GB2558950A

GB2558950A - An illuminating vehicle livery apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2558950A
Application number: GB1701159.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ryan O'neil Michael; Hill Richard
Original assignee: Michael Ryan Oneil
Current assignee: Michael Ryan Oneil
Priority date: 2017-01-24
Filing date: 2017-01-24
Publication date: 2018-07-25
Also published as: GB201701159D0

Abstract

An illuminating device 1 for illuminating signs 2 provided on the sides of vehicles 4 having elevated sides comprises an elongate waterproof housing having one or more LEDs. The sign may in particular be a vehicle livery applied to the side of a truck. A side light baffle may be provided which acts to baffle the illumination to the front or rear of the vehicle to limit seepage of light in these directions. The light source is preferably elongate and provided with means to change the angle of illumination and this adjustment may be made manually or electrically. A light sensor, movement sensor and/or timer means may be provided to control activation of the illumination.

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

Michael Ryan O'Neil

Comet Road, Wigan, Greater Manchester, WN5 0EU, United Kingdom (56) Documents Cited:

US 9200772 B1 US 20090051506 A1

US 20050213342 A1 (58) Field of Search:

INT CL B60Q, G09F

Other: Online: EPODOC, WPI.

(72) Inventor(s):

Michael Ryan O'Neil Richard Hill (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

ipconsult

21A Commercial Road, SWANAGE, Dorset, BH19 1DF, United Kingdom (54) Title of the Invention: An illuminating vehicle livery apparatus Abstract Title: Illuminating device for signs on sides of vehicles (57) An illuminating device 1 for illuminating signs 2 provided on the sides of vehicles 4 having elevated sides comprises an elongate waterproof housing having one or more LEDs. The sign may in particular be a vehicle livery applied to the side of a truck. A side light baffle may be provided which acts to baffle the illumination to the front or rear of the vehicle to limit seepage of light in these directions. The light source is preferably elongate and provided with means to change the angle of illumination and this adjustment may be made manually or electrically. A light sensor, movement sensor and/or timer means may be provided to control activation of the illumination.

At least one drawing originally filed was informal and the print reproduced here is taken from a later filed formal copy.

/ 5

2/5

3/5

fig-3

4/5

fig-4

5/ 5

fig. 5

AN ILLUMINATING VEHICLE LIVERY APPARATUS

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to illuminating vehicle livery apparatus, in particular apparatus for displaying illuminated signage, for example on high sided vehicles.

Background

Increasing amounts of trade in many societies is conducted on-line or at a distance between customer and supplier.

In addition, or the alternative, it can be important to many businesses to have a realworld visibility.

As a consequence greater numbers of deliveries are occurring across many societies and greater numbers of delivery vehicles may be seen across road networks of many ¹ areas.

CM

Advertising or signage on the, typically high, sides of these vehicles is typically CM limited to fixed pictures, branding or wording. This constitutes a wasted opportunity,

1” particularly as many other road users may be liable to read the vehicle sides, particularly in circumstances of congestion.

Prior Art

CN 202 911 613 (ZHANG) discloses a moving advertising vehicle (with a lightemitting diode (LED) display and a stage), and a vehicle on the land used as an advertising device. The moving advertising vehicle comprises a vehicle body, a compartment, a chassis, a visible transparent advertising display window and a foldable stage. The foldable stage is connected with the vehicle body through a hydraulic controller, the LED display is arranged on at least one lateral side of the compartment, and the LED display is connected with a controller arranged on the lower portion of one side of the vehicle. The display window is arranged on the other lateral side of the compartment, a box door of the display window is transparent and can be opened from one side, an advertising lamp box plate is arranged in the box boor of the display window, and alternating rolling advertising of advertisement can be conducted by using a roller. A rear door can be opened downwards, and a hinge is arranged on the lower portion. A lower box opening door is arranged on the lower portion of the rear side, and a pedal is arranged in the lower box opening door.

Loudspeakers of a playing control system are arranged at the front end and the rear end of the compartment, and the loudspeaker at the front end can rotate.

US 8 938 897 (BORREGGINE et al) discloses in combination with a highway tractor of the type having an operator's cab mounted on a frame, a vertical pivotal coupling means coupled to the frame behind the cab adapted to be coupled to a trailer, and an aerodynamic structure at the top of the cab which includes a plurality of LED bulbs and a heat generating element in the front of the aerodynamic structure. A front panel of glass or plastic material having information such as a logo containing letters and/or images located on its first surface, second surface or embedded surface covers the

LED bulbs with a weatherproof seal. Light from the LED bulbs provides illumination for the information on the front panel to be viewed from the front of the highway tractor and heat from the heat generating element helps to keep the front panel ¹ having information such as a logo free of snow and/or ice.

CM

US 2007 234 612 (CORBISHLEY) discloses luminescent motor vehicle signage CM comprising: an elongated housing having a first end and a second end and a cavity

1” between operable to securely hold and display removable signage, the elongated housing operable to be coupled to an exterior contour of a motor vehicle; and a sealed illumination chamber housing positioned along a rear portion of the elongated housing, the sealed illumination chamber operable to illuminate the removable signage.

The present invention arose in order to overcome problems suffered by existing devices.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided an illuminating vehicle livery apparatus for use with a vehicle with elevated sides, signage being arranged on at least one of said sides, and at least one light source device arranged adjacent the signage, so as to illuminate said signage; characterised in that the illuminating vehicle livery apparatus has at least one light source device comprises an elongate waterproof housing, one or more light emitting diodes and the signage has a side light baffle, which acts to baffle the illumination or light source from the front or rear of the vehicle, to limit seepage of light contrary to safety regulations.

In some embodiments the waterproof housing is permanently attached to a side of the vehicle using a permanent attachment means. In other embodiments the attachment means may be temporary, so as to allow use of plural vehicles. In some embodiments the attachment means may comprise ferromagnetic attachment means. In some embodiments it may be envisaged that at least two of such housings are envisaged to be present in the apparatus at any one time.

In some embodiments the housing comprises or is attached to a shield or cover over the light source, wherein the light source is shielded from ingress of moisture from above and has no or transparent or translucent shielding below, and may be arranged such that the light source is arranged to illuminate downwards without obstruction. In this way there less cleaning is needed. In other embodiments a ¹ transparent or translucent screen may be included in the housing, so as to cover the

CM light source in use. The screen may be removable for cleaning purposes.

T” 20

CM The housing may be arranged to extend shallowly away from the side of the vehicle,

1” so as to prevent minimal air resistance. The housing may comprise a curved outer and/or ends arranged to incline out gently from the side, in particular the frontal end of the housing.

In some embodiments the ends of the housing may be arranged with reflective parts, which parts may provide greater visibility to the housing and vehicle and to other road users.

The signage includes a side light baffle, which acts to baffle the illumination or light source from the front or rear of the vehicle, to limit seepage of white light to rear for example contrary to safety regulations.

In some embodiments the light source may be arranged to change angle with respect to the signage and/or sides. For example the light source may be horizontally elongated along a horizontal axis substantially running parallel a rectangular signage area and the side top edge. This axis may be denoted and operable by a pivot pin, wherein the light source may be arranged to pivot about this axis so as to change the light source’s illumination, for example to accommodate taller or shorter areas of signage, according to vehicle or usage.

This axis pivot pin may be accessible manually or electrically. For example in some embodiments the pivot pin may comprise an end dial, which dial may be accessed by a user to alter angle of the light source. Both ends of the housing may include dials in some embodiments.

In some embodiments amendment of the angle may be driven by a mechanical mechanism, situate remote the housing. For example in some embodiments to render amendment more practical, there may be an elongate turning member or handle accessible closer to the ground or internal the vehicle side, or otherwise leading from the pivot pin to a more convenient situation.

In other embodiments amendment of the angle may be accomplished by an ¹ electrically driven mechanism, which mechanism may be located internally or

CM externally to a housing.

T” 20

CM In some embodiments said electrical mechanism may comprise inter-machine

1” operability such as Bluetooth (RTM) or other wireless connectivity. Still further embodiments may include local hard wiring.

The light source may comprise one or more light emitting diode (LED). For example the light source may comprise plural LEDs arranged in a line within the housing. The light source may comprise one or more reflectors.

The apparatus may comprise a dedicated energy source. For example the apparatus may comprise at least one battery associated with a light source, for example contained within the housing.

In some embodiments the energy source may comprise the vehicle battery, for example wherein setup of the apparatus includes securing the apparatus wires to the vehicle’s electrical supply, for example the battery though the lighting system.

In other embodiments the energy source may be comprised in an energy harvesting means, for example at least one solar photovoltaic cell. The, or each, housing may alternatively comprise air flow power harvesting means, so that electricity is generated due to a wind turbine.

In some embodiments the apparatus comprises an activation means, which activation means is arranged to activate or deactivate the light source device or light source devices, individually or contemporaneously.

In some embodiments the activation means comprises a light sensor so as to switch on the device at a desired level of ambient light. Likewise the sensor may be used to switch off the device at a specific light level.

In some embodiments the activation means comprises a movement sensor so as to switch on a display when a passing person is detected.

In some embodiments the activation means may comprise a timer means. The timer ¹ means may be arranged to be connected to the vehicle ignition or to the vehicle

CM central locking mechanism, such that the timer can be used to determine how long the light source device(s) remain on after the vehicle has been locked.

CM

1” The apparatus may comprise an optional timer activation means, and dedicated independent battery, so as to determine how long the light source(s) stay on once the vehicle’s engine has been switched off, which timer activation means would be located inside the vehicle.

In some embodiments the activation means comprises a local control means. In some embodiments the activation means comprises a remote control means. Such remote control means may comprise Bluetooth (RTM).

In some embodiments the housing is permanently mounted to an exposed surface of the vehicle, and the encapsulation of the LEDs and other electrical components is provided by a waterproof assembly that is substantially impervious to ambient conditions. In other embodiments the housing is self-contained so as to form a waterproof unit.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the light source device;

Figure 2 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows an isometric exploded view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figure 4 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; and

Figure 5 shows a sketch view of an embodiment of apparatus according to the present invention.

CM Detailed Description of Figures

T” 20

CM With reference to the figures there is shown an embodiment of the apparatus which

1” in use as shown in Figure 5 comprises a vehicle 4 having a cab 5 and carriage container with elevated sides 3 with signage 2 arranged on at least one of said sides 3, and at least one light source device 1 arranged above the signage 2 so as to illuminate said signage 2; characterised in that the light source device 1 comprises an elongate waterproof unit comprising a rear housing 21 and cover 13 over a light source comprising a plurality of light emitting diodes 10.

In the pictured embodiment the light source device 1 comprises a monolithic unit which can be attached to a delivery vehicle to illuminate advertisements on a large variety of vehicles, and may be available in a range of colours and lengths.

The pictured embodiment is correspondingly simple to mount to the vehicle 4 and utilises the vehicle battery (not shown) as a power source.

The housing 21 may be mounted in any orientation whether lighting is required from above or below the signage 2 or advertisement.

The light source device comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) 10, 5 which are spaced apart and arranged in an elongate manner along a planar lighting platform 19 arranged longitudinally in the housing 21.

The platform 18 is arranged on pivoting pins 17 fastened in caps 12 closing either end of the housing 21 so as to allow redirection of the platform’s LEDs with reference to a horizontal axis A.

In the pictured embodiment a pivoting pin sprung plunger 19 allows the platform to twist and then lock in place once a handle is released.

The housing 21 comprises sheet metal casing describing an upside down tray substantially closed by plates 20 to each end and above by a hood 32, with end rubber gaskets 16 creating a seal to prevent water from entering the housing 21.

¹ The hood 32 is arranged to extend over, in front of, and to lower than the light source

CM platform 18 and redirect the LEDs back towards the vehicle and prevent seepage of direct light to prevent dazzling other road users. A rear bar 23 is perforated with two CM sets of two end screw holes to allow screw fit attachment means 14 to the vehicle

1” sides 3 comprising a bolt and a resiliently deformable washer.

The cover comprises a D shape in section, wherein a top comprises a cover 31 for the hood, and a bottom-most lip 15 clipping under the housing rear bar 23.

The compression spring plunger 19 alters the platform 18 angle and then locks into place once released, comprising a spring biased index plunger changing the angle of the platform 18 by the user pulling, twisting and releasing the plunger handle such that a pin locates in a hole to fix the platform 18 in place.

The plunger 19 and pin 17 locate into perforations 22 in the end plates 20, which perforations further enable ventilation to the LEDs.

In some embodiments the plunger 19 may be operable mechanically from a lower location, for example using an elongate handle.

In some embodiments the platform angle may be manipulated by an electrically driven mechanism, such as a plunger, worm screw or hydraulic arm.

In this way the user may alter the lighting of the signage as required. For example in some embodiments the angle may be altered automatically, whereby an accelerometer may register changes in velocity of the vehicle and alter the angle to increase lighting

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims, in particular but not solely combination of features of described embodiments.

12 17

Claims

Claims

1. An illuminating vehicle livery apparatus for use with a vehicle with elevated sides, signage being arranged on at least one of said sides, and at least one

5 light source device arranged adjacent the signage, so as to illuminate said signage; characterised in that the illuminating vehicle livery apparatus has at least one light source device comprising an elongate waterproof housing, one or more light emitting diodes and the signage has a side light baffle, which acts to baffle illumination or light source from the front or rear of the vehicle,

10 to limit seepage of light.

CM

CM
2. An illuminating vehicle livery apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the housing is permanently attached to the vehicle side using a permanent attachment means.
3. An illuminating vehicle livery apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the housing is attached to the vehicle side with a temporary attachment means so as to allow use of plural vehicles.
4. An illuminating vehicle livery apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the housing comprises a cover over the light source.
5. An illuminating vehicle livery apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the cover prevents ingress of moisture from above.
6. An illuminating vehicle livery apparatus according to claim 4 or 5 wherein the cover has no or transparent or translucent shielding below,
7. An illuminating vehicle livery apparatus according to any preceding claim 30 wherein the housing extends shallowly away from the side of the vehicle, so as to offer minimal air resistance.
8. An illuminating vehicle livery apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the ends of the housing are arranged with reflective parts.
9. An illuminating vehicle livery apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the light source is arranged to change angle with respect to the signage and/or sides.

5 10. An illuminating vehicle livery apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the light source comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes mounted on a platform.

11. An illuminating vehicle livery apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the 10 light source is horizontally elongated along a horizontal axis substantially running parallel a rectangular signage area and the side top edge.

CM 20

CM

12. An illuminating vehicle livery apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the platform is mounted on a sprung pivot pin.

13. An illuminating vehicle livery apparatus according to any of claims 9 to 12 wherein a means to alter an angle of the light source is operated locally.

14. An illuminating vehicle livery apparatus according to any of claims 9 to 13 wherein alteration of the light source angle is operated remotely.

15. An illuminating vehicle livery apparatus according to any of claims 9 to 13 wherein alteration of the light source angle is operated manually.

25 16. An illuminating vehicle livery apparatus according to claim 15 wherein alteration of the light source angle is operable using a displaceable elongate arm.

17. An illuminating vehicle livery apparatus according to any of claims 9 to 12

30 wherein alteration of the light source angle is operated electrically.

18. An illuminating vehicle livery apparatus according to any preceding claim comprising wireless connectivity.

35 19. An illuminating vehicle livery apparatus according to any preceding claim comprising a dedicated energy source.

20. An illuminating vehicle livery apparatus according to any preceding claim comprising connection to the vehicle battery.

21. An illuminating vehicle livery apparatus according to any preceding claim comprising activation means comprises a light sensor.

5 22. An illuminating vehicle livery apparatus according to any preceding claim comprising activation means comprises a movement sensor.

23. An illuminating vehicle livery apparatus according to any preceding claim comprising timer activation means.

24. A vehicle including the illuminating vehicle livery apparatus according to any preceding claim.

12 12 17

Amendments to the claims have been made as follows:

Claims

1. An illuminating vehicle livery apparatus for use with a vehicle with elevated sides, signage being arranged on at least one of said sides, and at least one

5 light source device arranged adjacent the signage, so as to illuminate said signage; characterised in that the illuminating vehicle livery apparatus has at least one light source device comprising an elongate waterproof housing, one or more light emitting diodes and the signage has a side light baffle, which acts to baffle illumination or light source from the front or rear of the vehicle,
10 to limit seepage of light.

CM

CM

2. An illuminating vehicle livery apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the housing is permanently attached to the vehicle side using a permanent attachment means.

3. An illuminating vehicle livery apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the housing is attached to the vehicle side with a temporary attachment means so as to allow use of plural vehicles.

4. An illuminating vehicle livery apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the housing comprises a cover over the light source.

5. An illuminating vehicle livery apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the cover prevents ingress of moisture from above.

6. An illuminating vehicle livery apparatus according to claim 4 or 5 wherein the cover has no or transparent or translucent shielding below,

7. An illuminating vehicle livery apparatus according to any preceding claim 30 wherein the housing extends shallowly away from the side of the vehicle, so as to offer minimal air resistance.

8. An illuminating vehicle livery apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the ends of the housing are arranged with reflective parts.

9. An illuminating vehicle livery apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the light source is arranged to change angle with respect to the signage and/or sides.

5 10. An illuminating vehicle livery apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the light source comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes mounted on a platform.
11. An illuminating vehicle livery apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the 10 light source is horizontally elongated along a horizontal axis substantially running parallel a rectangular signage area and the side top edge.

CM 20

CM
12. An illuminating vehicle livery apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the platform is mounted on a sprung pivot pin.
13. An illuminating vehicle livery apparatus according to any of claims 9 to 12 wherein a means to alter an angle of the light source is operated locally.
14. An illuminating vehicle livery apparatus according to any of claims 9 to 13 wherein alteration of the light source angle is operated remotely.
15. An illuminating vehicle livery apparatus according to any of claims 9 to 13 wherein alteration of the light source angle is operated manually.

25
16. An illuminating vehicle livery apparatus according to claim 15 wherein alteration of the light source angle is operable using a displaceable elongate arm.
17. An illuminating vehicle livery apparatus according to any of claims 9 to 12

30 wherein alteration of the light source angle is operated electrically.
18. An illuminating vehicle livery apparatus according to any preceding claim comprising wireless connectivity.

35
19. An illuminating vehicle livery apparatus according to any preceding claim comprising a dedicated energy source.
20. An illuminating vehicle livery apparatus according to any preceding claim comprising connection to the vehicle battery.
21. An illuminating vehicle livery apparatus according to any preceding claim comprising activation means comprises a light sensor.

5
22. An illuminating vehicle livery apparatus according to any preceding claim comprising activation means comprises a movement sensor.
23. An illuminating vehicle livery apparatus according to any preceding claim comprising timer activation means.
24. A vehicle including the illuminating vehicle livery apparatus according to any preceding claim.

12 12 17

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: Claims searched:

GB1701159.4 1 to 25