Highway marker device

Abstract

A highway marker device is provided for marking the location of an object, such as a culvert, located adjacent to a highway. The marker device is comprised of a coil spring having a first end and a second end, wherein the coil spring is comprised of a plurality of windings around a spring axis. Further, a marker post is connected with the first end of the coil spring, wherein the marker post has a post axis and wherein the post axis is substantially perpendicular to the spring axis. Finally, the marker device is comprised of a mounting mechanism for connecting the device with the object such that the coil spring is substantially restrained from bending about the spring axis.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to a highway marker device for marking the location of an object located adjacent to a highway, such as a culvert located adjacent to the highway. BACKGROUND OF INVENTION [0002] Various flagging or marking devices have been developed for indicating the location of an object at the side of a highway or roadway in order to enhance the visibility of the object or otherwise alert drivers on the highway of its position. There is a particular need for such devices where adverse weather conditions are encountered, such as where relatively large amounts of snow have accumulated at the side of the highway or the visibility of the object is otherwise reduced or impaired. [0003] For example, where snow has accumulated at the side of the highway, the object may not be readily or apparently visible to an operator of snow removal equipment traveling along the highway. In this case, the snow removal equipment may collide with the object, such...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The device effectively enhances visibility of objects near highways, reduces the likelihood of breakage upon collision, and minimizes damage to vehicles, thereby improving safety during adverse weather conditions or reduced visibility.

Problems solved by technology

For example, where snow has accumulated at the side of the highway, the object may not be readily or apparently visible to an operator of snow removal equipment traveling along the highway.

In this case, the snow removal equipment may collide with the object, such as a culvert at the side of the highway, causing damage to both the snow removal equipment and the object.

In addition, as accidental collisions with the marking device may occur, it is further desirable that the marking device not readily or easily break or fail upon collision with the vehicle traveling on the highway.

As stated, although various marking devices have been developed, none have been found to be fully satisfactory.

As a result, in the event of any collision with the device, the signaling post and the coiled spring will tend to bend or twist about the axis of the coiled spring, which may increase the likelihood of breakage or failure of the device.

Although these devices have a structure somewhat similar to the marking devices discussed above, they are unsuitable for use as highway marking devices.

In each case, bending or twisting of the arm or antenna and the coiled spring about the axis of the coiled spring may increase the likelihood of breakage or failure of the device with repeated use.

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