NZ759208A - Illuminated sign - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is an illuminated sign comprising a body including at least one display surface, a first member having opposite inner and outer faces and a peripheral edge that interconnects the faces of the member. The at least one display surface being formed at or over the outer face of the first member. A first light source being arranged to edge illuminate the first member. The first member incorporating a light dispersive medium arranged to illuminate the display surface with a first display through illumination of the first light source. A second light source being in the form of a light array arranged to project light through the first member towards the display surface. The light array being able to be illuminated in one or more patterns to generate at least one pictograph that forms at least one second display at the display surface. The sign is configured such that the at least one second display is selectively displayed on the display surface in response to an illumination condition of at least one of the first or second light sources. r. A first light source being arranged to edge illuminate the first member. The first member incorporating a light dispersive medium arranged to illuminate the display surface with a first display through illumination of the first light source. A second light source being in the form of a light array arranged to project light through the first member towards the display surface. The light array being able to be illuminated in one or more patterns to generate at least one pictograph that forms at least one second display at the display surface. The sign is configured such that the at least one second display is selectively displayed on the display surface in response to an illumination condition of at least one of the first or second light sources.

Description

ILLUMINATED SIGN TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates illuminated signs, and in particular, emergency illuminated signs to effectively communicate information in the event of an emergency. This disclosure also relates to an illuminated sign assembly, an emergency exit sign system and a lighting system.

BACKGROUND ART Buildings are required by law to have emergency evacuation lighting and illuminated emergency exit signs to indicate exits.

Known emergency exit signs are static and are unable to adapt to an emergency and indicate safe evacuation exits or routes where some exits may not be available.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the prior art forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

SUMMARY According to a first aspect, there is disclosed an illuminated sign comprising: a body comprising at least one display surface, a first member having opposite inner and outer faces and a peripheral edge that interconnects the faces of the member, the at least one display surface being formed at or over the outer face of the first member, a first light source, arranged to edge illuminate the first member, the first member incorporating a light dispersive medium arranged to illuminate the display surface with a first display through illumination of the first light source; and a second light source being in the form of a light array arranged to project light through the first member towards the display surface, the light array being 11877335_1 (GHMatters) P109140.AU.1 able to be illuminated in one or more patterns to generate at least one pictograph that forms at least one second display at the display surface, wherein the sign is configured such that the at least one second display is selectively displayed on the display surface in response to an illumination condition of at least one of the first or second light sources.

In some embodiments, the second light source is mounted at or adjacent the inner face so as to back illuminate the first member with the second display.

In some embodiments, the body further comprises a second member including the second light source, the second member being disposed in face-to-face relation with the inner face of the first member.

In some embodiments, the first display is disposed on the outer surface of the first member.

In some embodiments, the first display is in the form of a decal which is affixed to the outer surface of the first member and forms the at least one display surface.

In some embodiments, the second light source is operative between an on mode and an off mode and wherein when in the on mode, the at least one second display is prominently visible through the first display at the at least one display surface, and in an off mode the at least one second display is not predominantly visible at the at least one display surface.

In some embodiments, when in the on mode, the second light source is able to be controlled to selectively display one of a plurality of the second displays at the at least one display surface.

In some embodiments, he first member is formed from acrylic having the light dispersive medium in the acrylic matrix. 11877335_1 (GHMatters) P109140.AU.1 In some embodiments, the sign is in the form of an emergency exit sign, and the selection of one of the first display and the second display is arranged to guide safe evacuation of occupants from areas in an emergency situation.

In some embodiments, the first display is compliant with Australian Standard 2293.

In a further aspect, there is disclosed an illuminated sign comprising: a body comprising first and second members, each member having opposite faces and a peripheral edge that interconnects the faces of respective members, the members being in face-to-face relation and at least one display surface of the sign being formed at one face of the first member, the first member being edge-illuminated and incorporating a light dispersive medium arranged to illuminate the display surface with a first display; and the second member being separately illuminated from the first member to illuminate at least one second display, wherein the sign is configured such that the at least one second display is selectively displayed on the at least one display surface in response to an illumination condition of at least one of the first or second member.

