US4250646A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Highway sign
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1979-05-21
•
Granted: 1981-02-17
•
Expires: 1999-05-21
Abstract
Abstract A three-dimensional sign, which may include an angularly disposed perimeter with a mirror-like surface, for reflecting light from the headlights of oncoming vehicles so as to gather light on the sign and make the symbols or letters and background stand out and become easily visable at night. An illusion is created by placing a total accentuated subject or message in a bed of scotch-like retro-reflecting background. Contrasting colors or contrasting density, such as black to white, are provided as well as a border on the figure or numerals of the sign to accentuate the message thereof. This is particularly so if the border is made at least partially of retro-reflective material. The angularly disposed mirror-like perimeter enhances the light on the sign through additional collection of light and redirecting it to the internal retroreflecting and fluorescent materials. In some situations, the reflective angular border may be eliminated and contrasting symbols, figures etc. may be made more visible in either daylight or by headlights at night by being surrounded by mirror-like strips which, in turn, are surrounded by border strips of contrasting density. The background may be of translucent plastic material.
Inventors
- 👤 Samuel Z. Trachtenberg
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 22:13
CPC Classifications
G; G09; G09F; G09F13/00; G09F13/16
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
42 words
A highway sign comprising an indicia on a color contrasting background, and a narrow strip of retro-reflecting material forming a border between said indicia and background so as to accentuate said border at night when illuminated by headlights of an oncoming vehicle.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
42 words
A highway sign comprising an indicia on a color contrasting background, and a narrow strip of retro-reflecting material forming a border between said indicia and background so as to accentuate said border at night when illuminated by headlights of an oncoming vehicle.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
A sign as recited in claim 1 wherein said indicia and background are of complementary colors and said background is of non-reflective material.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
A sign as recited in claim 1 wherein said indicia is in the form of a black figure, said border being white and said background being red.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
A sign as recited in claim 3 wherein a portion of said figure is cut out to expose said red background to pronounce said cut out portion.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
34 words
A sign as recited in claim 1 wherein at least a portion of said background is translucent to allow light from said headlights to pass therethrough and warn motorists driving from an opposite direction.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
74 words
A sign as recited in claim 1 together with a perimetrical frame extending at an angle in excess of zero degrees up to about 45° from an imaginary extension of the plane of said sign, the surface of said perimetrical frame being highly polished and of mirror consistency so as to angularly reflect light from said headlights and collect and concentrate it, at night, on the surface of said sign to accentuate its message.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
A sign as recited in claim 1 together with an ultra violet filter on said sign to protect the colors of said sign from solarization.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
55 words
A sign as recited in claim 7 wherein said filter is a separate, detachable sheet of transparent plastic material, and wherein said frame is covered with a plastic cover which serves as a stop for holding said sign in place, and means for retracting said plastic filter to enable removal and replacement of said sign.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
31 words
A sign as recited in claim 1 together with a highly polished, narrow mirror-like strip interposed between said retro-reflecting strip and indicia to provide accentuation of said indicia during daylight hours.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
26 words
A sign as recited in claim 6 together with electrically operated signal means responsive to said headlights to alarm oncoming motorists driving from the opposite direction.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
34 words
A sign as recited in claim 10 wherein said signal means is a radio signal which can be picked up by a receiver in any vehicle approaching said sign as a warning of danger.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
50 words
A sign as recited in claim 1 together with an upwardly curved perimetrical frame having a surface which is highly polished and of mirror consistency so as to reflect light from said headlights and collect and concentrate it, at night, on the surface of said sign to accentuate its message.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
133 words
A highway sign comprising an indicia on a color contrasting background, and a narrow strip of retro-reflecting material forming a border between said indicia and background so as to accentuate said border at night when illuminated by headlights of an oncoming vehicle, together with a perimetrical frame extending at an angle in excess of zero degrees up to about 45° from an imaginary extension of the plane of said sign, the surface of said perimetrical frame being highly polished and of mirror consistency so as to angularly reflect light from said headlights and collect and concentrate it, at night, on the surface of said sign to accentuate its message, and electrical means responsive to light from said headlights to oscillate said perimetrical frame throughout said angular range to animate said indicia and sign.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
133 words
A highway sign comprising an indicia on a color contrasting background, and a narrow strip of retro-reflecting material forming a border between said indicia and background so as to accentuate said border at night when illuminated by headlights of an oncoming vehicle, together with a perimetrical frame extending at an angle in excess of zero degrees up to about 45° from an imaginary extension of the plane of said sign, the surface of said perimetrical frame being highly polished and of mirror consistency so as to angularly reflect light from said headlights and collect and concentrate it, at night, on the surface of said sign to accentuate its message, and electrical means responsive to light from said headlights to oscillate said perimetrical frame throughout said angular range to animate said indicia and sign.
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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) | 1984-02-17 | 1984-08-18 | 1985-02-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-02-17 | 1988-08-18 | 1989-02-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-02-17 | 1992-08-18 | 1993-02-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |