Highway Or Street Marker Patents (Class 40/612)
  • Patent number: 7268701
    Abstract: A portable traffic signalling device comprises a frame on wheels which supports an enclosed occupant compartment arranged to receive an occupant therein. The compartment is pivotal on the frame between an upright deployed position and a transport position lower in elevation than the deployed position. A traffic indicator is supported on the frame for directing vehicular traffic as controlled by the occupant of the compartment. The device permits a human operator to judge how to direct traffic within a safe environment. The use of a portable compartment with traffic indicators is safer than use of conventional flagpersons to temporarily direct traffic as the occupant of the device is less likely to be subject to fatigue and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Inventor: Bradley S. Rohl
  • Patent number: 7261051
    Abstract: A condensed retractable traffic cone is a device designed to provide motorists with advance warning of disabled vehicles and/or work zone areas. The device has been designed to withstand reasonable winds through the use of two base supports, a lower portion, a retractable arm and a series of retractable vertical risers. The retractable vertical risers in combination with a retractable arm allow for the device to easily expand to height consistent with traffic engineering design standards when in operation and then compact when it is in storage. The two base supports are designed not only to provide the necessary structural stability but to also open and close about the retractable vertical risers thus providing for additional compactness. The vertical risers are designed with flexible hinges so that they may store flat and expand to a rectangular shape when the base supports are rotated to an open position. This is accomplished a by linkage connecting the lower vertical riser and the base supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Inventor: John M. Tipaldo
  • Patent number: 7171774
    Abstract: A pair of sign support frames connected to a sign with upright member has upright reinforcement bars secured to arch or base members. The bars are associated with the upright members to reinforce the upright and arch members in motor vehicle impact areas above the arch members. When the upright members are hit with a motor vehicle the sign support frames move upwardly and rearwardly into engagement with the bumper or front frame of the motor vehicle to limit rearward movement of the sign toward the motor vehicle and reduce bending and breaking forces on the upright members and sign support frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: Paul A. Lang
  • Patent number: 7164352
    Abstract: A safety warning system for a vehicle includes a housing carried by the vehicle, and a telescoping extension member carried by the housing. The telescoping extension member has a retracted position for storage within the housing and an extended position for extending along the ground. Safety reflectors are carried by the telescoping extension member, and the safety reflectors are spaced apart along the ground when the telescoping extension member is in the extended position so that the safety reflectors are visible to oncoming traffic. A controller within a passenger area of the vehicle allows the driver to operate the telescoping extension member between the retracted position and the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventor: Riley H. Nelson
  • Patent number: 7155850
    Abstract: A portable safety traffic controller station is provided having a base unit having a rear base support, a front base support, and at least one transverse brace joining the rear base support and the front base support; a seat secured to a seat mounting frame, the seat mounting frame secured to the base unit; a rotationally movable sign pole supported by the base unit; a shading pole releasably mounted to the base unit; and means for shading releasably secured to the shading pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventors: John Wilinsky, Jr., Beverly A. Weihe-Wilinsky
  • Patent number: 7150117
    Abstract: A post assembly with illuminated information includes a hollow tube extending upwardly from a ground surface, the tube having a sidewall with textual or graphical information cut therethrough. A lighting assembly is disposed within the hollow tube, and a transparent or translucent sleeve positioned over the tube such that when the lighting assembly is activated, the textual or graphical information is visible through the transparent or translucent sleeve. The lighting assembly may include a flashing light. In the preferred embodiment the hollow tube is metal, and the transparent or translucent sleeve is constructed of plastic. The lighting assembly preferably comprises one or more fluorescent tubes. The textual or graphical information may be traffic-related, or it may concern other directives. The post preferably has a circular cross-section in the range of 2 to 10 inches, and an optional base may be provided for mounting to a ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Inventor: Frank Venegas, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7124526
    Abstract: A billboard advertising system is disclosed. The billboard advertising system includes an overhead sign structure at least partially traversing a roadway, said overhead sign structure having forward and rearward faces relative to oncoming vehicle traffic of the roadway. The forward face of the overhead sign structure has traffic information as part of a government regulated traffic information system directed in a primary orientation toward the oncoming vehicle traffic. The rearward face of the overhead sign structure on an opposing side from the forward face has a secondary orientation with respect to other traffic flow different from the oncoming vehicle traffic. A billboard advertisement is positioned on the rearward face of the overhead sign structure with visual exposure to the other traffic flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Inventor: Eckley Keach
