| WO/1999/059123 | FLEXIBLE LAMINATE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SAME |
| JP3042980 | VEHICLE-MOUNTED MARKING DEVICE |
| JP55094822 | STEREOPHONIC SYSTEM FOR CAR |
TOLMIE, Joseph (16 St Davids Drive, Monklands Estate, Airdrie ML6 9QR, GB)
| CLAIMS
1. An illuminable apparatus comprising: a housing having a first reflective internal surface adapted to diffusely reflect internal light and a second reflective internal surface adapted to reflect internal light, a light source within the housing for generating internal light; and a display coupled to the housing, the display adapted to transmit internal light impinging on the display.
2. An illuminable apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the first reflective surface is adapted to transmit external light through said surface into the housing.
3. An illuminable apparatus according to either of claims 1 or 2, wherein the first and second reflective surfaces are at least partially opposed within the housing.
4. An illuminable apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein light is reflected from the first reflective surface towards the second reflective surface.
5. An illuminable apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein light reflected by the second reflective surface is transmitted through the display to illuminate the display.
6. An illuminable apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the display is adapted to transmit internal light impinging on the display and adapted to reflect external light impinging on the display.
7. An illuminable apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the display comprises a retro-reflector material.
8. An illuminable apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the first reflective surface comprises the same material as the display.
9. An illuminable apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus comprises a first reflective component defining or providing a mounting for the first reflective surface.
10. An illuminable apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the first reflective component is adapted to be coupled to the display.
11. An illuminable apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the first reflective component is mounted in an aperture defined by the display.
12. An illuminable apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the first reflective component is mounted to the housing.
13. An illuminable apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the first reflective component is adapted to be detachably coupled to the display.
14. An illuminable ' apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the first reflective component is adapted to be fixedly coupled to the display
15. An illuminable apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the second reflective surface comprises a highly reflective material.
16. An illuminable apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the second reflective surface comprises aluminium sheet or foil.
17. An illuminable apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus further comprises a second reflective component defining or providing a mounting for the second reflective surface.
18. An illuminable apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the second reflective surface comprises the same material as the display.
19. An illuminable apparatus according to either of claims 17 or 18, wherein the second reflective component is adapted to be coupled to the housing.
20. An illuminable apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the display extends to the periphery of the housing.
21. An illuminable apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the display is adapted to be coupled to the housing.
22. An illuminable apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the display is adapted to be fixedly coupled to the housing
23. An illuminable apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the display may be is detachably coupled to the housing
24. An illuminable apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the light source is a point source.
25. An illuminable apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 23, wherein the light source is a xenon tube.
26. An illuminable apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the light source is adapted to alternate between an on state and an off state.
27. An illuminable apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the light source requires low power draw.
28. An illuminable apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the light source is located centrally within the housing.
29. An illuminable apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 27, wherein the light source may be located away from a central point in the housing.
30. An illuminable apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus further comprises a power supply to power the apparatus.
31. An illuminable apparatus according to claim 30, wherein the power supply is adapted to be charged or recharged by the power supply of the vehicle.
32. An illuminable apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the housing further comprises a housing base portion and a wall portion extending from the housing base portion.
33. An illuminable apparatus according to claim 32, wherein the housing base portion is in the form of a triangle.
34. An illuminable apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus further comprises a support stand configured to permit the apparatus to stand generally upright on a surface.
35. An illuminable apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is adapted to operate as a warning triangle.
36. An illuminable apparatus according to claim 35, wherein there are three light sources, one light source located in each comer of the triangle.
37. An illuminable apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the display is adapted to transmit internal light externally of the housing to illuminate the display.
38. An illuminable warning triangle comprising: a housing having a first reflective internal surface adapted to diffusely reflect internal light and a second reflective internal surface adapted to reflect internal light, a light source within the housing; and a display coupled to the housing, the display adapted to transmit internal light impinging on the display.
