U.S. patent application number 11/849726 was filed with the patent office on 2009-03-05 for traffic merging system.
Invention is credited to John Denison.
Application Number | 20090060647 11/849726 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40407793 |
Filed Date | 2009-03-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090060647 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Denison; John |
March 5, 2009 |
TRAFFIC MERGING SYSTEM
Abstract
A system for merging traffic including a through lane for
conveying traffic in a traffic flow direction, a merge lane for
introducing additional traffic into the through lane, the merge
lane including a parallel portion that is generally parallel to the
through lane, and the merge lane including a merge portion, at
least a downstream portion of the merge portion converging into the
through lane, and a lane change inhibitor disposed between the
through lane and the parallel portion of the merge lane prohibiting
traffic from crossing laterally between the through lane and the
parallel portion of the merge lane.
Inventors: |
Denison; John; (Erin,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BERESKIN AND PARR
40 KING STREET WEST, BOX 401
TORONTO
ON
M5H 3Y2
CA
|
Family ID: |
40407793 |
Appl. No.: |
11/849726 |
Filed: |
September 4, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
404/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E01C 1/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
404/1 |
International
Class: |
E01C 1/02 20060101
E01C001/02 |
Claims
1. A system for merging traffic comprising: a) a through lane for
conveying traffic in a traffic flow direction; b) a merge lane for
introducing additional traffic into the through lane, the merge
lane including a parallel portion that is generally parallel to the
through lane, and the merge lane including a merge portion, at
least a downstream portion of the merge portion converging into the
through lane; and c) a lane change inhibitor disposed between the
through lane and the parallel portion of the merge lane inhibiting
traffic from crossing laterally between the through lane and the
parallel portion of the merge lane.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of first
spacing markers associated with the through lane and configured to
urge traffic in the through lane to remain spaced apart in the
traffic flow direction by at least a pre-determined spacing
distance.
3. The system of claim 2, further comprising a plurality of second
spacing markers associated with the merge lane and configured to
urge traffic in the merge lane to remain spaced apart in the
traffic flow direction by at least the pre-determined spacing
distance, the second spacing markers positioned along at least the
parallel portion of the merge lane in an alternating fashion
relative to the position of the first spacing markers along the
through lane.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the lane change inhibitor
comprises a barrier between the through lane and the parallel
portion of the merge lane.
5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a yield indicator
associated with the through lane for urging traffic in the through
lane to yield to at least one vehicle in the merge portion of the
merge lane.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein the yield indicator comprises
markings on a surface of the through lane viewable by approaching
drivers in the though lane.
7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a merge indicator
configured to urge traffic from the merge lane to the through lane
along the merge portion of the merge lane.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein the merge indicator comprises at
least one arrow pointing in a direction from the merge lane to the
through lane.
9. A system for merging traffic comprising: a) a through lane for
conveying traffic in a traffic flow direction; b) a merge lane for
introducing additional traffic into the through lane, the merge
lane including a parallel portion that is generally parallel to the
through lane, and the merge lane including a merge portion, at
least a downstream portion of the merge portion converging into the
through lane; and c) a yield indicator associated with the through
lane urging traffic in the through lane to allow at least one
vehicle to enter the through lane from the merge portion of the
merge lane.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the yield indicator comprises
markings on a surface of the through lane viewable by drivers in
the though lane.
11. The system of claim 9, further comprising a plurality of first
spacing markers associated with the through lane and configured to
urge traffic in the through lane to remain spaced apart in the
traffic flow direction by at least a pre-determined spacing
distance
12. The system of claim 11, further comprising a plurality of
second spacing markers associated with the merge lane and
configured to urge traffic in the merge lane to remain spaced apart
in the traffic flow direction by at least the pre-determined
spacing distance.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the first spacing markers
correspond in an alternating fashion to the second spacing markers
along at least the parallel portion of the merge lane.
14. The system of claim 10, further comprising a merge indicator
configured to urge traffic from the merge lane to the through lane
along the merge portion of the merge lane.
15. The system of claim 15, wherein the merge indicator comprises
at least one arrow pointing in a direction from the merge lane to
the through lane.
16. A system for merging traffic comprising: a) a through lane for
conveying vehicular traffic in a traffic flow direction; b) a merge
lane for introducing additional vehicular traffic into the through
lane, the merge lane including a parallel portion that is generally
parallel to the through lane, and the merge lane including a merge
portion, at least a downstream portion of the merge portion
converging into the through lane; c) a merge indicator configured
to urge traffic from the merge lane to the through lane along the
merge portion of the merge lane; d) a plurality of first spacing
markers associated with the through lane and configured to urge
adjacent vehicles in the through lane to remain spaced apart in the
traffic flow direction by at least a pre-determined spacing
distance; and e) a plurality of second spacing markers associated
with the merge lane and configured to urge adjacent vehicles in the
merge lane to remain spaced apart in the traffic flow direction by
at least the pre-determined spacing distance, and to remain spaced
apart in the traffic flow direction from adjacent vehicles in the
through lane.
17. The system of claim 16, further comprising a lane change
inhibitor disposed between the through lane and the parallel
portion of the merge lane and inhibiting traffic from crossing
laterally between the through lane and the parallel portion of the
merge lane;
18. The system of claim 17, further comprising a yield indicator
associated with the through lane for urging traffic in the through
lane to yield to at least one vehicle in the merge portion of the
merge lane.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein the first spacing markers
correspond in an alternating fashion to the second spacing markers
along at least the parallel portion of the merge lane.
20. The system of claim 18, wherein each of the first spacing
markers and the second spacing markers has a leading end, a
trailing end, and a length extending between the leading and
trailing ends, wherein the trailing ends of the first markers are
generally aligned with the leading ends of the second markers along
at least the parallel portion of the merge lane.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The teaching disclosed herein relates to one or more systems
for merging traffic, and in particular to systems and methods for
merging traffic on a first roadway with traffic on a second
roadway.
BACKGROUND
[0002] U.S. Pat. No. 3,188,927 (Woods) discloses a system that
provides a guide for controlling the spacing between cars. The
guide comprises dots or markers on the surface of highways at
spaced intervals down the center of each traffic lane. The system
also comprises roadside signs that instruct drivers how to maintain
adequate spacing between vehicles consistent with the speed of
traffic on that highway or that particular stretch of highway.
Preferably the distance between dots on the surface of the roadway
will vary to suit the particular road or traffic conditions. At
merger points or entrance points on high speed highways, it is
desirable to increase the distance between dots and thereby provide
greater space between moving vehicles to permit the merger or
entrance of other vehicles into the moving lane of traffic. If the
spacing is maintained and the cars do not close up, the two lanes
can merge at a good rate of speed with considerably more safety
than the usual starting and stopping associated with
bumper-to-bumper traffic.
[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 3,593,262 (Spencer) discloses a traffic
control system for providing a merge junction between first and
second vehicular paths. The system includes a means for detecting
movement of a vehicle along the second path towards the junction,
and a first set of indicators arranged in succession along a length
of the first path and in advance of the junction. The indicators
are controlled by the detecting means to direct the creation of a
moving gap in the traffic on the first path. The moving gap is
arranged to arrive at the merge junction simultaneously with a
merging vehicle so that the merging vehicle can safely merge with
the traffic on the first path.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 7,025,525 (Van Der Poel) discloses a system
for effecting merging of a first vehicle traveling in a first
roadway with successive vehicles traveling in a second roadway. The
system includes a sensor capable of detecting the movement of the
successive vehicles in the second roadway; conversion means for
determining from the detected movement when the distance between
the successive vehicles permits merging; and a road-marking
arrangement for producing a guidance light visible to at least the
first vehicle and seemingly moving with the two successive
vehicles. The light indicates when merging is permitted. The
dynamic road marking system enables higher traffic intensities on
roadways and improved traffic safety.
SUMMARY
[0005] The following summary is intended to introduce the reader to
this specification, but not to define any invention. In general,
this specification discusses one or more systems for merging
traffic.
[0006] In one example, there is a system for merging traffic
comprising: a through lane for conveying traffic in a traffic flow
direction; a merge lane for introducing additional traffic into the
through lane, the merge lane including a parallel portion that is
generally parallel to the through lane, and the merge lane
including a merge portion, at least a downstream portion of the
merge portion converging into the through lane; and a lane change
inhibitor disposed between the through lane and the parallel
portion of the merge lane prohibiting traffic from crossing
laterally between the through lane and the parallel portion of the
merge lane.
[0007] In some examples, the system may further comprise a yield
indicator associated with the through lane for indicating traffic
in the through lane to yield to at least some traffic in the merge
lane. The yield indicator may be indicated on a surface of the
through lane.
[0008] In some examples, the merge portion may have a length of
approximately four car lengths.
[0009] In another example, there is a system for merging traffic
comprising: a through lane for conveying traffic in a traffic flow
direction; a merge lane for introducing additional traffic into the
through lane, the merge lane including a parallel portion that is
generally parallel to the through lane, and the merge lane
including a merge portion, at least a downstream portion of the
merge portion converging into the through lane; and a plurality of
first spacing markers associated with the through lane and
configured to urge traffic in the through lane to remain spaced
apart in the traffic flow direction by at least a pre-determined
spacing distance.
[0010] In some examples, the system may further comprise a
plurality of second spacing markers associated with the merge lane
and configured to urge traffic in the merge lane to remain spaced
apart in the traffic flow direction by at least the pre-determined
spacing distance.
