WO2002033175A1

WO2002033175A1 - Road light signs

Info

Publication number: WO2002033175A1
Application number: PCT/ES2001/000392
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eduardo Diz Ramos
Original assignee: Eduardo Diz Ramos
Priority date: 2000-10-16
Filing date: 2001-10-15
Publication date: 2002-04-25
Also published as: ES1047235Y; EP1327718A1; DE60109187D1; EP1327718B1; ES1047235U; ATE290129T1

Abstract

The invention relates to a sign whose aim is to improve existing signs with the purpose of facilitating rolling traffic and pedestrian traffic, essentially in areas common to both groups. Said sign includes lighting modules (1, 1') transversally disposed in the road (2), in addition to display elements which protrude relative to the surface of the road in rest positions and which can be concealed when they are trod upon by the wheels of vehicles. The sign also includes an activation switch for said lighting modules.

Description

BRIGHT SIGNAL FOR THE SHOE OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a light signaling for the road, whose purpose is to improve the current signs in order to facilitate both the circulation of road traffic, and the traffic of pedestrians, mainly in common areas of both groups, such as in zebra crossings or any other step that crosses a road. In addition, at crosswalks, it serves to indicate any other eventuality on the road.

The luminous points are located in the middle of the road and it is the place where the vision is directed directly, so that it is practically impossible not to see those luminous points and above all it should be noted that it is very useful in conditions of poor visibility, such as during the night or when there is fog, rain or snow, etc.

The location of the new signaling allows a very direct visualization of the motorists, so that it is not necessary to turn the head or look sideways to visualize that signaling, contrary to what happens many times with the current signage, so that the they are usually found on one or both sides of the road, which implies a turn of the head or deviation from the driver's view for viewing.

Normally, the signaling system of the invention will be activated by the pedestrian who wishes to cross a road where cars and any other vehicle circulate. For this, the signaling system incorporates activation means also located on the ground in a very suitable strategic area, mainly for people in a hurry, so that pressing the activation means of the signaling system will not interrupt the user's path . BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The light signaling systems, such as traffic lights, are really very effective in the zebra crossings and other public road crossings where those public roads cross pedestrians when the traffic light allows.

However, sometimes it happens that the motorist does not see the traffic light well in advance of the pedestrian crossing of the road, but when he is already very close to that step.

This is the case, among other reasons, because it is necessary to turn the head slightly towards the traffic light or look away towards said traffic light, which is usually located on one side of the road or public road.

All this poses a real danger to the pedestrian who relies fully on traffic lights or any other signaling system, in order to cross the road safely. In addition to crosswalks with traffic lights, it is especially applicable in zebra crossings, which are only marked with lines painted on the ground. Thus it happens that the driver only sees the zebra crossings when he is on top of them or when he meets a pedestrian, so that he usually passes suddenly, taking refuge in the preference that this type of steps shows. Sometimes it happens that drivers for a bad habit do not give up the preference in zebra crossings, therefore needing a system that reminds them of a shocking way, for example, with flashy flashes of light.

Another drawback is that sometimes, just in front of the traffic light, a large vehicle, such as a bus or truck, is stopped or parked, so that the motorist driving on the road does not see the traffic light, with the consequent danger to the pedestrian, from so that in the best case, even if the driver slows down as a prevention, there is a risk and it is always the pedestrian that leads to losing.

On the other hand, in some steps a button has been installed so that the pedestrian can actuate it in order to change the color of the traffic light to be able to cross later without a film, so that said button is installed in the support or column itself of the traffic light. The location of this button has the disadvantage that if the pedestrian is in a hurry, he does not bother to approach the location of the traffic light and tries to cross the road looking previously on both sides of the traffic light, which does not cease to constitute a danger and obvious risk.

Utility Model δ U-9801095 refers to a metal structure with a luminous device inside that is installed transversely across the width of the public road parallel to the crosswalk.

This Utility Model device includes a support or pole with switch that will be placed in the vicinity of a side of the crosswalk to prevent it from interrupting their passage. Therefore, in this case it will also be necessary to move to a side of the crosswalk to operate the button, with the inconvenience that this entails as mentioned above. In addition, said post constitutes an architectural barrier, which, like others, is intended to be eliminated by all means.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION To achieve the objectives and avoid the inconveniences mentioned in the previous sections, the invention proposes a light signaling for the road that is characterized in the first place by being a signaling composed of several luminous elements that are located in a transverse area of the road, usually in correspondence with a zebra crossing to a certain distance from it. The luminous elements can also be installed in correspondence with other places or circumstances.

Another feature of the signaling of the invention is the means used to activate the signaling, said means consisting of at least one button located in a central area of the crosswalk, so that it will not be necessary to move to one end of the step to activate the light system as with current systems. Normally, the button will be located on the sidewalk next to the curb. In this way the pedestrian can step on the foot easily, simply and quickly before crossing the public road, waiting before the light elements change their situation. The button, being in the center or step area is easily pressed with the foot, not having to do anything special for it, but just keep walking normally. To facilitate its use, the button is of a large size, such as 25 x 25 cm, thus being easily usable by limited people, such as the elderly and children. When it is located at ground level it does not trip over it and therefore does not constitute an architectural barrier.

Another feature of the invention is that the luminous elements are retractable when they are stepped on by the wheels of the vehicles, so that they are normally protruding slightly from the road surface to be better visualized, mainly by motorists. This characteristic of being retractable implies a substantial modification and improvement with respect to Utility Model No. U-9801095. This Utility Model includes among its elements an arched plate that protrudes from the ground and is not retractable, so that said plate constitutes an interruption in the large public highway discomfort for vehicles and their occupants, mainly for drivers and public transport users who are standing or standing. The projecting arched plate of the ground negatively affects the mechanisms of the vehicles, by constant knocks on the wheels and suspensions, and above all very dangerous because this knocking causes control losses, essentially in light vehicles or small wheels, such as motorcycles , mainly in conditions of poor visibility, when the system is not activated by no pedestrian crossing at that time. On the other hand, the system of the invention being concealed puts an end to these drawbacks.

Another advantage over the Utility Model nδ U-9801095 for being foldable, is the ease of installation by being hidden with a screw and a pin when mounted so that vehicles can move freely until the fixing product (resin) sets It takes five to six days. In addition, the system of the aforementioned Utility Model, when hit by the wheels, its grip is difficult, sometimes it is necessary to cut the traffic or put sheets with the difficulties of noise, discomfort, accidents and being displaced that they imply.

Other advantages over the Utility Model nδ u-9801095 that improve it are the following:

- Novel system of great acceptance.

- It is cheap, simple design and operation, therefore with few breakdowns, these being easy to repair by being disassembled with a simple screw or nut; so it is not necessary to cut traffic.

- Easier to install, as it only requires the realization of some holes in the pavement.

- When hiding, it does not wear out due to the friction of the wheels, it does not have to hold weights as in the case of a truck wheel stopping on it, or wheel knocks of braked trailers, circumstances that do occur in Utility Model nδ U-9801095.

- It does not accumulate dirt in its vicinity because it is concealed, so that dirt passes over it. - The sidewalk button is easier to operate and does not cause tripping.

- It has acoustic warning controller of correct operation.

- All internal components such as springs, switches, etc. are sealed and covered with rubber, also having drainage systems for the various residues that can accumulate.

The signaling is also characterized in that it includes a spring mechanism to position the lighting elements outwardly protruding above the road in its resting position.

Each of the luminous elements is telescopically coupled on a lower tube by means of a recovery spring. There is a lamp inside the light element, while the lower tube is fixed to a tubular support integral to the ground. This support has drainage holes for dirt, water, etc.

