GB2529147A

GB2529147A - A safety light and mounting mechanism

Info

Publication number: GB2529147A
Application number: GB1412969.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Christopher Anthony Wright; Steven Hooper
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-07-22
Filing date: 2014-07-22
Publication date: 2016-02-17
Also published as: GB201412969D0

Abstract

A safety light and mounting mechanism comprises a lighting unit 2 having a lighting portion 4 providing light in multiple directions in a main plane, and a base portion 5 extending from the lighting portion 4. A part of the base portion 5 has a female connector 9 and another part of the base portion 5 is configured externally to act as a male connector 7 so that equivalent male and female connectors such as clamps or brackets can connect to the base portion 5.

Description

A safety light and mounting mechanism

FIELD

The present invention relates to a safety light and a mounting mechanism for holding the safety light and connecting the safety light to an object.

BACKGROUND

There are many situations where it is desirable or required to securely attach a hazard light or lights to an item that would not normally require a built-in hazard light, or where in normal use, it might be required to move or adjust the position of the light frequently, so having an integral light is undesirable. For example, hazard lights might be required to be mounted on scaffolding, road cones, construction barriers, temporary road barriers, etc. The number and position of the lights will be dictated by a particular situation, and so having lights that can be attached, detached or moved as required is desirable.

The detachable hazard lights currently available or that are known in the art usually have a mount that requires adaption to a particular situation, or have a mount that is designed for a single purpose and which does not allow easy adjustment.

For example, most of the existing designs of hazard light for mounting on top of traffic are cumbersome, and are intended to hang the light on the cone with no fastening.

This means that the light can easily fall off when in position. Unsecured or broken lights left on the roadside create additional danger for passing traffic and pedestrians.

Furthermore, the cones cannot usually be stacked without removing the light.

Similarly, lights used on barriers are generally just hung from the side rather than securely attached, and the light can easily become detached.

Scaffolding lights are generally powered via a connection to a mains outlet, so access to a power outlet is a consideration when mounting these on the scaffolding, and trailing power cables can create an additional hazard or an additional requirement to be fastened securely out of the way. Also, the more commonly used types are generally just hung from the scaffolding and can fall off or otherwise easily become detached.

It is common for all of these types of light to be limited in the direction of use -for example uni-direction rather than omni-directional. This can limit the mounting orientations, which can limit the use location options for any particular light.

In this specification where reference has been made to patent specifications, other external documents, or other sources of information, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the invention. Unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to such external documents is not to be construed as an admission that such documents, or such sources of information, in any jurisdiction, are prior art, or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the present invention to provide a safety light and mounting mechanism which goes some way to overcoming the abovementioned disadvantages or which at least provides the public or industry with a useful choice.

The term "comprising" as used in this specification and indicative independent claims means "consisting at least in part or, and is intended as an inclusive rather than exclusive term. When interpreting each statement in this specification and indicative independent claims that includes the term "comprising", features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprises" are to be interpreted in the same manner.

As used herein the term "and/or" means "and" or "or", or both.

As used herein "(s)' following a noun means the plural and/or singular forms of the noun.

Accordingly, in an aspect the present invention may broadly be said to consist in a safety light and mounting mechanism, comprising: a lighting unit comprising a lighting portion configured to provide light in multiple directions in a main plane, and a base portion extending from the lighting portion, at least part of the base portion configured as a female connector and at least part of the base portion further configured externally to act as a male connector so that equivalent male and female connectors can connect to the base portion. Having a base portion with both male and female connectors allows the safety light to be securely connected to a mounting mechanism and mounted where required, and gives flexibility in the method of connection.

In an embodiment, the safety light and mounting mechanism further comprises a mounting means configured to releasably connect to the lighting unit via the base portion and securely connect the safety light and mount to a separate object. This allows the safety light to be securely mounted.

In an embodiment, the mounting means comprises a body configured to form a female connector complementary to the base portion male connector, the body further configured to form at least one of a pair of jaws that together form a clamp.

This provides a secure and reliable way of mounting the safety light.

In an embodiment, the safety light and mounting mechanism comprises a pair of jaws formed from the body integral jaw and an outer jaw. This provides a simple and reliable mechanism.

In an embodiment, the jaws are configured to act linearly. This provides more even grip on an object to which the mounting mechanism is clamped.

In an embodiment, the jaws further comprise complementary flanges and at least one bolt, the flanges configured so that the bolt or bolts can pass through the flanges to connect the jaws. This provides a simple and reliable mechanism.

