Abstract:
An apparatus that indicates the speed of oncoming trains at train crossings comprises a large digital display attached to a drop gate or alternately on a side gate crossing sign for those crossings without a gate. The digital display is surrounded by a large sign indicating the speed of an oncoming train. A speed detection device aimed in either direction on the track to determine train speed. An interface converts the detected speed into a digital display. It is envisioned that motorists knowing the speed of an oncoming train will be less likely to try to beat the train through the crossing.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/130,251, filed May 30, 2008, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to railroad crossing alert and safety systems and, more particularly, to an indicator for railroad crossings which indicates the speed of an oncoming train. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Automobile accidents are among the leading causes of death in the United States. Many thousands of railroad crossings intersecting with vehicle roadways exist and the importance of providing adequate and reliable information regarding an oncoming train is crucial to protect motorists. Automobiles struck by trains at railroad crossings usually result in higher mortality rates than other vehicular accidents. These accidents are also among the easiest to prevent. Typically, railroad crossing guards are activated via train detectors and serve as an effective means by which to prevent these accidents. Conventional railroad crossing warning systems include a crossbuck, warning bells, flashing lights, and automatic crossing gates. More complicated safety systems also exist from automated warning and access systems to satellite alert systems. These various attempts to provide warning and alert systems to motorists in close proximity to a railroad crossing with an oncoming train can be seen by reference to several U.S. Patents. 
     U.S. Patent, issued in the name of Shirkey et al., describes a wireless train proximity alert system generally comprising a plurality of transceivers which are in communication with one (1) another that provides a constant warning signal to vehicles approaching a railroad crossing when a train is approaching. U.S. Pat. No. 5,890,682, issued in the name of Welk, describes a railway crossing collision avoidance system generally comprising a signaling device and GPS receiver that alerts a vehicle in the vicinity of a railroad crossing to an approaching train. U.S. Pat. No. 5,954,299, issued in the name of Pace, describes a railroad crossing traffic warning system apparatus and method therefore generally comprising a series of magnetometer sensor probes buried adjacent to a railroad track that provides an alert to a motorist approaching a railroad crossing to the presence of an oncoming train. U.S. Pat. No. 6,179,252, issued in the name of Roop et al., describes an intelligent rail crossing control system and train tracking system generally comprising an internal controller that receives digital information regarding a train such as, direction speed, length, and identity. U.S. Pat. No. 6,241,197, issued in the name of Harland, describes an automated rail way crossing generally comprising a series of sensors that monitors the passage of a train travelling though a railroad crossing. U.S. Pat. No. 6,572,056, issued in the name of Berry et al., describes a method and apparatus for uniform time warning of railroad trains that controls the approach of an oncoming train such that a uniform warning time is ensured. 
     These systems can be expensive and require regular maintenance to ensure effectiveness. Many railroad crossings in less populated areas have no warning or alert systems at all or simply employ a standard crossbuck. Many motorists still attempt to beat such systems by either driving around the gates or by ignoring the crossing guard indicators. If these motorists simply knew this speed of the oncoming train, they would think twice about trying to “beat” them across the track. However, many motorists are poor judges of speed or may not have an actual view of the train due to limited line of sight position. 
     While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives, each of these references suffers from one (1) or more of the aforementioned disadvantages. Accordingly, the need has arisen for an effective solution to this problem that will help to prevent drivers from taking these risks. The development of the present invention substantially departs from the conventional solutions and in doing so fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing references, the inventor recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and observed that there is a need for a simple and practical means to provide information related to speed of an oncoming train to roadway vehicles approaching a railroad crossing to discourage a motorist from attempting to cross before the train arrives and thus, the object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned disadvantages and provide for this need. 
     To achieve the above objectives, it is an object of the present invention to provide a speed indication device for approaching trains at railroad crossings that provides a means for displaying the speed of an approaching train on a conventional railroad crossing, thereby preventing motorists from trying to outrun oncoming trains and causing accidents. 
     Another object of the speed indication device for approaching trains at railroad crossings is to provide a system comprises a digital speed display, a speed warning sign, a control enclosure, a power drop, a speed detection beam, a power supply, a rechargeable battery, a speed detection circuit, a speed detection means, and a digital display driver. The speed warning sign provides various visual indicia to draw the attention of a motorist to the digital speed display which indicates the speed of an approaching train using the appropriate unit of measurement per local requirements. Thus with a conventional pair of crossing lights energized and the speed of an oncoming train displayed upon the digital speed display, motorists would be less likely to attempt to “beat” the train across the railroad crossing. After the train has passed, the system continuously monitors the train track for other trains. 
     Yet still another object of the speed indication device for approaching trains at railroad crossings is to provide a speed warning sign comprising warning indicia, a speed detection means that projects a speed detection beam, and a digital display that provides visual indication of the speed of an oncoming train approaching the railroad crossing. 
     Yet still another object of the speed indication device for approaching trains at railroad crossings is to provide a control enclosure comprising a speed detection circuit that receives digital information from the speed detection means, processes the information and transmits an output signal to the digital speed display. 
     Yet still another object of the speed indication device for approaching trains at railroad crossings is to provide a system that easily attaches to any standard railroad crossing warning post or crossing gate via a plurality of corresponding couplings with associated 
     Yet still another object of the speed indication device for approaching trains at railroad crossings is to provide a method of utilizing the device that provides dangerous train crossings and additional means to alert motorists to the potential dangers of a last second crossing in a manner which is quick, easy, and effective. 
     Further objects and advantages of the speed indication device for approaching trains at railroad crossings will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an environmental view of the speed indication device for approaching trains at railroad crossings  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a plan view of the speed indication device for approaching trains at railroad crossings  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3   a  is a front perspective view of the speed indication device for approaching trains at railroad crossings  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3   b  is a rear perspective view of the speed indication device for approaching trains at railroad crossings  10  depicting an attachment means to a pole  30 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4   a  is a rear view of the speed indication device for approaching trains at railroad crossings  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4   b  is a partial cut-away view of a control enclosure  55 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4   c  is a front view of the control enclosure  55  depicting a fastening means to the pole  30 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is an electrical block diagram of the speed indication device for approaching trains at railroad crossings  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is an environmental view of the speed indication device for approaching trains at railroad crossings  10 , according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the speed indication device for approaching trains at railroad crossings  10 , according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
         
         
           
               10  speed indication device for approaching trains at railroad crossings 
               15  railroad crossing 
               20  train track 
               25  vehicle roadway 
               30  pole 
               35  warning sign 
               40  crossing lights 
               41   a  fixed coupler 
               41   b  removable coupler 
               42  coupler foot 
               43  coupler fastener 
               44  nut 
               45  digital speed display 
               47  display foot 
               48  fastener 
               49  electrical wiring 
               50  speed warning sign 
               55  control enclosure 
               56  control coupler 
               57  control fastener 
               60  power drop 
               65  local utility pole 
               70  speed detection beam 
               75  power supply 
               80  rechargeable battery 
               85  speed detection circuit 
               90  speed detection means 
               95  digital display driver 
               100  indicia 
               105  warning indicia 
               110  guard 
               115  alternate speed warning sign 
           
         
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 5  and alternately within  FIGS. 6 and 7 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a speed indication device for approaching trains at railroad crossings (herein described as the “system”)  10 , which provides a means for displaying the speed of an approaching train thereon the conventional railroad crossing pole  30 , thereby preventing motorists from trying to outrun oncoming trains and causing accidents. Said system  10  comprises a digital speed display  45 , a speed warning sign  50 , a control enclosure  55 , a power drop  60 , a speed detection beam  70 , a power supply  75 , a rechargeable battery  80 , a speed detection circuit  85 , a speed detection means  90 , and a digital display driver  95 . The speed warning sign  50  provides all indication of the functionality of the digital speed display  45  and would indicate the speed of an approaching train in the pertinent miles per hour or kilometer per hour as per local requirements. Thus with a conventional pair of crossing lights  40  energized and a speed displayed upon the digital speed display  45 , motorists would be less likely to “beat” the train across the railroad crossing  15 . After the train has passed, the system  10  continues monitoring the train track  20  for other trains and thus operates in a continuous manner. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an environmental view of the system  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. The system  10  is positioned at a conventional railroad crossing  15  at which a train track  20  would cross a vehicle roadway  25 . The railroad crossing  15  is depicted as a standard rural crossing without the use of crossing gate arms. However, the use and functionality of the system  10  will work at any style of railroad crossing  15 , and as such, should not be interpreted as limiting factor of the present invention (see  FIGS. 6 and 7 ). A pole  30  provided with the customary warning sign  35  and crossing lights  40  is provided as expected. Additionally, a digital speed display  45  is provided on the pole  30  to indicate the speed of any approaching train. The digital speed display  45  is surrounded by a speed warning sign  50  to indicate the purpose of the digital speed display  45  to any approaching motorists. The various control electronics and speed detection device, whose purpose and functionality will be described in greater detail herein below, are housed in a control enclosure  55 , located on the rear of the pole  30 . Power for the system  10  is provided by a power drop  60 . For purposes of illustration, the power drop  60  is shown as originating from a local utility pole  65  at which electrical power is readily available. However, it should be noted that other sources of power such as solar cell power, underground power, track power commonly used for other warning lights, and other sources of electricity will work equally as well. As such the utilization of the local utility pole  65  should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the present invention. 
     Referring next to  FIG. 2 , a plan view of the system  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. This figure more clearly depicts the relationship between the pole  30 , the digital speed display  45 , and the speed warning sign  50  with regards to the train track  20  and the vehicle roadway  25 . It should be noted that the functionally of the system  10  is repeated for each pole  30  located on both sides of the railroad crossing  15  to provide safety features for motor vehicle traffic approaching the railroad crossing  15  from either side of the vehicle roadway  25 . However, detailed description of the operation of the system  10  will be provided herein below for purposes of clarity. A speed detection beam  70  emanates from both sides of the speed warning sign  50  as shown and travels in a generally parallel path to the train track  20 . This speed detection beam  70  is preferably provided by a laser-based speed detection system, a narrow range microwave speed detection, or other precise means of detecting speed of large objects in a narrow range. The narrow range feature is necessary to allow the system  10  to only calculate speed measurements for objects located on the train track  20  within the length necessary to provide adequate safety warning. Such a feature is also reduces false readings from other objects that may be on or near the train track  20 . In the case of dual or multi-track crossings, the speed detection beam  70  would cover all tracks. Should trains be approaching from different directions to the railroad crossing  15 , the system  10  will calculate the highest speed and display said speed up on the digital speed display  45 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3   a , a front view of the system  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. Said system  10  comprises a speed warning sign  50  and digital speed display  45  which work in conjunction thereto inform motorists a passing train&#39;s speed. The speed warning sign  50  comprises a rectangular body which further comprises conventional warning indicia  105  thereon a front surface. Said warning indicia  105  are preferably conventional diagonally striped lines of an appropriate color which satisfies railroad safety standards. Therebelow said warning indicia  105  is a plurality of indicia  100 , thereby communicating to a motorists the purpose of the system  10 . The indicia  100  preferably comprises wording such as “TRAIN SPEED”, yet other images such as, but not limited to, logos, symbols, pictures, and the like may be utilized to further customize and personalize the system  10 . Attached to a center portion of the speed warning sign  50  is the digital speed display  45 , thereby providing a numerical reading of the train speed. Said digital speed display  45  is preferably a conventional seven-segment two-digit electronic display measuring an appropriate width and length to be read by motorists. Said digital speed display  45  comprises a plurality of display feet  47 , thereby providing an attachment means to an internal portion of the speed warning sign  50  with conventional fasteners  48 . The fasteners  48  are positioned through each foot  47  securing the digital speed display  45  to the speed warning sign  50 . The digital speed display  50  is fabricated from a durable ultraviolet resistant material such as, but not limited to: plastic, metal, or the like. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3   b , a rear perspective view of the system  10  depicting an attachment means to a pole  30 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. The speed warning sign  50  is attached to the pole  30  therewith a pair of fixed couplers  41   a , a pair of removable couplers  41   b , a plurality of coupler fasteners  43 , and a plurality of nuts  44 . Each coupler  41   a ,  41   b  takes on an arcuate shape and preferably comprises a pair of coupler feet  42  located on each distal portion. The coupler feet  42  comprise an appropriately sized aperture for insertion of a coupler fastener  43 . The coupler fasteners  43  are preferably conventional bolts, yet other similar devices may be incorporated without limiting the functions of the system  10 . Each fixed coupler  41   a  is attached in a vertical manner to an intermediate location thereon a rear portion of the speed warning sign  50  and is attached thereto by fastening means such as, but not limited to: welding techniques, plastic mold injection, or the like. The fixed coupler  41   a  and removable coupler  41   b  encompass the pole  30  and the coupler feet  42  thereon the fixed coupler  41   a  engages and aligns with the coupler feet  42  thereon the removable coupler  41   b . The coupler fasteners  43  are inserted through the apertures on the coupler feet  42  and secured therewith a conventional nut  44 . The fixed couplers  41   a , removable couplers  41   b , fasteners  43 , and nuts  44  are preferably fabricated from a durable material such as, but not limited to: plastic, rust resistant metal, or the like. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4   a , a rear view of the system  10  depicting placement thereon a pole  30 ,  FIG. 4   b , a partial cut-away view of a control enclosure  55 , and  FIG. 4   c , a front view of the control enclosure  55  depicting placement thereon the pole  30 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention are disclosed. The speed warning sign  50  is interconnected to a control enclosure  55 , thereby providing a rectangular secure housing to internal electrical components therewith appropriately gauged electrical wiring  49 . Said electrical wiring  49  interconnected the digital speed display  45  to a speed detection circuit  85  (also see  FIG. 5 ). The speed detection circuit  85  comprises electrical components such as, but not limited to: a printed circuited board (PBC), microchips, resistors, or the like that which translate the speed of the train from a speed detection beam  70  (see  FIG. 5 ) to the digital speed display  45 . The speed detection circuit  85  is also connected to a rechargeable battery  80  and a power supply  75  therewith electrical wiring  49 . 
     The control enclosure  55  is positioned thereon an upper rear portion of the pole  30 . Said control enclosure  55  is attached to the pole  30  therewith a control coupler  56  and a pair of control fasteners  57 . Said control coupler  56  is a conventional pipe coupler, similar thereto the abovementioned coupler  41 , therewith an arcuate body which encompasses the pole  30 . A pair of control fasteners  57  engages apertures (not shown) thereon distal portions of the control coupler  56  and is inserted thereinto the control enclosure  55 . Said control enclosure  55  is appropriately sized to fit the abovementioned internal electrical components and is preferably fabricated from a durable material similar to the speed warning sign  50 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , an electrical block diagram which depicts the electrical circuitry as used with the system  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. Electrical power of any suitable voltage or frequency is derived from the power drop  60 . An appropriate power supply  75  is then used to regulate and transform the provided power into an acceptable state that can be used by the rest of the electrical components of the system  10 . A rechargeable battery  80  would be connected to the power supply  75  to provide short-term emergency operation of the system  10  in instances where the electrical power provided by the power drop  60  would be lost. Resulted in power from the power supply  75  would then be routed to a speed detection circuit  85 . The speed detection circuit  85  is of a conventional nature and is well known in the art. As aforementioned described the speed detection circuit  85  would be of a laser-based or narrow beam microwave variety. A conventional speed detection means  90  such as a laser diode or microwave horn assembly, is used to produce and receive the speed detection beam  70  such that it may be used by the speed detection circuit  85  to calculate the speed of an approaching train. The resultant speed signal is passed from the speed detection circuit  85  to a digital display driver  95  for display upon the digital speed display  45 . Said digital speed display  45  is a conventional electronic speed display utilized to calm traffic which comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes (LED&#39;s) to display a vehicles driving speed. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , an environmental view of the system  10  and  FIG. 7  a perspective view of the system  10 , according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention are disclosed. Alternately, the system  10  may be fabricated to be recessed thereinto a railroad crossing guard  110 . The alternate embodiment comprises a rectangular alternate speed warning sign  115  appropriately sized thereto configure to the guard  110  which also comprises warning indicia  105  and a digital speed display  45 . The digital speed display  45  is attached to the alternate speed warning sign  115  internally therewith the digital display foot  47  and fastener  48  as abovementioned. The electrical wiring  49  which interconnects the digital speed display  45  to the control enclosure  55  is routed through the guard  110  and upwardly along the rear portion of the pole  30 . The alternate speed warning sign  115  is secured to the guard  110  therewith fastening means such as, but not limited to: bolts, adhesive, or the like. Said alternate speed warning sign  115  is fabricated from similar materials as the preferred embodiment. 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the system  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The method of installing and utilizing the system  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring the system  10 ; engaging the fixed couplers  41   a  to the pole  30 ; aligning the removable couplers  41   b  with the fixed coupler  41   a  and inserting a coupler fastener  43  through the aperture and securing with a nut  44 ; fastening the control enclosure  55  to an upper portion of the pole  30 , thereby engaging the control coupler with the pole  30  and securing to said control enclosure  55  with a pair of control fasteners  57 ; routing electrical wire  49  from the digital speed display  45  to the speed detection circuit therein the control enclosure  55 ; routing the power drop  60  from the power supply  75  therein the control enclosure  55  to an appropriate power source; positioning the speed detection means  90  to a desired location thereon the train tracks  20 ; allowing the speed detection beam  70  to relay the train speed from a passing train to the digital speed display  45 ; and, enabling the system  10  to alert motorists of oncoming train speeds. 
     Alternately, the method of installing and utilizing the system  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring the system  10 ; inserting and securing the alternate speed warning sign  115  to a guard  110 ; fastening the control enclosure  55  to an upper portion of the pole  30 , thereby engaging the control coupler with the pole  30  and securing to said control enclosure  55  with a pair of control fasteners  57 ; routing electrical wire  49  through the guard  110  from the digital speed display  45  to the speed detection circuit therein the control enclosure  55 ; routing the power drop  60  from the power supply  75  therein the control enclosure  55  to an appropriate power source; positioning the speed detection means  90  to a desired location thereon the train tracks  20 ; allowing the speed detection beam  70  to relay the train speed from a passing train to the digital speed display  45 ; and, enabling the system  10  to alert motorists of oncoming train speeds. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.