U.S. patent application number 09/941468 was filed with the patent office on 2002-02-28 for modular barrier cushion system.
Invention is credited to Johnson, John.
Application Number | 20020025221 09/941468 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26922831 |
Filed Date | 2002-02-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020025221 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Johnson, John |
February 28, 2002 |
Modular barrier cushion system
Abstract
A modular barrier cushion system is provided for mitigating the
impact of a vehicle with a fixed object, and thus, the injury to a
driver of the vehicle. The modular barrier system includes a
plurality of modular barrier cushions. Each modular barrier cushion
includes a cushion body having a shell defining an interior chamber
containing shock absorbing or sound absorbing filler material.
Inventors: |
Johnson, John; (Conyers,
GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TROUTMAN SANDERS LLP
BANK OF AMERICA PLAZA, SUITE 5200
600 PEACHTREE STREET , NE
ATLANTA
GA
30308-2216
US
|
Family ID: |
26922831 |
Appl. No.: |
09/941468 |
Filed: |
August 29, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60228970 |
Aug 30, 2000 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
404/6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E01F 15/086
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
404/6 |
International
Class: |
E01F 015/14 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A modular barrier cushion comprising: an outer shell casing; at
least one shock absorbing material housed within said shell casing
for absorbing the force from impacts; and a plurality of
interconnects for facilitating interconnection of said modular
barrier cushion to additional modular barrier cushions.
2. The modular barrier cushion of claim 1, wherein the shell is
made from a material selected from the group consisting of Linear
Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE); Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE);
High Density Polyethylene (HDPE); High Molecular Weight
Polyethylene (HMW); Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene
(UHMW); Polypropylene (PP); and Nylon.
3. The modular barrier cushion of claim 1, wherein the shock
absorbing material is a foam material selected from the group
consisting of Expandable PolyStyrene (EPS); Polypropylene foam;
Polyethylene foam; Polyurethane foam; and Polyester foam.
4. The modular barrier cushion of claim 1, wherein the
interconnects are selected from the group consisting of overlapping
rings, opposed crescents that hook into each other, and dovetail
interconnects.
5. The modular barrier cushion of claim 1, wherein the density of
shock absorbing material is about 1-60 pounds per cubic foot.
6. The modular barrier cushion of claim 1, wherein the
interconnects and shell are of a single, unitary construction.
7. The modular barrier cushion of claim 1, wherein the shock
absorbing material is in combination with a second shock absorbing
material.
8. The modular barrier cushion of claim 1, wherein a Ultraviolet
wavelength inhibitor/stabilizer is present in the shell casing to
prevent degradation of the material from exposure to Ultraviolet
rays.
9. The modular barrier cushion of claim 1, wherein the modular
barrier cushion is designed to connect to a wall, surface, road,
embankment, fixed object or the like.
10. A crash barrier comprising at least two modular barrier
cushions attached to each other via at least one interconnect, each
said modular barrier cushion comprising: a) an outer shell casing;
and b) at least one shock absorbing material housed within said
shell casing for absorbing the force from impacts.
11. The modular barrier cushion of claim 10, wherein the shell is
made from a material selected from the group consisting of Linear
Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE); Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE);
High Density Polyethylene (HDPE); High Molecular Weight
Polyethylene (HMW); Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene
(UHMW); Polypropylene (PP); and Nylon.
12. The modular barrier cushion of claim 10, wherein the shock
absorbing material is a foam material selected from the group
consisting of Expandable PolyStyrene (EPS); Polypropylene foam;
Polyethylene foam; Polyurethane foam; and Polyester foam.
13. The modular barrier cushion of claim 10, wherein the
interconnects are selected from the group consisting of overlapping
rings, opposed crescents that hook into each other, and dovetail
interconnects.
14. The modular barrier cushion of claim 10, wherein the density of
shock absorbing material is about 1-60 pounds per cubic foot.
15. The modular barrier cushion of claim 10, wherein the
interconnects and shell are of a single, unitary construction.
16. The modular barrier cushion of claim 10, wherein the shock
absorbing material is in combination with a second shock absorbing
material.
17. The modular barrier cushion of claim 10, wherein a Ultraviolet
wavelength inhibitor/stabilizer is present in the shell casing to
prevent degradation of the material from exposure to Ultraviolet
rays.
18. The modular barrier cushion of claim 10, wherein the modular
barrier cushion is designed to connect to a wall, surface, road,
embankment, fixed object or the like.
19. A method for reducing collision damage to a driver of a vehicle
comprising the step of: securing at least one modular cushion to a
fixed object, said modular cushion comprising a) an outer shell
casing; and b) at least one shock absorbing material housed within
said shell casing for absorbing the force from impacts.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the shell is made from a
material selected from the group consisting of Linear Low Density
Polyethylene (LLDPE); Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE); High Density
Polyethylene (HDPE); High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (HMW);
Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMW); Polypropylene
(PP); and Nylon.
21. The method of claim 19, wherein the shock absorbing material is
a foam selected from the group consisting of Expandable PolyStyrene
(EPS); Polypropylene foam; Polyethylene foam; Polyurethane foam;
and Polyester foam.
22. The method of claim 19, wherein the density of shock absorbing
material is about 1-60 pounds per cubic foot.
23. The method of claim 19, wherein the interconnects and shell are
of a single, unitary construction.
24. The method of claim 19, wherein the shock absorbing material is
in combination with a second shock absorbing material.
25. The modular barrier cushion of claim 19, wherein a Ultraviolet
wavelength inhibitor/stabilizer is present in the shell casing to
prevent degradation of the material from exposure to Ultraviolet
rays.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent
application No. 60/228,970 entitled "MODULAR BARRIER CUSHION
SYSTEM" filed on Aug. 30, 2000.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] The present invention relates generally to the field of
barriers, and more specifically to cushions associated with
barriers for mitigating the impact of vehicles, and injury to
occupants of such vehicles, with fixed objects, including but not
limited to the following: walls, concrete or earthen embankments,
metal or wood guard rails, K-rails, Jersey barriers, fencing, light
poles and other poles, and the sides of bridges or underpasses.
[0004] 2. Prior Art
[0005] The prior art includes a variety of devices which can be
categorized as crash barriers or barricades or lane dividers. Many
of these devices and the patents for those devices provide units
which are made of concrete such as the "Jersey Barrier" or "K
rail". These can include devices that are made of straight concrete
or some sort of lightweight concrete. Others are of a post and beam
construction that requires that an upright be inserted into the
ground some way and then some wood or metal horizontal members are
attached in some fashion. Some have used plain barrels (possibly a
55-gallon size) filled with water or sand. Still others are molded
of some sort of polymer and filled with sand or water used as a
ballast and/or shock absorber. Alternatively, polymer units have
also been filled with polyurethane foam in conjunction with or
without some sort of ballast in the bottom of the unit.
[0006] Regardless of the type of construction or the material used
in their construction, most of these prior systems share certain
characteristics. For example, all or most of these prior devices
are designed to be freestanding. Many of the systems have some sort
of method for connecting individual unit sections together to form
a contiguous and continuous system.
[0007] None of the previous inventions use any type of foam with
the exception of polyurethane (PU), and in all of the units which
use PU, all can expose the PU to the elements. If moisture is
introduced into the PU either from an external source (rain or snow
etc.) or from condensation inside the unit, then the unit is
exposed to freezing conditions and the inevitable thawing. The PU
previously used has been found to lose integrity and can
disintegrate.
[0008] The sport of racing has presented particular challenges and
needs related to lessening the force of impact of a crash. This
need has become more urgent and the search for a solution more
frenzied because of recent deaths in this arena. Several methods
have been attempted to address the problems. For example, old tires
have been stacked along the raceway wall to serve as shock
absorbers, but when they are hit they go flying in all directions
becoming missiles themselves. Water filled barriers have also been
used in the raceway environments, however, the use of water in a
barrier can necessitate that the track be dried off before racing
can continue if one of these barriers is hit. Sandpits have also
been used on some courses along the side of the track to slow a
vehicle down, but these usually still require a barrier or cushion
to guard the eventual wall that exits the pit.
[0009] Another method attempted to fulfill these needs involves the
use of modular barriers and cushions. Plain molded blocks of
Expandable PolyStyrene (EPS) have been used loosely placed along
the outside and inside walls of racetracks in an attempt to
minimize the possible injury to the driver. These blocks are either
placed in front of a wall directly, or in front of some other items
such as old tires that are placed in front of the wall. One of the
objections to these EPS blocks is that when they are struck, pieces
can go flying all over the track and can create, as one can
imagine, quite a mess which must be cleaned up before the race can
continue. Another objection has been that if the block survives for
a period of time without being hit, it can yellow because of
exposure to the sun. Also, continued exposure to rain and snow can
make the EPS blocks waterlogged and might reduce the cushioning
properties for which it was intended. Other problems that have
surfaced with the EPS blocks is that they are difficult to secure
in place, and when one block is hit, 10, 20 or more blocks that are
end to end can be moved out of position requiring that all of the
blocks be properly repositioned before the race can continue.
Moreover, if a car brushes along the foam, it is apt to grab or
slow down the car, whereas, if the car scraped along a concrete
wall, it would continue with a minimum of impediment. Also, these
exposed blocks are subject to dissolving if they come in direct
contact with petroleum based products.
[0010] Along a highway or the seashore, there are units that are
used for the purposes of sound control and erosion control. With
respect to sound control, slabs of concrete have been stacked on
top of each other to a height which can absorb or reflect back to
the highway the noise produced by passing traffic. These systems
can continue for a considerable distance. In some cases the
concrete structures are freestanding and in others there are
vertical dividers that hold and stabilize the slabs. The slabs have
been made with a variety of surfaces, which vary from smooth to
those that have some sort of shape cast in the concrete. Moreover,
the concrete has been used in its natural color, or in a different
color such as sandstone or in some cases even pink for
flamingos.
[0011] One of the problems inherent with the use of concrete is the
weight of the concrete pieces. Most installations require heavy
cranes to install the units. Another problem is the natural
checking and cracking that occurs with concrete over time. Yet
another concern has been referred to as "thermal upheaval" where
the expansion in heat and the contraction in the cold can
accelerate the natural cracking process.
[0012] Other systems for sound deadening have included vertical
units such as an "I Beam" or pre-stressed concrete post that is
inserted in the ground and then some other material such as wood or
metal is placed between the verticals. Installations of these types
either require a drilling rig to bore a hole fairly deep into the
ground into which the vertical is placed, or a pile-driver is used
to drive it far enough into the ground.
[0013] Also with this type of system, wood tends to rot over time
and ferrous metals tend to rust over time because of the elements
and contact with earth. None of these systems are very forgiving if
they are crashed into.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The present invention provides a modular barrier system for
mitigating the impact of a vehicle with an object and, thus, injury
to occupants of the vehicle due to the impact. The modular barrier
system includes a plurality of modular barrier cushions. Each
modular barrier cushion includes a cushion body having a shell
defining an interior chamber containing at least one shock
absorbing or sound absorbing filler material. In an exemplary
embodiment, the shell is constructed from a resilient material.
Each modular cushion includes a cushion body and modular
interconnects.
[0015] In one aspect of the invention, the cushion has a first set
of modular interconnects and a second set of modular interconnects.
In another aspect, the interconnects are a part of the cushion such
that the interconnects and cushion are formed from a single shell.
A plurality of modular cushions may be interconnected to one
another as needed by mating the first set of modular interconnects
of a first modular cushion with a second set of modular
interconnects of a second modular cushion and securing the modular
interconnects with a securing device. Alternatively, the
interconnects can be shaped to connect without securing devices. An
exemplary interconnect that does not require a securing device is a
dovetail interconnect. The modular cushions can be releasably
connected to each other and to fixed objects. Additional modular
barrier cushions may also be included as necessary. In alternative
embodiments, the modular cushions may be connected end to end
and/or stacked on top of each other depending on the particular
application for which they are being used.
[0016] In another aspect, the present invention provides a crash
barrier comprising at least two modular barrier cushions attached
to each other via at least one interconnect, each said modular
barrier cushion comprising an outer shell casing; and at least one
shock absorbing material housed within said shell casing for
absorbing the force from impacts.
[0017] Still another aspect of the present invention provides a
method for reducing collision damage to a driver of a vehicle
comprising the step of: securing at least one modular cushion to an
obstacle, said modular cushion comprising an outer shell casing;
and at least one shock absorbing material housed within said shell
casing for absorbing the force from impacts.
[0018] Another aspect of the invention provides a method for
reducing collision damage to a driver of a vehicle comprising the
step of securing at least one modular cushion to a fixed object,
said modular cushion comprising an outer shell casing, and at least
one shock absorbing material housed within said shell casing for
absorbing the force from impacts.
[0019] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
modular barrier cushion which is adapted to cushion the blow of
impact to a driver and or passenger in the event of a crash. While
there is always the chance of injury to a driver or passenger in a
crash, the device should lessen the force of impact.
[0020] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
modular barrier cushion to mitigate collision damage to objects
such as vehicles, fixtures, poles, trees, and the like.
[0021] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
device which can be used as a sound-deadening device. An example of
this would be along the side of a freeway or other such noisy
corridor to deaden the sounds of the vehicles.
[0022] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
a device which can be used as erosion control along a roadway or
seashore and as a groin.
[0023] Other objects, aspects, and advantages of the present
invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from a
reading of the following detailed disclosure of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] FIG. 1 is a side elevational view illustrating one
embodiment of the modular interconnects of the present
invention.
[0025] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a free standing module
embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the present invention
illustrating one embodiment of the present invention having
dovetail interconnects.
[0027] FIG. 4 is a top view of another embodiment of the present
invention having dovetail interconnects.
[0028] FIG. 5 is a diagram of another embodiment of the present
invention in combination with a deadman system.
[0029] FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the present invention
secured within a trench.
[0030] FIG. 7 is a top cross sectional view of one embodiment of
the present invention secured around a pole or support.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0031] Referring now to the drawings, the invention will now be
described in detail. As shown in FIG. 1, a modular barrier system A
is provided for mitigating the impact of a vehicle with a fixed
object. Modular barrier system A includes at least a first modular
barrier cushion 10 and a second modular barrier cushion 20. Each
modular cushion includes a cushion body 14, a first set of modular
interconnects 12 and a second set of modular interconnects 22. A
plurality of modular cushions can be interconnected to one another
as needed by aligning the first set of modular interconnects 12 of
a first modular cushion with a second set of modular interconnects
22 of a second modular cushion and securing the modular
interconnects with a securing device 30. In one embodiment, the
securing device 30 can also secure the modular barrier cushion to
the ground 40 or other surface including but not limited to a road,
wall, or run way. Additional modular barrier cushions may also be
included as necessary. In alternative embodiments, the modular
cushions may be connected end to end and/or stacked on top of each
other depending on the particular application for which they are
being used.
[0032] As shown in the cross-section illustrated in FIG. 2, a free
standing embodiment of a modular barrier cushion includes a cushion
body 14, which comprises a shell 40 defining an interior chamber
42. In this embodiment, the bottom of the shell is wider than the
top to reduce the tendency of the cushion to topple over.
[0033] In an exemplary embodiment, shell 40 is constructed from a
resilient material such as, for example and not limitation: Linear
Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE); Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE);
High Density Polyethylene (HDPE); High Molecular Weight
Polyethylene (HMW); Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene
(UHMW); Polypropylene (PP); or Nylon. Regardless of the material
used, a UV (Ultra Violet) inhibitor/stabilizer is preferred, but
not required, to be present in the resilient material to prevent
degradation of the material from exposure to Ultraviolet rays. A
suitable UV inhibitor/stabilizer or blocker can be either physical
or chemical. Physical barriers will reflect and scatter UV rays
away from the cushion and include but are not limited to minerals
such as titanium dioxide, zinc ozide and iron oxide. Chemical
barriers absorb UV rays and include but are not limited to PABA,
cinnimates, benzophenones and dibenzoylmethanes. It is envisioned
that shell 40 may be manufactured by a variety of methods,
including for example but not limited to: rotational molding; blow
molding; vacuum forming; or injection molding.
[0034] The surface characteristics of shell 40 can be varied
depending upon the purpose to be served by the modular cushion. For
example, in applications such as use in protecting raceway walls
the surface could be smooth to allow cars to brush up against the
surface without experiencing undue drag or deceleration which might
lead to a loss of driver control. In landscaping or noise abatement
applications, designs such as bricks, blocks, rocks, trees, birds
or any other shape can be molded into the surface of the
encasement, either alone or in conjunction with variations in
colors. Graphics may be molded into or onto the surface.
[0035] Shell 40 may be constructed in any of a variety of forms or
shapes including but not limited to rectangular, triangular,
circular, cuboidal, cylindrical, spheriodal, conical, hexagonal, or
pyramidal. For example, in some applications wherein the units are
intended to be assembled into freestanding stacks, the units could
be made thicker to make the stacking more stable. Additionally,
progressively higher units could be made to be less thick to
further enhance the stacking capabilities. Alternatively, the
length and shape of the units could be varied to accommodate curves
of varying dimensions.
[0036] In an exemplary embodiment, interior chamber 42 of shell 40
is filled with at least one shock or sound absorbing filler
material 44. Materials which have been found to be suitable for use
as a filler material 44 include, for example and not limited to:
Expandable PolyStyrene (EPS); Polypropylene foam; Polyethylene
foam; Polyurethane foam; and Polyester foam. The density of filler
material 44 may range from about one pound per cubic foot up to as
much as about 60 pounds per cubic foot depending upon the
application for which the modular cushion is intended to be used.
The filler material can be a combination of foam and another shock
absorbing filler material. The additional shock absorbing material
can be another foam, a liquid, or a solid, and can be in the form
of beads or particulates and can include: sawdust, solid polymers,
plastic or wood chips, sand and the like.
[0037] As illustrated in FIG. 1, individual modular cushions may be
interconnected with one another using modular cushion interconnects
12 and 22. It will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the
art that the interconnects may be part of the cushion such that the
interconnects and cushion are formed from a single shell. In such
an embodiment, each individual modular cushion is of a shape that
enables the cushion to interlock with other modular cushions
without additional parts. In one exemplary embodiment, illustrated
in FIG. 3, one modular cushion 304 can contain a female dovetail
interconnect 308 as part of the unitary shape of the modular
cushion, and another modular cushion 302 can have a male dovetail
interconnect 306 as part of its unitary shape such that the two may
interconnect. In an alternative embodiment, each modular cushion
has at least one male and at least one female dovetail interconnect
formed from the shell of the modular cushion such that no
additional parts are needed to interconnect with another modular
cushion.
[0038] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a
crash barrier comprising at least two modular barrier cushions
attached to each other via at least one interconnect, said modular
barrier cushion comprising an outer shell casing; and at least one
shock absorbing material housed within said shell casing for
absorbing the force from impacts. In one embodiment, the shock
absorbing material is a foam material selected from the group
consisting of Expandable PolyStyrene (EPS); Polypropylene foam;
Polyethylene foam; Polyurethane foam; and Polyester foam.
[0039] In still another embodiment, modular cushion interconnects
12 and 22 may comprise overlapping rings through which a securing
device 30, such as pipe, rod or cylinder may be extended through.
Alternatively, interconnects 12 and 22 may include opposed
crescents that hook into each other; dovetail interconnects with a
male dovetail extending top to bottom on one end that slides into
dovetail female on the other end as shown in FIG. 3; and dovetail
interconnects with a male dovetail going across the bottom that
slide into a dovetail female on the top. In addition to allowing
interconnection of individual modular cushions, interconnects 12
and 22 may also be utilized to secure modular cushion units to the
ground, a wall, or another barricade or earthen embankment as in
FIG. 1.
[0040] Additionally, if more securing is needed, an eyebolt 510 can
be attached to the top securing device 30 for attachment to a wall,
barricade or embankment via a cable, chain, webbing or other such
device. Alternatively, one or more eyebolts 510 can be spaced along
the length of securing device 30 to allow attachment to a chain,
cable, webbing, or other attachment that will secure the unit to
the ground and/or wall, barricade or embankment.
[0041] If the units are used in front of an earthen embankment such
as a retention wall or seawall, a "dead-man" system 502 can be used
in lieu of or in addition to other methods of securing the units,
as in FIG. 5. An exemplary dead-man system can be a rod or T-shaped
rod connected to the modular cushion. The dead-man system is
covered with backfill such as gravel, dirt, or rock, to provide
support for the modular cushion. A plurality of such systems can be
used, the number of which can change depending on the size or
number of modular cushions used. Other methods known in the art for
supporting the modular cushion barrier can also be used.
[0042] Modular cushions may also be held in place as freestanding
units in a variety of methods. For example, as illustrated in FIG.
6, a trench 602 may be excavated in the dirt, gravel, rock or other
ground surface at a sufficient depth as to sufficiently secure the
unit and then to backfill and repack whatever ground material that
was excavated. Concrete may also be poured around the unit to
secure the unit in place. This can be done with for without the
assistance of rebar or other such devices to help anchor the unit
into the concrete. Additionally, trenches can be formed that are
perpendicular to the line created by the units and poured at the
same time to lend more anti-sway stability to the system. Another
method would be to form a base from concrete or metal that is
already secured sufficiently to the ground. Where the top of this
base would be in the shape of a male dovetail that would be
received into the bottom of the units.
[0043] The modular cushion system of the present invention is
especially well suited for use in raceway applications. In most
cases, a system is already in place to prevent a vehicle from
leaving the racing surface. These systems are usually involve a
substantial concrete wall. In many cases there is something placed
in front of the wall as described in the background section. The
need exists for a method of lessening the force of impact in a
crash against such a wall, and causing a minimum of delay in the
race should a device be impacted. The present invention is
especially well suited to meet this need.
[0044] The modular cushion system can also be used to minimize
collision damage to specific structures. In one embodiment, the
modular cushion system of the present invention can surround an
object such as a pole 706 including but not limited to a telephone
pole, a light pole, a utility pole or the like, or a tree as shown
in FIG. 7. Pole 706 can also be a pier or bridge support.
[0045] The modular cushion system can be attached to the object or
secured to the ground such that the modular cushion system creates
a barrier between the object and an oncoming vehicle. When the
vehicle strikes the modular cushion system, the modular cushion
system absorbs the energy of the collision thereby reducing the
damage to the vehicle, vehicle operator, and the protected
object.
[0046] In another embodiment, the modular cushion system can be
attached to a vehicle creating a barrier between the vehicle and a
colliding object. The colliding object could be another vehicle, a
pole, or a tree. The vehicle can be an automobile, motorcycle,
water craft, or a non-motorized vehicle. When the vehicle is a
water craft including but not limited to boats, canoes, jet skies,
and the like, the modular cushion system can be used to prevent the
water vehicle from damaging or becoming damaged from contact with a
dock mooring platform bridge piling or another vehicle.
[0047] Still another embodiment provides a method for reducing
collision damage to a driver of a vehicle comprising the step of
securing at least one modular cushion to a fixed object, said
modular cushion comprising an outer shell casing; and at least one
shock absorbing material housed within said shell casing for
absorbing the force from impacts. In one embodiment, the shock
absorbing material is a foam material selected from the group
consisting of Expandable PolyStyrene (EPS); Polypropylene foam;
Polyethylene foam; Polyurethane foam; and Polyester foam. An
obstacle can be walls, concrete or earthen embankments, metal or
wood guard rails, Krails, Jersey barriers, fencing, light poles and
other poles, sign posts, and the sides and supports of bridges or
underpasses.
[0048] The modular cushion system as described above provides at
least the following advantages. The modular cushion units can be
placed in front of the wall and secured to the wall and/or ground
to soften the force of impact and possibly reduce the extent of
injury to a driver in case of an accident. Because the unit has a
foam core in one embodiment, there is no water that will soak the
racing surface and require drying. Because the unit has an
encasement around the foam, it should minimize the amount of debris
that can be spread on the racing surface and therefore speed up the
clean-up process after a wreck. The system of these units can be
secured to the ground and/or the wall, an impact to one unit should
not cause numerous other units to be displaced or dislodged. This
also helps in the speeding up the clean-up process after a
wreck.
[0049] Because the units are modular, if a unit should become
damaged, the affected unit(s) can be rapidly removed and a new
replacement unit installed with a minimum of interruption to the
event. In many installations, these spare units can be stored
behind the wall that they are cushioning.
[0050] Additionally, because there is a certain amount of flexing
properties, which are inherent to polymers, the encasement is not
as susceptible to effects of expansion during heat and contraction
during cold as other materials might be. Because the foam in these
units is encased in a polymer; if the surface of the encasement is
fairly smooth, there should be minimum if any "grabbing" or
friction that would occur to the vehicle if it simply brushes along
the units as compared to if it brushed along units made up of
exposed foam or concrete. Furthermore, because the foam in these
units is enclosed in a polymer encasement, there is at least some
protection from direct contact with petroleum based products which
could have an effect on certain types of foam.
[0051] This invention is further described in the attachment hereto
which is incorporated by reference herein as if filly set forth.
Various modifications may be made to the invention as described
without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of
the appended claims.
* * * * *