Collapsible traffic barricade

Abstract

An easily collapsible guardrail to separate opposing streams of traffic that includes specialized buffer blocks having chambers with two hollow interiors and with the interiors having a particular shape that promotes the movement of energy in a collapsing motion that allows the colliding vehicles to remain closer to the point of impact, minimizing any bouncing back into the moving stream of traffic. The specialized blocks are mounted to a post at two positions using staggered positioning of bolts, thereby removing the prior art single bolt that has been the cause of a lot of property damage and personal injury upon collision. The unique, staggered positioning of the bolts allows for directional movement of the vehicle away from the flow of traffic. Optionally, a specialized post can also be used that also minimizes the effects of a crash. The post is made of a rubber material that acts as a shock absorber and/or insulator. Additionally, the post can include slight relief areas that are incorporated therein that allow more flexible movement upon impact to absorb the harmful impact of a collision and help direct the forces, and thereby the vehicle, downward.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The field of this invention relates generally to the field of barricades located between a stream of traffic and a traffic hazard on the opposing side of said barricades, and specifically to a barricade that is collapsible that minimizes harm to property and life.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Typically, barricades are erected on roadways to prevent a stream of traffic from colliding with a road hazard, which is very often an opposing flow of traffic on the opposite side of the barricade. These barricades principally seek to prevent traffic accidents, which according to the Federal Highway Administration number over six million annually, resulting in over three and half million injuries, over forty thousand fatalities and uncalculated values in property loss due to damage incurred in such accidents. The primary objective of the barricade is to prevent traffic from leaving the designated safe area and/or direction and moving into a hazardous area.

Conventional barricades on highways are designed to include a post, a k-rail, and one or two blocks positioned between the k-rail and the post. In some cases, plastics and single compound rubber materials are used to fabricate the blocks and/or the post. The k-rail is secured to the wood, plastic or rubber blocks which are then secured to the post through long metal thread stock or bolts. This conventional construction has been in use for years and has been somewhat successful in preventing traffic from diverting from its safe path. However, when collisions with the guard rails do occur, there is often considerable damage to the vehicle and/or passengers.

One source of damage is the fact that the vehicles often times merely bounce off the guard rail back into moving traffic, causing further a collision with another moving vehicle, albeit one that is traveling in the same direction is the car that hit the guard rail initially. Another source of damage comes from the long metal thread stock that secures the k-rail to the post and is secured in place through the wood blocks. Conventional design at impact has a slight suppression action after impact when the k-rail collapses. However, once the k-rail collapses, there remains the steel rods and hard wood. Occasionally, these designs can slow an impact, but the design has no directional objective and often times merely throws the driver and the vehicle back into traffic.

There exists a need for a system that will absorb a large amount of the impact of a crashing vehicle wherein the guard rail not only collapses but also moves the vehicle in a direction away from the flow of traffic. Furthermore, the system should minimize exposure of vehicles and persons to the long metal thread stock found in conventional systems.

Through the instant invention and the use of more shock absorbent materials as well as utilizing a design that creates a less destructive end to an unfortunate accident, it is the objective of the instant invention that the barricade buffers the impact through materials and unique air chamber designs in the barricade that collapse and direct the mass of the crashing vehicle downward thereby slowing the vehicle quicker, saving lives and minimizing damage to property.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The basic embodiment of the present invention teaches a method for minimizing property damage and personal injury when a moving vehicle hits a barrier positioned between opposing streams of traffic, the barrier comprising a k-rail; at least one post, the post having a front side facing a first stream of traffic and a back side facing a second stream of traffic which is traveling in the opposite direction from the first stream of traffic; a first buffer block attached to the front side of the post and attached to the k-rail, the buffer block further comprising a peripheral frame, the peripheral frame having a modified block shape and further comprising a top portion that is substantially parallel to the road; a front portion that is substantially perpendicular to the road and which faces the first stream of traffic; a back portion that is substantially perpendicular to the road and that is positioned against the post; a bottom portion that is substantially parallel to the road; a middle portion that is substantially parallel to the road and when combined with the top portion, the front portion, the back portion and the bottom portion defines a first hollow chamber that sits atop a second hollow chamber, the chambers being separated by the middle portion; one or more abutting portions that extend beyond the plane of the front portion and into the direction of the first stream of traffic; means for attaching the back portion to the post; and means for attaching the front portion to the k-rail.

