GB2554853A

GB2554853A - A mounting mechanism for a safety light

Info

Publication number: GB2554853A
Application number: GB1614466.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Hooper Steven; Wright Christopher
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-08-24
Filing date: 2016-08-24
Publication date: 2018-04-18
Also published as: GB201614466D0

Abstract

A mounting mechanism 1 for a safety light comprises a receiving body 2 configured to hold a light unit such that the light unit is aligned along a first axis. A pair of clamping arms 3 extend from the receiving body 2. The clamping arms 3 are configured to clamp onto an object in use to connect the mounting mechanism 1 to the object. A second axis runs between the clamping arms 3. The mechanism may be used to clamp the safety light to a road barrier (Figs. 6, 7).

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: A mounting mechanism for a safety light Abstract Title: Mounting clamp for a safety lamp (57) A mounting mechanism 1 for a safety light comprises a receiving body 2 configured to hold a light unit such that the light unit is aligned along a first axis. A pair of clamping arms 3 extend from the receiving body 2. The clamping arms 3 are configured to clamp onto an object in use to connect the mounting mechanism 1 to the object. A second axis runs between the clamping arms 3. The mechanism may be used to clamp the safety light to a road barrier (Figs. 6, 7).

At least one drawing originally filed was informal and the print reproduced here is taken from a later filed formal copy.

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Figure 1a (prior art) Figure 1b (prior art) Figure 1c (prior art)

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Figure 5

A mounting mechanism for a safety light

FIELD

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

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. Street and roadworks are required by law to be appropriately lit under certain conditions, such as poor visibility or during the hours of darkness, and there are usually associated laws and regulations around how and where the lights must be positioned. For example, in the UK, for streets or roads having a speed limit of 40mph or less, warning lights must be no more than 1.5 metres above the road, and no more than 1.2 metres above the road for speed limits of 50 mph or more. Body colour, lamp colour, flash rate and steady light performance, etc. must also conform to various regulations/rules. 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 mounting mechanism for a safety light 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 of”, 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 mounting mechanism fora safety light, comprising: a receiving body configured to hold a light unit in use such that the light unit is aligned along a first axis; a pair of clamping arms extending in use from the receiving body, the clamping arms configured to clamp onto an object in use to connect the mounting mechanism to the object, a second axis running between the clamping arms in use; the receiving body and clamping arms mutually configured so that the first and second axes are substantially parallel. The arrangement of the arms and receiving body allows the mounting mechanism to be connected to a safety barrier or similar, and for a number of barriers and associated mounting mechanisms and lights to be stacked or stored in an efficient manner without the need to remove the lights or mounting mechanisms.

In an embodiment, the second axis is offset from the first axis.

In an embodiment, the receiving body is substantially tubular.

In an embodiment, the receiving body has a substantially closed base.

In an embodiment, an aperture is formed through the closed base, suitable to receive the body of a screw or bolt therethrough.

In an embodiment, at least one of the pair of clamping arms is formed integrally with the receiving body and extends outwards from the receiving body generally perpendicular to the main axis of the receiving body.

In an embodiment, the at least one clamping arm comprises a short body portion at the inner end of the first clamping arm adjacent to the receiving body, and a main body portion integrally formed with the short body portion, the main body portion aligned to the short body portion at an angle.

In an embodiment, the angle between the main body portion and the short body portion is substantially 45-degrees.

In an embodiment, each of the clamping arms comprises an elongate central gripping section, the elongate gripping section on at least one of the clamping arms comprising a toothed or notched section.

In an embodiment, the central gripping section is substantially straight.

In an embodiment, at least one aperture is formed in each end of each of the clamping arms.

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 1a to 1c show side, top perspective, and bottom perspective views respectively of a known self-contained lighting unit suitable for use with an embodiment of the mounting mechanism of the present invention.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view form one side and slightly above of an embodiment of the mounting mechanism of the present invention, having a receiving body configured to hold a light unit such that the light unit is aligned along a first axis, and a pair of clamping arms extending from the receiving body that are configured to clamp onto or around an object in use to connect the mounting mechanism to the object, a second axis running between the clamping arms in use, the receiving body and clamping arms mutually configured so that the first and second axes are substantially parallel, a light unit shown in position on the receiving body.

Figure 3 shows a plan view of the embodiment of mounting mechanism and light unit shown in figure 2.

Figure 4 shows a side view from the outer ends of the clamping arms of the embodiment of mounting mechanism and light unit shown in figures 2 and 3.

Figure 5 shows a side view with the clamping arms side-on of the embodiment of mounting mechanism and light unit shown in figures 2 to 4.

Figure 6 shows a close-up view of the mounting mechanism and light unit of the previous figures clamped to a central upright of a safety barrier.

Figure 7 shows a pair of the safety barriers and connected or clamped mounting mechanisms and light units of figure 6 laid on their side, one stacked on top of the other.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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

Lighting unit

A lighting unit 100 of the prior art type, suitable for use with the mounting mechanism of the present invention is shown in figures 1a - 1c. The lighting unit 100 has two main parts: a lighting portion 101 and a base portion 102. The lighting portion 101 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 102 is T-shaped in side view, with a flat top 103 that is circular in plan view, and a connector stem 104 that forms the upright of the T-shape. The bottom or wider part of the lighting portion 101 is equivalently sized with, and connects to, the top face of the flat top 103, the bottom or wider part of the light portion 101 equivalently sized with the flat top 103. The connector stem 104 that forms the upright of the T-shape is formed as a tubular extension that extends from the centre of the underside or lower face of the flat top 103, perpendicular to the plane of the flat top 103. The connector stem 104 is used to house a battery and any required circuitry for the light.

The light shines outwards from the conical section generally planar to the flat top 103. 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 lighting unit is self-contained and contains a battery and circuitry so that it can be sealed or semi-sealed. No wires or other connectors extend from the lighting unit 100.

Mounting mechanism

A first embodiment of mounting mechanism generally designated as mounting mechanism 1 is shown in figures 2 to 5. The mounting mechanism has two main parts: a receiving body 2, and a pair of clamping arms 3.

The receiving body 2 has the general form of a cylindrical tube, with an open top end and closed base end, the central axis forming a first axis. The base portion 102 of the lighting unit 100 locates into the receiving body in use, via the open top, which is of complementary shape and size to the base portion 102. An aperture 4 is formed through the base or bottom of the open recessed top.

A first clamping arm 3a is formed integrally with the receiving body 2, and extends outwards from the receiving body 2 generally perpendicular to the main axis of the tubular body 2 (i.e. if the main axis is vertically aligned, the body of the first clamping arm 3a will be horizontally aligned. A short portion of the body (short body portion 5) of the first clamping arm 3a, at the inner end of the first clamping arm 3a (that end directly adjacent to the receiving body 2) extends outwards radially from the receiving body 2. The main or longest portion of the clamping arm 3a (main body portion 6) is integrally formed with the short body portion 5, and is aligned to the short body portion at an angle of substantially 45-degrees when viewed in plan view. The effect of the angled short body portion 5 is to offset the second axis (that runs between the arms 3 in use when clamped together) from the first axis. That is, a straight line that passes through both ends of the first clamping arm 3a will be offset from, and will not contact, the first axis. In this embodiment, the short body portion 5 is of sufficient size (and the body 2 is sized) to ensure that a line parallel to this, that passes through the second axis, will pass outside the body 2. That is, the second axis is offset from the first axis.

The main body portion 6 has two end connectors 7a, 7b, joined by a central gripping section 8. The inner end connector 7a is directly adjacent to, and integrally formed with, the outer end of the short body portion 5. The end connectors 7a, 7b are substantially cuboid. The central gripping section 8 is a substantially straight, elongate member with an inner face and an outer face. The inner and outer faces of the central gripping section 8 are each aligned substantially parallel to the main axis of the tubular body 2. The 45-degree angle between the short body portion 5 and the main body portion 6 is formed such that the outer face is angled towards or closer to the tubular body 2. The central gripping section 8 is slightly offset in plan view from the end connectors 7a, 7b - that is, towards the tubular body 2, or in the same direction as the 45-degree angle. The inner face of the central gripping section 8 is toothed or notched along substantially all it's length, the notches aligned in substantially the same direction as the axis of the receiving body 2. Apertures 9 are formed through the centres of the end connectors 7a, 7b, aligned perpendicular to the axis of the receiving body 2, so that when the axis of the receiving body 2 is vertical, the axes of the apertures 9 will be horizontally aligned.

A second clamping arm 3b is formed separately to the single-piece unit of the combined receiving body 2 and first connection arm 3a. The second clamping arm 3b has roughly the same form as the first clamping arm 3a, but reversed or mirrored. The second clamping arm 3b has a central gripping section 10 that runs between end connectors 11a, 11b, and is offset from these. The connectors 11a, 11b have central apertures 12 aligned perpendicular to the axis of the receiving body 2, so that when the axis of the receiving body 2 - the first axis - is vertical, the axes of the apertures 12 will be horizontally aligned. Viewed along the axes of the apertures 12, the connectors 11a, 11b have profiles substantially the same as connectors 7a, 7b. However, in plan view, the connectors 11a, 11b are narrower or shorter than connectors 7a, 7b, not extending as far in the axial direction of the apertures 12 as the connectors 7a, 7b extend along the axes of the apertures 9.

In use, mounting mechanism 1 is clamped to a suitable area on a barrier or similar, as shown in figure 6. The apertures 9, 12 are aligned with their equivalents on the other arm, with the barrier body located between the inner faces of the central gripping sections 8, 10. It can be seen that the axis of grip or second axis - that is, the axis perpendicular to the arms 3 and running between the closed or clamped arms 3, is parallel to the first axis.

Bolts 13 or similar are passed through the apertures 9, 12 to hold the arms 3a, 3b together and to hold the mounting mechanism 1 onto the barrier..

In use, a light unit (i.e. light unit 100 in the embodiment described above) is located in the receiving body 2, and can be held in place by another bolt passing upwards through aperture 4.

All the part of the mounting mechanism 1 as described above (with the exception of the bolts 13) are formed from polycarbonate. However, any suitable material can be used in place of this. The bolts 13 are stainless steel in the preferred embodiment.

In the embodiment described above, the mounting mechanism 1 is suitable for clamping to, and mounting a light on, a barrier of the type that has flattened uprights, such as the plastic moulded barriers used for roadworks or similar. In variations, the shape and size of the arms could be varied for use with other types of barrier, or other types of item to which a light may need to be affixed. For example, the central gripping sections could be shaped so as to appear semi-circular in plan view, for clamping onto circular cross-sectioned items such as lamp post or similar. Other shapes and sizes are also possible without departing from the scope of the invention, to accommodate clamping to differently sized and shaped items. The two arms as described above are separate. These could be connected at one end, for example using a living hinge, which is then used to rotate the arms towards and away from each other to clamp and unclamp an item between them. An integral catch or similar could be used instead of separate bolts, to hold the arms together.

One major advantage ofthe mounting mechanism ofthe present invention is that a series of barriers, each with a mounting mechanism connected and with a light in place, can be stacked lying on their sides (or stored in a similar manner but upright). The barriers can be stored, stacked, or positioned, and transferred from one state (e.g. a 'stored' state) to another (e.g. an 'in use' state) with the mounting mechanism and an associated light still in position. That is, there is no need to remove the mounting mechanism, or the light if present, in order to use the barrier or other similar object. This is primarily a consequence of the parallel alignment of the first and second axes.

A mounting mechanism as described and claimed solves the problem of unsecured fixings or loose parts representing a risk. Known options for securing safety lamps have to be removed from barriers and re-fixed for future use, and the maps and mounts are easily broken through vandalism or carelessness, with the batteries having a value that makes them an attractive target for thieves. The mounting mechanism of the invention allows the lamp to be fitted, collected and stored without the need to remove the lamp. The invention allows the lamp to fit within the void spaces of stacked barriers. This assists with increasing safety by reducing the amount of roadside maintenance required.

Claims

1. A mounting mechanism for a safety light, comprising:

a receiving body configured to hold a light unit in use such that the light unit is aligned along a first axis;

a pair of clamping arms extending in use from the receiving body, the clamping arms configured to clamp onto an object in use to connect the mounting mechanism to the object, a second axis running between the clamping arms in use;

the receiving body and clamping arms mutually configured so that the first and second axes are substantially parallel.

2. A mounting mechanism as claimed in claim 1 wherein the second axis is offset from the first axis.

3. A mounting mechanism as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the receiving body is substantially tubular.

4. A mounting mechanism as claimed in claim 3 wherein the receiving body has a substantially closed base.

5. A mounting mechanism as claimed in claim 4 wherein an aperture is formed through the closed base, suitable to receive the body of a screw or bolt therethrough.

6. A mounting mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 5 wherein at least one of the pair of clamping arms is formed integrally with the receiving body and extends outwards from the receiving body generally perpendicular to the main axis of the receiving body.

7. A mounting mechanism as claimed in claim 6 wherein the at least one clamping arm comprises a short body portion at the inner end of the first clamping arm adjacent to the receiving body, and a main body portion integrally formed with the short body portion, the main body portion aligned to the short body portion at an angle.

8. A mounting mechanism as claimed in claim 7 wherein the angle between the main body portion and the short body portion is substantially 45-degrees.

9. A mounting mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein each of the clamping arms comprises an elongate central gripping section, the elongate gripping section on at least one of the clamping arms comprising a toothed or notched section.

10. A mounting mechanism as claimed in claim 9 wherein the central gripping section is substantially straight.

11. A mounting mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein at least one aperture is formed in each end of each of the clamping arms.

5

12. A safety light and mounting mechanism substantially as herein described with reference to figures 2 to 5.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1614466.9 Examiner: Vaughan Phillips

5 12. A safety light and mounting mechanism substantially as herein described with reference to figures 2 to 6.

Amendments to the Claims have been filed as follows:Claims

1. A mounting mechanism for a safety light, comprising:

5 a pair of clamping arms extending in use from the receiving body, the clamping arms configured to clamp onto an object in use to connect the mounting mechanism to the object, a second axis running between the clamping arms in use;

10 2. A mounting mechanism as claimed in claim 1 wherein the second axis is offset from the first axis.

4. A mounting mechanism as claimed in claim 3 wherein the receiving body has a 15 substantially closed base.

6. A mounting mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 5 wherein at least one of the pair of clamping arms is formed integrally with the receiving body and

20 extends outwards from the receiving body generally perpendicular to the main axis of the receiving body.

7. A mounting mechanism as claimed in claim 6 wherein the at least one clamping arm comprises a short body portion at the inner end of the first clamping arm adjacent to the receiving body, and a main body portion integrally formed with the

25 short body portion, the main body portion aligned to the short body portion at an angle.

9. A mounting mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein each of 30 the clamping arms comprises an elongate central gripping section, the elongate gripping section on at least one of the clamping arms comprising a toothed or notched section.