In some embodiments, the second member is formed from a plurality of sub- members. The plurality of sub-members may include a first sub-member positioned adjacent the first member, the first sub-member being in the form of a stencil to focus the at least one light source mounted to a second sub-member. The second sub-member is positioned adjacent the first sub-member and may be in the form of a printed circuit board (PCB) which supports and electrically connected the at least one light source which is mounted to the second sub-member. The plurality of sub-members may also include a third sub-member positioned adjacent the second sub-member to support the second sub-member.

In some embodiments, the illuminated sign is a single sided sign.

According to a further aspect, an illuminated sign is disclosed comprising a sign according to the first aspect which is visible from both sides. In some 11877335_1 (GHMatters) P109140.AU.1 embodiments, the sign may include a body having two first members positioned on opposing faces of the sign. In one form two second light sources are provided and positioned in opposing relation to illuminate the respective first members.

Also disclosed is an illuminated assembly comprising a housing mountable in a building structure and an illuminated sign according to any form described above mounted to the housing.

In some embodiments, a controller is provided to control the display on the at least one display surface. In some form, the controller is operable to initiate a dynamic response (through generation of the second display) on instructions received across a wireless communications network. In this way the illuminated sign may be remotely controlled at least for generation of the second display.

In some embodiments, the controller is operative to receive and transmit test initiation signals to a control node across a wireless communications network. In some forms, the wireless communications network is different from the wireless communications network used to transmit signals to control the second display.

In some forms, the wireless communications network for transmitting test initiation signals is a low power network such as long-range wireless communication protocol (‘LoRA’), low-power wide-area network (‘LPWAN’), or other suitable protocols.

According to a further aspect, an emergency lighting system is disclosed comprising: an emergency exist sign having at least one display surface; at least one light source for illuminating the sign; and a controller for controlling the display on the at least one display surface, 11877335_1 (GHMatters) P109140.AU.1 wherein the controller being operative to receive and transmit test initiation signals to a control node across a first wireless communications network, and to receive signals across a second communications network, wherein the controller is arranged to selectively change a characteristic of the display in response to signals from the second communications network.

In some embodiments, the emergency lighting system includes an illuminated sign according to any the first aspect, and a control device being configured to control the visibility of second display through the second wireless communication network.

In some embodiments, the second wireless communication network is a WLAN or operates under Bluetooth, Zigbee protocols or the like.

In some embodiments, the first wireless communications network is a low power network such as long-range wireless communication protocol (‘LoRA’), low- power wide-area network (‘LPWAN’), or other suitable protocols.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Embodiments will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an illuminated sign assembly; Fig. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of the illuminated sign assembly of Fig 1; Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the illuminated sign assembly of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the illuminated sign assembly of Fig. 1; 11877335_1 (GHMatters) P109140.AU.1 Fig. 5 is a front view of the illuminated sign assembly of Fig. 1 including various embodiments of configurations of displays; Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an illuminated sign assembly; Fig. 7 is a partially exploded perspective view of the illuminated sign assembly of Fig 6; Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the illuminated sign assembly of Fig. 6; Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the illuminated sign assembly of Fig. 6; and Fig. 10 is a front view of the illuminated sign assembly of Fig. 6 including various embodiments of configurations of displays.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION In the following detailed description, reference is made to accompanying drawings which form a part of the detailed description. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, depicted in the drawings and defined in the claims, are not intended to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilised and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein and illustrated in the drawings can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated in this disclosure.

Referring to the Figures, embodiments of an illuminated sign are shown as part of illuminated sign assemblies. The embodiments of the illuminated sign include a housing from which a display element of the sign extends. In the illustrated embodiments, the housing of the illuminated sign assembly is mountable in a ceiling with the display element projecting from the ceiling to provide increased 11877335_1 (GHMatters) P109140.AU.1 visibility in an emergency. The illuminated sign assemblies may be mounted to any surface of a structure, such as a wall of a building, to provide information regarding an emergency exit route and other information during an emergency.