The above embodiment can be further modified by defining that there is a second buffer block is attached to the back side of the post and attached to a second k-rail, the second buffer block further comprising a peripheral frame, the peripheral frame having a modified block shape and further comprising a top portion that is substantially parallel to the road; a front portion that is substantially perpendicular to the road and which faces said second stream of traffic; a back portion that is substantially perpendicular to the road and that is positioned against the post; a bottom portion that is substantially parallel to the road; a middle portion that is substantially parallel to the road and when combined with the top portion, the front portion, the back portion and the bottom portion defines a first hollow chamber that sits atop a second hollow chamber, the chambers being separated by the middle portion; one or more abutting portions that extend beyond the plane of the front portion and into the direction of the second stream of traffic; means for attaching the back portion to the post; and means for attaching the front portion to the k-rail.

The above embodiment can be further modified by defining that the post is made of multiple compound rubber.

The above embodiment can be further modified by defining that the post is made of recycled tires.

The above embodiment can be further modified by defining that the post has a metal core.

The above embodiment can be further modified by defining that the post has relief areas carved out of the front side facing the first stream of traffic and corresponding relief areas carved out of the back side facing the second stream of traffic wherein the relief areas further comprise a bottom portion; and one or more sidewalls.

The above embodiment can be further modified by defining that the peripheral frame of the first buffer block is made of multiple compound rubber.

The above embodiment can be further modified by defining that the peripheral frame of the first buffer block is made of recycled tires.

The above embodiment can be further modified by defining that the peripheral frame of said second buffer block is made of multiple compound rubber.

The above embodiment can be further modified by defining that the peripheral frame of said second buffer block is made of recycled tires.

The above embodiment can be further modified by defining that the means for attaching the back portion of the first buffer block to the post is a bolt that fits through a hole in the back portion of the buffer block and is attached to the post.

The above embodiment can be further modified by defining that the means for attaching the back portion of the second buffer block to the post is a bolt that fits through a hole in the back portion of the second buffer block and is attached to the post.

The above embodiment can be further modified by defining that the means for attaching the back portion of the second buffer block to the post is a bolt that fits through a hole in the back portion of the second buffer block, is affixed through the post and then fits through a hole in the back portion of the first buffer block.

The above embodiment can be further modified by defining that the means for attaching the front portion to the k-rail is a second bolt that is positioned through a hole in the front portion of the first buffer block above the middle portion of the peripheral frame connecting the front portion of the first buffer block to the top hollow chamber and a third bolt that is positioned through a hole in the front of the first buffer block below the middle portion of the peripheral frame connecting the front portion of the first buffer block to the bottom hollow chamber.

The above embodiment can be further modified by defining that the means for attaching the front portion to the k-rail is a fourth bolt that is positioned through a hole in the front portion of the second buffer block above the middle portion of the peripheral frame connecting the front portion of the second buffer block to the top hollow chamber and a fifth bolt that is positioned through a hole in the front of the second buffer block below the middle portion of the peripheral frame connecting the front of the second buffer block to the bottom hollow chamber.

The above embodiments can all be further modified by defining that the holes through which bolts are placed are reinforced with steel sleeves.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is to be made to the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the precise arrangement shown in the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the prior art.

FIG. 2 is taken along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view, similar to FIG. 2, but for the instant invention using a retro-fit to the existing post.

FIG. 4 is a close-up view of the upper-left hand portion as seen in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the invention with the specialized post for increased efficiency.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Turning to the drawings, the preferred embodiment is illustrated and described by reference characters that denote similar elements throughout the several views of the instant invention.

