Abstract:
A traffic sign holder includes a first side for night use and an opposite second side for day use. Both sides of the traffic sign holder removably accept traffic signs which contain traffic control instructions. The first side contains a selectively energizable light and at least one reflector. The second side also includes at least one reflector, and is colored a bright color. Two base members are pivotally connected to the bottom of the traffic sign holder, and are selectively positionable to a locked extended position for placement on the surface of a road, and to a collapsed position for storage. Weights can be selectively connected to the traffic sign holder to provide stability.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     None 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention pertains generally to traffic control, and more particularly to a traffic sign holder which may be rapidly deployed by law enforcement personnel. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     It is common practice for law enforcement officers to carry highway flares and or orange traffic cones in their police vehicles, typically sedans and motorcycles. The trunk of the sedan is used to store and transport both the flares and the cones, however the limited cargo space of motorcycle saddle bags can only accommodate the flares. Slow burning red pyrotechnic highway flares are recognized internationally as an established means for law enforcement officers to guide or direct motor vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, and aircraft. However, these devices have numerous disadvantages such as: they have a limited shelf life; they are susceptible to moisture damage; they are highly flammable and therefore can cause accidental burns; they emit hazardous materials and noxious fumes of strontium nitrate, potassium perchlorate, and sulfur into the environment; they can ignite oil, gasoline, or even vegetation at the site of an accident; they can inadvertently ignite in a police vehicle causing damage, injuries, and death; once lit, they are difficult to extinguish; they have a short life and can therefore burn out when they are still needed thereby requiring replacement; they leave a toxic residue which can contaminate water supplies and drainage systems; they are not reusable and, they can be used by unlawful parties to start fires. In view of the aforementioned disadvantages, there is needed a traffic control device which will accomplish the same function, but which does not possess the many objectionable features of the conventional highway flare. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a traffic sign holder which is temporarily placed upon a road or other thoroughfare for the purpose of directing vehicular or pedestrian traffic. The traffic sign holder removably accepts traffic signs which contain traffic control instructions (e.g. POLICE ONLY, STOP, SLOW, 5 MPH, GO LEFT, etc). The traffic sign holder has a unibody impact resistant design with a first “night” side which has reflectors and a red light, and a second “day” side which is a bright color such as international orange. Both the first and second sides of the traffic sign holder can receive traffic signs. The shape and size of the traffic sign holder is specifically designed to fold flat making it desirable for law enforcement vehicles with limited trunk space. The removable traffic signs can be printed with official law enforcement traffic control sign indicia, but can also contain any indicia which is useful in controlling vehicular or pedestrian traffic in other venues such as fire scenes, crime scenes, special events, concerts, sporting events, airports, theme parks, and the like. 
     The first side of the traffic sign holder has a set of reflectors which reflect the headlights of an oncoming vehicle. The first side also includes a battery powered light and a plurality of traffic sign holding stations which removably accept and hold a traffic sign. The second side also has a set of reflectors, a plurality of traffic sign holding stations, and is colored a bright color so that it will be noticed in daylight. 
     The traffic sign holder when used in conjunction with an official traffic control sign, both (1) provides a visual warning to approaching motorists or pedestrians, and (2) instructs the motorists or pedestrians as to what must be done (e.g. POLICE STOP, GO LEFT, KEEP OUT, POLICE ONLY, etc.). A road flare on the other hand only provides a visual warning, and does not convey any instructional information to the motorists or pedestrains. 
     In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a traffic sign holder for holding a traffic sign includes a body having a first side, an opposite second side, a top end, and an opposite bottom end. A handle is disposed at the top end. A first base member is pivotally connected to the bottom end, the first base member being selectively positionable to (1) an extended position projecting outwardly from the first side, and to (2) a collapsed position folded against the first side. A second base member is pivotally connected to the bottom end, the second base member being selectively positionable to (1) an extended position projecting outwardly from the second side, and to (2) a collapsed position folded against the second side. The first side includes a plurality of sign holding stations which are shaped and dimensioned to removably receive the traffic sign, and the second side also includes a plurality of sign holding stations which are shaped and dimensioned to removably receive the traffic sign. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the body includes a planar member which has a first side edge and an opposite second side edge. A first triangular flange is disposed on the first side edge of the planar member, the first triangular flange having a base. A second triangular flange is disposed on the second side edge of the planar member, the second triangular flange having a base. The first base member is pivotally connected between the base of the first triangular flange and the base of the second triangular flange. The second base member is pivotally connected between the base of the first triangular flange and the base of the second triangular flange. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, a locking member is disposed at the base of the first triangular flange. The locking member locking the first and second base members in the extended position. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the first base member has a first side flange and an opposite second side flange. The second base member has a first side flange and an opposite second side flange. In the extended position, the locking member abuts the first side flange of the first base member and the first side flange of the second base member. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the traffic sign has a width. The first plurality of sign holding stations includes (1) a first column of vertically spaced apart channel-shaped guides, and (2) a second column of vertically spaced apart channel-shaped guides. The first column of vertically spaced apart channel-shaped guides spaced apart a guide width from the second column of vertically spaced apart channel-shaped guides, the guide width being greater than the width of the traffic sign. So that the traffic sign can be slidably passed between and retained by the first column of vertically spaced apart channel-shaped guides and the second column of vertically spaced apart channel-shaped guides. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the first plurality of sign holding stations is vertically offset from the second plurality of sign holding stations. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, a first weight is removably connectable to the first base member, and a second weight is removably connectable to the second base member. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the first side includes a selectively energizable light which when energized emits a constant light. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, at least one reflector is disposed on the first side of the body, and at least one reflector disposed on the second side of the body. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the second side of the body is a bright color. 
     Some other of the useful features of the traffic sign holder are:
         It is reusable and is always available for redeployment.   The reflectors and light give the traffic sign holder the appearance of a road flare to approaching nighttime traffic.   Its unibody design is impact resistant and can withstand being struck or run over by a motor vehicle.   It can be weighted down with rectangular weights so that it will stay in place on windy days.   It is designed to collapse but not break when struck by a motor vehicle.   The reflectors and light are protected from damage by flanges located on the body and base members of the traffic sign holder.   The traffic sign holding stations allow a traffic sign to be easily installed and removed for the holder.       

     Other possible embodiments, in addition to the possible embodiments enumerated above, will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the traffic sign holder and method of use. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is top perspective view of a traffic sign holder in an extended position; 
         FIG. 2  is a bottom perspective view of the traffic sign holder; 
         FIG. 3  is a top plan view of the traffic sign holder; 
         FIG. 4  is an elevation view of a first side of the traffic sign holder; 
         FIG. 5  is an edge elevation view of the traffic sign holder; 
         FIG. 6  is an elevation view of a second side of the traffic sign holder; 
         FIG. 7  is a bottom plan view of the traffic sign holder; 
         FIG. 8  is an opposite edge elevation view of the traffic sign holder; 
         FIG. 9  is a top perspective view of the traffic sign holder in a collapsed position; 
         FIG. 10  is a bottom perspective view of the traffic sign holder in the collapsed position; 
         FIG. 11  is a top plan view of the traffic sign holder in the collapsed position; 
         FIG. 12  is an elevation view of the first side of the traffic sign holder in the collapsed position; 
         FIG. 13  is an edge elevation view of the traffic sign holder in the collapsed position; 
         FIG. 14  is an elevation of the second side of the traffic sign holder in the collapsed position; 
         FIG. 15  is a bottom plan view of the traffic sign holder in the collapsed position; 
         FIG. 16  is an opposite edge elevation view of the traffic sign holder in the collapsed position; 
         FIG. 17  is a top plan view of a body of the traffic sign holder; 
         FIG. 18  is an elevation view of the first side of the body; 
         FIG. 19  is a bottom plan view of the body; 
         FIG. 20  is an elevation view of the first edge of the body; 
         FIG. 21  is an elevation view of the second edge of the body; 
         FIG. 22  is rear elevation view of a first base member; 
         FIG. 23  is top plan view of the first base member; 
         FIG. 24  is a front elevation view of the first base member; 
         FIG. 25  is a side elevation view of the first base member; 
         FIG. 26  is an opposite side elevation view of the base member; 
         FIG. 27  is a bottom plan view of the first base member; 
         FIG. 28  is a perspective view of the base member; 
         FIG. 29  is an exploded edge view of the body and first and second base members; 
         FIG. 30  is an elevation view of the traffic sign holder with a traffic sign installed in the in the first side of the holder; 
         FIG. 31  is an elevation view of the traffic sign holder with a different traffic sign installed in the second side of the holder; 
         FIG. 32  is an elevation view of the traffic sign holder with a different traffic sign installed in the second side of the holder; and, 
         FIG. 33  is an elevation view of the traffic sign holder with a different traffic sign installed in the second side of the holder. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring initially to  FIGS. 1-8 , there are illustrated top perspective, bottom perspective, top plan, first side elevation, edge elevation, second side elevation, bottom plan, and opposite edge elevation views respectively of a traffic sign holder for holding a traffic sign  500  (refer to  FIGS. 30-33 ) generally designated as  20  in an extended position.  FIGS. 9-16  are top perspective, bottom perspective, top plan, first side elevation, edge elevation, second side elevation, bottom plan, and opposite edge elevation views respectively of traffic sign holder  20  in a collapsed position. Traffic sign holder  20  includes a body  22  which has a first side  24 , an opposite second side  26 , a top end, and an opposite bottom end. A handle  28  for carrying and deploying traffic sigh holder  20  is disposed at the top end. Handle  28  has an axis  29 . A first base member  30  is pivotally connected to the bottom end of body  22  (also refer to  FIGS. 22-28 ). First base member  30  is selectively positionable to (1) an extended position projecting outwardly (at approximately) 90° from first side  24  (refer to  FIGS. 1-8 ), and to (2) a collapsed (retracted) position against first side  24  (refer to  FIGS. 9-16 ). Traffic sign holder  22  also includes a second base member  32  which is pivotally connected to the bottom end of body  22 . Second base member  32  is selectively positionable to (1) an extended position projecting outwardly from second side  26 , and to (2) a collapsed position against second side  26 . In the shown embodiment, first base member  30  and second base member  32  are identical. First side  24  includes a plurality of sign holding stations  34  which are shaped and dimensioned to removably receive traffic sign  500  (also refer to  FIG. 30 ). Similarly, second side  26  includes a plurality of sign holding stations  36  which are shaped and dimensioned to removably receive traffic sign  500  (also refer to  FIGS. 31-33 ). At least one reflector  38  is disposed on first side  24  of body  22 , and at least one reflector  38  is disposed on second side  26  of body  22 . In the shown embodiment each side of traffic sign holder  20  has two red reflectors  38  of the many faceted lens type. In  FIG. 1 , traffic sign holder  20  is shown residing on the surface of a road  600 . However, it may be appreciated that traffic sign holder  20  can also be placed on other support surfaces such as floors and walkways. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 7 , a first weight  40  is removably connectable to first base member  30 , and a second weight  42  is removably connectable to second base member. In the shown embodiment weights  40  and  42  are rectangular and made of metal, and when installed serve to stabilize traffic sign holder  20  and prevent it from tipping over (such as from wind).  FIG. 27  shows first weight  40  removed from first base member  30 . U-shaped weight holders  44  on first base member  30  selectively receive and hold weight  40 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 4 , first side  24  of traffic side holder is intended for night use and includes a selectively energizable light  46  which when energized emits a constant light. In the shown embodiment selectively energizable light  46  is a light emitting diode (LED) which is turned on and off by a switch. Referring also to  FIG. 6 , a battery and circuit board compartment  48  for selectively energizable light  46  is located at the bottom of second side  26 , and is accessed via removable cover  50 . Some people have a condition know as photosensitive epilepsy (PSE), and experience seizures triggered by visual stimuli such as flashing lights. This is the reason for the constant light (as opposed blinking or flashing) of traffic sign holder  20 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-5 , and  8 , body  22  includes a planar member  52 . Planar member has first side edge and opposite second side edge. A first triangular flange  54  is disposed on first side edge of planar member  52 , first triangular flange  54  having a base  58 . A second triangular flange  60  is disposed on second side edge of planar member  22 , second triangular flange  60  having a base  62 . First base member  30  is pivotally connected between base  58  of first triangular flange  54  and base  62  of second triangular flange  60 . Similarly, second base member  32  is pivotally connected between base  58  of first triangular flange  54  and base  62  of second triangular flange  60 . The pivoting action is effected by holes  64  in the base of first triangular flange  54  and second triangular flange  60  (refer to  FIGS. 20 and 21 ), which receive posts  66  projecting from opposite sides of first base member  30  and second base member  32  (refer to  FIGS. 23 ,  27  and  28 ). In addition to supporting first base member  30  and second base member  32 , triangular flanges  54  and  60  serve to protect selectively energizable light  46  and reflectors  48 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 30 , traffic sign  500  is planar and has a width W. Now referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  4 , and  30 , first plurality  34  of sign holding stations include a first column C 1  of vertically spaced apart channel-shaped guides, and (2) a second column C 2  of vertically spaced apart channel-shaped guides (refer to  FIG. 4 ). First column C 1  of vertically spaced apart channel-shaped guides is spaced apart a guide width W 1  from second column C 2  of vertically spaced apart channel-shaped guides, wherein guide width W 1  is greater than width W of traffic sign  500  (also refer to  FIG. 30 ). So that, traffic sign  500  can be slidably passed between and retained by first column C 1  of vertically spaced apart channel-shaped guides and second column C 2  of vertically spaced apart channel-shaped guides. It is noted that in the shown embodiment first column C 1  and second column C 2  each include three spaced apart channel-shaped guides. It is also noted that second plurality  36  of sign holding stations are the same as described above for the first plurality of sign holding stations  34 . As is shown in  FIGS. 4-6 , the first plurality of sign holding stations  34  is vertically offset from the second plurality of sign holding stations  36 . In the shown embodiment, second column C 2  is higher than first column C 1  (refer to  FIG. 5 ). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  5 , and  20  a locking member  68  is disposed at base  58  of first triangular flange  58 . Locking member  68  locks first  30  and second  32  base members in the extended position. In the shown embodiment first base member  30  has a first side flange  31  and an opposite second side flange  33 , and second base member  32  has a first side flange  35  and an opposite second side flange  37  (also refer to  FIGS. 23 ,  25 - 27 , and  28 ). In the extended position locking member  68  abuts first side flange  31  or first base member  30  and first side flange  35  of second base member  32  and holds first base member  30  and second base member  32  in the extended position. In the shown embodiment locking member  68  has a trapezoidal shape the edges of which engage the edges of first side flange  31  of first base member  30  and first side flange  35  of second base member  32  (as at  39  of  FIG. 5 ). Locking member  68  is raised from the surface of first triangular flange  54  (refer to  FIG. 17 ). First  30  and second  32  base members are placed in the collapsed position by slightly pulling the base members away from body  22  and causing the edges of first side flanges  31  and  35  to ride up over locking member  68  (refer to  FIG. 13 ). 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , second side  26  of body  22  is a bright attention-drawing color such as international orange. 
       FIGS. 17-21  are top plan, first side elevation, bottom plan, first edge elevation, and second edge elevation views respectively of body  22  of traffic sign holder  20 . Shown are body  22 , first side  24 , handle  28 , light  46 , holes  64 , and locking member  68 . 
       FIGS. 22-28  are rear elevation, top plan, front elevation, side elevation, opposite side elevation, bottom plan, and perspective views respectively of first base member  30  (second base member  32  being identical). Shown are first side flange  31 , second side flange  33 , U-shaped weight holders  44 , and posts  66 . 
       FIG. 29  is an exploded edge view of body  22  and first  30  and second  32  base members. First  30  and second  32  base members are pivotally connected to body  22  by placing posts  66  in holes  64 . 
       FIG. 30  is an elevation view of traffic sign holder  20  with a traffic sign  500  installed in first side  24  of the holder. Traffic sign  500  is a planar member which is inserted into and slidably received by sign holding stations  34 . Indicia on traffic sign  500  convey a message to effect traffic control. In the shown embodiment, traffic sign  500  is a conventional traffic sign which can be used with a traffic cone (not shown) by inserting a tab  502  on the sign into the open top of the traffic cone. First side  24  of traffic sign holder  20  is intended for night use, and as such traffic sign  500  is placed on first side  24  which has selectively energizable light  46 . 
       FIGS. 31-33  are elevation views of traffic sign holder  20  with different traffic signs  500  installed in second side  26 , the daylight side, of the holder. Sign holding stations  36  are used to retain traffic sign  500  in traffic sign holder  20 . It is noted that traffic sign holder  20  can be used to control foot traffic as well as vehicular traffic, and as such can be used indoors as well as outdoors. 
     In terms of use, a method for deploying a traffic sign  500  includes: 
     (a) providing a traffic sign  500 ; 
     (b) providing a road  600  having a surface; 
     (c) providing a traffic sign holder  20  for holding the traffic sign  500 , the traffic sign holder  20  including;
         a body  20  having a first side  24 , an opposite second side  26 , a top end, and an opposite bottom end;   a handle  28  disposed at the top end;   a first base member  30  pivotally connected to the bottom end, first base member  30  selectively positionable to (1) an extended position projecting outwardly from first side  24 , and to (2) a collapsed position against first side  24 ;   a second base member  32  pivotally connected to the bottom end, second base member  32  selectively positionable to (1) an extended position projecting outwardly from second side  26 , and to (2) a collapsed position against second side  26 ;   first side  24  including a plurality of sign holding stations  34  which are shaped and dimensioned to removably receive traffic sign  500 ;       

     (d) inserting traffic sign  500  into the plurality of sign holding stations  34  on first side  24  of body  22 ; 
     (e) placing first  30  and second  32  base members in the extended position; and, 
     (f) using handle  28  to place traffic sign holder  26  on the surface of road  600 . 
     The method further including: 
     in step (a), providing a second traffic sign  500 ; 
     in step (c), second side  26  including a plurality of sign holding stations  36  which are shaped and dimensioned to removably receive second traffic sign  500 ; and, 
     during step (d), also inserting second traffic sign  500  into the plurality of sign holding stations  36  on second side  36  of body  22 . 
     The method further including: 
     in step (a), traffic sign  500  having a width W; 
     in step (c), first plurality of sign holding stations  34  including (1) a first column C 1  of vertically spaced apart channel-shaped guides, and (2) a second column C 2  of vertically spaced apart channel-shaped guides; 
     first column C 1  of vertically spaced apart channel-shaped guides is spaced apart a guide width W 1  from second column C 2  of vertically spaced apart channel-shaped guides, guide width W 1  being greater than width W of traffic sign  500 ; 
     so that traffic sign  500  can be slidably passed between and retained by first column C 1  of vertically spaced apart channel-shaped guides and second column C 2  of vertically spaced apart channel-shaped guides; and, 
     in step (d), slidably passing traffic sign  500  between first column C 1  of vertically spaced apart channel-shaped guides and second column C 2  of vertically spaced apart channel-shaped guides. 
     The method further including: 
     in step (c), a first weight  40  removably connectable to first base member  30 ; 
     in step (c), a second weight  42  removably connectable to second base member  32 ; 
     prior to step (f), connecting first weight  40  to first base member  30 ; and, 
     prior to step (f), connecting second weight  42  to second base member  32 . 
     The method further including: 
     in step (c), first side  24  including a selectively energizable light  46  which when energized emits a constant light; and, 
     prior to step (f), energizing energizable light  46 . 
     The method further including: 
     after step (f), placing first  30  and second  32  base member is the collapsed position. 
     At the scene of an emergency traffic sign holder(s)  20  is removed from the trunk of the police vehicle. The appropriate traffic signs  500  are selected and inserted into the first  24  and second  26  sides. Traffic sign holder  20  is then deployed along the roadway  600  with the traffic signs  500  positioned so they are clearly visible to approaching motorist. In the event circumstances at the scene change, the officer can change out a traffic sign(s)  500 . Upon completion of the incident the traffic sign holder(s)  20  are folded up and returned to the trunk of the patrol car for future use. 
     The possible embodiments of the traffic sign holder and method of use described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, combinations, variations, and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve an equivalent result, all of which are intended to be embraced within the scope of the appended claims. Further, nothing in the above-provided discussions of the traffic sign holder and method should be construed as limiting the invention to a particular embodiment or combination of embodiments. The scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.