US3792679A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Self-righting road marker
Assignee: American Molded Products Ltd
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Filing: 1972-06-05
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Granted: 1974-02-19
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Expires: 1992-06-05
Abstract
Abstract A road marker comprises a vertically disposed member, such as a cone, attached to a horizontally disposed elastomeric base. The marker is constructed to have a very low center of gravity and to permit a substantial portion of the base to remain in contact with the ground to constantly maintain the marker''s pivot axis and center of gravity substantially within the confines of the base. In addition to such positioning of the marker''s pivot axis and center of gravity, means for automatically self-righting the marker comprises a suitably composed and constructed base which exhibits predetermined degrees of elasticity and flexibiliy.
Inventors
- 👤 C Reynolds
- 👤 J Duckett
- 👤 E Brooks
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 14:40
CPC Classifications
E; E01; E01F; E01F9/00; E01F9/60; E01F9/623; E01F9/627; E01F9/629; E01F9/654; E01F9/688
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
140 words
A normally upstanding road marker comprising a vertically disposed conically shaped, hollow delineating member having a horizontally disposed base attached thereto, said base being constructed and composed of a material exhibiting sufficient combined flexibility and elasticity to induce a self-righting moment for automatically self-righting said road marker when it pivots clockwise about a pivot axis of said base upon deviation from its normally upstanding position to a position wherein said delineating member approaches a horizontal position, the center of gravity of said road marker being positioned at least closely adjacent to said base, said pivot axis being positioned substantially within the confines of said base to define a substantial base portion constantly remaining substantially horizontal and in contact with ground due to the base''s flexibility when said base is flexed and said delineating member is tipped towards said horizontal position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
140 words
A normally upstanding road marker comprising a vertically disposed conically shaped, hollow delineating member having a horizontally disposed base attached thereto, said base being constructed and composed of a material exhibiting sufficient combined flexibility and elasticity to induce a self-righting moment for automatically self-righting said road marker when it pivots clockwise about a pivot axis of said base upon deviation from its normally upstanding position to a position wherein said delineating member approaches a horizontal position, the center of gravity of said road marker being positioned at least closely adjacent to said base, said pivot axis being positioned substantially within the confines of said base to define a substantial base portion constantly remaining substantially horizontal and in contact with ground due to the base''s flexibility when said base is flexed and said delineating member is tipped towards said horizontal position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
51 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein the self-righting moment for said road marker is primarily induced due to the inherent elasticity of said base material which places upper portions of said base, adjacent to said pivot axis, in progressively increased compression upon tipping of said delineating member towards said horizontal position.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
97 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein said self-righting moment for said road marker is primarily induced due to the combined elasticity and flexibility of said base which places upper portions of said base, adjacent to said pivot axis, in progressively increased compression upon tipping of said delineating member towards a horizontal position and simultaneously permits a substantial trailing portion of said base to flex downwardly counterclockwise toward an underside of said base to urge the shifting center of gravity of the tipped portion of said road marker toward an under center relationship relative to said pivot axis.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
59 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein the self-righting moment for said road marker is primarily induced due to the inherent flexibility of said base which permits a substantial trailing portion of said base to flex downwardly counterclockwise towards an underside of said base to constantly maintain said center of gravity in under center relationship relative to said pivot axis.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein said base material has a tensile strength at 100 percent elongation approximating 100 lb. per in.2.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
The invention of claim 5 wherein said base material has a tensile strength at 200 percent elongation approximating 140 lb. per in.2.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein said base material has a specific gravity approximating 2.0.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein said base material comprises an elastomer having a high density metal admixed therein.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
11 words
The invention of claim 8 wherein said metal is a powder.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
10 words
The invention of claim 8 wherein said metal is lead.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
31 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein said base is octagonally shaped and comprises a discontinuous outer flange formed on the underside of said base to extend downwardly from said delineating member.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
43 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein said base comprises an upwardly extending circumferential flange having at least two pairs of aligned slit means formed in spaced relationship therein for mechanically increasing the flexibility of a substantial portion of said base upon flexing thereof.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
22 words
The invention of claim 12 wherein said base is rectangular and four Pairs of said slit means are formed in said flange.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-02-18 | 1977-08-20 | 1978-02-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-02-18 | 1981-08-20 | 1982-02-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-02-18 | 1985-08-20 | 1986-02-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |