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: 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 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: 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 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 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 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 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.

Abstract: A guardrail for a road or highway includes spaced uprights or posts on which are mounted deformable spacers which carry a longitudinal rail. The rail is formed by two wave shaped strips mounted together in a FIG. 8 profile by fastening ribs positioned in the open areas of the FIG. 8. The spacer has a straight lower portion that extends diagonally upward from the upright to the rail, a center portion fastened to the rail, and an upper portion curved to meet the upright. The spacer deforms to lift the rail upon impact. Additional tubular rails are provided on the uprights above the rail height.

Abstract: An apparatus for deploying a vehicle tire deflator that can be folded into a compact state and unfolded into an expanded state, comprising a housing adapted to accommodate the vehicle tire deflator in the compact state. The housing has an opening through which a force transmitting element can act upon the tire deflator to unfold the tire deflator from the compact state to the expanded state. The housing is structured to support a weight of a motor vehicle without significant deformation.

Abstract: Plastic fencing has a plurality of openings therein and one or more strips of reflective tape applied to one or both sides of the fencing to make the fencing more visible under poor lighting conditions as when used as a visual warning barrier around construction sites and the like. To secure the reflective tape to the fencing, the reflective tape is adhered to one side of the fencing in overlying relation to some of the openings therein, and to a plastic backing applied to the opposite side in line with the reflective tape through the openings in the fencing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cart corral assembly of the type employed by stores, such as grocery stores, to encourage the consumer to temporarily store grocery carts in the parking lot before bringing the cart within the store structure. The cart corral includes a first set of two spaced apart vertical rails in a base support extended between these rails. The base support supports the vertical rails in an upright position. At least two spaced apart horizontal rails are provided and are removably engaged with the vertical rails in a position abut the base support. The horizontal rails form an obtuse angle with the vertical rails. A second set of two spaced apart vertical rails are provided opposite the first set of vertical rails and are removably engaged with the horizontal rails. A second base support extends between the second set of vertical rails and supports the vertical rails in an upright position. Removable and replaceable polymerized sheathing surrounds each of the vertical and horizontal rails.