US4083033A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Traffic control element
Assignee: Lukens General Industries Inc
•
Filing: 1976-05-07
•
Granted: 1978-04-04
•
Expires: 1996-05-07
Abstract
Abstract A traffic barrel constructed of a lightweight material consisting of two elements that may be readily assembled and stabilized in position and readily separated upon a substantial impact. The traffic barrel may mount one or two warning lights for nighttime traffic channelization purposes. The traffic barrel may have a "D" cross-section to prevent its rolling along a surface and have a stepped configuration to permit stacking of the two elements thereof.
Inventors
- 👤 Jack H. Kulp
- 👤 James M. Florsheim
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 23:56
CPC Classifications
E; E01; E01F; E01F13/00; E01F13/02; E01F9/00; E01F9/60; E01F9/604; E01F9/615; E01F9/623; E01F9/654; E01F9/688
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 57
Claim 1
Independent Claim
75 words
A traffic channelization element comprising an element having a D-shaped configuration for temporarily mounting on a surface in an upright position for traffic signaling and channelization, said element having a barrel-like appearance with a hollow D-shaped cross-sectional configuration and being constructed of a resilient plastic material and is defined to have a stepped configuration wherein the smaller dimension of the element is at the free end of the element when mounted in an upright position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
75 words
A traffic channelization element comprising an element having a D-shaped configuration for temporarily mounting on a surface in an upright position for traffic signaling and channelization, said element having a barrel-like appearance with a hollow D-shaped cross-sectional configuration and being constructed of a resilient plastic material and is defined to have a stepped configuration wherein the smaller dimension of the element is at the free end of the element when mounted in an upright position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
39 words
A traffic channelization element as defined in claim 1 including means for allowing access to the interior of the element to allow for the loading of a ballast into the element for stabilizing the element in an upright position.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
A traffic channelization element as defined in claim 2 wherein the element is provided with an aperture for loading ballast therein.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
44 words
A traffic channelization element as defined in claim 2 wherein the element is provided with a substantially central aperture at the top side thereof for loading ballast and means for mounting at least a single electrically operated warning light to the top side thereof.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
38 words
A traffic channelization element as defined in claim 4 wherein said means for mounting a warning light comprises a pair of wells arranged on opposite sides of the central aperture for mounting a warning light in each well.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
A traffic channelization element as defined in claim 5 wherein each well includes means for securing a warning light to the element.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
72 words
A traffic channelization element comprising an element having a D-shaped configuration for temporarily mounting on a surface in an upright position for traffic signaling and channelization, the upper section of the D-shaped element being constructed and defined with means for securing a longitudinal planar element thereto whereby a pair of the thus defined elements may function as a barricade with the planar element extending between and secured to each of said elements.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
72 words
A traffic channelization element comprising an element having a D-shaped configuration for temporarily mounting on a surface in an upright position for traffic signaling and channelization, the upper section of the D-shaped element being constructed and defined with means for securing a longitudinal planar element thereto whereby a pair of the thus defined elements may function as a barricade with the planar element extending between and secured to each of said elements.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
89 words
A traffic channelization element comprising an element having a D-shaped configuration for temporarily mounting on a surface in an upright position for traffic signaling and channelization, said element being constructed of two pieces, one of the pieces being a base member and the other piece being the traffic channelization element adapted to be assembled and disassembled to the base member whereby upon impact the traffic channelization element will be separated from the base member to thereby minimize damage thereto and allowing ready reassembly of the two elements for reusability.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
89 words
A traffic channelization element comprising an element having a D-shaped configuration for temporarily mounting on a surface in an upright position for traffic signaling and channelization, said element being constructed of two pieces, one of the pieces being a base member and the other piece being the traffic channelization element adapted to be assembled and disassembled to the base member whereby upon impact the traffic channelization element will be separated from the base member to thereby minimize damage thereto and allowing ready reassembly of the two elements for reusability.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
43 words
A traffic channelization element as defined in claim 8 wherein the D-shaped element includes a plurality of bands secured in a spaced apart relationship on the element, each of the bands being of color selected to contrast with the color of the element.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
16 words
A traffic channelization element as defined in claim 9 wherein the element includes light reflecting means.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
26 words
A traffic channelization element as defined in claim 10 wherein said light relfecting means includes at least a single light reflective band secured to the element.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
24 words
A traffic channelization element as defined in claim 10 including an electrically operated warning light mounted to the upper end of the D-shaped element.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
88 words
A traffic control element comprising a hollow element having an arcuate configuration with at least one flat side so that when the flat side is arranged in a vertical position it will prevent the element from readily rolling when impacted to a horizontal position, the outer configuration of the element being further constructed and defined to be of a stepped configuration from the element mounting surface to the top surface thereof to thereby allow a plurality of the thus defined elements to be stacked in a nesting relationship.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
