JP2006524296A - Flexible marker device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a new marker device with increased safety through a flexible design. The marker device includes a base having an opening and flexible means positioned on the base. The lower part of the flexible means is attached to the base. The flexible means has a high-speed impact response to direct (contact) and indirect (non-contact) external forces, and one or more portions of the flexible means can be up to about the original position (vertical position). It can be displaced 180 degrees. In one example, the deflection range is from about 15 degrees to a maximum of 180 degrees. This marker device increases the possibility of returning to an upright state as soon as the external force disappears. Therefore, there is a high possibility that the function of the marker device to call attention for traffic safety, which is the original purpose, is sustained.

Description

  The present invention generally relates to traffic marker devices used to alert or detour vehicles, ships, aircraft and pedestrians so that they can safely pass around dangerous objects, obstacles or other areas, and It relates to safety cones. More particularly, the present invention is a flexible safety marker device having a fast impulse response to direct (contact) or indirect (non-contact) perturbation and a large flexibility. It is about.

  Safety cones are typically used to guide drivers and pedestrians away from obstacles and hazardous areas. Safety cones are hollow conical devices made from synthetic materials, rubber or other plastics, most often colored in a light color (see, eg, US Pat. No. 2,333,273 by Scanlon et al. I want to be) Safety cones are intended to minimize damage to a person or vehicle that collides with the cone. However, safety cones still have a significant danger to the public. One reason is that safety cones are made of synthetics, rubber or other plastics, but are still relatively stiff and easily fall over when subjected to natural or traffic winds or external forces from traffic or violence. That is. Furthermore, for example, a safety cone hit or hit by a vehicle will fly in the air or roll over on the road, making it a dangerous or obstructive (especially for subsequent passers-by or surrounding people) .

  Various fall-preventing safety cones (safety cones that automatically restore to their original positions) have been proposed. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,386,409 by Dietz Company describes that the base of a safety cone can be stacked with the safety cone and the top is configured to automatically revert. The purpose of this U.S. Pat. No. 3,386,409 is to provide a stackable safety cone that returns to its original state without rolling when collapsed and stands upright near its original location. This is achieved by a hollow molded plastic safety cone that has a heavy base and lowers the center of gravity of the cone. The annular base is gradually warped outward and upward so that the cone can swing for automatic restoration. In addition, in order to prevent the cone from rolling when it falls, the base of the cone is divided into six triangular legs having angular intervals.

  U.S. Pat. No. 3,386,409 by Eui Sig Ahn et al. Proposes a safety color cone having a delineator with a reflective sheet on top of it. A plug is provided under the seat having an air inlet and an outlet extending upward and downward. An insertion opening in which a plug is incorporated is provided in the upper wall portion of the conical body portion. A support panel is provided at the lower end of the body, and the color of the cone is applied to the outer surface of the body part with a vertical spacing. This safety collar cone is made from a flexible material so that it will return to its original shape after being struck to eliminate or minimize damage to the cone.

  US Pat. No. 5,993,105 to Chan proposes a safety marker having a hollow frustoconical body. The base of the safety marker includes a bowl-shaped main portion and an elastic soft skirt for stabilizing the marker against inclination with respect to the support surface.

  So far, the solution has been focused on automatically restoring the safety cone to its original position. However, these solutions are still not sufficient in terms of safety because they are still too hard or simply fall over. Therefore, there is a need to develop a safety cone or marker device that improves road and traffic safety.

  The present invention provides a new marker device with increased safety through a flexible design. The marker device according to the present invention includes a base having an opening and flexible means positioned on the base. The lower part of the flexible means is attached to the base. The flexible means has a high-speed impact response to direct (contact) and indirect (non-contact) external forces. Due to the external force, one or more parts of the flexible means are displaced at different angles from the original position (vertical position). In general, depending on the type of external force (direction in which force is applied, amount of force applied), one or more portions of the flexible means can be displaced up to about 180 degrees from the original position (vertical position). In one example, the deflection range is from about 15 degrees to a maximum of 180 degrees. If the flexible means is a coil, the coil design is limited to the number of coil loops and the loops are designed to be spaced from each other when the displacement is large. That is, since the loop does not contact or get tangled, it is possible to prevent a risk that the coil will not be restored to the original position from the external force. The contacted or entangled loop increases the rigidity of the coil during displacement and acts against the high-speed impact response.

