GB2555688A - A temporary traffic control device and method of use thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The traffic control device comprises a sign 68 with first and second pieces of traffic control information and an attachment part configured to attach the sign to a support 93 such that the sign is rotatable relative to the support to change the control information displayed to traffic between the first and second pieces. The sign may comprise a blanking part 67 arranged to cover aa portion of the traffic control information. The sign is preferably arranged to be rotated by hand. The sign may be moved between first and second configurations which have a first and a second, smaller area, respectively. A storage device, configured to store the sign and attachment part, may be included which is configured to be attachable to a support. Also claimed is a method of controlling traffic and a traffic signalling device.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: A temporary traffic control device and method of use thereof Abstract Title: Temporary traffic control device (57) The traffic control device comprises a sign 68 with first and second pieces of traffic control information and an attachment part configured to attach the sign to a support 93 such that the sign is rotatable relative to the support to change the control information displayed to traffic between the first and second pieces. The sign may comprise a blanking part 67 arranged to cover aa portion of the traffic control information. The sign is preferably arranged to be rotated by hand. The sign may be moved between first and second configurations which have a first and a second, smaller area, respectively. A storage device, configured to store the sign and attachment part, may be included which is configured to be attachable to a support. Also claimed is a method of controlling traffic and a traffic signalling device.

fig.4

fig. 9

A TEMPORARY TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICE AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF

The present invention relates generally to a temporary traffic control device and a method of use thereof and finds particular, although not exclusive, utility in providing traffic signalling around temporary obstructions in roadways.

Roadworks are a regular occurrence. Roadworks may be carried out to repair a damaged road surface or to complete maintenance and repair of the many pipelines and cables that run beneath the surface of a road. When roadworks are taking place, it is usually necessary to partially close a roadway. For example, a lane of a single carriageway may be closed to complete the repairs. Therefore, two opposing traffic streams must be directed along a single lane. It is therefore necessary to direct one flow of traffic to stop whilst the other flow travels along the single lane, and then reverse the instructions to allow the stationary traffic to traverse the lane. This traffic control is usually performed by temporary traffic lights. However, especially in emergency situations and unplanned roadworks, temporary traffic lights are not always accessible, and are not always convenient. In the situations where temporary traffic lights are not usable, a roadworker will use a stop and go lollipop sign to manually direct traffic around the roadworks. However, it is undesirable for a roadworker to be stood within the roadway, which means that they must stand to the side of the roadway. It is not always possible to position a roadworker outside of the roadway, but also in full view of each traffic stream. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a temporary traffic control device that is able to be positioned in full view of each traffic flow, without the need of a roadworker to be positioned on the roadway.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a temporary traffic control device comprising: a sign comprising a first piece of traffic control information and a second piece of traffic control information; and an attachment part configured: to attach the sign to a support; and such that the sign is rotatable relative to the support for changing the traffic control information displayed to traffic between the first piece of traffic control information and the second piece of traffic control information.

In this way, a sign may be positioned in full view of traffic, such as above the road, without the need of a roadworker to endanger themselves by standing in the carriageway holding the sign.

Temporary may mean non-permanent. Temporary may mean used for a limited period of time, rather than continuously.

A traffic control device may be a device for controlling and/or directing traffic. Examples of traffic control devices include: traffic lights, permanent road signs (including electronic signs), temporary road signs, and road markings.

A sign may be an object that conveys information. A sign includes traffic control information. Traffic control information may be: painted onto the sign, affixed to the sign, integral with the sign, and/or included with the sign in any other known way. The sign may be circular, substantially circular, or obround. Alternatively, the sign may be any other conceivable shape.

The first piece of traffic control information may be different to the second piece of traffic control information. The first and second pieces of traffic control information may comprise substantially opposite instructions for traffic.

The first piece of traffic control information may include the word “GO”, and/or words and/or symbols having a similar semantic meaning. Alternatively and/or additionally, the first piece of traffic control information may include a colour such as the colour green.

The second piece of traffic control information may include the word “STOP”, and/or words and/or symbols having a similar semantic meaning. Alternatively and/or additionally, the second piece of traffic control information may include a colour such as the colour red.

