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AU2020100318B4 - Foldable Target Board - Google Patents

Foldable Target Board Download PDF

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Publication number
AU2020100318B4
AU2020100318B4 AU2020100318A AU2020100318A AU2020100318B4 AU 2020100318 B4 AU2020100318 B4 AU 2020100318B4 AU 2020100318 A AU2020100318 A AU 2020100318A AU 2020100318 A AU2020100318 A AU 2020100318A AU 2020100318 B4 AU2020100318 B4 AU 2020100318B4
Authority
AU
Australia
Prior art keywords
section
traffic
target board
side section
lantern
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
AU2020100318A
Other versions
AU2020100318A4 (en
Inventor
Keang Kok Ea
Otele Tafali
Chunbin Zhang
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Arrowes IP Holdings Pty Ltd
Original Assignee
Arrowes IP Holdings Pty Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Arrowes IP Holdings Pty Ltd filed Critical Arrowes IP Holdings Pty Ltd
Priority to AU2020100318A priority Critical patent/AU2020100318B4/en
Publication of AU2020100318A4 publication Critical patent/AU2020100318A4/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of AU2020100318B4 publication Critical patent/AU2020100318B4/en
Assigned to ARROWES IP HOLDINGS PTY LTD reassignment ARROWES IP HOLDINGS PTY LTD Request for Assignment Assignors: K & L Ea Pty Ltd
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G08SIGNALLING
    • G08GTRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
    • G08G1/00Traffic control systems for road vehicles
    • G08G1/09Arrangements for giving variable traffic instructions
    • G08G1/095Traffic lights
    • G08G1/0955Traffic lights transportable
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01FADDITIONAL WORK, SUCH AS EQUIPPING ROADS OR THE CONSTRUCTION OF PLATFORMS, HELICOPTER LANDING STAGES, SIGNS, SNOW FENCES, OR THE LIKE
    • E01F9/00Arrangement of road signs or traffic signals; Arrangements for enforcing caution
    • E01F9/60Upright bodies, e.g. marker posts or bollards; Supports for road signs
    • E01F9/688Free-standing bodies
    • GPHYSICS
    • G09EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09FDISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F13/00Illuminated signs; Luminous advertising
    • G09F13/04Signs, boards or panels, illuminated from behind the insignia
    • G09F13/0418Constructional details
    • G09F13/0463Portable signs, boards or panels
    • GPHYSICS
    • G09EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09FDISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F13/00Illuminated signs; Luminous advertising
    • G09F13/04Signs, boards or panels, illuminated from behind the insignia
    • G09F13/0418Constructional details
    • G09F13/0472Traffic signs
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01FADDITIONAL WORK, SUCH AS EQUIPPING ROADS OR THE CONSTRUCTION OF PLATFORMS, HELICOPTER LANDING STAGES, SIGNS, SNOW FENCES, OR THE LIKE
    • E01F9/00Arrangement of road signs or traffic signals; Arrangements for enforcing caution
    • E01F9/60Upright bodies, e.g. marker posts or bollards; Supports for road signs
    • E01F9/688Free-standing bodies
    • E01F9/692Portable base members therefor

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Road Signs Or Road Markings (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a foldable target board comprising: a first side section and a second side section; and a top section and a bottom section connecting the first side section to the second side section, wherein the first side section and the second side section are hingedly connected to the top section and bottom section, and wherein the first side, second side, top and bottom sections define an aperture for receiving a traffic lantern. The present invention alleviates some problems associated with presently available portable traffic signals.