88 words
A traffic control element comprising a hollow element having an arcuate configuration with at least one flat side so that when the flat side is arranged in a vertical position it will prevent the element from readily rolling when impacted to a horizontal position, the outer configuration of the element being further constructed and defined to be of a stepped configuration from the element mounting surface to the top surface thereof to thereby allow a plurality of the thus defined elements to be stacked in a nesting relationship.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
28 words
A traffic control element as defined in claim 13 including a plurality of reflectorized stripes secured to the outside surface of the element in a spaced apart relationship.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
22 words
A traffic control element as defined in claim 14 including means constructed and defined for mounting a warning light to the element.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
28 words
A traffic control element as defined in claim 15 including a warning light mounted to the element and anti-theft means for securing the warning light to the element.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
37 words
A traffic control element as defined in claim 13 including means constructed and defined at one end of the element for receiving and mounting a warning light including means for securing the warning light to the element.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
30 words
A traffic control element as defined in claim 17 wherein the warning light is a battery operated flashing light and includes anti-theft means for securing the light to the element.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
52 words
A traffic channelization element comprising: a hollow element having an arcuate configuration with at least one flat side and a base element adapted to be readily assembled and separated from the hollow element; the hollow element being mounted to the base element in a vertical position to expose the flat side thereof.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
52 words
A traffic channelization element comprising: a hollow element having an arcuate configuration with at least one flat side and a base element adapted to be readily assembled and separated from the hollow element; the hollow element being mounted to the base element in a vertical position to expose the flat side thereof.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
41 words
A traffic channelization element as defined in claim 19 wherein the hollow element includes means for loading a ballast such as sand, gravel or the like into the hollow element and stored in the base for stabilizing the traffic channelization element.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
26 words
A traffic channelization element as defined in claim 20 including means for mounting and securing a warning light adjacent the top end of the hollow element.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
76 words
A traffic channelization element as defined in claim 19 wherein the outer configuration of the hollow element is further constructed and defined to be of a stepped configuration with the largest outside dimension being adapted to be mounted to the base element and the smaller outside dimension being adjacent the outer end of the element to thereby allow a plurality of the elements to be stacked in a nested relationship when separated from the base element.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
54 words
A traffic channelization element as defined in claim 22 wherein the base element is constructed with an enclosed end for receiving ballast means to stabilize the base when mounted to the hollow element, the base element having an outer configuration to be nested to and secured to the larger end of the hollow element.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
30 words
A traffic channelization element as defined in claim 23 wherein the base element and the hollow element are constructed and defined in a complimentary configuration to be snap locked together.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
172 words
A traffic control element comprising: a hollow barrel-like traffic control element having a substantially D-shape in cross section, and a base element adapted to be interfitted with one end of the traffic control element to mount said element in a vertical position, the outer configuration of the traffic control element being further constructed and defined to be of a stepped configuration from one end to the opposite end with the larger end being interfitted with the base element, the traffic control element and the base element being constructed and defined relative to each other to allow the ready assembly of the two elements and yet be responsive to a substantial impact by a motor vehicle or the like to allow separation of the traffic control element from the base element, the traffic control element being further characterized as including access means for temporarily loading a ballast onto the base element by means of the traffic control element when the two are interfitted and to be unloaded therefrom when the two are disassembled.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
172 words
A traffic control element comprising: a hollow barrel-like traffic control element having a substantially D-shape in cross section, and a base element adapted to be interfitted with one end of the traffic control element to mount said element in a vertical position, the outer configuration of the traffic control element being further constructed and defined to be of a stepped configuration from one end to the opposite end with the larger end being interfitted with the base element, the traffic control element and the base element being constructed and defined relative to each other to allow the ready assembly of the two elements and yet be responsive to a substantial impact by a motor vehicle or the like to allow separation of the traffic control element from the base element, the traffic control element being further characterized as including access means for temporarily loading a ballast onto the base element by means of the traffic control element when the two are interfitted and to be unloaded therefrom when the two are disassembled.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
19 words
A traffic control element as defined in claim 25 wherein the two elements are constructed of a plastic material.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
20 words
A traffic control element as defined in claim 26 wherein the two elements are constructed of a polyethylene plastic material.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
44 words
A traffic control element as defined in claim 25 wherein the traffic control element has its outer surface, at least in part, constructed of circumferential bands arranged in a spaced apart relationship and having a color contrasting with the color pre-selected for said element.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
