AU2013100853A4 - A Place Marker - Google Patents

Abstract

A place marker includes a base. An elongate marker is mounted on the base in a lengthwise upright resting position, in which the marker is of a material selected to permit the marker to tilt towards the base and automatically to return to its upright resting position. Is' 12± ao "P 0i.

Description

1 A PLACE MARKER FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates to a place marker. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0002] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a place marker, which includes: a base; and an elongate marker that is mounted on the base in a lengthwise upright resting position, in which the marker is of a material selected to permit the marker to tilt towards the base and automatically to return to its upright resting position. [0003] The base may include a generally oblong flat body. The base may be shaped, sized, and formed from a material that provides sufficient weight to the base to resist displacement of the base relative to a support when the marker is tilted towards the base. The base may be fabricated from an expanded plastics material such as a high density foam rubber material or any other material so as to form a resilient mat which is convenient to handle. For example, the base can be fabricated from particulate recycled tyre rubber. The material may also be selected to resist sliding over a substrate, such as grass, asphalt or concrete. In another embodiment, the base may be formed from a sheet of solid rubber or similar material. [0004] The elongate marker may be positioned towards one end of the base. However, the base could also be generally square or round. In that case, the marker may be positioned offset from a centre of the base. [0005] The base may define an aperture towards one end to form a handle for the base. [0006] The marker may include a cone-shaped body that is mounted or mountable in an inverted orientation on the base. The cone-shaped body may include a mounting formation at its wide end that defines an aperture for attaching the cone-shaped body to the base. [0007] The base may include an aperture at a location underneath the cone-shaped body so that the place markers are stackable with their cone-shaped bodies nesting at least partly one within the other.

2 [0008] The mounting formation may be in the form of a flange that extends from a periphery of the wide end of the body. One or more points of attachment of the flange to the base may be offset from a diametric line across the base and the wide end of the body to enhance an ability of the marker to deflect in a plane that bisects the base longitudinally or in a plane offset from that diametric line, depending on the shape of the base. [0009] The place marker may include an illuminator for enhancing the visibility of the place marker. The illuminator may include a light, for example an LED, that is located inside a hollow interior of the marker. The illuminator may include a power source for providing power to the light. The power source may include a battery and a photovoltaic module for charging the battery. The illuminator may include a battery charger for controlling charging of the battery from the photovoltaic module. To this end, the marker may include transparent zones, windows, apertures, or the like for enhancing the visibility of the illuminator, in use. [0010] A place marker, in accordance with the invention, may manifest itself in a variety of forms. It will be convenient hereinafter to describe embodiments of the invention in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The purpose of providing this detailed description is to instruct persons having an interest in the subject matter of the invention how to carry the invention into practical effect. However, it is to be clearly understood that the specific nature of this detailed description does not supersede the generality of the preceding broad description. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0011] Figure 1 shows an exploded three-dimensional view of a place marker, in accordance with the invention; [0012] Figure 2 shows a side elevation view of the place marker in Figure 1; [0013] Figure 3 shows a top plan view of the place marker in Figure 1; [0014] Figure 4 shows a bottom plan view of the place marker in Figure 1; [0015] Figure 5 shows an exploded three-dimensional view of another embodiment of a place marker, in accordance with the invention. [0016] Figure 6 shows a side elevation view of the place marker in Figure 5; [0017] Figure 7 shows a top plan view of the place marker in Figure 5; 3 [0018] Figure 8 shows a bottom plan view of the place marker in Figure 5; [0019] Figure 9 shows a three-dimensional view of the place marker in Figure 1, in use, with a marker tilted towards a base of the place marker; [0020] Figure 10 shows a side elevation view of three place markers, in Figure 1, stacked for stowing and transport; [0021] Figure 11 shows a three-dimensional view of another embodiment of a place marker; [0022] Figure 12 shows a three-dimensional view of an illuminator forming part of another embodiment of a place marker; [0023] Figure 13 shows a three-dimensional part exploded view of the illuminator in Figure 12; [0024] Figure 14 shows a side elevation view of a place marker that incorporates the illuminator in Figure 12. [0025] Figure 15 shows a side view of a further embodiment of a place marker; and [0026] Figure 16 shows a plan view of the place marker of figure 15. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0027] In Figures 1 to 4, reference numeral 10 generally indicates a place marker, in accordance with the invention. The place marker 10 includes a base 12 and an elongated marker 14 that is mounted on the base 12 in a lengthwise upright resting position. The material of the marker 14 is flexible and resilient so that the marker 14 can deform to tilt towards the base 12 and is able automatically to return to its upright resting position. [0028] The base 12 in is the form of a generally oblong flat body. The base 12 is shaped, sized, and formed from a material that provides sufficient weight to the base 12 to resist displacement of the base 12 relative to a support when the marker 14 is tilted towards the base 12. The base 12 can be fabricated from an expanded elastomeric material such as high density foam rubber material or any other material to form a resilient mat which is convenient to handle. For example, the base 12 can be fabricated from particulate recycled tyre rubber. The base 12 can also be fabricated from a solid sheet of an elastomeric material, such as rubber. A characteristic of the material can be a coefficient of friction that is such to inhibit 4 sliding of the base 12 on a substrate. In particular, it will be appreciated that such a material does not readily slide over surfaces such as asphalt or concrete. [0029] The base 12 defines two spaced apart circular apertures 16 and 18. One of the apertures 16 is positioned towards one end of the base 12, while the other aperture 18 is positioned towards an opposite end of the base 12. The aperture 18 need not be circular. For example, the aperture 18 may be rectangular to suit a function as a handle formation as shown for example in figure 16. [0030] The marker 14 is in the form of a generally cone-shaped body and includes a mounting formation 20 at its wide end in the form of flange that defines one or more, for example two holes 22 in corner portions 21 of the flange 20. [0031] The base 12 also defines holes 17 adjacent the circular aperture 16 and interposed between the apertures 16, 18, so that the marker 14 can be placed with its wide end over the circular aperture 16 with the holes 22 in the flange 20 registering with the holes 17 in the base 12. That way, fasteners 24 such as nut and bolt combinations, nails or pegs can be inserted through the holes for attaching the marker 14 onto the base 12. [0032] As can be seen in figures 1 to 4, points of attachment of the flange to the base are offset from a diametric line across the base 12 and the wide end of the marker 14 to enhance an ability of the marker 14 to deflect in a plane that bisects the base longitudinally. [0033] The marker 14 is formed from a resilient material, such as relatively soft polyurethane. The marker 14 is flexible but durable so that it can bend and fold repetitively without causing damage to the marker 14. Figure 9 shows the marker 14 tilted towards the base 12. The marker 14 bends or folds where it is attached, at 26, to the base 12. It will be appreciated that the marker 14 can also be substantially flattened, for example by a vehicle wheel, and can subsequently return to its upright resting position. [0034] Figures 5 to 8 show another embodiment of a place marker 30 which is substantially similar to the place marker 10. With reference to figures 1 to 4, like reference numerals refer to like parts, unless otherwise specified. [0035] The marker 30 also includes a base 32 that defines two circular apertures 34, 36, and a marker 38 in the form of a cone-shaped body. As before, the aperture 36 need not be circular.

5 [0036] The cone-shaped body 38 includes a mounting formation 40 at its wide end in the form of flange that defines two holes 42 in corner portions of the flange 40. [0037] The base 32 also defines two holes 44 adjacent the circular aperture 34, so that the cone-shaped body 38 can be placed with its wide end over the circular aperture 34 with the holes 42 in the flange 40 registering with the holes 44 in the base 32. That way, fasteners 46 such as nut and bolt combinations, nails or pegs can be inserted through the holes 42, 44 for attaching the cone-shaped body 38 to the base 32. [0038] The cone-shaped body 38 is axially longer than the marker 14. [0039] Figure 11 shows another embodiment of a place marker 50, which includes a base 52 and a marker 54 in the form of a cone-shaped body. The cone-shaped body 54 includes a rectangular flange 56 at its wide end, and a hole in a corner portion of the flange 56 for attaching the cone-shaped body 54 onto the base 52 with a fastener 58 in the form of a nut and bolt combination, peg or nail. A side wall of the cone shaped body 54 has a plurality of apertures 60. The apertures 60 enhance the ability of the marker 54 to collapse when struck or driven over, with the marker 54 retaining the ability to resume its original shape. [0040] Figure 14 shows another embodiment of a place marker 80 which includes a base 82 and a marker 84 in the form of a cone-shaped body, essentially similar to the place marker 10 described above. The place marker 80, however, includes an illuminator, generally indicated by reference numeral 70. [0041] The illuminator 70 includes a circular cylindrical housing 74 that is diametrically substantially or roughly the same size as the top of the cone-shaped place marker 84, so that the housing 74 is mountable axially coterminous on top of the place marker as shown in Figure 14. A light 72 in the form of an LED-based lighting arrangement projects centrally from one axial face of the housing 74. A photovoltaic module 81 is located on an opposite axial face of the housing 77, for charging a battery that is housed inside the housing. A charge controller is also housed inside the housing 77 for controlling charging of the battery from the photovoltaic module 81. [0042] The illuminator 70 also includes an elongated frusto-conical transparent lens or bulb 78 that is mountable to the axial face of the housing 74 from which the light 72 projects. At the face of the housing 74 from which the light projects, two 6 diametrically opposite retainer tabs 76 are provided for cooperating with radially outwardly projecting tabs 80 provided at a wide end of the lens 78, to connect the housing 74 to the lens 78. [0043] To this end, the marker 84 includes a plurality of apertures 86 towards its top. [0044] As is shown in Figure 14, the light 72 and lens 78 are is axially received through an open top end of the marker 84, and the housing 74 rests on top of the marker 84. The photovoltaic module 82 charges the battery. The charge controller can be configured, or a separate controller can be provided, automatically to provide power to the light 72 during low ambient light conditions. [0045] In Figures 15 and 16 reference numeral 90 generally indicates an embodiment of a place marker. With reference to the preceding drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts, unless otherwise specified. [0046] The place marker 90 includes a base 92. The base 92 is in the form of a generally flat, elongate body. The base 92 has a carry portion 94 and a marker support portion 96. The portions 94, 96 are demarcated by laterally opposed wedge shaped cut-outs 98. [0047] The base 92 can be of the same material as the base 12. The base 92 is generally rectangular and elongate. [0048] The base 92 defines an aperture 100 in the carry portion 94. The aperture 100 extends laterally and has a pair of opposed major flat sides 102 to facilitate use thereof as a handle. [0049] The place marker 90 includes a marker 104. The marker 104 is in the form of a generally cone-shaped body and includes a mounting formation at its wide end in the form of a rectangular flange 106. The flange 106 is configured to be supported by the portion 96. [0050] One side 110 of the flange 106 at or near a junction with the portion 94 is fastened to the portion 96. In particular, a metal plate 108 is fastened to the portion 96 with the flange 106 sandwiched between the plate 108 and the portion 96 along the side 110. [0051] The metal plate 108 can be of steel, such as galvanised steel. Fasteners 112, such as screws can be used to fasten the plate 108 to the portion 96.

