EP3198081B1 - Warning system for securing hazardous areas - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a warning system with a warning body for the protection of danger spots, especially in traffic, on construction sites or in factory buildings.

Securing danger spots plays an important role in a wide variety of areas. In particular, in road traffic, on construction sites and in factory halls, the effective marking of and the warning of danger spots is an important measure to increase safety. In doing so, road users, construction workers or factory workers are warned to keep sufficient distance from the danger point and exercise particular caution, for example by a reduction in speed or by increased attention.

Especially in road traffic, the clear warning of road users is important, as they often drive at high speed to unexpected danger spots, especially when accidents have occurred on rural roads and highways. An inadequate warning of the participants in this case often leads to an increased risk of subsequent accidents, which can sometimes be fatal.

In many countries worldwide, therefore, the carrying of at least one warning triangle is legally required. In some European countries is additional the carrying of a safety vest (also known as a signal vest) obligatory.

Probably the most widely used warning device is the warning triangle, which however shows two limitations. On the one hand, the warning triangle has relatively small dimensions, with the height of such a warning triangle usually being about 45 cm, depending on the design. On the other hand, the nature of a warning triangle means that the amount of light reflected back is relatively small, since only a small part of the warning triangle has a reflective property.

For the reasons mentioned, warning triangles are often not perceived by motorists and professional drivers, or are perceived only to a low degree.

In contrast, the use of safety vests proves to be significantly more effective. It is reported that traffic safety vests are perceived much more by road users than warning triangles. The reason for this is, among other things, that warning vests next to their incorporated reflectors have a large area in a signal color (usually red, yellow or orange). In addition, the increased position of the safety vests due to wearing on the upper body in comparison to the relatively small, arranged on the ground warning triangles is crucial. For the reasons mentioned above, various occupational groups, such as the road maintenance or the police use such safety vests. In addition, since 1 July 2014 the general duty vests are mandatory in Germany for all cars, trucks and buses.

Meanwhile, it is also advised to increase the safety and as a supplement to the warning triangle, at its height, if available, additionally equip a Leitpost with a safety vest. Here, the disadvantage is that the reflective property of the safety vest is greatly reduced by their lack of dimensional stability in the suspended state. This recommendation However, it also shows that improving existing security measures is desirable and necessary.

In addition, in CN-A-101 298 758 . US-A-2010/319607 . US-A-2004/250744 . US-A-2005/076822 and in FR-A-2 809 359 discloses further warning means which can be used for warning purposes in general road traffic or on construction sites.

The object of the present invention is to provide a warning system with improved properties. Another object of the invention is to provide a compact as possible product, so that the use of the product is not limited by a lack of user-friendliness, caused by poorly manageable dimensions.

In a warning system of the type described above, the object is achieved by a warning system with a warning body having at least one warning element, the warning body has a compressible, self-erecting frame and a compressible outer shell, the outer shell has at least one warning element and the Frame surrounds and the frame carries the outer shell. Furthermore, the warning body is provided in its interior with a compressible holding unit, which is slipped over a post and which is connected to the warning body at least one point. The holding unit is compressible in that it is made of a substantially flexible material, such as a textile material or of a plastic film. Thereby, the holding unit can be collapsed in the axial direction. It is also possible that the holding unit can be folded or telescopically composed of several components, whereby the holding unit can be pushed together.

The main element of the invention is a compressible warning body which has one or more warning elements. Due to the compressibility is It is possible to realize a very large in the erected state warning body, which is compressed when it is not used and therefore compact and easy to handle. As a result, the warning body has a large surface, which can be used for effective warning. Due to the Selbstaufrichtenden character of the warning body simplifies the structure and can therefore be done in no time. The compressible frame can be formed in particular by a compressible spring system or a compressible foam. The warning element is preferably an optical warning element. In addition, acoustic warning elements can also be used. Both passive and active warning elements can be used. When using active warning elements, a self-sufficient energy supply, which in particular contains a battery or a power-generating solar module, can also be provided. For the compressible outer shell, all materials can be used, which make it possible to compress or fold the shell along a Aufrichtachse by force.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the compressible frame of the warning body may be formed by a spring. This can be formed in the uncompressed state in particular cylinder, conical or cuboid.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the compressible outer shell of the warning body is formed by a stretchable or foldable textile material or a film. These allow a compression of the outer shell along the Aufrichtachse by a force on the warning body along the same axis.

In a further embodiment of the invention can be advantageously provided that the warning element in the form of a coloring or printing of the outer shell in a signal color (for example, red, yellow or orange) is formed is. In particular, fluorescent colors or afterglow colors can be used for the coloring.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention can be provided that the outer shell has one or more reflective elements. In particular, retroreflective elements which reflect incident light back in the direction of the radiation source are advantageous.

