A retroreflective traffic sign

Abstract

 A traffic sign comprises a hollow body (20) having a retro-reflective face (30). The body comprises a bottleneck (60) configured and adapted to form an opening into the body. The traffic sign further comprises a lighting kit (50) with a light source (52). The lighting kit and the body are configured and arranged such that the light source, when activated, trans-illuminates the hollow body. The lighting kit of the traffic sign is retrofittable and trans-illuminates a hollow body of the traffic sign. This helps in maximizing the visibility of existing traffic signs for road users. The illuminable traffic sign is useable with and/or without illumination. Further the traffic sign provides improved illuminated temporary traffic signs and relatively inexpensive lighting kits for illuminating traffic signs.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The invention relates to a retro-reflective traffic sign, in particular to a retro-reflective traffic sign having a lighting kit for trans-illuminating the retro-reflective traffic sign. The invention further relates to a lighting kit, which can be retrofitted to a retro-reflective traffic sign, and the use of such a lighting kit. Moreover, the invention relates to a method for retrofitting a lighting kit to a retro-reflective traffic signs.

Background Art

[0002] Traffic signs are generally used to provide information to road users. Some traffic signs are provided with retro-reflective faces. Traffic signs may be used, for example, in construction work zones, to safely guide the traffic through the construction work zones. For example, deviations of the usual road course may be indicated by several traffic signs arranged in a row at a certain distance relative to each other. Also, non-usable sections of roads, for example side sections, may be indicated by traffic signs. Traffic signs may be temporary or permanent traffic signs. Temporary traffic signs are temporarily placed on the road surface and/or may be movable, whereby permanent traffic signs are placed on a road for a long time and/or are rather not movable.

[0003] Usually, traffic signs comprise retro-reflective material in order to enhance the visibility in the darkness, i.e. when light from vehicle headlights is impinging on the sign and being reflected towards the vehicle user.

[0004] DE9306111 U1 describes a traffic beacon with a signal lamp arranged at a head portion of the beacon, for example a warning light or a flash light. The beacon substantially consists of a one-piece beacon body made of plastic, at which upper end the lamp is arranged. The beacon further comprises a power supply for powering the lamp characterized in that the power supply is arranged in the beacon body.

[0005] DE20113642A describes a road-works upright sign consists of an essentially upright panel with a shaft top and bottom. The top and bottom shafts are esp. of identical cross-section. The sign stands upright, the shaft inserted in a base board with matching socket.

[0006] Traffic signs may have lighting kits, which are mounted at the top of the traffic sign, in order to enhance visibility of the traffic sign. The lighting kit may comprise a light source, a battery for powering the light source and mounting means to connect to a holder arranged at the traffic sign.

[0007] Although a variety of lighted traffic signs are known, there is still a need for optionally illuminable traffic signs which are useable with and/or without illumination. Further there is still a desire for improved illuminated temporary traffic signs. Also, there is a desire for a relatively inexpensive lighting kit for illuminating traffic signs.

Summary

[0008] In one aspect, the invention relates to a traffic sign which comprises a hollow body having a retro-reflective face. The body comprises a bottleneck configured and adapted to form an opening into the body. The traffic sign further comprises a lighting kit with a light source. The lighting kit and the body are configured and arranged such that the light source, when activated, trans-illuminates the hollow body.

[0009] The invention is advantageous in that it preferably provides a retrofittable lighting kit for a traffic sign for trans-illuminating a hollow body of the traffic sign. This helps in maximizing the visibility of existing traffic signs for road users. The invention further preferably provides a traffic sign to which a lighting kit for trans-illuminating the hollow body can easily be retrofitted. Thus the invention provides a traffic sign which can be selectively used with and/or without the lighting kit. The invention further provides for a relatively compact and light-weight lighting kit. The invention may help maximizing the tilt resistance of temporary traffic signs. Further the invention may help minimizing damages to a vehicle and/or the traffic sign in case of an accident, for example if a vehicle hits and/or over-rolls the traffic sign. Furthermore, a lighting kit for a traffic sign of the invention may be relatively inexpensive and robust.

[0010] The term "trans-illuminate" or "trans-illumination" for the purpose of this specification refers to light transmission through a material, for example light which passes through a material forming at least part of the body of the traffic sign.

[0011] A temporary traffic sign is preferably adapted such that it is removably placeable to a road surface or ground surface, for example without substantial modification of the road surface or ground surface. For example the temporary traffic sign may be placed with an on-ground base or pedestal on the road or ground surface. Preferably a temporary traffic sign in a dimension generally perpendicular to the road surface is only held on the road surface by gravitation. Further in a dimension generally parallel to the road surface the temporary traffic sign may be held or retained relative to the road surface predominantly by friction. In contrast a permanent traffic sign is typically held in place by positive fit. In particular the permanent traffic sign may be held or retained in all three dimensions by a positive fit. For example the permanent traffic sign may be screwed or bolted to the road surface or another ground surface, or may be fixed in place in an in-ground concrete base.

[0012] The retroreflective face for the purpose of this specification is defined to provide for returning light substantially in a direction of its source. Thus light directed on the retroreflective face is returned generally in a direction of its source substantially independent from the angle of incidence. The retro-reflective face may be light transmissive (for example translucent or transparent) or opaque.

[0013] Preferably, the body is made of a light transmissive material. Thus light being emitted to the interior of the hollow body is enabled to pass through the hollow body material and is preferably visible from the outside. This may provide for a good visibility of the hollow body and the traffic sign in case the hollow body is being trans-illuminated by a light source. The hollow body may further be made of transparent material.

[0014] In one embodiment the bottleneck forms an opening into the body. For example the bottleneck may form a passageway between the body and the exterior of the body. The opening may be formed at the transition between the bottleneck and the body.

[0015] In one embodiment the hollow body has a widened portion with respect to the bottleneck. The widened portion preferably forms or carries the retro-reflective face. The bottleneck and the widened portion may extend along a longitudinal axis of the traffic sign. Further the widened portion may extend at a generally rectangular profile along the longitudinal axis. Thus the widened portion in an area parallel to the longitudinal axis preferably forms a generally flat front side on which the retro-reflective face is arranged. The skilled person will be aware that such a generally flat side may nevertheless be slightly convex. Further the front side and an opposite rear side of the sign may be slightly convex. In other words one or more sides of the generally rectangular profile may be slightly bulged. This may help minimizing undesired light reflection from large areas of the traffic sign, which may irritate road users and/or adversely affect the visibility of information displayed by the sign, for example.

[0016] In one embodiment the widened portion extends along the longitudinal axis at a generally uniform rectangular profile. Thus the area formed by the front side may have a generally rectangular shape. However the widened portion may further extend at a generally rectangular profile which varies in size along the longitudinal axis so that other shapes of the front side can be obtained.

[0017] In one embodiment, the hollow body of the traffic sign may comprise retention means for retaining the hollow body in a stacked configuration with another hollow body of the same type. Retention means may be selected from among an edge, a spacer, a rim or another geometric feature, which is adapted to engage with a corresponding counter structure at another hollow body in a mating configuration. The hollow body may further have a front face having an outer first three-dimensional shape and a rear face having an outer second three-dimensional shape. The first three-dimensional shape may generally correspond to a negative of the second three-dimensional shape. Thus the front face of one hollow body may be mated with the rear face of a further hollow body for stacking a plurality of bodies. This is advantageous because many hollow bodies may be stored and/or transported in a space-efficient and secure way before or after use or during transportation without movement of the hollow bodies relative to each other. Such a stackable hollow body may be used with or without a lighting kit.

[0018] In one embodiment the traffic sign comprises a lighting kit. The lighting kit is at least partially accommodated within in the bottleneck. For example one part of the lighting kit may be arranged or held within the bottleneck and another part of the lighting kit may protrude from the bottleneck into the widened portion of the hollow body. The lighting kit may particularly be arranged with the light source extending into the wider portion of the body.

[0019] In a further embodiment the lighting kit is mounted to the sign partially outside the body and protrudes with the light source inside the bottleneck and/or inside the body through the opening of the bottleneck. Thus one part of the lighting kit may be arranged outside the sign, another part of the lighting kit may be arranged within bottleneck and still another part of the lighting kit may protrude from the bottleneck into the wider portion of the hollow body. Latter part preferably comprises the light source. This may allow for arranging the battery of the lighting kit outside the sign and thus facilitating the accessibility of the batteries for maintenance or replacement but also for trans-illuminating the hollow body.

[0020] In one embodiment the body is formed by a blow molded plastic body. The body may particularly be entirely closed and the bottleneck may form the only opening. Thus the traffic sign may form a hollow space which is largely encapsulated from the environment. The traffic sign therefore may be generally water resistant and may be adapted to hermetically encapsulate the lighting kit and/or the light source.

[0021] Preferably, the hollow body may be made of a thermoformable material, most preferably blow moldable material, for example high-density Polyethylene (HDPE). The hollow body may further be made of other thermoformable or blow moldable materials. It has been found that HDPE is advantageous in that it allows for relatively easy manufacturing and in that it provides the traffic sign with relative high robustness.

[0022] In another embodiment the traffic sign comprises a lighting kit. The lighting kit may comprise a power source. This may be advantageous for use with temporary or retrofitted traffic signs which may not have a power connection. The power source is preferably a battery, for example a lantern battery with an IEC code 4LR25 having a voltage of 6V. These batteries are widely used and provide for a relatively robust design and are relatively inexpensive. The power source may further include other types of batteries. Alternatively, a power cable may be used for connecting the lighting kit with an external power source. Furthermore, internal and external power sources may be combined. A switch for switching between internal and external power source may be arranged in the lighting kit. Further, the lighting kit may comprise more than one power source of the same and/or different types.

[0023] In another embodiment the power source is arranged on a printed circuit board which is arranged within the lighting kit. The printed circuit board may comprise further components of the lighting kit, for example a light source, control equipment etc. Preferably, the printed circuit board with the light source and the power source is encapsulated. This is beneficial to prevent damages of the components in the printed circuit board.

[0024] In one embodiment a plurality of traffic signs are arranged on a road surface. The plurality of traffic signs may be remote controlled. This may particularly be useful for guiding road users in a construction workzone. Each lighting kit of the plurality traffic signs may be remote controlled wirelessly. In this case, the traffic signs comprise a wireless receiver which is adapted to receive control signals from a remote control. This is particularly useful because control cables may not be needed. It is conceivable to wirelessly control traffic signs with lighting kits having an integrated power source as well as traffic signs with lighting kits connected to power cables. Again, in this case, no control cable needs to be arranged. Furthermore, the lighting kit may have control elements in order to switch the light source on, off or between different modes of operation, for examples as laid out further below.

[0025] In another embodiment the hollow body comprises light transmissive material. Further the retro-reflective face is preferably provided by a light transmissive retro-reflective material. This is of advantage because this ensures a good visibility for example for vehicle drivers approaching such a traffic sign. The retro-reflective material may exhibit different colors, for example red and yellow stripes may formed within the area of retro-reflective material. Alternatively, colored films may be applied on the retro-reflective material. The retro-reflective sheet may be of the type 3M Diamond Grade™ Translucent DG³. Reflective Sheeting Series 4090T, commercially available from 3M Company, St. Paul/MN. A suitable colored layer may be 3M ElectroCut Film of the type 1171 (yellow color) and 1172 (red color). Alternatively, the stripes are made of a two-sided 3M Sheeting 3990 and 3M Film 1175 EC Film, commercially available from 3M Company, St. Paul/MN.

[0026] Other materials may be used to provide sufficient retro-reflectivity. The retro-reflective material may also be arranged discontinuously, for example in stripes, discrete islands or in a perforated or punched pattern.

[0027] In one embodiment the traffic sign comprises a pedestal for supporting the body on a road surface. The pedestal may have a receptacle for receiving the bottleneck of the hollow body. The pedestal may be made of a relatively heavy material, for example cast iron, concrete or stone. Thus the pedestal may provide for a relatively firm support of the sign.

[0028] In one embodiment the traffic sign is further adapted to hold a second light source outside the body. The traffic sign may have a holder arranged generally opposite of the bottleneck for holding the second light source. The holder may for example comprise a pin or a socket at which the second light source may be fixed. The second light source may thus emit light without trans-illuminating the hollow body. This may be advantageous for using existing external lighting devices with the traffic sign of the invention. Further a user may selectively use the traffic sign with the lighting kit according to the invention or the same traffic sign without the lighting kit but a lighting device of the prior art.

[0029] In another embodiment the holder may be configured and adapted to form a bottleneck or a further bottleneck for receiving the lighting kit. In this embodiment a first bottleneck may be arranged at a first end of the traffic sign for holding the sign in a receptacle of the pedestal, and a second bottleneck opposite of the first bottleneck for receiving the lighting kit. In use of the traffic sign the first end accordingly may be oriented toward the bottom (facing the road) and the second bottleneck may be oriented toward the top (facing away from the road). The further bottleneck may be closed at one end, for example the end facing the hollow body or the end facing away from the hollow body. In use, an opening is provided at the closed end to allow light emitted from the light source to trans-illuminate the hollow body and/or the light source to be inserted into the opening to be partially accommodated inside the hollow body.

[0030] In one embodiment the traffic sign further has a generally non-retroreflective face. The lighting kit and the body are preferably configured and arranged such that the lighting kit, when activated, trans-illuminates the retroreflective face and the non-retroreflective face. This may be useful because the trans-illumination of the retro-reflective face and the non-retro-reflective face provides for a good visibility of the traffic sign.

[0031] In further embodiment the traffic sign comprises a lighting kit which is adapted for providing flash-light. Such a flash light may be provided by operation of the light source in an alternating first and second mode. In the first operation mode the light source may be activated to emit light at a first intensity. In the second operation mode the light source may be inactivated or activated to emit light at a second intensity which is lower than the first intensity. In the inactivated mode the light source preferably does not emit light. The frequency of the flash-light may be between about 0.5 Hz to about 5 Hz. A frequency of 0.5 Hz for example corresponds to one change from the first to the second operation mode, or vice versa, within 2 seconds, whereas 5 Hz corresponds to 5 changes per second. This is of advantage because a flash-light provides for a good visibility of the traffic sign.

[0032] In one embodiment the traffic sign comprises a light source which is activated upon the sign is illuminated from outside. The traffic sign may have a sensor for recognizing light impinging on the traffic sign. Further the traffic sign may have circuitry which is adapted to control the activation and/or deactivation of the light source dependent on the level of light intensity recognized at the sensor and/or the time period within which the light intensity changes. Thus, for example light impinging on the sign from a head light of a vehicle may cause to activate the light source and the absence of the head light may cause the light source to be deactivated. For example, the activation and/or frequency may be controlled by speed recognition device which may be arranged in the lighting kit this may be useful because the light source would only be activated if a vehicle is approaching the traffic sign with its head lights switched on. If no such vehicle is approaching, the light source may be switched off and would not consume any energy. This may help to preserve battery capacity or to generally save energy in comparison to a permanently activated light source.

[0033] In a further embodiment the lighting kit has a light emitting diode (LED). LEDs typically operate at high light efficiency and may thus help to save energy. The light sources may, for example, comprise one or more high power LEDs. Furthermore, the light source may be provided with a light collimating lens. Alternatively, a diffuser lens may be used with the light source. The light source may, for example, be of the type Cree X-lamp, MC-E white or Cree customized LED lens kit MC-E LK 103, commercially available from company Ledil Oy, Finland.

[0034] In one embodiment the pedestal receives at least a portion of the bottleneck. Thereby the lighting kit may extend at least partially into the bottleneck received in the pedestal. This may be advantageous because the lighting kit may be protected at least partially by the pedestal. For example over-rolling of the traffic sign may not cause the lighting kit to be damaged. Further, the light source arranged at the first or lower end of the hollow body of the traffic sign may provide for a low center of gravity of the traffic sign and thus contribute to a good tilt resistance. Preferably, housing of the lighting kit of the traffic sign is made of Polyamide (PA), Polyethylene (PE) or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS). The housing of the lighting kit may be made of other materials. These materials provide for a robust design of the lighting kit and are easy and cheap to manufacture.

[0035] Another advantage may be that the light source is arranged at the second or upper end of the hollow body of the traffics sign and may thereby in particular trans-illuminate the upper part of the hollow body of the traffic sign. This may provide a good visibility of the traffic sign for example from a distance. Preferably, the housing of the lighting kit of the traffic sign is made of Polyamide (PA), Polyethylene (PE) or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS). The housing of the lighting kit may be made of other. These materials provide for a robust design of the lighting kit and are easy and cheap to manufacture.

[0036] In one embodiment the lighting kit of the traffic sign comprises a handle. The handle may be arranged on an end of the lighting kit which faces away from the body in a situation in which the lighting kit is mounted on the body. The handle may be advantageous in that it to facilitates or simplifies the assembly of the traffic sign incl. the lighting kit, for example when retrofitting the sign with the lighting kit. The user may for example grasp the handle of the lighting kit and place the lighting kit on the second or upper end of the hollow body of the sign.

[0037] The handle may comprise a gripping aid. The gripping aid may include friction-enhancing or elastically deformable material or portions, for example made of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). This is advantageous because this may improve the securely grip of the handle by a user. Furthermore, the lighting kit may comprise retention means for retaining the lighting kit in a stacked configuration. For example, the handle may comprise edges, spacers, rims or other geometric features, which may engage with a counter structure at another lighting kit in mating configuration. This may be advantageous because many lighting kits may be stored and/or transported in a space-efficient and secure way before or after use and/or during transportation, respectively.

[0038] The housing of the lighting kit is preferably at least partially made in an injection molding process. The housing may also be made in other manufacturing processes.

[0039] In one aspect the invention relates to a lighting kit for internally illuminating a traffic sign. The lighting kit preferably comprises a light source. Further the lighting kit may be adapted to be at least partially received in a bottleneck of the traffic sign. Such a lighting kit and the hollow body of a corresponding traffic sign may be configured and arranged relative to each other such that the light source, when activated, trans-illuminates the retro-reflective face This may be of advantage because the lighting kit may easily be retrofitted to the traffic sign.

[0040] In one embodiment the lighting kit may be secured to the second or upper end of the hollow body of the traffic sign. Thus a part of the lighting kit may embrace the top of the hollow body. This may include rims at the lower end of the lighting kit engaging with the top of the hollow body. Securing of the lighting kit to the traffic sign may be of advantage because the lighting kit is prevented from falling off, for example in case of an accident or from thievery. Also, securing may help to simplify the transport of a lighting kit assembled to a traffic sign. Mechanical fasteners such as reclosable fasteners like hook and loop, clips, clamps, latches, screws, bolts or the like may be used. Also, other fasteners, for example adhesive, press-fit or form-fit of the lighting kit part relative to the according lighting kit part may be used.

[0041] The Lighting kit may have a hole in a lower portion for release of water. Such water which eventually accumulates within the lighting kit, for example from condensing due to temperature changes may thus by removed from the lighting kit. This is beneficial because moisture may otherwise cause defects in the electronic circuitry of the lighting kit.

[0042] In one embodiment the lighting kit of the traffic sign may comprise an additional light source on its front and/or rear face. The light source is not used to illuminate the interior of the hollow body of the sign, but it may be easily recognized, for example, by vehicle drivers approaching the traffic sign. The additional light source may be empowered by the same power source, for example a battery, empowering the light source. Alternatively, the additional light source may have a different power source, for example a battery or a power cable.

[0043] In one aspect the invention relates to a method of retrofitting a lighting kit to a traffic sign. The method comprises the steps of providing a hollow body having a bottleneck configured and adapted to form an opening into the body, and arranging a lighting kit at least partially in the bottleneck. During this step, the light source of the lighting kit is inserted at least partially into the bottleneck such that the light emitted by the light source trans-illuminates the hollow body.

[0044] In one embodiment, the lighting kit is entirely arranged in the bottleneck.

[0045] In another embodiment, the lighting kit remains partially outside the bottleneck and only the light source is at least partially arranged in the bottleneck. As described above, the lighting kit may be secured to one end of the traffic sign to prevent falling-off, for example by fasteners as mentioned above.

[0046] The method may further comprise the step of providing an opening in the bottleneck by removal of material from the hollow body. For example, removal of the hollow body material may be achieved by milling, drilling, cutting, punching or sawing.

[0047] The method may include sawing or cutting away a portion of the bottleneck or the holder, if present. The bottleneck or the holder may be tubular and may have a circular or rectangular cross section and may, for example be closed on one end by a lid. Furthermore, the method may include drilling milling, punching, cutting or sawing a portion of the lid to form an opening.

[0048] The method may further comprise the step of assembling the traffic sign with the pedestal to support the traffic sign on the ground as described above. The bottleneck of the hollow body is received in a receptacle of the pedestal. The assembled traffic sign may be placed on the ground with the pedestal.

[0049] In one embodiment, the method further includes the step of moving the light source into the bottleneck or holder such that the light source of the lighting kit at least partially is accommodated by the bottleneck or holder. The light source may further be moved such that the light source is at least partially accommodated by the hollow body. A cable connecting the light source with the power source may be used to move the light source. Alternatively, a rod, wire, cord or the like may be used to move the light source.

Description of the figures

[0050] 

Figure 1 a

is an exploded view of a first embodiment of the traffic sign, where the retrofittable lighting kit is mounted in a bottleneck at a first end of the traffic sign;

Figure 1b

shows the embodiment of fig. 1 a in an assembled state;

Figure 2a

is an exploded view of a second embodiment of the traffic sign, where the retrofittable lighting kit is mounted in a bottleneck at a second end of the traffic sign;

Figure 2b

shows the embodiment of fig. 2a in an assembled state;

Figure 3a

is an exploded view of a third embodiment of the traffic sign, which is identical to the second embodiment, but has additional housing parts arranged at a second side of the sign;

Figure 3b

shows the embodiment of fig. 3a in an assembled state;

Figure 3c

is an exploded view of the lighting kit of the third embodiment of the traffic sign as illustrated in figs. 3a and 3b;

Figure 3d

is a perspective view of a lighting kit of a fourth embodiment of the traffic sign, which is identical to the third embodiment, but comprising an additional light source on its front face; and

Figure 3e

is a side view of the lighting kit as shown in fig. 3d.

[0051] Figure 1 a shows a first embodiment of the traffic sign 10 in an exploded view. The traffic sign 10 comprises a hollow body 20, made of a light-transmissive thermoformable material, for example HDPE. The hollow body 20 has a front face 22, a rear face 24 (not shown in fig. 1 a), a first or lower end 12 and a second or upper end 14. The front face 22 comprises a retro-reflective face 30 and a non-retro-reflective face 32. The retro-reflective face 30 is provided by a light-transmissive retro-reflective material. The retro-reflective material exhibits different colors, in the example alternating red and yellow stripes, which are formed within the area of the retro-reflective material. Alternatively, colored films may be arranged on the retro-reflective material.

[0052] The hollow body 20 of the traffic sign 10 comprises a bottleneck 60 at the first or lower end 12. The bottleneck 60 comprises an opening 62, which provides access to the interior of the hollow body 20.

[0053] Figure 1 a furthermore shows a lighting kit 50 having a light source 52. The light source 52 may be a light-emitting diode (LED). Further the lighting kit comprises a battery 54 (not visible in fig. 1a) for empowering the light source 52. The lighting kit 50 is received within the bottleneck 60 of the hollow body 20 and positioned and fixed therein such that light, emitted from the light source 52, illuminates the interior of the hollow body 20 and thereby trans-illuminates the retro-reflective face 30 and the non-retro-reflective face 40.

[0054] The traffic sign further comprises a pedestal 80 with a receptacle 82 for receiving the bottleneck 60 of the hollow body 20. The pedestal 80 in the example is a plastic body usually filled with water, sand, metal or the like in order to provide for sufficient weight and tilt resistance of the traffic sign. The pedestal 80 may be placed on a road surface.

[0055] An optional support 90 is shown in fig. 1 a. The support 90 may receive the bottleneck 60 of the hollow body 20 and the lighting kit 50, respectively (not shown in fig. 1a). The support may be a tube made of metal, for example a rectangular tube which provides for rotationally locking the body 20 and the pedestal 80 with one another. For assembly, the support 90 is insertable into receptacle 82 of the pedestal 80. The support 90 may further increase stability and tilt resistance of the traffic sign 10 relative to a sign without a support. Alternatively, if no support is present, the bottleneck 60 may by directly received in the receptacle 82 of pedestal 80 (not shown in fig. 1a, see fig. 1 b). The lighting kit 50 is received within the bottleneck 60 and the receptacle 82, respectively (not shown in fig. 1a, see fig. 1b).

[0056] Figure 1b shows the embodiment of fig. 1a in the assembled state. For assembly, the lighting kit 50 is inserted into the opening 62 of the bottleneck 60 of the hollow body 20 and at least partially received within the bottleneck 60. The next assembly step is that the bottleneck 60 of the hollow body 20 is inserted into the receptacle 82 of pedestal 80. The assembled traffic sign 10 is then ready for placement on the road surface.

[0057] The lighting kit 50 is at least partially received by and fixed in the bottleneck 60 of the hollow body 20 and the receptacle 82 of the pedestal 80, respectively. The light source 52 of the lighting kit 50 is thereby facing towards the interior of the hollow body 20. Light emitted from the light source 52 of the lighting kit 50 illuminates the interior of the hollow body 20 and thereby trans-illuminates the retro-reflective face 30 and the retro-reflective face 32.

[0058] Figure 2a shows a second embodiment of the traffic sign 10 in an exploded view. The traffic sign 10 comprises a hollow body 20 with a front face 22, rear face 24 (not shown in fig. 2a), a first or lower end 12 and a second or upper end 14. The sign 10 is identical to the first embodiment as described in figs. 1 a and 1b, except that the lighting kit 50 is received in a bottleneck provided at a second or upper end 14 of the sign 10. The traffic sign of the second embodiment also comprises a retro-reflective face 30 and a non-retro-reflective face 32. The retro-reflective face 30 comprises a light-transmissive retro-reflective material.

[0059] In this embodiment, the lighting kit 50 is arranged at the upper end 14 of the traffic sign 10 as explained below. The traffic sign 10 comprises a holder 70 forming a bottleneck at the second or upper end 14 of the hollow body 20. In the example the bottleneck is cylindrical but may have another shape, for example rectangular or triangular. The holder 70 may be used to hold a lamp unit (not shown in fig. 2a) comprising a lamp and a battery.

[0060] Lighting kit 50 may be inserted into the opening 72 of the holder 70 with the light source 52 facing down. Beforehand, a further opening 74 may be made in the material of the hollow body 20 at the second or upper end 14 of the hollow body 20 within the perimeter of the holder 70 to provide access to the interior of the hollow body 20. The lighting kit 50 is received within the holder 70 of the hollow body 20 and positioned and fixed therein such that the light source 52 of the lighting kit 50 is in alignment with the opening 74 and such that light, emitted from the light source 52, can illuminate the interior of the hollow body 20 and thereby trans-illuminate the retro-reflective face 30 and the non-retro-reflective face 32.

[0061] Identical to the first embodiment of the traffic sign 10, the sign 10 and the pedestal 80 are adapted for assembly with each other such that the bottleneck 60 of the hollow body 20 is inserted into the receptacle 82 of the pedestal 80. An optional support 90 may be used to increase stability of the traffic sign 10 with regard to tilt resistance compared to a sign without support.

[0062] Fig. 2b shows the embodiment of fig. 2a in the assembled state. For assembly, the lighting kit 50 is inserted into the opening 72 of the holder 70 at the upper side of the hollow body 20 and at least partially received within the holder 70. An opening 74 (not visible in fig. 2b because of the lighting kit 50 being inserted into opening 72 of holder 70) is made in the material of the hollow body 20 at the upper side of the hollow body 20 within the perimeter of the cylindrical holder 70 to provide access to the interior of the hollow body 20. The next assembly step is that the bottleneck 60 of the hollow body 20 is inserted into the receptacle 82 of pedestal 80. The assembled traffic sign 10 is placed on the road surface with the pedestal.

[0063] The lighting kit 50 is at least partially received by and fixed in the holder 70 of the hollow body 20 and the receptacle 82 of the pedestal 80, respectively. The light source 52 of the lighting kit 50 is thereby facing downwards and to the interior of the hollow body 20, whereby the light source 52 of the lighting kit 50 is in alignment with the opening 74 in the hollow body 20 such that light emitted from the light source 52 of the lighting kit 50 illuminates the interior of the hollow body 20 and thereby trans-illuminates the retro-reflective face 30 and the retro-reflective face 32.

[0064] Figure 3a shows a third embodiment of the traffic sign 10 in an exploded view, In this embodiment, which is identical to the second embodiment as illustrated in figs. 2a and 2b, except that the lighting kit 50 is different to the one as shown in figs. 2a and 2b. Additional housing parts 56, 58 are present with the lighting kit 50. The lighting kit 50 is arranged at a second or upper end 14 of the sign 10.

[0065] The lighting kit 50 comprises housing parts 56, 58, which contain a light source 52 and a battery 54. The additional housing parts 56, 58 of the lighting kit 50 provide for maximized space within the lighting kit 50 compared the lighting kit 50 as shown in figs. 1 a/b and 2 a/b. Particularly the battery 54 is larger in this embodiment compared to the battery 54 in the first and second embodiment as shown in figs. 1 a/b and 2a/b. A larger battery 54 may provide for a higher capacity and/or voltage of the battery compared to the battery 54 of the first and second embodiment. This may be useful to provide a light source with an increased brightness and/or with an increased duration of illumination relative to the first and second embodiments, which is particularly useful for movable or temporary traffic signs 10 used, for example, in a construction work zone. The lighting kit 50 is shown in more detail in fig. 3c.

[0066] The hollow body 20 shown in figs. 3a to 3c is the same as with the previous figures, thus the hollow body 20 in the third embodiment also comprises a holder 70 arranged at a second or upper end 14 of the hollow body 20. The holder 70 forms a bottleneck of the hollow body 20 and comprises an opening 74 for illumination of the interior of the hollow body 20, similar to the first and second embodiment as described above. The difference of the third embodiment compared to the first and second embodiments is, that - as outlined above - the lighting kit 50 comprises additional housing parts 56, 58. Furthermore, lighting kit 50 additionally comprises a handle 58a on one end of the lighting kit 50, for example at the upper end as shown in figs. 3a to 3c. The handle 58a may help to facilitate or simplify the assembly of the traffic sign 10 incl. the lighting kit 50, for example when retrofitting the sign 10 with the lighting kit 50. The user could grip the handle 58a of the lighting kit 50 and place the lighting kit 50 on the second or upper end 14 of the hollow body 20 of the sign 10.

[0067] Figure 3b shows the third embodiment of the traffic sign 10 in the assembled state. Lighting kit 50 has been placed, for example by a user, on the second or upper end 14 of the hollow body 20 of the sign 10, such that the light source 52 (not shown in figs. 3a and 3b, see fig. 3c for that) is inserted into the holder 70 forming a bottleneck at the second or upper end 14 of the hollow body 20 of the sign 10. The light source 52 is arranged such that it emits light through the opening 74 and thereby illuminates the interior of the hollow body 20 of the sign 10. Thereby, the retro-reflective face 30 and the non-retro-reflective face 32 of the hollow body 20 of the sign 10 can be trans-illuminated.

