Self Righting Post Patents (Class 40/608)
  • Patent number: 4766686
    Abstract: A poster display, subject to out-of-door wind forces that will develop substantial overturning forces against the poster display, is provided with a self-righting feature by using a hollow support base, with a convex support side that permits of rocking motion and that is ballasted by a flowable ballast material such as water, and upon which base, an upright, wind-catching, panel is mounted to project away from the convex support side. The base and panel are molded of inexpensive plastics. The base and panel may be formed as separate parts, or as an integral assemblage. In one preferred construction the base and panel are separate parts, have interfitting tongue and socket provided on adjacent portions of the two parts. The panel is preferably provided with a transverse edge flange that bound the region adapted to receive a removable display sheet thereonto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1988
    Assignee: Dynagraphics Merchandising Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth A. Glasener
  • Patent number: 4747725
    Abstract: Device for a pole-shaped element (1), which is attached against a base (2) adjacent to a ground plane (3) in such a way, that it is released when made subject to a collision within a region adjacent to the base (2). One or a number of straps (4) are arranged extending between a first point of attachment adjacent to the upper portion of the pole-shaped element (1) and a second point of attachment in relation to the ground plane (3), adjacent to the base (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1988
    Inventor: Sven R. V. Gebelius
  • Patent number: 4739302
    Abstract: A combination road construction barrier and marker comprising a generally conically shaped, preferably hollow, upper portion and a generally semispherically shaped base portion. Positioned at the top of the upper portion is a lens-covered light source for nightime operation. The bottom surface of the base portion is flat and is weighted so as to render this invention self-righting in response to strong winds or vehicle impact. One peripheral segment of the generally circular cross section of this invention is flat and extends longitudinally along substantially the entire length of the barrier to prevent excessive rolling in response to external force. The base may include a dry cell battery as one embodiment of a power source to supply electrical power to the preferred electric light source and which is serviceable through a lockable bottom closure. Alternate colored indicia portions may also be applied to the upper portion to improve visibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1988
    Inventor: Noel S. Kinard
  • Patent number: 4737048
    Abstract: A road sign attachment and repair apparatus having first and second U-shaped brackets adapted to be attached to a wooden sign post near the bottom thereof to form a resilient joint or to form such resilient joint at a place where a wooden sign post has been broken off. Four coil springs are attached to one of the U-shaped brackets at one end thereof and to the other U-shaped bracket at the other end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1988
    Inventor: Timothy J. Herrstrom
  • Patent number: 4724279
    Abstract: This invention is a ground supported communication terminal having the ability to flex back and forth in response to an impact from a vehicle or the like so as to prevent and/or minimize damage to the terminal housing and base support structure as well as its internal components. The communication terminal is of a modular design so as to simplify the repair or replacement of parts that may be damaged as a result of a severe impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1988
    Inventor: Larry C. Ayscue
  • Patent number: 4714220
    Abstract: A sign stand assembly is disclosed for supporting a sign in a generally upright orientation relative to a base portion of the stand assembly. The assembly includes a resilient biasing apparatus for allowing the sign to pivotally deflect in the face of winds or other forces in order to avoid tipping over the sign and sign stand assembly. The resilient biasing apparatus includes an elastomeric member that is preferably preloaded and that is torsionally deflectable during service in order to provide for such sign deflection. Such preloading greatly contributes to the durability and long service life of the resilient biasing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1987
    Assignees: Marketing Displays, Inc., B. F. Goodrich Company
    Inventors: David U. Hillstrom, Dennis R. Cope
  • Patent number: 4691892
    Abstract: An improved warning sign and sign stand assembly is disclosed and includes apparatus for attaching and retaining the sign to a stand member of the assembly. The various embodiments of the assembly also include various mechanisms for permitting the sign panel to pivot or swing under side-directed loads in order to allow a resilient portion of the stand base to deflect generally along a predetermined plane, thereby substantially preventing the sign and stand assembly from tipping over. The various embodiments are applicable in sign and sign stand assemblies equipped with provisions for selectively collapsing the entire assemblies into compact and conveniently stored configurations, as well as being applicable in assemblies not so equipped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1987
    Assignee: Marketing Displays, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald E. Grewe, David U. Hillstrom, James R. Seely, Cecil Ursprung
  • Patent number: 4676015
