Patent Publication Number: US-2015062924-A1

Title: Mounting bracket for a reflector

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a mounting bracket for a reflector and, more particularly, to a bracket that may be mounted to a surface and a reflector that may be attached to the bracket. 
     A raised pavement marker is a safety device used on roads. These devices are usually made with plastic, ceramic, or occasionally metal, and come in a variety of shapes and colors. Raised reflective markers include a lens or sheeting that enhances their visibility by reflecting automotive headlights. Reflectors are commonly used to delineate freeway traffic when they are placed on concrete barrier walls and bridge walls. The plastic reflectors are typically attached with adhesives. The adhesives are exposed to the elements of nature, including freezing temperatures, deicing substances, and rain. The exposure causes most of the adhesives to degrade. Further, the concrete walls and surfaces must be free of all dirt, concrete curing compound, and moisture in order for most adhesives to create a solid bond. 
     As can be seen, there is a need for a reflector that may be mounted to a surface mechanically. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one aspect of the present invention, a reflector mounting device comprises: a reflector frame comprising a wing portion, and a reflector connected to the wing portion; a reflector bracket comprising a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the top surface comprises a raised portion forming a pocket formed to receive and secure the wing portion of the reflector frame; and at least one bolt configured to secure the reflector bracket to a surface. 
     In another aspect of the present invention, a method of mounting reflectors to a surface comprises: providing a reflector bracket comprising a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the top surface comprises a raised portion forming a pocket; mounting the reflector bracket to a surface using at least one bolt; providing a reflector frame comprising a wing portion, and a reflector substantially perpendicular to the wing portion; and sliding the wing portion into the pocket and thereby securing the reflector frame to the reflector bracket. 
     These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of the present invention in use; 
         FIG. 2  is a detail front perspective view indicated by line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a front perspective view of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a rear perspective view of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view taken on line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 2 ; and 
         FIG. 7  is a detail cross-sectional view indicated by line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 6 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims. 
     Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a reflector bracket that may be mounted to a surface, such as a divider of a highway or a road. The reflector bracket may include a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface may include raised portions that form a pocket. A reflector frame may include a wing portion and a reflector attached to the wing portion. The wing portion may be inserted into the pocket and thereby secured to the reflector bracket. Bolts may be used to secure the reflector bracket to the surface. 
     The present invention may include brackets to fasten reflectors in place. The present invention may include a reflector bracket that may be designed to attach to a wall surface using bolts, such as concrete nails or screws. A plastic reflector may be slid into the reflector clip, resulting in a solid and adhesive free connection to the wall. The present invention provides for a stronger connection, and does not degrade from the elements of nature. 
     Referring to the Figures, the present invention may include a reflector bracket  10  and a reflector frame  14 . The reflector frame  14  may include a wing portion  27  and a reflector  18 . The reflector  18  may be mounted to the wing portion  27  and may be substantially perpendicular to the wing portion  27 . The reflector bracket  10  may include a top surface  24  and a bottom surface  22 . The top surface  24  may have a raised portion  26  that forms a pocket  30 . The pocket  30  may receive and secure the wing portion  27  of the reflector frame  14 . At least one bolt  12  may be used to secure the reflector bracket  10  to a surface  16 . 
     In certain embodiments, the wing portion  27  of the reflector frame  14  may include a first wing  27  and a second wing  27 . In such embodiments, the raised portion  26  may include a first raised portion  26  and a second raised portion  26 . The first raised portion  26  forms a first pocket  30  to receive and secure the first wing  27  and the second raised portion  26  forms a second pocket  30  formed to receive and secure the second wing  27 . In certain embodiments, the pockets  30  may include an open end and a closed end, so that the wings may slide into the pockets  30  and rest against the closed end. 
     In certain embodiments, the reflector bracket  10  may be a sheet made out of metal or plastic. To form the top surface  24 , the sheet may be folded over at bends  32 . The ends of the top surface  24  may be raised relative to the bottom surface  22  and may thereby form the pockets  30 . In certain embodiments, mounting holes  28  may run through the top surface  24  and the bottom surface  22 . Bolts  12  may be formed to fit through the mounting holes  28  so that the reflector bracket  10  may be bolted to a surface  16 , such as a barrier or road. 
     A method of mounting reflectors to a surface may include the following. A reflector bracket which may include a top surface and a bottom surface may be provided. The top surface may include a raised portion forming a pocket. The reflector bracket may be mounted to the surface using at least one bolt. A reflector frame having a wing portion, and a reflector substantially perpendicular to the wing portion may be provided. The wing portion may be slid into the pocket, thereby securing the reflector frame to the reflector bracket. 
     In certain embodiments, the present invention may be mounted by the following method. Once the desired location is determined the reflector bracket may be held in place while a pneumatic gun with the appropriate anchors, or a rotary drill is positioned in three or four locations around the two sides and the bottom. In each location the chosen anchor may go through the mounting holes and into the wall. 
     It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.