AU2007231913B1 - A Temporary Traffic Sign Cover - Google Patents

A Temporary Traffic Sign Cover Download PDF

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Publication number
AU2007231913B1
AU2007231913B1 AU2007231913A AU2007231913A AU2007231913B1 AU 2007231913 B1 AU2007231913 B1 AU 2007231913B1 AU 2007231913 A AU2007231913 A AU 2007231913A AU 2007231913 A AU2007231913 A AU 2007231913A AU 2007231913 B1 AU2007231913 B1 AU 2007231913B1
Authority
AU
Australia
Prior art keywords
sign
cover
traffic sign
temporary traffic
cover according
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
AU2007231913A
Inventor
Gary Roy West
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to AU2007231913A priority Critical patent/AU2007231913B1/en
Priority to PCT/AU2008/001630 priority patent/WO2009055875A1/en
Publication of AU2007231913B1 publication Critical patent/AU2007231913B1/en
Ceased legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G09EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09FDISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F13/00Illuminated signs; Luminous advertising
    • G09F13/16Signs formed of or incorporating reflecting elements or surfaces, e.g. warning signs having triangular or other geometrical shape

Description

O1 A TEMPORARY TRAFFIC SIGN COVER Field of the Invention.
0 Z The present invention relates to safety devices for traffic signs and Smore particularly to a temporary traffic sign cover.
Background Art.
Temporary traffic sign covers are known in principle, but formal _temporary traffic sign covers are not available.
Conventionally, many different forms of cover means used to temporarily cover or partially obscure a traffic sign when the traffic sign is, for a 10 variety of reasons, not intended to be visible to a motorist. There are a variety of reasons as to why a traffic sign may be covered for example, during periods of roadworks the traffic signs should be visible if the workers are present, but when the workers have left, the traffic signs are generally covered.
As outlined above, many informal covers are used such as garbage bags, bags which have previously held cement or other material used on the worksite, and other materials such as pliable material draped over the sign and temporarily stitched on the rear side. Examples of conventional attempts at temporary traffic sign covers are illustrated in Figures 1A 1B and 2A 2B.
Other examples of obfuscation of traffic signs including turning to sign sideways to the roadway when not in use. This has the effect of presenting the side edge of the sign to oncoming traffic or pedestrians. Often the side edge of the sign is approximately 2 cm in width which makes the sign very difficult to see. In attempt of this kind it is illustrated in Figure 1C.
The problems associated with such informal temporary traffic sign covers are many. For example these temporary traffic sign covers are often unsightly and have no adequate delineation for the safety of motorist or pedestrians when not in use, particularly when visibility is low such as at night time or during times of inclement weather.
A further problem exists when they temporary traffic sign cover becomes this launched such as is illustrated in Figure 2C.
It could therefore be a substantial contribution to users if a temporary traffic sign cover was provided which was standard in nature, and included identification means in order to allow the sign when covered to be easily seen by 2
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motorists and pedestrians even in times of low visibility.
The temporary traffic sign cover should also be relatively easy and Z quick to use both when covering the sign and during removal.
It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.
Summary of the Invention.
The present invention is directed to a temporary traffic sign cover, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.
With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a temporary traffic sign cover including at least one panel substantially as large as at least the face surface of the sign and extending at least partially about an edge of the sign and at least one delineation means mounted on the at least one panel in order to adapt the cover to be visible in low light conditions.
The temporary traffic sign cover of the invention will typically find use for covering signs which are temporary or permanent particularly finding use before, during, and after road construction for example. The cover may also find use when resurfacing or re-sealing of the road surface occurs in order to prevent over spray from the materials used in the resurfacing adhering to the signs. This over spray often occurs and can make the sign more difficult to read or in extreme cases require replacement of the sign.
It is also a particularly preferred function of the cover to operate as or mount an alternative sign itself whilst covering the more permanent sign. In this configuration, the at least one panel of the cover may be provided with informative material such that the cover can function as a sign. The material may be removable such that the cover can be used to display a large number of alternative signage information to suit the particular circumstances. For example, there may be a selection of removable members attachable relative to the cover in order to provide the different temporary signage and message as required or there may be a variety of sign portions which can be arranged on the cover to convey the desired message.
The cover may also include a council logo or similar to show a particular council owns the cover.
3 The cover of the preferred embodiment of the present invention will preferably be made from a material coloured to be highly visible. The preferred colour Z will be bright yellow as this colour is recognized in most of the world as a "safety" colour.
The material used will typically be of a light weight, and opaque material in order that the sign not be visible through the cover. It is also preferred that the material be UV resistant as the cover will be used outside and may remain in place for substantial periods of time.
Further, it is preferred that the material be flexible, and in combination with the lightweight nature of the material, the preferred cover will be foldable into a small package which will preferably fit into a confined space such as a toolbox or glove box for example.
The temporary traffic sign cover of the invention will include at least one panel substantially as large as at least the face surface of the sign and extending at least partially about an edge of the sign.
The cover of a preferred embodiment may include more than one panel, but as traffic signs generally only have one display face, it is only this display face which needs covering. Traffic sign covers which fit entirely over the traffic sign may be preferred in certain circumstances and may provide better security than a single side panel with appropriate attachment means.
The at least one panel will normally be shaped substantially corresponding with the shape of the sign which it is intended to cover. However, a single size or shape cover may cover multiple different signs.
In one preferred embodiment, the temporary traffic sign cover of the invention includes a panel which is substantially equal in size to the display face of a traffic sign but having at least one edge portion adapted to surround an edge of the sign. Normally, a cover will be provided with at least three edge portions in order to receive the top edge and opposed side edges of the sign which it is intended to cover.
According to this configuration, the temporary traffic sign cover may be provided with attachment means which adapt the cover to be securely attached over the sign and particularly the edges of the sign.
In an embodiment, the attachment means takes the form of providing elasticised edge portions of the cover in order that once the panel is located properly 4 ,I adjacent the display face of the sign, the elasticised edge portions of the cover can be received over the edges of the sign. The edge portions will normally be slightly Z smaller dimension than the sign itself. Some deformation or stretching of the edge Nportions will typically be required with the edge portions at least partially surrounding the sign once in place.
The edge portions may be provided entirely around the edge of the cover or multiple elasticised edge portions may be provided and spaced about the edge of the cover. In some embodiments, elasticised edge portions may be provided at the upper corner(s) of the cover, at each corner of the cover or at least partially along side N 10 edges of the cover. In addition, elasticised portions may be provided across the at least one panel in order to increase the security of the cover once attached to the panel.
One or more edges of the cover may be provided with hook means in order to engage an edge of the sign. Hook means may particular be used for signs that are mounted on legs or similar that insert into the bottom of the sign.
According to an alternative embodiment, the temporary traffic sign cover of the invention may be provided with a pair of facing panels attached along their respective edges to one another to define a sock-like cover to completely enclose the traffic sign. According to this embodiment, the sock-like cover will be provided with an opening into which the traffic sign is received. Attachment means are preferably provided adjacent the opening in order to secure the cover of this embodiment to the sign. Examples of attachment means which are in no way limiting to the invention include elongate ribbons or similar which can then be tied to prevent accidental removal of the cover from the sign by abutting a lower edge of the sign.
In an alternate embodiment, the material used to manufacture the cover may be sufficiently resilient that the cover can be formed by simply providing a cover panel of slightly larger dimension in each direction to the sign which the cover is intended to be used with, and the cover being located by stretching the edges of the cover over the edges of the sign.
The cover of the present invention will typically have one or more delineation means provided. As stated above, the at least one delineation means are mounted on the at least one panel in order to adapt the cover to be visible in low light conditions.
The delineation means may take any form but will typically include one or more reflective devices or materials. The delineation means will be attached to at
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Z least the at least one panel of the cover. Any means of attachment may be used but normally the delineation means will be attached by sewing and/or adhesive.
There will normally be a plurality of delineation means provided and in Cc some instances, the delineation means may be configured to convey the shape of the _sign in order that motorists and/or pedestrians can judge where the extremities of the sign lie. For example, there may be delineation means provided adjacent each comer of the sign in order that pedestrians and/or motorists can identify the shape and extremities of the sign.
Other delineation means may be provided in order that pedestrians can judge the size of the sign, particularly where the sign is large and providing delineation means adjacent corners may allow a pedestrian or motorist to believe that there are a number of signs instead of one large sign.
The delineation means will typically be a visual delineation means them but other delineation means may be provided instead of, or as well as, visual delineation means.
Brief Description of the Drawings.
Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which: Figures 1A 1B are photographs of conventional attempts at providing temporary traffic sign covers.
Figure 1C illustrates an attempt to obfuscate a traffic sign by turning the traffic sign edge on to the traffic.
Figures 2A 2B are photographs from the front and the rear of a hastily manufactured temporary sign cover.
Figure 2C is an illustration of what can occur to the traffic sign is illustrated in Figures 2A 2B and during a breeze when the traffic sign cover is blown away so that the traffic sign can be visible again.
Figures 3 and 5 are views from the front and rear respectively of a traffic sign covered with a temporary traffic sign cover according to an embodiment of the invention.
Figures 4 and 6 are views from the front and rear respectively of a 6 traffic sign covered with a temporary traffic sign cover according to a second embodiment of the invention.
Z Figures 7 and 9 are views from the front and rear respectively of a N traffic sign covered with a temporary traffic sign cover according to a third embodiment of the invention.
Figures 8 and 10 are views from the front and rear respectively of a traffic sign covered with a temporary traffic sign cover according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.
Figures 11 to 20 are representative illustrations of traffic signs with which the temporary traffic sign cover of the invention may be used.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment.
According to a preferred embodiment, a temporary traffic sign cover is provided.
The temporary traffic sign cover illustrated in Figures 3 to 10 includes a face panel 11 substantially as large as at least the face surface of the sign 10 and portions extending at least partially about an edge of the sign 10. The panel 11 is provided with delineation means 12 in order to adapt the cover to be visible in low light conditions.
The cover of the illustrated embodiments are made from a material coloured to be highly visible. The preferred colour is bright yellow as this colour is recognized in most of the world as a colour demoting caution.
The material used is a lightweight, and opaque material in order that the sign 10 not be visible through the cover. The material is also UV resistant as the covers will be used outside and are likely to remain in place for substantial periods of time.
As illustrated in Figures 3 to 11, the temporary traffic sign cover of the invention will include at least one panel substantially as large as at least the face surface of the sign and extending at least partially about an edge of the sign.
The cover of the embodiment illustrated in Figures 4 and 6 includes more than one panel, attached together to form a traffic sign cover which fits entirely over the traffic sign which may be preferred in certain circumstances and may provide better security than a single side panel with appropriate attachment means. According this embodiment, the temporary traffic sign has a pair of facing panels attached along 7
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their respective edges to one another to define a sock-like cover to completely enclose the traffic sign. The sock-like cover is provided with an opening into which the traffic Z sign 10 is received. Attachment ribbons 15 are provided adjacent the opening in order to secure the cover of this embodiment to the sign by tying the ribbons to prevent accidental removal of the cover from the sign by abutting a lower edge of the sign.
In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 3, 5 and 7-11, the temporary traffic sign cover of the invention includes a face panel 11 which is substantially equal in size to the display face of a traffic sign 10 and having edge portions 13 adapted to surround the edges of the sign 10. Normally, the cover will be provided with at least three edge portions in order to receive the top edge and opposed side edges of the sign which it is intended to cover as is illustrated in Figures 3 and The cover is attached to the sign 10 by providing elasticised edge portions on the cover in order that once the panel 11 is located properly adjacent the display face of the sign 10, the elasticised edge portions of the cover are received over the edges of the sign 10. Some deformation or stretching of the edge portions will be required when attaching and removing the cover.
One or more edges, normally a lower edge of the cover may be provided with hook means in order to engage in edge of the sign 10 such as is illustrated in Figure The delineation means of the illustrated embodiments include reflective devices or materials attached to at least one panel of the cover.
There will normally be a plurality of delineation means provided and in some instances, the delineation means may be configured to convey the shape of the sign in order that motorists and/or pedestrians can judge where the extremities of the sign lie. For example, there may be delineation means provided adjacent to each corner of the sign in order that pedestrians and/or motorists can identify the shape and extremities of the sign.
In the present specification and claims (if any), the word "comprising" and its derivatives including "comprises" and "comprise" include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.
Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present 0 z 8 invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.
In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (17)

