Patents Assigned to Traffix Devices, Inc.
  • Patent number: 9822503
    Abstract: An end treatment array for crash attenuation includes a transition barrier module formed of side walls, end walls, a top wall, and a bottom wall, wherein the module walls together define an enclosed interior space. The end treatment array further includes a containment impact sled having an axially extending frame. The frame has a width sufficient to contain the transition barrier module within the frame when in an assembled configuration, and has an axial length which is at least one-half the length of the transition barrier module. The frame defines an interior volume, the purpose of which is to contain a substantial portion of the transition barrier module in the assembled configuration, and to contain debris caused by destruction of the plastic barrier modules in a vehicular impact. The containment impact sled is attached to the transition barrier module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: TRAFFIX DEVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Geoffrey B. Maus, Felipe Almanza, Jeremy Smith
  • Patent number: 9797102
    Abstract: A two-piece traffic marker assembly a marker body includes a marker body formed of a low density polyethylene and a separable molded rubber base. The base has a weight comprising at least 70% of a total weight of the traffic marker assembly, with the marker body having a weight comprising the remaining 30% or less of the total weight of the traffic marker assembly. Because of this advantageous weight distribution, relative to prior art traffic cones, when the traffic marker assembly is assembled, a tip angle of the traffic marker assembly is about 76 degrees from vertical. A plurality of circumferentially spaced interlocking protrusions disposed on the wall of the marker body, for engaging an interior circumference of the base when the marker assembly is in an assembled space, and for also preventing sticking of marker bodies together when they are stacked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: TRAFFIX DEVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Geoffrey B. Maus, Jeremy Smith, Jack H. Kulp, Brent M. Kulp
  • Patent number: 9783941
    Abstract: A modular highway warning strip system which comprises a modular warning strip segment having first and second ends, a length extending between the first and second ends, two opposing lengthwise sides, a width extending between the opposing lengthwise sides of the segment, top and bottom surfaces, and a thickness. Each of the first and second ends comprise at least one male protrusion and at least one female receptacle, wherein the at least one male protrusion is configured to engage the at least one female receptacle for joining a plurality of the segments together end-to-end. A segmented metallic plate is disposed between upper and lower rubber layers, the segmented plate comprising a plurality of segments separated by slits comprising living hinges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: TRAFFIX DEVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Jack H. Kulp, Geoffrey B. Maus, Jeremy Smith
  • Patent number: 9650749
    Abstract: A system for displaying a desired reflective sheeting striping pattern on a traffic management device includes providing a portable panel having reflecting sheeting affixed to a face thereof, orienting the portable panel as desired, and affixing the panel to the device using fastener holes disposed about a perimeter of the panel. The displayed striping pattern may be easily changed by removing the panel from the device, turning the panel over to display an opposing side, on which is displayed a different striping pattern, and reattaching the panel to the traffic management device so that the opposing side of the panel is displayed, or by removing the panel from the traffic management device, rotating the panel by 90 degrees, 180 degrees, or 270 degrees, and then reattaching the panel to the traffic management device so that the same particular striping pattern is oriented in a different direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: TRAFFIX DEVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Geoffrey B. Maus, Jack H. Kulp
  • Patent number: 9624630
    Abstract: A pedestrian barricade segment is attachable to adjacent similar segments using a hinge construction to form a barricade of a desired configuration. A support leg is rotatable between a stowed and a deployed orientation. A recess is disposed in the segment for receiving the leg when it is stowed. A locking ramp secures the leg in the recess. A foot pocket is disposed in the rear vertical face above the recess so that a user may insert their foot into the foot pocket and use the foot to push the leg downwardly, thereby releasing the leg from the locking ramp for deploying the leg. The leg hinge structure includes a wedge and a wave washer disposed on a flat surface of the block, for securing one end of the leg. The leg hinge structure pre-loads the leg, with the wedge, creating a pivoting bushing surface for rotating the leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: TrafFix Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey B. Maus, Felipe Almanza, Jeremy Smith, Jack H. Kulp, Brent M. Kulp, Clayton Herman
  • Patent number: 9476173
    Abstract: A support stand includes a base, a plurality of legs pivotally attached to the base, a post extending from the base in an upright orientation, and a slider disposed on the post and slidable upwardly and downwardly thereon. The plurality of legs are each connected to the slider so that all of the legs are movable simultaneously to deploy or stow the stand. To deploy, the support stand is placed in a desired location, and the slider is released from a fixed position relative to the post, thereby allowing the slider and the connected plurality of legs to each fall simultaneously to a lower end of the support stand. With the downward movement of the slider, the plurality of legs also pivot to an extended position, with outer ends of each leg disposed on a ground surface to support the support stand. Then, the slider is fixed to the post at a lower end thereof to ensure that the plurality of legs remain in their extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: TrafFix Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Bob Wielenga, Felipe Almanza, Geoffrey Maus, Jeremy Smith, Guadalupe Garcia, Kevin Gasperini
  • Patent number: 9273436
    Abstract: A system for controlling unwanted foliage growth about a post extending in an upright orientation from the ground comprises a mat having a first edge, a second edge separated from the first edge, a top surface, and a bottom surface. The weed mat further comprises at least one pre-formed cut portion therein for accommodating the post, so that the mat can be secured about the post. A molded-in cut line extends parallel to the edges of the weed mat. The weed mat also includes a molded-in scale system, wherein the molded-in scale system comprises a plurality of additional score lines extending from the molded-in cut line to one of the weed mat edges at pre-determined, measured increments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: TrafFix Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack H. Kulp
  • Patent number: 9260829
    Abstract: A pedestrian barricade segment is attachable to adjacent similar segments using a hinge construction to form a barricade of a desired configuration. A support leg is rotatable between a stowed and a deployed orientation. A recess is disposed in the segment for receiving the leg when it is stowed. A locking ramp secures the leg in the recess. A foot pocket is disposed in the rear vertical face above the recess so that a user may insert their foot into the foot pocket and use the foot to push the leg downwardly, thereby releasing the leg from the locking ramp for deploying the leg. The leg hinge structure includes a wedge and a wave washer disposed on a flat surface of the block, for securing one end of the leg. The leg hinge structure pre-loads the leg, with the wedge, creating a pivoting bushing surface for rotating the leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: TRAFFIX DEVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Geoffrey B. Maus, Felipe Almanza, Jeremy Smith, Jack H. Kulp, Brent M. Kulp, Clayton Herman
  • Patent number: 9156320
    Abstract: A trailer-mounted crash impact attenuator is attachable to a host vehicle, which comprises an anti-rotational attachment system having an internal support tube and a plurality of external support tubes. The internal support tube has a connector on a front end thereof for attachment to a suitable receptacle on the host vehicle, and the plurality of external support tubes each have an anti-rotation support pad on a front end thereof. At least one of the internal support tube and the plurality of external support tubes is comprised of a telescoping construction. A backup frame is disposed on a rear end of the attachment system, and a crash attenuator unit is disposed on an axle and pair of wheels for mobility. When the crash attenuator is impacted by an errant vehicle, the anti-rotational attachment system is actuated to prevent the trailer mounted crash impact attenuator from rotating relative to the host vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: TRAFFIX DEVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Geoffrey B. Maus
  • Patent number: 9145652
    Abstract: An end treatment array for crash attenuation includes a transition barrier module formed of side walls, end walls, a top wall, and a bottom wall, wherein the module walls together define an enclosed interior space. The end treatment array further includes a containment impact sled having an axially extending frame. The frame has a width sufficient to contain the transition barrier module within the frame when in an assembled configuration, and has an axial length which is at least one-half the length of the transition barrier module. The frame defines an interior volume, the purpose of which is to contain a substantial portion of the transition barrier module in the assembled configuration, and to contain debris caused by destruction of the plastic barrier modules in a vehicular impact. The containment impact sled is attached to the transition barrier module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: TRAFFIX DEVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Geoffrey B. Maus, Felipe Almanza, Jeremy Smith
  • Patent number: 9133591
    Abstract: An end treatment array for crash attenuation includes a transition barrier module formed of side walls, end walls, a top wall, and a bottom wall, wherein the module walls together define an enclosed interior space. The end treatment array further includes a containment impact sled having an axially extending frame. The frame has a width sufficient to contain the transition barrier module within the frame when in an assembled configuration, and has an axial length which is at least one-half the length of the transition barrier module. The frame defines an interior volume, the purpose of which is to contain a substantial portion of the transition barrier module in the assembled configuration, and to contain debris caused by destruction of the plastic barrier modules in a vehicular impact. The containment impact sled is attached to the transition barrier module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: TRAFFIX DEVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Geoffrey B. Maus, Felipe Almanza, Jeremy Smith
  • Publication number: 20150010352
    Abstract: An end treatment array for crash attenuation includes a transition barrier module formed of side walls, end walls, a top wall, and a bottom wall, wherein the module walls together define an enclosed interior space. The end treatment array further includes a containment impact sled having an axially extending frame. The frame has a width sufficient to contain the transition barrier module within the frame when in an assembled configuration, and has an axial length which is at least one-half the length of the transition barrier module. The frame defines an interior volume, the purpose of which is to contain a substantial portion of the transition barrier module in the assembled configuration, and to contain debris caused by destruction of the plastic barrier modules in a vehicular impact. The containment impact sled is attached to the transition barrier module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: TRAFFIX DEVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Geoffrey B. Maus, Felipe Almanza, Jeremy Smith
  • Publication number: 20150010351
    Abstract: An end treatment array for crash attenuation includes a transition barrier module formed of side walls, end walls, a top wall, and a bottom wall, wherein the module walls together define an enclosed interior space. The end treatment array further includes a containment impact sled having an axially extending frame. The frame has a width sufficient to contain the transition barrier module within the frame when in an assembled configuration, and has an axial length which is at least one-half the length of the transition barrier module. The frame defines an interior volume, the purpose of which is to contain a substantial portion of the transition barrier module in the assembled configuration, and to contain debris caused by destruction of the plastic barrier modules in a vehicular impact. The containment impact sled is attached to the transition barrier module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: TRAFFIX DEVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Geoffrey B. Maus, Felipe Almanza, Jeremy Smith
  • Publication number: 20150000168
    Abstract: A trailer-mounted crash impact attenuator is disclosed for attachment to a host vehicle, which comprises an anti-rotational attachment system having an internal support tube and a plurality of external support tubes. The internal support tube has a connector on its front end for attachment to a suitable receptacle on the host vehicle, and the plurality of external support tubes each have an anti-rotation support pad on their front ends. At least one of the internal support tube and the plurality of external support tubes is comprised of a telescoping construction. A backup frame is disposed on a rear end of the attachment system, and a crash attenuator unit is disposed on an axle and pair of wheels for mobility. When the crash attenuator is impacted by an errant vehicle, the anti-rotational attachment system is actuated to prevent the trailer mounted crash impact attenuator from rotating relative to the host vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: TRAFFIX DEVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Geoffrey B. Maus
  • Patent number: 8870251
    Abstract: A system for joining a crash attenuator to a vehicle is operated by moving the crash attenuator into a joining position directly behind the vehicle and dropping a pair of hooks extending from an upper end of one of the vehicle and the crash attenuator over an engagement pin disposed on an upper end of the other of the vehicle and the crash attenuator, so that the hook and the engagement pin are engaged. Two sets of holes disposed on lower ends of each of the vehicle and the crash attenuator are aligned, and a securing pin is inserted through each set of aligned holes, for redundancy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: TrafFix Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack H. Kulp, Felipe Almanza, Geoffrey B. Maus, Jeremy Smith
