U.S. patent application number 10/868179 was filed with the patent office on 2005-07-28 for outdoor changeable message sign.
This patent application is currently assigned to ADDCO, INC.. Invention is credited to Blesener, James L., Luoma, Eugene, Nicholson, John P..
Application Number | 20050162342 10/868179 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27568934 |
Filed Date | 2005-07-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050162342 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Luoma, Eugene ; et
al. |
July 28, 2005 |
Outdoor changeable message sign
Abstract
A preferred embodiment of the present invention is a mobile sign
with a solar panel for warning motorists of highway problems. The
mobile sign comprises support structure configured as a wheeled
vehicle. In preferred embodiments, the sign panel comprises an
enclosure or housing having a front transparent panel, a
multiplicity of LED's in a matrixical arrangement for generating
electronically changeable messages mounted in the enclosure and
spaced from the front panel, and a pattern of opaque material, for
example paint, applied on the exterior of the front transparent
panel defining a plurality of windows for passing light
therethrough. In a preferred embodiment, the windows will be in a
matrixical arrangement comprising a plurality of rows and columns
of individual LED's or rows and columns of groupings of LEDs.
Inventors: |
Luoma, Eugene; (Duluth,
MN) ; Blesener, James L.; (Mahtomedi, MN) ;
Nicholson, John P.; (Shoreview, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Patterson, Thuente, Skaar & Christensen, P.A.
4800 IDS Center
80 South 8th Street
Minneapolis
MN
55402-2100
US
|
Assignee: |
ADDCO, INC.
|
Family ID: |
27568934 |
Appl. No.: |
10/868179 |
Filed: |
June 15, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10868179 |
Jun 15, 2004 |
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10102510 |
Mar 19, 2002 |
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6750829 |
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10102510 |
Mar 19, 2002 |
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09716811 |
Nov 20, 2000 |
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6414650 |
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09716811 |
Nov 20, 2000 |
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09141007 |
Aug 26, 1998 |
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6150996 |
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09141007 |
Aug 26, 1998 |
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08833945 |
Apr 14, 1997 |
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6175342 |
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08833945 |
Apr 14, 1997 |
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08634031 |
Apr 15, 1996 |
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5914698 |
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10868179 |
Jun 15, 2004 |
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08976910 |
Nov 24, 1997 |
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08976910 |
Nov 24, 1997 |
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08651834 |
May 21, 1996 |
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08651834 |
May 21, 1996 |
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08286675 |
Aug 5, 1994 |
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5542203 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
345/55 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09F 9/33 20130101; G09G
2300/026 20130101; G09F 27/008 20130101; G09F 13/04 20130101; G09F
9/3026 20130101; G09G 3/32 20130101; G09F 13/0454 20210501; G09F
13/0472 20210501; G06F 3/147 20130101; G09F 19/22 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
345/055 |
International
Class: |
G09G 003/20 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method of making a mobile sign for temporary placement along
roadways for directing messages to vehicular traffic on said
roadways, the method comprising: arranging a multiplicity of light
emitting diodes in at least one matrix and orienting each light
emitting diodes in a common direction, placing the at least one
matrix in an enclosure portion, attaching a transparent front panel
to the enclosure portion, with the at least one matrix of light
emitting diodes directed toward said transparent front panel and
spaced from said transparent front panel, making the enclosure
portion and transparent front panel weather resistant, operably
connecting control circuitry to the multiplicity of light emitting
diodes for providing changeable messages formed by selective
lighting of the multiplicity of light emitting diodes, applying
paint to an exteriorly facing surface of the transparent panel to
define a plurality of unpainted windows, with said unpainted
windows positioned directly in front of at least individual ones of
the multiplicity of light emitting diodes, and mounting the
enclosure portion and control circuity on a wheeled vehicle.
2. The method of making a mobile sign for temporary placement along
roadways of claim 1 wherein the step of applying paint to the
exteriorly facing surface of the transparent panel is performed
before the step of attaching a transparent front panel to the
enclosure.
3. The method of making a mobile sign for temporary placement along
roadways of claim 2 wherein each unpainted window is directly in
front of a grouping of at least two and not more than six light
emitting diodes.
4. The method of making a mobile sign for temporary placement along
roadways of claim 1 further comprising the step of attaching a
solar panel to the wheeled vehicle for providing power to the
sign.
5. The method of making a mobile sign for temporary placement along
roadways of claim 1 further comprising the step of applying the
paint to the exteriorly facing surface of the front transparent
panel by way of silk-screening.
6. A portable sign made in accordance with claim 1.
7. A method of making a sign for temporary placement along roadways
for directing messages to vehicular traffic on said roadways, the
method comprising: arranging a multiplicity of light emitting
diodes in a matrixical arrangement and orienting each light
emitting diodes in a common direction contained within at least one
weather resistant enclosure, each weather resistant enclosure
comprising an enclosure portion and a transparent front panel, each
transparent front panel having an interiorly facing surface and an
exteriorly facing surface, applying in liquid form an opaque
material to each of the transparent front panels to provide opaque
outlines around groupings of the multiplicity of the light emitting
diodes thereby forming a matrixical arrangement of transparent
windows in each of said transparent front panels, each of said
transparent windows adjacent a grouping of one or more light
emitting diodes, connecting electrical circuitry to the
multiplicity of light emitting diodes for selectively lighting said
diodes for providing messages comprised of a plurality of words or
abbreviated words, mounting the multiplicity of light emitting
diodes, at least one weather resistant enclosure, and electrical
circuitry on a portable sign structure placeable adjacent
roadways.
8. The method of making a mobile sign for temporary placement along
roadways of claim 1 wherein the step of applying liquid opaque
material to the the transparent panel is performed before attaching
a transparent front panel to the enclosure portion.
9. The method of making a mobile sign for temporary placement along
roadways of claim 1 further comprising the step of attaching a
solar panel to the wheeled vehicle for providing power to the
sign.
10. The method of making a mobile sign for temporary placement
along roadways of claim 1 wherein the step of applying the opaque
material to the front transparent panel is by way of
silk-screening.
11. A portable sign made in accordance with claim 1.
12. A mobile sign for temporary placement along roadways for
directing messages to vehicular traffic on said roadways, the sign
comprising: a wheeled vehicle, at least one weather resistant
enclosure containing a multiplicity of light emitting diodes in a
matrixical arrangement with each of the light emitting diodes
oriented in a common direction, the each of the weather resistant
enclosures comprising an enclosure portion and a transparent front
panel attached to the enclosure portion, the multiplicity of light
emitting diodes in said enclosure directed toward said transparent
front panel and spaced from said transparent front panel, control
circuitry operably connecting to each of the multiplicity of light
emitting diodes for providing changeable messages formed by
selective lighting of the multiplicity of light emitting diodes, a
rigid opaque coating hermetically adhered to the exteriorly facing
surface of the front transparent panel, the opaque coating
selectively positioned to define a plurality of matrixically
arranged transparent windows with groupings of at least one of the
multiplicity of light emitting diodes positioned behind each of the
transparent windows.
13. The mobile sign of claim 12 further comprising a solar panel
mounted on said wheeled vehicle, the solar panel operatively
connected to the circuitry for providing power to said sign.
14. The mobile sign of claim 12 wherein the sign is sized so that
characters formed by said light emitting diodes are readable from
at least 150 feet.
15. A method of constructing outdoor changeable message signs
comprising the step of: silk-screening an opaque material on a
transparent front panel of an enclosure having a multiplicity of
LEDs in a matrixical arrangement in the enclosure.
16. A mobile sign for temporary placement along roadways for
directing messages to vehicular traffic on said roadways, the sign
comprising: a wheeled vehicle, at least one weather resistant
enclosure containing a multiplicity of light emitting diodes in a
matrixical arrangement with each of the light emitting diodes
oriented in a common direction, the multiplicity of light emitting
diodes having a plurality of groupings in a matrixical arrangement;
each of the at least one weather resistant enclosures comprising an
enclosure portion and a transparent front panel attached to the
enclosure portion, the multiplicity of light emitting diodes in
said enclosure directed toward said transparent front panel and
spaced from said transparent front panel, control circuitry
operably connecting to each of the multiplicity of light emitting
diodes for providing changeable messages formed by selective
lighting of the multiplicity of light emitting diodes, a means for
providing a plurality of transparent windows on the front
transparent panel as claimed in claim 15.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No.
09/716,811, filed on Nov. 20, 2000, and entitled SIGN SYSTEM WITH
FIELD CHANGEABLE SCREEN SIZE AND MESSAGE; which is a
continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 09/141/007, filed on Aug. 26, 1998
and now U.S. Pat. No. 6,150,996; which is a continuation-in-part of
Ser. No. 08/833,945, filed on Apr. 14, 1997, and now U.S. Pat. No.