In this variant of the invention, it is possible that the reflective element extends over the entire outer shell.

In an expedient development of the invention can also be provided that the warning body has at least one fastener to its holding down to a substrate. In this variant of the invention, the fastening element may comprise a band, a thread, a hook and / or an anchoring pin.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the compressible holding unit is preferably, like the compressible outer shell, made of a textile material or a film. The holding unit is preferably stretchable in the direction transverse to the erecting axis, so that it can be slipped over an object in traffic, in particular a guide post, a pole or even a tree trunk. In this case, the holding unit is connected to at least one preferably elastic band within the warning body with this warning body. By the holding unit and the fasteners, it is possible to attach the warning body to an object in traffic, such as a guardrail.

In this variant of the invention, the holding unit may be connected by at least one fastening means to the frame or the outer shell. When Fasteners are particularly suitable fastening straps or threads, which are particularly elastic and extend within the warning body.

In a further expedient embodiment of this invention, at least one group of at least two, in particular at least three or four connecting bands or at least one annular connecting element is used as fastening means. The fastening straps or the at least one fastening ring are preferably arranged in a plane which runs transversely to the erection axis. Alternatively, the connecting bands or connecting rings can be arranged in a plurality of planes extending transversely to the erecting axis. Preferably, fastening straps and fastening rings are made of a textile material or of plastic. When using fastening straps, the fastening straps, which are arranged in a plane, are preferably arranged at the same angle to each other. By using such fastening means, the warning body is centered on the object on which the holding unit has been slipped. The object is e.g. around a guide post or guardrail.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the holding unit may be additionally connected to an upper end wall or a lower boundary. In the preferred embodiment of the warning body with a cylindrical spring, the upper end wall is described by a circular area and the lower boundary by a circle. In this case, the end wall may have a closed surface or else a net-like structure. The connection of the holding unit with said elements can preferably be effected by a seam, by gluing or by a welded connection.

In a further embodiment of the invention, in addition to the warning body, a post can be provided which can be driven into the ground and over which the holding unit of the warning body can be pushed. This post can preferably be made of metal, plastic or wood and can be used be present, if not a corresponding guide post or another element over which the holding unit could be put over, is present. This makes it possible to position the warning body in almost any location. In addition, the post can have a pointed shape at one end, which facilitates the driving into the ground.

In this variant of the invention, the post can also have a hinged arm, which allows to drive the post with the foot into the ground. Also, the post may be in the form of a telescopic pole, so that it is compressible and easily stowed in the unused state.

Furthermore, the warning body can have Velcro closures, so that the frame can be held together in the compressed state and thus easier to stow and transport. The hook-and-loop fasteners are preferably attached to at least two points of the warning body, in each case on the lower edge and on the upper end wall. In addition, it can be provided that the warning body for the purpose of convenient transport on the upper end wall has a carrying handle. This carrying handle is preferably sewn to the upper end wall, glued or welded. Furthermore, it can be provided that the carrying handle is padded. This ensures the highest possible comfort when wearing the warning body.

In a further embodiment of the invention can be provided that the warning body has a weighting element at its lower boundary. This has the advantage that the warning body remains stable in its position even under strong wind influences. Advantageously, the weighting element may be a rubber ring. In particular, the rubber ring can be made of a very non-slip material. As a result, the warning body gains in stability so that it remains safely in the position in the wind and rain. By varying the properties of the weighting element The stability properties of the warning body can be adapted to the needs of the user.

The weighting element can preferably be glued, sewn or welded to the lower edge of the warning body. It is also possible that two weighting elements are provided, which are mounted below the lower edge of the warning cylinder.

In a further preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the weighting element is made of the material of recycled car tires. On the one hand, this has the advantage that the materials used for car tires have a high skid resistance. On the other hand, the use of recycled car tires for the production of the weighting element leads to the fact that in the production of the warning system according to the invention also the ecological claims are taken into account.

In a further embodiment of the invention may also be provided that the holding element is pinched off at a point between the upper boundary of the warning body and the lower boundary of the warning body. In particular, it can be provided that this constriction is made at a height that is substantially equal to the standard height of a guide post. In this way, the stability of the warning body is increased on the Leitpost. This is particularly advantageous if the warning cylinder is higher than the guide post on which it is to be slipped by means of its inner support member.

In this case, the constriction by a pinch-off, such. As a band which is tied around the holding element or alternatively done by a Abschnürnaht.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention can be provided that the height of the warning body is 60 cm and the constriction of the holding element takes place at a height of 45 cm.

