Patent Publication Number: US-11035087-B1

Title: Tri-directional traffic bollard

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The present invention relates to an improved tri-directional traffic bollard for improving bollard visibility when not in a resting upright position. 
     As used in this application a traffic bollard is a device for directing traffic that can include a traffic cone, a traffic delineator, a traffic tube, a traffic barrel, and a traffic drum. 
     Traditionally traffic bollards have been manufactured in many different sizes and shapes to match different traffic, safety and transportation scenarios. Traffic bollards are designed to rest in an upright position, usually with a large diameter base wherein the base keeps the traffic bollard in an upright resting position. Current traffic bollards have been designed with reflective material adjoined to or incorporated into the bollard material itself for many years. With a traffic bollard in an upright position, reflective material or signage is typically visibility to the eye from multiple directions. Problems begin to occur when traffic bollards are toppled or tipped over from their desired upright resting position. Traffic bollards can be toppled or tipped over in different ways including: contact with motor vehicles, movement induced by environmental elements and human interaction. Problems arise when traffic bollards are toppled or tipped over from the desired upright resting position and therefore colored or reflective surfaces of common traffic bollards lack visibility to the eye. When traffic bollards are not easily noticed by the eye, they provide no directional assistance or safety value to humans. 
     Traffic bollards are typically placed in hazardous locations, wherein extreme safety and caution is used when first placing the traffic bollards in a desired location. Furthermore, returning to place a traffic bollard back to an upright resting position once the traffic bollard has been toppled or tipped over puts the worker unnecessarily in a hazardous situation again. Reducing the time spent to return traffic bollards to an upright position or eliminating this hazardous task entirely would be ideal. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention relates to an improved tri-directional traffic bollard providing a plurality of reflective members to improve the available angles an onlooking human eye can see a colored or reflective member. The plurality of reflective members of the tri-directional traffic bollard can be viewed by the human eye from any direction, even when toppled or tipped over. 
     An object of the present invention is to drastically minimize or elevate the need for a human or a machine to return traffic bollard to a resting upright position when toppled or tipped over in different ways including: contact with motor vehicles, movement induced by environmental elements and human interaction. 
     In order to do so, a tri-directional traffic bollard is provided comprising a main elongated body having a proximal end, a distal end, an internal face and an exterior face and a base member adjoined to the proximal end of the main elongated body. The base member having a top face, a perimeter face and a bottom face, wherein the base member aligns the main elongated body to be perpendicular to a surface below the tri-directional traffic bollard and a first opening is arranged between the top face and the bottom face of the base member. The first opening is also aligned in the middle of the base member, wherein the main elongated body protrudes through the first opening. The tri-directional traffic bollard includes a plurality of reflective members adjoined to the exterior face of the main elongated body and the base member, wherein at least one of the plurality of reflective members is adjoined to each face of the base member. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       The detailed description of some embodiments of the invention is made below with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein like numerals represent corresponding parts of the figures. 
       The novel features of the disclosure are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present disclosure will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the disclosure are utilized, and the accompanying drawings of which: 
         FIG. 1  shows an exemplary perspective view of one embodiment of the tri-directional traffic bollard. 
         FIG. 2  shows an exemplary perspective view of one embodiment of the tri-directional traffic bollard. 
         FIG. 3  shows an exemplary perspective view of one embodiment of the tri-directional traffic bollard. 
         FIG. 4  shows an exemplary perspective view of one embodiment of the tri-directional traffic bollard. 
         FIG. 5  shows an exemplary perspective view of one embodiment of the tri-directional traffic bollard. 
         FIG. 6  shows an exemplary perspective view of one embodiment of the base member of the tri-directional traffic bollard. 
         FIG. 7  shows an exemplary bottom view of one embodiment of the base member of the tri-directional traffic bollard. 
         FIG. 8  shows an exemplary perspective view of one embodiment of the base member of the tri-directional traffic bollard. 
         FIG. 9  shows an exemplary bottom view of one embodiment of the base member of the tri-directional traffic bollard. 
         FIG. 10A  show a bottom view of one embodiment of the base member and one embodiment of the plurality of reflective members adjoined thereto. 
         FIG. 10B  show a bottom view of one embodiment of the base member and one embodiment of the plurality of reflective members adjoined thereto. 
         FIG. 10C  show a bottom view of one embodiment of the base member and one embodiment of the plurality of reflective members adjoined thereto. 
         FIG. 10D  show a bottom view of one embodiment of the base member and one embodiment of the plurality of reflective members adjoined thereto. 
         FIG. 10E  show a bottom view of one embodiment of the base member and one embodiment of the plurality of reflective members adjoined thereto. 
         FIG. 11A  show a bottom view of one embodiment of the base member and one embodiment of the plurality of reflective members adjoined thereto. 
