CA2025777C - Modular traffic signal apparatus - Google Patents
Modular traffic signal apparatusInfo
- Publication number
- CA2025777C CA2025777C CA 2025777 CA2025777A CA2025777C CA 2025777 C CA2025777 C CA 2025777C CA 2025777 CA2025777 CA 2025777 CA 2025777 A CA2025777 A CA 2025777A CA 2025777 C CA2025777 C CA 2025777C
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- unit
- units
- housing
- assembly
- end surface
- Prior art date
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- Expired - Fee Related
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Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
- G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
- G08G1/09—Arrangements for giving variable traffic instructions
- G08G1/095—Traffic lights
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- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Traffic Control Systems (AREA)
Abstract
A traffic signal assembly comprising a plurality of modular signal housing units arranged in a row between end units at either end. A support tube extends rearward of the housing between bores of end units. The support tube bears major portions of the loading forces acting on the assembly and permits the units to advantageously be made of lesser strength and lower weight construction.
Description
MODULAR TRAFFIC SIGNAL APPARATUS
1 Scope of the Invention This invention relates to traffic signals and more particularly to traffic signals of a modular type which may be interconnected to provide a traffic signal apparatus.
Background of the Invention Modular traffic signal apparatus are known.
Typical such assemblies are taught by U.S. Patent 3,991,400 to Buehler and U.S. Patent 3,999,160 to McDonnell. With such known apparatus, the modular units are adapted to be coupled together with their end surfaces in abutment and means are provided to mechanically couple the end surface of one unit to the end surface of an adjacent unit with the end surfaces to bear the entire loading forces acting on the complete assembly.
,1_ ~,;
1 These known modular units suffer the disadvantage that the strength of a resultant apparatus formed by joining a number of units is determined by the strength of the individual unit and particularly its end surfaces. Each individual unit must bear the loading of the entire assembly. As such units are typically manufactured from cast aluminum alloy, the individual cast units must have a substantial mass to bear the loading forces to which the traffic signal assembly can be subjected. This necessarily substantially increases the weight of the unit and its resultant cost.
The previously known modular devices such as those of Buehler and McDonnell have not proven satisfactory in that they have not been practical to manufacture. The individual modular units have been too heavy and the couplings between end surfaces of the units have been unable to efficiently bear the necessary loading forces.
Summary of the Invention To at least partially overcome the disadvantages of previously known devices, the present invention provides a traffic signal assembly comprising a plurality of modular signal housing units arranged in a row and rearward of the units, a support tube extending between at least the two end most units to bear major portions of the loading forces acting on the assembly.
l An object of this invention is to provide modular signal housing units which have a lightweight and inexpensive construction and can be assembled into an assembly which will bear substantial loading forces.
Another object is to provide a construction for modular signal housing units which can be arranged in rows yet be made out of lightweight plastic or alluminum alloys.
Another object is to provide a traffic signal assembly comprising a plurality of similar modular signal housing units which can easily be assembled by a workman and provides for convenient wiring of the assembly and interconnection of numerous electrical lamps within the various units.
Accordingly, in one of its aspect the present invention provides a traffic signal apparatus comprising a plurality of modular signal housing units arranged in a row with end surfaces of adjacent units in abutting relation, each unit comprising:
a support portion with a major cylindrical bore centrally therethrough open to each said end surface; a cavity portion integral with the support portion and defining a hollow cavity with a major access opening in a plane generally parallel to the bore; and wiring openings through each end surface of the unit into the cavity, a cylindrical support tube extending through the bores of all units removably received therein, 1 each unit including coupling means to directly, fixedly and removably couple the support portion of each unit to the support tube with the units juxtaposed so that the wiring openings of adjacent units are in alignment to provide communication through the wiring openings between all cavities;
wherein the support tube bears major loading forces acting on the assembly.
In another aspect the present invention provides a 0 traffic signal apparatus comprising:
a plurality of modular signal housing units arranged in a row with end surfaces of adjacent units in abutting relation, each housing unit comprising a cavity portion defining a hollow cavity with a major forwardly directed access opening and wiring openings through each end surface of the unit into the cavity, coupling means directly, independently and removably coupling the end surface of one housing unit to the end surface of an adjacent housing unit with the wiring openings of adjacent housing units in alignment to provide communication through the wiring openings between all cavities.
two end units, one for coupling at each end of said ~ row of modular singular units;
each end unit having on a forward portion thereof an end surface abutting the end surface of the housing unit at 20~5777 1 its respective end of said row; coupling means directly, independently and removably coupling the end surface of each end unit to the end surface of its abutting housing unit;
an elongate support tube, each end unit having on a rear portion thereof tube coupling means for removably coupling each end unit to the support tube, the support tube extending from the tube coupling means of one end unit rearward of the housing units to the tube coupling means of the other end unit, a first of the end units having an aperture therethrough in communication with the wiring openings of the housing units to provide communication through the first end unit to the housing units, said first end unit including bracket means for coupling of the signal housing assembly to a supporting structure.
Brief Description of the Drawings Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will appear from the following description taken together with the following drawings in which:
Figure 1 is an exploded pictorial view of a preferred embodiment of a traffic signal assembly in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the invention;
202~777 l Figure 2 is a top view of a traffic signal assembly of Figure l;
Figure 3 is an exploded view of the traffic signal assembly shown in Figure 2; and Figure 4 is a pictorial view of a second embodiment of a traffic signal assembly in accordance with the present invention; and Figure 5 is a top view of the assembly of Figure 4.
Detailed Description of the Drawings Reference is first made to Figures 1, 2 and 3 showing a first preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 3 shows a modular signal housing unit 10 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. The unit has a part-cylindrical, rear support portion 12 with a major cylindrical bore 14 extending centrally therethrough open to each end surface 16 and 17 of the housing unit. The rear support portion merges forwardly into a cavity portion 18 which defines a forwardly opening hollow cavity generally indicated 20 with a major forward access opening 22. As is shown, access opening 22 is in a plane which is generally parallel to bore 14. That is, the major access opening 22 generally lies in a plane parallel to a central axis 24 of the bore 14.
202~777 1 As shown, cavity portion 18 has side walls 26 and 28 and a rear wall 30 which together with end walls 32 and 34 define cavity 20 with its forward opening 22. End walls 32 and 34 are provided with wiring openings 36 and 38 to provide communication from the end surfaces 16 and 17 through the end walls 32 and 34 into cavity 22.
As seen in the exploded view in Figure 3, cavity 22 is adapted to receive a lamp housing 40, door 42, lens 44 and visor 46 in a known manner. Housing unit 10 is preferably designed so as to accomodate commercially available such components.
Figures 1, 2 and 3 show a traffic signal assembly formed from four housing units generally indicated lOa to lOd. A cylindrical support rod or tube 50 is provided to extend through the bore 14 of each unit 10. Coupling means, preferably set screws or set bolts 52, are provided in the support portion 12 of each unit 10 so as to extend through the support portion 12 and into bore 14. Tightening of these bolts 52 directly fixedly couples each housing unit 10 to support tube 50. Each housing unit is independently secured to support tube 20 by set bolts 52.
Wiring openings 36 and 38 are located at complimentary, corresponding positions on each housing unit 10 so that when the housing units 10 are fixed onto support tube 50, the wiring openings 36 and 38 of adjacent units 10 are in 202~77~
1 alignment. This permits communication through the wiring openings 36 and 38 between the cavities 22 of adjacent units 10 and, accordingly, between the cavities 22 of all housing units 10.
To seal the individual units, resilient gaskets 54 are provided between the abutting end surfaces 16 and 17 of adjacent units to seal about the wiring openings 36 and 38 and prevent air and water from entering cavities 22 via wiring openings 36 and 38. Fastening means generally indicated and shown as bolt and nut combinations 56 may preferably be provided through bolt openings 58 in each end wall 32 and 34 of the units so as to bolt the end walls of adjacent units 10 together.
Figures 2 and 3 show the assembly as including in addition to support tube 50 and the four units 10, an end cap 60 and a connecting end cap 62. Each of these end caps have an interior end surface for mating, abutting engagement with an end surface 16 or 17 of an adjacent housing unit. Each of the end caps have a bore 64 to receive support tube 50. Set bolts 52a provide coupling means to directly, independently and fixedly couple each of the end caps to support tube 50.
Similarly, bolt fasteners 56a serve to secure the end surfaces 16 or 17 of the housing units to the end surfaces of the end caps with similar sealing gaskets disposed therebetween. The 2~25777 1 bore 64 in the end caps may close as a blind end as shown or open through the end cap.
Blind end cap 60 with its associated gasket serves the purpose of sealing off wiring opening 32 from the last housing unit lOd.
