Patent US4475101A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4475101A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Traffic control device
Assignee: Lukens General Industries Inc
•
Filing: 1983-02-04
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Granted: 1984-10-02
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Expires: 2003-02-04
Abstract
Abstract A traffic control device constructed as a one-piece traffic channelizing device of a plastic material. The device includes a bottom having a plurality of flexible flap elements for receiving and storing a ballast thereon. The flexible flap elements are responsive to a substantial impact to the traffic control device to cause the ballast to be released from the flexible flaps while the device is impacted to a horizontal position adjacent its original position. The device is adapted to mount warning lights and to be stacked including with the warning lights mounted thereto. The stacking of the traffic control devices does not effect the desired action for the flexible flaps.
Inventors
- 👤 Jack H. Kulp
- 👤 Richard M. Cunningham
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 07:48
CPC Classifications
E; E01; E01F; E01F9/00; E01F9/60; E01F9/604; E01F9/615; E01F9/617; E01F9/623; E01F9/654; E01F9/688; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S116/00; Y10S116/16; Y10S248/00; Y10S248/91
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 69
Claim 1
Independent Claim
112 words
A traffic control device comprising a hollow element having a substantially closed end for mounting the element in a vertical position on a mounting surface when functioning as a traffic control element, the closed end being constructed and defined by means of a plurality of flexible flaps for releasably storing ballast means for stabilizing the hollow element in said vertical position when mounted on the flaps, the flaps being further characterized as being responsive to an impact to the hollow element causing it to be moved from its vertical position to permit any ballast means stored on said flaps to substantially remain in position while being separated from the moving hollow element.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
112 words
A traffic control device comprising a hollow element having a substantially closed end for mounting the element in a vertical position on a mounting surface when functioning as a traffic control element, the closed end being constructed and defined by means of a plurality of flexible flaps for releasably storing ballast means for stabilizing the hollow element in said vertical position when mounted on the flaps, the flaps being further characterized as being responsive to an impact to the hollow element causing it to be moved from its vertical position to permit any ballast means stored on said flaps to substantially remain in position while being separated from the moving hollow element.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
41 words
A traffic control device as defined in claim 1 wherein the hollow element is constructed and defined with at least one flat side so that when the element is impacted to a horizontal position it will render the element roll resistant.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
A traffic control device as defined in claim 1 wherein the hollow element is constructed and defined with an outer configuration to be roll resistant.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
83 words
A traffic control device as defined in claim 1 wherein the flexible flaps are each constructed and defined integrally therewith to extend from adjacent the outer periphery of the closed end towards the center of said end; each flap being spaced apart by slots extending between adjacent flaps from a central aperture for said end to adjacent the outer periphery whereby each inner end of each flap is spaced from each other flap's inner end to permit each flap to be independently flexible.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
58 words
A traffic control device as defined in claim 4 wherein each flap is further constructed and defined to be raised upwardly on the top side thereof a preselected distance adjacent the outer periphery of said closed end and sloping downwardly toward the free end of the flap for defining a pocket on the bottom side of the flap.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
A traffic control device as defined in claim 4 wherein each of the slots separating the adjacent flaps are defined to minimize tearing between the flaps.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
A traffic control device as defined in claim 5 wherein each of said slots comprise a large radiused aperture adjacent the inner end of said slots.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
29 words
A traffic control element as defined in claim 5 wherein each of the slots separating the adjacent flaps are provided with an enlarged opening adjacent the inner ends thereof.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
39 words
A traffic control element as defined in claim 5 wherein the flaps are further characterized as being capable of maintaining their position without drooping when unsupported or taking a set when displaced from or flexed from its normal position.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
A traffic control device as defined in claim 9 wherein said hollow element and flaps are constructed integrally of a resilient plastic material.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
177 words
