Methods and apparatus relating to improved visual recognition and safety

• US 20050152142A1
• Filed: 03/28/2003
• Published: 07/14/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 03/28/2002
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Neil Traynor
• Original Assignee: Neil Traynor
• Inventors: Traynor, Neil
• Application Number:
  US10/508,693
• Publication Number:
  US 20050152142A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 362/249.10
• CPC Class Codes: A01K 11/00 Marking of animals marking poultry or other birds A01K35/00
• CPC Class Codes: A01K 27/006 with light-emitting or ornamental devices
• CPC Class Codes: A41D 13/01 with reflective or luminous safety means visible signalling arrangements G08B5/00
• CPC Class Codes: A42B 1/248 Insignia, logos, emblems or the like
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/32 for indicating vehicle sides , e.g. clearance lights
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/324 for signalling that a door is open or intended to be opened
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/503 using luminous text or symbol displays in or on the vehicle, e.g. static text
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/5035 electronic displays
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/52 for indicating emergencies
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/56 for illuminating registrations or the like , e.g. for licence plates
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 7/00 Arrangement or adaptation of portable emergency signal devices on vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: E01F 9/524 Reflecting elements specially adapted for incorporation in or application to road surface markings
• CPC Class Codes: E01F 9/559 illuminated
• CPC Class Codes: E01F 9/582 illuminated
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 4/26 of rope form, e.g. LED lighting ropes, or of tubular form
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 33/0008 Clothing or clothing accessories, e.g. scarfs, gloves or belts
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 Light-emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 19/22 Advertising or display means on roads, walls or similar surfaces, e.g. illuminated
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 21/02 by a carrier person or animal
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 1/189 characterised by the use of a flexible or folded printed circuit H05K3/326 takes precedence

Abstract

A visual recognition and identification apparatus comprising a mounting means (2, 18) adapted for placement in a physical environment wherein the mounting means incorporates one or a plurality of light emitting diodes (1) adapted to provide a visual signal characterised in the light emitting diodes (1) are mounted and physically associated with the printed circuit circuit board (2, 18) wherein the printed circuit board (2, 18) has been modified to provide a distinct angle mounting for the light emitting diodes (1) to provide a defined viewing angle and wherein the printed circuit board (2, 18) is manufactured from the compliant material so as to allow the visual recognition and identification apparatus to be moulded and adapted to a number of environments including fixture to non flat surfaces, incorporation into clothing (19, 21), caps and badges by way of sewing or incorporation into a range of devices.

Claims

1. A visual recognition and identification apparatus comprising a mounting means adapted for placement in a physical environment wherein said mounting means incorporates one or a plurality of light emitting diodes adapted to provide a visual signal characterised in that said LED'"'"'s are mounted in, on, or connected to a printed circuit board, wherein said printed circuit board is modified to provide a distinct angle of mounting for one or a plurality of LED'"'"'s to provide a highly defined viewing angle for said apparatus.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said mounting angle results in the focusing of said LED'"'"'s at a defined focal point.

3. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said printed circuit board is manufactured from a compliant material, but substantially retains said LED mounting angle during compliant movement.

4. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said printed circuit board forms said mounting means so as to provide a flexible and compliant apparatus.

5. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said printed circuit board is controlled by a microprocessor.

6. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said printed circuit board incorporates a microprocessor microchip for controlling said LED'"'"'s.

7. An apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said microprocessor is programmable.

8. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said mounting means is a sloped pad.

9. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said mounting means is an elongate strip.

10. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said mounting means is a sealed tube containing said LED'"'"'s.

11. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said mounting means is a shaped moulding.

12. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said mounting means including a power supply for said LED'"'"'s.

13. An apparatus according to claim 12 wherein said power supply is a rechargeable battery.

14. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said LED'"'"'s emit ultraviolet wavelength and/or infrared light in addition to said visual signal.

15. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said mounting means includes a protective cover.

16. An apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said protective cover includes any one or a combination of integrated lenses, covers or other means to control the directional output of said apparatus.

17. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said LED'"'"'s are switched.

18. An apparatus according to claim 17, wherein said switch is an automatic detector activated by a select signal.

19. An apparatus according to claim 18, wherein said select signal is smoke.

20. An apparatus according to claim 18, wherein said select signal is sound.

21. An apparatus according to claim 18, wherein said select signal is temperature.

22. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said LED'"'"'s are programmed to emit a pulsed light signal.

23. An apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said LED, printed circuit board and power supply are formed as a sealed illuminated decal.

24. A badge adapted for placement on a wearer'"'"'s clothing including an apparatus according to claim 1.

25. A badge according to claim 24, wherein the mounting means includes a clip for attachment to a wearer'"'"'s clothing.

26. A badge according to claim 24, wherein the mounting means includes a slip-on fitting for attachment to a wearer'"'"'s clothing.

27. A clothing accessory including an apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mounting means is adapted for sewing into an item of clothing and incorporation therewith.

28. An accessory according to claim 27 wherein said power supply is a rechargeable battery, adapted for storage in a pocket of said clothing.

29. A clothing patch including an apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said patch is adapted for sewing onto the item of clothing.

30. A clothing patch according to claim 29 adapted for fitting to a shirt sleeve, a cap or any other item of clothing.

31. An animal collar including an apparatus according to claim 1.

32. An emergency warning device including an apparatus according to claim 1.

33. A device according to claim 32 including any one or a combination of fixing means selected from the group consisting of clips, self adhesive tape, magnetic stripping, handles and suckers.

34. A fire alarm system including an apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus is adapted for positioning on skirting boards, door architraves and windows and wherein said alarm is adapted for sound activation by a smoke alarm or other wireless means.

35. A fire alarm system according to claim 34 wherein said activation is by an RF generator via a dedicated signal to said apparatus.

36. A message board including an apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said apparatus is adapted to visually display said message.

37. A message board according to claim 36, wherein said apparatus is programmable to display a message of choice and is able to amend said message as required.

38. A road message or warning device including an apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said apparatus is installed into a road surface.

39. A device according to claim 38, incorporated as part of a pedestrian crossing or railway warning crossing.

40. A road traffic signal including an apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the visual signal is provided by said apparatus.

41. A traffic signal according to claim 40 wherein said apparatus is directionally sensitive so as to provide lane definition.

42. A traffic signal according to claim 40 or 41 wherein said apparatus is activated by an indicative loop in said road.

43. A point of sale message board including an apparatus as claimed in claim 1.

44. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said microprocessor is programmable.