U.S. patent application number 12/762287 was filed with the patent office on 2010-10-21 for method of utilizing electroluminescent lighted signs to retrofit existing signs and for safety signage.
Invention is credited to David P. Lennon, Robert B. Ray.
Application Number | 20100263184 12/762287 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42979866 |
Filed Date | 2010-10-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100263184 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ray; Robert B. ; et
al. |
October 21, 2010 |
Method of Utilizing Electroluminescent Lighted Signs to Retrofit
Existing Signs and for Safety Signage
Abstract
A method of retrofitting an existing sign with a low power use
electroluminescent (EL) panel to reduce power usage and provide
longer operating life. The user initially selects an EL panel
having a desired panel sign content, typically in corresponding
relation to the existing sign content on the front fascia of the
existing sign. The user removes the front fascia from its base and
removes a cover sheet from the EL panel to expose its sticky back
surface. The back surface of the EL panel is affixed to the front
fascia. The EL panel is electrically connected to the source of
power for the existing sign and the combined fascia and EL panel
are attached to the base to define a retrofitted sign. A method of
signage for emergency use attaches the sticky back surface of an EL
panel to a wall or other surface to direct and/or warn others.
Inventors: |
Ray; Robert B.; (Las Vegas,
NV) ; Lennon; David P.; (Henderson, NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
RICHARD A. RYAN;ATTORNEY AT LAW
8497 N. MILLBROOK AVENUE, SUITE 101
FRESNO
CA
93720
US
|
Family ID: |
42979866 |
Appl. No.: |
12/762287 |
Filed: |
April 16, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61170078 |
Apr 16, 2009 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
29/401.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09F 19/22 20130101;
G09F 2013/0459 20130101; Y10T 29/49716 20150115; G08B 7/062
20130101; G09F 13/22 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
29/401.1 |
International
Class: |
B21K 21/16 20060101
B21K021/16 |
Claims
1. A method of retrofitting an existing sign having a base, an
existing source of power and a removable front fascia, said front
fascia having an existing sign content thereon, said method
comprising the steps of: a. removing said front fascia from said
existing sign; b. selecting an EL panel having a panel sign content
and a sticky back surface covered by a cover sheet; c. removing
said cover sheet to expose said sticky back surface of said EL
panel; d. affixing said back surface of said EL panel to said front
fascia to define a combined fascia/panel having said panel sign
content; e. electrically connecting said EL panel to said existing
power source; and f. attaching said combined fascia/panel to said
existing base to define a new low power sign.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein said EL panel is sized and
configured in corresponding relation to said existing base.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein said panel sign content is in
corresponding relation to said existing sign content.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein said panel sign content is in
corresponding relation to said existing sign content.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein said electrically connecting step
comprises connecting one or more EL panel electronics to said EL
panel and connecting said EL panel electronics to said existing
source of power.
6. A method of retrofitting an existing sign having a base and a
removable front fascia, said front fascia having an existing sign
content thereon, said method comprising the steps of: a. removing
said front fascia from said existing sign; b. selecting an EL panel
having a panel sign content, a sticky back surface covered by a
cover sheet and a battery-powered electrical supply; c. removing
said cover sheet to expose said sticky back surface of said EL
panel; d. affixing said back surface of said EL panel to a new
front fascia to define a combined fascia/panel having said panel
sign content; and e. attaching said combined fascia/panel to said
existing base to define a new low power sign powered by said
battery-powered electrical supply.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein said EL panel is sized and
configured in corresponding relation to said existing base.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein said panel sign content is in
corresponding relation to said existing sign content.
9. The method of claim 6, wherein said panel sign content is in
corresponding relation to said existing sign content.
10. A method of emergency signage for use during an emergency
situation, said method comprising the steps of: a. selecting an EL
panel having a desired panel sign content, a sticky back surface
covered by a cover sheet and a battery-powered electrical supply;
b. removing said cover sheet to expose said sticky back surface of
said EL panel; and c. affixing said back surface of said EL panel
to a surface so as to direct or warn others regarding said
emergency situation.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein said EL panel comprises a power
housing having a power supply and a switch, said power supply
configured to power said EL panel and said switch configured to
activate said power supply and turn on said EL panel to light said
panel sign content, said method further comprising the step of
operating said switch to activate said power supply after said
affixing step.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein said EL panel comprises a power
housing having a power supply, said power supply configured to
power said EL panel when said cover sheet is removed from said EL
panel during said removing step.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/170,078 filed Apr. 16, 2009.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
[0002] Not Applicable.
REFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM
LISTING APPENDIX SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC
[0003] Not Applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] A. Field of the Invention
[0005] The field of the present invention relates generally to
apparatuses and methods used to provide lighted signage. In
particular, the present invention relates to methods of
retrofitting existing signs to improve their function and/or to
reduce their operating costs. In more particularity, the present
invention relates to methods of utilizing electroluminescent
lighted signs in a manner that provides temporary or permanent
retrofitting of existing lighted signs for safety or other uses and
provides signs in places where none may exist or be functional.
[0006] B. Background
[0007] Signs have been used for many years for advertising,
messaging, visual art and other display purposes. Traditionally,
most signs either have no lighting associated with the sign or have
an external lamp associated therewith to shine light on the sign so
that it may be seen at night or during low natural lighting
conditions. Over the years, various types of lighting sign systems
have been developed to provide lighted signs. For purposes of this
disclosure, lighted signs include any type of sign or sign-like
display that is utilized to display a message, an impression or
other information, whether of a commercial, artistic, warning or
other nature, to the person seeing the sign. As such lighted signs
may be utilized to advertise a product, convey a personal or
political message to others, decorate or otherwise enhance the
appearance of another object, identify the location of a house,
office or other place of business and/or for a variety of other
display purposes.
[0008] Most presently available lighted sign systems utilize
conventional electrical lamps, including standard light bulbs, LED
bulbs, neon lighting, fiber optic lighting and the like, to provide
the desired lighted display. These types of lighted signs have a
number of limitations, including relatively high energy use, low
lamp life, difficulty with use in, or placement on, many objects
and inability to provide sufficiently precise control of the
lighting for purposes of animating the display, which is a process
by which different sections or areas of the sign are lit at
different times to simulate action on the sign, in the desired
manner. In order to achieve the desired lighting effect for lighted
signs, some manufacturers have begun utilizing or attempting to
utilize electroluminescent lamp lighting.
[0009] As well known to those skilled in the art, there are various
types of electroluminescent lamp systems presently available. One
such lamp is manufactured from multiple layer panels. For purposes
of the present disclosure, an electroluminescent panel (hereinafter
referred to as an "EL panel") is a sheet or sheet-like section of
electroluminescent material that is comprised of multiple layers
that function together to emanate light from the panel. A commonly
available type of EL panel is made of inorganic materials and
configured with electrodes which connect to a source of electrical
power that provides electrical current which causes the
electroluminescent material to emit light. Although a battery can
be utilized as the power source, typically it is an AC or DC power
source. A power inverter is commonly disposed between the power
source and the EL panel to modify the electrical drive conditions
supplied to the EL panel. Typically, a switching unit having a
manually operated switch is commonly utilized to selectively
provide electric current to the EL panel. For purposes of animating
the EL panel display, the switching unit is configured to
selectively direct the electric current to different sections or
areas of the EL panel at different intervals.
[0010] As stated above, the typical EL panel is a made from a
multiple layer electroluminescent material having a plurality of
layers sandwiched together to effectively form a single unit. As
set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 6,528,943 to Coghlan, et al.,
hereinafter, the "'943 patent" (the disclosure of the '943 patent
is incorporated herein as though fully set forth in the present
text), the layers of an EL panel typically comprise at least a pair
of spaced apart electrodes, commonly referred to as a front
electrode and a rear electrode, one or more layers having phosphor
and dielectric materials disposed between the front and rear
electrodes and an outer transparent plastic layer over the front
electrode. The standard EL panel is effectively a capacitor having
a dielectric layer disposed between two conductive electrodes, with
one of the electrodes, typically the front electrode, being
transparent. As well known, the phosphor material radiates light in
response to an electric current being passed through it or in the
presence of a strong electric field. One of the primary advantages
of utilizing an EL panel is that it radiated light with relatively
little current, compared to other lamp systems.
[0011] One type of modern EL panel, described in the '943 patent,
has a transparent front substrate layer, a transparent front
electrode, a phosphor layer, a dielectric layer and an opaque rear
electrode. The transparent front substrate is typically made out of
a plastic material, such as a polyester (e.g., polyethylene
terephthalate or PET) or polycarbonate material. The transparent
front electrode is commonly made out of indium tin oxide and is
vacuum deposited onto the front substrate layer. The phosphor
layer, typically having encapsulated phosphor, is screen-printed
over the front electrode. The dielectric layer, commonly containing
a solvent, a binder and barium titanate particles, is
screen-printed over the phosphor layer. The rear electrode,
typically comprising a solvent, a binder and conductive particles
such as silver or carbon, is then screen-printed over the
dielectric layer. Due to the chemical compatibility of the layers,
there is good adhesion between adjoining layers of the EL panel.
One such EL panel is the duraELglo.TM. EL lamps from Durel, which
is a division of the Rogers Corporation out of Chandler, Ariz. One
feature of EL panels is that if any one or more of the layers are
removed, then panel or any portion of panel where the layer or
layers were removed will not light.
[0012] For use as a sign, EL panels are typically provided in a
rectangular, square, round or other shaped section of
electroluminescent material. The EL panels can be of any size and
shape and may be joined with other panels for even longer lengths
or provided in a roll. These panels are commonly referred to as
large area EL panels. In order to be utilized for a lighted sign,
it is necessary to either provide the EL panel in the desired sign
shape, which can be letters, designs or various combinations
thereof, or to modify the standard panel such that only the desired
sign shape is illuminated. The EL panel is then wired to the power
source in a manner such that it lights up as desired.
[0013] Presently, there is not an easy, cost effective manner in
which to replace currently high energy use exit or other
directional signs with low energy signs made out of EL panels. In
addition, with previous lighting technologies and sign
manufacturing processes it is not possible to place a lighted sign
on a wall, floor or corridor in under thirty minutes or less. As
such, there has not been an acceptable way for emergency personnel,
including firemen, police, EMTs and the like, or other responders
to be able to quickly place an illuminated exit sign, a safety
hazard sign, an egress directional sign or other suitable lighted
warning sign or signs on a wall, floor or other surface without the
use of extension cords, power supplies or battery packs and
mounting tools. Naturally, the responder must carry the sign with
him or her and must be able to quickly mount the sign on a surface
where it can be beneficially viewed by others. The mounting
materials, as well as the sign itself, may be bulky to carry to the
location where they are needed to assist in responding to an
emergency.
[0014] What is needed, therefore, is a quick, easy, relatively
inexpensive and effective method of converting a presently utilized
high energy use exit sign or the like to a more energy efficient
sign. What is also needed is a method of being able to quickly and
easily place a lighted sign on a wall, floor or other surface
during an emergency to assist with directing persons to a safe
location and/or warning persons of a danger area.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] The method of utilizing EL lighted signs to retrofit
existing signs and for safety signage of the present invention
solves the problems and provides the benefits identified above.
That is to say, the present invention discloses a new and improved
method of retrofitting an existing high energy use sign so that it
can utilize an EL panel to provide a much more energy efficient
sign. The method of retrofitting signs is particularly useful for
the vast number of exit signs that are currently in use. The
present invention allows quick and easy retrofitting of such signs
with an energy efficient EL panel. The present invention also
discloses a new and improved method of placing an illuminated exit
sign, a safety hazard sign, an egress directional sign or other
suitable lighted safety or warning sign on a wall, floor or other
surface during an emergency to direct others how to egress an area
and/or to warn others of a danger in the area. The method of the
present invention allows emergency personnel or other responders to
quickly and easily place a sign on the desired surface without the
use of extension cords, power supplies or battery packs and
mounting tools. As such, the method of the present invention
provides allows the responder to quickly mount a sign on a surface
where it can be beneficially viewed by others so that it may assist
or warn others in an emergency situation.
[0016] In a primary embodiment of the present invention, the method
of retrofitting existing signs generally comprises the steps of
removing the front fascia of an existing sign from its base,
exposing the sticky back surface of an EL panel having an adhesive
thereon, affixing the back surface of the EL panel to the front
fascia, electrically connecting the EL panel to the power supply of
the existing sign and attaching the combined fascia/panel to the
base to form the retrofitted sign. More specifically, the preferred
embodiment of the retrofitting method of the present invention
comprises the steps of: (a) removing the front fascia from the
existing sign; (b) selecting an EL panel having a panel sign
content and a sticky back surface covered by a cover sheet; (c)
removing the cover sheet to expose the sticky back surface of the
EL panel; (d) affixing the back surface of the EL panel to the
front fascia to define a combined fascia/panel having the panel
sign content; (e) electrically connecting the EL panel to the
existing power source; and (f) attaching the combined fascia/panel
to the existing base to define a new low power sign. In the
preferred embodiment, EL panel is sized and configured in
corresponding relation to the existing base and the panel sign
content is in corresponding relation to the existing sign content.
In an alternative embodiment of the retrofitting method, the user
does not utilize the source of power associated with the existing
sign and, instead, utilizes a power source associated with the EL
panel, typically one or more batteries.
[0017] In a primary embodiment of the signage method of the present
invention, the method of placing a sign by a responder to assist
others in an emergency generally comprises the steps of: (a)
selecting an EL panel having a desired panel sign content, a sticky
back surface covered by a cover sheet and a battery-powered
electrical supply; (b) removing the cover sheet to expose the
sticky back surface of the EL panel; and (c) affixing the back
surface of the EL panel to a surface so as to direct or warn others
regarding the emergency situation. In one embodiment, the EL panel
comprises a power housing having a power supply and a switch, with
the power supply configured to power the EL panel and the switch
configured to activate the power supply and turn on the EL panel to
light the panel sign content. In this embodiment, the method
further comprises the step of operating the switch to activate the
power supply after the affixing step. In an alternative embodiment,
the EL panel comprises a power housing having a power supply that
is configured to automatically power the EL panel when the cover
sheet is removed from the EL panel during the removing step to
expose the sticky back surface.
[0018] Accordingly, the primary objective of the present invention
is to provide method of retrofitting existing signs and placing
safety signs during an emergency that has the benefits described
above and which overcomes the limitations and problems associated
with currently available methods of retrofitting existing signs and
placing safety signage during an emergency situation, such as a
fire or the like.
[0019] It is a primary objective of the present invention to
provide a method of easily, quickly, effectively and relatively
inexpensively retrofitting an existing high energy use sign with a
low energy EL sign.
[0020] It is also a primary objective of the present invention to
provide a method that allows users to convert existing high energy
signs, such as an exit sign, to a low energy sign using a stick-on
EL panel that attaches to the cover surface of the existing
sign.
[0021] It is also a primary objective of the present invention to
provide a method of placing an illuminated exit sign, a safety
hazard sign, an egress directional sign or other suitable lighted
safety or warning sign on a wall, floor or other surface during an
emergency to direct others how to egress an area and/or to warn
others of a danger in the area.
[0022] It is also a primary objective of the present invention to
provide a method of placing an illuminated exit sign that utilizes
a stick-on EL panel that has a sticky back surface which can be
affixed to a wall, floor or other surface.
[0023] The above and other aspects and advantages of the present
invention are explained in greater detail by reference to the
attached figures and the description of the preferred embodiment
which follows. As set forth herein, the present invention resides
in the novel features of form, construction, mode of operation and
combination of the above presently described and understood by the
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] In the drawings which illustrate the preferred embodiments
and the best modes presently contemplated for carrying out the
present invention:
[0025] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a prior art exit sign
showing removal of the front fascia thereof for purposes of the
method of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 2 is a side view of an EL exit panel made out of an EL
material having a sticky back surface showing removal of a peel-off
cover therefrom;
[0027] FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of a user utilizing a
device to attach the EL exit panel to the prior art front
fascia;
[0028] FIG. 4 is a the back surface of the prior art exit front
fascia from FIG. 1 showing attachment of the EL electronics
thereto;
[0029] FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of installing the combined
exit front fascia and EL panel showing connection of the EL
electronics to the power supply;
[0030] FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the retrofitted exit
signed accomplished according to the method of the present
invention;
[0031] FIG. 7 is a flow chart summarizing the method of
retrofitting a sign according to the principles of the present
invention;
[0032] FIG. 8 is an exit sign shown while being placed in position
on a wall by a responder during an emergency situation;
[0033] FIG. 9 shows a pair of egress directional signs placed on a
wall for use during an emergency situation;
[0034] FIG. 10 shows a caution sign placed on a wall to warn others
of a potentially dangerous area;
[0035] FIG. 11 shows a high voltage sign placed on a wall to warn
others of an area of high voltage; and
[0036] FIG. 12 is a front view of the caution sign of FIG. 10
showing the batteries and on/off switch associated with the power
housing of the sign.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0037] With reference to the figures where like elements have been
given like numerical designations to facilitate the reader's
understanding of the present invention, the preferred embodiments
of the present invention are set forth below. The enclosed figures
and drawings are merely illustrative of one or more of the
preferred embodiments and, as such, represent one or more ways of
configuring the present invention. Although specific components,
materials, configurations and uses are illustrated, it should be
understood that a number of variations to the components and to the
configuration of those components described herein and in the
accompanying figures can be made without changing the scope and
function of the invention set forth herein. For instance, although
the figures and description provided herein are directed to certain
types of signs and components that are generally made out of
conventional and readily available materials, those skilled in the
art will readily understand that this is set forth merely for
purposes of simplifying the present disclosure and that the present
invention is not so limited.
[0038] A lighted sign that is retrofit manufactured pursuant to the
preferred embodiments of the method, designated as 10, of
retrofitting existing signs of the present invention is shown
generally as 12 in FIG. 6. The method of the present invention is
summarized in the flow chart of FIG. 7. An existing sign, which is
shown as an exit sign, that will be retrofitted according to the
method 10 of the present invention is designated as 14 in FIG. 1.
As well known in the art, most prior art lighted signs 14 utilize
conventional electrical lamps, including standard light bulbs, LED
bulbs, neon lighting, fiber optic lighting and the like, to provide
the desired lighted display. These types of prior art lighted signs
14 have a number of well known limitations, including relatively
high energy use and low lamp life. In contrast EL panels, an
example of which is shown as 16 in FIG. 2, are known to require
relatively low energy use and have a very long life. Prior to the
present method, the conventional manner of replacing a high energy
use existing lighted sign 14 would be to remove the sign 14 from
the wall or other surface to which it is attached, disconnect the
sign 14 from the source of power 18, such as the AC wires that are
shown in FIG. 5, and fixedly attach a new, lower power use sign to
the surface. Typically, the existing lighted sign 14 would be
discarded. The method of the present invention allows the user to
quickly, easily and effectively retrofit the existing sign 14 with
a low energy use EL panel. Because the method 10 of the present
invention utilizes many of the components of the existing sign 14,
the retrofitting of the existing sign 14 can be accomplished for a
relatively low cost, thereby encouraging more people to replace the
high energy use signs 14 with a low energy use sign 12 configured
according the method 10 of the present invention.
[0039] A typical existing lighted sign 14 has a base 20 to which is
attached a front fascia 22 having an existing sign content 24 (such
as the "EXIT" wording and the pair of arrows shown in FIG. 1). The
base 20 and front fascia 22 define an interior chamber 26 in which
is housed the electronics and lamp (not shown) of the existing
lighted sign 14. Typically, front fascia 22 is removably attached,
usually in a snap locking type of engagement, to base 20 so the
user can replace the electronics and/or lamp housed in the interior
chamber 26 as needed. The initial step in the retrofitting method
10 of the present invention is to remove the front fascia 22 from
the base 20, as shown in FIG. 1. The user then selects an EL panel
16 that is sized and configured in corresponding relation (i.e.,
rectangular shape of the same size) as the front fascia 22 of the
existing sign 14. In the preferred embodiment, the EL panel 16 will
have a panel sign content 28 that is in corresponding relation to
the existing sign content 24, as shown in FIG. 2, so the EL panel
16 can merely overlay the existing sign content 24 of the existing
sign 14. The EL panel 16 utilized in the method of the present
invention will have a sticky back surface 30 that is, when not in
use, covered by a removable cover sheet 32. The user removes the
cover sheet 32 from the EL panel 16, thereby exposing the sticky
back surface 30 thereof.
[0040] The next step in the method 10 of the present invention is
to apply the EL panel 16 to the front fascia 22, as shown in FIG.
3. In a preferred embodiment, the user will utilize a pressing
device 34 to assist him or her with accurately and smoothly
pressing the sticky back surface 30 of the EL panel 16 onto the
front fascia 22 in a manner such that panel sign content 28
substantially aligns with and covers the existing sign content 24.
The device 34, shown held in the user's hand 36 in FIG. 3, can be a
standard vinyl installation squeegee or a sponge, flat blade or
similar devices. With the EL panel 16 firmly attached to the front
fascia 22, the user then turns the combined fascia/panel, shown as
38 in FIG. 4, over to expose the back surface 40 of the front
fascia 22 and attaches the EL panel electronics 42 to the EL panel
16 using the first or panel set of wires 44 which extend from and
connect to the EL panel electronics 42. It may be necessary for the
user to place one or more apertures in the front fascia 22 to allow
the first wires 44 to electrically access and connect to the EL
panel 16. A second or power set of wires 46 also extend from and
connect to the EL panel electronics 42. The user connects the
second set of wires 46 to the existing source of power 18, which
will typically be a pair of wires extending into the base 20 from
the wall or other surface on which the existing sign 14 was
mounted, as shown in FIG. 5, that connect to an AC power supply.
Once the second set of wires 46 are electrically connected to the
source of power (wires) 18, the user installs the combined
fascia/panel 38 onto the base 20 in the same manner in which the
front fascia 22 was previously attached to base 20 to form the new
low power sign 12 using the EL panel 16. The panel electronics 42
will be positioned inside the interior chamber 26 formed by the
attachment of the combined fascia/panel 38 and base 20. Once
installed, the user will have a low power sign 12 that will be
utilized in the same manner as the previously installed existing
sign 14 except that it will utilize much less energy than the
existing sign 14. In addition to the lower energy usage, the new
low power sign 12 will have the long life benefits that are
generally known to exist with EL panels. Due to the excellent
lighting properties for visibility and the extremely low electrical
energy use of EL panel 16, this peel and stick method of
retrofitting 10 existing higher wattage lighted signs 14 would
significantly improve energy efficiency with a very simple
installation method.
[0041] In an alternative embodiment of the method of the present
invention, the user discards the existing front fascia 22 and
replaces it with a blank front fascia 22 or a new front fascia 22
that has a different existing sign content 24 thereon. Typically,
the user will only need to use a blank or new front fascia 22 if he
or she desires to use a panel sign content 28 that does not
correspond, in size or message, to the existing sign content 24 of
the existing sign 14. To avoid extra costs, the blank or new front
fascia 22 should be sized and configured to engagedly attach to the
existing base 20 in the same manner as the existing front fascia
22. Although this alternative embodiment results in higher costs,
it still allows for quick and easy replacement of the existing sign
14 at a much lower cost than if the user were to replace the entire
existing sign 14. The lower cost is primarily due to the existing
base 20 being utilized for the retrofitted sign and the fact that
the base does not have to be removed from the wall or other
surface. In another alternative embodiment, the user can not
utilize the existing source of power 18 and, instead, utilize a new
source of power associated with the EL panel 16. As an example, the
user could forgo the AC wires shown as the existing source of power
18 and utilize a battery pack, solar cell or the like to power the
new low power sign 12 of the present invention. In either
embodiment, the user can either discard or recycle the electronics
and/or lamp materials of the existing sign 14.
