U.S. patent application number 09/477004 was filed with the patent office on 2001-11-15 for traffic directional mat.
Invention is credited to COLEMAN, MAX F..
Application Number | 20010041091 09/477004 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23894112 |
Filed Date | 2001-11-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010041091 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
COLEMAN, MAX F. |
November 15, 2001 |
TRAFFIC DIRECTIONAL MAT
Abstract
The present invention discloses a traffic directional mat 10
which is expected to be made of black, rubber-like material. The
mat 10 is a relatively thin, generally rectangular body which is
designed to be placed on a roadway in a pre-selected pattern or
line in order to indicate the direction of travel for the traffic.
The mat has an indented 20 arrow 18, which arrow may be painted in
reflective paint 32 so as to be clearly visible to the driver 34 of
a vehicle 24. The mats 10 are expected to be about 4'.times.5'
being about 5/8 inch thick having a 3'.times.4' arrow with about a
1/4 inch indention.
Inventors: |
COLEMAN, MAX F.; (HAIKU,
HK) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MICHAEL I KROLL
171 STILLWELL LANE
SYOSSET
NY
11791
US
|
Family ID: |
23894112 |
Appl. No.: |
09/477004 |
Filed: |
January 3, 2000 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
404/9 ;
404/12 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E01F 9/50 20160201 |
Class at
Publication: |
404/9 ;
404/12 |
International
Class: |
E01F 009/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. An apparatus for placement on a roadway for directing traffic,
comprising; a) a generally rectangular, planar member defined by a
top surface and a bottom surface; b) an arrow defined on said top
of said planar member; and, c) an indention in said top of said
planar member, said indention having the shape of said arrow.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said arrow is reflective.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, said reflective arrow further
comprising paint.
4. The apparatus of claim 2, said reflective arrow further
comprising reflective paint.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said reflective paint is
white.
6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said reflective paint is
phosphorescent.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said planar member is
black.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said planar member is made of
rubber.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said planar member is about
five feet long and about four feet wide.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said arrow is about four feet
long and about three feet wide.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said planar member is about
5/8 inch in thickness.
12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said indention is about 1/4
inch in depth.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to traffic control
devices and, more specifically, to traffic direction control
devices. The preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
Traffic Directional Mat, is a 4'.times.5'.times.5/8" black rubber
mat with a 1/4" indented 3'.times.4' arrow painted with white
reflective paint. It is designed to be placed on the roadway
concatenated in large numbers in the lane of travel to provide a
clear path indicating the direction the traffic is to follow. These
mats can be used either independently or in conjunction with
traffic safety cones to provide clearer traffic direction
information to the motorist of all cultural and educational
backgrounds. The problem with using a multiplicity of traffic cones
as the sole traffic direction control method is that they don't
always indicate clearly the correct path for the redirection of
traffic. This is due, in part, to the often less-then-perfect
ambient light conditions as well as to the nature of the device
itself which presents an obstacle to travel rather than a
directional indication. Using traffic cones in conjunction with
Directional Mats, however, gives the motorist a complete traffic
direction information picture, with the mats clearly indicating the
path and the cones indicating the lateral boundaries of the path.
The internationally recognized arrow symbol is also easily
understood by motorist of all backgrounds. The Traffic Directional
Mat is durable, easy to clean, portable and easy to maintain (the
indented arrow can be repainted with reflective paint).
[0003] It increases highway safety and lowers liability exposure
which makes the Directional Mat a perfect compliment to any traffic
control inventory.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] There are other traffic controls devices designed for
controlling the flow of traffic. Typical of these is U.S. Pat. No.
5,397,617 issued to Judy Chen on Mar. 14, 1995.
[0006] Another patent was issued to Peter Hedgewick on Oct. 29,
1991 as U.S. Pat. No. 5,061,114. Yet another U.S. Pat. No.
3,768,383 was issued to Hartwell F. Tucker on Oct. 30, 1973 and
still yet another was issued on Mar. 30, 1948 to W. A. Phillips as
U.S. Pat. No. 2,438,764.
[0007] Another patent was issued to W. S Rockwell on Dec. 29, 1936
as U.S. Pat. No. 2,065,872. Yet another U.S. Pat. No. 1,581,809 was
issued to J. R. O'Brien on Apr. 20, 1926.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,397,617
Inventor: Judy Chen
Issued: Mar. 14, 1995
[0008] A reflective road sign made of a transparent tempered glass
consisted of a cylindrical base, and a dome connected above the
cylindrical base, the cylindrical base having a peripheral outside
wall coated with an inner layer of light-permeable color covering,
an outer layer of corrosion resisting coating, and an intermediate
layer of reflective metal coating between the inner layer of light
permeable color covering and the outer layer of corrosion resisting
coating.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,061,114
Inventor: Peter Hedgewick
Issued: Oct. 29, 1991
[0009] A reflective pavement marker of the type having a shell-like
housing of synthetic resin or other moldable material with a
reflective end wall of light transmitting material with a filler of
epoxy or other potting material. The reflective end wall is formed
with retro-directive reflective elements of cube corner type. The
end wall is dished so that light rays reflect from the array of
cube corner reflective elements and converge to enhance the
candlepower of the reflective light. Also disclosed is a method and
apparatus for making the device.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,768,383
Inventor: Hartwell F. Tucker
Issued: Oct. 30, 1973
[0010] An automobile driving lane or roadbed marker device for
attachment to a roadbed has a configuration which indicates to the
driver of the automobile the proper direction of movement in a
traffic lane, while defining the boundaries of the traffic lane.
The marker device has a low-profile elongated three-dimensional
body the bottom surface of which is flat and which tapers in width
from about 4 to 8 inches at one end to one to 2 inches at the other
end. The top surface of the body is divided into facets or
angularly disposed surfaces which themselves reflect light, or on
which separate reflective units are formed or attached.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,438,764
Inventor: W. A. Phillips
Issued: Mar. 30, 1948
[0011] In a device for use in applying a traffic control marking to
the soft upper surface of a highway, a carrier composed of a
compressible material provided with a series of spaced openings
extending entirely through the carrier and arranged to depict the
desired traffic control marking, and individual hard element in and
substantially filling each of said carrier openings, and a
frangible sheet closing the ends of said openings for retaining
said elements therein.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,065,872
Inventor: Walter S. Rockwell
Issued: Dec. 29, 1936
[0012] A sign including a flexible open mesh backing adapted to be
embedded in self-hardening plastic material, the interstices of the
backing being of a size as to permit the plastic material to pass
therethrough, and wire of rod-like form defining the outline of a
symbol secured to said area as to project a sufficient distance
from the adjacent face of the backing to provide a form for
retaining self-hardening plastic material of a different color than
that in which the backing is adapted to be embedded.
U.S. Pat. No. Des. 1,581,809
Inventor: James Raymond O'Brien
Issued: Apr. 20, 1926
[0013] A road marker embodying a block like body portion, the upper
surface thereof being substantially flat, and an anchor plate upon
which the block rests, the lower face of the block and the said
plate being secured together, the said plate projecting beyond the
block to form flanges continuous throughout the length of the
respective adjacent upright surfaces of the block, said block being
adapted to be embedded in the pavement so that the pavement will
rest upon the said flanges and thereby anchor the block for
yielding movement with the pavement, the top of the said block
being normally flush with the upper surface of the adjacent portion
of the pavement.
[0014] While these traffic control devices may be suitable for the
purposes for which they were designed, they would not be as
suitable for the purposes of the present invention, as hereinafter
described.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0015] The present invention discloses a traffic directional mat
which is expected to be made of black, rubber-like material. The
mat is a relatively thin, generally rectangular body which is
designed to be placed on a roadway in a pre-selected pattern or
line in order to indicate the direction of travel for the traffic.
The mat has an indented arrow, which arrow may be painted in
reflective paint so as to be clearly visible to the driver of a
vehicle. The mats are expected to be about 4'.times.5' being about
5/8 inch thick having a 3'.times.4' arrow with about a 1/4 inch
indention.
[0016] A primary object of the present invention is to provide an
unambiguous traffic directional control device that will be
completely understandable to motorists of all backgrounds.
[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
unambiguous traffic directional control device that will be
completely understandable to motorists of all backgrounds and that
can be used independently or in conjunction with other devices to
enhance the effectiveness of traffic directional control.
[0018] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an
unambiguous traffic directional control device that will be
completely understandable to motorists of all backgrounds, can be
used independently or in conjunction with other devices to enhance
the effectiveness of traffic directional control and that is
clearly visible under all ambient light conditions.
[0019] Still yet another object of the present invention is to
provide an unambiguous traffic directional control device that will
be completely understandable to motorists of all backgrounds, can
be used independently or in conjunction with other devices to
enhance the effectiveness of traffic directional control, that is
clearly visible under all ambient light conditions and is
durable.
[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
unambiguous traffic directional control device that will be
completely understandable to motorists of all backgrounds, can be
used independently or in conjunction with other devices to enhance
the effectiveness of traffic directional control, that is clearly
visible under all ambient light conditions and that is durable and
easy to clean.
[0021] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an
unambiguous traffic directional control device that will be
completely understandable to motorists of all backgrounds, can be
used independently or in conjunction with other devices to enhance
the effectiveness of traffic directional control, that is clearly
visible under all ambient light conditions and that is durable,
easy to clean and portable.
