U.S. patent application number 11/128586 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-16 for wireless reflective marker with internal light source.
This patent application is currently assigned to Hye Lites Industries, LLC. Invention is credited to Timothy M. Campion, Rand J. Eikelberger, Jacob Matiosian, Carey Pickard, John A. Talamo.
Application Number | 20060257204 11/128586 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37419249 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060257204 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Matiosian; Jacob ; et
al. |
November 16, 2006 |
Wireless reflective marker with internal light source
Abstract
A marker for indicating boundaries or delineating traffic lanes
in pavement such as roadways or airport runways is described. In an
embodiment, the marker includes a high-strength plastic housing
containing at least one retroreflective reflector, a light emitting
diode (LED), at least one solar collector and a rechargeable
battery. The retroreflective reflectors reflect light back to a
light source, such as the headlights of a vehicle on a roadway or
the light of an airplane on a runway. The LED can provide a light
source that can be seen from greater viewing angles than the light
reflected by the reflectors providing better visibility to
operators of vehicles on curved roadways and allowing captains of
airplanes to see the markers from the cockpit at closer range than
if the markers used reflectors alone. In an embodiment, the marker
also can include circuitry that controls the operation of the LED,
the flow of current through the circuit and the charging of the
battery.
Inventors: |
Matiosian; Jacob; (Norridge,
IL) ; Campion; Timothy M.; (Schaumburg, IL) ;
Talamo; John A.; (Elgin, IL) ; Eikelberger; Rand
J.; (Chicago, IL) ; Pickard; Carey; (Auckland,
NZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BANNER & WITCOFF
1001 G STREET N W
SUITE 1100
WASHINGTON
DC
20001
US
|
Assignee: |
Hye Lites Industries, LLC
Elk Grove
IL
|
Family ID: |
37419249 |
Appl. No.: |
11/128586 |
Filed: |
May 13, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
404/16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E01F 9/553 20160201 |
Class at
Publication: |
404/016 |
International
Class: |
E01F 9/06 20060101
E01F009/06 |
Claims
1. A marker comprising: a solar collector, a reflector, a light
source, a solar sensor, and a rechargeable battery, wherein the
marker has a height of no more than approximately 1/2 inch, a
length of no more than approximately 2 inches, and a width of no
more than approximately 4 inches.
2. The marker of claim 1 wherein the marker is capable of fitting
within a standard casting.
3. The marker of claim 2 wherein the light source, is a light
emitting diode and the reflector is a retroreflective
reflector.
4. The marker of claim 3 wherein the light is emitted from the
light emitting diode at least in part in the same direction as
light is reflected from the retroreflective reflector.
5. The marker of claim 1 wherein the marker is adaptable to
withstand a downward force of approximately at least 6500
pounds.
6. The marker of claim 3 further comprising a first controller
adaptable to limit voltage feedback from the battery, and a pulse
width modulation controller.
7. The marker of claim 2 wherein the solar sensor comprises a
photocell indirectly connected to the battery, said photocell
adaptable to allow current to flow from the battery during night
light conditions and adaptable to restrict current flow from the
battery during day light conditions;
8. The marker of claim 3 further comprising a bottom surface and an
adhesive that is attached to the bottom surface.
9. The marker of claim 4 further comprising a top surface anti a
bottom surface that are comprised of one or more of the following
plastics: polycarbonate, acrylic, methyl methacrylate, nylon, nylon
666, polypropylene and lexan.
10. A marker comprising: a housing including, a solar collector, a
rechargeable power source, and a light emitting source, said marker
adaptable to fit in a standard casting below the top elevation of
the standard casting.
11. The marker of claim 10, further comprising a reflector facing
in the same general direction as the light emitting source.
12. The marker of claim 11, wherein the reflector is a
retroreflective surface, wherein the light emitting source
comprises a light emitting diode and wherein the reflector is
angled and is approximately the same color as the light from the
light emitting source.
13. The marker of claim 10, wherein the housing further comprises a
top surface which is substantially clear to optimize solar
collection.
14. The marker of claim 13, wherein the top surface is comprised of
polycarbonate.
15. The marker of claim 10 wherein the housing is comprised of
plastic with a thickness of 1/8-1/2 inch.
16. The marker of claim 10, further comprising a photocell that is
adaptable to control whether the light emitting source is on or off
and a dic de to prevent current from flowing from the battery to
the solar collectors.
17. The marker of claim 10, further comprising a controller that is
adaptable to regulate a current flowing from the rechargeable power
source to the light emitting source to maintain a constant current
flow and brightness level from the light emitting source.
18. A marker system comprising; a solar collector, a light emitting
diode, a top surface and a bottom surface, a front angled surface
and a rear flat surface, a first side surface and a second side
surface, a rechargeable battery, a retroreflective reflector behind
the front angled surface, said retroreflective reflector placed
such that it is not directly in front of the light emitting
diode.
19. The marker system of claim 18 further comprising a circuit, an
electric control switch that regulates the current flowing through
the circuit, a diode preventing current from flowing from the
battery to the solar collector, and a photocell, wherein the top
surface and the front surface are comprised of one or more of the
following plastics: polycarbonate, acrylic, methyl methacrylate,
nylon, nylon 666, polypropylene and lexan, wherein the marker has a
height of no more than approximately 1/2 inch, a length of no more
than approximately 2 inches, and a width of no more than
approximately 2 inches, and wherein light from the light emitting
diode can be seen from the cockpit of a small plane from a distance
of approximately 100 feet from the marker.
20. The marker system of claim 18 further comprising a standard
casting.
21. The marker of claim 10, wherein the marker has a height of
approximately 1/2 inch, a length of no more than approximately 2
inches, and a width of approximately 4 inches.
22. The marker of claim 10 wherein the marker is adaptable to
withstand a downward force of at least 65000 pounds.
23. The marker of claim 10 further comprising a pulse width
modulation controller.
24. The marker of claim 10 wherein the housing further comprises a
bottom surface and an adhesive that is attached to the bottom
surface.
25. The marker of claim 13 wherein the housing is comprised of a
top surface and a bottom surface that are comprised of one or more
of the following plastics: polycarbonate, acrylic, methyl
methacrylate, nylon, nylon 666, polypropylene and lexan.
26. The marker of claim 10 wherein light from the light emitting
source can be seen from the cockpit of a small plane from a
distance of approximately 100 feet from the marker.
27. The marker of claim 10 further comprising a reflector facing in
the same general direction as the light emitting source and wherein
the housing is comprised of a top surface that is comprised of a
substantially clear plastic, a bottom surface, and an adhesive that
is attached to the bottom surface.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to markers with
reflectors and internal lights for use as boundary, obstruction, or
hazard indicators in pavement, on fences, or otherwise placed to
provide conspicuity to drivers, pilots and others.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] It is a common practice that roadways and airport runways
use reflectors to provide improved conspicuity when compared to
painted lines, particularly at night and in bad weather. These
reflectors are often made of retroreflective elements which return
light reflected back toward the light source as opposed to
refracting the light as a mirror might. However, lights on aircraft
in particular and automobiles to some extent may be fairly distant
from the vehicle operator, reducing the visibility of the
reflector. In addition, where a roadway turns, retroreflectors have
diminished capabilities at distances due to the angle of the
approaching light.
[0003] Devices with reflectors and light sources also are known.
However, these devices involve external wiring and cannot fit into
existing castings in roadways and runways. Wired devices can result
in miles of wire, miles of pavement that must be cut and patched,
power stations to drive the lights, and watertight compartments to
hold the lights, connectors, and other components. Devices with
light sources that do not fit within the recess of a standard
casting are not as useful as markers with light sources that can be
placed in the standard casting's recess. There is a need in the art
for a wireless marker that can serve as both a reflector and a
light emitting source, and that can be used with existing
castings.
[0004] The present invention is directed at improving upon existing
markers used with castings in roadways and runways.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention overcomes some drawbacks of previous
systems. As will become evident below, the present invention can
provide a marker with a light source that fits into the standard
castings currently in roadways and airport runways. The present
invention can provide a cost effective replacement for markers
currently installed in pavement such as roadways and airport
runways without the need to core the pavement to install each
marker. The present invention can provide a replacement to the
current markers and can provide a light source in addition to a
reflective surface.
[0006] In some embodiments, the present invention provides the same
conspicuity as currently used markers and also includes a light
source that provides increased conspicuity. Additionally, the
present invention can be sized to fit within standard sized steel
castings to hold the device generally securely, providing some
protection from snow plows and other vehicular traffic.
Pre-existing tooling is in place for sawing and attaching these
castings to pavement providing low cost installation in the
applications described. Still further, in some embodiments the
present invention is totally sealed with no wires exiting the
enclosed device, simplifying the mounting and improving the
reliability with diminished chance for moisture ingress into the
device.
[0007] In some embodiments, the present invention uses components
to optimize the "on" time of the internal light source while
maintaining a low cost. The invention can include solar collectors
and batteries to provide long running time for the LED. In
addition, some embodiments include regulator circuitry which can
provide steady, low current to the LEDs to prolong light output. In
some embodiments batteries can be charged from circuits that help
maximize their life by not charging or discharging at temperatures
below their operating range. Components can be enclosed in sturdy
housings capable of mounting in standard castings to hold up well
against snow plows, aircraft, or trucks.
[0008] Other features and advantages of the invention will become
apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following
detailed description, claims and drawings in which like numerals
are used to designate like features.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 depicts a top view of an embodiment of a marker.
[0010] FIG. 2 depicts a front view of the marker in FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 3 depicts a side view of the marker in FIGS. 1 and
2.
[0012] FIG. 4 depicts a top view of a standard casting with a
recess into which the marker in FIG. 1 can be placed.
[0013] Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in
detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in
its application to the details of construction and the arrangement
of the components set forth in the following description or
illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other
embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various
ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and
terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and
should not be regarded as limiting. Rather, the phrases and terms
used herein are to be given their broadest interpretation and
meaning. The use of "including" and "comprising" and variations
thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and
equivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents
thereof. The use of the terms "mounted," "connected," "coupled,"
"positioned," "engaged" and similar terms, is meant to include both
direct and indirect mounting, connecting, coupling, positioning and
engaging.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0014] Aspects of the invention relate to a marker that includes
one or more internal light sources. In an embodiment, a marker can
be used in roadways or pavement such as airport traffic areas,
pedestrian crossing lanes or other roadways for motorized vehicles.
In another embodiment, a marker can be placed on top of fences or
other obstructions to improve their conspicuity.
[0015] In embodiments of the invention, a marker can be designed to
fit within a standard casting. Many roadways and runways currently
contain a standard casting. One such casting is made by NightLine
Markers, Inc. and is known as the NightLine A-250 casting. A
standard casting is shown in FIG. 4 and generally is made from
steel and is embedded into the pavement of the roadway or runway.
The exterior structure of the casting generally has dimensions of
approximately 91/4 inches long, 61/2 inches wide and 13/4 inches
tall. The casting is generally embedded into pavement so that the
most elevated surface A of the top of the casting is approximately
flush with or slightly above the level of the pavement.
[0016] The standard casting can include a rectangular shaped recess
C, which can serve to accept a marker or other device which is
placed within the rectangular recess C. The rectangular recess C
has a width of approximately 41/4 inches, a length of approximately
2 inches and a height of approximately 1/2 inch to the flush level
of the casting A. The measurements are approximate and can vary by
at least 20 percent.
[0017] The casting also can include surfaces B that are raised
above the level of the recess C by approximately 1/4 inch and angle
upwards toward the flush level of the casting A as the surfaces B
move outward from the recess C.
[0018] Because castings can be at, near or above the level of the
road, they often are subject to strong pressures and forces. In
some embodiments, a casting is placed within the structure of a
roadway. The roadway is cut and the casting is placed within an
opening.
[0019] Snowplows may move over the castings and markers and the
plows often hit the highest part of the casting/marker assembly. In
addition, aircraft can roll directly over the casting and the
marker contained therein as they sit in a runway. Thus castings and
markers of the present invention in some embodiments are able to
generally accept pressure of approximately 6500 pounds. Preferably
the castings and markers can accept pressure of at least
approximately 6500 pounds. Markers placed in the recess of the
casting can be subject to the same forces as the castings.
[0020] In one embodiment of the present invention, the housing of
the marker is made from high-strength, transparent plastic. Such
plastics include polycarbonate, acrylic, methyl methacrylate,
nylon, nylon 666, polypropylene and can include Lexan. These
plastics generally can withstand significant forces without failing
and allow the marker to withstand the significant forces to which
it is exposed. In an embodiment, the housing walls are
approximately 1/8-1/2 inch in thickness. These housing walls can
comprise the marker's top and bottom face, the front and rear face
and the side faces. In a preferred embodiment, the housing of the
marker is made from 1/4 inch thick, highly transparent, untinted
polycarbonate with ultraviolet light inhibitors to withstand these
forces and to provide satisfactory light transmission for battery
charging and light sensing purposes.
[0021] In an embodiment, the exterior of the marker can define a
generally rectangular shape, but with a sloped face to provide
reflection and/or light output at a low trajectory. The rear face
of the marker and the side faces of the marker are generally
vertical and at approximately a right angle to the bottom face of
the marker. The bottom face of the marker and a portion of the top
face of the marker are generally horizontal in one embodiment. In
other embodiments, the rear, side, top and bottom faces do not meet
at right angles, and meet at acute or obtuse angles.
[0022] In some embodiments, the front face of the marker is
generally diagonal. The angle of the face is designed to provide
visibility of the marker from an automobile, airplane or other
approaching object or person. In one embodiment, the viewing angle
of the marker is approximately 0 to 25 degrees vertical and +/-20
degrees horizontal. In some embodiments, there are no optics
features in front of the LED, so different viewing angles may be
had by simply selecting light sources, such as LEDs, with the
desired angles. In one embodiment, the angle of the front face of
the marker from horizontal is approximately 15-45 degrees,
preferably approximately 20-40 degrees and more preferably
approximately 30 degrees.
[0023] The top face of the marker may be generally highly
transparent to allow light to pass into the marker. The rear face
of the marker also may be generally highly transparent. The rear
face also may be transparent only at the location where a solar
sensor has been located. Where a solar sensor is not incorporated
into the invention or is incorporated at a location other than the
rear face (such as near the top face), the rear face may not be
transparent and may instead be opaque, or partially transparent. In
an embodiment, the front face of the marker can be transparent.
[0024] In an embodiment, the marker can include a reflector. This
reflector can be a retroreflector. Common reflectors and
retroreflectors are well known in the industry. The reflector can
be one of many different colors. The color of a reflector here
defines the color of the light the reflector reflects. In
particular, the reflector can be white, red, yellow, green, orange,
blue or another suitable color.
[0025] The reflector can redirect light and provide a source of
light to oncoming objects that have light sources. For example, the
light from the headlights of an oncoming car or the light from an
airplane can be reflected by the reflector back toward the source
of the light. A retroreflector can be used to reflect the light
generally back to the initial light source. The captain of the
vessel or driver can then see the reflection of the reflector and
notice the placement of the marker.
[0026] In some embodiments, the marker can include a light source.
Such a light source can be internal to the marker. A light emitting
diode (LED) is an example of a light source. Other acceptable light
sources that provide independent light from the marker can be used.
In addition, numerous light emitting diodes are known in the art
that can be used with the present invention. One such LED is a 30
degree LED available from Agilent, Liteon or other sources. Light
sources that emit light in various different colors can be used.
Examples of LED light sources that can be used include red, green,
orange, blue, yellow and white LEDs, in addition to other colors.
The LED can be coordinated to be the same color as the
retroreflector.
[0027] In an embodiment, a light source in the marker can provide
continuous light. In another embodiment, the light source can
provide light for pulses or short segments, followed by segments of
non-light. The light source, in some embodiments, is modulated
through pulse width modulation such that the light is perceived by
humans as constant. However, the light is turning on and off in a
rapid manner. Where an LED is used, the LED is activated and
displaying light when active and inactivated and not displaying any
light when not active.
[0028] A light source can be placed in a position such that it can
be seen through the front of the marker only. A light source also
can be placed in a position such that it can be seen from only the
top or a side of the marker. A light source can be placed in a
position such that it can be seen through the front of the marker
as well as the top of the marker and/or the side of the marker. A
light source can be placed in a position such that it is not
entirely or partially in front of or behind a reflector. In this
manner, the light source provides less inhibition to the working of
the reflector and the reflector provides less inhibition to the
light source. The intensity of a LED that is incorporated into an
embodiment of the invention can vary. In some embodiments the
intensity of the LED allows the LED to be seen at a distance of
approximately at least 1320 feet, preferably approximately at least
2640 feet. In an embodiment, light from the light source can pass
through a generally diagonal front face upon leaving and may then
be subject of easier viewing
[0029] A light source in the marker, in some embodiments, also can
allow light from the marker to be viewed at a close distance. A
light source in the marker can emit light in a vertical direction
as well as a horizontal direction. Moreover, the light source is
not limited to reflecting light. Light from a non-reflector light
source can be seen at a distance of some height above the light
source. In some embodiments, light from the light source can be
seen at a distance of less than approximately 100 feet from the
light source and a height of approximately more than 20 feet above
the light source. In some embodiments, captains in the cockpits of
airplanes can view the light sources at a distance closer to the
marker than they are able to view reflected light. In an embodiment
of the present invention, light sources in the marker can be viewed
from the cockpit of a small plane at a distance at least as close
as approximately 100 feet, preferably approximately 50 feet and
more preferably approximately 20 feet.
[0030] The device can include a solar collector, otherwise known as
a solar cell or solar energy converter. A solar collector is able
to capture energy from the sun. Numerous solar collectors are
understood in the industry and can be used with the marker. The
solar collector is incorporated into the marker in such a way that
it is able to collect the sun's rays of light. In one embodiment, a
solar collector is placed toward the top section of the marker. The
solar collector can be placed underneath a transparent top face of
the marker. This solar collector receives light from the sun
through the top face of the marker. Even during partial or full
cloud cover, the solar collector may receive solar energy.
[0031] The energy a solar collector has collected can be
transferred to a battery in the system. The battery, in an
embodiment, is a lithium ion battery. The battery can be capable of
accepting a level of charge from the solar collector. In an
embodiment the battery can accept approximately a maximum of 5
volts, preferably a maximum of approximately 4.5 volts and more
preferably a maximum of approximately 4.2 volts. The battery can be
connected to a circuit in the marker that evaluates the level of
charge in the battery. In an embodiment, where the level of charge
approaches a cut-off level, a switch prevents additional charge
from traveling to the battery.
[0032] In an embodiment, the level of charge in the battery does
not pass below a pre-set level. Where the charge to the battery
passes below certain levels, the battery can be deleteriously
affected. In an embodiment, a switch is incorporated into a circuit
in the marker. The switch prevents the battery from falling to a
charge of less than approximately 2.65 volts.
[0033] In an embodiment, there are no external wires connected to
the marker. The light source is internal to the marker and is
powered by the energy collected by the solar collector and stored
in the battery.
[0034] In an embodiment, the marker uses one solar collector. In
another embodiment, the marker uses more than one solar collector.
The solar collectors are underneath the top face of the marker. The
solar collectors are connected to a circuit which in turn is
connected to the battery. In a separate embodiment, the solar
collectors are connected directly to the battery.
[0035] The solar collectors need not be of the same size. In an
embodiment, the solar collectors are rectangular, and not of the
same size. In another embodiment, the solar collectors are the same
size. Numerous solar collectors that are well known in the industry
can be used with the present invention.
[0036] The marker also can include a solar sensor. The marker also
can include a light sensitive resistor, which acts as a sensor used
to sense ambient light. This sensor discerns whether a daylight or
non-daylight situation exists. The sensor can be a light sensitive
sensor. The sensor can be located at a position such that it
receives direct or indirect sunlight. The sensor also can be
located at a position in which it generally is not in the path of
light from an approaching vehicle such as a car or plane when the
sensor is included in a marker in a casting in a roadway. In one
embodiment, the solar sensor is located near the rear face of the
marker. In another embodiment, the solar sensor is located near the
top face of the marker. In another embodiment, the solar sensor is
located near a side face of the marker. In one embodiment, the
solar sensor is comprised of a cadmium sulfide cell. Acceptable
solar sensors are understood in the industry.
[0037] In an embodiment, during a daylight situation, sensor can
send a signal to a processor in the marker to note daylight
situation. Due to this signal, processor keeps light source (other
than the reflective light source) in an inactive mode. During
non-sun hours or low-sun hours, solar sensor detects the absence of
sunlight or low levels of sunlight and sends a signal or fails to
send a signal with result that processor assures that the light
source is in an active, on mode.
[0038] In another embodiment, the marker includes a signal
receiving device, that can receive signals such as radio frequency
signals or other signals from sources external to the marker. Upon
receipt of such a signal, the signal receiving device can send a
signal to a controller within the marker to note that the light
source should be turned on, turned off or otherwise moderated
(e.g., dimmed). In this manner, the light source in the marker can
be remotely turned on or off or otherwise controlled.
[0039] The marker also can include additional circuitry. In an
embodiment, the circuitry includes a switch that will shut the
circuit down when the charge drops to a certain voltage level. In
some embodiments, this voltage level is approximately 2.65 V. The
circuitry also can include a switch that will prevent the circuit
from overcharging the battery once the voltage reaches a certain
voltage level. In some embodiments, this voltage level is
approximately 4.2 V. In some embodiments, the circuitry can include
a bimetallic temperature switch to limit charging of the battery to
certain temperature conditions. In an embodiment, there is a diode
preventing backflow of current from the circuit into the solar
collectors. In an embodiment, the circuitry employs pulse width
modulation, whereby the light source is cycled on and off at a rate
undetectable to human observation, such that the light source
appears to be constantly on, but preserving battery life. In one
embodiment, LED drive circuitry is incorporated to employ a 1 to 2
Hz flashing feature. In addition to still greater conspicuity, this
feature can double battery discharge time. In another embodiment,
pulse width modulation may be used as a means of providing dimming
for increased battery life.
[0040] The marker can be designed to sustain significant force in a
downward direction. In some applications, a marker may be subject
to the force of an airplane rolling over it or of a snowplow blade
hitting it. Support ribs can be included in the marker. The support
ribs, in some embodiments, can assist the stability and strength of
the marker in sustaining some forces. Support ribs can be vertical
ribs that run from the inside of the top face of the housing to the
inside of the bottom face. Support ribs can be parallel with the
rear face, a side face or parallel with the front face. Support
ribs also can be in configurations that are not parallel with a
face of a marker. In one embodiment two or more support ribs can
run side by side parallel to the side faces of the housing.
[0041] In some embodiments, support ribs can create separate
compartments. The support ribs in embodiments can divide the
interior of the marker into discreet spaces. The support ribs can
be closer to the center of the marker than the side faces. In some
embodiments, openings and partitions can exist in the support ribs
to allow for passage of materials such as wires from separate
compartments or spaces within the marker.
[0042] In an embodiment, one support rib or several support ribs
also can be incorporated that run parallel to the rear surface.
These support ribs can be generally vertical and can be located
behind the diagonal front face. The support ribs can include
openings and partitions that allow for passing of wires or other
materials between compartments created by the support ribs. In
another embodiment, one support rib or several support ribs that
run parallel to a side face can be incorporated into the marker. In
a further embodiment, ribs can be incorporated that are at right
angles to each other. These ribs can connect or can be fully
unconnected but run in directions that are at right angles.
[0043] Support ribs in embodiments of the invention can run the
full length of the marker. Support ribs also can run only a portion
of the length of the marker. A support rib can be positioned such
that it does not divide the marker into compartments, but merely
serves as a partial wall or partial prop within the marker.
[0044] In one embodiment, two support ribs can be placed parallel
to the rear wall. The two support ribs are close to each other and
each is placed near and slightly behind the line where the
horizontal front face meets the top face. In an embodiment, two
support ribs are included that are close to each other and parallel
to a side wall. The support ribs are closer to the center of the
marker than they are to either side wall.
[0045] In an embodiment, a marker can include a cushion on the
bottom face. The cushion moderates the force to which the marker
may be subjected. The cushion can have resiliency which allows for
compression when the marker is subject to a force in the downward
direction. The cushion can assist in preventing breakage of the
marker. The cushion can encompass the entirety of the bottom face
or the cushion can be placed on portions of the bottom face of the
marker. In an embodiment, the marker can include an adhesive on its
bottom face. The adhesive can aid in securing the marker to the
casting. The adhesive can perform the functions of a cushion
described above.
[0046] The marker, in some embodiments, can include a potting
compound, encapsulating compound or other filler in its interior.
The filler can serve to stabilize the marker and secure the
electrical components of the marker, especially when the marker is
subject to strong forces. The filler can be placed in several
compartments of the marker, and the ribs and internal walls and
support ribs of the marker can be designed such that the filler
(e.g., potting compound) does not flow into compartments that would
cause the compound to block light from a light emitting source. In
an embodiment of the invention, a marker is generally watertight.
In another embodiment the compartments of the marker that include
any circuitry or other electronics are watertight. In some
embodiments, the filler can serve to help make the marker generally
watertight.
[0047] In some embodiments, the marker is able to withstand
temperature variations of approximately one hundred and fifty
degrees Fahrenheit over the course of twelve months.
EXAMPLE
[0048] In an example of an embodiment of the invention, shown in
FIGS. 1-3, the front face 18 of a marker 5 is at a diagonal from
the horizontal. In an embodiment the angle of the front face is
20-40 degrees from horizontal. The front face 18 has a width of no
more than approximately 4 inches and preferably approximately 4
inches. The front face 18 has a length of approximately 12/16-
14/16 of an inch and preferably approximately 13/16 of an inch. The
top face 10 and the bottom face 12 of a marker are generally
horizontal and parallel to each other. The top face 10 and bottom
face 12 each have a width between side faces 14 and 15 of no more
than approximately 4 inches and preferably approximately 33/4-4
inches. The bottom face 12 has a width of no more than
approximately 2 inches and preferably approximately 17/8-2 inches.
The top face 10 has a width of no more than approximately 13/8 inch
and preferably approximately 11/4-13/8 inch. Side faces 14 and 15
of a marker are generally horizontal and parallel to each other and
have a height of no more than approximately 1/2 inch and preferably
approximately 7/16-1/2 inch. The rear face 16 is generally vertical
and has a height of no more than approximately 1/2 inch and
preferably approximately 7/16-1/2 inch. The rear face 16 has a
width no more than approximately 4 inches and preferably 33/4-4
inches.
[0049] Behind the front face 18 are retroreflectors 80 and 82.
Retroreflectors 80 and 82 are of different lengths. Retroreflector
80 has a greater length than retroreflector 82. The retroreflectors
80 and 82 are incorporated into the marker at an angle similar to
the horizontal angle of the front face 18.
[0050] The marker 5 includes support ribs 20, 22, 32 and 42.
Support ribs 32 and 42 are parallel to each other and can be mirror
images. Support ribs 32 and 42 can include the portions of these
support ribs noted by numerals 30, 34 and 40, 44. In such a
scenario, support ribs 32 and 42 contain apertures between the
portions of the ribs marked 32 and 42 and the portions marked 30,
40 and 34, 44. These apertures allow for wires to be passed between
the compartments generally formed by the ribs. Support ribs 32 and
42 also can be separate from ribs 30, 40 and 34, 44. In such a
scenario the ribs have spaces between them; ribs 32, 30 and 34
generally run in the same line and ribs 42, 40 and 44 generally run
in the same line. Support ribs 20 and 22 run in the same line. The
separation between the ribs allows for wires to be passed between
the compartments generally formed by the ribs. Support ribs 20 and
22 are not connected and provide an aperture for light source 90.
Support ribs 20, 22, 32 and 42 extend from the inside of the top
face 10 to the inside surface of the bottom face 12 and thereby
provide support for the marker 5. Light source 90 is a LED.
[0051] Battery 60 is incorporated into the interior of marker 5.
The battery is connected to circuit board 70, which also is
incorporated into the interior of marker 5. Battery 60 and circuit
board 70 are in separate compartments that are partially separated
by support ribs 32 and 42.
[0052] Solar collector 50 (shown in dashed lines) is incorporated
beneath top face 10 of marker 5. Solar collector 52 (shown in
dashed lines) also is incorporated beneath top face 10. The two
solar collectors are separated by ribs 32 and 42. Solar collectors
50 and 52 are connected to circuit 70.
[0053] Marker 5 also incorporates a solar sensor 100 to sense day
light and non-day light (also referred to as night light)
conditions. Sensor 100 is connected to circuit 70.
[0054] Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the
scope of the present invention. It should be understood that the
invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative
combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or
evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different
combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present
invention. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes
known for practicing the invention and will enable others skilled
in the art to utilize the invention. The claims are to be construed
to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the
prior art.
[0055] Various features of the invention are set forth in the
following claims.
* * * * *