Also included are retaining and coupling means of the lighting element that basically consist of a nut threaded to the tubular support, nut where the lighting element axially abuts when it recovers its initial position after having been hidden down by the action of the wheel of a car. The lighting elements protrude slightly above the road surface, so that when it is stepped on by the wheel of a vehicle it will not suffer any deterioration, recovering its outstanding initial position once the wheel stops stepping on said lighting element . This helps the character The fact that the lighting elements have their upper edge chamfered or rounded, which facilitates the attack at the beginning of the tread of the vehicle's wheel.

The visible light parts or parts have a measure and therefore protrude from the roadway enough to be seen at a great distance and in conditions of poor visibility and enough, that is, they have the appropriate size or measure to be pressed and therefore retracted without resistance and very easily due to the effect of the wheel of any type of vehicle, regardless of the size and width of these and the vehicle being treated: bicycles, motorcycles, disabled chairs, etc. The shape of these pieces is not limited, although in the figures it is represented as circular and square, which can also be rectangular, triangular, etc., as it is most effective for the purpose and operation of the system and according to criteria of efficiency, duration and manufacturing capacity.

In addition, it should be noted that the visible and mobile parts by their structure and shape chamfered in all its contour and with striations on all its sides, can therefore be pressed and hidden from any side that are rushed by the wheel of the vehicle in question, even when the vehicle accesses from the side, reverse, etc.

The luminous elements have at least one translucent part to let the light in the lamp so that both motorists and users clearly see the light. The translucent part where the luminous flash is emitted, can also occupy all the faces or the total contour of said visible piece, so that it can be visualized from any point and also by the pedestrians who cross, to indicate that the system is It is in operation. On the other hand, the lighting element can also be determined by a collapsible part that, when stepped on by the wheels of a vehicle, will be flush with the ground surface, then recovering its position by means of the respective spring mechanism.

Another feature of the system of the invention that does not have the Utility Model nδ U-9801095 is that it has a sound system housed inside the button compartment that emits a discontinuous and determined beep when the system is activated and therefore can be crossed the street, thus serving to warn blind and distracted people of it.

When the system is intended to signal an event other than a crosswalk, the system in this case will be activated continuously without a start button.

The signaling of the invention is connected to the electrical conduits, every day more common in the cities: electrical network, traffic lights, lampposts, lights, etc ... and that the electrical components that integrate it are a power switch to cut off the supply, a magnetothermal regulator that disconnects it in the event of a breakdown, a power limiter and an adjustable electronic frequency regulator in order to program intensity, duration, cadence and frequency parameters of the light flash. Also at the point of connection to the power supply carries a voltage transformer from 220 volts to 12 or 24 volts, which is the type of voltage to which the lamps that integrate it work and also as a safety measure, although the system is perfectly isolated , in the case of incorrect manipulations. All electrical components are housed in a sealed case dedicated to this end, located in the outlet or next to the button. In turn all the electric conduction goes by a hose with thick rubber and anti-humidity insulation and in the areas of passage of this to the electric chest or to the cabin of the button it is insulated with sealing nuts with airtight rubber of variable tightening. In addition, the power supply can be made in some cases with rechargeable batteries, solar energy, biomass, etc.

Next, in order to facilitate a better understanding of this descriptive report and forming an integral part thereof, some figures are attached in which the object of the invention has been illustrated and not limited to.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1.- Represents a perspective view of the whole of the light signaling for roadway, object of the invention. It basically comprises luminous modules installed transversely on the road, as well as a button also installed on the ground so that a pedestrian can operate said light modules by means of the foot.

Figure 2.- Shows a sectional view of one of the lighting modules.

Figure 3.- Shows a sectional view of the button that activates the lighting modules. Figure 4 to 9.- They show a sectional view of some lighting modules that represent different embodiments of the one shown in Figure 2.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED FORM OF RE LIZACÓN

An example of embodiment of the invention is described below, taking into account the numbering adopted in the figures.

