Abstract: A collapsible concrete system for slowing a vehicle is provided. The system including: a predetermined thickness of collapsible concrete disposed over a base; and a covering disposed over a top surface of the collapsible concrete over which the vehicle travels. The covering can be a layer of non-extensible and flexible material or a plurality of interconnected panels.

Abstract: A marker includes a base. The base has a first end, a middle portion and a second end, wherein the middle portion is located between the first end and the second end. A spring element is attached to the middle portion of the base. An elongated rod is attached to the spring element at a first end.

Abstract: There is provided a knock down signpost comprising a post member (6) and a lower body member (10) held together by a spring (3) having a preload when the post is vertical, acting two flat surfaces (8) creating an initial resistance to motion off the horizontal. Two steel cables (114) transmit the force of the spring and are spaced apart which allows the cables to act as a non rotation mechanism. Two round protrusions (16) in the post member (6) locate into two matching clearance holes (14) in the lower body for post alignment. A shock tube (4) is fitted over the cable and internal to the spring to prevent over compression and provides a mechanical stop. As the top assembly is rotated chamfered edges (15) of the post member (6) engage and interlock into an annular groove (13) to act as a pseudo-hinge.

Abstract: A device for modifying the layout of a vehicle racing course in a wide track section thereof including an arrangement consisting of individual elements for defining the edge of the track located in the region of the track section, which can be displaced, either individually or in groups, from an initial configuration of the track section into a new configuration for reshaping a bend in the racing course or/and for dividing the racing course.

Abstract: In order to stop a moving vehicle without injury to occupants, a vehicle barrier is provided having a pair of platforms disposed on opposite sides of a roadway, and a capture net extending across the roadway between the platforms. Each platform has a rotatably mounted spool attached to a different end of the net, and a dual acting extension-compression shock absorber pivotally mounted to the spool, such that when the force or energy of an impacting vehicle on the net is applied to the shock absorbers, via rotation of the spools. Rotation of spools operate the shock absorbers in compression, and if needed, in extension. In railroad crossing application, two of the vehicle barriers are provided on either side of the railroad tracks to prevent vehicles from crossing the railroad tracks.

Abstract: A flexible marker device comprises a marker body having a bottom end and a top end, and a base for supporting the marker body. The base has an aperture in a center portion thereof and a groove extending about the aperture in an upper surface of the base. The bottom end of the marker body is at least partially disposed within the groove. A cured material, preferably polyurethane, is disposed in the groove to thereby secure the marker body to the base.

Abstract: A cable barrier delineator has a cylindrical mid-section, a flattened top, and a flattened bottom indexed 90 degrees from the top when viewed from the end, and is attached to the flanges of a cable barrier post.

Abstract: A starting gate apparatus and method for use in bicycle races is provided. The starting gate includes a main platform, a plurality of gates connected to the main platform and a gate actuation arrangement to drive the gates from a bike stopping position to a bike releasing position. The gate actuation arrangement permits variations in at least one gate actuation parameter including an intermediate stopping position along a gate travel path, the driving force of the gate along the gate travel path, and/or an interval between initiation of an actuation sequence and actuation of the gate of the starting gate. Embodiments of the gate actuation arrangement permit a gate to independently act on an obstruction, provide for reversing, momentarily actuation of the gate during gate actuation or varying the duration or disposition of the interval of the gate actuation sequence.

Abstract: A flexible marker device comprises a marker body having a bottom end and a top end, and a base for supporting the marker body. The base has an aperture in a center portion thereof and a groove extending about the aperture in an upper surface of the base. The bottom end of the marker body is at least partially disposed within the groove. A cured material, preferably polyurethane, is disposed in the groove to thereby secure the marker body to the base.

Abstract: Deformable separator device for road safety barrier for vehicle impact of the type used between a vertical securing-support element or post and a horizontal impact element or railing, characterised in that the deformable separator (3) comprises two metallic pieces (5) and (6), in the form of a “U”, which are arranged so that their open faces are facing each other, assembled forming a single body, and with one piece being partially contained within the throat of the other piece and joined together by means of suitable fastening means via individual holes and in that the wings of the pieces are provided with guide-holes (11) (11?) at different heights in such a manner that they guide the bending of the separator element and which comprises a fusible fastening between the separator element and the post.

Abstract: A Surface Mount Channelizer (40) for more efficiently absorbing impacts to a marker or sign used for demarking traffic lanes provides means for efficiently replacing a flexible shaft without detaching a mounting base from a lane surface. The apparatus comprises an upright marker (10) connected to a mounting base (18, 24), wherein the apparatus has means for providing free movement of marker (10) in any direction relative to mounting base (18, 24). The means for providing free movement comprises a flexible hinge (22), connecting marker (10) to mounting base (18, 24). Marker (10) is preferably comprised of a flexible material, and in combination with flexible hinge (22) is capable of a range of motion from upright to parallel with the ground 360° around said mounting base.

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.

Abstract: A block of compressible material, such as cellular concrete, provides compressive failure characteristics suitable for arresting travel of an aircraft (or other vehicle) overrunning a runway (or other surface). Relatively thin frangible material positioned above the block provides a stronger, more damage resistant surface, while still readily fracturing in an arresting incident. Intermediate material, such as a foam layer, positioned under the frangible material may be included to provide a protective cushioning effect by mitigating transmission of external phenomena forces to the block. A fastening configuration at least partially enclosing other portions of the arresting unit provides a stable unified composite, without destroying desired compressive failure characteristics of the unit. Arresting units may also include a bottom layer of material stronger than the block of compressible material and a sealant coating with water resistant properties.

Abstract: A roadside post (10, 110) comprises an elongate body (30, 130) formed of sheet spring steel. The body (30, 130) has a longitudinal axis (L), a front face (31, 131) and a rear face (33, 133). The body (30, 130) is elastically bendable through 90? from an unbent state about a transverse axis (T) transverse to the longitudinal axis (L). The front and rear faces (31, 131, 33, 133) transversely extend generally parallel to the transverse axis (T). The roadside post (10) may further comprise a rigid base (20).

Abstract: A system for protecting persons from impacts against road crash barriers in which the barrier rail has a curved upper part and has protuberances to absorb and decelerate the velocity of the vehicle or accident victim, and the posts supporting the barrier rail are provided with cladding formed of a number of concentric rings of variable thickness and made of material which deforms flexibly and recovers immediately which incorporates a housing designed to fit the post through pressure and a clamping effect in addition to any bar system.

Abstract: The invention discloses a vehicle barrier system (10) including a barrier (46) movable between an open position to allow vehicle access therethrough and a closed position which prevents vehicle access therethrough. Barrier (46) is attached to barrier supports (48, 50) at either end of barrier (46) with barrier supports (48, 50) being secured to a ground engaging slide plate (52). The ground engaging slide plate (52) will slide after a predetermined force is applied thereto by vehicle (102) impact with barrier (46) to absorb the impact energy of vehicle (102).

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.

Abstract: A sectional I-beam post for use along a roadside in which the post has a first elongate lower section securable via a first slip type coupling to a base anchored in the ground. Slip movement of such coupling is in a direction across the length of the post. The first coupling includes L-shaped brackets with one leg thereof attached to the post by bolts so as to be detachable therefrom and notches in the outer end of the other leg which projects outwardly from the post. A second elongate upper post section has the lower end thereof connected to the upper end of the first post section by a second slip type coupling. Slip movement of the second coupling is in a direction lengthwise of the post. The second coupling includes plates bolted to one post section and having notches that provide a slip connection with the other post section.

Abstract: In a flat road surface obstacle having a very thin profile and comprised of a malleable structure such as silicone rubber. The obstacle may be combined with a portion of adhesive to attach the obstacle to a play structure surface to be used in combination with wheeled conveyances such as skateboards, roller skates, in-line skates, tricycles and the like. The obstacle may further be used in combination with a skate park structure to provide markers and/or obstacles to be used in game play or instruction.

