Emergency signal

• US 4,613,847 A
• Filed: 07/23/1984
• Issued: 09/23/1986
• Est. Priority Date: 08/08/1983
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Life Light Systems A CA Partnership
• Original Assignee: Life Light Systems
• Inventors: Deavenport, Joe E., Scolari, John E., Warner, Robert T.
• Primary Examiner(s): Crosland, Donnie L.
• Application Number:
  US06/632,308
• Time in Patent Office: 792 Days
• Field of Search: 340/114 R, 340/114 B, 340/107, 340/87, 340/90, 340/94, 340/84, 340/102, 340/103, 340/110, 340/116, 340/119, 340/122, 340/123, 116/63 R, 116/63 C, 116/63 T, 116/63 P, 40/612, 40/610, 40/564, 40/571, 40/573, 40/574, 315/200 R, 315/200 A, 315/201, 315/209 R, 315/211
• US Class Current: 340/473
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 7/00 Arrangement or adaptation of portable emergency signal devices on vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: E01F 9/617 Illuminated or wired-up posts, bollards, pillars or like upstanding bodies or structures for traffic guidance, warning or control E01F9/559 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: E01F 9/654 in the form of three-dimensional bodies, e.g. cones; capable of assuming three-dimensional form, e.g. by inflation or erection to form a geometric body
• CPC Class Codes: E01F 9/688 Free-standing bodies

Abstract

A self-contained emergency signal has a base which contains a battery and a high-intensity flash/lamp actuating unit. The actuating unit is electrically connected to a battery and to a high-intensity flash lamp. A switch turns the actuating unit on and high-intensity lamp bursts are displayed through a transparent, translucent, polarized, colored or symbol containing a lens arrangement, or a combination of such elements. The emergency signal may have different forms such as cylindrical, elliptical, rectangular or triangular. In some embodiments the lens arrangements are in telescopic relationship to the base, or may be collapsible to a compact, easy-to-carry device. Exemplary circuitry for use with the various emergency signal embodiments is also part of the invention.

Claims

1. An emergency signal comprising:

a base;

signalling means extending from said base, said signalling means including an enclosure and high intensity flash lamp means inside said enclosure;

substantially planar, substantially rigid window means in at least one side of said enclosure, said window means being adjacent and spaced from said high intensity flash lamp means;

a DC power source for energizing said flash lamp means;

actuating means in said base electrically connecting said signalling means through switch means to said power source;

said actuating means including storage capacitor means connected across said flash lamp means whereby said storage capacitor means remains substantially uncharged when said switch means is open; and

means to maintain said storage capacitor means at substantially full charge and to recharge said storage capacitor means immediately upon discharge through said switch means when said switch means is closed;

whereby high intensity light flashes are visible through said window means when said switch means is closed.

2. The emergency signal recited in claim 1 wherein said high intensity flash lamp means and said actuating means comprise a strobe unit.

3. The emergency signal recited in claim 1 wherein said signalling means is in telescoping arrangement with said base whereby said signalling means can be retracted into said base when not in use.

4. The emergency signal recited in claim 3 wherein the signalling means comprises a plurality of telescoping sections of incrementally decreasing size deployed from a stored mode nested within said base to a vertically extended mode and each of said sections has a high intensity lamp and a window adjacent said high intensity lamp.

5. The emergency signal recited in claim 3 wherein said window means include indicia thereon.

6. The emergency signal recited in claim 4 wherein said window means are of different colors.

7. The emergency signal recited in claim 1 wherein said window means comprises light transmissive material.

8. The emergency signal recited in claim 7 wherein said light transmissive material is transparent.

9. The emergency signal recited in claim 7 wherein said light transmissive material is translucent.

10. The emergency signal recited in claim 7 wherein said light transmissive material is polarized.

11. The emergency signal recited in claim 4 wherein said actuating means includes a power distribution system for sequentially flashing said lamps.

12. The emergency signal recited in claim 5 wherein said actuating means includes a power distribution system for sequentially flashing said lamps.

13. The emergency signal recited in claim 4 wherein a cover is attached to the top of said signalling means in the extended mode and latch means is provided for latching said cover to said base to define a self-contained container when not in use.

