Traffic Director Patents (Class 404/9)
  • Patent number: 7878485
    Abstract: A roadway guardrail system including a rail, a plurality of support posts, and a plurality of fasteners assembly to redirect an impacting vehicle and dissipate a portion of the impacting vehicle's energy. Block-outs may be positioned in between the rail and support posts. A plurality of support posts each includes a slot extending along its length aligning with apertures in the rail and engaging with the rail through the apertures with fasteners including reinforcing members slidable along the slots in the posts. Alternatively, the rail has a plurality of laterally extending slots aligning with apertures in support posts and engaging with the support posts through the apertures with fasteners including reinforcing members slidable along the slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Nucor Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Conway, Frederick Mauer, IV, Dallas James
  • Patent number: 7871221
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: MBW Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Christoph P. Menzel, Steven Barss
  • Patent number: 7866913
    Abstract: A water-ballasted barrier system incorporates a concave reflective design, wherein outer walls of the barrier segment are configured in a concave manner. The concave section is designed to prevent the tire of a vehicle, impacting the barrier, from climbing up the side of the barrier segment, by pocketing the tire in the curved center portion of the barrier wall. Adjacent barrier segments are attached together using an interlocking knuckle design, having a lug pin connection system. In some embodiments, wire rope cable is internally molded into each barrier segment to strengthen the barrier system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Traffix Devices Inc.
    Inventors: Jack H. Kulp, Felipe Almanza
  • Patent number: 7862252
    Abstract: A vehicle barrier system. The vehicle barrier system includes a base, an arm hingably mechanically coupled to the base, a raising/lowering mechanism in mechanical communication with the arm, and a cable supported by the arm, the cable mechanically coupled to first and second anchors placed on opposite sides of an area through which a vehicle may pass, and the raising/lowering mechanism moves the arm and the cable between a first position and a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Universal Safety Response, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew A. Gelfand, Brad Grubb, Jon Jackson
  • Patent number: 7845877
    Abstract: An enhanced vehicle barrier system. The enhanced vehicle barrier system including bases located on opposite sides of an area through which a vehicle may pass, first and second arms hingably mechanically coupled to a base, first, second and third members, a raising/lowering mechanism, and a cable in mechanical communication with at least one of the first, second, and third members, the cable having connecting points located on opposite sides of the area through which a vehicle may pass, and wherein, in one position, at least portions of the first, second, and third members and the cable may be high enough to encounter a front of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Universal Safety Response, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew A. Gelfand, Brad Grubb
  • Patent number: 7828492
    Abstract: A security barrier system for use with a trafficable surface and a site requiring protection from advancing vehicles includes a composite bed system having a plurality of elevations and comprising a first layer beneath a second layer. The first layer includes a deformable material configured to collapse when subjected to vehicle loads, and the second layer includes a pedestrian cover surface over the deformable material that conceals the deformable material. The pedestrian cover surface is configured to support pedestrian traffic over the deformable material without permanently collapsing the deformable material and to collapse along with the first layer when subjected to vehicle loads. A structure beyond the bed system is provided to resist the impact of a vehicle that has traversed the bed system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignees: Rogers Marvel Architects, LLC, Rock Twelve, LLC
    Inventors: Robert M. Rogers, Graeme Waitzkin, Vincent Lee, Scott Demel
  • Patent number: 7823239
    Abstract: An illuminated loading dock system includes a series of light fixtures having sufficient power to illuminate the interior of a series of trailers from a distance that spans a dock leveler pit. The light fixtures are mounted to stanchions (or a railing thereof) that extend upward from an elevated floor that is higher than the pit's floor. In some cases the light fixtures are coupled to control panels that control the operation of the dock levelers. In this arrangement, the pit floor is kept clear of clutter, and dockworkers can control the lights and the dock leveler from one safe location, as opposed to having to step down into the pit, underneath a raised dock leveler deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Al Hochstein, Kyle Nelson, Matt Sveum
  • Patent number: 7819605
    Abstract: A delineator mounting system has a coupler for mating a delineator having a cylindrical tubular lower end in a curb-like mount having a cavity with square cross-sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Inventor: Darrell Heald
  • Patent number: 7819604
    Abstract: Roadside barrier including barrier sections coupled to one another, each having a horizontal portion, a vertical portion extending upward from the horizontal portion and a front plate coupled to the vertical portion and adapted to receive an impact from a vehicle. The vertical portion extends upward from a middle region of the horizontal portion to form a T-shaped structure. A vehicle impacting the front plate is situated on a front part of the horizontal portion thereby preventing the vehicle from tipping over. A mass, such as gravel or sand, is placed on a rear part of the horizontal portion, either loose or in a barrel or box. The barrier section is optionally designed to provide an increased drag once moved from its installation position, for example, by forming downwardly-extending protrusions on a lower surface of the horizontal portion which are adapted to penetrate the ground below the barrier section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Automotive Technologies International, Inc.
    Inventor: David S. Breed
  • Patent number: 7811025
    Abstract: A water-ballasted barrier system incorporates a concave reflective design, wherein outer walls of the barrier segment are configured in a concave manner. The concave section is designed to prevent the tire of a vehicle, impacting the barrier, from climbing up the side of the barrier segment, by pocketing the tire in the curved center portion of the barrier wall. Adjacent barrier segments are attached together using an interlocking knuckle design, having a lug pin connection system. In some embodiments, wire rope cable is internally molded into each barrier segment to strengthen the barrier system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: TrafFix Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack H. Kulp, Felipe Almanza
  • Patent number: 7810285
    Abstract: A building barrier system wherein a portion of the building barrier system can transition between an erect position and a substantially flat position thereby allowing access to the interior of the structure without having to disassemble the building barrier system and associated method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventor: Robert L. Liptak
  • Patent number: 7802521
    Abstract: The walls in the Unity Platform System are installed all along the platform to match the position of the train doors; on the other hand for different model trains, two new systems which are installed completely free from the train doors have been proposed in the file. The doors with roller bearings move on the seating sledge in the walls. All the doors are attached to one close circle rope, which moves over a pulley set. One drive group activates this rope. The drive group consists of one variable speed reversible motor; one brake and one drive sheave. The rope is pulled to the right or left by the drive sheave. All the doors open or close at the same time, being attached to the same rope. Besides, to bridge the gap between the platform edge and the train, three different Gap Devices have been proposed in the file.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Inventor: Bahattin Gunes
  • Publication number: 20100232876
    Abstract: This application concerns traffic control devices, such as bollards, configured for storage of a bollard coupling adapted to extend between a bollard and an adjacent structure. Bollards are disclosed that comprise a body defining an interior body volume and a first aperture. A bracket fixedly attached to the body defines a second aperture. The bracket is configured to reversibly receive a bollard engaging member fixedly attached to an end portion of a bollard coupling. In a first position, at least a portion of the bollard engaging member extends through the first aperture, and in a second position, the portion of the bollard engaging member extends through the second aperture. A cap being releasably secured to the body provides access to the interior body volume and at least partially retains the bollard engaging member. Associated bollard arrangements and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventor: James Ringelberg
  • Patent number: 7794103
    Abstract: A solar-powered parking space barrier block is configured as a one-piece molded housing of a high strength, transparent plastic material in which a photovoltaic solar panel and a DC energy storage module are inclosed. A pair of white light LED lamps provide end panel marker illumination, two yellow light LED lamps provide hazard warning illumination and a rechargeable supercapacitor storage module provides operating power. A power control circuit enables use of the solar panel as a photosensor to automatically energize the LED lamps when ambient skylight falls below a predetermined safe visibility level, and removes operating power from the LED lamps when ambient skylight rises above a predetermined safe visibility level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Inventor: Scott C. Hoover
  • Patent number: 7794172
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are passive and active vehicle arresting barrier systems that may be combined to provide anti-ram protection along an entire perimeter of a secured area including vehicle access points. A perimeter fence portion is a passive barrier system that stops an attacking vehicle within a predetermined penetration distance and may blend into an existing perimeter fence structure to provide an architecturally hidden structure. The access opening portion utilizes a collapsible road deck and an underlying pit that does not require hydraulic or electrical means to deploy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Inventors: Gregory Robert Winkler, Reginald John Kerr
  • Patent number: 7794175
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: MBW Technologies
    Inventors: Christoph P. Menzel, Steven Barss
  • Patent number: 7789585
    Abstract: A control barrier includes a barrier wall having a front face and an opposing back face each extending between a top end and an opposing bottom end, a first recess being formed on the front face at the bottom end of the barrier wall. A first slot extends through the barrier wall from the first recess to the back face. A first foot coupled with the barrier wall and being movable between a first position wherein the first foot is at least partially disposed within the recess of the barrier wall and a second position wherein the first foot is rotated a least 45° relative to the first position and is removably positioned within the slot extending through the barrier wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Off the Wall Products, LLC