A traffic control element comprising a hollow element having an outer configuration that is constructed and defined to be of a stepped configuration from one end to the opposite end thereof to thereby allow a plurality of the elements to be stacked in a nesting relationship, the hollow element having a substantially closed end for mounting it in a vertical position with a mounting surface to function as a traffic control element, the closed end being constructed and defined with a plurality of flexible, segmented flap elements constructed with the hollow element for substantially closing said end of the hollow element, the segmented elements being adapted to receive ballast means for stablizing the hollow element when the hollow element is arranged in said vertical position, the flexible, segmented flap elements being further characterized as being responsive to a substantial impact to the hollow element so as to permit any ballast means mounted thereon to be separated therefrom while causing the hollow element to be moved in response to a substantial impact from its vertical traffic controlling position.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
177 words
A traffic control element comprising a hollow element having an outer configuration that is constructed and defined to be of a stepped configuration from one end to the opposite end thereof to thereby allow a plurality of the elements to be stacked in a nesting relationship, the hollow element having a substantially closed end for mounting it in a vertical position with a mounting surface to function as a traffic control element, the closed end being constructed and defined with a plurality of flexible, segmented flap elements constructed with the hollow element for substantially closing said end of the hollow element, the segmented elements being adapted to receive ballast means for stablizing the hollow element when the hollow element is arranged in said vertical position, the flexible, segmented flap elements being further characterized as being responsive to a substantial impact to the hollow element so as to permit any ballast means mounted thereon to be separated therefrom while causing the hollow element to be moved in response to a substantial impact from its vertical traffic controlling position.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
38 words
A traffic control element as defined in claim 11 wherein the hollow element has at least one flat side so that when the element is impacted to a horizontal position it will prevent the element from readily rolling.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
23 words
A traffic control element as defined in claim 11 or 14 wherein the hollow element is constructed and defined from a flexible material.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
30 words
A traffic control element as defined in claim 11 wherein the segmented flaps and the hollow element are constructed and defined of a flexible plastic material integral with one another.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
33 words
A traffic control element as defined in claim 11 wherein the flap elements are constructed and defined to be sufficiently rigid to maintain their normal extended position including when said elements are unsupported.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
39 words
A traffic control element as defined in claim 11 wherein the flap elements are constructed and defined with an integral pocket for each element to maintain them in a substantially horizontally extended position including when said elements are unsupported.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
23 words
A traffic control element as defined in claim 11 including means constructed and defined for mounting a warning light to the hollow element.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
60 words
A traffic control element as defined in claim 11 including means constructed and defined on the outside surface of the hollow element and adjacent the top surface thereof for mounting a warning light to the hollow element and to permit a plurality of the elements to be stacked in a nesting relationship including when a warning light is mounted thereto.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
98 words
A traffic control device as defined in claim 18 wherein the hollow element and the warning light mounting means are integrally constructed of a plastic material, said mounting means comprising shelf means for receiving and supporting a warning light thereon and adapted to permit the warning light to be secured to the hollow element when supported by the shelf means, the shelf means being further characterized as being defined to retain a warning light in a non-rotatable position including when the hollow element has responded to a substantial impact causing it to rest in a substantially horizontal position.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
65 words
A traffic control element as defined in claim 18 wherein said warning light mounting means is constructed and defined to receive a warning light having a housing with a lens-light system extending upwardly therefrom, the mounting means being defined with a depth to substantially enclose the warning light housing therein to thereby minimize any relative motion between the light mounting means and the warning light.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
49 words
A traffic control element as defined in claim 20 wherein the hollow element and the warning light mounting means are integrally constructed of a plastic material and defined with a plastic socket for receiving a warning light mounting means therein to secure the warning light to said mounting means.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
54 words
A traffic control element as defined in claim 21 wherein the light mounting means is defined by a double plastic wall for the outer wall of the mounting means and including a double walled plastic socket defined integrally with said outer wall for receiving a warning light mounting bolt within the thus defined socket.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
54 words