    Abstract: A sign stand for supporting signs in windy environments includes a base, a lower staff portion secured to the base, and an upper staff portion for receiving a display sign. The sign stand includes a platform support having a bracket secured thereto. A platform connected to the upper staff portion is pivotally mounted upon the bracket so that the upper staff portion has a range of pivotal motion in a plane. A spring exerts a force to urge the platform toward the platform support and to control the deflection of the upper staff portion whenever a force is applied to the upper staff portion to tend to rotate the platform about the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1987
    Assignee: Custom Stamping & Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Theodore L. Stoudt
  • Patent number: 4658526
    Abstract: A poster display, subject to out-of-door wind forces that will develop substantial overturning forces against the poster display, is provided with a self-righting feature by using a hollow support base, with a convex support side that permits of rocking motion and that is ballasted by a flowable ballast material such as water, and upon which base, an upright, wind-catching, panel is mounted to project away from said convex support side. The base and panel are molded of inexpensive plastics. The base and panel may be formed as separate parts, or as an integral assemblage. In one preferred construction the base and panel are separate parts, have interfitting tongue and socket means provided on adjacent portions of the two parts. The panel is preferably provided with a transverse edge flange that bounds the region adapted to receive a removable display sheet thereonto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1987
    Assignee: Dynagraphic Merchandising Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth A. Glasener
  • Patent number: 4636109
    Abstract: A slalom gate which has a lower support member adapted to be inserted into the snow. There is a retractable anchoring member mounted in the support member, in a manner that downward deflection of the post about a lower pivoting connecting portion pulls the anchor member upwardly to cause it to expand outwardly into the snow, thus resisting retraction of the support member from the snow. When the gate returns to its upright position, the anchoring member retracts so that the gate can more easily be removed from the snow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1987
    Assignee: Allsop, Inc.
    Inventors: Eivind Clausen, Timothy J. Skaling
  • Patent number: 4599012
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1986
    Assignee: IMS-Kunststoffgesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Wolfgang Kugler, Wolfgang Ostermann
  • Patent number: 4593879
    Abstract: An improved compact warning sign and stand are disclosed which include apparatus for attaching and retaining the sign to an upstanding frame member of the stand. The preferred attachment apparatus includes a pair of channels on each of opposite sides of the frame member into which a vertical cross-brace on the sign may be inserted. The preferred frame member also includes means for permitting the sign panel to laterally pivot or swing under side-wind loads in order to allow a resilient portion of the frame base to deflect generally along a predetermined plane, thereby substantially preventing the sign and stand assembly from tipping over.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1986
    Assignee: Marketing Displays, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Seely, Cecil E. Ursprung
  • Patent number: 4592158
    Abstract: An improved sign and sign stand assembly is disclosed wherein the sign panel is mounted on a frame member of the stand. The frame member permits the sign assembly to laterally pivot or swing under side-wind loads in order to allow a resilient portion of the frame member to deflect generally along a predetermined plane, thereby substantially preventing the sign assembly and stand assembly from tipping over. The sign assembly further includes an improved attachment mechanism for releasably attaching the sign panel to its associated support members or cross-braces. One or more straps are attached to the sign panel and wrapped around a cross-member. Such improved attachment mechanism is especially advantageous in connection with flexible sign panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1986
    Assignee: Marketing Displays, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Seely
  • Patent number: 4575040
    Abstract: An improved sign and sign stand assembly is disclosed wherein the sign stand includes means for mounting the sign on a frame member of the stand. The frame membr includes means for permitting the sign to laterally pivot or swing under side-wind loads in order to allow a resilient portion of the frame member to deflect generally along a predetermined plane, thereby substantially preventing the sign and stand assembly from tipping over. Means are also provided for displaying warning flags or other warning devices on said sign and stand assembly without restricting or impeding such laterally pivoting or swinging of the sign.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1986
    Assignee: Marketing Displays, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Seely
  • Patent number: 4575036
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an advertising stand defined by a pedestal and a frame, the pedestal including a pair of legs bridged by a strut and the frame being adapted to receive therein a poster or the like, a pair of L-shaped brackets carried by the strut and a pair of generally vertically disposed brackets carried by the frame, the frame and strut brackets having sandwiched therebetween elastomeric bodies for torsionally elastically connecting the frame to the pedestal whereby the frame is adapted to assume a tilted position relative to the pedestal by elastic deformation of the elastomeric bodies due to the force of wind or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1986
    Inventor: Heinz Allekotte
  • Patent number: 4572473
    Abstract: An improved sign and sign stand assembly is disclosed wherein the sign stand includes means for mounting the sign on a frame member of the stand. The frame member includes means for permitting the sign to laterally pivot or swing under side-wind loads in order to allow a resilient portion of the frame member to deflect generally along a predetermined plane, thereby substantially preventing the sign and stand assembly from tipping over. Means are also provided for displaying warning flags or other warning devices on said sign and stand assembly without restricting or impeding such laterally pivoting or swinging of the sign.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1986
    Assignee: Marketing Displays, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Seely
  • Patent number: 4569495
    Abstract: A barricade post for supporting a reflectorized panel and warning light comprising an integrally formed member molded of a elastomeric material having a generally U-shaped cross-section. The upper end of the post defines a shoulder to support a warning light. The intermediate section of the post is generally of uniform cross-section and is adapted for securement of the reflectorized panel by bolts or similar mechanical fasteners. The lower pedestal portion of the post diverges outwardly and termimates at a base. The lower pedestal portion is reinforced by diagonally extending ribs so the unit will resist breaking if impacted by a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1986
    Assignee: Material Sales, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Woudenberg, Ronald B. Jones
  • Patent number: 4569499
    Abstract: An improved sign and sign stand assembly is disclosed wherein the sign stand includes means for mounting the sign on a frame member of the stand. The frame member includes means for permitting the sign to laterally pivot or swing under side-wind loads in order to allow a resilient portion of the frame member to deflect generally along a predetermined plane, thereby substantially preventing the sign and stand assembly from tipping over.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1986
    Assignee: Marketing Displays, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Seely
  • Patent number: 4567563
    Abstract: Irrigation control apparatus includes:(a) a mast having a lower portion adapted to be removably inserted into the earth,(b) soil moisture sensing structure associated with or separate from said lower portion of the mast, and(c) data transmitting apparatus on an upper portion of the mast and operatively connected with said sensing structure for transmitting to a central station data indicative of soil moisture conditions at the location of the mast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1986
    Assignee: Energy Management Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Hirsch
  • Patent number: 4565466
    Abstract: A return jointed sign post pedestal which returns a knocked-down post attached thereto to its original position is provided. The pedestal includes an elongated tubular base member which flares into an upwardly facing fluted bell. A top member for attachment to the lower end of a sign post formed in the shape of a fluted bell complementary to and fitting in nesting relationship within the fluted bell portion of the base member is connected to the base member by biasing means. The biasing means urge the top and base members together with the fluted bell portions thereof positioned in nesting relationship so that when a sign post attached to the pedestal is knocked down, the top member rotates with respect to the base member while being prevented from swiveling and is returned to its original position by the biasing means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1986
    Inventors: Paul R. Daggs, Arthur C. Wilkowske, Gordon D. Miller
  • Patent number: 4564309
    Abstract: A self-raising post of a plastic material, such as PVC, for use as a roadside marking post, a traffic sign post, a lamp post, or for other comparable uses in road traffic environments, has a channel-shaped bending zone with substantially arcuate cross-section and with the convex side facing the on-coming traffic. The cross-sectional area of the bending zone increases progressively towards the lower end, whereby the flaring-out zone formed upon bending of the post will be larger below than above the line of bending. The greater inherent resiliency of the material below than above the line of bending will cause the post to bend back into an upright position after having been hit by a vehicle. Certain embodiments of the posts are manufactured by diagonally splitting lengths of extrusion-molded plastic tubing, forming two identically shaped posts from each tube length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1986
    Inventor: John Bjorlund
  • Patent number: 4553346
    Abstract: A poster display, subject to out-of-door wind forces that will develop substantial overturning forces against the poster display, is provided with a self-righting feature by using a hollow support base, with a convex support side, that is ballasted by a flowable ballast material such as water, and upon which base, an upright, wind-catching, panel is mounted to project away from said convex support side. The base and panel are molded of inexpensive plastics. The base and panel may be formed as separate parts, or as an integral assemblage. In one preferred construction the base and panel are separate parts, have interfitting tongue and socket means provided on adjacent portions of the two parts. The panel is preferably provided with transverse edge flange means that bound the region adapted to receive a removable display sheet thereonto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1985
    Assignee: Dynagraphic Merchandising Corp.