Fig. 1

eine Explosionsdarstellung eines komprimierbaren Warnkörpers mit einem komprimierbaren Gestell und einer stauchbaren Außenhülle, der sich entlang der Aufrichtachse selbst aufrichtet und der über einen Pfosten gestülpt werden kann,

Fig. 2

einen Warnkörper, welcher im komprimierten Zustand mit Klettverschlüssen zusammengehalten wird,

Fig. 3

einen Warnkörper mit optischen Warnmitteln,

Fig. 4

eine Draufsicht des in Fig. 1 dargestellten Warnkörpers mit drei im gleichen Winkel zueinander angeordneten Befestigungsbändern,

Fig. 5

einen Warnkörper gemäß Fig. 1 mit Befestigungselementen für die Fixierung an einer Leitplanke,

Fig. 6

einen Warnkörper gemäß Fig. 1 mit einem zusätzlichen Pfosten und einem abklappbaren Ausleger zum Eintreiben in den Boden sowie Befestigungsbänder und Erdspieße,

Fig. 7

einen Warnkörper mit einem zusätzlichen Beschwerungselement und

Fig. 8

einen Warnkörper gemäß Fig. 5 für die Fixierung an einer Leitplanke, wobei das Halteelement abgeschnürt ist.

The invention will be explained in more detail by means of embodiments and with reference to the drawings. In detail, they show:

Fig. 1

an exploded view of a compressible warning body with a compressible frame and a compressible outer shell, which straightens itself along the erection axis and can be slipped over a post,

Fig. 2

a warning body, which is held together in the compressed state with Velcro straps,

Fig. 3

a warning body with optical warning means,

Fig. 4

a top view of the in Fig. 1 shown warning body with three at the same angle arranged mounting straps,

Fig. 5

a warning body according to Fig. 1 with fastening elements for fixing to a guardrail,

Fig. 6

a warning body according to Fig. 1 with an additional post and a fold-down boom for driving into the ground, as well as straps and ground spikes,

Fig. 7

a warning body with an additional weighting element and

Fig. 8

a warning body according to Fig. 5 for fixing to a guard rail, wherein the retaining element is pinched off.

The in Fig. 1 shown compressible warning body 10 has a helical spring 12 as a frame 13, which can be compressed or compressed by a force along the erection axis 14. The warning body 10 is provided with a holding unit 16 in the interior 17 of the warning body 10, which is similar to the outside dimensions of a guide post 18. Post is designed. Since the material of the holding unit is preferably stretchable, this holding unit 16 can be slipped over said guide post 18. Further, the holding unit 16 is fastened in this embodiment with fastening means 19, here with three fastening straps 20 on an outer shell 22, which surrounds the spring 12 from the outside. The outer shell 22 is made of a shape-changing material, in particular a textile material or a plastic, so that it is compressible / foldable upon application of force along the erection axis 14 together with the spring 12. The warning body 10 is provided with Velcro fasteners 26 to hold it together in the compressed state. In addition, the holding unit 16 is connected by a seam 23 with an end wall 24 and also connected to a lower edge 25.

Fig. 2 shows the in Fig. 1 shown warning body 10 in the compressed state. Here, the warning body 10 is held together by the Velcro fasteners 26 in the compressed form.

Fig. 3 shows the warning body 10 with two optical warning elements 28. These warning elements 28 may represent warning sign 30 or have reflective elements 32, in particular retroreflective elements.

Fig. 4 shows a plan view of the described warning body 10, wherein it can be seen that the inner support unit 16 is centered in this embodiment by three fastening straps 20 which are arranged at the same angle to each other. The fastening straps 20 can also be designed as fastening threads, or alternatively also attachment rings be used from textile or plastic. In this case, said mounting rings have an outer and inner diameter, with respective boundaries. The inner edge of the mounting ring is suitably connected to the holding unit 16 and the outer edge of the outer shell 22. The connections can in turn be made by a seam 23, by gluing or by a welded connection.

Fig. 5 shows an embodiment in which the holding unit 16 of the warning body 10 is slipped over a guide post 18 and the warning body 10 in addition attached to the lower edge 25 fasteners 32a, here fastening straps 20 and hook 33 is attached to a guard rail 34.

Fig. 6 shows another embodiment, which proves to be useful, if there is no guide post 18 in the vicinity. In this case, an additional post 36 is shown, which is driven into the ground and over which the warning body 10 or its holding unit 16 can be slipped. Furthermore, in Fig. 6 shown another tool for driving the post 36 into the ground. This is designed in the form of a hinged arm 37, which makes it possible to drive the post 36 with the foot in the ground. As a result, the warning body 10 can be positioned independently of guide posts 18 or other objects in traffic. In addition, fastener straps 20 can be seen with Erdspießen 38, which can be introduced as needed in addition or separately in the ground.

Fig. 7 shows an embodiment in which the warning body has a weighting element 40 at its lower boundary 25. The weighting element 40 is annular and preferably made of a rubber material. For example, this rubber ring may have a weight of 1 kg. The warning body 10 shown in this embodiment may be designed according to the requirements of the user such that on the one hand the stability properties are optimized, on the other hand but also the user-friendliness is guaranteed. In particular, it is advantageous that the illustrated rubber ring 40 has the largest possible footprint, so that the warning body 10 can be slidably positioned on a base. However, it is also important that the rubber ring has a sufficiently large opening, so that the warning body 10 can be placed in any case on a guide post 18 or a similar object.

Fig. 8 shows a final embodiment in which the holding unit 16 is pinched off in the interior of the warning body at one point. The pinch-off 42 is executed in this embodiment as Abschnürnaht. As can be seen in this figure, the warning body 10 in this embodiment is higher than the part of the guide post 18, which projects beyond the guardrail. Characterized in that the holding unit 16 is pinched off in the interior of the warning body 10 at the height to which the guide post 18 projects into the warning body 10, the holding unit 16 is tuned to the guide post 18 such that the warning body 10 stably supported on the guide post 18 becomes. The constriction and the tapered shape of the holding unit 16 cause the holding unit 16 in the upper region of the guide post 18, the guide post 18 tightly surrounds. The constriction of the holding unit 16 is particularly advantageous when the warning body 10 is higher than the guide post 18 or as the part of the guide post 18, which projects beyond a guardrail or a similar object.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

warning body

12

spring

13

frame

14

Aufrichtachse

16

holding unit

17

inner space

18

delineators

19

fastener

20

fixing tape

22

outer shell

23

seam

24

bulkhead

25

boundary

26

Velcro fasteners

28

warning element

30

warning sign

32

reflective element

32a

fastener

33

hook

34

barrier

36

post

37

boom

38

spike

40

Dense member

42

Abschnürmittel

Claims (14)

1. Warning system for securing hazardous areas, particularly in road traffic, comprising

   - a warning body (10) comprising at least one warning element (28), wherein

   - the warning body (10) comprises a compressible support rack (13) which is self-righting along a righting axis (14), and a collapsible outer hull (22),

   - the warning body (10) comprises an interior space (17) defined by the outer hull (22) and the support rack (13),

   - the outer hull (22) comprises the at least one warning element (28) and surrounds the support rack (13), and wherein

   - the support rack (13) supports the outer hull (22),
   characterized in that

   - the warning body (10) comprises, in its interior space (17), a collapsible holding unit (16) adapted to be shifted over a guide post (18) and being connected to the warning body (10) on at least one site.
2. Warning system according to claim 1, characterized in that the support rack (13) of the warning body (10) is formed by an elastic spring (12).
3. Warning system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the outer hull (22) of the warning body (10) is formed by a textile material or a film.
4. Warning system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the warning element (28) is realized in the form of a coloring or imprint on the outer hull (22) in a signal color.
5. Warning system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer hull (22) comprises at least one reflecting element (32).
6. Warning system according to claim 5, characterized in that a reflecting element (32) extends along the entire outer hull (22).
7. Warning system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the warning body (10) comprises at least one fastening element (32a) for holding it down on an underlying ground.
8. Warning system according to claim 7, characterized in that the fastening element (32a) comprises a band (20), a thread or a hook (33).
9. Warning system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding unit (16) is fastened by at least one fastening means (19) to the support rack (13) or the outer hull (22).
10. Warning system according to claim 9, characterized in that the fastening means (19) comprises at least one group of at least two, particularly three or four fastening bands (20) or at least one annular fastening element.
11. Warning system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer hull (22) comprises an upper end wall (24) and a lower boundary (25) and that the holding unit (16) is additionally connected to the upper end wall (24) and/or the lower boundary (25).
12. Warning system according to any one of the preceding claims, further characterized by a post (36) supporting the warning body (10), the post being adapted to be driven into the ground and to have the holding unit (16) of the warning body (10) shifted onto it.
13. Warning system according to claim 12, characterized in that the post (36) comprises a cantilever arm (37) adapted to be folded down, and/or that the post (36) is designed in the form of a telescopic bar.
14. Warning system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the warning body (10) comprises hook- and loop fasteners (26) for holding the support rack (13) together in the compressed state.

Images