Signals and indicators – Indicators – By touch
Reexamination Certificate
1998-11-16
2001-03-20
Gutierrez, Diego (Department: 2859)
Signals and indicators
Indicators
By touch
C116S201000, C116S209000, C116SDIG001, C040S608000, C340S908100, C340S908000, C340S573300, C340S679000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06202587
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a method and an apparatus for warning individuals of the existence of one or more unsafe zones, and, in particular, to a system and method which employs flexible upright members in a distribution pattern that warn individuals of entry into or proximity to an unsafe zone from any direction of entry.
BACKGROUND ART
In the prior art, various methodologies, devices and apparatus have been proposed for safety or warning purposes. Often times, an area deemed to be unsafe is surrounded by barriers such as ropes, barricades or the like to prevent individuals from entering the area. In other instances, signs or other indicia are employed to visually warn individuals of danger. Audio signals may also be utilized where appropriate.
One particular problem concerning unsafe zones is the fact that individuals may still have to travel through the unsafe zone, despite the imminent danger that may exist. In these instances, barriers such as fencing, ropes or the like are not practical since they would impede an individual's movement through the area. Signs or other visual indicators may also be insufficient if an individual, for whatever reason, does not see the sign, and is therefore not aware that he or she is passing through an unsafe or dangerous zone. This problem is particularly pervasive in vicinities employing floor or overhead conveyors. In these instances, an individual may have to pass beneath the overhead conveyor track, the area beneath qualifying as an unsafe zone should the conveyor and its cargo be traveling therethrough. In addition, a floor conveyor presents areas of hazardous pinch points between the product being moved and the stationary conveyor.
In light of the dangers and disadvantages noted above, a need exists for improved ways to warn individuals that they are entering or nearing an unsafe zone. In a response to this need, the present invention provides both a method and an apparatus to prevent accidental injury to an individual by warning the individual that he or she is entering or nearing an unsafe zone. The present invention accomplishes this aim through the use of a forest or distribution of upright flexible members. The members are arranged in or near the unsafe zone so that an individual entering or approaching the unsafe zone from any direction would contact and trample the flexible upright members. Each upright member can be oriented in different directions so that warning verbage or indicia can be seen from any approach. Contact between the members and the individual alerts the individual that he or she has entered an unsafe area, particularly if the individual may not realize it visually.
Flexible upright members alone are not unique. U.S. Pat. No. 4,645,168 to Beard discloses a traffic marker support comprising a base and an upright member. The marker of Beard is designed for use as a highway marker along a roadside. U.S. Pat. No. 4,515,499 to Furiate discloses traffic lane delineators which are arranged in a row to separate lanes, prevent passing or the like.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,571,118 to Schmanski discloses simulated tubular highway safety devices which can deflect on impact. While these patents disclose upright markers which may be flexible, none teach or suggest a safety forest of markers to warn individuals of an unsafe or dangerous zone.
Walkways having raised protrusions or humps have been proposed to aid blind or visually handicapped persons. U.S. Pat. No. 4,080,087 to Phillips discloses such a walkway. Another aid for the visually handicapped is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,715,743 to Schmanski. Neither of these patents disclose a distribution of upright flexible members which are designed to be trampled upon so as to warn an individual of an unsafe zone.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is a first object of the present invention to provide an improved manner of warning individuals of an unsafe zone.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a warning method and apparatus which warns while not impeding an individual's movement.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide a warning method and apparatus especially suited for vicinities employing floor and/or overhead conveyor systems.
One other object of the present invention is a warning apparatus that can be readily tailored to the geometry of an unsafe zone.
One additional object is a method and apparatus that can be readily moved from one area to another for instances where only temporary warnings are needed.
Yet another object is a method and apparatus that links the operation of machinery such as a conveyor to entry into the warning zone, such entry disabling the machinery.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent as a description thereof proceeds.
In satisfaction of the foregoing objects and advantages, the present invention provides both a method and an apparatus for warning individuals of an unsafe area or a zone. In the method aspect of the invention, the unsafe area is first identified. Once identified, a plurality of members having an elongated shape are arranged to cover or affront the unsafe area. The members are resilient so that they regain their elongated shape after being deformed and are of such a length that an individual can sense entering the unsafe area by contact between the individual and a portion of one of the members.
The method is particularly adapted for areas beneath overhead conveyors and pinch points of floor mounted conveyors, but can also be placed in other unsafe areas such those areas affronting machinery, a hazardous-material containing site, a dangerous intersection or the like.
In the apparatus aspect of the invention, a system is provided which combines the plurality of members of elongated shape and at least one base. The base is arranged to cover or affront an unsafe area so as to distribute the members in a manner that warns an individual entering or affronting the unsafe area. The members are sized and linked so that contact occurs between at least one of the members and an individual to provide positive warning of the unsafe area.
The members can be supported by a number of bases rather than a single base. In this embodiment, the bases can have the same shape or have a one or more different shapes. The bases can have varying peripheral outlines to accommodate differently-shaped unsafe areas. For example, squares, rectangles, triangles and the like can be combined to cover areas that are not square or rectangular in shape.
In addition, a thick rubber mat with pre-cut slots of different or the same orientations can be employed. The mat can be laid and cut like a carpet to surround the unsafe zone or obstacle. After laying the mat, the members can be inserted in the slots. In this way, areas can be custom fitted leaving no exposed unsafe areas, especially around contours of the unsafe zone. Alternatively, the members can be first attached or secured to the mat followed by mat trimming.
The members and the one or more bases can be integrally attached as a one piece assembly or can be made separable. In addition, the number of members associated with a particular base can vary so that the density of the members can vary when arranged with a particular unsafe area. The change in density of the members can be used to provide another level of warning once an individual is within the distribution of elongated and flexible members.
The flexible members can have different cross-sectional shapes, and can include indicia or coloring to provide additional warning to individuals.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2174716 (1939-10-01), Bethell
patent: 2333273 (1943-11-01), Scanlon
patent: 2774323 (1956-12-01), Kirk
patent: 2783730 (1957-03-01), Robins
patent: 3693940 (1972-09-01), Kendall et al.
patent: 4068339 (1978-01-01), Maruyama et al.
patent: 4080087 (1978-03-01), Phillips
patent: 4090465 (1978-05-01), Bell, Sr.
patent: 4515499 (1985-05-01), Furiate
patent: 4542709 (1985-09-01), Spaugh
patent: 4571118 (1986-02-01), Schmanski
patent: 46208
Dickinson Wright PLLC
Gutierrez Diego
Jervis B. Webb International Company
Pruchnic Jr. Stanley J.
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