Traffic Director Patents (Class 404/9)
-
Patent number: 5873674Abstract: A roadway safety warning system and method of making same utilizing various ones of marking assemblies applied to a roadway surface to provide a warning system. The marking assemblies means includes 1) chevron marking assembly; 2) diagonal marking assembly; 3) perpendicular marking assembly; and 4) chevron and perpendicular marking assembly. The various marking means can have various embodiments thereof with 1) the chevron marking assembly being of a V-shape; 2) the diagonal marking assembly extended at an angle to a direction of travel; 3) the perpendicular marking assembly extended perpendicular to the direction of travel; and 4) the chevron and perpendicular marking assembly being a portion of both of a combination of the chevron marking assembly and the perpendicular marking assembly.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 1996Date of Patent: February 23, 1999Inventor: Barney K. Hohl
-
Patent number: 5871300Abstract: An apparatus for deploying a vehicle tire deflator that can be folded into a compact state and unfolded into an expanded state, comprising a housing adapted to accommodate the vehicle tire deflator in the compact state. The housing has an opening through which a force transmitting element can act upon the tire deflator to unfold the tire deflator from the compact state to the expanded state. The housing is structured to support a weight of a motor vehicle without significant deformation.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 1996Date of Patent: February 16, 1999Inventor: Frank B. Ingham
-
Patent number: 5868520Abstract: The disclosed tire-lock channelizer drum can be secured into a stationary sidewall of a worn out steel-belted radial tubeless truck tire. The tire ring formed by the sidewall is annular, with an inner edge and an outer edge. The tire-lock channelizer drum of the present invention can be inserted into and secured around the inner edge of the stationary tire ring, without the user having to lift the heavy tire ring up and over the top of the channelizer drum.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 1996Date of Patent: February 9, 1999Assignee: Traffix DevicesInventors: Brent M. Kulp, Jack H. Kulp, Samuel J. Bechtle
-
Patent number: 5853846Abstract: A conformable magnetic article for underlayment beneath a traffic-bearing surface which sends a magnetic signal to a sensor traveling over the traffic-bearing structure. The magnetic article comprises at least one conformable magnetic layer comprising a binder and a sufficient amount of magnetic particles dispersed within the binder to provide a magnetic signal through the traffic-bearing structure to a sensor.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1996Date of Patent: December 29, 1998Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Gary W. Clark, Thomas J. Dahlin, Richard E. Fayling, Bernard A. Gonzalez, David M. Hopstock, Gregory F. Jacobs, Robert L. Keech
-
Patent number: 5839850Abstract: The following constitution is employed for enhancing the visual recognition of a road traffic sign by presenting a road traffic sign composed of a solid pattern having shades as visual image. A marking pattern divided into plural sections is tightly formed on the road, and the adjacent sections are mutually different in lightness, so that, in the road traffic sign of the invention, a solid figure is recognized as the visual image of the marking pattern. Herein, the adjacent sections have a lightness difference of 1 or more in Munsell value, and the lightness of each section is selected at lightness in two to four stages set at mutually different Munsell values. Moreover, when the adjacent sections are colored in hues mutually different in lightness, a more solid visual image will be obtained due to the difference in hue among the sections.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 1996Date of Patent: November 24, 1998Assignee: Sekisui Jushi Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kazuhiro Noguchi, Nobuhisa Deki, Takeshi Nagata, Yohei Inagaki
-
Patent number: 5837350Abstract: Traffic delineators with vertically disposed retroreflective markings that exhibit high retroreflective brightness at high incidence angles and low incidence angles. The delineators are well suited for use on guard rails, Jersey barriers, bridge abutments, walls, barrels, posts, etc., especially in locations near intersecting traffic lanes.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 1996Date of Patent: November 17, 1998Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventor: Gregory F. Jacobs
-
Patent number: 5829913Abstract: A bollard or safety post cap for closing an open end of a vertical member of the bollard. The cap includes a anchor member extending downwardly from the cap to be embedded in the concrete which fills the pipe section of the bollard for ease of installation of the cap. The cap can include an electronic component such as security sensors or other devices.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 1996Date of Patent: November 3, 1998Inventor: Robert Puckett
-
Patent number: 5818640Abstract: This relates to a system for and method of illuminating a sign, so that drivers and observers may easily recognize and read the sign and billboard. The apparatus employs an external illumination source that is easy to inspect and maintain. The illumination source and the sign or billboard are separately installed from each other. Light emitted from the illumination source forms an incident angle (.theta.) in the range of 0.degree. to about 30.degree. at any point on the road sign. A road sign area of the sign is made of a retroreflective sheet having a wide observation angle.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 1997Date of Patent: October 6, 1998Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Yoshio Watanabe, Toshitaka Nakajima, Muneo Momozawa, Satoshi Kakishita
-
Patent number: 5813796Abstract: A barrier for a roadway has an upright (1), a barrier arm (9) fitted on a horizontal drive spindle (2), a pivoting mechanism and a balancing spring (8) supporting the opening and closing movements of the barrier arm (9). The balancing spring (8) has an untensioned zero position (0) between the blocking position (S) and the open position (F) of the barrier arm (9).Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 1997Date of Patent: September 29, 1998Assignee: Skidata Computer Gesellschaft mbHInventor: Wolfram Kocznar
-
Patent number: 5791812Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for preventing the penetration of vehicles by narrow objects such as guardrail ends or portions of a guardrail end treatment during a collision. In one embodiment, portions of an ET-2000 guardrail extruder terminal are adapted for improved operation during impacts by attachment of a penetration guard. The penetration guard may also be affixed to other guardrail end treatments or even other suitable highway objects to create an improved safety apparatus. The penetration guard includes a frame and is affixed to the impact head of an ET-2000 guardrail extruder terminal. The frame is greatly collapsible when impacted from a substantially end-on direction. However, when impacted from a direction other than substantially end-on, the frame is substantially non-collapsible and maintains its integrity. The frame includes an outer housing which defines a central opening. The housing is preferably formed of a unitary outer of sheet metal which surrounds the central opening.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 1996Date of Patent: August 11, 1998Assignee: The Texas A&M University SystemInventor: Don L. Ivey
-
Patent number: 5788405Abstract: A vertical highway marker is provided having a mounting base, a marker post and a mounting bracket. The mounting bracket secures the marker post to the mounting base. The highway marker includes a flexible region which bends so that the marker post will rotate relative to the mounting base when the marker post is impacted by a vehicle. The mounting base is a low-profile, square rubber pad which may be driven over by a vehicle without disturbing the driver's control of the vehicle. A resilient member is disposed proximate to the flexible region of the highway marker for bending with and stiffening the flexible region. Blocking members extend on forward and rearward sides of the resilient member and the flexible region for limiting a range of bending over which the resilient member bends with the flexible region, such that the stresses within the resilient member are not substantially greater than the yield strength of the resilient member.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 1996Date of Patent: August 4, 1998Assignee: Lucy Caroline BeardInventor: James Richard Beard
-
Patent number: 5779389Abstract: An impactor for a movable, deformable barrier, simulating an automobile, comprising an upright, solid backing support, a plurality of energy absorbing impact segments protruding from the support, each segment having an outer impact face and each comprising a plurality of layers of honeycomb having different crush strength characterized by increasing crush strength of successive layers from the outer impact face to the support, the layers being separated by and secured to perforate plates therebetween allowing air flow from a crushing layer to the succeeding layers when the layers are successively crushed and each impact segment having a thin vent layer of noncrushing slotted honeycomb adjacent the support for discharge of air from all of the segments as they are successively crushed. The layers in each segment are of essentially the same width and height.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 1997Date of Patent: July 14, 1998Assignee: Plascore, Inc.Inventor: Michael C. Niemerski
-
Patent number: 5780140Abstract: Retroreflective material is disclosed which is formed of an array of microprisms which reflect light more uniformly by forming a concave curvature in the base face of the prisms.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 1996Date of Patent: July 14, 1998Assignee: Reflexite CorporationInventor: Robert B. Nilsen
-
