Highway Guard Patents (Class 256/13.1)
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Publication number: 20090250675Abstract: A vehicle barrier having an impact side, a reflection side opposite the impact side, and a plurality of interior walls extending between the impact side and the reflection side. The refection side, the impact side, and the plurality of interior walls are formed from vertically-oriented sheets of barrier material (when in the deployed configuration). Further, the refection side, the impact side, and the plurality of interior walls define multiple chambers. The chambers can be packed with fill material to stop an oncoming vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2009Publication date: October 8, 2009Inventors: Arthur Henry Cashin, Sheldrick Faris Hawkins, William McAdam Hawkins, Brian Andrew Hickle, Marc Douglas Verble, Frank Lee Hollowell, JR.
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Publication number: 20090250674Abstract: A modular vehicle barrier system includes a reaction mass for installation in the earth; at least one post immovably anchored in the reaction mass and extending upwardly therefrom; the reaction mass having a forward member for confronting and compressing the surrounding earth and absorbing energy from the impact of the vehicle with the post.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2006Publication date: October 8, 2009Inventor: Daniel T. Darcy
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Publication number: 20090242863Abstract: An energy-absorbing post for absorbing the impact energy of an errant vehicle wherein the impact energy is absorbed by out-of-place deformation in the material of the post. Out-of-plane deformation is provided by utilizing a through bolt extending through a splice connection between upper and lower posts sections. Alternatively, out-of-plane deformation is provided by leaving an axial gap on a splice bolts. For terminal applications, a single through-bolt is utilized to allow the upper post section to pivot during end on impacts. Bolt tear out facilitators, including stress concentrators and pre-buckles, or an angled through-bolt decrease any initially high tear-out forces.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2009Publication date: October 1, 2009Inventors: Dean L. Sicking, John R. Rohde, John D. Reid, King K. Mak
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Patent number: 7588387Abstract: A barrier includes a housing having a front wall and an opposing back wall each extending between opposing sidewalls. The housing also includes a floor and an interior surface bounding a chamber, the chamber communicating externally through an inlet opening. A first inset projects into the chamber from the front wall so as to form a recessed blind pocket on the front wall. A second inset projects into the chamber from the back wall so as to form a recessed blind pocket on the back wall. The first inset and the second inset are connected together within the chamber so that the chamber encircles the connection.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2006Date of Patent: September 15, 2009Assignee: Off the Wall Products, LLCInventors: Marc E. Christensen, Greg H. Brown, David E. Cowan, Bryan D. Grabowski, Charles M. Mettler, Bruce E. Owens, Patricia Russell
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Publication number: 20090218554Abstract: A hanger for a cable guardrail system is disclosed including a first portion with first and second seats on opposite sides of a post each seat capable of supporting a cable, and a second portion capable of engaging the end of the post. Also disclosed is a cable guardrail system including a plurality of posts, a plurality of hangers attached to at least a portion of the plurality of posts, and at least two cables supported by the seats on opposite sides of the post. The cable guardrail system may redirect an impacting vehicle and dissipate a portion of the impacting vehicle's energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2009Publication date: September 3, 2009Applicant: NUCOR CORPORATIONInventors: Frederick MAUER, Dallas JAMES, Steven J. CONWAY
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Publication number: 20090206308Abstract: The invention relates to a continuous metal system which is used to protect motorcyclists and which can be installed on a standard metal safety barrier. The invention comprises a continuous horizontal metal panel (4) which is disposed between the fence (1) and the ground (40). According to the invention, the panel (4) is suspended from the fence (1) by means of arms or support pieces (5) which are positioned at each post (2) and arms which are positioned at the centre of each bay (6) and which are solidly connected to clamps (7). In addition, both arms (5 and 6) are fixed to the fence (1) using the same screw (8).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2006Publication date: August 20, 2009Applicant: HIERROS Y APLANACIONES, S.A.Inventor: Antonio Amengual Pericas
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Patent number: 7575391Abstract: A system for protecting persons from impacts against road crash barriers in which the barrier rail has a curved upper part and has protuberances to absorb and decelerate the velocity of the vehicle or accident victim, and the posts supporting the barrier rail are provided with cladding formed of a number of concentric rings of variable thickness and made of material which deforms flexibly and recovers immediately which incorporates a housing designed to fit the post through pressure and a clamping effect in addition to any bar system.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2005Date of Patent: August 18, 2009Assignee: Taexpa, S.L.Inventor: Ramiro Tarazona de La Asunción