7 [0052] The marker 104 is of the same material or a similar material to the marker 14. Thus, the metal plate 108 can help to prevent the flange 106 from tearing off the base 92 in the event of fasteners being used without the plate 108. It will be appreciated that the plate can enhance the structural integrity of the marker 90. [0053] The place markers 40, 50, 80, 90 can be used as road markers. The markers are formed from materials that are flexible but durable, so that when the markers are struck by a wheel of a vehicle they will tilt and fold, and subsequently return to their resting positions. It follows that the markers substantially remain in their places as opposed to conventional markers that resist impact and are therefore displaced away from their places. The base 12 is of a material that imparts weight to the place marker. Furthermore, the material of the base 12 is such that sliding of the base 12 relative to a substrate such as concrete or asphalt is inhibited by a coefficient of friction defined by the two surfaces. These factors help to retain the place marker 10 in position. [0054] The place marker 10 includes a recess or aperture 34 in its base 32 so that the place markers 30 can be stacked with their cone-shaped bodies 38 nesting at least partly one within the other for stowing and transporting (see Figure 10). This can also apply to the other place markers described above. [0055] The cone-shaped markers can be provided in a number of different sizes. For example, the length of each marker can be between about 450 mm and 500 mm. In another example the length of each marker can be between about 600 mm and 800 mm, for example 700 mm. [0056] The illuminator 70 enhances the visibility of the place marker 80 in low ambient light conditions. [0057] When any number or range is described herein, that number or range is approximate. The ranges of values described are intended to cover each separate value falling within the range as if it were individually described. [0058] Throughout the specification, including the claims, where the context permits, the term "comprising" and variants thereof such as "comprise" or "comprises" are to be interpreted as including the stated integer or integers without necessarily excluding any other integers. [0059] Use of words that indicate orientation or direction of travel is not to be considered limiting. Thus, words such as "front", "back", "rear", "side", "up", down", 8 "upper", "lower", "top", "bottom", "forwards", "backwards", "towards", "distal", "proximal" and synonyms, antonyms and derivatives thereof have been selected for convenience only. [0060] It is to be understood that the terminology employed above is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The described embodiments are intended to be illustrative of the invention, without limiting the scope thereof. The invention is capable of being practised with various modifications and additions as will readily occur to those skilled in the art. [0061] Various substantially and specifically practical and useful exemplary embodiments of the claimed subject matter are described herein, textually and/or graphically, including the best mode, if any, known to the inventors for carrying out the claimed subject matter. Variations (e.g., modifications and/or enhancements) of one or more embodiments described herein might become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this application. The inventor expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the claimed subject matter to be practiced other than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, as permitted by law, the claimed subject matter includes and covers all equivalents of the claimed subject matter and all improvements to the claimed subject matter. Moreover, every combination of the above described elements, activities, and all possible variations thereof are encompassed by the claimed subject matter unless otherwise clearly indicated herein, clearly and specifically disclaimed, or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. [0062] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate one or more embodiments and does not pose a limitation on the scope of any claimed subject matter unless otherwise stated. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed subject matter as essential to the practice of the claimed subject matter. [0063] Thus, regardless of the content of any portion (e.g., title, field, background, summary, description, abstract, drawing figure, etc.) of this application, unless clearly specified to the contrary, such as via explicit definition, assertion, or argument, or clearly contradicted by context, with respect to any claim, whether of this application and/or any claim of any application claiming priority hereto, and whether originally presented or otherwise: 9 a. there is no requirement for the inclusion of any particular described or illustrated characteristic, function, activity, or element, any particular sequence of activities, or any particular interrelationship of elements; b. no characteristic, function, activity, or element is "essential"; c. any elements can be integrated, segregated, and/or duplicated; d. any activity can be repeated, any activity can be performed by multiple entities, and/or any activity can be performed in multiple jurisdictions; and e. any activity or element can be specifically excluded, the sequence of activities can vary, and/or the interrelationship of elements can vary. [0064] The use of the terms "a", "an", "said", "the", and/or similar referents in the context of describing various embodiments (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as open ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. [0065] Moreover, when any number or range is described herein, unless clearly stated otherwise, that number or range is approximate. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value and each separate subrange defined by such separate values is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. For example, if a range of 1 to 10 is described, that range includes all values therebetween, such as for example, 1.1, 2.5, 3.335, 5, 6.179, 8.9999, etc., and includes all subranges therebetween, such as for example, 1 to 3.65, 2.8 to 8.14, 1.93 to 9, etc. [0066] Accordingly, every portion (e.g., title, field, background, summary, description, abstract, drawing figure, etc.) of this application, other than the claims themselves, is to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive, and the scope of subject matter protected by any patent that issues based on this application is defined only by the claims of that patent.

Claims (5)

1. A place marker, which includes: a base; and an elongate marker that is mounted on the base in a lengthwise upright resting position, in which the marker is of a material selected to permit the marker to tilt towards the base and automatically to return to its upright resting position.

2. A place marker as claimed in claim 1, in which the base includes a generally flat body and is shaped, sized, and formed from a material that provides sufficient weight to the base to resist displacement of the base relative to a support when the marker is tilted towards the base.

3. A place marker as claimed in claim 1, in which the marker includes a generally cone-shaped body that includes a mounting formation at a wide end for attaching the marker to the base.

4. A place marker as claimed in claim 3, in which the mounting formation is in the form of a flange that extends from a periphery of the wide end of the body, the flange being connected to the base at one or more points of attachment offset from a diametric line across the base and the wide end of the body to enhance an ability of the marker to deflect in a plane offset from that diametric line.

5. A place marker as claimed in claim 1, in which the base defines an aperture at a location underneath the cone-shaped body so that the place markers are stackable with their cone-shaped bodies nesting at least partly one within the other.