Two-level continuous flow crossroad and construction method and prefabricated parts thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to road traffic field, providing a two-level continuous flow crossroad and construction method and prefabricated parts thereof. The crossroad comprises a first road and a second road intersected with each other. At least one overpass or underpass crosses the first road and merges with the second road. The overpass or underpass each has a bypass branched from one side thereof. The bypass merges with the first road. The construction method includes constructing the two roads or starting from two existing roads. The prefabricated parts include a vaulted strip main body for overpass and vaulted strip for U-turn. Upon the crossroad of the present invention, traffics can make left turn, right turn and U-turn and go ahead without interruption. The crossroad of the present invention has simple structure and takes up less land.

Description

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to and claims priority to Chinese Application No. 200510033805.7, filed Mar. 22, 2005, incorporated herein by reference in its entirely.

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to a crossroad, and more particularly to a two-level continuous flow crossroad and construction method and prefabricated parts thereof.

2. Description of Related Arts

Traffic jam at intersection of roads is a conventional problem all over the world. Multi-level roadway interchanges, which permit continuous traffic flow, are commonly used, but they take up much land, time and money to build and are impractical in a crowded city environment. Major crossroads controlled by traffic lights are also widely employed, but vehicles are required to stop on the red light, and are free to go on the green light. These types of mono-level interchange cannot effectively handle large volume in major cities. In addition, traffic accidents occur frequently at crossroads.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,955,751 issued to Tsai et al on Sep. 11, 1990, provide a crossroad without traffic light, where vehicles can run without interruption. But only one way is provided for vehicles to go straight or make left turn, right turn and U-turn.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

A primary object of the present invention is to provide a crossroad without disadvantage mentioned above which permit continuous traffic flow.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a crossroad where vehicles can either drive straight through or turn without interruption.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a crossroad where vehicles can make turns in several ways.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a construction method of a crossroad.

Another object of the present invention is to provide prefabricated parts for constructing a crossroad.

Accordingly, in order to accomplish the above objects, on one aspect, the present invention provides a crossroad comprising:

• • a first road;
  • a second road intersected with said first road; and
  • at least one overpass or underpass crossing said first road;
  • wherein said overpass or underpass each has a entrance at one end and a exit at the other end where said overpass or underpass merges with said second road, said overpass or underpass each has a bypass branched from one side thereof, said bypass merges with said first road.

On another aspect, the present invention provides a construction method of a crossroad, including:

• • constructing a first road and a second road intersected from each other or starting from existing two roads intersected from each other;
  • constructing at least one overpass or underpass crossing said first road and merging with said second road;
  • wherein said overpass or underpass each has a entrance at one end and a exit at the other end where said overpass or underpass merges with said second road, said overpass or underpass each has a bypass branched from one side thereof, said bypass merges with said first road.

On another aspect, the invention provides a prefabricated part for constructing a crossroad, comprising a vaulted strip main body for overpass, wherein said vaulted strip main body has a branch for bypass.

On another aspect, the invention provides a prefabricated part for constructing a crossroad, comprising a vaulted strip, wherein said vaulted strip is installed on said first road and over said entrance for U-turn.

Further objectives and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinbelow. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic top elevational view of a crossroad according to a first embodiment of the present invention, illustrating vehicles traveling on the right side of roads, wherein overpasses is provided;

FIG. 2 is a schematic top elevational view of a crossroad according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, illustrating vehicles traveling on the left side of roads, wherein overpasses is provided;

FIG. 3 is a schematic top elevational view of a crossroad according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention, illustrating vehicles traveling on the right side of roads, wherein overpasses is provided;

FIG. 4 is a schematic top elevational view of a crossroad according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention, illustrating vehicles traveling on the right side of roads, wherein overpasses is provided;

FIG. 5 is a schematic top elevational view of a prefabricated part for overpass according to the present invention, illustrating vehicles traveling on the right side of roads, wherein bypass is U-shaped;

FIG. 6 is a schematic top elevational view of a prefabricated part for overpass according to the present invention, illustrating vehicles traveling on the right side of roads, wherein bypass is a strip;

FIG. 7 is a schematic top elevational view of a prefabricated part for overpass according to the present invention, illustrating vehicles traveling on the right side of roads, wherein the prefabricated part is installed over an entrance for U-turn.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a crossroad comprises road 1 and road 2 intersected from each other. The road 1 has two roadway 11 and roadway 13 separated by a median 12. The roadway 11 is for traffic traveling in one direction. The roadway 13 is for traffic traveling in one direction opposition to that of the roadway 11. The road 2 has roadway 21 and roadway 23 separated by a median 22. The roadway 21 is for traffic traveling in one direction. The roadway 23 is for traffic traveling in one direction opposition to that of the roadway 21. Two entrances for U-turn 121 and 122 are provided between the roadway 11 and the roadway 13 and on opposite side of the road 2 respectively. Two entrances for U-turn 221 and 223 are provided between the roadway 21 and the roadway 23 and on opposite side of the road 1 respectively. Two entrances for turn 222 and 224 are provided between the roadway 21 and the roadway 23 and on opposite side of the road 1 respectively.

Referring to FIG. 1, which illustrates vehicles traveling on the right side of the road. Two overpasses 24 and 25 cross the road 1 and merge with the roadway 21 and the roadway 23 respectively. Two ends of the overpass 24 are connected to the road surface of the roadway 21. Two ends of the overpass 25 are connected to the road surface of the roadway 23. The overpass 24 has an entrance 242 at one end and an exit 243 at the other end. The overpass 25 has an entrance 252 at one end and an exit 253 at the other end. The exit 253 is spaced farther from the road 1 than the entrance 242 on the same side of the road 1. A distance between the exit 253 and the entrance 242 is set so that a vehicle from the entrance for turn 222 can smoothly drive into the entrance 242. The exit 243 is spaced farther from the road 1 than the entrance 252 on the same side of the road 1. A distance between the exit 243 and the entrance 252 is set so that a vehicle from the entrance for turn 224 can smoothly drive into the entrance 242.

A bypass 241 is branched from one side of the overpass 24. An end 2411 of the bypass 241 connected to inside road surface of the roadway 13. The bypass 241 is defined by two arms and U-shaped. And the two arms are not in a same plane. The arm connected to the overpass 24 is longer than the arm connected to the roadway 13. An intermediate section of the two arms is wider the two arms. A bypass 251 is branched from one side of the overpass 25. An end 2511 of the bypass 251 connected to inside road surface of the roadway 11. The bypass 251 is similar to the bypass 241 in shape.

The entrance for U-turn 221 is spaced farther from the road 1 than the entrance 242 on the same side of the road 1. A distance between the entrance for U-turn 221 and the entrance 242 is set so that a vehicle from the entrance for U-turn 221 can smoothly drive into the entrance 242. The entrance for U-turn 223 is spaced farther from the road 1 than the entrance 252 on the same side of the road 1. A distance between the entrance for U-turn 223 and the entrance 252 is set so that a vehicle from the entrance for U-turn 223 can smoothly drive into the entrance 252.

The entrance for turn 222 is spaced between the entrance for U-turn 221 and the entrance 242. A distance between the entrance for turn 222 and the entrance 242 is set so that a vehicle from the entrance for turn 222 can smoothly drive into the entrance 242. The entrance for turn 224 is spaced between the entrance for U-turn 223 and the entrance 252. A distance between the entrance for turn 224 and the entrance 252 is set so that a vehicle from the entrance for turn 224 can smoothly drive into the entrance 252.

An overpass 14 crosses the entrance for U-turn 121 and merges the roadway 13. Both two ends of the overpass 14 are connected to inside road surface of the roadway 13. An overpass 15 crosses the entrance for U-turn 122 and merges the roadway 11. Both two ends of the overpass 15 are connected to inside road surface of the roadway 11.

A vehicle A and a vehicle D can drive straight through the crossroad without interruption on the roadway 21 and the roadway 11 respectively.

