Highway Guard Patents (Class 256/13.1)
  • Publication number: 20130284994
    Abstract: A road barrier comprising a support (101) to which a transverse beam (102) is connected via a spacer (110) such that upon impact the transverse beam (102) moves towards the support (101). The spacer (110) is movable upon impact and coupled, via coupling means (130, 150, 160, 170), with a rotatable energy absorber (140) mounted below the transverse beam (102) and comprising at least one rotor (142, 143) for absorbing in rotational movement at least part of the kinetic energy imparted to the transverse beam (102).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2011
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: EPAR SP. Z O.O.
    Inventors: Przemyslaw Lagiewka, Jaroslaw Roszyk
  • Patent number: 8568057
    Abstract: A traffic barrier including a precast base having a wall port capable of receiving an existing earth wall therein, a first row of rebar coupled to the base and extending outwardly away therefrom, and a second row of rebar coupled to the base and extending outwardly away therefrom. A moment slab is connected to the first and second rows of rebar in such a manner that a proximal end of the moment slab directly abuts flush against an anterior side of the base. A connects adjacent ones of the bases at an end-to-end pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Inventor: Joseph E. Rodriguez
  • Publication number: 20130270500
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to differing embodiments of safety trailers, which have first and second platforms and a safety wall positioned therebetween. The platforms and safety wall define an area protected from vehicular incursions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventor: Kevin K. Groeneweg
  • Patent number: 8549725
    Abstract: Post-cable connectors and cooperative C-section posts are utilized to releasably connect a cable in a cable barrier system to arrest errant motor vehicles that leave a roadway. A post-cable connector has an elongated section having a loop and a top section extending from the elongated section and terminating at a hook end for connecting the cable to the cooperative C-section post for example by hanging the top section of the post-cable connector from a back wall of the C-section post such that the elongated section is positioned in a cavity defined by the C-section post so that the loop is disposed through a slot in a face wall opposite from the back wall and positioned exterior of the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Neusch Innovations, LP
    Inventor: William H. Neusch
  • Publication number: 20130256617
    Abstract: A highway guardrail terminal having horizontally extending guardrail elements mounted on a plurality of vertical posts. An anchor cable release mechanism having a cable release bracket attached to a W-beam rail element by cable release bolts has an arrangement of tapered slots and elongated openings to quickly release the cable release bracket from the W-beam rail element upon end-on vehicular impact to the terminal. The tapered slots have a geometry which lifts the bracket away from and out of a parallel alignment with the W-beam rail element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventors: John R. Rohde, Dean L. Sicking, King K. Mak, John D. Reid
  • Publication number: 20130255176
    Abstract: A panel system is recited that includes a first panel having a periphery. The panel includes a first plastic layer having a periphery and a second plastic layer opposed and spaced apart from the first layer. The second layer also has a periphery. The first and second layers define a first cavity therebetween. A first in-situ foam core is disposed in the cavity and has a thermal bond to the first and second plastic layers. The panel is capable of supporting 0.1 to 0.5 lbf/in2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventor: Richard W. Roberts
  • Patent number: 8545126
    Abstract: The portable traffic safety barrier is formed of plastic or recycled rubber, and has a narrower upper portion and wider cap atop the upper portion to form a mushroom-shaped cross section. Elongate passages are formed through each barrier section, and a spring is installed in at least one passage to connect the barriers resiliently to one another end-to-end. Another passage contains a flexible coiled electrical cord to provide power for lighting the barrier, the lighting being installed atop the barrier sections. The springs and coiled cord allow connected barriers to separate in the event of impact, while still maintaining the integrity of the assembly and lighting. Wheels may be provided beneath the barrier sections to allow lateral repositioning. Two or more rows of barriers may be arranged laterally, and the resulting gap between barriers serves as a planter box or for the installation of signage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventor: Abdulreidha Abdulrasoul Alsaffar
  • Publication number: 20130248791
    Abstract: A barrier system is provided including at least one upright barrier member and one or more cable means associated with said at least one upright barrier member. The one or more cable means are provided on or associated with one or more side walls of the at least one barrier member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: HIGHWAY CARE LIMITED
    Inventor: Adrian Bullock
  • Patent number: 8534952
    Abstract: A visual highlight accessory for attachment to highway guardrails has a paint coating and a clear varnish overcoating with mica particles for making the visual highlight accessory and the guardrail on which the visual highlight accessory is mounted readily visible to persons in vehicles travelling along a highway along which the visual highlight accessory borders. The visual highlight accessory has orifices corresponding to orifices in the guardrails to facilitate mounting of the visual highlight accessory on a guardrail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventor: Neven Ilic Vladislavic
  • Publication number: 20130228730
    Abstract: A safety wall intended to be placed in front of at least one obstacle for partially absorbing a collision impact with said obstacle, the said safety wall comprising a first element (1) having an intake (3) arranged so that it can be connected to a pressurised air source, the said first element (1) being arranged to be inflated with air to a first predetermined pressure and having a collision zone (4), the said first element (1) also being connected to a second element (2) arranged to be inflated with air to a second predetermined pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: Target Plus
    Inventor: Patrick Grosjean
  • Publication number: 20130228731
    Abstract: An energy absorbing system with one or more energy absorbing assemblies is provided to reduce or eliminate severity of a collision between a moving vehicle and a roadside hazard. The energy absorbing system may be installed adjacent various roadside hazards or may be installed on highway service equipment. One end of the system may face oncoming traffic. A collision by a motor vehicle with a sled assembly may result in shredding or rupturing of portions of an energy absorbing element to dissipate energy from the vehicle collision.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Inventor: James R. Albritton
  • Patent number: 8523479
    Abstract: Disclosed anti-ram systems comprise at least one bollard section comprising a base of limited height and a plurality of spaced bollards extending upwardly from the base, which may be erected or installed on a paved surface such as asphalt, concrete, paver stones, etc., or on an unpaved surface such as soil, and need not be partially of fully buried, and yet can qualify for Department of State crash ratings previously assigned to buried bollard systems. Disclosed anti-ram systems also comprise a plurality of bollard sections and one or more connectors for interconnecting two or more of the bollard sections, and may also include an anchor or anchor system engaging at least each end of a bollard section not connected to another bollard section. The bollard sections may be filled with ballast and high friction structure may be attached to the bottom of the bollard sections to resist sliding after impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: RSA Protective Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Steven Adler, John Crawford
  • Patent number: 8517349
    Abstract: Devices and methods for supporting guardrail terminal installations that incorporate safety end treatments such as the GET and the SRT. Preferred embodiments are described wherein guardrail terminal installations are primarily anchored to the ground using weak support posts that are preferably made of metal. The ends of the guardrail installation are secured to the ground using breakaway posts. In operation, the weak posts permit the central portion of the guardrail installation to contain and redirect the vehicle during a lateral collision to the rail member. The anchorage provided by the breakaway end posts helps prevent the guardrail from being excessively displaced, thus preventing the impacting vehicle from breaking through the guardrail. In operation, guardrail terminal assemblies constructed in accordance with the present invention provide an improved support system for the rail member which is more forgiving than conventional strong post anchorages, thereby providing an improvement in safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: The Texas A&M University System
    Inventors: Hayes E. Ross, Roger Bligh, C. Eugene Buth
  • Publication number: 20130214226
    Abstract: A high tension release jumper cable and, more specifically, a safety device to be used when releasing the tension on a high tension cable guard rail system is provided. The high tension release jumper cable may be used by fire and rescue personnel to safely release the tension on a cable of a high tension cable guard rail system when necessary to conduct a rescue, recovery, or extraction. The high tension release jumper cable includes a safety cable with a high power clamp mounted on each end. The two clamps are clamped to the cable of the cable guard rail system while leaving slack in the safety cable. The cable of the cable guard rail system may then be slowly cut, while the clamps and safety cable ensure that the proper amount of tension is safely released from the cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventor: Juan C. Gamez
  • Publication number: 20130207060
    Abstract: A retainer (10a, 10b, 10c) for a wire rope road safety barrier, comprising a plurality of posts (14), is provided for supporting one or more wire ropes (12) above the ground. The retainer comprises an arm (16a, 16b) for embracing at least half of a circumference of the post whereby the retainer can be held on the post at a position along its length. The retainer also comprises a frangible or yieldable tab (18) extending from the arm for retaining the wire rope against the post.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: HILL & SMITH LIMITED
    Inventors: Mark Tonks, Matthew Harriman, Steve Wells
  • Patent number: 8500360
    Abstract: A traffic cone system for deploying a banner of flat traffic cones featuring a base spool pivotally anchored in the inner cavity of a utility vehicle and a deployment spool. A banner of flat traffic cones is wound around the base spool and is connected to the deployment spool. The deployment spool is mounted above an extension shaft and a ground base. The ground base can be anchored to the ground surface. The extension shaft can position the deployment spool at an appropriate height. The banner can be unwound from the base spool to display a plurality of flat triangle cones resembling traffic cones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Fred A. Jones
  • Patent number: 8500103
    Abstract: A guardrail safety system includes a guardrail beam operable to contain and redirect an errant vehicle to prevent the vehicle from leaving a roadway. At least a portion of the guardrail beam includes a thrie beam. A support post is coupled to the guardrail beam and includes a lower portion, a mid portion, and an upper portion. The lower portion is installed below grade adjacent the roadway. The mid portion lies substantially adjacent the grade and is weakened about a first axis without being substantially weakened about a second axis that is generally perpendicular to the first axis. An upper portion is releasably coupled to the guardrail beam such that the upper portion is uncoupled from the guardrail beam when the mid portion yields about the first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: The Texas A&M University System
    Inventors: Dean C. Alberson, Roger P. Bligh, D. Lance Bullard, Jr., C. Eugene Buth
  • Patent number: 8491217
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: TrafFix Devices
    Inventors: Jack H. Kulp, Felipe Almanza, Geoffrey B. Maus, Paul Burlingham
  • Publication number: 20130181178
    Abstract: Bendable wire pole (1) intended to fixate the wires in a wire-rope safety fence, comprising at least two curved elongated pole sections (2) connected to each other so that at least an intermediate cavity (4) is formed between the sections (2), whose sections (2) are held together by at least one cohesive body (12). The unique feature of the present bendable wire pole (1) is that it includes at least one intermediate elongated pole section (3) positioned between the curved sections (2), whose sections (2) and (3) in their upper are provided with at least one groove (5) in which wires are designed to be inserted. The pole (1) further comprises at least one spacer unit (6), intended to be connected to the wires and the pole (1), with which the wires are positioned in the vertical and horizontal directions relative to the pole (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Inventor: Berndt Akerstrom
  • Patent number: 8464825
    Abstract: A crash attenuator for decelerating an impacting vehicle includes a first end that can be releasably secured to a vehicle, and a second end that is longitudinally spaced from the first end. The second end includes an impact member that is movable in the longitudinal direction from a pre-impact position to an impact position. At least a pair of spaced deformable attenuator members extend in a longitudinal direction and have a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal ends are staggered downstream from the impact member in the pre-impact position. At least a portion of the deformable attenuator members are bent in a non-outboard direction as the impact member is moved from the pre-impact position to the impact position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John F. LaTurner, Michael J. Buehler, Brent S. Sindorf
  • Publication number: 20130140510
    Abstract: A slider assembly includes: a front section; a back section, wherein the front section conforms to the cross sectional profile of rails forming the terminal end of a barrier, to which the slider will be fitted; and wherein the front section in combination with the back section create an internal space there between, the internal space dimensioned, to be capable of substantially surrounding both an associated first and second rails of the terminal end, as well as at least two further rails located downstream of said first and second rails, wherein the slider assembly has first and second opposed portions and the slider assembly is configured so that the first and second opposed portions move with respect to each other so the slider assembly applies an increasing compressive force to telescoping rails as a consequence of the slider assembly travelling along one or more subsequent rail(s) during telescoping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Inventors: Dallas Rex James, Jason Paul Rogers
  • Patent number: 8453995
    Abstract: A barrier includes a housing having an interior surface and an opposing exterior surface extending between a first end and an opposing second end, the interior surface bounding a chamber that is adapted to receive a ballast. A coupler is rigidly connected to the first end of the housing, the housing and the coupler being separate discrete members that are connected together after formation. A structure, such as an opening or a post, is formed on the coupler for removably connecting a separate barrier to the coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Off the Wall Products, LLC
    Inventors: Marc E. Christensen, David J. Lipniarski
  • Patent number: 8448913
    Abstract: A highway guardrail terminal having horizontally extending guardrail elements mounted on a plurality of vertical posts. An anchor cable release mechanism having a cable release bracket attached to a W-beam rail element by cable release bolts has an arrangement of tapered slots and elongated openings to quickly release the cable release bracket from the W-beam rail element upon end-on vehicular impact to the terminal. The tapered slots have a geometry which lifts the bracket away from and out of a parallel alignment with the W-beam rail element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventors: John R. Rohde, John Reid, Dean Sicking, King K. Mak
  • Publication number: 20130126810
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide vehicle restraints and fence systems that offer better protection to the driver and vehicle in the event of an accident where the car becomes airborne and leaves the road or track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventors: Sofia Wynnytsky, Mark Slimko, Reggie Torrez, Robert Withers, Hugh K. Delong, III, Danny Warrick, Kirk F. Schneider, Thomas H. Ross, Marcos Villa-Gonzales, Dennis Page, John Patrick McGinley, Peter T. Mahal, Richard L. Orner, JR.
  • Patent number: 8444343
    Abstract: A bollard assembly includes a bollard, and a load transfer member disposed in the bollard, and a shock absorber disposed within the load transfer member. A fastener extends through the load transfer member and shock absorber, and secures the bollard, load transfer member and shock absorber to a ground surface. The load transfer member adjoins the bollard so as to be disposed between the shock absorber and the bollard, and the load transfer member is configured so that when an impact force is applied to the bollard, the force is transferred from the bollard to the shock absorber via the load transfer member. The deflection is absorbed by the shock absorber so that the anchor remains undeformed and the ground remains undamaged. Moreover, due to the resilience of the shock absorber, the bollard and load transfer member are returned to a normal, upright orientation upon withdrawal of the impact load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: McCue Corporation
    Inventors: David S. McCue, Brent Hild, Teodoro A. Mesa, Thomas C. Fitch
  • Patent number: 8439594
    Abstract: Systems and methods described herein provide for a flush-mounted vehicle control barrier having a shallow foundation. According to one aspect of the disclosure provided herein, a vehicle control barrier includes a sub-frame, a wedge plate, and an actuator mechanism that is coupled to the sub-frame and disposed within an interior space of the sub-frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: SecureUSA, Inc.
    Inventors: Bevan M. Clark, Mathew Sexton
  • Patent number: 8434965
    Abstract: An impact absorption facility for road makes it possible to protect a road center, a road side, a road ramp, an entering side of a tunnel or an underground road, pillars, faith silk or others and to absorb the impact of vehicle collided and to decelerate during a collision by decreasing the impacts occurring due to the impact of a vehicle by installing the impact absorption facility even in a highway ramp, and it is possible to prevent a vehicle from entering an opposite road lane or going out of a road for thereby allowing the vehicle to run on a normal road and to return to a road. A traffic accident can be effectively prevented with the help of a lighting lamp or a reflection lamp when a vehicle approaches the impact absorption facility when a driver drives at night with sleepiness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Geum Sung Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jong-Sul Chae
  • Patent number: 8430596
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Inventors: John D. McKenney, Jack H. Kulp
  • Patent number: 8424849
    Abstract: An impact slider assembly for a guardrail which includes: a slider mechanism attached to a first rail and second rail which substantially conforms with a rail profile; and an integral means for attachment to the first rail, wherein the slider mechanism gathers telescoping rails whilst substantially maintaining the strength of the rails in a fully re-directing manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Axip Limited
    Inventor: Dallas James
  • Patent number: 8414216
    Abstract: An energy absorbing system with one or more energy absorbing assemblies is provided to reduce or eliminate severity of a collision between a moving vehicle and a roadside hazard. The energy absorbing system may be installed adjacent various roadside hazards or may be installed on highway service equipment. One end of the system may face oncoming traffic. A collision by a motor vehicle with a sled assembly may result in shredding or rupturing of portions of an energy absorbing element to dissipate energy from the vehicle collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Exodyne Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Albritton
  • Publication number: 20130069026
    Abstract: A safety barrier comprising is disclosed. The safety barrier comprises a plurality of posts spaced from each other and disposed adjacent to a roadway, each post having a cross section defined in part by a web and a pair of legs extending therefrom. Additionally, each post has one slot formed in the web of the post extending from an upper end of the post. A first cable and a second cable are releasably engaged with and supported by the posts and disposed within each slot between the respective legs of each post. A third cable and a fourth cable are each coupled to an exterior surface of the posts. The posts and the first, second, third and fourth cables cooperate to prevent a vehicle from leaving the roadway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: Trinity Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Bergendahl, Gregory A. Neece, Brian Smith
  • Patent number: 8393822
    Abstract: A lightweight, portable roadway barrier is disclosed. The barrier (3) comprises a structural framework (5, 7, 9) for resisting collapse of the barrier in response to impact of a vehicle and panels (13) mounted to opposite sides of the barrier for deflecting vehicles on impact with the barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Saferoads Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Darren John Hotchkin
  • Patent number: 8388259
    Abstract: A rigid ram, joined to a structural element of a mechanism which receives and transmits the impact of a vehicle, is displaced along a deformable metallic profile of open section in the form of “U”, “C”, “?” or “?”, the ram having a partial or total intersection with the transversal section of the deformable metallic profile, and producing thereto plastic deformations which are propagated along the deformable metallic profile as the ram is longitudinally displaced along said deformable metallic profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Hierros y Aplanaciones, S.A. (HIASA)
    Inventor: Antonio Amengual Pericas
  • Patent number: 8388257
    Abstract: A connecting system (2) for connecting separating elements (1) for traffic areas has two connecting elements (3), each with two juxtaposed legs (5, 6). In each case, one leg (5) of a connecting element (3) is held between the legs (5, 6) of the other connecting element (3) in a positive-locking manner, as a leg (5) of the one connecting element (3) held between the legs (5, 6) of the other connecting element (3) has projections (9, 10) on both sides, which engage behind projections (9, 10, 11) disposed on the legs (5, 6) of the other connecting element (3). The legs (5, 6) of the two connecting elements (3) interlock with their projections (9, 10, 11) in hook form. In this way, the legs (5, 6) are not pushed apart when there is a tensile force acting on the connecting elements (3), but instead are held together or pushed towards one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Rebloc GmbH
    Inventor: Mathias Redlberger
  • Patent number: 8376651
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Traffix Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack H. Kulp, Felipe Almanza, Geoffrey B. Maus, Paul Burlingham
  • Publication number: 20130037769
    Abstract: A steel rope safety system includes at least one steel rope having at least one strand, and the at least one rope or at least one strand is compacted. Further, a method is provided for making a steel rope safety system comprising the step of providing at least two wires, the step of stranding the wires thereby forming a strand for a rope and the step of compacting the strand. The steel rope safety system includes a guardrail system having vertical poles and horizontal compacted ropes which are held in place by hooks. The steel rope safety system may include non-round shaped, such as trapezoidal shaped compacted wires. There is likewise provided the use of compacted steel ropes as impact reducing material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: NV Bekaert SA
    Inventors: Xavier AMILS, Dale King
  • Patent number: 8360400
    Abstract: A guardrail assembly includes first and second rail sections, with a deforming member deforming the first rail section as it moves relative to the second rail section. Methods of using and assembling a guardrail assembly are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick A. Leonhardt, Barry D. Stephens, Michael J. Buehler, Brent S. Sindorf
  • Patent number: 8353499
    Abstract: A roadway guardrail system including a rail, a plurality of support posts, and a plurality of fasteners assembly to redirect an impacting vehicle and dissipate a portion of the impacting vehicle's energy. A plurality of support posts each includes a slot extending along its length aligning with apertures in the rail and engaging with the rail through the apertures with fasteners including reinforcing members slidable along the slots in the posts. Alternatively, the rail has a plurality of laterally extending slots aligning with apertures in support posts and engaging with the support posts through the apertures with fasteners including reinforcing members slidable along the slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Nucor Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Conway, Frederick Mauer, IV, Dallas James
  • Patent number: 8337114
    Abstract: A barrier system is provided including at least a first front barrier and at least a second rear barrier. The second rear barrier is located a pre-determined spaced distance behind the front barrier. At least a part of said second rear barrier is substantially greater in height than the height of said first front barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Highway Care Limited
    Inventor: Mike Course
  • Publication number: 20120313062
    Abstract: A crash barrier system is provided that generally includes a hydraulic actuator driven piston operably connected to a hydraulic circuit and the crash barrier. In general, the hydraulic circuit includes a normal-UP and normal-DOWN section, an emergency-UP section, and an external pressure relief valve. In order to automatically provide corrective action in the event of an overpressure condition, the external pressure relief valve is connected to the hydraulic circuit. Upon occurrence of condition that causes the hydraulic fluid pressure to exceed a predetermined value, hydraulic fluid is released through the pressure relief valve to maintain the pressure at or below the predetermined value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventor: Bandar Ali AL-QAHTANI
  • Patent number: 8328461
    Abstract: Increased resistance to displacement of a barrier or barrier sections thereof in response to a lateral force without anchoring or bolting barrier sections together is achieved by providing an attachment arrangement near the top of an end of barrier sections which is capable of carrying a tensile force and developing that tensile force using a tightening bolt/nut arrangement located at deflection stops at lower corners of the barrier sections to develop a compressive force. The barrier sections are thus rigidly attached together such that a lateral force applied to one or more barrier sections is partially transferred to additional attached barrier sections effectively increasing the mass against which the lateral force is applied. The tightening bolt/nut arrangements are retained by and are captive to the respective barrier sections when barrier sections are disassembled from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Inventor: Rodney I. Smith
  • Publication number: 20120298943
    Abstract: The first product is Composite Guardrail Post (CGP). CGP is designed overcome all these drawbacks by substituting standard timber posts with metal jacket composite posts. The second product is Composite Floor Joist (CFI). The current invention (CFI) is similar to TJI in concept, but uses all composite material for both flanges and webs. Also, the connections between flange and web are much stronger, enabling the development of composite actions to the fullest extent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventor: WeiHong Yang
  • Patent number: 8317162
    Abstract: A road rail comprises tubular posts (1; 20) to be anchored in the ground and a rail profile (2; 21) to be attached to the posts. The rail profile has a substantially closed cross-section but is open downwards for lowering onto the posts. The rail profile is supported on each post by a support member (5; 24) carried by lower edges of opposed cutouts (4; 23) in the post. At least one locking member (7; 26) inside the rail profile provides locking between the post and the rail profile by engagement on one hand with the rail profile and on the other hand with an upper edge of each post cutout (4; 23) by a locking tongue (10; 27) of the locking member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: AB Varmforzinkning
    Inventor: Anders Welandson
  • Publication number: 20120280193
    Abstract: In a terminal arrangement for a road rail with a rail profile (2) a terminal guiding device (10) is movable along the road rail under the influence of kinetic energy from a vehicle hitting the terminal guiding device. A terminal profile (8), constituting a prolongation of the rail profile (2), extends within the terminal guiding device (10) obliquely down to a ground anchor (4), where it is attached. Means (13) for deforming the terminal profile (8) and eventually the rail profile (2) and thus for absorbing kinetic energy are provided in the terminal guiding device (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: AB VARMFORZINKNING
    Inventor: Anders Welandson
  • Patent number: 8286950
    Abstract: A cable barrier system according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure includes a cable-release anchor; a line post having an internal cavity and a slot formed along a sidewall extending downward from a top end of the line post; a cable releasably held in tension by the cable-release anchor; and the cable releasably connected to the line post by a post-cable connector, the post-cable connector comprising an elongated portion having a loop, the elongated portion disposed substantially within the cavity and the loop extending through the slot exterior of the cavity, the cable slidingly disposed in the loop, wherein when an object impacts and deforms the line post toward ground level the cable is released from the deformed line post in a manner such that the cable tends to stay in tension and in contact with the impacting object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Neusch Innovations, LP
    Inventor: William H. Neusch
  • Patent number: 8282082
    Abstract: Disclosed is an impact absorbing barrier assembly. The assembly includes a support having a pipe configuration and installed at the center line or the side of a road, an impact absorbing cylinder combined to the support and including a cylinder having a penetrating through-hole and being made by using one of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and soft polyurethane, and including a rotation support pipe corresponding to the outside circumference of the support and inserted into the through-hole, a fence guide horizontally installed at upper and lower portions of the impact absorbing cylinder and at front and rear portions of the support to connect the supports, a fence guide combining device, and a rotation support device to support the rotation of the impact absorbing cylinder. The impact from a car collision with the impact absorbing barrier assembly may be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: ET Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Eun-Hee An
  • Patent number: 8276886
    Abstract: A combined guardrail and cable safety system is disclosed. In one aspect, a safety barrier incorporating the teachings of the present disclosure may include a plurality of cable posts spaced from each other and disposed adjacent to a roadway. At least two cables may be releasably engaged with and supported by the cable posts. The cable posts and the at least two cables may cooperate with each other to prevent a vehicle from leaving the roadway. A plurality of guardrail posts may also spaced from each other and disposed adjacent to the roadway longitudinally spaced from the plurality of cable post. A box beam guardrail beam may be attached to the plurality of guardrail posts. The at least two cables may operably extend from the cable posts to engage respective cable anchor brackets attached to the box beam guardrail beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Trinity Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Don J. Gripne, Charles R. Norton, Elzard A. Sikkema, Brian E. Smith
  • Patent number: 8277143
    Abstract: Anti-ram systems according to embodiments of the invention comprise at least one bollard section comprising a base of limited height and a plurality of spaced bollards extending upwardly from the base. An anti-ram system according to embodiments of the invention may be erected or installed on a paved surface such as asphalt, concrete, paver stones, etc., or on an unpaved surface such as soil, and need not be partially of fully buried, and yet can qualify for Department of State crash ratings previously assigned to buried bollard systems. Disclosed anti-ram system also comprise a plurality of bollard sections and one or more connectors for interconnecting two or more of the bollard sections, and may also include an anchor or anchor system engaging at least each end of a bollard section not connected to another bollard section. The bollard sections may be filled with ballast and high friction structure may be attached to the bottom of the bollard sections to resist sliding after impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: RSA Protective Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Richard S. Adler, John Crawford
  • Publication number: 20120241702
    Abstract: A guardrail or other energy absorbing apparatus includes a plurality of terminal end rails extending longitudinally extend between a plurality of support posts, wherein a first four of said plurality of rails (labelled 1-4 below) situated at a terminal end of a guardrail, or impact end of an energy absorbing apparatus; are connected to one another at respective downstream and upstream ends via: an impact slider assembly joined to a downstream portion of terminal rail 1, and surrounding a downstream portion of terminal rail 1 and an upstream portion of an adjacent rail 2; a first set of frangible bolts which are the sole bolts connecting rail 2 and adjacent rail 3 together; and a second set of frangible bolts which connect rail 3 and adjacent rail 4 together, wherein at least one standard post bolt connects the rails 3 and 4 to a post at this joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventor: Dallas Rex James
  • Patent number: RE43927
    Abstract: A vehicle impact attenuator includes a rail and at least one guide member moveable along the rail. At least a portion of the guide member is rotatable relative to the rail about a vertical axis by at least ±10° without binding the guide member against the rail. At least one energy absorbing element is located adjacent said guide member. A method of attenuating the impact of a vehicle is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Buehler