A traffic control element as defined in claim 22 wherein said plastic socket is constructed and defined to receive a warning light mounting bolt in combination with a bolt protective means in an anti-theft relationship whereby a mounting bolt and bolt protective means securing a warning light are substantially enclosed within the plastic socket.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
57 words
A traffic control element as defined in claim 11 wherein the hollow element has a stepped configuration wherein the smaller dimension of the element has said closed end and the larger dimension of the element is at the free end to thereby allow a plurality of the thus defined elements to be stacked in a nesting relationship.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
21 words
A traffic control element as defined in claim 24 wherein the hollow element has an outer configuration to be roll resistant.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
158 words
A traffic channelizer comprising a hollow element having an outer configuration that is constructed and defined to be of a stepped configuration from one end to the opposite end thereof, the smaller dimension of the stepped hollow element having a substantially closed end for mounting the element in a vertical channelizing position with a mounting surface, said closed end being constructed and defined with a plurality of spaced, flexible elements constructed integrally with the hollow element for substantially closing said end of the hollow element, the flexible elements being adapted to receive means for stabilizing the element in said vertical position and being responsive to a substantial impact to the hollow element so as to release any stabilizing means therefrom while permitting the hollow element to be moved from its vertical position while being separated from the stabilizing means, and means constructed and defined for mounting a warning light to the hollow element adjacent the top side thereof.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
158 words
A traffic channelizer comprising a hollow element having an outer configuration that is constructed and defined to be of a stepped configuration from one end to the opposite end thereof, the smaller dimension of the stepped hollow element having a substantially closed end for mounting the element in a vertical channelizing position with a mounting surface, said closed end being constructed and defined with a plurality of spaced, flexible elements constructed integrally with the hollow element for substantially closing said end of the hollow element, the flexible elements being adapted to receive means for stabilizing the element in said vertical position and being responsive to a substantial impact to the hollow element so as to release any stabilizing means therefrom while permitting the hollow element to be moved from its vertical position while being separated from the stabilizing means, and means constructed and defined for mounting a warning light to the hollow element adjacent the top side thereof.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
96 words
A traffic channelizer as defined in claim 26 wherein the spaced, flexible elements of the closed end are constructed and defined integrally with the hollow element to extend inwardly from adjacent the outer periphery of the closed end towards the center thereof, each flexible element being spaced apart by radial slots extending between adjacent elements from adjacent the outer periphery of the closed end to a central aperture whereby the inner end of each element is spaced from the ends of each other element to permit each element to be independently flexible of the other elements.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
37 words
A traffic channelizer as defined in claim 27 wherein each element is further constructed and defined to have a configuration for maintaining the elements in a substantially rigid horizontal position including when removed from a supporting surface.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
59 words
A traffic channelizer as defined in claim 28 wherein each element is constructed and defined to be raised upwardly on the top side of the element as preselected distance adjacent the outer periphery of the closed end and sloping downwardly toward the free end of the element and thereby defining a pocket on the bottom side of the element.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
29 words
A traffic control element as defined in claim 29 wherein each of the slots separating the adjacent flaps are provided with an enlarged opening adjacent the inner ends thereof.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
39 words
A traffic control element as defined in claim 28 wherein the flaps are further characterized as being capable of maintaining their position without drooping when supporting or taking a set when displaced from or flexed from its normal position.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
49 words
A traffic channelizer as defined in claim 26 wherein said warning light mounting means is constructed on the outside of the hollow element to permit a plurality of said elements to be stacked in a nested relationship including when the warning light is mounted in the light mounting means.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
36 words
A traffic channelizer as defined in claim 32 wherein the warning light mounting means is defined to retain a warning light in a nonrotatable position including when the hollow element has responded to a substantial impact.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
18 words
A traffic channelizer as defined in claim 27 wherein the element is constructed of a resilient plastic material.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
43 words
A traffic channelizer as defined in claim 34 wherein the hollow element includes a plurality of bands secured in a spaced apart relationship on the element, each of the bands being of a color selected to contrast with the color of the element.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
