Portable Sign

• US 20150054660A1
• Filed: 03/15/2013
• Published: 02/26/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 03/29/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Sylo Systems, LLC
• Original Assignee: Sylo Systems, LLC
• Inventors: Simmons, Michael J.
• Granted Patent: US 9,302,617 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/908
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/46 for giving flashing caution signals during drive, other than signalling change of direction, e.g. flashing the headlights or hazard lights
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 7/00 Arrangement or adaptation of portable emergency signal devices on vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 9/30 Arrangements for executing machine instructions, e.g. instruction decode for executing microinstructions G06F9/22
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/09 Arrangements for giving variable traffic instructions railroad crossing signals B61L; reflectors E01F, G08B; indicating arrangements for variable information by selection or combination of individual elements G09F9/00
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 9/30 in which the desired character or characters are formed by combining individual elements panels comprising a number of electrodes in a single cell controlling light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. electro-optical or magneto-optical cell, G02F1/00

Abstract

Included is a lightweight portable sign which can be used in one aspect to protect stalled or broken down vehicles with passengers still on board, to prevent oncoming vehicles or traffic from colliding with the stalled vehicles. An infinite number of messages may be displayed by input to the display through the use of a keyboard, smart phone application, auditory input or a pre-set selection of messaged chosen by the user. The sign is computerized with onboard memory, processor and optionally, has sound and audio capabilities. An emergency communications system and method are also included. The method include providing software applications communications components of the sign of the invention which then transmits a signal to a communications center, which then can direct the communication to a hospital, police or roadside assistance entity. The portable sign can also be used by law enforcement or government officials to redirect traffic or provide warnings and messages, or by merchants and vendors to aid in information to potential customers and store visitors. The portable sign can also be provided as an accessory to new vehicles.

Claims

1. A portable sign comprising:

a. electronic components comprising;

circuitry, a power source, a signal processor/transmission device, one or more memory storage devices, and a computer microprocessor unit which is programmable with computer code to control the unit;

b. one or more SD, USB or similar ports for external memory download to the unit, alone or in combination;

c. internal memory;

d. recharge port, charger and internal battery;

e. a display screen, capable of providing outputs of information provided from a sign-based source, an attached device or a remote communication device;

f. a cover to protect the display screen;

g. waterproofing materials selected from the group consisting of GORETEX, rubber, neoprene, plastics, and any combination thereto;

h. a communications component capable receiving signals from a remote communication device, wherein the signals are transmitted wirelessly through BLUETOOTH, wireless transmitter, infrared, WiFi, or radio frequency device;

or alternatively, the signals are received through a USB device, direct input through a keyboard, touch screen, laptop, tablet computing device, from a preprogrammed display from the one or more memory storage devices;

or from a mobile network service;

i. wherein the portable sign is foldable and fits into a standard vehicle storage compartment;

j. wherein the portable sign can be easily removed from a storage area of a vehicle, carried easily by one person and be deployed where desired by the user;

k. a storage area within the unit for storage of a keyboard, cables, means to secure the unit to the ground, the display and electronic components;

and wherein the size of display of the unit is capable of being viewed from a distance.

2. The portable sign of claim 1 that is powered by a solar power unit.

3. The portable sign of claim 1 which also comprises a speaker and/or a microphone.

4. The portable sign of claim 1, wherein the display is hingably-connected to a support member for support during use.

5. The portable sign of claim 4 wherein display screens are located on both outer sides of the sign unit.

10. A method of emergency communication which comprises:

a. communicating from the computer components of the sign of claim 1 to a remote communication center or with emergency response vehicles and/or information agencies;

b. wherein the remote communication center automatically sends a communication to an emergency vehicle police car, hospital, or road side assistance entity; and

c. wherein the remote communication center remotely directs a message to be displayed on the portable sign creating 3-way communications;

d. and wherein the three-way communications continue as needed by the user.

11. The method of emergency communication of claim 10, wherein the communications components are integrated into a mass transportation vehicle.

12. The method of emergency communication of claim 10, wherein the remote communication center automatically communicates with an emergency vehicle police car, hospital, road side or assistance entity.

6. An emergency communication system which comprises communication from the computer components of the sign to a remote communication center or with emergency response vehicles and/or information agencies, wherein said system comprises:

a. a portable sign comprising

i) electronic components comprising;

circuitry, a power source, a signal processor/transmission device, one or more memory storage devices, and a computer microprocessor unit which is programmable with computer code to control the unit,

ii) one or more SD, USB or similar ports for external memory download to the unit, alone or in combination,

iii) internal memory,

iv) recharge port to charge an internal battery,

v) a display screen, capable of providing outputs of information provided from a sign-based source, an attached device or a remote communication device,

vi) a cover to protect the display screen,

vii) waterproofing materials selected from the group consisting of GORETEX, rubber, neoprene, plastics, and any combination thereto,

viii) communications components capable of receiving signals from a remote communication device, wherein the signals are be transmitted wirelessly through BLUETOOTH, wireless transmitter, infrared, WiFi, or radio frequency device;

or alternatively, the signals are received through a USB device, direct input through a keyboard, touch screen, laptop, tablet computing device, or from a preprogrammed display from the one or more memory storage devices;

or from a mobile network service;

b. a transmitter component capable of sending a signal to a communications center, and

c. wherein the communications center then directs the communication to a hospital, police or roadside assistance entity.

7. The emergency communication system of claim 6, wherein the communications components are integrated into a mass transportation vehicle.

8. The emergency communication system of claim 6, wherein the remote communication center automatically communicates with an emergency vehicle police car, hospital, or road side assistance entity.

9. The emergency communication system of claim 6, wherein the remote communication center remotely directs a message to be displayed on the portable sign.