Connecting end cap 62 is provided with a hollow tubular extension 66 to receive internally therein the support arm 68 of a traffic signal standard. In a known manner, clamping screws 67 serve to rigidly secure the extension 66 onto the support arm and can be utlized to vary the relative angulation of the complete signal assembly relative to support arm 68. Preferably, there is also a mechanical, safety means to couple extension 66 to support arm 68 in the event of failure of the clamping screws 67.
Connecting end cap 62 has a communicating passageway centrally therethrough which opens to the wiring opening 38 of the first housing unit lOa and permits wiring to pass internally from support arm 68 through extension 66, through the remainder of connecting end cap 62, and then through wiring opening 38 of the first housing unit and, hence, to all the cavities 22 of all the housing units.
In use, when a traffic signal assembly is desired, the assembly may be assembled having as many of the housing units 10 as desired. Support tubes 50 can be provided in desired incremental lengths to accomodate one, two, three or 1 more housing units 10 and associated end caps 60 and 62. In the event of damage to an assembly in use, any units 10 which may be damaged can readily be replaced and substituted without the need to discard units which have not been damaged.
Selection of the individual door lens and visors for the different housing units permits customization of the individual traffic signal hanger. The traffic signal hanger is readily adapted to hang with the series of units 10 located in a horizontal row as is frequently the case in the Province of Quebec, Canada, or otherwise with the units lO in a vertical row.
The housing units 10 and the end caps 60 and 62 may preferably be made from plastic or cast from lightweight aluminum alloy castings. One useful plastic is Lexan (trade mark), a polycarbonate plastic of General Electric.
In an assembled assembly, each housing unit 10 is directly coupled to support tube 50. The support tube bears the substantial loading forces to act on the assembly in use. By reason of each unit 10 being directly coupled to support tube 50, couplings between the ends of the units as, for example, via bolts 56, do not need to be designed so as to bear the major loading forces to act on the assembly.
Accordingly, the housing units 10 can individually be designed to be of lesser strength thereby reducing the amount of material required to make up the walls. This reduces the weight and expense.
1 In the first preferred embodiment of the housing unit 10 as shown in Figure 1, internal cavity 22 is separate from the bore 14. While this is not necessary, it facilitates sealing cavity 22 and avoids the need to have weathertight seals between support tube 50 and bore 14.
In the first preferred embodiment a cylindrical support tube and corresponding cylindrical bore 14 have been shown. It is to be appreciated that other configurations of support tubes and rods such as a square, oval or triangular rod, preferably with a correspondingly shaped bore, could be utilized.
In the first preferred embodiment, only a single bore is provided located relatively centrally in the part-cylindrical rear support portion. More than one such support tube and bore could be provided through each unit, however, this is not necessary and it is believed that use of a single support tube provides a superior product.
Figures 1, 2 and 3 show a planar backboard generally indicated 72 which comprises two U-shaped segments 74 and 76 as seen in Figure 4. The backboard 72 may preferably comprise a thin sheet of metal. Each unit 10 has forward flanges 78 on each side of access opening 22 with holes 80 by which the backboard segments may be bolted to the units 10. Similarly, the backboard may be bolted to front surfaces 84 of end caps 60 and 62.
2~2~777 l Reference is now made to the second embodiment illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 and in which similar reference numerals refer to simi]ar parts. The first and second embodiments differ in two principal aspects. Regarding a first aspect, in the second embodiment, the modular units lOa to lOd are not connected directly to tube 50. The modular signal units lOa to lOd are substantially the same as that in Figures 1 to 3, with the exception that they do not have the rear portion 12. In Figures 4 and 5, the support tube 50 extends rearward of the signal units between the end units 60 and 62 and bears a substantial portion of loading forces acting of the assembly. The individual signal units lOa to lOd are coupled together end to end as in the manner in Figures 1 to 3.
Regarding a second aspect, in the second embodiment, tube 50 is coupled to connecting end cap 62 at two locations. As seen in Figures 4 and 5, connecting end cap 62 has two spaced clamp structures indicated generally as 92 and 9~ to securely clamp the support tube 50 at both en~s of the end cap 62 and thus increase the mechanical strength. This is advantageous in permitting the assembly to be mounted either horizontally or vertically. To facilitate manufacture, end cap 62 is shown in Figures 4 and 5 to have two removable C-clamp members 93 and 95 to be bolted to compatible flange mounts on the end cap 62 and grasp tube 50 frictionally therebetween. Similarly, end cap 64 is shown with clamp .
l sructure 90 with a similar C-clamp member 91 bo]ted to its flange mount.