14. The emergency signal recited in claim 13 wherein said base and cover contain cooperating switch means to automatically close the circuit through the high intensity flash lamp means when said cover is raised to deploy said sections in vertically extended array.

15. The emergency signal recited in claim 2 wherein said emergency signal comprises:

two said bases and signalling means;

telescoping means interconnecting said two bases;

whereby each said signalling means is actuable independently and sequentially with respect to the other.

16. The emergency signal recited in claim 15 wherein said bases further comprise magnetic friction increasing rubber pads on the bottom of each said base.

17. The emergency signal recited in claim 2 wherein said window means and signalling means comprise a transparent top connected to said base, said top being connected to said actuating means to energize said flash lamp means upon rotation of said top through a predetermined angle.

18. The emergency signal recited in claim 2 wherein:

said base is the bottom of a triangular housing;

said signalling means and window means comprise the two sides of said triangular housing formed of spaced substantially planar faces each formed with a central triangular transparent portion.

19. The emergency signal recited in claim 18 and further comprising reflectorized tape around said triangular portion.

20. The emergency signal recited in claim 18 wherein said base, signalling means and window means comprise a housing of triangular shape, said housing being formed of two identical molded halves fit together.

21. An emergency signal comprising:

a base;

signalling means spaced from said base and including high intensity flash lamp means;

window means in said signalling means adjacent said high intensity flash lamp means;

a DC power source for energizing said flash lamp means;

actuating means in said base electrically connected through switch means to power source, said high intensity light flashes being visible through said window means when said switch means is closed;

storage capacitor means connected across said flash lamp means;

means connected to said flash lamp means for triggering said flash lamp means into conduction;

oscillator means coupled to said source of DC power;

a DC/AC inverter connected to the output of said oscillator means and to said DC power source;

an AC/DC converter and voltage multiplier connected between said DC/AC inverter and said storage capacitor means;

a feedback network;

comparator means connected between said feedback network and said oscillator; and

means for coupling the voltage output from said voltage multiplier to said feedback network, said comparator means actuating said oscillator means when a predetermined reduction in the voltage on said storage capacitor means is detected;

whereby said storage capacitor means is maintained at a desired voltage level sufficient to actuate said flash lamp means as desired.

22. The emergency signal recited in claim 21 wherein said triggering means comprises a trigger circuit connected between said flash lamp means and said source of DC power.

23. The emergency signal recited in claim 21 wherein said oscillator operates at about 25 KHz.

24. The emergency signal recited in claim 21 wherein said DC/AC inverter has an AC output amplified 10 to 15 times above the voltage value of said DC power source input.

25. The emergency signal recited in claim 24 wherein said AC/DC converter converts said AC signal to DC and said voltage multiplier amplifies the voltage input to a level of about 450 volts.

26. The emergency signal recited in claim 21 wherein said feedback network comprises a variable resistor adapted to adjust the voltage level at which said comparator triggers said oscillator into oscillation.

27. The emergency signal recited in claim 21 wherein said comparator comprises a Schmitt trigger.

28. The emergency signal recited in claim 21 wherein said DC/AC inverter comprises a field effect transistor (FET), the conduction of which is controlled by the output of said oscillator.

29. The emergency signal recited in claim 28 wherein said DC power is applied to said DC/AC inverter through one end of a coil having a tap intermediate its ends, said FET being connected to said tap, the other end of said coil being connected to said AD/DC converter.

30. The emergency signal recited in claim 21 and further comprising an enabling switch connected between said DC power source and said triggering means.

31. The emergency signal recited in claim 21 wherein the predetermined reduction in the level of the voltage on said storage capacitor is about 1% of the desired level.

32. The emergency signal recited in claim 21 and further comprising second signalling and actuator means, comprising:

a second flash lamp;

a second storage capacitor connected across said second flash lamp;

second means connected to said second flash lamp for triggering said second flash lamp into conduction;

a second DC power source;

a second oscillator coupled to said second source of DC power;

a second DC/AC inverter connected to the output of said second oscillator and to said second DC power source;

a second AC/DC converter and voltage multiplier connected between said second DC/AC inverter and said second storage capacitor;

a second feedback network;

a second comparator connected between said second feedback network and said second oscillator; and

second means for coupling the voltage output from said second voltage multiplier to said second feedback network, said second comparator actuating said second oscillator when a predetermined reduction in the voltage on said second storage capacitor is detected;

trigger control means coupled to said respective triggering means of said high voltage generator and said second high voltage generator;

whereby said trigger control means causes said flash lamp and said second flash lamp to flash in regular alternating sequence.

33. The emergency signal recited in claim 21 wherein:

said flash lamp means comprises a plurality of flash lamps connected in parallel;

said triggering means comprises a like plurality of trigger circuits connected to respective said flash lamps;

said generator further comprising trigger control means connected to said trigger circuits to actuated said flash lamps in a predetermined repetitive sequence.

34. An emergency signal comprising:

a base member;

at least one plural-sided telescoping box deployable from a stored mode nested within said base to an extended mode;

detent means for releasably retaining said box in the extended mode;

said box having a light-transmitting symbol on at least one side thereof;

means inside said box for illuminating the respective symbol thereon;

a top attached to said box when in the extended mode; and

latch means for latching said top to said base with said box inside to define a self-contained container when not in use.

35. The emergency signal recited in claim 34 wherein said illuminating means comprises a controlled high voltage generator comprising:

flash lamp means;

storage capacitor means connected across said flash lamp means;

means connected to said flash lamp means for triggering said flash lamp means into conduction;

a DC power source;

oscillator means coupled to said source of DC power;

a DC/AC inverter connected to the output of said oscillator means and to said DC power source;

an AC/DC converter and voltage multiplier connected between said DC/AC inverter and said storage capacitor means;

a feedback network;

comparator means connected between said feedback network and said oscillator; and

means for coupling the voltage output from said voltage multiplier to said feedback network, said comparator means actuating said oscillator means when a predetermined reduction in the voltage on said storage capacitor means is detected;

whereby said storage capacitor means is maintained at a desired voltage level sufficient to actuate said flash lamp means as desired.

36. The emergency signal recited in claim 35 wherein said triggering means comprises a trigger circuit connected between said flash lamp means and said source of DC power.

37. The emergency signal recited in claim 35 wherein said oscillator operates at about 25 KHz.

38. The emergency signal recited in claim 35 wherein said DC/AC inverter has an AC output amplified 10 to 15 times above the voltage value of said DC power source input.

39. The emergency signal recited in claim 38 wherein said AC/DC converter converts said AC signal to DC and said voltage multiplier amplifies the voltage input to a level of about 450 volts.

40. The emergency signal recited in claim 35 wherein said feedback network comprises a variable resistor adapted to adjust the voltage level at which said comparator triggers said oscillator into oscillation.

41. The emergency signal recited in claim 35 wherein said comparator comprises a Schmitt trigger.

42. The emergency signal recited in claim 35 wherein said DC/AC inverter comprises a field effect transistor (FET), the conduction of which is controlled by the output of said oscillator.

43. The emergency signal recited in claim 42 wherein said DC power is applied to said DC/AC inverter through one end of a coil having a tap intermediate its ends, said FET being connected to said tap, the other end of said coil being connected to said AC/DC converter.

44. The emergency signal recited in claim 35 and further comprising an enabling switch connected between said DC power source and said triggering means.

45. The emergency signal recited in claim 35 wherein the predetermined reduction in the level of the voltage on said storage capacitor is about 1% of the desired level.

46. The emergency signal recited in claim 35 wherein:

said flash lamp means comprises a plurality of flash lamps connected in parallel;

said triggering means comprises a like plurality of trigger circuits connected to respective said flash lamps;

said generator further comprising trigger control means connected to said trigger circuits to actuated said flash lamps in a predetermined repetitive sequence.

47. The emergency signal recited in claim 34 wherein:

at least two plural-sided telescoping boxes of incrementally decreasing size are deployable from a stored mode nested within said base to an extended mode;

each said box has a light-transmitting symbol on at least one side thereof;

each said box has illuminating means inside for illuminating the respective symbol thereon;

said top being attached to the uppermost of said boxes when in the extended mode.

48. The emergency signal recited in claim 47 wherein said light means comprises a light for each separate one of said symbols and a power distribution system for sequentially illuminating said lights and continuously repeating this sequence.

49. The emergency signal recited in claim 47 wherein said symbols are letters of the alphabet arranged to spell an emergency message.

50. The emergency signal recited in claim 49 wherein said light means comprises a light for each separate one of said letters and a power distribution system for sequentially illuminating said lights to spell out said emergency message letter by letter.

51. The emergency signal recited in claim 50 wherein said light means comprises strobe lights to create short, high intensity flashes for each light in turn.

52. The emergency signal recited in claim 47 wherein said signal is battery powered and said base and top contain cooperating switch means to automatically connect said illuminating means with said battery when said top is raised to deploy said boxes in vertically extended array.

53. The emergency signal recited in claim 47 wherein each of said boxes has a pair of opposed lateral sides and a pair of longitudinal sides, at least one of said sides displays one of said symbols thereon, said illuminating means comprising a reflector panel parallel to and spaced from the side displaying said symbol, each of said boxes mounting an individual illuminating means.

54. The emergency signal recited in claim 53 wherein said reflector panels are mounted to and span between the lateral sides of the respective boxes, said panels being mounted on lateral supports extending from one of the walls of the respective box.

55. The emergency signal recited in claim 54 wherein each of said panels is offset from the panel of the next larger box to permit nesting of said boxes.

56. The emergency signal recited in claim 34 wherein said base is formed with a clip so that the signal can be clipped to a partially opened vehicle window.

57. The emergency signal recited in claim 47 wherein said detent means comprises outwardly extending projections on each box to rest on the upper edge of the box below.

58. The emergency signal recited in claim 34 wherein said base includes a plurality of outwardly pivotable legs to widen the support of said base.

59. The emergency signal recited in claim 58 wherein said legs each mounts a magnet such that said signal can be securely engaged on a ferromagnetic surface.

60. The emergency signal recited in claim 34 wherein said base includes a handle and said base and top define a small container for transport in the collapsed mode.

61. An emergency signal comprising:

a base member;

a light transmissive top rotatably mounted to said base member;

high intensity flash lamp means within said top;

a DC power source comprising battery means mounted in said base member; and

lamp control means mounted in said base member;

said top having a plurality of operative positions, the signal being in a quiescent state when said top is in a first position, said battery means being accessible for removal from said base member when said top is in a second position, and said lamp being actuated when said top is in a third position.

62. The emergency signal recited in claim 61, wherein said lamp control means comprises:

storage capacitor means connected across said flash lamp means;

means connected to said flash lamp means for triggering said flash lamp means into conduction;

oscillator means coupled to said source of DC power;

a DC/AC inverter connected to the output of said oscillator means and to said DC power source;

an AC/DC converter and voltage multiplier connected between said DC/AC inverter and said storage capacitor means;

a feedback network;

comparator means connected between said feedback network and said oscillator; and

means for coupling the voltage output from said voltage multiplier to said feedback network, said comparator means actuating said oscillator means when a predetermined reduction in the voltage on said storage capacitor means is detected;

whereby said storage capactior means is maintained at a desired voltage level sufficient to actuate said flash lamp means as desired.

63. The emergency signal recited in claim 62 wherein said triggering means comprises a trigger circuit connected between said flash lamp means and said source of DC power.

64. The emergency signal recited in claim 62 wherein said oscillator operates at about 25 KHz.

65. The emergency signal recited in claim 62 wherein said DC/AC inverter has an AC output amplified 10 to 15 times above the voltage value of said DC power source input.

66. The emergency signal recited in claim 65 wherein said AC/DC converter converts said AC signal to DC and said voltage multiplier amplifies the voltage input to a level of about 450 volts.

67. The emergency signal recited in claim 62 wherein said feedback network comprises a variable resistor adapted to adjust the voltage level at which said comparator triggers said oscillator into oscillation.

68. The emergency signal recited in claim 62 wherein said comparator comprises a Schmitt trigger.

69. The emergency signal recited in claim 62 wherein said DC/AC inverter comprises a field effect transistor (FET), the conduction of which is controlled by the output of said oscillator.

70. The emergency signal recited in claim 69 wherein said DC power is applied to said DC/AC inverter through one end of a coil having a tap intermediate its ends, said FET being connected to said tap, the other end of said coil being connected to said AC/DC converter.

71. The emergency signal recited in claim 62 and further comprising an enabling switch connected between said DC power source and said triggering means.

72. The emergency signal recited in claim 62 wherein the predetermined reduction in the level of the voltage on said storage capacitor is about 1% of the desired level.

73. The emergency signal recited in claim 61 and further comprising;

a radio transmitter mounted in said base member;

said radio transmitter being actuated for repeated emergency signal transmission when said top is in the third position.

74. The emergency signal recited in claim 61 and further comprising belt engaging means for hanging said signal from a person'"'"'s belt.

75. The emergency signal recited in claim 61 and further comprising a clip for hanging signal from a flat surface.

76. An emergency signal comprising:

a base member;

at least one second member telescopically connected to said base member, said base member and said second member being together in a stored mode and being separated in an operative mode;

means for releasably retaining said base member and said second member in the stored mode;

at least one of said base member and said second member having a light transmissive surface on at least one side thereof;

means inside said one member for illuminating said light transmissive surface; and

control means for actuating said illuminating means.

77. The emergency signal recited in claim 76 wherein said illuminating means and said control means comprise a controlled high voltage generator comprising:

flash lamp means;

storage capacitor means connected across said flash lamp means;

means connected to said flash lamp means for triggering said flash lamp means into conduction;

a DC power source;

oscillator means coupled to said source of DC power;

a DC/AC inverter connected to the output of said oscillator means and to said DC power source;

an AC/DC converter and voltage multiplier connected between said DC/AC inverter and said storage capacitor means;

a feedback network;

comparator means connected between said feedback network and said oscillator; and

means for coupling the voltage output from said voltage multiplier to said feedback network, said comparator means actuating said oscillator means when a predetermined reduction in the voltage on said storage capacitor means is detected;

whereby said storage capacitor means is maintained at a desired voltage level sufficient to actuate said flash lamp means as desired.

78. The emergency signal recited in claim 77 wherein said triggering means comprises a trigger circuit connected between said flash lamp and said source of DC power.

79. The emergency signal recited in claim 77 wherein said oscillator operates at about 25 KHz.

80. The emergency signal recited in claim 77 wherein said DC/AC inverter has an AC output amplified 10 to 15 times above the voltage value of said DC power source input.

81. The emergency signal recited in claim 80 wherein said AC/DC converter converts said AC signal to DC and said voltage multiplier amplifies the voltage input to a level of about 450 volts.

82. The emergency signal recited in claim 77 wherein said feedback network comprises a variable resistor adapted to adjust the voltage level at which said comparator triggers said oscillator into oscillation.

83. The emergency signal recited in claim 77 wherein said comparator comprises a Schmitt trigger.

84. The emergency signal recited in claim 77 wherein said DC/AC inverter comprises a field effect transistor (FET), the conduction of which is controlled by the output of said oscillator.

85. The emergency signal recited in claim 84 wherein said DC power is applied to said DC/AC inverter through one end of a coil having a tap intermediate its ends, said FET being connected to said tap, the other end of said coil being connected to said AD/DC converter.

86. The emergency signal recited in claim 77 and further comprising an enabling switch connected between said DC power source and said triggering means.

87. The emergency signal recited in claim 77 wherein the predetermined reduction in the level of the voltage on said storage capacitor is about 1% of the desired level.

88. The emergency signal recited in claim 77 and further comprising a second high voltage generator comprising:

a second flash lamp;

a second storage capacitor connected across said second flash lamp;

second means connected to said second flash lamp for triggering said second flash lamp into conduction;

a second DC power source;

a second oscillator coupled to said second source of DC power;

a second DC/AC inverter connected to the output of said second oscillator and to said second DC power source;

a second AC/DC converter and voltage multiplier connected between said second DC/AC inverter and said second storage capacitor;

a second feedback network;

a second comparator connected between said second feedback network and said second oscillator; and

second means for coupling the voltage output from said second voltage multiplier to said second feedback network, said second comparator actuating said second oscillator when a predetermined reduction in the voltage on said second storage capacitor is detected;

trigger control means coupled to said respective triggering means of said high voltage generator and said second high voltage generator;

whereby said trigger control means causes said flash lamp and said second flash lamp to flash in regular alternating sequence.

