Abstract: A weed control plate (1) installed at the root of one of supports of various kinds so as to cover the ground around the root to prevent the propagation of weeds. The weed control plate (1) is a thin plate having a conical surface. The plate is provided in the center thereof with an opening (11) for passing the support. The plate has a single parting line (13) extending from the outer periphery to the inner periphery of the plate. Two edges of the plate which are divided by the parting line (13) are fastened so as to join together with bolts (30) and nuts (31), thereby firmly fastening the inner peripheral surface of the opening (11) to the outer periphery of the support. The conical surface (10) is curved convexly upward toward radially inward of the plate. The inner peripheral surface of the opening (11) has a curved surface (25) projecting inward over approximately the entire circumference.

Abstract: Disclosed is a covering designed to be attached to and along the bottom portion of chain-linked and other similar types of fencing in order to prevent grass and weeds from growing between the links. Produced in varying lengths from a rubber or plastic type material, the covering has an L-shaped profile that allows it to be placed along the bottom edge of the fencing resting on the ground and against the fence. The mowing strip portion of the L-shape guard that rests upon the ground extends out horizontally from the bottom of the fence serves a shield that will prevent plant growth along the fence line.

Abstract: A handrail/leaning rail includes a mounting system adapted to be attached to a wall and an elongated rail separate from the mounting system and removably attached to the mounting system. The rail has a handgrip portion having a top surface and undercut front and rear surfaces shaped for grasping by a user, the rear surface being positioned on the rail to be spaced apart from the wall. A safety blocking portion that is longitudinally coextensive with the handgrip portion and extends rearwardly from a lower base portion of the rear surface of the handgrip portion blocks a gap that would otherwise be left between the lower base portion of the handgrip portion and the wall. The rail also has a wall shield flange portion that extends upwardly from the safety blocking portion and is spaced apart from the rear surface of the handgrip portion.

Abstract: A safety fence used in a field of a construction work includes a guide rail disposed parallel to an outer wall of a building being constructed. A fence frame is disposed to cover the outer wall and movable along the guide rail and an elevating device for moving the fence frame along the guide rail provided. A tent is disposed on the fence frame. A net for reinforcing the tent may be fixedly disposed on the fence frame. The fence frame includes a plurality of platforms that are vertically connected to each other in a multi-story structure. The platforms are connected to each other by braces.

Abstract: A cover shoe that encloses the junction between the base of a post and a mounting plate is disclosed. The cover shoe is preferably made of two pieces and thus allows the cover shoe to be applied to the junction after the post has been welded to the mounting plate. The two piece cover shoe eliminates the need for field welding of the post to the mounting plate while the cover shoe is precariously slid up the post and maintained there during the welding process.

Abstract: An improved breakaway steel guardrail post for use in dissipation of impact energy upon impact of the post having an upper post member and a lower post member, a connecting joint, and a mechanism connected to the upper and lower post members for controlling the energy dissipation of the guardrail post about the connecting joint at a predetermined rate. A first embodiment utilizes a cable restraint lopped through openings in the guardrail posts. Other embodiments included straps and fasteners designed to distort or fail at predetermined rates or strengths and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A step assembly comprising a pair of interengagable steps for use in climbing over a fence having T-shaped posts comprises a first step and a second step, the first step engaging the outer surface of the flat cross bar of the T-shaped post, the second step engaging the perpendicular leg of the T-shaped post wherein the first step is initially separate from the second step and is releasingly engageable thereto.

Abstract: A crash attenuation apparatus for use with a guardrail system having rail posts and rail elements. An impact head has a buffer nose section and a rail post breaking beam system. The post breaking beam system has upper and lower breaking beams attached to the head. A guide tube is attached to the side of the head. A strut member extends from a first attachment point on the rail element to a second point downstream. Upon impact by a vehicle, the head breaks the first rail post, before impacting the strut and buckling the rail element downstream.

Abstract: A crowd control rail assembly includes at least two foldable plastic barricades constructed from two substantially similar integrally molded planar frame units. A planar cross-panel at the upper end of the barricade includes a vertically elongated slot into which the end of an elongated plastic rail unit may be inserted. Notches are provided at each end of the rail. Dimensions of the rail are chosen so that it must be inserted into the slot substantially perpendicular to the planar face of the upper portion of the frame unit and, then when the notch engages the bottom of the slot and the barricade is unfolded, the rail is automatically and securely retained.

Abstract: A column and panel concrete fence includes two or more columns, each of which comprises two portions which are separated from one another along one or more planes that are essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the column. The columns are placed upon footings, as also are the ends of concrete panels which run between successive columns. Preferably, the panels are composed of two or more panel units which are mirror images of one another.

Abstract: A bumper for limiting the mobility of a wheeled device. The bumper is an elongated member having a base wall and an elastically resilient wheel engagement wall coupled to the base wall. The wheel engagement wall includes an outer surface and an inner surface, one of which includes reliefs for aiding the wall to conform to and stop the rolling action of a wheel of a wheeled device when impacted thereby. The energy stored in the engagement wall when impacted by the wheel of the wheeled device returns the engagement wall to its original shape thereby pushing the wheel of the wheeled device away from the elongated member. A bumper system may be fabricated by connecting two or more of the bumpers together in a desired configuration using adjustable, straight, or bent connectors.

Abstract: A parking lot management system including a plurality of parking space barriers each having a vertical member and an arm having an inboard end rotatably mounted to the vertical member. In use, the arm is adapted for pivoting about a vertical axis at least about 90 degrees. The parking space barriers each include a locking assembly for selectively fixing the arm with respect to the vertical member.

Abstract: A visual barrier for highway use, comprising a horizontal web having a width and a length, wherein the length is greater than the width; and an undulating vertical web orthogonally connected to and extending away from the horizontal web, wherein the vertical web is formed of a thermoplastic material, and in which the horizontal web may be undulating, with first surfaces having holes therethrough and second surfaces without holes, wherein the second surfaces are facing toward oncoming traffic and the first surfaces and the holes are facing away from oncoming traffic.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for connecting fence fabric to a support structure includes a tool with an elongated body member with notches at opposite ends. The notches are configured to allow a line to be securely wrapped around the tool. The tool is sized to allow it to fit through an opening located in the fence fabric. The tool is preferably constructed of steel and it includes one or more openings extending through the elongated member to facilitate attaching the line to the tool. The line is used to couple the fence fabric to the support structure.

Abstract: A traffic management system is provided including a primary dispensing post and a banner having an inboard coupled to the primary dispensing post to be dispensed and retracted by way of a crank. The banner has traffic managing indicia positioned thereon. Further, a terminal post is connected to an outboard edge of the banner for maintaining the same upright.

Abstract: A highway guardrail includes an elongated metal plate that forms at least one ridge. The plate includes weakened regions extending at least partially across the plate, and these weakened regions are oriented obliquely to the longitudinal direction to form at least one elongated fold region at which the plate tends to buckle when subjected to a sufficiently large column load. This fold region is oriented obliquely to the longitudinal direction to push the forward end of the guardrail downwardly in an axial collapse. The forward end of the guardrail includes a cable that passes through an opening in the forward support post. A split washer is positioned around this cable adjacent to the forward support post. The split washer includes first and second load transferring members that readily separate from one another after the first support post breaks at the opening in an axial impact.

Abstract: A portable barrier in combination with a shopping cart is disclosed. The combination includes a shopping cart having a base supporting a basket adapted for temporarily carrier goods and a plurality of wheels secured to the base facilitating easy movement of the shopping cart and a barrier secured to the shopping cart for selective use in creating a ready barrier.

