Highway worker safety signal device

• US 5,892,445 A
• Filed: 12/31/1996
• Issued: 04/06/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 12/31/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Rudy G. Tomich
• Original Assignee: Rudy G. Tomich
• Inventors: Tomich, Rudy G
• Primary Examiner(s): TONG, NINA C
• Application Number:
  US08/775,178
• Time in Patent Office: 826 Days
• Field of Search: 340/573, 340/321, 340/331, 340/332, 340/908, 340/908.1, 116/209, 116/173, 116/28 R, 116/63 P, 116/202, 441/89, 362/108, 362/103, 362/190, 362/191, 40/586
• US Class Current: 340/573.1
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 5/004 Reflective safety signalling devices attached on persons

Abstract

The instant invention is a harness-attached light mechanism that is visible from a distance or and in inclement weather. It consists of a harness assembly that supports a flash assembly. The flash assembly is a battery powered strobe or other light affixed atop a pole by a flexible means that allows easy movement, or waving, of the light. The light mechanism attracts the attention of on-coming motorist thereby increasing his safety. The pole is supported by a harness that is fitted to the wearer.

Claims

1. A highway worker safety signal device comprising:

a harness assembly having;

a pole support member having at least one opening, said pole support member attached to a support strap assembly;

said support strap assembly having at least one horizontal strap and at least two vertical straps, each strap having an end fastening means;

a power pack attached to said support strap assembly, said power pack electrically attached to a signal light;

a flash assembly having at least one said signal light affixed on an upward position of a pole,

said pole having a top pole end, a flexible joint, and a bottom pole end;

said flexible joint being attached between said top pole end and said bottom pole end, said signal light attached to said top pole end;

said flexible joint includes a spring to allow side to side motion of the signal light;

said bottom pole end is inserted into said opening,

whereby when said harness assembly is worn by a worker, the highway worker'"'"'s visibility is enhanced.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said pole is held securely within the opening of said pole support member by a locking pin.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said opening of said pole support member comprises a first opening and a second opening.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said flash assembly contains a strobe light.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said pole support member is reenforced by a cross-beam.

6. A highway worker safety signal device comprising:

a harness assembly having;

a pole support member having a first and a second opening, said pole support member attached to a support strap assembly;

said support strap assembly having at least one horizontal strap and at least two vertical straps, each strap having an end fastening means;

a power pack attached to said support strap assembly, said power pack electrically attached to a flash assembly;

the flash assembly having at least one signal light affixed atop a pole,

said pole having a top pole end, a flexible joint, and a bottom pole end;

said flexible joint being attached between said top pole end and said bottom pole end;

said flexible joint includes a spring to allow side to side motion of the signal light;

said bottom pole end is inserted into either said first or second opening,

whereby when said harness assembly is worn by a worker, the highway worker'"'"'s visibility is enhanced.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said power pack has a switch to operate said signal light.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said switch has positions for on, off, and flash.