39. An illuminable apparatus comprising: a housing; a light source within the housing for generating internal light; and a display coupled to the housing, the display adapted to reflect external light impinging on the display and transmit internal light impinging on the display. |
ILLUMINABLE APPARATUS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an illuminable apparatus and, in particular, but not exclusively, to an illuminable sign for use in providing visual warning to oncoming vehicle drivers of a hazard ahead.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Reflective signs, in the form of warning triangles, which are often supplied with vehicles and are widely available, may be placed onto a road surface in order to warn oncoming vehicle drivers of a hazard ahead.
The warning effect these signs provide may be passive in that the effect is achieved in daylight by the high visibility and reflective nature of the signs. At night, or in other reduced visibility conditions such as mist or fog, the warning effect is dependent on light from oncoming vehicles striking the reflective area of the sign and reflecting back to the driver. No warning may be provided under these conditions if the sign is not in direct line of sight of an oncoming vehicle.
The distance at which the sign becomes visible to the oncoming traffic may vary greatly depending on the road topography, for example undulations in the road or corners, weather conditions, light levels and time of day. In addition to this, the reaction time of drivers may result in a significant "thinking distance", that is, the distance travelled after seeing a hazard before brakes are applied, which, when added to the "braking distance" of the vehicle, results in an "overall stopping distance" travelled before a vehicle comes to rest. The overall stopping distance may increase by more than 100% depending on weather and visibility conditions. Even in ideal driving conditions,
the distance at which the sign can be viewed is limited. Additionally, the task of deploying the sign can be highly dangerous under low visibility conditions.
Non-passive, illuminated warning triangles are known in the art. Several products on the market disclose a warning triangle that utilises light emitting diodes, or LEDs with a number of LEDs required to provide sufficient illumination of the triangle surface. LEDs are known to be relatively fragile and are vulnerable to weather, environmental damage, or impact damage from, for example, debris, or pebbles "kicked up" by moving vehicles.
It is therefore amongst the objects of embodiments of the present invention to obviate or at least mitigate the disadvantages associated with the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an illuminable apparatus comprising: a housing having a first reflective internal surface adapted to diffusely reflect internal light and a second reflective internal surface adapted to reflect internal light, a light source within the housing; and a display coupled to the housing, the display adapted to transmit internal light impinging on the display. An apparatus according to the present invention facilitates the provision of, for example, but not exclusively, an illuminated warning sign that is configured to transmit internal light. The utilisation of transmitted light increases the visibility of the illuminable apparatus. Furthermore, the apparatus may provide an active illuminated display permitting a warning effect to be ascertained from a greater distance than when no external illumination is present, visibility is reduced or when the apparatus is viewed
at night.
Diffusive light reflection may scatter the impinging internal light over a larger area than, for example, unreflected or specularly reflected light; specularly reflected light
having an angle of reflection equal to an angle of incidence. Thus, light may be scattered and/ or reflected to illuminate the display. Conveniently, the scattering of light induced
by the first reflective surface facilitates a large area of the display to be illuminated while maintaining a minimal depth of the apparatus.
Preferably, external light impinging on the first reflective surface is transmitted through said surface into the housing and reflected externally through the display. Thus, external light may contribute to the illumination of the display.
Preferably, the first and second reflective surfaces are adapted to be at least partially opposed within the housing. More preferably, light is reflected from the first reflective surface towards the second reflective surface.
Preferably, light reflected by the second reflective surface is transmitted through the display to illuminate the display.
Preferably, the display is adapted to transmit internal light impinging on the display and adapted to reflect external light impinging on the display. Preferably, the display comprises a retro-reflector material. Conveniently, a retro-reflector will reflect
external light, for example, but not exclusively, light from a vehicle headlight back
towards the vehicle.
Preferably, the display is coloured red, so as to provide high visibility from
distance. Furthermore, red is often the preferred colour for, for example, warning signs.
Alternatively, the display may be coloured orange, white, green, yellow or any other
colour used to display visual information.
Preferably, the first reflective component comprises the same or an equivalent
material to that preferred for the display. Thus, the first reflective surface may be located
within the housing in an opposite orientation to that of the display.
Preferably, the apparatus comprises a first reflective component defining or
providing mounting for the first reflective surface. Preferably, the first reflective
component is adapted to be coupled to the display. Most preferably, the first reflective component is mounted in an aperture in the display. In this way, the display may occupy a peripheral area of the apparatus. Alternatively, the first reflective component may be adapted to be mounted to the housing.
Preferably, the first reflective component is adapted to be detachably coupled to the display. A detachable first reflective component may form part of a wall of the apparatus and may permit access to, for example, the housing, and/or to the light source for repair, or replacement. Alternatively, the first reflective component may be adapted to be fixedly coupled to the display, for example by adhesive bonding, interference fit, snap fit, adhesive tape, by mechanical fastener or any other appropriate means of fixedly securing the first reflective surface to the display.
Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a second reflective component defining or providing mounting for the second reflective surface.
Preferably, the second reflective surface comprises a highly reflective material.
Conveniently, use of a highly reflective material may assist the utilisation of light within
the apparatus and may increase the illumination of the display.
Preferably, the second reflective surface comprises, for example, aluminium
sheet or foil. Alternatively, the second reflective surface may comprise a reflective
coating, mirrored glass, metal, a reflective polymer material, or any other material
capable of efficiently reflecting light.
The second reflective surface may comprise the same or an equivalent material to
that preferred for the display. Thus, the second reflective surface may be adapted to diffusely reflect internal light impinging on said second reflective surface and transmit external light there through. Advantageously, use in the second reflective surface of the same or an equivalent material to that preferred for the display, permits external light to enter the housing, the light being transmitted through the display. Thus, this light may contribute to the illumination of the display.
Preferably, the second reflective component is adapted to be coupled to the housing.
Preferably, the display extends to the periphery of the housing such that the apparatus may reflect external light and transmit internal light externally of a peripheral region of the housing. Conveniently, the warning effect may thus be ascertained from an oblique angle, such as from around a bend in the road.
Preferably, the display is adapted to be coupled to the housing. More preferably, the display is adapted to be fixedly coupled to the housing by, for example, but not exclusively, adhesive bonding, a snap fit, interference fit, or by a mechanical fastener such as a rivet, nail or stud. Alternatively, the display may be detachably coupled to the housing, for example by a removable mechanical fastener, for example, a screw, nut and bolt, staple or the like. Conveniently, a detachable display facilitates removal of the display for cleaning, repair or replacement should it incur damage from the environment, impact or the like.
Preferably, the light source is a point source. Most preferably, the light source is a xenon tube. Thus, the light source may produce a bright, long lasting and robust light source of light for the apparatus. Alternatively, the light source may be a xenon bulb, tungsten filament bulb, halogen bulb, light emitting diode, super LED, gas discharge tube, fluorescent tube, a phosphorescent powder or any other mechanism for producing
light.
Preferably, a single light source is provided. Advantageously, the light scattering effect of the first reflective surface facilitates illumination of a relatively large area of the display from the light source. Alternatively, a plurality of light sources may be provided. In one embodiment, there are three light sources. In another embodiment, the illuminable apparatus is a warning triangle and there is a light source at each corner of the triangle.
Preferably, the light source is adapted to alternate between an on state and an off state. Thus the apparatus facilitates a flashing illuminated display that may attract the attention of drivers of oncoming vehicles.
Preferably, the light source requires low power draw. Conveniently, therefore, the display may be illuminated repeatedly or for extended periods.
Preferably, the light source is adapted to produce white light. Alternatively, the light source may be adapted to produce coloured light. Preferably, the light source is located centrally within the housing. Conveniently, a centrally located light source permits even illumination of the display. Alternatively, the light source may be located away from a central point in the housing.
Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a power supply to power the apparatus. Preferably, the power supply is a direct current (DC) supply, for example, but not exclusively, a rechargeable battery, non-rechargeable battery, fuel cell, DC supply of a vehicle or the like. Conveniently, a DC power supply permits the apparatus to operate independently and remotely of mains electricity. Alternatively, the power supply may be an alternating current (AC) supply, for example, the AC supply of the vehicle, a generator, or the like.
Preferably, the power supply is adapted to be charged or recharged by the power
supply of the vehicle, for example from a cigarette lighter, general purpose electrical socket, dedicated power socket or the like.
Preferably, the housing further comprises a housing base portion and a wall portion extending from the housing base portion. Most preferably, the housing base portion is in the form of a triangle.
Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a support stand configured to permit the apparatus to stand generally upright on a surface. Further preferably, the support stand comprises one or more surface engaging members adapted to engage with the surface, for example but not exclusively, the ground or road surface. Preferably, the apparatus comprises a fixing attachment configured to permit the apparatus to be coupled to, for example a sign post, wall or the like.
Preferably, the apparatus is adapted to be stored in the vehicle, for example, in a luggage compartment of the vehicle. Preferably, the apparatus is adapted to operate as a warning triangle.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an illuminable warning triangle comprising: a housing having a first reflective internal surface adapted to diffusely reflect
internal light and a second reflective internal surface adapted to reflect internal light,
a light source within the housing; and
a display coupled to the housing, the display adapted to transmit internal light
impinging on the display.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an
illuminable apparatus comprising:
a housing;
a light source within the housing; and a display coupled to the housing, the display adapted to reflect external light impinging on the display and transmit internal light impinging on the display.
The advantages and features of the second and third aspect of the present invention may be common to the first aspect and so for the purposes of brevity and clarity these have not been repeated here.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other aspects of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of an illiiminable apparatus, shown in use, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a perspective exploded view of the illuminable apparatus of Figure 1 ; Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross sectional view of section A-A of the illuminable apparatus of Figure 2; and
Figure 4 is a front perspective view of the display of the apparatus of Figure 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In reference initially to Figures 2 to 4, the apparatus 10 comprises a housing 12, in which is mounted a light source in the form of a xenon strobe tube 14, the tube 14 located in a generally central position.
The housing 12 comprises a triangular housing base portion 16 and three wall portions 18a, 18b, 18c. The wall portions 18a, 18b, 18c extend generally perpendicularly from the housing base portion 16, to form the perimeter walls of the housing 12. The inner wall surfaces 20a, 20b, 20c, of the wall portions 18a, 18b, 18c, comprise a reflective
material in the form of an aluminium foil 21, the material reflecting a high proportion of the light impinging on the inner wall surfaces 20a, 20b, 20c to maximise the illumination effect achieved from the tube 14.
The apparatus 10 further comprises a triangular display 22 manufactured from a red retro-reflector material, the display 22 fixedly coupled to the wall portions 18a, 18b, 18c by, for example, adhesive bonding. The display 22 further comprises a triangular aperture 24 located generally centrally in, and extending through, the display 22. In this way, the display 22 defines a red triangle through which internal light 32 is transmitted to display a warning effect. The display 22 is manufactured from lens cells 26 formed in a base portion 28, each lens cell 26 adapted to reflect external light impinging on the display 22, shown by dashed line arrow "30", while permitting internal light, shown by small dotted line arrow "32", to exit through the display 22. Therefore, the display 22 is used to reflect external light 30 from oncoming vehicles and provide passive warning to oncoming drivers. Additionally, the display 22 is utilised to allow internal light 32 to pass through, thus permitting an illuminable display 22 to be created.
Light 34 from the tube 14 is transmitted in all directions. A portion of the light 34, shown by arrow "36", is transmitted directly through the display 22; a portion of the light 34, shown by arrow "38", is reflected by the inner wall portions 20a, 20b, 20c; a portion of the light 34 is transmitted towards a first reflective component 40 detachably mounted to the display 22, the light shown by dotted line arrow "42"; and a portion of the light 34, shown by the dotted line arrow "44", is transmitted towards a second reflective component 46, mounted to the housing base portion 16. The first reflective component 40 defines and provides mounting for a first reflective surface 48, the first reflective component 40 occupying the aperture 24. The first reflective component 40 is
I O manufactured from the same material as the display 22 but orientated such that the light
42 is diffusely reflected back over a relatively large area of the housing 12. External light impinging on the first reflective surface 48, shown by the dashed line arrow "50", is transmitted through, where it may subsequently be reflected and transmitted externally through the display 22. In this way, the external light 50 transmitted into the housing 12 through the first reflective component 40 is utilised to assist the illumination effect of the display 22. Additionally, the first reflective component 40 protects the tube 14 from the surrounding environment. This is particularly advantageous when the apparatus 10 may be used in inclement weather or if the apparatus 10 may be struck by debris, for example, debris "kicked up" by vehicles from a road surface 52 (shown in Figure 1).
A large portion of the light 42 reflected by the first reflective surface 48 is reflected towards the second reflective component 46, defining or providing a mounting for a second reflective surface 54. The second reflective surface 54 reflects internal light through the display 22. The reflection of light by the first and second reflective surfaces 48, 54 increases the utilisation of light from the tube 14, permitting the whole of the display 22 to be illuminated from a single tube 14.
The tube 14 is powered by a rechargeable 12 volt battery (not shown). A 12 volt battery is preferred as it provides energy at a sufficient but minimum level and in a small package. The battery (not shown) is recharged via a charger base station (not shown) powered from a vehicle battery (not shown) located within the broken down vehicle 56; thus enabling the apparatus 10 to be charged.
In use, as shown in Figure 1, the apparatus 10 is removed from the vehicle 56 and placed upright on a road surface 52 at a specified distance from the vehicle 56, in order to warn oncoming vehicle drivers of the hazard ahead. A support stand 58 is unfolded to
W
1 1 allow the apparatus 10 to be supported in an upright orientation, the display 22 orientated in a perpendicular plane to the direction of traffic, shown by arrow "60".
In reference to Figures 1 to 4, the battery provides energy to the tube 14, which transmits light 34 in all directions. The light 42 impinging on the first reflective surface 5 48 is diffusely reflected and diverged over a wide area of the housing 12. A portion of the light 42 is reflected towards the second reflective surface 54. The light 42 is then reflected by the second reflective surface 54 and transmitted through the display 22 to produce an illuminated symbol, in the form of an illuminated red triangle. In this way, a highly visible warning can be displayed that can be viewed from distance. Additionally 0 or alternatively, the apparatus 10 can be placed closer to the broken-down vehicle 56 resulting in a safer deployment operation. External light 30 impinging on the display 22 is reflected outwards to provide a passive warning to oncoming vehicles. It should be noted that internal light 32 may undergo several reflections before exiting through the display 22. Those of skill in the art will further recognise that the illustrated apparatus 10 is merely exemplary of the present invention, and that the same objectives may be achieved by using a variety of different configurations. For example, it should be noted that any visual message could be transmitted utilising any available colour of display 22. It should be noted also that references to colour should include, for example but not exclusively, a white or transparent display 22. Advantageously, the apparatus 10 may be used to display visual information in the form of written information.
The display 22 may be extend over the wall portions 18a, 18b, 18c to be attached to the top surfaces 62a, 62b, 62c of the wall portions 18a, 18b, 18c such that the apparatus 10 may reflect external light 30 and transmit internal light 32 externally of a peripheral region of the housing 12. Conveniently, the warning effect may thus be ascertained from
an oblique angle, such as from around a bend in the road 52.
The display 22 may be constructed from a self-coloured material, thus reducing the number of components in the assembly 10. Alternatively, the display 22 may further comprise a at least partially transparent coloured film (not shown) adapted to be placed over the display 22, the light impinging on the external surface of the display 22 being reflected outwards and the light transmitted from the tube 14 passing through, to display an illuminated coloured region.
A single inner wall surface, for example 20a, may be reflective only. This is of particular use when the tube 14 is not equidistant from the wall portions 20a, 20b, 20c and allows an even spread of light to be displayed.
Although it is preferred that a single light source is provided, the present invention does not exclude the use of a plurality of light sources in order to increase the illumination provided by the apparatus.
In other embodiments, the apparatus 10 may be utilised to display a lower power, illuminated emergency exit sign, where visibility is reduced, for example a fire exit sign in a smoked filled building or the like. Alternatively, the apparatus 10 could be utilised in passenger transport for emergency signage or for information purposes in all lighting conditions. Advantageously, the apparatus 10 is effective as a sign both in daylight and in reduced visibility conditions and therefore could be utilised if power is lost, the apparatus 10 allowing a message to be displayed independently from mains electricity.
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