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Publication number: 20090194752Abstract: Consistent and reliable releasing of a guardrail during a vehicle impact is enabled by a releasable fastener for safety structures along a highway. The release of secured components such as guardrail is controlled, and precise positional cooperation is provided between securing members and the guardrail. Forces may be attenuated to further optimize response.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2009Publication date: August 6, 2009Inventor: Carl M. Ochoa
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Patent number: 7568679Abstract: An example of the cable barrier system includes a cable-release anchor assembly; a length of need section having a plurality of line post spaced from each other, each of the line posts having an internal cavity and a slot formed along a sidewall extending downward from a top end of the post; a cable having a terminal end that is releasably held in tension by the cable-release anchor assembly; and the cable releasably connected to each line post by a post-cable connector, the post-cable connector having an elongated portion forming 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 one of the posts toward ground level the cable is released from the deformed post in a manner such that the cable tends to stay in contact with the impacting object.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2008Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Inventor: William H. Neusch
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Patent number: 7563051Abstract: The invention discloses a vehicle barrier system (10) including a barrier (46) movable between an open position to allow vehicle access therethrough and a closed position which prevents vehicle access therethrough. Barrier (46) is attached to barrier supports (48, 50) at either end of barrier (46) with barrier supports (48, 50) being secured to a ground engaging slide plate (52). The ground engaging slide plate (52) will slide after a predetermined force is applied thereto by vehicle (102) impact with barrier (46) to absorb the impact energy of vehicle (102).Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2004Date of Patent: July 21, 2009Assignee: Tallwang Holdings Pty. Ltd.Inventors: Nigel Buckley, Paul Morris Deed, Zeljko Macher
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Patent number: 7559535Abstract: A guardrail support, attachment and positioning block used to space guardrails from support posts is disclosed. The positioning or spacer block is a generally rectangular block having corded-out cavities to reduce weight and tabs or projections for cooperatively engaging the sides and top of a support post as well as the edges of the guardrail during roadway safety barrier system installation. Webbing within one or more of the cavities may be used for additional structural support. To optimize the strength to weight characteristics of the spacer block, the spacer block may be formed by low-pressure injection molding. The spacer block may also be formed from virgin and/or recycled plastic material and/or include virgin or recycled rubber material, such as that obtained from the regrind of used tires, and/or another elastomeric materials from other sources.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2007Date of Patent: July 14, 2009Assignee: K.E.S.S. Inc.Inventor: David T. King
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Patent number: 7556243Abstract: An apparatus for preventing a collision between a vehicle and an end of a Metal Beam Guide Fence. A transition device is attached to a modified section of the Metal Beam Guide Fence. The transition device and modified section are configured to allow passage of cables of a High Tension Cable Barrier through the Metal Beam Guide Fence and the transition device. The High Tension Cable Barrier redirects the colliding vehicle away from the end of the Metal Beam Guide Fence. The transition device and modified section are also configured to interact with the cables of the High Tension Cable Barrier to transfer and spread the collision load from the high tension cables to the Metal Beam Guide Fence.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2006Date of Patent: July 7, 2009Inventor: John P. Williams
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Patent number: 7556242Abstract: A cable guardrail release system includes a firsts number of anchor posts installed adjacent a roadway. Each of the first number of anchor posts secures an end of a respective cable. Each anchor post is operable to release the respective cable secured by the anchor post upon a vehicle impact to the anchor post. The system may include a length of need section that includes a plurality of intermediate support posts each configured to support each of the respective cables. The length of need section may include portions of each of the respective cables running in between the plurality of intermediate support posts. Each anchor post may be configured to resist release of the respective cable secured by the anchor post upon a vehicle impact to the length of need section generally at an angle to the flow of traffic on the roadway.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2005Date of Patent: July 7, 2009Assignee: The Texas A&M University SystemsInventors: Dean C. Alberson, Roger P. Bligh, D. Lance Bullard, Jr., C. Eugene Buth
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Publication number: 20090166998Abstract: In one embodiment, a safety trailer has semi-tractor hitches at both ends and a safety wall that is fixed to one side of the trailer. That side, however, can be changed to the right or left side of the road, depending on the end to which the truck attaches. A caboose can be attached at the end of the trailer opposite the tractor to provide additional lighting and impact protection. Optionally, the trailer can be equipped with overhead protection, lighting, ventilation, onboard hydraulics, compressors, generators and other equipment, as well as related fuel, water, storage and restroom facilities and other amenities.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2008Publication date: July 2, 2009Applicant: IWAPI INC.Inventor: Kevin K. Groeneweg
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Publication number: 20090146121Abstract: A road safety barrier having a plurality of ropes supported by posts rigidly mounted on or in the ground is described. Each rope is held in tension against the posts and supported in a notch or groove in a side of the posts. The ropes are released from a post and the post is not pulled from the ground when a vertical force is exerted on the rope. The ropes when weaved are tensioned against the posts and this gives rise to a combined frictional resistance to displacement of the ropes relative to each post along the length of the safety barrier. The structure of at least some of the posts and/or their mounting with respect to the ground defines a minimum bending yield strength in a direction along the length of the barrier. This minimum bending yield strength is greater than the bending moment resulting from the combined frictional resistance forces acting on the post.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2009Publication date: June 11, 2009Applicant: Hill & Smith LimitedInventors: Graham T. Sharp, Sean Billingham, John M. Walton
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Patent number: 7544009Abstract: A combined guardrail and cable safety system is disclosed. In one aspect, the present invention teaches a safety barrier including a plurality of cable posts spaced from each other and disposed adjacent to a roadway. At least two cables are releasably engaged with and supported by the cable posts. The cable posts and the two cables cooperate with each other to prevent a vehicle from leaving the roadway. A plurality of guardrail posts are spaced from each other and disposed adjacent to the roadway longitudinally spaced from the plurality of cable post. A guardrail beam is fixedly coupled to the plurality of guardrail posts and including slots. The two cables extend from the cable posts through respective slots formed in the guardrail beam permitting each cable to engage a respective cable anchor bracket securely fastened to a portion of the guardrail beam.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2006Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Assignee: Trinity Industries, Inc.Inventors: Peter Bergendahl, Don J. Gripne, Chuck Norton, Elzard Sikkema
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Patent number: 7543369Abstract: A support member for supporting a guardrail with respect to a support post is provided. The support member comprises a body including a first portion adapted to engage a mounting area of a support post and a second portion adapted to engage a mounting area of a guardrail. The first portion comprises a mounting surface that is substantially concave from a first side to a second side of the mounting surface. The first side is provided with a first mounting protrusion and the second side is provided with a second mounting protrusion. Guardrail assemblies including a support member and methods are further provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2008Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Assignee: Monroeville Industrial Moldings, Inc.Inventor: Michael J. Burkett
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Publication number: 20090140225Abstract: The invention concerns a damping separator element for producing delimiting or protective barriers, for example for road traffic lanes or motor sports tracks. The element includes an elongated horizontal section and a cover, preferably made of flexible plastic material. The central reinforcement or hollow core, preferably made of metal, produced in the form of a flattened sheath and extended from one end to the other of the element, is housed inside the cover. The reinforcement provides a space between the cover and the central flattened hollow reinforcement, the space being filled or to be filled with a plastic foam such as, for example, a polyethylene foam.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2005Publication date: June 4, 2009Inventor: Rafael Galiana
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Patent number: 7537411Abstract: An end connector for a barrier device is provided which permits articulation of one barrier device through a relatively large angle with respect to an adjacent barrier device, so that a barrier wall may be formed of a plurality of barrier devices connected end-to-end having a significantly curved shape.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2007Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Inventors: Leo J. Yodock, Jr., Leo J. Yodock, III, Guy C. Yodock
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Publication number: 20090121205Abstract: An improved cable-barrier system includes an anchor-body and terminal post which receive and retain one or more anchor-cables and are anchored to counter balance the force applied to the anchor body by one or more barrier-cable(s). The system also allows for the release of the anchor-cables during a collision with a vehicle. The release of the cables is particularly important in situations where the cable-barrier is capable of acting as a ramp and/or snag during the collision.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2007Publication date: May 14, 2009Applicant: ARMORFLEX LIMITEDInventor: James Dallas
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Patent number: 7530548Abstract: Consistent and reliable releasing of a guardrail during a vehicle impact is enabled by a releasable fastener for safety structures along a highway. The release of secured components such as guardrail is controlled, and precise positional cooperation is provided between securing members and the guardrail. Forces may be attenuated to further optimize response.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2005Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Inventor: Carlos M. Ochoa