[0011] In some examples, the first spacing markers correspond in an
alternating fashion to the second plurality of spacing markers in
at least the parallel portion of the merge lane.
[0012] In some examples, each of the first spacing markers and the
second spacing markers has a first end, a second end, and a length
extending between the first and second end, wherein the length of
the first plurality of spacing markers and the second plurality of
spacing markers is approximately two car lengths.
[0013] In another example, there is a system for merging traffic
comprising: a through lane for conveying traffic in a traffic flow
direction; a merge lane for introducing additional traffic into the
through lane, the merge lane including a parallel portion that is
generally parallel to the through lane, and the merge lane
including a merge portion, at least a downstream portion of the
merge portion converging into the through lane; a plurality of
second spacing markers associated with the merge lane and
configured to urge traffic in the merge lane to remain spaced apart
in the traffic flow direction by at least the pre-determined
spacing distance.
[0014] In another example, there is a system for merging traffic
comprising: [0015] a) a first roadway including at least one
through lane; [0016] b) a second roadway joined to the through
lane, the second roadway comprising: [0017] i) a converging portion
directed obliquely towards the through lane, [0018] ii) a parallel
portion adjoining to and parallel to the through lane, the parallel
portion having a proximal end adjacent the converging portion, and
a distal end opposite the proximal end, [0019] iii) a merge portion
extending from the distal end of the parallel portion to a
termination of the second roadway, [0020] c) a first plurality of
spacing markers associated with the first roadway; [0021] d) a
second plurality of spacing markers associated with the second
roadway; [0022] e) a yield indicator associated with the first
roadway, the yield indicator located adjacent to the distal end of
the parallel portion; and [0023] f) a continuous lane change
inhibitor indicated in between the first roadway and the second
roadway adjacent to the parallel portion, [0024] wherein the first
plurality of spacing markers correspond in an alternating fashion
to the second plurality of spacing markers in at least the parallel
portion.
[0025] In some examples, the yield indicator may be indicated on a
surface of the first roadway.
[0026] In some examples, the yield indicator may include a textual
message.
[0027] In some examples, the first plurality of spacing markers may
correspond in an alternating fashion to the second plurality of
spacing markers in at least a portion of the converging
portion.
[0028] In some examples, the first plurality of spacing markers may
be indicated on the surface of the first roadway.
[0029] In some examples, the first plurality of spacing markers may
be indicated on signs posted adjacent to the first roadway.
[0030] In some examples, the second plurality of spacing markers
may be indicated on the surface of the second roadway.
[0031] In some examples, the second plurality of spacing markers
may be indicated on signs adjacent to the second roadway.
[0032] In some examples, the first plurality of spacing markers and
the second plurality of spacing markers may each individually have
a first end, a second end, and a length defined by the first and
second end, wherein the length of the first plurality of spacing
markers and the second plurality of spacing markers is
approximately two car lengths.
[0033] In some examples, the first plurality of spacing markers and
the second plurality of spacing markers may each individually have
a first end, a second end, and a length defined by the first and
second end, wherein the length of the first plurality of spacing
markers and the second plurality of spacing markers is
approximately 10 meters.
[0034] In some examples, the merge portion may have a length
defined by the distal end of the parallel portion and the
termination of the second roadway, wherein the length of the merge
portion is approximately four car lengths.
[0035] In some examples, the merge portion may have a length
defined by the distal end of the parallel portion and the
termination of the second roadway, wherein the length of the merge
portion is approximately 20 meters.
[0036] In some examples, the merge portion may comprise at least
one arrow marker pointing from the merge portion towards the
through lane.
[0037] In some examples, the first roadway may have multiple
through lanes.
[0038] In some examples, the continuous lane change inhibitor may
be at least one solid line.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0039] The drawings included herewith are for illustrating various
examples of articles, methods, and apparatuses of the present
specification and are not intended to limit the scope of what is
taught in any way. In the drawings:
[0040] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for merging
traffic.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0041] Various apparatuses or processes will be described below to
provide an example of an embodiment of each claimed invention. No
embodiment described below limits any claimed invention and any
claimed invention may cover processes or apparatuses that are not
described below. The claimed inventions are not limited to
apparatuses or processes having all of the features of any one
apparatus or process described below or to features common to
multiple or all of the apparatuses described below. It is possible
that an apparatus or process described below is not an embodiment
of any claimed invention. The applicants, inventors or owners
reserve all rights that they may have in any invention disclosed in
an apparatus or process described below that is not claimed in this
document, for example the right to claim such an invention in a
continuing application and do not intend to abandon, disclaim or
dedicate to the public any such invention by its disclosure in this
document.
[0042] Reference is made to FIG. 1, which illustrates an example of
a merge system 10 for merging traffic. The merge system 10 includes
a first roadway 12 having an upstream end 14 and a downstream end
16. Vehicles traveling on the first roadway travel in a traffic
flow direction from the upstream end 14 towards the downstream end
16. The merge system further includes a second roadway 18 for
introducing additional traffic into traffic on the first
roadway.
[0043] The first roadway 12 includes at least one through lane for
conveying traffic in the traffic flow direction. In the example
illustrated, there is a through lane 20, which is a right hand lane
when facing in the direction of travel. The through lane 20 is a
continuous portion of the first roadway 12 that permits vehicles
traveling on the roadway 12 to continue in that same lane
throughout the system for merging traffic 10. The through lane 20
provides a continuous link between the upstream end 14 and the
downstream end 16.
[0044] The through lane 20 includes an inner through lane boundary
22 (proximate the second roadway 18) and an outer through lane
boundary 24. The boundaries 22, 24 each extend in parallel to the
traffic flow direction and are spaced apart laterally to
accommodate the width of a vehicle. The boundaries 22, 24 are, in
the example illustrated, generally identified by lines provided on
the surface of the roadway, extending lengthwise along the through
lane 20 at either lateral side thereof. The boundaries can include
alternative or additional structures, such as reflective elements
embedded in the roadway intermittently along the edges of the lane.
A change in the surface of the roadway, and/or the termination of a
finished traffic-conveying surface, can also be used to identify
the inner and outer through-lane boundaries.
[0045] In some examples, and as shown in FIG. 1, the first roadway
12 can have multiple through lanes. Typically, the additional
through lanes are located directly adjacent to the through lane 20.
In North America, the additional through lanes are typically
located adjacent the left hand side of the through lane 20.
[0046] In some examples, the first roadway 12 may be a highway, a
city street, an expressway or another portion of land designed and
ordinarily used for vehicular traffic. Typically, the first roadway
12 has a finished traffic conveying surface such as concrete,
asphalt or the like. In the through lane, the finished surface
extends across the width of the through lane, i.e. across a width
26 extending laterally between the inner and outer through lane
boundaries 22, 24. The width of the through lane is sized to permit
at least some types of vehicles to travel on the first roadway 12
in the through lane. For example, the width 26 may permit a
tractor-trailer, a car, or a motorbike to travel on the first
roadway 12 in the through lane.
[0047] The second roadway 18 is generally similar to the first
roadway 12 and typically adjoins to the through lane 20 of the
first roadway 12. The second roadway 18 generally includes at least
one merge lane 28 for conveying vehicles from the second roadway 18
into the first roadway 12. In particular, the merge lane 28
generally conveys traffic into the through lane 20. In some
examples the second roadway may include multiple merge lanes and
through lanes, or, as illustrated, the second roadway may be a
single merge lane.
[0048] In some examples, as illustrated in FIG. 1, at least a
portion of the second roadway 18 approaches the first roadway 12 at
an oblique, non zero angle .THETA.). In some examples, the second
roadway 18 provides a link from an intersecting highway, or
expressway, to the first roadway 18, allowing vehicles to change
which highway or expressway they are traveling on. In other
examples the second roadway 18 may link a city street, or any other
type of roadway to the first roadway 12. Typically, the second
roadway 18 has a hard top surface such as concrete, asphalt or the
like. Similar to the first roadway 12, the merge lane of the second
roadway 18 can have a width 30 sized to accommodate vehicles
traveling on the second roadway in the merge lane.
[0049] The merge lane 28 of the second roadway 18 comprises a
parallel portion 32 that is generally parallel to the through lane
20, and a merge portion 34 that is generally downstream of the
parallel portion 32. At least a downstream portion of the merge
portion 34 converges into the through lane 20. The merge lane can
also include a ramp portion 36 upstream of the parallel portion 32.
In the illustrated example, a vehicle traveling on the second
roadway 18 travels from the ramp portion 36 towards the merge
portion 34.
[0050] In use, a vehicle travels on the second roadway 14, for
example, after exiting an intersecting road and onto the second
roadway 18. As the vehicle exits the intersecting road, the vehicle
may travel on the ramp potion 36 until the vehicle reaches the
parallel portion 32. The vehicle then travels on the parallel
potion 32 until the vehicle reaches the merge portion 34, at which
point the vehicle merges onto the through lane 20 of the first
roadway 12. This process can be impeded and suffer from various
problems in cases of heavy traffic congestion on the roadways. For
example, in the absence of certain features provided in the
applicant's teaching disclosed herein, a vehicle may merge too
early or too late. Merging too early may include, for example, when
the vehicle is not at a speed appropriate for merging or when the
vehicle merges within the parallel portion 32. Merging too late may
include, for example, when the vehicle needs to slow down or stop
in order to merge prior to reaching the end of the merge portion.
These and other similar scenarios may interrupt the smooth flow of
traffic, particularly in the through lane 20. Aspects of the
applicant's teaching disclosed herein can help to alleviate these
and/or other problems.
[0051] The ramp portion 36 is the portion of the second roadway 18
that is directed obliquely at a non zero angle .THETA. towards the
through lane 20. The non-zero angle .THETA. may be any angle. In
some examples, the angle .THETA. depends on the type of roadway of
the first roadway 12 and the second roadway 18. For example, a high
speed intersection, such as on a highway may have a smaller angle
.THETA. than a lower speed intersection, such as an inner city
street.
[0052] The ramp portion 36 can have a first (upstream) end at an
intersecting highway or roadway (not shown). For example, the ramp
portion 36 can have a first end beginning at an off-ramp from an
intersecting highway or at a turning lane of an intersecting
street. The second (downstream) end of the ramp portion 36 is
joined to the parallel portion 32. Typically the ramp portion 36
has the same width 30 as the rest of the merge lane 28.
[0053] The parallel portion 32 is typically adjoining to and
parallel to the through lane 20. The parallel portion 32 typically
has a proximal end 38 adjacent to the ramp portion 36, and a distal
end 40 opposite the proximal end 38. Typically, the distal end 40
of the parallel portion is adjacent to the merge portion 34. The
distance between proximal end 38 and distal end 40 defines the
length of the parallel portion 32. The parallel portion 32 may have
any length. In some examples the parallel portion 32 may have a
length of a number of kilometers, or in some cases about 500 m. In
other examples the parallel portion may have a length of two
highway tractor-trailers. Typically, the parallel portion 32 has
the same width 30 as the rest of the merge lane 28.
[0054] The merge portion 34 is also typically adjoining to and
parallel to the through lane 20. The merge portion 34 extends from
the distal end 40 of the parallel portion 32 to a termination 42 of
the second roadway 18. The distance from the distal end 40 of the
parallel portion 32 to the termination 42 of the second roadway 18
defines the length of the merge portion 34. The merge portion 34
may have any length. In some examples the length of the merge
portion 34 may be the sum of four car lengths. In other examples
the length of the merge portion 34 may be the length of two
standard tractor-trailers. In some examples the length of the merge
portion may be about 20-50 meters.
[0055] In the example illustrated, the merge lane 28 has an inner
merge lane boundary 44 proximate the through lane 20 and an outer
merge lane boundary 46 distal the through lane 20. Along the
parallel portion 32, the inner merge lane boundary 44 can be
generally co-linear with the inner through lane boundary 22. Along
the parallel portion 32 of the merge lane 28, the outer merge lane
boundary 46 is generally parallel to, and spaced laterally apart
from, the inner merge lane boundary 44. Along at least a downstream
portion of the merge portion 34, the outer merge lane boundary 46
includes a terminating portion 47 that converges towards the
through lane 20. As illustrated, the outer merge lane boundary 46
typically intersects the outer through lane boundary 22 at the
termination 42. The inner merge lane boundary 44 and inner through
lane boundary 22 can be absent along the merge portion 34, to
indicate that vehicles are urged to merge from the merge lane into
the through lane 20.
[0056] As mentioned above, the terminating portion 47 of the outer
merge lane boundary 46 of the merge portion 34 that converges
towards the outer through lane boundary 22 generally corresponds
with the termination 42 (or terminal end) of the merge lane 28. The
terminating portion 47 can generally be angled at an acute angle
(measured from a zero degree line co-linear with the direction of
travel and sweeping counter-clockwise when viewed from above). In
the example illustrated, the termination is aligned at about a
45-degree angle. The width of the merge portion 34 reduces from the
width 30 of the parallel portion 32 (i.e. the width of the merge
lane 28) to a width of zero along the terminating portion 47.
[0057] The merge system 10 can include a lane change inhibitor 48,
which may be positioned between the through lane 20 and the
parallel portion 32 of the merge lane 28. The lane change inhibitor
48 can indicate to drivers driving vehicles on both the first
roadway 12, and the second roadway 18, that they should not change
lanes laterally across the merge lane 28 and the through lane 20,
for example when adjacent to the parallel portion 32. In some
examples, the lane change inhibitor 48 may be configured to inhibit
traffic from crossing laterally between the parallel portion 32 and
the through lane 20.
[0058] In one example the lane change inhibitor 48 comprises a
solid line superimposed on the collinear inner boundaries 22, 42 of
the through lane and merge lane 20, 28. For example, the lane
change inhibitor 48 may include a continuous solid strip of paint
applied to the roadway surface that borders both the parallel
portion 32 of the merge lane 28 and the through lane 20. In other
examples, a plurality of solid lines may be used as the lane change
inhibitor 48. The system can include an indication to drivers that
crossing over the lane change inhibitor 48 is prohibited. The lane
change inhibitor can include a sign proximate the parallel portion
32 indicating that crossing between the through lane 20 and
parallel portion 32 is prohibited. Fines or other adverse
consequences for failure to obey this rule can also be posted,
and/or this rule can be passed into law. Furthermore, the lane
change inhibitor 48 may include a physical barrier, for example a
concrete median or a fence, such as a chain link fence. The lane
change inhibitor 48 can include one or more rows of tire puncturing
spikes.
[0059] The merge system 10 may also include a merge indicator 50
associated with the merge portion 34 of the merge lane 28. The
merge indicator generally indicates to drivers driving on both the
first roadway 12, and the second roadway 18, that vehicles in the
merge lane 28 should be merging into the through lane 20, for
example, when adjacent to the merge portion 34. The merge indicator
50 may be a symbol or text painted on the surface of the merge lane
28 and/or through lane 20, for example, located within the merge
portion 34. As illustrated, the merge indicator 50 may include at
least one arrow marker pointing from the merge portion 34 towards
the through lane 20, and in particular, may include a plurality of
arrow markers. The absence of any marked inner boundary 22, 44
between the lanes 20, 28 along the merge portion 34 can further
provide a merge indicator 50. Along the merge portion 34, the
delineation between the through lane 20 and merge lane 28 (i.e.
where the collinear inner boundaries 22, 44 would otherwise be
located) is free of the lane change inhibitor 48.
[0060] In some examples (not shown) the merge indicator 50 may
include a traffic sign located adjacent to the merge portion 34. In
some example, there may be a traffic sign located prior to the
merge portion 34, which may indicate that drivers should prepare to
merge. Accordingly, the merge indicator 50 may include a plurality
of traffic signs, which may be used to point from the merge portion
34 to the through lane 20 as well as prepare drivers for
merging.
[0061] The merge system 10 may also include a yield indicator 52.
The yield indicator 52 is typically associated with the through
lane 20 of the first roadway 12. The yield indicator 52 generally
indicates to drivers driving on the first roadway 12 that they
should yield to vehicles merging from the merge portion 34 of the
merge lane 28 to the through lane 20, for example, when adjacent to
the merge portion 34. The yield indicator 52 is typically located
near the distal end 40 of the parallel portion 32. In some examples
the yield indicator 52 is located prior to the distal end 40 of
parallel portion 32. This location may indicate to a driver of a
vehicle in the through lane 20, that they should prepare to yield
to merging traffic. In some examples, the yield indicator 52 may
indicate to a driver, of a vehicle on the through lane 20, that
they should yield to at least one vehicle merging from the merge
lane 28 to the through lane 20. Following the merge, the vehicles
can continue to travel on the first roadway 12 towards the
downstream end 16. In other examples, the yield indicator 52 may
indicate to a driver of a vehicle on the through lane 20 that they
should yield to a plurality of vehicles merging from the merge lane
28 to the through lane 20.
[0062] Similar, to the merge indicator 50, the yield indicator 52
may include symbols or text painted on the surface of the through
lane 20, and/or traffic signs. For example, the yield indicator 52
may be a conventional triangular symbol for indicating a yield
condition, such as a hollow red triangle with a white background.
In other examples the yield indicator 52 may include a textual
message, for example, "Yield to one Vehicle". In other examples the
yield indicator 52 may include a combination of a textual message
and a symbol.
[0063] The merge system 10 can alternatively or additionally
include a plurality of first spacing markers 54 associated with the
through lane 20. Optionally, the merge system 10 can include a
plurality of second spacing markers 56 associated with the merge
lane 28. The spacing markers 54, 56 can be configured to urge
vehicles to remain spaced apart from each other in the traffic flow
direction. As illustrated, the spacing markers 54 can be spaced far
enough apart to permit a vehicle in the merge lane 28 to merge
between two vehicles traveling in the through lane 20 that are
spaced apart by the length of at least one complete spacing marker
54.
[0064] Generally, each spacing marker 54, 56 has a first (leading
or upstream) end 58 and a second (trailing or downstream) end 60.
The distance between the first end 58 and the second end 60 defines
the length of the spacing marker 54, 56. The spacing marker 54, 56
may be any length that can urge two adjacent vehicles in the
through lane 20 to remain sufficiently spaced apart by a
predetermined spacing distance so that one vehicle from the merge
lane can fit between them. In some examples, the length of the
spacing marker 54, 56 can be approximately two car lengths, or for
example approximately 10 meters. In other examples, the length of
the spacing marker 54, 56 can be the length of a standard tractor
trailer, for example approximately 15 meters. It is possible that
increasing the length of the spacing marker 54, 56 may
correspondingly reduce the effectiveness of suggesting vehicle
spacing for merging.
[0065] In some examples the first spacing markers 54 may be
indicated on the surface of the first roadway 12, for example on
the surface of the through lane 20. In some examples, the first
spacing markers 54 may be painted on the surface of the through
lane 20, for example using white and/or yellow paint. Generally
there is only one color of paint, but some examples may include two
or more colors. The first spacing markers 54 may be a solid painted
rectangle defined by the length of the first spacing marker 54, and
by the width 26 of the through lane 20. In other examples a series
of strips, written text, or any other symbol may be painted on the
surface of the through lane 20. The strips, written text, or other
symbols may be applied over the length of the spacing marker 54,
and over the width 26 of the through lane 20 associated with the
spacing marker 54 or portions thereof. Similarly, the second
spacing markers 56 may be indicated on the surface of the merge
lane 28 using paint, for example as rectangles, strips, written
text or any other symbol or combination thereof. The colors or
symbols associated with the first spacing markers 54 may be
different than the colors or symbols associated with the second
spacing markers 56.
[0066] In some examples, the spacing markers 54, 56 may be
indicated on signs (not shown) posted adjacent to the first roadway
12 or the second roadway 18 respectively. For example, signs
indicating the first spacing markers 54 may be placed just off the
shoulder adjacent to the through lane 20, similar to conventional
road signs. Accordingly, a series of signs can be posted adjacent
to the through lane 20 at distances equivalent to the lengths of
the first spacing markers 54. The signs may display any visual
indicator, such as a textual message, or a symbol indicating the
suggested vehicle spacing to a driver. In some examples, both signs
and painted indications on the surface of the roadways (e.g. the
through lane 20 or the merge lane 28), may be used as the spacing
markers 54, 56.
[0067] First gaps 62 are provided between each of the first spacing
markers 54 associated with the through lane 20. The each of the
first gaps 62 has a length defined by the distance between
consecutive first spacing markers 54. In some examples, the lengths
of the first gaps 62 are the same as the lengths of the first
spacing markers 54. In other examples, the lengths of the first
gaps 62 may be greater or less than the lengths of the first
spacing markers 54. Similarly, there are second gaps 64 provided
between the second spacing markers 56 on the merge lane 28.
[0068] Typically, the gaps 62, 64 are left unpainted and are
otherwise unmarked. For example, the surface of the through lane 20
is generally exposed in the area of the first gaps 62. This yields
a surface on the through lane 20 that may conspicuously
differentiate the first markings 56 from the first gaps 62.
[0069] In other examples, paint or other markings can be applied to
the gaps 62, 64, where such paint or other markings contrasts with
the paint or markings associated with the spacing markers 54, 56.
For example, if the paint applied to the through lane 20 for the
first spacing markers 54 is white, then the paint applied to the
through lane 20 for the first gaps 62 may be blue. In some
embodiments the paint may be the same color, and the gaps 62, 64
and the spacing markers 54, 56 may include different patterns, for
example different styles of hatching. The different colors and/or
patterns may help distinguish the two zones.
[0070] Generally, the first spacing markers 54 are positioned along
a portion of the through lane 20 that is adjacent to the parallel
portion 32 of the merge lane 28. In addition, the first spacing
markers 54 may be positioned along the through lane 20 upstream of
the parallel portion 32 for a specified distance. For example, the
first spacing markers may be positioned along the through lane 20
for approximately 1000 meters upstream of the parallel portion 32.
In another example the first spacing markers 54 may be positioned
along the through lane 20 for approximately 100 meters upstream of
the parallel portion 32. The distance the first spacing markers 54
are positioned upstream along the through lane 20 may depend on the
speed of the vehicles traveling on the first roadway 12. In some
examples, higher speeds can require the spacing markers 54 to be
placed a greater distance upstream. Providing spacing markers
upstream may provide a driver sufficient time to become adequately
spaced for merging. In some examples the first spacing markers 56
may also be positioned along the through lane 20 adjacent the merge
portion 34.
[0071] Generally, the second spacing markers 56 are positioned
along a portion of the merge lane 28 that is adjacent to the
parallel portion 32. In addition, the second spacing markers 56 may
be positioned along the merge lane 28 upstream of the parallel
portion 32 for a specified distance. For example, the second
spacing markers 56 may be positioned along both the parallel
portion 32 and the ramp portion 34 of the merge lane 28. In one
example, the second spacing markers 56 can be positioned along the
ramp portion 36 a distance of approximately 200 meters upstream
from the proximal end 38 of the parallel portion 32. In other
examples the second plurality of markers 54, 56 can be positioned
along any length of the ramp portion 36. In some examples the
second spacing markers 56 may also be positioned along the merge
portion 34.
[0072] In examples including a yield indicator 52 and first spacing
markers 54, the yield indicator 52 may be located within a first
spacing marker 56 near the distal end 40 of the parallel portion
32. In other examples, the yield indicator 52 may be located in
other positions, for example separate from the first spacing
markers 54.
[0073] As illustrated, the first spacing markers 54 may correspond
in an alternating fashion to the second spacing markers 56. In the
example illustrated, the first spacing markers 54 are
longitudinally offset the second spacing markers 56 (in the
direction of traffic flow), so that the trailing edge 58 of a first
marker 54 in the through lane 20 is generally aligned with, or
upstream of, the leading edge 60 of an adjacent second marker 56 in
the parallel portion 32 of the merge lane 28. For example, the
second gaps 64 can be laterally aligned with the first spacing
markers 54 along the parallel portion 32. Likewise, the first gaps
62 can be laterally aligned with the second spacing markers 56
along the parallel portion 32. In some examples, the alternating
sequence may continue along other portions of the through lane 20
and the merge lane 28, for example, upstream of the parallel
portion 32.
[0074] In use, vehicles traveling on the first roadway 12 in the
through lane 20 can generally use the first spacing markers 54 to
space themselves for merging. For example, the spacing of the
vehicles in the through lane 20 may permit a vehicle traveling on
the second roadway 18 in the merge lane 28 to merge into the
through lane 20. In particular, the spacing may permit safe and
efficient merging as compared to conventional merging systems.
Furthermore, if there are multiple vehicles traveling in the merge
lane 28, those vehicles can use the second spacing markers 56 to
space themselves for merging with the spaced vehicles in the
through lane 20. Accordingly, the spacing suggestions provided by
the spacing markers 54, 56 can aid drivers in preparing for the
merging of traffic.
[0075] According to the specific example illustrated in FIG. 1, a
driver of a vehicle in the through lane 20 may attempt to maintain
a spacing of one individual first spacing marker 54 from the
vehicle in front of them. Because the first spacing markers 54 and
the second spacing markers 56 correspond in an alternating fashion,
the space between the vehicles traveling on the through lane 20 may
be adjacent to, and may align with, the presence of a vehicle in
the merge lane 28. In other words, when the vehicles traveling on
the through lane 20 and the merge lane 28 follow the associated
spacing markers 54, 56, the vehicles may be staggered. In some
instances, a vehicle traveling in the merge lane 28 will be
directly adjacent a first gap 62 on the through lane 20. At those
same instances, a vehicle traveling in the through lane 20 may be
directly adjacent a second gap 64 on the merge lane 28. This
staggering of vehicles is intended to aid the merging together of
the two streams of traffic.
[0076] Utilizing the lane change inhibitor 48, the merge indicator
50, the yield indicator 52, the spacing markers 54, 56, the gaps
62, 64 or combinations thereof, the merging of traffic from a merge
lane to a through lane can be improved. In some examples, the
traffic may "zipper" together such that as vehicles reach the merge
portion 34, they are adequately spaced to merge together
smoothly.
[0077] According to another example of a merge system, there is a
single roadway including a through lane and a merge lane. For
example, the roadway may be a highway that is converging from two
lanes into one lane.
[0078] The through lane includes a first plurality of spacing
markers and a gap between each of the first spacing markers. In
addition, the merge lane includes a second plurality of spacing
markers and a gap between each of the second spacing markers.
Generally, the first plurality of spacing markers stagger with the
second plurality of spacing markers as described previously to
suggest a vehicle spacing for merging. Generally, the staggered
first and second plurality of spacing markers are applied to the
single roadway for a length along a parallel portion upstream of a
merge portion of the single roadway. The parallel portion having
spacing markers can be any length, for example 100 meters, 1000
meters, etc. There may also be a lane change inhibitor positioned
between the through lane and the merge lane along the parallel
portion. At the downstream end of the parallel portion, there may
be a merge portion including a merge indicator that suggests a
vehicle to merge from the merge lane into the through lane.
Furthermore, there may be a yield indicator that indicates a
vehicle in the through lane should yield to a vehicle merging from
the merge lane. Accordingly, there is a system for suggesting merge
spacing for vehicles on a roadway.
[0079] In some examples, the merge system described herein may also
include corresponding changes to the laws governing vehicles,
highways, and other roadways. For example, it may become an offence
if a driver changes lanes adjacent to a lane change inhibitor. In
some examples, it may become an offence if a driver of a vehicle in
a through lane does not follow the directions indicated by a yield
indicator. For example, if the yield indicator indicates that the
driver must yield to one vehicle, it may be an offence if the
driver does not yield to another vehicle in a merge portion of a
merge lane.
[0080] In some examples, a law enforcement professional may be
present to enforce the laws related to the systems for merging
traffic. For example a police officer may be present to hand out
tickets to drivers not obeying the laws described above.
[0081] While the above description provides examples of one or more
processes or apparatuses, it will be appreciated that other
processes or apparatuses may be within the scope of the
accompanying claims.
* * * * *