US3478714A - Signal device - Google Patents

Signal device Download PDF

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Publication number
US3478714A
US3478714A US750113A US3478714DA US3478714A US 3478714 A US3478714 A US 3478714A US 750113 A US750113 A US 750113A US 3478714D A US3478714D A US 3478714DA US 3478714 A US3478714 A US 3478714A
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
standard
base
elastic member
ring
signal device
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US750113A
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English (en)
Inventor
John B Keats
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Borg Warner Corp
Original Assignee
Borg Warner Corp
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Borg Warner Corp filed Critical Borg Warner Corp
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3478714A publication Critical patent/US3478714A/en
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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01F—ADDITIONAL WORK, SUCH AS EQUIPPING ROADS OR THE CONSTRUCTION OF PLATFORMS, HELICOPTER LANDING STAGES, SIGNS, SNOW FENCES, OR THE LIKE
    • E01F9/00—Arrangement of road signs or traffic signals; Arrangements for enforcing caution
    • E01F9/60—Upright bodies, e.g. marker posts or bollards; Supports for road signs
    • E01F9/623—Upright bodies, e.g. marker posts or bollards; Supports for road signs characterised by form or by structural features, e.g. for enabling displacement or deflection
    • E01F9/627—Upright bodies, e.g. marker posts or bollards; Supports for road signs characterised by form or by structural features, e.g. for enabling displacement or deflection self-righting after deflection or displacement
    • E01F9/629—Traffic guidance, warning or control posts, bollards, pillars or like upstanding bodies or structures