         FIG. 11B  show a bottom view of one embodiment of the base member and one embodiment of the plurality of reflective members adjoined thereto. 
         FIG. 11C  show a bottom view of one embodiment of the base member and one embodiment of the plurality of reflective members adjoined thereto. 
         FIG. 11D  show a bottom view of one embodiment of the base member and one embodiment of the plurality of reflective members adjoined thereto. 
         FIG. 11E  show a bottom view of one embodiment of the base member and one embodiment of the plurality of reflective members adjoined thereto. 
         FIG. 12A  show a bottom view of one embodiment of the base member and one embodiment of the plurality of reflective members adjoined thereto. 
         FIG. 12B  show a bottom view of one embodiment of the base member and one embodiment of the plurality of reflective members adjoined thereto. 
         FIG. 12C  show a bottom view of one embodiment of the base member and one embodiment of the plurality of reflective members adjoined thereto. 
         FIG. 12D  show a bottom view of one embodiment of the base member and one embodiment of the plurality of reflective members adjoined thereto. 
         FIG. 12E  show a bottom view of one embodiment of the base member and one embodiment of the plurality of reflective members adjoined thereto. 
         FIG. 13  shows an exemplary perspective view of one embodiment of the base member of the tri-directional traffic bollard. 
         FIG. 14  shows an exemplary bottom view of one embodiment of the base member of the tri-directional traffic bollard. 
         FIG. 15  shows an exemplary perspective view of one embodiment of the base member of the tri-directional traffic bollard. 
         FIG. 16  shows an exemplary bottom view of one embodiment of the base member of the tri-directional traffic bollard. 
         FIG. 17  shows an exemplary perspective view of one embodiment of the tri-directional traffic bollard. 
         FIG. 18  shows an exemplary perspective view of one embodiment of the tri-directional traffic bollard. 
         FIG. 19  shows an exemplary perspective view of one embodiment of the tri-directional traffic bollard. 
         FIG. 20  shows an exemplary perspective view of one embodiment of the tri-directional traffic bollard. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS 
     While preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the disclosure. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the disclosure described herein may be employed in practicing the disclosure. 
       FIG. 1-5  shows an exemplary perspective view of one embodiment of the tri-directional traffic bollard  100 . The tri-directional traffic bollard  100  having a main elongated body  105  having a proximal end, a distal end, an internal face and an exterior face and a base member  110  adjoined to the proximal end of the main elongated body  105 . The base member  110  having a top face, a perimeter face and a bottom face. In some embodiments, the base member  110  has a first opening  115  cut between the top face and the bottom face of the base member  110  and aligned in the middle of the base member  110 , wherein the main elongated body  105  protrudes through the first opening  115 . The base member  110  aligns the main elongated body  105  to be perpendicular to a surface below the tri-directional traffic bollard. The main elongated body  105  can be any of the shapes shown in  FIGS. 1-5  or any other traffic-related or common safety shape known to one skilled in the art. In some embodiments, the distal end of the main elongated body  105  further comprises a handle  125  or at least one hole  130 , wherein the traffic bollard can be lifted by the handle  125  or at least one hole  130 . The handle  125  and at least one hole  130  can be used to adjoin a safety tape, a sign or rope if needed. The main elongated body  105  can be at least one shape chosen from body shape set consisting of: a conical shape, a cylindrical shape, a cubical shape, a square shape, and a tiered shape. In some embodiments, the main elongated body  105  and base member  110  are one continuous piece. In the present exemplary embodiment, the main elongated body  105  is inserted through the first opening  115  and adjoined to the base member  110  by at least one member of an attachment set consisting of: a snap fit, an adhesive, a threaded connection, a magnet, a press fit, a fastener, a spring, a clamp, a clip, a heat-shrink material, and an elastic member. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6-14  the tri-directional traffic bollard  100  comprises of a plurality of reflective members  120  adjoined to the exterior face of the main elongated body and the base member, wherein at least one of the plurality of reflective members  120  is adjoined to each of the faces of the base member  110 . The plurality of reflective members  120  are adjoined by at least one member of the attachment set. In some embodiments, the plurality of reflective members  120  further comprise a reflective tape material adhered to any face of the base member or any face the elongated body. In some embodiments, the main elongated body  105  is made entirely from a reflective material. As shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the plurality of reflective members can be made to clip or slide into a groove in the base member  110 . As shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , in some embodiments the plurality of reflective members can comprise a bracket inserted over and adjoined to base member  110 . The plurality of reflective members  120  can align to be flush, raised or recessed within any face of the main elongated body  105  or any face of the base member  110 . 
