Lighting bollard assembly

Abstract

A bollard assembly includes an elongated light distribution member. The bollard assembly has a base member for releasably coupling to the light distribution member and orienting the light distribution member relative to a surface. The bollard assembly includes a lighting assembly coupled to the elongated light distribution member. A rechargeable power source assembly is connected to the lighting assembly for powering the lighting assembly. An outer housing having a plurality of pairs of protrusions is arranged for orienting and securing the lighting assembly and / or the rechargeable power source assembly within the outer housing and relative to the elongated light distribution member, wherein the lighting assembly further includes one or more light sources arranged to direct light through an aspherical lens to a central region of the elongated light distribution member, and wherein the elongated light distribution member is hollow and the walls of the light distribution member are translucent, resulting in internal reflection of light received through the aspherical lens, in turn, enabling illumination of the elongated light distribution member during use.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a lighting bollard assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Any reference to methods, apparatus or documents in the prior art shall not be construed as evidence or admission that they were or are now part of common general knowledge.

[0003] Piles serve multiple purposes in terms of safety and general guidance, defining the location of paths and / or features. Illuminated bollards can be useful in providing these benefits at night or in low-light conditions. For example, illuminated bollards can help mark less-lit paths in mining operations. In some situations, it may be necessary to change or replace paths, such as when certain paths are under construction and / or the main path is undergoing maintenance.

[0004] Because bollard systems are typically used near fast-moving traffic and heavy vehicles, it is not uncommon for one or more bollards to be struck by passing vehicles. Depending on the materials and workmanship, a bollard may be crushed into several pieces, each of which shatters into fragments, potentially causing additional damage to any people and / or other vehicles in the vicinity. Solutions that help reduce the likelihood of fragmentation and / or minimize further damage to people or other resources are ideal. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one aspect, the present invention provides a guard post assembly, comprising:

[0006] Slender light distribution components;

[0007] A base component for releasably coupling to a light distributor and oriented relative to a surface of the light distributor;

[0008] A lighting component coupled to an elongated light distributor;

[0009] A rechargeable power supply component that is connected to the lighting component to supply power to the lighting component;

[0010] A housing having multiple pairs of protrusions arranged for orienting and fixing an illumination assembly and / or a rechargeable power supply assembly within the housing and relative to an elongated light distributor; wherein the illumination assembly further includes one or more light sources arranged to guide light through an aspherical lens to a central region of the elongated light distributor, and wherein the elongated light distributor is hollow and its walls are translucent, resulting in internal reflection of light received through the aspherical lens, thereby illuminating the elongated light distributor during use.

[0011] In one embodiment, the guard post assembly further includes a lens shroud arranged to protect the lens and limit the scattering of emitted light into the housing during use. In one embodiment, the housing includes a pair of protrusions for receiving and securing the lighting assembly to guide the output of the lighting assembly toward or through a substantially centrally located region of the elongated light distributor.

[0012] In one embodiment, the rechargeable power supply assembly includes at least one photovoltaic cell and at least one rechargeable battery, as well as associated circuitry for regulating the charging of the battery by the photovoltaic cell and the discharging of the battery to the lighting assembly.

[0013] In one embodiment, the lighting assembly and / or the rechargeable power supply assembly are assembled by frictional engagement with corresponding pairs of protrusions.

[0014] In one embodiment, at least one rechargeable battery engages with one or more pairs of protrusions to position at least one rechargeable battery within the housing and prevent at least one rechargeable battery from rotating within the housing.

[0015] In one embodiment, the lighting component includes at least one light-emitting diode.

[0016] In one embodiment, the lighting component includes a multicolor light-emitting diode.

[0017] In one embodiment, the elongated light distributor comprises a translucent material.

[0018] In one embodiment, the interior of the elongated light distributor is substantially sealed.

[0019] In one embodiment, the elongated light distributor includes an UV-resistant material.

[0020] In one embodiment, the elongated light distributor includes a reflective coating or reflective material coated onto its outer surface.

[0021] In one embodiment, the lighting component can be configured to change the color of the output of the lighting component.

[0022] In one embodiment, the lighting assembly can be configured to illuminate the elongated light distributor with a predetermined color and / or a predetermined pattern.

[0023] In one embodiment, the lighting component is configured to illuminate with a predetermined color and / or pattern when at least one rechargeable battery is discharged below a predetermined threshold.

[0024] In one embodiment, the bollard assembly includes a button operable to cycle through multiple operating modes of the lighting assembly.

[0025] In one embodiment, the elongated light distributor includes a radially extending flange for engaging with a base member at an end opposite to the housing.

[0026] In one embodiment, the base member includes a recess for receiving a radially extending flange of an elongated light distributor.

[0027] In one embodiment, the base member includes an aperture for receiving an elongated light distributor so that a radially extending flange is disposed within a recess of the base member.

[0028] In one embodiment, the guard post assembly is portable.

[0029] In one aspect, a bollard assembly is provided, which includes a housing with protrusions that facilitate the positioning, mounting, and securing of one or more components, including a lighting assembly and / or a rechargeable power supply assembly. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Preferred features, embodiments, and variations of the present invention can be derived from the following detailed description, which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to practice the invention. This detailed description should not be construed as limiting the scope of the foregoing summary of the invention in any way. The detailed description will be referenced to the following figures:

[0031] Figure 1 This is a side view of a bollard assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the housing of the guard post assembly.

[0033] Figure 3 For the housing of the guard pillar assembly, and Figure 2 The sectional view is an orthogonal sectional view.

[0034] Figure 4 for Figure 1 An exploded 3D view of the bollard assembly.

[0035] Figure 5 for Figure 1 A bottom view of the bollard assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Figures 1 to 5 A preferred embodiment of a pillar assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The pillar assembly 10 generally includes an elongated light distributor 20, an illumination assembly 30, a rechargeable power supply assembly 40, and a base member 50. One or more components of the illumination assembly 30 and the rechargeable power supply assembly 40 may be housed in or associated with a housing 12.

[0037] The elongated light distributor 20 comprises a translucent material. This facilitates internal reflection of light within the elongated light distributor 20, thereby achieving illumination. In a preferred embodiment, the elongated light distributor 20 also includes a UV-resistant material or a coating applied to the outer surface of the guard post assembly 10, a reflector and / or a reflective strip 22 or a reflective coating. The guard post assembly 10 can be used in a variety of environments, one of which is a sunlight-exposed environment. Non-UV-resistant materials may dry out in sunlight, making the elongated light distributor 20 brittle and easily damaged, which would significantly shorten its service life and reduce its usability. The elongated light distributor 20 may also include a reflector or a reflective strip 22 (see...). Figure 4 ).

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the elongated light distributor 20 includes a radially extending flange 24. The radially extending flange 24 may be integrally formed with the elongated light distributor 20, or may be an end cap for covering the end of the elongated light distributor 20. The radially extending flange 24 may be permanently or releasably fixed to the end of the elongated light distributor 20.

[0039] The guard post assembly 10 also includes a base member 50. The base member 50 may comprise high-density plastic or rubber. The base member 50 may include channels, slots, openings, or other structures to serve as handles 56. In a preferred embodiment, the base member 50 may have slight flexibility to conform to the ground or surface to which it is to be placed. The base member 50 preferably includes an aperture 52. The diameter of the aperture 52 is preferably approximately equal to or slightly larger than the maximum diameter of the housing 12 and the elongated light distributor 20. Thus, the base member 50 can slide over the housing and along the elongated light distributor 20 to be positioned at the end opposite the housing. The base member 50 preferably includes a recess 54 for receiving a radially extending flange 24. The base member 50 may be permanently or temporarily coupled to the radially extending flange 24 of the elongated light distributor 20.

[0040] The guard post assembly 10 also includes an illumination assembly 30. The illumination assembly 30 preferably includes at least one light-emitting diode (LED) that is directed through an aspherical lens 32. The illumination assembly 30 may also include a lens shroud 34 to limit the scattering of emitted light into the housing 12 and to protect the aspherical lens 32. The aspherical lens 32 directs light from the at least one LED to a generally hollow central region of the elongated light distributor 20. Because the walls forming the elongated light distributor 20 are generally translucent, light is reflected at the inner surface of the walls, thereby illuminating the elongated light distributor 20 from the inside. The at least one LED may be a colored LED used to emit light of various colors. Colors include, but are not limited to, white, green, yellow, and red. The illumination assembly 30 is preferably disposed within the housing 12 to be coupled to and oriented relative to the elongated light distributor 20.

[0041] The pillar assembly includes a rechargeable power supply assembly 40. The rechargeable power supply assembly 40 is connected to and drives the lighting assembly 30. In a preferred embodiment, the rechargeable power supply assembly 40 includes a photovoltaic cell 44 connected to at least one rechargeable battery 42. The at least one rechargeable battery 42 is connected to and powers a control board in the form of a printed circuit board (PCB) 46. The PCB 46 is connected to at least one light-emitting diode (LED) to control the operation of the lighting assembly 30. In a preferred embodiment, at least one LED is integrated on the PCB 46. However, in an alternative embodiment, the LED may be separate from the PCB 46 and connected via suitable wiring and / or circuitry. At least one LED is guided through an aspherical lens 32, which, in conjunction with a lens cover 34, guides substantially all emitted light through or toward the internal region of the elongated light distributor 20 to illuminate the elongated light distributor 20.

[0042] Printed circuit board 46 carries components including circuitry electrically connected to at least one rechargeable battery 42 and a photovoltaic cell 44. This circuitry is arranged to regulate the charging of at least one rechargeable battery 42 during the day and to regulate the discharge of battery 19 to a light-emitting diode 23 at night to illuminate the diode. Such circuitry is known and commercially available.

[0043] like Figure 2 As best shown, housing 12 includes multiple pairs of protrusions 14A, 14B, 16, 18. Each protrusion is used to position and / or secure one or more components of the guard post assembly 10. Housing 12 is configured to receive the end of an elongated light distributor 20 for coupling the lighting assembly 30 to the elongated light distributor 20. In a preferred embodiment, housing 12 may be press-fitted onto the elongated light distributor 20. In an alternative embodiment, housing 12 may include a threaded connection to engage with the threaded profile of the elongated light distributor 20. Preferably, the elongated light distributor 20 is substantially sealed to prevent the ingress of dirt and / or water. However, as Figure 5 As shown, the elongated light distributor 20 may include a vent 58 to prevent deformation of the elongated light distributor 20 due to vacuum and / or pressure changes. Furthermore, when the elongated light distributor 20 is completely sealed, if the elongated light distributor 20 is impacted and internal air cannot escape, the housing 12 and related components may become ejected projectiles. The vent 58 may include a valve or filter to reduce the ingress of contaminants and / or fluids. Preferably, the vent 58 is located in the central region of the elongated light distributor 20 and is only accessible from below. In some embodiments, the vent 58 may be located in or along the central region of the removable reflector 57 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 5AThe removable reflector 57 includes a joint 55 along its outer periphery, which allows the reflector to be easily removed from the elongated light distributor 20 when the guard post assembly is subjected to a sudden impact along the elongated light distributor 20.

[0044] The protrusion 18 provides a surface for positioning the aspherical lens 32 and lens cover 34 of the illumination assembly 30 to guide emitted light to or toward the central region of the elongated light distributor 20. In a preferred embodiment, a printed circuit board 46 with at least one light-emitting diode mounted is positioned and abuts against the lens cover 34, the at least one light-emitting diode passing through the lens cover 34 and one side of the aspherical lens 32. The protrusion 18 ensures that both the aspherical lens 32 and the lens cover 34 are oriented to precisely guide the emitted light. The protrusion 18 may extend circumferentially along the housing 12 or may have discrete protrusions uniformly arranged around the housing 12.

[0045] Pairs of protrusions 14A and 16 provide upper and lower surfaces for receiving at least one rechargeable battery 42 therebetween. Pairs of protrusions 14B may be provided on either side of at least one rechargeable battery 42 to prevent rotation of at least one rechargeable battery 42 within the housing 12. Protrusions 14A, 14B, 16, and 18 help to properly orient, secure, and retain the various components of the guardrail assembly 10 within the housing 12. Protrusions 14A, 14B, 16, and 18 may be rigid or resiliently flexible to facilitate easier installation of the respective components. Alternatively, components may be installed by specific movement and rotation between the respective protrusions. The movement and rotation required for disassembly are unlikely to occur when the guardrail assembly 10 is impacted by a vehicle. This advantageously reduces the likelihood that the guardrail assembly 10 will break into multiple fragments upon impact with an object. The guardrail assembly 10 may also include one or more spacers or fillers to retain one or more components in position and orientation as needed. For example, a spacer may be placed between at least one rechargeable battery 42 and a printed circuit board 46.

[0046] Although not fully shown in the accompanying drawings, components of the guard post assembly 10 may frictionally engage with one or more protrusions in the housing 12. For example, at least one rechargeable battery 42 may frictionally engage with protrusions 14A, 14B, 16 to position at least one rechargeable battery 42 within the housing 12 in a desired orientation and location. Furthermore, some adhesives or other temporary fastening devices known in the art may be used to position or accommodate components and / or restrict movement of components within the housing 12.

[0047] At least one light-emitting diode (LED) can be controlled by printed circuit board 46 to operate in multiple operating modes. These operating modes can provide an unlimited number of visual markers for providing information to the user. For example, printed circuit board 46 can control at least one LED to be constantly lit or flashing. Furthermore, printed circuit board 46 can control the flashing to a specific pattern. Additionally, printed circuit board 46 includes circuitry to change the color of at least one LED. For example, printed circuit board 46 can be configured to slowly flash red light at intervals of at least one LED lighting up for one second and at least one LED turning off for one second. These modes can be pre-programmed on the printed circuit board and / or customized for specific users and / or application scenarios.

[0048] Reference Figure 2 The printed circuit board 46 may also integrate a button 48, which the user can operate to cycle through pre-programmed operating modes. Thus, once the user has installed the retainer assembly 10 in the desired position, they can press the button 48 until the retainer assembly 10 operates in the desired color and / or pattern for that position. The printed circuit board 46 may also be configured to operate at least one light-emitting diode (LED) based on the battery's state. If at least one rechargeable battery 42 discharges below a predetermined threshold, the printed circuit board 46 may operate at least one LED with a specific color and pattern to notify the user that at least one rechargeable battery 42 may require maintenance or replacement. For example, if at least one rechargeable battery 42 discharges below 30%, the printed circuit board 46 may operate at least one LED to flash white light at rapid intervals to notify the user. The printed circuit board may integrate a timer and / or clock, such that this mode operates only when there are more than a set number of hours remaining until sunrise, or when the photovoltaic cells 44 can resume charging at least one rechargeable battery 42 during the day. Ideally, at least one rechargeable battery 42 has sufficient capacity to operate continuously overnight, and / or the photovoltaic cell 44 has sufficient efficiency to charge at least one rechargeable battery 42 even on a less than ideal cloudy day.

[0049] A preferred embodiment of the guard post assembly 10 is portable and easy to move and mount on virtually any generally flat surface. The base member 50 engages with the elongated light distributor 20 to ensure that the guard post assembly 10 extends substantially perpendicular to the surface on which it is mounted. This ensures optimal visibility of the guard post assembly to the user.

[0050] The present invention also provides a method for mounting a lighting assembly 30 and / or a rechargeable power supply assembly 40. This mounting method varies depending on the shape of the respective components. In a preferred embodiment, at least one rechargeable battery 42 has a length greater than its width and includes rounded longitudinal edges. However, in alternative embodiments, the guard post assembly 10 may include other geometries to facilitate mounting and retention within the housing 12.

[0051] The inventors have discovered that existing guardrails, even if not destroyed upon impact with a vehicle, will break, causing the components to malfunction and each component to become a separate projectile. This invention advantageously provides a guardrail assembly 10 that is less prone to shattering into multiple parts upon impact, thus reducing the number of projectiles and the possibility of secondary damage.

[0052] In accordance with regulatory requirements, this invention has been described using language that is more or less specific to structural or methodological features. The term "comprising" and its variations (e.g., "including" and "consisting of") are used throughout the text in an inclusive sense and do not exclude any additional features.

[0053] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific features shown or described, as the embodiments described herein include preferred forms of carrying out the invention.

[0054] Therefore, the present invention is claimed in any form or variation thereof within the appropriate scope of the appended claims as reasonably interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A bollard assembly, comprising: Slender light distribution components; A base member for releasably coupling to the light distributor and orienting the light distributor relative to a surface; An illumination assembly coupled to the elongated light distributor; A power supply component connected to the lighting component to supply power to the lighting component; A housing having multiple pairs of protrusions arranged for orienting and securing the lighting assembly and / or rechargeable power assembly within the housing and relative to the elongated light distributor; The lighting assembly further includes one or more light sources arranged to guide light through an aspherical lens to the central region of the elongated light distributor. The elongated light distributor is hollow and its walls are semi-transparent, causing internal reflection of the light received through the aspherical lens, thereby illuminating the elongated light distributor during use.

2. The guard post assembly of claim 1, further comprising a lens shield arranged to protect the lens, the lens shield being configured to limit the scattering of emitted light into the housing during use.

3. The bollard assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The housing includes a pair of protrusions for receiving and securing the lighting assembly to guide the output of the lighting assembly toward or through a substantially central region of the elongated light distributor.

4. The bollard assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The power supply component is a rechargeable power supply component, which includes at least one photovoltaic cell and at least one rechargeable battery, as well as associated circuitry for regulating the charging of the battery by the photovoltaic cell and the discharging of the battery to the lighting component.

5. The bollard assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The lighting components and / or the power supply components are assembled by frictional engagement with the respective pairs of protrusions.

6. The bollard assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one rechargeable battery engages with one or more pairs of protrusions to position the at least one rechargeable battery within the housing and prevent the at least one rechargeable battery from rotating within the housing.

7. The bollard assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The light source includes one or more light-emitting diodes.

8. The bollard assembly according to claim 7, wherein, The light source includes multicolor light-emitting diodes.

9. The bollard assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The interior of the elongated light distributor is essentially sealed.

10. The bollard assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The elongated light distribution element includes an ultraviolet-resistant material.

11. The bollard assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The elongated light distribution element includes a reflective coating or reflective material coated on its outer surface.

12. The bollard assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The lighting component can be configured to change the color of its output.

13. The bollard assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The lighting component can be configured to illuminate the elongated light distributor with a predetermined color and / or a predetermined pattern.

14. The bollard assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The lighting component is configured to illuminate with a predetermined color and / or pattern when the at least one rechargeable battery is discharged to below a predetermined threshold.

15. The bollard assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The bollard assembly includes a button that can be operated to cycle through multiple operating modes of the lighting assembly.

16. The bollard assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The elongated light distributor includes a radially extending flange for engaging with the base member at an end opposite to the housing.

17. The bollard assembly according to claim 16, wherein, The base member includes a recess for receiving the radially extending flange of the elongated light distributor.

18. The bollard assembly according to claim 17, wherein, The base member includes an aperture for receiving the elongated light distributor so that the radially extending flange is positioned within the recess of the base member.

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