  In certain embodiments, the diameter of one or more lower loops of the coil is greater than the diameter of the base opening. The reason is that if the lower loop of the coil is stacked with the base, the flexible means is prevented from restoring from external forces.

  The marker device according to the present invention includes a cover (preferably a mesh cover) that covers the flexible means. A reflection band made of one or more reflectors is provided outside the cover. Furthermore, the marker device according to the present invention includes a light source for brightening the marker device. The light source is provided inside and / or outside the cover. Or attached to the flexible means and / or base.

  The advantage of the marker device according to the present invention over conventional devices is that one or more parts of the flexible means are maximized from their original position against direct (contact) and indirect (non-contact) external forces. By displacing up to about 180 degrees, it reacts quickly and displaces. This marker device increases the possibility of returning to an upright state as soon as the external force disappears. Therefore, there is a high possibility that the function of the marker device to call attention for traffic safety, which is the original purpose, is sustained.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described.

  The marker device according to the present invention can be used to alert or detour vehicles, ships, aircraft and pedestrians so that they can safely pass around dangerous objects, obstacles or other areas. However, the marker device according to the present invention is not limited to a specific application and can be used for entertainment and sports competitions. Furthermore, the marker device is usually recognized as a cone and is therefore called a safety cone. On the other hand, the marker device according to the present invention is not limited to a specific shape, but is linear, curved, square, hexagonal, tubular, or alerts or detours a person, or a specific place Or it can take any three-dimensional shape necessary to mark the region. Therefore, the device according to the present invention is called a marker device. Furthermore, the size of the marker device or safety cone according to the present invention is not limited.

  1-2 show a marker device 100 which is an exemplary embodiment of a marker device according to the present invention. The marker device 100 includes a base 110 having an opening 112 and a cone 120. The opening 112 is provided for stacking the marker devices. The lower end 142 of the flexible means 140 is attached to the base 110 (preferably the center of the base 110). Further, it is attached to the inner side of the opening 112 or the upper end of the base 110 in the vicinity of the edge 210 of the opening 112. The base 110 stably supports the marker device 100 on the ground or surface. The base 110 has a quadrangular shape and has a circular opening 112. The base can take any shape and can be made from any material as long as the necessary support is possible. The base of the marker device plays an important role in the stability of the marker device. The weight of the base is significantly greater than the weight of all other elements placed on the base (details will be described later). Furthermore, the dimension of the base is set sufficiently large so that the entire marker device can be firmly supported regardless of the presence or absence of external force. The dimensions of the base 110 are, but are not limited to, about 14 inches long and about 14 inches wide. Note that this dimension is the standard base size for US safety cones (eg, cones 18 and 28 inches high). Materials used for this base include, but are not limited to, rubber, recyclable rubber, soft / hard plastic, PCV, any type of wood (such as bamboo or synthetic wood), metal, etc. Not a thing).

  The cone 120 includes a flexible lightweight cover 130 that covers the flexible means 140. Preferably, the cover 130 is made of a flexible material so that the cone 120 bends easily. The cover 130 does not interfere with or minimizes the operation of the flexible means 140. The upper end 132 and the lower end 134 of the cover 130 can be attached to the flexible means 140. Further, instead of attaching the lower end 134 of the cover 130 to the flexible means 140, the lower end 134 can be attached to the base 110. Examples of means for attaching the cover 130 include, but are not limited to, stitch, clamp, adhesion, Velcro (registered trademark), ring (see FIG. 13), and the like. The cover 130 can be attached in close contact with the flexible means 140. In this case, no attachment means for attaching the cover 130 is necessary.

  In a preferred embodiment, the cover has air resistance performance. For example, it has a mesh cover for reducing air resistance. Examples of the cover material include, but are not limited to, a mesh type material, vinyl, canvas, and polyester. Furthermore, the outside of the cover can take any kind of shape. Moreover, all kinds of reflective materials can be provided outside the cover. Preferred shapes (reflective colors, stripes, or other types of defined shapes or signs) are those recommended by national or state governments (eg, US Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, Federal Road Administration) Includes general traffic signs or warning signs.

  FIG. 1 shows a cone 100 with a cover 130 attached. The cover 130 is provided with two reflection bands. The reflection bands are located at two different locations on the cover 130 in accordance with US government regulations. The first reflection band (ray portion) is located at about 3 inches from the upper end of the cover 130, and the width (width in the height direction) is about 6 inches. The second reflection band (ray portion) is located about 2 inches from the lower end of the first reflection band, and its width (width in the height direction) is about 4 inches. Depending on the application, any other type of shape and label may be included. It is also possible to use a reflective material that is attached to the cover by heat, adhesive, tape, Velcro (registered trademark), sewing, or the like. A suitable reflector is, for example, the 3M 8710 reflector having about 500 candlelight power. The 3M 8710 reflector is obtained from 3M Corp (see US Pat. No. 6,656,319 by 3M Innovative Properties Company). The present invention is not limited to a 3M 8710 reflector or a reflector having about 500 candlelight power. Various reflectors can be used regardless of the intensity of the reflection (see, eg, Reflecto-Lite Inc.).

  When the marker device 100 is intended for a safety cone, the flexible means 140 is, for example, a conical coil. The flexible means 140 gives the marker device 100 flexibility. The main idea of the present invention is that the base is stably supported on the ground or surface. And the flexible means is in a deviated position (original position) or a deviated position by direct (contact) or indirect (non-contact) external force (penturbation). Examples of indirect (non-contact) external forces include (but are not limited to) external forces caused by natural winds, traffic winds, ground vibrations due to earthquakes, falling to the ground, etc. is not). Examples of the direct (contact) external force include, for example, a collision with a vehicle, a hit, a collision, and an assault.

  An external force (F) applied directly and / or indirectly during a period of time on the flexible means is an impact that is applied by a suddenly applied force. The physical definition of impulse is the power of very short time intervals (see Webster Dictionary and Oxford Dictionary of Physics). In order to withstand direct and indirect external forces in order to permanently prevent the marker device from tipping over, the material properties of the flexible means according to the present invention are fast impact responsiveness to those direct and indirect external forces. Need. That is, the flexible means can be bent (flexing, bending, folding) with respect to the suddenly applied force (direct or indirect) shown in FIGS. It needs to respond quickly (turns down or stretches up and down). In other words, the flexible means deviates from its original position. The direction and amount of deviation from the original position depends on the direction and amount of the external force. When the external force is removed or disappears, the flexible means immediately returns to the original position from the displaced position.

  As shown in FIGS. 3-6, the flexibility of the flexible means, or the displacement α from its original position (vertical line), is important. Due to the external force, the various parts of the flexible means are displaced from the original position (vertical line) at various angles. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, portions 310, 320, and 330 bend about 11 degrees, about 31 degrees, and about 100 degrees, respectively (represented by lines 312, 322, and 332, respectively). In another example, as shown in FIG. 4, the portions 410, 420, and 430 bend about 21 degrees, about 90 degrees, and about 170 degrees, respectively (represented by lines 412, 422, and 432, respectively). For example, deflection up to about 180 degrees requires external force. Therefore, the upper end of the cone is directed downward in the direction of the ground or base.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of a marker device 500 with a cover on the flexible means. An external force F520 that instantaneously bends the flexible means is applied to the flexible means. The flexible means bends with various displacements of 530, 540, 550, 560 from its original (vertical) position at various parts of the cone (flexible means and cover). In this example, the portions 530, 540, 550, and 560 are displaced by 2 degrees, 12 degrees, 26 degrees, and 52 degrees, respectively.

  In general, depending on the type of external force (direction in which force is applied, amount of force applied), one or more portions of the flexible means can be displaced up to about 180 degrees from the original position (vertical position). In one example, the range of displacement is from about 15 degrees to a maximum of 180 degrees. If the flexible means is a coil, the coil design is limited to the number of coil loops and the loops are designed to be spaced from each other when the displacement is large. That is, since the loop does not contact or get tangled, it is possible to prevent a risk that the coil will not be restored to the original position from the external force. The contacted or entangled loop increases the rigidity of the coil during displacement and acts against the high-speed impact response. Generally, 2-10 loops can be used depending on the height of the marker device. That is, the plurality of loops provided between the base and the upper end of the cone have a wide interval 144 (see FIG. 1). Examples of the material of the flexible means include metals (for example, aluminum and steel), carbon, graphite, wood (such as bamboo), glass fiber, plastic, and rubber (but are not limited thereto). Absent).

  In certain embodiments, particularly when the flexible means is a coil, the coil pops from the opening 112 while an external force is applied. For example, if the maximum diameter of the coil loop is less than or equal to the diameter of the opening, the coil will pop out of the opening while an external force is applied (eg, during bending or compression of the coil) One of the lower loops stacks with or goes under the base. In this case, the coil is no longer properly restored from the position where the external force is applied to the original position, which is a concern. To prevent this from happening, the coil in this embodiment has a diameter of at least one lower loop (loop 146 of coil 140: see FIG. 2) set to be larger than the diameter of the opening ( (See top view in FIG. 2). In one exemplary embodiment, the diameter of the opening is about 10 inches and the diameter of the at least one lower loop in the coil is about 12.5 inches. In the present invention, the number and dimensions of the loops are not limited. In other embodiments, a small recess is formed in the periphery of the opening to support the coil and prevent it from popping out while still being large enough to stack with other marker devices.

  FIG. 6 shows a situation where the traveling vehicle 600 collides with the marker device according to the present invention and hits the marker device (that is, a direct (contact) external force). When the bumper 620 of the vehicle 600 collides with the marker device 610 (high speed impact), the base 630 remains on the ground and only the flexible means and the cover bend as shown at 640. In the example of 640, the impact on the flexible means of the vehicle causes the flexible means to deviate from its original position (see FIG. 1) while greatly displacing various parts of the cone (flexible means and cover). Instantly change to a deviated position 640. In order to withstand such an impact, the flexible means requires a fast impulse response. When the marker device 650 lays under the vehicle, the base 630 swings, but does not fall down permanently due to its weight and the flexible means that receives impacts and external forces. When the vehicle passes over the marker device as indicated at 670, the flexible means (and the cone at the same time) instantly return to its original position. While the external force is applied, the base of the marker device according to the present invention withstands rocking, but as soon as the external force disappears, the base returns to its original stable position.

  Although not shown in the drawings, in another example, the marker device according to the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the marker device may be dropped on the ground from a vehicle or truck that transports the marker device to the area in order to block an obstacle. Yes (by indirect external force on the flexible means by direct impact on the base). The impact when the marker device lands on the ground gives a sudden and fast external force to the flexible means. The marker device according to the present invention is shaken at first after landing, but returns to the original stable position when the shake is settled.

  Since the center of gravity of the marker device is very low (close to the ground or support surface), it is easy for the marker device according to the present invention to stay in that position. This low center of gravity is mainly because the base is relatively heavier than the weight of the flexible means and cover located on the base (the flexible means and cover are preferably made from a lightweight material. ). If the difference between the weight of the base and the weight of the flexible means located on the base and the cover is large (as can be easily understood by those skilled in the art), the center of gravity of the marker device is approximately close to the upper end of the base, Or it can provide in the arbitrary places of a base. In addition, the fact that the flexible means (and the cover) bend in various parts while the loops are spaced apart (ie without the loops touching or locking) was provided on the base The torque that destabilizes the flexible means is greatly reduced. By reducing the torque, the base is stabilized and the marker device according to the present invention is stabilized.

  The marker device according to the present invention may include one or more light sources, such as the light source 710 of the marker device 700 shown in FIG. The light source 710 is installed at an arbitrary position inside the cover 720 and illuminates the inside of the cover 720. Alternatively, the light source 710 can be located at the base or flexible means. When the light source is provided inside the cover 710, it is preferable that the material of the cover transmits light in order to make the marker device stand out in a dark place or in a situation where visibility is poor. Any type of light source 710 can be used (not limited to a specific type or structure). The light source 710 is preferably lightweight and small. The light source 710 is installed on or near the opening 200 of the base 110. Alternatively, the light source 710 is installed in the vicinity of the upper end 730 of the flexible means 740. Generally, the light source is placed on the base, flexible means, or cover (inside or outside). The marker device according to the present invention can also include a sensor for turning on the light source. The sensor is provided, for example, at a lower portion of the base. When the marker device is placed on the ground or surface, the sensor turns on the light source to brighten the marker device. A mechanical switch can be used as the sensor. As the sensor, a photosensitive sensor that turns on a light source according to whether it is daytime or nighttime can be used. Furthermore, the sensitivity of the sensor can be set to be switched on when visibility is reduced.

  Although several exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described above, they are not intended to be limiting, but are intended to illustrate all aspects. Accordingly, various modifications can be made in carrying out the present invention. For example, for defined (obvious or unforeseen) purposes and advantages of the present invention, the marker device and its components are designed and manufactured and combined in a variety of ways with a variety of compatible materials and dimensions. Various materials, dimensions, and modifications will be described later.

  Generally speaking, the height of the marker device according to the present invention is not limited. However, government (national, state or local) regulations stipulate the size and height of the safety cone. For example, in the United States, there are 14 inch, 18 inch, 28 inch and 36 inch high cones (but not limited to). One skilled in the art will readily understand that the height of the marker device is determined by the application, as well as government (country, state or local) regulations (varies by region and country).

  The flexible means can comprise one or more rods, provided that the physical properties of the rods are related to the purposes and advantages (eg direct or indirect external forces) according to the invention described above. High-speed impact response to the above). That is, as described above, it is necessary that one or more portions of the rod can be largely displaced. The safety cone 800 of FIG. 8 shows an example in which a flexible means is composed of a rod 810 installed on a base 820. The rod 810 has, for example, a lower end attached to the base 820 and an upper end attached to the tip of the cover 830 (for example, with a ring). As described above, the shape of the safety cone is mainly determined by the flexible means. However, in the case of the marker device 800, the shape of the cone is determined by the cover 830 installed on the rod 810. FIG. 9 shows a state where the safety cone 800 receives an external force 900 and the rod 810 is bent by the external force 900. The safety cone 1000 of FIG. 10 shows an example in which the flexible means is composed of rods 1010, 1020 and 1030 installed on a base 1040. The rods 1010, 1020, and 1030 have, for example, their lower ends attached to the base 1040 and their upper ends attached to the tip of the cover 1050 (eg, with a ring). FIG. 11 shows a state where the safety cone 1000 receives an external force 1100 and the rods 1010, 1020, and 1030 are bent by the external force 1100.

  FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a marker device assembly 1200 that includes a base 1210, a helical spring 1220, a cover 1230, and a ring 1240. The ring 1240 is used as a kind of quick connector for assembling the modular parts of the marker device (ie, the base 1210, the helical spring 1220 and the cover 1230). In FIG. 12, only a part of the lower ring of the helical spring 1220 is shown in order to clarify the fitting shape, and the helical spring 1220 actually extends upward as indicated by 1200. Please keep in mind. The main purpose of the ring 1240 is to place the helical spring 1220 and cover 1230 on the edge 1215 of the base 1210. The ring 1240 can be any type of material (eg, plastic) that is strong enough to support the base 1210, the helical spring 1220, and the cover 1230 and is flexible enough to assemble these three members. , Rubber or polyester).

  FIG. 13 shows the coupling between the base 1310 and the flexible means when the flexible means comprises one or more rods 1320 and 1330. The rods 1320 and 1330 have high-speed impact responsiveness to direct and indirect external forces. For example, the lower end 1322 of the rod 1320 is disposed so as to be substantially parallel to the lower end 1315 of the base 1310. The rod 1320 includes a spring 1324 that is an integral part of the rod 1320 to ensure the necessary flexibility for the flexible means. Note that the necessity of the spring 1324 depends on the physical characteristics (flexibility) of the rod 1320.

  The present invention is not limited to the marker device having only one flexible means, and may have two or more flexible means. Note that each of the two or more flexible means has a high-speed impact response to a direct or indirect external force. This requires a large displacement of one or more portions of each flexible means. FIG. 14 shows an exemplary embodiment of a barricade-like marker device 1400. The marker device 1400 includes two or more flexible means 1420 and 1430 on the base 1410. In the case of a barricade, the shape of the base 1410 is typically a rectangular shape. The base 1410 may be provided with openings for stacking the marker devices, but is not necessarily provided. Two or more flexible means 1420 and 1430 are placed on the base 1410 as in the case of the single flexible means described above. The marker device 1400 is provided on the outside of (1) a cover 1440 that covers two or more flexible means, (2) one or more shapes and / or reflectors 1450 1452, and / or (3) a cover 1440. One or more light sources (eg, 1460, 1462) or one or more light sources (not shown) provided inside the cover 1440. As will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, the contents of a marker device having two or more flexible means can be applied in the same manner as a marker device having one or more flexible means as described above. Further, as will be readily understood by those skilled in the art, the marker device having two or more flexible means can be used not only for barricades but also for structures such as fences. In that case, the structure such as a fence may be small, or may be wide enough to go around a fence around a garden or a road. When a car collides with such a wide fence, part of the fence (the part that collided with the car) bends and restores to its original position after the car has run away.

  While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, they are all within the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims and their equivalents.

1 is a diagram showing an exemplary embodiment of a marker device according to the present invention. It is a top view of the marker apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the state which the some part of the flexible means of the marker apparatus bent by receiving the external force F. FIG. It is a figure which shows the state which the some part of the flexible means of the marker apparatus bent by receiving the external force F. FIG. It is a figure which shows the state which the some part of the flexible means of the marker apparatus bent by receiving the external force F. FIG. It is a figure which shows the state in which the marker apparatus was collided with the vehicle, and the state which was hit by the vehicle. It is a figure which shows the state which has arrange | positioned the light source inside a marker apparatus. It is a figure which shows the marker apparatus provided with one rod as a flexible means. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the marker device illustrated in FIG. 8 is bent by receiving an external force F; It is a figure which shows the marker apparatus provided with three rods as a flexible means. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a state where the marker device shown in FIG. 10 is bent by receiving an external force F; 1 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary marker device assembly according to the present invention. It is a figure which shows the example which a rod has a spring in order to strengthen the flexibility of the rod as a flexible means. It is a figure which shows the example of the marker apparatus provided with the 2 or more flexible means.

Claims (45)

A safety marker device,
(A) a base having an opening for stacking on other safety marker devices;
(B) flexible means having a high-speed impact response to direct and indirect external forces and located on and supported by the base;
(C) A device made of a flexible material that enables high-speed impact responsiveness to the direct and indirect external force, and a cover that covers the flexible means. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising:
One or more portions of the flexible means allow displacement up to about 180 degrees from its original position due to the external force. The apparatus of claim 2, comprising:
The displacement is in the range of about 15 degrees to about 180 degrees. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising:
The apparatus wherein the base, the flexible means and the cover are modular parts connected using a quick connector or ring. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising:
The apparatus is characterized in that the cover is a mesh cover. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising:
The apparatus is characterized in that the cover includes a reflective material. The apparatus according to claim 6, comprising:
The apparatus wherein the reflective material has one or more reflective bands. The apparatus according to claim 6, comprising:
The reflector has two reflection bands;
The width of the first reflection band is about 6 inches, the upper end of which is located about 3 inches from the upper end of the cover;
The apparatus is characterized in that the width of the second reflection band is about 4 inches, the upper end of which is located about 2 inches from the lower end of the first reflection band. The apparatus according to claim 6, comprising:
The apparatus wherein the reflective material is a 3M 8710 reflective material. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising:
The apparatus characterized in that the flexible means comprises one or more rods. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising:
The apparatus wherein the base is substantially square. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising:
An apparatus further comprising a light source. Safety cone,
(A) a base having an opening for stacking with other safety marker devices;
(B) a conical spring having high-speed impact responsiveness to direct and indirect external forces, located on the base and supported by the base;
(C) A safety cone comprising a cover made of a flexible material that enables high-speed impact response to the direct and indirect external force and covering the conical spring. A safety cone according to claim 13,
One or more portions of the coil allow a maximum displacement of about 180 degrees from its original position due to the external force. 15. An apparatus according to claim 14, wherein
A safety cone, wherein the displacement is in the range of about 15 degrees to about 180 degrees. A safety cone according to claim 13,
A safety cone, wherein the coil loops are spaced from each other when the external force displaces one or more portions of the coil up to about 180 degrees from its original position. A safety cone according to claim 16, comprising:
A safety cone, wherein the displacement is in the range of about 15 degrees to about 180 degrees. A safety cone according to claim 13,
The safety cone according to claim 1, wherein the coil has 2 to 10 loops spaced from each other between the substrate and the upper end of the marker device. A safety cone according to claim 13,
The safety cone according to claim 1, wherein a diameter of one or more lower end loops of the coil is larger than a diameter of the opening. A safety cone according to claim 13,
The safety cone according to claim 1, wherein the base, the coil, and the cover are modular parts connected using a quick connector or a ring. A safety cone according to claim 13,
The safety cone according to claim 1, wherein the cover is a mesh cover. A safety cone according to claim 13,
The safety cone according to claim 1, wherein the cover includes a reflective material. A safety cone according to claim 22,
The safety cone according to claim 1, wherein the reflective material has one or more reflection bands. A safety cone according to claim 22,
The reflector has two reflection bands;
The width of the first reflection band is about 6 inches, the upper end of which is located about 3 inches from the upper end of the cover;
A safety cone characterized in that the width of the second reflection band is about 4 inches, and the upper end thereof is located about 2 inches from the lower end of the first reflection band. A safety cone according to claim 22,
The safety cone, wherein the reflective material is a 3M 8710 reflective material. A safety cone according to claim 13,
A safety cone, wherein the base is substantially square. A safety cone according to claim 13,
A safety cone further comprising a light source. A safety marker device,
(A) a base;
(B) two or more flexible means each having a high-speed impact response to direct and indirect external forces and located on and supported by the base;
And (c) a cover made of a flexible material that covers the two or more flexible means and has a high-speed impact response to the direct and indirect external force. 30. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein
One or more portions of the two or more flexible means allow displacement up to about 180 degrees from an original position due to the external force. 30. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein
The displacement is in the range of about 15 degrees to about 180 degrees. 30. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein
An apparatus wherein one or more of the two or more flexible means is a conical coil. 32. The apparatus of claim 31, comprising:
One or more portions of the coil allow up to about 180 degrees of displacement from its original position due to the external force. An apparatus according to claim 32, comprising:
The displacement is in the range of about 15 degrees to about 180 degrees. 32. The apparatus of claim 31, comprising:
The apparatus wherein the coil loops are spaced apart from each other when the external force displaces one or more portions of the coil up to about 180 degrees from their original position. 35. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein
The displacement is in the range of about 15 degrees to about 180 degrees. 32. The apparatus of claim 31, comprising:
The coil has 2 to 10 loops spaced from each other between the substrate and the upper end of the marker device. 30. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein
An apparatus wherein one or more of the two or more flexible means is a rod. 30. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein
The apparatus is characterized in that the cover is a mesh cover. 30. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein
The apparatus wherein the reflective material has one or more reflective bands. 40. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein
The reflector has two reflection bands;
The width of the first reflection band is about 6 inches, the upper end of which is located about 3 inches from the upper end of the cover;
The apparatus is characterized in that the width of the second reflection band is about 4 inches, the upper end of which is located about 2 inches from the lower end of the first reflection band. 40. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein
The apparatus wherein the reflective material is a 3M 8710 reflective material. 30. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein
The apparatus wherein the base is substantially square. 30. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein
The base has an opening for stacking on another safety marker device. 30. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein
An apparatus further comprising one or more light sources. 30. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein
A device characterized by having a barricade shape or a fence shape.

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