Umbrella Safety Sign Assembly for Flagger Weather Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flaggers directing traffic in construction or event zones face risks from environmental elements like sunlight, rain, and pedestrian/vehicle traffic, leading to health issues and visibility challenges, with existing solutions failing to provide adequate protection and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A safety sign system incorporating an expandable pole with a detachable umbrella canopy and safety finial assembly, featuring reflective tape, vents, drop-down flaps, safety lights, and additional features like a collapsible seat and communication device, allowing for adjustable protection and visibility in varying conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a flagger stands in traffic areas to direct vehicles and pedestrians, then traffic control function is achieved, but the flagger is exposed to environmental elements causing health risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the traffic sign function with an umbrella structure into a single integrated device. The umbrella canopy is attached to the sign pole, creating a unified structure that both directs traffic and provides weather protection. This merging eliminates the need for separate protective equipment while maintaining traffic control effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The sign pole structure serves multiple functions: it displays traffic control signs and simultaneously supports an umbrella canopy for weather protection. The base unit becomes a multi-functional device that addresses both traffic direction and flagger protection needs in a single apparatus.
2Reliability
If brightly colored flags are used to increase flagger visibility, then traffic safety is improved, but the flagger remains vulnerable to environmental elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the visibility-enhancing flags with the protective umbrella structure. The flags are attached to the umbrella assembly, ensuring that the flagger remains highly visible to traffic while simultaneously being protected from sun and rain by the canopy.
3Productivity
If a flagger works extended hours in traffic zones, then traffic control productivity increases, but health risks from environmental exposure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated sign and umbrella structure provides continuous protection throughout extended work hours. The umbrella canopy shields the flagger from both sun and rain, enabling safe operation during various weather conditions and extended periods without increasing health risks.
4Device complexity
If traditional separate sign and protective equipment are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but protection effectiveness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the traffic sign and umbrella protective equipment into a single coordinated structure. The umbrella is attached to the sign pole with appropriate mounting mechanisms, creating a unified device that provides both traffic control and weather protection without requiring multiple separate equipment pieces.
Data Source
AI summary
A safety sign system comprises one or more traffic or informational signs, an expandable pole, a detachable umbrella canopy assembly, and a safety finial assembly. The signs are removably attached to a sleeve that surrounds a portion of a pole and rests upon a sign support. The sleeve with the signs attached swivels about the pole. The umbrella canopy assembly is attached to an upper end of the pole and may include additional features including reflective tape, vents, drop-down flaps, reflective coating, and lights. The safety finial assembly is removably attached to the top of the umbrella canopy assembly and may include flag supports, removable flags, and a safety light assembly. The safety sign system optionally further comprises a collapsible seat, a beverage holder, a satellite tracking device, a communication device, a base, and a control panel for operating the safety light and other features.