Patent Publication Number: US-2016247366-A1

Title: Enhanced a-frame warning sign with integral caution lights and audible warning

Description:
This application claims the benefit of the priority of a corresponding provisional application for U.S. Pat. No. 6,194,2510, filed Feb. 20, 2014. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to portable, A-frame type warning signs for construction, servicing, hazard warning, and such. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE ART 
     Portable A-frame signs are well known, for placing on a floor, road, or sidewalk where attention should be given to a dangerous or unusual situation that demands special or heightened attention from passers-by. Such signs are typically light- and brightly-colored, as in orange and white stripes, and may carry a circular, flashing strobe light atop their structure or within their borders; lights may be battery- or solar-powered. They are single-purpose, as with “WET FLOOR” or “FALLING ICE” inscribed boldly on them. Published patent application US 2009/0158628 A1 is one example. 
     No product is known in which a portable A-frame sign has integral, rechargeable lighting to provide to passersby an active warning tailored to the situation at hand. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An object of the present invention is to provide an active, highly visible and/or noticeable warning of a specific danger at or near a location where the danger exists. The warning may be visual and/or audible, either continuously or motion-sensor activated. 
     A light-weight but sturdy, foldable, A-frame structure as of molded plastic is provided with a flat, inclined surface on both of its sides for a selected warning message thereon. A flashing light bar, as with light-emitting diodes, a power source, and an on-off switch, and/or an audible warning system including a message chip and a speaker and power source, gives active warning of the presence of the sign and its message. The power source can be batteries, solar cells, or a combination thereof; the batteries are preferably rechargeable separately from the solar cells. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a plan view of one face of a portable A-frame warning sign stand with space thereon for a sign and with a bi-directional warning light atop the frame, and an optional motion sensor, speaker, and voice chip. The opposite side is similar. 
         FIG. 2  is an enlarged plan view of a light bar that is adapted to be affixed to the top of the portable A-frame warning sign of  FIG. 1 , with the lights visible from both sides of the sign. 
     
    
    
     THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     One face of a blow-molded or similar plastic or fiberglass A-frame sign holder is shown at  10  in  FIG. 1 . It has feet  12 , a sign face  14 , and an upper hinge area  16 . An opposite side or face (not shown) is normally identical but can vary in detail, cooperating with the first side or face to form a stable construction when unfolded, as is well known in the art. 
     In accordance with principles of the invention, sign face  14  is adapted to bear any of a number of warning messages  20 . The message  20 , may be such as WET FLOOR, FALLING ICE, UNEVEN SURFACE, HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS, or such. Permanent painting or printing on the surface of the sign is desirable. 
     In further accordance with the invention, as in  FIG. 2 , an illuminated, continuously on or flashing light bar  40  is affixed atop the A-frame device  10 . It may be part of the assembly, as acting as a hinge, or it may be affixed atop the A-frame, above the hinge area, as in  FIG. 1 . LEDs or other efficient, low-voltage lights of suitable brightness  44  are provided atop the light bar  40  to call passersbys&#39; attention, from either direction of approach to the sign  20 , and thus to give added warning of the dangerous condition being advised of Three or five or more such lights  44  are preferably provided in a row or two atop the sign  10  from which pedestrians or other traffic approach the sign  20   
     The light bar  40  encloses rechargeable batteries (not shown) of sufficient capacity to last a day or night or more, to keep the lights  44  on or flashing, as may be desired. Recharging can be done on a separate stand, not shown, during storage of a number of the light bars  40 . In an alternative arrangement, solar cells  42  can be added to the sign  10  or to the assembly  40  to power the lights and/or to charge the batteries during times of daylight. A light-sensitive and/or manual switch (not shown) can be provided on the light bar  40  to turn off the lights  44  for times of shipment and storage of the light bar  40  and associated sign  10 . The switch may also govern continuous on or off or one or more flashing modes of the lights  44 . 
     Also in accordance with principles of the invention, an audible warning is preferably provided by the sign  10 , either together with or separately from the visual, flashing lights warning. Preferably a motion sensor  50  is provided on each side of the sign  10 , which is triggered by a person&#39;s approach within ten or twenty feet, for instance, of the sign. The sensor  50  activates a voice chip (not shown) carried in the sign  10 , which operates a speaker  52  on the face of the sign to give a repeated audible warning, as “Caution: Wet Floor! Caution: Wet Floor!” or the like. 
     Many variations may be made in the invention as shown and its manner of use without departing from the principles of the invention as pictured and described herein and claimed as our invention. Minor variations will not avoid the use of the invention.