GB2553522A

GB2553522A - A traffic safety device

Info

Publication number: GB2553522A
Application number: GB1614963.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Farmer Kevin; Shalts Dean
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-09-02
Filing date: 2016-09-02
Publication date: 2018-03-14
Also published as: GB2554170A; EP3507785A1; HK1252984A1; GB201713045D0; GB2554170B; WO2018042398A1; GB201614963D0

Abstract

A traffic safety device comprising: a cone having a cone body 14 which tapers upwards to a tip 4 from a cone base 8, a safety camera 13 attached to the cone body using an attachment mechanism, and a data recording or transmitting means. The camera comprises at least one sensor means (47,Fig8b) arranged to direct away from the cone body 14 in use. Sensor means may include more than one of light, motion or vibration sensors, video recording means or infra-red beam. Attachment means may comprise more than one part such as a camera cover (15,Fig7b) or a harness 11 and an anchor 12 which may be fixed to the exterior and interior of the cone when in use. The device may also comprise viewing electronics mounted within, and motion detection on a surface of, a housing; in conjunction with a controller which activates the viewing electronics when triggered by a signal from the motion sensor. The camera 13 may also comprise (See Fig10) a speaker 44 and a lockable sealed flap 40 which covers a USB charging port 41 and micro-USB ports 42 for data removal.

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

Kevin Farmer

Hart Road, Erdington, Birmingham, West Midlands, B24 9ES, United Kingdom

(51) INT CL:
G08G 7/077(2006.01)	E01F 9/688 (2016.01)
(56) Documents Cited: US 7538688 B1	US 20160044281 A1
US 20100302373 A1	US 20070222640 A1
(58) Field of Search: INT CL E01F, G08G Other: EPODOC & WPI

Dean Shalts

Hart Road, Erdington, Birmingham, West Midlands, B24 9ES, United Kingdom (72) Inventor(s):

Kevin Farmer Dean Shalts (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

ipconsult

21A Commercial Road, SWANAGE, Dorset, BH19 1DF, United Kingdom (54) Title of the Invention: A traffic safety device

Abstract Title: A traffic safety device comprising a cone, attached safety camera and recording or transmitting means for increasing site safety during road works.

(57) A traffic safety device comprising: a cone having a cone body 14 which tapers upwards to a tip 4 from a cone base 8, a safety camera 13 attached to the cone body using an attachment mechanism, and a data recording or transmitting means. The camera comprises at least one sensor means (47,Fig8b) arranged to direct away from the cone body 14 in use. Sensor means may include more than one of light, motion or vibration sensors, video recording means or infra-red beam. Attachment means may comprise more than one part such as a camera cover (15,Fig7b) or a harness 11 and an anchor 12 which may be fixed to the exterior and interior of the cone when in use. The device may also comprise viewing electronics mounted within, and motion detection on a surface of, a housing; in conjunction with a controller which activates the viewing electronics when triggered by a signal from the motion sensor. The camera 13 may also comprise (See Fig 10) a speaker 44 and a lockable sealed flap 40 which covers a USB charging port 41 and micro-USB ports 42 for data removal.

At least one drawing originally filed was informal and the print reproduced here is taken from a later filed formal copy.

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A TRAFFIC SAFETY DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a traffic safety device, in particular a device for traffic safety; more particularly but not exclusively a device for maintenance of safety for workers on highways.

Background

Increasing numbers of users own vehicles and are transported in vehicles across many societies.

This leads to increasing pressures on highways across these societies. This in turn leads to improvements, and restructuring across highways, as well as more general roadworks for maintenance.

During such roadworks personnel is often required to be in the roadway, often separated from vehicles moving at speed in dedicated lanes, for example in contraflow situations. These dedicated areas are generally demarcated by traffic cones or similar, which cones are temporary and easily displaced.

This can be dangerous even where speed limits are in place to protect workers, as in some situations some vehicle drivers may ignore speed limits, or enter unauthorised lanes to speed up their journey and avoid delays.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following:

Granted United States patent US 8 823 549 (MOONE) discloses a motion detecting traffic cone assembly comprising a motion detector, with a light, alarm and speaker.

Granted United States patent US 6 971 329 (STEWART) discloses a lane maker system comprising: a plurality of interconnected traffic control cones, with retractable planar having a hitch at its free ends, said hitch being configured to be releasably connected to an anchor on an adjacent cone, wherein the tape lies substantially flat on the ground between two adjacent cones.

United States patent application US 6 154 133 (ROSS et al) discloses a system for automatically detecting movement of a subject along an exit path in an unauthorized direction, comprising at least one video camera positioned for video imaging of at least a portion of the exit path, at least one video motion detector operating in conjunction with the video camera, by which the video camera monitors exit lane pedestrian traffic, and a central processing unit and software program to provide a watching mode, during which video frames of pedestrian traffic in and along the path are continuously grabbed and saved. The system also has audible and/or visual alarm signaling devices, wherein the detection of the subject along the exit path in the unauthorized direction is made by the video motion detector and causes the central processing unit to enter an alarm mode in which it causes the audible and/or visual alarm signaling devices to signal such unauthorized direction movement.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a traffic safety device comprising: a cone having a cone body which tapers upwards to a tip from a cone base; and a safety camera; wherein the safety camera attaches to the cone body using an attachment mechanism, and wherein the camera comprises at least one sensor means arranged to direct away from the cone body in use, and a data recording or transmitting means.

The device thereby advantageously provides increased safety for highway workers when working in a sectioned off lane on motorways, A-roads or country lanes. A camera may be mounted on a bespoke cone to detect when a vehicle travels into the lane and photographic data is taken of the vehicle’s number plate as reference for enforcement agencies.

The cone body is arranged vertically in use, with the base extending horizontally. Definitions of horizontal and vertical are general and with reference to standard usage only, defining substantially orthogonal directions or planes.

The attachment mechanism may comprise permanent or temporary parts. In some embodiments the attachment mechanism may comprise a permanent or semipermanent attachment of a first part to the cone, and a temporary or semipermanent second attachment part for the camera to the first part. In other embodiments attachment parts may be connected to each other through the cone body.

The attachment mechanism in some embodiments may comprise a directable mechanism, so as to enable the user direct the camera or sensing means in differing directions from the cone. This direction may be before or during use, and may be fixable or fixed. In this way the sensing means may be used to monitor safety in a plurality of areas with reference to the cone.

In some such embodiments the direction may be along one or more axes. In other embodiments the direction of the sensing means or camera may be variable along or about only one axis, wherein the cone may be rotated for further direction options. For example the camera or sensing means may rotate about a pivot.

In some embodiments effective splay of the camera or sensing means may be variable.

The camera may comprise a plurality of sensor means. The camera may comprise a vehicle motion or presence sensing means, arranged to sensing presence of a vehicle and activate a light sensing means, or video recording means. This video recording means may take at least one picture or sequence of pictures.

The sensing means may comprise a light sensing means, for example at least one camera lens. The sensing means may comprise an infra-red beam. The sensing means may comprise a vibration sensing means.

In some embodiments the attachment mechanism may comprise parts of the cone itself. For example the attachment mechanism may comprise integration or attachment into or onto the cone. Advantageously in this way the device may comprise a single unit, which unit may be rendered more difficult to sabotage or steal.

This may be in particular in embodiments where the base may be envisaged to be secured to an independent structure, or an underlying surface such as a roadway for example.

In some embodiments the attachment mechanism may comprise a standalone part, which part is attached over the cone with the sensing means, or in a precedent attachment mechanism stage. For example the attachment mechanism may comprise a standalone harness which may or may not be attached to the cone in use.

The attachment mechanism may be multi-stage or multi-partite, for example wherein the sensing means may be displaceable from an attachment mechanism part.

Advantageously this may enable the camera and attachment mechanism to be applied to any cone, whereupon the cone may be a standard independently available part. For example the attachment mechanism may comprise a belt, clip, clasp, ferromagnetic or screw-fit mechanism which may utilise standard parts of a cone. For example in some embodiments the attachment mechanism may be arranged to attach the camera to the tip, wherein standard cones have a perforated tip, and the attachment mechanism may attach to itself through the perforated tip. In such manner the attachment mechanism may comprise with the ground securement means to limit unauthorised displacement of the camera, wherein both sides of the tip must be accessible to remove the mechanism.

In some embodiments the device may comprise data storage. In this way the device may enable the local storage of data captured using the sensing means, and permit access as required by the user.

In some embodiments the device may comprise data transfer. For example in some embodiments the device may comprise wired or wireless connectivity, so as to enable other equipment to access the functionality of the sensing means remotely.

In this way the device may be equipped to recognise passage of a vehicle past the cone or in a restricted zone. This may enable the user to control restricted zones, and additionally or alternatively record and punish vehicles appropriately at a later date.

The mechanism may comprise a locking mechanism, so as to limit theft of the camera.

The base may comprise a ground securement locking mechanism to limit displacement of the cone from the road. This mechanism may be provided in use by a number of holes in the base and through-bolts, screwed into the ground below.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an exploded isometric view of an embodiment of the device according to the present invention;

Figures 2 show plan views of the embodiment shown in Figure 1, from below and above respectively;

Figure 3 shows an isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figure 4 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment as shown in Figure 3, with ground securement bolts exploded out;

Figure 5 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment as shown in Figure 1;

Figures 6 show side views of the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figures 7 show isometric views of the harness of the attachment mechanism of the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figure 8 shows isometric views of the camera of the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figure 9 shows the cone part of the attachment mechanism of the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figure 10 shows a sketch of the camera unit shown in Figures 8.

and

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the figures there is shown an embodiment of the device comprising a thermoplastics cone, formed by a frustoconical body 14 tapering upwards from a horizontally extending base 8. The base is a separate part to the body, and comprises a substantially square plate with a central perforation. The bottom of the base comprises moulded ribs 18 with intermediate open channels 17, such that the base may stand easily on a variety of subordinate structures with any upward projections able to be accommodated between channels.

The base is sturdy weighted rubber, so as to deform on the subordinate surface.

The base has four holes 9 situated towards the corners for passage of bolts 7 into sockets in the ground, each hole having a surrounding rim 22 in the bottom.

The cone body has a retroreflective band 6 around its central third longitudinally and may be produced in a different colour to standard cones so as to allow differentiation.

The cone base perforation has an upstanding collar 10, which strengthens the joint between the cone parts and supports the cone body to remain upright.

The cone body has a topmost tip 4 with a central aperture. The cone body 14 comprises two sets of two indentations 1 proximate the tip, which indentations allow four screws 5 into the cone body as part of the attachment mechanism. The indentations are tear drop shaped and include apertures 2 centrally within the lower of the indentation, and the screws pass through the cone body into nuts 82 that are welded to an anchor 12 and through the external harness 11, which harness provides a first attachment mechanism part, and the anchor a second attachment part.

The harness comprises wings 16, arranged in use to surround in part the cone body laterally, and a holster part 15, arranged in use to receive the camera.

The camera 13 comprises a housing 45, viewing electronics mounted within the housing, a motion detector sensing means 47 on a surface of the housing, and a controller operatively coupled to the viewing electronic sensing means 48, and the motion detector, wherein the controller is adapted to send an activation signal to the viewing electronics when the controller receives a triggering signal from the motion detector.

A speaker 44 on the camera unit alerts workers if a car passes the sensor.

The camera 13 is a wholly displaceable unit, which unit is provided to fore with a light sensing means or lens 48, motion sensing means or sensor 47, and LED flashlight 46. The rear of the camera includes a displaceable sealing flap 40 access for the battery. The flap covers a USB connector 41 to allow the camera to be charged, and micro-USB ports 42 for data removal, as well as a lock 43 for site manager access only to limit vandalism.

The camera 13 is inserted into the cover prior to the harness attachment to the cone and anchor.

The harness comprises wings for the bolts 5 and a cover 15 for the camera 13, which extends horizontally outwards in use from the cone body.

The cover is arranged to provide cover over the substantial majority of the camera, so as to limit water ingress. The cover includes an aperture 21 for the light sensing means or lens, and a transparent cover over the camera’s LED flashlight 46.

In this way passage of a vehicle past the motion detector sensing means wakes up the viewing sensing means so as to register visual data on the vehicle, for future reference.

In some embodiments the unit utilises wireless technology to connect to traffic lights such that when the red light is activated the unit is instructed to take photos if a car drives through.

The harness 11 of the attachment mechanism is screwed into the second part of the attachment mechanism which second part comprises the cone anchor 12. This anchor is inserted into the cone body, and the bolts 5 pass through the body and into the anchor to clamp the harness in place. The security bolts provide a secondary security feature making it difficult to remove the bolts without the required tool.

The attachment anchor is located in use inside the cone body near the tip. The anchor includes a central fabric loop 81, looped through a slot 85 in and extending from a metal structural cruciform 83, which cruciform is horizontal in use and has two braces 86 extending substantially vertically at the end of two of the arms and welded at welds 87 thereto. These braces are arranged with nuts 82 and holes 84 proximate their ends, and are inclined inwards towards the top ends, with the bottom ends and holes depending below the cruciform.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims, in particular but not solely combination of features of described embodiments.

Claims

Claims 1. A traffic safety device comprising: a cone having a cone body which tapers upwards to a tip from a cone base; and a safety camera; wherein the safety camera attaches to the cone body using an attachment mechanism, and wherein the camera comprises at least one sensor means arranged to direct away from the cone body in use, and a data recording or transmitting means. 2. A traffic safety device according to claim 1 wherein the attachment mechanism comprises more than one part. 3. A traffic safety device according to claim 2 wherein a first part is exterior the cone body, and a second attachment part is internal the cone body. 4. A traffic safety device according to any preceding claim wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a displaceable cover for the camera. 5. A traffic safety device according to claim 3 wherein the attachment mechanism includes a harness and an anchor. 6. A traffic safety device according to any preceding claim wherein the camera comprises more than one sensor. 7. A traffic safety device according to claim 5 wherein the sensors comprise a light sensing means or video recording means. 8. A traffic safety device according to claim 5 wherein the sensors comprise a motion sensor. 9. A traffic safety device according to claim 5 wherein the sensors comprise an infra-red beam. 10. A traffic safety device according to claim 5 wherein the sensors comprise vibration sensing means. 11. A traffic safety device according to any preceding claim comprising viewing electronics mounted within a housing, a motion detector sensing means on a surface of the housing, and a controller operatively coupled to the viewing electronic sensing means, and the motion detector, wherein the controller is adapted to send an activation signal to the viewing electronics when the controller receives a triggering signal from the motion detector. 5 12. A traffic safety device substantially as described herein with reference to the figures. AMENDMENTS TO CLAIMS HAVE BEEN FILED AS FOLLOWS Claims

1. A traffic safety device comprising: a cone having a cone body which tapers

5 upwards to a tip from a cone base; and a safety camera; wherein the safety camera attaches to the cone body using an attachment mechanism comprising a harness and an anchor; wherein the camera has a sensing means which in use is directed away from the cone body, a data recording means and a data transmitting means.

2. A traffic safety device according to claim 1 wherein the harness is exterior the cone body and the anchor is within the cone body.

3. A traffic safety device according to any preceding claim wherein the

15 attachment mechanism includes a displaceable cover for the camera.

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4. A traffic safety device according to any preceding claim wherein the sensing means includes at least one sensor.

5. A traffic safety device according to claim 4 wherein the sensor is a light sensing means.

6. A traffic safety device according to claim 4 wherein the sensor is a video recording means.

7. A traffic safety device according to claim 4 wherein the sensor detects motion.

8. A traffic safety device according to claim 4 wherein the sensor is an infra-red sensor.

9. A traffic safety device according to claim 4 wherein the sensor is a vibration sensor.

10. A traffic safety device according to any preceding claim wherein the anchor

35 has wings to surround part of the cone.

11. A traffic safety device according to any preceding claim including a holster for receiving and supporting the camera.

12. A traffic safety device according to any preceding claim including a port.

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Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1614963.5 Examiner: Mr Christopher Kent