Patent Grant
11619015
Embodiments generally relate to traffic control markers for highway and/or roadway systems. More specifically, embodiments relate to traffic control markers for highway and/or roadway systems having reflective material.
Many modern highway and roadway systems utilize traffic control markers, also known as guide posts, delineators, and stakes, to provide a variety of indications to motorists. Generally, highway traffic control markers can be used to mark the boundaries of roadways or to indicate special access lanes, such as toll lanes or high-occupancy vehicle lanes, though other uses also exist. Some areas of the highway, such as shoulder areas and zones that buffer cars from hazards routinely use traffic control markers to indicate to motorists that these areas are not safe to drive in. The traffic control markers usually have reflective material to provide a distinct indication to motorists traveling at night. A vehicle's lights reflect off the reflective material on the traffic control marker, thereby indicating to the driver they should not cross the boundary indicated by the marker. Despite these advantages, several problems still exist in the field of reflective traffic control markers. In general, traffic control markers are constructed to survive multiple impacts by vehicles of varying shapes, sizes, and dimensions. After one or many impacts, the reflective material can become marred or blackened, such that the reflective material no longer performs adequately on a particular marker or on a section of markers. Most traffic control markers in operation can be struck a certain number of times before the reflective portion of the marker is substantially marred or blackened, such that a driver can no longer see the marker or a group of markers at night.
It would thus be desirable to have a traffic control marker, delineator, guide post, and/or stake that will remain reflective and effective after one or multiple impacts. Such a marker would provide safer roadways for motorists and also provide a cost benefit by reducing the routine service and replacement expenses for traffic control markers.
Disclosed herein is a traffic control marker comprising: a flexible tube having a bottom end configured to be secured to the ground and comprising a longitudinal channel, wherein the longitudinal channel is formed by a first channel edge and a second channel edge and is configured to be facing towards oncoming traffic; and a reflective element positioned in an inner portion of the longitudinal channel, wherein the first channel edge and the second channel edge are configured to close inward towards the inner portion during vehicle impact event so to protect at least a portion of the reflective element. In some embodiments, the flexible tube comprises plastic material having a vibrant color. In some embodiments, the reflective element includes an illumination source. In some embodiments, the first channel edge and the second channel edge are rigid ribs protruding out from the flexible tube.
In some embodiments, a portion of the flexible tube between two ends has cross-sectional thickness greater than cross-sectional thickness of the bottom end configured to absorb contact during vehicle impact event. In some embodiments, the traffic control marker further comprises an inner core, wherein the inner core is substantially cylindrical and is positioned coaxially within the flexible tube wherein one end of the inner core is configured to be secured to the ground.
In some embodiments, the traffic control marker further comprises a ground base fixed to the ground wherein the bottom end of the flexible tube is coupled to the ground base. In some embodiments, the traffic control marker further comprises a retention ring and a retention ring receiver, wherein the retention ring receiver is coupled to the flexible tube and includes a retention shoulder, wherein the retention ring is positioned in a recess in the ground base, is coupled to the retention ring receiver, and includes a retention ring shoulder configured to mate with the retention shoulder of the retention ring receiver. In some embodiments, the traffic control marker further comprises a retention pin, wherein each of the ground base, the retention ring, and the retention ring receiver has two pin holes on opposing sides such that the retention pin is inserted through the ground base, the retention ring, and the retention ring receiver configured to secure the flexible tube.
Also disclosed herein is a traffic control marker, comprising: a flexible tube having a bottom end configured to be secured to the ground; at least one protective flap attached to the flexible tube; and a reflective element positioned on an exterior portion of the flexible tube and beneath the at least one protective flap wherein the reflective element is facing towards oncoming traffic, wherein the at least one protective flap is configured to close towards the flexible tube during vehicle impact event so to protect at least a portion of the reflective element. In some embodiments, the flexible tube comprises plastic material having a vibrant color. In some embodiments, the reflective element includes an illumination source.
In some embodiments, the at least one protective flap is longitudinally attached to the flexible tube. In some embodiments, a longitudinal channel is formed by the at least one protective flap and the reflective element is positioned in an inner portion of the longitudinal channel. In other embodiments, the at least one protective flap is transversely attached to the flexible tube.
In some embodiments, a portion of the flexible tube between two ends has cross-sectional thickness greater than cross-sectional thickness of the bottom end configured to absorb contact during vehicle impact event. In some embodiments, the traffic control marker further comprises an inner core, wherein the inner core is substantially cylindrical and is positioned coaxially within the flexible tube wherein one end of the inner core is configured to be secured to the ground.
In some embodiments, the traffic control marker further comprises a ground base fixed to the ground wherein the bottom end of the flexible tube is coupled to the ground base. In some embodiments, the traffic control marker further comprises a retention ring and a retention ring receiver, wherein the retention ring receiver is coupled to the flexible tube and includes a retention shoulder, wherein the retention ring is positioned in a recess in the ground base, is coupled to the retention ring receiver, and includes a retention ring shoulder configured to mate with the retention shoulder of the retention ring receiver. In some embodiments, the traffic control marker further comprises a retention pin, wherein each of the ground base, the retention ring, and the retention ring receiver has two pin holes on opposing sides such that the retention pin is inserted through the ground base, the retention ring, and the retention ring receiver configured to secure the flexible tube.
The figures and descriptions as provided herein are intended to be illustrative and do not represent, show, or describe every embodiment and/or feature combination that is possible, as such the figures and descriptions should not be deemed limiting and other useful and effective embodiments may be achieved by considering the included descriptions and the included illustrations.
The embodiments and feature combinations as described below should not be deemed limiting, other useful and effective embodiments and feature combinations may be achieved by consideration of the included descriptions and illustrations. The subject matter of this disclosure is not restricted except only in the spirit of the specification and appended claims.
Those of skill in the art also understand that the terminology used for describing particular embodiments does not limit the scope or breadth of the embodiments of the disclosure. In interpreting the specification and appended claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context of each term. All technical and scientific terms used in the specification and appended claims have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs unless defined otherwise.
Although the disclosure has been described with respect to certain features, it should be understood that the features and embodiments of the features can be combined with other features and embodiments of those features.
Although the disclosure has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alternations can be made without departing from the principle and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure should be determined by the following claims and their appropriate legal equivalents.
As used in the specification and appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
As used, the words “comprise,” “has,” “includes”, and all other grammatical variations are each intended to have an open, non-limiting meaning that does not exclude additional elements, components or steps. Embodiments of the present disclosure may suitably “comprise”, “consist” or “consist essentially of” the limiting features disclosed, and may be practiced in the absence of a limiting feature not disclosed. For example, it can be recognized by those skilled in the art that certain steps can be combined into a single step.
Optional or optionally means that the subsequently described event or circumstances can or may not occur. The description includes instances where the event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not occur.
Where a range of values is provided in the specification or in the appended claims, it is understood that the interval encompasses each intervening value between the upper limit and the lower limit as well as the upper limit and the lower limit. The disclosure encompasses and bounds smaller ranges of the interval subject to any specific exclusion provided.
Where reference is made in the specification and appended claims to a method comprising two or more defined steps, the defined steps can be carried out in any order or simultaneously except where the context excludes that possibility.
As used throughout the disclosure, terms such as “first” and “second” are arbitrarily assigned and are merely intended to differentiate between two or more components of an apparatus. It is to be understood that the words “first” and “second” serve no other purpose and are not part of the name or description of the component, nor do they necessarily define a relative location or position of the component. Furthermore, it is to be understood that that the mere use of the term “first” and “second” does not require that there be any “third” component, although that possibility is contemplated under the scope of the present disclosure.
Spatial terms describe the relative position of an object or a group of objects relative to another object or group of objects. The spatial relationships apply along vertical and horizontal axes. Orientation and relational words, including “above,” “below,” “upper,” “lower,” and other like terms, are for descriptive convenience and are not limiting unless otherwise indicated.
The technology described herein and below and illustrated by accompanying figures, generally relates to improved traffic control markers for highway and/or roadway systems. It should be appreciated that traffic control markers may also be referred to as guide posts, delineators, and stakes, and are used to provide a variety of indications to motorists. Typically traffic control markers, guide posts, and delineators are describing traffic control markers that connect to the ground, and typically stakes are describing markers that insert into the ground, though these terms may also be used interchangeably.
In an embodiment, a traffic control marker, which may also be referred to as a guide post, delineator, or stake, is provided. The traffic control marker can be configured to have reflective sheeting which may surround a portion of the marker. In an embodiment, an indentation and/or channel can be molded into the marker. The indentation or channel may extend down the partial length of a post or may extend the full length of the post on the markers outer surface. The reflective sheeting or other reflective material can be configured to extend and run across the surface of the marker inside the indentation or channel such that at least a portion of the reflective material is protected from impact.
The indention or channel of the above-described embodiment can act like a clamp when the marker is contacted by a vehicle and the reflective material is then shielded by the edge portions of the indentation or channel such that it does not become marred or blackened over time. The channel can further close in on itself and protect the reflective element when the marker is subject to a strong impact.
In an embodiment, a vibrant color of plastic material may be selected for the main body of the marker to allow for higher visibility of the marker. The preferred material for a traffic control markers is often a plastic or other similarly durable material and the reflective material portion of a marker can be a reflective tape, a bicycle reflector, though other reflective materials can be utilized. In an alternate embodiment, the reflective element can be replaced by an alternate reflective material, a light emitting diode, series of light emitting diodes, or other illumination source that will alert a vehicle to the presence of the marker.
In an embodiment, the lower end of a traffic control marker can be configured to be embedded in the roadway. In an embodiment, surface mounts, configured to position the traffic control marker to the ground, may be glued to the asphalt or concrete surface of the roadway. The reflective material and protected portion of reflective materials can be configured to face towards oncoming traffic. When a vehicle strikes the marker, the indentation or channel edges come together due to the force of the impact.
The size of a marker can vary depending on the application and desired visibility profile for a given section of highway or roadway. A marker can also be of various heights. The reflective material can also cover various portions of a marker depending on the desired reflection profile and depending on the configuration of a given section of highway or roadway.
In accordance with another embodiment, a traffic control marker can be configured with a plastic flap that protrudes from the marker and collapses when the marker is impacted. This embodiment can have plastic flaps at various heights and locations along the traffic marker or the flap can extend down the entire length or a substantial portion of the marker.
In accordance with another embodiment, a traffic marker can be configured with two plastic flaps that are attached to the marker. In an impact, these plastic flaps can be arranged such that they fold over each other to protect the reflective material beneath the flaps. These flaps can extend down a portion of the marker, the full length of the marker, or a substantial length of the marker.
In accordance with another embodiment, a traffic control marker can be configured with a set of rigid ribs that protrude out from the main body of the marker and protect the reflective material between and adjacent the ribs. The ribs can extend down a portion of the marker, the full length of the marker, or a substantial length of the marker.
In accordance with another embodiment, a plastic molded post of a traffic control marker can be made with two molding cores being used to create the main body and that go in and after the molding of the post, such that the center of the post is thicker than the ends of the post. The center section being thicker creates a configuration where the inner core is less likely to protrude through the plastic top in an impact situation.
Referring to
In an alternate embodiment of the markers described herein, other types of reflective material can be substituted for the reflective sheet material 40 described in the above and below embodiments. Alternatively, in an embodiment, only a portion of the traffic control marker 10 or a substantial portion, or all of a given marker may be covered in reflective or illuminative material. Further, a traffic control marker body 20 can be of materials with varying thicknesses depending on the desirable characteristics of a marker. Often though, the main body 20 of a traffic control marker 10 will be made from plastic due to its low cost and impact durability. Also, a traffic control marker 10 will often be made in a vibrant color to aide in the visibility of the marker, at least during the day.
Referring to
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In each of the embodiments and configurations described herein, as long as at least a portion 42,342,442,542,642 of reflective material 40,340,440,540,640 is protected from impact, that portion 42,342,442,542,642 of reflective material 40,340,440,540,640 is unlikely to be marred or blackened by the impact and the marker 10,310,410,510,610 will remain reflective and effective for a longer duration of time than would be possible with earlier known reflector designs.
In an alternate embodiment, the reflective element 40,340,440,540,640 can be replaced by an alternate reflective material, a light emitting diode, a series of light emitting diodes, or other illumination source that will alert a vehicle to the presence of the marker 10,310,410,510,610. In a light emitting embodiment, the base or other portion of the traffic control marker 10,310,410,510,610 can be configured with solar panels and a battery can be housed inside the marker 10,310,410,510,610, such that the markers 10,310,410,510,610 can generate enough electricity during the day to keep them illuminated at night. In an alternate embodiment, the solar panels and/or batteries can be displaced from the markers 10,310,410,510,610. Additionally, in each of the above described embodiments, an illumination source can be placed in the protected inner section of the marker 10,310,410,510,610, such that the lights can be protected from vehicle impacts and can continue to function after an impact or number of impacts. In an embodiment, the lower end of a traffic control marker 10,310,410,510,610 can be configured to be embedded in the roadway and the reflective material 40,340,440,540,640 and protected portion 42,342,442,542,642 of reflective materials 40,340,440,540,640 can be configured to face towards oncoming traffic. In an embodiment, the illuminative or light configured section of a marker 10,310,410,510,610 and protected portion 42,342,442,542,642 of the illuminative or light configured section of a marker 10,310,410,510,610 can be configured to face towards oncoming traffic.
Referring to
Referring to
The traffic control marker 10,310,410,510,610,710,810 embodiments described herein or any other traffic control marker system may include a surface mount base attachment to asphalt and concrete along with a “ground mount” that may secure the traffic control marker 10,310,410,510,610,710,810 to the base.
Referring to
Other marker body configurations may be substituted into the various embodiments described herein as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.
Embodiments of the disclosure described, therefore, are well adapted to carry out the objects and attain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as others that are inherent. While example embodiments of the disclosure have been given for purposes of disclosure, numerous changes exist in the details of procedures for accomplishing the desired results. These and other similar modifications will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art, and are intended to be encompassed within the spirit of the present disclosure and the scope of the appended claims.
This application is a non-provisional application claiming priority to U.S. Prov. App. No. 62/483,164, filed Apr. 7, 2017, the entire disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference.
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