GB2269040A - Safety sign. - Google Patents

Abstract

A sign or sign plate comprises a plurality of panels 12. The panels are arranged side by side and adjacent panels are foldably connected together so that the sign can be folded in a zig-zag fashion. A box structure (22, 24) may be provided for accommodating the folded sign (Figure 7, not shown). The sign may be supported in a number of ways. For example, each panel may be provided on its rear surface with hoops (30) to receive rigid upright supports (32). Each panel may be formed of a flexible material (40) reinforced with a rigid insert (42, Figure 13). Alternatively, the panels may be fixed at spaced intervals to flexible sheet (46, Figure 14) or they may be interconnected with hinges (51, Figure 15). The sign may carry a retro-reflective diagram or wording, and may be suitable for use as a temporary road sign. <IMAGE>

Description

SAFETY SIGN This invention relates to signs, and particularly, the improvement of construction of temporary road signs used typically at roadworks sites to advise and guide drivers.

A conference case study presentation by an officer of the UR Health and Safety Executive in 1991 highlighted an area of grave concern - that of hazardous working practices which traffic management contractors' personnel must face when temporary road signs of traditional construction (for instance, but not exclusively, as defined within BS:873) are to be erected and positioned in the dividing central reservation area between the carriageways of motorways and dual carriageway high speed roads.

In most cases the positioning of temporary signs as described, requires that the sign has to be carried from the hard shoulder to the central reservation under live traffic conditions. This task was considered by the Health and Safety Executive to be hazardous in daylight under good weather conditions. The hazard is increased in poor weather and at night.

The presentation was intended to highlight a potentially dangerous practice and seek solutions.

Those solutions which were proposed, centred upon closing the motorway to traffic, or cordoning off a lane to allow installation of signage. In practice, such options were considered themselves to present a potentially equal or greater hazard than the original problem - that of transporting the sign and installing it safely in place under live traffic conditions.

Traditional signs for temporary use, in particular, at motorway roadworks sites, are prescribed in Statutory Instrument No.859. The Traffic Signs, Regulations and General Directions and their employment is described in Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual 1991. The signs prescribed are large, being in many instances, 1.5 m x 1.5 m or more in presented area.

The signs are required to be presented at a certain minimum height from the ground. The conventional way of achieving these requirements has been to attach an aluminium or-other entire plate to a support such as typically an 'A' frame angle iron structure. The support may frame the sign plate or may not. The structure so produced is heavy and necessarily large.

Conventionally, it has required two persons-to lift such an assembly, and in most instances, even with two persons, it is often necessary to remove the sign plate from the support to enable it to be handled. Thus, the practice has often been to place the sign plate and frame unassembled on the hard shoulder and then the frame support and sign plate are separately carried by two persons to the central reservation. Assembly of the two pieces is carried out in the central reservation.

Amongst the most difficult of these tasks is the carrying of the sign plate. A 1.5 m x 1.5 m plate of aluminium presents a large sail area to the wind and great care must be exercised in any but light wind conditions. Similarly, such a large opaque area presents the possibility that one or more of the persons carrying the plate may have their view of the road obstructed, a potentially very dangerous occurrence in live traffic. Obscuration of view can happen at any time but it is most common when the sign or sign plate assembly is being lifted over the barrier into the central reservation immediately adjacent to the fastest traffic.

In addition to the problems outlined above, it has been discovered that these signs which are very expensive are very frequently damaged in both the final site erection process through accidental droppage and in the normal transportation from store yard to site by truck.

This last problem is very costly to the contractor.

Damage principally results from the fact that traditional signs are large plates of thin aluminium or similar which are easily damaged if an object such as the angle iron A frame drops on them in transit.

Further, the retro-reflective sign surface applied to the plate is easily scratched. Thus, when movement of one plate against another occurs in transit or handling, damage occurs. Due to their awkward size and shape, even the comparatively simple task of loading and unloading a truck results in damage unless.great care is exercised.