[0068] For complete assembly, similar to the first and second embodiment, the traffic sign 10 is inserted with its bottleneck 60 at the first or lower end 12 into the receptacle 82 of the pedestal 80. The pedestal 80 is placed on, for example, a road surface (not shown in the figures).

[0069] Figure 3c shows more details of the lighting kit 50 according to the third embodiment of the traffic sign 10 as shown in figs. 3a and 3b in an exploded view. As mentioned above, the lighting kit 50 provides for maximized space relative to the one of the first and second embodiments as above described. The battery 54 is contained in the additional housing parts 56, 58 of the lighting kit 50. Furthermore, the light source 52 is contained in the housing part 58 such that the light source 52 is facing towards the hollow body 20 of the sign 10, i. e. the light source 52 can emit light into the hollow body 20 of the sign 10 once assembled thereto through the opening 74 in the holder 70 forming a bottleneck. Figure 3c further shows a handle 58a, which helps in assembling the lighting kit 50 to the second or upper end 14 of the hollow body 20 of the traffic sign 10.

[0070] Figure 3d shows a lighting kit 50 according to a fourth embodiment of the traffic sign 10 in a perspective view. The lighting kit 50 is identical to the lighting kit of the third embodiment, but it comprises an additional light source 100 on its front face 50a and/or rear face 50b. The light source 100 is arranged outside the body. Thus the light source may be easily recognized, for example, by vehicle drivers approaching the traffic sign 10. The additional light source 100 may be empowered by the same battery 54 (not shown in fig. 3d) empowering the light source 52 or a different battery or power source may be used (not shown here).

[0071] The additional light source 100 is contained in the housing part 58 of the lighting kit 50 on its front or rear face 50a, 50b. Light emitted from the light source 100 is emitted such that its main axis of light emission is substantially perpendicular to the light emitted by light source 52 (not shown in fig. 3d) and to the main axis of the sign 10, respectively.

[0072] Figure 3e shows the additional light source 100 of the lighting kit as shown in fig. 3d in a side view. The light source 100 is arranged at the front face 50a of the lighting kit 50.

Claims

1. A traffic sign comprising

- a hollow body having a retro-reflective face, the body comprises

o a bottleneck configured and adapted to form an opening into the body and

o a lighting kit with a light source,

- wherein the lighting kit and the body are configured and arranged relative to each other such that the light source, when activated, trans-illuminates the hollow body.

2. The traffic sign of claim 1, wherein the lighting kit is at least partially accommodated within in the bottleneck.

3. The traffic sign of claim 1 or 2, wherein the lighting kit is mounted to the sign partially outside the body and protrudes with the light source inside the body through the opening of the bottleneck.

4. The sign according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the body is formed by a blow molded plastic body.

5. The sign according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lighting kit comprises a power source.

6. The sign according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the body comprises light transmissive material and wherein the retro-reflective face is provided by a light transmissive retro-reflective material.

7. The sign according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a pedestal for supporting the body on a road surface.

9. The sign according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a holder for an external lamp at a second end of the sign, the holder is configured and adapted to form a bottleneck for receiving the lighting kit.

10. The sign according to any of claims 1 to 9,

- wherein the body further has a generally non-retroreflective face and

- wherein the lighting kit is arranged for trans-illuminating the retroreflective face and the non-retroreflective face.

11. The sign according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lighting kit is adapted for providing flash-light.

12. The sign according to any of the preceding claims, whereby the light source is activated upon the sign is illuminated from outside, for example by light impinging on the sign from a head light of a vehicle.

13. The sign according according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pedestal receiving at least a portion of the bottleneck, and wherein the lighting kit extends at least partially into the bottleneck received in the pedestal.

14. The sign according to any of the preceding claims, the sign further comprises a pedestal, the pedestal receiving at least a portion of the bottleneck, and wherein the lighting kit extends at least partially into the bottleneck arranged at a second end of the sign.

15. A method of retrofitting a lighting kit to a sign according to any of the preceding claims, the method comprising the steps of:

- providing a hollow body having a bottleneck configured and adapted to form an opening into the body;

- arranging a lighting kit at least partially in the bottleneck,

- whereby the method optionally includes the step of providing an opening in the bottleneck by removal of material of the hollow body.

Drawing