Information device for equipping a road lane

Abstract

The application relates to an information device (1) comprising a lower part (2) extending along a general extension axis (A1) and equipped with an inflatable structure (8) comprising a first wall (9) and a second wall (10). The first wall (9) has a first transverse wall (9a) substantially orthogonal to the general extension axis (A1) and a first cylindrical radial wall (9b) with its axis of revolution coinciding with the general extension axis (A1), and the second wall (10) has a second transverse wall (10a) substantially orthogonal to the general extension axis (A1) and a second cylindrical radial wall (10b) with its axis of revolution coinciding with the general extension axis (A1). The first wall (9) and the second wall (10) have, in the position of use, a U-shaped profile in a section formed along a cutting plane (P1) comprising the general extension axis (A1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an information device intended for use on a roadway. Its object is such an information device, such as a hazard warning device, or a device for delivering visual or audible information, intended for use on a roadway, for example during a sporting event, such as a cycling race.

[0002] Patent document MA29743 describes a pneumatic beacon designed for signaling functions in areas with high road traffic. The pneumatic beacon comprises two separate elements: a rigid lower element providing ground anchorage, and a flexible, elastic upper element that can be attached to the lower element via a bayonet fitting. The lower element is designed to be buried in the ground and is equipped with a cover intended to be flush with the ground when the upper element is absent. The upper element contains an inflatable air chamber that contributes to the desired rapid recovery effect to maintain the upper element at all times.

[0003] Such a pneumatic beacon deserves to be improved to be more easily installed and removed on a road hosting a sporting competition, such as a cycling race or similar.

[0004] Such a pneumatic beacon also deserves to be improved to disseminate a plurality of information useful to participants in the sporting competition and / or to spectators of the sporting competition.

[0005] The present invention falls within this context and proposes an information device comprising a lower part which extends along a general extension axis and which is equipped with an inflatable structure which includes a first wall and a second wall.

[0006] According to the present invention, the first wall comprises a first transverse wall substantially orthogonal to the general extension axis and a first cylindrical radial wall whose axis of revolution coincides with the general extension axis. The second wall comprises a second transverse wall substantially orthogonal to the general extension axis and a second cylindrical radial wall whose axis of revolution coincides with the general extension axis. In the operating position, the first and second walls have a U-shaped profile within a cut formed along a plane of cut that includes the general extension axis.

[0007] The information system advantageously includes at least one of the following technical features, taken alone or in combination: a distance between the first wall and the second wall is substantially constant along all the walls, the first wall houses the second wall, the lower part is equipped with an inflation valve for the inflatable structure, the first wall and the second wall together delimit a modular space equipped with at least one air inlet in communication with a housing delimited by the lower part, the information device includes at least one solar panel, the information device includes at least one of a camera, a screen, a light-emitting diode, an audible alarm and a detector, the housing contains at least one battery in relation to the solar panel, and at least one of the camera, the screen, the light-emitting diode, the audible alarm and the detector, the general extension axis coincides with an expansion axis of the inflatable structure.

[0008] The invention and its advantages will be better understood upon reading the following description and non-limiting embodiments, with reference to the attached figures in which: [ Fig. 1 [ ] represents a front view of an information device according to the present invention, shown in its storage position. Fig. 2 ] represents a front view of the information device illustrated on the figure 1 , presented in the position of use. Fig. 3 ] represents a view of one side of the information device illustrated on the figures 1 And 2 . [ Fig. 4 ] represents a view of a second side of the information device illustrated on the figures 1 à 3 .

[0009] The figures show an information device 1 of the present invention, intended for use on a road, particularly during a sporting event, such as a cycling race or similar competition. The information device 1 is designed to display information for participants in the competition and / or spectators, and even to indicate to said participants a hazard or a feature related to the course of the sporting event or similar competition.

[0010] On the [ Fig. 1 ], information device 1 is shown in storage position while on the [ Fig. 2 The information device 1 is shown in its operating position. In its storage position, the volume of the information device 1 is minimized to facilitate its transport, installation, and removal.

[0011] The information device 1 comprises a lower part 2, which is cylindrical in shape and made of a rigid, reinforced material, such as a plastic, composite, or similar material. More specifically, the lower part 2 extends along a general axis A1 between a lower face 3 and an upper face 4, the lower face 3 being designed to rest on the ground when the information device 1 is in use. The lower part 2 defines a lower space 5 which forms a housing 6 for devices 7.

[0012] The lower part 2 is for example made of a metallic material such that the lower part 2 forms a ballast for the information device 1.

[0013] The upper face 4 is equipped with an inflatable structure 8 which comprises a first wall 9 and a second wall 10 which together define a modular space 11 which can be deflated as illustrated in the [ Fig. 1 ] or inflated as shown on the [ Fig. 2 The modular space 11 is equipped with at least one air inlet 12 in communication with the housing 6. The lower part 2 is equipped with an inflation valve 13 through which an airflow can be admitted into the housing 6, and then subsequently into the modular space 11.

[0014] It is noted that the general extension axis A1 coincides with an expansion axis of the inflatable structure 8.

[0015] It is noted that in the position of use the first wall 9 houses the second wall 10. It is also noted that the first wall 9 and the second wall 10 are homothetic such that the modular space 11 is a minimized volume which can be quickly inflated which facilitates the setting up of the information device 1. It is understood that the homothetic nature of the first wall 9 and the second wall 10 means that the two walls 9, 10 are superimposable on each other by a simple change of scale.

[0016] More specifically, the first wall 9 comprises a first transverse wall 9a substantially orthogonal to the general extension axis A1 and a first radial wall 9b generally cylindrical with its axis of revolution coinciding with the general extension axis A1. The second wall 10, for its part, comprises a second transverse wall 10a substantially orthogonal to the general extension axis A1 and a second radial wall 10b generally cylindrical with its axis of revolution coinciding with the general extension axis A1. It is understood that the first wall 9 and the second wall 10 have a U-shaped profile in a section formed along a cutting plane P1 including the general extension axis A1.

[0017] We note that a distance D between the first wall 9 and the second wall 10 is approximately constant along the set of walls 9, 10.

[0018] On the [ Fig. 3 The information device 1 includes solar panels 14 which are, for example, connected to devices 7, including a battery, to supply them with electrical energy. The solar panels 14 are fitted to a first face 9a of the first wall 9 and are, for example, equipped with protective panels 15 which are held onto the first wall by reversible retaining means 16. It should be noted that the solar panels 14 and the protective panels 15 are made of a flexible material so that they can be easily placed against the upper face 4 in the storage position.

[0019] On the [ Fig. 4The information device 1 comprises a camera 17 and a screen 18, which are, for example, connected to devices 7, including a transmitter / receiver, to capture and transmit an image, respectively. The screen 18 is made of a flexible material so that it can be easily placed against the upper face 4 in the storage position. For this purpose, the screen 18 includes, for example, light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The screen 18 is fitted, for example, to a second face 9b of the first wall 9. The screen 18 is capable of transmitting standardized signals indicating a bend, a hairpin bend, a roundabout, and cyclist crossings around the roundabout, as well as the direction of travel and similar information.

[0020] For example, camera 17 and / or screen 18 are linked to a position and / or motion detector 21 which is capable of activating them when participants approach.

[0021] It is also noted that the first wall 9 is for example equipped with light-emitting diodes 19 which are likely to change colour depending on an upcoming danger to a participant in the sporting competition.

[0022] Information device 1 also includes a sound alarm 20 capable of broadcasting a sound alert, for example coded according to a danger.

[0023] The lower part 2 is equipped with a pair of gripping organs 22 diametrically opposed with respect to the general extension axis A1 for easy transport and handling of the information device 1 to and from its place of use.

[0024] It is understood that the devices 17 placed inside the dwelling 6 are electrically connected to the solar panels 14 which are able to supply them with electrical energy and that the devices 17 are in relation with the camera 17, the screen 18, the light-emitting diodes 19, the audible alarm 20 and the detector 21 to supply them with electrical energy and control their implementation.

[0025] These provisions indicate that the information system 1 is easy to install and remove, and includes a variety of visual and audible warning devices to alert participants in the sporting competition to impending danger. Consequently, such an information system 1 offers optimized safety along the route taken by participants in the sporting competition. As a result, serious injuries are prevented for these participants.

[0026] Such an information device 1 is inexpensive to manufacture and is capable of delivering an advertising message, which is able to compensate for its manufacturing cost.

Claims

1. Information device (1) comprising a lower part (2) which extends along a general extension axis (A1) and which is equipped with an inflatable structure (8) which includes a first wall (9) and a second wall (10), characterized in that the first wall (9) comprises a first transverse wall (9a) orthogonal to the general extension axis (A1) and a first radial wall (9b) cylindrical with its axis of revolution coinciding with the general extension axis (A1) and in that the second wall (10) comprises a second transverse wall (10a) orthogonal to the general extension axis (A1) and a second radial wall (10b) cylindrical with axis of revolution coinciding with the general extension axis (A1), the first wall (9) and the second wall (10) presenting in the position of use a profile arranged in a U in a cut made according to a cutting plane (P1) including the general extension axis (A1).

2. Information device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that a distance (D) between the first wall (9) and the second wall (10) is constant along the set of walls (9, 10).

3. Information device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first wall (9) houses the second wall (10).

4. Information device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower part (2) is equipped with an inflation valve (13) for the inflatable structure (8).

5. Information device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The first wall (9) and the second wall (10) together delimit a modular space (11) equipped with at least one air inlet (12) in communication with a housing (6) delimited by the lower part (2).

6. Information device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe information device (1) includes at least one solar panel (14).

7. Information device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the information device (1) includes at least one of a camera (17), a screen (18), a light-emitting diode (19), an audible alarm (20) and a detector (21).

8. Information device (1) according to claims 5, 6 and 7, characterized in that the housing (6) contains at least one battery (7) in relation to the solar panel (14), and at least one of the camera (17), the screen (18), the light-emitting diode (19), the audible alarm (20) and the detector (21).

9. Information device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the general extension axis (A1) coincides with an expansion axis of the inflatable structure (8).

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