Patents by Inventor John D. McKenney
John D. McKenney has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 8430596Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 30, 2011Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Inventors: John D. McKenney, Jack H. Kulp
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Publication number: 20120082511Abstract: 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: September 30, 2011Publication date: April 5, 2012Applicant: TRAFFIX DEVICES, INC.Inventors: John D. McKenney, Jack H. Kulp
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Patent number: 8033749Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 25, 2010Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Inventors: John D. McKenney, Jack H. Kulp
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Publication number: 20100296864Abstract: 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: May 25, 2010Publication date: November 25, 2010Applicant: TRAFFIX DEVICES, INC.Inventors: John D. McKenney, Jack H. Kulp
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Patent number: 7794174Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 29, 2008Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: Traffix Devices, Inc.Inventors: John D. McKenney, Jack H. Kulp
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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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Patent number: 6047941Abstract: Flag holders that are simple in design and relatively inexpensive to manufacture are disclosed. These flag holders secure flag arms to reinforcing battens of highway signs without unnecessary bulk, weight, and complexity. A flag holder includes a flag arm bracket having a generally U-shaped body with two opposing edges. The U-shaped body wraps around a frame member, such as a reinforcing batten, of the highway sign, to thereby align the flag arm bracket with the frame member. An aperture in the flag arm bracket accommodates a shaft, such as a bolt. The shaft passes through both the aperture of the flag arm bracket and also through an aperture in the frame member of the highway sign. The bolt secures the flag arm bracket to the frame member. The flag arm bracket further includes an attachment portion for attaching at least one flag arm to the flag arm bracket.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 1995Date of Patent: April 11, 2000Assignee: Traffix Devices, Inc.Inventors: Jack H. Kulp, John D. McKenney
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Patent number: 6045110Abstract: A flag holder includes a flag arm bracket having a generally U-shaped body with two opposing edges. The U-shaped body wraps around a frame member, such as a reinforcing batten, of the highway sign, to thereby align the flag arm bracket with the frame member. An aperture in the flag arm bracket accommodates a shaft, such as a bolt. The shaft passes through both the aperture of the flag arm bracket and also through an aperture in the frame member of the highway sign. The bolt secures the flag arm bracket to the frame member, and the flag arm bracket holds at least one flag arm to the flag arm bracket.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 1997Date of Patent: April 4, 2000Assignee: Trafix Devices, Inc.Inventors: Jack H. Kulp, John D. McKenney
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Patent number: 6003827Abstract: A universal sign holder for mounting and supporting a display sign on a sign supporting base. The universal sign holder is configured for direct connection to a conventional sign supporting base which has a plurality of outwardly extending support legs. The universal sign holder includes a mast which has a lower section and an upper section. A support platform is attached to the mast for retaining a lower edge of the display sign. An alignment bracket is provided above the support platform and is also secured to the mast. The alignment bracket is used to prevent lateral movement and rotation of the display sign relative to the mast. A retaining device is used to secure the vertical frame member against the mast and within the alignment bracket such that the display sign is secured and maintained in proper display position.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 1997Date of Patent: December 21, 1999Assignee: Traffix Devices, Inc.Inventors: Jack H. Kulp, Samuel J. Bechtle, John D. McKenney
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Patent number: 5836558Abstract: An adjustable bracket is disclosed for use in mounting a display sign, equipment, or the like on the post of a support stand, which is quick and easy to use, requires no tools, is easy to fabricate, and is adaptable to posts of different sizes and shapes. When installed, it is adapted to firmly grip the post along three lines of contact, thereby firmly securing the bracket at a predetermined location. An improved flexible sign receiving portion for such a bracket is also disclosed, which permits a flexible sign to be installed therein in a single motion, and provides a secure attachment of the sign to the sign stand, even in adverse conditions.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 1996Date of Patent: November 17, 1998Assignee: Traffix DevicesInventors: Jack H. Kulp, John D. McKenney
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Patent number: 5624092Abstract: An adjustable bracket is disclosed for use in mounting a display sign, equipment, or the like on the post of a support stand, which is quick and easy to use, requires no tools, is easy to fabricate, and is adaptable to posts of different sizes and shapes. When installed, it is adapted to firmly grip the post along three lines of contact, thereby firmly securing the bracket at a predetermined location. An improved flexible sign receiving portion for such a bracket is also disclosed, which permits a flexible sign to be installed therein in a single motion, and provides a secure attachment of the sign to the sign stand, even in adverse conditions.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 1994Date of Patent: April 29, 1997Assignee: Traffix Devices, Inc.Inventors: Jack H. Kulp, John D. McKenney
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Patent number: 5611509Abstract: A quick release mechanism is provided for securing a member to a structure, such as a support leg to a sign stand, wherein the member includes a slot having a bottom surface and the structure has a slot having an open top end. A latch member releasably attaches the member to the structure, and is adapted to extend axially through both the member and structure slots, so that a proximal portion of the latch member extends forwardly of the member slot and a distal portion of the latch member extends rearwardly into the structure slot. With this arrangement, when the latch member proximal portion is actuated downwardly, the latch member distal portion swings upwardly through the open top end of the structure slot, thereby disengaging from the structure slot and releasing the member so that it may pivot relative to the structure.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 1994Date of Patent: March 18, 1997Assignee: Traffix Devices, Inc.Inventors: Jack H. Kulp, John D. McKenney
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Patent number: 5540007Abstract: A regulatory flexible highway sign of rectangular configuration that may be rolled up for transport and for storage is disclosed. The rolled up "sign" package and a foldable sign stand for securing the sign in a message display position are disclosed. When the flexible highway sign is arranged in a display position, it is vertically supported by means of a pair of angularly oriented, long flexible members by a holding assembly constructed and designed to permit pivotal movement of the two flexible members between an angularly oriented sign displaying position and a side by side disassembled position whereby the pivot for the flexible members does not bear a load. The sign per se is maintained in a display position by frame members secured thereto including a pair of longitudinal members pivotably secured to the sign so that when longitudinally aligned secure the flexible sign in a display position. This is achieved by means of a sliding C-clamp member.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1993Date of Patent: July 30, 1996Assignee: Traffix Devices, Inc.Inventors: Jack H. Kulp, John D. McKenney
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Patent number: 5446984Abstract: A mounting bracket or socket for use with a flexible highway sign capable of being rolled up for storage and portability. The mounting bracket being molded from a non-rigid, elastic material that is reasonably transparent and having a socket for accommodating a frame member for the highway sign in a non-rotatable relationship. The plastic bracket including a securing platform integrally molded therewith for securing the bracket to the highway sign. A reinforcing member of substantially the same length as the mounting bracket for clamping the highway sign between the bracket and the reinforcing member. The sign engaging surfaces of the bracket and the reinforcing member each include tear resistant elements for clamping the sign to thereby transfer the sign tearing load from the fastener securing the bracket and reinforcing member to the highway sign.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 1993Date of Patent: September 5, 1995Assignee: TrafFix Devices, Inc.Inventors: Jack H. Kulp, John D. McKenney, James P. Sullivan
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Patent number: 5201599Abstract: A two-piece, detachable traffic channelization element having an improved base element. The base element has a low profile, dome-like configuration with a ballast storage chamber. The storage chamber may be completely filled with a sand ballast and sealed in its storage condition by a cover secured to the chamber. The base element is molded of a resilient crush resistant plastic so that when it is fully ballasted, need not be ballasted again, and which low profile base can be traveled over by motor vehicles without engaging the base. The detached base, filled with ballast, can be continuously traveled on by motor vehicles, including loaded trucks, without damaging the base element and rendering it useless and the need to be replaced.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 1992Date of Patent: April 13, 1993Assignee: TrafFix Devices, Inc.Inventors: Jack H. Kulp, John D. McKenney, James P. Sullivan
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Patent number: 5026204Abstract: A two-piece, detachable traffic channelization element having an improved base element. The base element has a low profile, dome-like configuration with a ballast storage chamber. The storage chamber may be completely filled with a sand ballast and sealed in its storage condition by a cover secured to the chamber. The base element is molded of a resilient crush resistant plastic so that when it is fully ballasted, need not be ballasted again, and which low profile base can be traveled over by motor vehicles without engaging the base. The detached base, filled with ballast, can be continuously traveled on by motor vehicles, including loaded trucks, without damaging the base element and rendering it useless and the need to be replaced.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 1989Date of Patent: June 25, 1991Assignee: TrafFix Devices, Inc.Inventors: Jack H. Kulp, John D. McKenney, James P. Sullivan
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Patent number: 4980984Abstract: A flexible highway safety sign capable of being rolled up for storage and portability and mounting a high-way flag. The safety sign is useful with flexible frame members that allow the mounted sign to bend in response to winds and wind gusts without tipping over and taking a set. The frame members include a clamping assembly for mounting a plurality of flag arms with the highway sign. The clamping assembly permits a pair of flag arms to be pivotally secured thereto between a flat displaying position and a storage position. The storage position allows the flag arms to assume a side-by-side relationship with the folded frame members to the sign to permit the flexible sign to be wreapped around the members for storage and/or transport.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 1989Date of Patent: January 1, 1991Assignee: Traffic Devices, Inc.Inventors: Jack H. Kulp, John D. McKenney
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Patent number: 4593265Abstract: Traffic control apparatus of the wheeled trailer type having pairs of links for selectively and uniformly moving a traffic control message panel between a substantially vertical display position and a substantially horizontal storage/transit position. Three pairs of links are controlled by a winch-cable system coupled thereto to control the pivoting movements of the pairs of links to cause the smooth movement of the traffic control message panel between positions. The pivot points for the pairs of linkages are preselected to minimize the tension on the winch cable during the panel movements between positions.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 1983Date of Patent: June 3, 1986Assignee: Lear Siegler, Inc.Inventor: John D. McKenney
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Patent number: 4557788Abstract: Resin-coated filaments wound around a mandrel to make a plastic pipe or fittings. In making a fitting with a nonlinear axis, the mandrel is supported with one end adjacent a winding station and rotated about an axis substantially tangent to the nonlinear axis at the winding station. The rotating mandrel oscillates back and forth past the winding station while maintaining the nonlinear axis substantially tangent to the axis of rotation. Resin-coated filaments pass between longitudinally spaced and curved guide fingers and are wrapped around the rotating mandrel in overlapping helical patterns as it moves back and forth past the winding station. The mandrel is removed from the fitting after the resin has cured.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 1984Date of Patent: December 10, 1985Assignee: Ameron, Inc.Inventors: William R. Dana, Ralph S. Friedrich, John D. McKenney
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Patent number: 4543905Abstract: A portable traffic signalling apparatus of the wheeled trailer type for temporary signalling at a traffic location for controlling the flow of traffic thereat. The apparatus includes a telescoping mast and a telescoping boom carried by the trailer for positioning at the traffic location. The telescoping action is performed without any large bending loads to permit the extended boom carrying a traffic signal to be moved over a traffic lane under traffic conditions after the traffic apparatus is erected alongside of the traffic location. The extended mast may also carry a traffic signal to be viewed by motorists along with the boom suspended traffic signal. The mast and boom can be telescopically collapsed to assume a storage position on the wheeled trailer after the need for traffic control has been eliminated to allow the trailer to be hauled to another location.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 1983Date of Patent: October 1, 1985Assignee: Lear Siegler, Inc.Inventor: John D. McKenney