US2564170A - Portable visual and electric traffic signal - Google Patents

Description

Aug. 1951 M. H. NUSBAUM ETAL 2,564,170

PORTABLE VISUAL AND ELECTRIC TRAFFIC SIGNAL Filed 1949 INVENT0R3 M H- NUSBA D L: BEALL A"'TORNEY.

Patented Aug. 14, 1951 harem orric e TORTAB%%XZ%AELECTRTC Maynard li. Nasuaum, Elkhart, and Donald {L. Beall, Goshe'n, 'lnda; said Beall assignor 'to said Nusbaum aesthetics ot-tuber s, 19%, eer-in No. artist-i;

6 Claims. (01. lav -e29) 2 l intense-i1 relates to signalling and more particularly to a visual signal acapted for use on a roadway or the like to warn or the mrox irh'ity or construction "work, hazardous oo'ndit'iohs, or 'the like. Heretofore na types and supported n one ways have been employed to w tn the drivers of vehicles anproaching construction work of the necessity for accustom with haution. Sirnrlar signs have also been used for "other -pu uses, including warn :ings tor crossings, schools: and the like.

m eduently the need to! indicators of this type a given nos o'n of re'lialt'ivel3, short can For pie, in the construction or high ways, installation of pipe lines and the like, the progress of the work requires that the warning muicators be moved fromtime to time, often as much as everyday or perhaps every few hon-rs. in some situations, a signal is only required "for a short period "of time and in -such instances the cost or erecting a suitable one often out of proportion to the use required.

it is often necessary to provide a for anproaching rivers to read during the day time and a light or the like to supplement the sign during the hours of darkness. This problem has been only partially met up to the present time by the provision of separate types of signals for day and night necessarily requiring additional expenditure and trans-porting problems. the past portable trafiic signals have been used, but these have not proven entirely s'atis iactory because they include no easy means for their transportation.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a visual signal in which the above described deficiencies are overcome.

A further object of the invention is to provide easily movable signal which combines a signal light for night use witha sign for imparting information to those approaching the same.

A further object of the invention ,is to provide a combined signal adapted for night andday use having its own source otpower, and which is capable or bein easily moved. I I

A -st-ill further object of the invention is the provision of an easily movable signal for night and day use which is inexpensive to manufacture and durable in construction.

it further object of the invention isthe ip ro Vision of a signarmemamg a mine, which is particularly adapted roman-ting a conventional wet cell battery as a source of power and without leakage of fluid from the battery during movement.

nd signs of various '5 Further object's and advantages of the invention will he 'apuarent from the following "descri-U- -tion "taken in "conjunction with the accompanylhgdrawings, wherein:

Fig. -1 is a front elevation "of a device coniimrcted in accordance with the present inven- "0 2, "a section on the line 2+2 of 1 Fig. 3., an isometric of-the main framework can 'structfon; and;

4, a detail of the battery support.

Jeferring to the drawing, the signal device comprises a 'substantia-lly trapezoidal horizontally disposed main frame of angle iron or -other structural members including a longer base member or front portion l 0, a-shorter 'base member or rear portion 1 I:, and sides IE and .13, Parallel bridging members or "struts H extend {perpendicularly from the extremities of the base member 1 l to the base member 40 and are rigidly secured thereto. The elements of the frame described are secured together *byjsuitable means such as bolts, rivets, welding or the like to providea rigid -struoture. -Al-though the frame is ;i-llustrated as substantially trapezoidal, it isunderstood that other desired configurations may be employed;

Depending arms 16, rigidly secured to the extrerniti-esof the front member 0-, are provided with aligned apertures l8 positioned below the sides 12 and H3 for the reception of a supporting xle I Wheels 25] are Journaled upon the axle it adj-aee nt the extremities thereof and exteriorly of the main supporting frame. To maintain the supporting frame in a horizontal position when at :rest therear basemember I i is preferably provided with a pair oi-legs 2i v I 7 A vertically disposed standard 2.2 which maybe of rectangular cross-section or of other desired configuration is mounted with an extremity upon the front frame member 1!! and substantially centrallyof its length. Suitable angular braces 23 extending from the standard to the member 10 are provided for insuring rigidity of the structure andsuitable fastening means such as bolts, welding or the like may be utilized for securing the standard in position. I

signal light 24 is mounted upon the upper extremity orthe standard 22. Preferably this includes a casing :25 having a depending bearing portion 26 receivable within a cap 21 which surrounds the upper extremity of the standard 22, We r ning-thi an n posi i n-H h be l enii e lzi..-isr e eb e within e can 21 to permit adjustment of the direction of the beam thereof. A suitable source of electrical energy for the signal light is provided, and will be hereinafter more fully described.