6,175,342; which is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 08/634,031,
filed on Apr. 15, 1996, and now U.S. Pat. No. 5,914,698. All of the
above applications and patents are incorporated herein by
reference.
[0002] This application is also a continuation-in-part of Ser. No.
08/976,910, filed on Nov. 21, 1997, and entitled MOBILE SIGN WITH
SOLAR PANEL, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser.
No. 08/651,835, filed on May 21, 1996, and entitled MOBILE SIGN
WITH SOLAR PANEL; which is a divisional of 5,542,203, issued Aug.
6, 1996 and entitled MOBILE SIGN WITH SOLAR PANEL; and a
continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 08/833,945, filed Apr.
14, 1997, and entitled ENHANCED MODULAR MESSAGE BOARD; which is a
continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 08/634,031, now U.S.
Pat. No. 5,914,698. All of the above applications and patents are
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to outdoor signs, and in
particular to mobile electronically changeable signs for use
adjacent to roadways.
[0004] Highway warning signs are frequently needed to warn
motorists of obstructions, traffic delays, and hazardous conditions
as such conditions arise. To be most useful, a highway warning sign
should be mobile so that the sign may be transported to the needed
site. Once the sign has been moved to the needed site, the sign may
be left along the roadway to warn passing motorists. Generally, the
sign must be readable from at least 150 feet and often from much
farther away.
[0005] In order to be visible in a variety of lighting conditions
(bright sunlight, overcast, nighttime, etc.) the sign's warning
should be illuminated, i.e., the sign elements should be
electrically powered. The sign elements may be light emitting
diodes (LEDs) or dot sign units which flip over and are
alternatively illuminated when flipped over in order to spell out a
message on the sign.
[0006] The environment such signs are used in are highly
deleterious to electrical and mechanical mechanisms due to
moisture, salt, dirt, debris, temperature variations, wind, ice,
etc. Thus, such signs need to be resistant to these elements.
Moreover, such signs need to be easily cleaned to remove these
elements, particularly where they may obstruct the visibility or
readability of the sign.
[0007] Because electrical power may not be available at the sit of
the hazard or obstruction, the sign should operate off batteries.
However, the batteries should also be rechargeable from solar
energy because of the limited charge lifetime of any battery.
Therefore, the sign should have a solar panel for recharging the
batteries.
[0008] There is a need for a mobile sign with a solar panel which
can be adjusted to the position of the sun without moving the
trailer, in order to maximize the ability of the solar panel to
charge the batteries.
[0009] A mobile highway sign must also have a display that is
highly visible under a variety of lighting conditions. Reflected
glare from the sun or other external light sources should be
minimized while the contrast of the sign's display should be
maximized. There is a need for a mobile sign with a display that
minimizes reflected glare and at the same time maximizes the
contrast of the display.
[0010] Heat from the sun may reduce the life of electronic
components of the sign and of display elements such as
light-emitting diodes (LED). There is a need for a sign with a
display which reduces the amount of heat from the sun entering the
display. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is a mobile
sign with a solar panel for warning motorists of highway problems.
The mobile sign comprises support structure configured as a wheeled
vehicle. In preferred embodiments, the sign panel comprises an
enclosure or housing having a front transparent panel, a
multiplicity of LED's in a matrixical arrangement for generating
electronically changeable messages mounted in the enclosure and
spaced from the front panel, and a pattern of opaque material, for
example paint, applied on the exterior of the front transparent
panel defining a plurality of windows for passing light
therethrough.
[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the windows will be in a
matrixical arrangement comprising a plurality of rows and columns
of individual LED's or rows and columns of groupings of LEDs, such
that individual LED's or a grouping or cluster of LED's are
associated with a specific window. A specific window may thus have
one or more LED's. The light pattern from each LED will be cast
through its respective window to be visible to the intended view,
such as a passing motorist.
[0013] A principal object and advantage of the invention is that
the sign panel has a low-glare, high-contrast display that also
improves the lifetime of the display's electronic or mechanical
components by reducing heating of the display due to the sun.
Moreover, the messages displayed are more readable due to low
glare-high contrast front panel.
[0014] A further object and advantage of the invention is that the
opaque material is preferably applied as a liquid material, for
example a paint, onto the outside surface of the transparent front
panel and is allowed to cure or dry whereby a layer that is sealed
to transparent front face is provided, precluding entry of
moisture, debris, or other contaminants between the opaque layer
and the front face of the front panel. Such application provides a
durable, lightweight, easy to manufacture and inexpensive opaque
layer with a continuous bonding between the opaque layer and the
front panel surface.
[0015] A feature and advantage of the invention is that use of
paint to create the opaque zones creates a surface highly amenable
to cleaning and resistant to the elements associated with roadside
usage. For example, the transition between the transparent window
and the opaque areas is generally a smooth transition with paint
and provides a thickness of, for example, .45 mm to 2.0 mm. Such a
smooth transition and minimal thickness of the opaque layer as well
as the continuous bonding between the opaque layer and the surface
of the transparent panel facilitates cleaning and provides the
resistance to the elements.
[0016] A principal object and advantage of certain embodiments of
the invention is that the sign has a solar panel which is tiltable
and rotatable relative to the frame of the wheeled vehicle, thus
making it easy to change the angle of the solar panel relative to
the sun. The most electricity is generated from a solar panel when
the sun's rays are perpendicular to the face of the solar panel.
Accordingly, the sign has a solar panel which is tiltable and
rotatable relative to the sign and to the wheeled vehicle in order
to position the solar panel so that the sun's rays are most nearly
perpendicular to it. The optimum position will vary from hour to
hour, day to day, and month to month. The sign may be left at the
site for a few hours or a few weeks or several months. The position
of the solar panel is easily adjustable at whatever frequency makes
sense.
[0017] Another object and advantage of certain embodiments of the
present invention is that the position of the solar panel may be
adjusted without moving the wheeled vehicle, thereby accommodating
situations where the wheeled vehicle cannot be moved because of the
presence of other nearby objects.
[0018] Another object and advantage of certain embodiments of the
present invention is that the solar panel is mounted on a mast so
that it may be elevated above the sign panel, thereby preventing
the sign panel from blocking the sun.
[0019] Another object and advantage of certain embodiments of the
present invention is that the tilting and rotation of the solar
panel is accomplished by controls at the level of the standing
human operator, thereby making it easy to position the solar panel
above the sign panel without a ladder.
[0020] Another object and advantage of certain embodiments of the
present invention is that the solar panel tilts to a completely
horizontal position for transport, thus minimizing wind
resistance.
[0021] Another object and advantage of certain embodiments of the
invention is that the front face of the display may be tiled so as
to minimize reflected glare from the sun and to make the display
self-shading.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the mobile sign with solar
panel.
[0023] FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the mobile sign with
solar panel showing details of the lifting and rotation
mechanisms.
[0024] FIG. 3 is a right side elevational view of the mechanism
which supports, rotates and tilts the solar panel, with some
structure cut away.
[0025] FIG. 4 is a left side elevational view of the solar panel
tilted to a horizontal position for transport, with some structure
cut away.
[0026] FIG. 5 is a left side elevational view of the solar panel
tilted above the sign panel for use, with some structure cut
away.
[0027] FIG. 6 is a left side elevational view of the mechanism
which tilts the solar panel, with some structure cut away.
[0028] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the low-glare, high-contrast
display used in a mobile sign.
[0029] FIG. 8 is a cross-section through the display of FIG. 7
along the lines 8-8.
[0030] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a modular sign mounted on a
moveable mounting structure.
[0031] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of an interchangeable
display unit with some structure broken away. One of the two
attachment points is shown in phantom, indicating that the display
unit may be attached to a support member in either of two
orientations.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0032] The mobile sign with solar panel of the present invention is
generally shown in the Figures by the number 10. The mobile sign
with solar panel 10 comprises a wheeled vehicle 12, for example a
trailer, for carrying the sign to the place of use, for example
along the side of a highway. When the wheeled vehicle 12 reaches
the place of use, the wheeled vehicle 12 is positioned relative to
oncoming vehicular traffic and the legs 13 are extended, thereby
establishing a firm base to support the sign.
[0033] The mobile sign with solar panel 10 further comprises an
electrically operated sign panel 14 and controls for the sign panel
14. The sign panel 14 is mounted on the wheeled vehicle 12. In the
preferred embodiment, the sign panel 14 is mounted on the wheeled
vehicle 12 by a first mast 15. The mounting of the sign panel 14 by
the first mast 15 is such that the sign panel 14 is rotatable
relative to the wheeled vehicle 12, thus allowing the sign panel 14
to be independently positioned to face the oncoming traffic without
moving the wheeled vehicle 12. This arrangement accommodates
situations in which the wheeled vehicle 12 cannot be moved because
of the present of other nearby objects, or where it is just simpler
to rotate the sign. Mounting the sign panel 14 on the first mast 15
also allows the sign panel to be raised to an appropriate height to
be visible to vehicular traffic, or lowered onto the wheeled
vehicle 12 for transportation.
[0034] The sign panel 14 is capable of displaying messages and
changing the displayed messages as directed by the operator.
Messages may be displayed by means of light-emitting diodes or by
dot sign elements which flip over to show a reflective surface. The
light-emitting diodes or dot sign elements are generally known as
pixels, and are arranged in patterns on the sign 14 so that when
the pixels are activated, they form letters of the alphabet,
numbers, or other characters.
[0035] A chargeable battery 16 on the wheeled vehicle 10 provides
power to the sign panel 14 and is connected to the sign panel 14 by
appropriate cabling (not shown).
[0036] An electricity generating solar panel 18 is connected to the
battery 16 by a cable 17 in order to charge the battery 16 during
the daylight hours. The sign panel 14 then runs off the battery 16
during night-time hours. The sign panel 14 can also operate off the
batter 16 while the battery 16 is being charged.
[0037] The mobile sign with solar panel 10 further comprises a
means 20 for mounting the solar panel 18 on the wheeled vehicle 12.
In the preferred embodiment the means for mounting 20 is a second
mast 22, which is mounted on the first mast 15. This arrangement
allows the solar panel 18 to be tilted and rotated relative to the
wheeled vehicle 12 independently of the rotation of the sign panel
14. Thus, the sign panel may be positioned to face oncoming traffic
independently of positioning the solar panel 18 to face the
sun.
[0038] As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the second mast 22 further
comprises a frame 24 for mounting the second mast 22 to the wheeled
vehicle 12, and in particular for mounting the second mast 22 to
the first mast 15, which is in turn mounted on the wheeled vehicle
12. The second mast 22 is swingably mounted to the frame 24,
allowing the second mast 22 to rotate freely with respect to the
frame 24 and wheeled vehicle 12. In the preferred embodiment, the
second mast 22 has a flange 38 which rotates against a
corresponding flange 40 of the frame 24, thus enabling this
swinging movement.
[0039] Controls for rotating the sign panel and rotating and
tilting the solar panel are conveniently at the level of a standing
human operator. The second mast 22 is rotated by the operator by
grasping the handle 30 and turning the handle 30 in a clockwise or
counterclockwise direction. The solar panel may thus be easily
positioned to directly face the sun. Because the most electricity
is generated from a solar panel when the sun's rays are
perpendicular to the face of the solar panel, the operator may
easily rotate the solar panel to track the sun, doing so at
whatever frequency makes sense: hourly, daily, or monthly.
[0040] Once the solar panel is correctly positioned, the second
mast 22 is prevented from rotating further by a brake 32. In the
preferred embodiment, the brake 32 consists of a clamp 34 and clamp
handle 36. In the unlocked position, shown in phantom in FIG. 3,
the clamp handle 36 is raised, lifting the clamp away from the
flange 38. When the handle 36 is lowered, the clamp 34 is secured
against the flange 38, preventing rotation of the flange 38 against
the second flange 40 of the frame. Other equivalents of the brake
32 may of course be employed.
[0041] In particular, the second mast 22 comprises a stationary
portion 42 mounted to the frame 24 and an extendible portion 44
connected to the stationary portion 42. As best seen in FIG. 3, the
extendible portion 44 is slidably engaged with the stationary
portion 42, thereby allowing the extendible portion 44 to be raised
and lowered on the stationary portion 42. As the extendible portion
44 is raised and lowered, the solar panel 18 is tilted, as will be
further described below.
[0042] The extendible portion 44 is raised and lowered on the
stationary portion 42 by a jack 46. In the preferred embodiment,
the jack 46 comprises a low-pitch screw 48 and nut 50 and a crank
52 adapted to rotate the screw 48. In this embodiment, the screw 48
rotates within a longitudinal bore 54 within the stationary portion
42, the stationary portion 42 being a hollow tube. The nut 5 is
connected to the extendible portion 44. As the crank 52 is turned,
the screw 48 rotates, and the nut 50 travels along the screw 48,
thus raising or lowering the extendible portion 44 on the
stationary portion 42. The low pitch of the screw 48 prevents the
weight of the solar panel from rotating the screw, thus keeping the
extendible portion raised.
[0043] In the preferred embodiment, the extendible portion 44 is
also a hollow tube, comprising an outer wall 56 and inner wall 57
spaced from each other and encompassing the wall 58 of the
stationary portion 42, the extendible portion 44 thereby sliding
longitudinally on the stationary portion 42 in a telescoping
fashion.
[0044] To enable tilting of the solar panel 18 as the extendible
portion 44 is raised and lowered, the solar panel 18 is connected
to the extendible portion 44 by a joint 60 and a linkage 62. The
solar panel is shown in its lowered portion for transportation in
FIG. 4. As can be seen best in FIGS. 5 and 6, raising the
extendible portion 44 and the linkage 62, as the linkage 62 pivots
about a bracket 64 fixed to the stationary portion 42. This
movement causes the solar panel 18 to tilt upwardly along a single
axis, and the rigid linkage 62 prevents the solar panel 18 from
contracting the sign panel 14. The solar panel 18 is shown tilted
upwardly in FIG. 5. It will be seen that the solar panel 18 may
thus be raised above the sign panel 14, thus preventing the sign
panel 14 from blocking the solar panel 18 from the sun.
[0045] As the extendible portion 44 slides along the stationary
portion 42, a longitudinal slot 65 is in the extendible portion
slides past the linkage 62, thus preventing the linkage 62 from
interfering with the motion of the extendible portion 44.
[0046] The mobile sign with solar panel also comprises a
high-contrast display 66 for displaying messages to vehicular
traffic, as best seen in FIGS. 7 and 8. The front panel 74 of the
display 66 protects the display and its support mechanics or
electronics by reducing heat within the display 66 caused by
sunlight and thus increasing the mean-time-between-failure (MTBF)
of the display pixels and electronics. The front panel 74 of the
display also produces an improvement in sign contrast.
[0047] The high-contrast display 66 is an enclosure that comprises
an enclosure portion or housing 68, which includes a substantially
vertical rear panel 70 having a plurality of changeable message
pixels 72 mounted thereon. In the preferred embodiment, the pixels
72 are light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The pixels may also be dot
sign elements that flip over to show a reflective or fluorescent
surface.
[0048] The enclosure also include the front transparent panel 74 is
made of a transparent and substantially rigid material such as
polycarbonate or glass. Lexan.RTM. is a registered trademark of the
General Electric Co. for polycarbonate plastics and has been found
to be very suitable for the front panel. The front panel 74 is
spaced from the rear panel and the bottom edge 86 is closer to the
rear panel 70 than the top edge 88, and the front panel 74 is
therefore tilted downwardly relative to the rear panel 70 at an
angel A in the range of 5 degrees to 10 degrees, preferably 7
degrees. The tilted front panel 74 reflects light from the sun
towards the ground and away from oncoming traffic, thus minimizing
the glare seen by drivers and increasing the visibility of the
display. The tilted front panel 74 also decreases heating of the
display by reflecting sunlight. The tilted display also decreases
heating from the sun by making the display substantially
self-shading when the sun is highest, in that the top panel 77 of
the display 66 projects substantially outwardly and will shade the
pixels 72 and other electronics when the sun is at a high
angle.
[0049] The display 66 also comprises a substantially non-reflective
pattern 76 on the front panel 74. In the preferred embodiment, the
pattern 76 is painted on the front surface of the front panel 74,
as by silk-screening or other method. As best seen in FIG. 7, the
pattern 76 comprises a multiplicity of windows 78 and opaque zones
80. The windows 78 permit light from them message pixels 72 to pass
through the front panel 74. The opaque zones reduce the amount of
sunlight entering the display, thus reducing heat within the
display and further protecting the mechanical and electronic
elements. Because the pattern 76 is on the front surface of the
front panel 74, and is non-reflective, reflected glare is also
reduced. Furthermore, the pattern 76 breaks up the front pane 74
into multiple surfaces, further reducing reflected glare. The
pattern 76 also improves the contrast of the display 66.
[0050] In the preferred embodiment, the opaque zones 80 comprise
vertically extending opaque areas 82 ad horizontally extending
opaque areas 84, thus producing a pattern 76 with rows and columns,
such as seen in FIG. 7. The message pixels 72 are also arranged in
rows and columns on the rear panel 70, corresponding to the windows
78 between opaque zones 80.
[0051] As can be seen in FIG. 7, in one embodiment, the height of
the horizontally extending opaque areas 84 progressively decreases
from the bottom edge 86 of the front panel 74 towards the top edge
88 of the front panel 74. The purpose of this arrangement is to
accommodate the tilt of the front panel 74 and maximize the light
from the pixels 72 passing through the front panel 74. As can be
appreciated from FIG. 8, near the bottom edge 86 of the panel 74,
the front panel 74 is nearly parallel and close to the rear panel
70 and the pixels 72. Consequently, light rays 90 from the pixels
72 do not spread out very much before they reach the front panel
74. Therefore, the windows 78 near the bottom edge 86 of the panel
74 need be no larger than the extent of the corresponding pixels
72, and the height of the horizontally extending opaque areas
between the windows can be large. However, near the top edge 88 of
the front panel 74, the front panel is angled to and substantially
further from the rear panel 72. Consequently, light rays 92 from
pixels 72 have substantially spread out as they reach the front
panel 74. Furthermore, the tilt of the front panel 74 near the top
edge 88 changes the viewing angle of the pixels. For these reasons,
the windows 78 near the top edge 88 of the front panel 74 must
larger than the corresponding extent of the pixels 72, and
therefore, the height of the horizontally extending opaque area 84
between the windows 78 must be less.
[0052] It has been found that the combination of a tilted front
panel 74 and a pattern 76 painted on the front panel 74 also
produces unexpected improvement in terms of sign contrast. By
minimizing glare and providing opaque areas 80, the visibility of
the message pixels 72 is substantially improved.
[0053] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, a trailer mounted modular sign
is shown. The modular electronic sign 210 generally comprises a
plurality of connected display units 212, a plurality of mounting
tracks 214 mounted on a mounting structure 216 and a sign
controller 218. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the mounting tracks 214
may be mounted back-to-back to form a two sided sign 210.
[0054] A typical sign 210 may be made from a plurality of display
units 212 on mounting tracks 214 mounted parallel to each other and
attached to the mounting structure by clips 270. Each display unit
212 mounted on the mounting track 214 may display one or more
characters and is vertically aligned with the display units 212 on
adjacent mounting tracks 214 to form a pattern of display units 212
on the sign 210. It should be understood, the mounting tracks 214
may be mounted in a vertical or horizontal orientation. For
purposes of illustration, the sign 210 will be discussed with
reference to horizontally mounted mounting tracks 214.
[0055] The mounting structure 216 may comprise a trailer 251,
having a platform 258 supported by wheels 259 rotatably mounted on
the platform 258 as is well known in the art of trailers. Trailer
251 may have one or more jack stands 260 which are extendable to
engage the ground to hold the platform 258 in a fixed position. A
vehicle connector 261, such as a trailer hitch, may be used to move
the mounting structure 216 to a proposed sign 210 installation
location. An enclosure 262 on platform 258 may be used to provide
environmental protection for sign controller 218.
[0056] Sign support 263 is attached to and supports sign plate 265
which may have a front side and a back side. The sign support 263
may be pivotally attached to the platform 258 at pin 264 and held
in a vertical position by lock 266 and side supports 267. It should
be understood that pin 264 extends into both side supports 267 and
through the sign support 263.
[0057] Trailer 251 may also be used to transport sign 210 by
removing lock 266 and pivoting sign support 263 about pin 264 until
sign support 263 is in the horizontal position, as shown in dotted
outline. Vehicle connector 261 is attached to a vehicle (not shown)
such as a tractor, car or truck, the jack stands 260 are retracted
to raise the jack feet to a non-engagement position with the round
or road surface. Lock 266 may be replaced across the side supports
267 to hold the sign support 263 in the horizontal position. It
should be understood that sign 210 may alternatively be attached to
a bridge, existing highway sign or building.
[0058] Referring to FIG. 9, the display units 212 are assembled to
form a sign 210. The sign controller 218 is attached to a
communication conductor (now shown) of each mounting track 214, and
may have several information lines connected to separate mounting
tracks 214. Alternatively, the mounting tracks 214 may have the
communication conductor wired together in series. The wires
connecting the sign controller 218, including a power supply may be
run inside the sign support 263.
[0059] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the modular sign assembly 210
also comprises a plurality of enclosed, interchangeable display
units 212, each with a generally rectangular front side 418 and
opposite back side 420.
[0060] Each display unit 212 further comprises a housing 424 having
a back side 420 and a front side 418. The front side 418 preferably
includes a front panel 426, the front panel 426 having a plurality
of light transmitting windows 428. A plurality of light emitters
430 is enclosed in the housing 424 preferably adjacent to the
windows 428 on the front side 426.
[0061] The modular sign assembly 210 also preferably includes a
sign controller 218, as previously described. The sign controller
218 is in communication with each display unit 416. The modular
sign assembly 210 has means for sending control signals from the
sign controller 218 to each display unit 212 for controlling the
selection of light emitters 430 for illumination. It should be
understood that one of the conductors 416 is the communications
conductor.
[0062] In the preferred embodiment, the light emitters 430 are
light-emitting diodes.
[0063] Referring to FIG. 10, the front panel 426 has a front side
427. Preferably, the front panel 426 is an ultraviolet-resistant
polycarbonate material. An opaque material 470 is painted on the
front side 427 to decrease glare from the front panel 426. The
windows 428 are arranged in the opaque material 470, corresponding
to the light emitters 430. In this manner, the contrast between the
light emitters 430 and the sign assembly 210 is maximized.
Preferably, the opaque material 470 is painted on the front side
427 by silk-screening, although any other painting method may be
used. The ink used to paint the opaque material is preferably dark
black to maximize contrast and minimize glare from the front panel
by creating a low-gloss finish.
[0064] The method of forming a sign which embodies the above
concepts will now be briefly discussed. First, the size of the sign
is determined according to the nature of the application. Then, the
housing components including the rear panel are fabricated. The
rear panel includes an outer surface and an inner surface. The
inner surface supports indicia which may be in the form of a
plurality of message pixels, or a plurality of releasably retained
message panels which are provided with message pixels. Next, a
front panel is formed. The front panel is sized to so that it is
coincident with the rear panel (which may provided with a plurality
of message pixels), or coincident with a message panel. The front
panel is preferably transparent and includes front and rear
surfaces. Paint is preferably applied to the front surfaces rather
than the rear surface so that reflection from incident light is
minimized. The paint used is preferably opaque, with a high
contrast relative to the message pixels. The paint should also be
non-reflective for best results. A black modified acrylic outdoor
ink is preferred. It has been found that applying paint by silk
screening is preferred. It has been found that applying paint by
silk screening produces the best results. The silk screen is
provided with a pattern which produces a plurality of apertures or
non-painted transparent windows on the front surface of the
transparent front panel. The apertures correspond to groupings of
LED's, conveniently individual message pixels, and enable light
emanating therefrom to pass through the front panel to an observer.
After the front panel has been provided with paint and allowed to
cure, for example dry, the front panel is then attached to the
display or message panel in a conventional manner.
[0065] Referring to FIGS. 11, 12, 13, and 14 details of the
enclosure arrangement with respect to the LED's is illustrated.
Generally, a sign enclosure 500 to be mounted on a wheeled vehicle
comprises an enclosure portion 502 and a front transparent panel
506. A multiplicity of LED's 508 are mounted to circuit boards 510
or other mounting means and are positioned in the enclosure behind
the front transparent panel 506. The opaque coating 514, shown in
exaggerated thickness on FIG. 11, is applied to the front surface
preferably in a liquid form, such as by silk-screening as
previously described, to provide outlines about groupings 520 or
clusters of the LED's, defining transparent windows. The
transparent windows are configured to have 1 or more LED's
projecting therethrough. The opaque coating is selected to provide
a hermetic bonding to the transparent panel whereby debris and
moisture cannot enter the interface between the opaque material and
the transparent front panel. The LED's have a projection zone 540
that is aimed at the front transparent panel and the transparent
window 544 formed thereon. Preferrably the projection zone will be
smaller than the respective transparent window defined by the
opaque material at the point it passes through said window on the
front surface. Preferrably the LED will be at least 5 mm from the
front transparent panel.
[0066] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes
thereof, and it is therefore desired that the present embodiment be
considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive,
reference being made to the appended claims rather than to the
foregoing description to indicate the scope of the invention.
* * * * *