The embodiments herein relate generally to traffic delineator posts or cones.
Delineator posts are used in a variety of locations such as roadways, sidewalks or other fields to direct vehicular and pedestrian traffic. The delineator posts typically comprise a post member having a highly visible color such as orange and a weighted base member. The weighted base member has a central opening that receives the post member. Once the weighted base member is placed over the post member and positioned to contact the ground, the post member is retained in a vertical position.
Current delineator posts comprise a bottom ring, also known as a base retention ring, which contacts the ground when in use. Over time, the bottom ring wears out, as the delineator cone is often dragged along an abrasive ground surface. This renders the delineator post ineffective and/or unusable in certain applications. In many instances, individuals have to discard these worn posts and purchase new ones. This is impractical and not cost effective.
As such, there is a need in the industry for a base insert for use with traffic delineator posts that replaces the existing bottom ring after it becomes worn out. This enhances the lifetime and durability of the traffic delineator post.
A detachable base insert for use with a traffic delineator post assembly is provided. The traffic delineator post assembly comprises a tubular post member and a post base comprising a central opening configured to receive the tubular post member. The base insert is configured to couple to a bottom portion of the post member to prevent contact between the tubular post member and a ground surface, thereby reducing wear on the tubular post member. The base insert comprises a tubular insert member configured to be disposed within an interior wall of the bottom portion of the tubular post member, and a base ring coupled to a bottom portion of the tubular insert member, wherein the base ring is configured to serve as a barrier between the bottom of the tubular post member and the ground surface, thereby minimizing surface wear of the tubular post member. The detachable base insert effectively replaces a worn out base retention ring on a delineator post.
In certain embodiments, a plurality of protrusions is disposed on an outer surface of the tubular post member. In certain embodiments, each protrusion in the plurality of protrusions comprises a trapezoidal-shaped wedge.
The detailed description of some embodiments of the invention will be made below with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein the figures disclose one or more embodiments of the present invention.
As depicted in
As depicted in
In a preferred embodiment, protrusions 14 are divided into a first set of protrusions aligned together and positioned proximate a top edge of tubular member 12, and a second set of protrusions aligned together and positioned on an intermediate portion of tubular member 12. Protrusions 14 are oriented such that the protrusions in the first set are not aligned with the protrusions in the second set. Although the figures depict four protrusions in each set, it shall be appreciated that any alternative number of protrusions may be used instead.
Ring 20 is coupled to the bottom of tubular member 12. In one embodiment, ring 20 comprises a step portion positioned at the junction between tubular member 12 and ring 20. The remaining portion of ring 20 is configured to lay flat against a ground surface.
It shall be appreciated that base insert 10 may be made from any materials known in the field such as high-density polyethylene or an alternative plastic-type material. Tubular member 12 and ring 20 may be a single continuous component or separate components joined together. The final assembly of tubular member 12 and ring 20 comprises a height of approximately 5.15 inches. However, the dimensions of base insert 10 may vary to accommodate different sized delineator posts 16 and/or post bases 18.
To operate base insert 10, tubular member 12 is inserted into the bottom of delineator post 16. Protrusions 14 on tubular member 12 contact the interior wall of delineator post 16. This enhances friction between tubular member 12 and delineator post 16 and helps to secure the components together. Post base 18 is disposed over base insert 10 and delineator post 16 as depicted in
It shall be appreciated that the components of base insert 10 described in several embodiments herein may comprise any alternative known materials in the field and be of any color, size and/or dimensions. It shall be appreciated that the components of base insert 10 described herein may be manufactured and assembled using any known techniques in the field.
Persons of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate that numerous design configurations may be possible to enjoy the functional benefits of the inventive systems. Thus, given the wide variety of configurations and arrangements of embodiments of the present invention the scope of the invention is reflected by the breadth of the claims below rather than narrowed by the embodiments described above.
The application claims priority to provisional patent application U.S. Ser. No. 62/069,309 filed on Oct. 28, 2014, the entire contents of which is herein incorporated by reference.
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3391660 | Stewart | Jul 1968 | A |
D287820 | Bullen | Jan 1987 | S |
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Number | Date | Country | |
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20160115660 A1 | Apr 2016 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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62069309 | Oct 2014 | US |