The prior art system 10 is shown in FIGS. 1-2. Typically, a series of posts 11 are placed in the ground in a relatively uniform spaced apart manner. Bolts 12 connect the k-rail 13 to buffer blocks 14 and extend all the way through the k-rail 13, the buffer block 14 on one side, the post 11, the buffer block on the opposing side 15 and the k-rail 16 on the opposing side. The bolts 12 are held in place by conventional nuts 17.

In the instant invention, shown in FIG. 3, one embodiment calls for the retrofitting of the new buffer blocks 26 to the existing posts 11 of the prior art. In this retrofit, the holes 28, 29 created by the bolts 12 in the prior art can receive shorter bolts 30, 31 that attach only to the interior wall 32 of the improved buffer blocks 26. The top bolt 30 is held in place with conventional nuts 33. The bottom bolts 31 are lag bolts and have no nuts. The buffer blocks 26 are held in place to the k-rail 13 through bolts 35 that are positioned in a staggered position from the top bolts 30, 31 that secure the blocks 26 to the post 11. These bolts 35 are held in place by conventional nuts 36.

An optional, specialized post is depicted in FIG. 5 that can be used instead of retrofitting the system to existing prior art posts 11. The guard rail post 18 is made from a hard rubber rather than wood. This gives the post 18 more flexibility, which absorbs impact shock more effectively than wood. Slight relief areas 19 can be incorporated into the post 18 that will allow more movement to take the harmful impact of a collision and help direct the forces, and thereby the vehicle, downward. Also, an optional metal center 27 can be incorporated into the post 18 for added strength.

As can also be seen in FIG. 5, the design of the buffer block 26 is two-sided, i.e., there is one on either side of the post 18. In this embodiment, there are two bolts 30, 43 that go entirely through the post 18. The bolts 30, 43 are secured with conventional nuts 33, 44 and held tightly in place with washers 45, 46. Rather than using bolts of two different sizes as seen in the retrofit design shown in FIG. 3, the embodiment in FIG. 5 using the modified post 18 can use bolts 30, 44 of the same size that go entirely through the post 18. Bolts 35 securing the k-rail 13 to the buffer block 26 would still be staggered from the bolts 30, 44 that go through the post 18 and be placed in steel sleeves 39, 41 and holes created therein 37, 38 that are embedded in the buffer block 26 as seen in FIG. 5. The post bolts 30, 43 connecting the buffer block 26 to the post 18 are also housed in steel sleeves 47, 48.

The barricade design 20 of the instant invention and the specialized buffer block 26 is seen up close in FIG. 4. The buffer block 26 incorporates special offset impact buffer chambers 21, 22 that soften the impact of a collision and creates downward force to control and slow down an out of control vehicle. Through the use of this system 20, personal injury and property damage is reduced. Multiple compound rubber is used, rather than wood or single composition rubber. Furthermore, the outer portion of the system in the form of protrusions 23 that extend beyond the plane of the buffer block 26 and toward the traffic stream becomes the point that is first hit by a colliding vehicle. The buffer block 26 is formed of a special shape that incorporates air buffer chambers 21, 22 that allow for flexibility in the system.

Solid threaded steel stock is eliminated to reduce further impact to the vehicle and passengers in the case of an accident. Typically with conventional systems, impact with solid threaded steel stock will cause destruction to whatever it contacts. By removing this hazard, a safer and less destructive environment exists in the case of an accident.

The unique, staggered positioning of the bolts 30, 31, 35 allows absorption of deadly force. Impact is reduced by the staggered placement of the bolts 30, 31, 35 (seen in FIG. 3) also allows for directional movement of the vehicle away from the flow of traffic. Since the post is made of rubber, it acts as a shock absorber and/or an insulator. Typically, in prior art systems, during impact, destructive shock is created, generating from the vehicle and moving to the wood post. Only small amounts of shock are absorbed. The remaining force is then sent back to the vehicle and its passengers. The instant invention 20 eliminates much of the destructive shock found in conventional systems by preventing the vehicle from bouncing back into moving traffic.

FIG. 4 shows one of the buffer blocks 26 in detail. It is to be understood that the block 26 is used on either side of whichever post 11, 18 that is used for protection on both sides of the streams of moving traffic. The buffer block 26 has a bolt-shaped hole 28 on the upper portion of the portion of the block 26 that is closest to the post 18 for the placement therein of a bolt. The hole 28 is strengthened by a steel sleeve 40. Further down the block 26 on the interior portion 32 of the buffer block 26 closest to the post 18 where the lower chamber 22 is located, there is a second bolt-shaped hole 29 for the placement therein of a bolt and another steel sleeve 42 for added strength.

Similarly, on the portion 34 of the buffer block 26 attached to the k-rail 13 are two bolt-shaped holes 37, 38 for the placement therein of bolts. Each of these bolt holes 37, 38 is also protected by a steel sleeve 39, 41 for added durability.

The system can be made in a variety of sizes to accommodate any situation wherein traffic needs to be kept from a hazard. Furthermore, the materials used to create the buffer blocks 26 can be made from recycled tires, thereby reducing the costs in dollars as well as environmental impact. The nature of the material used will allow the buffer blocks 26 to return to their original shape after some accidents, so the impact buffer chambers 26 will not have to be replaced after impact in a significant number of cases. This holds true for the post 18 as well. The metal k-rail 13 will have to be replaced after a collision, but the savings on replacement of the wooden portions will be considerable.

With regard to the design of the two chambers 21, 22 on each buffer block 26 segment, the design and location of the lower chamber 22 is offset further back toward the post 18 from the upper chamber 21. The lower chamber 22 also has a larger open area for more movement. This design will create a faster breakdown than the top chamber 21, creating a downward force that leaves the top chamber 21 relatively rigid in its original shape for structural support.

The front side of the system, i.e., the traffic side, has a unique design that is not flat, like current conventional systems. The high area on top 23 of the buffer block 26 provides structural strength as well as promoting downward movement. This design also helps protect mounting bolts 35 from contacting vehicles or persons on hard contact when the metal k-rail 13 collapses.

The new design of the safety block 26 that attaches the k-rail 13 to the post 18 can be used with present wooden posts 11. However, it is desirable for optimal results to utilize the new design post 18 described herein. The new design safety block 26 fastens to the k-rails 13 using conventional nuts, bolts and washers.

The discussion included in this patent is intended to serve as a basic description. The reader should be aware that the specific discussion may not explicitly describe all embodiments possible and alternatives are implicit. Also, this discussion may not fully explain the generic nature of the invention and may not explicitly show how each feature or element can actually be representative or equivalent elements. Again, these are implicitly included in this disclosure. Where the invention is described in device-oriented terminology, each element of the device implicitly performs a function. It should also be understood that a variety of changes may be made without departing from the essence of the invention. Such changes are also implicitly included in the description. These changes still fall within the scope of this invention.

Further, each of the various elements of the invention and claims may also be achieved in a variety of manners. This disclosure should be understood to encompass each such variation, be it a variation of any apparatus embodiment, a method embodiment, or even merely a variation of any element of these. Particularly, it should be understood that as the disclosure relates to elements of the invention, the words for each element may be expressed by equivalent apparatus terms even if only the function or result is the same. Such equivalent, broader, or even more generic terms should be considered to be encompassed in the description of each element or action. Such terms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitly broad coverage to which this invention is entitled. It should be understood that all actions may be expressed as a means for taking that action or as an element which causes that action. Similarly, each physical element disclosed should be understood to encompass a disclosure of the action which that physical element facilitates. Such changes and alternative terms are to be understood to be explicitly included in the description.

Claims

1. A method for minimizing property damage and personal injury when a moving vehicle hits a barrier positioned between opposing streams of traffic, said barrier comprising

a k-rail;

a post, said post having-a front side facing a first stream of traffic and a back side facing a second stream of traffic which is traveling in the opposite direction from said first stream of traffic;

a first buffer block attached to said front side of said post and attached to said k-rail, said buffer block further comprising a peripheral frame, said peripheral frame having a modified block shape and further comprising a top portion that is substantially parallel to the road; a front portion that is substantially perpendicular to the road and which faces said first stream of traffic; a back portion that is substantially perpendicular to the road and that is positioned against said post; a bottom portion that is substantially parallel to the road; a middle portion that is substantially parallel to the road and when combined with said top portion, said front portion, said back portion and said bottom portion defines a first hollow chamber that sits atop a second hollow chamber, said chambers being separated by said middle portion; one or more abutting portions that extend beyond the plane of said front portion and into the direction of said first stream of traffic; means for attaching said back portion to said post; and means for attaching said front portion to said k-rail.

2. A method as defined in claim 1 wherein a second buffer block is attached to said back side of said post and attached to a second k-rail, said second buffer block further comprising

a peripheral frame, said peripheral frame having a modified block shape and further comprising a top portion that is substantially parallel to the road; a front portion that is substantially perpendicular to the road and which faces said second stream of traffic; a back portion that is substantially perpendicular to the road and that is positioned against said post; a bottom portion that is substantially parallel to the road; a middle portion that is substantially parallel to the road and when combined with said top portion, said front portion, said back portion and said bottom portion defines a first hollow chamber that sits atop a second hollow chamber, said chambers being separated by said middle portion; one or more abutting portions that extend beyond the plane of said front portion and into the direction of said second stream of traffic; means for attaching said back portion to said post; and means for attaching said front portion to said k-rail.

3. A method as defined in claim 1 wherein said post is made of multiple compound rubber.

4. A method as defined in claim 1 wherein said post is made of recycled tires.

5. A method as defined in claim 1 wherein said post has a metal core.

6. A method as defined in claim 1 wherein said post has relief areas carved out of said front side facing said first stream of traffic and corresponding relief areas carved out of said back side facing said second stream of traffic wherein said relief areas further comprising

a bottom portion; and

one or more sidewalls.

7. A method as defined in claim 1 wherein said peripheral frame of said first buffer block is made of multiple compound rubber.

8. A method as defined in claim 1 wherein said peripheral frame of said first buffer block is made of recycled tires.

9. A method as defined in claim 2 wherein said peripheral frame of said second buffer block is made of multiple compound rubber.

10. A method as defined in claim 2 wherein said peripheral frame of said second buffer block is made of recycled tires.

11. A method as defined in claim 1 wherein said means for attaching said back portion of said first buffer block to said post is a bolt that fits through a hole in said back portion of said buffer block and is attached to said post.

12. A method as defined in claim 2 wherein said means for attaching said back portion of said second buffer block to said post is a bolt that fits through a hole in said back portion of said second buffer block and is attached to said post.

13. A method as defined in claim 2 wherein said means for attaching said back portion of said second buffer block to said post is a bolt that fits through a hole in said back portion of said second buffer block, is affixed through said post and then fits through a hole in said back portion of said first buffer block.

14. A method as defined in claim 1 wherein said means for attaching said front portion to said k-rail is a second bolt that is positioned through a hole in said front portion of said first buffer block above said middle portion of said peripheral frame connecting said front portion of said first buffer block to said top hollow chamber and a third bolt that is positioned through a hole in said front of said first buffer block below said middle portion of said peripheral frame connecting said front portion of said first buffer block to said bottom hollow chamber.

15. A method as defined in claim 2 wherein said means for attaching said front portion to said k-rail is a fourth bolt that is positioned through a hole in said front portion of said second buffer block above said middle portion of said peripheral frame connecting said front portion of said second buffer block to said top hollow chamber and a fifth bolt that is positioned through a hole in said front of said second buffer block below said middle portion of said peripheral frame connecting said front of said second buffer block to said bottom hollow chamber.

16. A method as defined in claim 11 wherein said hole is reinforced by a steel sleeve.

17. A method as defined in claim 12 wherein said hole is reinforced by a steel sleeve.

18. A method as defined in claim 13 wherein said hole is reinforced by a steel sleeve.

19. A method as defined in claim 14 wherein said hole is reinforced by a steel sleeve.

20. A method as defined in claim 15 wherein said hole is reinforced by a steel sleeve.