Highway Guard Patents (Class 256/13.1)
  • Publication number: 20080245939
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: MONROEVILLE INDUSTRIAL MOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventor: Michael J. Burkett
  • Publication number: 20080247820
    Abstract: An assembly for releasing tension in a cable includes a mounting plate holding the cable in tension, the mounting plate oriented substantially parallel to the cable when it is in tension; and a leveraging member having a base positioned between the mounting plate and the cable and a leg extending upward from the base relative to the ground surface, wherein the leveraging member leverages the cable from holding connection with the mounting plate when it is impacted with a sufficient force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: Neusch Innovations, LP
    Inventor: William Neusch
  • Publication number: 20080230760
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventors: Dean L. Sicking, John R. Rohde, John D. Reid, King K. Mak
  • Publication number: 20080230759
    Abstract: A guardrail run with a rail is arranged along and substantially parallel to a roadway. The rail is made of consecutively arranged round timber sections with abutting end sections. Each round timber section includes a metal band disposed in a vertical groove extending along the bottom side. The timber sections are releasably attached to posts anchored alongside the roadway. A locking plate having a U-shape configuration with two legs connected by a web overlaps with the ends of the metal bands of two adjacent timber sections. The ends of the metal bands are received between the two legs of the locking plate, thereby coupling the metal bands with one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: HEINTZMANN SICHERHEITSSYSTEME GMBH & CO., KG
    Inventors: Horst Lass, Walter Klein, Werner Heimann
  • Patent number: 7416364
    Abstract: A pivot unit for use with barrier devices which may be connected end-to-end to form a barrier wall. The pivot unit comprises first and second end connectors, each of which may be coupled to the end of one barrier device, and a hinge post extending between the end connectors. The hinge post is mounted by a pin to each end connector allowing pivotal motion of one end connector, and the barrier device to which it is coupled, through an angle of at least 90° relative to the other end connector and its associated barrier device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Inventors: Leo J. Yodock, III, Leo J. Yodock, Jr., Guy C. Yodock
  • Patent number: 7401996
    Abstract: A cable-release anchor assembly including a cable mounting plate adapted for removably holding a cable proximate its terminal end and a leveraging member positioned to release the cable from the terminal end when the leveraging member is impacted. The cable may be connected to a safety system such as, but not limited to, a cable barrier system, W-beam guardrail, and/or an energy absorption system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Neusch Innovations, LP
    Inventor: William H. Neusch
  • Patent number: 7398960
    Abstract: A releasable post-cable connection includes a post having a top end extending above a ground level. The post having an internal cavity and a slot formed through a post face wall extending downward from the top end of the post in communication with the cavity and a hairpin connector carrying at least one cable and releasably mounted to the post. The hairpin cable connector includes an elongated section forming at least one loop adapted for disposing a cable, and a top section extending at an angle from the elongated member. The elongated section is substantially disposed within the cavity and the loop extends exterior of the cavity, and the top section hung on the top end of the post. When the post is impacted and urged toward the ground level the cable is released from the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Neusch Innovations, LP
    Inventor: William H. Neusch
  • Patent number: 7393154
    Abstract: A towable, articulated elongated traffic barrier includes traffic barrier modules having articulating interconnected ends. A restrictor element restricts articulation between adjacent modules. Each module includes two spaced wheel assemblies positioned inwardly from the ends thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Barrier Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerrit Dyke, Alvaro E. Morales Flores
  • Publication number: 20080149906
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventor: David T. King
  • Patent number: 7389860
    Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, an energy-absorbing device includes a section of material having a plurality of crush zones along a longitudinal length thereof, a first crush zone of the plurality of crush zones including a pair of opposed first bends formed in a first side and a second side of the section, a pair of opposed second bends formed in a third side and a fourth side of the section, and a first set of notches spaced around a perimeter of the section at a longitudinal location corresponding to the first bends and second bends. The first bends project in a direction that is one of inward and outward and the second bends project in a direction opposite that of the first bends. At least one of the other crush zones includes a second set of notches spaced around the perimeter of the section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: The Texas A&M University System
    Inventors: Akram Y. Abu-Odeh, Roger P. Bligh, Dean C. Alberson, Jacob R. Ness
  • Publication number: 20080142770
    Abstract: A method of releasably connecting a cable to a post in a manner such that the cable will release from the post when the post is deformed toward ground level, the method includes the steps of providing a post having an interior cavity and a slot formed through a post face wall extending from the top end of the post; disposing a cable within a loop formed in an elongated section of a connector; hanging the connector from the top end of the post, the elongated section positioned substantially within the cavity and the loop and the disposed cable positioned exterior of the cavity; and tensioning the cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: Neusch Innovations, LP
    Inventor: William Neusch
  • Patent number: 7387295
    Abstract: Above ground fences are constructed with used tires from vehicles. Various arrangements of tires and inter-tire binding and anchorage of tires in place are disclosed. Usage for area fencing for animal containment, for privacy fencing, for limited privacy screening, for noise control, for roadway collision safety and for building wall protection are disclosed. Avoidance of collection and stagnation of water from rain, snow and sprinkling, is disclosed. The use of the tread portion of waste tires, for tire fence binding material, is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Lifenet Softwalls, LLC
    Inventor: Alex F. Talbott
  • Publication number: 20080121856
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for supporting guardrail posts. The system includes a foundation tube, a guardrail post partially disposed within the foundation tube, and a spacer disposed between the guardrail post and the foundation tube. The spacer has overall dimensions of approximately (a) a first dimension that is smaller than a first interior dimension of the foundation tube, (b) a second dimension that is equal to or less than a second interior dimension of the foundation tube less an exterior dimension of the guardrail post and (c) a third dimension greater than or equal to one half of the first dimension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Applicant: THE TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SYSTEM
    Inventors: Dean C. Alberson, D. Lance Bullard, Roger P. Bligh, C. Eugene Buth
  • Patent number: 7367549
    Abstract: 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 (8e) 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 1o the end portion (8) of the rope during a collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Hill & Smith Limited
    Inventor: Michael Thomas Titmus
  • Patent number: 7364137
    Abstract: A cable barrier system including a cable-release anchor assembly, a terminal end section having at least one terminal post, the terminal post disposed adjacent to and spaced from the cable-release anchor assembly, and a length of need section having a plurality of line posts spaced from each other, each line post having an internal cavity and a slot formed along a sidewall extending downward from its top end. At least one cable having a terminal end is connected intention between the cable-release anchor assembly and the posts, the cable connected to the cable-release anchor proximate its terminal end. The cable is releasably connected to the terminal post and the line posts. The cable is releasably connected to the line posts by post-cable connectors. The post-cable connector includes an elongated section forming loops, the elongated portion is disposed substantially within the cavity and the loops extend through the slot to the exterior of the cavity. The cable is slidably disposed in the loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Neusch Innovation, LP
    Inventor: William H. Neusch
  • Patent number: 7329067
    Abstract: A retractable road median used to divide a road that may be retracted to allow vehicles to cross it in the event of an emergency, comprising a median assembly, a frame assembly, a winch assembly, and a longitudinal base assembly. The retractable road median has means to move the median assembly from a retraced position into an extracted position and vise versa. In the retracted position, a cavity built underneath a road surface, retractably receives the median assembly therein. The longitudinal base assembly includes two angled lateral walls that, in the extracted position, are in a substantially vertical disposition and their longitudinal edges rest on the sidewalls of the median assembly. In the retracted position, the median assembly collapses into the cavity so that the angled lateral walls rotate into a nearly horizontal position to cover the cavity entrance, permitting vehicles to cross to the other side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Pichy Welding Machine Shop, Corp.
    Inventor: Juan Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 7325789
    Abstract: Guardrail installation designs are described that incorporate a box beam rail as the structural rail member. The box beam rail member may have an open cross-section or a closed cross-section. An impact head is provided to bend and deflect the rail member during an end-on collision, allowing the rail member to be deflected away from the roadway and out of the path of an end-on impacting vehicle. The impact head includes a striking face and a chute portion that receives the box beam rail member therewithin. In addition to bending and deflecting the rail member, the impact head may also include a flattening section for flattening the rail member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: The Texas A&M University System
    Inventors: C. Eugene Buth, Roger P. Bligh, Dean C. Alberson, D. Lance Bullard, Jr., Hayes E. Ross, Jr., Akram Abu-Odeh
  • Patent number: 7325788
    Abstract: A cable system for erecting a barricade such as, for example, a security fence, on a support surface such as, for example, the perimeter of an area to be protected. The cable system is uniquely characterized by the structure of the hollow support posts, or bollards, and their fittings for the attachment of lengths of cable thereto to provide a barricade having high strength. Lengths of cable not only extend between adjacent posts, but each end of each cable length passes through the hollow void of each post for attachment thereto below the support surface. Each of the posts used in the system is preferably set in concrete, and the hollow void of each individual post is also filled with concrete. Also disclosed is a preferred structure for an individual post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Mimi Management Services LP
    Inventors: Thomas J. Stanek, John J. Kelley
  • Patent number: 7314212
    Abstract: A deformation and weather resistant, noise attenuating fencing assembly comprises a series of hollow posts, each post formed of a fiberglass reinforced resin, having spaced apart load bearing walls defining an exterior surface, an interior surface, a first open end and a second open end. The structure-reinforcing cap is inserted within a first open end of each of the posts and frictionally engages the interior surface of the post to substantially prevent movement of the exterior surface thereof when various types of appurtenant structures are mounted thereon, which would otherwise cause deformation and possible structural failure of the post walls. First and second clips are inserted into the first and second open ends of the post, respectively, to provide an easy mechanism to properly space and secure the posts together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Inventor: William Ray Higgins
  • Patent number: 7306397
    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: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Exodyne Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Albritton
  • Publication number: 20070215849
    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: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Publication date: September 20, 2007
    Inventors: Dean C. Alberson, Roger P. Bligh, D. Lance Bullard, C. Eugene Buth
  • Patent number: 7257875
    Abstract: A method for making a protective device for guardrails comprises the steps of preparing a sheet (2) of flexible material; wrapping the sheet (2) of flexible material between at least one portion (3) of a longitudinal rail (6) of a guardrail (5) and at least one portion (4) of a lower longitudinal element (7), positioned between at least two guardrail (5) uprights (8) at a predetermined height, other than zero, from the ground, to form a smooth and continuous surface (11) which at least partly covers the guardrail (5). A protective device for guardrails comprises at least one flexible sheet (2) which can be wrapped between at least one portion (3) of a rail (6) of a guardrail (5) and at least one portion (4) of a lower longitudinal element (7), positioned between at least two guardrail (5) uprights (8), to form a smooth and continuous surface (11) covering the guardrail (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Inventors: Giovanni Masinelli, Roberto Piastra
  • Patent number: 7258505
    Abstract: A portable and scaleable barrier uses a unique combination of feet, interconnecting members and top portions to provide a vehicle barrier that is capable of, for example, lifting the vehicle of the ground and providing substantial undercarriage damage. The interconnecting nature of the barrier allows the barrier to be configured or adapted based on, for example, a particular environmental condition or application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Blackwater Target Systems LLC
    Inventor: Jim Dehart
  • Patent number: 7258326
    Abstract: Above ground fencing is constructed with slices of used tires from vehicles. There are various arrangements of tire slices and inter-slice binding and anchorage of slices in places. One use for such fencing is for roadway collision safety. One use of the tread portion of waste tires is as binding material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Lifenet Softwalls, LLC
    Inventor: Alex F. Talbott
  • Patent number: 7249908
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Trinity Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Bergendahl, Don J. Gripne, Chuck Norton, Elzard Sikkema
  • Patent number: 7246791
    Abstract: An energy absorbing terminal is described that is made up of a plurality of cells partially defined by cambered panels made of thermoplastic or another suitable material. The panels are supported upon rectangular frames. The cambered portion of the panels provides a predetermined point of flexure for each panel and, thus, allows for energy dissipation during a collision. The stiffness of the crash cushion may be varied by altering material thicknesses and diaphragm spacing. In operation, a vehicle colliding in an end-on manner with the upstream end of the energy absorbing terminal will cause each of the cambered panels to bend angularly at its point of flexure and, thus, cause the cells to collapse axially. The use of thermoplastic, such as polyethylene results in a reversible, self-restoring collapse for the terminal, meaning that the terminal is reusable after most collisions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: The Texas A&M University System
    Inventors: Dean C. Alberson, D. Lance Bullard, Jr., Christopher J. Karpathy, John F. Carney, III
  • Patent number: 7243964
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Traffix Devices, Inc
    Inventor: David C. Gertz
  • Patent number: 7243908
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignees: The Texas A&M Univeristy System, TRN Business Trust
    Inventors: Dean C. Alberson, Roger P. Bligh, D. Lance Bullard, Jr., C. Eugene Buth, Hayes E. Ross, Jr., Stephen L. Brown
  • Patent number: 7234687
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: K.E.S.S. Inc.
    Inventor: David T. King
  • Patent number: 7226237
    Abstract: Road barrier comprising a plurality of modules consisting at least of an upright, or vertical component, fixed in the ground, and a first longitudinal element, or horizontal component, made with tubular profiles. The upright is arranged through inside the first longitudinal element, so that the latter can be moved vertically and selectively clamped at a desired height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Inventor: Gildo Ceccarelli
  • Patent number: 7195420
    Abstract: A bollard having a plurality of parallel, vertical legs spaced apart from each other on the perimeter of a regular geometric shape. The minimum number and/or cross-section of the legs is governed by the need to avoid creating an entrapment area between adjacent legs. If an even number of legs is provided, they can be arranged in diametrically opposite pairs of decreasing height, the pairs of legs being joined at their tops to form a series of at least three nested, inverted substantially U-shaped forms of decreasing height set around a common vertical axis. The bollard also includes elements for joining the legs together as a unit, for example, a cylindrical center member having the common vertical axis of the legs as its longitudinal axis, a longitudinal rib joining each leg to the center member, and a plurality of horizontal ribs joining adjacent legs to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Secure Site Design, LLC
    Inventor: Gerald P. Skalka
  • Patent number: 7185882
    Abstract: Guardrail installation designs are described that incorporate a box beam rail as the structural rail member. The box beam rail member may have an open cross-section or a closed cross-section. An impact head is provided to bend and deflect the rail member during an end-on collision, allowing the rail member to be deflected away from the roadway and out of the path of an end-on impacting vehicle. The impact head includes a striking face and a chute portion that receives the box beam rail member therewithin. In addition to bending and deflecting the rail member, the impact head may also include a flattening section for flattening the rail member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: The Texas A&M University System
    Inventors: C. Eugene Buth, Roger P. Bligh, Dean C. Alberson, Lance D. Bullard, Jr., Hayes E. Ross, Jr., Akram Abu-Odeh
  • Patent number: 7182320
    Abstract: A cable integrated guardrail system for highway guardrail. The rail of the system contains at least one cut section placed longitudinally along the panel, and of sufficient dimension as to allow interaction with a cable. Said cut sections also act to reduce longitudinal resistance and safely stop axially impacting vehicles. A cable, which is of sufficient length to extend longitudinally along the entire system, prevents tearing of the rail during lateral impacts and aids in safely redirecting the vehicle away from a hazard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Bryson Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Chad Garrett Heimbecker, William Bryson, William Atwood
  • Patent number: 7168882
    Abstract: A road barrier has a bottom part and a top part which extends upwardly and forms in the top part at least one downwardly inclined side surface so that when in a case of an accident a vehicle hits the road barrier from a side of the at least one downwardly inclined side surface, it can be thrown back into its lane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventor: Alfred Owen
  • Patent number: 7144186
    Abstract: Barrier elements couple together into a longitudinal wall to provide security from terrorist threats by being able to withstand both vehicle collisions and explosive blasts. Each barrier element is prefabricated to include a massive block of durable material, preferably high strength concrete, cast about one or more beams that are preferably made of steel and extend longitudinally through the block. Multiple blocks are positionable on top of the ground with their beams coupled longitudinally to one another, end-to-end. Forces from a vehicle collision or an explosive blast can cause barrier elements to rotate relative to one-another when the couplings between beams hinge or bend as the durable material that interferes with the rotation breaks away. The barrier elements are transportable by truck, positionable using readily available heavy lifting equipment, and longitudinally inter-connectable hingedly or rigidly by means of field-installable mechanical fastening hardware.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Kontek Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger Allen Nolte
  • Patent number: 7144187
    Abstract: Masses of composite material are coupled together by means of one or more cables into a longitudinal barrier wall to provide security from terrorist threats by being able to withstand both vehicle collisions and explosive blasts. The one or more cables are routed through tunnels within the masses. The tunnels have tapered openings to protect cable from being sheared apart when adjacent masses slide relative to one-another. Some of the cable is anchored to some of the masses. Each mass that is located at an end of a barrier wall is used to support anchoring means to anchor some of the cable. Such barrier walls are supported by a surface such as a ground surface and can be dragged along such a surface since a ground anchoring means isn't required. Given sufficient cable, such a barrier wall can withstand great longitudinal tension, and can absorb and endure great amounts of mechanical and thermal energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Kontek Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Allen Nolte, Barclay J. Tullis
  • Patent number: 7128308
    Abstract: Components and a system for limiting access and egress. A properly scaled barrier of the present invention meets varied requirements for applications that include: security, safety, order, privacy, and discipline. In one embodiment, pre-manufactured panels and connectors are delivered to a site that has been prepared for installation of the system. Local materials may be used for the panels in some cases. The panels and connectors can be assembled quickly by unskilled labor and, in some embodiments, the barrier just as quickly dismantled or repaired as necessary. One embodiment may be used as a temporary or emergency solution to access control while another may employ in-fill material to provide a permanent barrier. Another embodiment may be used in a residential setting, providing storage in some installations. In all embodiments, accessories for enhancing effectiveness may be installed on or within the barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Charles P. Marsh, Charles C. Lozar, Brian Temple
  • Patent number: 7125197
    Abstract: A vehicle capture net disposed between a pair of towers each of which includes a shaft, a pair of spools coupled to the shaft, and a pair of straps connected to the net. Each strap is wound on a spool. A brake is coupled to the shaft and to the spools for providing a restraining force of increasing magnitude as the straps are unwound. Unwinding of the straps from the spools advances the pair of spools on threaded portions of the shaft to compress the adjacent braking surfaces against each other. The vehicle is stopped by deploying a vehicle capture net connected to at least one pair of straps each wound on a spool, permitting the vehicle to collide with the capture net and to unwind the straps from corresponding spools, and providing a restraining force of increasing magnitude on the straps as the straps are unwound from the spools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Inventors: Bohdan Krewsun, Brad Carr
  • Patent number: 7111827
    Abstract: To reduce the danger of bodily harm to occupants of vehicles that leave a roadway, a guardrail system includes an energy-absorption system is provided. The energy-absorption system including a cutting mechanism positioned to cut a guardrail section upon impact by a vehicle to decelerate the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Kothmann Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean L. Sicking, Brian G. Pfeifer
  • Patent number: 7109885
    Abstract: A portable expandable screen for blocking passing motorists' and pedestrians' views of accidents on a roadway to prevent rubbernecking and promote traffic flow and increased highway safety. The portable expandable screen has a plurality of panels assembled in a telescoping manner like an accordion. Each panel has an outside surface, an inside surface, an inside edge, and a bottom end. A horizontal track is located on the inside surface at the bottom end of every panel. A small wheel is fixed to the inside edge at the bottom end of every panel, for allowing the small wheel of one panel to be fitted within the track of an adjacent panel. This allows the panels to slide inwardly and outwardly in a telescoping manner to block accidents from view on the roadways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Inventor: Timothy Denlinger
  • Patent number: 7104720
    Abstract: A traffic noise barrier system includes a longitudinal barrier and a traffic noise barrier wall. The traffic noise barrier wall is supported by the longitudinal barrier and is spaced apart from a back surface of the longitudinal barrier in a direction away from the path of traffic. Transverse beams attach the longitudinal barrier to the noise barrier wall, and a structure may be placed across the transverse beams for catching debris. Each panel in the plurality of panels may be interconnected by a cable to an adjacent panel or an upstanding post, and each post may be interconnected by a cable and/or bar. The traffic noise barrier wall is preferably positioned at a distance greater than about 18 inches from a front surface of the longitudinal barrier, and more preferably is positioned at a distance greater than about 34 inches from the front surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: CYRO Industries
    Inventors: Eric C. Humphries, Stephen D. Barratt
  • Patent number: 7100752
    Abstract: A crash cushion system to envelop at least one bridge pier. The system has two impact heads, one facing one traffic flow direction and the other facing an opposite traffic flow direction. The heads are connected to multi-stage box beam energy absorbers which are in turn connected to a tubular frame structure which envelops the bridge piers. The frame is spaced apart from the face of the pier sufficiently to avoid an impacting vehicle's snagging the frame and contacting the pier structure. Anchorage cables to stiffen and support the sides of the envelope are positioned inside the frame's parallelogram shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Safety By Design Co.
    Inventors: John D. Reid, John R. Rohde, Dean L. Sicking, King K. Mak
  • Patent number: 7100903
    Abstract: An impact barrier system comprising a plurality of bow-shaped panels attached to a retaining wall in overlapping side-by-side relationship that, together with the configuration of the panels, provides a plurality of impact absorbing features that work together to absorb the impact of a vehicle and transfer the force of the impact across multiple panels. The panels are resilient and predisposed to assume their original configuration after the impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Inventor: Harold E. Wilson
  • Patent number: 7090428
    Abstract: A safety protector for application on vertical posts (6) tied-down to the ground and that constitute corrugated sheet supports with safety rail barrier functions, establishing a separation between its lower edge and the ground, through which a person involved in an accident due to sliding over the asphalt may impact on the corresponding section of the vertical support post (6). The safety support is constituted by an extruded profile (1) that is assembled to be adapted as a cover on post (6), the latter having internal partitions (1) and re-thickened zones, as well as an internal sinuous profile to be adapted on corresponding post (6), externally providing impact areas for persons involved in accidents that reduces the violence and diminishes the impact force, efficiently damping the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Tecus Plasticos, S.L.
    Inventor: Luciano Hinojosa
  • Patent number: 7070031
    Abstract: An improved crash attenuator that uses a cable and shock arresting cylinder arrangement to control the rate at which a vehicle impacting the crash attenuator is decelerated to a safe stop is disclosed. The crash attenuator is comprised of a front section and a plurality of mobile sections with overlapping angular corrugated side panels. When the crash attenuator is impacted by a vehicle, the front section and mobile sections telescope down in response, and thus, are effectively longitudinally collapsed. For this purpose, the sections are slidably mounted on at least one guiderail that is attached to the ground. Positioned preferably between two guiderails is the cable and cylinder arrangement that exerts a force on the front section to resist the backward movement of the front section when struck by an impacting vehicle using a varying restraining force to control the rate at which an impacting vehicle is decelerated to safely stop the vehicle. The side panels can also be used in a guardrail configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: SCI Products Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery D. Smith, Randy L Warner, Kelly R. Strong
  • Patent number: 7059590
    Abstract: An impact assembly for transferring forces from a head-on impact or a side impact between a vehicle and one end of an energy absorbing device facing oncoming traffic. The impact assembly may be used to transfer energy from a floor structure of a vehicle during a side impact with the one end of the energy absorbing device. Portions of the impact assembly are positioned relative to ground level to engage the floor structure of an impacting vehicle and/or the front bumper of a low profile vehicle. Portions of the impact assembly may be manufactured from a single piece of sheet metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: TRN Business Trust
    Inventor: Maurice E. Bronstad
  • Patent number: 7037031
    Abstract: An automatic barricade includes a trench across a road that is covered by a grate allowing vehicular traffic during normal dry weather. Inside the trench is a series of barricade elements, each of which includes a float. When rising water fills the trench to a predetermined level, each float rises and elevates the elements above the road. The barricade elements are sufficiently robust and intimidating to deter motorists from driving over them but are spaced apart to be light enough to be easily actuated by the float. The barricade elements are sufficiently close together that vehicles cannot pass between them. In another embodiment, a sensor is adjacent the trench to detect rising water and communicates with a motor connected to the barricade elements for raising them to a traffic blocking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Inventor: Mark D. Haynie
  • Patent number: 7014389
    Abstract: An articulated guard rail reflector assembly includes a standardized base adapted for mounting the corrugations of a metal guardrail or on top of a guard rail and a pair of interchangeable top reflector holding members, one being circular in outline and one being trapezoidal in outline to fit in the corrugation of a metal highway barrier. The base member and the reflective member are joined by a spring steel L-shape clip that snaps into place. The base and reflector holding members may be made of sheet or galvanized metal, aluminum, polycarbonate plastic, ABS plastic or the like. The L-shape member is made of spring steel and allows the reflector to be moved backwardly of its direction facing traffic by either brushing forces rubbing against the guardrail, or by the pressure of packed snow being pushed against the guardrail by a motor vehicle carrying a snowplow or the like. Preferred reflector material includes plastic lenses and/or reflective tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Hallan Products, Ltd.
    Inventor: Allen D. Siblik
  • Patent number: 6997637
    Abstract: Roadway barrier system and method are disclosed for decelerating a moving vehicle in a controlled manner and for retaining the decelerated vehicle. A net or mesh of the roadway barrier system receives and captures the moving vehicle. The net or mesh is secured to anchors by energy absorbing straps. The energy absorbing straps deploy under a tensional load to decelerate the moving vehicle, the straps providing a controlled resistance to the tensional load over a predefined displacement or stroke to bring the moving vehicle to rest. Additional features include a sacrificial panel or sheet in front of the net that holds up the net or mesh while deflecting vehicles that collide only tangentially with the roadway barrier system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: William C. Schneider, P. James Locke
  • Patent number: 6978582
    Abstract: A one piece beam means used a post to support a longitudinal impact-resistant member, such as a guardrail along a highway. The one piece, stamped construction simplifies installation because fewer steps and parts are involved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Inventor: Gwynn Alan Bernard