Patent number: 5775833Abstract: A breakaway highway delineator including a base member for resting on a roadway or other generally horizontal surface and a base member which is connected to the panel member. In a preferred embodiment, the panel member is moveable between a first, generally horizontal orientation and a second, generally vertical orientation. The base member has a cavity/receiving slot configured to hold part of the panel member when the panel member is disposed generally horizontally. The base member also interacts to hold the panel member generally vertical when the panel member is properly positioned within the base member so as (i) to prevent the panel member from being tipped over by gusts of wind and drafts created by trucks and other vehicles passing by the delineator, and (ii) to release the panel member when forcefully impacted, allowing the panel member to be pulled from the base member to minimize damage to vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 1996Date of Patent: July 7, 1998Assignee: Rotational Molding of UtahInventor: David Little
-
Patent number: 5764060Abstract: The guidance system of the invention includes at least two spaced, permanently magnetized regions that each produce a magnetic field. The two permanently magnetized regions can be provided at either side of another region that produces a magnetic field of less intensity than the permanently magnetized regions, and in one embodiment, the former region produces no magnetic field. The system may also include portable means for detecting the magnetic fields produced by the permanently magnetized regions, and that sensor may be mounted to a cane for use by a person. In another embodiment, the permanently magnetized regions contrast with either each other or the region that produces a magnetic field of less intensity, or have different surface characteristics, or both.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1996Date of Patent: June 9, 1998Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Bernard A. Gonzalez, Richard L. Patten
-
Patent number: 5762444Abstract: An A-frame barricade has the capability of being adjusted to a desired length. The barricade includes a pair of A-frame leg support members and a generally elongate beam assembly which connects the leg support members. The beam assembly is comprises two beam members which are slidably joined by interlocking elements to enable adjustment of the length of the barricade.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 1996Date of Patent: June 9, 1998Assignee: Cortina Tool & Molding Co.Inventor: Jeffrey M. Giannelli
-
Patent number: 5755528Abstract: A rubber stabilizing base includes a sidewall of a worn out steel belted radial tubeless truck tire. The sidewall is annularly shaped, with an inner edge and an outer edge. An intermediate portion of the rubber stabilizing base contacts the inner edge of the sidewall and joins the sidewall to the intermediate portion. A circumferential wall is connected to the intermediate portion. Both the intermediate portion and the circumferential wall are annular, and the circumferential wall includes at least one locking lip adapted to be engaged with the traffic channelizer drum to thereby connect the traffic channelizer drum to the unitary stabilizing base. An inner portion of the rubber stabilizing base has one or more steps disposed thereon. The steps are grippable by the hand of a user to facilitate easy movement of the rubber stabilizing base.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 1996Date of Patent: May 26, 1998Assignee: TrafFix DevicesInventors: Jack H. Kulp, Samuel J. Bechtle
-
Patent number: 5735632Abstract: A traffic channelizing device has a base unit made from the sidewalls of used tires, and additional tire components such as tread portions or other sidewalls, at least partially secured between the sidewalls. Tread portions may be wound spirally between opposing sidewall portions, or horizontally-arranged sidewalls may be positioned partially between the opposing sidewall portion, and may be cut and shaped to a non-circular inner shape to accommodate barrels which have a non-circular shape. Wire ties or the like are used to bind the sidewalls to produce an irregular exterior shape, so that the devices are not inclined to roll when overturned. The base separates readily from the barrel in the event of an impact.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1996Date of Patent: April 7, 1998Inventor: Josef J. Braverman
-
Patent number: 5729926Abstract: A sign includes a frame having plural battens therein. A web is disposed over the frame. The web has opposed, co-extensive sides which form a pocket therebetween. The frame is located inside the pocket of the web. A support for the sign is provided which is attached to at least one of the frame battens and is contiguous therewith. At least one of the frame battens is fixed to the web and at least one of the frame battens is removable from the web.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 1996Date of Patent: March 24, 1998Assignee: Sportniks, Inc.Inventors: John H. Cowgill, Charles W. Elroy, Jr.
-
Patent number: 5731895Abstract: A reflective element mountable to a post comprises a body member having an internal keyway formed therein for sliding over the post. A bore is provided, preferably transversely through the body member, and is dimensioned to receive either a pin or a bolt which locks the element to the post. The body member in preferred form is cylindrical in shape. A reflective material such as in sheet form is wrapped around the outer surface of the body member. Thereby, the element is capable of reflecting light incident on its surface from 360 degrees around the element. The body of the element may be readily manufactured from a non-corroding plastic material as to provide years of service. By the construction of the element, it is also easily attached to a typical post used as a highway marker, such as a studded T-post.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 1996Date of Patent: March 24, 1998Assignee: CHS Acquisition Corp.Inventors: Ronald E. Owczarzak, William J. Cienkus, Jr.
-
Patent number: 5713694Abstract: A resilient and flexible base for a two-piece traffic channelizer is provided that does not require external ballasting to stabilize the channelizer against wind forces and vacuum forces created by passing vehicles and minor impacts from a vehicle. The base is formed of a hardenable liquid resin such that the base is resilient and flexible after curing and has a specific gravity greater than about 1.25. The base further includes at least one flexible footpad for generating a restoring moment when the channelizer is subjected to a tipping force, such as a minor impact. The composition of the liquid resin includes at least one off-grade polyvinylchloride (PVC) resin, a plasticizer and a specific gravity increasing agent. A method is also provided for forming the base by slush molding at least a portion of the hardenable liquid resin adjacent the interior surface of a molding cavity. The base formed by the disclosed method is also self-lubricating and resistant to chemical degradation and extreme temperatures.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 1995Date of Patent: February 3, 1998Assignee: Radiator Specialty CompanyInventors: Albert F. Monda, Milton Darrell Hinnant
-
Patent number: 5689918Abstract: A new Sign Post Stabilizer for increasing the stability of a sign post by providing multi-directional support. The inventive device includes a post sleeve positionable over a sign post and a pair of L-shaped wing members extending horizontally outward from the post sleeve. The post sleeve includes a pair of aligned mounting holes for securing the post sleeve to a lower section of the sign post with a standard bolt and nut fastener. The post sleeve is secured to the lower section of the sign post such that the pair of L-shaped wing members extend outward from the post sleeve below the surface of the ground when the lower section of the sign post is driven into the ground. Each one of the pair of L-shaped wing members extends outward from the post sleeve in about 180 degree spaced relation. In addition, each one of the pair of L-shaped wing members is bent at a wing angle along an imaginary vertical axis so as to form adjacent multi-planar vertical walls.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 1996Date of Patent: November 25, 1997Inventor: Paul Johnson
-
Patent number: 5676488Abstract: A pavement marking and a method of making a pavement marking, where retroreflectivity and skid-resistance can be independently controlled while making efficient use of the optical elements and skid-resistant particles. One illustrative embodiment includes two topcoats on a base sheet having first and second major surfaces, the first major surface having a plurality of protuberances located thereon which are separated by valleys. A first topcoat is attached to the first major surface of the base sheet and a second topcoat is selectively located on the protuberances. A first mixture of optical elements and/or skid-resistant particles is attached to, e.g., partially embedded in, the first topcoat and a second mixture of optical elements and/or skid-resistant particles is attached to, e.g., partially embedded in, the second topcoat.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 1995Date of Patent: October 14, 1997Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventor: Thomas P. Hedblom
-
Patent number: 5667335Abstract: A fiber-reinforced raised pavement marker made of a composite material comprising an isotropic mixture of a polymeric material, reinforcing fibers and a filler material. The results of finite element analysis and composite technology have been combined to produce a pavement marker having high flexural strength and impact resistance without the need for an impact-resistant shell. Durable, high strength composite pavement markers are made by casting a homogenous mixture of chopped glass fibers and a filler material in a polymeric matrix. Placement of a retroreflective lens within the mold followed by pouring and curing the composite material results in a finished product upon release from the mold.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 1995Date of Patent: September 16, 1997Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CommpanyInventors: Sithya S. Khieu, David C. May
-
