Portable Lighted Barrier

Abstract

A lighted temporary barrier having a body of at least one length of hollow translucent tubing, a string of LEDs with a power source, and connectors on each end for coupling to a structure such as a traffic cone or traffic tube so as to provide a solid barrier between the two structures. The body may be made of at least a first length of translucent tubing forming a body and an optional second length of translucent tubing fitting within the first length of translucent tubing to form an extendible body. Alternatively, the body is made from a plurality of telescoping tubes, in one or both ends. The LED strand may be secured within the body or to the outside of the body.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims the filing priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/141,106 titled "PORTABLE LIGHTED BARRIER" and filed on Jan. 25, 2021. The '106 application is hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to lighted barriers. More specifically, the invention relates to portable, lighted barriers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Utility and road workers often need to put a temporary barrier around work areas to keep people out. The "barrier" is typically erected around a hazardous area to warn people of a potential danger and indicate the area to be avoided. The barricaded area might present a trip and fall hazard, a work zone, an accident, or it might present some other reason and need to keep people out. Workers, first-responders, road-side assistance personnel, and the like (collectively referred to herein as "workers") have blocked off areas in various ways using such devices as flares, cones, folding barricades, caution tape, free standing barricades, cones with cone bars, and combinations of these devices.

[0004] Workers who need to "barricade" an area for a short period of time to work (i.e., they want to barricade the area, work, then move within a couple of hours), have identified a need for a new system. These workers want and need a system that is simple to transport, easy to set up and take down, as well as one which provides a complete temporary solid barrier that is highly visible in the daytime and at night.

[0005] The existing prior art devices can be useful, but each has a substantial drawback. For example, traffic cones "highlight" an area, but the implied "line" between cones can be easily crossed, intentionally and even accidentally, due to the gap between cones. Sawhorse style barriers solve that problem by providing a physical barrier without large gaps, but these devices are much more difficult to transport and set up. Caution tape is far easier to transport and set up, while also providing a "solid" line perimeter. However, tape requires connection to a structure (e.g., cones, trees, signs, etc.), can be flimsy, and is easily altered or broken by crossing the barrier. Cone bars, which bridge the gap between two cones, provide a "solid" line and are easy to transport and set up, but are most visible during daylight or when used in well-lighted areas.

[0006] Until the invention of the present application, these and other problems in the prior art went either unnoticed or unsolved by those skilled in the art. The present invention provides a "solid" line style barrier, which is easy to set up and transport, and is visible during daylight or in darkness. The present system provides a lighted cone bar to maximize portability and visibility while providing a "solid" line barrier.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] There is disclosed herein an improved lighted barrier system which avoids the disadvantages of prior devices and systems while affording additional structural and operating advantages.

[0008] Generally speaking, the lighted temporary barrier comprises a body comprised of at least one length of hollow translucent tubing, a string of LEDs with a power source, and connectors on each end for coupling to a structure such as a traffic cone or traffic tube so as to provide a solid barrier between the two structures.

[0009] In specific embodiments, the body is comprised of at least a first length of translucent tubing forming a body and an optional second length of translucent tubing fitting within the first length of translucent tubing to form an extendible body.

[0010] In another specific embodiment, the body is comprised of a plurality of telescoping tubes, in one or both ends.

[0011] In still another embodiment, the LED strand is secured to the outside of the body.

[0012] These and other aspects of the invention may be understood more readily from the following description and the appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the subject matter sought to be protected, there are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, embodiments thereof, from an inspection of which, when considered in connection with the following description, the subject matter sought to be protected, its construction and operation, and many of its advantages should be readily understood and appreciated.

[0014] FIG. 1A illustrates a collection of different prior art temporary barrier devices;

[0015] FIGS. 1B-1H illustrate various prior art temporary barrier devices in use, including cones (FIG. 1B), caution tape (FIG. 1C), molded linking barriers (FIG. 1D), traffic horse barrier (FIG. 1E); reflector traffic cones (FIG. 1F), traffic horse with light (FIG. 1G), and traffic cones with caution tape (FIG. 1H);

[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates a prior art extendible cone bar in (A) a collapsed position, (B) a partially extended position, and (C) a fully extended position;

[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates another prior art temporary barrier combination using traffic cones and extendible cone bars;

[0018] FIG. 4 is a side view of an embodiment of the disclosed lighted portable barrier having a fixed length and internal LED strand;

[0019] FIG. 5 is a side view of an embodiment of the disclosed lighted portable barrier having an adjustable length and a coiled internal LED strand;

[0020] FIG. 6 is a side view of an embodiment of the disclosed lighted portable barrier having a fixed length and lighted connector ends;

[0021] FIG. 7 is a side view of an embodiment of the disclosed lighted portable barrier having an adjustable length and lighted connector ends;

[0022] FIG. 8A is a side view of an embodiment of the disclosed lighted portable barrier having a telescoping adjustable length;

[0023] FIG. 8B is another side view of an embodiment similar to FIG. 8A illustrating the telescoping segments of the adjustable barrier;

[0024] FIG. 9 is a side view of an embodiment of the disclosed lighted portable barrier having a fixed length and an exterior mounted LED strand; and

[0025] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the disclosed lighted portable barrier as it would be seen in a low-light condition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail at least one preferred embodiment of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to any of the specific embodiments illustrated.

[0027] FIGS. 1A-1K show a myriad of temporary and short-term barriers used by workers to block or otherwise close off an area to traffic, be it vehicular and/or pedestrian. Each of these systems and devices, used either alone or in any combination, suffers from at least one of four problems: (1) no solid line barrier (e.g., cones); (2) difficult to transport and set up (e.g., sawhorses, jersey-type barriers); (3) flimsy and/or easily broken (e.g., caution tape); and (4) not sufficiently visible in low light conditions, including dusk, dawn, tunnel, underpass, and inclement weather (i.e., all current devices).

[0028] As to problem #1, traffic can easily pass on either side of a cone barrier, and it may not be clear in which direction traffic should or should not proceed. Problem #2 requires special transportation, such as a flatbed truck, for placing these types of temporary barriers. This can be an issue when a temporary barrier is needed quickly by, for example, a first responder. Problem #3 is an issue when there are no available structures, such as signs, trees, or other barricades, to which caution tape can be attached. It is also very unreliable in windy conditions. Finally, Problem #4 is perhaps the most significant issue of prior art devices. Barrier visibility in all conditions is paramount to both effectively warning traffic of potential hazards and protecting workers who rely on such barriers for their safety. The presently disclosed portable lighted barrier addresses and solves each of these issues.

[0029] FIG. 2 shows currently existing extendible cone bars 50 at three different lengths: (A) not extended or collapsed; (2) partially extended; and (3) fully extended. The cone bar device is typically comprised of two hollow tubes nested in one another and including a connector 52 on each end to allow attachment to a cone 60, as shown in FIG. 3. In use, these devices provide a reasonably sturdy "solid line" barrier and are easy to transport and set up. However, in poorly lit areas, the cone bar device is difficult to see even using reflective striping 54. This is exacerbated by the usual low-profile--i.e., well below eye level--of the system when in use.

[0030] Referring to FIGS. 4-10, there are illustrated various embodiments of a lighted short-term barrier, generally designated by the numeral 10. The particular illustrated lighted barrier 10 is for attachment to traffic cones or similar vertical structures. However, while all the embodiments illustrated are directed to what is known as a "cone bar," it should be understood that the principles of the invention can be more broadly applied to a lighted device which is compatible with other structures to impose a solid line barrier for short-term use. For example, though all embodiments are positioned horizontally, it is possible to use the devices in a vertical or diagonal position, if desirable.

[0031] A first embodiment of the disclosed lighted barrier 10, shown in FIG. 4, is comprised of a fixed length of translucent tube 12 (preferably red) with a string of LEDs 14 positioned within the tube 12. A photocell, battery pack and/or other power supply 16 attaches to the LEDs 14 and can be switched on and off. Each end of the barrier 10 includes a ring-type connector 18 for coupling to a traffic cone (not shown), or similar device. The two connectors 18 may be the same or for two different types of stationary bodies--e.g., a traffic cone and a traffic tube.

[0032] A second embodiment is shown in FIG. 5, which is very similar to the embodiment of FIG. 4. However, this cone bar device 10 is comprised of two lengths of hollow translucent tube 12a, 12b, one fitting within the hollow of the other. This configuration allows adjustability of any gap between support cones. For example, the illustrated bar device 10 may have adjustability from four feet (i.e., collapsed) to 10 feet (fully extended) and any distance between. For this reason, the string of LEDs 14 is preferably coiled within the tubes 12a-b to allow adjustability without stretching the string 14. A locking collar 20 at the insertion point for the two tubes 12a-b can be used to secure the connection. Other mechanisms are also possible.

[0033] In third and fourth embodiments, the lighted barrier 10 includes end lit connectors 18L to vastly improve visibility. The connectors 18L can be lit by having light from LEDs directed into the plastic molded body of the connector 18L. Alternatively, fine wire LEDs can be threaded into the hollow plastic molded body of the connector 18 and connected to the power supply 16 (see FIG. 4). These lit connectors 18L can be used with either the fixed length embodiment of FIG. 6 or the adjustable length embodiment of FIG. 7.

[0034] A fifth embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B. This lighted bar 10 has at least one telescoping end 24, preferably two, as shown. Again, a coil of LED lights 14 would be used to allow full extension of the lighted bar 10. Though not shown, lighted end connectors 18 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) may also be used with this embodiment.

[0035] Finally, in a sixth embodiment, shown in FIG. 9, comprises attachment of at least one strip of LEDs 14 to an outer surface of a fixed length tube 12 (or any of the other configurations). Lighted end connectors 18 may also be used with this embodiment.

[0036] The effectiveness of the lighted bar 10 is illustrated in FIG. 10, which shows a length of the LEDs 14 within an extended bar 10 are very visible in low-light conditions.

[0037] The matter set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings is offered by way of illustration only and not as a limitation. While particular embodiments have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the broader aspects of applicants' contribution. The actual scope of the protection sought is intended to be defined in the following claims when viewed in their proper perspective based on the prior art.

Claims

1. A lighted temporary barrier comprising: a first length of translucent tubing forming a body; a length of LEDs extending through the first length of translucent tubing; a power source for powering the LEDs; and a connector on each end of the body; wherein the connector on each end of the body is configured to couple to a first and second structure, respectively, to provide a lighted barrier between the two structures.

2. The lighted temporary barrier of claim 1, further comprising a second length of translucent tubing adjustably fitting within the first length of translucent tubing to form an extendible body.

3. The lighted temporary barrier of claim 2, wherein the length of LEDs extends through the extendible body.

4. The lighted temporary barrier of claim 3, wherein the length of LEDs is coiled to allow extension.

5. The lighted temporary barrier of claim 1, wherein the connector on each end of the body comprises a ring for attachment to a structure.

6. The lighted temporary barrier of claim 1, wherein the connector on each end of the body is lighted.

7. A lighted temporary barrier comprising: a telescoping body comprised of a plurality of nested hollow translucent tubes; a length of LEDs extending through the telescoping body; a power source for powering the LEDs; and a connector on each end of the telescoping body; wherein the connector on each end of the telescoping body is configured to couple to first and second structures to provide a solid barrier between the two structures.

8. The lighted temporary barrier of claim 7, wherein the telescoping body is configured to extend from a middle tube on only one end.

9. The lighted temporary barrier of claim 7, wherein the telescoping body is configured to extend from a middle tube on both ends.

10. The lighted temporary barrier of claim 7, wherein the length of LEDs is coiled to allow extension.

11. The lighted temporary barrier of claim 7, wherein the connector on each end of the body comprises a ring for attachment to a structure.

12. The lighted temporary barrier of claim 7, wherein the connector on each end of the body is lighted.

13. A lighted temporary barrier comprising: a first length of hollow translucent tubing forming a body; a length of LEDs attached to an exterior of the body; a power source for powering the LEDs; and a connector on each end of the body; wherein the connector on each end of the body is configured to couple to first and second structures to provide a solid barrier between the two structures.

14. The lighted temporary barrier of claim 13, further comprising a second length of translucent tubing adjustably fitting within the first length of translucent tubing to form an extendible body.

15. The lighted temporary barrier of claim 14, wherein the length of LEDs is coiled to allow extension.

16. The lighted temporary barrier of claim 13, wherein the connector on each end of the body comprises a ring for attachment to a structure.

17. The lighted temporary barrier of claim 13, wherein the connector on each end of the body is lighted.

18. A lighted temporary barrier comprising: a first length of hollow tubing forming a body; a connector on each end of the body; at least one LED positioned within one of either the hollow tubing and the connector on each end of the body to illuminate the connector on each end of the body; a power source for powering the at least one LED; and wherein the connector on each end of the body is configured to couple to first and second structures to provide a solid barrier between the two structures.