[0022] Still yet another object of the present invention is to
provide an unambiguous traffic directional control device that will
be completely understandable to motorists of all backgrounds, can
be used independently or in conjunction with other devices to
enhance the effectiveness of traffic directional control, that is
clearly visible under all ambient light conditions and that is
durable, easy to clean, portable and easy to maintain (can be
refinished with reflective paint).
[0023] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
unambiguous traffic directional control device that will be
completely understandable to motorists of all backgrounds, can be
used independently or in conjunction with other devices to enhance
the effectiveness of traffic directional control, that is clearly
visible under all ambient light conditions and that is durable,
easy to clean, portable, easy to maintain (can be refinished with
reflective paint) and that will increase highway safety.
[0024] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an
unambiguous traffic directional control device that will be
completely understandable to motorists of all backgrounds, can be
used independently or in conjunction with other devices to enhance
the effectiveness of traffic directional control, that is clearly
visible under all ambient light conditions, that is durable, easy
to clean, portable, easy to maintain (can be refinished with
reflective paint), that will increase highway safety and lower the
liability exposure of organizations involved in traffic
control.
[0025] Additional objects of the present invention will appear as
the description proceeds.
[0026] The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the
prior art by providing a traffic directional control device, the
Traffic Directional Mat, designed to be placed on the roadway
concatenated in large numbers in the lane of travel to provide a
clear path indicating the direction the traffic is to follow. The
preferred embodiment of the present invention, the Traffic
Directional Mat, is a 4'.times.5'.times.5/8" black rubber mat with
a 1/4" indented 3'.times.4' arrow painted with white reflective
paint. These mats can be used either independently or in
conjunction with traffic safety cones to provide clearer traffic
direction information to the motorist of all cultural and
educational backgrounds. The problem with using a multiplicity of
traffic cones as the sole traffic direction control method is that
they don't always indicate clearly the correct path for the
redirection of traffic. This is due, in part, to the often
less-then-perfect ambient light conditions as well as to the nature
of the device itself which presents an obstacle to travel rather
than a directional indication. Using traffic cones in conjunction
with Directional Mats, however, gives the motorist a complete
traffic direction information picture, with the mats clearly
indicating the path and the cones indicating the lateral boundaries
of the path. The internationally recognized arrow symbol is also
easily understood by motorist of all backgrounds. The Traffic
Directional Mat is durable, easy to clean, portable and easy to
maintain (the indented arrow can be repainted with reflective
paint). It increases highway safety and lowers liability exposure
which makes the Directional Mat a perfect compliment to any traffic
control inventory.
[0027] The foregoing and other objects and advantages will appear
from the description to follow. In the description reference is
made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in
which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which
the invention may be practiced. These embodiments will be described
in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice
the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments
may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without
departing from the scope of the invention. In the accompanying
drawings, like reference characters designate the same or similar
parts throughout the several views.
[0028] The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be
taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention
is best defined by the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] In order that the invention may be more fully understood, it
will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0030] FIG. 1 is a pictorial view looking down, depicting an auto
collision obstructing flow of traffic at an intersection. Traffic
safety cones are set up at the scene in conjunction with traffic
directional mats. The traffic directional mats may be used either
independently or in conjunction with other safety devices. The
traffic directional mats clearly indicate the correct path of
redirected traffic in all ambient light conditions due to its
reflective nature.
[0031] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the present invention
illustrating the indented reflective arrow in proportion to the mat
itself. The indented arrow may be repainted with reflective paint
as required and utilized redundantly.
[0032] FIG. 3 is a pictorial view depicting the traffic directional
mats conveniently stacked in the trunk of a police vehicle. The
traffic directional mat may be easily accessed, utilized and
restacked as required. The traffic directional mat is durable, easy
to clean, portable and easy to maintain and a perfect compliment to
highway construction or municipal departments as well as a police
traffic safety alternate device in which may be used in conjunction
with other safety devices or independently.
[0033] FIG. 4 is a top view of the present invention depicting the
indented arrow in proportion to the mat itself. Also indicated, the
direction of view of the following FIG. 5.
[0034] FIG. 5 is a front view of the present invention as per
indicated on FIG. 4 with respect to direction of view. Shown in
phantom line, the depth of the indented arrow of the present
invention.
[0035] FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the present invention showing
the depth of the indented arrow in respect to the proportions of
the mat itself.
[0036] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the present invention depicting
the indented directional arrow in phantom line and in proportion to
the size of the mat itself.
[0037] FIG. 8 is a pictorial view depicting a road work traffic
diversion exercising the use of the traffic directional mat in
conjunction with other traffic safety devices. The illustration
shows the present invention clearly indicating the correct path for
redirection of traffic.
