Portable traffic control signal device

• US 4,616,225 A
• Filed: 03/31/1983
• Issued: 10/07/1986
• Est. Priority Date: 03/31/1983
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Materials Sales Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Material Sales, Inc. (The CP Group (United States))
• Inventors: Woudenberg, John D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Caldwell, Sr., John W.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Heim, Michael F.
• Application Number:
  US06/480,919
• Time in Patent Office: 1,286 Days
• Field of Search: 212/182, 116/63 R, 116/63 P, 340/908, 340/907, 414/680, 414/728
• US Class Current: 340/908
• CPC Class Codes: E01F 9/662 mounted on vehicles, e.g. service vehicles; Warning vehicles travelling along with road-maintenance, e.g. remotely controlled
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2111/02 for roads, paths or the like
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/0955 transportable

Abstract

A portable traffic control unit comprising a wheeled trailer having a main frame attachable to a towing vehicle. A telescoping, vertical mast carries a pivotally mounted boom assembly. A first traffic control signal is secured to the vertical mast and a second at the end of the horizontal boom. A winch assembly can be actuated to raise the vertical mast and upon the vertical mast reaching its full extension, causing the boom to pivot to a generally horizontal position. In the erected position, the device provides a street side signal and an over-the-road traffic control signal for safety and visibility.

Claims

1. A portable traffic control signal apparatus comprising:

(a) a trailer adapted for attachment to a towing vehicle;

(b) a vertical telescopic mast assembly on said trailer, said vertical mast assembly carrying a first traffic signal assembly;

(c) a telescopic boom assembly pivotally secured to said mast assembly and assuming a non-horizontal position in a non-use condition, said boom being movable to a horizontal position of use;

(d) a second traffic signal assembly detachably secured to said boom assembly;

(e) actuation means operatively connected to said boom and mast for simultaneously extending said mast and said boom and thereafter rotating said boom to a horizontal position; and

(f) means for locking said boom in a horizontal position.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 further including a portable power generating apparatus operatively connected to said first and second signal lights.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said actuating means comprises a manual cable and pulley system, said cable system first erecting said mast and boom assembly to their fully extended position and thereafter pivoting said boom assembly to a substantially horizontal position.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 further including a second trailer having a telescoping vertical mast assembly and a telescoping boom assembly carried on said mast assembly, each of said boom and mast assemblies including a traffic control signal and further including means for detachably securing said first and second trailers in a unitary condition for towing.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said mast includes a plurality of telescopic sections and detent means for locking said telescopic sections in a predetermined extended position.