In an embodiment, the jaws are internally profiled so that an aperture is formed between the jaws in at least the closed position. This allows the mounting mechanism to connect to items such as poles.

In an embodiment, the aperture has an at least partly generally curved perimeter.

This allows the mounting mechanism to connect to items such as poles.

In an embodiment, at least a portion of the perimeter of the aperture is profiled to form teeth. This provides more even grip on an object to which the mounting mechanism is clamped.

In an embodiment, the jaws are aligned so that the clamping axis is substantially parallel to the main plane. This allows the light to be mounted to extend above a horizontal pole.

In an embodiment, the jaws are aligned so that the clamping axis is substantially perpendicular to the main plane. This allows the light to be mounted to extend to one side of a vertical pole with the main plane horizontal.

In an embodiment, the clamping axis is spaced away from the lighting unit so that the axis does not intersect with the lighting unit. This allows the light to be mounted spaced away from the item to which it is mounted.

In an embodiment, the female connector of the lighting unit comprises a first bolt aperture, the body of the mounting means further comprising a second bolt aperture formed through the body to align with the first bolt aperture. This provides a simple and robust mechanism.

In an embodiment, the mounting means is an elongate member having an end that forms a male connector complementary to the base female connector and which has a main body that extends from the base when connected. This allows the light to be mounted above an item such as a cone.

In an embodiment, the base female connector and the elongate member male connector are complementarily threaded. This provides a simple and robust mechanism.

In an embodiment, the safety light and mounting mechanism further comprises an anchoring means connected to the main body of the elongate member and configured to be expandable between a closed position substantially flush with the main body, and an open position where the anchoring means extends away from the main body. This assists with keeping the light anchored in position.

In an embodiment, the anchoring means comprises at least one expanding linkage.

This provides a simple and robust mechanism.

In an embodiment, at least part of the length of the main body is threaded, the expanding linkage configured to screw onto the main body and further configured so that the expanding linkage can be rotated relative to the main body to cause the linkage to expand and contract between the open and closed positions. This provides a simple and robust mechanism.

In an embodiment, the expanding linkage comprises two opposed arm pairs connecting between an internally threaded connector pair configured for screwing onto the main body. This provides a simple and robust mechanism.

In an embodiment, the safety light and mounting mechanism further comprises a second jaw hingedly connected to the body at an inner end of the body. This provides a simple and robust mechanism.

In an embodiment, each of the jaws are substantially linear. This allows the mounting mechanism to clamp onto a planar item.

In an embodiment, the safety light and mounting mechanism further comprises a user-activatable locking mechanism configured to lock the jaws in position relative to one another. This provides a mechanism for securing the apparatus in position.

In an embodiment, the jaws extend along an axis substantially perpendicular to the main plane. This allows the light to be mounted to extend above a horizontal barrier.

In an embodiment, the body is formed so that the jaws are offset from the lighting unit. This allows the light to be mounted spaced away from the item to which it is mounted.

In an embodiment, the lighting unit is self-contained. This removes the ned to cables that can cause a trip hazard.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Further aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings which show an embodiment of the device by way of example, and in which: Figures la to ic show side, top perspective, and bottom perspective views respectively of an embodiment of a self-contained lighting unit suitable for use with the safety light and mounting mechanism of the present invention.

Figures 2a to 2d show side, front, bottom perspective and top perspective views respectively of an embodiment of mounting mechanism and the lighting unit of figure 1 that together form an embodiment of the safety light and mounting mechanism of the present invention.

Figures 3a to 3e show front, side, bottom perspective, top perspective and top views respectively of another embodiment of mounting mechanism and the lighting unit of figure 1 that together form an embodiment of the safety light and mounting mechanism of the present invention.

Figures 4a to 4d show side, front, bottom perspective and top perspective views respectively of an embodiment of mounting mechanism and the lighting unit of figure 1 that together form an embodiment of the safety light and mounting mechanism of the present invention.

Figures 5a to 5c show side, top perspective, and bottom perspective views respectively of an embodiment of mounting mechanism and the lighting unit of figure 1 that together form an embodiment of the safety light and mounting mechanism of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the safety light and mounting mechanism of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the figures.

Lighting unit A lighting unit 2 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown in figures la -ic. The lighting unit is suitable for use with several different embodiments of mounting mechanism. The lighting unit 2 has two main parts: a lighting portion 4 and a base portion 5. The lighting portion 4 is generally conical, with a flattened or cut-off top, and is formed from transparent or translucent plastic, and contains a light (not shown).

The base portion 5 has a base 8 having a generally flat top and circular in plan view, and a connector 7 formed as a conical extension that extends from the underside of the base 8 generally centrally and perpendicularly to the plane of the base 8. The connector 7 forms a male connector, the function of which will be described in detail below. The connector 7 can also be used to house a battery and any required circuitry for the light.

The bottom or wider part of the light portion 4 connects to the top side of the base 8, the bottom or wider part of the light portion 4 equivalently sized to the base portion 8.

The light shines outwards from the conical section generally planar to the flat base 8.

However, it should be noted that although this is the main plane, and the light can shine in a 360-degree circle in this main plane (multiple directions), the light is not focussed or directed in any way and so the light is not confined or focussed in this plane, and will spill outwards above and below this main lighting plane.

The bottom of the connector 7 also has a threaded aperture 9 formed at the centre which forms a female connector in the base portion 8.

The lighting unit is self-contained and contains a battery and circuitry so that it can be sealed or semi-sealed (for example by mutually threading the lighting portion 4 and base portion 5). No wires or other connectors extend from the lighting unit 2.

The lighting unit 2 can be used with several different embodiments of mounting mechanism that will now be described.

Mounting mechanism -first embodiment A first embodiment of mounting mechanism generally designated as item 100 is shown in figures 2a to 2d. The mounting mechanism has a main body 103 with an open recessed top into which the whole of the base portion 5 of the lighting unit 2 locates in use, the interior of the open recessed top of complementary shape and size to the base portion 5. A connection aperture 111 is formed through the bottom of the open recessed top, the function of which will be described below.

The underside of the main body 103 is shaped to form an inwards arch or curve 106 when viewed from the side as shown in figure 2b, the arch or curve formed as a series of steps to form teeth 104 across the curve 106. A pair of flanges 105 extend from the body 103 each side of the curve 106, generally parallel to the top of the base 8 of the lighting unit 2. The arch or curve 106 forms the first one of a pair of jaws.

The second jaw of the pair is formed as a separate item -jaw 107, and has a centre portion 108 that forms a toothed arch or curve, with flanges 109 at each end, the second jaw generally mirroring the first jaw, and the flanges 105 on the body 103 mirrored by the flanges 109 on the jaw 107.

The flanges 106, 109 have apertures formed therethrough, which can be aligned with one another. Bolts 110 are passed through the apertures to hold the second jaw 107 onto the body 103. An aperture is formed between the jaws 105, 107, and the size of the aperture can be altered by moving the jaw 107 linearly inwards or outwards towards or away from the body 103, with the jaw 107 held in position by the bolts 110. The axis of the aperture formed between the is generally parallel to the main axis of light from a light unit 2 located in the open recessed top.

The light unit can be connected and held in position by passing a bolt through the aperture ill at the bottom of the open recessed top from below (i.e. from within the aperture between the jaws and through the top of the inner jaw 106) to connect with the threaded aperture 9.

This embodiment of the mounting mechanism allows the light to be mounted on a horizontal pole or similar by clamping the jaws around the pole. The bolts can have a security head so they can only be rotated with a proprietary tool, so that the light and mounting mechanism cannot be moved by unauthorised parties.

Mounting mechanism -second embodiment A second embodiment of mounting mechanism generally designated as item 200 is shown in figures 3a to 3d. The mounting mechanism has a main body 203 with an open recessed top into which the whole of the base portion 5 of the lighting unit 2 locates in use, the interior of the open recessed top of complementary shape and size to the base portion 5 of the lighting unit 2. A connection aperture 211 is formed through the bottom of the open recessed top, the function of which will be described below.

The body 203 extends sideways from the open recessed top -that is, the open recessed top is to one side or end of the body 203. The opposite end from the open recessed top is shaped to form an inwards arch or curve 206 when viewed from above as shown in figure 3e, the arch or curve formed as a series of steps to form teeth 204 across the curve 206. A pair of flanges 205 extend from the body 203 each side of the curve 206, extending generally parallel to the top of the base 8 of the lighting unit 2, but aligned with their flat faces perpendicular to the base 8. The arch or curve 106 forms the first one of a pair of jaws.

The second jaw of the pair is formed as a separate item -jaw 207, and has a centre portion 208 that forms a toothed arch or curve, with flanges 209 at each end, the second jaw 207 generally mirroring the first jaw 206, and the flanges 205 on the body 203 mirrored by the flanges 209 on the jaw 107.

The flanges 205, 209 have apertures formed therethrough, which can be aligned with one another. Bolts (not shown) are passed through the apertures to hold the second jaw 207 onto the body 203. An aperture is formed between the jaws 206, 207, and the size of the aperture can be altered by moving the jaw 207 linearly inwards or outwards towards or away from the body 103, with the jaw 207 held in position by the bolts 210. The axis of the aperture formed between the is generally perpendicular to the main plane of light from the light unit 2 located in the open recessed top.

The light unit 2 can be connected and held in position by passing a bolt through the aperture 211 at the bottom of the open recessed top from below to connect with the threaded aperture 9 on the light unit 2.

This embodiment of the mounting mechanism allows the light to be mounted on a vertical pole or similar by clamping the jaws around the pole. The bolts can have a security head so they can only be rotated with a proprietary tool, so that the light and mounting mechanism cannot be moved by unauthorised parties.

Mounting mechanism -third embodiment A third embodiment of mounting mechanism generally designated as item 300 is shown in figures 4a to 4d. The mounting mechanism has a main body 303 with an open recessed top into which the whole of the base portion 5 of the lighting unit 2 locates in use, the interior of the open recessed top of complementary shape and size to the base portion 5 of the lighting unit 2. A connection aperture 311 is formed through the bottom of the open recessed top, the function of which will be described below.

The body 303 extends sideways from the open recessed top -that is, the open recessed top is to one side or end of the body 303, and then curves through substantially a right-angle downwards' -that is, away from the direction of the lighting unit 2, but in parallel to the axis of the lighting unit 2 (perpendicular to the main lighting plane) to form a first jaw 306. A jaws aperture 312 is formed through the corner/intersection between the first jaw 306 and the main part of the body 303. A lockable hinge 313 is located in the aperture 312.

A second jaw 307 is hingedly connected to the body 303 at the inside of the corner formed between the body 303 and the first jaw 306, via the lockable hinge 313. That is, at an inner end of the body, closest to the main lighting plane. The hinge mechanism 313 allows the second jaw to be rotated towards and away from the inner surface of the first jaw 306, and for the jaws to be locked in position relative to one another.

This embodiment of the mounting mechanism allows the light to be mounted to an edge, such as the horizontal top edge of a road barrier or similar (this could also be turned sideways for mounting to a vertically aligned edge).

Mounting mechanism -fourth embodiment A fourth embodiment of mounting mechanism generally designated as item 400 is shown in figures 5a to 5c. In this embodiment, the mounting mechanism has a main body formed as an elongate member 403 externally threaded along it's length, one end forming a male connector complementary to the female connector or threaded aperture 9 in the lighting unit 2, the main body 403 extending from the base of the lighting unit 2 when connected. An anchoring mechanism generally designated as 413 is threaded or screwed onto the main body 403 via two connectors 414a and 414b that form a pair of connectors. Two pairs of arms 415 connect between the connectors 414a and 414b, the arms connected to each other at their inner ends and the outer ends of each of the arms connected to one of the connectors so that the connectors and the arms together form an expanding linkage assembly. In use, the upper one of the connectors 414a is screwed up the main body 403 until it abuts the bottom surface of the base portion 5 of the lighting unit 2. Further rotation of the assembled connectors and arms around the main body 403 causes the lower connector 414b to move upwards towards the upper connector 414a, and for the pairs of arms 415 to bend outwards at their join. As they bend outwards, they move or expand from a closed position where they are substantially flush with the main body to an open position where they extend away from the main body.

This embodiment is intended for mounting to the top of a traffic cone or similar. The main body 403 and the expanding linkage assembly are passed down through the top of the cone so that they are inside the cone and the light rests on top of the cone.

The arms at moved from the closed to the open position so that the main body 403 and the expanding linkage assembly cannot be moved back up through the cone aperture, and the light is locked in place on the top of the cone.

A safety light and mounting mechanism according to the invention can be compactly and securely fitted. For example this allows cones to be stacked and collected without taking the lights off, making the workers job safer and easier, as they do not have to remove the lights to stack the cones. The safety light and mounting mechanism is also smaller, light sensitive and more economical than designs currently commonly used.

The lighting unit runs on batteries (12V batteries in the preferred embodiment) and can be configured for light sensitive operation, so there is no need to run wires from the light for power and operation, which helps to reduce the incidence of trip hazards.