Abstract: A tensioned cable railing wherein a cable extends in a serpentine manner between top and bottom horizontal extending rails connected at opposite ends to vertical posts. Tubular spindles extend between the top and bottom rails in proximity to the posts, and a tensioning mechanism is mounted in each tubular spindle and connected to a respective end of the cable for maintaining the proper tension on the cable. The bight portions of the serpentine cable are received in longitudinally extending grooves provided in the top and bottom rails to enhance the appearance of the railing.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described relating to barrel crash cushions which readily collapse when impacted from a substantially end-on direction, and are more capable than conventional designs of substantially redirecting vehicles impacting from non-end-on directions and reducing the chance of these vehicles tearing through the crash cushion. The described configurations also substantially reduce the harm associated with "coffin corner" impacts through a structurally reinforced portion that increases the ability of the barrel cushion to withstand impacts from directions other than substantially end-on.In some exemplary embodiments, the structural reinforcement is provided by a telescoping bracket assembly which surrounds some of the barrels of the crash cushion. In another embodiment, the reinforcement is provided by a plurality of interconnected cable sleeves which are carried on cables disposed along the longitudinal sides of the crash cushion to form a linear brace.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular cone. The modular cone includes a tubular member and a selectively collapsible base member coupled to the tubular member, wherein the base member may be selectively collapsed and stored within the tubular member. In addition, different embodiments of the modular cone include reflective surfaces, a self-storing barrier tape, and various caps such as a strobe.

Abstract: The figure eight hinge of the present invention allows a gate to be quickly and safely attached to a support structure. The hinge includes two legs having two different radii of curvature. The legs also include a slot which allows the hinge to have the desired figure eight configuration. The present invention advantageously eliminates pinch points and minimizes the distance between the gate and the support structure. In particular, the hinge remains stationary with respect to the support structure while allowing the gate to rotate within one end of the hinge. The figure eight hinge is preferably used with animal enclosures such as kennels or pens because it reduces the risk that an animal will catching its feet or other body parts between the gate and the support structure.

Abstract: A sheet of plastic used with a perimeter structure (e.g., fence) to prevent certain animals from climbing up the fence. The sheet of plastic is characterized by a smooth, slippery surface so that animals are unable to obtain a foothold on the sheet. Apertures may be preformed in the plastic sheet for permitting a fastener to be coupled to the sheet to enable the sheet to be mounted to the outside surface of the perimeter fence. Backing strips having preattached fasteners may be placed on the inside surface of the fence to facilitate attachment of the plastic sheet on the outside surface and to permit some degree of natural movement thereof after installation. The plastic sheet preferably comprises polyethylene having a thickness between about 0.050-0.060 inches.

Abstract: A highway guardrail terminal system having horizontally extending guardrail elements mounted on a plurality of posts. An anchor cable release bracket attached to a rail element by sleeved mounting bolts has an arrangement of slots and openings to quickly release an anchor cable system from the guardrail.

Abstract: Crane swing warning system is disclosed for a crane that has an undercarriage, which is independent from its cab body, connected by a turntable that the upper crane body rotates about on a vertical axis. The crane swing warning system consists of a continuous plastic caution tape extended out and around the upper crane body by supports adjustable in 360 degrees, and in length, fully retractable or completely removed. This crane swing warning system is to warn individuals of the movement of the upper crane body as to prevent the individuals from being struck by or being caught between the rotating upper crane body and the crane undercarriage.

Abstract: A barrier system includes discrete movable barriers molded from a resiliently deformable plastic. Each of the barriers includes a housing having opposing front and back walls and opposing triangular shaped sidewalls. The front and back walls extend from a floor and intersect at a rounded top portion. Each barrier includes an interior surface that defines an internal chamber. The internal chamber can be selective filled with a ballast through an opening. Recessed within the front wall and back wall are a plurality of pockets. The pockets form reinforcing ribs which substantially prevent the deflection of front and back wall when the internal chamber is filled with ballast. In contrast, the sidewalls are substantially smooth to enhance bowing thereat when the internal chamber is filled with ballast. Recessed within the floor of each barrier adjacent to each of the sidewalls is a slot.

Abstract: A railing system for a telescopic seating arrangement, such as bleacher systems and platform seating systems. The railing system includes discrete lightweight and readily stowable uprights, each having a single closed-loop upper section. Brackets carried by the nose of decks receive a plate affixed to the lower end of each upright. The brackets which support the uprights have a low profile so that the seating system is readily useable if the uprights are not installed. The lightweight and easily stowed uprights of this railing system eliminate the factors which lead to use of a seating system without handrails.

Abstract: A fence or deck post cap has a base defining a recessed portion and having interior sides. The cap also includes an upper cap portion with a depending rod. The rod is receivable in the recessed portion of the base. Wedges are provided on each interior side of the base for engaging the sides of a post and to stably fit the cap to the post. The base of the cap is secured to the post with a fastener or an adhesive.

Abstract: An improved blocking member and vegetation barrier for the bottom of fences includes a riser portion that runs along one side of the fence. The riser is somewhat flexible and is securable to the fence in a manner that allows the installer to adjust the riser vertically relative to the fence or other portions of the riser, if necessary, and restrain it from any substantial vertical movement once secured. A ground covering member extends transversely from the lower part of the riser. Thus, the ground covering member can be placed directly on the ground even if the ground undulates relative to the fence bottom, and can be kept in that position once the riser is secured to the fence. The ground covering member can be resilient and create reactionary force if it is pressed against the ground. This can further assist in maintaining the blocking member and vegetation barrier in a fixed position relative the ground and the fence.

Abstract: A bumper for limiting the limiting the mobility of a wheeled device. The bumper is an elongated member having a base wall and an elastically resilient wheel engagement wall coupled to the base wall. The wheel engagement wall includes an outer surface and an inner surface, one of which includes reliefs for aiding the wall to conform to and stop the rolling action of a wheel of a wheeled device when impacted thereby. The energy stored in the engagement wall when impacted by the wheel of the wheeled device returns the engagement wall to its original shape thereby pushing the wheel of the wheeled device away from the elongated member. A bumper system may be fabricated by connecting two or more of the bumpers together in a desired configuration using adjustable, straight, or bent connectors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a passive snow removal system which deliberately rms vortices from a passing airflow and directs the vortices into scouring contact with snow accumulation on a target surface. The apparatus includes a base and a vortex producing plate rotatably mounted at an inclined angle relative to an upper portion of the base near the plate's center of mass. The geometry of the plate, which is preferably triangular, is used to aerodynamically form vortices from a passing airflow and direct the vortices onto a target surface. Once the vortices are in scouring contact with the target surface, they act upon the surface to dislodge and carry away any accumulated snow in the direction of the airflow and redeposit it downwind, thus removing the snow from the target surface.

Abstract: A vehicle trafficway controller characterized by a person friendly driver intimidating wrong-way traffic condition for causing vehicle tire tread damage, having a vertically extensible tire tread piercing member shiftably carried by a frame and with a retractile tread piercing point, and a movable person protective cover isolating said point when in said person friendly driver intimidating wrong-way traffic condition, and exposing said tire tread piercing point to a tire tread rolling thereover, the tire tread piercing member being frangible and/or extended and retracted.

Abstract: A panel can be assembled with similar panels to form a security fence or other barrier. The panel carries at least one wire connected, in use, to a source of high tension impulse electrical voltage. The wire is housed to prevent contact therewith except where penetration of the housing occurs. Panels can be positioned on or above the top of an existing fence or other barrier. An electric fence kit is also provided for erection of an electric fence in an existing fence. The kit includes a plurality of wires to be electrified, at least two posts, and mounting structure for mounting the posts in the existing fence and a plurality of guides for each post. Each guide is for guiding one of the wires, in use.

Abstract: A sports equipment hanging belt for attachment to a chain link fence. The belt has a hook at each end which hooks into the chain link fence. The belt may then be tightened on the chain link fence. A number of hooks are held to the belt and extend downwardly below the bottom of the belt at least 3 inches so that when sports equipment is hung on a hook the hook will rest against the chain link fence thereby preventing the belt from turning by the weight of the sports equipment.

Abstract: An energy absorbing guardrail crash attenuator system comprises a row of two or more compressible sections comprising left and right curved, metal side panels. The row of compressible sections extends in an axial direction from a front end and terminates in a back end that is engagable with a rigid backup. When the row is impacted by a vehicle in the axial direction, the compressible sections bend outwardly and absorb energy. When the row is impacted in a direction that is off of the axial direction, the row redirects the vehicle so as not to hit the "coffin corner" of the rigid backup. The front ends of the left and right metal panels are flexibly joined while the back ends are pivotly joined to the rearwardly adjacent section. The panels may have panel bending modifications for facilitating the axial compression of the sections. The row may have an axial movement guide to restrict lateral movement of the row of compressible sections.

Abstract: A composite hand rail for supporting and protecting pedestrians on steps and inclined surfaces. The rail is a composite comprising a shell having a wide slightly convex top surface extending downwardly and laterally to a convex sidewall before returning and flaring down to a smaller waist section. The shell has an interior cavity open to the bottom that can receive a core material. Preferably the shell is of cellular blended polyvinylchloride or styrene with a hardened skin formed by celuka processing. A simulated wood finish is applied to the shell by hot stamping or paint and print processes. Shells can be easily formed into spiral and curvilinear shapes by bending around a form or mandrel. The decorative wood finish bends with the shell thus enhancing the decorative wood finish appearance. A core is prefabricated to fit within the shell cavity. The core is fastened within the cavity by either adhesive or mechanical means.

Abstract: A breakaway guardrail post includes upper and lower post sections spaced apart but connected by a breakaway joint. The joint is attached at one end to the upper post by a first fastener set and connected at a second end by a second fastener set. The first fastener set has a failure strength less than that of the second fastener set. Upon impact forces being applied to the upper post section, the first fastener fails and the upper post section rotates downwardly.

Abstract: A modular edging comprises a plurality of sheet panels wherein each of the sheet panels includes a first edge having a first offset and a first double fold along the first edge so that a first gap is defined which is aligned with and facing the panels and a second edge having a second offset and a second double fold along the second edge so that a second gap is defined which is offset from the panel whereby the edges of two adjacent panels may be slid together to form a lock seam joint.

Abstract: A post support frame is provided comprising brackets, a top plate, and a bottom plate. In one embodiment, the brackets are identical and generally H-shaped. The crossbar of the H includes a slot substantially perpendicular to the crossbar, and the ends of the legs of the H each have a tab. Each leg also includes a part which tapers inward toward the adjacent leg. The top plate includes a series of notches around its periphery, which accommodate the tabs at the ends of the bracket legs. The bottom plate includes two sets of holes therethrough. One set of holes accommodates the tabs at the ends of the bracket legs, while the other is used for attaching the completed post support frame to a flat surface.The support frame is assembled by interengaging the slots of the brackets. The interengaged brackets are coupled with the bottom and top plates by fitting the tabs at the ends of the brackets into one set of the holes in the bottom plate and the notches in the top plate.

Abstract: A guardrail reflector assembly is attached to the corrugated rail of the guardrail or to the post of guardrail with glue due to the flexibility of the reflector assembly.

Abstract: A wildlife barrier is provided for preventing certain species of wildlife, such as alligators and turtles, from crossing a boundary between two areas, thereby preventing potentially harmful encounters with humans and other animal species. The wildlife barrier includes one or more sections extending along the boundary, each section including a pair of stakes structured and disposed to be driven into the ground so that an upper portion of the stakes extends vertically above the ground surface. Panels are vertically supported between the stakes on a wire cord pulled taut and secured to the stakes. Spacer elements fitted to the cord maintain the panels at equally spaced intervals, in parallel relation to one another, with the panels hanging from the cord so that a bottom edge of the panels is maintained close to the ground surface.