The light signaling for the roadway is made up of several luminous modules 1 established transversely on a roadway or public road 2 and a foot switch 3 installed on the ground in correspondence with sidewalk 4, while facing a central area of a pedestrian crossing 5 or similar of pedestrians. There is also a cable hose 6 that runs through the light modules 1 until the foot switch 3 is reached. Each of these light modules 1 comprises a tubular housing 7 flush superiorly with the surface of the roadway or public road 2 and fixed by means of a material of resin 8 where several radial pins 9 integral with said housing 7 are embedded. In the lower part of the housing 7 there is at least one transverse piece 10 where the bottom of a lower tubular body 11 is fixed, bottom of which a vertical support starts 12 for fixing a lamp 13 close to the surface of the public thoroughfare 2. Telescopically coupled to the tube 11 and with interposition of a spring 14, there is an upper tubular body 15 made of a translucent material to let the lamp light through 13. This upper body 15 protrudes above the surface of the road 2, while being closed by a striated and rounded metal sheet 16 by its edges in order to facilitate the attack of the wheel of a vehicle when it is stepped on the translucent body 15 that will move downward against the resistance of the spring 14 until it is flush with the surface of the roadway 2.

The spring 14 is installed coaxially with the vertical support 12 of the lamp 13.

The fastening of the translucent body 15 is carried out by means of a threaded bushing 17 that is externally coupled on the tubular casing 7, so that the translucent body 15 axially abuts on the threaded bushing 17 by means of an external wing 18 integral with the translucent body 15 This includes another inner wing 19 where the spring 14 stops, which tends to push the translucent body 15 outward. The housing 7 includes bottom drain holes 20 to facilitate the passage of water, sand and in general, any dirt that is introduced into the housing 7. The button 3 also includes a housing

21, as well as a pulsation plate 22 flush with the surface of the sidewalk 4. The pulsation plate 22 is associated with an internal switch 23 by means of an intermediate piece 24. The stability and resting position of the pulsation plate 22 is secured by means of recovery springs 25 coupled around short shafts 26 integral with the pulsation plate 22 and guided in holes 27 established in an internal plate 28 fixed to the housing 21, so that the recovery springs 25 which they stop against the internal plate 28, while they tend to position the pulsation plate 22 out flush with the surface of the sidewalk 4, after having pressed said plate 22 with the foot so that the lamps 13 of the different lighting modules 1 turn on.

The housing 21 of the button assembly 3 also includes drain holes 29 to facilitate the exit of any type of dirt. With this described arrangement, when a pedestrian intends to cross the public highway 2, he must first press with his foot on the button 3, which will turn on, activate or change the color of the lamps 13 of the different lighting modules 1 established in a transverse alignment of the road or public road 2. In this way, motorists will easily see the flashes of light emitted through the transparency of the protruding part of the translucent bodies 15 of the lighting modules 1. After the opportune time to cross the pedestrian excessively the road 2, then the lamps 13 will go out or change color and the vehicles will be able to circulate, so that the wheels of the vehicles when stepping on the translucent upper bodies 15 of the lighting modules 1 will move down against the resistance of the springs 14 until they are flush with the surface of the roadway 2. Then, when they stop stepping on the lighting modules 1, the upper bodies 15 will regain their initial position protruding on the roadway 2 through the springs 14.

The lighting will have a defined and characteristic color of this system that will serve to associate it easily and quickly with it; being this one of great luminosity and producer of bursts of light or intermittent flashes with a frequency, cadence and intensity.

Although the lighting modules are hidden with the pressure of the wheels, as a measure of safety and comfort, these modules are both small in size and separated enough to be easily dodged by the wheels.

Other embodiments of the invention are shown in Figures 4 to 9, where the two lower 11 and upper 15 tubular bodies are dispensed with, as well as the coaxial spring 14 arranged around the vertical support 12 of the lamp 13.

Thus, in these cases, the vertical support 12 'of the lamp 13 is fixed directly to the transverse piece 10' fixed in turn to the housing 7 '. A translucent folding plate 30 is disposed in the mouth of the housing 7 ', whose resting position corresponds to a position inclined above the surface of the road 2, so that said position is maintained by suitable means, either through a spring 31, 31 'or through a counterweight 32; said means being associated with the folding plate 30 which is it attaches to an articulation shaft 33. The housing 7 'also includes drain holes 20'. The folding plate can have any shape, whether circular, rectangular or any other. Thus, in all cases of the folding plate 30, when a vehicle steps on said plate, it will be approximately flush with the surface of the road 2, while at the same time resting on a seat 34 of the housing 7 '. Once the vehicle stops stepping on the folding plate 30, it will recover its initial inclined position of rest by means of the spring 31, 31 ', or by the counterweight 32, the plate 30 protruding above the road 2 in all cases .

In figure 4 the spring 31 is arranged in a vertical position next to the axis of articulation or hinge 33.

In figure 5, the spring 31 is arranged just on the opposite side of the articulation axis 33. Figure 6 shows an embodiment where the spring 31 'is coaxially coupled around the articulation or hinged axis 33.

On the other hand, in FIG. 7 the folding plate 30 is associated with the spring 31 located in an intermediate area of the plate below it 30, at the same time that said spring is in turn coupled around a fixed arched element 35 to the plate and guided inferiorly in a hole established in a flat piece 36 arranged below the floor surface. Finally, FIG. 8 represents the counterweight 32 fixed in an extension 37 of the folding plate 30, an extension that starts from the axis of articulation 33. The counterweight 32 is the element in charge of placing and placing the plate 30 in its inclined rest position. The internal face of the folding plate 30 carries a mirror, either made of glass or metallic, which serves to reflect the flashes emitted by the lamp 13. In addition, the folding plate has a chamfered and ribbed all around its contour so that it can be pressed by the wheels from all sides that are connected to the folding plate 30.

The threaded bushing 17 is a nut with thread and grooves on its upper outer face, so that it can be loosened with a chisel and hammer in order to facilitate the disassembly of the mechanism.

A fixing pin 38 is provided where a stepped frame 39 is retained in which, among other elements, the tilting plate 30 is coupled, so that to disassemble the system assembly it will be necessary to disassemble the pin 38 fixed by means of screws or other suitable fasteners.

In the embodiments of the invention shown in Figures 4 to 9, a perimeter skirt 40 disposed around the folding plate 30 is included, thus determining a hollow area. The inner face of that skirt has a metallic or glass mirror surface that serves to reflect the light of the lamp 13, this skirt 40 being in turn an element of concealment and protection of the springs, according to the model in question .

Claims

CLAIMS: 1.- BRIGHT SIGNALING FOR THE SHOE, which includes lighting modules that include at least some lamps, as well as a button to activate said lamps; characterized in that the lighting modules (1, 1 ') are arranged transversely in the roadway (2), while said modules include display elements that protrude with respect to the surface of the roadway in their resting positions and they are susceptible to slip away when they are stepped on by the wheels of the vehicles; incorporating for this each lighting module (1, 1 ') a device for recovering the initial position of said protruding display elements outwards with respect to the surface of the road (2).

2.- BRIGHT SIGNAL FOR THE SHOE, according to claim 1, characterized in that the activation button of the lamps (13) that are part of the lighting modules (1), said button is flush and arranged in correspondence with the surface of the sidewalk (4), essentially in a corresponding centered area with the cross passage of the road where pedestrians can cross.

3. LIGHT SIGNALING FOR THE ROAD according to claim 1, wherein each lighting module comprises a casing (7), inside which there is a crosspiece (10) where ^'background is set a lower tubular body (11) from which a support (12) with a lamp (13) is attached, around which there is a coaxial spring (14) that abuts superiorly against an internal wing (19) integral with a translucent tubular body (15) constituting the display element, the same being held in a socket (17) fixed to the housing (7) with interposition of an outer wing (18) integral with the translucent body (15), counting the lower section of the housing (7) with drain holes (20).