Patent number: 5667334Abstract: A roadway marker comprises shell molded of suitable plastic and having an internal honeycomb configuration. A base plate extends over the lower surface of the shell covering the honeycomb arrangement and defining a plurality of chambers internal to the shell. The plate is provided with a plurality of apertures, each opening to a chamber. When the marker is installed, adhesive material flows through the apertures and into the chambers. Before the adhesive sets, it forms mushroomed-shaped configurations over the top inside surface of the plate. The mushroomed configurations create a strong mechanical bond between the plate and the associated roadway surface. The large lower surface area of the plate also enhances bonding of the marker to the roadway.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 1995Date of Patent: September 16, 1997Assignee: Stimsonite CorporationInventor: Thomas P. Boyce
-
Patent number: 5651636Abstract: A traffic warning device comprises a base, and a support frame set. The base is provided therein with a power source receiving space. The support frame set comprises two first support frames and one second support frame. The first and the second support frames are provided therein respectively with a plurality of luminous diodes, circuits, magnets and conducting pieces. The magnets and the conducting pieces of the first and the second support frames are corresponding in location to one another.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 1996Date of Patent: July 29, 1997Inventor: A-Chien Yeh
-
Patent number: 5625988Abstract: A support assembly for a roadside or traffic signpost includes a mounting socket cylinder (13) fixed in the ground for receiving a support post (12) therein. A resilient support means in the form of a pair of O-rings (16) is interposable between the post and the mounting cylinder. A reinforcing collar (15) prevents deformation of adjacent (1 to 11) portions of the mounting cylinder and the post.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 1994Date of Patent: May 6, 1997Inventor: Andrew Killick
-
Patent number: 5620276Abstract: An impactor for a movable, deformable barrier, simulating an automobile, comprising an upright, solid backing support, a plurality of energy absorbing impact segments protruding from the support, each segment having an outer impact face and each comprising a plurality of layers of honeycomb having different crush strength characterized by increasing crush strength of successive layers from the outer impact face to the support, the layers being separated by and secured to perforate plates therebetween allowing air flow from a crushing layer to the succeeding layers when the layers are successively crushed and each impact segment having a thin vent layer of noncrushing slotted honeycomb adjacent the support for discharge of air from all of the segments as they are successively crushed. The layers in each segment are of essentially the same width and height. A solid face sheet is at said outer impact face of said segments.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1995Date of Patent: April 15, 1997Assignee: Plascore, Inc.Inventors: Michael C. Niemerski, Gerald J. Schoeb, Fritz Huebner
-
Patent number: 5619829Abstract: Fixing members are mounted, at predetermined intervals, on the top portion of a footing that is built along a road. A concrete-type board having vertical through-holes is mounted on the footing through the fixing member. Steel rods each having top and bottom threaded portions are inserted into the respective through-holes of the board with the bottom threaded portions being threadedly engaged with the respective fixing members. Upper nuts are engaged with the top threaded portions of the respective rods, to thereby fix the board onto the footing.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 1995Date of Patent: April 15, 1997Assignee: Nitto Boseki Co., LtdInventors: Tokio Tan, Kikuo Kazi, Shinta Yamamura, Naoyuki Furuta, Tadanori Mizukami
-
Patent number: 5613798Abstract: A traffic channelizing device has a base unit made from the sidewalls of used car or other vehicle tires, using tread portions as a stabilizer between two sidewalls, wound spirally and having an outer band with a protruding loop which results in the resilient integral base unit having a significantly reduced propensity to roll when the device is overturned. The device has the advantages of being highly resistant in wind and impact, yet being readily removable and stackable with substantially less manpower and transportation space than for existing devices. If the central hole for the upper sidewall portion of the base unit is larger than that for the lower sidewall portion, the device retains the traffic safety feature of the base being separable from the body portion in the event of a high impact, even where the upper portion comprises more than one sidewall.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 1995Date of Patent: March 25, 1997Inventor: Josef J. Braverman
-
Patent number: 5613799Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating the appearance of on and off flashes of light and of moving to attract the attention of an observer is provided. A moveable support is provided, rotatable about an axis with first and second reflective materials thereon at horizontally and vertically spaced locations thereon on opposite sides of the axis of rotation. The reflective material is rotated to bring the reflective materials into the line of sight of an observer on opposite sides of the rotational axis and then moving the reflective material from the line of sight of the observer.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: March 25, 1997Inventor: David Guide
-
Patent number: 5607252Abstract: An improved containment system is disclosed which absorbs the collision energy of a vehicle about to strike a hazard. In the system, a block of flexible foam material having near-perfect total recovery after compression is placed adjacent a hazard. A first side of the block faces toward anticipated oncoming vehicular traffic. A fabric sheath capable of withstanding a substantial collision shock covers the first side of the block. On a second side of the block there is a resilient support member which receives transmitted impact energy from the sheath and block.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 1995Date of Patent: March 4, 1997Inventor: Duain E. Tischer
-
Patent number: 5605413Abstract: An elongated hollow rotationally molded high density polyethylene highway barrier has two elongated generally parallel sidewalls, two generally vertical end walls, and a plurality of longitudinal reinforcing members extending from one end wall to the other. The longitudinal reinforcing members extend from respective vertical end walls and terminate in loops which may be joined to like loops on an adjacent barrier for interconnecting the barriers. The longitudinal reinforcing members are typically steel cables. In one form, both end walls have central vertical notches arranged so that the notch end of one barrier may be aligned with the notch end of another barrier and the two barriers moved toward one another with the notches aligned. In this form, there are two steel cables passing through longitudinal holes in each barrier to be joined within the two aligned end notches. In another form, one barrier end is notched vertically while the opposite end has a central vertical protrusion.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 1995Date of Patent: February 25, 1997Inventor: James C. Brown
-
Patent number: 5599132Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for providing easily replaceable reflective surfaces for highway barricade barrels. A plurality of plastic bands are provided for securing around the exterior surfaces of the barricade barrels. The plastic bands have outer sides through which a plurality of holes extends. Strips of a reflective tape are secured to the outer sides of the plastic bands. The reflective tape has an adhesive backing which is used for securing the tape to the outer sides of the plastic bands. Mechanical fasteners are passed through the holes to fasten the plastic bands to the barricade barrels. The bands are fastened to the barrels with reflective surfaces of the reflective tape facing outward, away from the barricade barrels.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: February 4, 1997Assignee: Flexstake, Inc.Inventor: Robert K. Hughes, Jr.
-
Patent number: 5597262Abstract: A traffic bollard mountable to a path surface for providing a barrier to a vehicle moving on the path surface. The bollard includes a stanchion member extending along a longitudinal axis from an upper distal end to a lower proximal end biasedly attachable to the path surface in a normally upright position. The stanchion member is flexible along substantially the entire extent of its longitudinal axis to be resiliently deflectable from its normally upright position upon the bollard being contacted with a predetermined amount of force by the moving vehicle. At least one collar is rotatably mounted about the stanchion member along the longitudinal axis thereof. The collar extends intermediate the distal and proximal ends of the stanchion member and freely rotates about the longitudinal axis thereof upon being contacted by the moving vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 1995Date of Patent: January 28, 1997Assignee: Dale W. BeaversInventors: Dale W. Beavers, Jerry F. Fischer, Vince Dicola, John D. Boyer
-
Patent number: 5593246Abstract: A pavement marking 10 includes a base sheet 12, a barrier layer 30, a layer 32 of bonding material, a multitude of optical elements 34, and skid-resistant particles 36. The base sheet 12 contains rubber and fillers and has a number of protuberances 14 projecting from its front side 28. Valleys 16 are disposed between the protuberances 14. The barrier layer 30 is disposed on the front side 28 at least in valleys 16 and preferably over protuberances 14. The layer 32 of bonding material is disposed predominantly on protuberances 14 and in this position secures the optical elements 34 and skid-resistant particles 36 to the protuberances 14 but not to the valleys 16. The coverage of the front side 28 of base sheet 12 with barrier layer 30 and bonding material 32 prevents the fillers in the base sheet 12 from becoming present on the top surface of the pavement marking 10 and thereby preserves the intended color of the marking 10.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 1994Date of Patent: January 14, 1997Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Thomas P. Hedblom, Kathleen A. Hachey, Robert L. Keech
-
Patent number: 5547310Abstract: The present invention relates to a barrier construction for removably closing road passages, which comprises two cables, spaced from one another, and coupled, at the end portions thereof, to stretching assemblies, provided near the terminal portions of the end passage. Between the two cables are supported spacer plates, provided with a resting foot. The cables are arranged at such a level as to define therebetween the average of the values of the heights of the centers of gravity of conventional vehicles or, anyhow, such as to hold therein the minimum and maximum heights of a guard-rail of conventional type.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 1995Date of Patent: August 20, 1996Inventor: Franz M. R. Muller
-
Patent number: 5544614Abstract: A barricade assembly is made up from a plurality of panel units which can be secured together to provide a barricade of adjustable height. Each panel unit has spaced parallel side legs and a planar cross member extending transversely between the legs. A hinge mechanism allows two panel units to be releasably hinged together at their upper ends so that they can be angled relative to one another in a free-standing, open position. Two or more panel units can also be releasably secured together in vertical alignment to adjust the height of the assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 1994Date of Patent: August 13, 1996Assignee: VBCOInventor: Veronica B. Cushman
-
Patent number: 5542778Abstract: A channel structure for housing electrical wires and supporting glarefoil blades along a median barrier of a divided highway or other roadway. An elongate composite channel structure defines an interior channel and a flat exterior top support surface. The composite channel is attachable to the top of a median barrier to cover electrical streetlamp wiring extending along the top of the barrier. A series of glarefoil blades are attachable directly and individually to the flat top support surface so that the support surface is the only object which provides structural, stabilizing support for each of the glarefoil blades.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 1995Date of Patent: August 6, 1996Assignee: Carsonite International CorporationInventor: Richard Mallon
-
Patent number: 5536109Abstract: A road vehicle halting device comprising a support member, a plurality of support elements, means mounting the support elements on the support member, each supporting element supporting a generally upwardly extending spike, a plurality of downwardly extending road engaging formations, means mounting the road engaging formations on the underside of the support member, the road engaging formations each being configured so that in the event of a vehicle driving over the device, at least one of the formations digs into the ground.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 1995Date of Patent: July 16, 1996Inventor: Roy B. W. Lowndes
-
Patent number: 5531540Abstract: A reinforcement system for highway barriers comprising a frame structure mounted on the surface of an associated highway barrier and force distributing members that are adapted to distribute forces along a horizontal direction upon impact of a vehicle into the associated highway barrier so as to lessen the degree of force applied to the highway barrier and to thus provide additional strength to the associated highway barrier.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 1995Date of Patent: July 2, 1996Assignee: Yew CorporationInventors: David E. Wasserstrom, Stuart S. Ostroff
-
Patent number: 5529429Abstract: A collapsible traffic control assembly comprising a plurality of cylindrical segments selectively positionable relative to one another into a secured outwardly extending operative position or collapsed position wherein the segments are concentrically disposed within a housing. The housing of the assembly is adapted to allow a nesting stacked array of a plurality of such housings when the cylindrical segments associated therewith are disposed in their stored position.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 1994Date of Patent: June 25, 1996Inventor: Oscar D. Pelegrin
-
Patent number: 5516227Abstract: Retroreflective glass or plastic beads have fluorescent properties when irradiated with ultraviolet light and are emplaced in signs in patterns indicative of alphanumeric characters, or embedded in a hot melt comprising road stripes or embedded in the road asphalt or aggregate during construction of the road, to provide effectively bright and clear indications of signs or the extent and direction of the road. The glass beads comprise spherodized soda lime, borosilicate, phosphosilicate or aluminosilicate glasses with low levels of rare-earth dopants mixed therein, such as compounds containing one of the rare earths, or lanthanides. The plastic beads may have fluorescent materials mixed therein, typically organic pigments or dyes based on coumarin and rhodamine or the like.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 1994Date of Patent: May 14, 1996Assignee: IIT Research InstituteInventors: Edward M. Kozak, Craig S. Bartholomew
-
Patent number: 5509754Abstract: The invention provides a device which includes a bracket to be firmly embedded in a driveway; and includes a post which is adapted to be slidably seated in the bracket in a vertical position to serve as an obstruction to passage of a motor vehicle from the driveway. An Ell-rod provided in the post is manually operable to interlock the post against removal from the bracket, and is adapted to be locked in the interlocked condition by a padlock. The ell-rod is manually operable upon removal of the padlock to release its interlocked condition so as to allow removal of the post from the bracket to enable vehicle passage over the driveway.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 1994Date of Patent: April 23, 1996Inventor: Simone Conigliaro
-
Patent number: 5498102Abstract: A tire puncturing spike strip is disclosed which can be placed on a road surface in front of a moving vehicle. The spike strip is comprised of essentially rectangular modular frame units with low height for easy storage in a trunk of a police vehicle, and the frame units have interlocking ends which can be quickly assembled in any desired length for placement across a roadway with spikes in a normal down position to allow safe passage of vehicles over the strip, but said spikes may be selectively and remotely activated to their up position electromechanically by an operator to target a specific fleeing vehicle. Once the fleeing vehicle crosses over the strip, the spikes may be electromechanically returned to their down position to allow pursuing police cars to safely cross over the strip and apprehend the disabled fleeing vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 1995Date of Patent: March 12, 1996Inventor: Sheldon Bissell
-
Patent number: 5498100Abstract: A barrier system which provides a new and unique approach to separating traffic and provides a safe, convenient and effective means of controlling traffic. Segmented continuous interlocking barriers embedded in the roadway rise out of the roadway to prevent head-on collisions between opposing lanes of traffic to aid in the prevention of serious accidents and loss of life on any undivided roadway on a suspension or truss bridge. All electro-mechanical mechanisms are controlled by PLC programmable controllers, automation software and a data processor control system link with mobile end-system wireless link compatibles in a multi-capability environment to perform the electro-mechanical tasks in altering traffic lane configurations. A set performance schedule is set up according to traffic flow by user in the alternating of its mechanical barrier devices in sequential order, with means from pneumatic air cylinders.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 1994Date of Patent: March 12, 1996Inventor: Robert M. Guernsey
-
Patent number: 5489077Abstract: A sign support base comprising a staff base to which a plurality of plates are secured, the plates having pivotal legs secured thereto, the pivot means comprising a resilient mechanism for biasing the leg toward the plate and engaging means comprising a moveable pin resiliently biased outwardly from the leg for engaging in apertures in the plate, the legs, plates, pivot means and engaging means being so constructed that movement of the distal end of the leg disengages the resiliently biased pin from the apertures is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 1994Date of Patent: February 6, 1996Inventor: Theodore L. Stoudt
-
Patent number: 5487619Abstract: A self-righting warning marker includes a base having a warning sign attached thereto and projecting upwardly therefrom. The warning sign is preferably formed of a polymer which is rigid yet resilient and flexible, to prevent breakage upon contact from a vehicle or the like. The base of the marker has a pivot surface extending between a rearward face and a bottom surface so that the marker will roll along the pivot surface from an upright orientation to a horizontal orientation if contacted by a vehicle. A ballast weight within the base is located such that the center of gravity of the marker is located forwardly of the pivot surface to thereby cause the marker to be self-righting. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, an illuminator is mounted on the marker, with a lens attached along an upper edge of the warning sign and a bundle of fiber optic cables extending through the panel of the warning sign to a power source in the base which includes a light and a battery.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 1995Date of Patent: January 30, 1996Inventor: Terence M. Winebrenner
-
Patent number: 5485700Abstract: A new and improved telescopic flag and cone device with a cone portion having an open top and a closed bottom. A pole portion having a plurality of telescoping poles is received through the open top of the cone portion and secured to the closed bottom. An uppermost pole has a securement slot therein. A flag portion is received through the securement slot of the uppermost pole for securement therewith. The flag portion optionally wraps around the uppermost pole thereby permitting the plurality of poles to be telescopically received within the cone portion for storage purposes.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 1994Date of Patent: January 23, 1996Inventor: Brian M. Van Vranken
-
Patent number: 5484225Abstract: A two-part traffic channelizing device including a recycled rubber base (or other suitable material) having a slot with a textured interior surface extending therethrough and a vertically upwardly extending vertical member coated with reflective material and releasably inserted inside the slot, forming a friction/compression fit between the vertical member and the textured interior surface of the slot. The vertical member is held in position in the slot by friction/compression alone. Upon impact, the vertical member pops out of the slot, and the device is reassembled simply by reinserting the vertical member into the slot; no replacement parts are necessary, except for accessory items such as lighting devices or power sources.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 1994Date of Patent: January 16, 1996Assignee: Protection Services, Inc.Inventor: Randy L. Warner