubular body present different colors to viewers.
10. A marker according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ground mounting member includes a base in the form of a cap or plug that fastens to a lower end of the elongate light distribution member for a stake or peg to extend therefrom.