Pedestrian crosswalk signal apparatus—pedestrian crosswalk

• US 6,384,742 B1
• Filed: 08/28/2000
• Issued: 05/07/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 06/08/1994
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Light Guard Systems Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Michael A. Harrison
• Inventors: Harrison, Michael A.
• Primary Examiner(s): POPE, DARYL C
• Application Number:
  US09/649,639
• Time in Patent Office: 617 Days
• Field of Search: 340/908.1, 340/925, 340/944, 340/917
• US Class Current: 340/944
• CPC Class Codes: B61L 29/24 Means for warning road traffic that a gate is closed or closing, or that rail traffic is approaching, e.g. for visible or audible warning
• CPC Class Codes: E01F 9/559 illuminated
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/005 including pedestrian guidance indicator
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/095 Traffic lights

Abstract

A traffic warning system which alerts approaching vehicle traffic to the presence of a pedestrian in a crosswalk. The system includes a plurality of surface mounted lights partially embedded in and placed across a roadway. The lights are activated by the pedestrian, either by manual switch or by a sensor, before he enters the crosswalk. Once activated, the flashing lights warn drivers of approaching vehicles that the pedestrian may have entered the crosswalk, and that caution should be exercised.

Claims

1. A pedestrian crosswalk signal apparatus to alert approaching vehicle traffic to the presence of a pedestrian in a pedestrian crosswalk, said pedestrian crosswalk signal apparatus comprising:

a roadway, said roadway having a surface;

a plurality of signal head members mounted on said roadway surface and extending at least some distance across said roadway and above said roadway surface to at least partially designate a pedestrian crosswalk, each of said signal head members conditioned to withstand contact by vehicle traffic, each of said signal head members including at least one light source adapted to direct a beam of light from said roadway surface in the direction of the approaching vehicle traffic and away from the pedestrian crosswalk, and adjacent to and generally parallel to said roadway surface; and

activation means to selectively illuminate said plurality of signal head members light sources to warn the drivers of the approaching vehicles that the pedestrian has entered the pedestrian crosswalk.

2. The pedestrian crosswalk signal apparatus of claim 1 wherein said activation means comprises a mechanical pole-mounted switch.

3. The pedestrian crosswalk signal apparatus of claim 1 wherein said activation means comprises a proximity actuated switch.

4. The pedestrian crosswalk signal apparatus of claim 1 including an ambient light sensing circuit to adjust light intensity to dynamically compensate for poor visibility and night operating conditions.

5. The pedestrian crosswalk signal apparatus of claim 1 including data storage circuitry connected to said activation means to collect additional data related to the activation of said apparatus.

6. The pedestrian crosswalk signal apparatus of claim 5 including report generation circuitry connected to said data storage circuitry.

7. The pedestrian crosswalk signal apparatus of claim 1 including solar power circuitry connected to said activation means to operate said activation means.

8. The pedestrian crosswalk signal apparatus of claim 1 wherein said signal head members have a height of ½

to ¾

inches above said roadway surface.

9. The pedestrian crosswalk signal apparatus of claim 1 wherein said signal head light source comprises light emitting diodes.

10. The pedestrian crosswalk signal apparatus of claim 1 wherein said signal head light source is directed in a beam having a vertical angular range of 0 degrees to 5 degrees.

11. The pedestrian crosswalk signal apparatus of claim 1 wherein said signal head members are installed facing only oncoming vehicle traffic.

12. The pedestrian crosswalk signal apparatus of claim 1 wherein said signal head members are installed across the entire length of the pedestrian crosswalk.

13. The pedestrian crosswalk signal apparatus of claims 1 wherein said beam of light flashes in a predetermined sequence, and remains flashing for a predetermined time.

14. The pedestrian crosswalk signal apparatus of claim 1 wherein said signal head member includes a lens assembly to focus light into a beam in the direction of an approaching vehicle.

15. The pedestrian crosswalk signal apparatus of claim 1 wherein said plurality of signal head members each include a base plate portion embedded in said roadway.