Definitions

  • a resiliently supported roadway signal device including a base to be secured to the roadway, an elongated standard'adapted to provide a warning signal and a tensioned elastic member connected between the base and the standard to yieldably retain the standard upon the base.
  • This invention relates to a signal device for roadway marking. More particularly, it relates to a signal device which is resiliently supported to yield upon impact and thereafter return to its initial position.
  • Such devices typically include a vertical standard or pole supported upon the roadway designed to be readily visible to motorists. They have found wide acceptance both as delineators and as markers to indicate turning lanes at intersections or to warn of impending dangers such as the presence of bridge abutrnents, high curbing, construction work or other road hazards Visual appreciation of these markers warns the motorists of the impending danger or, in the event of failure to perceive their presence, impact with the vehicle accomplishes the necessary warning without damage to the vehicle. The marker thereafter returns to its initial position to continue the warning function.
  • markers have been constructed of resilient tubes made of rubber or other suitable material connected to a base secured to the roadway. Upon impact, the tube merely bends to accommodate passage of the'vehicle and thereafter the resilient nature of the tubular material restores the marker to its initial position.
  • the signal device of the present invention includes a generally vertical standard supported upon a base adapted for connection to a roadway.
  • the standard is retained upon the base by an elastic member connected between the base and the standard.
  • the distance between the connection is greater than the free length of lthe elastic member thus placing the elastic member in tension and causing it to retain the standard in place upon the base. Dellection of the standard from its vertical position causes further elongation of the elastic member increasing the tension and establishing a restoring force which returns the standard to its initial position after removal of the deecting force.
  • Another form of the invention includes a plurality of stacked discs interposed between the base and the standard in surrounding relation to the elastic member.
  • FIGURE l is a fragmentary sectional view of a signal device illustrating various features of the present invention.
  • FIGURE 2 is an elevational view of a slightly moditied form of the invention.
  • FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary elevational sectional view of the device shown in FIGURE 2.
  • FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the device shown in FIGURE 2.
  • FIG- URE 1 a signal device illustrative of the principles of the present invention.
  • the signal device includes a base 11, a generally vertical standard 13, and a connector 15.
  • the base 11 is generally circular or disc shaped and includes a generally flat bottom wall 17 which is suitable for attachment to a road surface.
  • the bottom wall is provided with a plurality of circular grooves 19 which provide an excellent bonding surface if adhesive is utilized to connect the base to the road surface.
  • any suitable fasteners may be used such as screws, bolts, rivets or the like.
  • the base further includes a conical or tapered upper surface 21 which presents ⁇ a minimal obstruction to the passage of the wheel of a vehicle.
  • a central aperture 23 is provided in the base 11 which communicates with a counter bore 25 open atthe bottom wall 17 and delining a retainer wall 26.
  • the aperture 23 further defines a wide mouth or ared opening 27 adjacent the upper surface 21 which forms a circular transitional ridge 28.
  • the elongated standard 13 is relatively long to insure presentation of a clearly visible Warning signal to a passing motorist.
  • the standard is of a generally cylindrical shape, however, any suitable cross section such as square, triangular or hexagonal would be equally appropriate.
  • the elongated standard 13 includes a ring 29 disposed in overlying relation to the flared opening 27 of the base 11.
  • the ring 29 includes a planar surface 31 and a support surface 32.
  • the planar surface 31 has a diameter slightly larger than the maximum diameter of the flared opening 27 of the base 11 and supports the standard upon the base along the ridge 28.
  • the support surface 32 is generally parallel to the planar surface 31 and extends outwardly of the longitudinal axis of the standard terminating in a peripheral groove 35.
  • the ring 29 further includes a semi-spherical surface 33 extending between the planar surface 31 and the peripheral groove 35.
  • a central bore 37 is provided in the ring 29 which is in general vertical alignment with the aperture 23 of the base 11.
  • the outer peripheral surface of the standard is defined by a tubular member 39 secured to the ring 29 at the peripheral groove 35 which is appropriately sized to receive the end of the tube.
  • the outer peripheral surface of the tube may be coated with reflective material to improve eifectiveness as a warning signal at night .and in addition may include any appropriate legend or painted pattern to attract the attention of motorists.
  • a cap 43 is secured to the tubular member at the end opposite the end connected to the ring 29.
  • the cap 43, tubular member 39 and ring 29 thus define an internal cavity 45 sealed from exposure to adverse elemental conditions.
  • the cap may take any suitable shape. It may include a domed outer surface as illustrated or alternatively it may include an upwardly extending portion to which is secured additional reilective material.
  • an elongated spacer 47 having an outer diameter approximately equal to the inner diameter of the tubular member 39. It includes an end disposed in Contact with the support surface 32 of the ring 29 and on opposite end terminating intermediate the ring 29 and the cap 43.
  • a transverse wall 49 is supported internally of the cavity 45 by the spacer 47.
  • This wall includes a central aperture 51 in general vertical alignment with the bore 37 of the ring 29 and the opening 27 of the base 11.
  • the connector is secured to both the standard 13 and base 11 and yieldably retains the standard in position.
  • the connector 15 is a resilient elastic member which may be elongated or stretched upon application of force and which will thereafter contract to its initial length.
  • a suitable material for this application is elastic shock cord which includes an inner core of elastic material covered with a double sheath of knitted nylon, Daeron or other similar synthetic material designed to accommodate elongating and contraction of the resilient portion.
  • stainless steel thread best seen in FIGURE l, or other hard metal wire is knitted ⁇ along with the synthetic threads and interposed in adequate quantity to preclude cutting of the elastic member with a knife or hack saw.
  • the elastic member 15 extends through the aperture 51 of the wall 49, the central bore 37 of the ring 29 and the aperture 23 of the base 11.
  • a restraining knot 52 is tied in the elastic member at the transverse wall 49 which engages the wall and prevents passage of the member through the aperture 51.
  • a similar restraining knot 52 is tied at the opposite end of the member which is disposed within the counter bore and which engages the retainer wall 26 to prevent movement of the elastic member through the central aperture 23 of the base 11.
  • a pair of pressure rings 53 are secured to the free ends of the member outwardly of the knots to prevent unravelling of the sheath and inadvertant untying of the knots.
  • the free length of the portion of the elastic member extending between the restraining knots 52 is less than the distance between the upper surface of the wall 49 and the retainer wall 26.
  • the semi-spherical surface 33 of the ring 29 rolls along the conical surface 21 of the base 11 defining a line of contact between the ring 29 and base 11.
  • the point of contact between the surface 33 and surface 21 acts as a fulcrurn facilitating restoration of the standard to its initial vertical position.
  • the elastic member 15 will contact the ared portion 27 of the aperture 23.
  • the ared shape prevents damage to the outer sheath of the member 15.
  • the central bore 37 of the ring 29 includes rounded edges to prevent damage to the elastic member.
  • the signal device described may be made of any suitable material, it is contemplated that plastic such as ABS plastic is particularly suitable for all elements except the elastic member and the compressed rings.
  • plastic such as ABS plastic is particularly suitable for all elements except the elastic member and the compressed rings.
  • An example of plastic which may be used in this application is Cycolac (registered trademark) plastic. This material is extremely durable and resistant to deterioration from the elements or damage from impact.
  • separate elements of the standard 13 may readily be assembled by solvent welding.
  • Utilization of the materials described provides an additional advantage with respect to production of a warning signal. Impact of a vehicle with the rigid hollow standard produces an audible sound which will awaken a drowsing motorist. This warning signal will continue as the vehicle passes over the device and the standard contacts various parts of the vehicle. The plastic material, while providing the audible signal will prevent damage to the vehicle.
  • FIGURES 2 to 4 there is illustrated a slightly modified form of the invention.
  • the signal device includes a base 211, a standard 213 and a connector 21S resiliently supporting the standard upon the base.
  • the standard includes a tubular section 257 generally similar to the standard 13 of the embodiment of FIGURE 1 and additionally including a plurality of separate spacer rings 259.
  • the tubular section 257 defines the outer peripheral surface of the standard and includes a cap 243 which is secured to the tubular portion at an upper end by threads.
  • An opposite end of the tubular section includes a bottom wall 261 provided with a central aperture 263.
  • the rings 259 are stacked intermediate the bottom wall 261 of the tubular section and the base 211.
  • Each ring 259 includes a central aperture 265 aligned upon the vertical centerline of the signal device.
  • the outer peripheral edges of the stacked rings dene a continuation of the standard outer peripheral surface and may include reective material or a painted pattern.
  • the outer diameter of the rings adjacent the standard 213 is essentially equal to the outer diameter of the standard.
  • Two successive rings adjacent the base 13 have sequentially reduced outer diameters.
  • Any other desired arrangement however may be used such as, for example, a standard made entirely of stacked discs interposed along a tensioned elastic member between a base and a wall such as the wall 261.
  • the connector 215 is essentially identical to the elastic member of the embodiment of FIGURE 1. It extends through the central aperture 263 of the bottom wall Aand the central apertures 265 of the rings 259.
  • the elastic member is connected to the bottom wall 261 by a knot 252 and to the base by a similar knot.
  • the free length of the elastic member between the knots is less than the total thickness of the bottom wall 261, stacked rings 259 and base 211. Therefore when installed, the elastic member is placed in tension.
  • Utilization of the stacked discs 259 eliminates the radial 90 bend experienced by the elastic shock cord upon deflection when a completely rigid standard is used. When subjected to impact, the disc are free to shift laterally and the elastic member assumes an arc. This reduces the tension occasioned by deflection and reduces the load and torque to which the restraining knots are subjected. Also, the ability of the discs to move laterally absorbs a portion of the energy of initial impact reducing the force imparted to the tensioned elastic member.
  • This arrangement further reduces the motion of the upper end of the standard when returning to its initial position after impact.
  • the arced shape of the elastic element and lateral movement or sliding action of the discs minimizes wobbling.
  • FIGURE 4 there is shown a ring segment 259a.
  • This segment is essentially identical to one half of one of the rings 259 shown in FIGURES 2 and 3 and includes a lap flange 267. Two such segments may be stacked with the flanges 267 overlapped to form a continuous ring 259.
  • Additional tension may be established in the elastic member 215 by moving the tubular portion 257 in a direction away from the base 211 and inserting a pair of ring segments 259a. If plastic such as ABS plastic is used to form the ring segments, the halves may be readily fastened together to form a unitized ring by solvent welding. The compressive force imparted by the tensioned elastic element insures effective bonding of the lapped joint. These ring segments may be added as the elastic member becomes relaxed over the period of its useful life to restore and maintain initial tension.
  • a signal device which includes a tensioned elastic member resiliently supporting a warning standard upon a base and which allows deflection of the standard upon vehicular impact and provides for return of the standard to its initial position after removal of the deflecting force.
  • a signal device comprising: a base adapted to be secured to a roadway, an elongated standard adapted to provide a Warning signal yieldably retained upon said base to allow deflection thereof with respect to said base upon impact, said standard including a tubular section having a bottom wall, and including a plurality of stacked spacer rings intermediate said bottom wall and said base, each said spacer ring including a pair of planar surfaces disposed in stacked supporting relationship With adjacent spacer rings and slidable laterally thereon, the axial thickness of each said spacer ring between said planar surfaces being substantially less than the diameter thereof, and a connector including a tensioned elastic member connected to said base and to said standard, deflection of said standard causing elongation of said elastic member increasing the tension thereof.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Road Signs Or Road Markings (AREA)
US750113A 1968-08-05 1968-08-05 Signal device Expired - Lifetime US3478714A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US75011368A 1968-08-05 1968-08-05

Publications (1)

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US3478714A true US3478714A (en) 1969-11-18

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US750113A Expired - Lifetime US3478714A (en) 1968-08-05 1968-08-05 Signal device

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US (1) US3478714A (de)
DE (1) DE1938860A1 (de)
FR (1) FR2015088A1 (de)
NL (1) NL6911838A (de)

Cited By (20)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3799686A (en) * 1970-08-18 1974-03-26 Clarence Williams Marker posts
FR2304722A1 (fr) * 1975-03-20 1976-10-15 Glp Cy Borne de signalisation flexible sous impact
US4378175A (en) * 1977-12-15 1983-03-29 Handelsbolaget Scanovator Post mounting
US4385759A (en) * 1981-06-04 1983-05-31 Everroad James M Skip rope
US4721306A (en) * 1984-04-24 1988-01-26 Shewchuk James G Hockey safety net
GB2202564A (en) * 1987-03-20 1988-09-28 Uk Lift Company Limited The Collapsible post
US4806046A (en) * 1987-06-29 1989-02-21 Clark Richard O Self-uprighting delineator post
WO1992013139A1 (en) * 1991-01-18 1992-08-06 Milton Richard M Impact recovery delineation system
US5327850A (en) * 1991-05-02 1994-07-12 Davidson Plastics Company Roadway marker
US5515807A (en) * 1991-05-02 1996-05-14 Davidson Plastics Corporation One-way roadway marker
US5549279A (en) * 1994-07-27 1996-08-27 Aszkenas; Marvin J. Guard rail and fender formed of motor vehicle tires
US6059488A (en) * 1996-08-15 2000-05-09 Winter Beaver, Inc. Raised road marker
US6079899A (en) * 1997-05-08 2000-06-27 Winter Beaver, Inc. Raised road marker
US20070277439A1 (en) * 2006-06-06 2007-12-06 Gregor Ponert Rotating barrier
US20080277638A1 (en) * 2007-05-07 2008-11-13 Purrfect Fence, Llc Cat confinement fence
US20090293411A1 (en) * 2004-04-08 2009-12-03 Purrfect Cat Fence Confinement Fence Structure For Climbing Animals and its Associated Methods of Construction and Installation
US8616531B2 (en) 2009-01-07 2013-12-31 Purrfect Cat Fence, LLC Pivoting fencing apparatus and fencing system
US9038297B1 (en) * 2012-07-09 2015-05-26 C. J. Theobald, III Self-righting, rocking display system
US20160040374A1 (en) * 2013-03-08 2016-02-11 Kotrass Co., Ltd. Delineator post having restoration function
US20230018669A1 (en) * 2021-07-07 2023-01-19 Zkxkz, Llc Expediently Installable Traffic Calming System

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2249265C3 (de) * 1972-10-07 1981-04-09 August Bilstein GmbH & Co KG, 5828 Ennepetal Befestigung eines Modernisierungsfensters am in der Wand verbleibenden Stockrahmen des alten Fensters
DE10226271A1 (de) * 2002-06-07 2003-12-24 Ultra Reflex Gmbh Kunststoffve Selbstaufrichtender Leitpfosten

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US925342A (en) * 1909-06-15 Scott W Johnson Punching-bag.
US1250064A (en) * 1917-04-28 1917-12-11 Frank L Whims Traffic-guide.
US1341318A (en) * 1916-12-22 1920-05-25 Catherine T Hannagan Traffic-post
US1384365A (en) * 1919-04-16 1921-07-12 John M Walsh Street-semaphore
US1435363A (en) * 1922-03-04 1922-11-14 George A Wood Self-righting traffic post
US1694044A (en) * 1927-02-09 1928-12-04 George B Thompson Fighting bag
US2103410A (en) * 1936-03-20 1937-12-28 Jr John Frei Post construction

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US925342A (en) * 1909-06-15 Scott W Johnson Punching-bag.
US1341318A (en) * 1916-12-22 1920-05-25 Catherine T Hannagan Traffic-post
US1250064A (en) * 1917-04-28 1917-12-11 Frank L Whims Traffic-guide.
US1384365A (en) * 1919-04-16 1921-07-12 John M Walsh Street-semaphore
US1435363A (en) * 1922-03-04 1922-11-14 George A Wood Self-righting traffic post
US1694044A (en) * 1927-02-09 1928-12-04 George B Thompson Fighting bag
US2103410A (en) * 1936-03-20 1937-12-28 Jr John Frei Post construction

Cited By (24)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3799686A (en) * 1970-08-18 1974-03-26 Clarence Williams Marker posts
FR2304722A1 (fr) * 1975-03-20 1976-10-15 Glp Cy Borne de signalisation flexible sous impact
US4004545A (en) * 1975-03-20 1977-01-25 G.L.P. Company Boundary marker
US4378175A (en) * 1977-12-15 1983-03-29 Handelsbolaget Scanovator Post mounting
US4385759A (en) * 1981-06-04 1983-05-31 Everroad James M Skip rope
US4721306A (en) * 1984-04-24 1988-01-26 Shewchuk James G Hockey safety net
GB2202564A (en) * 1987-03-20 1988-09-28 Uk Lift Company Limited The Collapsible post
US4806046A (en) * 1987-06-29 1989-02-21 Clark Richard O Self-uprighting delineator post
WO1992013139A1 (en) * 1991-01-18 1992-08-06 Milton Richard M Impact recovery delineation system
US5199814A (en) * 1991-01-18 1993-04-06 Flexco Impact recovery delineation system
US5327850A (en) * 1991-05-02 1994-07-12 Davidson Plastics Company Roadway marker
US5515807A (en) * 1991-05-02 1996-05-14 Davidson Plastics Corporation One-way roadway marker
US5549279A (en) * 1994-07-27 1996-08-27 Aszkenas; Marvin J. Guard rail and fender formed of motor vehicle tires
US6059488A (en) * 1996-08-15 2000-05-09 Winter Beaver, Inc. Raised road marker
US6079899A (en) * 1997-05-08 2000-06-27 Winter Beaver, Inc. Raised road marker
US20090293411A1 (en) * 2004-04-08 2009-12-03 Purrfect Cat Fence Confinement Fence Structure For Climbing Animals and its Associated Methods of Construction and Installation
US20070277439A1 (en) * 2006-06-06 2007-12-06 Gregor Ponert Rotating barrier
US8001724B2 (en) * 2006-06-06 2011-08-23 Skidata Ag Rotating barrier
US20080277638A1 (en) * 2007-05-07 2008-11-13 Purrfect Fence, Llc Cat confinement fence
US8616531B2 (en) 2009-01-07 2013-12-31 Purrfect Cat Fence, LLC Pivoting fencing apparatus and fencing system
US9038297B1 (en) * 2012-07-09 2015-05-26 C. J. Theobald, III Self-righting, rocking display system
US20160040374A1 (en) * 2013-03-08 2016-02-11 Kotrass Co., Ltd. Delineator post having restoration function
US9580877B2 (en) * 2013-03-08 2017-02-28 Kotrass Co., Ltd. Delineator post having restoration function
US20230018669A1 (en) * 2021-07-07 2023-01-19 Zkxkz, Llc Expediently Installable Traffic Calming System

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
NL6911838A (de) 1970-02-09
FR2015088A1 (de) 1970-04-24
DE1938860A1 (de) 1970-02-12

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