A traffic marker

Abstract

An example of a marker 10 is shown in Figure 2. A traffic marker comprises a base 12, a stem 14 and a pivot portion 16 between the base and the stem for allowing the stem to pivot between a generally vertical orientation to guide traffic 18 and a generally horizontal orientation 20 for reducing a force of a collision between traffic and the marker. A base is arranged to be fixed at selected locations along a border between traffic lanes, and a guide for guiding traffic along respective lanes Typically there might be a marker located at intervals of, for example a few metres, along the border, but the markers may be placed more or less frequently in that regard. The base is generally fixed in location for some time, other than repair or maintenance, and does not move to any great extent during use when traffic is flowing either side of the marker.

Description

[0001] A TRAFFIC MARKER

[0002] Field

[0003] The invention relates to a traffic marker for guiding traffic including any one or more of vehicles, cycles or pedestrians on a highway.

[0004] Background

[0005] In the context of this specification traffic includes without limitation: automotive land vehicles, such as electric, internal combustion engine (ICE), and hybrid vehicles; motorbikes, scooters, and mopeds; electrically assisted or powered bicycles; user (muscle) powered traditional pedal bicycles; and pedestrians.

[0006] With the advent of side-by-side multi-lane traffic lanes there has been an ongoing difficulty in delineating one lane of traffic from another. This difficulty is especially pronounced when traffic in one lane is more vulnerable to harm (e.g. bicycles), closely adjacent to a lane of less vulnerable vehicles (e.g. cars and lorries). The same applies between bicycles and pedestrians. It is important therefore to delineate, or guide, between adjacent lanes by clearly marking the lateral extent of the lanes, as between each other.

[0007] An aspect of the invention according to embodiments described herein recognises that transgressions by traffic across a boundary between lanes is inevitable over the course of time, but although it may be inevitable, any harm should be minimized and the delineation between lanes should be restored and maintained, regardless of such a transgression. The purpose is to allow a shared space with an amount of safety on both sides of a boundary.

[0008] Prior Art

[0009] United Kingdom patent application number GB 2 460 886 (Orton and Bean) describes a self-righting attachment for connecting a post of a bollard, lamp post or signpost to a support surface.

[0010] Korean patent application number KR 102010367 discloses a support rod for a traffic sign which is rotatable and which recovers when deflected. United States patent US 1 599 928 (Sweeney) discloses a safety signal device with an upright post having a spherical socket at one end. A spherical protuberance slidably engages in a socket and a means retains the post in an upright position.

[0011] United States patent US 4 806 046 (Clark) describes a self-righting delineator post which is capable of being fixed to any suitable stationary object and which returns to its intended orientation after having been impacted by a force.

[0012] United States patent US 9 130 359 (SABIC GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES BV) discloses an electric vehicle charging station with a deflector mechanism whose body moves from a rest position to an impact position, with an articulation angle disposed therebetween, when impacted.

[0013] United States patent US 9 926 718 (JMB Manufacturing PTY LTD) discloses a flexible coupling comprising a lower assembly with a spigot member and an upper assembly which has a recess adapted to receive the spigot thereby allowing articulation of the upper assembly in any direction.

[0014] Existing traffic markers for guiding traffic suffer from a number of drawbacks.

[0015] One disadvantage is that when the traffic markers recover after an impact they can do so with such a force that a ‘whiplash’ effect can cause injury to a cyclist or pedestrian who has impacted it, or to another cyclist or pedestrian approaching the deflected traffic marker as it recovers.

[0016] The invention arose to address this problem.

[0017] Summary of the Invention

[0018] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a traffic marker for guiding traffic including any one or more of vehicles, cycles or pedestrians on a highway, the marker comprising: a base, a stem and a pivot portion between the base and the stem for allowing the stem to pivot between a generally vertical orientation to guide traffic and a generally horizontal orientation for reducing a force of a collision between traffic and the marker, the pivot portion comprising a biasing arrangement for biasing the stem into the generally vertical orientation, wherein the stem comprises a multilayer structure comprising at least two layers, wherein the multilayer structure comprises an inner more rigid layer for providing reliable support and an outer more flexible layer for providing a cushioning effect upon traffic impact.

