Patents by Inventor Richard Berkemeier

Richard Berkemeier 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).

  • Integrated breakaway for support posts
    Patent number: 6516573
    Abstract: A support post or coupling for a sign post assembly having an integrated breakaway system. The post or coupling has a selected predetermined shape and is adapted for carrying an associated structure. The post or coupling includes an integral weakened region providing an area of structural weakness for allowing the support post to shear upon impact by a vehicle traveling at a minimum speed and impacting the support post from a desired impact angle. The integral weakened region is formed by reducing the cross-sectional area of a portion of the support post such that it is slightly less than the cross-sectional area of the remainder of the support post. The integral weakened region may be formed by swaging the support post, by scoring a groove within the support post, or by creating a series of dimples or perforations within the support post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Tyco Flow Services AG
    Inventors: Kevin R. Farrell, Paul C. Stallman, II, Fred Kuhn, Richard Berkemeier