US2252558A - Traffic appliance - Google Patents

Description

Aug 12, 1941- H. w. DoDsoN 2,252,558

TRAFFIC APPLIANGE Filed April 26, 1959 3 Sheets-Sheet l 20/ (al. 13R I t l /mw- CIMM' .f Aug. 12, 1941. H W DODSON 2,252,558

- TRAFFIC APPLIANCE Filed April 26, 1959 3 sheets-sheet 2 f j? Z5 V 55 Z0 58 i2A v 56 52 l y f), 75 74 f `69 46 65 6/ 6 j z/ 7, y 70 7675 75 ff" Y? ,u

fz l t9 J5 l l l 74 7 73 4r rafa/Fr Allg. 12, 1941. H, W DQDSON 2,252,558

K TRAFFIC APPLIANCE I v Filed April 26, 1939 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 @w44 y (d J UNITED' PATENT OFFICE @TRAFFIC APPLIANCE` Henry W. Dodson, LIfouis. Mo. Applicatinlapnl 2c, 1939, serial No. 270.088 HA`afclaims; rc1. ca -7s) The present invention' relates generallyl to traffic devices, and more particularly to that type of trai'lic device which is multi-directional in'its operation. Y o

AAn object of the present invention i'stojprofvide a novel multi-directional trailic device,I which is adapted to be disposed at an intersectionkto control the traiiic from all routes movingith'ereinto. 1. o

Another object is'to provide a traiic' `safety `device for motor or pedestrian traffic to reduce accidents. o V.

, Another object is to provide a multi-directional traffic signal constructed to permit the driver of a car moving intol an intersection to view the cross traffic and the trailic in thejrear. o

Another object is to provide a multi-directional traiiic signal which includes means for'dening the curbing intersections and otherhazards.

Another object is to provide a traffic signal which includes reiiective means to assist a r'notolr-l ist in the observation dof both` crossv andfrear traic. f o Another object is to provide a multi-directional trafic signal which has a circumferential reiiect'- ing surface which assists an .approaching` driver` in determining the location of other traflic'andV which has means for illuminatingcurbing intero-V sections. o

Another object is to providea multi-directional traicsignal which is adapted to Vuliillall iof the objects. and advantages Sought. therefore,

\ @ther Objects and advantages. will. from the following description, taken .con-l junction with the accompanying drawings, in whichzr y Fig. l is a side elevation oa traic signal constructed in accordancewith the teachings of` the present invention; f

. Fig. 2 is aj sectionjon Fig. 3 shown in Fig. l;

Fig. 4 is asectionon the .line 44 of Fig. `2; 5 is a .iragmentarysectionthrough a swivel joint' employed to support' 'certain adjustablemirror's.` if ff: -i

--Fig Gis a 'section flonthe line G-L-Bfof Fig. 2;v

'l isy a sectionon the lineal" "'F Fig. 8 is a sectionron the line'8i`- of-"Fisl 4:

' Fig. 11` is a fragmentary'sec'tion'taken o'the be. greatest isla bottom view ofthe traic signal line "L1 of Fig.V 6, the adjustable elements being inthe positions of Fig. l0; i

rig-w12 is a mocincation of the trame signal showni'n Fig. 1;

i13jisa diagrammatic View showing a preferred disposition of the present traiiic signal;

and, -1

Figi." is a diagrammatic View showing another dispositionof a modied traino signal.

` Referring to the drawings more particularly by reference numerals, designates a multi-directional traffic signal constructedV in accordance with the concepts of the present invention. The traicsignal 20 is adapted to be suspended above thestreet in a position to control the traiiic moving into the intersection. A bisectional shaft 2| includes an upper section 22and a lower section 23 which are connected by a juncture box 24 (Fig. l). The upper section 22 terminates at its free endin an eye 25 which receives supporting elements 26` connected to some suitable support (not shown). Y'

kAt the free end of the lower section 23 is a housing 28 (Fig. 4) having a flange 29. `The housing 28 may be integral with or connected to the freeA end of the lower section 23. A supporting member 3D has an inner circular segment Ia''ll xed to the iiange 29 by screws 32,-or the like. yThe member 3l] includes an outer octagonal segment 34 connected to the inner segment 3l by suitable spokes 35. Y

A reflector 36 is connected to the segment 3! by screws 31, cr the like, and surrounds a globe 3B connected to the housing 28. Within the globe 38 is a bulb (not shown) Which is secured in a socket (not shown) disposed in the housing 28.

