Portable Sign

• US 9,545,878 B2
• Filed: 02/04/2016
• Issued: 01/17/2017
• 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:
  US15/015,603
• Publication Number:
  US 20160159277A1
• Time in Patent Office: 348 Days
• Field of Search: 340/908, 340/908.1, 340/815.4, 340/472, 340/473, 340/321, 405/86, 116/63.P, 116/63.T
• 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 1/50 for indicating other intentions or conditions, e.g. request for waiting or overtaking
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/5035 electronic displays
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/52 for indicating emergencies
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 7/00 Arrangement or adaptation of portable emergency signal devices on vehicles
• 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: G08G 1/0955 transportable
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 15/0062 collapsible
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 27/00 Combined visual and audible advertising or displaying, e.g. for public address
• 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. An emergency communication system which comprises communication from computer components of a portable sign unit to a remote communication center or with at least one item selected from a group of items consisting of emergency response vehicles and information agencies, wherein said system comprises:

a. the portable sign unit 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 portable sign unit,

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

iii) internal memory,

iv) a 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 a 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 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, and

d. 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 a vehicle or the vehicle driver.

2. The emergency communication system of claim 1, wherein the communications components are integrated into a mass transportation vehicle.

3. The emergency communication system of claim 1, wherein the remote communication center automatically communicates with an emergency vehicle police car, hospital, or road side assistance entity.

4. The emergency communication system of claim 1, wherein the remote communication center remotely directs a message to be displayed on the portable sign unit.

5. 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;

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. a sound recording component;

j. wherein the user can change a message displayed by the portable sign unit via an audio voice recognition command;

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

l. 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 a vehicle or the vehicle driver.

6. The portable sign unit of claim 5, wherein:

the display screen is positioned within a casing of the portable sign unit and is visible through an opening in the casing on a front portion of the portable sign unit; and

the portable sign unit further comprises a storage area within the casing of the portable sign unit for storage of a keyboard.

7. The portable sign unit of claim 6, wherein a second display screen is located on a rear portion of the portable sign unit.

8. The portable sign unit of claim 5, wherein the portable sign unit is linked to an inventory control system such that a message displayed on the display screen is changed based on movement of merchandise.