The light can be mounted vertically or horizontally to maximize visibility.

If mounted on a barrier, the light is secure and is less likely to fall off or be removed inadvertently or without authorisation.

Claims

Claims 1. A safety light and mounting mechanism, comprising: a lighting unit comprising a lighting portion configured to provide light in multiple directions in a main plane, and a base portion extending from the lighting portion, at least part of the base portion configured as a female connector and at least part of the base portion further configured externally to act as a male connector so that equivalent male and female connectors can connect to the base portion.
2. A safety light and mounting mechanism as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a mounting means configured to releasably connect to the lighting unit via the base portion and securely connect the safety light and mount to a separate object.
3. A safety light and mounting mechanism as claimed in claim 2 wherein the mounting means comprises a body configured to form a female connector complementary to the base portion male connector, the body further configured to form at least one of a pair of jaws that together form a clamp.
4. A safety light and mounting mechanism as claimed in claim 3 comprising a pair of jaws formed from the body integral jaw and an outer jaw.
5. A safety light and mounting mechanism as claimed in claim 4 wherein the jaws are configured to act linearly.
6. A safety light and mounting mechanism as claimed in claim 5 wherein the jaws further comprise complementary flanges and at least one bolt, the flanges configured so that the bolt or bolts can pass through the flanges to connect the jaws.
7. A safety light and mounting mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 5 wherein the jaws are internally profiled so that an aperture is formed between the jaws in at least the closed position.
8. A safety light and mounting mechanism as claimed in claim 7 wherein the aperture has an at least partly generally curved perimeter.
9. A safety light and mounting mechanism as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8 wherein at least a portion of the perimeter of the aperture is profiled to form teeth.
10. A safety light and mounting mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 9 wherein the jaws are aligned so that the clamping axis is substantially parallel to the main plane.
11. A safety light and mounting mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 9 wherein the jaws are aligned so that the clamping axis is substantially perpendicular to the main plane.
12. A safety light and mounting mechanism as claimed in claim 11 wherein the clamping axis is spaced away from the lighting unit so that the axis does not intersect with the lighting unit.
13. A safety light and mounting mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 12 wherein the female connector of the lighting unit comprises a first bolt aperture, the body of the mounting means further comprising a second bolt aperture formed through the body to align with the first bolt aperture.
14. A safety light and mounting mechanism as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the mounting means is an elongate member having an end that forms a male connector complementary to the base female connector and which has a main body that extends from the base when connected.
15. A safety light and mounting mechanism as claimed in claim 14 wherein the base female connector and the elongate member male connector are complementarily threaded.
16. A safety light and mounting mechanism as claimed in claim 15 further comprising an anchoring means connected to the main body of the elongate member and configured to be expandable between a closed position substantially flush with the main body, and an open position where the anchoring means extends away from the main body.
17. A safety light and mounting mechanism as claimed in claim 16 wherein the anchoring means comprises at least one expanding linkage.
18. A safety light and mounting mechanism as claimed in claim 17 wherein at least part of the length of the main body is threaded, the expanding linkage configured to screw onto the main body and further configured so that the expanding linkage can be rotated relative to the main body to cause the linkage to expand and contract between the open and closed positions.
19. A safety light and mounting mechanism as claimed in claim 18 wherein the expanding linkage comprises two opposed arm pairs connecting between an internally threaded connector pair configured for screwing onto the main body.
20. A safety light and mounting mechanism as claimed in claim 3 further comprising a second jaw hingedly connected to the body at an inner end of the body.
21. A safety light and mounting mechanism as claimed in claim 20 wherein each of the jaws are substantially linear.
22. A safety light and mounting mechanism as claimed in claim 20 or claim 21 further comprising a user-activatable locking mechanism configured to lock the jaws in position relative to one another.
23. A safety light and mounting mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 22 wherein the jaws extend along an axis substantially perpendicular to the main plane.
24. A safety light and mounting mechanism as claimed in claim 23 wherein the body is formed so that the jaws are offset from the lighting unit.
25. A safety light and mounting mechanism as claimed in any one of claims ito 24 wherein the lighting unit is self-contained.
26. A safety light and mounting mechanism substantially as herein described with reference to figures 2a-2d.
27. A safety light and mounting mechanism substantially as herein described with reference to figures 3a-3e.
28. A safety light and mounting mechanism substantially as herein described with reference to figures 4a-4d.
29. A safety light and mounting mechanism substantially as herein described with reference to figures 5a-5c.