    Inventors: Marc E. Christensen, David J. Lipniarski
  • Patent number: 7736086
    Abstract: A vehicle arresting device comprises a net intended to be laid flat on the ground in the path of a target vehicle with an array of upwardly-directed spikes attached to the net along a leading portion, so that when a vehicle runs over the device some of the spikes engage in its front tires and the net is caused to wrap around the front wheels, being pulled tight under the vehicle to prevent further rotation of those wheels. There are two rows of spikes, with the spikes in the second row being substantially longer than the spikes in the leading row. The gauge of the netting also varies, with the leading strip which includes the shorter spikes and back towards the longer spikes being of a thinner gauge, the portion from the longer spikes back to approximately the mid length of the net being of a thicker gauge, and the trailing portion reverting to the thinner gauge. These measures help to ensure that the net is capable of arresting a wide range of vehicles, from passenger cars to trucks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Qinetiq Limited
    Inventors: Christopher Drew Coomber, Philip John Dandy, Brett Robert Lowery, Christopher James Lyddon
  • Patent number: 7730845
    Abstract: A vertical panel delineator system is capable of withstanding high winds without rotating from a preferred orientation wherein the full width of the device is perpendicular to the direction of oncoming traffic, is stackable without sticking or jamming, and is capable of accommodating multiple reflective sheeting configurations fully within recessed receiving panels on the delineator device. The vertical panel delineator further accommodates, in a secure manner, warning barricade lights of any known construction, and is uniquely capable of retaining secure engagement of the panel body with its ballasting base when being transported or during ordinary deployment, yet readily disengaging body and base upon impact by a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Traffix Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack H. Kulp, Felipe Almanza, Geoffrey B. Maus
  • Patent number: 7722286
    Abstract: A delineator mounting system has a coupler for mating a delineator having a cylindrical tubular lower end in a mount having square cross-sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Inventor: Darrell Heald
  • Patent number: 7722283
    Abstract: A bollard with connecting mechanism for connecting railings, comprising: a bollard body which is provided with at least two receiving parts concave inwardly on each of opposite surfaces thereof; at least two connectors, each of which includes a base and an ear extending from the base and having a connecting hole thereon for connecting the railing; wherein the base is accommodated in the receiving part, and the ear is selectively accommodated in the receiving part or exposed out of the receiving part according to whether railings need to be connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
    Inventor: Kin Wai Michael Siu
  • Patent number: 7699559
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Inventor: Albrecht von Linde
  • Patent number: 7690858
    Abstract: A commercial vehicle safety barrier that is designed to assist a commercial tanker truck when delivering gasoline to a service station by keeping pedestrians and motorists away from the vehicle while the fuel was being unloaded. The barrier is fabricated from four separate casings that are mounted to the side of a commercial fuel tanker trunk. The casings are mounted to the same side of the truck on which the hose manifolds are located. Each casing includes a nylon strap attached to a retractable, spring-loaded reel, allowing each nylon strap to be pulled out and attached to a portable cone via a hook located on the nylon strap. The strap may contain a message to notify passersby of danger or an emergency. The barrier may also be used to assist police and emergency vehicles, as well as utility workers to notify passersby of danger or an emergency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Inventor: Vincent Chiavola
  • Patent number: 7690860
    Abstract: A traffic control device includes a base having a post aperture, a post adjustably and removably coupled to the base through the post aperture and a pavement marker. The pavement marker is affixed to a surface. The base may include a recess for receiving the pavement marker, such that a bottom side of the base rests on the surface with the pavement marker retained within the base. The post aperture extends from a top surface of the base to the recess of the base. The post includes one of a magnet and a metal plate coupled to an end of the post. The pavement marker includes one of a magnet and a metal plate, wherein the pavement marker comprises a magnet if the post comprises a metal plate and the pavement marker comprises a metal plate if the post comprises a magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Inventor: Terry Utz
  • Patent number: 7682101
    Abstract: A bollard including a series of at least two nested, inverted U-shaped forms of decreasing height set around a common vertical axis. Each form has an upper transverse portion and two parallel, vertical legs extending therefrom. The U-shaped forms are made of metal pipes, and have physical characteristics such that on impact by a moving vehicle, including an automobile or a truck, the U-shaped forms will initiate a “crumple zone” type reaction, so as to meet governmental standards addressing the threats posed by vehicular traffic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Inventor: Gerald P. Skalka
  • Patent number: 7677533
    Abstract: A guardrail defined by a number of vertical supporting posts fixed successively to the ground along the edge of a road, and by one or more longitudinal members fixed successively and substantially horizontally to the vertical posts to form a longitudinal transverse retaining member extending along the edge of the road, at a predetermined height off the ground; each of the longitudinal members being defined by a rigid, controlled-deformation strip of composite material, which is bent back on itself to form a substantially S-shaped first longitudinal portion and a substantially C-shaped second longitudinal portion adjoining and covering the first longitudinal portion, so as to form a tubular, complex-section body extending from one vertical post to another and substantially parallel to and a predetermined height off the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Metalmeccanica Fracasso S.p.A.
    Inventors: Alvise Fracasso, Moreno Quaggio
  • Patent number: 7665929
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: ProStuff LLC
    Inventors: Pierce Barker, III, Edmund W. Doherty, Jr., Roger Johns
  • Publication number: 20100003079
    Abstract: A retractable, reflective pavement marker for delineating traffic lanes of roadways and a method of installing the same that provides improved protection from potentially damaging vehicle tires, snowplows, and environmental conditions. The marker incorporates a reflector assembly mounted to a piston that is depressible within a housing. A biasing means returns the reflector assembly to its normal position above the road surface. A compliant adhesive cooperates with an adhesive lock formed between the housing and the opening to ensure that the marker is reliably retained within the pavement. The adhesive and a chamfered opening prevent pavement spalling due to external forces. The housing includes a removable retainer through which the piston is reciprocally received. The retainer includes a plurality of coarsely pitched lead-in threads that cooperate with a threaded housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: RoadVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Dean H. Paulos
  • Patent number: 7624697
    Abstract: An improved traffic cone (FIG. 1) in which the base's front of the traffic cone (3) has a semicircle shape (4, 5, 6), that prevents liquid spillage from spreading from one are to another. The center of the semicircle base will vary in height and width depending on the size of the conical body. The larger the cone, the larger the base, width and height of the semicircle thus allowing the traffic cone's base to contain and prevent liquid spillage from spreading beyond the semicircle area by containing, holding and preventing the spreading of water or other liquid material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Inventor: John Louis Toles
  • Publication number: 20090290324
    Abstract: A safety trailer has semi-tractor hitches at both ends and a safety wall that is fixed to one side of the trailer. That side, however, can be changed to the right or left side of the road, depending on the end to which the truck attaches. A caboose can be attached at the end of the trailer opposite the tractor to provide additional lighting and impact protection. Optionally, the trailer can be equipped with overhead protection, lighting, ventilation, onboard hydraulics, compressors, generators and other equipment, as well as related fuel, water, storage and restroom facilities and other amenities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicant: IWAPI INC.
    Inventor: Kevin K. Groeneweg
  • Patent number: 7621691
    Abstract: A longitudinal, channelizing traffic separator system has interlocking D-shaped curb sections with a recessed delineator post mounting receptacle formed in the top side of interlocked sections at an interlock joint. The receptacle will releasably retain a quick-release delineator post. Tapered nose-end sections may be longitudinally aligned with interlocked curb modules at the beginning and end of a sequence of curb modules. The curb sections and nose-end sections have both longitudinal ribs and lateral plates beneath the top side to transmit top side loads to a support surface such as a roadway or bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Impact Recovery Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory L. Hannah
  • Publication number: 20090285630
    Abstract: A traffic control device includes a shell body and at least one receptacle located in the shell body. The receptacle includes a dilatant material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventor: William R. Miller
  • Publication number: 20090279949
    Abstract: A traffic channelizer is provided. In one implementation, the traffic channelizer may include upper and lower portions with a center region in between. The center region may include front and back surfaces joined together by multi-faceted end regions extending and tapered from the bottom of the traffic channelizer to the top of the traffic channelizer. A handle for carrying the traffic channelizer and a bracket for mounting a warning light or other signage may be provided at the top of the traffic channelizer. The front and back surfaces may include a recessed region for mounting a reflective material or other signage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Barry Pucillo, Stephen S. Simovits, JR.
  • Patent number: 7614819
    Abstract: A post assembly having a first post member, a second post member positioned within the first post member, and a sleeve member installed in the ground. The first and second post members are insertable into the sleeve member and the second post member is rotatable relative to the first post member and the sleeve member to inhibit separation of the first post member and the second post member from the ground sleeve. The first post member includes a first passage, the second post member includes a second passage having a first section and a second section, and the sleeve member includes a latch pin that travels along the first and second passages. When the latch pin is in a particular position within the first and second passages, removal of the first post member and the second post member from the sleeve member is inhibited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Schram Management Company
    Inventors: Clifford R. Mirman, Jon M. Schram
  • Publication number: 20090232596
    Abstract: A traffic device (1), such as roadside post, provided with an indication element (3) having a visible area (2) and with a cleaning device (4) for cleaning the indication element (3), in which the cleaning device (4) comprises a plurality of cleaning elements (5), in which each cleaning element (5) comprises an elongate and flexible body (6) which, at one end, is attached to the traffic device (1) and from there extends in an unsupported manner and in which the body (6) of the cleaning elements (5) in each case extends along the visible area (2) in such a manner that the body (6) can swish across the visible area (2) with its length in order to clean it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: WEST 6 B.V.
    Inventor: Cornelis Groot
  • Patent number: 7587790
    Abstract: A rigid corner guard protects a corner of a structure from collisions with objects. The corner guard includes a rigid body having a base, an upper end, and a wall extending between the base and the upper end that is configured to surround the corner of the structure. The corner guard also includes a leg structure secured to the rigid body including at least two leg portions adapted to support the rigid body of the corner guard. The separation between the at least two leg portions is at a predetermined distance. The corner guard further includes an adjustment mechanism coupled to the rigid body. The adjustment mechanism is configured to apply a force to the rigid body to flex the rigid body to adjust the predetermined distance for installation of the at least two leg portions. The corner guard is constructed of material with sufficient strength and toughness to withstand collisions with heavier industrial type equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: McCue Corporation
    Inventors: David S. McCue, Daniel B. Ballou, Adam P. Stevens, Brent Hild, Teodoro A. Mesa, Genesis J. McDermott
  • Patent number: 7588387
    Abstract: A barrier includes a housing having a front wall and an opposing back wall each extending between opposing sidewalls. The housing also includes a floor and an interior surface bounding a chamber, the chamber communicating externally through an inlet opening. A first inset projects into the chamber from the front wall so as to form a recessed blind pocket on the front wall. A second inset projects into the chamber from the back wall so as to form a recessed blind pocket on the back wall. The first inset and the second inset are connected together within the chamber so that the chamber encircles the connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Off the Wall Products, LLC
    Inventors: Marc E. Christensen, Greg H. Brown, David E. Cowan, Bryan D. Grabowski, Charles M. Mettler, Bruce E. Owens, Patricia Russell
  • Patent number: 7585127
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Delnorth Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Boydan Joseph Mudryk, Garry David Campbell
  • Patent number: 7572022
    Abstract: A safety trailer has semi-tractor hitches at both ends and a safety wall that is fixed to one side of the trailer. That side, however, can be changed to the right or left side of the road, depending on the end to which the truck attaches. A caboose can be attached at the end of the trailer opposite the tractor to provide additional lighting and impact protection. Optionally, the trailer can be equipped with overhead protection, lighting, ventilation, onboard hydraulics, compressors, generators and other equipment, as well as related fuel, water, storage and restroom facilities and other amenities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: IWAPI, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin K. Groeneweg
  • Patent number: 7571693
    Abstract: A condensed retractable traffic cone is a device designed to provide motorists with advance warning of disabled vehicles and/or work zone areas. The device has been designed to withstand reasonable winds through the use of two base supports, a lower portion, a retractable arm and a series of retractable vertical risers. The retractable vertical risers in combination with a retractable arm allow for the device to easily expand to height consistent with traffic engineering design standards when in operation and then compact when it is in storage. The two base supports are designed not only to provide the necessary structural stability but to also open and close about the retractable vertical risers thus providing for additional compactness. The vertical risers are designed with flexible hinges so that they may store flat and expand to a rectangular shape when the base supports are rotated to an open position, accomplished a by linkage connecting the lower vertical riser and the base supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Inventor: John M. Tipaldo
