SAFETY CONE

Abstract

A device includes a cone having a cone first end with a flange, the cone extending to a cone second end. A base has a recess to mate with the flange of the cone. The base also has multiple base openings. A ring is shaped to fit on top of the flange and has multiple ring openings to mate with the base openings in a top of the base for releasably coupling the cone to the base.

Description

BACKGROUND

Safety cones are often hit by cars or otherwise damaged. When damaged, or even tipped over, the safety cones lose their effectiveness in warning drivers or pedestrians of dangers for which the cones were originally placed. The safety cones may also need complete replacement, leading to waste and excess cost.

SUMMARY

An improved safety device includes a cone having a cone first end with a flange, the cone extending to a cone second end. A base has a recess to mate with the flange of the cone. The base also has multiple base openings. A ring is shaped to fit on top of the flange and has multiple ring openings to mate with the base openings in a top of the base for releasably coupling the cone to the base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a disassembled perspective view of an improved safety cone according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of safety cone in an assembled form according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a bottom block diagram representation of a removeable base for a safety cone according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram view of a sleeve prior to attaching the sleeve to a cone according to an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments which may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural, logical and electrical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following description of example embodiments is, therefore, not to be taken in a limited sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

FIG. 1 is a disassembled perspective view of an improved safety cone 100. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of safety cone 100 in an assembled form. Safety cone 100 includes a cone 110 having a cone first end 115 with a laterally extending annular flange 120. The cone 100 tapers toward a cone second end 125, which is a top of the cone in normal use, such as for warning drivers of potential hazards on roads, paths, or other areas.

A base 130 has a recess 135 formed to mate with the flange 120 of the cone 110. The base 130 has multiple base openings 140. A ring 145 is shaped to fit on top of the cone flange 120 and has multiple ring openings 150 to mate with the base openings 140 in a top 155 of the base 130. Screws 158, bolts, or other means may be used for releasably or removably coupling the cone to the base. Six openings in each of the various components are shown, but the number may vary in further embodiments. The ring 145 should be constructed of a material and have a thickness to retentatively hold the cone to the base. Recyclable rubber such as tires etc., may be used as the material.

In use, the safety cone may become damaged. Usually, just the cone 110 is damaged, and may be removed from the base. The screws or bolts may or may not become damaged, but usually the ring 145 and base 130 may be reused with either new means for attaching or salvaged prior screws or bolts. Thus, the term releasable includes unscrewing to the screws of bolts, or other ways in which the base 130 and cone 110 become separated.

The cone may be formed of injection molded Polyethylene (PE) (PVC—flow molded) in one embodiment, which is stronger than current materials used to manufactures cones. The base may be formed of recyclable rubber or other material such as plastic or other suitable material or may even include a filler material to provide a base which is heavier than PE and provides a weighted base to help prevent the safety cone 100 from being blown over or easily tipping. Ring 145 may be formed of similar material or materials suitable for retaining the cone and base together. Cones may have any length and shape. Typical sizes include 28 inch slim body and 28 inch wide body cones. The cones may be round or other shape in further embodiments.

In one embodiment, the base 130 has a key tab opening 160 and the ring 145 has a key tab 163 configured to mate with the key tab opening such that the base openings and ring openings align. Such alignment provides for easier manufacturing without having to rotate parts and determine when the holes align such that the screws or bolts may be inserted for assembly such that the ring 145 clamps the flange 120 of the cone 110 to the base 130. The key and key tab may be nearly rectangular in shape as shown or may be some other shape such as triangular or even having curved edges in various embodiments. Multiple keys and key openings may be provided in further embodiments to help align openings. The opening may be through holes or partial holes that self-tapping screws may penetrate or openings may server as markers for drilling holes in further embodiments. Nuts may be used on either side of the ring or base to secure bolts in further embodiments.

The flange of the cone may also have flange openings 165 to mate with the ring openings 150 and the base openings 140. In one embodiment, the cone tapers from the first end to the second end and may be conical in shape. In further embodiments, the cone may be cylindrical or other shape, such as triangular, rectangular, or any other polygon shape in further embodiments. The flange may extend annularly around the cone or may have gaps around the circumference of the first end of the cone, appearing as tabs for securing the cone to the base via the ring.

The cone may include one or more sleeves 170 (only shown in FIG. 1) of reflective sheeting positioned between the cone first and second ends. Sleeves 170 may be any length, such as between 4 and 6 inches in length. The reflective sheeting in one embodiment is a 3M Control Devices Series 3910 Diamond Grade reflective sheeting. Any other reflective sheeting that would provide sufficient reflectivity to provide visibility may be used. The sleeves 170 may be adhered to the cone via heat treating of the cone with the sleeve positioned where desired, or by the use of a primer that acts as an adhesive, such as 3M 94 primer.

FIG. 3 is a bottom block diagram representation of a removeable base 300 for a safety cone. In one embodiment, the base 300 is square in perimeter, with rounded corners. Other shapes of bases may also be used in further embodiments. A square shape provides good stability for supporting the cone. A center portion 310 of the base 300 may be open in one embodiment. Around the perimeter of the center portion 310, several opening indentations 315 are formed with base openings 320 formed therein for attaching the base 300 to a cone flange and ring as previously described. The opening indentations 315 enable the provision of less base material to connect the cone to, allowing the use of shorter screws or bolts.

Base 300 includes multiple outer indentations 320 disposed about outer corners of the base 300. Outer indentations 320 may provide greater structural integrity for the base 300. Several other indentations 323 and vias may provide further structural integrity as desired. In one embodiment, one or more indentations, such as indentations 320 may reflective material 325. The reflective material in one embodiment comprises reflective glass beads adhered within the indentations. While reflective material is shown in indentations 320, indentations 323, or other indentations may alternatively or in addition contain reflective material to provide a desired amount of reflectivity.

The reflective glass beads may for example include 3M All weather elements AW50S or ID 75-0301-7298-7. The reflective glass beads may be adhered within indentations 320 by translucent glue 330 such as 3M Hi-Strength 90 adhesive or any other compatible adhesive.

In various embodiments, cones of various sizes, such as a 28-inch cone using Polyethylene material may utilize the removable base made of recyclable material. Since the bottom of the base 300 includes reflective glass beads, the safety cone remains visible so when the safety cone is tipped over such as by wind or other force, drivers and pedestrians are still likely to see the cone by either light reflection off the sleeves or the glass beads in the base. The base 300 is also recyclable and reusable should cones wear out or otherwise become damaged.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram view of a sleeve 400 prior to attaching the sleeve 400 to a cone. The sleeve may be cut from a sheet of reflective material and include arced length edges 410, 415 and ends 420, 425. The arced length edges 410, 415 include arced edges such that when applied to a tapered cone, wrap around the cone such that the ends 420, 425 meet. The ends are also angled when cut such that the match when wrapped around the cone. An additional tab 430 may be provided on one or more of the ends to help glue the ends together.

In a further embodiment, the cone may be coupled to the base to support the cone above a top of the base, with the base having at least one indentation that includes a reflective material. The base and cone may be injection molded together, or separately and glued or otherwise attached to the base.

Although a few embodiments have been described in detail above, other modifications are possible. For example, other components may be added to, or removed from, the described devices. Other embodiments may be within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A device comprising: a cone having a cone first end with a flange, the cone extending to a cone second end;a base having a recess to mate with the flange of the cone and multiple base openings; anda ring shaped to fit on top of the flange and having multiple ring openings to mate with the base openings in a top of the base for releasably coupling the cone to the base.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the base has a key tab opening and the ring has a key tab configured to mate with the key tab opening such that the base openings and ring openings align.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein the flange of the cone has flange openings to mate with the ring openings and the base openings.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein the cone is formed of injection molded Polyethylene (PE).

5. The device of claim 1 wherein the cone includes a sleeve of reflective sheeting positioned between the cone first and second ends.

6. The device of claim 5 wherein the sleeve is between 4 and 6 inches in length.

7. The device of claim 5 wherein the reflective sheeting comprises 3M Control Devices Series 3910 Diamond Grade reflective sheeting.

8. The device of claim 5 wherein the sleeves are adhered to the cone via heat treating or primer.

9. The device of claim 1 wherein the base is weighted.

10. The device of claim 9 wherein a bottom of the base comprises indentations for structural integrity, and wherein at least one indentation includes reflective material.

11. The device of claim 10 wherein the reflective material comprises reflective glass beads adhered in the at least one indentation.

12. The device of claim 11 wherein the reflective glass beads comprise 3M All weather elements AW50S or uses ID 75-0301-7298-7.

13. The device of claim 11 wherein the reflective glass beads are adhered by translucent glue.

14. The device of claim 13 wherein the glue comprises 3M Hi-Strength 90 adhesive.

15. The device of claim 1 wherein the cone tapers in a conical shape from the cone first end to the cone second end.

16. A device comprising: a cone having a cone first end with a flange, the cone extending to a cone second end;a base coupled to support the cone above a top of the base, a bottom of the base having at least one indentation that includes a reflective material.

17. The device of claim 16 wherein the cone is formed of injection molded Polyethylene (PE).

18. The device of claim 16 wherein the cone includes a sleeve of reflective sheeting positioned between the cone first and second ends.

19. The device of claim 18 wherein the sleeve is between 4 and 6 inches in length, wherein the sleeves are adhered to the cone via heat treating or primer.

20. The device of claim 16 wherein the reflective material comprises reflective glass beads adhered in the at least one indentation.