[0038] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the present invention
depicting the reflective qualities of the directional arrow and
proportion of the arrow in relation to the mat itself. The indented
arrow may be repainted as required with reflective paint.
[0039] FIG. 10 is a pictorial view of the present invention
depicting a motorist interacting and responding to the traffic
directional mat in which clearly indicates the correct path for the
redirection of traffic.
[0040] FIG. 11 is a pictorial view depicting a motorist interacting
in poor weather conditions to the clearly indicated traffic
directional mats. The correct path of traffic flow is visible in
less than perfect ambient light conditions as well as to the nature
of the device itself which presents an easily noticeable indication
of travel direction.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0041] With regard to reference numerals used, the following
numbering is used throughout the drawings.
[0042] 10 present invention
[0043] 12 auto collision
[0044] 14 intersection
[0045] 16 cone
[0046] 18 arrow
[0047] 20 indention
[0048] 22 trunk
[0049] 24 vehicle
[0050] 26 stack of mats
[0051] 28 emergency vehicle
[0052] 32 reflective qualities
[0053] 34 motorist
[0054] 36 rain
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
[0055] In order that the invention may be more fully understood, it
will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the
accompanying drawings in which FIGS. 1 through 11 illustrate the
present invention being a traffic directional mat.
[0056] Turning to FIG. 1, shown therein is a pictorial view looking
down, depicting an auto collision 12 obstructing the flow of
traffic at an intersection 14. Multiple traffic safety cones 16 are
set up at the scene in conjunction with multiple traffic
directional mats 10. The traffic directional mats 10 may be used
either independently or in conjunction with other safety devices
such as cones 16. The traffic directional mats 10 clearly indicate
the correct path of redirected traffic in all ambient light
conditions due to its reflective nature.
[0057] Turning to FIG. 2, shown therein is a perspective view of
the present invention 10 illustrating the indented reflective arrow
18 with indention 20 in proportion to the mat itself. The indented
arrow 18 may be repainted with reflective paint as required and
utilized redundantly. The planar, generally rectangular nature of
mat 10 is also shown.
[0058] Turning to FIG. 3, shown therein is a pictorial view
depicting the traffic directional mats 10 conveniently stacked 26
in the trunk 22 of a police vehicle 24. The traffic directional mat
10 may be easily accessed, utilized and restacked as required. The
traffic directional mat is durable, easy to clean, portable and
easy to maintain and a perfect compliment to highway construction
or municipal departments as well as a police traffic safety
alternate device which may be used in conjunction with other safety
devices or independently.
[0059] Turning to FIG. 4, shown therein is a top view of the
present invention 10 depicting the indented arrow 18 in proportion
to the mat itself. Also indicated is the direction of view of the
following FIG. 5.
[0060] Turning to FIG. 5, shown therein is a front view of the
present invention 10 as indicated on FIG. 4 with respect to
direction of view. Shown in phantom line is the depth of the
indented arrow 18 with indention 20 of the present invention
10.
[0061] Turning to FIG. 6, shown therein is a sectional view of the
present invention 10 showing the depth of the indented arrow 18 in
respect to the proportions of the mat itself.
[0062] Turning to FIG. 7, shown therein is a bottom view of the
present invention 10 depicting the indented directional arrow 18 in
phantom line and in proportion to the size of the mat itself.
[0063] Turning to FIG. 8, shown therein is a pictorial view
depicting a road work traffic diversion using cones 16 exercising
the use of the traffic directional mat 10 in conjunction with other
traffic safety devices and emergency vehicle 28. The illustration
shows the present invention 10 clearly indicating the correct path
for redirection of vehicles 24 comprising the traffic.
[0064] Turning to FIG. 9, shown therein is a perspective view of
the present invention 10 depicting the reflective white paint
qualities 32 of the directional arrow 18 and proportion of the
arrow in relation to the mat itself. The indented arrow 18 may be
repainted as required with reflective paint. Arrow 18 may also be
painted with phosphorescent paint.
[0065] Turning to FIG. 10, shown therein is a pictorial view of the
present invention 10 depicting a motorist 34 interacting and
responding to the traffic directional mat 10 which clearly
indicates with reflective indented directional arrow 18 the correct
path for the redirection of traffic.
[0066] Turning to FIG. 11, shown therein is a pictorial view
depicting a motorist 34 interacting in poor weather conditions;
i.e., rain 36, to the clearly indicated traffic directional mats
10. The correct path of traffic flow is visible in less than
perfect ambient light conditions as well as the nature of the
device itself which presents an easily noticeable indication of
travel direction using reflective indented directional arrow
18.
[0067] What is claimed to be new and desired to be protected by
Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims:
* * * * *