STATEMENT OF CORRESPONDING APPLICATIONS

This application is based on the provisional specification filed in relation to New Zealand Patent Application No. 729609, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a delineator post and delineator post assembly. The invention has particular application to delineator posts used for managing traffic on roads and highways. However, this is not meant to be limiting and the invention may also be used to delineate or otherwise demarcate areas for pedestrians and/or other traffic in public areas and so forth.

BACKGROUND ART

To assist in the management of traffic on roads, it is common practice to use temporary or permanent structures known as delineator posts. These are apparatus that are used to define lanes for vehicles, establish pedestrian zones, indicate hazards on roads and footpaths or support signage structures. Delineator posts are intended to be highly visible.

Users of delineator posts are typically public utilities such as a national or regional roading or transport departments. Other users of delineator posts may include civil engineering or traffic management companies.

Delineator posts are typically tubular or conical upright structures which are either provided with an integrated base to serve as a platform to allow the post to stand upright, or are configured with an end to be inserted into a base. In the case of the latter, the base may be semi- or permanently secured to the substrate surface, typically the surface of the road, using bolts, collets, or anchors and the like. The base may also be secured with adhesive or partially overlaid with roading material such as a bitumen or tarseal product to better secure them to the road surface.

When using some of these types of delineator posts, it is important that they are correctly orientated relative to oncoming traffic.

Some delineator posts may be in the form of a thin, relatively narrow, flat strips of plastic material which has sufficient rigidity to stand upright. These are often bolted to median strips on the surface of the road and aggregate or a suitable material, such as concrete, bitumen, or tarseal, is applied to their base to secure them. However, these types of delineator posts have to be placed in a specific orientation; the flat sides of the delineator posts have to be orientated facing oncoming traffic to maximise the available surface area for the dissipation of any impact forces (which is most likely to come from the direction of the oncoming traffic). If not orientated correctly, the delineator post can be destroyed or damaged beyond repair and also potentially cause considerable impact damage to a vehicle. Regardless, delineator posts are usually brightly coloured with high visibility markings so that they may be readily visible to persons driving or operating vehicles or otherwise navigating roads or pathways.

Examples of conventional delineator posts are those manufactured by Seton™ (www.seton.com) or Plasticade™ (www.plasticade.com).

From the preceding discussion it will be appreciated that in some instances, vehicles or objects may come into contact with delineator posts at some speed.

Accordingly, to minimise damage to the vehicle and objects, and indeed any persons in the vicinity, that may strike or otherwise damage the delineator posts, they are typically made from plastics material such as some form of polyurethane or the like.

In theory, an advantage of this material is that, to a certain extent, the delineator post can be deform from an impact and return to its original shape. This means no or minimal repairs or replacement of the delineator post is required. However, the capacity of current delineator posts to rebound as a result of deformation arising from impact with a vehicle can be limited.

What tends to happen is that the material from which the delineator post is constructed splits as the force of the impact migrates through it. This affects the ability of the post to rebound and return to an upright position. If unable to do so, this reduces the visibility of the post and it is unable to serve its primary function and will need to be replaced. This is of course at a cost to the owner of the delineator post.

In some instances, the delineator post may include reinforcing arrangements to enhance its ability to rebound in the event of contact with a vehicle. One example of such a delineator post is disclosed in United States Patent No. 4,806,046. This is provided with a spring structure about wire cables in the interior of the delineator post. A disadvantage of this arrangement is its relative expense of manufacture. Furthermore, the materials used (spring and wire cables) extend someway upwards from the base and thus have the potential to cause damage or injury if the covering plastics material forming the main body of the delineator post is pulled or otherwise stripped away through impact forces.

It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

All references, including any patents or patent applications that may be cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although one or more prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise", "comprising", and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense, that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a delineator post wherein the post includes: an elongate body having a cross-sectional profile, wherein the cross-sectional profile includes four rounded points spaced equi-distance from each other, wherein each point is separated from the adjacent point with an indent.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a delineator post assembly, the assembly including: a delineator post including an elongate body having a cross-sectional profile, wherein the cross- sectional profile includes four rounded points spaced equi-distance from each other, wherein each point is separated from the adjacent point with an indent; and a base, wherein the base is configured with a recess to be complementary to the cross-sectional profile of the post. The invention provides a delineator post and delineator post assembly which is configured to be capable of better absorbing impact forces, such as when a vehicle comes into contact with the post, regardless of the angle of contact, and deforming in response to same before rebounding or otherwise returning to substantially its original shape. The key to this is the specially configured cross-sectional profile of the delineator post. This provides the delineator post with sufficient rigidity to absorb a degree of impact forces but minimising to a certain extent the potential for damage to the vehicle impacting the post by still conferring it with some flexibility.

The invention is a delineator post and shall now be referred to as such throughout the remainder of the present specification. The delineator post may be included in a delineator post assembly, which should be understood to include a delineator post and a base for same.

The delineator post will be understood to have an elongate body.

In this embodiment, the elongate body is formed from dense plastics material such as a high tensile polyurethane (TPU) or the like. It will be appreciated that the elongate body may be formed using conventional plastics moulding techniques, which is conducive in keeping manufacturing costs to a minimum while retaining some durability for the delineator post. However, this should be understood to not be limiting and other materials and construction techniques may be employed as will be apparent to a person skilled in the art.

The elongate body should be understood to be substantially hollow with its walls having a thickness of between 3 to 6 millimetres. Generally, less than this may compromise structural integrity; more than this can result in a relatively heavy delineator post due to the weight of materials. Such a post may also be more expensive to manufacture due to the amount of plastics material used. However, this wall thickness is not meant to be limiting and in some embodiments, the wall thickness could be more or less, depending on the nature of the end use, the intended working life, and the dimensions of the delineator post.

In exemplary embodiments, the wall thickness of the elongate body may vary along its length; for example, in one exemplary embodiment, the upper portion of the elongate body may have a wall thickness of between 3 to 5 millimetres while the lower portion, corresponding to the typical bumper height of many vehicles and thus much more likely to directly experience impact forces, may have a wall thickness of between 5 to 8 millimetres. However, again this is not meant to be limiting.

The elongate body should be understood to have a length dimension, a width dimension, and a cross- sectional profile.

In an exemplary embodiment of the delineator post, the elongate body will have a length between 0.8 metres to 1.2 metres. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the delineator post, the elongate body has a length of approximately 0.9 metres. However, this is not meant to be limiting and the elongate body may have a length shorter (or longer) than this, depending on the requirements of the user.

In an exemplary embodiment of the delineator post, the elongate body will have a width of 80 millimetres to 120 millimetres. It will be understood that the elongate body will have a first end, corresponding to the top of the elongate body, and a second end, corresponding to the bottom of the elongate body and which would be proximate the substrate when the invention is in use, at either end of the length dimension.

In an exemplary embodiment of the delineator post, the elongate body may be slightly tapered along its length such that the first end is narrower than the second end (or vice versa). However, having the end (the bottom) that is closer to the substrate wider than the other end can be helpful, particularly if the delineator post is to be free-standing, in keeping the centre of gravity lower and thus enhancing the stability of the invention. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the delineator post, in which the elongate body is slightly tapered along its length, the top of the delineator post has a width of approximately 85 millimetres while its bottom has a width of approximately 104 millimetres. However, this is not meant to be limiting and the elongate body may have a width less (or greater) than this, depending on the requirements of the user and the extent of any tapering along its length.

For example, it is possible that in some countries where the invention is to be used there are regulations or standards governing the minimum and/or maximum sizes of delineator posts. Thus, embodiments of the delineator post used in those countries will need to meet the stated requirements.

In some embodiments of the delineator post, the elongate body may be moulded or otherwise configured to include one or more groups of ribs or corrugations along a portion of the exterior of its length. These ribs act to assist in the temporary deformation and rebounding of the delineator post should it be contacted by a vehicle by creating a zone of flexibility relative to the remainder of the elongate body.

The wall thickness of the elongate body is effectively increased by the presence of the ribs. Each rib may add 2 to 4 millimetres to the wall thickness where they are present. However, this is not meant to be limiting and depending on the intended working life of the delineator post, the ribs may be thicker (or thinner) if desired.

As noted above, the elongate body should be understood to have a cross-sectional profile.

This cross-sectional profile includes four points separated by four indents such that in a plan view, the elongate body assumes a cross (X) or four-pointed star shape. The lengths of the cross approximate the width of the elongate body.

It will be understood that the four points of the cross are rounded. Each point may be thought of as a lobe (lobes in plural form). In exemplary embodiments, the radii of the lobes are between 12 to 30 millimetres.

As previously noted above, in a particularly preferred embodiment of the delineator post, the elongate body is tapered along its length such the top portion is narrower than the bottom portion. Likewise, the radii of the lobes may progressively increase from the top to the bottom of the elongate body. For example, near the top of the elongate body, the radii may be between 15 to 17 millimetres while near the bottom, the radii may be 21 to 23 millimetres. This means that the lobes gradually become larger from the top of the elongate body to its bottom, as the overall cross-sectional profile increases.

It will be understood that the indents separating the points are rounded.

In exemplary embodiments, the radii of the indents are between 6 to 24 millimetres. As previously noted above, in a particularly preferred embodiment of the delineator post, the elongate body is tapered along its length such the top portion is narrower than the bottom portion. As the lobes gradually increase in radii towards the bottom of the elongate, conversely, the radii of the indents is reduced. For example, near the top of the elongate body, the radii of the indents may be between 15 to 17 millimetres. This means that the indents and lobes are dimensionally similar. However, near the bottom of the elongate body, the radii of the indents may be 6 to 9 millimetres.