[0019] None of the aforementioned prior art discloses a traffic marker wherein the stem comprises a multilayer structure comprising two or more layers and, wherein the multilayer structure comprises an inner more rigid layer for providing reliable support and an outer more flexible layer for providing a cushioning effect upon traffic impact.

[0020] In some embodiments a visually distinctive portion is provided. This may be at the tip or head of the marker and, for example may be in the form or shape of a flower or other item or object, such as an animal, building or fruit. In some embodiments the pivot portion and biasing arrangement cooperate to allow the stem to deflect from a generally vertical orientation to a generally horizontal (or near horizontal) orientation through a range of angles around the marker that are different transversely one to another.

[0021] The top or head of the flower assists in absorbing the impact force. The initial impact is usually directly on the stem and as a reaction to that impact the head (flower) may rotate around it connection with the stem. The stem in turn deflects until it is arrested typically when it impacts the surface of the road. In a preferred embodiment the shape of the flower head helps to dissipate this impact and when formed from suitable materials, such as polymers or composites, the head suffers little damage or no damage.

[0022] One example of such a polymer is ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH) which is a type of synthetic plastics material with strong barrier properties and which has a higher crush resistance than other polymers. EVOH also is readily moulded and formed into specific shapes and extrusions.

[0023] In some embodiments the pivot portion and biasing arrangement cooperate to allow deflection of the stem at any angle through 360 degrees.

[0024] In some embodiments a lower part of the stem is connected to the base by an elastic member forming the biasing arrangement and that is deformable to allow the stem portion to be deflected to a generally horizontal orientation.

[0025] In some embodiments a base of the stem is shaped to complement a shape of an upper portion of the base to support the stem portion in the generally vertical orientation and allow deflection to any of a plurality of said generally horizontal orientations.

[0026] In some embodiments the base comprises at least two components, a first component of which is adapted to be fixed in location to the ground by anchors and a second part of which is adapted to be connected to the first component and disconnectable from the first component for repair or replacement.

[0027] The stem comprises a structure comprising at least two layers, including an inner more rigid layer, for providing a rigid support, and an outer more flexible layer for providing a cushioning effect upon traffic impact.

[0028] In some embodiments the stem comprises an outer layer of retroreflective material for illuminating the marker during hours of darkness.

[0029] In some embodiments the stem comprises a fixing mechanism at an upper portion thereof for fixing a visually distinctive top to the stem.

[0030] According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of delineating between adjacent traffic lanes by installing an array of traffic markers as claimed in any one of the preceding claims at a side portion of a lane.

[0031] According to a yet further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of detecting passing pedestrians and / or traffic using at least one of the aforementioned traffic markers for guiding traffic by delineating between adjacent traffic lanes by installing an array of traffic markers as claimed in any one of the preceding claims at a side portion of a lane.

[0032] According to an even further aspect of the invention there is provided a zoned area, such as a traffic island or roundabout, whose perimeter is defined by a plurality of traffic markers for guiding traffic as hereindescribed.

[0033] By arranging the traffic markers around such a zoned area by defining a perimeter, a barrier or sign or bollard, may be formed which may be used to direct or guide traffic or pedestrians, or both.

[0034] The stems of the traffic markers may have different colours painted thereon in different parts of adjacent stems, so that when viewed from afar or by an approaching vehicle they are visible to indicate an arrow or other road sign. Likewise, stalks of the traffic markers may be coated in reflective paint or have a reflective layer thereon to improve their visibility in dark or low light.

[0035] It is understood that the advantages of such traffic markers over existing types of street furniture are that should a cyclist, or pedestrian, inadvertently cycle into, or walk into, them, the cyclist or pedestrian will not be harmed, as opposed to the current situation where an impact might occur with an existing bollard or item of street furniture which could cause injury as the flexible layers of the stalks deflect and so provide a cushioning effect upon impact.

