Patent Application
20250027283
The present invention relates generally to warning tape and specifically to a holder adapted to be fitted around a post, such as a traffic cone or traffic delineator, the holder permitting warning tape to be displayed without the tape becoming twisted or difficult to see.
Warning tape, also known as caution tape, barrier tape, or safety tape, is a highly visible, brightly colored tape used to indicate potential hazards, mark off dangerous areas, and provide visual warnings to individuals in various settings. Warning tape is typically made of durable, non-adhesive plastic materials such as polyethylene or polypropylene. Warning tape serves multiple purposes. For example, warning tape is commonly used to warn individuals of potential dangers, hazardous areas, or restricted zones. It helps prevent accidents, control access, and ensure compliance with safety regulations. In construction sites, road work areas, or other work zones, warning tape is used to demarcate boundaries, restrict access, and alert workers and passersby to potential hazards. For example, warning tape may be used in and around construction areas or machinery or to warn of potentially dangerous conditions such as open electrical units or hazardous drop-offs.
Warning tape may also be used in non-construction applications. For example, law enforcement agencies utilize warning tape to secure and preserve crime scenes, preventing unauthorized entry and contamination of evidence. Warning tape may also be used in crowd control situations to establish perimeters, guide pedestrian traffic, and maintain order during public events or emergencies.
Warning tape is typically manufactured in bright colors, such as yellow, red, or orange, to maximize visibility. Ideally, the vivid hues are easily distinguishable, even from a distance or in low-light conditions. Additionally, warning tape often features bold black text or symbols repeating along its length, conveying warning messages or identifying the type of hazard present. This combination of color and text is intended to ensure clear communication to individuals in the vicinity.
Though warning tape is a versatile and effective tool for warning of hazards, warning tape is of little value if it cannot be seen by the person intended to be protected. For example, users often wrap warning tape around makeshift or existing fixed structures. When displayed in such a manner, the warning tape often becomes twisted, narrow, and difficult to see. This reduces the value of the warning tape.
There have been efforts made to increase the visibility and effectiveness of warning tape. For example, in Klein, U.S. Pat. No. 8,631,755, there is disclosed traffic cone insert adapted to receive caution tape. Though the Klein insert purports to permit warning tape to be displayed in a flat manner by use of a slot. However, in practice, the Klein slot is inadequate in preventing the tape from becoming twisted. It also is continuous and does not allow being removed from the delineator for egress if needed.
Other efforts have likewise proven inadequate. For example, the devices of Punzengruber, U.S. Pat. No. 10,240,307; Harrison, U.S. Pat. No. 376,436; Abrams, U.S. Pat. No. 3,380,428; Freeman, U.S. Pat. No. 5,269,251; Brown, U.S. Pat. No. 6,182,600; de Lorenzo, U.S. Pat. No. 7,178,790; Eccless, U.S. Pat. No. 9,347,189; Schwetz, U.S. Pat. No. 9,361,057; Dia, U.S. Pat. No. 9,428,871; and Whittemore, U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2007/0257170 are either too complicated/expensive to use in multiple applications or are wholly inadequate at preventing warning tape from twisting and becoming difficult to see.
What is needed is a warning tape holder that may be fitted around a post, such as a traffic cone or traffic delineator such that the holder is simple, inexpensive; and readily adaptable for use in multiple environments and such that the holder prevents the warning tape from becoming twisted and otherwise difficult to see and offering the ability to lift the tape off at any delineator for access to that area without destroying the warning tape.
The warning tape holder of the present disclosure may be fitted around a post, such as a traffic cone or traffic delineator such that the holder is simple, inexpensive; and readily adaptable for use in multiple environments and such that the holder prevents warning tape from becoming twisted and otherwise difficult to see.
The warning tape holder of a first preferred embodiment generally comprises a main body and a receptacle. The receptacle extends from the main body and comprises a through opening through which an upper portion of a cone such as a delineator can be inserted. In preferred embodiments, the receptacle comprises perimeter wall forming a closed loop that defines the receptacle through opening.
The warning tape holder of the first embodiment is symmetrical, such that, when viewed in side elevation, a left side of the warning tape holder is a mirror image of a right side of the warning tape holder. When viewed in plan view, an upper side of the warning tape holder is a mirror image to a lower side of the warning tape holder.
The perimeter wall comprises upper, lower, inner, and outer facing surfaces. The upper and lower surfaces of the perimeter wall of the preferred embodiment are substantially flat planar surfaces. When viewed from the top, the receptacle comprises angular end portions and near semi-circular or arcuate mid portions. With this configuration, the receptacle is adapted to receive the upper portion of the delineator.
The main body of the first embodiment of the warning tape holder is arranged perpendicular to the receptacle. When the warning tape holder of the first embodiment is viewed from the side, the receptacle intersects the main body at approximately a midpoint of the main body such that approximately half the main body extends above the receptacle and approximately half the main body extends below the receptacle. The main body comprises a plurality of through slots adapted to receive the warning tape. In the preferred embodiment, there are three through slots, first, second, and third slots. The slots are separated from one another by respective first and second vertical. In the preferred embodiment, the first slot is separated from the second slot by the first vertical spacer. The second slot is separated from the third slot by the second vertical spacer. The third slot is preferably narrower than the first two slots and closer to the second slot than the second slot is to the first slot. This configuration helps maintain the warning tape in position when the warning tape is, for example, inserted within the slots.
In the preferred embodiment, the warning tape holder further comprises upper and lower angled portions. The upper angled portion extends from an upper position of the main body downward to a rearmost portion of the perimeter wall. Similarly, the lower angled portion extends from a lower position of the main body upward to the rearmost portion of the perimeter wall.
In a second embodiment of the warning tape holder, the main body comprises flap hingedly attached to a main body base portion. In this embodiment, the hinge mechanism comprises a pin and hole arrangement. Upper and lower holes are positioned over the respective upper and lower pins to permit the flap to move about an axis defined by the pins. Upper and lower clips are structured and arranged to permit the flap to be secured against the base portion when the flap is in the closed position.
The base portion comprises one or more ridges which extend from a face of the base portion. An inside face of the flap comprises one or more indentations. The ridges have a configuration which permits the respective ridges to nest within the respective indentations, such as, when the flap is in the closed position.
In a third embodiment of the receptacle comprises an open loop configuration that defines the receptacle through opening. The main body of the third is arranged perpendicular to the receptacle. When the warning tape holder of the third embodiment is viewed from the side, the receptacle intersects the main body at approximately the midpoint of the main body such that approximately half the main body extends above the receptacle and approximately half the main body extends below the receptacle.
The main body comprises a plurality of through slots adapted to receive the warning tape. In the preferred embodiment, there are three through slots, first, second, and third slots.
The receptacle of the third embodiment is flexible such that a distal end of the receptacle can move slightly away from main body portion to permit, for example, the be positioned over a pipe of a fence.
In a fourth embodiment, the warning tape holder receptacle comprises an open loop configuration that defines the receptacle through opening and the main body is arranged coplanar to the receptacle. When viewed from the side, the receptacle intersects the main body at a position between the midpoint of the main body and an upper end of the main body.
Referring to
Reference throughout this document to “one embodiment,” “certain embodiments,” “an embodiment,” or similar term means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, the appearances of such phrases in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner on one or more embodiments without limitation. The detailed description illustrates by way of example, not by way of limitation, the principles of the invention. This description will clearly enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives, and uses of the invention, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the invention.
The warning tape holder 12 of the present disclosure may be fitted around a post, such as a traffic cone 20 or traffic delineator 20 such that the holder 12 is simple, inexpensive; and readily adaptable for use in multiple environments and such that the holder 12 prevents warning tape 24 from becoming twisted and otherwise difficult to see.
Referring to
The warning tape holder 12 of the first embodiment is symmetrical, such that, when viewed in side elevation, a left side of the warning tape holder 12 is a mirror image of a right side of the warning tape holder 12. When viewed in plan view, an upper side of the warning tape holder 12 is a mirror image to a lower side of the warning tape holder 12.
The perimeter wall 22 comprises upper 26, lower 28, inner 30, and outer 32 facing surfaces. The upper and lower surfaces 26, 28 of the perimeter wall 22 of the preferred embodiment are substantially flat planar surfaces 26,28. When viewed from the top, as shown in
The main body 14 of the first embodiment of the warning tape holder 12 is arranged perpendicular to the receptacle 16. When the warning tape holder 12 of the first embodiment is viewed from the side, the receptacle 16 intersects the main body 14 at approximately a midpoint of the main body 14 such that approximately half the main body 14 extends above the receptacle 16 and approximately half the main body 14 extends below the receptacle. The main body 14 comprises a plurality of through slots 42 adapted to receive the warning tape 24. In the preferred embodiment, there are three through slots, first, second, and third slots, 42a, 42b, and 42c. The slots 42 are separated from one another by respective first and second vertical spacers 44, 46. In the preferred embodiment, the first slot 42a is separated from the second slot 42b by the first vertical spacer 44. The second slot 42b is separated from the third slot 42c by the second vertical spacer 46. Although the dimensions may vary, depending on the application, in the preferred embodiment, the first and second slots 42a, 42b each have a length of approximately 79 mm, a width of approximately 5 mm, and a depth of approximately 5 mm. The first vertical spacer 44 of the first embodiment has a width of approximately 10 mm.
The third slot 42c is preferably narrower than the first two slots 42a, 42b. In the preferred embodiment, the third slot has a length of approximately 79 mm, a width of approximately 3 mm, and a depth of approximately 5 mm. The second vertical spacer 46 of the first embodiment has a width of approximately 4 mm. Thus, in the preferred embodiment, the third slot 42c is narrower than the first two slots 42a, 42b and closer to the second slot 42b than the second slot 42b is to the first slot 42a. This configuration helps maintain the warning tape 24 in position when the warning tape 24 is, for example, inserted within the slots 42 as described in more particular below.
In the preferred embodiment, the warning tape holder 12 further comprises upper and lower angled portions 48, 50. The upper angled portion 48 extends from an upper position of the main body 14 downward to a rearmost portion of the perimeter wall 22. Similarly, the lower angled portion 50 extends from a lower position of the main body 14 upward to the rearmost portion of the perimeter wall 22.
The operation and use of the first embodiment of the warning tape holder 12 will now be discussed. Referring to
Referring to
The base portion 56 comprises one or more ridges 64 which extend from a face of the base portion 66. An inside face of the flap 70 comprises one or more indentations 68. The ridges 64 have a configuration which permits the respective ridges 64 to nest within the respective indentations 68, 68 when the flap 54 is in the closed position depicted in
In use, the end 52 of the warning tape 24 is positioned such that the end 52 is between the ridges 64 and the indentations 68, 68. In this position, the warning tape 24 is secured to the warning tape holder 12 when the flap is closed and secured by the clips 62 as described above and as shown in
Although, the preferred embodiment comprises clips 61, 61, the flap 54 may be secured in position against the main body base portion 56 by other conventional removable coupling mechanisms known in the art. For example, the flap 54 main body base portion 56 may have snaps, ties, locks, hooks, hook and loop arrangements, hinged clasp (“gate latch”) arrangements, friction fit arrangements, and other conventional and commercially available cooperative coupling arrangements.
Referring to
The main body 14 comprises a plurality of through slots 42 adapted to receive the warning tape 24. In the preferred embodiment, there are three through slots, first, second, and third slots, 42a, 42b, and 42c. The slots 42 are separated from one another by respective first and second vertical spacers 44, 46. In the preferred embodiment, the first slot 42a is separated from the second slot 42b by the first vertical spacer 44. The second slot 42b is separated from the third slot 42c by the second vertical spacer 46. Although the dimensions may vary, depending on the application, in the preferred embodiment, the first and second slots 42a, 42b each have a length of approximately 79 mm, a width of approximately 5 mm, and a depth of approximately 5 mm. The first vertical spacer 44 of the first embodiment has a width of approximately 10 mm.
The third slot 42c is preferably narrower than the first two slots 42a, 42b. In the preferred embodiment, the third slot has a length of approximately 79 mm, a width of approximately 3 mm, and a depth of approximately 5 mm. The second vertical spacer 46 of the first embodiment has a width of approximately 4 mm. Thus, in the preferred embodiment, the third slot 42c is narrower than the first two slots 42a, 42b and closer to the second slot 42b than the second slot 42b is to the first slot 42a. This configuration helps maintain the warning tape 24 in position when the warning tape 24 is, for example, inserted within the slots 42 as described in more particular below.
In the preferred embodiment, the warning tape holder 12 further comprises upper and lower angled portions 48, 50. The upper angled portion 48 extends from an upper position of the main body 14 downward to a rearmost portion of the perimeter wall 22. Similarly, the lower angled portion 50 extends from a lower position of the main body 14 upward to the rearmost portion of the perimeter wall 22.
The receptacle 16 of the third embodiment is flexible such that a distal end 74 of the receptacle can move slightly away from main body portion 14 to permit, for example, the be positioned over a pipe 72 of a fence 70. In the preferred third embodiment depicted in
Referring to
The main body 14 comprises a plurality of through slots 42 adapted to receive the warning tape 24. In the preferred embodiment, there are three through slots, first, second, and third slots, 42a, 42b, and 42c. The slots 42 are separated from one another by respective first and second vertical spacers 44, 46. In the preferred embodiment, the first slot 42a is separated from the second slot 42b by the first vertical spacer 44. The second slot 42b is separated from the third slot 42c by the second vertical spacer 46. Although the dimensions may vary, depending on the application, in the preferred embodiment, the first and second slots 42a, 42b each have a length of approximately 79 mm, a width of approximately 5 mm, and a depth of approximately 5 mm. The first vertical spacer 44 of the first embodiment has a width of approximately 10 mm.
The third slot 42c is preferably narrower than the first two slots 42a, 42b. In the preferred embodiment, the third slot has a length of approximately 79 mm, a width of approximately 3 mm, and a depth of approximately 5 mm. The second vertical spacer 46 of the first embodiment has a width of approximately 4 mm. Thus, in the preferred embodiment, the third slot 42c is narrower than the first two slots 42a, 42b and closer to the second slot 42b than the second slot 42b is to the first slot 42a. This configuration helps maintain the warning tape 24 in position when the warning tape 24 is, for example, inserted within the slots 42 as described in more particular below.
In the preferred embodiment, the warning tape holder 12 further comprises upper and lower angled portions 48, 50. The upper angled portion 48 extends from an upper position of the main body 14 downward to a rearmost portion of the perimeter wall 22. Similarly, the lower angled portion 50 extends from a lower position of the main body 14 upward to the rearmost portion of the perimeter wall 22.
The receptacle 16 of the fourth embodiment is also flexible such that a distal end 74 of the receptacle can move slightly away from main body portion 14 to permit, for example, the be positioned over a pipe 72 of a fence 70. In the preferred third embodiment depicted in
In the preferred embodiments, the warning tape holder 12 is formed from polycarbonate material or metal that is sufficiently strong as to permit the warning tape holder to retain warning tape in a desired position. Although the warning tape holder 12 of the preferred embodiments is formed from polycarbonate or metal material, the warning tape holder 12 may be formed from any suitable material known in the art. For example, the warning tape holder 12 may be formed from steel or other metals, composite materials, other plastics or a combination of materials. By way of further example, the main body portion 14 may be formed from a polycarbonate material and the receptacle 16 may be formed from metal or vice versa. The warning tape holder 12 may be formed from a unitary piece of material or may be formed from a combination of parts. For example, the main body portion 14 may be removably coupled to the receptacle 16, such as, for instance through a cooperative 12 coupling mechanisms well known in the art, including, but not limited to threaded or frictional attachments.
In addition to those dimensions provided above, the following exemplary dimensions are believed to be functional and fully compatible with the uses described in this disclosure. However, other dimensions consistent with the scope and spirit of this disclosure are also functional and fully compatible.
In preferred embodiments, the warning tape holder 12. receptacle 16 and main body 14 each have a thickness of 5 mm. The length of the embodiments shown in
The detailed description provided herein illustrates by way of example, not by way of limitation, the principles of the invention. This description will clearly enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives, and uses of the invention, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the invention. The dimensional ranges provided herein are provided as best embodiments and not limitations. Therefore, this disclosure is not limited by such dimensions. Other dimensions, shapes, configurations, etc. may be used that fall within the scope and spirit of this disclosure and accompanying claims.