       FIGS. 10A-10E  shows exemplary base member  110  shape configurations for an embodiment of the tri-directional traffic bollard  100  having a plurality of reflective members  120  inlayed into the base member  110 .  FIGS. 10A-10E  shows exemplary base member  110  shape configurations for an embodiment of the tri-directional traffic bollard  100  having a plurality of reflective members  120  inserting into a groove in the base member  110 .  FIGS. 10A-10E  shows exemplary base member  110  shape configurations for an embodiment of the tri-directional traffic bollard  100  having a plurality of reflective members  120  as a bracket that in inserted over and adjoined to the base member  110 . 
     In some embodiments, the plurality of reflective members are made by at least one of the following manufacturing processes of a manufacturing set consisting of: an injection molding process, a cutting process, a machining process, an extrusion blow molding, an injection blow molding process, a vacuum forming process, a  3 D printing process, a compression molding process, a thermoforming process, a casting process, an extrusion process, and a rotational molding process. In some embodiments, the main elongated body  105  is made by at least one of the manufacturing processes of the manufacturing set. In some embodiments, the base member  110  is made by at least one of the manufacturing processes of the manufacturing set. In some embodiments, at least one of the following manufacturing processes of the manufacturing set includes a removable insert, wherein the insert creates a cavity that the plurality of reflective members are inserted into. In some embodiments, a permanent insert (not shown) is left within the within the tri-directional traffic bollard during at least one of the following manufacturing processes of the manufacturing set. The permanent insert is therein incorporated into the base member  110  or the main elongated body  105 . In some embodiments, the permanent insert is designed to increase the bonding strength between the plurality of reflective members are the base member  110  or main elongated body  105 . 
     In some embodiments, the tri-directional traffic bollard is subject to a spraying or pouring of a liquid material aiding in the attachment of the plurality of reflective members. In some embodiments, the entirety of the base member can be dipped into a liquid material wherein the liquid aides in the adhesion of the plurality of reflective members. In some embodiments, when a member of the tri-directional traffic bollard is machined or cut after being formed, the area of the material removed can filled with a reflective material. The reflective material can be any material known to one skilled in the art to effectively reflect light. 
     In some embodiments, the bottom face of the base member  110  further comprises an external texture (not shown) to grip the surface below the tri-directional traffic bollard  100 . In some embodiments, the external texture comprises at least one member of a texture set consisting of: indentations, extrusions, knurling, a rough surface, and bumps. In some embodiment, the bottom surface has no external texture. The external texture aides in keeping the tri-directional traffic bollard from tipping over and aiding in keeping the tri-directional traffic bollard  100  in one place. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 15-16 , in some embodiments, the plurality of reflective members  120  further comprises at least one member of an identification set consisting of: an alphanumeric identification, a human user&#39;s name, a symbolic shape, a company brand, a numeric identification number, a QR code, a barcode, and an RFID tag. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 17-20  in some embodiments, the main elongated body  105  can be inserted through the first opening  115  during assembly and seat into a pocket  140 . After inserting the distal end of the main elongated body  105  through the first opening  115  the proximal end of the main elongated body  105  rests within the pocket. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the elongated body and the pocket can protrude through the perimeter edge of the base member  110 , as shown in  FIGS. 19 &amp; 20 . In this embodiment, the pocket  140  of the base member  110  can be adjoined to the proximal end of the elongated body by at least one member of the attachment set. In some embodiments, the main elongated body  105  and the first opening  115  can be located outside the center of the base member  110  at any location of the top face and bottom face of the base member. 
     As used in this application, the term “a” or “an” means “at least one” or “one or more.” 
     As used in this application, the term “about” or “approximately” refers to a range of values within plus or minus 10% of the specified number. 
     As used in this application, the term “substantially” means that the actual value is within about 10% of the actual desired value, particularly within about 5% of the actual desired value and especially within about 1% of the actual desired value of any variable, element or limit set forth herein. 
     All references throughout this application, for example patent documents including issued or granted patents or equivalents, patent application publications, and non-patent literature documents or other source material, are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties, as though individually incorporated by reference, to the extent each reference is at least partially not inconsistent with the disclosure in the present application (for example, a reference that is partially inconsistent is incorporated by reference except for the partially inconsistent portion of the reference). 
     Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. 
     As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Any reference to “or” herein is intended to encompass “and/or” unless otherwise stated. 
     As used herein, the term “about” refers to an amount that is near the stated amount by about 0%, 5%, or 10%, including increments therein. 
     Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. 
     A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 
     Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specified function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶6. In particular, any use of “step of” in the claims is not intended to invoke the provision of 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶6. 
     Persons of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate that numerous design configurations may be possible to enjoy the functional benefits of the inventive systems. Thus, given the wide variety of configurations and arrangements of embodiments of the present invention the scope of the invention is reflected by the breadth of the claims below rather than narrowed by the embodiments described above.