Traffic ballast system

Abstract

A traffic ballast system has a base of a non-rigid, resilient, shock absorbing material, the base providing a top surface and a spaced apart bottom surface. At least one strut aperture extends through the top surface. A receiver plate of a rigid structural material is engaged with the base below the top surface. At least one vertical strut supporting at least one sign has a lower end engaged within the at least one strut aperture, and further rigidly engaged with the receiver plate.

Description

FIELD OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE [0001] This disclosure relates generally to road signs and more particularly to a traffic sign system with interchangeable elements able to be adapted to various configurations. DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART INCLUDING INFORMATION DISCLOSED UNDER 37 CFR 1.97 AND 1.98 [0002] Brown et al., U.S. Pat. No. D406,543 describes a traffic channelizer design. Bent et al., U.S. Pat. No. D412,131 describes a traffic channelizing system design. Alt, U.S. Pat. No. D419,901 describes a safety marking pylon design. Abrams, U.S. Pat. No. 3,380,428 describes a traffic guide post means comprising a post member and a base member of mutually interfitting relationship. Lyons et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,933,118 describes a signal device combining a fluorescent or phosphorescent light tube and a weighted base designed to be thrown or dropped from a vehicle as a warning marker. The light tube is preferably of the chemically actuated type and the base preferably has four resilient leg...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005] A road sign base is constructed of a high density, resilient, shock absorbing material such as rubber. It provides a top surface, a bottom surface and one or more strut apertures between them. A receiver plate of a rigid structural material such as structural grade polymer plastic is engaged with the base in proximity to the bottom surface. One or more vertical struts are received within apertures through the top surface for supporting a sign. The base provides adequate weight to support the sign in high winds while providing energy absorption should contact with moving vehicles occur. The receiver plate provides rigid surfaces for mechanical coupling with the struts. Struts of various shapes and sizes are able to be engaged with the apertures using adaptors so that the system is able to be adapted for various uses. A plurality of the bases may be stacked, one on top of the next, each nestling within the other, so that they may be transported without taking up excessive storage space.

[0009] A still further objective is to provide such a sign structure and system that is highly portable and compact in storage due to nesting features.

Problems solved by technology

However, the prior art fails to teach a base with insertable upright for holding a sign, wherein the base is made of a highly resilient material and has an insert of a highly rigid structural material for securing the inserted upright.

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