Patents Assigned to Traffix Devices
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20130099513
    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: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: TRAFFIX DEVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Geoffrey B. Maus
  • 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: 8276956
    Abstract: A trailer-mounted crash impact attenuator for attachment to a host vehicle includes 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: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: TrafFix Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Geoffrey B. Maus
  • Publication number: 20120207541
    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: February 10, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: TRAFFIX DEVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Geoffrey B. Maus, Felipe Almanza, Jeremy W. Smith
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20120082511
    Abstract: A reusable energy-absorbing crash attenuator comprises a base, a rail disposed on and extending along a length of the base, and a plurality of energy absorbing modules slidably disposed on the rail. Each of the energy absorbing modules comprises a first module portion and a second module portion which are attached together. Each of the module portions comprise plastic, preferably high density polyethylene (HDPE), and have a combination of concave and convex curvature. A plurality of fender panels are disposed in adjoining end-to-end fashion along each side of the length of the crash attenuator. The fender panels are arranged to slide together in telescoping fashion upon impact of the crash attenuator by a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: TRAFFIX DEVICES, INC.
    Inventors: John D. McKenney, Jack H. Kulp
  • Patent number: 8117776
    Abstract: A bracket for mounting an article, such as a roll-up fabric sign, on a mast, includes a body and a clamp on the body for securing the bracket at a desired location on the mast. A receptacle on the body is provided for receiving a portion of the article. The bracket body may be secured in first and second different orientations on the mast at the desired location, the first operational orientation being one in which the receptacle is positioned forwardly of a forward surface of the mast, for receiving the article portion, and the second non-operational orientation being one in which substantially no portions of the bracket body are positioned forwardly of the mast forward surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Traffix Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Geoffrey B. Maus
  • Publication number: 20110262225
    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: April 25, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: TrafFix Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack H. Kulp, Felipe Almanza, Geoffrey B. Maus, Paul Burlingham
  • Patent number: 7997547
    Abstract: A bracket for mounting an article, such as a roll-up fabric sign, on a mast, includes a body and a clamp on the body for securing the bracket at a desired location on the mast. A receptacle on the body is provided for receiving a portion of the article. The bracket body may be secured in first and second different orientations on the mast at the desired location, the first operational orientation being one in which the receptacle is positioned forwardly of a forward surface of the mast, for receiving the article portion, and the second non-operational orientation being one in which substantially no portions of the bracket body are positioned forwardly of the mast forward surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Traffix Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Geoffrey B. Maus
  • Patent number: 7931422
    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: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: TrafFix Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack H. Kulp, Geoffrey B. Maus, Felipe Almanza
  • Publication number: 20110049838
    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 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: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: TRAFFIX DEVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Geoffrey B. Maus
  • Patent number: 7866914
    Abstract: A flexible marker device comprises a marker body having a bottom end and a top end, and a base for supporting the marker body. The base has an aperture in a center portion thereof and a groove extending about the aperture in an upper surface of the base. The bottom end of the marker body is at least partially disposed within the groove. A cured material, preferably polyurethane, is disposed in the groove to thereby secure the marker body to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Traffix Devices, Inc
    Inventors: Jack H. Kulp, Geoffrey B. Maus
  • Patent number: 7866913
    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 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Traffix Devices Inc.
    Inventors: Jack H. Kulp, Felipe Almanza
  • Publication number: 20100296864
    Abstract: A reusable energy-absorbing crash attenuator comprises a base, a rail disposed on and extending along a length of the base, and a plurality of energy absorbing modules slidably disposed on the rail. Each of the energy absorbing modules comprises a first module portion and a second module portion which are attached together. Each of the module portions comprise plastic, preferably high density polyethylene (HDPE), and have a combination of concave and convex curvature. A plurality of fender panels are disposed in adjoining end-to-end fashion along each side of the length of the crash attenuator. The fender panels are arranged to slide together in telescoping fashion upon impact of the crash attenuator by a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: TRAFFIX DEVICES, INC.
    Inventors: John D. McKenney, Jack H. Kulp
  • Patent number: 7827717
    Abstract: A foldable traffic sign system comprises a relatively rigid sign panel and a plurality of folding lines disposed in the sign panel, for permitting ready folding of the sign panel into a substantially smaller configuration. In a preferred embodiment, at least one cut is disposed partially along a dimension of the sign panel, to further facilitate ready folding of the sign panel. One of the folding lines is disposed substantially horizontally across a center region of the sign panel, and at least one of the folding lines is disposed substantially vertically on the sign panel, and intersects with the horizontal folding line. The plurality of folding lines creates a plurality of sign sections, preferably six, defined by a combination of the folding lines and cuts in the sign panel. The sign system further comprises a folding sign stand, and a tote for containing both the sign panel and sign stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignees: Traffix Devices, Inc., TTB Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Guadalupe C. Garcia, Bob L. Wielenga
  • Patent number: 7811026
    Abstract: A flexible marker device comprises a marker body having a bottom end and a top end, and a base for supporting the marker body. The base has an aperture in a center portion thereof and a cavity extending about the aperture in an upper surface of the base. The bottom end of the marker body is at least partially disposed within the cavity, which has a segmented cog shape. A cured material, preferably urethane, is disposed in the cavity to thereby secure the marker body to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: TrafFix Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack H. Kulp, Geoffrey B. Maus, Felipe Almanza
  • Patent number: 7811025
    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 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: TrafFix Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack H. Kulp, Felipe Almanza
  • Patent number: 7802829
    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 a 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: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: TrafFix Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Geoffrey B. Maus
  • Patent number: 7794174
    Abstract: A reusable energy-absorbing crash attenuator comprises a base, a rail disposed on and extending along a length of the base, and a plurality of energy absorbing modules slidably disposed on the rail. Each of the energy absorbing modules comprises a first module portion and a second module portion which are attached together. Each of the module portions comprise plastic, preferably high density polyethylene (HDPE), and have a combination of concave and convex curvature. A plurality of fender panels are disposed in adjoining end-to-end fashion along each side of the length of the crash attenuator. The fender panels are arranged to slide together in telescoping fashion upon impact of the crash attenuator by a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Traffix Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. McKenney, Jack H. Kulp