Patents Assigned to Traffix Devices
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Publication number: 20100196094Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2010Publication date: August 5, 2010Applicant: TRAFFIX DEVICES, INC.Inventors: Jack H. Kulp, Felipe Almanza, Geoffrey B. Maus, Paul Burlingham
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Patent number: 7730845Abstract: A vertical panel delineator system is capable of withstanding high winds without rotating from a preferred orientation wherein the full width of the device is perpendicular to the direction of oncoming traffic, is stackable without sticking or jamming, and is capable of accommodating multiple reflective sheeting configurations fully within recessed receiving panels on the delineator device. The vertical panel delineator further accommodates, in a secure manner, warning barricade lights of any known construction, and is uniquely capable of retaining secure engagement of the panel body with its ballasting base when being transported or during ordinary deployment, yet readily disengaging body and base upon impact by a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2007Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Traffix Devices, Inc.Inventors: Jack H. Kulp, Felipe Almanza, Geoffrey B. Maus
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Publication number: 20100080651Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2009Publication date: April 1, 2010Applicant: TRAFFIX DEVICES, INCInventors: Jack H. Kulp, Felipe Almanza
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Patent number: 7677831Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 24, 2007Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: TrafFix Devices, Inc.Inventors: Jack H. Kulp, Geoffrey B. Maus
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Publication number: 20100019517Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2009Publication date: January 28, 2010Applicant: TRAFFIX DEVICES, INC.Inventor: Geoffrey B. Maus
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Publication number: 20100021232Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2009Publication date: January 28, 2010Applicant: TRAFFIX DEVICES, INCInventors: Jack H. Kulp, Geoffrey B. Maus
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Publication number: 20100014914Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2009Publication date: January 21, 2010Applicant: TRAFFIX DEVICES, INCInventors: Jack H. Kulp, Felipe Almanza
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Publication number: 20090139443Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2009Publication date: June 4, 2009Applicant: TrafFix Devices, Inc.Inventors: Jack H. Kulp, Geoffrey B. Maus
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Publication number: 20090060650Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2008Publication date: March 5, 2009Applicant: TrafFix Devices, Inc.Inventors: Jack H. Kulp, Geoffrey B. Maus, Felipe Almanza
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Patent number: 7476051Abstract: A vertical panel system comprises a vertical panel having a panel with opposing first and second panel surfaces and a base edge. The system further comprises a base having a slot for engaging the base edge of the panel. An aperture is disposed in the panel in proximity to the base edge, which is of sufficient size to receive a foot of a user, for assisting in the engagement of the panel and the base. The base for the vertical panel system comprises a center zone fabricated of vulcanized rubber, and an outer zone fabricated of recycled rubber. The slot is disposed in the center zone. Thus, the combination solves a need to be environmentally responsible and cost effective by recycling rubber which would otherwise fill our landfills, yet provides increased durability by using virgin vulcanized rubber in the zone of the base which includes the engagement slot.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2004Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Assignee: Traffix Devices, Inc.Inventors: Brent M. Kulp, David C. Gertz
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Patent number: 7444774Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 30, 2006Date of Patent: November 4, 2008Assignee: Traffix Devices, Inc.Inventors: Guadalupe C. Garcia, Bob L. Wielenga
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Patent number: 7438337Abstract: A truck mounted attenuator (TMA) is constructed to minimize length during use in a horizontal position and height in a vertical transport position, as well as to minimize wind resistance and buffeting at highway speeds. A modular construction is employed, so that only damaged portions of the TMA can be removed and replaced in the field after a vehicle impact. The TMA comprises a plurality of outwardly curved tubular structural members which are designed to buckle upon application to the TMA of forces resulting from vehicular impact. The rigid tubes buckle at a high initial force, then proceed to crush at a lower force once the sides have buckled outwardly sufficiently to protect vehicle occupants during the critical first two feet of travel after impact. This design also provides increased protection for errant vehicles which impact the TMA device from an angle (i.e. “coffin corner” impact).Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2007Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: TrafFix Devices, Inc.Inventor: David C. Gertz
