Illuminated bollard assembly

Abstract

A bollard assembly comprising an elongate light distribution member. The bollard assembly has a base member for releasably coupling to and orienting the light distribution member relative to a surface. The bollard assembly includes an illumination assembly coupled to the elongate light distribution member. A rechargeable power assembly is connected to the illumination assembly for powering the illumination assembly. A housing having a plurality of pairs of projections is arranged for orienting and securing the illumination assembly and / or the rechargeable power assembly within the housing and relative to elongate light distribution member wherein the illumination assembly further comprises one or more light sources arranged to direct light through an aspheric lens into a central region of the elongate light distribution member and wherein the elongate light distribution member is hollow and walls of the light distribution member are translucent resulting in internal reflection of the light received through the aspheric lens resulting in illumination of the elongate light distribution member during use.

Description

ILLUMINATED BOLLARD ASSEMBLYTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an illuminated bollard assembly.BACKGROUND

[0002] Any references to methods, apparatus or documents of the prior art are not to be taken as constituting any evidence or admission that they formed, or form part of the common general knowledge.

[0003] Bollards have a number of uses in safety and general guidance for defining pathways and / or locations of features. Illuminated bollards may be useful in providing these benefits at night or in low light scenarios. For example, illuminated bollards may be of assistance in mining operations to delineate roads where there is less lighting. In some instances, there may be a need to alter or change paths, such as when construction of certain paths is being conducted and / or where maintenance is occurring on the main path.

[0004] As bollard systems are commonly used near fast moving traffic and heavy vehicles, it is not uncommon for one or more bollards to be struck by a passing vehicle. Depending on the material and craftsmanship, the bollards may be crushed into several parts which all become fragmented which can cause additional damage to any people around and / or to other vehicles. Solutions which assist with reducing the chance of fragmenting and / or further damage to people or other resources is desirable.SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0005] In an aspect, the invention provides a bollard assembly comprising: an elongate light distribution member; a base member for releasably coupling to and orienting the light distribution member relative to a surface; an illumination assembly coupled to the elongate light distribution member; a rechargeable power assembly connected to the illumination assembly for powering the illumination assembly; a housing having a plurality of pairs of projections arranged for orienting and securing the illumination assembly and / or the rechargeable power assembly within the housing and relative to elongate light distribution member; wherein the illumination assembly further comprises one or more light sources arranged to direct light through an aspheric lens into a central region of the elongate light distribution member and wherein the elongate light distribution member is hollow and walls of the light distribution member are translucent resulting in internal reflection of the light received through the aspheric lens resulting in illumination of the elongate light distribution member during use.

[0006] In an embodiment, the bollard assembly further comprises a lens guard being arranged to protect the lens and limit scattering of emitted light into the housing during use In an embodiment, the housing comprises a pair of projections for receiving and securing the illumination assembly so as to direct the output of theillumination assembly towards or through a substantially central region of the elongate light distribution member.

[0007] In an embodiment, the rechargeable power assembly comprises at least one photovoltaic cell and at least one rechargeable battery with associated electrical circuity for regulating charging of the battery from the photovoltaic cell and discharging of the battery to the illumination assembly.

[0008] In an embodiment, the illumination assembly and / or the rechargeable power assembly are assembled through frictional engagement with the respective pairs of projections.

[0009] In an embodiment, the at least one rechargeable battery engages with one or more pairs of projections to locate and prevent rotation of the at least one rechargeable battery within the housing.

[0010] In an embodiment, the illumination assembly comprises at least one light emitting diode.

[0011] In an embodiment, the illumination assembly comprises a multicoloured light emitting diode.

[0012] In an embodiment, the elongate light distribution member comprises translucent material.

[0013] In an embodiment, an interior of the elongate light distribution member is substantially sealed.

[0014] In an embodiment, the elongate light distribution member comprises a UV resistant material.

[0015] In an embodiment, the elongate light distribution ember comprises a reflective coating or material applied to an external surface.

[0016] In an embodiment, the illumination assembly is configurable to change a colour of the output of the illumination assembly.

[0017] In an embodiment, the illumination assembly is configurable to illuminate the elongate light distribution member with a predetermined colour and / or illuminating in a predetermined pattern.

[0018] In an embodiment, the illumination assembly is configured to illuminate in a predetermined colour and / or pattern when the at least one rechargeable battery discharges below a predetermined threshold.

[0019] In an embodiment, the bollard assembly comprises a button operable to cycle through a plurality of operating modes of the illumination assembly.

[0020] In an embodiment, the elongate light distribution member comprises a radially flange for engaging with the base member at an end opposite the housing.

[0021] In an embodiment, the base member comprises a recess for receiving the radially extending flange of the elongate light distribution member.