Abstract: An energy absorbing system. The energy absorbing system includes a supporting member, a barrier mechanically coupled to the supporting member, the barrier pivotable between a substantially horizontal position and a predetermined angle, and an energy absorber mechanically coupled to the supporting member, wherein the energy absorber absorbs energy when the supporting member travels from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: A method for slowing a vehicle traveling over a movable surface in a direction of travel is provided where the vehicle has a first wheel and at least a second wheel offset from the first wheel in a direction opposite to the direction of travel. The method includes: deploying the movable surface to an open position; moving the movable surface to a closed position due to the weight exerted on the movable surface by a first wheel of the vehicle as it travels over the movable surface; locking the movable surface in the closed position to convert at least a portion of a kinetic energy of the vehicle into potential energy to slow the vehicle; and redeploying the movable surface to the open position such that at least the moving can be repeated due to the weight exerted on the movable surface by a second wheel of the vehicle.

Abstract: Consistent and reliable releasing of a guardrail during a vehicle impact is enabled by a releasable fastener for safety structures along a highway. The release of secured components such as guardrail is controlled, and precise positional cooperation is provided between securing members and the guardrail. Forces may be attenuated to further optimize response.

Abstract: A traffic control device is made up of a round lower tube of a rigid material, a round adapter tube of a flexible material, and a round upper tube of a rigid material. An upper portion of the upper tube provides a motorist recognizable indicia. A lower portion of the adapter tube is inserted axially within the lower tube and secured by mutually engaging portions of the tubes. An upper portion of the adapter tube is joined with the upper tube by mutually engaging fasteners. An upper end of the lower tube is spaced apart from a lower end of the upper tube by between one and five inches to allow for the adapter tube to bend by 90 angular degrees.

Abstract: The invention relates to a delivery and retrieval device for road cones. In a preferred embodiment the device comprises a track for mounting across the rear of a vehicle, a tower mounted to slide on the track, means such as motor to move the tower on the track, a conveyor to deliver road cones from a roadway to the base of the tower or to deliver road cones from the base to the roadway, a conveyor platform powered to move from a first height position at the base of the tower and adjacent one end of the conveyor to a second height position up the tower, and a handling mechanism to support a stack of road cones above the platform. In use the device collects and deposits cones from/to the roadway, in such a way as top enable a portion of a carriageway to be selectively closed by forming a ‘taper’. The invention thus overcomes problems associated with personnel having to walk behind a vehicle in order to place cones in this arrangement.

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.

Abstract: A post for supporting a roadway sign comprises a hollow, continuous sleeve formed of thermoplastic resin. The sleeve has an interior surface and a continuous core disposed within the sleeve and generally coextensive with the interior surface of the sleeve. The core is formed at least partially of recycled crumb rubber.

Abstract: A road safety barrier having four or more ropes 4-7 supported by posts 1-3 rigidly mounted on or in the ground is described. Each rope is held in tension against the posts and follows a sinuous path between the posts. The ropes are tensioned against the posts and this gives rise to a combined frictional resistance to displacement of the ropes relative to each post along the length of the safety barrier. The structure of at least some of the posts and/or their mounting with respect to the ground defines a minimum bending yield strength in a direction along the length of the barrier. This minimum bending yield strength is greater than the bending moment resulting from the combined frictional resistance forces acting on the post.

Abstract: A vehicle crash cushion for decelerating a vehicle includes first, second and third bays. The first bay is positioned forwardly of the second bay and the second bay is positioned forwardly of the third bay. The first, second and third bays each have energy absorbing structures with first, second and third impact strengths respectively. The first impact strength is greater than the third impact strength, which is greater than the second impact strength. In another aspect, a deformable tube is at least partially filled with a secondary component, which filled portion has a greater deformation strength than unfilled portions of the tube. In another aspect, a vehicle crash cushion includes first and second side panels. A connector includes a first strap portion disposed in a valley of and connected to the first side panel and a second strap portion disposed adjacent to and connected to a ridge of the second side panel.