The signal light is visible from either direction and may be provided with appropriate lenses to indicate caution or danger or otherwise. The standard 22 preferably carries a second visual signal or marker bearing an appropriate legend indicating the specific conditions existent at the point where the device is placed. This second signal may be in the form of a substantially flat sign 28, and may be legible from one or more directions as desired. It is secured beneath the signal light 24 and on the side of the standard away from the means of bolts 29 extending through the sign and the standard. A substantially U-shaped handle 30 having threaded extremities issecured to the sign 28 adjacent the upper extremity thereof and projecting away from the standard by means of fastening elements 3| toeassist in the moving and positioning of the device.

To impart additional strength and rigidity to the standard and main frame assembly and to provide a support for a battery, a secondary supporting frame is provided. This comprises a member 32 transversely secured at its midpoint. to the standard 22. Attached to the extremities of the member 32 is a pair of angularly disposed bracing members 33 which ar secured to the rear frame member ll between the frame side members and the bridging members I l. Angularly disposed struts 33' extend from the bracing members 33 to the adjacent bridging members.

Rod members 34 having threaded ends 35 secured to the bridging members l4 respectively. by

means of bolts or the like 36 are provided to support a source of electrical energy such as a storage battery B. Each of the rods extends upward substantially perpendicularly to the members I4 and has an offset end portion 31 extending through the strut members 33' to provide a support for the battery.

The battery is carried by means of an upwardly open U-shaped strap 38 the extremities of which extend outwardly from its sides and double back to provide ears 39 having suitable aligned apertures 40 for the reception of the offset end portion 31. Retaining means such as cotter pins M are provided at the ends of the rods. A rectangular support 42 is carried by the lower and central portion of the U-shaped strap to provide an extended-supporting surface for the battery, and a rectangular'frame 53 is attached to the upper portion of the strap by means of lugs 44 through which bolts 45 pass to engage the strap. The frame assists in retaining the battery in position and may be easily removed by removing the bolts 45. By means of the pivotal support, the battery is free to tilt as the frame is tilted during movement in order to maintain the battery substantially level and avoid the spilling of liquid thereupon.

' For protecting the supporting framework and storage battery from dirt, the elements and the like, and for providing a pleasing external appearance a casing 46 is provided having a hinged top 41 which permits access to the interior of the casing. The top is spaced from the offset ends 31 sufficiently that it will not interfere with tilting of the battery. v

A substantially U-shaped rail '48 is attached to the casing-on the side corresponding to that nearestthe standardand extends substantially parallel to the handle 30 in order that the assembly frame previously described by 2 may be easily tilted and to assist in its maneuvermg.

In order to supply electrical current from the storage battery B to the light 24 suitable wiring is installed through the standard 22 and includes a switch 49. The switch is of conventional make and may be set to maintain a steady flow of current or to connect the signal light to a conventional bllnker element, not shown, in order to provide a blinking signal.

In use the device may be easily moved from one location to another by means of the wheels supporting one side thereof, the handle 30, and the 'rail 48 being used as needed to assist in its maneuveri'ng.

It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made in the invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof and therefore the invention is not limited by that which is shown in the drawings and described in the specification but only as indicated in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

l. A movable signal comprising a main frame 2 having a front member and a back member connected by side members, depending arms extending from said front member and having alined apertures therein, an axle supported in said apertures, wheels journaled on said axle, and at least one supporting leg attached to said back member and adapted to cooperate with said wheels in maintaining said frame in a horizontal position; a standard mounted s ibstantially midway-of said front member and extending substantially perpendicularly to the plane of said main frame; an electrical signal light mounted on said standard; bracing members extending from said front member to said standard; a secondary frame transversely disposed to said main frame and having a front member attached to said standard and spaced from and substantially parallel to the front member of said main frame, side-members extending from approximately the extremities of said front member of said secondary frame to said side members of said main frame near. the extremities of said side members; struts extending substantially perpendicularly from approxi'*- mately the midpoint of said side members of said secondary frame to said side members of said main frame; rod members extending from said main frame to the extremity of said strut adjacent said side members of said secondary frame, said rod members having offset end portions extending inwardly of said frame and-through said struts to provide alinedstub axles a storage battery and a carrier therefor having an upwardly open U-shaped strap with spaced ears extending from the upper extremities thereof, said ears being provided with alined apertures adapted to receive said stub axles for a pivotal movement thereon, a platform carried by said strapits lower portion and providing an extended su'pport'for said battery a frame connected to the upper portion of said strap and adapted to retain said battery on said carrier; an electrical connection from said battery to said light; a flat sheet member for-the reception of data attached to said standard above said framesfa U shaped handle attached to said sheet member near its upper extremity and extending away from said frames; a casing surrounding said frame and said carrier and having a cover piVOtaHy connected thereto; and a second U-shaped member attached to said casing "and extending outwardly therefrom between said wheels. 73?? 2. A movable signal comprising a main frame having a front member and a back member connected by said members, depending arms extending from said front member and having alined apertures, an axle supported within said apertures, wheels journaled on said axle, and at least one supporting leg attached to said back member and adapted to cooperate with said wheels in maintaining said main frame in a horizontal position; a standard mounted substantially midway of said front member and extending substantially perpendicularly to the plane of said main frame, an electrical signal light mounted on said standard; a secondary frame transversely disposed to said main frame and having a front member attached to said standard and spaced from and substantially parallel to said front member of said main frame, side members extending from approximately the extremities of said front member of said secondary frame to said side members of said main frame near the extremities of said side members; struts extending from said side members of said secondary frame to said side members of said main frame; rod members extending from said main frame to the extremity of said struts adjacent said side members of said secondary frame, said rod members having offset end portions extending inward- 1y of said frames and through said struts to proyide alined stub axles; a storage battery and a carrier therefor having an upwardly open U- shaped strap with spaced ears extending from the upper extremity of said strap, said ears being provided with alined apertures and adapted to receive said stub axles for pivotal movement thereabout; and an electrical connection from said battery to said light.

3. A readily transportable signal comprising a supporting frame, wheels carrying one side of said frame and at least one leg connected to and adapted to support the other side of said frame, a standard extending upwardly from the side of said supporting frame carried by said wheels, an electrical signal light mounted on said standard, a sign attached to said standard, rod members extending inwardly of and spaced upwardly from said supporting frame, a carrier pivotally mounted upon said rod members, a battery mounted on said carrier, a casing enclosing said frame and said carrier and spaced sufficiently from said carrier to permit said battery to pivot freely on said rod members, an electrical connection from said battery to said signal light, a handle extending outwardly from said side, and a foot engaging member extending outwardly from said casing.

4. A readily transportable signal comprising a supporting frame, wheels carrying one side of said frame, at least one leg connected to and adapted to sup ort the other side of said frame, a standard extending upwardly from said supporting frame, an electrical signal light carried on said standard, rod members extending inwardly of and spaced upwardly from said supporting frame, a carrier pivotally supported upon said rod members, a battery mounted on said carrier, an electrical connection from said battery to said signal light, and a casing enclosing said frame and said carrier and spaced sufficiently from said carrier to permit a battery mounted thereon to pivot freely.

5. A readily transportable signal comprising a supporting frame, wheels and supporting legs attached to lower portions of said frame, a standard extending upwardly from said supporting frame, an electrical signal light carried by said standard, a carrier pivoted on said supporting frame and having a pivotal axis substantially parallel to that of said wheels, a battery mounted on said carrier, and an electrical connection from said battery to said signal light, whereby the signal may be readily moved on its wheels and the battery maintained in an upright position.

6. A readily transportable signal comprising a supporting frame, wheels and a supporting leg attached to the lower portion of said frame, an electrical signal light carried by said supporting frame, a carrier for a storage battery pivoted upon said supporting frame and having a pivotal axis substantially parallel to that of the wheels, whereby the signal may be easily tilted for movement on its wheels and the carrier maintained in an upright position, and an electrical connection from said light to a position adjacent said carrier whereby said light may be energized by a; battery positioned in said carrier.

MAYNARD H. NUSBAUM. DONALD L. BEALL.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,546,501 Martus July 12, 1925 1,951,434 Meehan Mar. 26, 1934 2,025,235 Gonsett Dec. 24, 1935 2,167,564 Fonda July 25, 1939 2,375,121 McClellan May 1, 1945

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