GROUND MARKER

Description

1 / 5 GROUND MARKER FIELD OF APPLICATION: 1. This patent application relates to a signaling device, specifically developed to increase pedestrian safety in vehicle exit areas, such as residential and commercial garages, parking lots, hospitals, and shopping centers. The device falls within the sector of pedestrian traffic safety. INTRODUCTION: 2. The present invention relates to a ground light signal, designed to alert pedestrians to the imminent exit of vehicles, mitigating the risk of accidents on sidewalks adjacent to vehicle exits. 3. Currently, vehicle exit signaling is commonly done through visual or audible devices installed at elevated points, usually above gates or access barriers. 4. Such solutions have significant limitations in effectiveness, since the attention of pedestrians, particularly those distracted by mobile devices, the elderly, or children, tends to focus on ground level or nearby points, rarely directed towards signs positioned at a height. This deficiency contributes to the occurrence of accidents. 5. The objective of the present invention is to provide a warning signaling solution that is more readily perceived by pedestrians, through a device installed directly on the sidewalk, at ground level, acting as a luminous visual barrier in the pedestrian's primary field of vision. CHARACTERISTICS OF THE INVENTION: 6. The invention, hereinafter referred to as a ground marker, consists of a device designed to be embedded in sidewalk or pedestrian walkway surfaces, and is composed of: a rectangular box (1), made of aluminum, intended to be installed flush with the ground and to house the internal components; a perforated cover (2), also made of aluminum, designed to cover the box (1), having a rectangular opening along its length; a rectangular translucent acrylic bar (3), which fits or is housed Petition 870260022824, dated 12 / 03 / 2026, page 5 / 12 2 / 5 in the opening of the perforated cover (2), functioning as a diffuser or window for the passage of light and protecting the internal components; a flexible red LED light (4), positioned inside the box (1) under the translucent rectangular acrylic bar (3), responsible for emitting the light signal; a 12-volt power supply (5), connected to the flexible LED light (4), to convert the mains voltage to the appropriate operating level; and screws (6), used to fix the perforated cover (2) to the box (1), ensuring the integrity and safety of the assembly after installation. 7. The ground marker has appropriate dimensions to be installed perpendicular to the flow of vehicles at exits, with the luminous area provided by the translucent acrylic rectangular bar (3) and a flexible LED lighting (4) typically sized to be approximately 1 meter long and 5 centimeters wide, creating a visible light strip on the sidewalk. 8. The box (1) and the perforated lid (2) are robust enough to withstand pedestrian traffic and environmental conditions, while the translucent rectangular acrylic bar (3) protects the internal lighting while maintaining transparency to the light. FIGURES: 9. Initially, to better demonstrate these characteristics, and aiming for a clear and objective understanding of the provisions applied in this patent of invention, illustrative drawings will be presented, making reference to the attached report. 10. FIGURE 1 illustrates, in top view, the product, containing: a rectangular box (1), a perforated lid (2), a rectangular translucent acrylic bar (3), a flexible LED light (4) and a 12-volt power supply (5). FUNCTIONALITY: 11. The ground marker is installed embedded in the sidewalk, flush with the pavement level, in a position that intercepts the usual path of pedestrians, typically perpendicular to the exit of a garage or vehicle traffic area. 12. The device is electrically connected to the drive system of the automatic gate or the vehicle exit barrier. Petition 870260022824, dated 12 / 03 / 2026, page 6 / 12 3 / 5 13. When the gate or barrier is activated to open, simultaneously, the power supply (5) energizes the flexible LED lighting (4) inside the box (1). 14. The intense red light emitted by the LEDs (4) passes through the translucent rectangular acrylic bar (3), creating a prominent luminous strip on the sidewalk surface. 15. This illuminated strip acts as a direct visual warning in the field of vision of pedestrians approaching the exit, even those who are not looking at overhead signs or who are distracted. 16. The red light, universally associated with warning and danger, draws the pedestrian's attention, indicating the need to stop or proceed with caution due to the imminent departure of a vehicle. 17. After the vehicle has passed and the gate or barrier has closed (or after a specified time), the LED lighting (4) is switched off, ceasing the alert. INNOVATION AND ADVANTAGES: 18. The main innovation of the present invention lies in the design of a luminous warning signal installed directly at ground level on the sidewalk. This positioning contrasts significantly with existing signaling systems, which are mainly located in elevated positions. 19. This innovative feature directly addresses the limitation of current systems, which are not effectively perceived by pedestrians who, out of habit or distraction (use of cell phones, etc.), direct their attention to the sidewalk or to ground level. 20. The enhanced visibility of the ground marking provides superior safety for all pedestrians, including vulnerable groups such as the elderly and children, who may have greater difficulty perceiving signs at height or reacting quickly. 21. The use of materials such as aluminum and acrylic gives the product durability and resistance to external conditions. Aluminum, being a low-cost material widely used in industry, contributes to the economic viability of the solution. 22. LED lighting consumes low electrical power, resulting in energy efficiency and a low impact on the user's energy bill. 23. The embedded-in-ground installation minimizes visual and structural impact, integrating seamlessly into the urban landscape. Materials used, such as aluminum, are recyclable. Petition 870260022824, dated 12 / 03 / 2026, page 7 / 12 4 / 5 contributing to positive environmental aspects, and the structure itself, installed within the concrete, acts as protection for the device's internal environment. 24. In summary, the invention provides a significant increase in preventive safety by offering a more effective and direct warning at the critical point of risk, namely the pedestrian's path on the sidewalk, where interaction with the departing vehicle occurs. DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF THE ART: 25. As noted, the signaling systems to alert pedestrians about exiting vehicles currently available on the market consist predominantly of luminous or audible devices fixed in elevated positions, usually above garage doors or vehicle access barriers. 26. Such systems, although intended to warn, have limited effectiveness due to the natural behavior of most pedestrians, who tend to focus their attention on the path they are traveling on the sidewalk or on personal devices, and not on points located above their usual line of sight. 27. This disconnect between the positioning of the warning sign and the pedestrian's focus of attention constitutes the main deficiency of the state of the art, resulting in avoidable accidents, especially in scenarios of distraction, or involving pedestrians with reduced mobility or perception. 28. The present invention differs substantially from these systems by proposing the installation of the luminous signaling at ground level, directly on the sidewalk, where the pedestrian's attention is naturally directed, making the alert immediate and difficult to miss visually. 29. Market research and knowledge indicate the non-existence of products with the technical and functional characteristics described here, which combine recessed ground installation, the linear shape of the light signal on the sidewalk, and integration with gate / vehicle barrier actuation systems with the primary purpose of signaling vehicle exit at pedestrian level. Petition 870260022824, dated 12 / 03 / 2026, p. 8 / 12 5 / 5 30. In view of the foregoing and in accordance with Article 8 of the Industrial Property Law No. 9.279 / 96, due to its novelty and inventive step, the subject matter of this patent application is worthy of protection as an Invention, which is hereby requested. Petition 870260022824, dated 12 / 03 / 2026, p. 9 / 12

Claims

1 / 1 CLAIM 1. GROUND MARKER - This is a signaling device, characterized by comprising: a rectangular aluminum box (1); a perforated lid (2), also in aluminum with a rectangular opening along its length; a rectangular translucent acrylic bar (3), which fits or is housed in the opening of the perforated lid (2); a flexible red LED light (4), positioned inside the box (1) under the acrylic bar (3); a 12-volt power supply (5), connected to the flexible LED light (4); and screws (6). Petition 870250059735, dated 07 / 14 / 2025, page 10 / 16

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