However, this is not meant to be limiting and variations from this, while retaining the principle of four rounded lobes and four rounded indents, may be envisaged.

The inventors have found that the eight curves that form the four lobes and four indents making up the perimeter of the cross-sectional profile of the body of the delineator post have been found to be better able to absorb energy from impact forces and rebound to its original shape. Testing has found that even after 50 impacts with a vehicle, the delineator post is still able to stand upright.

A cross-sectional profile having fewer lobes, for example three, may not have sufficient structural integrity to withstand most impact forces while conversely, having more lobes, for example five, can result in an overly rigid delineator post that is not as responsive to deformation and thus may cause significant damage to the impacting vehicle.

This configuration, with four lobes and four indents is also better able to withstand impacts regardless of the angle of that impact. This simplifies placement of the delineator post for it does not have be orientated in a particular way for optimum performance.

A further advantage of this configuration is that being symmetrical, with the four lobes and four indents spaced equidistance from each other about the perimeter of the cross-sectional profile, it provides a relatively consistent visual view to an onlooker, regardless of the angle at which the delineator post is viewed.

In one exemplary embodiment of the delineator post, the second end of the elongate body is configured to engage with a recess or receptacle in the substrate in which the delineator post is to be used. It will be appreciated that the recess or receptacle will be configured to be substantially complementary to the profile of the second end of the elongate body, and the portion of the elongate body leading to the second end, for a snug fit.

The second end of the elongate body may be provided with spring-loaded detents or the like which engage with complementary fittings within the recess or receptacle to secure the elongate body to the substrate. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate other techniques that may alternatively be used to secure the elongate body within the recess or receptacle. In another exemplary embodiment of the delineator post, in which the invention is a delineator post assembly, the second end of the elongate body is configured to engage with a recess or receptacle in a base to be placed on the substrate with which the delineator post is to be used.

It will be appreciated that the recess or receptacle of the base will be configured to be substantially complementary to the profile of the second end of the elongate body, and the portion of the elongate body leading to the first end, for a snug fit.

In this embodiment, the base should be understood to be a structure that allows the elongate body to stand upright. It may take a variety of configurations but preferably is relatively low profile to reduce its height above the road surface. This is to minimise any jarring that may be caused should a vehicle's wheel run directly over the base or part thereof.

In this embodiment, the base is formed from dense plastics material or thermoplastic polymer such as Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) which is conducive in keeping manufacturing costs to a minimum while retaining some durability. However, this should be understood to not be limiting and other materials may be used to form the base.

In this embodiment of the delineator post, the base may be configured to accept fasteners, such as bolts or other securing means such as adhesive or bitumen-type products to secure the base temporarily or permanently to the substrate with which the post is to be used.

Alternatively, the base may be formed from a relatively dense material such that its own weight is sufficient to keep it in place on the road surface without being blown over by wind and turbulence caused by passing vehicles. However, it will be appreciated that impact with a vehicle is likely to result in considerable displacement of such a delineator post which may be particularly undesirable in the event it becomes airborne. Thus, common scenarios where this usage may arise is for delineator posts used for guiding pedestrians around construction zones and the like. In this embodiment of the delineator post, the base may include one or more apertures passing through the recess or the receptacle for the second end of the elongate body so that fasteners, such as bolts with a thread at one end, may secure the elongate body to the base during use. It will be understood that the second end of the elongate body may include apertures with complementary threads to ensure a firm engagement with the threaded portion of the bolt. Alternatively, the apertures of the base may be paired, with one being threaded, the bolt being inserted via the other aperture, which is unthreaded, passing through the second end of the elongate body, before engaging with the threaded aperture. It will be understood in this latter embodiment, the second end of the elongate body may be configured with a smooth bore through which the bolt may pass.

However, other techniques to secure the elongate body to the base may be employed. For example, the second end of the elongate body may be provided with spring-loaded detents or the like which engage with complementary fittings within the recess or receptacle to secure the elongate body to the base.

In one exemplary embodiment of the delineator post, the first end of the elongate body is configured with a recess or receptacle into which signage structures or the like may be supported. In some embodiments, the first end of the elongate body may be configured with a carrying handle or the like.

The present invention offers a number of advantages over the prior art, including:

• may be better able to withstand vehicular impacts, regardless of the angle of impact;

• provides a consistent visual view, regardless of angle relative to viewer;

• may be more cost effective to manufacture;

• may be easier to use; or

• at the very least, the present invention offers the public a useful choice. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the delineator post assembly of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a top view showing of the delineator post assembly of Figure 1;

Figure 3 a top view of the elongate body of the delineator post assembly of Figures 1 and 2; and

Figure 4 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of an elongate body of a delineator post assembly with corresponding cross-sectional profiles.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention, a delineator post assembly, (generally indicated by arrow 100) is depicted in Figure 1. It will be seen in this figure that the delineator post assembly includes an elongate body (102) which is inserted into a base (104).

The elongate body with a first end (106a) and a second end (106b). Along the length of the elongate body, which is made from a plastics material such as TPU or the like, reflective zones (108) are provided for high visibility.

A portion (110) of the elongate body (102) is configured with a plurality of ribs (112) to form a flexing point or zone. These are configured to assist with the deformation of the elongate body, and therefore the delineator post (100), at the most likely point at which it is deform should it be struck by a vehicle (not shown).

The first end (106a) of the elongate body (102) includes an aperture (114) that may be used to insert any signage, or the posts of any signage, (not shown) that may be required by the user. Such signage could be traffic management signage such as directional arrows or illuminators.

The base (104) may be secured to the road or pavement surface (not shown) through the use of bolts and anchors (not shown) inserted through apertures (116). This helps to minimise the movement of the delineator post should an object, such as a vehicle, impact it. However, it is within the scope of the present invention that the delineator post assembly not be secured to the road surface and instead be freestanding.

Turning to Figure 2, a top view of the delineator post assembly of Figure 1, it will be seen that there are four such apertures (116) provided for each side of the base (104).

The base includes a recess (not visible) into which the second end (106b) of the elongate body (102) is inserted. It will be understood that the recess will be configured to be complementary to the cross- sectional profile of the second end of the elongate body.

Passing through the base (104), from side to side through the recess (not visible), apertures (118a) into which bolts having a threaded portion at an end of a shaft (not shown) may be inserted. One end (118b) of the apertures includes a thread (not shown) complementary to that of the bolts.

It will be appreciated that the second end (106b) of the elongate body (102) includes a passage (not visible) for the bolts and when they are passed through the base (104) and secured, these serve to anchor the elongate body relative to the base. It has been found that even after 50 impacts with a vehicle, the elongate body is still retained within the base.

In use, the side of the base (104) which includes the apertures (118a, 118b) should ideally not be facing oncoming traffic (not shown). Plus, it will be appreciated that the base includes a side (120) that is specifically intended to face the traffic with another side (122) which is intended to be facing away from traffic. Placing the bolts through the latter side means that there is less risk that, should a vehicle come into contact with the base, the bolts themselves cause damage.

The base (104) is preferably formed from a high density plastics material such as ABS. The cross section of the elongate body is significant. Turning now to Figure 3, which shows a top view of the elongate body (102) of Figures 1 and 2.

It will be seen that the cross section of the elongate body assumes a substantially four pointed star or cross shape, with the lobes (300), and the indents (302) between the lobes, being rounded or arc shaped. The elongate body is also symmetrical along lines A-A and B-B.

The inventors have found that having a delineator post with this cross-sectional profile is ideal for rebounding from an impact with minimal deformation or loss of structural integrity, regardless of the angle of the impact. Testing has found that the delineator post configured as described retains its structural integrity even after 50 impacts at 80 kilometres per hour. In Figure 4, it will be appreciated that some embodiments of the elongate body (400) that may be used with the delineator post assembly the subject of the present specification may be progressively tapered in sections along its length.

For example, the depicted elongate body (400) is narrower at section 400a relative to the section 400b and likewise the first end (402a) is narrower than the second end (402b). Along section line A-A of section 400a, the radii of the lobes (404a) is approximately 15.4 millimetres while the indents (406a) have a radii of approximately 14.5 millimetres. The wall thickness at this section is approximately 4.0 millimetres.

The radii of the lobes progressively increases towards the second end (402b) of the elongate body (400). For example, along section line C-C, the radii of the lobes (404b) is approximately 17.6 millimetres and along section line G-G, the radii of the lobes (404c) is approximately 22.2 millimetres. Conversely, the radii of the indents (406b, 406c) decrease; from 12.3 millimetres along section line C-C to 7.7 millimetres at section line G-G. The radii of both the indents and lobes of the elongate body of Figure 4 is tabulated below. However, it should be appreciated that this is simply one embodiment of the invention and variations from the specified radii will be readily envisaged.

It should be noted that the wall thickness along section line F-F is increased due to corresponding to the zone of the ribs (408); the wall thickness here is approximately 7 millimetres and impacts on the radii of the lobes and indents at this portion of the elongate body (400).

Also visible in this view of the elongate body (400) are the apertures (410) through which, when used with the base (not shown in this view), bolts may pass to anchor the elongate body to the base.

The entire disclosures of all applications, patents and publications cited above and below, if any, are herein incorporated by reference.

Reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour in any country in the world. The invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements or features.

Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents thereof, those integers are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.

It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be included within the present invention.

The invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements or features.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims.