An end terminal for a guardrail system includes an elongated guardrail beam and a flattening or reshaping device defining a channel having an inlet and an outlet vertically aligned along a longitudinal axis. The guardrail beam is moveable along the longitudinal axis through the channel from the inlet to the outlet. An anchor is vertically spaced below the outlet, with a tether coupled between the anchor and an end portion of the guardrail beam. The tether is adapted to pull the guardrail beam downwardly from a first height at the outlet to a second height vertically spaced from the first height free of any engagement with any other structure once the guardrail beam exits the outlet, and with a bending of the deformed guardrail beam in only one direction after the deformed guardrail beam leaves the outlet. Methods of assembly and operation are also provided.
E01F 15/04 - Continuous barriers extending along roads or between traffic lanes essentially made of longitudinal beams or rigid strips
E01F 15/14 - Safety arrangements for slowing, redirecting or stopping errant vehicles, e.g. guard posts or bollards; Arrangements for reducing damage to roadside structures due to vehicular impact specially adapted for local protection, e.g. for bridge piers, for traffic islands
A crash attenuator for decelerating an impacting vehicle includes a first end that can be releasably secured to a vehicle, and a second end that is longitudinally spaced from the first end. The second end includes an impact member that is movable in the longitudinal direction from a pre-impact position to an impact position. At least a pair of spaced deformable attenuator members extend in a longitudinal direction and have a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal ends are staggered downstream from the impact member in the pre-impact position. At least a portion of the deformable attenuator members are bent in a non-outboard direction as the impact member is moved from the pre-impact position to the impact position.
B60R 19/34 - Arrangements for mounting bumpers on vehicles comprising yieldable mounting means destroyed upon impact, e.g. one-shot type
E01F 15/14 - Safety arrangements for slowing, redirecting or stopping errant vehicles, e.g. guard posts or bollards; Arrangements for reducing damage to roadside structures due to vehicular impact specially adapted for local protection, e.g. for bridge piers, for traffic islands
F16F 7/12 - Vibration-dampers; Shock-absorbers using plastic deformation of members
B60R 19/00 - Wheel guards; Radiator guards; Obstruction removers; Fittings damping bouncing force in collisions
3.
Self-righting flexible delineator with protective collar
A delineator system includes an anchor having an end portion and a post extending along a longitudinal direction and having an end portion overlapping with the end portion of the anchor. The overlapping end portions are coupled together with an engagement member. A protective collar is moveable relative to the post and the anchor along the longitudinal direction from a non-installed position to an installed position. The protective collar is disposed over and covers the overlapping end portions and the engagement member when in the installed position. Methods of manufacturing and installing a post, and other delineator systems and delineator posts are also provided.
E01F 9/017 - self-righting after deflection or displacement
E01F 9/627 - Upright bodies, e.g. marker posts or bollards; Supports for road signs characterised by form or by structural features, e.g. for enabling displacement or deflection self-righting after deflection or displacement
E01F 9/608 - Upright bodies, e.g. marker posts or bollards; Supports for road signs specially adapted for particular signalling purposes, e.g. for indicating curves, road works or pedestrian crossings for guiding, warning or controlling traffic, e.g. delineator posts or milestones
E01F 9/588 - Lane delineators for physically separating traffic lanes and discouraging but not preventing crossing
E01F 9/681 - Upright bodies, e.g. marker posts or bollards; Supports for road signs characterised by means for fixing for holding sign posts or the like the sign posts being fastened by removable means, e.g. screws or bolts
A crash cushion includes a plurality of resilient, self-restoring tubes each having a center axis and an interior surface. At least some of the tubes are positioned such that respective ones of the center axes are spaced apart in a longitudinal direction. The center axis of at least one tube is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis extending in the longitudinal direction, with the tube defining a diametral plane intersecting and oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The center axis of the tube lies in the diametral plane. One or more segments are positioned in the tube, with the segments, or portions thereof, disposed on opposite sides of the interior surface of the tube. Each of the segments or portions is symmetrically secured to the tube relative to the diametral plane, with the tube being substantially open between the opposing segments. Various methods of using and assembling the crash cushion are also provided.