To turn right, the vehicle A follows the arrow a; the vehicle D follows the arrow d. Alternatively, the vehicle A goes across the overpass 24, the entrance for U-turn 223 and the entrance 252 so as to enter the bypass 251 and merge into the roadway 11; the vehicle D goes across the entrance for U-turn 12, then follows the arrow c, then goes across the entrance for turn 224 so as to merges into the roadway 23. Also, the vehicle A can goes across the overpass 24 and the entrance for U-turn 223, and then follows the arrow b and goes across the entrance for U-turn 121 and merges into the roadway 11.

To turn left, the vehicle A enter the entrance 242 so as to enter the bypass 241 and merges into the roadway 13; the vehicle D follows the arrow d and goes across the entrance for turn 222 so as to merges into the roadway 12. Alternatively, the vehicle A follows the arrow a and goes across the entrance for U-turn 122 so as to merges into the roadway 13; the vehicle D goes across the entrance for U-turn 122, then follows the arrow c so as to merge into the roadway 21. Also, the vehicle A can goes across the overpass 24 and the entrance for U-turn 223, and then follows the arrow b so as to merge into the roadway 13.

To do a U-turn, the vehicle A goes across the entrance for U-turn 223 so as to merge into the roadway 23; the vehicle D goes across the entrance for U-turn 122 so as to merge into the roadway 13. Alternatively, the vehicle A follows the arrow a and goes across the entrance for U-turn 122 and the entrance for U-turn 121 in turn, and then follows the arrow d so as to merge into the roadway 23; the vehicle D follows the arrow d, and then enter the entrance 242 and the bypass 241 so as to merge into the roadway 13.

Other ways for the vehicle A and D to make right or left turn and U-turn is not illustrated. The movements of the vehicle B and C are respectively similar to that of the vehicle A and D.

Not illustrated in drawings, all the overpasses in FIG. 2 can be replaced by underpasses. In the case of underpasses, the structure of the crossroad is similar to that of the crossroad recited above. The movements of vehicles are also similar.

Referring to FIG. 2, which illustrates vehicles traveling on the left side of roads. The structure of the crossroad is similar to that of the crossroad in FIG 2. The overpasses 24 and 25 accommodate vehicles to travel on the left side of roads. The movements of vehicles are also similar but on the left side of roads.

Not illustrated in drawings, all the overpasses in FIG. 2 can be replaced by underpasses. In the case of underpasses, the structure of the crossroad is similar to that of the crossroad recited above. The movements of vehicles are also similar.

Referring to FIG. 3, a crossroad comprises road 1 and road 2 intersected from each other. The road 1 has one roadway for traffic traveling in one direction. The road 2 has roadway 21 and roadway 23 separated by a median 22. The roadway 21 is for traffic traveling in one direction. The roadway 23 is for traffic traveling in one direction opposition to that of the roadway 21.

An overpass 24 crosses the road 1 and merges with the roadway 21. Two ends of the overpass 24 are connected to the road surface of the roadway 21. The overpass 24 has an entrance 242 at one end and an exit 243 at the other end.

A bypass 241 is branched from the overpass 24. The bypass 241 is a strip. An end 2411 of the bypass 241 connected to the road surface of the road 1.

An overpass 25 crosses the road 1 and merges with the roadway 23. Two ends of the overpass 25 are connected to the road surface of the roadway 23. The overpass 25 has an entrance 252 at one end and an exit 253 at the other end.

A bypass 251 is branched from the overpass 25. An end 2411 of the bypass 241 connected to the road surface of the road 1. The bypass 241 is defined by two arms and U-shaped. And the two arms are not in a same plane. The arm connected to the overpass 25 is longer than the arm connected to the roadway 13. An intermediate section of the two arms is wider the two arms.

Two entrances for U-turn 221 and 222 are provided between the roadway 21 and the roadway 23 and on opposite side of the road 1 respectively. The entrance for U-turn 221 is spaced farther from the road 1 than the exit 253 so that a vehicle from the exit 253 can smoothly make a U-turn. The Entrance for U-turn 222 is spaced farther from the road 1 than the exit 243 so that a vehicle from the exit 243 can smoothly make a U-turn.

A vehicle A goes straight across the overpass 24. To turn right, the vehicle A follows the arrow a. Alternatively, the vehicle A enters the entrance 242 and the bypass 241 so as to merge into the road 1.

A vehicle B goes straight across the overpass 25. To turn left, the vehicle B enters the entrance 252 and the bypass 251 so as to merge into the road 1. Alternatively, the vehicle B goes across the overpass 25 and the entrance for U-turn 221, and then does the same movement of the vehicle A in turning right.

A vehicle C goes straight smoothly. To turn right, the vehicle C follows the arrow c1. To turn left, the vehicle C follows the arrow C2.

Not illustrated in drawings, all the overpasses in FIG. 3 can be replaced by underpasses. In the case of underpasses, the structure of the crossroad is similar to that of the crossroad recited above. The movements of vehicles are also similar.

Not illustrated in drawings, the crossroad illustrating in FIG. 3 can be changed to accommodate vehicles to travel in the left side of roads.

Referring to FIG. 4, a crossroad comprises road 1 and road 2 intersected from each other. The road 1 and 2 each has one roadway for traffic traveling in one direction.

An overpass 21 crosses the road 1 and merges with the road 2. Two ends of the overpass 21 are connected to the road surface of the road 2.

A bypass 211 is branched from the overpass 21. The bypass 241 is a strip. The bypass 241 has an entrance 2411 connected to the road surface of the road 1.

A vehicle A goes straight across the overpass 21. To turn right, the vehicle A follows the arrow a.

A vehicle B goes straight smoothly. To turn left, the vehicle B enters the entrance 252 and the bypass 251 so as to merge into the road 2.

Not illustrated in drawings, all the overpasses in FIG. 4 can be replaced by underpasses. In the case of underpasses, the structure of the crossroad is similar to that of the crossroad recited above. The movements of vehicles are also similar.

Not illustrated in drawings, the crossroad illustrating in FIG. 4 can be changed to accommodate vehicles to travel in the left side of roads.

Referring to FIG. 1 to FIG. 4, a construction method of a crossroad includes constructing two roads intersected from each other and at least one overpass or underpass with a bypass. The construction method can start form two existing roads intersected from each other. Alternatively, the overpass is prefabricated and installed on one of the two roads.

Referring to FIG. 5, illustrating a prefabricated part for constructing a crossroad, the prefabricated part comprises a vaulted strip main body for overpass. The vaulted strip main body has a branch for bypass. The branch is defined by two arms and U-shaped. And the two arms are not in a same plane. The arm connected to the vaulted strip main body is longer than the arm connected to a roadway. An intermediate section of the two arms is wider the two arms.

Referring to FIG. 6, illustrating a prefabricated part for constructing a crossroad, the prefabricated part comprises a vaulted strip main body for overpass. The vaulted strip main body has a branch for bypass. The branch is a strip, which has a wider end connected to the vaulted strip main body.

Referring to FIG. 7, illustrating a prefabricated part for constructing a crossroad, the prefabricated part comprises a vaulted strip for installing over an entrance for U-turn.

According to different requirements, the prefabricated parts vary in length, width and thickness. Material for making the prefabricated parts can be chosen from steel, steel and concrete and the like.

According to different traffic condition, each roadway of the road the crossroad has one or more lanes.

As described with numerous exemplary embodiments, a two-level continuous flow crossroad and construction method and prefabricated parts thereof are proposed. However, for those skilled in this field, these exemplary embodiments can be easily adapted and modified to suit additional applications without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. For example, with minor modification, two-level continuous flow crossroad and construction method and prefabricated parts thereof are applicable to the intersection of crossroads shaped , , and . Thus it is to be understood that the present disclosure has been made by way of example only and that numerous changes in the detailed construction and the combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

1. A crossroad comprising:

a first road;

a second road intersected with said first road; and

at least one overpass or underpass crossing said first road;

wherein said overpass or underpass each has a entrance at one end and a exit at the other end where said overpass or underpass merges with said second road, said overpass or underpass each has a bypass branched from one side thereof, said bypass merges with said first road.

2. The crossroad, as recited in claim 1, further comprising:

first two entrances for U-turn provided on said first road; and

two entrances for turn and second two entrances for U-turn provided on said second road;

wherein both first road and second road have two roadways for traffic traveling in opposite direction, two overpasses or underpasses cross said first road and merge with said two roadways of said second road respectively, said exit being spaced further from said first road than said entrance on the same side of said first road, said two overpasses or underpasses each has a bypass having an outlet where said two overpasses or underpasses merges with said two roadways of said first road respectively, said first two entrances for U-tum are provided at intermediate section of said two roadway of said first road and located on opposite side of said second road respectively, said two entrances for turn are provided at intermediate section of said two roadway of said second road and between said entrance and said exit on the same side of said first road respectively, said second two entrances for U-turn are provided at intermediate section of said two roadway of said second road and adjacent to one of said exit in a direction apart from said first road respectively;

whereby a vehicle driving into said entrance and out of said exit of one of said two overpasses or underpasses and across one of said second two entrances for u-turn is movable over the other of said two overpasses or underpasses for making a U-turn, and driving across one of said two entrances for turn is movable over one of said two overpasses or underpasses for making a left or right turn.

3. The crossroad, as recited in claim 2, further comprising two overpasses or underpasses which cross said first two entrances for U-turn on said first road and merge with said two roadways of said first road.

4. The crossroad, as recited in claim 2 or 3, wherein said two bypasses are each defined by two arms and U-shaped, said two arms is not in a plane, the intermediate section of said two arms is wider than said two arms.

5. The crossroad, as recited in claim 4, wherein said two bypasses merge with said two roadways of said first road at inside section thereof respectively.

6. The crossroad, as recited in claim 1, further comprising two entrances for U-turn provided on said second road and on opposite side of said first road, wherein said second road has two roadways for traffic traveling in two opposite directions, said first road has one roadway for traffic traveling in one direction, two overpasses or underpasses cross said first road and merge with said two roadways of said second road respectively, said two overpasses or underpasses each has a bypass having an outlet where said two overpasses or underpasses merges with said two roadways of said first road respectively on opposite side of said first road.

7. The crossroad, as recited in claim 6, wherein one of said bypass is defined by two arms and U-shaped, said two arms is not in a plane, the intermediate section of said two arms is wider than said two arms, the other bypass is a strip.

8. The crossroad, as recited in claim 1, wherein said first road and second road each has one roadway for traffic traveling in one direction, one overpass or underpass crosses said first road and merge with said second road, said overpass or underpass has a bypass which merges with said first road.

9. The crossroad, as recited in claim 8, wherein said bypass is a strip, which has a wider end connected to said overpass or underpass.

10. A construction method of a crossroad, including:

constructing a first road and a second road intersected from each other or starting from existing two roads intersected from each other;

constructing at least one overpass or underpass crossing said first road and merging with said second road;

wherein said overpass or underpass each has a entrance at one end and a exit at the other end where said overpass or underpass merges with said second road, said overpass or underpass each has a bypass branched from one side thereof, said bypass merges with said first road.

11. The construction method, as recited in claim 10, wherein said overpass is prefabricated and installed on said second road.

12. A prefabricated part for constructing a crossroad, comprising a vaulted strip main body for overpass, wherein said vaulted strip main body has a branch for bypass.

13. The prefabricated part, as recited in claim 12, wherein said branch is defined by two arms and U-shaped, said two arms is not in a plane, the intermediate section of said two arms is wider than said two arms.

14. The prefabricated part, as recited in claim 12, wherein said branch is a strip which has a wider end connected to said overpass.

15. A prefabricated part for constructing a crossroad, comprising a vaulted strip, wherein said vaulted strip is installed on said first road and over said entrance for U-turn.