1. A temporary traffic sign cover including at least one panel substantially as large as at least the face surface of the sign and extending at least partially about an edge of the sign and at least one discrete delineation means mounted on the at least one panel in order to adapt the cover to be visible in low light conditions, the delineation means being light reflective or luminous.
2. A temporary traffic sign cover according to claim 1 manufactured from a material coloured for high visibility.
3. A temporary traffic sign cover according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the material used is a lightweight, and opaque in order that the sign not be visible through the cover.
4. A temporary traffic sign cover according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the material used is UV resistant.
A temporary traffic sign cover according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the cover includes more than one panel attached along their respective edges to define a sock-like cover adapted to fit entirely over the traffic sign.
6. A temporary traffic sign cover according to claim 5 wherein the sock-like cover is provided with an opening into which the traffic sign is received.
7. A temporary traffic sign cover according to claim 6 wherein attachment means are provided adjacent the opening in order to secure the cover to the sign.
8. A temporary traffic sign cover according to any one of the preceding claims including at least one panel which is substantially equal in size to a display face of a traffic sign and having at least one edge portion adapted to surround an edge of the sign.
9. A temporary traffic sign cover according to claim 8 wherein the cover is provided with at least three edge portions in order to receive a top edge and opposed side edges of the sign which it is intended to cover.
A temporary traffic sign cover according to either one of claims 8 or claim 9 wherein elasticised edge portions are provided in order that once the at least one panel is located properly adjacent a display face of the sign, the elasticised edge portions of the cover receive edges of the sign.
11. A temporary traffic sign cover according to any one of claims 8 to 10 wherein deformation of an edge portion is required with an edge portion at least partially surrounding the sign once in place.
12. A temporary traffic sign cover according to any one of the preceding claims wherein hook means is provided in order to engage an edge of the sign.
13. A temporary traffic sign cover according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the delineation means include one or more reflective devices or materials.
14. A temporary traffic sign cover according to any one of the preceding claims wherein a plurality of delineation means are provided.
A temporary traffic sign cover according to claim 14 wherein the delineation means are configured to convey the shape of the sign in order that motorists and/or pedestrians can judge where the extremities of the sign lie.
16. A temporary traffic sign cover according to either one of claims 14 or wherein the delineation means are provided adjacent to each corner of the sign in order that pedestrians and/or motorists can identify the shape and extremities of the sign.
17. A temporary traffic sign cover substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.
AU2007231913A 2007-11-02 2007-11-02 A Temporary Traffic Sign Cover Ceased AU2007231913B1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2007231913A AU2007231913B1 (en) 2007-11-02 2007-11-02 A Temporary Traffic Sign Cover
PCT/AU2008/001630 WO2009055875A1 (en) 2007-11-02 2008-11-03 A temporary traffic sign cover

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2007231913A AU2007231913B1 (en) 2007-11-02 2007-11-02 A Temporary Traffic Sign Cover

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
AU2007231913B1 true AU2007231913B1 (en) 2009-02-19

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AU2007231913A Ceased AU2007231913B1 (en) 2007-11-02 2007-11-02 A Temporary Traffic Sign Cover

Country Status (2)

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AU (1) AU2007231913B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2009055875A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2583069A (en) * 2019-03-08 2020-10-21 Hoban Peter Light cover

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USD984296S1 (en) 2019-06-28 2023-04-25 Railpros Field Services, Inc. Automated railroad signage device

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6148555A (en) * 1998-08-03 2000-11-21 Beauchamp; Mark A. Cover for temporarily altering traffic signs

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6148555A (en) * 1998-08-03 2000-11-21 Beauchamp; Mark A. Cover for temporarily altering traffic signs

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2583069A (en) * 2019-03-08 2020-10-21 Hoban Peter Light cover
GB2583069B (en) * 2019-03-08 2022-12-21 Hoban Peter Light cover

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Publication number Publication date
WO2009055875A1 (en) 2009-05-07

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FGA Letters patent sealed or granted (standard patent)
MK14 Patent ceased section 143(a) (annual fees not paid) or expired