Description

TITLE
Foldable target Board
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of traffic management. More particularly, the invention relates to a portable traffic light assembly. Even more particularly, the invention relates to a foldable target board.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
[0002] Any reference to background art herein is not to be construed as an admission that such art constitutes common general knowledge in Australia or elsewhere.
[0003] Traffic lights are typically installed at intersections to direct traffic flow. However, where there is a loss of power, these traffic lights no longer function and this is a significant issue because it results in chaotic and dangerous traffic conditions.
[0004] Furthermore, roadworks and/or other construction activities can require traffic management. Breaks of traffic may be required to complete certain tasks. In addition to this, temporary special events may also require specialized traffic management.
[0005] As solution to the above problems is to utilize a traffic controller. However, the use of a traffic controller is labour intensive because at least one traffic control must be present at all times. Furthermore, the traffic controller must be present regardless of the weather conditions.
[0006] Although portable traffic light assemblies may be operated in these situations, these portable traffic light assemblies may be difficult and cumbersome to set up. In particular, the target board of such portable traffic light assemblies are bulky, fragile and difficult to transport because of their shape.
[0007] A target board is typically utilized as a backing for traffic lights to provide a dark background such that the traffic lights (red, yellow and green lights) are more visible. This is because the traffic lights are more easily discernible from a dark background.
[0008] It should be appreciated that there is a need to direct motorists temporarily, and to also provide a portable traffic light assembly that is easy to install.
[0009] It would be advantageous to address one or more of the above issues, or to at least provide the consumer with a commercial alternative to the presently available options.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] In a first form, although it need not be the only or indeed the broadest form, the invention resides in a foldable target board comprising:
a first side section and a second side section; and
a top section and a bottom section connecting the first side section to the second side section;
wherein the first side section and the second side section are hingedly connected to the top section and bottom section,
wherein the first side, second side, top and bottom sections define an aperture for receiving a traffic lantern.
[0011] In one embodiment, the foldable target board further comprises a first securing portion. The first securing portion is complementary to a second securing portion. The traffic lantern comprises the second securing portion. The first securing portion may be releasably attachable or releasably securable to the second securing portion.
[0012] In an embodiment, the foldable target board and/or traffic lantern further comprises a camera bracket for receiving a camera. In one embodiment, the traffic lantern comprises a camera bracket for receiving a camera. The traffic lantern comprises a connecting portion that is releasably connectable to a second connecting portion. The camera bracket comprises the second connecting portion. The connecting portion and the second connecting portion are complementary to one another.
[0013] In another form, the invention resides in a portable traffic light assembly comprising
the foldable target board of the first form;
a traffic lantern; and
a support assembly.
[0014] In one form, the invention resides in a method of assembling a portable traffic light assembly, the method including the steps of:
providing a foldable target board comprising a first side section and a second side section; and a top section and a bottom section connecting the first side section to the second side section; wherein the first side section and the second side section are hingedly connected to the top section and the bottom section, and wherein the first side, second side, top and bottom sections define an aperture;
locating a traffic lantern in the aperture; and
securing the traffic lantern to the foldable target board.
[0015] The foldable target board is as substantially described for the first form.
[0016] In one embodiment, the method further includes the step of attaching the traffic lantern to a support assembly.
[0017] The various features and embodiments of the present invention referred to in the individual sections above and in the description which follows apply, as appropriate, to other sections, mutatis mutandis. Consequently, features specified in one section may be combined with features specified in other sections as appropriate.
[0018] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] To assist in understanding the invention and to enable a person skilled in the art to put the invention into practical effect, embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG 1 shows a front view of a foldable target board;
FIG 2 shows a perspective view of the foldable target board;
FIG 3 shows the foldable target board in a partially closed configuration;
FIG 4 shows a perspective view of the foldable target board in a closed configuration;
FIG 5 shows a front view of the foldable target board in a closed configuration;
FIG 6 shows a perspective view of a portable traffic light assembly; and
FIG 7 shows a front view of a portable traffic light assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] Embodiments of the present invention reside primarily in foldable target board. Accordingly, the article and method steps have been illustrated in concise schematic form in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are necessary for understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as to not obscure the disclosure with excessive detail that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the present description.
[0021] In this specification, adjectives such as first and second, left and right, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one element or action from another element or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order.
[0022] Words such as "comprises" or "includes" are intended to define a non exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed, including elements that are inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus.
[0023] As used herein, the term 'about' means the amount is nominally the number following the term 'about' but the actual amount may vary from this precise number to an unimportant degree.
[0024] In one form, although it need not be the only or indeed the broadest form, the invention resides in a foldable target board comprising:
a first side section and a second side section; and
a top section and a bottom section connecting the first side section to the second side section;
wherein the first side section and the second side section are hingedly connected to the top section and the bottom section,
wherein the first side, second side, top and bottom sections define an aperture for receiving a traffic lantern.
[0025] Shown in FIGS 1-5 are a foldable target board of the present invention.
[0026] A foldable target board (100) comprising a first side section (110) and a second side section (120). The foldable target board (100) further comprises a top section (130) and a bottom section (140) connecting the first side section (110) to the second side section (120). The first side section (110) and second side section (120) are hingedly connected to the top section (130) and the bottom section (140). The first side section (110), the second side section (120), top section (130) and bottom section (140) define an aperture (145) for receiving a traffic lantern (mentioned in more detail hereinbelow).
[0027] The foldable target board may have an opened configuration (shown in FIGS 1 and 2), a closed configuration (shown in FIGS 4 and 5) and a partially closed configuration (shown in FIGS 3).
[0028] As shown in FIG. 3, the first side section (110) and the second side section (120) may be folded towards the plane of the top section (130) and the bottom section (140). The hinged connection (150) may be formed of any hinge known to the person skilled in the art. Non-limiting examples of the hinge include butt hinges, barrel hinges, piano hinges, butterfly hinges, flush hinges, pivot hinges, barrel hinges and spring hinges.
[0029] FIGS 4 and 5 show the foldable target board (100) in the closed configuration. As shown in this figure, the first side section (110) and the second side section (120) can be folded such that they overlie the aperture (145). This allows the foldable target board (100) to be carried to location separately to the traffic lantern. The foldable target board (100) can then be easily secured to the traffic lantern.