[0042] The present invention also discloses a new and improved
signage method, shown as 50 in FIG. 8, of placing an illuminated
sign on a wall, floor or other surface, shown as 52, during an
emergency to direct others how to egress an area and/or to warn
others of danger in the area. As shown in FIGS. 8 through 11, the
signage method 50 can be utilized to provide a lighted exit sign
54, one or more egress directional signs 56, a caution sign 58, a
safety hazard sign 60 or other suitable lighted safety or warning
sign on the wall 52 or other surface. The signage method 50 of the
present invention allows emergency personnel or other responders,
exemplified by the fireman 62 in FIG. 8, to quickly and easily
place a sign on the desired surface 52. As stated above, presently
the placement of such signs can be difficult, time consuming and
impractical due to the need for a power source and tools to mount
the sign. The signage method 50 of the present invention allows a
responder 62, which could be a supervisor, maintenance worker or
the like, to place a sign (exemplified by signs 54 through 60 shown
in FIGS. 8 through 11) without the use of any extension cords,
power supplies or battery packs and without the use of any mounting
tools. As such, the method of the present invention allows the
responder 62 to quickly affix a sign on a surface 52 where it can
be beneficially viewed by others so that it may assist or warn
others in an emergency situation.
[0043] The signage method 50 of the present invention utilizes the
peel and stick EL panel 16 shown in FIG. 2. As described above, the
EL panel 16 has a panel sign content 28 that is intended to direct
or warn others, a sticky back surface 30 that allows the EL panel
to be affixed to virtually any surface 52 and a removable cover
sheet 32 that covers the sticky back surface 30 when the EL panel
16 is not being utilized for the signage method 50 of the present
invention. In a preferred embodiment of the signage method 50 of
the present invention, the EL panel 16 will have combined power
supply and switch associated with a power housing 64, shown in
FIGS. 9 through 12, that provides power to the EL panel 16 and
which allows the responder 62 to activate the sign. As best shown
in FIG. 12 with regard to the caution sign 58, the power supply 66
will comprise one or more batteries and the switch 68 will be a
simple throw switch mechanism, the use of which are both well known
in the art. In an alternative embodiment, power to the EL panel 16
can be automatically supplied from the power supply 66 when the
responder 62 removes the cover sheet 32 to expose the sticky back
surface 30 of the EL panel 16, thereby eliminating the switch 68 or
leaving the switch 68 only to turn off the sign.
[0044] During an emergency situation, such as a building fire,
chemical spill, earthquake or the like, the responder 62 will
obtain the desired sign (such as the examples set forth above),
remove the cover sheet 32 to expose the sticky back surface 30,
attach the back surface 30 to the wall or other surface 52 and, if
necessary, activate the switch 68 to activate the power supply 66
to the sign. The sign should be placed where it is beneficial for
others to see the panel sign content 28 thereof so they may take
the action or exercise caution as indicated on the sign. As will be
readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, the responder 62
will not need to carry a power source, extension cords or any tools
to install the sign on the surface 52.
[0045] The signage method 50 of the present invention has many
potential uses. In one example, such as in the case of a burning
building where suddenly a section of the building collapses and
emergency personnel 62 need to quickly advise evacuees to change
their exit plan, the present invention can be used to quickly
illuminate the direction persons need to follow as required to
safely exit the building. The fireman or other responder 62 would
simply pull the appropriate EL lighted panel 16 out of his jacket,
etc. with its battery powered driver already attached, peel and
stick the sign to the surface 52 required and switch it on. All
this can likely be done in under a minute for a lighted directional
sign. Also, due to the light properties of encapsulated phosphor
style EL signs, the sign would be clearly visible through smoke and
fog for further safety.
[0046] While there are shown and described herein specific forms of
the invention, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the
art that the invention is not so limited, but is susceptible to
various modifications and rearrangements in design and materials
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In
particular, it should be noted that the method of the present
invention is subject to modification with regard to any dimensional
relationships set forth herein and modifications in assembly,
materials, size, shape, and use. For instance, there are numerous
components described herein that can be replaced with equivalent
functioning components to accomplish the objectives of the present
invention.
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