15 words
A traffic channelizer as defined in claim 35 wherein the bands comprise light reflective bands.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
57 words
A traffic channelizer as defined in claim 32 wherein the warning lights mountable to said light mounting means comprises a housing having a lens mounted on top thereof, the housing being substantially received in the light mounting means with the lens extending outwardly from the mounting means from a point adjacent the top of the mounting means.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
40 words
A traffic channelizer as defined in claim 26 wherein the hollow element is constructed and defined with at least one flat side so that when the element is impacted to a horizontal position it will render the element roll resistant.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
28 words
A traffic channelizer as defined in claim 26 or 28 wherein the outer configuration of the hollow element is an arcuate configuration with at least one flat side.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
27 words
A traffic channelizer as defined in claim 29 wherein the outer configuration of the hollow element provides a continuous high target value and a roll resistant surface.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
63 words
A traffic channelizer as defined in claim 32 wherein the outer configuration of the hollow element is an arcuate configuration with at least one flat side and the warning light mounting means is constructed on the outside of the arcuate portion of the hollow element to further restrict the rolling of the hollow element when the element is impacted to a horizontal position.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
37 words
A traffic channelizer as defined in claim 18 wherein the warning light mounting means is constructed and defined to also function to render the hollow element roll resistant when the device is impacted to a horizontal position.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
62 words
A traffic channelizer as defined in claim 18 wherein the hollow element has an outer configuration that is arcuate with at least one flat side and the warning light mounting means being defined on the arcuate portion, the warning light mounting means being constructed and defined to render the hollow element roll resistant when the device is impacted to a horizontal position.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
141 words
A traffic control device comprising a hollow element having a substantially closed end for mounting the element in a vertical position on a mounting surface when functioning as a traffic control element, the closed end being constructed and defined by means of a plurality of flexible flaps for releasably storing ballast means for stabilizing the hollow element in said vertical position when mounted on the flaps, the flaps being further characterized as being responsive to an impact to the hollow element causing it to be moved from its vertical position to permit any ballast means stored on said flaps to substantially remain in position while being separated from the moving hollow element, and means constructed and defined for mounting a warning light to the hollow element in a non-rotatable position including when the hollow element has responded to a substantial impact.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
141 words
A traffic control device comprising a hollow element having a substantially closed end for mounting the element in a vertical position on a mounting surface when functioning as a traffic control element, the closed end being constructed and defined by means of a plurality of flexible flaps for releasably storing ballast means for stabilizing the hollow element in said vertical position when mounted on the flaps, the flaps being further characterized as being responsive to an impact to the hollow element causing it to be moved from its vertical position to permit any ballast means stored on said flaps to substantially remain in position while being separated from the moving hollow element, and means constructed and defined for mounting a warning light to the hollow element in a non-rotatable position including when the hollow element has responded to a substantial impact.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
46 words
A traffic control device as defined in claim 44 wherein said warning light mounting means comprises shelf means for receiving and supporting a warning light thereon and adapted to permit the warning light to be secured to the hollow element when supported by the shelf means.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
91 words
A traffic control device as defined in claim 45 wherein said shelf means comprises a warning light supporting shelf defined integral with the hollow element, the supporting shelf being oriented in a substantially horizontal plane when the hollow element is mounted in a vertical position, said shelf means comprising a pair of substantially vertical walls relative to said horizontal shelf arranged on opposite sides of said horizontal shelf means and being constructed and defined to extend outwardly from the adjacent wall of the hollow element to retain a warning light therebetween.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
44 words
A traffic control device as defined in claim 46 wherein the warning light comprises a housing adapted to be secured to an object by means of a mounting bolt and said hollow element being provided with an aperture for receiving a mounting bolt therein.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
41 words
A traffic control device as defined in claim 44 wherein the hollow element is constructed and defined with at least one flat side so that when the element is impacted to a horizontal position it will render the element roll resistant.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
