(19)
(11) EP 2 105 907 A2

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(43) Date of publication:
30.09.2009 Bulletin 2009/40

(21) Application number: 09156522.6

(22) Date of filing: 27.03.2009
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC): 
G09F 9/33(2006.01)
E01F 9/016(2006.01)
E01F 9/012(2006.01)
(84) Designated Contracting States:
AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK TR
Designated Extension States:
AL BA RS

(30) Priority: 28.03.2008 NL 2001420

(71) Applicant: Verdegro B.V.
4879 NE Etten-Leur (NL)

(72) Inventors:
  • De Groot, Sjoerd
    4705 AJ, Roosendaal (NL)
  • Verwijs, Gerrit
    4705 AJ, Roosendaal (NL)

(74) Representative: Eveleens Maarse, Pieter 
Patentwerk B.V. P.O. Box 1514
5200 BN 's-Hertogenbosch
5200 BN 's-Hertogenbosch (NL)

   


(54) Mobile device for displaying information, and method


(57) The invention relates to a mobile device for displaying information, in particular traffic information, and a method for placing such a device. The device has a LED display placed on a weighted base, and can be transported in a compact position and readily placed at the desired location using a crane. Prior to use the device can be folded out, telescoped or erected quickly and easily so that the display is positioned at the desired height.




Description


[0001] The invention relates to a mobile device for displaying information, in particular traffic information, and a method for placing such a device.

[0002] Various dynamic solutions are known for displaying information, in particular traffic information, wherein the displayed information can be easily modified by a user. A drawback of the known information signs is that they are generally very large and heavy, and therefore usually built as fixed devices. Known mobile information signs are mounted on a vehicle and are thereby relatively expensive.

[0003] The invention has for its object to make possible a relatively compact mobile device for displaying information.

[0004] The invention provides for this purpose a mobile device for displaying information, in particular traffic information, comprising at least one LED display for displaying information, control means for actuating the information shown on the display, and an electrical power supply connected to the display and the control means; wherein the display is connected to a weighted base by means of at least one adjustable support element, wherein the support element is adjustable between at least a relatively compact transporting mode and at least one operational mode in which the display is positioned a relatively great distance from the base; wherein the device is also provided with engaging means for engaging hoisting means. Such a device is relatively compact and can be readily transported and used temporarily at a desired location, for instance at roadworks. A LED display is characterized in that it is a relatively flat, compact screen which enables a bright image and has a relatively low power consumption. The display can consist of a plurality of connected screen parts. Because the device must be suitable for outdoor use, the display can withstand weather conditions, and is particularly water-resistant. The information displayed on the LED display is simple to actuate digitally by means of the control means, for instance a computer which can easily be adapted and programmed as desired by means of widely used wireless connections (modem, infrared, WiFi, Bluetooth). The electrical power supply can comprise a connection to external power means, but can also comprise an independent power unit such as a rechargeable battery, solar panel and/or a generator. The weighted base is necessary to stabilize the device in the operational mode in extreme weather conditions, in particular hard wind. The base is preferably suitable for placing on a substantially flat ground surface. The adjustable support element can for instance be a support post. The adjustability makes it possible to make the device relatively compact for transport on for instance a truck, while for sufficient visibility the display must be placed at a sufficiently great height from the base in the operational mode. It is possible to envisage setting multiple operational modes, wherein the display can be placed at different positions, for instance at different heights. The engaging means for engaging hoisting means are important in enabling moving of the device to the desired location using for instance a crane. The engaging means can for instance comprise one or more hoisting eyes or hooks. The position of the engaging means is preferably chosen such that, at least in the transporting mode, the device hangs in stable manner during the positioning using the hoisting means.

[0005] In the operational mode the display is preferably positioned at a vertical height of at least 1.50 metres from the base. At such a height the display is clearly visible from a distance. For traffic situations the height is preferably at least 2.5 metres.

[0006] It is advantageous if the support element comprises at least one hinge connection for the purpose of folding down the device. A hinge connection makes it easily possible to switch between a compact transporting mode and a folded-out operational mode. In the operational mode the hinge is preferably positioned roughly half-way between the display and the base, whereby in the folded-down transporting mode the difference in height with the operational mode is optimal. It is also possible to envisage making a support element with a plurality of hinge connections. The height of the display can thus be varied in simple and stable manner by folding out only some of the hinge connections. The fold-out connections can be provided with drive means in order to automate folding-out.

[0007] In another preferred embodiment the support element comprises at least one telescopic connection. Such an embodiment can slide together in particularly compact manner, for instance by making use of telescopically connected post parts.

[0008] In yet another preferred embodiment the support element comprises a plurality of connecting parts which can be mutually coupled. The display can thus be brought to the desired height in simple manner by inserting one or more support elements between the display and the base. The coupling between the connecting parts can for instance be a bolt connection.

[0009] It is possible to envisage manufacturing a support element in which a combination is made of fold-out connections, telescopic connections and/or connecting parts which can be coupled.

[0010] It is advantageous if the engaging means are integrated with the support element. A relatively stable displacement of the device using hoisting means is possible by positioning the engaging means in or on the support element.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment the support element comprises at least one hinge connection for folding down the device, wherein the engaging means are integrated with the support element at a position between the hinge connection and the weighted base. It is thus possible to displace the device in stable manner in the transporting mode, and to move it in simple manner into the operational mode.

[0012] It is advantageous if the engaging means comprise at least one hoisting eye. A hoisting eye makes it easily possible to couple the device to for instance a crane. The device preferably comprises a plurality of engaging means at different positions of the device, whereby it is easier to couple the device to a crane and whereby it also becomes possible to couple the device simultaneously at multiple positions for the purpose of a more stable and safer displacement.

[0013] The support element is preferably provided with integrated drive means for displacing the display in at least vertical direction relative to the base. The drive means can for instance be electric or hydraulic, although they can also comprise manual drive means such as a winch.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment the electrical power supply comprises at least one battery integrated with the device, wherein the battery is preferably integrated into the weighted base. The relatively great weight of batteries is thus utilized to stabilize the device in the operational mode.

[0015] It is advantageous if the electrical power supply comprises at least one solar collector panel integrated with the device. The mobile device is thus able to autonomously generate at least some of the energy required for the display and control means, without a power supply also having to be present for this purpose at the location where the device is used.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment the solar collector panel is mounted on the top side of the display in the operational mode. It has been found that a solar panel mounted at this position best utilizes the available solar energy.

[0017] The solar collector panel is preferably connected pivotally to the display. The amount of solar energy generated by the solar collector panel can thus be optimized in simple manner by adjusting the pivoted position of the panel to the position of the sun relative to the device. The panel is preferably also pivotable to a position lying against the display, thereby enabling a particularly compact transporting mode of the device.

[0018] It is advantageous if the display is pivotable relative to the base at least in the operational mode. The visibility of the display can thus be optimized in simple manner in the operational mode. The pivoting is preferably possible in multiple directions.

[0019] The invention also provides a method for placing a device according to any of the foregoing claims, comprising the steps of transporting the device in a relatively compact transporting mode using transport means, placing the device at a desired location on a ground surface by means of hoisting means engaging the gripping means of the device, and adjusting the support element from the transporting mode to an operational mode of the display of the device. It is thus readily possible to provide a display for temporary use at a desired location, for instance at roadworks.

[0020] The invention will now be further elucidated on the basis of the following non-limitative embodiments.

Figures 1a-1d show a device according to the invention.

Figure 2 shows a preferred embodiment according to the invention.

Figure 3 shows another preferred embodiment according to the invention.



[0021] The components and optional components of the shown preferred embodiment can be combined by a skilled person in accordance with his/her own judgement.

[0022] Figures 1a-1d show a device 1 according to the invention in a transporting mode (1a and 1b), and an operational mode (1c and 1d). The device comprises a LED display 2 for displaying for instance traffic information, into which is integrated a control device such as a computer for the purpose of actuating the information shown on the display, and which is provided with communication means with which the displayed information can be modified using external means such as a laptop with a wireless connection, for instance via a modem, WiFi or Bluetooth connection. LED display 2 is suitable for outdoor use and can withstand extreme weather conditions such as solar heat, rain and cold. The device further has a weighted base 3, whereby the device also remains firmly in position in strong wind. Rechargeable batteries are accommodated in weighted base 3, which also accommodates connecting means for an external power source which can be used to recharge the batteries and/or to use the display when the integrated battery is empty. Display 2 and weighted base 3 are connected via a post 4 which is provided with a pivot point 5, whereby the display can pivot between a transporting position (figures 1a and 1b) and an operational position (figures 1c and 1d). Display 2 can also be mounted on the post for rotation and fixing around the longitudinal axis of post 4 relative to base 3 (arrow A), so that the visibility of the display can be optimized in simple manner without having to rotate the whole device 1. In the transporting position the side of the display on which information is shown is remote from base 3, thereby minimizing the danger of damage. Just below the pivot point the post 4 is provided with a hoisting eye 6, with which device 1 can for instance be lifted from a truck using a crane and be set down at the desired position, for instance along a road.

[0023] In the transporting mode (figures 1a and 1b) the height of the device is limited so that it can be easily transported on a truck. A hydraulic device 7 is arranged for the purpose of folding out post 4 to the operational mode (figures 1c and 1d). An electric or pneumatic technique could also be applied instead of a hydraulic mechanism 7. In yet another embodiment the integrated drive means 7 are omitted and a second hoisting eye 8 is arranged instead, so that the display can be folded out using a crane, or manually using for instance a winch. The operational mode is fixed using locking means. In the operational mode the underside of display 2 is situated at a height of at least 3 metres from the ground so that, for instance when used on a motorway, shown information can be seen from a sufficiently great distance.

[0024] Figure 2 shows an alternative preferred embodiment of a device 10 according to the invention, similar to the embodiment in figures 1a-1d. In this embodiment the display 11 is connected to base 12 by means of a telescopically slidable post 13. Three hoisting eyes 15 are mounted on a lower post part 14 so that a crane can be hooked on easily from any position. The sliding in and out in the direction as according to arrow B can for instance take place electrically or hydraulically. Another telescoping option is through lifting by a crane from a second hoisting eye 17 optionally connected to upper post part 16, after which the height is fixed. The electrical connection between the electrical power supply in base 12 and display 11 preferably runs through post 13.

[0025] Figure 3 shows yet another preferred embodiment of a device 20 according to the invention. In this case display 21 is connected releasably to weighted base 23 using one or more connecting pieces 22, for instance by bolt connections 27. Base 23, connecting piece 22 and display 21 are provided with hoisting eyes 24, 25, 26 with which the individual parts can be positioned using for instance a crane. The electrical connections can run via connecting piece 22, although this is not necessary.

[0026] Optionally arranged in this embodiment is an fold-out solar collector panel 28 which is pivotable as according to arrow C. In a transporting mode solar panel 28 lies against the display, thereby creating a particularly compact configuration. In the operational mode the panel is folded out, wherein the angle relative to the display is chosen such that the expected electricity production of solar panel 28 is optimal. The collected solar energy is preferably stored in batteries which can be integrated into base 23 or into display 21. Such a solar panel 28 can of course optionally also be applied in the embodiments shown in figures 1a-1d and figure 2, as well as other conceivable embodiments of the invention.


Claims

1. Mobile device for displaying information, in particular traffic information, comprising
at least one LED display for displaying information,
control means for actuating the information shown on the display,
an electrical power supply connected to the display and the control means;
wherein the display is connected to a weighted base by means of at least one adjustable support element,
wherein the support element is adjustable between at least a relatively compact transporting mode and at least one operational mode in which the display is positioned a relatively great distance from the base;
wherein the device is also provided with engaging means for engaging hoisting means.
 
2. Device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that
in the operational mode the display is positioned at a vertical height of at least 1.50 metres from the base.
 
3. Device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that
the support element comprises at least one hinge connection for the purpose of folding down the device.
 
4. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that
the support element comprises at least one telescopic connection.
 
5. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that
the support element comprises a plurality of connecting parts which can be mutually coupled.
 
6. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that
the engaging means are integrated with the support element.
 
7. Device as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that
the support element comprises at least one hinge connection for folding down the device, wherein the engaging means are integrated with the support element at a position between the hinge connection and the weighted base.
 
8. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that
the engaging means comprise at least one hoisting eye.
 
9. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that
the support element is provided with integrated drive means for displacing the display in at least vertical direction relative to the base.
 
10. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that
the electrical power supply comprises at least one battery integrated with the device,
wherein the battery is preferably integrated into the weighted base.
 
11. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that
the electrical power supply comprises at least one solar collector panel integrated with the device.
 
12. Device as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that
in the operational mode the solar collector panel is connected to the top side of the display.
 
13. Device as claimed in claim 11 or 12, characterized in that
the solar collector panel is connected pivotally to the display.
 
14. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that
the display is pivotable relative to the base at least in the operational mode.
 
15. Method for placing a device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, comprising the steps of

- transporting the device in a relatively compact transporting mode using transport means,

- placing the device at a desired location on a ground surface by means of hoisting means engaging the gripping means of the device, and

adjusting the support element from the transporting mode to an operational mode of the display of the device.
 




Drawing