Abstract:
An illuminated display apparatus for supplementing street signals includes a housing containing an LED array capable of producing multicolored and animated images, a bracket system holding the housings together wherein a row of multiple housings and LED arrays may be assembled together to create larger displays, and wherein a system of brackets supports the housings at an angle from vertical for viewing by passing vehicles below. The display may also include a solar array, loudspeakers, strobe apparatus and automatic brightness dimming.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims the benefit of the filing date of provisional application No. 61/146,192. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The present invention is directed to electronic signals including compact hanging signage presenting highly visible visual warnings, messages or information to drivers during the regular course of driving, and in emergency or other situations. 
         [0003]    Electrically powered traffic signals or “stop lights” have been around since the early twentieth century. These signals have remained essentially the same in general concept with a few refinements added such as turn arrows and “walk” or “don&#39;t walk” messages. Over the years, ground travel in and around cities has become increasingly constrained with growing vehicular traffic including passenger cars, trucks, emergency vehicles, busses, trains and the like all moving in densely-populated areas. 
         [0004]    While non-passenger vehicles such as police cars, fire trucks and ambulances typically have visual and audible warnings of their approach into intersections, they frequently don&#39;t have the right-of-way and their warnings, often unseen and/or unheard, lead to serious collisions. In view of the increased density and speed of vehicular traffic, and the current state of signage technology, it is desirable for municipalities to provide significantly improved signaling and signage at intersections for better vehicular flow, safety, and to provide warnings and information among other reasons. 
         [0005]    A variety of devices proposed, including earlier patents and applications by the present inventor, presented ambiguous and potentially confusing information to drivers. Often complex and of expensive construction, these devices have not been widely installed. Since known systems have been inefficient and ineffective when providing information to drivers for collision avoidance or other purposes, the present invention as described herein takes major steps forward towards accomplishing these objectives. One important goal of the present invention is to provide a more effective traffic signal preemption system. Currently in the market, devices exist that can preempt the normal operation of a traffic signal, such as a strobe light system. While this is useful to emergency vehicles, drivers are often unaware of where the emergency vehicles are as they approach an intersection. By providing programmed LED graphical movement as herein shown and described, the present invention aims to solve problems in the prior art. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    In order to solve the aforementioned problems in the prior art, a modular, LED-based traffic sign is proposed. When assembled, the sign frequently comprises a series of individual modular panels. An individual panel is preferably made of a clear front case, an LED panel, a water proof gasket, and a rear case. The gasket prevents moisture from intrusion into the panel. Additionally, a panel may be powered by an optional auxiliary power source located in a separate box attached to a traffic pole. A loudspeaker may be incorporated into the box. 
         [0007]    Preferably, individual panels rectangular and approximately 18 inches by 24 inches in size. Since the panels can be arranged along either the 18 or 24 inch side, signs of different sizes can be produced. In particular, two or more panels may be connected along their 24 inch sides for code compliant traffic regulatory signs. For street signage, two or more panels may be connected along their 18 inch sides. 
         [0008]    To anchor panels in position and provide a slight downward tilt to the device when installed, a series of brackets are affixed to the top and bottom of the installed panel. The brackets have an elongated piece and a shortened piece affixed together, and connected to the panel with screws. To avoid interfering with the LED display, the brackets may be clear. The combination of the elongated and shortened bracket pieces causes the panel to hang off-center and suspend at an angle from its support. This downward tilt, preferably around five degrees, affords better driver visibility. 
         [0009]    Typically, brackets are used for both upper and lower portions of the panel. Attached to the upper portion, the panel hangs from the bracket and tilts toward drivers. Attached to the lower portion, the bracket increases the panel tilt and serves as a guard or bumper to protect the panel face. The brackets attach to either the 18 inch or 24 inch side of a panel to make larger or smaller signs according to governmental sign specifications. 
         [0010]    A series of panels may be assembled in a row, creating a larger sign. To preserve the alignment of the panels, the brackets may be incorporated into a rail system. To properly balance and level the panels, the rail system includes adjustable assemblies that attach to light posts or other signal supports. The edges of individual panels are beveled to diffuse light and minimize the appearance of seams between the panels when multiple panels are connected. Preferably, the bevel angles are approximately 45 degrees from the panel face. 
         [0011]    One alternative embodiment of the device is designed to function as a single panel mini-alert signal. The mini-alert signal is preferably contained in a generally oval shaped housing with a visor or shroud. A front panel having a multiplicity of high-output light emitting diodes (LEDs) or the equivalent, provide highly-visible animation. Alternatively the device may be in the form of a rectangle with rounded-off corners (not shown) to more easily, optionally display street names as described below. A pair of loudspeakers project downward and act as sirens if necessary. The loudspeakers are preferably located on the bottom of the housing to keep water and dust out of the signal. The signal is generally sealed to provide weather resistance. The LED screen and speakers may be in direct or wireless communication with stop lights, emergency vehicles and municipal vehicles among others to receive instructions and display warnings or information. 
         [0012]    The mini-alert unit&#39;s back panel preferably includes photovoltaic (or equivalent) solar panels to provide a primary (or alternate) power source, which may also include an auxiliary re-chargeable battery (not shown) inside. On the back panel an adjustable bracket with a pair of connectors is used for associating the unit with conventional traffic signal poles of varying diameters. The adjustable bracket preferably includes a crossbar separating the connectors, which conveniently serves as a handle for carrying the unit. 
         [0013]    Preferably, the top of the unit has a photo sensor to measure the ambient light level and adjust the brightness of the LED screen as appropriate. A strobe light draws attention to the unit when emergency messages are displayed. The unit is of a modular design such that portions may be easily removed and replaced without extensive disassembly. For example, one size of visor may be easily removed and another size visor connected to the unit. 
         [0014]    Both the panel embodiment and the mini-alert signal unit may be used to alert traffic to emergency vehicles approaching an intersection. For traffic moving in front of or behind an emergency vehicle, the device can signal drivers to move to the right or pull over in a manner such that an emergency vehicle may pass. Preferably, the LED panels can show a chevron-shaped arrow or series of arrows directing drivers to pull over. Optionally, a red “STOP” display may also be shown. In other embodiments, animated depictions of emergency vehicles may alert drivers. It is anticipated by way of analogy that the aforementioned functions can apply to busses, bus lanes, trains and train tracks as well. In each of these instances, the signage can alert vehicles to the presence of collision hazards. 
         [0015]    The device may be used to alert drivers to other information as well. In one embodiment, it may signal fire hazards or other localized emergencies and directions away from the area. For example, a directional indicator, e.g. N (for North) may direct drivers to proceed in that direction. If there is an AMBER alert (i.e. The U.S. Dept. of Justice—America&#39;s Missing Broadcast Emergency Response), then the device may display a vehicle license number in designated areas. At nighttime, when unlit street signs are difficult to see, cross street names may be displayed at major intersections. The street name display can be in the contrasting colors of street signs according to a particular municipality. Preferably, since the mini-alert system unit comprises on board solar power, it may function as the primary traffic signal in the event of a power interruption to the conventional stop light. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0016]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective exploded view of a single panel version of the device with an optional remote power source. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  shows a perspective, front and profile view of a multi-panel version of the device when used to display traffic regulatory signage. 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  shows a front and perspective views of a multi-panel version of the device when used to display street signs. 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  shows a perspective front view, back view and exploded view of a single panel version of the device. 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  shows the device in action when stopping cross traffic for an emergency vehicle to pass through an intersection. 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  shows the device in action when instructing vehicles to pull over as an emergency vehicle approaches in a parallel direction to traffic. 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  shows the device in action when warning vehicles of a bus approaching an intersection. 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  shows the device in action when warning vehicles of a train approaching an intersection. 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  shows the device in action when providing directions away from an emergency, displaying an AMBER alert, and displaying a street sign. 
           [0025]      FIG. 10  shows the device in action when serving as a stop light in the event of a power outage. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
       [0026]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , an exploded view of an individual panel is shown and described. A preferred embodiment of the traffic alert signal comprises a series of individual modular panels  10 . Each panel  10  comprises a clear front case  12 , an LED panel  14 , a water proof gasket  16 , and a rear case  18 . The gasket  16  prevents moisture intrusion into the panel  10 . 
         [0027]    To hold an individual panel  10  together and provide a slight tilt to the panel  10  when installed, a series of brackets  20  are affixed to the panel  10 . The brackets comprise an elongated piece  22  and a shortened piece  24 , and are preferably affixed together and to the panel  10  with screws  26 . In another preferred embodiment, the brackets  20  are clear. The combination of the elongated  22  and shortened  24  pieces of the bracket cause the panel  10  to hang off-center at an angle when suspended from a support. The downward tilt provides better visibility. Preferably, the angle is around five degrees. 
         [0028]    Preferably, the brackets  20  can be used at the top and bottom of a suspended panel  10 . When attached at the top, the off-center nature of the bracket  20  causes the panel  10  to tilt forward for increased driver visibility. When attached to the bottom, the off-center nature of the bracket  20  causes the panel  10  to tilt further, and additionally serves as a guard or bumper, protecting the face of the panel  10 . 
         [0029]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , each panel comprises an 18 by 24 inch rectangle. The panel may be bracketed along any of its four edges. In this manner, 24 inch traffic regulatory signs can be created by bracketing the 18 inch edge, and 18 inch street signs can be created by bracketing the 24 inch edge. Additionally, the panel  10  may be driven by an optional auxiliary power source located preferably with a loudspeaker in a separate box  30  attached to a traffic pole. 
         [0030]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , panels  10  are shown connected in a series along their 24″ sides to display traffic regulatory signage. In this embodiment, the brackets  20  are preferably inserted into hollow portions of the rails  32 . In another embodiment the brackets  20  comprise the rails  32 . To properly balance and level the panels  10 , the rails  32  also comprise assemblies  34  that may be adjusted, and which attach to a light pole  36 . Also shown in  FIG. 2 , the panels  10  have bevels  38 . The bevels  38  diffuse light and minimize display interruption between the panels  10 . Preferably, the bevels  38  are disposed at about a 45 degree angle from the direction a panel  10  faces. 
         [0031]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , the device is shown wherein each panel  10  is connected on its 18 inch side to display street signage. In this embodiment, since the panels  10  are connected along their 18 inch sides, longer words may be created with fewer panels. In both versions, the LED displays are programmable to show static street and traffic signs, and optionally an may show static or animated chevron shaped arrows and other graphics when necessary during emergencies. 
         [0032]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , a front perspective view of a single panel version of the device as a mini alert signal  50  is shown and described. The signal  50  is preferably contained in a generally oval shaped housing  52 . A visor  54  or shroud is disposed on the top and around the sides of a front panel  56  having a multiplicity of high-output tri-color light emitting diodes (LEDs)  58  or an equivalent thereof, providing highly-visible animation. Alternatively the device may be an elongated rectangle with rounded-off corners (not shown) to more easily display street names as described below. A pair of loudspeakers  60  project downward and have siren capability. The loudspeakers  60  are preferably located on the bottom of the housing  52  to keep water and dust out of the unit  50 . The unit  50  is generally sealed to provide weather resistance. The LED screen  56  and speakers  60  are in direct or optionally in wireless communication with stop lights, emergency vehicles and municipal vehicles among others to receive instructions and display warnings or information. The oval shape of the mini alert signal has psychological significance to drivers since it mimics the shape of a normal traffic light. For this reason, drivers may more quickly and smoothly transition from using the main light to the mini alert in an emergency or blackout. 
         [0033]    Also shown in  FIG. 4 , the back panel  62  of the unit  50  preferably includes photovoltaic (or equivalent) solar panels  64  to provide a primary (or alternate) power source for the unit  50 , which may also include an auxiliary re-chargeable battery (not shown) inside. On the back panel  22  there is an adjustable bracket  66  with a pair of connectors  68  for associating the unit with conventional traffic signal poles of varying diameters. The adjustable bracket  66  preferably includes a crossbar  70  separating the connectors  68 , which also conveniently serves as a handle for carrying the unit  50 . 
         [0034]    Still referring to  FIG. 4 , an exploded view of the unit  50  is shown. Preferably, at the top of the unit  50 , there is a photo sensor  72  to measure the ambient light level and adjust the brightness of the LED screen  56  as appropriate. Further preferably included is a strobe light  74  to draw attention to the unit  50  when an emergency message is displayed. The unit  50  is of a modular design such that portions of it may be easily removed and replaced without great disassembly. For example, an optional visor  76  may be removably connected to the unit  50 . 
         [0035]    The structure of the device having been shown, operation of the device will now be described. The signal unit may be used either to stop cross traffic or cause traffic to pull to the side when emergency vehicles approach intersections. Referring to  FIG. 5 , a red or other color “STOP” display may alternate with an emergency vehicle graphic moving left-to-right or right-to-left as necessary, alerting drivers to the direction of emergency vehicles traveling through intersections and decreasing the likelihood of collisions. 
         [0036]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , for traffic moving parallel to emergency vehicles, the device can signal drivers to move to the right or pull over. By alerting drivers in advance of approaching emergency vehicles, response times will be reduced. It is anticipated by way of analogy that the aforementioned functions can apply to busses, bus lanes, trains and train tracks as well. In each of these instances, the signage can alert vehicles to the presence of collision hazards. It should be noted that either the single panel device or modular panel device may be used for this purpose. 
         [0037]    The device may also be employed to alert drivers to other information. Referring to  FIG. 7 , the device alerts drivers to a bus approaching an intersection. Referring to  FIG. 8 , the device alerts drivers to a train approaching an intersection. Referring to  FIG. 9 , the device is shown alerting drivers to fire hazards or other localized emergencies. In this example, a directional indicator, “N” (for North) directs drivers away from a fire. During an AMBER alert (i.e. The U.S. Dept. of Justice—America&#39;s Missing Broadcast Emergency Response), the device may display a vehicle license number in designated areas. 
         [0038]    For increased signage visibility, the device may display street signs in the proper font and color for a particular municipality. Referring to  FIG. 10 , since the device comprises on board solar power, it may function as the primary traffic signal in the event of a power interruption to the conventional stop light. It is also contemplated that the system will interface with existing signaling devices currently employed on emergency vehicles, including infrared signaling devices, and particularly including the 3M OPTICON system. 
         [0039]    While the present invention has been described with regards to particular embodiments, it is recognized that additional variations of the present invention may be devised without departing from the inventive concepts.