4.- BRIGHT SIGNAL FOR THE FOOTWEAR, according to claim 1, characterized in that each lighting module (1 ') comprises a housing (7'), inside which there is a transverse piece (10 ') where a support (12') is fixed ) of the lamp (13), including in the vicinity of the upper edge of the housing (7 ') a translucent folding plate (30) coupled in an articulation axis (33) and constituting the respective display element, at the same time as the plate is associated with recovery means towards its resting position where the plate is kept inclined above the surface of the roadway (2) by said recovery means; all this in order that when the folding plate (30) is stepped on by the wheel of a vehicle it will be placed in a horizontal position approximately coplanar with the surface of the road (2) and resting on a seat (34) of the housing ( 7 '), including the lower section of the housing (7'), drain holes (20 ').

5.- BRIGHT SIGNALING FOR THE FOOTWEAR, according to claim 3, characterized in that the translucent tubular body (15) is closed by its upper edge by a metal sheet (16) striated and rounded by its edges; all in order to facilitate the attack of the wheel of a vehicle when it steps on the translucent body (15).

6.- BRIGHT SIGNAL FOR THE SHOE, according to claims 3 and 4, characterized in that the housing (7, 7 ') is fixed to the road (2) by means of a resin material (8) where some pins of fixing (9) solidarity of the housing (7, 7 ').

7.- BRIGHT SIGNAL FOR THE SHOE, according to claim 2, characterized in that the button comprises a housing (21) with drain holes (29), as well as a pulsation plate (22) flush with the sidewalk surface (4), the pulsation plate (22) being associated with an internal switch (23) by means of an intermediate piece (24), also including recovery springs (25) coupled around short shafts ( 26) solidarity of the pulsation plate (22) and guided in holes (27) established in an internal plate (28) fixed to the housing (21), the springs tending to place the pulsation plate (22) in position flush with the sidewalk surface (4).

8.- BRIGHT SIGNAL FOR THE FOOTWEAR, according to claim 1, characterized in that the display elements of the lighting modules (1, 1 ') include in their internal face a glass or metallic mirror finish that reflects the light of the lamps (13).

9.- BRIGHT SIGNALING FOR THE SHOE, according to claim 1, characterized in that the display elements of the lighting modules (1, 1 ') have chamfered and grooved outer edges; all in order to facilitate the attack and pressing of said elements by means of the wheels of any vehicle from any direction.

10.- BRIGHT SIGNALING FOR THE FOOTWEAR, according to claim 1, characterized in that the foot button (3) includes a sound device inside which is activated when the system is switched on by pressing the foot button (3).

11.- BRIGHT SIGNALING FOR THE SHOE, according to claim '4, characterized in that the recovery means of the folding plate (30) consist of a spring (31) arranged vertically next to the articulation axis (33) and associated with the flip plate (30).

12.- BRIGHT SIGNAL FOR THE SHOE, according to claim 4, characterized in that the recovery means of the folding plate (30) consist of a spring (31) that is located on the opposite side of the shaft of articulation (33).

13.- BRIGHT SIGNALING FOR THE FOOTWEAR, according to claim 4, characterized in that the recovery means of the folding plate (30) consist of a spring (31 ') coaxially coupled around the articulation axis (33).

14.- BRIGHT SIGNALING FOR THE SHOE, according to claim 4, characterized in that the recovery means of the folding plate (30) consist of a spring (31) located in an intermediate area of the plate below it, at the same time that said spring is coupled around an element. arched (35) fixed to the plate (30) and guided inferiorly in a hole established in a piece (36) arranged below the floor surface.

15.- BRIGHT SIGNALING FOR THE SHOE, according to claim 4, characterized in that the recovery means consist of a counterweight (32) fixed in a lower extension. (37) of the folding plate (30), extension (37) that starts from the axis of articulation (33).

16.- BRIGHT SIGNALING FOR THE SHOE, according to claim 4, characterized in that it includes a perimeter skirt (40) that starts from the underside of the folding plate (30).