Finally, the contractors' storage problems for-such signage is considerable. When not in use, the most practicable way of storing is to lay the sign plates down horizontally- in a stack or pile, or alternatively to lean them in a frame one against the other. When stored in this fashion, much space is occupied, retro-reflective coatings on the faces of the signs are damaged by rubbing or sharp edges, and it is impossible to know which sign has which prescribed diagram or wording without individual handling and inspection.

It was to solve or ameliorate these difficulties that this invention was made.

According to the invention there is provided a sign plate comprising a plurality of panels, said panels being arranged side by side and adjacent panels being foldably connected together so that the sign plate can be folded in a zig-zag fashion.

With the invention, therefore, a sign plate carrying a retro-reflective diagram or wording of the prescribed or other sign is constructed so that when not erected in place on a support means it can be folded or collapsed upon itself in a zig-zag fashion. In one embodiment of the invention the sign plate is constructed of individual panels which have a means by which they are joined together such-that the joins between panels form substantially parallel lines.

Thus, when folded away or collapsed, the sign plate will tend to fold at the parallel joints. In this way a sign plate of erected presented area of, for example, 1.5 m x 1.5 m constructed of 5 x 30 cm wide panels each 1.5 m long will have a collapsed size of 1.5 m x 30 cm x (X x 5) where X is the thickness of the panel.

If the panel- used is 3 mm thick, the folded dimensions of a 1.5 m x 1.5 m sign plate are: 1.5 m long x 30 cm wide x 15 mm thick This clearly is a much more manageable and more easily carried item than the original conventionally constructed sign plate consisting of an aluminium plate.

In its folded condition the sign of the invention may be transported by one man instead of two, it presents a reduced "sail area" for wind loading when being carried and is unlikely to be the cause of- obstruction of vision. In addition when folded in the zig-zag fashion, the retro-reflective surfaces of the panels are protected from abrasion or damage by other equipment.

In practice, it may be desirable to provide a shell or box structure into which the zig-zag folded panels may collapse, providing even more protection. The shell or box may be constructed so that it actually forms one or more of the panels used in the sign construction.

The shell or box may be provided with carrying means such as one or more conveniently positioned handles or straps and may be fitted with clasps or closing means to secure it when not being used to. To further-facilitate handling the box may be fitted with one or more wheels.

Either the box/shell structure or. the folded up panels alone can be provided with identification means such as a code number or at least one miniaturised version of the sign employed on any of the faces. The sign can thus be identified without removing the folded sign from a rack or stack of other such folded signs.

The sign plate formed from the panels may be provided with one or more fixing or location means to enable the erected sign plate to be affixed permanently or temporarily to a support means. The said fixings may be formed as part of the shell/box structure.

The shell/box structure may be formed from more than one part, for instance with a base and lid. The sign panels may be fixed to a support means or frame and placed in position by the roadside whilst the sign is still in folded condition. Deployment of the sign can then be effected by releasing the lid of the shell/box so that the panels unfold with the result that information on the panels is then displayed. This construction can be particularly advantageous where large number of signs are positioned prior to the time that they are actually required, since it enables the signs to be rapidly brought into effective use at the desired time.

For storage purposes, the shell/boxstructure containing. the sign when folded may, if desired, have protrusions or recesses such that another similar shell/box structure will locate with it to facilitate storage. The shell/box structure may be coloured or have owner identification printed thereon or moulded into the surface or attached to it.

The shell/box structure may also be arranged such, that if desired, the contents may be changed. This enables a quantity of folded sign plates to be stored independently of the shell/box structures, permitting a lower inventory count of shell/boxes to signs. The signs to be used on a particular roadworks contract may then be selected and placed in a box prior to removal to site as required. In this case, it may be advantageous to provide a cut away area of viewing means in the box such that identification means carried upon the sign folded within may be seen.

There are no limitations on materials, or methods of construction, which may be- employed to construct the shell/box structure. It is preferred-that it should be of moulded or pressed manufacture.

As previously described, the box/shell structure which may be utilised to contain, transport and locate the sign plate whether in-erected or folded state may be separate or demountable from any-support-frame or support structure. However, a shell/box structure or other fitment that is permanently attached to a support means that is capable of receiving a zig-zag folded sign plate in its folded form in advance of deployment or display of the sign is within the scope of this invention.