  • Publication number: 20140270942
    Abstract: A modular highway warning strip system which comprises a modular warning strip segment having first and second ends, a length extending between the first and second ends, two opposing lengthwise sides, a width extending between the opposing lengthwise sides of the segment, top and bottom surfaces, and a thickness. Each of the first and second ends comprise at least one male protrusion and at least one female receptacle, wherein the at least one male protrusion is configured to engage the at least one female receptacle for joining a plurality of the segments together end-to-end. Advantageously, a plurality of metallic cables are molded into the molded rubber segment and extend along substantially the entire length thereof. One of the metallic cables extends into each of the male protrusions. The cables are preferably formed of corrosion-resistant steel, and preferably are joined together to form a cable mat. The mat is molded into the segment, which segment is molded of rubber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: TrafFix Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy Smith, Geoffrey B. Maus, Jack H. Kulp
  • Patent number: 8783999
    Abstract: A water-ballasted molded plastic barrier system incorporates barrier segments wherein each segment employs a sawtooth reflective design, designed to prevent the tire of a vehicle, impacting the barrier, from climbing up the side of the barrier segment. Adjacent barrier segments are attached together using an interlocking knuckle design, having a lug pin connection system. Wire rope cable assemblies are internally molded into each barrier segment to create an impenetrable cable fence. The wire rope cable assemblies include steel bushings which are molded into the interlocking knuckles to further strengthen the barrier system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: TrafFix Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack H. Kulp, Felipe Almanza, Geoffrey B. Maus, Paul Burlingham
  • Patent number: 8777510
    Abstract: An end treatment array for crash attenuation includes a transition barrier module formed of side walls, end walls, a top wall, and a bottom wall, wherein the module walls together define an enclosed interior space. The end treatment array further includes a containment impact sled having an axially extending frame. The frame has a width sufficient to contain the transition barrier module within the frame when in an assembled configuration, and has an axial length which is at least one-half the length of the transition barrier module. The frame defines an interior volume, the purpose of which is to contain a substantial portion of the transition barrier module in the assembled configuration, and to contain debris caused by destruction of the plastic barrier modules in a vehicular impact. The containment impact sled is attached to the transition barrier module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Traffix Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey B. Maus, Felipe Almanza, Jeremy W. Smith
  • Patent number: 8702137
    Abstract: A trailer-mounted crash impact attenuator is attachable to a host vehicle, which comprises an anti-rotational attachment system having an internal support tube and a plurality of external support tubes. The internal support tube has a connector on its front end for attachment to a suitable receptacle on the host vehicle, and the plurality of external support tubes each have an anti-rotation support pad on their front ends. At least one of the internal support tube and the plurality of external support tubes is comprised of a telescoping construction. A backup frame is disposed on a rear end of the attachment system, and a crash attenuator unit is disposed on an axle and pair of wheels for mobility. When the crash attenuator is impacted by an errant vehicle, the anti-rotational attachment system is actuated to prevent the trailer mounted crash impact attenuator from rotating relative to the host vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Traffix Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Geoffrey B. Maus
  • Publication number: 20130307181
    Abstract: A water-ballasted molded plastic barrier system incorporates barrier segments wherein each segment employs a sawtooth reflective design, designed to prevent the tire of a vehicle, impacting the barrier, from climbing up the side of the barrier segment. Adjacent barrier segments are attached together using an interlocking knuckle design, having a lug pin connection system. Wire rope cable assemblies are internally molded into each barrier segment to create an impenetrable cable fence. The wire rope cable assemblies include steel bushings which are molded into the interlocking knuckles to further strengthen the barrier system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: TRAFFIX DEVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Jack H. Kulp, Felipe Almanza, Geoffrey B. Maus, Paul Burlingham