  • Patent number: 7563051
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Tallwang Holdings Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Nigel Buckley, Paul Morris Deed, Zeljko Macher
  • Publication number: 20090169297
    Abstract: The present invention teaches that a warning dome system may have domes which are truncated and have no portion which is vertical nor near vertical, in fact, a very low angle of incline may be used. It further teaches that the material MMA (methyl methacrylate) may be used to provide an extremely hard and durable device. The present invention yet further teaches that admixtures of glass beads and the like into the mix at manufacture may allow the device to “wear down” while still providing excellent traction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventor: Doyle L. Koehn
  • Patent number: 7553103
    Abstract: Traffic delineators may be surface mounted on either level or sloped surfaces. A delineator mounting system adapted for the surface-mounting of a delineator includes a base having a generally-planar bottom surface, a cavity in the base, a top surface, and walls forming an aperture through the top surface to the cavity. A coupling has legs, with at least one leg being interfitted with the cavity of the base, and at least one other leg extending through the aperture of the base. A delineator is fastened to the leg of the coupling extending through the aperture of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Caminoverde II, L.P.
    Inventors: Matt Jameson, Darrell Heald, Ronald Riker
  • Patent number: 7540682
    Abstract: A control barrier includes a barrier wall having a front face and an opposing back face each extending between a top end and an opposing bottom end, a first recess being formed on the front face at the bottom end of the barrier wall. A first slot extends through the barrier wall from the first recess to the back face. An elongated first leg is coupled with the barrier wall so that the first leg can selectively rotate and can selectively slide. A first foot is mounted on the elongated first leg, the first foot being selectively movable between a first position wherein the first foot is at least partially disposed within the recess of the barrier wall and a second position wherein the first foot is rotated a least 45° relative to the first position and is removably positioned within the slot extending through the barrier wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Off the Wall Products LLC
    Inventors: Marc E. Christensen, David J. Lipniarski
  • Patent number: 7537411
    Abstract: An end connector for a barrier device is provided which permits articulation of one barrier device through a relatively large angle with respect to an adjacent barrier device, so that a barrier wall may be formed of a plurality of barrier devices connected end-to-end having a significantly curved shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Inventors: Leo J. Yodock, Jr., Leo J. Yodock, III, Guy C. Yodock
  • Patent number: 7537412
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Inventor: Donald G. Lewis
  • Patent number: 7536973
    Abstract: Plastic blow molded board-like members include a plurality of longitudinally extending, laterally spaced aligned channels/grooves in opposite sides of the members. Each of the channels has closely spaced apart side walls and inner end walls. The inner end walls of aligned channels in opposite sides of the member are joined together to provide a relatively high strength reinforced core. The ends of the members are completely closed during the blow molding process for increased strength and to keep out dirt and moisture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Plastic Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles M. Mettler, Gregory H. Brown
  • Patent number: 7530760
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Omnitek Partners LLC
    Inventors: Jahangir S. Rastegar, Thomas Spinelli
  • Patent number: 7530759
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Universal Safety Response, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew A. Gelfand, Joel F. Hugghins
  • Publication number: 20090113772
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and method of displaying visual information, comprising a plurality of visual elements placed on a plurality of display modules, which are positioned so as to be cognitively perceived as forming an integrated, unified visual informational message, and that utilizes the principles of geometric perspective or of optical illusions to create interesting and effective messages, and that may incorporate other visual effects, to create a messaging system that is able to publicly convey commercial messages as well as road conditions and other information. Said devices may be applied to roadsides, as well as corridors, sidewalks, sides of buildings, bridges, aisles, and similar locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventor: Arie Traupianski