[0036] A system uses data indicative of the presence of a pedestrian, cyclist or vehicle information may be used to monitor, manage or control one or more cycle ways or interchanges or crossroads or traffic lights.

[0037] A system for monitoring, managing or controlling a cycle way, interchange, crossroad or sets of traffic lights may receive the data and at a specific time transmit reports or instructions.

[0038] An embodiment of the invention, together with modifications, will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0039] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0040] Figure 1 shows a traffic highway and traffic markers for delineating traffic lanes or guiding traffic;

[0041] Figure 2 shows a traffic marker in a generally vertical orientation and one of its horizontal orientations;

[0042] Figures 3A and 3B show examples of a base of a marker in a generally vertically position of the stem;

[0043] Figure 4 shows a base of a marker in a generally horizontal condition of a stem;

[0044] Figures 5A and 5B show more particularly a base of marker and the manner in which this is embedded in a roadway or cycle lane; and

[0045] Figure 6 shows an example of a stem and top of a marker.

[0046] Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments of the Invention Referring to Figure 1 , there is shown an example of a traffic system 100 comprising a pavement or sidewalk, or lane, 102 for pedestrians, a cycle lane 104 generally for bicycles 106; and a vehicle lane 108 for cars, lorries and (as shown) buses 110. The pavement, cycle lane and vehicle lane constitute traffic lanes in the current context.

[0047] A delineation between the bicycle lane and vehicle lane is shown by a border 112 and between the pavement 102 and the cycle lane by border 114. As illustrated the border 112 is delineated by markers 116.

[0048] An example of a marker 10 is shown in Figure 2. A traffic marker comprises a base 12, a stem 14 and a pivot portion 16 between the base and the stem for allowing the stem to pivot between a generally vertical orientation to guide traffic 18 and a generally horizontal orientation 20 for reducing a force of a collision between traffic and the marker. A base is arranged to be fixed at selected locations along a border between traffic lanes, and a guide for guiding traffic along respective lanes.

[0049] Typically, there might be a marker located at intervals of, for example a few metres, along the border, but the markers may be placed more or less frequently in that regard. The base is generally fixed in location for some time, other than repair or maintenance, and does not move to any great extent during use when traffic is flowing either side of the marker.

[0050] As explained in more detail and shown below, the pivot portion comprises a biasing arrangement for biasing the stem into the generally vertical orientation. The biasing member or arrangement may take any suitable form. One such example is described and shown below.

[0051] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the pivot portion and biasing arrangement cooperate to allow the stem to deflect from a generally vertical orientation to a generally horizontal orientation at a multiplicity of angles around the marker that are different transversely one to another. The pivot portion has an arc structure so that it can pivot around angles though 360 degrees, but it may not be the case that it can pivot through all angles around 360 degrees. That solution is not necessary to allow a pivoting action to reduce a collision force.

[0052] Multiple possible tilting movements around a 360-degree rotation are possible. The point is that the example provides more than two possible tilting movements, namely something other than backwards and forwards, or sideways movement. If one considers that a vector of collision is not necessarily always predictable, but giving thought to it the collision is derived from a direction of travel along a lane, and then one can predict a direction of travel and design a marker with this in mind.

[0053] Referring again to Figures 3 and 4, there is shown a pivoting part comprising a lower part of a stem that has a circular, or arc, shaped portion 22 that fits with an upper part 26 of the base so that it pivots over multiple angles. The base part comprises a biasing mechanism comprising an elastic member 24. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the elastic member is shrouded or encased with a protective antivandal mesh sleeving 24A fixed with a fixed pin 28. The elastic part preferably biases the stem to a vertical orientation in its unflexed state.

[0054] A lower part of the stem is connected to the base by an elastic member in this example forming the biasing arrangement and that is deformable to allow the stem portion to be deflected to a generally horizontal orientation. There are multiple different ways of structuring the biasing device.

[0055] The base of the stem is shaped to complement a shape of an upper portion of the base to support the stem portion in the generally vertical orientation and allow deflection to any of a plurality of said generally horizontal orientations. The stem is circular lower at its circular part and the base part is circular at its upward part. The multilayer structure provides several advantages over existing traffic markers.

[0056] Consequently, where more cushioning layers are included in the traffic marker, if there is a collision with the traffic marker, there is reduced damage to both the vehicle and the traffic marker. In the case of a cyclist hitting the traffic marker, the additional cushioning may minimise or reduces any impact on a cyclist or passing pedestrian as the traffic marker recovers the risk of injury.

[0057] Further, by including additional rigid layers in the traffic marker, the traffic marker can more greatly withstand impact from vehicles and consequently this increases the working life o chances of the traffic marker not sustaining a level of damage that would, so reducing the need to replace the traffic markers so frequently. Furthermore, the stiffness of the inner layers helps prevent the outer layer from being permanently deformed or bent. As the outer layer is not bonded to the inner layer, the two layers and can simply slide over one another. Therefore it, should either layer need to be replaced, the traffic marker can be dissembled and layers can be easily separated and the relevant layer can be replaced. This saves manufacturing time and cost with not having to replace the entire traffic marker should the outer and / or inner layers become damaged.

[0058] Referring to Figure 5, the base comprises at least two components, a first component 30 that is adapted to be fixed in location to the ground by anchors 32 and a second part (an insert 34) that is adapted to be connected to the first component and disconnectable from the first component for repair or replacement. In the example there are two components that are fixed to the ground. There is a plate 31 generally flush with a ground surface and two anchors 32 that are fixed through the plate to the ground. The insert 34 is fixed to the plate by fixings 38, which are removable for repair or maintenance.

[0059] The stem comprises a multilayer structure as shown. There are two layers as in this example but there are more in the invention. In the example of Figure 6 there is an inner more rigid layer 40 for providing reliable support and an outer layer 42 more flexible layer for providing a cushioning effect upon traffic impact. The inner more rigid layer can be measured by various scales which measure hardness, the main aspect in the current context is that the stem is supported whilst also supporting a flexible outer surface. The strength of the core and the flexibility of the outer surface can be determined by those skilled in the art.

[0060] In a preferred example, the stem comprises an outer layer of retroreflective material for illuminating the marker during hours of darkness, since retroreflection direct light backwards towards an emitter of light, from a cycle or vehicle.

[0061] The stem comprises a fixing mechanism 44 at an upper portion thereof for fixing a visually distinctive top 46 to the stem. In this example there is a tulip shape that simulates a row of flowers along the side of a lane, but any preferred type of head or top may be used. The head ,or at least a portion thereof, may also be coloured and / or retroreflective and / or decorated with retroreflective stickers for illumination in the hours of darkness. One manufacturing process for the ‘tulip’ or ‘flower’ head is blow moulding and use of EVOH polymers has been particularly successful. The thickness of a blow moulded feature is also important if it is to act as a shock absorber and resist crushing forces. In one embodiment the thickness of the wall of the stem is between 0.5 mm to 2.00 mm. If crush resistance is required and to be prioritised above shock absorption then the wall thickness could be greater than 2.00 mm.

[0062] There is also an example in the context of this patent specification of a method of delineating between adjacent traffic lanes by installing an array of traffic markers as described above and shown in the Figure at a side portion of a lane.

[0063] Referring again to Figure 1 , it will be appreciated that traffic and / or pedal driven vehicles such as bicycles, and / or pedestrians are segregated by the traffic markers.

[0064] The invention has been described by way of example only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the aforementioned embodiments without departing form the scope of protection as defined by the claims appended hereto. For example, the traffic markers may be illuminated by way of a dedicated common power supply or by way of a local supply which may include either a battery or a solar device connected to a charge storage devices, such as a rechargeable battery or cell.

[0065] Other variations include a pedestrian or cycle detection device which is operative to count the number of passing pedestrians or cycles. A digital recording means may be provided to record the number of passing pedestrians or cycles and a transmitter may be provided for reporting the number of passing pedestrians or cycles to a remote location. The transmitter may transmit data via a wireless or hardwired connection.

[0066] Figure 2 shows an example of a traffic marker (road bollard) that pivots around its base for vehicles to be able to drive over if necessary whilst still delineating between different areas of the road such as cycle lanes and car lanes, as shown in Figure 1 .

[0067] The traffic marker increases safety for road users such as cyclists, who are less likely to have a serious collision with these traffic markers compared to conventional static bollards.

[0068] The traffic marker shown in Figure 3B includes retroreflective surfaces to improve safety. After being knocked or driven over, the traffic marker returns to a vertical position as shown by the arrow in Figure 2. The stem of the traffic marker pivots at its base. The pivoting action may be by way of a spring, elastic cord or a ball-in-socket mechanism which enables the stem of the traffic marker to return to its upright position after being knocked.

[0069] The stem of the traffic marker may be manufactured from various materials depending on the durability and flexibility required. The stem shown in Figure 3B has an outer layer that is more flexible for impact resistance, and an inner layer that is stiffer for durability. The inner layer is not bonded to the outer layer, so that the inner and outer layers can slide over one another. The stiffness of the inner layer therefore helps prevent the outer layer from being permanently deformed or bent. In addition, friction between the inner and outer layers of material helps to absorb energy and so slow down defection and recovery rates of the stem. It has been found that the particular combination of external or outer layer formed from a crush resistant polymer, such as EPOH, and an internal core 40 or inner rigid material, for example formed from a flexible polymer, such as polycarbonate, to provide stiffness for a rigid support and an outer layer 42 formed from a flexible material for providing a cushioning effect upon traffic impact.

[0070] The internal core 40 and outer layer 42 are dimensioned and arranged so that one sits inside the other and slides in a manner as to absorb impact energy and reduce the rate of deflection and recovery.

[0071] The spacing (or gap) between the internal core 40 and outer layer 42 is less than 1 .0 mm, more preferably the spacing (or gap) is less than 0.05 mm.

[0072] The stem has an integrated fixing point 44 (Figure 6) at its top, as well as at its base (Figure 2). The stem may be covered or wrapped in a retro-reflective material to make it more visible to road users.

[0073] An example of the head of the traffic marker is shown in Figure 6 and is moulded in one piece using a flexible material to add further impact resistance to the traffic marker. The head may be moulded into various shapes and colours as required. The one shown is to simulate the head of a tulip.

[0074] Figures 3A and 3B shown the traffic marker with a base plate and base component that fixes into the road using basic threaded resin anchors. The mechanism, stem, and insert components are typically assembled offsite and are installed as a single piece into the base component of the traffic marker.

[0075] If any of the stem, head, insert, or pivot mechanism components become worn or broken and need replacement they can be removed whilst the base plate and base component stay installed as shown diagrammatically in Figure 5B. New components can be quickly and easily installed in place of worn or damaged components.

[0076] The traffic marker may include a sensor which detects the presence of a pedestrian, cyclist, or vehicle. In such embodiments a power supply and a transmitter are included so that a signal indicative of the presence of a pedestrian, cyclist or vehicle is transmitted to a remote receiver. In some embodiments the traffic marker includes a battery.

[0077] Optionally a solar powered device may be provided for charging a rechargeable battery which may be located in the ground close to the traffic marker. In an alternative embodiment a mechanical charging device, such as a magneto or a piezoelectric device is included in, or connected to, the stem or another moving part of the traffic marker. Connection may be via one or more levers or gears so that a force applied to the traffic marker is used to generate an electric current.

[0078] Local generation of an electric current, by an individual traffic marker, may also be achieved by including a windmill or vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) connected to a traffic marker, so that wind may be used to generate an electric current. In one embodiment a flexible mechanical coupling transfer torque from a windmill to rotate a dynamo or generator which may be located below a ground plate.

[0079] Alternatively, or additionally, the power supply may comprise a hardwired connection to a supply of mains electricity. The sensor may include a presence or proximity detector, a light detector for sensing a light source (such as headlight) or a short-range wireless detector, such as a Bluetooth (RTM) or a Zigbee (RTM) detector, for sensing the presence of a mobile device, such as a smartphone which is being carried or used by a passing pedestrian or cyclist.

[0080] Detection of the proximity of a pedestrian, cyclist or vehicle at a first traffic marker and at a second location (which may also be a traffic marker) enables a calculation to be made to provide an indication of the speed and direction of the pedestrian, cyclist or vehicle.

[0081] Data indicative of this information may be used to monitor, manage or control one or more cycle ways or interchanges or crossroads or traffic lights.

[0082] A system for monitoring, managing or controlling a cycle way, interchange, crossroad or sets of traffic lights may receive the data and at a specific time transmit reports or instructions.

[0083] It is also understood that not every traffic marker requires an illumination source. Therefore, alternate traffic markers may be lit or lit according to a specified pattern for example every fifth or tenth traffic marker may be lit.

Claims

Claims1 . A traffic marker for guiding traffic including any one or more of vehicles, cycles or pedestrians on a highway, the marker comprising: a base, a stem and a pivot portion between the base and the stem for allowing the stem to pivot between a generally vertical orientation to guide traffic and a generally horizontal orientation for reducing a force of a collision between traffic and the marker, the pivot portion comprising a biasing arrangement for biasing the stem into the generally vertical orientation, wherein the stem comprises a multilayer structure comprising two or more layers, wherein the multilayer structure comprises an inner more rigid layer for providing reliable support and an outer more flexible layer for providing a cushioning effect upon traffic impact.

2. A traffic marker as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the pivot portion and biasing arrangement cooperate to allow the stem to deflect from a generally vertical orientation to a generally horizontal orientation at a multiplicity of angles around the marker that are different transversely one to another.

3. A traffic marker as claimed in claim 2, wherein the pivot portion and biasing arrangement cooperate to allow deflection of the stem at any angle through 360 degrees.

4. A traffic marker as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a lower part of the stem is connected to the base by an elastic member forming the biasing arrangement and that is deformable to allow the stem portion to be deflected to a generally horizontal orientation.

5. A traffic marker as claimed in 2 or 3, wherein a base of the stem is shaped to complement a shape of an upper portion of the base to support the stem portion in thegenerally vertical orientation and allow deflection to any of a plurality of said generally horizontal orientations.

6. A traffic marker as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base comprises at least two components, a first component of which is adapted to be fixed in location to the ground by anchors and a second part of which is adapted to be connected to the first component and disconnectable from the first component for repair or replacement.

7. A traffic marker as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stem comprises an outer layer of retroreflective material for illuminating the marker during hours of darkness.

8. A traffic marker as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stem comprises a fixing mechanism at an upper portion thereof for fixing a visually distinctive top to the stem.

9. A traffic marker as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, includes a sensor which detects the presence of a pedestrian, cyclist or vehicle, a power supply and a transmitter that transmits a signal indicative of the presence of a pedestrian, cyclist or vehicle to a remote receiver.

10. A traffic marker as claimed in claim 9, wherein the power supply includes a battery.

11. A traffic marker as claimed in either claim 9 or 10, wherein the power supply includes a solar powered device and wherein the battery is a rechargeable battery.

12. A traffic marker as claimed in any of claims 9 to 11 , wherein the power supply includes a hardwired connection to an electricity supply.

13. A method of delineating between adjacent traffic lanes by installing an array of traffic markers as claimed in any one of the preceding claims at a side portion of a lane.

14. A method of detecting passing pedestrians and / or traffic using the traffic marker according to any of claims 9 to 12 for guiding traffic by delineating between adjacent traffic lanes by installing an array of traffic markers as claimed in any one of the preceding claims at a side portion of a lane.

15. A system comprising the traffic marker according to any of claims 9 to 12, wherein the system uses data indicative of the presence of a pedestrian, cyclist or vehicle information obtained from the sensor, and wherein the data may be used to monitor, manage or control one or more cycle ways or interchanges or crossroads or traffic lights.

16. The system according to claim 15, wherein the system receives the data and at a specific time transmit reports or instructions.

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