Patent Document

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/313,180 filed Mar. 12, 2010; the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Technical Field 
         [0003]    The invention relates to traffic safety cones and, more particularly, to an insert that fits into the top of the traffic safety cone to allow the cone to be used with safety tape and signs. Specifically, the invention relates to the structure of an insert that is used with a traffic cone to support caution tape, signs, and to function as a handle for the cone. 
         [0004]    2. Background Information 
         [0005]    People often string brightly-colored caution tape around construction projects, machinery, open electrical units, changed site conditions, and temporary obstructions to limit access to the site and to provide notice that conditions are more dangerous inside the perimeter of the caution tape. Caution tape is often strung between fixed items disposed around the site. When such fixed items are not available in a desired location, the person stringing the caution tape adds a temporary fixture to support the caution tape. When the fixture is located in soft ground, common temporary fixtures include wooden stakes and pieces of spare rebar that may be pounded into the ground. When the fixture is located on hard ground, cement, or asphalt, a weighted bucket or barrel may be used to directly support the caution tape or to support an upwardly extending temporary fixture to support the caution tape. The hassle of providing temporary fixtures for supporting caution tape can lead to people not stringing the tape or taking shortcuts with the location of the tape. 
         [0006]    Traffic safety cones are widely available and are a commonly-recognized indicator of a dangerous or uncommon condition. Traffic cones typically stack such that they are easy to store and transport large quantities of the cones. A drawback with barricading a site with traffic cones is that one can readily pass between the cones. Someone who is not paying attention to his direction may thus pass unaware between cones and encounter the uncommon site condition inside the cones. Those facing these barricading problems thus desire a device that may be used with a traffic cone to support caution tape. These people also may wish to use multiple rows of spaced caution tape or to lift a single strip of caution tape above the top of a traffic cone. 
         [0007]    Another problem encountered when people string caution tape on temporary fixtures is that the tape is often tied to the fixture or twisted around the fixture. When tied or twisted, the tape is pinched or bunched thus reducing the visible surface of the tape. Such pinching and bunching thus reduces the effectiveness of the caution tape. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The invention provides a device that may be used with a traffic cone to support caution tape. The device includes at least one head extending from a body. The head is adapted to be received in the opening defined at the top of a typical traffic cone to support the device in an upright position with respect to the cone. The body of the device is adapted to support a section of caution tape. 
         [0009]    A different configuration of the invention provides a lift tube that is used to raise the height of the caution tape holding device to a level well above the upper surface of a traffic cone. The lift tube may have a fixed length or may be extendible to provide for an adjustable length. 
         [0010]    Another configuration of the invention provides an opening in the head of the device for receiving a mount or signpost that supports a sign. 
         [0011]    Another configuration of the invention provides a device that can be mounted to a traffic cone and includes a magnetic mount for other mounting locations. 
         [0012]    Another configuration of the invention provides a pair of heads disposed on opposite ends of the body with the heads being configured to be received by different-sized traffic cones. 
         [0013]    In one configuration, the invention provides a device that supports caution tape in an un-pinched configuration. In this configuration, the device defines a tape slot that has a height that is taller than or the same as the width of the tape that is to be used with the device. The slot allows the caution tape to pass through the device in a flat or nearly-flat configuration to prevent or limit pinching of the tape. 
         [0014]    This invention allows traffic cones to be used to support caution tape and a, in some configurations, with a message board to provide a safety device capable of being readily installed in a variety of locations. Prior solutions include barrels and other types of barricades. Such barrels and other devices require a lot of storage, equipment cost (rental or purchase), manpower for placement. The invention may be used with existing cones so that one can direct traffic and restrict traffic out of areas keeping the project safer for everyone. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]      FIG. 1  is a side view of a first configuration of the insert. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2A  is a front view of an exemplary sign holder used with the first configuration of the insert. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2B  is a front view of the mount for the sign holder. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2C  is a side view of the cradle of the sign mount. 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  depicts a pair of inserts used with a pair of traffic cones to support caution tape. 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a front view of the inset disposed in the top of a traffic cone. 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a second configuration for the insert. 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is a side view of the second configuration showing a section of caution tape disposed in the slot. 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  is a rear view of the insert of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  is a front view of the insert of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 9  is a top plan view of the insert of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 10  is a bottom plan view of the insert of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 11  is a side view of the second configuration of the device used with a fixed-length lift tube. 
           [0028]      FIG. 12  is a side view of the second configuration of the device used with an adjustable-length lift tube. 
           [0029]      FIG. 13  is a side view of the combination of  FIG. 11  used with a traffic cone. 
           [0030]      FIG. 14  is a side view of the combination of  FIG. 12  used with a traffic cone. 
           [0031]      FIG. 15  is a schematic view of a third configuration for the insert with the ends of the heads shown in perspective views wherein one or two magnetic mounts are provided on the end surfaces of the heads. 
       
    
    
       [0032]    The drawings are not to scale. Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the application. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0033]    The different configurations of the inserts of the invention are generally indicated by the numeral  2  in the accompanying drawings. Insert  2  allows a common traffic control device  4  (such as an open-top traffic safety cone) to be utilized for additional tasks. Insert  2  is simple to use and allows the user to barricade a job site with caution tape to control traffic situations. Insert  2  is used with a traffic cone  4  as shown in  FIG. 4  to allow cone  4  to be used with safety or caution tape  6  as shown in  FIG. 3 . Optionally, a sign  8  as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3  may be used with insert  2 . Insert  2  may be used in construction applications, public service applications, property management applications, and other such venues. Inserts  2  may be packaged for sale in groups in stackable containers similar to egg cartons. The groups may include four or eight inserts. Heavy users of inserts may purchase boxes or bags of inserts  2 . A sign holder  10  may be packaged with inserts  2  or sold separately. Sign holder  10  may include a blank sign or a pre-printed sign. The egg carton-style container may include a compartment for sign holder  10  and sign  8 . 
         [0034]    A first configuration of insert  2  has a pair of heads  20  and  22  that are each connected to a body  24  with a neck  26 . Flanges  28  are disposed between necks  26  and body  24 . The necks have different thicknesses so that insert  2  may be inserted into cones  4  having different upper openings. Insert  2  may be configured to function with 18 and 24 inch cones  4  by providing the small neck with a diameter of 0.75 inches and the large neck with a diameter of 1.125 inches. The bottom surfaces (flat ring-shaped surfaces disposed opposite flanges) of heads  20  and  22  overhang or project outwardly from necks  26  so that each head  20  and  22  will snap fit into the top of cone  4 . Heads  20  and  22  are tapered so that they may be forced through the opening in the top of cone  4 . In this configuration, each head is frusto-conical in shape. Body  24  may have an outwardly curved configuration to define an upper portion and a lower portion. Flanges  28  extend beyond the upper and lower portions to define ledges that may be used to stop tape  6  from slipping off body  24 . The upper and lower portions of body  24  may be used to hold two pieces of tape at different levels without the two pieces overlapping. The shape of body  24  also allows the hand is easily grasp insert  2  in a comfortable and secure manner. 
         [0035]    Each head  20  and  22  defines an elongated opening  30  configured to receive the mount  32  of sign holder  10 . Openings  30  may be round or non-round in cross section. The non-round cross section functions with a complementary mount  32  so that sign holder  10  does not rotate. Sign holder  10  includes a cradle  40  having spaced portions that frictionally receive sign  8 . Sign  8  may be slid in between the spaced portions of cradle  40 . 
         [0036]    A second configuration of insert  2  is depicted in  FIGS. 5-10 . Second configuration of insert  2  has a pair of heads  20  and  22  that are each connected to a body  24  with a neck  26 . The longitudinal direction of insert  2  extends between the centers of heads  20  and  22 . In the exemplary configuration, body  24  includes first and second ends that are in the shape of flanges  28  that project outwardly from body  24  and necks  26 . Necks  26  have different widths so that insert  2  may be inserted into different cones  4 . Each neck  26  has a smaller width than the end of body  24  to define a shelf such that the end of body  24 , the shelf, rests on the top of cone  4  when insert  2  is in use. In this configuration, flanges  28  cooperate with necks  26  to define the shelves. The bottom surface (flat ring-shaped surface disposed opposite flange) of each head  20  and  22  overhangs necks  26  so that each head  20  and  22  will snap fit into the top of cone  4 . Heads  20  and  22  are tapered so that they may be forced through the opening in the top of cone  4 . In addition to allowing insert  2  to be used with different cones  4 , two heads  20  and  22  are provided so that one head will be disposed up above body  24  when insert  2  is in use. This head may be used as a handle for cone  4 , may be wrapped with a different section of caution tape  6 , may support a sign  8 , may support a light, or may simply increase the visibility of the assembly. 
         [0037]    The following exemplary dimensions have been found to be functional with eighteen and twenty-four inch cones  4 . In this configuration, heads  20  and  22  are frusto-conical with necks  26  and flanges  28  being disc-shaped. As such, the term “diameter” is used to describe the following configurations. In other configurations, heads  20  and  22  are provided in non-conical shapes with necks and flanges also being provided in other shapes. When other shapes are used, widths in the ranges of the following diameters may be used. Also, when insert  2  is to be used with a larger cone  4 , the dimensions may be enlarged as needed. In this exemplary configuration, the large head  20  has a height of 1.625 to 1.875 inches with a large diameter of 1.375 to 1.625 inches at its inner end and a small diameter of 0.750 to 1.000 inches at its outer end. Small head  22  has a height of 1.625 to 1.875 inches with a large diameter of 1.250 to 1.500 inches at its inner end and a small diameter of 0.625 to 0.875 inches at its outer end. Necks  26  have a diameter of 0.125 to 0.375 inches less than the diameter of the inner ends heads  20  and  22  thus defining about a 0.125 inch bottom surface or shoulder between the outer ends heads  20  and  22  and neck  26 . These shoulders extend entirely about the heads. These shoulders are disposed inside cone  4  when insert  2  is in use to prevent insert  2  from being readily pulled out of the top of cone  4 . This should may be sufficient to allow cone  4  to be lifted by insert  2  thus allowing insert  2  to act as a handle for cone  4 . Flanges  28  are about 0.188 inches thick and have a diameter of 1.250 to 1.750 inches. These flanges  28  sit on top of cone  4  to prevent insert  2  from falling down inside cone  4  during use. 
         [0038]    Body  24  may have an outwardly curved configuration to define an upper portion and a lower portion as described above or may have a constant-area cross sectional shape such as a square, circle, or polygon. In the exemplary configuration depicted in the drawings, body  24  has a generally rectangular central portion  21  with rounded thin sides  23  that extend between flanges  28 . The sides of end portions  27  of body  24  are tapered from the round shape of flanges  28  to the generally rectangular shape of the central portion  21 . Decreasing the cross section of the central portion  21  strengthens body  24  and allows the tapered end portions  27  of body  24  to overhang the slot  25  that receives caution tape  6 . These overhangs help to retain tape  6  that is wrapped at least partially around the exterior of central portion  21 . In addition, flanges  28  overhang end portions  27  to function as backup tape retention devices that stop tape  6  from completely slipping off body  24  when tape  6  is wrapped around the exterior of central portion  21 . Central portion  21  of body  24  defines a T-shaped slot  25  that enters body  24  at a slot inlet defined through one of the thin rounded sides  23  of the generally rectangular central body portion  21 . Slot  25  is used to receive one or more (multiple tapes will fit in slot  25 ) sections of tape  6  and has an elongated main portion that has a height (disposed in the longitudinal direction of insert  2 ) that is just slightly taller than tape  6  such that tape  6  may remain at its full visible width when supported by insert  2  (See  FIG. 6 ). When the size of insert  2  is matched with tape  6 , then tape  6  does not have to be folded over or pinched or crumbled when disposed in slot  25  thus allowing the full width of tape  6  to be viewed while insert  2  is in use. In other configurations, slot  25  is at least L-shaped wherein one slot arm extends up from an entrance slot that extends out of body  24 . Slot  25  also may be T-shaped with a pair of oppositely-extending slot arms extend from the inner end of an entrance slot. A pair of small tapes  6  may be used at the upper and lower ends of slot  25 . Slot  25  extends through body  24  and may have a width of one-eighth of an inch. When configured for use with a three inch tape  6 , then slot  25  is about three inches tall with the overall height of insert being about 8.500 inches. 
         [0039]    Each head  20  and  22  may define an elongated opening configured to receive the mount  32  of sign holder  10 . Such openings may be round or non-round in cross section. The non-round cross section functions with a complementary mount  32  so that sign holder  10  does not rotate. Sign holder  10  includes a cradle  40  having spaced portions that frictionally receive sign  8 . Sign  8  may be slid in between the spaced portions of cradle  40 . 
         [0040]    Insert  2  may be made from a material or coated with a material that reflects light, glows in the dark, or is brightly-colored. Powered lights may be carried by insert  2  in a manner similar to the signs described above. Also, lights may be disposed inside insert  2  so that inserts  2  glow or flash for increased visibility at night. 
         [0041]      FIGS. 11-14  depict inserts  2  used with lift tubes  50  and  52 . Lift tube  50  is a fixed-length tube have an opening defined at one end and a head  62  disposed on its other end. The opening is configured to receive either of heads  20  or  22  of insert  2  while head  62  may match the configuration of head  20  or  22 . Head  62  is snapped into the top of traffic cone  4  as depicted in  FIG. 13  to raise insert  2  higher from the ground and thus raise the level of tape  6  carried by insert  2 . Tubes  50  and  52  may be fabricated from a rigid material or a softer material similar to cone  4 . Lift tube  52  is an adjustable-length tube have an opening  60  defined at one end and a head  62  disposed on its other end. Lift tube  52  includes a plurality of body tube sections that telescope with respect each other to allow the overall length of tube  52  to be adjusted. Head  62  of each tube  50  and  52  includes a flange  64  similar to flanges  28  described above. Flange  64  engages the top of cone  4  when insert  2  is in use. 
         [0042]      FIG. 15  depicts a configuration wherein insert  2  includes magnets  70  disposed on the ends of heads  20  and  22 . Magnets  70  allow insert  2  to be readily mounted to a metal surface. Magnets  70  also allow a sign or a light to be removably mounted to insert  2 . Such a sign or light includes a metal stand that is secured to insert  2  by the magnetic force provided by magnet  70 . Magnets  70  may be secured to heads  20  and  22  with adhesive, may be snap fit in place, may be overmolded, or secured with fasteners. Magnets  70  also may be mounted to the side of body of insert  2 . 
         [0043]    In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention is an example and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described. The dimensional ranges are provided as best embodiments of the insert known at this time. The inventors recognize that other dimensions and shapes may be used that fall with the scope of the claims. Throughout the description and claims of this specification the words “comprise” and “include” as well as variations of those words, such as “comprises,” “includes,” “comprising,” and “including” are not intended to exclude additives, components, integers, or steps.

Technology Category: e