  • Patent number: 7082707
    Abstract: A support truss for a messaging sign comprising an elevated box truss which extends over a roadway and which has its opposite ends secured to upstanding supports. The box truss is comprised of a plurality of box truss sections secured to one another in an end-to-end relationship with at least one of the box truss sections adapted to have one or more messaging signs mounted therein. The messaging signs are horizontally slidably adjustably mounted on the box truss section so that the box truss section can accommodate signs having various thicknesses. The box truss in which the messaging sign is mounted is designed so that the face of the sign is unobstructed to permit motorists to readily observe the messages on the sign. A walkway is provided within the truss rearwardly of the messaging sign.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Valmont Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Aaron C. Poot
  • Patent number: 7077598
    Abstract: A bollard for mounting to a foundation includes a bollard post element having a cavity therein with a base plate integrally fixed about its periphery to the bollard post element at the cavity. The base plate includes anchor holes and threaded holes extending therethrough. Levelers having threaded shafts with pads on one end and drivers on the other engage the threaded holes. Threaded anchor shafts extendible through the anchor holes and fixable to the foundation for the bollard are drawn in tension by nuts on top of the based plate. This simultaneously places the levelers in compression. In installation, the highest point on the foundation beneath the periphery of the base plate is established and the levelers adjusted to extend the bollard vertically with the bollard extending from that highest point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Acuity Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Leonhardt, Tori C. Poppenheimer, David Crookham
  • Patent number: 7069681
    Abstract: A sliding sign is movably mounted on an overhead truss which extends over a roadway. The sliding sign is mounted on rails connected to the top and bottom chords of the truss so that the sign may be moved from a position over the roadway to a position adjacent the shoulder of the roadway so that necessary maintenance may be performed on the sign without the need for lane closures of the roadway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Valmont Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Myron C. Noble, Aaron C. Poot, Theodore W. Redinger, Sr., John R. Erichsen
  • Patent number: 7069680
    Abstract: There is disclosed a mounting apparatus which comprises a vertically extending rigid member having an upper end, a lower end and an intermediate portion, a clamping arm member having a generally horizontal arm have an end and a generally vertical arm having an end, a spring and a hinge assembly with a pivot axis coupling the end of the generally horizontal arm to the intermediate portion, a lever arm secured to the horizontal arm proximate the end thereof for pivoting the clamping arm member about the hinge axis to enlarge the space between the generally vertical arm and the lower end of the vertically extending rigid member to encompass the top of a barrier, and a communication affixing device on the upper end of the vertically extending rigid member for the mounting of visual and/or sound communication means such as a sign, signal, light, alarm, and/or detection means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Inventor: Gregg Hugh Crawford
  • Patent number: 7065911
    Abstract: An apparatus includes an elongated body formed from recycled tire material. At least one reinforcing member extends within the body and is disposed between opposed end portions thereof. Such a reinforcing member is preferably positioned substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis and may have a substantially V-shape, a substantially U-shape or a substantially cylindrical shape, for example. The apparatus further includes a connecting mechanism for removably connecting select ones of the opposed end portions thereof to a support surface or an object, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Inventor: Phillip G. Silva
  • Patent number: 7062872
    Abstract: A collapsible signaling device bearing a pair of opposed message panels is convertible between a display configuration and a compact linear storage configuration. The message panels are joined together at spaced apart points along their periphery using spacers to form a pocket having an internal cavity. A mast is insertable within the pocket and is joined to the panel members at its upper end. A pair of struts of spring material are joined at one end to the upper end of the mast and are joined at their lower ends to a slider member which is slidably movable with respect to the mast. As the slider member is advanced toward the upper end of the mast, the struts are outwardly bowed imparting outwardly directed tension to the periphery of the message panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Williams, Grant D. Dicke
  • Patent number: 7043861
    Abstract: A spring loaded latching mechanism for a sign holding mechanism permitting rapid changes of thin, rigid sinage, which is rugged and able to withstand heavy wind buffeting including such caused by rapidly moving cars and trucks. The latching mechanism comprises a pair of jaw-like actuators or hook members, at least one of which includes a shoulder bolt retainer member and compression spring member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Inventor: Gregg Hugh Crawford
  • Patent number: 7033103
    Abstract: A marking assembly for the marking of particular traffic situations and objects comprises a front row of viewing openings, which are separated from one another by view obstacles (5), at least one back row of view obstacles (6), which are provided at a distance from one another, the view obstacles (5) of the front row contrasting with respect to the view obstacles (6) of the back row. Distances between the viewing openings in the front row and distances between the view obstacles (6) of the back row are so small that a plurality of viewing openings in the front row and a plurality of view obstacles (6) of the back row lie within the field of view of the traffic participant. The field of view of the traffic participant at the same time offers a view, via the plurality of viewing openings in the front row, of an interference pattern of contrasting view obstacles (6), which are covered to a greater or lesser extent by the view obstacles (5) of the front row, of at least one of the back rows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Inventor: Marcel Peter Gort
  • Patent number: 7007420
    Abstract: The present invention provides a barricade sign that is compact, portable, safe, durable, versatile, and weather/wind resistant. The barricade sign distinguishes a base and a lid that are pivotally connected together. The base supports the lid and has a compartment for storing one or more safety cones or signs that can be reduced to a small volume, or any other items related to road safety. One side of the lid has a positioning element for securing the cones in place. The other side implements a desired sign. The connection between the base and the lid is configured to hold up the sign in a stable, sustainable, wind resisting manner in absence of impact and to collapse, fold, close, or break upon impact. In such an encounter, the overall height and the layered or curved shape enable the barricade sign to act like a speed bump, thereby minimizing or eliminating damages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Worldwide Safety, LLC
    Inventor: Guadalupe C. Garcia
  • Patent number: 7007419
    Abstract: A pair of sign support frames connected to a sign with upright member has upright reinforcement bars secured to arch or base members. The bars are associated with the upright members to reinforce the upright and arch members in motor vehicle impact areas above the arch members. When the upright members are hit with a motor vehicle the sign support frames move upwardly and rearwardly into engagement with the bumper or front frame of the motor vehicle to limit rearward movement of the sign toward the motor vehicle and reduce bending and breaking forces on the upright members and sign support frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Inventor: Paul A. Lang
  • Patent number: 6971329
    Abstract: A collapsible traffic control cone includes a lane marker for delineating lines of demarcation between lanes approved for traffic flow and areas where traffic is prohibited. When in use, the lane marker extends from a rotatable housing mounted on one of the cones and is releasably attached to an anchor on an adjacent cone. The lane marker is a flat, highly reflective web which lies flat on the roadway between the cones. In the event of a cone being tipped over from its base or when not in use, the lane marker retracts into its housing. A light responsive to oncoming traffic is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Inventor: Robin Hardie Stewart
  • Patent number: 6971199
    Abstract: A structure for supporting a sign board is disclosed. The structure includes: a post clamp having a pair of arched clamping bands which are hingedly coupled and joined to each other by a fastening element, at least one clamping band having a pillar; a hanger having a socket pipe joined to the pillar of the post clamp, a support bar inserted into the socket pipe and joined by a fastening element, the support bar having an axial coupling groove; at least one connector having a first coupling plate with a coupling bulge adapted to be fitted into the coupling groove of the support bar and with a first arched hinge holder, and a second coupling plate coupled to the first coupling plate having a second arched hinge holder; and a sign board having a coupling bulge and a guide slot through which the hinge holders of the connector pass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Hanyang Frame Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong Soo Kim
  • Patent number: 6966136
    Abstract: A transparent, reversible sign for use in traffic barricades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Inventor: Peter J. Connors
  • Patent number: 6945731
    Abstract: A flag assembly includes an elongated and rectilinear shaft having opposed end portions situated adjacent a ground surface. The shaft includes a banner attached to one of the end portions having surface indicia imprinted thereon. A protective cover member is provided with a centrally registered countersunk bore situated therebelow. A frusto-conical spring member having axially opposed first and second end portions is conjoined to another end portion of the shaft and extends downwardly away therefrom along a vertical plane respectively. A bushing having a monolithically formed lower portion provided with a tapered diameter is inwardly offset from a diameter of the shaft. The bushing further has an axially registered upper portion operably conjoined to the spring member and cooperating with the shaft such that the spring member can be resiliently adapted between compressed and equilibrium positions to absorb vertically channeled impact forces encountered during installation procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Inventor: Randy T. Vait
  • Patent number: 6915605
    Abstract: A sign includes a main body having a first surface and a second surface and an overlay removably attachable to the first surface or the second surface of the main body, and at least two fasteners attached to the overlay for removably securing the overlay to the first surface or the second surface. Each fastener can pass through an oversized hole in the overlay and be movably secured to the overlay with a washer. Each washer spaces the overlay from the main body when the overlay is attached to the main body. The main body can include a plurality of hollow cells within the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Reflexite Corporation
    Inventor: Mark M. Lavoie
  • Patent number: 6914540
    Abstract: A signage system for a traffic area, the traffic area comprising visually-identifiable boundary markers, the signage system having sign means at the boundary markers, the sign means visually viewable by an occupant of a vehicle adjacent the boundary markers. The signage system further having interaction apparatus at the parking lot for providing communication between a vehicle occupant and an entity remote from the traffic area. The signage system wherein the sign means has at least one electronic display apparatus for presenting information to a person at the traffic area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Inventor: Christopher Gongolas
  • Patent number: 6901879
    Abstract: A supplemental reflective and informational member securable within the C-shaped channel of existing traffic sign posts to provide additional reflective safety warning, extend the life of the traffic sign function from fading due to UV sun rays and to provide information of a safety, directional or commercial nature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Inventor: Albert A. Burlando
  • Patent number: 6890122
    Abstract: A highway marker device is provided for marking the location of an object, such as a culvert, located adjacent to a highway. The marker device is comprised of a coil spring having a first end and a second end, wherein the coil spring is comprised of a plurality of windings around a spring axis. Further, a marker post is connected with the first end of the coil spring, wherein the marker post has a post axis and wherein the post axis is substantially perpendicular to the spring axis. Finally, the marker device is comprised of a mounting mechanism for connecting the device with the object such that the coil spring is substantially restrained from bending about the spring axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Shamrock Valley Enterprises Ltd.
    Inventor: Murry R. Nielsen
  • Patent number: 6880279
    Abstract: A structure for supporting a sign board is disclosed. The structure includes: a post clamp having a pair of arched clamping bands which are hingedly coupled and joined to each other by a fastening element, at least one clamping band having a pillar; a hanger having a socket pipe joined to the pillar of the post clamp, a support bar inserted into the socket pipe and joined by a fastening element, the support bar having an axial coupling groove; at least one connector having a first coupling plate with a coupling bulge adapted to be fitted into the coupling groove of the support bar and with a first arched hinge holder, and a second coupling plate coupled to the first coupling plate having a second arched hinge holder; and a sign board having a coupling bulge and a guide slot through which the hinge holders of the connector pass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Hanyang Frame Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong Soo Kim
  • Patent number: 6880278
    Abstract: A transparent, reversible sign for use in traffic barricades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Inventor: Peter J. Connors
  • Patent number: 6839996
    Abstract: A traffic sign device is disclosed. The device includes a post clamp having at least two arched clamping bands, which are hingedly coupled to each other at their adjacent ends and joined to each other by a fastening element at their free ends to be installed on a post; a support bar having a socket pipe radially joined to an outer surface of one of the clamping bands, the socket pipe being axially provided with at least a joint hole, and a movable pipe slidably inserted into the socket pipe, the movable pipe being axially provided with a plurality of spaced holes in order to set the outward extent of the movable pipe; a sign board having an annular band frame with its peripheral edges being formed coupling grooves, and a front and rear covers with a skirt formed along the peripheral edge of the covers to be fitted into the coupling grooves; and a coupling unit for concentrically coupling the free end of the movable pipe to the center portion of the rear cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Hanyang Frame Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong Soo Kim
  • Patent number: 6829853
    Abstract: A traffic sign device is disclosed. The device includes a post clamp mounted on a post installed on a roadside, a support bar radially coupled to an outer surface of the post clamp to be horizontally positioned, and a sign board coupled to one end of the support bar for exhibiting a desired road sign. The post clamp includes a pair of arched clamping bands hingedly coupled to each other. The support bar includes a socket pipe joined to the post clamp by welding, and a movable pipe slidably inserted into the socket pipe with its one end joined to the sign board. A bolt is fixed to the socket pipe through joint holes formed therein to secure the movable pipe at a desired position. The sign board includes a barrel-shaped band frame having a coupling slot through which the free end of the support bar passes and being fixed therein. Since the joint portion is positioned inside the sign board, coupling part in the sign board is effectively prevented from being exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Hanyang Frame Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong Soo Kim
  • Patent number: 6823814
    Abstract: The reflective marker allows a user to easily place the invention in a desired location without damaging the housing or structure of the marker. More specifically, the reflective marker that contains a foot cleat allowing a user to foot pressure to the cleat or to strike the cleat with a mallet/hammer to drive the invention into the ground. As a result, force is not exerted on the marker's external housing or marker's reflector, and the reflector's aesthetic appeal, structural integrity and reflecting capacity are kept intact. The reflective marker has a primary and a secondary anchor spike for securing the device in the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Inventor: Theodore Bukky
  • Publication number: 20040200105
    Abstract: A directional indicator in the form of various graphic symbols is mounted on the street sign to denote the compass bearing direction of the street. A semi-circular dish, when used as a directional indicator to be mounted on the top edge of the street sign, denotes a northward direction pointing away from the street sign. The directional indicator mounted on the upper corner or the lower corner of the street sign represents respectively an eastward or a westward direction of the street. The directional indicator, when mounted at the bottom of the street sign, represents a southward direction of the street. Fluorescent coating or reflective material can be applied to the directional indicator to improve the visibility of the directional indicator at night.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventor: Kim Kwee NG
  • Patent number: 6796062
    Abstract: A traffic sign includes an elongated pole having a top end and a bottom end. The pole is substantially hollow and the top end is open. A panel has a first side, a second side and a peripheral edge. The first side has a first indicia positioned thereon and the second side has a second indicia positioned thereon. A spindle is rotatably mounted in the pole and extends outwardly from the top end of the pole. The spindle is attached to the peripheral edge such that the peripheral edge is positioned generally adjacent to is top end of is pole. A biasing member is positioned in the pole and is mechanically coupled to the spindle for biasing rotation of the spindle in a first direction. A locking assembly selectively locks the panel in and releases the panel from a stationary position. The panel rotates when the locking assembly is released from the stationary position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Inventor: Ronald deKoevend
  • Publication number: 20040181984
    Abstract: This invention takes the figure in the road sign warning of pedesrians and makes an enlarged solid rendition of the sign symbol that can be placed anywhere and can be of varying sizes. Instead of a frequently ignored warning sign, the automobile driver's attention will be drawn to the figures as a warning of pedestrian presence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventor: Michael Brozyna
  • Patent number: 6785991
    Abstract: A collapsible traffic control sign in the form of an arrow board for providing an alert warning to approaching traffic includes a collapsible frame including first, second and third frame members and four cooperating link members. Each link member is connected at opposite ends with a pivotal connection to a different one of the frame members. In a closed condition, the traffic control sign orients each of the three frame members in a substantially parallel and contiguous arrangement. When opened, the frame members are spaced apart and extending between each pair of frame members are two link members. The link members are oriented such that each pair creates the shape of a pointed arrow. Three light subassemblies are assembled to each of the four link members and the lights are illuminated by battery power from a vehicle by means of a cigarette lighter adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventor: Timothy C. Colip
  • Publication number: 20040159027
    Abstract: Disclosed is electronic display board supporting structure installed on perimeter road. The electronic display board supporting structure including: a main post having a base plate installed at a lower end part thereof to be uprightly coupled to a base concrete member; a main frame formed of a rectangular pipe material such that an electronic display board case frame for constructing an electronic display board and a side pole for supporting an electronic display board case have a combined structure to reduce a total area and weight when an electronic display board is installed; and a connection member horizontally extended from the main frame to couple the main frame with the main post.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: Chul-Yong Kim, Jun-Hwa Jeong
  • Patent number: 6772707
    Abstract: A resilient, impact-resistant, one-piece ballast apparatus is useful to provide external weight and stability for portable barricades and signs. The ballast is a solid, compression molded rubber device having a predetermined weight and design features including thickness, shape, perimeter contour and holes that permit the ballast device to be easily handled, quickly and securely affixed to or removed from barricade and sign structures, and stored for transport or between uses. The flat surface of the ballast permits application of identifying indicia of ownership that prevents loss and promotes reuse with resultant savings of economy and resources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Inventor: Kenneth Howard Williamson
  • Patent number: 6739081
    Abstract: A resilient road sign comprising a rigid center member having left and right wings resiliently attached to the center member. The left and right wings are comprised of a substantially rigid material. The left and right wings and the rigid center portion each have a front surface and a rear surface. The left and right wings and rigid center portion may all have written indicia on the front surfaces thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Inventor: Jim Powers
  • Patent number: 6733205
    Abstract: Guardrail delineators include a flag portion and a depending leg portion. One side edge of the leg portion has a notch axially spaced from the flag portion. The top surface of the notch is engageable with a top edge of the guardrail or a top edge of the support structures for the guardrail for positioning the flag portion a predetermined height above the guardrail. The one side edge of the leg portion axially outwardly of the notch extends perpendicular from the inner end of the notch and is engageable with the back side of the guardrail or support structures for providing proper vertical alignment of the delineators with respect to the guardrail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Plastic Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory H. Brown, Charles D. Bailey
  • Patent number: 6719484
    Abstract: A marker support for use on a ground surface utilizing a base member having a flexible body. The base member includes a first surface with a plurality of flaps which extend outwardly from the same. The second surface is intended to contact the ground. An upright member is positioned to extend outwardly from the first surface and includes an area for accommodating the plurality of flaps. The plurality of flaps are linked to the base member by an element located within the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventor: Robert F. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6718672
    Abstract: A display assembly for mounting advertisement panels on a road barrier having a base, a vertical partition having front and rear surfaces, and transverse cavities extending between the surfaces. The display assembly has a panel sleeve and a pair of mounting brackets for securing the sleeve against the barrier. Each mounting bracket has an insert for extending partially into the transverse cavities. One mounting bracket is mounted against the vertical partition front surface and the other bracket is mounted against the vertical partition rear surface. The inserts of the mounting brackets are simultaneously brought into close proximity within the cavities and are mated together to hold the brackets and the panel sleeve securely against the vertical partition. The panel sleeve is secured to the mounting bracket and has a horizontal top lip oriented downward and a horizontal bottom lip oriented upward. The advertising panels may be easily inserted therebetween for display and removed when desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventor: Lawrence D. Wieringa
  • Patent number: 6719249
    Abstract: A device used to hold/support a target or multiple targets in the ground for the purpose of target shooting with firearms, air guns, and the like. This target supporting device allows any size or thickness material typically used for target shooting to be securely embedded into the ground, regardless of the slope of the ground to the line of fire. Additionally, any type of card, board, or sign can be supported in the ground to post information such as yard sales, keep off the grass notices, trail maintenance, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventor: S. Scott MacIntyre
  • Patent number: 6688028
    Abstract: A vertically disposed placard has two sections, one disposed over the other, with the upper section of the placard attached to a pole, standard or other mount. A hinge connects the bottom perimeter edge of the fixed section with the top perimeter edge of the lower, pivotable section, allowing the front surface of the pivotable section to rotate and fold flat against the front surface of the upper, fixed section. A catch mechanism releaseably holds the two sections flat against each other, preventing the pivotable section from unfolding. An electrical controller is attached to the back surface of the fixed section of the placard and senses when a condition to which the sign is responsive occurs. Upon the occurrence, the controller causes release of the catch mechanism, allowing the pivotable section to unfold under the force of a bias (e.g., spring) and/or gravity, or by an electric motive mechanism to display the front surfaces of both sections of the placard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventor: Bruce H. Backe
  • Publication number: 20040016156
    Abstract: A message sign includes a panel having a plurality of ribs each defining an interior channel. The plurality of ribs are preferably spaced apart in parallel relationship. At least one lamp is secured through an opening in at least one of the ribs. In one preferred embodiment, the message sign includes a first and second panel, each preferably including a base web, wherein the ribs of the first and second panels extend outwardly from the base web of the respective panels. The base webs of the first and second panels are abutted with the ribs thereof extending outwardly therefrom in opposite directions. The first and second panels are oriented such that at least some of the channels of the first panel cross at least some of the channels of the second panel and form a plurality of junctures of crossing channels. Preferably, at least one lamp is secured through an opening in at least one of the plurality of ribs at one of the junctures. A method of manufacturing a message sign is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Mark Fernandez, Carl L. Erwin
  • Publication number: 20030217496
    Abstract: The invention provides a portable, collapsible sign stand assembly in which a sign is suspended from a support tube. The support tube is connected to a support base through a connecting member which includes a plurality of weakening members which cause the connecting member to fail upon impact. In other embodiments, the support tube is weakened by weakening members so as to fail upon impact. In one embodiment, the weakened portions are placed under tension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Applicant: DICKE TOOL COMPANY
    Inventors: Grant D. Dicke, James G. Kokenas, Donald E. Hans
  • Publication number: 20030213152
    Abstract: A traffic sign device is disclosed. The device includes a post clamp mounted on a post installed on a roadside, a support bar radially coupled to an outer surface of the post clamp to be horizontally positioned, and a sign board coupled to one end of the support bar for exhibiting a desired road sign. The post clamp includes a pair of arched clamping bands hingedly coupled to each other. The support bar includes a socket pipe joined to the post clamp by welding, and a movable pipe slidably inserted into the socket pipe with its one end joined to the sign board. A bolt is fixed to the socket pipe through joint holes formed therein to secure the movable pipe at a desired position. The sign board includes a barrel-shaped band frame having a coupling slot through which the free end of the support bar passes and being fixed therein. Since the joint portion is positioned inside the sign board, coupling part in the sign board is effectively prevented from being exposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventor: Yong Soo Kim
  • Publication number: 20030213153
    Abstract: A traffic sign device is disclosed. The device includes a post clamp having at least two arched clamping bands, which are hingedly coupled to each other at their adjacent ends and joined to each other by a fastening element at their free ends to be installed on a post; a support bar having a socket pipe radially joined to an outer surface of one of the clamping bands, the socket pipe being axially provided with at least a joint hole, and a movable pipe slidably inserted into the socket pipe, the movable pipe being axially provided with a plurality of spaced holes in order to set the outward extent of the movable pipe; a sign board having an annular band frame with its peripheral edges being formed coupling grooves, and a front and rear covers with a skirt formed along the peripheral edge of the covers to be fitted into the coupling grooves; and a coupling unit for concentrically coupling the free end of the movable pipe to the center portion of the rear cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventor: Yong Soo Kim
  • Patent number: 6622409
    Abstract: A safety sign is provided which includes a collapsible tripod base that removably supports a hollow tube therein. The hollow tube stores a foldable fabric sign therein which includes pockets at the upper, left and right corners thereof and defines a mast for the sign. The sign is supported on the base by a vertical support rod and includes a horizontal cross member. The horizontal cross member is twistable independently of the base and mast wherein this free-floating arrangement facilitates assembly of the sign while also permitting the sign to twist during windy conditions and allow the wind to spill around the sign in order to prevent the sign from toppling over.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Inventor: Edward J. Dorstewitz
  • Patent number: 6615523
    Abstract: A display sign having a frame with a jointed hinge which allows the two display boards to be rotated 360 degrees to double the usable display area, the display boards can be removed and replaced, providing an unlimited array of sign combinations. The frames are opened via geared hinges until retainer straps are fully extended, this allows display boards to be viewed in an upright position, a strap socket is removed from a strap pivot post, and one frame is rotated approximately 360 degrees via a geared hinge. The retainer straps are then reattached to strap pivot posts, additional stability can be obtained by replacing end caps with ballast holders and ballast rods, alternately, the device can be mounted firmly atop a car via suction cups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventors: Adrian Curbelo, Roberto Curbelo
  • Patent number: 6606809
    Abstract: A sign stand is provided having a foldable support mechanism for quickly and conveniently manipulating the sign panel from a deployed state to a folded state. The fold-up sign panel assembly includes a foldable support mechanism having a hinge assembly coupling the upper and lower vertical brace members. The horizontal brace members are pivotally secured to the hinge assembly. A latch mechanism is operable for releasably retaining the foldable support mechanism in the deployed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Marketing Displays, Inc.
    Inventors: David U. Hillstrom, Brian J. Hillstrom
  • Patent number: RE39594
    Abstract: A triangle road sign having a bottom rack, a left frame bar and a right frame bar respectively pivoted to two distal ends of the bottom rack and detachably coupled to each other to form a triangle rack with the bottom rack, a device for securing the triangle rack to the inside of a car, indicator lights respectively installed in the bottom rack, the left frame bar and the right frame bar and controlled to flash by a control switch at the bottom rack, a solar collector installed in the bottom rack to collect solar energy and to convert collected solar energy into electricity for the signal lights at the bottom rack, the left frame bar and the right frame bar, a battery box installed in the bottom rack and controlled by the control switch to provide the necessary working voltage to the signal lights, an alternating current adapter controlled by the control switch to convert alternating current power supply to direct current power supply for the signal lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Inventor: Chin-Keng Hsieh