The emergency may be any circumstances such as a fire or gas leak or any other circumstances that create a hazardous environment for people in the building. The information is useful to both the evacuating people in the building and the rescue workers assisting in evacuating people from the building.

Disclosed are two embodiments of the illuminated sign 10, 100. Figs. 1-5 illustrate a first embodiment of the illuminated sign 10, and Figs. 6-10 illustrate a second embodiment of the illuminated sign 100. Each will be described below.

The primary difference between the embodiments is that the first embodiment is a single sided illuminated sign 10 (having a display surface on one side) and the second embodiment is a double sided illuminated sign 100 (having a display surface on both sides). Like reference numerals will be used for like features.

Now referring to Figs. 1-5, the illuminated sign assembly generally includes a body 13 having first and second members 14, 16 projecting from the housing 12.

Each member 14, 16 has opposite faces, and a peripheral edge 18. The members 14, 16 are disposed in face-to-face relation. The first member 14 is the outer member and the second member 16 is the backing member or inner member. The sign 10 also includes a display surface 20 formed at, or across, an outer face of the first member 14 In the illustrated embodiment, the assembly includes the housing 12 which is box shaped and designed to be mounted in a cavity above the ceiling (not shown) and incorporates components (not shown) of the sign for example wiring junction (to connect the sign to mains power), back up battery, and a controller. One face of the housing (i.e., the outwardly facing face 26), faces down when the sign assembly is mounted in the ceiling. The outward face 26 is generally of larger dimensions than the remainder of the housing 12 so as to form a mounting shoulder 28 which extends beyond the dimensions of the housing 12. The 11877335_1 (GHMatters) P109140.AU.1 mounting shoulder 28 may be used to mount the housing 12 to the ceiling. The mounting shoulder 28 may form an abutment surface which abuts either the interior of exterior of the ceiling surface. When, mounted to the exterior of the ceiling, the mounting shoulder provides a facing surface for the sign 10. The outward face 26 includes an interior slot-like recess 22 which extends the length of the housing 12 through which the members 14, 16 extend.

In the illustrated embodiment, the body 13 of the sign 10 including the two members 14, 16 form a solid blade. The members 14, 16 are mounted to the housing 12 via a bracket 24. Holes are formed in both members 14, 16 and aligned when mounted in the house in face-to-face relation. An end of the brackets 24 is mounted to the outer face of each member and a mechanical fastener retained the brackets and members together. The other end of the brackets 24 is fixed to a portion interior of the housing 12. However, in alternative embodiments, the housing may include a frame that extends about the perimeter of the body.

The first member 14 is in the form of a plate and is illuminated by including a first light source 32 mounted along an upper edge 30 of the member 14 which is disposed in the housing 12. In the illustrated form, the light source includes an array of LEDs spaced apart along the edge. In alternative embodiments, the first light source may be mounted in different edge positions of the first member, for example included along any or all of side or bottom edges.

The matrix of first member 14 incorporates a light dispersive medium arranged to disperse the light from the first light source to illuminate the display surface 20 with a first display. In the illustrated embodiment, the first member 14 is formed from acrylic which include light dispersing particles that can evenly distribute the light throughout the first member to illuminate a first display surface 20. As a result, the first display surface 20 is illuminated and rendered highly visible.

The acrylic used for the first member may be standard acrylic which includes medium light flow properties. In this case, an opaque member (not shown) may 11877335_1 (GHMatters) P109140.AU.1 be mounted to the perimeter of the first member to retain the light within the first member to aid in evenly distributing light. The light is reflected off the opaque member back into the first member. In some embodiments, the opaque member forms a border along three perimeter edges of the first member. In some embodiments, the opaque member may be in the form of a plurality of members which are spaced apart along the perimeter edges of the first member. In this way, light may shine through the spaces between the opaque members to form directional lighting, for example, on the walls or on the floor. Advantageously, this may emphasize the position of the sign and as a result, the emergency exit.

The opaque member may be in the form of tape.

In the illustrated embodiment, a first display 25 is provided as a decal that is adhered to the front face of the first member 14 and forms the first display surface . The first display 25 includes a pictograph or indicia 34 and forms the primary display of the emergency sign and is arranged to inform occupants of the direction of an exit in case of emergency. In the illustrated embodiment, the pictograph is a green running man 34 in accordance ISO standards. As will be appreciated, the pictograph of the first display for emergency exit signs may be in any suitable form such as green running man right or a green running man left which also includes either a right or left arrow depending on requirements.

In further alternative embodiments which are unrelated to emergency exit signs, the first display may include any desired symbol, pictograph, indicia, words, or combination thereof, etc. In further alternative embodiments, the first display may be etched on the outer face of the first member 14 rather than provided as a decal.

The second member 16 is mounted to the rear or inner face of the first member 14. As discussed above, the members 14, 16 are mounted in face-to-face relation along the one edge in the housing 12. The second member includes a second light source 36 in the form of a light array that provides a dynamic functionality to the sign 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the second member is formed from three 11877335_1 (GHMatters) P109140.AU.1 sub-members 16a, 16b and 16c. The first sub-member 16a is positioned adjacent the first member 14, the second sub-member 16b is positioned in between the first and third sub-members 16a, 16c, and the third sub-member 16c is positioned as the rear backing plate for the sign 10.

The first sub-member 16a is in the form of a stencil which focuses the light pattern from the second light source 36. The second sub-member 16b includes the light array of the second light source 36, which is preferably in the form of an array of LEDs mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) which supports and electrically connects the LED array. The third sub-member 16c supports the first and second sub-members 16a, 16b and acts as a backing plate for the light source The second light source 36 is arranged to be illuminated in different patterns, each of which form a different pictograph which, depending on circumstances, can assist in providing vital information in an emergency situation. Therefore, the dynamic sign 10 is configured such that a second display 38 (formed from the pattern of the second light source and focused by the stencil 16a) can be selectively displayed on the display surface 20 in response to an illuminated condition of the second light source 36 of the second member 16.

The second display 38 may be different to the first display 20 to either negate or enhance the information provided by first display or may be the same as the first display so as emphasize or enhance the first display 20.

The second light source 36 is operative in either an ‘on mode’ or an ‘off mode’.

The first display 25 is prominently visible at the first display surface 20 when the second light source 36 is in the ‘off mode’. In this condition, the first light source 32 edge illuminates the first member 14. This is the standard operational condition of the emergency sign. A particular feature of the design is that because of the edge light arrangement and the dispersive properties within the matrix of the first member, the second member (including the second light source) is not at 11877335_1 (GHMatters) P109140.AU.1 all prominent at the display surface 20. As such, the first display 25 is not compromised by the presence of the second member 16.

In the ‘on mode’, the second light source 36 is illuminated in any one of its programmed patterns causing the resulting second display to become visible at the display surface 20 through the first display 25. In one form, when in the “on” mode, the first light source remains illuminated so that both the first and second light sources are operational. The continued operation of the first light source is often a requirement of standards for emergency lighting. However, it is to be appreciated that first light source 32 may be caused to switch off to further emphasise the second display if considered appropriate. With this arrangement, the sign can be dynamic and provide a display (being a combination of the first and second displays) which provides more effective communication in the case of an emergency. Different exemplary scenarios are described in more detail below.

The emergency sign 10, and in particular the second light source, is designed to be remotely controlled. Typically, the emergency sign 10 is coordinated with other signs in a building so that collectively, with the dynamic capability of the sign, they can inform building occupants or emergency workers of accessible or blocked exits.

Advantageously, when the second light source is in the ‘on mode’, it increases the sign 10 visibility during emergencies and provides information appropriate to the circumstances to say for example, guide and evacuation. The second light source 38 is triggered by an appropriate event, for example an evacuation alarm being set off, or in the event that an emergency exit being blocked (for example for building maintenance).

In one illustrated embodiment, the first display 20 is in the form of a ‘green running man’ to notify people of safe emergency exits. In some cases, an arrow is also included on the first display to specifically direct people to the exit. 11877335_1 (GHMatters) P109140.AU.1 In the illustrated embodiment, the second display may be in the form of three different modes and thus light array may be illuminated in four different patterns to generate four different pictographs or indicia, each to convey unique emergency evacuation information. In the illustrated forms, the pictographs are an arrow left, an arrow right, an ‘X’ (“do not proceed”), or ‘||’ (“proceed straight”). In this way, the sign is dynamic, and is able to convey additional relevant information to occupants during an evacuation of a building in an emergency. Each of the pictographs, namely the arrows pictographs, the proceed straight pictograph or the do not proceed pictograph may be activated as a selected pictograph in the ‘on mode’.

In the arrow mode or direction mode, the second display may either illuminate the existing arrow on the first display or illuminate an arrow solely on the second display but visible through the first display. The arrow may point in either left or right to guide the occupants in that direction. The arrow symbol may be formed from green LED lights or white LED lights.

In the do not proceed mode, the second light source generates a red ‘X’ and is more prominently visible than the first display 20. The red ‘X’ alerts evacuees to find a different emergency exit and indicates that the respective exit is hazardous.

The ‘X’ mode negates the information displayed on the first display 20.

In the proceed straight’ mode or the emphasis mode, the parallel lines are formed of white LEDs and are configured to emphasis the green running man and that the forward direction is still open.

To enhance the visibility of the second displays and in particular the red ‘X’ of the “do not proceed” pictograph, the first display illustrating the green running man may be designed to facilitate transmission of red light. This may be achieved in a number of ways. In one way the green of the running man is represented by blue and yellow dots that are separately printed. As a result, the red lights 36 of the second display 38 will be able to be transmitted through the gaps between the blue 11877335_1 (GHMatters) P109140.AU.1 and yellow dots of the first display 20 thereby the red “x” to remain visible at the display surface 20.

In the illustrated form, the LED lights 36 are mounted to the second sub-member 16b directly behind the stencil of the first sub-member 16a. In the illustrated embodiment, wide angle beam LEDs are used, which are cost effective, but create a blurrier image. In this way, the first sub-member 16a sharpens or focuses the image of the second display shining through the first sub-member 16a and first display 20. Alternatively, narrow beam LEDs may be implemented and then the stencil sub-member may not be required to sharpen the illuminated image.

In the illustrated embodiment, the second member 16 including the second light source 36 is in the form of a blade (albeit made up from various sub members discussed above). In particular the LED lights may be mounted into a track formed in the rear backing plate 16c. In an alternative form, the second member, may be primarily formed as a film (having little thickness). This film may comprise the LED lights on a flexible printed circuit sheet, with possibly a further layer forming a backing sheet or front stencil. With this arrangement, the film incorporating the LED array is applied to the inner face of the first member. A feature of having the LED array separate to the first member is that the positioning of the second light source does not effective the light transmissive properties of the first member to refract the edge light source. If, for example, the LED light source was disposed within the first member, then this may interfere with the light from the first light source rendering the LED light source visible on the displace surface even if not illuminated. To cater for such an arrangement, the first member may need to be made thicker, or from a more complex design thereby increasing the cost of production.

Now referring to the second embodiment of the sign 100 illustrated in Figs. 6 to . As discussed above, the primary difference between the sign 10 illustrated in Figs. 1 to 5, and the sign illustrated in Figs. 6 to 10 is that the second embodiment of the sign 100 is double-sided. In other words, the sign 100 has two display 11877335_1 (GHMatters) P109140.AU.1 surfaces 20 disposed on respective opposite sides of the sign 100. Most of the features discussed above in relation not the single-sided sign 10 are the same but simply repeated as a mirror image on the other side of the sign.

As best shown in Fig. 8, each member (and sub-member) is shown in an exploded view. In particular, the second sub-member 16b is positioned in the middle of the sign 100. In this embodiment the frame 16c is mounted to the rear first (i.e., stencil) member 16a. The frame mounts all the front and rear members. On each opposing side of the second sub-member 16b, LEDs are mounted in the form of the second display 38. Positioned adjacent both opposing sides of the sub- member 16b are respective first sub-members 16a including stencils as discussed above. Finally, the exterior face of each opposing side of the sign 100 is formed from the respective first member 14 and the first display 20. In alternative embodiments, the frame 16c may be mounted to any of the members.

The light does not travel through the second and third sub-members 16b, 16c, and only travels outwardly towards each opposing side of the sign 100 and visible through each of the two display surfaces 20.

In general, the LED lights which are used in the displays may be solid, flashing, pulsing or light up sequentially, simultaneously, in stages a combination thereof, etc. for increased visibility or to enhance evacuation messaging. Overall, the entire system of signs on a floor of a building or across floors of a building may form part of a broader network which are designed to light up sequentially to indicate an evacuation route. The system of illuminated signs may use any type of visual cue to indicate an evacuation route.

Variations and modifications may be made to the parts previously described without departing from the spirit or ambit of the disclosure.

The embodiments of the illuminated dynamic sign disclosed herein provides a clear indication of a safe evacuation and exit route that is viable for those evacuating a building or structure. 11877335_1 (GHMatters) P109140.AU.1 In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. 11877335_1 (GHMatters) P109140.AU.1

Claims (1)

1. An illuminated sign comprising: a body comprising at least one display surface, a first member having opposite inner and outer faces and a peripheral edge that interconnects the faces of the member, the at least one display surface being formed at or over the outer face of the first member, a first light source, arranged to edge illuminate the first member, the first member incorporating a light dispersive medium arranged to illuminate the display surface with a first display through illumination of the first light source; and a second light source being in the form of a light array arranged to project light through the first member towards the display surface, the light array being able to be illuminated in one or more patterns to generate at least one pictograph that forms at least one second display at the display surface, wherein the sign is configured such that the at least one second display is selectively displayed on the display surface in response to an illumination condition of at least one of the first or second light sources. The sign according to claim 1, wherein the second light source is mounted at or adjacent the inner face so as to back illuminate the first member with the second display. The sign according to claim 2, wherein the body further comprises a second member including the second light source, the second member being disposed in face-to-face relation with the inner face of the first member. 11877335_1 (GHMatters) P109140.AU.1 The sign according to any preceding claim, wherein the first display is disposed on the outer surface of the first member. The sign according to claim 4, wherein the first display is in the form of a decal which is affixed to the outer surface of the first member and forms the at least one display surface. The sign according to any preceding claim, wherein the second light source is operative between an on mode and an off mode and wherein when in the on mode, the at least one second display is prominently visible through the first display at the at least one display surface, and in an off mode the at least one second display is not predominantly visible at the at least one display surface. The sign according to claim 6, wherein when in the on mode, the second light source is able to be controlled to selectively display one of a plurality of the second displays at the at least one display surface. The sign according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first member is formed from acrylic having the light dispersive medium in the acrylic matrix. The sign according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sign is in the form of an emergency exit sign, and the selection of one of the first display and the second display is arranged to guide safe evacuation of occupants from areas in an emergency situation. The sign according to claim 8, wherein the first display is compliant with Australian Standard 2293. The sign according to any preceding claim comprising a plurality of the first members, two display surfaces being formed at or over the outer face of the respective first members and being disposed on opposite sides of the sign. 11877335_1 (GHMatters) P109140.AU.1 An illuminated assembly comprising a housing mountable in a building structure and an illuminated sign according to any one of claims 1 to 9 mounted to the housing. An illuminated sign comprising: a body comprising first and second members, each member having opposite faces and a peripheral edge that interconnects the faces of respective members, the members being in face-to-face relation and at least one display surface of the sign being formed at one face of the first member, the first member being edge-illuminated and incorporating a light dispersive medium arranged to illuminate the display surface with a first display; and the second member being separately illuminated from the first member to illuminate at least one second display, wherein the sign is configured such that the at least one second display is selectively displayed on the at least one display surface in response to an illumination condition of at least one of the first or second member. 11877335_1 (GHMatters) P109140.AU.1