FR2727994A1 - Multi-purpose display unit for roadside information and traffic control - Google Patents

Abstract

The structure consists of a support element formed as an arch (1) which is mounted to fold between horizontal and vertical positions on a platform (2), supported on a base (3). The structure is able to carry one or more accessories such as surveillance equipment, signals, lights, communication equipment when opened in its vertical position. The platform may be situated on the ground, mounted for example on a concrete base, or may be mounted on a trailer chassis (11) with at least two wheels. A cable and pulley system (18) with a winding handle (18'') may be provided to assist in raising the structure to its spread position.

Description

DESCRIPTION
The present invention relates mainly to the fields of population protection and civil and road safety, in particular in the context of rapid localized interventions, but also for prevention and surveillance actions of more or less long duration, and has for object a modular signaling, monitoring, prevention and intervention system, particularly in the road sector.

The existing road signaling and intervention means, intended for specific actions and limited in time (following accidents, works, traffic jams, inspections, etc.), currently essentially belong to two different types, namely , on the one hand, the specific means or accessories, each fulfilling a unique function, such as traffic signs. display panels, whether or not luminous, flashing lights or headlights, radar devices for controlling the speed of vehicles, first aid or similar kits and materials and, on the other hand, motorized vehicles, such as a van or van, equipped with several of the aforementioned accessories, which can be implemented simultaneously or separately, in relation to the function or functions to be performed at the place of intervention
However, each of these two types of aforementioned means has major drawbacks, namely, with regard to the first type, the disparity of the various constituent elements, the need to know, prior to the intervention, the precise function to be performed and the obligation to have an adequate means of transport, given the large size of the various elements and, as regards the second type, the immobilization of a motorized vehicle in the event of prolonged intervention, the high cost of the latter and its impossibility of implementation in places difficult to access or comprising unstable soil.

 The present invention aims in particular to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks and to provide a multi-use device for filling. in addition to the functions of the two types of aforementioned means, also functions of monitoring, control and communication station, either automatically or while being occupied by an authorized person.

To this end, the present invention relates to a modular signaling, monitoring, intervention and prevention device, in particular in the road sector, characterized in that it is mainly constituted, on the one hand, by a support element in the form of a foldable hoop mounted on a platform, on the other hand, by a lower element forming a base, disposed on the platform and located between the uprights of the hoop-shaped support element and, finally. by one or more accessory (s) and / or device (s) for monitoring, signaling, lighting, communication, electrical supply and / or intervention possibly grouped together. partly, in an upper cover element integral, with sliding ability, the uprights of the support element in the form of a hoop
The invention will be better understood from the following description, which relates to preferred embodiments, given by way of nonlimiting examples, and explained with reference to the appended schematic drawings, in which
Figure I is a side elevational view of the device according to the invention, in the transport position or not in use;
FIG. 2 is a rear front elevation view of the device shown in FIG. 1, the support element being deployed,
FIG. 3 is a top view of the trailer chassis forming part of the device according to the invention,
Figure 4 is a top view of an embodiment of the platform forming part of the device shown in Figures I and 2 and intended to be mounted on the chassis shown in Figure 3;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an upright in the folded state and of a container in the form of a chest forming part of the device according to the invention,
FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of the upper cover element,
FIG. 7 is a top view of the lower element forming a base, and,
Figure 8 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a support element.

In accordance with the invention and as shown in particular in FIGS. I and 2 of the accompanying drawings, the modular device is mainly constituted, on the one hand, by a support element I in the form of a foldable hoop mounted on a platform 2, on the other hand, by a lower element 3 forming a base, arranged on the platform 2 and located between the uprights 1 'of the support element in the form of an arch I and, finally, by one or more accessory (s) and / or device (s) for monitoring, signaling, lighting, communication, electrical supply and / or intervention 4, 5, 6. 7. 8, 8 ', 9, 9' grouped (s) ) possibly, in part, in an upper element 10 of integral cover, with sliding ability, of the uprights 1 ′ of the support element in the form of an arch I
The aforementioned platform 2 could be placed on the ground, being firmly anchored to the latter or mounted on a concrete base for example.

