Portable sign

• US 9,302,617 B2
• Filed: 03/15/2013
• Issued: 04/05/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 03/29/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Sylo Systems, LLC
• Original Assignee: Sylo Systems, LLC
• Inventors: Simmons, Michael J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Swarthout, Brent
• Application Number:
  US14/388,614
• Publication Number:
  US 20150054660A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,117 Days
• Field of Search: 340/908, 340/908.1, 340/815.4, 340/472, 340/473, 340/321, 116/63.P, 116/63.T, 405/86
• US Class Current: 1/1
• 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 unit 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 portable unit;

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

c. internal memory;

d. a recharge port, charger and an 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, the display screen being positioned within a casing of the portable sign unit and being visible through an opening in the casing on a front portion of the portable sign unit;

f. a cover to protect the display screen;

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

h. a communications component capable of receiving signals from a remote communication device, wherein the signals are transmitted wirelessly through BLUETOOTH, wireless transmitter, infrared, WiFi, or a 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 unit is foldable and fits into a standard vehicle storage compartment;

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

k. a storage area within the casing of the portable sign unit for storage of a keyboard;

wherein a size of the display screen of the portable sign unit is capable of being viewed from a distance; and

wherein a beacon on the portable sign unit provides information to a vehicle driver that the portable sign unit is removed from a pre-set distance from the vehicle or the vehicle driver.

2. The portable sign unit of claim 1, wherein the portable sign unit is powered by a solar power unit.

3. The portable sign unit of claim 1, further comprising at least one item selected from a group of items consisting of a speaker and a microphone.

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

5. The portable sign unit of claim 4, wherein a second display screen is located on a rear portion of the portable sign unit.