Reflector support

Abstract

A support for a pole reflector, according to the invention, is useful for securing a marking reflector to the ground to delineate the edge of a road, curb or driveway, for example. The support, which has an anchor portion that may be hammered into the ground, includes a cantilevered arm that extends radially outward from the anchor portion. A pole reflector may be supported by a receiver provided at the free end of the arm, such that the pole reflector may be located over a hard surface such as asphalt or concrete, where the pole reflector could not otherwise be driven into the ground.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to marking devices used to delineate the edge of a road driveway or parking area, and, in particular, relates to a support for a reflective marker.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Reflective markers are used, for example, to delineate the edge of a driveway, road or parking area. Such markers are prevalent in geographic regions where large amounts of snow may accumulate. The markers may delineate curbs, roadways, driveways, fire hydrants or other structures, which might be otherwise covered with snow. A typical reflective marker is a molded plastic disc, which is mounted to a support structure such as a pole. The pole may be driven into the soil along the edge of a road, driveway or other line of demarcation. However, a person may have difficulty pushing a pole marker into the hard ground near the edge of a road or driveway. Thus, there is a need for improved pole marking devices and systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a support for a pole reflector. The support allows a user to easily secure the pole support for a marking reflector to the ground to delineate the edge of a road, curb or driveway, for example.

In one illustrative embodiment, the pole support includes an anchor portion, an arm and a receiver.

In another illustrative embodiment, the pole support may include an anchor portion in sliding engagement with a receiving portion.

In another illustrative embodiment, the receiving portion may be rotatably engaged with the anchor portion.

In another embodiment the receiving portion may be telescopically engaged with the anchor portion.

In another embodiment, the arm may include a resilient member which allows the arm to resiliently deflect from its neutral position.

In another embodiment the receiver may be a tubular member having a through bore extending from one end to the other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other aspects, advantages and novel features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an illustrative embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of another illustrative embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of another illustrative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is an end view of another illustrative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is an cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, taken along line B-B.

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the illustrative embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

FIG. 7 is an isometric exploded view of another illustrative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic of one illustrative embodiment of the invention, shown mounted across the face of a curb.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A support for a pole reflector, according to the invention, is useful for securing a marking reflector to the ground to delineate the edge of a road, curb or driveway, for example. The support, which has an anchor portion that may be hammered into the ground, includes a cantilevered arm that extends radially outward from the anchor portion. A pole reflector may be supported by a receiver provided at the free end of the arm, such that the pole reflector may be located over a hard surface such as asphalt or concrete, where the pole reflector could not otherwise be driven into the ground.

According to one illustrative embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1, the pole reflector support 10 includes an anchor portion 12, an arm 14 and a receiver 16. In a preferred embodiment, the anchor portion 12 has a flat head or proximal portion 18, an elongated main body 20 and a tapered distal portion 22. The flat head 18 serves as a hammer point to drive the anchor into the ground. The elongated main body 20 preferably has a cruciform or T-shaped cross-section, which minimizes the force to drive the anchor into the ground. At the same time, this configuration provides substantial resistance to rotation about the longitudinal axis of the anchor. It will be appreciated, however, that any other cross-section may also be employed, including square, circular, triangular etc. The distal end 22 of the anchor may taper to a blunt point 24. The pointed distal portion reduces the force required to drive the anchor 12 into the ground, making it easier for the user to install the anchor.

An arm 14 extends from the anchor portion 12. In one embodiment, the arm 14 is formed integrally with the anchor portion 12, and may be oriented substantially perpendicular relative to the longitudinal axis of the main body 20. A gusset 26 may be provided at the junction of arm 14 and anchor 12 to strengthen the connection of the joint and minimize deflection of the arm 14 relative to the anchor 12. In a preferred embodiment, the arm 14 has a rectangular cross section with a thickness of 0.25 inch, a width of 1.0 inch and a length of 4.0 to 8.0 inches. It will be appreciated, however, that the dimensions of the arm may be varied to suit particular requirements.

A receiver 16 is coupled to the arm 14. In one embodiment, the receiver 16 is a tubular member having a through bore 28 extending from one end to the other. Preferably, the longitudinal axis of the receiver is offset from, and parallel to, the longitudinal axis of the anchor portion 12. The receiver 16 is sized to receive the distal end of the pole reflector. In one embodiment, the wall of the receiver may include a threaded through-hole for receiving a thumb-screw, or other suitable fastener, for securing a pole in the receiver. Other securement features are also contemplated. For example, a wedge system or a split tip receiver may be used to secure a pole therein. In one embodiment, the free end of the receiver 16 includes a chamfer 32, making it easier to insert a pole reflector. A gusset 34 may be provided to strengthen the connection of the receiver 16 to the arm 14 and minimize deflection of the receiver 16 relative to the arm 14. In a preferred embodiment the receiver 16 has a length of 3.0 inches, an inner diameter of 0.5 inch, and a wall thickness of 0.25 inch.

In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 2, the pole support 110 includes an anchor portion 113 and a receiver portion 114. The anchor portion includes an anchor arm 115 which is coupled to the receiver arm 116 of the receiver portion. The anchor arm 115 and receiver arm 116 may have complementary mating features, which permit translation of one member relative to the other. In the embodiment shown, the anchor arm 115 and receiver arm 116 each include elongated slots 117, 118, through which a coupling pin or bolt may attach the parts. In another embodiment, the anchor arm and receiver arm may be telescopically engaged tubular members. The adjustability provided by these embodiments permits a plurality of pole reflectors to be aligned along the edge of a property or along any other line of demarcation.

In yet another embodiment, the arm 14 includes a resilient member which allows the arm to resiliently deflect from its neutral position. In a preferred embodiment, the resilient member is a helical coil spring 26. The coil spring 26 may be placed at either end of arm 14, or the coil spring 26 may be placed medially on the arm. It is further contemplated the resilient member may be made of any resilient material and have any suitable cross section. For example, the resilient member made be solid or tubular in construction. It is also contemplated that the resilient member may form the entire arm 14.

In still other embodiments, shown in FIGS. 3 through 7, arm portion is rotatably mounted on anchor portion . In one embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 through 7, the arm 714 contains a mounting portion 715 which defines a round opening 716 through which the head 717 of the anchor portion 712 may be received. Fingers 718 may project radially inward from the periphery of the mounting portion 715. The fingers 718 may resiliently deflect upon insertion of the anchor head 717 into the opening 716 of the mounting portion 715 to provide a snap-fit coupling of the components.

The pole support of the present invention may be made of any material have suitable stiffness and strength properties and is preferably formed of plastic or metal. While the illustrative embodiments of the present invention are configured for use with a separate pole reflector, it is also contemplated the pole reflector may be formed integrally with the support.

Advantageously, the anchor may be easily installed in the ground by hammering on the head of the anchor. When installed, the anchor arm may extend radially from the anchor in a preferably horizontal plane. Thus configured, the arm may provide a buffer zone, for example, between the edge of a yard and the road where the marking reflector extends upward from the receiver. As such vehicles, and, in particular, snow plows, would be less likely to damage a yard or strike an object off the side of the road, such as a curb or fire hydrant. The resilient member allows the free end of the reflector mount to resiliently deflect, for example, when struck by a passing snow plow. Likewise, a rotatably mounted arm would rotate about the anchor portion upon encountering the force of a plow or plowed snow. An adjustable arm extension allows several pole reflectors to be aligned with one another, and may allow a pole reflector to be positioned at the outside face of a structure, such as a curb, while the anchor may be driven into the ground at the inside face of the structure, as illustrated in the schematic of FIG. 8.

While the invention is described as a reflector support, other uses are also contemplated including, but not limited to, a flag pole support, a fishing pole support, a garden stake support, a lawn ornament support and a fence support.

Although the invention has been described in terms of exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Rather, the appended claims should be construed broadly, to include other variants and embodiments of the invention, which may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and range of equivalents of the invention.

Claims

1. A support device comprising:

an anchor;

a receiver; and

an arm extending between and connecting the anchor and the receiver.

2. The support device of claim 1 wherein, the receiver includes a tubular portion.

3. The support device of claim 1 wherein, the anchor include a head, a main body and a distal portion.

4. The support device of claim 1 wherein the support device includes a visual indicator operatively coupled to the receiver.

5. The support device of claim 4 wherein the visual indicator is one of a light and a reflector.

6. The support device of claim 1 wherein the anchor, the receiver and the arm are integrally formed from plastic.