The first and second pieces of traffic control information may be positioned on different sides of the sign. The first piece of traffic control information may be positioned on a first side of the sign, and the second piece of traffic control information may be positioned on a second side of the sign. Alternatively, the first and second pieces of traffic control information may both be positioned on the same side of the sign, for instance on opposing sides of the attachment part. The first and second pieces of traffic control information may be oriented in the same or different directions. The second piece of traffic control information may be oriented in an inverted manner compared to the first piece of traffic control information.

The attachment part may comprise attachment means, and may be used to attach two objects together. The attachments means may comprise: a clamp, a strap, a brace, a band, a clasp, a bracket, a fixing, a bolt, a screw, a rod, a bar, and/or any other known means of attachment.

The attachment means may attach to an edge and/or a perimeter of the sign. In this way, the sign is able to rotate about an axis that is parallel to a plane of the sign such that different faces of the sign are presentable to traffic. Alternatively, the attachment means may attach to a face and/or a midpoint of the sign. In this way, the sign is able to rotate about an axis that is substantially perpendicular to a plane of the sign such that different portions of the same face of the sign are presentable to traffic.

The attachment means may comprise a rotational joint to allow the sign to rotate relative to the support.

The support may be: a pole, a rod, a bar, a post, a pillar, a stanchion, a stick, a support, a prop, a mast, a beam and/or any other known structure. The support may be a traffic/signal light pole, and/or a traffic signal box; that is, the unit in which the traffic signalling lights are embedded.

Rotatable may mean able to rotate and/or pivotable. Rotatable may mean able to turn around an axis. The sign may be rotatable relative to the support. The sign may rotate about an axis substantially parallel to a plane of the sign. Alternatively, the sign may rotate about an axis substantially perpendicular to a plane of the sign. The sign being rotatable relative to the support may mean that the sign is able to rotatably change its orientation relative to the support.

The sign may further comprise a blanking part arranged adjacent to at least a portion of the traffic control information for covering the portion of traffic control information.

In this way, a portion of the traffic signalling information (e.g. the first piece of traffic control information) may be hidden, whilst another portion of the traffic signalling information (e.g. the second piece of traffic control information) may be in view. The blanking part may be particularly useful when the first and second traffic signalling information is on the side of the sign. The blanking part may be arranged to cover only one of the first and second traffic signalling information.

The blanking part may be a board, a plank, a panel and/or any other known structure.

The attachment part may be configured such that the blanking part is rotatable relative to the support for changing the traffic control information displayed to traffic between the first piece of traffic control information and the second piece of traffic control information. Alternatively, the attachment part may be configured such that the blanking part is fixed relative to the support and portions of the sign comprising the first and second pieces of traffic control information are rotatable relative to the support for changing the traffic control information displayed to traffic between the first piece of traffic control information and the second piece of traffic control information.

The sign may be arranged to be rotatable by hand.

In this way, the sign may be operated manually by a roadworker without the need of automation equipment such as a servomotor.

Rotatable by hand may mean requiring less force to rotate than a maximum force that a user may provide. The sign may require less than 600 Newtons (N), 500 N, 400 N, 300 N, 200 N, 100 N, 50 N, 25 N, or 10 N of pushing force from a user to rotate. Alternatively and/or additionally, the sign may require less than 600 Newton metres (Nm), 500 Nm, 400 Nm, 300 Nm, 200 Nm, 100 Nm, 50 Nm, 25 Nm, or 10 Nm of torque from a user to rotate.

The sign may be movable between a first configuration in which the sign has a first area, and a second configuration in which the sign has a second area, wherein the second area is smaller than the first area.

In this way, the sign may be reduced in size for more convenient storage, when not in use. The sign may be movable from the first configuration to the second configuration by folding the sign. Alternatively and/or additionally, the sign may be movable from the first arrangement to the second arrangement by disconnecting a plurality of sign pieces.

The temporary traffic control device may further comprise a storage device such as a storage box, case, cage, bag and/or other storage device, which may be configured to be attachable to a support. The storage device may be further configured to store the sign and the attachment means.

In this way, the sign and attachment means may be stored within a storage device that is connected to the supporting pole of a permanent traffic light. This means that the sign and attachment means will be available at the point of use, rather than requiring collection and transportation from a depot to the point of use.

The storage device may be fixedly attachable to the support. The storage device may be permanently attachable to the support. The storage device may be attached to the support by: straps, a clamp, a fixing, and/or any other known attachment means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling traffic, the method comprising the steps of: providing the temporary traffic control device of any preceding claim; attaching the sign to the support with the attachment means; and changing the traffic control information displayed to traffic between the first piece of traffic control information and the second piece of traffic control information.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a traffic signalling device comprising: a support body, comprising an elongate member comprising four cylindrical substantially rigid parts, each having an end collar comprising a metallic sleeve configured to enable adjacent parts to be secured together in a robust connection, the parts also joined together internally by a elastomeric cord, which is arranged to pull the parts together to form the elongate support member when required for signalling purposes, but permits folding of the four parts when required for storage or transport; a signalling portion supported by the support body in use, the signalling portion comprising: a frame of substantially rigid material; and a display section formed from two flexible material circles upon which is printed signals for traffic, the material circles arranged substantially parallel and joined together along a zippered fabric edge strip, the strip comprising a zipper join to either side of the strip; wherein the frame and strip have parallel and opposing perforations for passage of the elongate pole member across the material circles, an upper perforation being cuboid and having a diagonal smaller than a diameter of the elongate member; and a cap to limit vertical return of the elongate member through the perforations.

The above and other characteristics, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. This description is given for the sake of example only, without limiting the scope of the invention. The reference figures quoted below refer to the attached drawings.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a traffic control device.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a collapsible elongate member.

Figure 3a is a close-up perspective view of a zippered fabric edge strip.

Figure 3b is a close-up perspective view of an end cap.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a temporary traffic control device in use.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the rear side of the apparatus of figure 4.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the apparatus of figure 4, wherein the clamp has been loosened and the apparatus removed from the traffic light.

Figure 7a is a front view of a clamp.

Figure 7b is a rear view of the clamp of figure 7a.

Figure 8a is a perspective view of an attachment member.

Figure 8b is a front view of the clamp attached to the attachment member.

Figure 9 is a perspective view of a temporary traffic control device in use.

Figure 10a is a front view of the apparatus of figure 9.

Figure 10b is a close-up front view of a retroreflective border.

Figure 10c is a close-up front view of a securement means.

The present invention will be described with respect to certain drawings but the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims. The drawings described are only schematic and are non-limiting. Each drawing may not include all of the features of the invention and therefore should not necessarily be considered to be an embodiment of the invention. In the drawings, the size of some of the elements may be exaggerated and not drawn to scale for illustrative purposes. The dimensions and the relative dimensions do not correspond to actual reductions to practice of the invention.

Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking or in any other manner. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that operation is capable in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.

Moreover, the terms top, bottom, over, under and the like in the description and the claims are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that operation is capable in other orientations than described or illustrated herein.

It is to be noticed that the term “comprising”, used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being restricted to the means listed thereafter; it does not exclude other elements or steps. It is thus to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components as referred to, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps or components, or groups thereof. Thus, the scope of the expression “a device comprising means A and B” should not be limited to devices consisting only of components A and B. It means that with respect to the present invention, the only relevant components of the device are A and B.

Similarly, it is to be noticed that the term “connected”, used in the description, should not be interpreted as being restricted to direct connections only. “Connected” may mean that two or more elements are either in direct physical contact, or that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other but yet still co-operate or interact with each other. For instance, wireless connectivity is contemplated.

Reference throughout this specification to “an embodiment” or “an aspect” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or aspect is included in at least one embodiment or aspect of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, or “in an aspect” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referfng to the same embodiment or aspect, but may refer to different embodiments or aspects. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or charactef sties of any embodiment or aspect of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments or aspects.

Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the description various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Moreover, the descfption of any individual drawing or aspect should not necessarily be considered to be an embodiment of the invention. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in fewer than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the detailed description are hereby expressly incorporated into this detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form yet further embodiments, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practised without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

In the discussion of the invention, unless stated to the contrary, the disclosure of alternative values for the upper or lower limit of the permitted range of a parameter, coupled with an indication that one of said values is more highly preferred than the other, is to be construed as an implied statement that each intermediate value of said parameter, lying between the more preferred and the less preferred of said alternatives, is itself preferred to said less preferred value and also to each value lying between said less preferred value and said intermediate value.

The use of the term “at least one” may mean only one in certain circumstances. The use of the term “any” may mean “all” and/or “each” in certain circumstances.

The principles of the invention will now be described by a detailed description of at least one drawing relating to exemplary features of the invention. It is clear that other arrangements can be configured according to the knowledge of persons skilled in the art without departing from the underlying concept or technical teaching of the invention, the invention being limited only by the terms of the appended claims.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a traffic control device comprising a signalling portion 96 which is supported, in use, by a collapsible elongate member 95 comprising four parts (only two shown for clarity) held together by end collars 4. The signalling portion 96 comprises a substantially circular frame 6 and a display section 3. The display section 3 comprises two fabric circles (an upper fabric circle removed for clarity) which are substantially parallel and joined together along a zippered fabric edge strip 2 which passes around an outside surface of the frame 6. The zippered fabric edge strip 2 covers the frame 6 such that, in use, the frame 6 is hidden from view. The fabric circles are formed from a fabric or other flexible material such as thin polythene sheet, which may have traffic control information printed thereon. One of the two fabric circles may have the word “GO” printed upon it, and the other of the two fabric circles may have the word “STOP” printed upon it. The frame 6 comprises a substantially rigid material such as a thermoplastic, metal and/or alloy. The frame 6 and the zippered fabric edge strip 2 comprise corresponding perforations (such as 7) to allow the elongate member 95 to pass therethrough. The perforations are positioned such that the elongate member 95 passes along a diameter of the circular frame 6. Once the elongate member is positioned within the signalling portion 96, an end cap 1 is attached to the end 8 of the elongate member 95 to prevent the elongate member 95 and the signalling portion from becoming separated.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the collapsible elongate member 95 in a collapsed form. The elongate member comprises four substantially cylindrical parts 9, 5, 10, 11. The parts 9, 5, 10, 11 are manufactured from a substantially rigid material such as metal, alloy or thermoplastic material such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). The parts 9, 5, 10, 11 each include a passage which passes along the length of the part. The parts 9, 5, 10, 11 are joined together by an elastomeric cord 13 which passes through the passage in each part and is secured at the extreme ends 8, 12 of the elongate member 95 such that a part may not become unthreaded from the elastomeric cord 13. The cord 13 allows the elongate member 95 to be collapsed (as shown) when not in use, whilst also holding the ends of the parts 9, 5, 10, 11 which are to be connected together proximal to each other. Three of the four parts 5, 10, 11 comprise an end collar 4. In this embodiment, the end collar 4 is a metallic sleeve affixed to the part such that the part occupies only a portion of the metallic sleeve. The end of the neighbouring part adjacent to the sleeve 4 can be inserted into a free end of the metallic sleeve 4 such that the two parts enclosed by the metallic sleeve 4 are held in a collinear manner. For example, the end of part 5 that does not include a metallic sleeve can be inserted into the metallic sleeve 4 positioned on the end of part 10 to hold parts 5 and 10 in a collinear manner.

Figure 3a is a close-up perspective view of the zippered fabric edge strip 2. The zippered fabric edge strip 2 comprises zipper portions 14 along each edge that encircles the frame. The fabric circles 3 each comprise a corresponding zipper portions around their outer edge. The fabric circles 3 and zippered fabric edge strip 2 are positioned over the frame and then attached together by fastening the zipper portions 14.

Figure 3b is a close-up perspective view of end cap 1. The end 8 of the elongate member that is passed through the sign has a square cross-section. The perforation in the frame and the zippered fabric edge strip 2 each have a square profile that corresponds to the square cross-section of the end 8 of the elongate member. The end cap 1 has an internal shape that corresponds to the external shape of the end 8 of the elongate member. The square cross-section of end 8 of elongate member 95 and corresponding square profile perforation in the frame ensures that any rotation of elongate member 95 is transferred fully to the signalling portion 96.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a temporary traffic control device in use. A signalling portion 96 is attached to the supporting pole of a traffic light 93 via elongate member 95. In this embodiment, elongate member 95 comprises only a single part, and includes attachment means at either end of the part. The signalling portion 96 includes the word “STOP” on a surface thereon. The opposing surface (not shown) of signalling portion 96 includes the word “GO” thereon.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the rear side of the apparatus of figure 4. The elongate member 95 attaches to the signalling portion 96 via attachment member 35, which includes a slot arranged to accept the signalling portion 96 therein. Attachment member 35 is rotatable relative to the rest of the elongate member 95 such that the signalling portion 96 may rotate about an axis along the length of elongate member 95. A handle 45 is provided on the attachment member 35 to allow a user to rotate the signalling portion 96. The end of elongate member 95 opposed to the attachment member 35 includes a clamp 94 which may be attached to the supporting pole of a traffic light 93. The clamp comprises a U-shaped jaw 39 which is sized such that the supporting pole of a traffic light 93 is able to be positioned between two substantially parallel webs of the U-shaped jaw 39. A screw handle 38 is provided to allow a user to tighten a grub screw against the supporting pole of the traffic light 93.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the apparatus of figure 4, wherein the clamp 94 has been loosened and the apparatus removed from the traffic light 93.

Figure 7a is a front view of clamp 94. The U-shaped jaw 39 comprises a threaded hole in one of the parallel webs, which allows the grub screw 46 to pass therethrough. The hole is reinforced by a threaded reinforcing section, which increases the contact area between the grub screw 46 and U-shaped jaw 39. A stopper with a larger cross sectional area than the grub screw 46 is provided on the end of the grub screw opposing the handle 38 to increase the contact area between the grub screw and the supporting pole of a traffic light.

Figure 7b is a rear view of the clamp of figure 7a. Optionally, securement means (discussed in more detail below) are provided on the clamp for attachment of other components of the device, in the present figure in the form of a wingnut.

Figure 8a is a perspective view of attachment member 35. Attachment member 35 comprises an inner core 43 which is permanently and fixedly secured to the clamp 94. The attachment member 35 further comprises an outer sleeve 53, on which the sign is rotatably supported. The outer sleeve 53 comprises a 180° slot 42 to allow a small nub 44 extending radially from the inner core 43 to pass around the slot 42. The nub 44 abuts the ends of the slot 42 to prevent further rotation of the outer sleeve 53 on the inner core 43 and keep everything secure and in line when the sign is being rotated from ‘STOP’ to ‘GO’ and vice versa. The handle 45 extends radially from the outer sleeve 53 so as to enable the user to manually rotate the outer sleeve 53 on the inner core 43. Accordingly, the user may rotate the signalling portion 96 relative to the clamp 94. In use the signalling portion 96 may be manually reversed using the handle 45 to show a ‘STOP’ side 33 and a ‘GO’ side 34, which are positioned on reverse faces. Other signals and/or language may be provided on sides 33, 34 as required.

Figure 8b is a front view of the clamp 94 attached to the attachment member 35.

Figure 9 is a perspective view of a temporary traffic control device in use. The temporary traffic control device is attached to the supporting pole of a traffic light 93, and is positioned behind the signalling lights 54 of the traffic light. The signalling portion 96 of the temporary traffic control device comprises a substantially planar obround sign 68. The sign 68 has a frame and a fabric covering. The obround sign 68 includes both the words “STOP” and “GO” within circles, positioned at opposing ends and on a single side. To avoid confusion, a blanking section 67 is provided to cover one of “STOP” and “GO” on the sign 68.

Figure 10a is a front view of the embodiment of figure 9, with the traffic light shown as translucent for clarity. The planar sign 68 comprises a retroreflective border 69. The blanking section 67 is attached to the traffic light via clamp 94 in front of the sign 68, and extends to the other side of the traffic light to cover the opposing side of the sign 68. Both the sign 68 and the blanking section 67 are attached via the clamp 94. The blanking section 67 is fixedly attached to the traffic light, and the sign 68 is rotatably attached to the traffic light.

Figure 10b is a close-up front view of the retroreflective border 69.

Figure 10c is a close-up front view of securement means 70. The securement means 70 forms part of the clamp 94, and comprises a pivot rivet situated centrally on the sign 68 and close to an edge of the blanking section 68. The pivot rivet allows the sign 68 to rotate about the clamp 94. The sign 68 may rotate freely about the securement means 70 as the securement means 70 comprises a self-lubricating nylon washer (not shown) between the sign 68 and the blanking section 67. In some embodiments rotation may be limited, for example such that the sign 68 may be rotated between discrete positions. Such positions may be provided by stops on the sign 68 and/or blanking section 67.

In some other embodiments the blanking section 67 may be permanently secured to the clamp 94 of the attachment mechanism, and the sign 68 rotatably attached to the blanking section via a pivot.

In some embodiments, the sign 68 is formed in a rigid thermoplastics material. The sign 68 may comprise perforations, so as to enable air to pass through the sign and limit rotation of the sign under strong wind conditions.

In some embodiments the sign 68 may comprise a dismantlable frame and fabric cover, for example comprising a tensioned wire frame, and/or connection ferule, so as to form a pop-up frame construction. This may enable easy changing of the sign, storage and/or transport.

In an alternative arrangement, the clamp 94 may be replaced by at least one strap arranged to wrap around the support (e.g. the traffic light box and/or the stand). The at least one strap may be configured for tying onto the support; however, in preferred embodiments, the strap may comprise a buckle, such as a cam lock buckle, ratchet, hook-and-loop fastener, press-stud and/or any other form of buckle. The strap may comprise a flat (e.g. nylon) strap, or may comprise rope, cord or webbing, and may be elastic.

Claims (7)

1. A temporary traffic control device comprising:

a sign comprising a first piece of traffic control information and a second piece of traffic control information; and an attachment part configured: to attach the sign to a support; and such that the sign is rotatable relative to the support for changing the traffic control information displayed to traffic between the first piece of traffic control information and the second piece of traffic control information.

2. The temporary traffic control device of claim 1, wherein the sign further comprises a blanking part arranged adjacent to at least a portion of the traffic control information for covering the portion of traffic control information.

3. The temporary traffic control device of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the sign is arranged to be rotatable by hand.

4. The temporary traffic control device of any preceding claim, wherein the sign is movable between a first configuration in which the sign has a first area, and a second configuration in which the sign has a second area, wherein the second area is smaller than the first area.

5. The temporary traffic control device of any preceding claim, further comprising a storage device configured to be attachable to a support, the storage device further configured to store the sign and the attachment means.

6. A method of controlling traffic, the method comprising the steps of: providing the temporary traffic control device of any preceding claim; attaching the sign to the support with the attachment means; and changing the traffic control information displayed to traffic between the first piece of traffic control information and the second piece of traffic control information.

7. A traffic signalling device comprising:

a support body, comprising an elongate member comprising four cylindrical substantially rigid parts, each having an end collar comprising a metallic sleeve configured to enable adjacent parts to be secured together in a robust connection, the parts also joined together internally by a elastomeric cord, which is arranged to pull the parts together to form the elongate support member when required for signalling purposes, but permits folding of the four parts when required for storage or transport;

a signalling portion supported by the support body in use, the signalling portion comprising:

a frame of substantially rigid material; and a display section formed from two flexible material circles upon which is printed signals for traffic, the material circles arranged substantially parallel and joined together along a zippered fabric edge strip, the strip comprising a zipper join to either side of the strip;

wherein the frame and strip have parallel and opposing perforations for passage of the elongate pole member across the material circles, an upper perforation being cuboid and having a diagonal smaller than a diameter of the elongate member; and a cap to limit vertical return of the elongate member through the perforations.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1713218.4 Examiner: Mr Charles Jarman