The first embodiment of Figures l, 2 and 3 show all modular signal units as having rear portions 12 to engage the support tubes. Alternatively, only some of the modular units in the second embodiment may have rear portions 12 to form a hybrid between the first and second embodiments with or without tube 50 coupled to the end cap 62 at two locations as shown in Figures 4 and 5.
Both illustrated embodiments have end units at each end of the row of modular signal units. The end units are not necessary. In the first embodiment, the support tube could terminate in the end most signal units lOa and lOd with the end units either not being provided or not having a rear portion with bore 62 to receive the support tube. In such a configuration, internal signal units lOb and lOc need not have rear portions with the support tube to be engaged merely by units lOa and lOd.
While the invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments, it is not so limited. Many modifications and variations will now occur to persons skilled in the art. For a definition of the invention reference is made to the appended claims.
1 Scope of the Invention This invention relates to traffic signals and more particularly to traffic signals of a modular type which may be interconnected to provide a traffic signal apparatus.
Background of the Invention Modular traffic signal apparatus are known.
Typical such assemblies are taught by U.S. Patent 3,991,400 to Buehler and U.S. Patent 3,999,160 to McDonnell. With such known apparatus, the modular units are adapted to be coupled together with their end surfaces in abutment and means are provided to mechanically couple the end surface of one unit to the end surface of an adjacent unit with the end surfaces to bear the entire loading forces acting on the complete assembly.
,1_ ~,;
1 These known modular units suffer the disadvantage that the strength of a resultant apparatus formed by joining a number of units is determined by the strength of the individual unit and particularly its end surfaces. Each individual unit must bear the loading of the entire assembly. As such units are typically manufactured from cast aluminum alloy, the individual cast units must have a substantial mass to bear the loading forces to which the traffic signal assembly can be subjected. This necessarily substantially increases the weight of the unit and its resultant cost.
The previously known modular devices such as those of Buehler and McDonnell have not proven satisfactory in that they have not been practical to manufacture. The individual modular units have been too heavy and the couplings between end surfaces of the units have been unable to efficiently bear the necessary loading forces.
Summary of the Invention To at least partially overcome the disadvantages of previously known devices, the present invention provides a traffic signal assembly comprising a plurality of modular signal housing units arranged in a row and rearward of the units, a support tube extending between at least the two end most units to bear major portions of the loading forces acting on the assembly.
l An object of this invention is to provide modular signal housing units which have a lightweight and inexpensive construction and can be assembled into an assembly which will bear substantial loading forces.
Another object is to provide a construction for modular signal housing units which can be arranged in rows yet be made out of lightweight plastic or alluminum alloys.
Another object is to provide a traffic signal assembly comprising a plurality of similar modular signal housing units which can easily be assembled by a workman and provides for convenient wiring of the assembly and interconnection of numerous electrical lamps within the various units.
Accordingly, in one of its aspect the present invention provides a traffic signal apparatus comprising a plurality of modular signal housing units arranged in a row with end surfaces of adjacent units in abutting relation, each unit comprising:
a support portion with a major cylindrical bore centrally therethrough open to each said end surface; a cavity portion integral with the support portion and defining a hollow cavity with a major access opening in a plane generally parallel to the bore; and wiring openings through each end surface of the unit into the cavity, a cylindrical support tube extending through the bores of all units removably received therein, 1 each unit including coupling means to directly, fixedly and removably couple the support portion of each unit to the support tube with the units juxtaposed so that the wiring openings of adjacent units are in alignment to provide communication through the wiring openings between all cavities;
wherein the support tube bears major loading forces acting on the assembly.
In another aspect the present invention provides a 0 traffic signal apparatus comprising:
a plurality of modular signal housing units arranged in a row with end surfaces of adjacent units in abutting relation, each housing unit comprising a cavity portion defining a hollow cavity with a major forwardly directed access opening and wiring openings through each end surface of the unit into the cavity, coupling means directly, independently and removably coupling the end surface of one housing unit to the end surface of an adjacent housing unit with the wiring openings of adjacent housing units in alignment to provide communication through the wiring openings between all cavities.
two end units, one for coupling at each end of said ~ row of modular singular units;
each end unit having on a forward portion thereof an end surface abutting the end surface of the housing unit at 20~5777 1 its respective end of said row; coupling means directly, independently and removably coupling the end surface of each end unit to the end surface of its abutting housing unit;
an elongate support tube, each end unit having on a rear portion thereof tube coupling means for removably coupling each end unit to the support tube, the support tube extending from the tube coupling means of one end unit rearward of the housing units to the tube coupling means of the other end unit, a first of the end units having an aperture therethrough in communication with the wiring openings of the housing units to provide communication through the first end unit to the housing units, said first end unit including bracket means for coupling of the signal housing assembly to a supporting structure.
Brief Description of the Drawings Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will appear from the following description taken together with the following drawings in which:
Figure 1 is an exploded pictorial view of a preferred embodiment of a traffic signal assembly in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the invention;
202~777 l Figure 2 is a top view of a traffic signal assembly of Figure l;
Figure 3 is an exploded view of the traffic signal assembly shown in Figure 2; and Figure 4 is a pictorial view of a second embodiment of a traffic signal assembly in accordance with the present invention; and Figure 5 is a top view of the assembly of Figure 4.
Detailed Description of the Drawings Reference is first made to Figures 1, 2 and 3 showing a first preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 3 shows a modular signal housing unit 10 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. The unit has a part-cylindrical, rear support portion 12 with a major cylindrical bore 14 extending centrally therethrough open to each end surface 16 and 17 of the housing unit. The rear support portion merges forwardly into a cavity portion 18 which defines a forwardly opening hollow cavity generally indicated 20 with a major forward access opening 22. As is shown, access opening 22 is in a plane which is generally parallel to bore 14. That is, the major access opening 22 generally lies in a plane parallel to a central axis 24 of the bore 14.
202~777 1 As shown, cavity portion 18 has side walls 26 and 28 and a rear wall 30 which together with end walls 32 and 34 define cavity 20 with its forward opening 22. End walls 32 and 34 are provided with wiring openings 36 and 38 to provide communication from the end surfaces 16 and 17 through the end walls 32 and 34 into cavity 22.
As seen in the exploded view in Figure 3, cavity 22 is adapted to receive a lamp housing 40, door 42, lens 44 and visor 46 in a known manner. Housing unit 10 is preferably designed so as to accomodate commercially available such components.
Figures 1, 2 and 3 show a traffic signal assembly formed from four housing units generally indicated lOa to lOd. A cylindrical support rod or tube 50 is provided to extend through the bore 14 of each unit 10. Coupling means, preferably set screws or set bolts 52, are provided in the support portion 12 of each unit 10 so as to extend through the support portion 12 and into bore 14. Tightening of these bolts 52 directly fixedly couples each housing unit 10 to support tube 50. Each housing unit is independently secured to support tube 20 by set bolts 52.
Wiring openings 36 and 38 are located at complimentary, corresponding positions on each housing unit 10 so that when the housing units 10 are fixed onto support tube 50, the wiring openings 36 and 38 of adjacent units 10 are in 202~77~
1 alignment. This permits communication through the wiring openings 36 and 38 between the cavities 22 of adjacent units 10 and, accordingly, between the cavities 22 of all housing units 10.
To seal the individual units, resilient gaskets 54 are provided between the abutting end surfaces 16 and 17 of adjacent units to seal about the wiring openings 36 and 38 and prevent air and water from entering cavities 22 via wiring openings 36 and 38. Fastening means generally indicated and shown as bolt and nut combinations 56 may preferably be provided through bolt openings 58 in each end wall 32 and 34 of the units so as to bolt the end walls of adjacent units 10 together.
Figures 2 and 3 show the assembly as including in addition to support tube 50 and the four units 10, an end cap 60 and a connecting end cap 62. Each of these end caps have an interior end surface for mating, abutting engagement with an end surface 16 or 17 of an adjacent housing unit. Each of the end caps have a bore 64 to receive support tube 50. Set bolts 52a provide coupling means to directly, independently and fixedly couple each of the end caps to support tube 50.
Similarly, bolt fasteners 56a serve to secure the end surfaces 16 or 17 of the housing units to the end surfaces of the end caps with similar sealing gaskets disposed therebetween. The 2~25777 1 bore 64 in the end caps may close as a blind end as shown or open through the end cap.
Blind end cap 60 with its associated gasket serves the purpose of sealing off wiring opening 32 from the last housing unit lOd.
Connecting end cap 62 is provided with a hollow tubular extension 66 to receive internally therein the support arm 68 of a traffic signal standard. In a known manner, clamping screws 67 serve to rigidly secure the extension 66 onto the support arm and can be utlized to vary the relative angulation of the complete signal assembly relative to support arm 68. Preferably, there is also a mechanical, safety means to couple extension 66 to support arm 68 in the event of failure of the clamping screws 67.
Connecting end cap 62 has a communicating passageway centrally therethrough which opens to the wiring opening 38 of the first housing unit lOa and permits wiring to pass internally from support arm 68 through extension 66, through the remainder of connecting end cap 62, and then through wiring opening 38 of the first housing unit and, hence, to all the cavities 22 of all the housing units.
In use, when a traffic signal assembly is desired, the assembly may be assembled having as many of the housing units 10 as desired. Support tubes 50 can be provided in desired incremental lengths to accomodate one, two, three or 1 more housing units 10 and associated end caps 60 and 62. In the event of damage to an assembly in use, any units 10 which may be damaged can readily be replaced and substituted without the need to discard units which have not been damaged.
Selection of the individual door lens and visors for the different housing units permits customization of the individual traffic signal hanger. The traffic signal hanger is readily adapted to hang with the series of units 10 located in a horizontal row as is frequently the case in the Province of Quebec, Canada, or otherwise with the units lO in a vertical row.
The housing units 10 and the end caps 60 and 62 may preferably be made from plastic or cast from lightweight aluminum alloy castings. One useful plastic is Lexan (trade mark), a polycarbonate plastic of General Electric.
In an assembled assembly, each housing unit 10 is directly coupled to support tube 50. The support tube bears the substantial loading forces to act on the assembly in use. By reason of each unit 10 being directly coupled to support tube 50, couplings between the ends of the units as, for example, via bolts 56, do not need to be designed so as to bear the major loading forces to act on the assembly.
Accordingly, the housing units 10 can individually be designed to be of lesser strength thereby reducing the amount of material required to make up the walls. This reduces the weight and expense.
1 In the first preferred embodiment of the housing unit 10 as shown in Figure 1, internal cavity 22 is separate from the bore 14. While this is not necessary, it facilitates sealing cavity 22 and avoids the need to have weathertight seals between support tube 50 and bore 14.
In the first preferred embodiment a cylindrical support tube and corresponding cylindrical bore 14 have been shown. It is to be appreciated that other configurations of support tubes and rods such as a square, oval or triangular rod, preferably with a correspondingly shaped bore, could be utilized.
In the first preferred embodiment, only a single bore is provided located relatively centrally in the part-cylindrical rear support portion. More than one such support tube and bore could be provided through each unit, however, this is not necessary and it is believed that use of a single support tube provides a superior product.
Figures 1, 2 and 3 show a planar backboard generally indicated 72 which comprises two U-shaped segments 74 and 76 as seen in Figure 4. The backboard 72 may preferably comprise a thin sheet of metal. Each unit 10 has forward flanges 78 on each side of access opening 22 with holes 80 by which the backboard segments may be bolted to the units 10. Similarly, the backboard may be bolted to front surfaces 84 of end caps 60 and 62.
2~2~777 l Reference is now made to the second embodiment illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 and in which similar reference numerals refer to simi]ar parts. The first and second embodiments differ in two principal aspects. Regarding a first aspect, in the second embodiment, the modular units lOa to lOd are not connected directly to tube 50. The modular signal units lOa to lOd are substantially the same as that in Figures 1 to 3, with the exception that they do not have the rear portion 12. In Figures 4 and 5, the support tube 50 extends rearward of the signal units between the end units 60 and 62 and bears a substantial portion of loading forces acting of the assembly. The individual signal units lOa to lOd are coupled together end to end as in the manner in Figures 1 to 3.
Regarding a second aspect, in the second embodiment, tube 50 is coupled to connecting end cap 62 at two locations. As seen in Figures 4 and 5, connecting end cap 62 has two spaced clamp structures indicated generally as 92 and 9~ to securely clamp the support tube 50 at both en~s of the end cap 62 and thus increase the mechanical strength. This is advantageous in permitting the assembly to be mounted either horizontally or vertically. To facilitate manufacture, end cap 62 is shown in Figures 4 and 5 to have two removable C-clamp members 93 and 95 to be bolted to compatible flange mounts on the end cap 62 and grasp tube 50 frictionally therebetween. Similarly, end cap 64 is shown with clamp .
l sructure 90 with a similar C-clamp member 91 bo]ted to its flange mount.
The first embodiment of Figures l, 2 and 3 show all modular signal units as having rear portions 12 to engage the support tubes. Alternatively, only some of the modular units in the second embodiment may have rear portions 12 to form a hybrid between the first and second embodiments with or without tube 50 coupled to the end cap 62 at two locations as shown in Figures 4 and 5.
Both illustrated embodiments have end units at each end of the row of modular signal units. The end units are not necessary. In the first embodiment, the support tube could terminate in the end most signal units lOa and lOd with the end units either not being provided or not having a rear portion with bore 62 to receive the support tube. In such a configuration, internal signal units lOb and lOc need not have rear portions with the support tube to be engaged merely by units lOa and lOd.
While the invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments, it is not so limited. Many modifications and variations will now occur to persons skilled in the art. For a definition of the invention reference is made to the appended claims.
Claims (16)
1. A traffic signal apparatus comprising a plurality of modular signal housing units arranged in a row with end surfaces of adjacent units in abutting relation, each unit comprising:
a support portion with a major bore centrally therethrough open to each said end surface; a cavity portion integral with the support portion and defining a hollow cavity with a major access opening in a plane generally parallel the bore; and wiring openings through each end surface of the unit into the cavity, a support tube extending through the bores of all units removably received therein, each unit including coupling means to directly, fixedly and removably couple the support portion of each unit to the support tube with the wiring openings of adjacent units in alignment to provide communication through the wiring openings between all cavities.
a support portion with a major bore centrally therethrough open to each said end surface; a cavity portion integral with the support portion and defining a hollow cavity with a major access opening in a plane generally parallel the bore; and wiring openings through each end surface of the unit into the cavity, a support tube extending through the bores of all units removably received therein, each unit including coupling means to directly, fixedly and removably couple the support portion of each unit to the support tube with the wiring openings of adjacent units in alignment to provide communication through the wiring openings between all cavities.
2. The traffic signal apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the support tube bears major portions of loading forces acting on the assembly.
3. An assembly as claimed in claim 1 further including coupling means coupling the end surface of one unit to the end surface of adjacent units.
4. An assembly as claimed in claim 3 wherein gasket means are provided between end surface of adjacent units.
5. An assembly as claimed in claim 3 wherein in each unit the cavity is separate from said bore and not in communication therewith.
6. A traffic signal assembly comprising a plurality of identical modular signal housing units arranged in a row with end surfaces of adjacent units in abutment, each unit comprising:
a part-cylindrical, rear support portion with a major cylindrical bore centrally therethrough open to each said end surface; the rear support portion merging into a forward cavity-forming portion integral with the rear support portion and extending forwardly therefrom, the cavity portion defining therein a forwardly-opening hollow cavity with a forward major access opening in a plane generally parallel the bore; and wiring openings through each end surface of the unit into the cavity, a cylindrical support tube extending through the bores of all units removably received therein, each unit including coupling means directly, independently and removably fixedly coupling the support portion of each unit to the support tube with the wiring openings of adjacent units in alignment to provide communication through the wiring opening between adjacent cavities.
a part-cylindrical, rear support portion with a major cylindrical bore centrally therethrough open to each said end surface; the rear support portion merging into a forward cavity-forming portion integral with the rear support portion and extending forwardly therefrom, the cavity portion defining therein a forwardly-opening hollow cavity with a forward major access opening in a plane generally parallel the bore; and wiring openings through each end surface of the unit into the cavity, a cylindrical support tube extending through the bores of all units removably received therein, each unit including coupling means directly, independently and removably fixedly coupling the support portion of each unit to the support tube with the wiring openings of adjacent units in alignment to provide communication through the wiring opening between adjacent cavities.
7. An assembly as claimed in claim 6 wherein the support tube bears major loading forces acting on the assembly.
8. An assembly as claimed in claim 7 further including coupling means coupling the end surface of one unit to the end surface of an adjacent unit.
9. An assembly as claimed in claim 8 wherein in each unit the cavity is separate from and not in communication with said bore.
10. An assembly as claimed in claim 9 wherein gasket means are provided between end surfaces of adjacent units sealing entry to the cavities via the wire openings.
11. An assembly as claimed in claim 6 further including an end housing unit for coupling at one end of said row of modular singular units, the end unit having end surfaces of which one is adapted to abut the end surface of one of the modular signal units in said row, the end unit having a cylindrical bore extending from its end surface into the end unit, the bore of the end unit engaging said cylindrical tube and having coupling means directly, independently and removably fixedly coupling the end unit to the support tube, an aperture through the end unit in communication with the wiring openings of the housing units to provide communication through the end unit to the housing units, and said end unit including bracket means for coupling of the signal housing assembly to a supporting structure.
12. A traffic signal apparatus comprising:
a plurality of modular signal housing units arranged in a row with end surfaces of adjacent units in abutting relation, each housing unit comprising a cavity portion defining a hollow cavity with a major forwardly directed access opening and wiring openings through each end surface of the unit into the cavity, coupling means directly, independently and removably coupling the end surface of one housing unit to the end surface of an adjacent housing unit with the wiring openings of adjacent housing units in alignment to provide communication through the wiring openings between all cavities.
two end units, one for coupling at each end of said row of modular singular units;
each end unit having on a forward portion thereof an end surface abutting the end surface of the housing unit at its respective end of said row; coupling means directly, independently and removably coupling the end surface of each end unit to the end surface of its abutting housing unit;
an elongate support tube, each end unit having on a rear portion thereof tube coupling means for removably coupling each end unit to the support tube, the support tube extending from the tube coupling means of one end unit rearward of the housing units to the tube coupling means of the other end unit, a first of the end units having an aperture therethrough in communication with the wiring openings of the housing units to provide communication through the first end unit to the housing units, said first end unit including bracket means for coupling of the signal housing assembly to a supporting structure.
a plurality of modular signal housing units arranged in a row with end surfaces of adjacent units in abutting relation, each housing unit comprising a cavity portion defining a hollow cavity with a major forwardly directed access opening and wiring openings through each end surface of the unit into the cavity, coupling means directly, independently and removably coupling the end surface of one housing unit to the end surface of an adjacent housing unit with the wiring openings of adjacent housing units in alignment to provide communication through the wiring openings between all cavities.
two end units, one for coupling at each end of said row of modular singular units;
each end unit having on a forward portion thereof an end surface abutting the end surface of the housing unit at its respective end of said row; coupling means directly, independently and removably coupling the end surface of each end unit to the end surface of its abutting housing unit;
an elongate support tube, each end unit having on a rear portion thereof tube coupling means for removably coupling each end unit to the support tube, the support tube extending from the tube coupling means of one end unit rearward of the housing units to the tube coupling means of the other end unit, a first of the end units having an aperture therethrough in communication with the wiring openings of the housing units to provide communication through the first end unit to the housing units, said first end unit including bracket means for coupling of the signal housing assembly to a supporting structure.
13. The traffic signal apparatus as claimed in claim 12 wherein said tube coupling means of said first end unit comprises two clamps spaced on the first end unit to clamp the tube to the first end unit at two locations spaced along the length of the tube.
14. The traffic signal apparatus as claimed in claim 13 wherein the support tube bears major portions of loading forces acting on the assembly.
15. The traffic signal apparatus as claimed in claim 14 wherein the forward portion of each end unit comprises a cavity portion defining a hollow cavity with a major forwardly directed access opening and wiring opening through said end surface of the end unit into the cavity in alignment with wiring openings of adjacent of said housing units.
16. The traffic signal apparatus as claimed in claim 15 wherein said tube coupling means comprises a cylindrical bore and means for clamping said tube in the bore and said support tube is cylindrical.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2025777 CA2025777C (en) | 1990-09-20 | 1990-09-20 | Modular traffic signal apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2025777 CA2025777C (en) | 1990-09-20 | 1990-09-20 | Modular traffic signal apparatus |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2025777A1 CA2025777A1 (en) | 1992-03-21 |
| CA2025777C true CA2025777C (en) | 1995-02-21 |
Family
ID=4146014
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2025777 Expired - Fee Related CA2025777C (en) | 1990-09-20 | 1990-09-20 | Modular traffic signal apparatus |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2025777C (en) |
Families Citing this family (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT505167B1 (en) | 2007-10-01 | 2008-11-15 | Swarco Futurit Verkehrssignals | MODULAR HOUSING, ESPECIALLY FOR LED SIGNALING |
| ES2337331B1 (en) * | 2008-10-21 | 2011-02-07 | Tacse, S.L. | TRAFFIC LIGHT. |
| US9890937B2 (en) | 2011-10-16 | 2018-02-13 | Robert E. Townsend, Jr. | Devices and systems for improved traffic control signal assembly |
| US9765953B2 (en) | 2011-10-16 | 2017-09-19 | Robert E. Townsend, Jr. | Devices and systems for improved traffic control signal assembly |
-
1990
- 1990-09-20 CA CA 2025777 patent/CA2025777C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2025777A1 (en) | 1992-03-21 |
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| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |