Traffic Director Patents (Class 404/9)
  • Patent number: 8591137
    Abstract: A barricade is provided for crowd control. The barricade includes a first frame support member having an upper end, a lower end, an upper opening adapted for receiving an end of a first upper beam therein and a lower opening. A second frame support member is positioned at an acute angle to the first support frame member and has an upper end, a lower end adjacent the lower end of the first frame support member, an upper opening adapted for receiving an end of a second upper beam therein and a lower opening. A lower beam has a first end receivable in the lower opening of the first frame support member and a second end receivable in the lower opening of the second frame support member to interconnect the first and second frame support members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Bruce A. Thompson, Mark A. Hanson
  • Patent number: 8584401
    Abstract: A post (200) for use with an automatically-movable barrier (1203) and a motive actuator (1204) is configured to interact with the barrier to thereby facilitate movement of the barrier with respect to the post. This post can have at least one cavity (201, 801) formed axially therein and a mains-power-bearing pathway (202) disposed within this at least one cavity to convey mains electrical power to movable barrier control circuitry (1202) as well as the motive actuator. Such a post can further comprise one or more integral pivot points (1001) that are configured to pivotally engage the automatically-movable barrier such that the automatically-movable barrier can selectively pivot about the integral pivot point. By another approach, such a post can further comprise one or more rollers (1101) that are configured to engage the automatically-movable barrier such that the latter can selectively move in a lateral direction through engagement with the roller(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy L. Planck, Theodore Brent Freese, William G. Gioia
  • Patent number: 8562244
    Abstract: A device designed to be embedded in the pavement of a road for halting and/or preventing the motor vehicle traffic in an opposite direction. The device is formed by a drained box to be embedded in the pavement of a roadway and by a bank of mechanisms, that it is mounted inside the box. Inside the bank of mechanisms are defined cells formed by several vertical walls, and end walls, all walls being arranged parallel to each other and joined together by screwed rods extending through the end walls. The walls extend in the same direction as the road axis, the vertical walls and the end walls serving as support for several common horizontal shafts, and their tops serving as the support pavement for the vehicle tires. Each cell includes a driving mechanism which is activated at least by one tire of a vehicle transposing or attempting to transpose it in order to present an active obstacle to the displacement of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventor: Jose Carlos D'Almeida
  • Patent number: 8534952
    Abstract: A visual highlight accessory for attachment to highway guardrails has a paint coating and a clear varnish overcoating with mica particles for making the visual highlight accessory and the guardrail on which the visual highlight accessory is mounted readily visible to persons in vehicles travelling along a highway along which the visual highlight accessory borders. The visual highlight accessory has orifices corresponding to orifices in the guardrails to facilitate mounting of the visual highlight accessory on a guardrail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventor: Neven Ilic Vladislavic
  • Patent number: 8500360
    Abstract: A traffic cone system for deploying a banner of flat traffic cones featuring a base spool pivotally anchored in the inner cavity of a utility vehicle and a deployment spool. A banner of flat traffic cones is wound around the base spool and is connected to the deployment spool. The deployment spool is mounted above an extension shaft and a ground base. The ground base can be anchored to the ground surface. The extension shaft can position the deployment spool at an appropriate height. The banner can be unwound from the base spool to display a plurality of flat triangle cones resembling traffic cones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Fred A. Jones
  • Patent number: 8491217
    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: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: TrafFix Devices
    Inventors: Jack H. Kulp, Felipe Almanza, Geoffrey B. Maus, Paul Burlingham
  • Patent number: 8485753
    Abstract: Various self-cleaning delineator embodiments incorporate a delineator design that includes a shell portion, a core disposed inside the shell portion, and a reflective sheet coupled to an outer surface of the core. A wind turbine mounted on or in the delineator energizes a mechanical energy storage device, such as a spring, in response to wind or other air movement. A drive mechanism couples to the storage device and is adapted to use energy from the storage device to provide relative rotational motion between the shell portion and the core. A cleaning material disposed on an inner surface of the shell contacts the reflective sheet such that the relative rotational motion between the shell portion and the first core causes the cleaning material to slide across the reflective sheet to remove debris therefrom. The drive mechanism may include an escapement mechanism to limit the rotational motion to a maximum speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Sundar R. Manikkam, Blessen K. Philip
  • Patent number: 8444343
    Abstract: A bollard assembly includes a bollard, and a load transfer member disposed in the bollard, and a shock absorber disposed within the load transfer member. A fastener extends through the load transfer member and shock absorber, and secures the bollard, load transfer member and shock absorber to a ground surface. The load transfer member adjoins the bollard so as to be disposed between the shock absorber and the bollard, and the load transfer member is configured so that when an impact force is applied to the bollard, the force is transferred from the bollard to the shock absorber via the load transfer member. The deflection is absorbed by the shock absorber so that the anchor remains undeformed and the ground remains undamaged. Moreover, due to the resilience of the shock absorber, the bollard and load transfer member are returned to a normal, upright orientation upon withdrawal of the impact load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: McCue Corporation
    Inventors: David S. McCue, Brent Hild, Teodoro A. Mesa, Thomas C. Fitch
  • Patent number: 8439594
    Abstract: Systems and methods described herein provide for a flush-mounted vehicle control barrier having a shallow foundation. According to one aspect of the disclosure provided herein, a vehicle control barrier includes a sub-frame, a wedge plate, and an actuator mechanism that is coupled to the sub-frame and disposed within an interior space of the sub-frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: SecureUSA, Inc.
    Inventors: Bevan M. Clark, Mathew Sexton
  • Patent number: 8439595
    Abstract: A vehicle restraining system using an electrical impulse to disable the control system of a targeted vehicle including a roadway module placed at a location to engage the targeted vehicle for delivering the electrical impulse to the vehicle; a roadside module for generating the energy required for the electrical impulse and delivering the energy to the roadway module; and an operator interface module for operating the restraining system. In addition, a method of disabling the control system of a vehicle by delivering an electrical impulse to the vehicle includes the steps of charging a vehicle restraining system; setting the charged vehicle restraining system to disable the next encountered vehicle; detecting the next encountered vehicle, and delivering the electrical impulse to the targeted vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Jordan E. Chaparro, Michael R. Duncan, John R. Durbin
  • Patent number: 8376650
    Abstract: A bollard assembly is disclosed that includes an elongate hollow bollard having opposed first and second ends, a sidewall extending between the first and second ends, and through hole formed in the side wall. The assembly also includes a sleeve configured to receive and support a lower portion of the bollard, and a hollow cylindrical insert disposed within the lower end of the bollard. A pin protrudes outward from the insert sidewall, extends through the bollard through hole and engages the sleeve, whereby the assembly is retained in an assembled configuration. The bollard includes a prescribed breakaway line along which an upper portion of the bollard can be separated from the lower portion upon sufficient impact. Once the upper portion is broken away, the insert permits the lower portion of the bollard to be removed from the sleeve and replaced with a replacement bollard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: McCue Corporation
    Inventors: Brent Hild, Thomas C. Fitch, Teodoro A. Mesa, David S. McCue
  • Patent number: 8376651
    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: April 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Traffix Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack H. Kulp, Felipe Almanza, Geoffrey B. Maus, Paul Burlingham
  • Patent number: 8342700
    Abstract: A laminate article preferably including two or more layers adapted to be applied to a surface of a roadway that can function as a reflective marker, such as a lane marker or road feature marker. The article includes one or more reflective compounds, preferably particles, aggregates, or clusters that are partially embedded in an exposed outer surface layer of the article. In order to increase the durability of the material, protective media compounds are also present in the outer layer and extend outward therefrom with the protective material protruding a greater distance than the reflective compounds. The articles of the present invention are weather resistant, durable and resistant to damage by vehicles and snowplows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Hemant A. Naik, Puneet Singh, Ratanjit Sondhe
  • Patent number: 8328462
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided is a safety marker with an on-board convection fan for marking areas/hazards to be avoided while concurrently producing a convection effect upon the adjacent, surrounding surfaces so as to enhance evaporation of liquids/moisture thereon. Along these lines, the safety marker will not only mitigate risks by allowing for the marking of an area to be avoided, but also, uniquely, by accelerating the elimination of what is most often the root cause of the risk; wetness on the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas P. Beh
  • Patent number: 8308393
    Abstract: A device for securing a passageway comprising a barrier on a mounting member, the barrier being retained by magnetic attraction between the mounting member and the barrier, the mounting member being pivotably moveable between operative and inoperative positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: 9172-9863 Quebec Inc.
