US3780285A - Traffic light conversion kit - Google Patents

Traffic light conversion kit Download PDF

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Publication number
US3780285A
US3780285A US00274343A US3780285DA US3780285A US 3780285 A US3780285 A US 3780285A US 00274343 A US00274343 A US 00274343A US 3780285D A US3780285D A US 3780285DA US 3780285 A US3780285 A US 3780285A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
diffuser
open end
lens
fresnel
light
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
US00274343A
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English (en)
Inventor
R Appeldorn
G Ljungkull
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.)
3M Co
Original Assignee
Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Co
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Co filed Critical Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Co
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3780285A publication Critical patent/US3780285A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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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

Definitions

  • ABSTRACT A kit which may be added to a conventional eight inch traffic signal to convert the traffic signal to a larger, i.e., 12 inch signal.
  • the kit comprises a light diffusing roundel of colored glass positioned within the focus of a front positive Fresnel-type lens.
  • This invention relates to a unique optical system which may be positioned as a substitute for the existing lens on a traffic signal to produce an enlarged signal light with the existing light source.
  • One aspect of the invention is the diffusion of the collimated light from a lamp and parabolic reflector by a roundel having a ground surface, which light is collected and collimated by a Fresnel lens to produce the signal.
  • the present invention relates to a kit for converting an existing traffic signal having a view surface approximately 8 inches in diameter to an enlarged signal of approximately ll inches by replacing the existing front lens in the existing signal with a kit.
  • the signal conversion kit comprises a colored glass light diffusing roun del supported in a housing and spaced from a short focual length positive Fresnel-type lens. The spacing is less than the focal length of the lens and the roundel is substantially within the focus of the Fresnel lens.
  • the roundel has a size corresponding to the replaced front lens of the traffic signal to be fully illuminated from the lamp and collimated parabolic reflector.
  • Diffuse light from the roundel is collected by the Fresnel lens and produces a large visible bright signal.
  • a sun shield prevents the light from being washed out by the ambient light.
  • the optic axis of the Fresnel is positioned at an angle of from the axis of the parabolic reflector to direct the light toward the traffic.
  • FIG. I is a side view of a traffic signal lamp having the kit of the present invention mounted thereon;
  • FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view, part of which is not taken along the same section lines, to show the interior elements of the conversion kit.
  • the present invention relates to a kit for economically converting the presently conventional 8 inch traffic signal to a larger signal structure.
  • the kit effectively converts'the 8 inch traffic signal light to a light of approximately l2 inches in diameter.
  • the conventional traffic signal for one signal light comprises a rectangular housing 5, having dimensions approximately inches by 10 inches by 4% inches.
  • the front of thehousing is formed by a hinged door 6.
  • the door '6 is formed with an enlarged circular opening 7 in which is conventionally mounted a light directing lens similar to that of a flood lamp. This lens is usually made of colored glass to project the red, amber, or green light.
  • the traffic signal also comprises a conventional traffic signal lamp 8 mounted in a suitable socket 9 in the center of a parabolic specular reflector 10. The reflector l0 collimates light and would fill the opening 7 with light from the lamp 8.
  • the kit of the present invention comprises a frame I2 formed of generally trapezoidal shaped sides such that the frame converges from an enlarged planar forward end toward a smaller rearward planar end inclined to the forward end.
  • the smaller end is adapted to be secured to the door 6 of the traffic light by suitable fas teners 13.
  • the fasteners are screws received in threaded openings in the door 6.
  • a light diffuser in the form of a rough-surfaced roundel 14 formed of conventional molded colored glass is secured in the door 6 in place of the lens of the conventional traffic signal.
  • the roundel is thus held by the fastening means provided for the conventional lens.
  • the roundel has a diameter of 8 inches and an outer radius of 8% inches.
  • the inner surface is ground to diffuse the light.
  • One of the fastening members is illustrated in FIG. 2, and four such fasteners for the roundel and frame are positioned about the opening in the door 6.
  • a Fresnel-type positive lens 20 Spaced from the roundel 14 and positioned with its axis at an angle of 5 to the axis of the roundel l4 and the reflector 10 is a Fresnel-type positive lens 20.
  • This Fresnel-type lens has an 8 to 10 inch focal length preferably approximately 9 inches which disposes the focal point of the lens behind the light source provided by the lamp 8 and reflector I0.
  • the focus of the lens 20 however is shown by the broken lines 22 and covers a substantial portion of the roundel 14, which roundel is spaced from the lens by about 4 inches.
  • substantially all the diffuse light from the roundel I4 is gathered by the Fresnel lens 20 and is directed toward the roadway. If part of the roundel is outside the focus of the lens 20 the inensity of the signal light would decrease, which should be avoided.
  • a sun shield 24 is disposed about a circular flange 25 formed on the front of the frame 112 to shield the lens 20 from the ambient light.
  • a kit for enlarging the size of the surface to be viewed on a traffic signal comprising:
  • a frame having an enlarged open end disposed in a first plane and a reduced open end disposed in a second plane, said reduced open end being adapted to fit over the open forward end of a traffic signal a Fresnel-type condensing lens defining an axial beam converging at a focal point 8 to 10 inches from said lens and disposed in and supported in the enlarged open end of said frame for providing an enlarged surface to be viewed, and
  • a light-diffusing diffuser disposed at the reduced open end of said frame and extending across the beam and being substantially within the confines of the beam, said diffuser having a convex surface facing towards said Fresnel-type condensing lens, said reduced open end of said frame being spaced a predetermined distance from the enlarged open end of said frame such that at least a portion of said diffuser is disposed closer to said Fresnel-type condensing lens than to the focal point of said lens.
  • a kit according to claim 1 wherein said Fresneltype condensing lens has its axis inclined 5 from the axis of the diffuser 4.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)
  • Traffic Control Systems (AREA)
US00274343A 1972-07-24 1972-07-24 Traffic light conversion kit Expired - Lifetime US3780285A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US27434372A 1972-07-24 1972-07-24

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3780285A true US3780285A (en) 1973-12-18

Family

ID=23047791

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US00274343A Expired - Lifetime US3780285A (en) 1972-07-24 1972-07-24 Traffic light conversion kit

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (1) US3780285A (cs)
JP (1) JPS4946891A (cs)
CA (1) CA993422A (cs)
DE (1) DE2337379A1 (cs)
FR (1) FR2193954B1 (cs)
GB (1) GB1435158A (cs)
IT (1) IT989971B (cs)

Cited By (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5765944A (en) * 1995-02-16 1998-06-16 Fallon; Timothy Ross Sun shields for housing assemblies containing illuminated glass tubing
US6541911B1 (en) * 1999-02-05 2003-04-01 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Multi-color emission dispersion type electroluminescence lamp
US20030076237A1 (en) * 2000-05-10 2003-04-24 Simon Blumel Signaling device for traffic signals
US20040022057A1 (en) * 2000-10-10 2004-02-05 Lee Gye Seon Led lamp for signal light
USD567432S1 (en) * 2005-01-18 2008-04-22 Musco Corporation Lighting fixture short visor
USD567995S1 (en) * 2005-01-18 2008-04-29 Musco Corporation Lighting fixture visor with light transmissive opening
USD573752S1 (en) * 2005-01-18 2008-07-22 Musco Corporation Lighting fixture long visor
US20080273335A1 (en) * 2007-05-02 2008-11-06 Musco Corporation Full or near-full cut-off visor for light fixture
USD583500S1 (en) * 2007-06-14 2008-12-23 Musco Corporation Lighting fixture to provide up-light for aerial viewing and effectively control glare and spill light
USD583499S1 (en) * 2007-05-02 2008-12-23 Musco Corporation Full or near-full cut-off visor for light fixture
USD646428S1 (en) * 2011-02-25 2011-10-04 Musco Corporation Lighting fixture housing
USD656266S1 (en) * 2011-07-28 2012-03-20 Musco Corporation Lighting fixture housing
US11384921B1 (en) * 2021-07-21 2022-07-12 Christopher Neal Bichon Snow shield assembly for use with a traffic signal

Families Citing this family (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS4939248A (cs) * 1972-08-22 1974-04-12
JPS53159291U (cs) * 1977-05-19 1978-12-13
AU648082B2 (en) * 1990-05-11 1994-04-14 Commonwealth Scientific And Industrial Research Organisation Traffic light
ZA913502B (en) * 1990-05-11 1992-03-25 Commw Scient Ind Res Org Traffic light
EP0860805A1 (de) * 1997-02-24 1998-08-26 SWARCO FUTURIT Verkehrssignalsysteme Ges.m.b.H. Optischer Signalgeber mit Vielfach-Lichtquelle
DE202009017139U1 (de) 2009-01-30 2010-04-29 Lutze, Peter Lichtzeichenanlage
DE202009001156U1 (de) 2009-01-30 2009-07-02 Lutze, Peter Verkehrsampel oder andere Lichtzeichenanlage mit abgewinkelten Deckgläsern

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2484136A (en) * 1949-10-11 Cover glass for light signals
US3049614A (en) * 1959-06-29 1962-08-14 Gamewell Co Traffic signal adapter
US3457400A (en) * 1966-08-10 1969-07-22 Minnesota Mining & Mfg Apparatus and method for directing a beacon toward a limited viewing area
US3597606A (en) * 1969-01-03 1971-08-03 Gen Signal Corp Warning-light housing
US3696715A (en) * 1969-12-29 1972-10-10 Minnesota Mining & Mfg Beam defining apparatus

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2484136A (en) * 1949-10-11 Cover glass for light signals
US3049614A (en) * 1959-06-29 1962-08-14 Gamewell Co Traffic signal adapter
US3457400A (en) * 1966-08-10 1969-07-22 Minnesota Mining & Mfg Apparatus and method for directing a beacon toward a limited viewing area
US3597606A (en) * 1969-01-03 1971-08-03 Gen Signal Corp Warning-light housing
US3696715A (en) * 1969-12-29 1972-10-10 Minnesota Mining & Mfg Beam defining apparatus

Cited By (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5765944A (en) * 1995-02-16 1998-06-16 Fallon; Timothy Ross Sun shields for housing assemblies containing illuminated glass tubing
US6541911B1 (en) * 1999-02-05 2003-04-01 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Multi-color emission dispersion type electroluminescence lamp
US20030076237A1 (en) * 2000-05-10 2003-04-24 Simon Blumel Signaling device for traffic signals
US6970296B2 (en) * 2000-05-10 2005-11-29 Osram Gmbh Signaling device for traffic signals
US20040022057A1 (en) * 2000-10-10 2004-02-05 Lee Gye Seon Led lamp for signal light
USD567432S1 (en) * 2005-01-18 2008-04-22 Musco Corporation Lighting fixture short visor
USD567995S1 (en) * 2005-01-18 2008-04-29 Musco Corporation Lighting fixture visor with light transmissive opening
USD573752S1 (en) * 2005-01-18 2008-07-22 Musco Corporation Lighting fixture long visor
US20080273335A1 (en) * 2007-05-02 2008-11-06 Musco Corporation Full or near-full cut-off visor for light fixture
USD583499S1 (en) * 2007-05-02 2008-12-23 Musco Corporation Full or near-full cut-off visor for light fixture
US7918588B2 (en) 2007-05-02 2011-04-05 Musco Corporation Full or near-full cut-off visor for light fixture
US8162511B1 (en) 2007-05-02 2012-04-24 Musco Corporation Full or near-full cut-off visor for light fixture
USD583500S1 (en) * 2007-06-14 2008-12-23 Musco Corporation Lighting fixture to provide up-light for aerial viewing and effectively control glare and spill light
USD646428S1 (en) * 2011-02-25 2011-10-04 Musco Corporation Lighting fixture housing
USD656266S1 (en) * 2011-07-28 2012-03-20 Musco Corporation Lighting fixture housing
US11384921B1 (en) * 2021-07-21 2022-07-12 Christopher Neal Bichon Snow shield assembly for use with a traffic signal

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2193954B1 (cs) 1977-05-13
FR2193954A1 (cs) 1974-02-22
DE2337379A1 (de) 1974-02-14
GB1435158A (en) 1976-05-12
JPS4946891A (cs) 1974-05-07
CA993422A (en) 1976-07-20
IT989971B (it) 1975-06-10

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