25 words
A traffic control device as defined in claim 44 wherein the hollow element is constructed and defined with an outer configuration to be roll resistant.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
83 words
A traffic control device as defined in claim 44 wherein the flexible flaps are each constructed and defined integrally threwith to extend from adjacent the outer periphery of the closed end towards the center of said end; each flap being spaced apart by slots extending between adjacent flaps from a central aperture for said end to adjacent the outer periphery whereby each inner end of each flap is spaced from each other flap's inner end to permit each flap to be independently flexible.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
58 words
A traffic control device as defined in claim 50 wherein each flap is further constructed and defined to be raised upwardly on the top side thereof a preselected distance adjacent the outer periphery of said closed end and sloping downwardly toward the free end of the flap for defining a pocket on the bottom side of the flap.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
26 words
A traffic control device as defined in claim 51 wherein each of the slots separating the adjacent flaps are defined to minimize tearing between the flaps.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
26 words
A traffic control device as defined in claim 52 wherein each of said slots comprises a large radiused aperture adjacent the inner end of said slots.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
29 words
A traffic control element as defined in claim 53 wherein each of the slots separating the adjacent flaps are provided with an enlarged opening adjacent the inner ends thereof.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
39 words
A traffic control element as defined in claim 52 wherein the flaps are further characterized as being capable of maintaining their position without drooping when unsupported or taking a set when displaced from or flexed from its normal position.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
23 words
A traffic control device as defined in claim 55 wherein said hollow element and flaps are constructed integrally of a resilient plastic material.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
91 words
A traffic control device as defined in claim 19 wherein said shelf means comprises a warning light supporting shelf defined integral with the hollow element, the supporting shelf being oriented in a substantially horizontal plane when the hollow element is mounted in a vertical position, said shelf means comprising a pair of substantially vertical walls relative to said horizontal shelf arranged on opposite sides of said horizontal shelf means and being constructed and defined to extend outwardly from the adjacent wall of the hollow element to retain a warning light therebetween.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
53 words
A traffic control device as defined in claim 57 wherein the warning light comprises a housing adapted to be secured to an object by means of a mounting bolt securable thereto and said hollow element is provided with an aperture for receiving a mounting bolt therein to be secured to the warning light.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
29 words
A traffic control device as defined in claim 58 wherein said mounting means includes means secured to the hollow element for reinforcing said hollow element at said mounting means.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
32 words
A traffic control device as defined in claim 57 wherein said pair of vertical walls are arranged on opposite ends of the supporting shelf in a preselected spaced relationship with said ends.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
89 words
A traffic control device as defined in claim 60 wherein the warning light comprises a housing adapted to be secured to an object by means of a mounting bolt and said hollow element is provided with an aperture for receiving a mounting bolt therein, and reinforcing plate means secured to said hollow element on the opposite side of the hollow element from said shelf means, said reinforcing plate means being provided with an aperture defined coaxially with said aperture for the hollow element for receiving a mounting bolt therein.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
23 words
A traffic control device as defined in claim 61 wherein said mounting bolt includes bolt protective means secured thereto in an anti-theft relationship.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
58 words
A traffic control device as defined in claim 62 wherein the hollow element has a stepped configuration wherein the smaller dimension of the element has said closed end and the larger dimension of the element is at the free end to thereby allow a plurality of the thus defined elements to be stacked in a nesting nesting relationship.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
24 words
A traffic control device as defined in claim 63 wherein the hollow element has an outer configuration constructed and defined to be roll resistant.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
64 words
A traffic control device as defined in claim 64 wherein the outer configuration of the hollow element is an arcuate configuration with at least one flat side and the warning light mounting means is constructed on the outside of the arcuate portion of the hollow element to further restrict the rolling of the hollow element when the element is impacted to a horizontal position.
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) | 1987-10-02 | 1988-04-02 | 1988-10-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-10-02 | 1992-04-02 | 1992-10-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-10-02 | 1996-04-02 | 1996-10-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |