AU2019101642A4 - Improved sign - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an improved sign for use to control traffic including, a body with one or more warning or information sign associated with the body. The improved sign also includes one or more illumination means to illuminate the warning or information sign. In use the illumination means substantially improves the visibility of the sign during use. A tilt mechanism may be included for control of the sign. The invention also relates to variants thereof and a method of use.

Description

Title of Invention: IMPROVED SIGN

The applicant applies for the grant of a patent for the invention described in the accompanying complete patent specification:

The following is a full description of the invention including the best method of performing the invention, known to us:

specPA2029715

2019101642 18 Dec 2019

IMPROVED SIGN

The present invention relates to an improved sign, and in particular to an improved sign including lights to improve visibility with tilt control.

Traffic control is an extremely hazardous occupation. On highways, traffic including large trucks, can be travelling over 100 kilometres an hour, only to be flagged down with a static “lolly pop” style sign. If the driver does not see the sign in time then there is a risk of an accident, either with other vehicles or with the traffic controller. All the traffic controller has been him or her and the fast moving vehicle is the sign, to try to show to the driver so they can heed the warning or follow the instructions.

These types of “lolly pop” signs have long been used such as for taking children across the road to school in safety. Increasingly, these types of signs are also used for road works on busy roads. In these environments there is significant dirt and dust, and this grime collects on the surface of the sign. Over long exposure to the heat and sun the colour of the sign fades, such that the writing may be difficult to read. From a distance the visibility issues of the sign is exacerbated, and so any issues such as dirt, heat haze, or rain will further obscure the important safety information the warning sign is attempting to convey.

When the traffic controller tries to control the traffic if the driver cannot be made to see the sign, or not until very close to where the vehicle is required to stop, then there is a significant risk of an accident, injuries or even death.

The inventor has developed several forms of improved sign including subject of innovation patent number 2012101325 for a solar powered sign with lights. The present invention has an improved lighting system, and is not reliant on solar power, and has numerous new and surprising benefits, including the tilt mechanism and controls, and the night settings. It is anticipated that the new form of the invention will be very well received by the stake holders, namely main roads departments, road plants and traffic controllers themselves. The improved safety, specPA2029715

2019101642 18 Dec 2019 as well as the ease of use, charging, and maintenance should make other forms of traffic control sign redundant on becoming aware of the invention.

The following describes a non-limiting example of the invention being used with reference to a STOP/SLOW sign, for use on roads by a traffic controller as a particularly useful application of the invention. The type of sign, the wording and particular form is not intended to be limited to a STOP/SLOW sign in any way, other than as stated in the claims, as the invention is applicable to numerous signs. However, the STOP/SLOW sign form of the invention is a highly useful form of the invention.

For clarity, any prior art referred to herein, does not constitute an admission that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge, in Australia or elsewhere.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved sign that at least ameliorates one or more of the aforementioned problems of the prior art. It is a further and separate object of the present invention to provide a method of use of an improved sign that at least ameliorates one or more of the aforementioned problems of the prior art.

Accordingly, the present invention provides an improved sign for use to control traffic, the improved sign including:

a body;

one or more warning or information sign associated with the body; and one or more illumination means to illuminate the warning or information sign;

wherein, the illumination means substantially improves the visibility of the sign during use.

Accordingly, the present invention provides in a variant, an improved sign for use to control traffic, the improved sign including:

specPA2029715

2019101642 18 Dec 2019 a body;

one or more warning or information sign associated with the body;

one or more illumination means to illuminate the warning or information sign; and a tilt mechanism, which may be used to operate one or more function of the sign, wherein, the illumination means substantially improves the visibility of the sign during use and the tilt mechanism allows improved control of the sign.

Preferably, the illumination means includes a ring of LEDs to substantially surround the warning or information sign. Preferably, a night setting is included to reduce the brightness of the lights in low light to save on power usage. Most preferably, the tilt mechanism enables the position of the head of the sign to be recognised and the controls of the sign adjusted for the head position. Further, where the head of the sign is lowered, the tilt mechanism may recognises this and after a predetermined time the sigh powers down.

Preferably, the sign is a SLOW/STOP sign. Preferably, the sign is a road sign for use by a traffic controller. Preferably, the sign is a hand held sign. Preferably, the sign is a hand held traffic sign. Most preferably, the sign can be readily held in the hand of the user and provides significantly improved visibility to road users. Most preferably, the sign can be readily held in the hand of the user and provides significantly improved visibility to road users from a significant distance away. In this way the invention provides the driver a much longer warning time that they need to slow down for the road works and come to a stop. These road signs will likely be used on highways where the traffic is usually travelling a considerable speed, and so the increased warning time to the driver of the need to slow down provides a significant safety improvement. Even a small extra warning time when travelling at speed can significantly improve the time for slowing down, and being aware of the person holding the sign. The person holding the sign is themselves specPA2029715

2019101642 18 Dec 2019 in danger if the driver is tired, or only sees them late and is unable to slow down in time. Serious accidents can occur on the highways, using conventional signs and so the subject invention may be able to provides far increased safety to these road sign operators.

Most preferably, the sign is easy to use and operate. Most preferably, the sign is user friendly so as to be readily usable and understood for improved safety on the roads.

Preferably, the sign may be used when wearing gloves. This is significant as where other equipment has small controls, buttons or a touch screen these cannot be operated when wearing gloves. It is extremely frustrating to need to put on gloves to protect your hands and then remove these again to operate buttons. Use of the invention in the tilt form, is through the movement up and down, to operate the sign which can all be done while wearing gloves.

Preferably, a handle is included associated with the body and the head may be held up by the handle in use. The handle may be a post. The handle may take any suitable form. The handle may be a long post similar to a “lolly pop” sign form. Other forms of sign may be used instead, within the scope of the present invention.

Preferably, the traffic control is movement of traffic on roads. Alternatively the traffic control may be movement of vehicles at a site, such as a mine site.

The body may take any suitable shape. Preferably, the body is substantially circular in one plane. The body may include a circular front and a circular back. Preferably, the body is a shape in one plane chosen from the following group: circular; irregular; rectangular including square; or triangular.

Preferably, the body includes one or more support structure to support the warning or information sign on the body. The support structure may assist the warning or information sign to attach to the body.

The body of the head of the “lolly-pop” may be a metal reinforced injection moulded body. Other forms of construction may be used instead. Preferably, the road sign specPA2029715

2019101642 18 Dec 2019 is adapted to conform to the local road standards as required. Preferably, reflective or retroreflective materials are used for the sign to suit the particular application.

There may be any suitable number of warning signs. There may be a single warning sign on one side of the apparatus in an inferior form. Most preferably, there are two warning or information signs. Preferably, the two information signs give different information. There may be a SLOW sign on one side of the body and a STOP sign on the other side of the body. In this frequently used sign arrangement the alternative sign information can be presented to the oncoming traffic as required.

The warning or information sign may be any suitable sign. Advertising or any other text or graphical image may be displayed on the sign instead. Clearly, the different applications of the sign may lead to the desire to display different words or symbols to the oncoming traffic.

Preferably, the association is removable attachment. Alternatively the signs may be permanently fixed. Any suitable form of associate may be used. The signs may be clipped or glued to the body. The signs may fit with a push fit.

The illumination means may take any suitable form. Preferably, the illumination means includes lights. Preferably, the illumination includes light emitting diodes (“LEDs”). Preferably, LEDs are arranged around the warning or information sign. Most preferably, the illumination means includes a ring of LEDs to substantially surround the warning or information sign.

Most preferably, the ring of LEDs strongly illuminates the sign fully so that it can all be seen clearly. Preferably, the illumination means enable the sign to be visible from a substantially greater distance than a conventional sign.

Preferably, the LEDs are Cree (Trade Mark) round LEDs suitable for road sign usage. Any similar high quality bright LEDs may be used instead. Preferably, and arrangement of 72 daylight visible LEDs are used on each side of the sign. The number of LEDs can be altered to suit the particular application.

specPA2029715

2019101642 18 Dec 2019

Preferably, a power supply is included associated with the illumination means. Preferably, the power supply is a battery. Preferably, the power supply is a removable battery. Preferably, the battery is a sealed battery. Preferably, the unit is sealed to prevent ingress of dust or dirt. Preferably, the battery includes power management. Preferably, the battery arrangement enables low energy use, and long life for the batteries. Preferably, the batteries can be exchanged as required when a battery is exhausted. Rechargeable batteries and other power options may be used instead. Preferably, the battery is a lithium battery. Preferably, the batter is a multi-cell rechargeable lithium-ion pack. The battery may enable 8 to 10 hours of continuous operation, for example. Additional batteries can be used to extend the life to 24 hour operation. The batteries may be charged from 12 volts. The batteries may be charged from 240 volts. A dedicated charger may be used or a standard charger may be used instead. Due to the use of the battery power, and the design of the sign it is a low maintenance items, as only the batteries need replacing from time to time. There is no significant maintenance to be carried out on the sign.

Preferably, the battery can provide power to a circuit to illuminate a ring of LEDs around the sign. Preferably, the illumination means is associated with a controller. Preferably, the controller is a microprocessor. Preferably, the microprocessor may be controlled to choose different settings and options. The parts the power supply and controller may be located at any suitable location on the apparatus.

A button may be included to manually control the settings of the apparatus. Most preferably, the control of the apparatus is achieved at a location close to the natural hand hold of the device. Preferably, the button enables cycling though settings for operation of the device. Membrane covered buttons may be used on the sign for some controls. These membrane covered buttons enable operation in a harsh environment.

Preferably, a controller is included to enable the LEDs to be varied in illumination.

Preferably, the controller includes a microprocessor, preferably a compact printed circuit board of a known design. Preferably, the microprocessor is conformal specPA2029715

2019101642 18 Dec 2019 coated for protection. The protection may be against humidity. Preferably, high quality electronic components are used and checked, to ensure a long life cycle for the apparatus.

A night setting may be included to reduce the brightness of the lights in low light to save on power usage. The night setting may include different light settings to the day settings.

Preferably, the controller may be fully removable and replaced. This is useful in the harsh working environment of the sign, so that if a controller unit stops working for any reason, it can be replaced without the need to replace the entire sign.

The controller may include a display to display information about the sign. For example, the battery state may be indicated. The indication may be in a coloured bar to show if the battery is full (green), part full (amber), or nearly spent (red). Other information may be displayed. Preferably, battery management circuitry is included and the state of the battery is displayed.

Preferably, timed auto-off controls are included. The auto-off may be in response to tilting down for a period of time. Other off and on controls may be included as desired. Most preferably, the sign is powered off when the tilt is below the horizontal for a predetermined time. Preferably, the predetermined time is 1 minute. Any suitable time period may be used instead.

Preferably, the sign is in the form of a “lolly pop” road traffic sign.

Preferably, the sign includes a tilt mechanism whereby on moving the head away from the vertical position, after a set time the illumination means turn off. Preferably, an accelerometer is included in the tilt mechanism. Preferably, the accelerometer is an ADXL345 Analog Device (Trade Mark) or similar (refer www.analog.com). These accelerometers only require low power, and are readily controllable. Preferably, a single tap in a direction can elicit a response. A double tap may be programmed to give a response. Separate response may be caused due to a single tap or double tap. The actions activated by tilting can be any specPA2029715

2019101642 18 Dec 2019 suitable actions. These actions may include to dim the sign when lowered. A single or double tap may enable the sign lights to be dimmed. Other options would be to turn off the lights when not in use due to the particular tilt. The tilt may be programmed to cause an action at any suitable angle to the horizontal, for example.

A movement of the sign may cause a change in the sign. The movement may be to lower the sign. There may be a more positive movement, such as a single or double tap to dim or turn off the lights in some forms of the invention. Preferably, the lights dim or turn off when the sign is lowered. Preferably, the lights brighten or turn on when the sign is lifted up. In this way the operator can control the lights as required by lifting or lowering the sign. Other controls, including button controls may be included. The tilt function may include an on/off to enable variable functioning as required.

Preferably, the tilt aspect improves functionality, but also is energy saving by dimming the lights or turning the lights off when not required. The life or duty cycle of the equipment can be extended through use of the invention.

Preferably, a day and night control function is included. The day night control function preferably adjusts the settings of the sign for use in day or night. The adjustment may be automatic to altered light levels. The day or night setting may be set by operation of a control. Preferably, the night operation uses lower light brightness for effective night operation. Preferably, a brighter light arrangement is used for improved visibility during the day.

Preferably, the sign improves the safety for the operator by providing significantly improved visibility over conventional signs.

The invention will now be described in connection with a non-limiting preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view from above of the sign according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, with the post removed;

specPA2029715

2019101642 18 Dec 2019

Figure 2 is a perspective exploded view of the post for use with the apparatus of Figures 1 and 3; and

Figure 3 is the exploded perspective view of Figure 1, but from below.

Referring to Figures 1 to 3, a preferred embodiment of the invention will be described, where head 10 and post 12 together form the sign of the invention. Figures 1 and 3 show head 10 from above and below, in an exploded view to better illustrate the components. In use, head 10 will be connected to post 12 to form a similar shape to a conventional “lolly pop” sign as would be readily understood by persons skilled in the art. These “lolly pop” signs are the signs of choice for school crossings and also for traffic controllers on road works or major projects.

However, the inventive sign is significantly different to a static “lolly pop” sign of the known form. The subject invention includes bright illumination which provide significantly improved visibility of the sign, even from a distance. The improved visibility and other numerous differences and advantages of the invention mean that the subject sign is very different to anything previously designed or used.

Turning to Figure 1 and 3 in particular back 14 forms the frame for sign part 16. Sign part 16 is illustrated as a STOP sign with a SLOW sign on the reverse; both are labelled 16 for convenience. Use of the words STOP and SLOW together to direct traffic through road works or traffic lights is common and well understood. The invention, however, can be used for any kind of warning or information sign. Further, the classic lolly pop shape is used for convenience but other shapes of head 10 could be used instead. In yet other forms of the invention the post may be varied or in a very different form of the invention the post may be omitted such that the handle or holder of the head takes a very different form.

Sign parts 16 as illustrated in Figures 1 and 3 are made of 1.6 millimetre thick aluminium, 450 millimetres wide, circular and with a highly reflective finish, typical of road signs. As illustrated the SLOW sign is finished in retroreflective yellow with black type, and the STOP sign is finished in retroreflective white type on a retroreflective red back ground. Apart from the look of the sign, the two sign parts specPA2029715

2019101642 18 Dec 2019 are the same adapted to fit on either side of head 10 to form the double sided sign. In use a traffic controller turns the sign to face out with either SLOW toward the traffic to indicate that they should proceed slowly, or STOP to indicate that they should not move off yet, until they are shown the SLOW sign. A fluorescent orange background with black lettering may be used instead, as is more typical for school crossings. There are standardised arrangements for the look of the warning or information signs as used by main roads departments.

Ring 18 is a ring of 72 Light Emitting Diodes (“LEDs”) on each side designed to surround sign part 16 and illuminate it very brightly so it can be seen from afar; as illustrated these are Cree (Trade Mark) LEDs in red (Cree RED C503C-RCNCYCZaAA2) and (Cree Amber C503C-ACN-CYCZa342) amber. The ring arrangement means that light falls on every part of sign part 16, illuminating it all brightly. Lights above signs such as for a hotel or restaurant are known that cast a light over the sign. However, these do not have the benefit of the 72, very numerous LEDs shining brightly across every part and angle of the sign. If some parts of the sign were to be lit more brightly than others then this would make the it more difficult to discern the details and the warning the sign is trying to convey. More than this, the various setting and uses of the LEDs as described in more detail below, provide the traffic controller with a significant arsenal of tools to improve use of the warning sign and safely control the traffic as needed, such as at night.

Power supply 20 provides the necessary power to illuminate the LEDs. As illustrated power supply 20 includes a rechargeable multi-cell lithium battery that may be removed and charged before use. It is envisaged that the charging would occur while the apparatus was not in use so that the sign was always ready to go. The apparatus would be supplied with a dedicated charger (not shown) of a standard form to enable charging of the battery from AC or DC. Other arrangements may be made instead. Power supply 20 is illustrated as a multi-cell rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack with inbuilt battery management. Other power and management may be used instead. It is most preferable that the battery specPA2029715

2019101642 18 Dec 2019 is light-weight and rechargeable for repeated use out on the road. As shown the battery provides 8 to 10 hours of use out on the road to direct traffic. It is useful also that the battery can be readily swopped out of the sign so that in case of low power a spare battery may be kept fully charged at all times. Or alternating charged batteries may be used, one in use one charging. Further, over time a battery may lose its ability to charge for some reason or fail for another reason. In this case, the battery or power supply in whichever form it takes can be readily swopped for a new one so that the remainder of the apparatus may continue for a prolonged life.

LED indicators (not shown) display the status of the battery, for example, green for charged, amber for partially charged and red for needing charging on a display on the control unit. This assists to know the status of the battery, and whether replacement is recommended before the next shift.

Body 14 is configured with cross-piece 22 which supports sign part 16 on either side. The cross shape is a useful shape to support both sign parts but without unduly adding weight to head 10. The sign parts 16 fit over the rest of the apparatus with a push fit inside light ring 18.

Power holder 28 is the recess for receipt of the charged batter, power supply 20. Power holder 28 enables ready exchange of both the battery and the controller for the apparatus as discussed above. The shape of power holder 28 is adapted for the particular battery to be used, and can be changed to suit as battery technology evolves.

Power supply 20 is adapted to plug into connectors 30 and 32 such that on operation a circuit is formed to turn on some or all of the LEDs of light ring 18. The wires are not shown but pass from connector 32 around light ring 18 to supply sets of LEDs so these may be operated some or all at the same time. The arrangement is a conventional wiring to enable battery power to be controlled by the microprocessor through use of the buttons, to control the illumination.

specPA2029715

2019101642 18 Dec 2019

Button 44 on connector 36 is conveniently placed so that the operator can cycle through on, off, night and day, by extending their thumb from their hand hold. Membrane covered buttons are used to enable use in dirty or dusty environments, and in the wet or dry. A user will typically hold post 12 very close to the position of button 18. Conveniently then, the operator can extend out a thumb or other parts of the hand to press button 44 and operate the options without needing to change grip. The large and robust nature of button 44 enables use simply, even with gloved hands. The cycle is illustrated as 1 click on, two clicks night and three clicks off. Generally, a side tap or tilt is used for the controls, with a prolonged time at bbelow the horizontal leading to the powering down. The tap controls can be used to for on off controls and to control between the night and day settings, it just depends on the way the microcontroller is set up.

The controller printed circuit board is sealed so that it is strongly protected against humidity or in fact ingress of dirt or dust. Roads and road plants can be very hot, humid or dusty environments and dirt is a significant problem.

The device has a significant further improvement in that it is includes an on off tilt mechanism, a significant improvement over the prior art. A microprocessor (not shown) is connected with an accelerometer, an ADXL345 Analog Device, between button 44 and power supply 20 such that ring 18 of LEDs is turned off automatically on the tilting away from upright for more than a minute. It is a convenient method for the operator to not need to turn the apparatus off and on directly, but instead the apparatus can be turned on, then when not in use between directing traffic, the unit can be allowed to drop down which will automatically turn off the device. The tilt feature is a new and particular convenient improvement over prior signs to enable ready turning on and off.

A day night control is another beneficial feature of the invention which enable bright illumination to be used in the day or poor visibility and at night if less bright operation is sufficient the “night” feature can be engaged to extend the battery life, and reduce excess light blinding the road user.

specPA2029715

2019101642 18 Dec 2019

Referring to Figure 2 in particular, shaft 34 of post 12 includes connector 36. Support 38 is the part that will attach to the rest of the apparatus through connector 36 joining to connector 40 and head 12 being attached to plate 42. These arrangements can be readily varied somewhat for the particular use to be made of the invention. For example, the length of shaft 34 is illustrated as 1800 millimetres long and 22 millimetres wide, as is particularly suitable. However shorter or longer versions of post 12 could also be provided.

Shaft 34 is shown as a wooden post slide into a galvanised steel connector tube with a smooth finish so as not to risk abrasions to the hand of the user. Other materials and combinations of materials may be used instead.

In use a traffic controller will pick up the apparatus by post 12 lifting head 10. In this manner a SLOW sign of sign part 16 can be presented to oncoming traffic to indicate they can proceed slowly, typically the speed limit on road works being 25 kilometres an hour. As the traffic continues a message may come over the radio to the traffic controller to stop the traffic. A STOP sign of the sign part 16 can then be shown to the on-coming traffic by rotating post 12 through 180 degrees so the other side is shown. Clearly, it is important therefore that post 12 is smooth and there are not sharp edges or projections that may catch the hand of the operator. During the course of a shift a traffic controller will go through the process of moving from SLOW to STOP and back again many times. The sign must be designed to rotate readily, not damage the hands or tear gloves, and not be too heavy to be held for a prolonged period of time. All of these issues have been addressed by the present invention. As well as the very strong and beneficial advantages for safety of providing vastly improved visibility of the sign, including at distance or in situations of otherwise reduced visibility.

It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that changes may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, in its various aspects.

specPA2029715

2019101642 18 Dec 2019

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST:

10	Head	42	Plate
12	Post	44	Button
14	Back
16	Sign part
18	Light ring
19	LEDs
20	Power supply
22	Cross-piece
28	Power holder
30	Connector
32	Connector
34	Shaft
36	Connector for head
38	Support
40	Connector

specPA2O29715

Claims (5)

1. An improved sign for use to control traffic, the improved sign including:

a body;

one or more warning or information sign associated with the body;

one or more illumination means to illuminate the warning or information sign; and a tilt mechanism, which may be used to operate one or more function of the sign, wherein, the illumination means substantially improves the visibility of the sign during use and the tilt mechanism allows improved control of the sign.

2. The improved sign of claim 2, wherein the illumination means includes a ring of LEDs to substantially surround the warning or information sign.

3. The improved sign of claims 1 or 2, wherein a night setting is included to reduce the brightness of the lights in low light to save on power usage.

4. The improved sign of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the tilt mechanism enables the position of the head of the sign to be recognised and the controls of the sign adjusted for the head position.

5. The improved sign of any one of claim 4, wherein where the head of the sign is lowered, the tilt mechanism recognises this and after a predetermined time the sigh powers down.