    Inventor: Gaétan Jetté
  • Patent number: 8297873
    Abstract: A bollard assembly having a post and a sleeve. The post has a cylindrical post wall forming a cavity, an insert included with in the cavity and a longitudinal passage in the post wall. The insert has a helical wedge at its lower end with a gap in the wedge. The sleeve has a cylindrical sleeve wall forming a cavity and a latch pin that is attached to the sleeve wall and extends into the cavity. The sleeve is adapted to receive the post such that the latch pin travels through the passage in the post wall and the gap in the wedge of the insert wherein the insert can then be rotated such that the latch pin and gap are no longer aligned and the latch pin prevents upward movement of the insert and post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Schram Management Company
    Inventors: Michael D. Schram, Jon M. Schram
  • Patent number: 8292538
    Abstract: A vehicle barrier control device for limiting vehicular access to an area. The vehicle barrier control device includes a barrier system having an active position and a passive position and a control system adapted to move the barrier system between the active position and the passive position. In the active position, the barrier system prevents vehicles from passing through. In the passive position, vehicles are permitted to pass through. The barrier system includes a buttress, movable barrier plate, traffic control arm and a traffic indicating light. The control system comprises a traffic arm motor, programmable logic controller, variable frequency drive, and actuator. The barrier system is temporarily bolted to a sub-frame set in concrete. An actuator motor mounted to an actuator reduces the need for typical hydraulic components. Using a variable speed and reversible actuator motor the present invention provides high-speed movements of the barrier plate for emergency conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Inventors: Mitch Morgan, Ilan Lindenboim
  • Patent number: 8281509
    Abstract: A nautical navigation aid comprising a photoluminescent element and a light wave re-directing means for improved photoluminescent qualities used to enhance the safety of nautical travelers on waterways in conditions where visibility is limited. The navigation aid sign has a first rigid sheet member having an upper surface, a lower surface and a peripheral edge, a second rigid sheet member having an upper surface and a lower surface extending outward from the peripheral edge of the first rigid sheet member at a predetermined angle to a predetermined length, thereby defining an angled collar of the first rigid sheet member sized and configured to redirect light waves emanating from a light source, and a luminescent layer. It is envisioned that an embodiment of the present invention might also include a means for retrofitting existing nautical navigation aids with a photoluminescent element and a light wave re-directing means for improved photoluminescent qualities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Inventor: Edwin Perez
  • Patent number: 8282309
    Abstract: An inertial barrier includes a standard size plastic container and a single size insert that is supported by a ledge inside the container for supporting different amounts of sand or other dispersible granular energy absorbing material thereon to achieve different barrier weight configurations. The insert has an axially upwardly, radially inwardly extending top wall that permits some downward flexing of the insert inside the container as the weight of the material that is placed on the insert builds up, causing the sides of the insert to expand and push radially outwardly against the container side wall, preventing the material from leaking past the insert inside the container. Axially extending ribs may be provided in the container side wall for increased strength and rigidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Plastic Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles M. Mettler, Gregory H. Brown
  • Patent number: 8277143
    Abstract: Anti-ram systems according to embodiments of the invention comprise at least one bollard section comprising a base of limited height and a plurality of spaced bollards extending upwardly from the base. An anti-ram system according to embodiments of the invention may be erected or installed on a paved surface such as asphalt, concrete, paver stones, etc., or on an unpaved surface such as soil, and need not be partially of fully buried, and yet can qualify for Department of State crash ratings previously assigned to buried bollard systems. Disclosed anti-ram system also comprise a plurality of bollard sections and one or more connectors for interconnecting two or more of the bollard sections, and may also include an anchor or anchor system engaging at least each end of a bollard section not connected to another bollard section. The bollard sections may be filled with ballast and high friction structure may be attached to the bottom of the bollard sections to resist sliding after impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: RSA Protective Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Richard S. Adler, John Crawford
  • Patent number: 8246012
