Composite street sign with integral electrical wiring and integrated power supply
AssigneeALF Operating Partners, Ltd.
InventorsM. John Fakhari, A. Lee Finley, Adam R. Fakhari
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A street sign assembly is fabricated from a composite material having at least one panel for displaying indicia such as street names. Electrical conductors are embedded into the panel to permit attachment and electrical coupling of an integrated power supply module, lights and other electrical devices thereto. The integrated power supply module includes a solar panel and battery in a single weatherproof enclosure that is attachable to the panel. The battery is recharged by the solar panel and power is provided from the module through electrical leads that contact the embedded electrical conductors in the panel.
Claims14
A sign comprising:
- a first panel for displaying indicia, said first panel having a first surface and a second surface, said indicia displayed on said first surface;
- a second panel securable to said first panel such that said first panel extends below said second panel in a generally perpendicular fashion;
- a pair of electrical conductors embedded in said second panel, an illuminating member electrically coupled to said pair of electrical conductors for illuminating said indicia on said first panel;
- and
- an integrated power supply module comprising a solar panel and a battery in communication with a pair of electrical leads, said electrical leads in communication with said pair of electrical conductors to provide power to said illuminating member;
- wherein said second panel comprises at least one receptacle allowing access to at least one of said embedded electrical conductors, and wherein said integrated power supply module includes at least one extending plug having an electrical lead in communication with said battery, said plug configured to mate with said receptacle so that power is communicated from the electrical lead to the at least one of said embedded electrical conductors.
A lighting apparatus securable to a display panel on a street sign comprising:
- a conductive panel having first and second electrical conductors embedded within said conductive panel, said electrical conductors having exposed portions;
- an illuminating member securable to said conductive panel, said illuminating member contacting said first and second electrical conductors and receiving electrical power through at least one of said conductors;
- a flange extending downwardly from said conductive panel, said flange adapted to be secured to the display panel on the street sign such that the display panel extends below said conductive panel in a generally perpendicular fashion;
- an integrated power supply module secured to said conductive panel for powering said illuminating member, said integrated power supply module comprising an enclosure, a solar panel, a battery, control circuitry, and at least one electrical lead in communication with said battery, said electrical lead configured to engage with one of said embedded electrical conductors;
- and
- wherein said conductive panel comprises at least one receptacle allowing access to at least one of said embedded electrical conductors, and wherein said at least one electrical lead extends along a power connection plug extending from said power supply module, said plug configured to mate with said receptacle such that said electrical lead is secured in electrical contact with at least one of said embedded electrical conductors.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.