Abstract: Adjustable slalom pole, consisting of a standpipe, a ground part to be inserted into the ground and a tipping element arranged between ground part and standpipe. The standpipe consists of fiber-reinforced synthetic material. This wall strength of the standpipe consists of fiber-reinforced synthetic material. The wall strength of the standpipe tapers off from bottom to top preferably step-wise.

Abstract: An improved traffic marker for deployment into the running surface of a roadway is disclosed wherein a light reflecting reflector thereof is normally positioned at above grade to enhance the visibility of retro-reflecting light impinging thereon from ongoing traffic. The reflector is mounted in a circumscribing holder, hardened to withstand the onslaught of vehicular traffic and of leading tungsten edges of snow plow blades. On impact, the holder descends into the marker, out of harm's way, carrying with it the reflector so that the reflector is not damaged. After impact, pneumatic pressure built up in the marker as a result of the descending action of the holder restores instantaneously the holder to above grade and hence the light reflecting surfaces as well. A four-step assembly operation of the unit develops a sub-assembly for holder and flexible membrane and a hermetic and pneumatically sealing boundary surface therebetween.

Abstract: A traffic control system is provided wherein the green and/or red signal lights are blinked momentarily at a predetermined interval before the direction of traffic is changed, and wherein a marker is placed along the roadway at a normal distance of travel within the timing of the blink signal to enable motorists to gauge their driving to save gasoline and achieve greater safety solely by noting their location relative to the marker when the blink signal occurs. Further, the invention relates to the use of this traffic signalling system in connection with a semi-actuated controller having a synchrolizer providing a background cycle, wherein the timing of the blink signal and the yellow caution signal is obtained from the synchrolizer. A specific feature resides in a novel means to prevent the synchrolizer from triggering a change in direction of traffic without a prior actuation of the blink signal.

Abstract: The present invention is a reflective snowplowable road marker (1) of unitary construction for disposition in a road surface without adhesive having an outwardly dished top section (4) with a relieved channel (8) extending across the top surface (5) of the top section (4) with the channel (8) being adapted to receive therein a reflector (6), and a bottom section (10) disposed from the bottom surface (22) of the top section (4) which has a cylindrical shape and a plurality of spaced apart gripping means (14) disposed on the outside surface of the bottom section (10).

Abstract: A marker rope to be stretched around a danger zone, such as a site of road repairs to warn trespassers off, has a plurality of cords. Each cord has a plug end and a socket end so as to be connected to each other and is provided with a plurality of luminous bodies and a sound producing unit which are sheathed in a watertight manner in a colored transparent protecting tube.

Abstract: A simulated tubular member for use as part of a highway safety device wherein the tube is comprised of a stiff, resilient rod which provides rigidity to maintain the simulated tube in straight orientation during static conditions, but deflects upon impact to avoid destruction. The rod includes a plurality of plastic bulbs which are configured to provide the appearance of a hollow plastic tube in conformance with state and federal highway specifications.

Abstract: An electrically-powered school bus sign and crossing arm apparatus mounts on the school bus body. A uni-directional DC motor and associated linkage and limit switch controls are used to deploy and retract the stop sign blade and crossing arm.

Abstract: A road warning system for indicating the presence of emergency or other conditions along a roadway or other surface includes an elongated carrier and a plurality of erectable-retractable warning means which are retracted when the carrier is disposed in a storage mode and erected when the carrier is translated from the storage mode into the utilization mode in which the warning means are erected to indicate the existence of a roadway anomaly. The carrier may consist of a wide variety of different structures, including linkages, continuous lengths of flexible-deformable material and the like. It is also contemplated that the carrier will incorporate various conductors, including electrical and fluid conductors, so that the warning means may be illuminated either electrically or by means of illuminating gases.

Abstract: A warning device adapted to be laid flat upon a roadway produces an audible warning sound when contacted by the wheels of a moving vehicle. The device is comprised of a mat of flexible resilient material having an elongated configuration, and a series of rigid panels upwardly positioned upon the mat. The warning sound is produced when the panels are downwardly deflected, and thereby contact each other in domino fashion. By virtue of its specialized construction, the device can be folded and rolled into a compact storage state which can be contained in the trunk of an automobile.

Abstract: A combined indicator and blocking assembly structured for mounting on the ground or surface within a designated parking space wherein the assembly includes a head portion selectively positionable upwardly from a base mounted on the surface of the parking space to the extent that the head portion and attendant supporting structure serves as a barrier in preventing unauthorized vehicles to enter the parking space. A sign or other indicator structure may be mounted on the interior surface of a lid element which is attached to the head portion and provided with proper informative indicia. The base is structured to house the head portion therein in a compact assembly when not in use, wherein the assembly has a height sufficient to pass underneath authorized vehicles parking in the space.

Abstract: A traffic lane delineator includes an elongate centrally disposed planar strip flanked on at least one side, and generally both sides, by outwardly extending tabs or ribs. The width of each rib may be equal to the space between adjacent ribs or the rib width and spacing therebetween may be varied if desired. This configuration provides an audible warning if a moving vehicle engages and drives upon the ribs. The planar strip preferably also includes a longitudinally extending double yellow line marking which may include reflective material. A physical barrier along the central strip may take the form of spaced-apart stanchions which may include reflective material for visibly delineating the traffic lanes. The delineator may be readily installed on a lane surface as needed as well as removed and rolled or stacked for compact storage.

Abstract: A road barricade flasher light combination includes a bracket connecting the flasher light to the hinge pin of a barricade. The bracket is in the form of a lever having a slotted aperture which is permanently fastened to the hinge pin and a cup-shaped recess with an aperture through which the normal threaded bolt of the flasher light extends. The assembly allows pivotal action for installation of the light and then later movement of it into a position on the saddle formed by the top bracket of the barricade.

Abstract: A traffic control device constructed as a one-piece traffic channelizing device of a plastic material. The device includes a bottom having a plurality of flexible flap elements for receiving and storing a ballast thereon. The flexible flap elements are responsive to a substantial impact to the traffic control device to cause the ballast to be released from the flexible flaps while the device is impacted to a horizontal position adjacent its original position. The device is adapted to mount warning lights and to be stacked including with the warning lights mounted thereto. The stacking of the traffic control devices does not effect the desired action for the flexible flaps.

Abstract: Traffic control apparatus employs an elongated barrier separating adjacent lanes of a highway. The barrier consists of a series of barrier sections hingedly secured together. A self propelled vehicle engages the barrier sections seriatim, elevates them and guides them within the vehicle along a generally sinusoidal path from one lane divider to another and discharges them.

Abstract: A warning device, especially suitable for road-side use, comprises a rotor arranged to rotate about a substantially vertical axis, the rotor including three equi-angularly spaced apart cups arranged to drive the rotor in response to wind. Each cup is typically approximately hemispherical, and contains a respective outwardly facing reflector which is snap-fitted into a circumferential groove or the like in its inside surface. Each cup also has a further reflector fitted in its base, facing the opposite way to the main reflector, the backs of both reflectors being effectively sealed by the way they are fitted to the cup. The rotor is rotatably supported on a single ball bearing disposed between a downwardly facing flat surface within a recess in the rotor and the flat top of an upwardly extending stationary stub shaft.

Abstract: A road marker of resilient material having a circular base from which there centrally rises a resiliently mounted reflector. The upper side of the base is otherwise generally convex except that there are cut-out regions on opposite sides of the reflector and, upon impact, the reflector would be pushed into one of them, protecting it.

Abstract: A guard rail and reflective strip is comprised of a modified guard rail having additional compound curved surfaces into which a reflective strip is secured. The reflective strip is preferably formed of an elastic material having a reflective surface backed with an adhesive layer. The strip conforms to the compound curves in the guard rail providing a parabolic reflective surface for the lights of an oncoming vehicle.

Abstract: A visor assembly for a pedestrian traffic signal, which is intended to be mounted across the face of the signal and which serves to screen the signal from sunlight. The visor assembly of the invention includes a frame, and a grating mounted in the frame. The grating is formed of a plurality of zig-zag strips and straight strips interposed between one another, and adhesively attached to one another, so as to provide a solid grating which is locked into the frame, and which cannot be pried out of the frame by vandals.

Abstract: An inexpensive reflective paving marker, which may be used to delineate traffic lanes in construction zones, and is especially useful at night and during wet conditions, has a light weight molded plastic support structure and a reflective element composed of a thin strip of reflective polycarbonate tape. The tape is placed on a surface that is inclined to reflect incident light, such as the light from automobile headlights. The surface on which the reflective tape is mounted has a slight recess to protect the tape from the abrasive effects of traffic, such as automobile tires, to retain the reflective properties of the structure. The support structure has recesses in the bottom which provide additional grip in an adhesive, such as an epoxy or a butyl sheet, which secures the structure in place. Nails or other fasteners may also be used to secure the marker; the support structure has preformed guide holes for fasteners.

Abstract: A visor assembly for a pedestrian traffic signal, which is intended to be mounted across the face of the signal and which serves to screen the signal from sunlight. The visor assembly includes a frame, and an "egg-crate" grating mounted in the frame, the grating being composed of a multiplicity of intersecting webs which provide a plurality of rectangular openings. The invention, the grating is locked in the frame to prevent vandalism by plastic strips which receive the ends of the webs, and which are secured to the frame.

Abstract: A resilient traffic standard or bumper includes a dome of resilient material having a central tubular section oriented orthogonally to the support surface and within which tubular section is disposable any one of a number of different types of standards. The outside of the central tubular section is surrounded by a compression spring which helps to restore the resilient dome to its undeformed shape after it has been impacted by a vehicle. The entire structure is anchored to the support surface through the bottom of the central tubular sections. A plurality of resilient domes are stackable and securable together for anchoring to a wall to function as a resilient bumper.

Abstract: A console traffic direction post which may be used for highway engineering and vehicular traffic regulation is disclosed. The console traffic direction post comprises a staking carrier in which is placed a vertical support post connected with a horizontal arm carrier. A downwardly hanging reflector--connected to the horizontal arm carrier and an upwardly extending vertically placed direction stick is also attached to the horizontal arm carrier. The vertically placed direction stick is located at an end of the horizontal arm carrier opposite the locus of attachment of said horizontal arm carrier to the vertical support post. The hanging reflector is located proximate to said end of the horizontal arm carrier where the direction stick is located. Interconnection of the horizontal arm carrier and vertical support post is effected utilizing one or more plastic safety retaining members capable of shearing upon impact.

Abstract: An electrically powered school bus signapparatus mounts on the school bus body. A unidirectional DC motor and associated linkage and limit switch controls are used to deploy and retract the stop sign blade.

Abstract: The pedestrian traffic control system of this invention utilizes an endless belt to successively display visible painted WALK, DONT START, and DONT WALK signs in a window of a display unit. The control unit may be employed with an ordinary three-state power system of the type that now operates flashing neon signs, but has the advantage that electric power operates the signs only when a sign is being moved into display position. Three distinct WALK, DONT START, and DONT WALK signs are used thereby avoiding the ambiguity of present systems in which a flashing DONT WALK sign cautions the pedestrian not to start, but to continue on his way. The movement of the endless belt is controlled by detecting markers, such as perforations, on the endless belt, thus assuring proper registration of the signs in display position. Electrical energy that becomes stored while the sign is energized drives the sign to display the DONT WALK sign, if the power fails.

Abstract: An inertial barrier system for attenuating the energy of errant vehicles. The system includes module means defining a frangible container having a generally inverted U-shaped configuration with an opened and enlarged upper portion and a closed lower portion. The upper and lower container portions receive a continuous mass of dispersible energy-attenuating material, and maintain the center of gravity of the mass above the lower portion of the container. This lower portion also defines a central void of substantial volume, for receiving a portion of the dispersible mass during the initial impact of the module means by an errant vehicle. Cover means are provided to close the module.

Abstract: A traffic signal having a four sided housing, each side of which contains red and green areas which can be illuminated. Furthermore, each side contains a rotating semi-circular mask which simultaneously, progressively covers one portion of one of the colored areas and uncovers a portion of the other colored area until the illumination of the traffic light is changed thereby causing a change in traffic flow. The rotation of the masks together with the actuation of the various lights is controlled from a common ring gear disposed within the housing and driven by a single motor.

Abstract: A traffic signal system for blind people which can be combined with an existing traffic signal device the device having a sound signal generator electrically connected to a blue light of the pedestrian traffic signal device for generating a signal representative of imitation sound synchronous with lighting of said blue light, a noise detector, a volume controller for controlling the output of the signal generator in accordance with the detected noise signal of the noise detector, a control gate for preventing the noise signal of said noise detector from being supplied to the volume controller when the generator is on, and a speaker for emitting imitation sound having a volume corresponding to the level of the surrounding noise.

Abstract: An indicator structure including one or more lengths of perforated tubing arranged in a desired configuration, such as a traffic barricade. The tubing contains one or more flash lamps which produce a light-tunnel effect during operation to provide a high intensity warning or indicating signal in a pre-selected configuration of flash illumination via the tubing perforations.

Abstract: A tubular synthetic-resin body usable as a roadway marker comprises spaced upper and lower tubular parts interconnected by thin webs formed integrally with the upper and lower parts. A middle part of contrasting color lies between these upper and lower parts and has grooves receiving the connecting webs. Such a roadway marker is made by fitting the middle part over a core of a mold, and then injecting synthetic-resin material into the mold around this sleeve so as to form the upper and lower parts and the web.

Abstract: A visor assembly for a pedestrian traffic signal which is intended to be mounted across the face of the signal and which serves to screen the signal from sunlight. The visor assembly includes a frame, and an "egg-crate" grating mounted in the frame, the grating being composed of a multiplicity of intersecting webs which provide a plurality of rectangular openings. In accordance with the invention, the grating is locked in the frame by brackets which are slotted to receive the webs, and which are adhesively bonded to one of the webs and to the frame to protect the assembly from vandalism.

Abstract: An improved roadside reflector assembly which when mounted alongside a road is continuously visible by retroreflected light by the driver of a vehicle moving along the road at night-time within a viewing angle of from about 0.degree. to 60.degree. relative thereto, where 0.degree. extends substantially parallelly to a tangent to the road in the region where such reflector assembly is located. Also, such driver continuously sees retroreflected light at any given instant of time while approaching and passing a group of the reflector means so employed and so located, the individual such reflector means being longitudinally spaced from one another along such a road.

Abstract: A highly visible display device has a base, a staff supported by the base, and a battery-operated signal device located at the top of the staff. A plurality of support poles are interconnected to form the staff, thereby enabling the display device to be erected and subsequently disassembled quickly and easily. A ballast bag is adapted to fit over the base in order to maintain the display device in place, for example against the action of high-speed vehicular traffic passing by the device. A flag may be secured to the staff to further enhance the visibility of the display device.

Abstract: An apparatus of electromechanical or solid-state character is provided for intermittently blinking the traffic control signals at street and road intersections to inform motorists and pedestrians at intervals during each period the lights are red or green as to the time remaining before the lights are changed to green or red to indicate a change in direction of traffic. The apparatus includes an interrupter switch in the power line of the traffic lights and a timer for the interrupter switch cycled by a pulse from the controller of the traffic lights each time the lights are changed. During each cycle of the timer the interrupter switch is operated at intervals to provide distinguishing signals each differing by one blink from the other. For example, the traffic lights may be blinked once when 30 seconds remain before the lights will change and twice at a rate of 3 to 6 per second when 15 seconds remain.

Abstract: A plurality of signboards on a pair of legs are pivotally connected to a base and held in a vertical position by shear pins adapted to shear upon a predetermined impact force being directed against the signboards from either direction thereby allowing the legs to pivot to a collapsed horizontal position.

Abstract: A modular display sign system comprising a display panel, struts integrally formed into the panel for support of the sign, a fastening system employing both an adhesive pad and fastening members for affixation of the sign to a desired point of use, and an interchangeable system of labels designed for affixation to the sign in order to convey a variety of messages.

Abstract: An electrically-powered school bus stop sign apparatus mounts either partially recessed within the exterior panel of the body of the school bus adjacent the driver or, alternatively, on the exterior panel. A DC motor and associated arm/linkage mechanical means is used to deploy and retract the stop sign blade with the controls being operated by the driver from within the bus.

Abstract: An elastic street delineator or marker is formed by fixing a plurality of rubber strips to a support structure adapted to be anchored in the ground. The rubber sheets comprise tread portions of used automobile tires from which the side walls have been removed.

Abstract: A knockover roadway marker post has a base fixable to the ground by means of a stake or the like and having a flat upper surface provided with an upwardly tapering prismatic formation with a non-regular polygonal cross-section at its base. An upright post element comprises an outer reflector-carrying tube snugly fitted over an insert forming at the lower end of the outer tube a downwardly open recess which is congruent to and fittable over the formation of the base with the lower end of the post engaging the flat upper surface of the base around the formation thereof. A tension spring is hooked between the apex of the upwardly tapering formation and the upper end of the insert and is constantly under tension so as to pull the upper post part tightly down onto the base, and to return it to this position should it be knocked over.

Abstract: A sheet of clear plastic or vinyl type material having a clear adhesive covering the entire one side thereof so to adhere to a front of a roadway sign and prevent it from becoming defaced by vandals having spray cans of paint; the sheet being readily peeled off and replaced by a fresh sheet after being excessively defaced.

Abstract: A traffic control director having a base on which is mounted a flexible standard disposed extending vertically for supporting a sign above the base. Recesses provided on the base receive the standard when same is bent downwardly from its vertical position toward the base so as to prevent damage to the standard.

Abstract: A distinctively and unambiguously marking of the directions of travel on motoring highways, airports and other surfaces with the aid of a thin novel saw-tooth marker strip that is adhered to the traveling surface and has distinctively colored successive surfaces of retroreflecting materials, including transverse cylindrical refractive elements embedded between wedges in the thin strip.

Abstract: Posts such as highway signs or reflector posts, exposed to impact by oncoming vehicles, are first anchored in the ground and then formed with a weakened fracture zone or shear section immediately above ground level by use of a pliers-type tool locked around the post and slidably mounting a punch which when struck by a hammer will pierce the post. The tool is positioned on the post to form the pierced hole facing the direction of oncoming traffic so that the post will break at ground level without leaving an upstanding segment when impacted by a vehicle. The invention includes the reuse of the post after it is broken off at ground level by driving the broken end of the post into the ground and then again using the tool to punch a hole in the post at the new ground level of the post.

Abstract: A traffic signal device, capable of being suspended from an overhead support, includes red colored and green colored lamps secured to an endless conveyor mounted about a pair of spaced sprocket wheels so as to effect movement of the lamps from the top to the bottom sprocket in the facing direction. The lamps are spaced on the conveyor so as to be sequentially exposed through an opening of a casing within which the sprockets and conveyor are mounted. Lighted amber traffic lamps are fixedly disposed at the top and bottom of the opening, and the red and green lamps are switched on and remain lighted only while moving downwardly. Stop and Go signs are likewise switched on and remain lighted while the respective red and green lamps are lighted. The motorist may therefore readily observe the time remaining for a llight change from green to red and from red to green.

Abstract: A marking system for ski runs or the like wherein a plurality of demarcation signs, each of preferably spherical shape and with two halves which are differently colored, are symmetrically arranged along the two edges of the run.