    Abstract: A construction site fence, or barrier foot plate base unit or foot cover attachment for separating the barrier from traffic and to guide traffic. The base unit attaches a traffic delineator thereon top of the base unit. Also, the base unit may include a pad that is tapered away from the construction site barrier panel foot, creating a gentle sloping ramp, including a combination of the sloping ramp and the delineator mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventor: Tony L. Pasqualini
  • Patent number: 8235625
    Abstract: A water-ballasted barrier system incorporates a concave reflective design, wherein outer walls of the barrier segment are configured in a concave manner. The concave section is designed to prevent the tire of a vehicle, impacting the barrier, from climbing up the side of the barrier segment, by pocketing the tire in the curved center portion of the barrier wall. Adjacent barrier segments are attached together using an interlocking knuckle design, having a lug pin connection system. In some embodiments, wire rope cable is internally molded into each barrier segment to strengthen the barrier system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Traffix Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack H. Kulp, Felipe Almanza
  • Patent number: 8231302
    Abstract: In a vehicle guideway having a vehicle track, a guidance system is provided comprising one or more guide curbs installed along a length of the guideway, and a low-friction coating or coatings presented by the curbs, a vehicle's tires, or both, the coating or coatings reducing friction and wear in the event of contact between the tires and the one or more guide curbs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Inventor: Homer T McCrary
  • Patent number: 8230628
    Abstract: A mounting arrangement for securing signs at select positions along the length of a concrete barrier is provided by forming a longitudinally extending groove within one side of the barrier and slideably positioning a bolt within the channel so that the bolt is captured within the channel for longitudinal movement relative thereto and extends through the groove and to the exterior of the barrier. The bolt extends through a sign support on the exterior of the barrier. A nut engaged with the bolt draws the sign support into secure engagement with the exterior surface of the barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Meadow Burke, LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Recker, Raymond R. Sullivan, Bernard J. Roman
  • Publication number: 20120189385
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for limiting the speed of moving traffic. The device comprises at least one protruding element designed to be positioned on the surface of a road that is open to traffic. The protruding element is characterized in that the shape and dimensions thereof are such that it affects only vehicles of certain sizes, the speed of which is to be controlled. Likewise, vehicles travelling at an acceptable speed and along an appropriate path are also not affected by the device of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventors: Alfredo GARCÍA GARCÍA, Mario Alfonso ROMERO ROJAS
  • Patent number: 8215866
    Abstract: A portable perimeter defense system is provided that is configured for preventing unwanted intrusions by vehicles or other heavy and fast-moving vehicles into a protected area while also providing requisite ballistic resistance capabilities. The defense system includes at least one individual modular barrier that can be readily transported to a point of use and can be secured in place without requiring heavy equipment or power sources, such as electricity. The modular barrier includes a front plate configured to provide ballistic protection in the direction of impact and to provide an impact surface capable of withstanding impact. The front plate extends upwardly from a base plate and a kick plate extends outwardly from the rear or aft side of the front plate. The front or fore edge of the base plate defines a vehicle engaging interface, the rear or aft edge of the base plate is arcuate and defines a ground engaging interface, and the rear or aft edge of the kick plate defines a ground engaging interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Inventor: Peter D. Whitford
  • Patent number: 8206057
    Abstract: A plurality of biodegradable stakes for use as trail markers that are coated with a biodegradable coating comprised of an adhesive and a fluorescing compound for inserting into the ground such that the coated surface of the marker is exposed at various distances from each other such that the stakes glow when a source of ultra-violet light is present and thus form a route or trail by which a person can find their way to a point of interest even in low light conditions, while remaining unobtrusive so that one has difficulty seeing the stake without ultraviolet light and unless one is specifically looking for it thereby not detracting from the natural appearance of the location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Inventors: Andy Setzer, Randy Frye
  • Patent number: 8202020
    Abstract: A traffic control assembly for marking roadways or other marking areas is shown generally having a base, a stake, a pin, a collar, and a flexible marker that extends substantially vertically from the base when in a non-impacted and non-deformed state. The pin passes through pin holes in the stake, collar, and marker when the traffic assembly is installed. The traffic control assembly has fewer parts and is thus easier to install and replace. The pin is in contact with the base to provide support to the stake and prevent it from listing when the assembly is struck by a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Inventor: Robert K. Hughes, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8197156
    Abstract: A shallow mounted fixed vehicle barrier device for prohibiting vehicular access to a facility or area. The shallow mounted fixed vehicle barrier device includes a barrier system having a passive position and a support system adapted to maintain the barrier system in the passive position. In the passive position, the barrier system prevents vehicles from passing by or through to the protected facility or area. The shallow mounted fixed vehicle barrier device always remains in the passive position and, therefore, never allows vehicles access to the secured facility or area, after installation. The barrier system includes a bollard and, optionally, a bollard sleeve. The support system includes a base frame attached to the bollard, such that the base frame is adapted to secure the bollard during vehicular attack. The shallow mounted fixed vehicle barrier device can be installed in a foundation having a depth of less than twelve inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventors: Mitch Morgan, Ilan Lindenboim
  • Patent number: 8181392
    Abstract: An automatic gate arm damage prevention system includes a lift arm that is coupled to a lifting apparatus. The lift arm has an outer end, an upper side, a lower side, a first lateral side and a second lateral side. A channel extends into the outer end and the upper side so that the channel is bounded by the first and second lateral sides and the lower side. An elongated member has a first end and a second end. The first end is positioned in the channel. A pivot pin extends through the channel and through the elongated member and the lift arm to pivotally couple the elongated member to the lift arm. The second end is pivotable upwardly with respect to the lift arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Inventor: Raymond E. Farber
  • Patent number: 8182169
    Abstract: A non-lethal energy absorbing vehicle barrier for decelerating an impacting vehicle a gate member disposed between first and second gate receivers that is deformable from a pre-impact configuration to an impact configuration. The gate member may include a first deformable energy absorption member having a first end coupled to the first gate receiver and a second end extending inward toward a center of the gate member; a second deformable energy absorption member having a first end coupled to the second gate receiver and a second end extending inward toward the center of the gate member; and a deforming member connecting the first and second deformable energy absorption members in an overlapping configuration. The deforming member is configured to engage and deform the first and second deformable energy absorption members as the gate member is deformed from the pre-impact configuration to the impact configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Thompson, Samuel Ross Stanley, Jr., Patrick A. Leonhardt, Donald C. Pyde
  • Patent number: 8174374
    Abstract: A road surface includes lane marking that store digital information. Images of the road surface and lane markings are acquired by a camera. The digital information is decoded from the images, analyzed so that a feedback signal can be generated according to the decoded digital information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond Yim, Masashi Saito, Fatih M. Porikli, Jinyun Zhang
  • Patent number: 8167512
    Abstract: A barrier assembly includes a barrier having an interior surface and an opposing exterior surface extending between a first end and an opposing second end. The interior surface bounds a chamber that is adapted to receive a ballast. The barrier also has an internal sidewall extending between top and bottom surfaces of the barrier so as to bound a passage extending completely through the barrier between the top and bottom surfaces. The barrier assembly also includes an elongated coupler extending down through the passage and projecting below the bottom surface of the barrier. A means for securing the coupler within the passage is formed on or attached to the coupler. The means for securing the coupler within the passage prevents the coupler from being removed from the passage while allowing the coupler to freely rotate within the passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Off the Wall Products, LLC
    Inventor: Marc E. Christensen
  • Patent number: 8128310
    Abstract: A vehicle restraint system is provided, comprised of an easily installable and transportable base having a deployable vehicle retention means contained therein. In particular, a rigid base over which vehicles may drive is provided, having a deployable vehicle retention means, such as a net or flexible panel, disposed in the base. In addition, lockable rollers, deployable plates and tire puncturing devices are disposed in the base, to prevent or resist movement of the vehicle relative to the base. The base is merely laid upon a surface, and requires no mounting thereto. Upon impact with a vehicle, the vehicle is retained on the base, and the forward motion/inertia of the vehicle is depleted via frictional engagement (sliding) of the base over the mounting surface, wherein the base and vehicle come to a controlled stop within a short distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Unified Designs, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank J. Dindl, Kenneth R. Jones, Christopher J. Strianse
  • Patent number: 8087846
    Abstract: This application concerns traffic control devices, such as bollards, configured for storage of a bollard coupling adapted to extend between a bollard and an adjacent structure. Bollards are disclosed that comprise a body defining an interior body volume and a first aperture. A bracket fixedly attached to the body defines a second aperture. The bracket is configured to reversibly receive a bollard engaging member fixedly attached to an end portion of a bollard coupling. In a first position, at least a portion of the bollard engaging member extends through the first aperture, and in a second position, the portion of the bollard engaging member extends through the second aperture. A cap being releasably secured to the body provides access to the interior body volume and at least partially retains the bollard engaging member. Associated bollard arrangements and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Inventor: James Ringelberg
  • Patent number: 8082872
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method provides blind and vision impaired (B/VI) persons with improved Detectible Guidance Markers (DGMs) for navigation in a wide variety of environments, providing information regarding the presence, type, direction, and proximity of various navigational obstacles. A representative but non-exclusive example of an invented unitary DGM includes a plurality of tactually-detectable informational members, including a base member and one or more integral directional members configured to be disposed at a surface of a navigational substrate. A discrete number of directional members conveys an obstacle identity, while different lengths of directional members, and characteristics of other informational members, convey a direction and/or a proximity to an obstacle. Additionally, numerous structural alterations to a surrounding substrate surface cooperatively supplement the detectability and information-conveying benefits of a DGM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Navi-Tech, LLC
    Inventors: Robert G. Cook, Patrick D. Boyd
  • Patent number: 8070380
    Abstract: A traffic channelizer is provided. In one implementation, the traffic channelizer may include upper and lower portions with a center region in between. The center region may include front and back surfaces joined together by multi-faceted end regions extending and tapered from the bottom of the traffic channelizer to the top of the traffic channelizer. A handle for carrying the traffic channelizer and a bracket for mounting a warning light or other signage may be provided at the top of the traffic channelizer. The front and back surfaces may include a recessed region for mounting a reflective material or other signage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Plasticade
    Inventors: Barry Pucillo, Stephen S. Simovits, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8061925
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle restraining system for limiting roadways comprising a base beam extending along the longitudinal axis, which overlies a U-shaped bottom and, in the plane view of an orthogonal cross-section along the longitudinal axis, reduces from the U-shaped bottom upwardly and a leading profile, which extends along the longitudinal axis, is placed above the base beam and is fixed thereto. According to said invention said base beam and the guiding profile are connected to each other by means of an intermediate connecting area, which is closed at least on one side and extends, in a substantially vertical direction, from the top end of the base beam upwardly towards the guiding profile, wherein the base beam, the connecting area and the guiding profile form a wall element and, in the plane view of an orthogonal cross-section along the longitudinal axis, said guiding profile extends with respect to the connecting area towards the road way, at least locally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Volkmann & Rossbach GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Vanessa Volkmann
  • Patent number: 7997823
    Abstract: A parking bumper shell that can be easily filled with a heavy form-filling material (such as concrete) to form a parking bumper is provided. The parking bumper shell may be injection molded from durable, brightly-colored, UV- and weather-resistant plastic. Undercuts, such as in the form of a plurality of undercut wings or z-puller pins, may be disposed on the interior of the parking bumper shell's top and side walls to aid in holding the parking bumper shell and the heavy filling material together. The parking bumper shell may also include internally projecting hollow extensions that are adapted to receive anchoring posts. While the parking bumper shell is being filled, it may be placed in a rigid frame which helps the shell to keep its shape during filling. The parking bumper shells are light-weight, nestable, and do not require internal steel rebar reinforcement, thereby greatly reducing transportation costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Tuf-Tite, Inc.