However, according to a preferred embodiment, facilitating the implementation of the modular device according to the invention, the latter is advantageously mobile, the platform being mounted on a trailer chassis 11 with at least two wheels, provided with a drawbar 11 'or attachment arm equipped with a foot or a folding support wheel 11 ", said frame 11 and, if necessary, said drawbar 11' being provided with lateral handles 12, possibly retractable (see Figures 3 and 4 of the accompanying drawings), facilitating the movement and the operation of said modular device when it is detached from the towing vehicle
As a variant, said platform 2 can also be removably or permanently mounted on the rear part of a self-propelled vehicle such as, for example, a van.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 6 and 7 of the appended drawings, the lower element forming a base 3 and the upper cover element 10 consist of hollow frustoconical portions with polygonal sections. preferably hexagonal or octagonal, closed at their upper ends
The upper element 10 can be at least partially fitted onto the lower element 3, resting on hooks or retention profiles 13 fixed on the outer faces of the side walls of said lower element 3
The outer walls of the lower 3 and upper 10 and 10 elements will advantageously be made of a rigid, impact-resistant and rot-proof material, preferably a laminate of layers of glass or carbon fibers bonded by resin, the different faces having, for example, alternately white and red colors.

According to a characteristic of the invention, shown in Figures 1, 2 and 5 of the accompanying drawings, The foldable arch I forming the support element is secured, at the level of the lower parts of its two uprights 1 'and through two pivot connections 14, two vertical bases 15 rigidly fixed on the platform 2 and / or directly on the longitudinal members or cross members of the underlying chassis 1 I
In order to ensure a solid hold of the roll bar I in the deployed position, the two bases 14 can advantageously consist of U-shaped profiles, the connection of which with the platform 2 and / or with the underlying chassis 1 1 is stiffened by means of lateral stirrups 16 and each having two portions of upper wings 15 'released and opposite carrying the corresponding pivot 14, the locking of said hoop 1 in the unfolded vertical position being ensured by means of studs 1 7 passing through the lateral wings U-shaped profiles 1 5 and the uprights 1 'of the arch 1, near their lower end, at the level of respective orifices coinciding in the raised position of the arch 1
As shown in Figures I and 2 of the accompanying drawings, the vertical displacement of the upper cover member 10 is ensured by means of a pulley 1 8 / cable 1 8 '/ winding device 18 ", in which the pulley 18 is fixed at the upper end of the arch I and the device 18 "for winding the cable 18 'of traction is mounted on the drawbar 11' extending the platform 2, two sleeves 1 8 sliding on the uprights 1 'of the arch 1 and integral with said upper element 10 ensuring the guidance and the maintenance, in a horizontal plane, of the latter.

The blocking of the upper element 10 at the level of the upper part of the arch 1 may, for example, be ensured by means of studs (not shown) passing through the sleeves 19 and the uprights 1 ′ by means of orifices respective coincidence
In order to facilitate the introduction of a person into the upper cover element 10, in particular when the device according to the invention is used as an observation, communication or control station, said upper element 10 is provided with at least one cutout 20 at at least one of its side walls, the other walls being optionally provided with observation windows 21 (Figures 2 and 6)
Lateral protection of the person located under the upper element 10 is possible by providing elements in the form of thin sheets or plates, transparent or not, capable of being hung at at least one of its side walls, other walls possibly being provided with observation windows 21, the elements in the form of sheets or thin plates that can be hung at the lower edge of said upper element 10 and extend up to the base element 3. so to define a closed space between these two elements 3 and 10 (not shown)
The upper element 10 may, moreover, comprise or comprise, depending on the field of application envisaged, various technical equipment, more or less sophisticated, and, for this purpose, said upper element 10 may be provided with a double wall interior 22, in which several storage compartments 23 'are provided and allowing the embedding of electronic and / or electrical devices 4, 7. 9, for example for communication, monitoring or signaling, a flat and rigid support 24, foldable by pivoting in a substantially horizontal position, can be secured to one of the side walls of said upper element 10 and be pressed against the latter in the retracted position of non-use, said support can for example serve as writing tablet (Fig . 2 and 6).

As shown in Figures 2 and 7 of the accompanying drawings, the interior volume of the lower element in the form of a base 3 can be used as storage space and, for this purpose, said lower element can be fixed, by l 'one of its side walls, to the platform 2 by means of a hinge connection 26 and comprise, in addition, a handle 26 associated with a latch and a rod or a cylinder for blocking the base 3 in the raised position, on the opposite side to said hinge connection 26, a bottom plate 27. provided with rising edges 27 ′ and integral with the platform 2, capable of cooperating, by interlocking with form conjugation, with said base 2
Said bottom plate 27 will then protect the articles or objects contained in the base 3 against dust, sand, water, etc.
In order to offer a plurality of storage volumes, sufficient for the various accessories and / or devices that can be fitted with the modular device according to the invention, the latter may, in addition, include two elongated parallelipipedic containers 28, of the trunk type or box, mounted on the platform 2 on either side of the uprights 1 'of the hoop 1 and extending longitudinally at the lateral edges of said platform 2, in particular over the wheels supporting the latter, said containers 28 being compartmentalized in several lockers or storage drawers 28 ′, opening on the external lateral side of the container 28 considered, and each having a flat and pivotable upper cover 28 ″, which can be locked in at least one position inclined opening (Figures 1, 2 and 5)
In order to increase the stability of the modular device according to the invention in the stationary state, the frame 1 1 can be provided with at least one telescopic jack 3 1, extended by a support plate 31 ', or at least one retractable support leg, at its end opposite the drawbar 11 'or attachment arm, and comprises one or more containers 32 in the form of a box or basket located under the platform 2 and accessible by means 2 'hatches formed in the latter (Fig 3 and 4)
These containers 32 could, for example, serve as receptacles and housings for batteries or accumulators 8, or even as a spare wheel for the trailer forming part of the device according to the invention.

 With regard to the equipment, accessories, instruments and apparatus which can be carried on said modular device and adapted according to the field of application envisaged, the latter may include, for example. as signaling and lighting accessories, on the one hand, several interchangeable double-sided signage and / or display panels, which can be mounted on the support element in the form of a hoop 1 and, where appropriate, be if necessary, lit by means of articulated projectors fixed on said arch 1, on the platform 2 or on the drawbar 1 1 ′ and, on the other hand, one or more long-range projectors 6, a lantern, a flashing light beacon, a rotating beacon 5 or alternatively three-color road signaling lights, which can be installed, simultaneously or not, on the support element in the form of a hoop 1, so as to be visible at a great distance.

To the aforementioned accessories, one can add, as surveillance devices 4. one or more video cameras, means of listening or telephone connection, a radar for measuring vehicle speed, binoculars or the like, as '' intervention accessories for flashlights, a first aid or first aid kit, blankets, inflatable mattresses or shells, rescue equipment (rope, buoys, helmets, etc.), a megaphone. etc, as a communication device: a radio
HF, an HF transmission amplifier, an antenna for receiving radio waves or the like and as means of electrical supply, in addition to accumulators or battery 9: a generator 9 'making it possible to supply alternating current and recharge accumulators or batteries 9 These various items of equipment can be housed in the upper element 10 or be stored, for the most part, under the base 3 or in the lateral containers 28 whose racks or drawers 28 'will bear distinctive signs indicating their content .

In addition, oxygen and acetylene cylinders can be moored on the exterior faces of said containers 28, the latter possibly containing torches and other extrication instruments.
According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, shown in Figure 8 of the accompanying drawings and which can be implemented in the context of observation or prolonged monitoring of a place, such as for example a beach, the support element in the form of a hoop 1 is provided in its upper part with a seat plane 33 / dorsal support plane 33 ', constituting a seat, and in that the uprights 1' are extended by L-shaped legs 34 , the ends of which are possibly connected together and which bear on the platform 2 when the arch I is placed in its upright or deployed vertical position, a removable ladder 35 possibly being able to be fixed on the free edge of the plane of seat 33 and extend to platform 2.

 Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown in the accompanying drawings. Modifications remain possible, in particular from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements, or by substitution of technical equivalents, without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims (7)

 1 Modular signaling, monitoring, intervention and prevention device, in particular in the road sector, characterized in that it is mainly constituted, on the one hand, by a support element (1) in the form of a foldable arch mounted on a platform (2), on the other hand, by a lower element (3) forming a base, disposed on the platform (2) and located between the uprights (1 ') of the shaped support element roll bar (1) and, finally, by one or more accessory (s) and / or device (s) for monitoring, signaling, lighting, communication, electrical supply and / or intervention (4 , s 6, 7, 8, 8 ', 9, 9') possibly grouped, in part, in an upper cover element (10), integral, with sliding ability, uprights (1 ') of the support element in the form of an arch (I)  2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it is mobile and in that the platform is mounted on a trailer chassis (1 1) with at least two wheels, provided with a drawbar (1 1 ' ) or suspension arm equipped with a foot or a folding support wheel (11 "), said chassis (11) and, if applicable, said drawbar (11 ') being provided with lateral handles (12) , possibly retractable.  3 Device according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the lower base element (3) and the upper cover element (10) consist of hollow frustoconical portions with polygonal sections, preferably hexagonal or octagonal , closed at their upper ends, the upper element (10) being able to be at least partially fitted onto the lower element (3), resting on hooks or retention profiles (13) fixed on the outer faces of the side walls of said lower element (3).  4 Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the foldable arch (1) forming the support element is integral, at the level of the lower parts of its two uprights (1 ') and through two pivot connections (14), two vertical bases (15) rigidly fixed on the platform (2) and / or directly on the longitudinal members or cross members of the underlying chassis (1 I)  5 Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the two bases (15) consist of U-shaped profiles, the connection with the platform (2) and / or with the underlying frame (11) is stiffened at means of lateral stirrups (16) and each having two portions of upper wings (15 ') clear and opposite carrying the pivot (14) corresponding, the locking of said arch (1) in the unfolded vertical position being ensured by means of studs ( I 7) passing through the lateral wings of the U-shaped profiles (1 5) and the uprights (1 ') of the hoop (1), near their lower extremity, at the level of respective coincident orifices in the raised position of the hoop (1).  6. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the vertical displacement of the upper cover element (1 0) is ensured by means of a pulley 18) / cable (1 8 ') / winding device (18 "), in which the pulley (18) is fixed at the upper end of the hoop (l) and the winding device (18") of the cable (18 ') traction is mounted on the drawbar (11 ') extending the platform (2), two sleeves (18) sliding on the uprights (l') of the hoop (1) and integral with said upper element (10) providing guidance and the maintenance, in a horizontal plane, of the latter  7 Device according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the upper cover element (10) is provided with at least one cutout (20) at at least one of its side walls, the other walls possibly being provided with observation windows (21), and in that elements in the form of sheets or thin plates can be hung at the lower edge of said upper element (10) and extend up to the 'base element (3), so as to define a closed space between these two elements (3 and 10)  8 Device according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the upper element (1 0) is provided with a double interior wall (22), in which are arranged several storage compartments (23 ') and allowing the embedding of electronic and / or electrical devices (4, 7, 9), for example of communication, monitoring or signaling, a support (24) flat and rigid, foldable by pivoting in a substantially horizontal position, being able be secured to one of the side walls of said upper element (1 0) and be pressed against the latter in the retracted position of non-use.  9 Device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the lower element forming a base (3) is fixed, by one of its side walls, to the platform (2) by means of a hinge connection (26) and further comprises a handle (26) associated with a latch and a rod or a jacking block for the base (3) in the raised position, on the side opposite to said hinge connection (26 ), a bottom plate (27), provided with rising edges (27 ') and integral with the platform (2), capable of cooperating, by interlocking with conjugation of shape, with said base (3)  10. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it further comprises two elongated parallelipipedic containers (28), of the box or box type, mounted on the platform (2) on either side 'other of the uprights (1') of the arch (1) and extending longitudinally at the lateral edges of said platform (2), in particular over the wheels supporting the latter, said containers (28) being compartmentalized in several racks or storage drawers (28 '), opening on the external lateral side of the container (28) considered, and each having a flat and pivotable upper cover (28 "), which can be locked in at least one position inclined opening.  il Device according to claim 10, characterized in that the lateral containers (28) in the form of a chest are also provided with gripping handles (29). if necessary retractable, and each have on their internal lateral side at least one radial support (30) capable of supporting and maintaining one of the uprights (l ') of the hoop (l) in the horizontal folded position.  12. Device according to any one of claims 2 to II, characterized in that the frame (11) is provided with at least one telescopic jack (i), extended by a support plate (31 '), or d '' at least one retractable support leg, at its end opposite the drawbar (11 ') or attachment arm, and comprises one or more containers (32) in the form of a box or basket located under the platform (2) and accessible by means of hatches (2 ') formed in the latter.  13. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it optionally includes, as signaling and lighting accessories. on the one hand, several interchangeable double-sided signage and / or display panels, which can be mounted on the support frame in the form of a hoop (1) and be, if necessary, lit by means of articulated projectors fixed on said hoop (1). on the platform (2) or on the drawbar (1 1 ') and, on the other hand, one or more long-range projectors (6), a lantern, a flashing light beacon, a rotating beacon (5) or traffic signal lights, which can be installed, simultaneously or not, on the support element in the form of an arch (1).  14 Device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the support element in the form of an arch (1) is provided in its upper part with a seat plane (33) / holding plane assembly dorsal (33 '), constituting a seat, and in that the uprights (1') are extended by L-shaped legs (34), the ends of which are possibly connected together and which bear on the platform (2 ) when the roll bar (l) is placed in its upright or deployed vertical position, a removable ladder (35) can possibly be fixed on the free edge of the seat plane (33) and extend to the platform shape (2)