Optical: systems and elements – Signal reflector – Discrete reflecting elements formed as a unitary mass
Utility Patent
1999-09-10
2001-01-02
Phan, James (Department: 2872)
Optical: systems and elements
Signal reflector
Discrete reflecting elements formed as a unitary mass
C359S515000, C359S531000, C359S532000, C359S551000, C359S552000, C359S900000, C404S012000
Utility Patent
active
06168276
ABSTRACT:
This invention relates to a road safety reflector and more particularly to a road safety reflector, which may easily gripped, for proper positioning, prior to adhering the same to a road surface.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Reflecting road markers augment the stripes in the road. The reflecting road markers can be colored to indicate the kind of stripes being used on the road. Typically, the stripes are white, yellow, dashed, continuous or combinations thereof. Such stripes can indicate lane divisions, and passing or no passing sections of the road.
With an appropriately colored reflector, the type of stripe or stripes can be emphasized. These reflecting devices are placed on and secured to the road. However, it is difficult to place them on the road in an appropriate position.
The road material is very hot. Yet the devices must still be secured thereto. It is necessary for the worker to handle each reflector device and place each one in the proper position at the proper time. However, it is extremely difficult to grip the devices.
The reflecting devices must also be durable. The attachment to the road requires durability. Enduring the traffic pounding requires durability. This durability requirement must be met while providing ease of attachment and positioning Due to the heat required for adhering the reflectors to the road, gloves must be worn during the application of the reflector to the road. Gloves, of course, interfere with a firm grip. Something must be done to compensate for the countervailing requirements of gloves and precise placement.
A larger size for the reflector cannot solve the problem of gripping. The reflectors cannot be larger than a certain size. All highway departments impose size limitations on such reflectors.
If gripping can be improved while at the same time maintaining the reflecting capabilities without destroying the aesthetic appearance of the reflector, great advantages can be obtained.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Among the many objectives of this invention is to provide a grippable road safety reflector assembly, which is easily positioned on a road.
Another objective of this invention is to provide a grippable road safety reflector assembly, which is easily positioned by a gloved hand.
Yet another objective of this invention is to provide a grippable road safety reflector assembly, which has a desired size.
Still another objective of this invention is to provide a grippable road safety reflector assembly, which is durable.
Additionally, an objective of this invention is to provide a flexible grippable road safety reflector assembly.
Also, an objective of this invention is to provide a flexible grippable road safety reflector assembly, which stays in position.
A further objective of this invention is to provide a grippable road safety reflector assembly having two reflective surfaces.
These and other objectives of the invention (which other objectives become clear by consideration of the specification, claims and drawings as a whole) are met by providing a road safety reflector assembly having a pair of oppositely disposed finger cradles with a hollow, reinforceable housing.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4237191 (1980-12-01), Horne
patent: 4717281 (1988-01-01), Shepherd et al.
patent: 5791605 (1998-08-01), Howie, II
Perrone, Jr. Matthew R. P.
Phan James
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