    Inventor: Kenneth A. Glasener
  • Patent number: 4548379
    Abstract: An improved compact warning sign and stand are disclosed which include apparatus for attaching and retaining the sign to an upstanding frame member of the stand. The preferred attachment apparatus includes a pair of channels on each of opposite sides of the frame member into which a vertical cross-brace on the sign may be inserted. The preferred frame member also includes means for permitting the sign panel to laterally pivot or swing under side-wind loads in order to allow a resilient portion of the frame base to deflect generally along a predetermined plane, thereby substantially preventing the sign and stand assembly from tipping over.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1985
    Assignee: Marketing Displays, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Seely, Cecil E. Ursprung
  • Patent number: 4544125
    Abstract: An improved sign bracket is disclosed, which includes apparatus for mounting the bracket on a sign stand and mechanism for attaching and retaining the sign to the bracket. The preferred attachment mechanism includes at least one channel member and a resiliently pivotal latching member that cooperate to partially circumscribe a cross-brace on the sign. The pivotal latching member also preferably permits the sign to laterally pivot under side-wind loads so that a resilient portion of the sign stand deflects generally along a predetermined plane to substantially prevent the sign and stand assembly from tipping over.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1985
    Assignee: Marketing Displays, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Seely
  • Patent number: 4522530
    Abstract: An elongated flexible tube of resilient plastics material includes an upper end portion and a lower end portion and is capable of being repetitively bent through an angle of ninety degrees and of returning to an upright straight position with the aid of a flexible erecting member within the tube. The upper end portion may be thermally flattened for receiving a panel of reflective material or the reflective material may wrap around the tube. In one embodiment, the lower end portion of the tube projects into a hole within the ground and carries outwardly projecting spring fingers which positively lock into the ground. In another embodiment, a molded plastic base member releasably retains the lower end portion of the tube and is adapted to be cemented to a roadway surface. Also disclosed is a tool for quickly forming a series of holes within the ground to receive the lower end portions of the tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1985
    Inventor: W. Eugene Arthur
  • Patent number: 4507887
    Abstract: An improved sign and sign stand assembly is disclosed wherein the sign stand includes a mounting member for mounting the sign panel on a frame member of the stand. The frame member permits the sign assembly to laterally pivot or swing under side-wind loads in order to allow a resilient portion of the frame member to deflect generally along a predetermined plane, thereby substantially preventing the sign assembly and stand assembly from tipping over. The sign assembly further includes an improved device for attaching the sign panel to its associated support members or cross-braces. Such improved attachment device is especially advantageous in connection with flexible sign panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1985
    Assignee: Marketing Displays, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Seely
  • Patent number: 4491438
    Abstract: A pivotable delineator pole is disclosed, particularly for skiing range courses, comprising a disc arranged between the tip and the pole, the ends of the tip and the pole being inserted on projections jutting from the opposite faces of said disc, springs acting between said pole and said tip being connected to both the pole and the disc, a clevis being connected at either end to the projections of said disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1985
    Assignee: SPM S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giampiero Berutti
  • Patent number: 4486117
    Abstract: A flexible traffic standard which includes an anchor support assembly consisting of a hollow cylindrical tube and a driving point, and a resilient standard assembly comprising a tempered spring steel strap, the bottom end of which is disposed within a rigid tube, and a resilient tubular cover which encloses the strap and tube. The resilient standard assembly is disposed within the hollow cylindrical tube of the anchor support assembly and is secured by means of a pair of compression bolts. A rain boot prevents water from running down into the tube and a rain cap prevents the entry of water through the top of the flexible standard. The tempered spring steel strap which forms the resilient core of the device is reversely folded at its midpoint, to form a pair of upwardly extending resilient arms which are laterally outwardly offset by means of a twist in the spring steel at the midpoint reverse point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1984
    Assignee: Blau & Lapides, Inc.
    Inventor: Herbert Blau
  • Patent number: 4394843
    Abstract: A portable self-righting traffic marker comprises a generally rigid body having a base on which the marker can rock and includes an outwardly flaring region merging with an integral upper part. The base is so weighted that in use the marker returns to its upright position by itself when it is knocked over.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1983
    Inventor: Gananath W. Ediriwira
  • Patent number: 4365435
    Abstract: The portable sign includes a display frame, a base having shafts for pivotably mounting the display frame on the base, first and second stops, one positioned on one side of the base, the other positioned diagonally across on the opposite side of the base. The spring structure has two springs, each engaging and winding only in one direction to prevent unwinding of the spring. Upon application of a force such as the wind to the display frame, the first spring engages the adjacent stop and tightens while the second spring disengages from the adjacent stop and rotates away from the stop. This allows deflection of the frame while protecting the spring from being unwound.A second embodiment of the portable sign includes a display frame, a base having shafts for pivotably mounting the display frame on the base, and a spring mechanism for biasing the display frame including a first bracket for retaining a spring, a spring, and a second bracket for slidably retaining a spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1982
    Assignee: Chicago Display Company
    Inventor: H. Kent Snyder, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4341488
    Abstract: A guidepost device to be located and positioned in a garage, or other vehicle-parking area, which is arranged to be engaged by the vehicle being parked, the device including a support-base member having an elongated flexible rod secured to the support base at one end and an indicator mounted to the opposite free end of the rod, the indicator being positioned to indicate a reference point for the driver of the vehicle. The indicator can be provided by an illuminated sphere or by a flat reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1982
    Assignee: Autopost International, Inc.
    Inventor: John E. Ryan
  • Patent number: 4338041
    Abstract: A glarefoil assembly for mounting to a median barrier which divides opposing lanes of a highway system and operates to reduce the glare of headlights from oncoming vehicles. The glarefoil assembly includes a plurality of glare blades which are rigidly attached to a base section in an appropriate light-blocking orientation. The base section is rigidly mounted to the top of the median barrier at opposing ends, thereby preserving some latitude for vibrational movement within this base section. By virtue of the rigid attachment between the glare blades and base section, along with the compatible elastic moduli of these materials, the glarefoil assembly operates as an integral unit providing energy transfer from the glare blades into the base section. Such energy transfer prevents material failure developed by pulsating winds which typically arise from passing traffic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1982
    Inventor: Donald W. Schmanski
  • Patent number: 4297050
    Abstract: A post, or picket, for vertically positioning within the soil for delineation of a section of highway which on vehicular impact is capable of bending in any direction and thereafter, when the vehicle has passed, rebounding to its original position. The body of the post is constituted of a hollow, tubular thermoplastic rubber body, trapezoidal in cross-section throughout its length; and its surface characteristics are such that the surface of the post can be readily colored with highway safety colors, e.g. white, yellow, etc. The post is mounted and retained within the soil via use of a rigid foot member which can be attached to the lower portion thereof, the lower position of the foot member being tapered and provided with sharp, serrated edges for cutting into the soil within which the post is to be erected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1979
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1981
    Inventor: John C. Gmelch
  • Patent number: 4249357
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1978
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1981
    Assignee: Allibert Exploitation, Societe Anonyme
    Inventor: Jean Cornou
  • Patent number: 4205472
    Abstract: A yieldable roadway signing and delineating apparatus is disclosed. A standard is positioned at a safe distance from the roadway to avoid snowplows, mowers and other errant vehicles. A horizontal moveable arm extends toward the roadway and carries a sign at its free end, thus placing the sign or delineator at the required position near the roadway for viewing by passing vehicle operators. Means for moveably retaining the arm in a desired position, permitting its deflection by pressure, and returning the arm to the desired position upon release of pressure are provided. Thus, the sign can yield to pressure from snowplow and mower attachments with a minimum or no damage to the sign. A delayed action mechanism is provided wherein a sealed fluid filled canister is eccentrically positioned around a shaft to which a gate is pivotally attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1980