    Inventor: Theodore W. Meyers
  • Patent number: 7980782
    Abstract: An integrated system for traffic safety (1), particularly in low visibility conditions, for use on a site (2) of a road, railway, airport, harbor or the like, which comprises road markings and/or signs (3). The system (1) comprises at least one light-emitting device (4) for generating at least one light beam (5). One feature of the invention is that it comprises means (6) for controlling the light-emitting device (4) to generate the beam (5). The device has such a predetermined relative position with respect to said site (2) as to selectively interact with the road markings and/or signs (3) and to make the beam (5) only visible to the drivers that drive over the site (2) in a predetermined drive direction, and not to those who drive in the opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Astron Fiamm Safety S.p.A.
    Inventors: Thomas Bleiner, Bruno Dessert-Vidalet
  • Publication number: 20110170949
    Abstract: A description is given of a bollard designed specifically for signalling in places through which, road traffic passes, both in cities, towns and villages and on roads and motorways. The bollard comprises two separate elements, of which one provides lower anchorage to the ground, and is stiff, and the other is the section of the bollard itself, and is elastic, flexible and capable of being fitted to the lower element by means of a bayonet configuration. In the rapid recovery version, the upper flexible element incorporates an inflatable pneumatic ball inside. The whole bollard has a lid that can be fitted to the lower anchoring element when the upper one has been removed, this lid being shaped to remain flush, coupled, to the surface of the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventor: María José Sanchez Gallardo
  • Publication number: 20110150569
    Abstract: A barrier assembly includes a barrier having an interior surface and an opposing exterior surface extending between a first end and an opposing second end. The interior surface bounds a chamber that is adapted to receive a ballast. The barrier also has an internal sidewall extending between top and bottom surfaces of the barrier so as to bound a passage extending completely through the barrier between the top and bottom surfaces. The barrier assembly also includes an elongated coupler extending down through the passage and projecting below the bottom surface of the barrier. A means for securing the coupler within the passage is formed on or attached to the coupler. The means for securing the coupler within the passage prevents the coupler from being removed from the passage while allowing the coupler to freely rotate within the passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: OFF THE WALL PRODUCTS LLC
    Inventor: Marc E. Christensen
  • Patent number: 7959373
    Abstract: A gate apparatus has a pair of spaced apart base assemblies and a gate assembly. Each base assembly has a base frame with leg assemblies and braces and a receiver attaching to the top of the base frame and having a guide mechanism. The gate assembly has a beam engaging the guide mechanism of at least one of the receivers and wheel assemblies attached to each end the beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Inventor: James C. Brown
  • Patent number: 7955022
    Abstract: An elongate sleeve retention device adapted to securely retain an elongate sleeve on a post-like structure about which it is disposed. In a preferred embodiment, the retention device of the present invention is configured to interface between a bollard and a bollard cover, and cause the bollard cover to resist inadvertent dissociation from the bollard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Thermoprene, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Raymond
  • Patent number: 7955023
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a structure for supporting a road support including: a base plate fixedly disposed on ground in such a manner as to be spaced apart by a predetermined distance from the surface of ground; a slip plate slidably disposed on the top surface of the base plate; a coupling body protruded upwardly from the center portion of the top surface of the slip plate in such a manner as to be insertedly coupled to the inner lower end portion of a support body; and a plurality of clips each having an approximately ‘’ or ‘C’-like shape so as to receive the edges of the base plate and the slip plate thereinto, each of the plurality of clips having a fixing bolt fastened to a female screw passed through the top end portion thereof so as to compressedly support the top surface of the slip plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignees: Korea Institute of Construction Technology, Kongju National University Industry-University Cooperation Foundation
    Inventors: Jung Gon Sung, Duk Geun Yun, Man Gi Ko, Kee Dong Kim
  • Patent number: 7938594
    Abstract: An improved holding device is disclosed for supporting a traffic beacon comprising a longitudinal extending holding member having a bottom surface for resting on a generally flat surface. The longitudinal extending holding member has opposed inclined sidewalls meeting in a generally planar top surface. A coupling device is defined within the longitudinal extending holding member for securing a traffic beacon to the holding member. A riser is integrally formed with the generally planar top surface of the longitudinal extending holding member for raising the height of the improved holding device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Qwick Kurb, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Schindler
  • Patent number: 7922420
    Abstract: A barrier includes a housing having a front wall and an opposing back wall each extending between opposing sidewalls. The housing also includes a floor and an interior surface bounding a chamber, the chamber communicating externally through an inlet opening. A first inset projects into the chamber from the front wall so as to form a recessed pocket on the front wall. A second inset projects into the chamber from the back wall so as to form a recessed pocket on the back wall. The first inset and the second inset are connected together within the chamber so that the chamber encircles the connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Off the Wall Products, LLC
    Inventors: Marc E. Christensen, Greg H. Brown, David E. Cowan, Bryan D. Grabowski, Charles M. Mettler, Bruce E. Owens, Patricia Russell
  • Patent number: 7901117
    Abstract: A safety trailer has semi-tractor hitches at both ends and a safety wall that is fixed to one side of the trailer. That side, however, can be changed to the right or left side of the road, depending on the end to which the truck attaches. A caboose can be attached at the end of the trailer opposite the tractor to provide additional lighting and impact protection. Optionally, the trailer can be equipped with overhead protection, lighting, ventilation, onboard hydraulics, compressors, generators and other equipment, as well as related fuel, water, storage and restroom facilities and other amenities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Concaten Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin K. Groeneweg
  • Patent number: 7900399
    Abstract: A start gate assembly for use by a racer when racing on a ground surface is provided with a moveable start gate frame that is pivotally attached to a foundation platform and a moving mechanism for placing the moveable start gate frame in a ready position where the ready position is of sufficient height to obstruct forward movement of the racer. A control device is further provided that regulates the movement of the moveable start gate frame from the ready position to a go position and a start switch that activates the control device to initiate the moving mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Inventors: Gary Williams, Phillip Layne
  • Patent number: 7901156
    Abstract: A plate-mounted bollard which includes an internal impact absorption mechanism that enables the bollard to absorb impact forces greater than conventional plate-mounted bollards. The bollard makes use of a force transfer process that shifts impact forces to areas better able to resiliently absorb the impact without causing damage to the bollard, the impact absorption mechanism, or the ground in which the bollard is installed. The impact absorption mechanism consists of an internal resilient core rod mounted at its proximal end to a base plate which is fixed to the ground. Impact forces are then transferred through an outer shell to the distal or upper end of the internal resilient core. With energy from the impact force being distributed along the maximum length of the resilient core rod, the rod flexes and the full length of the rod is utilized to absorb the impact energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: McCue Corporation
    Inventors: David S. McCue, Daniel B. Ballou, James F. McKeever, Thomas C. Fitch, Teodoro A. Mesa, Sandra K. Jauron, Brent Hild