U.S. patent application number 11/261175 was filed with the patent office on 2006-05-04 for impact load deflector sleeve and removable collar assembly for cable and post protection.
Invention is credited to Nien-Yin Chang, Charles Russel Cox.
Application Number | 20060091370 11/261175 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46205772 |
Filed Date | 2006-05-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060091370 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cox; Charles Russel ; et
al. |
May 4, 2006 |
Impact load deflector sleeve and removable collar assembly for
cable and post protection
Abstract
A guard system for protecting cables and posts from damage by
falling rocks and other dynamic forces is provided. The guard
assembly comprises a first sleeve rotatably positioned about the
cable or post and a second sleeve rotatably positioned about the
cable or post. A removable collar assembly is positioned between
the first sleeve and the second sleeve for maintaining the spacing
between the first sleeve and the second sleeve.
Inventors: |
Cox; Charles Russel;
(Lakewood, CO) ; Chang; Nien-Yin; (Englewood,
CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Emery L. Tracy
P.O. Box 1518
Boulder
CO
80306
US
|
Family ID: |
46205772 |
Appl. No.: |
11/261175 |
Filed: |
October 28, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10976201 |
Oct 28, 2004 |
|
|
|
11261175 |
Oct 28, 2005 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
256/12.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E01F 7/045 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
256/012.5 |
International
Class: |
E01F 7/02 20060101
E01F007/02 |
Claims
1. A guard system for protecting cables and posts from damage by
falling rocks and other dynamic forces, the guard assembly
comprising: a first sleeve rotatably positioned about the cable or
post; a second sleeve rotatably positioned about the cable or post;
and a removable collar assembly positioned between the first sleeve
and the second sleeve for maintaining the spacing between the first
sleeve and the second sleeve.
2. The guard system of claim 1 wherein the diameter of the first
sleeve is less than the diameter of the second sleeve.
3. The guard system of claim 1 and further comprising: a plurality
of first sleeves.
4. The guard system of claim 4 and further comprising: at least one
washer between each adjacent first sleeve.
5. The guard system of claim 1 wherein the removable collar
assembly includes a first removable collar and a second removable
collar releasably secured to the first removable collar.
6. The guard system of claim 5 wherein each removable collar has a
slot for receiving the cable or post.
7. The guard system of claim 6 wherein each the removable collar
has a first aperture and a second aperture.
8. The guard system of claim 7 wherein the guard assembly further
comprises: the first removable collar positioned against the second
removable collar such that the slot of the first removable collar
is substantially opposite the slot of the second removable collar,
the first aperture of the first removable collar is substantially
aligned with the second slot of the second removable collar, and
the second aperture of the first removable collar is substantially
aligned with the first aperture of the second removable collar.
9. The guard system of claim 8 and further comprising: fastening
means inserted through the first and second apertures of the first
and second removable collars for releasably securing the first
removable collar to the second removable collar.
10. The guard system of claim 1 wherein each sleeve is
substantially tubular having a diameter greater than the diameter
of the cable or post.
11. A method for protecting cables and posts from damage by falling
rocks and other dynamic forces, the guard assembly comprising:
providing at least one first sleeve cut to a desired length;
positioning the first sleeve over the cable; inserting a holding
screw through an aperture on each small sleeve contacting the
cable; providing a second sleeve; positioning the second sleeve
over the cable and first sleeve; tensioning the cable; looping a
portion of the cable back onto itself; securing the looped end of
the cable; sliding the second sleeve over the looped end;
positioning a removable collar assembly between the first sleeve
and the second sleeve; and removing the holding screws from the
second sleeve.
12. The method of claim 11 and further comprising: providing a
plurality of first sleeves; and positioning a washer between each
adjacent first sleeve.
13. The method of claim 11 wherein the first sleeve and the second
sleeve are rotatable about the cable or post.
14. The method of claim 11 wherein the removable collar assembly
includes a first removable collar and a second removable collar
releasably secured to the first removable collar.