[0030] The foldable target board (100) may further comprise a first securing portion (not shown). The first securing portion is complementary to a second securing portion (not shown). The second securing portion is found on the traffic lantern. The first securing portion and the second securing portion allow for a traffic lantern to be releasably attached or releasably secured to the foldable target board. A non-limiting example of the first securing oprtion is a bolt hold, and a non-limiting example of the second securing portion is a bolt. The bolt may be inserted into the bolt hole and secured with a securing device. Non-limiting examples of the securing device include nuts and wing nuts.
[0031] In one embodiment, the invention resides in a portable traffic light assembly comprising the foldable target board releasably attachable or releasably securable to a traffic lantern. The portable traffic light assembly may further comprise a support assembly.
[0032] Shown in FIGS 6-9, the foldable target board (100) is releasably attached to a traffic lantern (200). The traffic lantern (200) may comprise a red light signal (205) and a green light signal (215). The traffic lantern may further comprise a yellow light signal (210). The portable traffic light assembly may further comprise a collapsible support assembly (300) adapted to releasably receive the traffic lantern (200).
[0033] The support assembly further comprises an upper support member (311) and a lower support member (312). The support assembly (300) further comprises a base assembly (320)
[0034] The base assembly (320) includes three support legs (321a), three stays (323a) and a fastening collar (322). The fastening collar (322) is located about the lower support member (312) of the support member.
[0035] The support legs (321a) are pivotally coupled to an end of the lower support member (312) and are spaced about the lower support member (312) at approximately 120 relative to each other to provide a stable support. While the embodiments herein have been described as having three (3) support legs, it will be appreciated that additional support legs could be included to further improve stability.
[0036] Each leg (321a-c) includes a stay (323a), one end of which is pivotally coupled to the fastening collar (322). At an opposite end, each stay (323a) is pivotally coupled to the centre of its respective leg (321a).
[0037] The support legs (321a) can be folded vertically by moving the feet (321a) of the support legs (321) and the fastening collar (322) along the lower support member (312). The fastening collar (322) has a fastening screw (not shown) or other suitable mechanism for locking the fastening collar (312) in place along the lower support member (312).
[0038] An end of the upper support member (311) is received within an end of the lower support member (312) to couple the upper and lower support members (311, 312) together.
[0039] The feet (321a) comprise hollow cylindrical portions which may receive pegs or other suitable tie-down devices used to secure the base assembly (320) to the ground or a supporting surface.
[0040] In one embodiment, one or more of the stays may include two telescoping members: an outer member and an inner member. The inner member is received within the outer member and, in use, one of the adjustable stays can be lengthened by extending the inner member from the end of the outer member or shortened by retracting the inner member to be located within the outer member. In order to lock the adjustable stay in a particular position, the inner member may include a number of apertures which can be aligned with an aperture of the outer member and a locking pin may be inserted through the aligned apertures to lock the stay in place.
[0041] The telescoping stay and adjustable length allows the support assembly to be placed on uneven surfaces and still provide the center support member in a substantially vertical/upright orientation so that the portable traffic light assembly can be directed toward traffic and vehicles.
[0042] The support assembly is as substantially described in Australian Innovation Patent No. 2020100193 and the contents of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0043] A battery may also be located in a receptacle (331) connected to the upper support member (312). The battery may be connected to the traffic lantern (200) to provide power thereto. In some embodiments, the battery may be replaced with solar panels or used in combination with solar panels. In an embodiment, the battery is a rechargeable battery.
[0044] The foldable target board and/or traffic lantern may further comprise a camera bracket for receiving a camera (400). The camera bracket may comprise a first connecting portion that is releasably connectable to a second connecting portion on the foldable target board and/or traffic lantern. The first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are complementary to one another.
[0045] In a further form, the invention may reside in a method of assembling a portable traffic light assembly, the method including the steps:
providing a foldable target board comprising a first side section and a second side section; and a top section and a bottom section connecting the first side section to the second side section; wherein the first side section and the second side section are hingedly connected to the top section and the bottom section, and wherein the first side, second side, top and bottom sections define an aperture;
locating the traffic lantern in the aperture; and
securing the traffic lantern to the foldable target board.
[0046] The foldable target board and components thereof, and the traffic lantern are as substantially described hereinabove.
[0047] The method may further include the step of unfolding the foldable target board.
[0048] The portable traffic assembly may be assembled by first placing the target board on a surface. The traffic lantern may then be located in the aperture. The traffic lantern may then be secured to the foldable target board. In this regard, one side of the foldable target board may be lifted over and behind a lantern edge and the other side of the foldable target board is lifted to align the first securing portion with the second securing portion. The first securing portion on the foldable target board is then secured to the second securing portion of the traffic lantern.
[0049] The traffic lantern with the foldable target board attached thereto may be removably received by a collapsible support assembly.
[0050] The collapsible support assembly may be in a stored configuration which can be opened into an open configuration. In this regard, the fastening collar of the support assembly may be loosened and the support legs are pushed towards the ground. The fastening collar is fastened when the legs are adequately supported by the ground. The upper support member may be adjusted relative to the lower support member to adjust the height of the collapsible support assembly. The upper support member is then secured in place. The traffic lantern is then received by the upper support of the collapsible support assembly and secured thereto.
[0051] A battery may be provided in the receptacle, and a lock latched to secure the battery box. The battery is then placed in electrical communication with the traffic lantern.
[0052] The portable foldable target board, traffic lantern and support assembly may be transported separately or disassembled, and assembled at the desired location. This allows the eventual portable traffic light assembly to be easily transported and to take up less storage space. Furthermore, the disassembled portable traffic light assembly may further alleviate the problem of the foldable target board being damaged during transport. It will be appreciated that a target board that is permanently attached to the traffic lantern may be damaged if the structure falls over. In this regard, the sides of the target board may be brittle. The provision of a discrete portable foldable target board allows the target board to be folded for transport which is much less likely to be damaged.
[0053] Furthermore, the portable traffic light assembly can be easily and readily set up at the desired location. This allows for dangerous traffic conditions to be quickly addressed by setting up the portable traffic light assembly.
[0054] The above description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. As mentioned above, numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, this invention is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications and variations of the present invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the above described invention.

Claims (5)

1. A foldable target board comprising:
a first side section and a second side section; and
a top section and a bottom section connecting the first side section to the second side section;
wherein the first side section and the second side section are hingedly connected to the top section and bottom section,
wherein the first side, second side, top and bottom sections define an aperture for receiving a traffic lantern.
2. The foldable target board of claim 1 further comprising a first securing portion that is complementary to a second securing portion of the traffic lantern.
3. A portable traffic light assembly comprising:
a foldable target board of claim 1 or claim 2;
a traffic lantern; and
a support assembly.
4. The portable traffic light assembly of claim 3, wherein the traffic lantern comprises a camera bracket for receiving a camera.
5. A method of assembling a portable traffic light assembly, the method including the steps of:
providing a foldable target board comprising a first side section and a second side section; and a top section and a bottom section connecting the first side section to the second side section; wherein the first side section and the second side section are hingedly connected to the top section and the bottom section, and wherein the first side, second side, top and bottom sections define an aperture;
locating a traffic lantern in the aperture; and
securing the traffic lantern to the foldable target board.
AU2020100318A 2020-03-04 2020-03-04 Foldable Target Board Active AU2020100318B4 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2020100318A AU2020100318B4 (en) 2020-03-04 2020-03-04 Foldable Target Board

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2020100318A AU2020100318B4 (en) 2020-03-04 2020-03-04 Foldable Target Board

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
AU2020100318A4 AU2020100318A4 (en) 2020-04-30
AU2020100318B4 true AU2020100318B4 (en) 2021-09-02

Family

ID=70374806

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
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Country Status (1)

Country Link
AU (1) AU2020100318B4 (en)

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4032883A (en) * 1974-06-27 1977-06-28 Gibson Preston H Portable traffic signal
US8319662B1 (en) * 2009-06-21 2012-11-27 Bontemps Evan J Ultra portable traffic management system
US9406227B1 (en) * 2013-10-03 2016-08-02 Juan Banuelos Portable traffic control signage apparatus and methods
US9489841B1 (en) * 2015-06-18 2016-11-08 James Damian Huggins Portable multi-function roadway barrier
US20170263119A1 (en) * 2016-03-11 2017-09-14 Site 2020 Incorporated System and method for managing traffic at a worksite
US20190019408A1 (en) * 2016-11-28 2019-01-17 Leo Beaulieu Remote Controlled Mobile Traffic Control System and Method

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4032883A (en) * 1974-06-27 1977-06-28 Gibson Preston H Portable traffic signal
US8319662B1 (en) * 2009-06-21 2012-11-27 Bontemps Evan J Ultra portable traffic management system
US9406227B1 (en) * 2013-10-03 2016-08-02 Juan Banuelos Portable traffic control signage apparatus and methods
US9489841B1 (en) * 2015-06-18 2016-11-08 James Damian Huggins Portable multi-function roadway barrier
US20170263119A1 (en) * 2016-03-11 2017-09-14 Site 2020 Incorporated System and method for managing traffic at a worksite
US20190019408A1 (en) * 2016-11-28 2019-01-17 Leo Beaulieu Remote Controlled Mobile Traffic Control System and Method

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Owner name: ARROWES IP HOLDINGS PTY LTD

Free format text: FORMER OWNER(S): K & L EA PTY LTD