    Inventor: James W. Shirley
  • Patent number: 4137662
    Abstract: A sign serving as a deterrent to unauthorized parking is mounted on a post which is resiliently supported by a base in a normal vertical position and is adapted to be deflected into an inclined position by the car bumper when overriding the base in driving head-in into the parking space. The base has a vertical wall which guides the post in returning from the inclined to the normal vertical position preventing rearward deflection and has an open front shaped to permit the forward deflection of the post through a predetermined horizontal angle. An axial helical tension spring for a tubular post or a spring biased pivot for a channel shaped post connects the respective post to the base for the resilient deflectability.A wire slide-guard is mounted along the post spaced from the sign to engage the car bumper and any protruding portions of the undercarriage for smooth passage therealong to facilitate the deflection and prevent the sign from locking thereon when the car backs out of the parking space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1977
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1979
    Inventor: Walter Baumer
  • Patent number: 4133125
    Abstract: A self-erecting sign post has a rigid but frangible section along its length at its lower end and a coextensive helical spring circumjacent the rigid section and interconnecting the separated post portions, the assembly being such that the frangible section constitutes a zone of weakness which will break before the remainder of the sign post bends upon impact, the spring being operative to restore the sign post to its erect position until the frangible section can be replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1977
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1979
    Inventor: Oscar A. Lariosa
  • Patent number: 4123183
    Abstract: A guidepost for roadways or the like comprising an elongated tubular member formed from a flexible plastic material having a substantially "T"-shaped, cross-sectional configuration throughout the length thereof, the forward or front wall being relatively flat across its face and integrally formed, with sinusoidal-shaped side walls and a semi-circular rear wall defining the base of the "T"-shaped configuration, the forward wall having affixed adjacent one end thereof a reflector member. The lower, inner tubular section includes a filler core to provide and maintain its cross section below the ground line, the lower terminating end of the guidepost including a base member defined by an annular flange member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1978
    Inventor: John E. Ryan
  • Patent number: 4117455
    Abstract: A self-righting tippable roadway marking device includes a base member with a substantially spherical lower ground-engaging surface. A blind bore is formed in the base member centrally thereof and is adapted to releasably retain a staff element fixedly therein. An elongated staff element has its lower portion mounted non-rotatably in the blind bore and has a plurality of wind vane elements secured fixedly thereto. The wind vane elements extend radially outwardly from the staff element and are spaced equidistantly thereabout. Thus, in response to wind or other forces, the marking device will exhibit a tipping and rotating movement on its spherical lower surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1976
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1978
    Inventor: Lawrence M. Cervantes
  • Patent number: 4105350
    Abstract: A safety flexure for articulated channel-type roadway posts wherein a resilient member interconnects the upper and lower portions of the post by means of connecting studs substantially complementary in size and shape with the channel portions thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1977
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1978
    Inventor: John F. O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 4090465
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1976
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1978
    Inventor: George G. Bell, Sr.
  • Patent number: 4084914
    Abstract: A self-erecting highway guide post for insertion in the ground is constructed in the form of a resilient plastic channel having a substantially flat center surface flanked on either side by a pair of flat side portions which are joined at an obtuse angle to the center portion by curved surfaces. A second, arcuately cross-sectioned channel is attached by fasteners through the center portions of each channel to the rear of the first channel. The rear, concave surface of the arcuate channel is directed toward the rear surface of the first channel and lies within its side portions. Such a configuration results in a self-erecting highway guide post when one end is imbedded in the ground to denote the margin of a highway. When the post is struck the curved portions flatten allowing the post to bend when run over by a vehicle and to recurve once the vehicle passes to re-erect the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1977
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1978
    Inventors: William D. Humphrey, Allen Becker