15. The method of claim 14 and further comprising: forming a slot
in each removable collar for receiving the cable or post.
16. The method of claim 15 and further comprising: forming a first
aperture and a second aperture in each removable collar.
17. The method of claim 16 and further comprising: positioning the
first removable collar against the second removable collar such
that the slot of the first removable collar is substantially
opposite the slot of the second removable collar, the first
aperture of the first removable collar is substantially aligned
with the second slot of the second removable collar, and the second
aperture of the first removable collar is substantially aligned
with the first aperture of the second removable collar.
18. The method of claim 17 and further comprising: inserting
fastening means through the first and second apertures of the first
and second removable collars for releasably securing the first
removable collar to the second removable collar.
19. A guard system for protecting cables from damage by falling
rocks and other dynamic forces, the guard assembly comprising: at
least one first sleeve rotatably positioned about the cable; a
second sleeve rotatably positioned about the cable; a first
removable collar positioned about the cable between one of the
first sleeves and the second sleeve; a second removable collar
releasably secured to the first removable collar; a slot formed in
each removable collar, the slot adapted for receiving the cable; a
first aperture and a second aperture formed in each removable
collar on opposite sides of the slot; fastening means inserted
through the first and second apertures of the first and second
removable collars for releasably securing the first removable
collar to the second removable collar; wherein the slot of the
first removable collar is substantially opposite the slot of the
second removable collar, the first aperture of the first removable
collar is substantially aligned with the second slot of the second
removable collar, and the second aperture of the first removable
collar is substantially aligned with the first aperture of the
second removable collar.
20. The guard system of claim 1 wherein the diameter of the first
sleeve is less than the diameter of the second sleeve.
Description
[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of pending
patent application Ser. No. 10/976,201, filed on Oct. 28, 2004,
entitled "CNC Impact Load Deflector Sleeve and Removable Collar for
Cable and Post Protection".
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates generally to an apparatus for the
protection of cables and posts (or columns) against for cables and
posts (or columns) against the dynamic loads from rolling stones,
vehicular impact, ice impact or other forms of transient loads and,
more particularly, the invention relates to a CNC impact load
deflector sleeve and removable collar installable on the cable
holding the fence post, which, in turn, stretches rock fall drape
net, which constitutes a rock fall mitigation fence system
(RFMFS).
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] A rock fall mitigation fence (RFMF) is frequently used to
protect the traveling vehicles against potential hazards of falling
rocks. The fence system is composed of the fence cable, fence
posts, and rock fall drape net resting on the cable, which, in
turn, is stretched and supported on the fence posts and cable
anchors. The fence posts are embedded in rock and the cable is
connected to the ground anchor embedded in rock. The RFMFS
functions as a flexible fence system for retaining falling rocks by
dissipating their dynamic energy during the back and forth swing
upon rock impact. The mass of falling rocks varies a great deal. It
can range from a few hundred pounds to many tons.
[0006] When falling from the hill/mountain top or slope, a falling
rock gains momentum as it rolls down the slope. When it comes in
contact with a RFMFS, the rock rotates at an extremely high angular
velocity, can sever fence-supporting cables, and knocks out or
severely bends fence posts, cuts anything it touches. The failure
of the RFMFS allows the falling rocks to land on the highway or, in
some cases, on top of a moving vehicle, as demonstrated in the rock
fall in Georgetown, Colo. on Apr. 8, 2004. To date the only
mechanism for the failure prevention of the RFMFS is to use
stronger nets, cables and posts. The literature search including
the search on the US Patent and Trademark web site and the
communication with fence installers did not reveal any other fence
cable or post protection apparatuses as the CNC Impact Load
Deflector Sleeve (CNC//ILDS) and Removable Collar (RC) submitted in
this invention that deflect the moving rocks and impact force, and,
thereby, reduce the chance of cable and post failures. Accordingly
there exists a need for a mechanism for deflecting falling rocks
and impact force, reducing the chance of fence failure and
enhancing the safety of the traveling public.
SUMMARY
[0007] The present invention is a guard system for protecting
cables and posts from damage by falling rocks and other dynamic
forces. The guard assembly comprises a first sleeve rotatably
positioned about the cable or post and a second sleeve rotatably
positioned about the cable or post near where it is anchored to the
rock on the slope, if necessary. A removable collar assembly is
positioned between the first sleeve and the second sleeve for
maintaining the spacing between the first sleeve and the second
sleeve.
[0008] In addition, the present invention includes a method for
protecting cables and posts from damage by falling rocks and other
dynamic forces. The method comprises providing at least one first
sleeve cut to a desired length, positioning the first sleeve over
the cable, inserting a holding screw through an aperture on each
small sleeve contacting the cable, providing a second sleeve,
positioning the second sleeve over the cable and first sleeve,
tensioning the cable, looping a portion of the cable back onto
itself, securing the looped end of the cable, sliding the second
sleeve over the looped end, positioning a removable collar assembly
between the first sleeve and the second sleeve, and removing the
holding screws from the second sleeve.
[0009] The present invention further includes a guard system for
protecting cables from damage by falling rocks and other dynamic
forces. The guard assembly comprises at least one first sleeve
rotatably positioned about the cable and a second sleeve rotatably
positioned about the cable. A first removable collar is positioned
between one of the first sleeves and the second sleeve. A second
removable collar is releasably secured to the first removable
collar. A slot is formed in each removable collar with the slot
adapted for receiving the cable. A first aperture and a second
aperture are formed in each removable collar on opposite sides of
the slot. Fastening means are inserted through the first and second
apertures of the first and second removable collars for releasably
securing the first removable collar to the second removable collar
wherein the slot of the first removable collar is substantially
opposite the slot of the second removable collar, the first
aperture of the first removable collar is substantially aligned
with the second slot of the second removable collar, and the second
aperture of the first removable collar is substantially aligned
with the first aperture of the second removable collar.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a sectional view illustrating an impact load
deflector sleeve and removable collar assembly for cable and post
protection, constructed in accordance with the present invention,
prior to a large sleeve being positioned over the looped cable;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a sectional view illustrating an impact load
deflector sleeve and removable collar assembly for cable and post
protection, constructed in accordance with the present invention,
subsequent to the large sleeve being positioned over the looped
cable;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a sectional view illustrating a pair of
constructed removable collars of the impact load deflector sleeve
and removable collar assembly for cable and post protection,
constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the
removable collars bolted together between a small sleeve and the
large sleeve;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a side view illustrating the pair of constructed
removable collars of the impact load deflector sleeve and removable
collar assembly for cable and post protection, constructed in
accordance with the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a top view illustrating a single removable collar
of the impact load deflector sleeve and removable collar assembly
for cable and post protection, constructed in accordance with the
present invention; and
[0015] FIG. 6 is a top view illustrating the pair of constructed
removable collars of the impact load deflector sleeve and removable
collar assembly for cable and post protection, constructed in
accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0016] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the present invention is an
impact load deflector sleeve and removable collar assembly,
indicated generally at 10, for cable 12 and post protection. The
impact load deflector assembly 10 of the present invention includes
a plurality of small sleeves 14, a large sleeve 16, a plurality of
washers 18 between each adjacent small sleeve 14, and a removable
collar assembly 20 positioned between one of the small sleeves 14
and the large sleeve 16. The impact load deflector assembly 10 of
the present invention allows the small sleeves 14 and the large
sleeve 16 to deflect a rolling rock or other dynamic force upon
contact and, thereby, reduces the failure potential of the fence
cable 12.
[0017] The small sleeves 14 and the large sleeve 16 are preferably
a cylindrical tube of any appropriate material made to loosely
embrace a cable or a post to allow its near frictionless rotation
about the cable or post. The length of the small sleeves 14 and the
large sleeve 16 are determined by the field conditions present at
the cable installation site and the desires of the construction
team.
[0018] FIGS. 3-6 illustrate the removable collar assembly 20 of the
impact load deflector assembly 10 of the present invention. The
removable collar assembly 20 can be easily installed and removed
from the cable 12 for easy construction and repair. The removable
collar assembly 20 s are positioned between two different-size
sleeves to prevent the smaller sleeve 14 from sliding or slipping
into the large sleeve 16.
[0019] The removable collar assembly preferably includes a first
removable collar 22 and a second removable collar 24. Each
removable collar 22, 24 has a substantially circular
cross-sectional configuration with a slot 26 formed therein
extending from a perimeter of the removable collar 22, 24 to a
point past a center point. In addition, each removable collar 22,
24 has a first aperture 28 and a second aperture 30 for receiving a
bolt 32 or other releasable fastening mechanism.
[0020] To assemble or construct the removable collar assembly 20
for use with the impact load deflector assembly 10 of the present
invention, first, the cable 12 or post is inserted into the slot 26
on the first removable collar 22. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the
second removable collar 24 is positioned about the cable 12 or post
such that the slots 26 of each removable collar 22, 24 are opposite
each other. A first bolt 32 is inserted into the first aperture 28
of the first removable collar 22 and the second aperture 30 of the
second removable collar 24 and a second bolt 32 is inserted into
the second aperture 30 of the first removable collar 22 and the
first aperture 28 of the second removable collar 24. A nut 34 or
other tightening mechanism is releasably secured to each of the
bolts 32 to maintain the first removable collar 22 to the second
removable collar 24. Further construction of the impact load
deflector assembly 10 will be discussed below.
[0021] The load impact deflector assembly 10 of the present
invention reduces the impact load effect on both cables 12 and
fence posts by deflecting the falling rocks upon contact. FIGS. 1
and 2 illustrate the load impact deflector assembly 10 installed
about the cable 12. The small sleeves 14 and large sleeve 16 are
preferably cylindrical and constructed from an appropriate material
(e.g., steel) and have an appropriate diameter, length, and
thickness for embracing a cable 12 or post with a clearance for
near frictionless rotation. The thickness and material type of the
sleeves 14, 16 are preferably selected to provide sufficient
strength to prevent the puncture by the rolling rocks. The washers
18 can be positioned between adjacent small sleeves 14 to maintain
the spacing of the small sleeves 14 and inhibit contact between
adjacent small sleeves 14.
[0022] Upon contacting any high-speed rolling rock, the load impact
deflector assembly 10 rotates nearly frictionless about the cable
12 and, thereby, avoids cable cut. It should be noted that the
sleeves 14, 16 and removable collars 22, 24 can be constructed from
any material deemed corrosion resistant, and sufficiently strong
against the destructive force of rolling stones, wind, vehicular
impact, or any other forms of impact force.
[0023] To mitigate the failure potential of a rock fall mitigation
fence system, the sleeves 14, 16 of the load impact deflector
assembly 10 can be installed along the entire length of the cable
12 and/or the post. The functionality of the load impact deflector
assembly 10 is explained as follows:
[0024] The load impact deflector assembly 10 rotates nearly freely
around the cable 12 and post that they are protecting.
[0025] Upon contacting a sleeve 14, 16, the impact force from a
rolling rock or any other impact sources, causes the sleeves 14, 16
to rotate.
[0026] The action of sleeve rotation deflects the impact force and
rock.
[0027] The deflection of the impact force reduces the damage
potential of the cable 12 and post.
[0028] The removable collar assembly 20 is preferably installed
between a small sleeve 14 at the lowest point of the cable 12 and a
large sleeve 16 for protecting the connection just above the ground
anchor and the small sleeve 12 for protecting the cable 12 right
above the cable connection.
[0029] The construction of the load impact deflector assembly 10 of
the present invention will now be discussed. As understood by those
persons skilled in the art, the following description is just one
manner of constructing the load impact deflector assembly 10.