E01F 15/08 - Continuous barriers extending along roads or between traffic lanes essentially made of walls or wall-like elements
E01F 15/14 - Safety arrangements for slowing, redirecting or stopping errant vehicles, e.g. guard posts or bollards; Arrangements for reducing damage to roadside structures due to vehicular impact specially adapted for local protection, e.g. for bridge piers, for traffic islands
A ground anchor for a delineator includes a unitary plastic body having a receptacle shaped and configured for connection to a delineator post and a ground engaging portion extending from the receptacle along a longitudinal axis. The ground engaging portion includes a plurality of tapered blades. Delineator assemblies using the ground anchor, and methods of installing the ground anchor, are also provided.
A crash attenuator includes a frame having a first frame member and a second frame member rigidly connected with a hinge assembly in a pre-impact configuration. The first and second frames are hingedly connected with the hinge assembly in an impact configuration, wherein the hinge assembly comprises a living hinge when the hinge assembly is in the impact configuration. A method of using the crash attenuator is also provided.
E01F 15/14 - Safety arrangements for slowing, redirecting or stopping errant vehicles, e.g. guard posts or bollards; Arrangements for reducing damage to roadside structures due to vehicular impact specially adapted for local protection, e.g. for bridge piers, for traffic islands
B60R 19/38 - Arrangements for mounting bumpers on vehicles adjustably or movably mounted, e.g. horizontally displaceable for securing a space between parked vehicles
B60R 19/00 - Wheel guards; Radiator guards; Obstruction removers; Fittings damping bouncing force in collisions
7.
Self-righting flexible delineator with protective collar
A delineator system includes an anchor having an end portion and a post extending along a longitudinal direction and having an end portion overlapping with the end portion of the anchor. The overlapping end portions are coupled together with an engagement member. A protective collar is moveable relative to the post and the anchor along the longitudinal direction from a non-installed position to an installed position. The protective collar is disposed over and covers the overlapping end portions and the engagement member when in the installed position. Methods of manufacturing and installing a post, and other delineator systems and delineator posts are also provided.
A pavement marker includes a plastic base having an exposed upper surface, a reflector supported by the plastic base, and a metal rub rail coupled to the plastic base. The rub rail has an exposed rub surface positioned above the exposed upper surface of the plastic base. Methods of making and installing a pavement marker are also provided.
A frangible post captures and holds a cable anchor to a guardrail. The post breaks when struck by a vehicle, releasing the cable. The frangible post may include hinge members, which bias the post so that weakened sections are put in tension when the post is struck, thereby ensuring that the post breaks cleanly and the cable is released when the post is struck. A method of releasing a cable anchor includes impacting the post, biasing the weakened sections so that they are in tension, breaking the post, and releasing the cable anchor. The post may be configured with a notch to engage the cable anchor, which is then released from the notch as the post is broken.
E01F 15/02 - Continuous barriers extending along roads or between traffic lanes
E01F 15/04 - Continuous barriers extending along roads or between traffic lanes essentially made of longitudinal beams or rigid strips
E01F 15/14 - Safety arrangements for slowing, redirecting or stopping errant vehicles, e.g. guard posts or bollards; Arrangements for reducing damage to roadside structures due to vehicular impact specially adapted for local protection, e.g. for bridge piers, for traffic islands
An energy absorbing vehicle barrier includes a frame defining a compartment. In one embodiment, the frame includes a nose. An energy absorbing cartridge is disposed within the compartment. A retaining device is coupled to the frame, with the retaining device disposed above and extending over at least a portion of an upper surface of the cartridge. The retaining device may contact and engage the upper surface of the cartridge when the barrier is impacted by a vehicle. In this way, the retaining device substantially prevents movement of the cartridge in at least a vertical direction during the impact. Methods of using and assembling the barrier are also provided.
E01F 15/14 - Safety arrangements for slowing, redirecting or stopping errant vehicles, e.g. guard posts or bollards; Arrangements for reducing damage to roadside structures due to vehicular impact specially adapted for local protection, e.g. for bridge piers, for traffic islands
E01F 15/02 - Continuous barriers extending along roads or between traffic lanes
A crash attenuator includes a crash cushion having a front end, a rear end, and a trailer hitch component disposed adjacent the front end. The trailer hitch component is capable of being secured to a mating hitch component located on a towing vehicle, such that the hitch components are capable of being rotated relative to each other about a substantially vertical axis. The crash attenuator further includes at least one wheel supporting the crash cushion. The wheel is rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis and is spaced rearwardly from the hitch component. A pair of tethers are positioned on opposite sides of the hitch component and are moveable relative to one or more retraction mechanisms connected to the crash cushion.
A01B 59/041 - Devices specially adapted for connection between animals or tractors and agricultural machines or implements for machines pulled or pushed by a tractor preventing or limiting side-play of implements
B60D 1/14 - Draw-gear or towing devices characterised by their type
An end terminal for a guardrail system includes an elongated guardrail beam and a flattening or reshaping device defining a channel having an inlet and an outlet vertically aligned along a longitudinal axis. The guardrail beam is moveable along the longitudinal axis through the channel from the inlet to the outlet. An anchor is vertically spaced below the outlet, with a tether coupled between the anchor and an end portion of the guardrail beam. The tether is adapted to pull the guardrail beam downwardly from a first height at the outlet to a second height vertically spaced from the first height free of any engagement with any other structure once the guardrail beam exits the outlet, and with a bending of the deformed guardrail beam in only one direction after the deformed guardrail beam leaves the outlet. Methods of assembly and operation are also provided.
E01F 15/04 - Continuous barriers extending along roads or between traffic lanes essentially made of longitudinal beams or rigid strips
E01F 15/14 - Safety arrangements for slowing, redirecting or stopping errant vehicles, e.g. guard posts or bollards; Arrangements for reducing damage to roadside structures due to vehicular impact specially adapted for local protection, e.g. for bridge piers, for traffic islands
13.
Guardrail assembly, breakaway support post for a guardrail and methods for the assembly and use thereof
A guardrail assembly includes first and second rail sections, with a deforming member deforming the first rail section as it moves relative to the second rail section. Methods of using and assembling a guardrail assembly are also provided.
E01F 15/00 - Safety arrangements for slowing, redirecting or stopping errant vehicles, e.g. guard posts or bollards; Arrangements for reducing damage to roadside structures due to vehicular impact
A crash attenuator includes a crash cushion having a front end, a rear end, and a trailer hitch component disposed adjacent the front end. The trailer hitch component is capable of being secured to a mating hitch component located on the towing vehicle, such that hitch components are capable of being rotated relative to each other about a substantially vertical axis. The crash attenuator further includes at least one wheel supporting the crash cushion. The wheel is rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis and is spaced rearwardly from hitch component. One or more tethers are positioned on opposite sides of the hitch component and are moveable relative to one or more guides connected to the crash cushion.
A01B 59/041 - Devices specially adapted for connection between animals or tractors and agricultural machines or implements for machines pulled or pushed by a tractor preventing or limiting side-play of implements
B60D 1/14 - Draw-gear or towing devices characterised by their type
A method for transferring a barrier includes providing a barrier having first and second sides and a plurality of barrier modules connected end-to-end, driving a transfer vehicle along a path on the first side of the barrier, wherein the vehicle is supported entirely by a support surface on the first side of the barrier and is free of any engagement with the support surface on the second side of the barrier. The transfer vehicle includes a barrier transfer device with a support disposed above the barrier and a carriage coupled to the support. The method further includes sequentially engaging the plurality of barrier modules with the carriage, sequentially moving the plurality of barrier modules in a lateral direction with the carriage, and sequentially releasing the plurality of barrier modules from the carriage.
A crash cushion includes a plurality of resilient, self-restoring tubes each having a center axis and an interior surface. At least some of the tubes are positioned such that respective ones of the center axes are spaced apart in a longitudinal direction. The center axis of at least one tube is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis extending in the longitudinal direction, with the tube defining a diametral plane intersecting and oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The center axis of the tube lies in the diametral plane. One or more segments are positioned in the tube, with the segments, or portions thereof, disposed on opposite sides of the interior surface of the tube. Each of the segments or portions is symmetrically secured to the tube relative to the diametral plane, with the tube being substantially open between the opposing segments. Various methods of using and assembling the crash cushion are also provided.
E01F 15/00 - Safety arrangements for slowing, redirecting or stopping errant vehicles, e.g. guard posts or bollards; Arrangements for reducing damage to roadside structures due to vehicular impact
E01F 15/14 - Safety arrangements for slowing, redirecting or stopping errant vehicles, e.g. guard posts or bollards; Arrangements for reducing damage to roadside structures due to vehicular impact specially adapted for local protection, e.g. for bridge piers, for traffic islands
A crash attenuator for decelerating an impacting vehicle includes a first end that can be releasably secured to a vehicle, and a second end that is longitudinally spaced from the first end. The second end includes an impact member that is movable in the longitudinal direction from a pre-impact position to an impact position. At least a pair of spaced deformable attenuator members extend in a longitudinal direction and have a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal ends are staggered downstream from the impact member in the pre-impact position. At least a portion of the deformable attenuator members are bent in a non-outboard direction as the impact member is moved from the pre-impact position to the impact position.