89. The emergency signal recited in claim 77 wherein:

said flash lamp means comprises a plurality of flash lamps connected in parallel;

said triggering means comprises a like plurality of trigger circuits connected to respective said flash lamps;

said generator further comprising trigger control means connected to said trigger circuits to actuated said flash lamps in a predetermined repetitive sequence.

90. The emergency signal recited in claim 76 wherein:

said base member and said second member are substantially similar facing members, said signal further comprising;

means for telescopically connecting said members together; and

means for actuating said control means upon separation of said base member from said second member.

91. An emergency signal comprising:

a housing formed with at least two triangular surfaces;

light transmissive window means in at least one of said surfaces;

means for supporting said housing on a substantially flat surface;

a high intensity lamp within said housing positioned so as to be visible through said window means;

lamp control means mounted in said housing.

92. The emergency signal recited in claim 91 wherein said lamp and lamp control means comprises a controlled high voltage generator comprising:

flash lamp means;

storage capacitor means connected across said flash lamp;

means connected to said flash lamp for triggering said flash lamp into conduction;

a DC power source

oscillator means coupled to said source of DC power;

a DC/AC inverter connected to the output of said oscillator means and to said DC power source;

an AC/DC converter and voltage multiplier connected between said DC/AC inverter and said storage capacitor means;

a feedback network;

comparator means connected between said feedback network and said oscillator; and

means for coupling the voltage output from said voltage multiplier to said feedback network, said comparator means actuating said oscillator means when a predetermined reduction in the voltage on said storage capacitor means is detected;

whereby said storage capacitor means is maintained at a desired voltage level sufficient to actuate said flash lamp as desired.

93. The emergency signal recited in claim 92 wherein said triggering means comprises a trigger circuit connected between said flash lamp and said source of DC power.

94. The emergency signal recited in claim 92 wherein said oscillator operates at about 25 KHz.

95. The emergency signal recited in claim 92 wherein said DC/AC inverter has an AC output amplified 10 to 15 times above the voltage value of said DC power source input.

96. The emergency signal recited in claim 95 wherein said AC/DC converter converts said AC signal to DC and said voltage multiplier amplifies the voltage input to a level of about 450 volts.

97. The emergency signal recited in claim 92 wherein said feedback network comprises a variable resistor adapted to adjust the voltage level at which said comparator triggers said oscillator into oscillation.

98. The emergency signal recited in claim 92 wherein said comparator comprises a Schmitt trigger.

99. The emergency signal recited in claim 92 wherein said DC/AC inverter comprises a field effect transistor (FET), the conduction of which is controlled by the output of said oscillator.

100. The emergency signal recited in claim 99 wherein said DC power is applied to said DC/AC inverter through one end of a coil having a tap intermediate its ends, said FET being connected to said tap, the other end of said coil being connected to said AC/DC converter.

101. The emergency signal recited in claim 92 and further comprising an enabling switch connected between said DC power source and said triggering means.

102. The emergency signal recited in claim 92 wherein the predetermined reduction in the level of the voltage on said storage capacitor is about 1% of the desired level.

103. The emergency signal recited in claim 91 wherein said housing is translucent.

104. The emergency signal recited in claim 91 and further comprising a reflectorized strip surrounding said window means.

105. The emergency signal recited in claim 91, wherein said housing comprises a pair of identical triangular elements coupled together.

106. The emergency signal recited in claim 91 wherein said housing is pyramidal, having three triangular surfaces.

107. The emergency signal recited in claim 106 wherein said housing is collapsible to a relative flat condition.

108. The emergency signal recited in claim 107 and further comprising flexible fastener means for securing two adjacent panels together when in the non-collapsed condition.

109. The emergency signal recited in claim 107 wherein one of said surfaces is formed of two interconnected triangular members, one of said triangular surfaces comprising a panel connected to the adjacent housing surface, said lamp control means being mounted to said panel.

110. The emergency signal recited in claim 106 wherein said housing is translucent.

111. The emergency signal recited in claim 106 and further comprising a reflectorized strip surrounding said window means.