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Patent number: 7517170Abstract: An apparatus and a method for quick mounting of a barrier operator on a ground surface is disclosed. The apparatus includes a mounting frame positioned on the ground and mounting structure extending into the ground surface. Concrete may then be poured into the mounting frame to form an operator support on which the barrier operator is mounted. The mounting structure may be a mounting post received in an excavated portion of the ground, and the mounting post and excavated portion may then be filled with concrete. The concrete in the frame, mounting post, and mounting frame may communicate as to form a unitary mass with the mounting frame and mounting post. The mounting structure may be mounting rods secured directly with the ground. The mounting rods have a spiral flute for driving into and securing with the ground.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2005Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.Inventor: Robert J. Olmsted
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Patent number: 7516945Abstract: According to one embodiment, a cable anchor system for an end terminal includes a cable anchor bracket configured to couple to a guardrail, in which the cable anchor bracket includes a flat plate having an aperture formed therein and a plurality of protrusions extending from a plane containing the aperture. The protrusions are configured to releasably engage the guardrail.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2007Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Assignees: The Texas A&M University System, TRN Business TrustInventors: Dean C. Alberson, Roger P. Bligh, D. Lance Bullard, Jr., C. Eugene Buth, Hayes E. Ross, Jr., Stephen L. Brown
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Patent number: 7513710Abstract: A new type of spacer (1) for road or motorway crash barrier is described, consisting of an elastic body (2), fixed by means of bolts (4) or of other known fixing means to the supporting posts (5) of the crash barrier, which is integral with means (3) for supporting the longitudinal beam (6) belonging to the crash barrier. Preferably, the elastic body (2) is a rubber body with trapezoidal section and the means (3) for supporting the longitudinal beam (6) are connected to the rubber body (2) by vulcanization.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2004Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignee: Provincia Autonoma Di TrentoInventors: Andrea Demozzi, Massimo Eccel, Vittorio Giavotto
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Publication number: 20090065754Abstract: This invention relates to guardrails and guardrail impact heads for use in roading networks or vehicle road lanes requiring separation by a barrier. The invention provides an impact head for a guardrail including cable routing means adapted to form a convoluted path through which a cable can be threaded. The convoluted path that the cables must follow through the impact head of the invention restricts movement of the cable through the head, thereby providing sufficient friction to slow down the movement of the impact head during a vehicle impact. The invention also provides a method of constructing a guardrail including the steps of slidably interconnecting a plurality of rails and attaching them to posts, positioning an impact head according to any one of the preceding claims at one end of the slidably interconnected rails, threading at least one cable through the impact head and anchoring the cable to the ground.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2008Publication date: March 12, 2009Inventor: Dallas James
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Publication number: 20090060651Abstract: The present invention relates an apparatus for deflating at least one tyre of a vehicle including, an extendible tyre deflating means attached to a housing, a plurality of biasing members adapted to urge the tyre deflating means into an extended position, and a retraction means for withdrawing the tyre deflating means into a retracted position within said housing, wherein in said retracted position the tyre deflating means is held in place against the influence of said biasing members. The tyre deflating means can be remotely extended and retracted, which ensures that the user can be positioned in a location where they are not in physical danger.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2008Publication date: March 5, 2009Inventor: Michael SCHUBERT
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Patent number: 7497640Abstract: A road safety barrier having four or more ropes 4-7 supported by posts 1-3 rigidly mounted on or in the ground is described. Each rope is held in tension against the posts and follows a sinuous path between the posts. The ropes are tensioned against the posts and this gives rise to a combined frictional resistance to displacement of the ropes relative to each post along the length of the safety barrier. The structure of at least some of the posts and/or their mounting with respect to the ground defines a minimum bending yield strength in a direction along the length of the barrier. This minimum bending yield strength is greater than the bending moment resulting from the combined frictional resistance forces acting on the post.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2004Date of Patent: March 3, 2009Assignee: Hill & Smith Holdings, PLCInventors: Graham T. Sharp, Sean Billingham, John M. Walton
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Publication number: 20090050863Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2007Publication date: February 26, 2009Applicant: NUCOR CORPORATIONInventors: Steven J. CONWAY, Frederick MAUER, IV, Dallas JAMES
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Publication number: 20090050864Abstract: 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. Block-outs may be positioned in between the rail and support posts. 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: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2008Publication date: February 26, 2009Applicant: NUCOR CORPORATIONInventors: Steven J. CONWAY, Frederick MAURER, IV, Dallas JAMES
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Publication number: 20090032789Abstract: An impact attenuator system includes a hyperelastic member that comprises an energy-absorbing material which behaves in a rate-independent hyperelastic manner so that its permanent set is minimized and the material can absorb tremendous amounts of impact energy while remaining fully recoverable.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2005Publication date: February 5, 2009Inventors: James C. Kennedy, JR., Charles R. Miele, Chuck A. Plaxico, Joseph R. Preston, Jay R. Sayre, W. Scott Versluis, Carl J. Serman, Kary L. Valentine
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Patent number: 7484906Abstract: A vehicle crash cushion for decelerating a vehicle includes first, second and third bays. The first bay is positioned forwardly of the second bay and the second bay is positioned forwardly of the third bay. The first, second and third bays each have energy absorbing structures with first, second and third impact strengths respectively. The first impact strength is greater than the third impact strength, which is greater than the second impact strength. In another aspect, a deformable tube is at least partially filled with a secondary component, which filled portion has a greater deformation strength than unfilled portions of the tube. In another aspect, a vehicle crash cushion includes first and second side panels. A connector includes a first strap portion disposed in a valley of and connected to the first side panel and a second strap portion disposed adjacent to and connected to a ridge of the second side panel.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2007Date of Patent: February 3, 2009Assignee: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.Inventors: John F. La Turner, Michael H. Oberth, Douglas E. Wilkinson
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Patent number: 7481600Abstract: Provided is an energy-absorbing wall system for use with vehicle barriers, such as race track walls or barriers, highway guard rails or partitions, and the like. The wall system comprises a series of impact panels attachable to a wall and crush panels between the impact panels and the wall. The overlapping impact panels of the present system distribute collision energy from the impacted panels to crush panels and distally adjacent impact panels and crush panels, until the collision energy has been substantially distributed along the energy-absorbing wall system.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2007Date of Patent: January 27, 2009Inventor: Douglas Barton
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Patent number: 7478796Abstract: A support member for supporting a guardrail with respect to a support post is provided. The support member comprises a body including a first portion adapted to engage a mounting area of a support post and a second portion adapted to engage a mounting area of a guardrail. The first portion comprises a mounting surface that is substantially concave from a first side to a second side of the mounting surface. The first side is provided with a first mounting protrusion and the second side is provided with a second mounting protrusion. Guardrail assemblies including a support member and methods are further provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2005Date of Patent: January 20, 2009Assignee: Monroeville Industrial Moldings, Inc.Inventor: Michael J. Burkett
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Patent number: 7475868Abstract: A high security fence which includes strengthening cables. The cables extend internally within the aligned rails of the fence, and through cable passageways formed in the posts which support the fence rails. The cables are anchored adjacent each end by a substrate. Anchors are installed on each end of the cable to resist pullout of the cable from the substrate, which may be a concrete-filled bollard post installed in a buried concrete deadman.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2004Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Inventor: Edward L. Gibbs
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Publication number: 20090003932Abstract: An example of a vehicle barrier system for arresting an impacting vehicle of substantial mass within a selected distance of the fence includes a pair of terminal posts positioned in and secured to the ground in a spaced apart relationship; at least three cables, each cable having opposing terminal ends hingedly connected respectively to each of the terminal posts, the at least three cables held in tension a distance above a grade of the ground and vertically spaced apart from one another in relation to the grade; and a line post secured in the ground and positioned between the pair of terminal posts, the line post holding a portion of each of the cables.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2008Publication date: January 1, 2009Applicant: Neusch Innovations, LPInventor: William H. Neusch
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Publication number: 20090001335Abstract: A redeployable security barrier system and methods for using the same are disclosed, the barrier system comprising an assembly of individual foundation barrier units or structures, which provide a vehicle-impact resistant foundation portion, and an upper, generally visually transparent, personnel-scaling resistant fence portion that spans the assembly of barrier units.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2008Publication date: January 1, 2009Inventor: Martin O. Wilson
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Publication number: 20080308779Abstract: The present invention relates to a resin guardrail including a post, a plurality of guard plates coupled to the post, and connection members for connecting the guard plates to one another. Each of the guard plates of the guardrail is manufactured through extrusion. The guard plate comprises a hollow base body that takes the shape of a wave in cross section to include a rear ridge protruding rearward and having a flat portion and a front ridge protruding forward. The flat portion of the rear ridge and the front ridge are formed with first and second fastening holes, respectively, and the base body has solid portions for reinforcing regions with the first and second fastening holes formed therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2004Publication date: December 18, 2008Applicants: WOORIELTECH CO., LTD.Inventors: Cheol Yu, Boo-Young Han, Won-Sik Chu, Soon-Yi Yoo
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Publication number: 20080303010Abstract: A highway crash barrier structure with an improved interlocking system includes a plurality of rigid sections disposed end-to-end in interlocking relationship with one another. The ends of each rigid upright section are provided with a reshaped JJ Hooks® connection. Each hook member has an extending vertical lip which is bent into a “J” shaped cross-section to engage a similar lip on the hook member of the adjacent section such that lateral movement of the respective sections is prevented. However, the respective sections of the system can be easily placed or removed by vertically displacing them. In addition, the interlocking plates at each end of the upright sections are vertically lengthened while the number of bars welded to the plate is increased to reduce the rotational moment of the sections and increase shear transfer between adjacent sections.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2008Publication date: December 11, 2008Inventor: Rodney Smith
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Publication number: 20080296546Abstract: A cable for use in a safety barrier is provided. A cable for use in a safety barrier may include a plastic core wire and a plurality of metal wires disposed adjacent to and longitudinally to the plastic core wire. The cable may be pre-stretched prior to installation in the safety barrier. A method of making cable for use in a safety barrier may include (a)providing a plastic core wire, (b) disposing a plurality of metal wires, each metal wire disposed adjacent to and longitudinally to the plastic core wire, and (c) prestretching the cable prior to installation in the safety barrier.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2007Publication date: December 4, 2008Inventor: Peter Bergendahl
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Publication number: 20080290333Abstract: A temporary barricade in the form of a retractable post system. In one configuration, the post is lowered into the ground, such that the top of the post is flush with the ground surface, leaving an unobtrusive configuration that one can walk over, drive over, and so forth. In another configuration, however, the post can be pulled up from the ground, and with a moderate rotational twisting motion, locked into vertical position, thereby providing a strong barrier to traffic and other situations.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2007Publication date: November 27, 2008Inventors: Chris Parenti, Abel Gutierrez
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Publication number: 20080290334Abstract: A block used to space guardrails from support posts. The positioning or spacer block is a generally rectangular block having corded-out cavities to reduce weight and tabs or projections for cooperatively engaging the sides and top of a support post as well as the edges of the guardrail during roadway safety barrier system installation. Webbing within one or more of the cavities is used for additional structural support. The spacer block may be formed by low-pressure injection molding to optimize the strength to weight characteristics of the spacer block. The spacer block is formed from virgin and/or recycled plastic material and/or includes virgin or recycled rubber material, such as that obtained from the regrind of used tires, and/or another elastomeric materials from other sources.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2007Publication date: November 27, 2008Inventor: David T. King
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Publication number: 20080283806Abstract: A vehicle safety parapet comprises a plurality of rails (18, 24, 28) supported at varying heights on uprights (12). A first of the rails comprises a steel box-section supported at each upright by bracketing means (20) configured to collapse when a horizontal impact load is applied to the rail, such that the first rail is displaced towards the upright. At least one other rail extends from the uprights by a greater distance than the first rail when the bracketing means has collapsed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2006Publication date: November 20, 2008Applicant: VARLEY AND GULLIVER LIMITEDInventors: Anthony James Everitt, Darren Victor Copeland
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Publication number: 20080283807Abstract: A road safety barrier comprising a series of posts rigidly mounted on or in the ground, an anchor body (9) fixed in or on the ground beyond the series of posts, and at least one rope (1-4) which is supported by the posts so as to extend along the series of posts and which has an end portion (8) extending downwards from the last post (6a) of the series towards the anchor body (9). A terminal (19) is fixed on the extremity (8a) of the end portion (8) of the rope. An elongate tie bar 21 has a first end part connected to the anchor body (9) and a second end part releasably connected to the terminal (19) so that the elongate tie bar is in line with the terminal and the end portion (8) of the rope. The tie bar (21) reduces the risk of damage to the terminal (19) in the event of vehicular impact, and is easily replaceable. It also facilitates disengagement of the rope from the anchor body (9) if a vehicle becomes trapped by the end portion (8) of the rope during a collision.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2008Publication date: November 20, 2008Inventor: Michael Thomas Titmus
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Publication number: 20080283808Abstract: This invention relates to guardrails and guardrail impact heads for use in roading networks or vehicle road lanes requiring separation by a barrier. The invention provides an impact head for a guardrail including cable routing means adapted to form a convoluted path through which a cable can be threaded. The convoluted path that the cables must follow through the impact head of the invention restricts movement of the cable through the head, thereby providing sufficient friction to slow down the movement of the impact head during a vehicle impact. The invention also provides a method of constructing a guardrail including the steps of slidably interconnecting a plurality of rails and attaching them to posts, positioning an impact head according to any one of the preceding claims at one end of the slidably interconnected rails, threading at least one cable through the impact head and anchoring the cable to the ground.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2008Publication date: November 20, 2008Inventor: Dallas James
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Publication number: 20080272352Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2008Publication date: November 6, 2008Inventors: Don J. Gripne, Charles R. Norton, Elzard A. Sikkema, Brian E. Smith
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Patent number: 7445402Abstract: A barrier plate for highways comprises a M-shaped protective member made of plastic material and integrally press formed, and including a plurality of trapezoid and spaced projections and concaved planes, each of the projections having integrally formed and spaced first, second and third passages formed in the inner rim thereof and having a warning structure affixed on the outer periphery thereof; a saddle, one side of which is joined with the M-shaped protective member by using a trapezoid elongated retaining portion, made of ABS plastic material and injection molded in the shape of a flat lamination, and including a plurality of corresponding bores provided on one side thereof and a recessed adhesive portion formed on another side thereof; a support, one end of which is inserted in the ground yet another end of which cooperates with the adhesive portion of the saddle, retained by bolts through the M-shaped protective member.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2007Date of Patent: November 4, 2008Inventor: Chih-Hung Chen
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Publication number: 20080265231Abstract: An improved guard rail system spacer block having a front face, a rear face and an outer circumferential undulating surface surrounding a plurality of individual spaced apart cavities that extend from one of such faces to the other. Lugs project from the rear face to support the block on a post of a roadway guard rail system and align it with the post during installation of the system and a lug projects from the front face to temporarily support a guard rail strip during installation of the guard rail system.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2008Publication date: October 30, 2008Inventor: David T. King
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Patent number: 7441751Abstract: A high security fence which includes strengthening cables. The cables extend internally within the aligned rails of the fence, and through cable passageways formed in the posts which support the fence rails. The cables are anchored adjacent each end by a substrate. Anchors are installed on each end of the cable to resist pullout of the cable from the substrate, which may be a concrete-filled bollard post installed in a buried concrete deadman.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2006Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Inventor: Edward L. Gibbs
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Patent number: 7438337Abstract: A truck mounted attenuator (TMA) is constructed to minimize length during use in a horizontal position and height in a vertical transport position, as well as to minimize wind resistance and buffeting at highway speeds. A modular construction is employed, so that only damaged portions of the TMA can be removed and replaced in the field after a vehicle impact. The TMA comprises a plurality of outwardly curved tubular structural members which are designed to buckle upon application to the TMA of forces resulting from vehicular impact. The rigid tubes buckle at a high initial force, then proceed to crush at a lower force once the sides have buckled outwardly sufficiently to protect vehicle occupants during the critical first two feet of travel after impact. This design also provides increased protection for errant vehicles which impact the TMA device from an angle (i.e. “coffin corner” impact).Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2007Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: TrafFix Devices, Inc.Inventor: David C. Gertz
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Publication number: 20080251776Abstract: A road guardrail having an impact buffering bracket between a waveform shape plate and a guardrail plate is disposed, in which an impact buffering bracket formed of a metallic plate is divided into a front bracket and a rear bracket, and the front and rear brackets are elastically engaged in forward and backward directions. When a vehicle collides with a guardrail plate, the engaged front and rear brackets are flexibly contracted for thereby releasing impact force, and in another embodiment of the present invention, an impact buffering bracket is formed in a rectangular tube shape, and a weak portion having a plurality of holes at both sides is formed. When a vehicle collides with a guardrail, the weak portion formed at the lateral sides is flexibly contracted for thereby releasing n impact force.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2006Publication date: October 16, 2008Inventors: Joong Suk Park, Mi Rye Seo