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Publication number: 20080181722Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2008Publication date: July 31, 2008Applicant: TrafFix Devices, Inc.Inventors: John D. McKenney, Jack H. Kulp
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Publication number: 20080179901Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2008Publication date: July 31, 2008Applicant: TrafFix Devices, Inc.Inventor: Geoffrey B. Maus
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Patent number: 7350328Abstract: A traffic sign system permits automatic deployment thereof from a moving vehicle. The foldable, spring-loaded sign may be deployed without assembly of the traffic sign at a desired display location.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2005Date of Patent: April 1, 2008Assignees: TrafFix Devices, Inc., TTB ProductsInventor: Guadalupe C. Garcia
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Publication number: 20080075531Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2007Publication date: March 27, 2008Applicant: TrafFix Devices, Inc.Inventors: Jack Kulp, Geoffrey Maus
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Patent number: 7243964Abstract: A truck mounted attenuator (TMA) is constructed to minimize length during use in a horizontal position and height in a vertical transport position, as well as to minimize wind resistance and buffeting at highway speeds. A modular construction is employed, so that only damaged portions of the TMA can be removed and replaced in the field after a vehicle impact. The TMA comprises a plurality of outwardly curved tubular structural members which are designed to buckle upon application to the TMA of forces resulting from vehicular impact. The rigid tubes buckle at a high initial force, then proceed to crush at a lower force once the sides have buckled outwardly sufficiently to protect vehicle occupants during the critical first two feet of travel after impact. This design also provides increased protection for errant vehicles which impact the TMA device from an angle (i.e. “coffin corner” impact).Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2006Date of Patent: July 17, 2007Assignee: Traffix Devices, IncInventor: David C. Gertz
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Patent number: 7175361Abstract: An inertial barrier system comprises inertial barriers formed of two modules, each of them being differently sized and being adapted to stack one upon the other. An interlocking geometry on each of the mating ends of modules assists in obtaining a secure stacking arrangement. One of the two modules functions as a container, facing upwardly so that its volumetric capacity is available for filling by a particulate ballasting material. The lower module functions only as a pedestal for the support of the upper module. The upper module is advantageously fillable to different predetermined levels, so that the apparatus, comprising the joined lower and upper modules, is capable of functioning as differently weighted barrier systems.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2004Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Traffix Devices, Inc.Inventor: David C. Gertz
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Patent number: 7156576Abstract: Molded ribs are provided for use in connection with traffic channeling devices, such as drums, which employ external ballasting collars, such as molded rings or truck tire rings. The ribs are disposed at spaced intervals near the bottom of the external wall of the drum, for improving contact between the drum wall and the internal diameter of the ballasting collar, in order to eliminate undesirable separation of the drum and collar during ordinary use, and to prevent inadvertent rotation of the drum relative to the collar.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2004Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Assignee: Traffix Devices, Inc.Inventors: Jack H. Kulp, David C. Gertz
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Patent number: 6926324Abstract: A truck mounted attenuator (TMA) is constructed to minimize length during use in a horizontal position and height in a vertical transport position, as well as to minimize wind resistance and buffeting at highway speeds. A modular construction is employed, so that only damaged portions of the TMA can be removed and replaced in the field after a vehicle impact. The TMA comprises a plurality of outwardly curved tubular structural members which are designed to buckle upon application to the TMA of forces resulting from vehicular impact. The rigid tubes buckle at a high initial force, then proceed to crush at a lower force once the sides have buckled outwardly sufficiently to protect vehicle occupants during the critical first two feet of travel after impact. This design also provides increased protection for errant vehicles which impact the TMA device from an angle (i.e. “coffin corner” impact).Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2003Date of Patent: August 9, 2005Assignee: Traffix Devices, Inc.Inventor: David C. Gertz