16 words
A traffic control element as defined in claim 28 wherein the bands include light reflecting properties.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
45 words
A traffic control element as defined in claim 25 wherein the traffic control element is further constructed and defined to include means for permitting a warning light to be mounted to the upper end of said element and yet maintaining said access for loading ballast.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
60 words
A traffic control element as defined in claim 30 wherein the traffic control element has its upper end constructed with at least a single warning light well arranged adjacent the outer periphery thereof to receive and mount a warning light therein and an access aperture for loading ballast defined in said upper end and spaced from the warning light well.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
31 words
A traffic control element as defined in claim 31 wherein the traffic control element includes a pair of warning light wells for receiving and mounting a warning light in each well.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
38 words
A traffic control element as defined in claim 31 including a pair of notches defined on the upper end of the traffic control element adjacent diametrically spaced points on the periphery thereof and communicating with said access aperture.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
31 words
A traffic control element as defined in claim 25 wherein the upper end of the traffic control element is constructed and defined for providing means to mount a planar element thereto.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
32 words
A traffic control element as defined in claim 34 including a second similarly defined traffic control element and a bar extending between the traffic control elements and secured by said mounting means.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
27 words
A traffic control element as defined in claim 30 including a battery operated warning light mounted to the upper end of the element at said mounting means.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
63 words
A traffic control element as defined in claim 30 wherein the two elements are constructed of plastic and the traffic control element has its outer surface defined with circumferential bands arranged in a spaced apart relationship and extending around at least the arcuate portion of said element, the element having a preselected color and the bands having a color selected to contrast therewith.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
21 words
A traffic control element as defined in claim 37 including light reflecting means constructed and defined with said traffic control element.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
16 words
A traffic control element as defined in claim 37 wherein said bands include light reflecting properties.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
20 words
A traffic control element as defined in claim 39 wherein the two elements are constructed of a polyethylene plastic material.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
110 words
A traffic control element comprising a hollow barrel-like element having an arcuate configuration with at least one flat side so that when the flat side is arranged in a vertical position it will prevent the element from rolling when impacted to a horizontal position, and a base element for said barrel-like element having an arcuate configuration with at least one flat side for mounting said element in an upright position, the base element and said barrel-like element being constructed and defined to be readily assembled together and being responsive to a substantial impact to cause the barrel-like element to become separated from the base element thereby minimizing any damage thereto.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
110 words
A traffic control element comprising a hollow barrel-like element having an arcuate configuration with at least one flat side so that when the flat side is arranged in a vertical position it will prevent the element from rolling when impacted to a horizontal position, and a base element for said barrel-like element having an arcuate configuration with at least one flat side for mounting said element in an upright position, the base element and said barrel-like element being constructed and defined to be readily assembled together and being responsive to a substantial impact to cause the barrel-like element to become separated from the base element thereby minimizing any damage thereto.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
35 words
A traffic control element as defined in claim 41 wherein said elements are constructed and defined to be assembled together with the flat sides thereof arranged on the same side of the traffic control element.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
30 words
A traffic control element as defined in claim 42 including means for loading stabilizing means into the base element to be stored therein when the two elements are assembled together.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
24 words
A traffic control element as defined in claim 43 wherein said elements are constructed of a lightweight, resilient plastic material having a preselected color.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
25 words
A traffic control element as defined in claim 41 wherein said barrel-like element includes means for mounting and securing a warning light to said element.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
20 words
A traffic control element as defined in claim 45 including anti-theft means for securing a warning light to said element.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
23 words
A traffic control element as defined in claim 45 including a warning light mounted and secured to said element in said mounting means.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
38 words
A traffic control element as defined in claim 42 wherein said hollow barrel-like element is tapered from the base securing end to the opposite end for permitting a multiplicity of said elements to be stacked upon one another.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
28 words
A traffic control element as defined in claim 48 wherein said elements are constructed of a resilient, polyethylene plastic permitting restoration to its normal shape upon being dented.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
43 words
A traffic control element as defined in claim 48 wherein the base element has an outer configuration constructed and defined to allow a plurality of said base elements to be stacked in a nesting relationship when they are separated from their barrel-like elements.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1981-04-03 | 1981-10-03 | 1982-04-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-04-03 | 1985-10-03 | 1986-04-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-04-03 | 1989-10-03 | 1990-04-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |