GB2577083A

GB2577083A - Warning apparatus and use thereof

Info

Publication number: GB2577083A
Application number: GB1814856.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Thompson Peter
Original assignee: Rail Safety Solutions Ltd
Current assignee: Rail Safety Solutions Ltd
Priority date: 2018-09-12
Filing date: 2018-09-12
Publication date: 2020-03-18
Anticipated expiration: 2038-09-12
Also published as: GB2577083B; GB201814856D0

Abstract

A warning apparatus (102), comprising: a housing (104); attachment means (124) for attaching the housing (104) to a structure (195); at least one warning indicator means (110, 120) carried by or within the housing (104); and actuation means (142, 144, 146, 148, 150) for actuating the at least one warning indicator means (110, 120) into a or a respective warning mode thereof; wherein the attachment means (124) are constructed and arranged such that the housing is removably attachable to the structure (195), and wherein the warning indicator means (110, 120) comprises custom warning indicator means comprising: audio recording means for recording an audio clip, and audio playback means for playing back the audio clip when the warning indicator means is in a or a respective warning mode. The application also relates to a vehicle movement warning apparatus wherein the vehicle is a train.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: Warning apparatus and use thereof

Abstract Title: A vehicle movement warning apparatus for providing a warning indication that a vehicle is preparing to move (57) A warning apparatus (102), comprising: a housing (104); attachment means (124) for attaching the housing (104) to a structure (195); at least one warning indicator means (110, 120) carried by or within the housing (104); and actuation means (142, 144, 146, 148, 150) for actuating the at least one warning indicator means (110, 120) into a or a respective warning mode thereof; wherein the attachment means (124) are constructed and arranged such that the housing is removably attachable to the structure (195), and wherein the warning indicator means (110, 120) comprises custom warning indicator means comprising: audio recording means for recording an audio clip, and audio playback means for playing back the audio clip when the warning indicator means is in a or a respective warning mode. The application also relates to a vehicle movement warning apparatus wherein the vehicle is a train.

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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WARNING APPARATUS AND USE THEREOF

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to warning apparatus. More particularly, though not exclusively, it relates to a vehicle movement warning apparatus for providing a warning indication that a vehicle, e.g. a train, is preparing to move, or is in the process of moving, especially though not exclusively in a reversing direction. The invention also relates to a method of warning, a method of preparing a vehicle such as a train for undergoing movement, such as reversing movement, and also to a method of carrying out such movement, using the apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND PRIOR ART

In the field of trains, which comprise a series of interconnected carriages attached to at least one engine which is drivable to pull or push the said series of carriages in a given longitudinal direction, it is often required for maintenance or management purposes to manoeuvre the train over relatively short distances, e.g. in the vicinity of or into sidings or maintenance sheds or for transfer between different sets of rails. Such movement is typically carried out by a single driver or engineer located in a forward engine. In many practical scenarios that movement can often involve a reversing movement, in which an engine (e.g. the train’s normal engine, or possibly a shunting engine) located at a forward end of the train is driven by the driver or engineer therein in a reverse sense to push the train in a required reverse direction over a required distance. Because trains can often be long in their longitudinal length, such reversing movement can be dangerous, especially for trackside personnel or engineering workers working on or adjacent or in the vicinity of a track or line to the rearward side of the train as it is reversing.

The danger to the safety and well-being of such personnel or workers is typically exacerbated by the facts that (i) since the driven engine is generally at the forward end of the train only, the rearward end of the train is typically relatively silent, so it is very difficult, and may even be impossible, for personnel or workers to hear the train moving as it is reversing and possibly approaching them unawares, especially if they are using noisy equipment of some kind; (ii) the train itself may be relatively long in its longitudinal length, as a result of which it may be difficult or impossible for the driver or engineer themselves to see any personnel or workers who may be present on or near the track or line ahead of the reversing train; and (iii) furthermore, such train reversing manoeuvring may often be carried out at night when it is dark, thereby adding to the non-visibility problem.

Thus, there is a need in the art for a warning system for alerting trackside or lineside personnel or workers of a moving, especially a reversing, train. It is with a primary object of addressing and meeting this need that the present invention has been devised.

Other objects and advantages of the invention or embodiments thereof may be apparent from the further definitions and descriptions which follow below of embodiments of the invention and particular features thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention in its various aspects may be understood with reference to the appended claims.

In various of its aspects, the present invention provides a warning apparatus, a vehicle having attached thereto the warning apparatus, a method of preparing a vehicle for movement thereof, and a method of moving a vehicle.

In one aspect of the invention for which protection is sought there is provided warning apparatus, comprising:

a housing;

attachment means for attaching the housing to a structure;

at least one warning indicator means carried by or within the housing; and actuation means for actuating the at least one warning indicator means into a or a respective warning mode thereof;

wherein the attachment means are constructed and arranged such that the housing is removably attachable to the structure, and wherein the warning indicator means comprises custom warning indicator means comprising:

audio recording means for recording an audio clip, and audio playback means for playing back the audio clip when the warning indicator means is in a or a respective warning mode.

Embodiments of the present invention have the advantage that the apparatus may deployed in multiple locations in a convenient manner, being releasably attachable to a convenient structure when deployed, and a custom warning message appropriate to a given situation provided at the location. The apparatus may be removably deployed to a suitable structure such as a part of a vehicle, a building, a lamppost or other suitable structure as required.

Optionally, the apparatus further comprises visual warning indicator means and the actuation means is operable to actuate the visual warning indicator means.

Optionally, the visual warning indicator means comprises a lamp.

Optionally, the apparatus further comprises audible alarm warning indicator means configured to generate a predetermined audible alarm and the actuation means is operable to actuate the audible alarm warning indicator means.

The audible alarm may be in the form of a siren, tone or bell generated by means of a speaker device, a mechanical bell or any other suitable audible alarm.

Optionally, the actuation means comprises movement sensor means for sensing movement external to the apparatus, the actuation means being configured to activate at least one said at least one warning indicator means when the movement sensor means senses movement.

Optionally, the actuation means for actuating the one or more warning indicator means into its or their respective warning mode(s) comprises respective manual actuation means, optionally one or more respective manually operable switches.

The one or more switches may be in the form of a push button switch, a toggle switch, a multi-position switch or any other suitable switch.

Optionally, the actuation means for actuating the one or more warning indicator means into its or their respective warning mode(s) comprises a remotely controlled actuation device utilising a telecommunications signal to effect actuation of the warning indicator means.

Optionally, the audio recording means comprises a microphone, the apparatus being configured to allow a user to cause the audio recording means to record and store sound generated by the user and detected by the microphone.

Thus a user may cause the apparatus to record a message spoken by the user. The message may then be replayed by the apparatus when the sensor detects motion external to the apparatus, optionally in addition to or instead of one or more of activating the visual warning indicator means and activating the predetermined audible alarm.

The apparatus may comprise a video camera configured to generate a video signal comprising images of an environment external to the apparatus, the apparatus being operable by means of the actuation means to wirelessly transmit the video signal to a remote receiver.

The apparatus may be operable to be caused to wirelessly transmit the video signal to a remote receiver when the movement sensor means senses movement external to the apparatus.

Optionally, the attachment means comprise one or more magnetic elements carried on or in the housing for magnetic engagement with a metallic material of a structure wall to which the apparatus is to be attached.

The metallic material may for example be a wall or body portion of a vehicle, a lamppost, a signpost or any other suitable structure.

Optionally, the apparatus is readily portable so as to be readily carryable.

Optionally, the housing is provided with a handle to facilitate the said carrying of the apparatus.

Optionally, the housing is provided with one or more, optionally a series or array of a plurality of, feet.

Optionally, the housing further includes a dedicated onboard power supply for the various components of the apparatus.

In a further aspect of the invention for which protection is sought there is provided vehicle movement warning apparatus comprising apparatus according to a preceding aspect.

Optionally, the vehicle is a train.

Optionally, the apparatus is configured for warning of reversing movement of the vehicle.

The attachment means may be suitable for attaching the housing to the vehicle at a site or location on or adjacent a longitudinal end thereof opposite to an end thereof at or from which the vehicle is to be forced to travel in said movement.

The attachment means may be constructed and/or arranged for attaching the apparatus to a surface of the vehicle, optionally a generally substantially vertically oriented surface thereof.

As noted above, the at least one warning indicator means may include one or more audible or sonic warning indicator devices such as a warning tone or series of tones. In some embodiments, the warning indicator means may be configured to play one or more permanently stored audio clips such as spoken audio messages.

As noted above, the at least one warning indicator means may include one or more visual warning indicator devices, optionally one or more flashing lights or beacons.

In a further aspect of the invention for which protection is sought there is provided a vehicle having attached thereto, optionally onto a surface thereof, apparatus according to a preceding aspect.

In a still further aspect of the invention for which protection is sought there is provided a method of providing a warning to one or more persons comprising:

(i) attaching manually to a structure a warning apparatus according to another aspect; and (ii) actuating the actuation means to actuate the at least one warning indicator means into a or a respective warning mode thereof.

In a further aspect of the invention for which protection is sought there is provided a method of preparing a vehicle for movement thereof, optionally reversing movement thereof, comprising:

(i) attaching manually to the vehicle a vehicle movement warning apparatus according to another aspect; and (ii) actuating the actuation means to actuate the at least one warning indicator means into a or a respective warning mode thereof.

In an aspect of the invention for which protection is sought there is provided a method of moving, optionally reversing, a vehicle, comprising:

(a) prior to effecting any said movement of the vehicle:

(i) attaching manually to the vehicle a vehicle movement warning apparatus according to another aspect; and (ii) actuating the actuation means to actuate the at least one warning indicator means into a or a respective warning mode thereof; and (b) effecting said movement, optionally said reversing movement, of the vehicle with the at least one warning indicator in its warning mode.

Optionally, the method may additionally comprise, subsequent to (b), additional steps of:

(c) subsequent to effecting said movement of the vehicle:

(iii) de-actuating the actuation means to de-actuate the at least one warning indicator means from its warning mode; and (iv) detaching manually from the vehicle the said vehicle movement warning apparatus.

Optionally the vehicle is a train.

Optionally, the deployment of the apparatus by attaching it to the vehicle is carried out in person by a driver or engineer thereof.

In one aspect of the present invention for which protection is sought there is provided a vehicle movement warning apparatus, comprising:

a housing;

attachment means for attaching the housing to a vehicle;

at least one warning indicator device carried by or within the housing; and actuation means for actuating the at least one warning indicator means into a or a respective warning mode thereof;

wherein the attachment means are constructed and arranged such that the housing is manually attachable and detachable to and from the vehicle.

In another aspect of the present invention for which protection is sought there is provided a vehicle having attached thereto, for example onto a surface thereof, a vehicle movement warning apparatus according to the preceding aspect of the invention or any embodiment thereof.

In yet another aspect of the present invention for which protection is sought there is provided a method of preparing a vehicle for movement thereof, especially reversing movement thereof, comprising:

(i) attaching manually to the vehicle, e.g. to a surface thereof, a vehicle movement warning apparatus according to the first-mentioned aspect of the invention or any embodiment thereof; and (ii) actuating the actuation means to actuate the at least one warning indicator means into a or a respective warning mode thereof.

In yet another aspect of the present invention for which protection is sought there is provided a method of moving, especially reversing, a vehicle, comprising:

(a) prior to effecting any said movement of the vehicle:

(i) attaching manually to the vehicle, e.g. to a surface thereof, a vehicle movement warning apparatus according to the first-mentioned aspect of the invention or any embodiment thereof; and (ii) actuating the actuation means to actuate the at least one warning indicator means into a or a respective warning mode thereof; and (b) effecting movement, e.g. reversing movement, of the vehicle with the at least one warning indicator in its warning mode.

Embodiments of the above method of moving a vehicle may additionally comprise, subsequent to (b), additional steps of:

(c) subsequent to effecting said movement of the vehicle:

Embodiments of the present invention in its various aspects may be applied to a wide variety of vehicles, such as trains, trams, goods or freight vehicles, public service vehicles or any other type of vehicle where movement, especially reversing movement, thereof is a particular safety hazard for personnel or workers who may be present in the vicinity thereof. Embodiments of the invention in its various aspects may be especially usefully applicable to rail-borne vehicles such as trains and trams.

Embodiments of the invention may be applied to any movement of a train or other vehicle, including forward and reversing movements, especially to movements of a specialised nature, e.g. shunting, for maintenance or management purposes, such as for manoeuvring the train or other vehicle over a relatively short distance, e.g. in the vicinity of or into sidings or maintenance sheds or for transfer between different sets of rails. Generally, however, many embodiments of the invention may be applied to reversing movement of a train or other vehicle, which is to say a movement thereof in which an engine or other driving force means is applied to the train or other vehicle from a longitudinal end thereof opposite to an end thereof in the direction of which the train or other vehicle is being forced to travel.

Thus, in the practising of many embodiments of the invention the vehicle movement warning apparatus may be attached to the vehicle at a site or location on or adjacent a longitudinal end thereof opposite to an end thereof at or from which the vehicle is to be forced to travel in said movement.

In practising many embodiments of the invention in its various aspects it may be a particularly useful feature of their design and use that the deployment of the apparatus by being manually attached to the train or other vehicle is carried out in person by a driver, engineer or other onboard operator or officer of the train or other vehicle in question, with such deployment by such a person(s) being laid down as an official requirement in accordance with established and e.g. legally enforced protocols for the reversing of the vehicle. In this manner, the proper deployment of the apparatus in such a way that it fulfils its proper function with minimised risk of being dispensed with, ignored or misused may be assured, thereby optimising fulfilment of the personnel/worker safety criteria which is central to the health and safety issues that the invention is designed to tackle.

In some embodiments of the invention the attachment means for attaching the housing of the apparatus to the vehicle may be constructed and/or arranged for attaching the apparatus to a surface of the vehicle. The surface may be a generally substantially vertically oriented surface thereof, such as a wall or body portion, especially a longitudinally end-most or end-facing wall or body portion, of the train or other vehicle.

In embodiments of the invention the attachment means may be constructed and/or arranged to permit ready and simple manual attachment and detachment of the apparatus to or from the vehicle, as or when required. In some embodiments the attachment means may comprise one or more, e.g. at least two of, or any other suitable number of, magnetic elements carried on or in the housing for magnetic engagement with the metallic material of the wall or body portion of the vehicle to which the apparatus is to be attached.

In other embodiments, other forms of attachment means may be used instead, e.g. one or more brackets, hooks or other mechanical engagement means.

In practical embodiments of the invention the at least one warning indicator device may include one or more audible or sonic warning indicator devices. Examples of such audible or sonic warning indicator devices may include, for instance, a device that upon actuation emits an audible recorded vocal warning message, or a simple warning tone or series of tones, e.g. of different or varying pitch and/or duration, or even a combination of any two or more of the aforesaid types.

Alternatively or additionally the at least one warning indicator device may include one or more visual warning indicator devices. Examples of such visual warning indicator devices may include, for instance, one or more lights or lamps, e.g. of any suitable colour, which may be arranged to flash or light in sequence or be continuously lit.

In some embodiments a given apparatus may even include a combination of one or more audible or sonic warning indicator devices together with one or more visual warning indicator devices, which may be actuated by appropriate actuation means so as to provide their respective warning indications either together, e.g. in a synchronised or complementary manner, or independently.

For powering the respective warning indicator device(s), as well as any other electrical operational or control components of the apparatus, in some embodiments the apparatus may further included a power supply, which in some embodiments may especially be its own dedicated in-built power supply independent of the power system of the vehicle itself. Such a power supply may comprise one or more batteries. The one or more batteries may for example be rechargeable, in which case the apparatus may be stored on or connected to a recharging point or station in the vehicle so it is always at optimum charge in readiness for use.

In some embodiments the actuation means for actuating the one or more warning indicator means into its or their respective warning mode(s) may comprise manual actuation means, which is to say actuation means that rely on manual operation, especially manual operation by the driver, engineer or other operator or officer of the train or other vehicle. Such manual actuation means may for example comprise a or a respective manual switch located on or in the housing of the apparatus, whose switching into a respective “on” position or mode puts the or the respective warning indicator means into its warning, i.e. “on” and operative warning, mode. By employing such a manually operable switch to place the one or more warning indicator means into its/their warning mode(s), this feature may further assist in deploying the apparatus in accordance with proper protocols, since it may help to effectively force the driver, engineer or other operator or officer of the train or other vehicle to more consciously deploy the apparatus in its proper manner in addition to it having to be manually attached to a surface of the vehicle body when it is required to be used.

However, in other embodiments the actuation means may take other forms. For example, in other embodiments the actuation means may comprise a remotely controlled actuation device, e.g. involving the use of a telecommunications, e.g. radio, signal, such as between the engine of the train or driver’s cab of the vehicle and the apparatus itself, so the at least one warning indicator means of the apparatus can be actuated into its/their warning mode(s) remotely. Other types of actuation means, including manually actuatable and possibly also automatically actuatable such actuation means, may also be possible to use in other embodiments.

In many embodiments the overall apparatus may be designed to be readily portable, which is to say readily carryable by a person, e.g. the driver/engineer whose job it is to deploy the apparatus as or when required. To facilitate such portability the housing may be designed to have a suitable size, shape and weight that makes it readily carryable, especially over a typical length of a train or other vehicle, without the need for any specialised or extraneous equipment. To facilitate this the housing may for example be provided with a suitable handle or other carrying means.

In some embodiments the housing may further be provided with one or more, e.g. a series or array of a plurality of, feet, e.g. of a rubber or other elastomeric or plastics material, in order to assist its storage or placement at or in a suitable location when not required or not being used, such as in the driver’s cab or engine of the train or other vehicle.

Within the scope of this application it is envisaged and explicitly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, features, examples and alternatives, and in particular any of the variously defined and described individual features thereof, set out in any of the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in any part of the following description and/or accompanying drawings, may be taken and implemented independently or in any combination. For example, features described in connection with one particular embodiment or aspect are to be considered as applicable to and utilisable in all embodiments of all aspects, unless expressly stated otherwise or such features are, in such combinations, incompatible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more embodiments of the present invention in its various aspects will now be described, by way of schematic example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a front elevational view of a train or other vehicle movement, especially reversing movement, warning apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIGURE 2 is a right-side elevational view of the embodiment apparatus of FIG. 1, showing by way of example its various operational control features;

FIGURE 3 is a top plan view of the embodiment apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 2, showing more clearly its magnetic attachment means by which it is readily manually attachable to and detachable from the train or other vehicle; and

FIGURE 4 is a bottom plan view of the embodiment apparatus of FIGS. 1 to 3;

FIGURE 5 shows (a) a front side, (b) a rear side, and (c) a printed circuit board (PCB) of apparatus according to a further embodiment of the invention;

FIGURE 6 shows a train carrying apparatus according to the embodiment of FIG. 5;

FIGURE 7 shows a front view of apparatus according to a still further embodiment of the invention; and

FIGURE 8 shows a PCB of the apparatus of FIG. 7 corresponding to that of the embodiment of FIG. 5 and shown in FIG 5(c).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4 collectively, the apparatus or unit 2 is an example of a train reversing movement warning apparatus and is designed for manual attachment - and detachment once its required function has been fulfilled - at an appropriate location on an end wall of a train carriage or engine body. The overall unit 2 has a general size and shape that renders it readily portable, so it can be conveniently carried and deployed by the driver, engineer or other officer or operator of the train as or when required.

The apparatus comprises generally a housing 4, e.g. of metal, metal alloy or plastics material (or any suitable combination thereof), whose respective parts or sections are secured together by screws 52, inside which housing 4 are housed the various components of the apparatus 2. In addition to an appropriate power supply, such as a battery or battery pack (not shown), there are provided warning indicator means in the form of an audible or sonic warning indicator 10 and a visual warning indicator 20, each being mounted in a front wall of the housing 4 behind a respective protective grille or screen or grille/screen portion 14, 16. The audible or sonic warning indicator 10 is in the form of an electronic 100dB sounder which may for instance be prerecorded with a suitable vocal warning or alarm message, e.g. of the nature of “WARNING - THIS TRAIN IS MOVING!”, optionally in combination with one or more electronic warning tones to enhance the warning impact of the message. The visual warning indicator 20 is in the form of a flashing beacon or strobe light (e.g. white in colour) which may be configured to flash at an appropriate rate to provide enhanced warning capability.

Each of the audible sounder 10 and flashing beacon 20 is actuatable independently of each other by respective actuation means which are provided mounted on a control panel 30 at one end of the unit 2. The respective actuation means take the form of a pair of manually operable switches 42, 44, each of which has a simple on/off functionality. Thus, the audible sounder 10 and flashing beacon 20 may be actuated either together in combination or independently of each other, for example depending on the level or type of warning signal that it is desired to communicate to potential personnel or workers who may be at risk from the moving train upon its reversing movement occurring.

If desired the electronic circuitry within the apparatus 2 may be further provided with a battery power warning indicator lamp 34, to indicate when the onboard battery power is low. The battery itself is rechargeable via a charging socket 32, which may be connected to an appropriate power supply when the apparatus/unit 2 is not in use. A further indicator lamp 36 shows when charging is taking place.

The various controls mounted on the control panel 30 are physically protected against accidental movement or impact of extraneous objects by protective bars 8A, 8B, which together also serve as a handle via which the apparatus/unit 2 can be conveniently carried.

The base of the unit 2 is provided with rubber feet 60 adjacent each corner, to facilitate its stable positioning at or on a recharging station and/or when not in use.

For the purpose of enabling the apparatus 2 to be deployed by being attached in a simple manual fashion to an appropriate location on an end wall of a train carriage or engine body, there are provided attachment means in the form of a pair of magnets 24 integrated into or affixed to the rear wall of the housing 4. Each magnet 24 is of a sufficient size, shape and magnetic strength such that the complete unit 2 can be securely and reliably held in contact with and against the train body surface with sufficient attractive force.

Thus, the apparatus 2 may be readily manually attached to the train body or body portion as or when required by simply clipping the housing 4 thereon and allowing it to be secured there by magnetic attraction. Once in that position, or even before it has been so placed, the respective switch(es) 42 and/or 44 may be actuated to switch on the respective one or both of the audible sounder 10 and flashing beacon 20 into their respective warning/alarm modes. Once in that “warning” state, the apparatus 2 is therefore ready for the train to be reversed, providing the necessary warning to personnel or workers in the vicinity of the train, or even ahead of the reversing train further down the line or track, of the potential danger and that they need to beware and if necessary move to avoid potential injury.

Once the train reversing movement has been completed, the apparatus 2 can be simply and manually detached from its mounted position on the train body, after the respective switches 42, 44 have been switched off to deactivate the unit from its “warning” state.

It is a particularly useful feature of the apparatus according to this embodiment that manual intervention and manual activation of the apparatus is required in order to properly deploy it, which is designed to be carried out by the driver, engineer or other officer or operator of the train as an integral step or requirement of the overall protocol for its use. Thus, the train driver or engineer is effectively “forced” to manually carry the apparatus 2 to the required location at the rear end of the train which is to be its forward end upon its reversing movement and attach the apparatus 2 to the appropriate location on the train body at that end, and then manually actuate the respective switch(es) 42, 44 to activate the audible sounder 10 and/or flashing beacon 20 to set the unit into its “warning”, i.e. active state. Upon that stage having been completed thus, the driver is then permitted to return to the engine or cab at what is typically at the opposite (normally “front”) end of the train and operate it in its reversing movement, while the apparatus 2 at the other end is in its warning state and provides the necessary warning function to personnel or workers on or near the track or line ahead of or in the vicinity of the reversing train. Because of the inherent manual intervention that is required, this may reduce the risk that the driver or engineer simply dispenses with or ignores the need to deploy the warning apparatus 2, thereby leading to reduced risk of danger or potential danger to trackside or lineside personnel or workers, especially during hours of darkness or when using noisy equipment, when early visual or aural detection of a reversing train may be difficult or impossible.

It may also avoid or reduce the need for “lookouts” to monitor the tracks or lines in the region of engineering work being carried out on railway tracks, which can help to save overall cost of such works whilst maintaining safety standards.

FIG. 5(a) illustrates a front side of an apparatus or unit 102 suitable for use as a train reversing movement warning apparatus according to a further embodiment of the present invention. Like features of the embodiment of FIG. 5(a) to those of the embodiment of FIG. 1 are shown with like reference signs incremented by 100.

As in the embodiment of FIG. 1 the apparatus 102 has a housing 104 with a handle 104H and is designed for manual attachment to and detachment from an object, such as at an appropriate location on an end wall of a train carriage or engine body. As in the embodiment of FIG. 1 the apparatus 102 is provided with attachment means in the form of magnetic elements 124 on a rear side thereof as shown in FIG. 5(b), being an opposite side to that of the front side 102F shown in FIG. 5(a), enabling attachment of the apparatus 102 to a suitable metallic structure. It is to be understood that other attachment means may be useful in some embodiments, such as one or more straps, quick-release clips or any other suitable means. The apparatus 102 has a general size and shape that renders it readily portable, so it can be conveniently carried and deployed by a person such as the driver, engineer or other officer or operator of a train as or when required.

The apparatus 102 of the embodiment of FIG. 5(a) is provided with movement sensor means in the form of a movement sensor 160 on the front side 102F. In the present embodiment the sensor 160 is a passive infra-red (PIR) detector. It is to be understood that other types of sensor may be useful in some embodiments such as an ultrasonic sensor, a radar sensor, lidar sensor or any other suitable sensor. The sensor 160 is coupled to a microcontroller 111 of the apparatus 102 (FIG. 5(c)) that is provided on a PCB 102P within the apparatus 102 by means of connector 116 of the PCB 102P.

The apparatus 102 also has visual warning indicator means in the form of a light emitting panel 120 on the front side, the apparatus 102 being configured to cause intermittent illumination of the panel 120 by means of a high intensity LED (light emitting diode) strobe light provided within the apparatus 102.

The apparatus has six monostable push-buttons 142, 144, 146, 148, 150, 152 also provided on the front side 102F, by means of which the apparatus 102 is controlled. As noted above, the apparatus 102 has a printed circuit board (PCB) 102P therein (FIG. 5(c)) bearing an electronic microcontroller 111. The microcontroller 111 is coupled to the pushbuttons 142-152 by means of a connector 112. The microcontroller 111 detects when the push-buttons 142-152 are pressed and controls the apparatus 102 accordingly.

The microcontroller 111 is configured wherein when the first button 142 is pressed, the light emitting panel 120 is activated such that the strobe light thereof flashes continually, causing the light emitting panel 120 intermittently to emit high intensity light. A light emitting diode provided behind the first button 142 also flashes, indicating that this feature has been activated. The microcontroller 111 delivers power to the strobe light by means of connector 113.

A second button 144 causes the microcontroller to activate playback of an audio clip that may be recorded by a user. The audio clip is played back via loud speaker 110, the microcontroller 111 being coupled to the loud speaker by means of connector 114. When the second button 144 is pressed, the audio clip is played repeatedly, with a pause of a predetermined period between an end of the clip and the subsequent playback of the clip. In the present embodiment the predetermined period is 3s but other periods may be useful such as 1s, 2s, 4s, 5s, 10s or any other suitable period. In some embodiments the clip is repeatedly played back with no pause between the end of the clip and subsequent playback.

A third button 146 is configured to cause the microcontroller 111 to cause the apparatus 102 to execute the functions of the first and second buttons (activation of the light emitting panel 120 and repeated playback of the pre-recorded sound clip) in the event that the sensor 160 detects movement. When the third button 146 is pressed, the apparatus 102 terminates any operations that it may be performing (such as operation of the light emitting panel 120 or playback of a recorded sound clip) and pauses for a predetermined settling time period. In the present embodiment the predetermined settling time period is 1 minute (60s) although other time periods may be useful such as 30s, 90s, 120s or any other suitable time period. The settling time period in the present embodiment is sufficient to allow a user to press the button and walk away from the apparatus 102 out of range of detection of movement of the user by the apparatus 102.

Once the predetermined settling period has expired, the microcontroller 111 causes the apparatus 102 to activate the light emitting panel 120 and cause repeated playback of the pre-recorded sound clip when the sensor 160 detects movement, and to deactivate the light emitting panel 120 and terminate playback when the sensor 160 no longer detects movement. If the third button 146 is subsequently pressed again, the apparatus 102 is configured to terminate activation of the light emitting panel 120 and playback of the prerecorded sound clip in response to the sensor 160 detecting movement. In some embodiments, the apparatus 102 may be configured, following detection of movement by means of the sensor 160, to cause activation of the light emitting panel 120 and repeated playback of the pre-recorded sound clip for a predetermined period such as 30s, 60s, 90s or any other suitable period. Other arrangements may be useful in some embodiments.

A fourth button 148 is arranged to cause the microcontroller to record an audio sound clip. An audio signal is provided to the microcontroller 111 by a microphone 170 mounted to the front side 102F of the apparatus 102. The microphone is connected to the microcontroller 111 by means of connector 115 of the PCB 102P. If the fourth button 148 is depressed for more than a predetermined recording activation period, in the present embodiment 2s, the microcontroller 111 causes the apparatus 102 to generate a short (1s) audio tone via the loudspeaker 110 and then commences recording sound detected by the microphone 170 until the fourth button 148 is released. Upon release of the fourth button or expiry of a predetermined recording period, in the present embodiment a period of 7s, the microcontroller 111 terminates recording and stores the recorded sound clip in a memory thereof ready for playback when required. It is to be understood that, in the present embodiment, the microcontroller 111 deletes any previously recorded sound clip from memory and replaces it with the most recently recorded clip.

It is to be understood that the recording activation period may be a period other than 1s in some embodiments, such as 0.5s, 2s, 4s, 5s or any other suitable period.

Similarly, it is to be understood that the recording period may be a period other than 7s in some embodiments, such as 5s, 10s, 15s, 20s or any other suitable period.

A fifth button 150 is arranged to cause a volume level at which the apparatus 102 generates sound to reduce from a default operating level to a predetermined value such as 50% of the default level. Other reduced values may be useful such as 25%, 75% or any other suitable proportion of the default level. Pressing of the button 150 when the volume is set to the default level causes the microcontroller 111 to cause a reduction to the reduced level to be implemented. Pressing the button 150 when the volume is at the reduced level causes the microcontroller 111 to set the volume back to the default level. Thus the button 150 toggles the sound volume between two levels.

A further connector of the PCB 102P is arranged to be coupled to an internal power supply in the form of a rechargeable battery pack 102B (FIG. 5(c)). In some alternative embodiments the apparatus 102 may be arranged, in addition or instead, to be powered by means of an external power supply.

Sixth button 152 of the apparatus 102 and sixth connector 117 of the PCB 102P of the apparatus 102 are not employed in the embodiment of FIG. 5(a) but are employed in the embodiment of FIG. 7 as discussed below.

It is to be understood that the apparatus 102 may be employed by personnel in a range of scenarios.

In one scenario, the apparatus 102 may be manually attached to a rearmost goods wagon 197 or carriage of a train 195 comprising an engine 196 and wagons 197 as shown in FIG.

6. The apparatus 102 may be attached in person by a driver, engineer or other onboard operator or officer of the train 195 in question, for example with such deployment by such a person(s) being laid down as an official requirement in accordance with established and e.g. legally enforced protocols for the reversing of the train 195. Before or after attaching the apparatus 102 to the train 195, the operator may press and hold the fourth button 148 in the depressed condition until the short (1s) audio tone is generated by the apparatus 102. The operator may then speak a prescribed message that is recorded by the apparatus 102 (up to 7s in length), such as “WARNING! THIS TRAIN IS REVERSING!”, and then release the fourth button 148. The operator may then press the third button 146 and walk away from the apparatus 102. After the predetermined settling time period of 1 minute has elapsed, the apparatus 102 will activate the light emitting panel 120 and cause repeated playback of the pre-recorded message whenever the sensor 160 of the apparatus 102 detects motion. Thus, during the period for which motion is being detected by the sensor 160 the apparatus actives the light emitting panel 120 and causes repeated playback of the pre-recorded message.

The operator may then conduct the necessary reversing or other activity of the train 195 before returning to the apparatus 102 and depressing the third button 146 again in order to terminate motion-activated activation of the light emitting panel 120 and playback of the pre-recorded message.

In an alternative scenario, the apparatus 102 may be attached by personnel such as a police officer to an object such as a lamppost on the perimeter of a zone to which members of the public are temporarily excluded such as the scene of a crime. The officer may record a message such as, “DANGER! PLEASE KEEP OUT!” and cause the message to be repeatedly played, either continuously, or when the sensor 160 detects movement.

The apparatus 102 may also be used in other scenarios, the above scenarios being by way of non-limiting example only.

FIG. 7 illustrates a front side of an apparatus or unit 202 according to a further embodiment of the present invention and suitable for use as a warning apparatus. Like features of the embodiment of FIG. 7 to those of the embodiment of FIG. 5 are shown with like reference signs incremented by 100. A PCB 202P provided within the apparatus 202 is illustrated schematically in FIG. 8.

The apparatus of FIG. 7 is configured to operate in a similar way to that of the embodiment of FIG. 5(a). Thus, the first to fifth buttons 242, 244, 246, 248, 250 cause the apparatus 202 to execute similar functions to that which the corresponding first to fifth buttons of the apparatus 102 of FIG. 5(a) cause that apparatus 102 to execute. However, the apparatus 202 of the embodiment of FIG. 7 also has an inbuilt video camera 280 that is coupled to a PCB 202P (FIG. 8) of the apparatus 202 by means of a connector 217. The apparatus 202 is configured to generate a video signal by means of the video camera 280 which is fed to a microcontroller 211 which in turn causes the video signal to be transmitted by means of a radio transmitter 119 mounted to the PCB 202P to a remote receiving station 290. The radio transmitter 119 is coupled to an aerial 119A also mounted to the PCB 202P, to improve signal transmission range. An external aerial may be useful in some alternative embodiments. At the remote receiving station 290 an operator is able to view the video images generated by the video camera 280 on a screen 292. Thus, the apparatus 202 is configured to provide remote monitoring functionality.

Transmission of a video signal by the apparatus 202 may be activated and deactivated by pressing and holding a sixth button 252 for a predetermined activation/deactivation period. In the present embodiment this period is 1s but other periods may be useful in some embodiments. When the apparatus 202 is transmitting a video signal, a lamp may illuminate on the apparatus 202 (located behind the sixth button 252, for example, which may be translucent), the lamp illuminating continuously or intermittently, in order to signal that the apparatus 202 is transmitting a video signal.

In some embodiments, when the third button 246 is depressed and the apparatus 202 is caused to activate the light emitting panel 230 and cause repeated playback of the prerecorded sound clip when the sensor 260 is detecting movement, the apparatus 202 is also configured to transmit the video signal carrying images generated by the video camera 280 to the remote monitoring station 290 where it may be viewed by an operator. In this latter configuration, transmission of the video signal may occur only when movement is being detected by the sensor 260. In this case, the remote monitoring station 290 may, optionally, be configured to generate an audible alert to an operator thereof to draw their attention to the screen so that the remote operator can view the video images and take any necessary action.

It is to be understood that in the present embodiment the continuous video signal transmission function activated by the sixth button 252 may be activated in addition to the motion-detection function activated by the third button 246 independently of one another. That is, the apparatus 202 may be caused to activate the light emitting panel 120 and cause repeated playback of the pre-recorded sound clip whenever the sensor 260 detects motion (third button 246 functionality) and, in addition, transmit substantially continuously a video signal to the remote monitoring station 290 (sixth button 252 functionality), the video signal corresponding to the video signal generated by the video camera 280.

In some scenarios, the remote operator of the remote monitoring station may be the driver of the train 195 or be co-located with the driver. Alternatively, the remote operator may be located away from the driver but in communication with the driver, for example by means of a radio link, such as a cellular or satellite telephone link or any other suitable link. The remote operator of the remote monitoring station 290 may provide commands to the driver of the train 195, for example when, in which direction and at what speed to move the train 195. The remote operator can therefore alert the driver to danger and instruct the driver to stop the train 195 in the event the remote operator considers the circumstances so require, for example in the event the remote operator observes an obstruction in the path of the train 195 such as personnel conducting a maintenance operation.

In some embodiments, the apparatus 202 may be configured to record video footage captured by the camera 280 instead of or in addition to transmitting the video signal to a remote operator. The apparatus 202 may capture footage substantially continually when the sixth button 252 is pressed to activate recording, and stop recording when the sixth button 252 is pressed again, to deactivate recording. Alternatively, or in addition, the apparatus 202 may be configured only to record footage when the sensor 260 detects motion, i.e. in response to pressing of the third button 246. Other arrangements may be useful.

Some embodiments of the present invention may be understood by reference to the following numbered clauses:

1. A vehicle movement warning apparatus, comprising:

a housing;

attachment means for attaching the housing to a vehicle;

2. An apparatus according to clause 1, wherein the vehicle is a train.

3. An apparatus according to clause 1 or clause 2, wherein the apparatus is configured for warning of reversing movement of the vehicle.

4. An apparatus according to clause 3, wherein the attachment means are for attaching the housing to the vehicle at a site or location on or adjacent a longitudinal end thereof opposite to an end thereof at or from which the vehicle is to be forced to travel in said movement.

5. An apparatus according to any preceding clause, wherein the attachment means are constructed and/or arranged for attaching the apparatus to a surface of the vehicle, optionally a generally substantially vertically oriented surface thereof.

6. An apparatus according to any preceding clause, wherein the attachment means comprise one or more magnetic elements carried on or in the housing for magnetic engagement with the metallic material of a wall or body portion of the vehicle to which the apparatus is to be attached.

7. An apparatus according to any preceding clause, wherein the at least one warning indicator device includes one or more audible or sonic warning indicator devices, optionally a device that upon actuation emits an audible recorded vocal warning message, or a warning tone or series of tones, or a combination of any two or more of the aforesaid.

8. An apparatus according to any preceding clause, wherein the at least one warning indicator device includes one or more visual warning indicator devices, optionally one or more flashing lights or beacons.

9. An apparatus according to any preceding clause, wherein the housing further includes a dedicated onboard power supply for the various components of the apparatus.

10. An apparatus according to any one of clauses 1 to 9, wherein the actuation means for actuating the one or more warning indicator means into its or their respective warning mode(s) comprises respective manual actuation means, optionally one or more respective manually operable switches.

11. An apparatus according to any one of clauses 1 to 9, wherein the actuation means for actuating the one or more warning indicator means into its or their respective warning mode(s) comprises a remotely controlled actuation device utilising a telecommunications signal to effect actuation of the warning indicator means.

12. An apparatus according to any preceding clause, which is readily portable so as to be readily carryable.

13. An apparatus according to clause 12, wherein the housing is provided with a handle to facilitate the said carrying of the apparatus.

14. An apparatus according to any preceding clause, wherein the housing is provided with one or more, optionally a series or array of a plurality of, feet.

15. A vehicle having attached thereto, optionally onto a surface thereof, a vehicle movement warning apparatus according to any one of clauses 1 to 14.

16. A method of preparing a vehicle for movement thereof, optionally reversing movement thereof, comprising:

(i) attaching manually to the vehicle a vehicle movement warning apparatus according to any one of clauses 1 to 14; and (ii) actuating the actuation means to actuate the at least one warning indicator means into a or a respective warning mode thereof.

17. A method of moving, optionally reversing, a vehicle, comprising:

(a) prior to effecting any said movement of the vehicle:

(i) attaching manually to the vehicle a vehicle movement warning apparatus according to any one of clauses 1 to 14; and (ii) actuating the actuation means to actuate the at least one warning indicator means into a or a respective warning mode thereof; and (b) effecting said movement, optionally said reversing movement, of the vehicle with the at least one warning indicator in its warning mode.

18. A method according to clause 17, additionally comprising, subsequent to (b), additional steps of:

(c) subsequent to effecting said movement of the vehicle:

19. A method according to any one of clauses 16, 17 or 18, wherein the vehicle is a train.

20. A method according to any one of clauses 16, 17, 18 or 19, wherein the deployment of the apparatus by attaching it to the vehicle is carried out in person by a driver or engineer thereof.

It is to be understood that the above description of various specific embodiments of the invention has been by way of non-limiting examples only, and various modifications may be made from what has been specifically described and illustrated whilst remaining within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprise” and “contain” and linguistic variations of those words, for example “comprising” and “comprises”, mean “including but not limited to”, and are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be 5 understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith.

Claims

1. A warning apparatus (102), comprising:

a housing (104);

attachment means (124) for attaching the housing (104) to a structure (195);

at least one warning indicator means (110, 120) carried by or within the housing (104); and actuation means (142, 144, 146, 148, 150) for actuating the at least one warning indicator means (110, 120) into a or a respective warning mode thereof;

wherein the attachment means (124) are constructed and arranged such that the housing is removably attachable to the structure (195), and wherein the warning indicator means (110, 120) comprises custom warning indicator means comprising:

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the apparatus further comprises visual warning indicator means and the actuation means is operable to actuate the visual warning indicator means.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the visual warning indicator means comprises a lamp.

4. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the apparatus further comprises audible alarm warning indicator means configured to generate a predetermined audible alarm and the actuation means is operable to actuate the audible alarm warning indicator means.

5. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the actuation means comprises movement sensor means for sensing movement external to the apparatus, the actuation means being configured to activate at least one said at least one warning indicator means when the movement sensor means senses movement.

6. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the actuation means for actuating the one or more warning indicator means into its or their respective warning mode(s) comprises respective manual actuation means, optionally one or more respective manually operable switches.

7. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the actuation means for actuating the one or more warning indicator means into its or their respective warning mode(s) comprises a remotely controlled actuation device utilising a telecommunications signal to effect actuation of the warning indicator means.

8. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the audio recording means comprises a microphone, the apparatus being configured to allow a user to cause the audio recording means to record and store sound generated by the user and detected by the microphone.

9. Apparatus according to any preceding claim further comprising a video camera configured to generate a video signal comprising images of an environment external to the apparatus, the apparatus being operable by means of the actuation means to wirelessly transmit the video signal to a remote receiver.

10. Apparatus according to claim 9 as depending through claim 5 operable to be caused to wirelessly transmit the video signal to a remote receiver when the movement sensor means senses movement external to the apparatus.

11. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the attachment means comprise one or more magnetic elements carried on or in the housing for magnetic engagement with a metallic material of a structure wall to which the apparatus is to be attached.

12. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, which is readily portable so as to be readily carryable.

13. An apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the housing is provided with a handle to facilitate the said carrying of the apparatus.

14. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the housing is provided with one or more, optionally a series or array of a plurality of, feet.

15. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the housing further includes a dedicated onboard power supply for the various components of the apparatus.

16. Vehicle movement warning apparatus comprising apparatus according to any preceding claim.

17. An apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the vehicle is a train.

18. An apparatus according to claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the apparatus is configured for warning of reversing movement of the vehicle.

19. A vehicle having attached thereto, optionally onto a surface thereof, apparatus according to any preceding claim.

20. A method of providing a warning to one or more persons comprising:

(i) attaching manually to a structure a warning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 19; and (ii) actuating the actuation means to actuate the at least one warning indicator means into a or a respective warning mode thereof.

21. A method of preparing a vehicle for movement thereof, optionally reversing movement thereof, comprising:

(i) attaching manually to the vehicle a vehicle movement warning apparatus according to any one of claims 16 to 18; and (ii) actuating the actuation means to actuate the at least one warning indicator means into a or a respective warning mode thereof.

22. A method of moving, optionally reversing, a vehicle, comprising:

(a) prior to effecting any said movement of the vehicle:

(i) attaching manually to the vehicle a vehicle movement warning apparatus according to any one of claims 16 to 18; and (ii) actuating the actuation means to actuate the at least one warning indicator means into a or a respective warning mode thereof; and (b) effecting said movement, optionally said reversing movement, of the vehicle with the at least one warning indicator in its warning mode.

23. A method according to claim 22, additionally comprising, subsequent to (b), additional steps of:

(c) subsequent to effecting said movement of the vehicle:

24. A method according to any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the vehicle is a train.

25. A method according to any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein the deployment of the apparatus by attaching it to the vehicle is carried out in person by a driver or engineer

10 thereof.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1814856.9