[0030] First, the small sleeves 14 cut to a desired length
according to field conditions are positioned over the cable 12 or
post with a washer 18 between each adjacent small sleeve 14. The
number of small sleeves 14 and washers 18 are dependent on the
length of the cable 18 or post. A holding screw 36 is inserted
through an aperture 38 on each small sleeve 14 and contacts the
cable 12 or post to temporarily maintain the position of the small
sleeve 14 on the cable 12 or post.
[0031] Second, as the end of the cable 12 or post is approached,
the large sleeve 16 is positioned over the cable 12 and the small
sleeves 14 (FIG. 1). In the case of a cable 12, the cable 12 is
tensioned to the proper tension as specified by manufacturer
recommendations and looped back onto itself. U-bolts 40 or other
securement mechanism secures the looped end of the cable 12 and
maintains the desired tension.
[0032] Third, the large sleeve 16 is moved over the U-bolts 40
(FIG. 2). Finally, the removable collar assembly 20 is constructed
as described above between the large sleeve 16 and the adjacent
small sleeve 14 and the holding screws 36 are removed from the
small sleeves 14.
[0033] The removable collar assembly 20 of the impact load
deflector assembly 10 inhibits the small sleeve 14 from slipping
into the large sleeve 16. The fence system has to be structurally
designed. Many instances of fence failures showed that the falling
rocks severed the cables 12, and uprooted or severely bent the
fence post. The failure of a rock fall mitigation fence system
imposes a safety risk of traveling motorists from falling rocks as
demonstrated in the recent rock fall event along Interstate Highway
170 near Georgetown, Colo. on Apr. 8, 2004. To reduce the risk of
failure of a rock fall mitigation fence system, the fence cable
needs to be protected from the cut by the large falling rock and
the sleeve in the present invention provides such protection. In an
event of need for sleeve replacement, the removable collar assembly
20 enhances the constructability because it can be easily opened
and removed, the large sleeve 16 slips over the small sleeve 14 and
cable 12 unbolted to allow sleeve 14, 16 removal and repair.
[0034] Besides, the impact force from falling rocks, the sleeves
14, 16 and removable collar assembly 20 of the impact load
deflector assembly 10 of the present invention also provide a means
of deflecting impact (or dynamic) forces, like those from vehicular
impact, and ice impact, etc.
[0035] In sum, the sleeves 14, 16 and removable collar assembly 20
of the impact load deflector assembly 10 of the present invention
are designed to provide a means of protecting fence cables 12 and
posts. Without such protection, a conventional rock fall protection
fence frequently fails upon impact from large falling rocks
spinning at a high angular velocity and with an immense momentum,
as demonstrated in many rock fall-induced fence failures. The
sleeves 14, 16 embrace a cable 12 or post to deflect falling rocks
spinning at a high angular velocity and associated impact forces
and, thereby, protect them by avoiding detrimental blows from the
falling rocks. The removable collar assembly 20 is used when two
different-size sleeves are used avoiding a smaller sleeve 14 from
slipping into a larger sleeve 16 and to assure the protection the
sleeves 14, 16 are designed. Additionally, the removable collar
assembly 20 enhances the constructability and eases the maintenance
of a rock fall mitigation fence system. The sleeves 14, 16 together
with the removable collar assembly 20 embraces the fence cable and
post, provides a means of their protection, and enhances the safety
of traveling motorists.
[0036] The foregoing exemplary descriptions and the illustrative
preferred embodiments of the present invention have been explained
in the drawings and described in detail, with varying modifications
and alternative embodiments being taught. While the invention has
been so shown, described and illustrated, it should be understood
by those skilled in the art that equivalent changes in form and
detail may be made therein without departing from the true spirit
and scope of the invention, and that the scope of the present
invention is to be limited only to the claims except as precluded
by the prior art. Moreover, the invention as disclosed herein, may
be suitably practiced in the absence of the specific elements which
are disclosed herein.
* * * * *