The retro-reflective sign surface employed in this invention may be of microsphere or prismatic (corner cube type) or any other known means. The teachings of British Patent Applications Nos.9207023.4 and 9207617.3 are specifically included as a means by which a suitable sign-panel material may be constructed, but this invention is not limited to these teachings.

The construction of the sign of the invention may be varied so that the optimum physical and visual results relative to size, position and rigidity/flexibility may be achieved.

Since the underlying stimulus to this invention related to desirable improvements in safety, the reduction in impact damage to vehicles or persons in the event of accident is potentially beneficial.

Thus, whilst traditional or conventional signs are based on metal plate, it may be advantageous to construct the panels of the sign of this invention from flexible , or partially deformable material. In other practice, it is desirable to minimise potential flapping or oscillation of flexible materials by rigid reinforcement. Thus, the panels used to construct the sign plate of this invention may be flexible, rigid or a combination or degree of either extreme or degree of rigidity to flexibility.

The sign of the-invention may be formed from discreet panels linked to each other by fabric or reinforced textile, wire cable, straps, bands, hooks, hinges or other means. Other and more specific embodiments of this invention will be described hereinafter. Alternatively the panels may be created by weakening a section of a large area at a point or line to induce a hinge effect so that the panels can be folded one upon the other in a zig-zag fashion.

The panels may be reinforced for example by woven or non-woven textile material or by a rigid insert.

The rigid insert may be discontinuous where adjacent panels are hinged. or provision can be made for removing the insert prior to folding the sign. Fixing or attachment means may be provided at one or more points on the sign to attach the whole assembly to a support such as a frame, stand or bar arrangement. Such fixing points can bye either a permanent or an easily. detachable type, or a combination of both. The fixings are preferably of a type which permits easy installation of the sectionally constructed sign and its similarly easy removal-.

The sign of the invention, whether of flexible or rigid panels, will have the tendency or may be encouraged to have a tendency to fold in panels zig-zag fashion at the hinge area such that it may, when collapsed, be placed in a box of dimensions much smaller in plan than the extended sign sheet, or that plan area created by a traditional single sheet sign of equivalent size.

The box which contains the zig-zag folded panels of the sign in its collapsed form, may be attached in part or in entirety to one of the end panels of the sign, such that the sign will tend to fold into the box when collapsed and the lid of the box being closed over the top to contain the zig-zag folded assembly. The box may be created by separating the body of the box from the lid such that the lid may be-attached or form part or all of one end panel of the sign, whilst the body may be attached or form part or all of the panel at the other end of the sign. The box and lid can be substantially similar in size such that either may be called a lid or body of the box, but when put together form-a box or case which contains the sign folded in zig-zag fashion.

The panels forming the sign may, when the sign is erected, have their hinges arranged horizontally, but it is equally effective to construct them so that their hinges are in some other orientation, for example vertical or at other angles. The lines of hinges between the panels are preferably parallel. The panels forming the sign may be discrete, but attached to a flexible continuous backing sheet such as a dimensionally stable textile web, so that they are held together. This may mean that whilst some panels adjacent to each other may be abutting when unfolded, it may be necessary to provide a gap between others to permit folding the opposite way to obtain the zig-zag folded condition.

This gap can be obtained by attaching the panels to a backing for example by means of clips or by passing the backing in the form of a band through clipsor slots on the back of the panels, such that movement of the band relative to the panel is permitted. When the sign panels are folded down zig-zag fashion, the band or backing has sufficient movement to permit a hingeing action to take place. In effect, when folded away, there is space created between the abutting edges of the panels, but when unfolded, the panels will move relative to the backing so that the space between the abutting edges of the panels is closed up.

Since it is sometimes undesirable to have projections such as clips or fastenings extending from the rear surface of the sign, provision may be made to pass a webbing, wire, rope or similar support through at least one cavity or channel created internally through the panel at a convenient angle to the edge plane, preferably, but not essentially, at about 90" to the edge.

If so desired one or more signs of the invention may be used as a supplementary sign either over, in front of, below or to the side of a conventional sign or another sign in accordance with the invention. In this way a change of legend, meaning, of the original sign is achieved, or information can be added or deleted. Such second or more signs may be separate or contained within the same shell/box structure as the main or original sign if employed.

Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig.1 shows a sign of the invention in the use position; Fig.2 shows the sign of Fig.1 partially folded; Fig.3 shows the sign of Figv1 fully folded; Fig.4 is another embodiment of a sign; Fig.5 shows the sign of Fig.4 partially folded; Fig.6 illustrates a fastener for use with the sign of Fig.4; Fig.7 is another embodiment of a sign which includes a storage box; Fig.8 shows the sign of Fig.7 partly folded; Fig.9 shows the sign of Fig.7 fully folded; Fig.10 illustrates one way of supporting a sign;; Fig.11 is a horizontal section through the sign of Fig.10; Fig.12 is a horizontal section through another form of sign being a development of the sign of Fig.10; Figs.13 and 14 and 15 are vertical sections through three further embodiments.

Referring to Fig.1 a sign 10 comprises a plurality of rectangular-panels 12. Adjacent panels are linked together in any suitable way so that the sign can be folded in a zig-zag fashion as shown in Fig.2. when fully folded as shown in Fig.3 the resultant body has a length and width equal to that of a single panel and a height equal to the sum of the individual heights of the panels. Clearly the folded sign of Fig.3 is very much easier to handle than a sign of the size of that shown in Fig.1, but which does not fold.

In the embodiment shown in Fig.1 there are an uneven number of panels. This means that one panel at one end, the lowermost in the illustrated embodiment will have its front surface exposed when in the folded condition. To Prevent the front surface of the sign being damaged when the sign is folded it is, therefore, preferred to use an even number of panels so that when folded no front face is exposed.

In the embodiment shown in Figs.4 and 5, a panel 14 is provided at one end of the array of panels 12.

Panel 14 has a greater width than panels 12. When the sign is folded the panels 12 stack up on the end panel 14 leaving a part 16 of panel 14 exposed at each side of the stack. A fastener 18 as illustrated in Fig.6 is provided on exposed part 16 of panel 14 to which a bar 20 fixed to the panel at the other end of the sign can be secured to prevent the folded sign from being unfolded except when that is desired.

In the embodiment of Fig.7 the sign 10 is similar to that of Fig.1. A lid 22 and a box 24 are provided which will each fit over an end panel 12 of the sign.

When the sign is folded (Figs.8 and 9) the lid and box come together to enclose the folded sign. In this embodiment, therefore, the panels are protected in the stored condition and it does not matter if the number of panels is odd.

The lid and-box can be permanently fixed to the sign if desired and in that case may form part of the sign that carries information.

As already discussed there are many ways of supporting the sign of the invention. One way which is shown by way of example only is illustrated in Figs.10 and 11. The panels 12 are provided at their rear surfaces with hoops 30 arranged adjacent each end thereof.

Upright supports 32 which may be for example rigid bars are received in the hoops so that a succession of panels can be mounted as illustrated, the rigid bars being removed before the panels are folded.

Alternatively the upright supports 32 may be in the form of webbing or the like which may remain in place. when the panels are-folded. If a projection at the rear of the sign is to be eliminated the panels can be provided with integral passageways 34 (Fig.12) for receiving the supports 32.

The interconnection- between the panels 12 has already been discussed. One kind of interconnection is illustrated in Fig. 13. Each panel 12 is formed from flexible material 40, for-example of plastics which is reinforced with a rigid insert 42. The material 40 of a panel around-each insert 42 is joined to the material 40 of the adjacent panel by a-web, also of material 40 which constitutes a hinge 44.

Another arrangement is shown in Fig.14. Panels 12 are fixed at-spaced apart intervals to a flexible sheet 46. The gap 48 between adjacent panels is sufficient to enable the panels to be folded in zig-zag fashion as illustrated in Fig.2 for example. In use the assembly can be supported in such a way s to permit the panels to close up together so that there is no gap 48. If desired a flap 50 can be provided along one edge of each panel which covers the gap and/or engages the adjacent panel in the use position.

Fig.15 shows an- arrangement whereby a hinge 51 is provided of flexible material attached to panels 12, such that the hinge of each alternate fold is on the opposing face of the sign plate. Thus, when erected, the presented face is continuous in appearance.

The advantages provided by the invention stem from an improved method of construction of the sign plate itself, which forms or carries the information, for example pictogramme or wording which is normally a legally prescribed sign and is normally retro-reflective. From these constructional advantages are derived considerable benefits in terms of improved safety in work practice, public safety and economic advantages to the construction engineering using signs constructed in accordance with the invention.

The present invention is not limited in scope to the construction described above but also provides a method of storage of signs of the invention when not in use, and in particular the signage stacking and transportation benefits. Thus, this invention provides not only the physical construction, but also the improvements and benefits of the working practices and savings which derive from its use within a sign system for road works. The benefits are enjoyed not just once, but on every occasion the sign is erected, dis-erected or dismantled, stored or transported; -the more frequent the use, the greater the benefits enjoyed.

The invention also provides yet further benefits in that employing such a sign, an engineer or commercial contractor may enjoy more commerce through reduced expense, better safety practices and favour through professionalism.

According to another aspect of the invention, therefore, there is provided a method of transporting and/or storing a sign as defined above wherein said sign is in the folded condition.

In another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of erecting a sign comprising transporting a sign as defined above to the place where it is to be used wherein during said transport the sign is in the folded condition and wherein the sign is unfolded before or after having been mounted on a support.

In yet another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of removal of a sign as defined above comprising folding the sign before or after de-mounting from a support, and transporting the folded sign to storage dr its next place of use.

In yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method whereby one or more sign supports are erected and placed in position, upon which are mounted signs as defined above wherein the sign is left in a folded condition until such time as it is required to be displayed, the said one or more signs forming part or all of a traffic management and guidance operation at a road works site.

Claims (16)

1. A sign or sign plate comprising a plurality of panels, said panels being arranged side by side and adjacent panels being foldably connected together so that the sign plate can be folded in a zig-zag fashion.

2. A sign plate according to Claim 1 carrying a retro-reflective diagram or wording.

3. A sign according to any preceding claim, wherein said panels comprise individual panels which have means by-which they are joined together such that the joins between panels form substantially parallel lines.

4. A sign according to any preceding claim, wherein a shell or box structure is provided for accommodating the zig-zag folded panels when collapsed.

5. A sign according to Claim 4, wherein the shell or box structure forms one or more of said panels.

6. A sign according to Claim 4 or Claim 5, wherein the shell or box structure is provided with carrying means and/or closing means to secure it when not in use and/or one or more wheels.

7. A sign according to any preceding claim, wherein identification means is provided such that the sign can be identified without removing the folded sign from a rack or stack of other such folded signs.

8. A sign according to any preceding claim, wherein the one or more fixing or location means is provided to enable the sign plate to be affixed to a support means when in use.

9. A sign as claimed in Claim 4 or any claim dependent thereon, wherein the shell or box structure is formed from more than one part and wherein release of one part permits or causes the panels to unfold.

10. A sign according to any preceding claim, wherein the panels are discrete and are linked to each other by textile or other means.

11. A sign according to any preceding claim, wherein the panels are created by weakening sections to induce a hinge effect.

12. A method of transporting and/or storing a sign according to any preceding claim, wherein said sign is in the folded condition.

13. A method of erecting a sign comprising transporting a sign according to any preceding claim to the place where it is to be used wherein during said transport the sign is in the folded condition and wherein the sign is unfolded before or after having been mounted on a support.

14. A method of removal of a sign according to any preceding claim comprising folding the sign before or after de-mounting from a support, and transporting the folded sign to storage or its next place of use.

15. A method whereby one or more sign supports are erected and placed in position, upon which are mounted signs according to any preceding claim wherein the sign is left in a folded condition until such time as it is required to be displayed, the said one or more signs forming part or all of a traffic management and guidance operation at a road works site.

16. A sign or a method substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.