[0022] In an embodiment, the base member comprises an aperture for receiving the elongate light distribution member to seat the radially extending flange within the recess of the base member.

[0023] In an embodiment, the bollard assembly is portable.

[0024] In an aspect there is provided a bollard assembly comprising a housing having projections which assist in the location, installation and securing of one or more components including a illumination assembly and / or a rechargeable power assembly.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:Figure 1 is a side view of the bollard assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.Figure 2 is a cross section of the housing of the bollard assembly of Figure 1 .Figure 3 is a cross section of the housing of the bollard assembly orthogonal to the cross section of Figure 2.Figure 4 is an isometric exploded view of the bollard assembly of Figure 1 .Figure 5 is a bottom view of the bollard assembly of Figure 1 .DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] Figures 1 to 5 illustrate a preferred embodiment of a bollard assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The bollard assembly 10 broadly comprises an elongate light distribution member 20, an illumination assembly 30, a rechargeable power assembly 40 and a base member 50. One or more of the components of the illumination assembly 30 and the rechargeable power assembly 40 may be housed or associated with a housing 12.

[0027] The elongate light distribution member 20 comprises a translucent material. This assists with the internal reflection of light within the elongate light distribution member 20 so as to be illuminated. In the preferred embodiment, the elongate light distribution member 20 further comprises a UV resistant material or coating appliedto an external surface of the bollard assembly 10, reflectors and / or reflective tape 22 or coatings. The bollard assembly 10 may be used in a number of environments, one of which being under the sun. Non-UV resistant materials may dry out in the sun making the elongate light distribution member 20 brittle and prone to breakage which drastically reduces the lifespan and utility. The elongate light distribution member 20 may also comprise a reflector or reflective tape 22 (seen in Figure 4).

[0028] In the preferred embodiment, the elongate light distribution member 20 comprises a radially extending flange 24. The radially extending flange 24 may be integrally formed with the elongate light distribution member 20 or may be a cap for covering the end of the elongate light distribution member 20. The radially extending flange 24 may be permanently or releasably affixed to the end of the elongate light distribution member 20.

[0029] The bollard assembly 10 further comprises a base member 50. The base member 50 may comprise a high-density plastic or rubber. The base member 50 may comprise a channel, slot, opening or otherwise for use as a handle 56. In the preferred embodiment, the base member 50 may have slight flexibility to conform to the ground or surface which it is to be placed. The base member 50 preferably comprises an aperture 52. The aperture 52 preferably has diameter substantially equal or slightly larger than a maximum diameter of the housing 12 and the elongate light distribution member 20. Accordingly, the base member 20 can slide over the housing and along the elongate light distribution member 20 to seat at the opposite end. The base member 50 preferably comprises a recess 54 for receiving the radially extending flange 24. The base member 50 may be permanently or temporarily coupled to the radially extending flange 24 of the elongate light distribution member 20.

[0030] The bollard assembly 10 further comprises an illumination assembly 30. The illumination assembly 30 preferably comprises at least one light emitting diode (LED) directed through an aspheric lens 32. The illumination assembly 30 may further comprise a lens guard 34 to limit scattering of emitted light into the housing 12 and for protection of the aspheric lens 32. The aspheric lens 32 directs the light from the at least one light emitting diode to a substantially hollow central region of the elongate light distribution member 20. As the walls forming the elongate light distribution member 20 is substantially translucent, the light reflects off the internal surfaces of the walls to illuminate the elongate light distribution member 20 internally. The at least one light emitting diode may be a coloured LED for emitting many different colours of light. The colours include, but are not limited to, white, green, yellow and red. The illumination assembly 10 is preferably housed within the housing 12 to couple to and orientate with respect to the elongate light distribution member 20.

[0031] The bollard assembly comprises a rechargeable power assembly 40. The rechargeable power assembly 40 is connected to and operates the illumination assembly 10. In the preferred embodiment, the rechargeable power assembly 40 comprises a photovoltaic cell 44 connected to at least one rechargeable battery 42. The at least one rechargeable battery 42 is connected and powers a control board in the form of a printed circuit board (PCB) 46. The PCB 46 is connected with the at least one light emitting diode for controlling the operation of the illumination assembly 30. In the preferred embodiment, the at least one light emitting diode is integrated into the PCB 46. However, in alternative embodiments, it may be separate from the PCB 46 and connected with the appropriate wiring and / or circuitry. The at least one light emitting diode is directed through the aspheric lens 32 which, incombination with the lens guard 34 directs substantially all of the emitted light through or towards an inner region of the elongated light distribution member 20 to illuminate the elongated light distribution member 20.

[0032] The PCB 46 bears components comprising an electrical circuit that is electrically coupled to the at least one rechargeable battery 42 and to the photovoltaic cell 44. The electrical circuit is arranged to regulate charging of the at least one rechargeable battery 42 during daylight and discharge from the battery 19 to the LED 23 at night for lighting of the LED. Such electrical circuits are known and commercially available.

[0033] As best seen in Figure 2, the housing 12 comprises a plurality of pairs of projections 14A, 14B, 16, 18. The projections each serve a purpose of locating and / or securing one or more components of the bollard assembly 10. The housing 12 is configured to receive an end of the elongated light distribution member 20 to couple the illumination assembly 30 to the elongated light distribution member 20. In the preferred embodiment, the housing 12 can be pressed onto the elongated light distribution member 20. In alternative embodiments, the housing 12 may comprise a threaded connection for engaging with a threaded profile of the elongated light distribution member 20. Preferably, the elongated light distribution member 20 is substantially sealed to prevent the ingress of dirt and / or water. As seen in Figure 5, the elongated light distribution member 20 however may comprise a vent hole 58 to prevent a vacuum and / or changes in pressure from deforming the elongated light distribution member 20. In addition, where the elongated light distribution member 20 is completely sealed, the housing 12 and associated components may become a projectile which is shot off when the elongated light distribution member 20 is struck and the air inside has no where to vent. The vent hole 58 may comprise a valve orfilter to reduce the ingress of dirt and / or fluid. Furthermore, it is preferably located within the central region of the elongated light distribution member 20 and only accessible from underneath. In some embodiments, the vent hole 58 may be provided at or along a central region of a detachable reflector disc 57 (See Figure 5A) which comprises engagement portions 55 along a peripheral region of the reflector disc that allows the reflector disc to be easily detached from the elongate light distribution member 20 if the bollard assembly undergoes sudden impact along the elongated light distribution member 20.

[0034] Projections 18 provide a surface for the aspheric lens 32 and the lens guard 34 of the illumination assembly 30 to locate so as to direct emitted light to or towards the central region of the elongated light distribution member 20. In the preferred embodiment, the PCB 46 having the at least one light emitting diode installed thereon is located and rests against the lens guard 34 with the at least one light emitting diode passing through on side the lens guard 34 and the aspheric lens 32. Projections 18 ensure that each of the aspheric lens 32 and the lens guard 34 are oriented for directing emitted light accurately and precisely. Projections 18 may extend around a circumference of the housing 12 or may have discrete projections placed uniformly around the housing 12.

[0035] Pairs of projections 14A and 16 provide an upper surface and a lower surface for receiving the at least one rechargeable battery 42 therebetween. Pair of projections 14B may be provided on either side of the at least one rechargeable battery 42 to prevent rotation of the at least one rechargeable battery 42 within the housing 12. The projections 14A, 14B, 16, 18 may assist in proper orientation, securing and retaining of the individual components of the bollard assembly 10 within the housing 12. The projections 14A, 14B, 16, 18 may be rigid or resiliently flexible toallow installation of the respective components more easily. Alternatively, the components may be installed by specific movement and rotation between the respective projections. The movements and rotations required to uninstall are unlikely to be experienced if the bollard assembly 10 is struck by a vehicle. This advantageously reduces the likelihood of the bollard assembly 10 becoming multiple pieces of fragment if / when struck by something. The bollard assembly 10 may also comprise one or more spacing or packing elements to keep one or more components located and oriented as desired. For example, there may be a spacing element placed between the at least one rechargeable battery 42 and the PCB 46.

[0036] While not fully appreciated by the Figures, the components of the bollard assembly 10 may frictionally engage with one or more of the projections in the housing 12. For example, the at least one rechargeable battery 42 may be frictionally engaged with projections 14A, 14B, 16 to place the at least one rechargeable battery 42 in the desired orientation and location within the housing 42. In addition, the components may be located or positioned using some adhesives or other temporary securement means known in the art to locate and / or limit movement of the component within the housing 12.

[0037] The at least one light emitting diode may be controlled by the PCB 46 to operate in a number of operating modes. The operating modes can provide an infinite number of visual indicia for providing information to users. For example, the PCB 46 may control the at least one light emitting diode to be a solid light or a flashing light. Furthermore, the PCB 46 may control the flashing to a specific pattern. In addition, the PCB 46 comprises circuitry to change the colour of the at least one light emitting diode. For example, the PCB 46 may be configured to slowly blink red with one second intervals of the at least one light emitting diode being on and onesecond intervals of the at least one light emitting diode being off. These may be preprogrammed on the PCB and / or may be customisable for a particular user and / or application.

[0038] Referring to Figure 2, the PCB 46 may also incorporate a button 48 which is operable by a user to cycle through preprogrammed operating modes. Accordingly, once a user installs the bollard assembly 10 in a desired location, the button 48 may be pushed until the bollard assembly 10 operates in a desired colour and / or pattern as intended for the bollard at that location. The PCB 46 may also be configured to operate the at least one light emitting diode according to a status of the battery. If the at least one rechargeable battery 42 discharges below a predetermined threshold, the PCB 46 may operate the at least one light emitting diode in a specific light and pattern to notify a user that the at least one rechargeable battery 42 may require maintenance or replacement. For example, if the at least one rechargeable battery 42 discharges below 30%, the PCB 46 may operate the at least one light emitting diode to flash white in quick intervals to notify a user. The PCT may incorporate a timer and / or a clock such that this mode is only operated where there is more than a set number of hours prior to sunrise or a time of day when the photovoltaic cell 44 may begin charging the at least one rechargeable battery 42 again. Ideally, the at least one rechargeable battery 42 has a sufficient capacity to last an entire night and / or the photovoltaic cell 44 is efficient enough to charge the at least one rechargeable battery 42 even on a less than optimal cloudy day.

[0039] The preferred embodiment of the bollard assembly 10 is portable and easily moved and installed in almost any substantially flat surface. The base member 50 engages with the elongated light distribution member 20 to ensure that the bollardassembly 10 extends substantially orthogonal with the surface which is installed. This ensures it has the best visibility for users.

[0040] The present invention further provides a method of installing the illumination assembly 30 and / or the rechargeable power assembly 40. The method of installation will vary based on the shapes of the respective components. In the preferred embodiment, the at least one rechargeable battery 42 is longer than wider and comprises round longitudinal edges. However, in alternative embodiments, the bollard assembly 10 may comprise other geometric shapes which assist with the installation and retaining within the housing 12.

[0041] The inventor has found that existing solutions when struck by vehicles, even if not destroyed, the known bollards are either broken such that the components no longer fit together properly, the individual components become projectiles individually. The present invention advantageously provides a bollard assembly 10 which if struck is less likely to break into a number of pieces reducing the number of projectiles and potential for secondary damage.

[0042] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. The term “comprises” and its variations, such as “comprising” and “comprised of” is used throughout in an inclusive sense and not to the exclusion of any additional features.

[0043] It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect.

[0044] The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A bollard assembly comprising: an elongate light distribution member; a base member for releasably coupling to and orienting the light distribution member relative to a surface; an illumination assembly coupled to the elongate light distribution member; a power assembly connected to the illumination assembly for powering the illumination assembly; a housing having a plurality of pairs of projections arranged for orienting and securing the illumination assembly and / or the rechargeable power assembly within the housing and relative to elongate light distribution member wherein the illumination assembly further comprises one or more light sources arranged to direct light through an aspheric lens into a central region of the elongate light distribution member and wherein the elongate light distribution member is hollow and walls of the light distribution member are translucent resulting in internal reflection of the light received through the aspheric lens resulting in illumination of the elongate light distribution member during use.

2. A bollard assembly in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a lens guard being arranged to protect the lens, the lens guard being structured to limit scattering of emitted light into the housing during use.

3. The bollard assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the housing comprises a pair of projections for receiving and securing the illumination assembly so as to direct the output of the illumination assembly towards or through a substantially central region of the elongate light distribution member.

4. The bollard assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the power assembly is a rechargeable power assembly comprising at least one photovoltaic cell and at least one rechargeable battery with associated electrical circuity for regulating charging of the battery from the photovoltaic cell and discharging of the battery to the illumination assembly.

5. The bollard assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the illumination assembly and / or the power assembly are assembled through frictional engagement with the respective pairs of projections.

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 projections to locate and prevent rotation of the at least one rechargeable battery within the housing.

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

8. The bollard assembly according to claim 7, wherein the light sources comprise a multicoloured light emitting diodes.

9. The bollard assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an interior of the elongate light distribution member is substantially sealed.

10. The bollard assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongate light distribution member comprises a UV resistant material.11 . The bollard assembly according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the elongate light distribution ember comprises a reflective coating or material applied to an external surface.

12. The bollard assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the illumination assembly is configurable to change a colour of the output of the illumination assembly.

13. The bollard assembly according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the illumination assembly is configurable to illuminate the elongate light distribution member with a predetermined colour and / or illuminating in a predetermined pattern.

14. The bollard assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the illumination assembly is configured to illuminate in a predetermined colour and / or pattern when the at least one rechargeable battery discharges below a predetermined threshold.

15. The bollard assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bollard assembly comprises a button operable to cycle through a plurality of operating modes of the illumination assembly.

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

17. The bollard assembly according to claim 16, wherein the base member comprises a recess for receiving the radially extending flange of the elongate light distribution member.

18. The bollard assembly according to claim 17, wherein the base member comprises an aperture for receiving the elongate light distribution member to seat the radially extending flange within the recess of the base member.

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