US3798445A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Traffic signal lens
Assignee: EAGLE SIGNAL CONTROLS CORP A CORP OF DE
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Filing: 1971-02-18
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Granted: 1974-03-19
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Expires: 1991-02-18
Abstract
Abstract The invention relates to a traffic light lens preferably formed of polycarbonate material. The inner face of the lens is formed in a mosaic arrangement of rectangular, lenticular areas. The lenticular areas of the lens are of two types, flat areas and curved areas. The curved lenticular areas, which form the greater part of the inner surface of the lens, are curved in both vertical and horizontal directions. The flat areas are tilted to project the light downwardly from the horizontal axis of the traffic light assembly.
Inventors
- 👤 J Miles
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 16:29
CPC Classifications
F; F21; F21V; F21V5/00; F21V5/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
99 words
A lens for a traffic light signal, comprising: a body portion in the form of a spherical segment; a mounting rim at the periphery of the body portion; a plurality of first lenticular elements formed on one surface of the body portion, the first lenticular elements being curved in both the horizontal and vertical directions; and a plurality of second lenticular elements formed on the one surface of the body portion, the second lenticular elements being flat; the first and second lenticular elements covering substantially the entire one surface of the body portion in non-overlapping relation to one another.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
99 words
A lens for a traffic light signal, comprising: a body portion in the form of a spherical segment; a mounting rim at the periphery of the body portion; a plurality of first lenticular elements formed on one surface of the body portion, the first lenticular elements being curved in both the horizontal and vertical directions; and a plurality of second lenticular elements formed on the one surface of the body portion, the second lenticular elements being flat; the first and second lenticular elements covering substantially the entire one surface of the body portion in non-overlapping relation to one another.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
The lens according to claim 1 wherein all the lenticular elements are rectangular, the elements being arranged in rows extending horizontally across the body portion of the lens.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The lens according to claim 2 wherein the lenticular elements of adjacent rows are staggered.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
The lens according to claim 2 wherein said second lenticular elements are provided only in alternate ones of the rows of elements, and at spaced intervals therein with said first elements between said second elements.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
The lens according to claim 4 wherein there is a greater number of said first lenticular elements than second lenticular elements, and said lens is made from a polycarbonate material.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
40 words
The lens according to claim 5 wherein the lenticular elements are tilted so as to direct a light beam downwardly at a slight angle from the horizontal, and said elements are formed on the concave inward surface of said lens.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
56 words
A traffic light signal lens having a smooth outer surface and an inner surface formed into a plurality of horizontally parallel rows of lenticular elements, the lenticular elements being of two types, the first type of lenticular elements being curved in both the horizontal and vertical directions and the second type of lenticular elements being flat.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
56 words
A traffic light signal lens having a smooth outer surface and an inner surface formed into a plurality of horizontally parallel rows of lenticular elements, the lenticular elements being of two types, the first type of lenticular elements being curved in both the horizontal and vertical directions and the second type of lenticular elements being flat.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
18 words
The lens according to claim 7 wherein the lenticular elements are rectangular, having a greater length than height.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
90 words
A traffic light signal lens having a smooth outer surface and an inner surface formed into a plurality of lenticular elements, the lenticular elements being of two types, the first type of lenticular elements being curved in both the horizontal and vertical directions and the second type of lenticular elements being flat, both said types of lenticular elements being rectangular and having a greater length than height, and said lenticular elements being arranged in horizontally extending rows with the elements of adjacent rows being offset in a brick-work like pattern.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
90 words
A traffic light signal lens having a smooth outer surface and an inner surface formed into a plurality of lenticular elements, the lenticular elements being of two types, the first type of lenticular elements being curved in both the horizontal and vertical directions and the second type of lenticular elements being flat, both said types of lenticular elements being rectangular and having a greater length than height, and said lenticular elements being arranged in horizontally extending rows with the elements of adjacent rows being offset in a brick-work like pattern.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
79 words
A traffic light signal lens having a smooth outer surface and an inner surface formed into a plurality of lenticular elements, the lenticular elements being of two types, the first type of lenticular elements being curved in both the horizontal and vertical directions and the second type of lenticular elements being flat, said lenticular elements being tilted to provide a maximum point of illumination along an axis inclined by an angle of between 1* to 10* from the horizontal.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
79 words
A traffic light signal lens having a smooth outer surface and an inner surface formed into a plurality of lenticular elements, the lenticular elements being of two types, the first type of lenticular elements being curved in both the horizontal and vertical directions and the second type of lenticular elements being flat, said lenticular elements being tilted to provide a maximum point of illumination along an axis inclined by an angle of between 1* to 10* from the horizontal.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
15 words
The lens according to claim 10 wherein the lens is molded of a polycarbonate material.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
26 words
The lens according to claim 11 wherein each lens is formed with a tappered edge surface to permit molding of the lens from said polycarbonate material.
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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) | 1977-03-18 | 1977-09-17 | 1978-03-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-03-18 | 1981-09-17 | 1982-03-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-03-18 | 1985-09-17 | 1986-03-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |