Patent Publication Number: US-2022235525-A1

Title: Visual warning devices

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is based on U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/140,991, filed Jan. 25, 2021 to which priority is claimed under 35 U.S.C. § 120 and of which the entire specification is hereby expressly incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present invention relates generally to visual warning devices that are used to provide advance visual notification of potentially hazardous traffic conditions such as changes in traffic patterns due to roadway construction, hazardous road conditions, emergency responder activity, etc. More particularly, the present invention directed to visual warning devices that have configurations that are based on a rectilinear arachnid concept that breaks inattentional blindness of an observer. 
     Simple visual roadway warning devices include cones and barrels that are of a bright color, often orange, and can include light reflective areas or elements. Slightly more dynamic, howbeit static, visual warning devices can include flags (for daytime use) and/or flashing flights (for nighttime use). 
     Korean Patent No. 101231159 to Oh is an example of a roadway warning device that incorporates a moving array of flashing lights. 
     Korean Patent No. 101986624 to Lee provides a visual warning device that, according to one embodiment, irradiates a road surface with a speed bump pattern. In a further embodiment, an array of light bars is provided that can be raised and illuminated. 
     U.S. Design Pat. No. D332,233 to Batts is directed to a roadway marker for airports that has a “X” configuration. U.S. Design Pat. No. D624,689 to Kao is directed to a luminaire that includes a plurality elongated lights that extend pivotally from the top of a central post. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,021,755 to Krchenes is directed to a collapsible visual warning device that include a tube having a reflective pattern, which houses a weight to which legs are coupled. When the weight drops, the legs extend from the bottom of the tube a form a tripod (or quadripod) that supports the tube. U.S. Pat. No. 5,122,797 discloses a warning light system that includes light bars, having a plurality of recessed lights. The light bars can be positioned in a collapsed or non-collapsed “X” configuration. U.S. Pat. No. 5,572,188 to McDowell, II is directed an erectable and collapsible warning signal reflector assembly that includes a pair of pivotally connected crossed arms that are attached to a vertical post stand. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 9,437,109 to Stafford et al. is directed to an emergency safety marker system that includes a plurality of individually deployable safety markers each of which includes a light array assembly that is extends upwardly from a self-righting base. A switch in the bottom of the base activates the light array when dropped on a hard surface. 
     U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0058680 to Benn is directed to an electronic traffic warning sign that can display various patterns and texts. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0116991 to Miano is directed to a multifunctional device that includes a traffic cone and hand-held wand. 
     The present invention provides visual warning devices that are designed to break inattentional blindness of observers thereby provide improved awareness and safety over prior art devices. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     According to various features, characteristics and embodiments of the present invention which will become apparent as the description thereof proceeds, the present invention provides a visual warning device that comprises an illuminated arachnid shape defined by a head portion and a plurality of arm pairs that extend outward from the head portion, wherein the plural arm pairs are retractable or foldable for storage. 
     According to one embodiment there are eight arms, each of which has an adjustable length over a range of about 2.5 to 5 feet. 
     According to another embodiment the head is supported on a post and the post can be supported by a base which can include deployable legs. 
     According to another embodiment the base can have a geometric shape. 
     The height of the post can be adjustable by providing a telescopic post. 
     According to further embodiments the head can include a magnet or a bracket for attaching the head to a support. 
     The head and arms can be made of a translucent material so that light passes therethrough to illuminate the head and arms. 
     In further embodiments the head, arms and support post are all illuminated. 
     In other embodiments the head and arms can reflect light together with or without the post. 
     The illuminated arachnid shape can include a battery and a control pad. 
     In other embodiments the base can include a battery and a control pad. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings which are given as non-limiting examples only, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a front view of a visual warning device according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of a visual warning device according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a front view of a visual warning device according to one embodiment of the present invention that is in a folded or storage configuration. 
         FIG. 4  is a front view of a visual warning device according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is an isolated view of a control pad and display panel for a visual warning device according to the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS AND THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The visual warning devices of the present invention are designed to be free-standing, or vehicle mountable, advance warning safety notification devices that can be used by first responders and other authorized roadway personnel to enhance temporary traffic control zones conspicuity. 
     The design of the visual warning devices of the present invention is based on a rectilinear arachnid concept that has been scientifically proven to break inattentional blindness, whether or not an individual is afraid of spiders (New et al.,  Spiders at the Cocktail Party: An Ancestral Threat that Surmounts Inattentional Blindness . Evolution and Human Behavior, 36, 165-173, 2012). 
     The visual warning devices of the present invention provide a greater overall physical presence than currently available solutions as well as an opportunity for advanced warning over greater distances, which is extremely beneficial in low light/poor weather conditions. The ability of the visual warning devices of the present invention to increase attentional awareness provides drivers with the ability to quickly identify and appropriately react prior to traffic transition areas so as to reduce bottlenecking, traffic jams, and or secondary accidents. In the event of a temporary traffic control zone breach, contact with visual warning devices of the present invention can alert drivers prior to making contact with pedestrians or vehicles, thereby preventing further damage, injury or loss of life. The visual warning devices of the present invention can be made from materials that are impact resistant, environmentally friendly, reusable, recyclable, and non-toxic to humans and animals. 
     The visual warning devices of the present include a support base, a support post that extends upward from the base, a head supported at the top of the support post and a plurality of arms that extend outward from the head. 
     The support base can be a free standing, foldable tripodal or quadrupedal (or greater-legged) base that can be translucent and illuminated, weighted and/or staked and configured to have a low center of gravity. 
     The support post can be configured to be height-adjustable in any convenient manner, including being telescopically height-adjustable. The height range of the support base can be from about 3 to 6 feet, or taller, as desired. 
     The head is a lightweight wind-resistant illuminated/translucent structure that is attached to the top of the support post. The head is sturdy enough to support the arms and can be removably attached to the top of the support post if desired for use without the base and support post. As described below, a wireless signal receiving unit can be provided in the head. 
     The arms comprise folding or telescopically retractable/deployable high-wind resistant and weather-proof structures which are affixed in pairs of 2 radiating outwardly from the head. Each arm can be deployed and adjusted to a length of 2.5 to 5 feet or greater, as desired. There are a total of 8 arms that can be repositioned from a storage configuration to a deployed position in one simple sliding motion. The arms can be translucent and illuminated by lights provided in the head or by light transmitted thought the head. 
     The visual warning devices of the present invention can be illuminated as discussed below. In some embodiments the front, back and base can be separately illuminated (or illuminated in different colors) to avoid confusing and or distracting those outside the intended viewing aspect when oncoming or opposing directions of viewing are involved. 
     The visual warning devices can include onboard and/or wireless control circuits to allow activating and deactivating illumination and selecting appropriate colors and a selection of illumination sequences. 
     The visual warning devices can be powered by an onboard battery or battery pack provided with a charging circuit and a solar charging accessory, if desired. In addition, the visual warning devices can include tracking/location devices that allow, for example RFID tracking and/or GPS locating. 
     The visual warming devices are made from waterproof and high impact resistant materials and can be designed for use in extreme temperatures/weather. 
     The visual warning devices can be manipulated into storage configurations and stored in small footprint storage bags/containers for simple storage in a number of vehicles and environments. Sets of two or more visual warning devices can be stored together in larger storages bags/containers and alternatively coupled together for storage. 
     In alternative embodiments the head and/or arms can be provided with magnetic mounts for vehicle mounting or other alternative deployment, including attachment to existing, nearby signage. 
     The standing, foldable tripodal or quadrupedal (or greater-legged) base allows for ground level illumination when translucent, reflective, or otherwise illuminated, and provides sufficient stability in a number of conditions. Providing flat feet on the legs of the base allows for applying stabilizing weight to the base using a number of objects, aside from the available standard base weights, capable of withstanding gusts and substantial wind speeds. The wind-resistant design of visual warning devices assists in preventing the accumulation of precipitation and debris. It has been determined that desired stability of the visual warning devices can be achieved when 80% of their weight in the lower ¼ of their construction. A low center of gravity allows for minimal base weight to be added for exponentially increased stability when necessary. It is also possible to stabilize the visual warning devices by securing them with stakes that are driven into the ground upon which the visual warning devices are position, including paved and unpaved surfaces. 
     In some embodiments, the legs of the support base can be configured to deployed by holding the bases upright and releasing the legs so that they deploy under the force of gravity. Such deployment will allow a user to walk and deploy multiple units easily. 
     The visual warning devices can be sufficiently waterproof to be used in the event of flooding/flash flooding and can be attached to existing signage and other anchored structures along/in the roadway in such circumstances. Use during flooding can help signify water levels, block flood-zones from automotive traffic, and serve as beacons in situations where watercraft/aircraft are the only means of transportation. 
     In some embodiments, the heads of the units can be configured to pivot 90 degrees to display for easy aerial detection. Optional magnetic bases can be provided that replace the foldable tripodal or quadrupedal (or greater-legged) bases which will allow for vehicle top-side mounting accommodating a variety of needs. Alternatively, the head with the arms attach may also be magnetically attached to the side of any metal surface. Alternatively a mounting bracket such as a hook or L-shaped bracket can be provided on the back of the head to mount the head and arms on to a vehicle of other structure. 
     In addition to the tracking/location devices mentioned above, the visual display devices can include cameras integrated in bases (or on the heads) which can be set to auto-record upon deployment and keep footage for a designated amount of time. 
     Lights located in the base, support post and/or head can be used to illuminate the visual warning devices. The user also has the ability to pulse the lights in a desired color pattern such as between, red-orange, yellow-green, blue, white, amber, and other colors. 
     The visual warning devices can be used in a unidirectional manner to control light output and direction when required/preferred (e.g. temporary event queues/intersection traffic/roadway detours). Remote, wireless operation features will keep officers (and other authorized personnel) safe and out of harm&#39;s way while directing traffic. Sets of the visual warning devices can be automatically synced to illuminate in sequential series. 
     As compared to current devices such as traffic cones or barrels, the tall profile of the visual warning devices of the present invention increases overall conspicuity and can be used to signify a roadway disruption (in heavy traffic) prior to the temporary traffic control zone (TTC zone) by deploying units on the side of the road that should be avoided. 
       FIG. 1  is a front view of a visual warning device according to one embodiment of the present invention. The visual warning device shown in  FIG. 1  includes a base  1  at the bottom of support post  2  to which a plurality of legs  3  are pivotally attached so that the legs  3  can be deployed to radiate outward from the base  1  as shown to support the support post  2  in an upright position. The legs  3  can be temporarily secured in the deployed configuration shown in  FIG. 1 , by inserting pins (not shown) through the base  1  and legs  3  near the pivot points of the legs  3 , by providing engaging structures such as spring detent elements, sleeves on the legs  3  that can be slid over the pivot points, clips that can be clipped over the pivot points, etc. 
     The support post  2  comprises a height adjustable telescopic structure having a lower outer section  4  and an upper inner section  5  that can extend outward from the lower outer section  4  and locked in position by any suitable mechanism such as a twist lock collar, a spring biased pin or ball on the upper inner section  5  that can engage a series of holes on the lower outer section  4 . In other embodiments both the lower outer section  4  and upper inner section  5  can be provided with holes through which a pin can be manually inserted. 
     The head  6  of the visual warning device is attached at the top of the support post  2  and is generally in the shape of spider having a lower abdomen portion  7 , an upper cephalothorax portion  8  and a chelicera portion  9  extending from the cephalothorax portion  8 . As can be seen this overall arachnid shape is graphic, (rather than exact) so that the overall visual shape will trigger a rectilinear arachnid concept response that will break any inattentional blindness of an observer. 
     Four pairs of arms  10  extend outward from the head  6  in a configuration of similar to the shape of a spider&#39;s legs. The arms  10  include parallel base portions  12  that are attached to the head  6  and outer portions  13  that are telescopic or foldable so as to be configured in a storage or deployed configuration. The outer portions  13  of the arms  10  can be folded with respect to the base portions  12  for storage purposes. 
       FIG. 1  depicts the arms  10  and head  6  of the visual warning device as being illuminated. As discussed herein lights can be located in the base, support post, head and/or legs and used to illuminate the visual warning devices either by directing light onto the base, support post, head and/or arms or by transmitting light through these structures. The arms  10  and head  6  can be made from translucent materials that allow light to pass therein and therethrough, and/or include reflective or light absorbing portions of elements so as to illuminate the visual warning devices. As mentioned herein the support post  2  and base  1  can also be illuminated, if desired. Low voltage lights such as LEDs can be provided in the head and/or base and/or support post which direct light to be transmitted through the base, support post, head and/or arms. While 4 pairs of physical arms are shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , in further embodiments all or some of the physical arms can be replaced or additional arms can be included that are simulated via illumination including using light beams. 
       FIG. 2  is a front view of a visual warning device according to another embodiment of the present invention. The visual warning device of  FIG. 2  does not include the base  1  having the legs  3  of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . Instead, the visual warning device of  FIG. 2  is configured to be supported in a base  14  that does not include the feet  3  of  FIG. 1 . In particular, the base  14  shown in  FIG. 2  can be the same or similar to a standard traffic cone or can have any other geometric or non-geometric shape such as a cylindrical, cubic, etc. In  FIG. 2  the head  6  is supported on a support post  15  that is supported by base  14 . As shown, the bottom of the support post  15  can be inserted into the top of base  14  and secured therein. While the support post  15  shown in  FIG. 2  is a one-piece structure, it is to be understood that a height adjustable support post as described above in reference to  FIG. 1  can be used in the embodiment of  FIG. 2 . 
     At the bottom of the support post  15  is a battery  16  that can be recharged as discussed above, and a control panel or board  17  by which a user can activate the illumination of the visual warning device and select a desired color and pattern/sequence of illumination. For storage purposes, the support post  15  can be releasably attached to the base  14  by any convenient manner such as a threaded connection, pressure fit, bayonet connection, etc. Here it is noted that in the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 1  a rechargeable battery can be provided in the bottom of the lower outer section  4  of the support post  2 . Otherwise, in all embodiments, a rechargeable battery can be provided in the heads  6 . 
       FIG. 3  is a front view of a visual warning device according to one embodiment of the present invention that is in a folded or storage configuration. The visual warning device of  FIG. 3  includes a base  1  and legs  3  similar to that as shown in  FIG. 1 . In the depicted folded or storage configuration, the legs  3  are pivoted or folded upward against the support post  2 . The legs  3  can be secured in this position by suitable engaging structures such as spring detent elements. Otherwise a sleeve can be dropped down along the support post  2  at the upper parts of the folded legs  3 . 
     In  FIG. 3  the outer portions  12  of the arms  10  have been telescopically shortened or folded and then folded back at the ends of the parallel base portions  12 . In the illustrated folded or storage configuration the visual warning devices are compact and can be stored in bags or containers separately or in groups. 
       FIG. 4  is a front view of a visual warning device according to another embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of the visual warning device of  FIG. 4 . the base  1  is provided with a plurality of legs  3  that are configured similarly to the legs on a music stand. In this regard, the legs  3  are pivotally attached to a collar  18  that can be slid along the support post  2  until the legs  3  are fully deployed. Here it is noted that the legs  3  do not necessarily have to be deployed until they are completely flat on the supporting surface to stabilize the visual warning devices. The collar  18  can be secured in position along the support post  2  by a pin or detent engaging structure. Mechanisms and configurations that are known for use in music stands can be incorporated into the support post  2  and legs  3  of the present invention. 
       FIG. 5  is an isolated view of a control pad  19  and display panel  20  for a visual warning device according to the present invention. The control pad  19  shown in  FIG. 5  includes an Off/On button  21 , a play button  22 , a repeat button  23 , a pause button  24 , a brightness and/or color selection button  25 , and a function button  26  that can be used to choose between different sequences of illumination. The display panel  20  can be used to confirm input of the control buttons and battery status. In  FIG. 5  a battery compartment  27  is provided below the display panel  20 . The control pad  19  and display panel  20  of  FIG. 5  is a non-limiting example of control features that can be provided on the visual warning devices of the present invention. The RFID tracking device, and/or GPS locating device, and/or camera that are discussed above can be included in the control pad  19  as well as a remote wireless transceiver. 
     Although the present invention has been described with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, from the foregoing description, one skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of the present invention and various changes and modifications can be made to adapt the various uses and characteristics without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as described above and set forth in the attached claims.