Abstract:
A battery-powered emergency signaling device including a housing which encloses a battery pack disposed for providing power to the device. The housing can take on a variety of shapes. At least one light emitting diode (“LED”) pulsed by an electronic circuit, which LED is powered by a battery within the battery pack. A race is disposed about the housing for reflecting light received from the LED. The cover includes support members disposed between the base plate and the cover for providing strength to the device. An anchoring member is attached to the housing, thereby allowing the device to be mounted on a traffic cone. Also, the device includes a switch that turns the device on or off, thereby prolonging the useful life of the device.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This is a Continuation-in-Part of application Ser. No. 10/050,194, filed Jan. 16, 2002, which is incorporated herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     
       STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT  
         [0002]    (Not Applicable)  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    The present invention relates to the field of emergency signal lighting and in particular to an improved, light weight, self-contained emergency flashing beacon.  
           [0004]    In the event of vehicular, aircraft or recreational boating accident or other emergency situation, emergency vehicles and personnel must respond to situations where it is difficult to locate the actual scene of the accident or emergency. Further, there is frequently no means available at an emergency site to ward off unwary passers-by from falling prey to possible dangers existing at the emergency site.  
           [0005]    Markings or other representations for identifying an emergency site are seldom lit or are not easily visible. As a result, emergency personnel or vehicles can easily miss a geographic marking of a building from the street. Should the emergency arise in a desolate location, such marking may be entirely missing and emergency personnel may have further difficulties in locating the site of the emergency.  
           [0006]    Advancements in communication and technology has improved the ability to respond to emergency situations. Systems have been set up for improving response times to emergencies so that emergency personnel, such as paramedics, the police, and the fire department can quickly respond to the particular emergency. In particular, with the recent widespread use of the 9-1-1 emergency telephone system, emergency personnel are provided with the capability to quickly respond to an emergency. Moreover, medical technology has advanced to the point where human health from various traumas can be minimized and lives can now be saved in situations where it was unlikely to do so before.  
           [0007]    However, life or death is often measured during those critical moments when emergency personnel are searching for the actual location of the emergency. Of course, once the first emergency vehicle is parked at the location, it serves as a beacon for those following by using some type of rotating light radiating brilliant flashes. Also, the emergency vehicle serves as a warning to passers-by to proceed cautiously. Nevertheless, prior to the emergency personnel reaching the site of the emergency, there is often no means to direct personnel to the site of the emergency or to provide a warning of the emergency itself. Should the personnel responding to the emergency be sufficiently delayed, personal property or human life can be lost regardless of the advances made in medicine and emergency response systems.  
           [0008]    For many years, combustible signal flares have been used as emergency signals when a vehicle is in distress or when an accident has occurred at night. Such flares are a fire hazzard, not to mention a hazzard to the individuals using them. Once a flare has been ignited, it is not safe for an individual to move or relocate it. The individual could burn their clothes, or their skin, or injure others. Moreover, combustible flares could ignite spilt fuel or dry brush along the roadside.  
           [0009]    A more recent example of a prior emergency signaling device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,797,672, entitled SAFETY LIGHT. This device was designed primarily as a temporary replacement for an automobile&#39;s tail light, but it has a secondary use as an emergency road signal beacon. The device employs an array of Light Emitting Diodes (LED&#39;s) in lieu of an incandescent light in order to provide durability, increase power life and consume less power, thereby permitting operation for a long period of time even though powered by a battery. In contrast, the emergency signaling device of the present invention is more efficient in design and preferably only requires one or more LED&#39;s.  
           [0010]    Another example of a prior art device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,831,522, entitled PORTABLE VISUAL EMERGENCY SIGNAL DEVICE. This prior art device is a triangle shaped light typically used as an emergency road signal or direction beacon. The device of the present invention is smaller and more compact in size, thereby it is more efficient than this prior art device.  
           [0011]    Accordingly, there remains a need for a visual signal device that will operate to not only aid emergency personnel to locate an emergency site, but to provide a warning of an emergency condition. Further, due to the fact that emergencies can occur in the home, at work or on vacation, there is always a need for having an emergency signal device on hand so that help can be summoned wherever it is needed. Moreover, it is desirable that the signal device be durable, environmentally safe, available at a reasonable cost and compact in size and operate to unequivocally signal an emergency condition so that lives and property may be protected. Also, it is desirable that the device be mountable on a traffic cone or similar indicator so that the device is more conspicuous. Furthermore, the device should include one of a variety of switches to prolong the useful life of the device. Additionally, the device should be able to be incorporated into many shapes. The present invention fulfils all these needs.  
         BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0012]    An object of the present invention is to provide an emergency signaling device that is simple in construction yet durable and safe to use.  
           [0013]    Another object of the present invention is to provide an emergency signaling device that is reliable, and is shock resistant as well as water resistant.  
           [0014]    Still another object of the present invention is to provide an emergency signaling device that is versatile to use.  
           [0015]    A feature of the present invention is the use of light emitting diodes pulsed at a constant rate for producing an emergency signal beacon.  
           [0016]    Another feature of the present invention is the use of plastic components that emit light at imperfections in the plastic when light is transmitted along the length thereof, thereby making it possible to provide a light glow completely around the circumference of the device.  
           [0017]    These and other objects, which will become apparent as the invention is described in detail below, are provided by a battery-powered emergency signaling device including a housing which encloses a battery pack disposed for providing power to the device. The housing includes a base plate for support of the device and has a cover attached to the base plate for providing a durable impact resistant shell as well as moisture resistant barrier. At least one light emitting diode (“LED”) is pulsed by an electronic circuit, which is powered by the battery. A race is disposed substantially about the periphery of the cover for reflecting light received from the LED.  
           [0018]    According to one embodiment of the present invention, the race is formed as an integral part of the cover, which is preferably made of high impact strength polymer such as a clear acrylic plastic material.  
           [0019]    In another embodiment of the present invention, the cover includes support members disposed between the base plate and the cover for providing strength to the device.  
           [0020]    In another aspect of the present invention, the device includes an anchoring member that allows the device to be mounted on a traffic control cone. The anchoring member advantageously makes the traffic cone more conspicuous.  
           [0021]    In still another aspect of the present invention, the device includes a switch. In one embodiment, the switch is a manual-type switch that allows for selective operation of the device. In another embodiment, the switch is a photosensitive-type switch such that the LED&#39;s operate automatically during nighttime hours. Both types of switches consequently prolong the operating lifetime of the device.  
           [0022]    Still other objects and features of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, wherein is shown and described only the preferred embodiment of the invention, simply by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated of carrying out the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious respects, all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive, and what is intended to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0023]    The general purpose of this invention, as well as a preferred mode of use, its objects and advantages will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the figures thereof, wherein:  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the emergency signaling device according to the present invention;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the emergency signaling device according to the present invention;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 3 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the emergency signaling device shown mounted on a traffic cone;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 4 is a bottom view of an alternative embodiment of the emergency signaling;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the emergency signaling device; and  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 6 is a top view of the emergency signaling device of FIG. 5. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0030]    Referring now to the drawings and FIG. 1 in particular, a perspective view of the emergency signaling device  10  of the present invention is shown. Preferably a pair of LED&#39;s  11  and  12  are strobed by an electronic circuit, not shown. Such a circuit is well known in the art and will not be amplified further herein. The electronic circuit is powered by batteries within a battery pack  13 . The device  10  is covered by a clear acrylic plastic cover  14  secured to a base plate  15  by a pair of screws  16  and  17 . The cover  14  has formed therein a race  18  for conducting light emitted by the LED&#39;s, as will be shown below. Ends  18 A and  18 B of the race  18  define a window for transmission of light emitted from the LED&#39;s. Also, the ends  18 A and  18 B receive light from the LED&#39;s for transmission through the race  18  as explained below. It is noted that although the race  18  is shown as extending from the inner surface of the cover  14 , the device  10  could be alternatively be configured such that the race  18  extends from the outer surface of the cover  14  without departing from the spirit of the invention.  
         [0031]    The device  10  makes use of the principle of light reflection, similar to the way light is reflected/transmitted in a fiber optical strand. Imperfections in the plastic race  18  within the device  10 , act like tiny mirrors along the plastic race. These tiny mirrors create a multiplicity of reflections, just like the reflection on the inside of a fiber optic cable. One can experience this sort of reflection with a flashlight and a sheet of glass in a dark room. If the flashlight is directed through the glass sheet at a 90 degree angle, it passes straight through the glass. However, if the flashlight is directed at the edge of the glass, the glass will act as a conductor of light. Light travels through the plastic in a similar manner, and is reflected at imperfections (i.e., tiny mirrors) in the plastic race  18 . Hence, light from the LED&#39;s  11  and  12  is emitted about the circumference of the device  10 .  
         [0032]    Referring now to FIG. 2, an exploded view of the device  10  of the present invention is shown. The base plate  15  provides support for the device, and when sealed it provides water-tight integrity of the finished device. Openings  19  and  20  are formed in the base plate  15  for receiving the screws  16  and  17 , respectively, which secure the base plate  15  to the cover  14 . Between the base plate  15  and the cover  14  are located a plurality of vertical braces  21  through  25 , which help support the cover  14  when under stress. For example, the device  10  may be placed on the pavement in the vicinity of an accident where it is most likely that a vehicle will run over it, or someone might step on it. Hence, it is prudent to reinforce the device against such eventualities.  
         [0033]    According to the disclosed embodiment, the pair of LED&#39;s  11  and  12  are disposed on a PC board  26  and are located within the window in the race  18  defined between the ends  18 A and  18 B of the race  18 . It is understood that one could employ only one LED without departing from the scope of the invention hereof. Circuitry (not shown) controlling the LED&#39;s  11  and  12  is located on the side of the PC board  26  opposite from the LED&#39;s. The batteries contained within the battery pack  13  provide a source of direct current for the LED&#39;s  11  and  12  (as well as for the circuitry) by means of wires  27 . In accordance with one embodiment, the battery pack  13  includes a pair of AA batteries. Other suitable voltage sources may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.  
         [0034]    Turning now to FIG. 3, an alternative embodiment of the emergency signaling device  10  is shown. The signaling device  10  in this embodiment comprises a anchoring member  50 . The anchoring member  50  is cylindrical and extends perpendicularly from the base plate  15  of the device  10 . However, the anchoring member  50  could have a variety of other shapes without departing from the spirit of the invention. In one embodiment, the anchoring member  50  is integrally attached to the base plate  15 , but in another embodiment, the anchoring member  50  is attached to the base plate  15  via adhesives or other like manner.  
         [0035]    Preferably, the anchoring member  50  allows the device  10  to be mounted to a traffic cone  52 . The traffic cone  52  is widely known and is typically used to indicate to motorists an area that is off-limits to car traffic. A typical traffic cone  52  is truncated at a top end  56  so as to form a top surface  58 , and a round hole  54  extends perpendicularly through the top surface  58 . Preferably, the anchoring member  50  is sized so as to fit within the hole  54 . For instance, in one embodiment, the outer diameter of the anchoring member  50  measures approximately 1.3 inches. Also as shown, positioning the anchoring member  50  within the hole  54  allows the base plate  15  of the device  10  to rest atop the top surface  58 . Thus, since the cone  52  largely encircles the anchoring member  50 , the cone  52  inhibits movement of the device  10 , and the device  10  is unlikely to fall from the cone  52 .  
         [0036]    Traffic cones  52  are often placed on roads after an accident or other hazard arises, and the cones  52  communicate to drivers that certain hazardous areas are off-limits. By attaching the device  10  to the traffic cone  52 , the pulsating light emitting from the device  10  makes the traffic cone  52  much more conspicuous to drivers. As such, drivers are less likely to drive over the cone and into a hazardous area. Therefore, mounting the device  10  on the cone  52  advantageously increases safety on the roadways.  
         [0037]    As is also shown in FIG. 3, a switch  60  is included on the device  10 . In the embodiment shown, the switch  60  is a photosensitive switch widely known in the art as being capable of engaging or disengaging a component based upon the intensity of light affecting the switch  60 . The switch  60  is positioned on the cover  14  of the device  10 , but it could be positioned on other surfaces without departing from the spirit of the invention. Also, the switch  60  is electrically coupled to the battery pack  13 . In the preferred embodiment, the switch  60  allows the flow of electricity from the battery pack  13  to the LED&#39;s  11 ,  12  during the night time (i.e., when there is limited amounts of light affecting the switch  60 ), but the switch  60  substantially stops the flow of electricity from the battery pack  13  to the LED&#39;s  11 ,  12  during the day time (i.e., when there is a large amount of light affecting the switch  60 ). It is understood that operation of the device  10  is more effective at night, but that operation of the device  10  is relatively unnecessary during the daytime. Thus, the photosensitive nature of the switch  60  shown in FIG. 3 advantageously increases the lifetime of the battery pack  13  by limiting its use to the nighttime, when the device  10  is more effective.  
         [0038]    Turning now to FIG. 4, an alternative embodiment of the device  10  is shown. In this embodiment, the switch  60  is of a manual type. The manual switch is widely known in the art for having a lever  62  which can be selectively moved between an “on” position and an “off” position. When in the “on” position, the switch  60  allows electricity to flow from the battery pack  13  to the LED&#39;s  11 ,  12 , and when in the “off” position, the switch  60  inhibits the flow of electricity from the battery pack  13  to the LED&#39;s  11 ,  12 . The switch  60  is positioned on the base plate  15  such that the lever  62  extends outward therefrom; however, the switch  60  could be positioned elsewhere on the device  10  without departing from the spirit of the invention. As such, a user can selectively turn the device  10  on or off, thereby advantageously extending the operating lifetime of the device  10 .  
         [0039]    Turning now to FIGS. 5 and 6, an alternative embodiment of the device  10  is shown. This embodiment of the device  10  is largely similar to the embodiments discussed above, except that the cover  14  and base plate  15  are shaped such that the overall shape of the device  10  is a hexagon. In other embodiments (not shown), the device  10  takes on a variety of other shapes, including circular discs, octagons, and the like without departing from the spirit of the invention. Similar to the embodiments described above, a race  18  protrudes from the cover  14  of the device  10  and extends partially around the device  10  such that light emitted from the LED&#39;s  11 ,  12  reflects through the race  18 . As such, a user can view the light from many perspectives.  
         [0040]    Although the invention has been described with reference to a specific embodiment, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiment as well as alternative embodiments of the invention will become apparent to one skilled in the art upon reference to the description to the invention. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will cover any modifications of the embodiments that fall within the true scope of the invention.