The outer segment 34 supports a plurality of reflectors 39 and 40 which are transparent mirmrs;V` Each of the reflectors 39 and 40is received by a member 4| and 4'2, respectively, each of whichfis of a conguration to provide channels to "eiceive the lower edge and the end edges of therespectiye reflector. Y

Auniversal connection 43 including a socket member 44 secured to the member- 4l and a ball member 45'se`cured to the outer section 3'4 adjustaloly supports each reiiector 38. A turn buckle imember 46 is pivotally connected to each verticali channel of vthe member 4l` towards the upper edge of the reflector 39A at one end, and pivotally connected at` the other end to a collar 48 which is adiustably secured by set, screws49, or theilik'e, to the shaft 2.3 (Fig. 4). Each memberltl includes a central casing section 5I] which i`s"adapted to receive signs 5I, or the like. Leads 53 extend from within the casing section 50 and pass through a suitable opening in the housing 28 and into the shaft 23.

Each member 42 is adjustably supported on the outer segment 34 by a hinge 55. A turn buckle member 56 is pivotally connected to a projection l connected to the upper edge of the member 42 centrally thereof at one end, and at the other end pivotally connected to a collar 58 secured by set screws, or the like, to the shaft 23. The member 42 includes a-ca'sing section 59 adapted to receive traffic lights 66, 6|, and 62 in'vertic'al relation (Figs. 1 and 6).

rIhe traffic lights 60, 6 I, and

62 are disposed behind the transparent mirror'v reflectors 40. through the casing section 59 and through suitable openings into the housing 28 provide elec-l A trical connections between the- traffic Vlights 60, 6l, and 62 and a control (not shown).

A spot light 64 is pivotally connected by a hingel 65 to the outer segment 34 beneath each reflector S9 and 49. A link 66 is pivotalvly connected at one end to each light 64 and at theother end to a second link 6l. The link 61 is adjustably. secured by means of va connection 6 8 to a yshaft 69 which is fixed to a collar 'lil adjustablyf secured to the shaft 23 by set Ascrews ll, or the like. The connection 68 includes an integral sleeve 13 .Figs. 8 and 9) which receives the shaft 69 and a threaded stem 14 which extends through .an

enlarged portion l5 of the link 6l and.- receives a nut 16 and a washer 'Il to bind the link 61 and connection 68 in selected relationship. A set screw 1,8, or the like, is employed to secure the connection 68 relative to the shaft 69. A lead 80 which passes from Veach light 64 into the housing 28 electrically connects each light 64 with a suitable switch mechanism (not shown).

A canopy 82 of the octagonal configuration shown is adjustablyuconnected to the shaft 23 through an integral collar 83 and set screws V84.

Street signs 85 may be connected to the shaft 23 by suitable collar brackets 86 which are adjustably secured to the shaft. VStop signs,` and the like, may also be mounted on the shaft 23.

A cable 8l is shown extending from the junov ture box 24. The cable 8l includes thenumerous electrical leads which extend throughthe shaft 23. It is to be understood, of course, that the various leads are suitably connected to operating switches. Y

There is shown in Fig. 1.2 a modified traffic signal 90 which differs from the traiiic signal 20 in that it includes a pedestal base .cilV as a support. The base 9| includes a weighted section 92 and a shaft 93 whichis connected to the shaft 23. The electrical leads (not shown) ofthe several electrical devices areled awayrunderground to suitable switches, the weighted section 92 including a channel for the passage of such electrical leads. vThe reector 38 and associated bulb of the traffic signal are omitted from the traffic signal 90. The traflic signal 90 otherwise is the same as the traffic signal illand, therefore, further description thereof is unnecessary.

The present traiiic device may beconstructed.

without signal lights, in which event it functions as a safety devicegto reveal otherwise -hidden traffic. The reflective surfaces are amber clear mirrors when the device is notequippedwith signal lights. When constructedwithoutsignal lights, the device is particularly vadapted for Ause in passageways to assist the movement of f individuals. The narrow intersecting passageways Suitable leads 63 which, lextend.

of hotels, and other structures, are relieved of hazards through the use of the device.

The present device is, therefore, quite flexible as to use and construction.

It is to be understood, of course, that the various elements and working parts of the traino signal are to be constructed of suitable material and are to be of suitable configuration. Both the hinges 55 and the hinges 65, which respectively mount the reflectors 40 and lights 64, may be replaced by universal connections such as the connection 43 (Fig. 5), if preferable. The particular turn buckle members and other adjustable connections may be varied as the remaining construction; demands.

Operation The traffic signal 26 is adapted to be suspended at an 'intersection as shown in Fig. 13. The trafo signal would, of course, be located similarly. It is evident that, with the traffic signal 2E! controllingan intersection such as that shown in Fig.' 13, the reflectors 4U will be squarely facing the'streets leading into the intersection so that the traffic lights 60, 6|, and 62 may function to control: the traiiic. The reflectors 39 will be disposed at 45 to the path of travel of traffic moving yfrom the streets into the intersection. It is, therefore, apparent that a motorist, moving in the` direction of the arrow A (Fig. 13), will be able to see any vehicles back of him by means of the reflector 40 which faces him, and will be able vto see ani7 vehicles at B or C by means of the reflectors 39 which fiank the aforesaid reector 49. The several reiiectors 39 and 40 will, of course, be adjusted to effect such a result and this ability to see the cross traiiic, even where a light is controlling the traiiic, is highly advantageous at those intersections where buildings obstruct the view, inasmuch as a motorist traveling with the green light will be able to see a fire engine, ambulance, or vthe like, which is approaching the red signal. It is a well-known fact that motorists drive in the winter time with the windows substantially closed, rendering it impossible to hear the sirens and bells of fire engines, ambulances, and the like. It is apparent, therefore, that the present traiiic signal involves a high safety factor.

The lights 64, which are disposed beneath the reflectors 39 and 40, can be adjusted to play upon any hazards in the neighborhood of the traffic signal 20, such as the intersecting curb stones, a broken place inthe'str'eet, and the like. These lights canV be properly screened to prevent blinding of motorists.

The light disposed within the reflector 36 finds particu-lar use in spotting a traffic officer standing beneath the traffic signal 20 directing traffic during trouble with the signal lights. Even the best of traiiic signals are inoperative at times due to the wear of the working parts, and the like.

It is apparent thatthe traffic signal 20 may be other than octagonal in shape. In Fig. 14, there is diagrammatically shown a traic signal of a configuration to adequately control a threewayfintersection. A traffic signal suitable for the control of traffic moving into a veor six-way intersectionwould include ten and twelve sides, respectively.

l It is apparent that there has been provided a traffic signal which is adapted to fulfill all of the objects and advantages sought therefor. It is to be understood that the foregoing description and accompanying drawings have been given by Way of illustration and example and not for purposes of limitation, Ithe invention being limited only by the claims which follow.

What is claimed is:

1. A traflic device comprising means for supporting said traffic device above the street in the intersection, a shaft connected to the supporting means, a plurality of clear reflectors-supported by the shaft in spaced relation thereto forming a polygonal periphery, said reflectors providing means for a motorist approaching the intersection to determine the trafc on the intersecting streets and on the street on which he is moving.

2. A traffic device comprising means for supporting said traffic device above the street in the intersection, a shaft connected to the suD- porting means, a plurality of clear reflectors supported by the shaft in spaced relation thereto forming a polygonal periphery, said reflectors providing means for a motorist approaching the intersection to determine the traffic on the intersecting streets and on the street on which he is moving, and means for adjusting the reflectors to secure proper image focus. v

3. A traffic device comprising a shaft, means for supporting said shaft, a member connected to and disposed about said shaft, said member having a polygonal periphery, and a clear reiiector mounted on each side of the polygonal periphery, each reiiector being mounted for universal adjustment, one reflector being disposed at right angles to each street, and one reflector being disposed at forty-ve degrees between adjacent intersecting streets.

HENRY W. DODSON.

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