Abstract: An energy absorbing system. The energy absorbing system includes a supporting member, a barrier pivotable between a first angular position and a second angular position, where the barrier becomes mechanically coupled to the supporting member when arranged at a predetermined angular position, and an energy absorber mechanically coupled to the supporting member, where the energy absorber absorbs energy when the supporting member travels from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: An anchoring base for a delineating pole using the reconfiguration of protruding resilient mechanical members to facilitate insertion and resist the subsequent extraction force on the pole. The mechanical members extend outwards relative to the insertion rod longitudinal axis, and bend or configure upon insertion of the anchoring base, into a first position that facilitates insertion while impeding and resisting axial extraction forces, and upon subsequent rotation of the anchoring base, the mechanical members bend or reconfigure into a second position such that the extraction resistance force is significantly reduced. The anchoring base design may be used in conjunction with a spring cartridge having a plurality of interlocking members forming a rigid mechanical structure during rotation.

Abstract: Provided is an energy-absorbing wall system for use with vehicle barriers, such as race track walls or barriers, highway guard rails or partitions, and the like. The wall system comprises a series of impact panels attachable to a wall and crush panels between the impact panels and the wall. The overlapping impact panels of the present system distribute collision energy from the impacted panels to crush panels and distally adjacent impact panels and crush panels, until the collision energy has been substantially distributed along the energy-absorbing wall system.

Abstract: A flexible route marker post which comprises an upright post having an upper end and a lower end, the lower end having first and second flexible members secured thereto, the lower end of the flexible members being secured to a base, the arrangement being such that there is a bending zone in between the upright post and the base. The upper end and the lower end of the post have a reinforcing material extending thereabout.

Abstract: A self-righting post assembly includes an elastomeric hinge tube and an elastomeric inner member is disposed in the hinge tube. In one embodiment, an extension post is disposed over the hinge tube. A sign panel can be secured to the extension post. In one embodiment, the inner member is free of any engagement with the hinge tube. In one embodiment, the hinge tube is secured to a base, preferably with a vertically oriented fastener. A method of assembling the post assembly is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to an infill which can be inserted into a bollard footing hole. The infill is designed such that it allows a bollard to be fit over it, and the infill fits within a footing hole. Methods of covering a footing hole are also bought.

Abstract: An energy absorbing system. The system includes two anchors, a net mechanically coupled thereto and spanning a roadway, and a first raising/lowering arm arranged on one side of the roadway. The first raising/lowering arm mechanically coupled to and supporting an upper portion of the net via a first upper frangible tensioner and mechanically coupled to and supporting a lower portion of the net via a first lower frangible tensioner. A second raising/lowering arm arranged on another side of the roadway, the second raising/lowering arm mechanically coupled to and supporting an upper portion of the net via a second upper frangible tensioner and mechanically coupled to and supporting a lower portion of the net via a second lower frangible tensioner. The first and second upper and first and second lower frangible tensioners decouple from the net upon application of a predetermined force.

Abstract: A vehicle diverting system includes a driveway has an upper surface. A trough extends into the upper surface. The trough is elongated and extends between lateral edges of the driveway. A housing has a first end and a second end. The first end is rotatably coupled to a first lateral wall of the trough and the second end is rotatably coupled to a second lateral wall of the trough. The housing has a peripheral wall extending between the first and second ends. A plurality of spike shaped protrusions is attached to and extends away from the peripheral wall. The protrusions are comprised of a resiliently flexible material that is incapable of puncturing a vehicle tire. The protrusions are positionable in a deployed position extending upwardly from a plane of the upper surface or in a stored position positioned within the trough.

Abstract: Aircraft arresting beds at ends of runways may be subject to damaging effects of jet blast phenomena. Arresting units for that and other applications and which are resistant to such effects are described, with related methods.

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.

Abstract: A traffic control device is made up of a round lower tube of a rigid material, a round adapter tube of a flexible material, and a round upper tube of a rigid material. An upper portion of the upper tube provides a motorist recognizable indicia. A lower portion of the adapter tube is inserted axially within the lower tube and secured by mutually engaging portions of the tubes. An upper portion of the adapter tube is joined with the upper tube by mutually engaging fasteners. An upper end of the lower tube is spaced apart from a lower end of the upper tube by between one and five inches to allow for the adapter tube to bend by 90 angular degrees.

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.

Abstract: A road restraint system part is made of polyolefin material having an energy absorption of at least 10 kJ/m2 at +23° C. and at least 5 kJ/m2 at ?20° C. (determined according to ISO 179/1eA with notched specimens).

Abstract: A vehicle crash cushion for decelerating a vehicle includes front and rear anchors spaced along a longitudinal direction and at least one deformable attenuator member extending in the longitudinal direction and having a first end coupled to the front anchor and a second end coupled to the rear anchor. A support member is positioned adjacent the attenuator member and is moveable in the longitudinal direction relative thereto between at least an initial position and an impact position toward the rear anchor and away from the front anchor. At least one deforming member is mounted on the support member and is engaged with at least a portion of the attenuator member. In another aspect, a vehicle crash cushion includes first and second side panels each having at least one longitudinally extending ridge and at least one longitudinally extending valley. The first side panel is moveable relative to the second side panel in response to an axial force being applied to the elongated frame.

Abstract: A flexible route marker post which comprises an upright post having an upper end and a lower end, the lower end having first and second flexible members secured thereto, the lower end of the flexible members being secured to a base, the arrangement being such that there is a bending zone in between the upright post and the base. The upper end and the lower end of the post have a reinforcing material extending thereabout.

Abstract: A load assembly for a self-uprighting delineator which moves from a first upright position to a second yielded or deflected position upon impact and returns to the upright position after impact. The assembly has upper and lower cell elements that have cooperating and complimentary alignment members in the form of notches and ridges. When the assembly is twisted, the alignment members cause the upper and lower cells to properly align the spring loaded cables passing through cable passages in the elements.

Abstract: In order to stop a moving vehicle without injury to occupants, a vehicle barrier is provided having a pair of platforms disposed on opposite sides of a roadway, and a capture net extending across the roadway between the platforms. Each platform has a rotatably mounted spool attached to a different end of the net, and a dual acting extension-compression shock absorber pivotally mounted to the spool, such that when the force or energy of an impacting vehicle on the net is applied to the shock absorbers, via rotation of the spools. Rotation of spools operate the shock absorbers in compression, and if needed, in extension. In railroad crossing application, two of the vehicle barriers are provided on either side of the railroad tracks to prevent vehicles from crossing the railroad tracks.

Abstract: A removable bollard is provided. A bollard is attached to a bollard plate with a catch fixed to one end and a lock juncture fixed near the opposite end of the bollard plate. Additionally provided is a base plate with a catch receiver at one end of the base plate, a retractable latch and a latch receiver at an opposite end of the base plate. The retractable latch has a first position and a second position. In the first position the catch is encompassed by the catch receiver on the base plate to couple with the base plate end, where the retractable latch is then locked to the lock juncture to lock the bollard plate to the base plate. When in the second position, the retractable latch is recessed into the latch recess within the base plate and the bollard and bollard plate are removed, leaving an obstruction-free access way.

Abstract: A security barrier system for use with a trafficable surface and a site requiring protection from advancing vehicles includes a visual indicator element having an appearance that is distinctive from the trafficable surface and disposed adjacent to the trafficable surface. A composite bed system includes a first structure beneath a second structure, where the first structure includes a deformable material that collapses under vehicle loads, and the second structure includes a pedestrian cover surface of a different material over the deformable material that conceals the deformable material and supports pedestrian traffic over the deformable material without permanently collapsing the deformable material. A pedestrian sidewalk is located between the bed and the visual indicator element, and a containment structure contains the bed system and resists the impact of a vehicle that has traversed the bed system.

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.

Abstract: An improved sign post assembly (10) for roadway use is provided wherein a sign post (12) includes a lower section (16) adapted for anchoring to the earth, a mating upper section (20) and a magnetic coupling assembly (24) for maintaining the sections during normal use while permitting breakaway of the upper section (20) when the host (10) is struck by a vehicle. Preferably, the coupling assembly (24) includes a magnetic body (26) and a corresponding component (28) which is magnetically attracted to the body (26). In order to cause breakaway in a predetermined direction, the coupling assembly (24) has mating surfaces for the body (26) and component (28) which are in a stairstep configuration.

Abstract: A locking device is disclosed for locking a signaling body coupled to a holding device of a traffic beacon by a coupling device. The locking device comprises a locking bar extending over at least a portion of the coupling device. A fastener device fastens the locking bar to the holding device.