U.S. patent application number 11/655302 was filed with the patent office on 2008-07-24 for towable elongated traffic barrier.
This patent application is currently assigned to BARRIER SYSTEMS, INC. Invention is credited to Gerrit Dyke, Alvaro E. Morales Flores.
Application Number | 20080175661 11/655302 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39561063 |
Filed Date | 2008-07-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080175661 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dyke; Gerrit ; et
al. |
July 24, 2008 |
TOWABLE ELONGATED TRAFFIC BARRIER
Abstract
A towable, articulated elongated traffic barrier includes
traffic barrier modules having articulating interconnected ends. A
restrictor element restricts articulation between adjacent modules.
Each module includes two spaced wheel assemblies positioned
inwardly from the ends thereof.
Inventors: |
Dyke; Gerrit; (Stockton,
CA) ; Morales Flores; Alvaro E.; (Concord,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THOMAS R. LAMPE;BIELEN, LAMPE & THOEMING
1390 WILLOW PASS ROAD, SUITE 1020
CONCORD
CA
94520
US
|
Assignee: |
BARRIER SYSTEMS, INC
|
Family ID: |
39561063 |
Appl. No.: |
11/655302 |
Filed: |
January 19, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
404/6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E01F 15/006 20130101;
E01F 15/085 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
404/6 |
International
Class: |
E01F 13/04 20060101
E01F013/04 |
Claims
1. A towable elongated traffic barrier comprising, in combination:
a plurality of rigid, elongated, double-ended traffic barrier
modules; a connector located between adjacent traffic barrier
modules of said plurality of traffic barrier modules providing an
interconnection between said adjacent traffic barrier modules, said
adjacent traffic barrier modules having opposed traffic barrier
module ends defining a space therebetween, said connector allowing
relative movement between said opposed traffic barrier module ends;
and restrictor structure disposed in said space between said
opposed traffic barrier module ends and cooperable with said
connector and said adjacent traffic barrier modules to restrict
relative movement between said adjacent traffic barrier modules at
said connector and resist substantial bending of at least a portion
of said elongated traffic barrier, said restrictor structure
comprising at least one double-ended restrictor element mounted for
movement relative to said connector and to said opposed traffic
barrier module ends and projecting outwardly away from said
connector in opposed directions between said adjacent traffic
barrier modules and engageable with said opposed traffic barrier
module ends when said adjacent traffic barrier modules move
relative to one another to restrict said relative movement.
2. (canceled)
3. The elongated traffic barrier according to claim 23 wherein said
double-ended pivot restrictor element is of unitary
construction.
4. The elongated traffic barrier according to claim 23 wherein said
double-ended pivot restrictor element includes a stabilizer sleeve
receiving said pivot pin.
5. The elongated traffic barrier according to claim 23 wherein the
traffic barrier module ends disposed in opposition to one another
are metal plates.
6. The elongated traffic barrier according to claim 1 wherein each
of said adjacent traffic barrier modules includes two wheel
assemblies spaced from one another and positioned inwardly of the
traffic barrier module ends disposed in opposition to one another,
each said wheel assembly including a wheel support and a plurality
of wheels supported by said wheel support.
7. The elongated traffic barrier according to claim 6 wherein at
least one of said two wheel assemblies includes a tiller for
changing wheel direction.
8. The elongated traffic barrier according to claim 7 additionally
comprising lock structure for selectively locking the tiller
against movement.
9. The elongated traffic barrier according to claim 6 wherein said
wheels comprise spaced front and rear sets of wheels, each set of
wheels including at least two wheels supported by said wheel
support.
10. The elongated traffic barrier according to claim 9 additionally
comprising endless ground engaging belts extending around and
between the wheels of said front and rear sets of wheels.
11. The elongated traffic barrier according to claim 9 wherein each
set of wheels includes at least four wheels.
12. The elongated traffic barrier according to claim 11 wherein
said wheel support includes at least one rocker arm, said sets of
wheels being rotatably mounted on said at least one rocker arm.
13-22. (canceled)
23. A towable elongated traffic barrier comprising, in combination:
a plurality of rigid, elongated, double-ended traffic barrier
modules; a connector located between adjacent traffic barrier
modules of said plurality of traffic barrier modules providing an
articulating interconnection between said adjacent traffic barrier
modules, said adjacent traffic barrier modules having traffic
barrier module ends disposed in opposition to one another and
defining a space therebetween; and restrictor structure disposed in
said space and cooperable with said connector and said adjacent
traffic barrier modules to restrict articulation between said
adjacent traffic barrier modules at said connector and resist
substantial bending of at least a portion of said elongated traffic
barrier, said connector being a pivot connector comprising brackets
extending from the traffic barrier module ends disposed in
opposition to one another and defining bracket holes disposed in
substantial alignment and a pivot pin positioned in and extending
through said bracket holes, said restrictor structure comprising at
least one double-ended pivot restrictor element disposed on said
pivot pin and projecting outwardly therefrom in opposed directions
between said adjacent traffic barrier modules and engageable with
the traffic barrier ends when said adjacent traffic barrier modules
pivot about said pivot pin.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This invention relates to a towable elongated traffic
barrier including a plurality of rigid, elongated double-ended
traffic barrier modules connected at the ends thereof and
incorporating structure controlling relative movement between the
traffic barrier modules during repositioning of the elongated
traffic barrier by a tow vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Traffic barriers including a plurality of barrier sections
pivotally connected in end-to-end relationship are generally known.
It is also known to incorporate with portable traffic barriers
ground engaging wheels facilitating towing of the traffic barrier
by a tow vehicle.
[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 5,007,763, issued Apr. 16, 1991, discloses an
arrangement wherein a traffic barrier section includes a
centrally-located, built-in carrier. The carrier includes a
fluid-operated ram which is connected to an axle carrying wheels
located below the ram. When the wheels are in a retracted position,
the barrier section rests on the ground, and when the wheels are
extended the barrier section is fully supported on the wheels. The
barrier sections are pivotally-connected and can be moved from one
construction site to another as needs change, for example by being
pulled by a tow tractor or other vehicle. Each axle and the wheels
can be turned to a position other than perpendicular to the
longitudinal extent of the barrier section so that some of the
barrier sections can be moved transversely to place them in other
than a straight line position.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 4,666,332, issued May 19, 1987, discloses a
traffic barrier carrier or mover enabling the traffic barrier
sections to be repositioned according to changing needs. The
carrier includes a supporting frame having two opposite end plates
upon which the adjacent ends of two generally aligned barrier
sections are supported. The frame carries a hydraulic cylinder
which raises and lowers supporting wheels mounted on an axle under
the frame. The wheels are moved between an upper position located
above the lower extremities of the supporting frame with the
barrier sections being supported on a surface, and a lower position
with the barrier sections being raised above the surface. In the
latter position of the wheels, the barrier sections can be towed
from one position to another. Steering mechanism can be employed
with the wheels of each carrier to steer the barrier sections by
means of connecting linkages connected to a piston rod of a
hydraulic ram mounted on a towing vehicle support extending
upwardly from a tow bar. It is also suggested that steering arms of
the steering mechanism can be individually manipulated, as by means
of individual hydraulic cylinders or by rack and pinions to provide
the desired direction for the barrier sections during towing.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 6,485,224, issued Nov. 26, 2002, discloses a
traffic barrier with a gate between spaced ends of adjacent barrier
modules. Cover side plates are removable to expose a pivot pin
linkage interconnecting the gate to an adjacent barrier module.
[0006] One of the problems encountered in prior art approaches is
maintaining proper control of the towed interconnected modules or
sections during the towing operation. The prior art techniques
exemplified by the U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,666,332 and 5,007,763 cause the
sections of the towed traffic barrier to "wander" during towing.
Furthermore, prior art elongated traffic barriers incorporating a
plurality of segments or modules connected together by pivot
linkage are subject to bending or displacement upon impact, for
example by a vehicle striking the elongated traffic barrier from
the rear or from the side.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
[0007] The present invention relates to a towable, articulated,
elongated traffic barrier incorporating structural features which
improve control and minimize "wandering" of the barrier modules
thereof during towing and which strengthen and stabilize the
elongated traffic barrier not only during towing, but after the
elongated traffic barrier has been repositioned.
[0008] The elongated traffic barrier of the present invention
includes a plurality of rigid, elongated, double-ended traffic
barrier modules.
[0009] A connector is located between adjacent traffic barrier
modules providing an articulating interconnection therebetween.
[0010] Restrictor structure is disposed between adjacent traffic
barrier modules and is cooperable with the connector and the
adjacent traffic barrier modules to restrict articulation
therebetween and resist substantial bending of at least a portion
of the elongated traffic barrier.
[0011] Each traffic barrier module includes two wheel assemblies
spaced from one another and positioned inwardly of the traffic
barrier module ends. Each wheel assembly includes a wheel support
and a plurality of wheels supported by the wheel support.
[0012] Other features, advantages and objects of the present
invention will become apparent with reference to the following
description and accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an elongated traffic barrier
constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present
invention being repositioned by a tow vehicle at one end thereof
and connected to a drag vehicle at the other end thereof;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating portions of the
tow vehicle and the traffic barrier module to which it is connected
during towing;
[0015] FIG. 3 is an exploded, perspective view illustrating a tow
bar prior to connection thereof by a pivot pin to the front end of
the associated traffic barrier module;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a top, plan view showing the tow bar extending
between and connected to the tow vehicle and front traffic barrier
module;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of portions of the rear traffic
barrier module and drag vehicle connected thereto by linkage;
[0018] FIG. 6A is an exploded, perspective view illustrating
portions of the rearmost traffic barrier module and a drag bracket,
along with connector structure employed to provide an
interconnection therebetween;
[0019] FIG. 6B is a top, plan view illustrating alternative
positions assumable by the front portion of the drag vehicle while
interconnected with the rearmost traffic barrier module during
towing;
[0020] FIG. 7 is an exploded, perspective view illustrating opposed
ends of two adjacent traffic barrier modules, with portions of one
module broken away and a pivot cover removed to illustrate interior
structural details of the elongated traffic barrier;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a top, plan view illustrating opposed ends of two
adjacent traffic barrier modules with cover plate structure removed
to show a pivot restrictor element releasably connected to the
pivot connector between the ends of the traffic barrier
modules;
[0022] FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the two adjacent traffic
modules prior to connection thereof by a pivot pin and prior to
installation of the pivot restrictor element;
[0023] FIG. 10 is a top, plan view illustrating the pivot
restrictor element engageable with the ends of the adjacent traffic
barrier modules to limit pivoting therebetween, the modules being
shown in alternative positions;
[0024] FIG. 11 is an enlarged, perspective view of the pivot
restrictor element;
[0025] FIGS. 12 and 13 are perspective views of a wheel assembly
employed in the elongated traffic barrier, the wheels oriented
ninety degrees with respect to one another in these figures;
[0026] FIG. 14 is a top, plan view of the wheel assembly and
associated tiller in the orientation of FIG. 12;
[0027] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 15-15
of FIG. 14 with the wheels of the assembly in raised condition and
illustrating operation of a jack incorporated in the wheel
assembly;
[0028] FIG. 16 is a view similar to FIG. 17, but illustrating the
wheels in lowered condition;
[0029] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view illustrating pivoting
action of a rocker arm supporting the wheels;
[0030] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
of wheel support;
[0031] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of wheel
assembly;
[0032] FIG. 20 is a bottom perspective view illustrating details of
the wheel support structure of the embodiment of FIG. 19;
[0033] FIG. 21 is a top, plan view of the third embodiment;
[0034] FIG. 22 is a view similar to that of FIG. 19, but showing
the wheels turned in a different direction;
[0035] FIG. 23 is a view similar to that of FIG. 20, but showing
the wheels turned in a different direction; and
[0036] FIG. 24 is a view similar to that of FIG. 21, but showing
the wheels turned in a different direction.
MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0037] Co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, filed _,
discloses a system for repositioning an elongated traffic barrier
in which a tow vehicle is connected to the traffic barrier at or
closely adjacent to a first end thereof. The tow vehicle is
operable to exert a pulling force on the elongated traffic barrier
to pull the elongated traffic barrier while the traffic barrier is
in engagement with a support surface to reposition the elongated
traffic barrier on the support surface.
[0038] In the system a drag is connected to the elongated traffic
barrier at or closely adjacent to the other end of the elongated
traffic barrier. The drag is operable to exert a drag force on the
elongated traffic barrier opposed to the pulling force exerted on
the elongated traffic barrier by the tow vehicle to resist
"wandering" and bending of the elongated traffic barrier during
repositioning.
[0039] FIGS. 1-6B hereof show an elongated traffic barrier 10 being
pulled or towed from the front end thereof by a tow vehicle 12. A
drag vehicle 14 is disposed at the trailing end of elongated
traffic barrier 10, the tow vehicle 12 and drag vehicle 14 exerting
opposed forces on the elongated traffic barrier 10 as indicated by
the arrows. Of course, the force exerted by the tow vehicle is
greater than that exerted by the drag vehicle so that the elongated
traffic barrier 10 is towed to the left as viewed in FIG. 1.
[0040] A tow bar 16 is attached to the drag vehicle and projects
laterally therefrom, the tow vehicle 12 being disposed alongside
the elongated traffic barrier. The distal end of tow bar 16 is
connected to the front end of the elongated traffic barrier by a
pivot pin 18 which passes through aligned openings in brackets 20
projecting from a front end plate 22 and in the distal end of tow
bar 16. Tow bar 16 is of telescopic construction so that the length
thereof may be varied as shown in FIG. 3, lock pins 24 being
utilized to secure the tow bar in a desired length.
[0041] A drag bracket 26 (see FIGS. 5-6B) is attached to the drag
vehicle 14. Connector bars 28 of a channel member are secured at
one end thereof to the drag bracket by a connector pin 30. A pivot
pin 32 passes through openings at the other end of connector bars
28 aligned with openings in rear brackets 34 projecting outwardly
from a rear end plate 36 of the elongated traffic barrier.
[0042] Elongated traffic barrier 10 includes a plurality of rigid,
elongated, double-ended traffic barrier modules 40 which in the
illustrated embodiment are of identical construction. FIG. 1, in
the interest of simplicity, shows only two such traffic barrier
modules, however it is to be understood that more than two traffic
barrier modules may be incorporated in the elongated traffic
barrier.
[0043] Each traffic barrier module 40 includes an inner framework
42, suitably of steel, to which are rigidly secured a plurality of
elongated channels 40, also preferably, but not necessarily, made
of steel, connected to the framework and extending between the
front plate 22 and rear end plate 36 of each module. The end plates
are also suitably, but not necessarily, formed of steel.
[0044] An articulated interconnection exists between adjacent
traffic barrier modules in the disclosed embodiment due to a
pivotal connection therebetween. The adjacent traffic barrier
modules are positioned with the front and rear end plates in
opposition and defining a space therebetween. The openings in
overlapping brackets 20, 34 are aligned. A pivot pin 18 passing
through the aligned openings, as shown for example in FIG. 7,
provides a pivotal interconnection between the adjacent traffic
barrier modules. Once this pivot interconnection has been
completed, covers 50 are preferably employed to cover and protect
the pivotal connector structure. Pins 52 may be employed for this
purpose.
[0045] Restrictor structure is disposed in the space between the
adjacent traffic barrier modules and is cooperable with the pivot
connector structure and the adjacent traffic barrier modules to
limit articulative movement between the adjacent traffic barrier
modules and resist substantial bending of the portion of the
elongated traffic barrier comprising the pivotally connected
adjacent traffic barrier modules.