Abstract: A one-piece warning line stand that easily changes between a compact folded position and an opened position with a simple sliding motion, locks in the opened position, and has a tilted post that holds a warning line in a vertical plane outside the footprint of the stand.

Abstract: A rigid caltrop structure is formed of two metallic members abutting each other and welded together, each of the members including all of a single triangular planar portion and parts of two other adjoining triangular planar portions, the pairs of adjacent corners of sides of the triangular portions forming penetration points so that when three of the penetration points rest on a horizontal surface and the fourth penetration point projects upward, a force applied to that fourth penetration point will not directly tend to shear the weld.

Abstract: A mechanical tire deflating device provides a mechanism to deploy a folded deflating spike under a vehicle desired to be stopped. When the mechanical tire deflating device is under the vehicle being pursued, tire deflating spikes are extended in order to deflate the tires of the pursued vehicle.

Abstract: A plant support and irrigation system for domestic and commercial use is assembled without tools from two principal interlocking components, i.e., tubular members and hubs, to form modules. Modules are joined in mating relation vertically, horizontally and/or at varying angles to construct a variety of useful plant support structures including, for example, A-frames, trellises, arbors and fences and other forms of enclosures. The horizontal and/or vertical components of the modules are optionally perforated tubing making the structures capable of providing low-pressure drip or spray irrigation for the supported plants. The assembly can include connecting members of varying angles, plugs and valved hose connections configured to securely mate with one or both ends of the tubular members.

Abstract: An improvement in fence systems adjacent cattle gates is provided. Specifically, the fence system provides a fence post having a bumper system such that in the event that a vehicle passing the fence system hits the upright, the risk of damage to the fence system is minimized. In one form of the invention, the uprights at the end of the fence system are provided with a resilient rubber bumper attached to the upright which is preferably fabricated from discarded or used tires.

Abstract: Privacy fence inserts for chain link fences and assemblies comprising a chain link fence and a plurality of fence inserts wherein portions of the fence inserts comprise an inner core and an outer layer comprising a material which is different from said outer layer. One preferred embodiment comprises a central tubular portion and lateral wing members.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for deflating a tire of a vehicle, the apparatus including a housing having at least one channel member and at least one opening provided in the housing, and at least one deflator connected to the housing, an actuating cam slidably housed in the channel member and being removable from a first position to a second position, the cam engaging the at least one deflator when in the first position and respectively moving the at least one deflator into the at least one opening upon sliding of the cam from the first position to the second position so as to be engagable with a tire of a vehicle and a mechanism for sliding the cam in the channel member.

Abstract: An ornamental fence which can be changed from one desired color to another includes hollow pickets and rails formed of a thin wall translucent material substantially free of pigmentation having sufficient transparency such that exterior surface of the pickets and rails assume the coloration of a fluid contained therewithin as admitted to the interior through exteriorly accessible drain and fill openings.

Abstract: A new Illuminated Fence System for providing lighting in a fence such that the light is activated upon command by a sensor. The inventive device includes modular, prefabricated fence system, which includes a plurality of uprights and rail sections. The uprights feature slots on their sides that can be fitted with clear or tinted lenses. Disposed in these members are lighting apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to markers manufactured from skis. In accordance with the invention, the structure of a ski is modified to enable its use as an object which may be driven into soil or snow to designate the presence of underground objects, to delineate or identify a border or as a post for signage or fencing. The process of the invention relates to the modification of a ski by treating or removing the existing outer surfaces of a ski and providing new outer surfaces to the ski which may include graphics or notices specific to its new use. In order to inhibit the removal of a marker from soil or snow after placement, the marker may be provided with a barb system on its underground portion.