B60R 19/34 - Arrangements for mounting bumpers on vehicles comprising yieldable mounting means destroyed upon impact, e.g. one-shot type
E01F 15/14 - Safety arrangements for slowing, redirecting or stopping errant vehicles, e.g. guard posts or bollards; Arrangements for reducing damage to roadside structures due to vehicular impact specially adapted for local protection, e.g. for bridge piers, for traffic islands
18.
Gate for barrier system and methods for the assembly and use thereof
A gate for providing an opening in a barrier system includes a gate barrier segment and a connector having first and second connector segments. The first connector segment is coupled to the gate barrier segment. The first and second connector segments are releasably coupled, and may be hingedly connected on at least one of a first and second side thereof. The second connector segment is configured to be coupled to a stationary barrier segment.
An energy absorbing vehicle barrier includes a frame defining a compartment. In one embodiment, the frame includes a nose. An energy absorbing cartridge is disposed within the compartment. A retaining device is coupled to the frame, with the retaining device disposed above and extending over at least a portion of an upper surface of the cartridge. The retaining device may contact and engage the upper surface of the cartridge when the barrier is impacted by a vehicle. In this way, the retaining device substantially prevents movement of the cartridge in at least a vertical direction during the impact. Methods of using and assembling the barrier are also provided.
A non-lethal energy absorbing vehicle barrier for decelerating an impacting vehicle a gate member disposed between first and second gate receivers that is deformable from a pre-impact configuration to an impact configuration. The gate member may include a first deformable energy absorption member having a first end coupled to the first gate receiver and a second end extending inward toward a center of the gate member; a second deformable energy absorption member having a first end coupled to the second gate receiver and a second end extending inward toward the center of the gate member; and a deforming member connecting the first and second deformable energy absorption members in an overlapping configuration. The deforming member is configured to engage and deform the first and second deformable energy absorption members as the gate member is deformed from the pre-impact configuration to the impact configuration.
A crash attenuator includes a crash cushion having a front end and a rear end, and a restraint element disposed adjacent the front end and capable of being coupled to a towing vehicle. The crash attenuator further includes at least one wheel supporting the crash cushion. The restraint element is operable between at least an impact condition and a non-impact condition.
A01B 59/041 - Devices specially adapted for connection between animals or tractors and agricultural machines or implements for machines pulled or pushed by a tractor preventing or limiting side-play of implements
B60D 1/155 - Draw-gear or towing devices characterised by their type consisting of an elongated single bar or tube comprising telescopic or foldable parts
A breakaway support post for a guardrail includes an upper post member and a lower post member. The upper and lower post members are overlapping and configured such that the upper and lower post members are non-rotatable relative to each other about an axis extending in an axial impact direction. In one embodiment, a tensile fastener extends in the axial impact direction and connects overlapping portions of the upper and lower post members. In another embodiment, a shear fastener extends transversely to the axial impact direction and is the only connection between the upper and lower post members. In another aspect, a guardrail assembly includes first and second rail sections, with a deforming member deforming the first rail section as it moves relative to the second rail section. Methods of using and assembling a guardrail assembly are also provided.
E01F 15/00 - Safety arrangements for slowing, redirecting or stopping errant vehicles, e.g. guard posts or bollards; Arrangements for reducing damage to roadside structures due to vehicular impact
A crash attenuator for decelerating an impacting vehicle includes a first end that can be releasably secured to a vehicle, and a second end that is longitudinally spaced from the first end. The second end includes an impact member that is movable in the longitudinal direction from a pre-impact position to an impact position. At least a pair of deformable attenuator members are spaced laterally and extend longitudinally between the first and second ends. At least a portion of the attenuators are bent in a non-outboard direction when the impact member moves from the pre-impact position to the impact position.
B60R 19/34 - Arrangements for mounting bumpers on vehicles comprising yieldable mounting means destroyed upon impact, e.g. one-shot type
E01F 15/14 - Safety arrangements for slowing, redirecting or stopping errant vehicles, e.g. guard posts or bollards; Arrangements for reducing damage to roadside structures due to vehicular impact specially adapted for local protection, e.g. for bridge piers, for traffic islands
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.
E01F 15/14 - Safety arrangements for slowing, redirecting or stopping errant vehicles, e.g. guard posts or bollards; Arrangements for reducing damage to roadside structures due to vehicular impact specially adapted for local protection, e.g. for bridge piers, for traffic islands
25.
Barrier transfer device, system and method for the use thereof
A barrier transfer device includes a cantilevered support arm and a carriage coupled to the support arm. The carriage includes at least a pair of barrier interface members extending downwardly from the support arm. The barrier interface members are configured to engage a barrier on opposite sides thereof when the barrier. A system for transferring a barrier includes a transfer vehicle having an outermost portion on each of first and second opposite sides of the transfer vehicle. The cantilevered support arm is coupled to the transfer vehicle and extends laterally outwardly past the outermost portion of the transfer vehicle on the first side of the transfer vehicle. A moveable barrier system includes at least one barrier having first and second sides and a bottom adapted to be supported by a ground surface and a transfer vehicle having a barrier interface element engaging only a first side of said barrier. Methods for transferring a barrier are also provided.
B60P 3/40 - Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects for carrying long loads, e.g. with separate wheeled load-supporting elements
26.
Self-righting post and method for the assembly and use thereof
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.
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.
E01F 13/00 - Arrangements for obstructing or restricting traffic, e.g. gates, barricades
E01F 15/00 - Safety arrangements for slowing, redirecting or stopping errant vehicles, e.g. guard posts or bollards; Arrangements for reducing damage to roadside structures due to vehicular impact
A crash attenuator includes a crash cushion having a front end, a rear end, and a trailer hitch component disposed adjacent the front end. The trailer hitch component is capable of being secured to a mating hitch component located on the towing vehicle, such that hitch components are capable of being rotated relative to each other about a substantially vertical axis. The crash attenuator further includes at least one wheel supporting the crash cushion. The wheel is rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis and is spaced rearwardly from the substantially vertical axis. The crash attenuator further includes at least one restraint element operable between at least a disengaged condition, wherein the crash cushion is capable of rotating about the substantially vertical axis, and an engaged condition, wherein the at least one restraint element constrains rotation of the crash cushion about the substantially vertical axis.
A01B 59/041 - Devices specially adapted for connection between animals or tractors and agricultural machines or implements for machines pulled or pushed by a tractor preventing or limiting side-play of implements
B60D 1/155 - Draw-gear or towing devices characterised by their type consisting of an elongated single bar or tube comprising telescopic or foldable parts
B60R 19/22 - Means within the bumper to absorb impact containing cellular material, e.g. solid foam
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. A connector includes at least one first strap portion disposed in the valley of and connected to the first side panel and at least one second strap portion disposed adjacent to and connected to at least one ridge of the second side panel.
E01F 13/00 - Arrangements for obstructing or restricting traffic, e.g. gates, barricades
E01F 13/12 - Arrangements for obstructing or restricting traffic, e.g. gates, barricades for forcibly arresting or disabling vehicles, e.g. spiked mats
E01F 15/00 - Safety arrangements for slowing, redirecting or stopping errant vehicles, e.g. guard posts or bollards; Arrangements for reducing damage to roadside structures due to vehicular impact
E01F 15/14 - Safety arrangements for slowing, redirecting or stopping errant vehicles, e.g. guard posts or bollards; Arrangements for reducing damage to roadside structures due to vehicular impact specially adapted for local protection, e.g. for bridge piers, for traffic islands
30.
Removable delineator post and method for the use thereof
A delineator includes a post having a bottom portion and a stem extending from the bottom portion. At least a portion of the post is moveable in a lateral direction between an at-rest position and an impact position. An anchor includes a top and an elongated receptacle. In one aspect, the stem is removably inserted in the receptacle and is moveable in a longitudinal direction between at least a first position and a second position relative to the receptacle as the flexible post is moved between the at-rest position and the impact position respectively. A first portion of the length of the stem is disposed in the receptacle when the stem is in the first position and a second portion of the length of the stem remains disposed in the receptacle when the stem is in the second position, wherein the first portion is greater than the second portion. Methods of removably retaining a boundary in a pathway and of installing a boundary in a pathway are also provided.
E01F 9/00 - Arrangement of road signs or traffic signals; Arrangements for enforcing caution
E01F 9/011 - Upright bodies, e.g. marker posts or bollards; Supports for road signs (posts or poles in general E04H 12/00; means for attaching signs to a supporting structure in general G09F 7/18)
E01F 9/012 - free-standing, e.g. traffic cones, foldable or inflatable devices
E01F 9/013 - intended to be readily removable, e.g. for insertion into road-stud sockets (E01F 9/12 takes precedence);;