[0046] More particularly, the restrictor structure is in the form
of a double-ended pivot restrictor element 54 which is of integral
construction. The pivot restrictor element 54 includes a stabilizer
sleeve 56 defining along with the rest of the pivot restrictor
element a throughbore 58. The pivot restrictor element 54 may
readily be removed or installed. Installation merely entails
positioning the pivot restrictor element on a pair of overlapping
brackets so that throughbore 58 aligns with the openings in those
brackets as well as with the openings of the other brackets
projecting from end plates 22, 36. The pivot pin 18 is then slid
through all of the openings and throughbore 58.
[0047] The pivot restrictor element 54 projects outwardly from the
pivot pin in opposed directions alongside and between the spaced
end plates 22, 36 of the adjacent barrier modules. As illustrated
in FIG. 10, the pivot restrictor element is engaged with the
opposed end plates of the adjacent traffic barrier modules when the
modules are pivoted about the pivot pin. This represents a
convenient and efficient approach for stiffening the elongated
traffic barrier to provide the advantages set forth above,
including complete or substantial elimination of wandering during
towing. A pivot restrictor element may be positioned between all of
the adjacent traffic barrier modules of an elongated traffic
barrier.
[0048] Each traffic barrier module 40 includes two wheel assemblies
60, details of which are shown in FIGS. 12-17. The two wheel
assemblies of each traffic barrier module 40 are spaced from one
another and spaced inwardly of the ends thereof. The wheel
assemblies are secured to the inner framework of the traffic
barrier module by mechanical fasteners of any suitable type. Each
wheel assembly 60 includes an outer housing 62 and an inner housing
64 rotatable relative to the outer housing by a tiller 66. The
inner housing 64 includes a lower telescoping member 68 which may
be raised or lowered by a jack screw 70 (see FIGS. 15, 16). The
telescoping member 68 rotates with the rest of inner housing 64 to
change the direction of wheels 70 on a rocker arm wheel support 72
disposed at the lower end of telescoping member 68.
[0049] Two parallel axles 74 project from both sides of rocker arm
wheel support 72. In the arrangement illustrated, there are front
and rear sets of wheels 70, each set of wheels including four
wheels, two to a side of the telescoping member 68. Such an
arrangement incorporating two wheel assemblies provides for
substantial distribution of the module's weight to the ground at
each wheel assembly. Furthermore, two wheel assemblies provide
better control of module movement. The rocker arm wheel support 72
allows for ready adjustment of the wheels to irregular terrain.
[0050] As indicated above, the tiller 66 is employed to steer the
wheels 70. One or both of the tillers may be locked in position so
that the wheels associated therewith are oriented in the direction
of the longitudinal axis of the associated traffic barrier module.
FIG. 7 shows a tiller captured in a notch in a projection 76 to
lock it against sideways movement.
[0051] FIG. 18 illustrates an alternative wheel assembly 79 which
differs from wheel assembly 60 only in that it includes a pair of
endless ground engaging belts 78 extending around and between the
front and rear sets of wheels.
[0052] Referring now to FIGS. 19-24, another wheel assembly
embodiment, wheel assembly 80, is illustrated. Wheel assembly 80
discloses a wheel support including two sleeves 82 rotatably
mounted on pivot bolts 84 extending between a support plate 86 and
a bottom plate 88.
[0053] Axles 90 project from opposed sides of each sleeve 82, a
wheel 70 located at the end of each axle. A double-ended drive
plate 92 is located above bottom plate 88, the drive plate being
affixed to a rotatable drive shaft 94 rotatable by a tiller 66. The
distal ends of the drive plate 92 are pivotally connected by
mechanical fasteners to a projection 96 affixed to each of the
sleeves 82.
[0054] Rotation of drive shaft 94 and drive plate 92 by tiller 66
will result in repositioning of the wheels 70 to steer the wheel
assembly and the traffic barrier module with which it is
associated. In this embodiment, there is no jack and the wheels
remain in ground engaging position.
* * * * *