Illuminated work zone barrier

Abstract

A traffic barrier includes a positionable structure having an exterior surface defined by a plurality of walls, wherein the plurality of walls defines a sealably enclosed space. A light-transmissive medium such as water fills the sealably enclosed space, and a light source is inserted into the light-transmissive medium through a port in one of the plurality of walls. Light energy produced by the light source is transmitted through the light transmissive medium and the positionable structure to illuminate the exterior surface. The traffic barrier may include a plurality of positionable structures interconnectedly positioned at right angles on a rigid skid-mounted framework to form a protective flagger station.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 515,334, which was filed on Oct. 29, 2003, and is hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to barriers for use in a traffic or road system work zone. In particular, the present invention relates to illuminated work zone barriers. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Temporary barriers or abutments are used widely in a variety of traffic or road system applications to guide traffic through an otherwise non-standard path of the road system. For example, such barriers may be used to define one or more temporary traffic lanes in order divert traffic away from one or more standard lanes in the road way so that road way maintenance or construction work may proceed without traffic in the diverted lanes. [0004] In order to restrain vehicles that may make accidental contact with th...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] A novel traffic barrier is disclosed, comprising a positionable structure having an exterior surface defined by a plurality of walls that define a sealably enclosed space, a light-transmissive medium filling the sealably enclosed space, and a light source insertably and sealably mounted through a port in one of the plurality of walls. Light energy produced by the light source is transmitted through the light transmissive medium and the positionable structure such that the exterior surface of the positionable structure is illuminated, providing improved barrier visibility for motorists at night.

Problems solved by technology

However, such barriers are also difficult to move to define alternate temporary lanes, as well as to other work sites.

Such temporary barriers however can be poorly lighted at night, and confusing to motorists who are unfamiliar with the altered, non-standard traffic patterns.

However, such reflectors are often damaged or knocked off during use or handling, leaving the little warning for the motorist.

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