Patent ID: 6113307
Filing Date: 2000-09-05
Classification: E01F

Abstract:
A delineator device for use along roadways, underground utility lines and other surface areas requiring visual marking, said device comprising:an elongate, resilient, polymer tube having a top end, a bottom end, an inside surface, and an outside surface;the outside surface of the top end including an elongated, generally flat reflector portion configured to remain generally flat when the tube is impacted, the generally flat reflector portion having a length from the top end greater than a width of the tube;a reflective material, secured to the outside surface of the reflector portion, configured to remain generally flat with the reflector portion when the tube is impacted;the top end of the tube having a flattened cross-section with opposing inside surfaces sealed together to maintain the reflector portion and reflective material in a generally flat configuration, and to fully close the top end of the tube to prevent entrance of moisture or debris into the tube, and having a length from the top end of the tube of approximately 1.5 inches;an opening in the tube to vent the tube to the atmosphere to equalize pressure within the tube with pressure outside the tube, such that the tube is configured to retain the reflector portion and reflector material in the generally flat configuration without deflecting during impact to maintain the reflective material secured to the reflector portion; andmeans for coupling the bottom end of the tube to the surface area to support the tube in an upright configuration for visual perception.