U.S. patent application number 12/608312 was filed with the patent office on 2010-05-06 for barrier device with side wall reinforcements and connection to crash cushion.
Invention is credited to Guy C. Yodock, Leo J. Yodock, III, Leo J. Yodock, JR..
Application Number | 20100111602 12/608312 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42131572 |
Filed Date | 2010-05-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100111602 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yodock, III; Leo J. ; et
al. |
May 6, 2010 |
BARRIER DEVICE WITH SIDE WALL REINFORCEMENTS AND CONNECTION TO
CRASH CUSHION
Abstract
A barrier wall comprises a number of barrier devices connected
end-to-end each having an external reinforcement structure wherein
the end-most barrier device in the barrier wall is coupled to a
crash cushion by a transition device.
Inventors: |
Yodock, III; Leo J.;
(Bloomsburg, PA) ; Yodock, JR.; Leo J.;
(Bloomsburg, PA) ; Yodock; Guy C.; (Lakeland,
FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GRAY ROBINSON, P.A.
P.O. Box 2328
FT. LAUDERDALE
FL
33303-9998
US
|
Family ID: |
42131572 |
Appl. No.: |
12/608312 |
Filed: |
October 29, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12261116 |
Oct 30, 2008 |
7618212 |
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12608312 |
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11764853 |
Jun 19, 2007 |
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12261116 |
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11082630 |
Mar 17, 2005 |
7351002 |
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11764853 |
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10669998 |
Sep 24, 2003 |
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11082630 |
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10033974 |
Dec 19, 2001 |
6666616 |
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10669998 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
404/6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E01F 15/088 20130101;
E01F 15/086 20130101; E01F 15/083 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
404/6 |
International
Class: |
E01F 15/00 20060101
E01F015/00 |
Claims
1. A barrier wall, comprising: a number of barrier devices
connected end-to-end, an end-most one of said barrier devices being
formed with opposed side walls, a first beam extending along one of
said side walls of said end-most barrier and a second beam
extending along the other of said side walls thereof; a crash
cushion; a transition device for connecting said end-most barrier
to said crash cushion, said transition device comprising: (i) a
first coupling assembly coupled at one end to said first beam
extending along one side wall of said end-most barrier and at an
opposite end to said crash cushion; (ii) a second coupling assembly
coupled at one end to said second beam extending along said other
side wall of said end-most barrier and at an opposite end to said
crash cushion.
2. The barrier wall of claim 1 in which said first coupling
assembly comprises a first leg having opposed ends, a first coupler
connected between one end of said first leg and an end of said
first beam of said barrier device, a first end connector connected
to the other end of said first leg, and a first support connected
between said crash cushion and said first end connector.
3. The barrier wall of claim 2 in which said first support is an
I-beam.
4. The barrier wall of claim 3 further including a mounting plate
located between said I-beam and said first end connector, said
first end connector being affixed to said mounting plate.
5. The barrier wall of claim 1 in which said second coupling
assembly comprises a second leg having opposed ends, a second
coupler connected between one end of said second leg and an end of
said second beam of said barrier device, a second end connector
connected to the other end of said second leg, and a second support
connected between said crash cushion and said second end
connector.
6. The barrier wall of claim 5 in which said second support is an
I-beam.
7. The barrier wall of claim 6 further including a mounting plate
located between said I-beam and said second end connector, said
first end connector being affixed to said mounting plate.
8. The barrier wall of claim 1 in which said first coupling
assembly comprises a first support mounted to said end wall of said
crash cushion, a first end connector coupled to one end of said
first beam extending along one side wall of said end-most barrier,
and a mounting plate located between and connected to said first
support and said first end connector.
9. The barrier wall of claim 1 in which said second coupling
assembly comprises a second support mounted to said end wall of
said crash cushion, a second end connector coupled to one end of
said second beam extending along said other side wall of said
end-most barrier, and a mounting plate located between and
connected to said second support and said second end connector.
10. The barrier wall of claim 1 further including a first thrie
beam connected between said crash cushion and one of said side
walls of said barrier device and a second thrie beam connected
between said crash cushion and the other of said side walls of said
barrier device.
11. A barrier wall, comprising: a number of barrier devices
connected end-to-end to form a wall having an end-most barrier,
each of said barrier devices including: (i) a top wall, a bottom
wall, opposed end walls and opposed side walls interconnected to
form a hollow interior, (ii) at least one opening extending through
said hollow interior from one of said side walls to the other of
said side walls; (iii) a mounting bracket extending through said at
least one opening; (iv) a first beam coupled to said mounting
bracket and extending along one of said side walls, and a second
beam coupled to said mounting bracket and extending along the other
of said side walls; a number of ground anchors, each of said ground
anchors being connected to said mounting bracket of a selected one
of said barrier devices and having a base adapted to be secured to
a surface upon which said barrier devices rest; a crash cushion; a
transition device for connecting said end-most barrier to said
crash cushion, said transition device comprising: (i) a first
coupling assembly coupled at one end to said first beam extending
along one side wall of said end-most barrier and at an opposite end
to said crash cushion; (ii) a second coupling assembly coupled at
one end to said second beam extending along said other side wall of
said end-most barrier and at an opposite end to said crash
cushion.
12. The barrier wall of claim 11 in which said first coupling
assembly of said transition device comprises a first leg having
opposed ends, a first coupler connected between one end of said
first leg and an end of said first beam of said barrier device, a
first end connector connected to the other end of said first leg,
and a first support connected between said crash cushion and said
first end connector.
13. The barrier wall of claim 11 in which said second coupling
assembly comprises a second leg having opposed ends, a second
coupler connected between one end of said second leg and an end of
said second beam of said barrier device, a second end connector
connected to the other end of said second leg, and a second support
connected between said crash cushion and said second end
connector.
14. The barrier wall of claim 11 in which said first coupling
assembly comprises a first support mounted to said end wall of said
crash cushion, a first end connector coupled to one end of said
first beam extending along one side wall of said end-most barrier,
and a mounting plate located between and connected to said first
support and said first end connector.
15. The barrier wall of claim 11 in which said second coupling
assembly comprises a second support mounted to said end wall of
said crash cushion, a second end connector coupled to one end of
said second beam extending along said other side wall of said
end-most barrier, and a mounting plate located between and
connected to said second support and said second end connector.
16. The barrier wall of claim 11 further including a first thrie
beam connected between said crash cushion and one of said side
walls of said barrier device and a second thrie beam connected
between said crash cushion and the other of said side walls of said
barrier device.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/261,116 filed Oct. 30, 2008, which is a
divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/764,853 filed
Jun. 19, 2007, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/082,630 filed Mar. 17, 2005, now U.S. Letters Pat. No.
7,351,002 issued Apr. 1, 2008, which is a continuation-in-part of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/669,998, filed Sep. 24, 2003,
which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/033,974, filed Dec. 19, 2001, now U.S. Letters Pat. No.
6,666,616, issued Dec. 23, 2003.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to barrier devices for vehicular and
vessel traffic control, soil erosion containment, impact
attenuation and the like which can be interconnected with one
another to define a continuous barrier wall structure and/or
connected in various combinations to form energy-absorbing cells,
and, more particularly, to barrier devices formed of a light weight
plastic having side walls which receive and mount external
reinforcement structure in the form of a pair of beams each
extending along the length of one of the side walls and a
transition device for connecting an end-most barrier of the barrier
wall to a crash cushion.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A variety of different devices have been developed for
absorbing the kinetic energy of impact of colliding automobiles,
and for the containment of forces exerted by soil or water. Highway
barrier devices, for example, are intended to provide a continuous
wall or barrier along the center line of a highway when laid
end-to-end to absorb grazing blows from moving vehicles. One
commonly used highway barrier is formed of pre-cast reinforced
concrete, and is known as the "New Jersey" style barrier. Highway
barriers of this type have a relatively wide base including side
walls which extend vertically upwardly from the pavement a short
distance, then angle inwardly and upwardly to a vertically
extending top portion connected to the top wall of the barrier.
This design is intended to contact and redirect the wheels of a
vehicle in a direction toward the lane of traffic in which the
vehicle was originally traveling, instead of the lane of opposing
traffic, See U.S. Pat. No. 4,059,362.
[0004] One problem with highway barriers of the type described
above is the high weight of reinforced concrete. A barrier having a
typical length of twelve feet weighs about 2,800-3,200 pounds and
requires special equipment to load, unload and handle on site. It
has been estimated that for some road repairs, up to 40 percent of
the total cost is expended on acquiring, delivering and handling
concrete barriers. Additionally, concrete barriers have little or
no ability to absorb shock upon impact, and have a high friction
factor. This increases the damage to vehicles which collide with
such barriers, and can lead to serious injuries to passengers of
the vehicle.
[0005] In an effort to reduce weight, facilitate handling and
shipment, and provide improved absorption of impact forces, highway
barriers have been designed which are formed of a hollow plastic
container filled with water, sand or other ballast material such as
disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,681,302; 4,773,629; 4,846,306,
5,123,773 and 5,882,140. For example, the '302 patent discloses a
barrier comprising a container having a top wall, a bottom wall,
opposed side walls and opposed end walls interconnected to form a
hollow interior which is filled with water, and having fittings for
coupling one barrier to another to form a continuous wall. The
container structure is formed of a resilient material which is
deformable upon impact and capable of resuming its original shape
after being struck. Longitudinally extending, spaced traction
spoiler channels are said to reduce the area of potential impact
and thus the tendency of the vehicle to climb the walls of the
barrier and vault over it into the opposing lane of traffic.
[0006] The '629, '306, '773 and '140 patents noted above represent
further advances in deformable highway barrier designs. The first
two patents disclose barriers which comprise a longitudinally
extending container made of semi-rigid plastic which is
self-supporting, and has a predetermined shape which is maintained
when filled with water, sand or other ballast material. Such
devices are connected end-to-end by a key insertable within grooves
formed in the end walls of adjacent barriers. Interconnected fill
openings are provided which permit adjacent barriers to be filled
with water or the like when laid end-to-end.
[0007] The '773 and '140 patents disclose further improvements in
barrier devices including side walls formed with higher curb
reveals, a horizontally extending step and vertical indentations in
order to assist in maintaining the structural integrity of the
container, and to create internal baffles for dampening movement of
water or other fluid within the container interior. Interlocking
male and female coupling elements are formed on opposite end walls
of the barrier to facilitate end-to-end connection thereof.
Additionally, such barriers are formed with channels or openings to
permit the insertion of the tines of a fork lift truck therein for
easy handling of the barriers.
[0008] Despite the improvements in highway barrier designs noted
above, some deficiencies nevertheless remain. One concern has been
with the ability of a wall of barriers, e.g. individual barriers
connected end-to-end, to withstand an impact by a speeding vehicle.
It has been found that plastic barriers tend to separate from one
another at their connections, and in some instances break apart in
response to the vehicle impact. Although concrete barriers of the
type described above also can break apart during a crash, they are
more resistant to that than plastic barriers and there is a need
for plastic barriers to demonstrate impact resistance capabilities
which more closely approximates those of concrete barriers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] This invention is directed to a barrier wall comprising a
number of barrier devices connected end-to-end including a
transition device for connecting an end-most barrier device in the
wall to a crash cushion.
[0010] In the presently preferred embodiment, each barrier device
comprises a top wall, a bottom wall, opposed end walls, and,
opposed side walls interconnected to form a hollow interior in
which a pair of spaced openings are formed which extend between the
side walls. An external reinforcement structure is provided to
enhance the structural integrity of the barrier device, including
first and second beams each extending along one of the side walls
which are connected to one another by a mounting device extending
through the openings. The beams of one barrier device, in turn, are
connected end-to-end with the beams of an adjacent barrier device
to form an essentially continuous, interconnected wall of barriers
which resist disengagement from one another and exhibit improved
resistance to being broken apart upon impact by a vehicle.
[0011] The openings extending through the hollow interior are fork
lift holes which are sized to receive the tines of a fork lift thus
facilitating movement of the barrier device during loading,
unloading and assembly. Preferably, the external reinforcement
structure comprises a first box beam and a second box beam, each
generally square in cross section and formed of metal, rubber,
composite material or the like. Each box beam is hollow, at least
at its opposite ends, in order to receive and mount one end of a
coupler whose other end is mounted to the box beam of an adjacent
barrier device.
[0012] The two box beams are connected to one another by a pair of
brackets each including a plate mounted at each edge to one of a
pair of upstanding legs. One bracket is inserted within each of the
fork lift holes and has a length dimension such that its ends
protrude from the side walls. Each box beam rests atop a protruding
end of both brackets and is bolted in place to connect it to the
bracket and, in turn, to the box beam on the other side wall.
Because the brackets have upstanding legs, clearance is provided
within each fork lift hole to receive the tines of a fork lift even
with the brackets and box beams in place.
[0013] In an alternative embodiment, a pair of box beams similar to
those noted above are employed except they are connected to one
another by telescoping members associated with each beam. One of
the box beams mounts a pair of sleeves extending perpendicular
thereto, and the other box beam mounts a pair of arms which align
with the sleeves and are inserted therein when the beams are
positioned along the side walls. The box beams associated with one
barrier device are connected to those of an adjacent barrier by
means of telescoping ends of the beams. One end of each beam has a
reduced cross sectional area which telescopes into the opposite end
of an adjacent beam having a larger cross section. The beams of one
barrier device may be connected to the beams of an adjacent barrier
device by a friction fit, or with fasteners such as bolts.
[0014] Additional embodiments of this invention employ "beams" in
the form of hollow or solid slats which are mounted within
longitudinally extending seats formed in the side walls of each
barrier device between the end walls. Connecting structure is
provided to mount the protruding ends of each beam of one barrier
device to those of an adjacent barrier device.
[0015] In each of the embodiments having a beam or slat structure
extending along the opposed side walls of a barrier device, a
ground anchor is preferably employed to assist in retaining the
barrier device in position on the roadway or other surface on which
it rests. The ground anchor(s) are connected to the beam or slat,
or the mounting structure for same, and then are staked or
otherwise affixed to the ground.
[0016] As noted above, a number of barrier devices may be connected
end-to-end to form a barrier wall. At the outermost end of the wall
facing oncoming traffic, the beams of the end-most barrier device
are exposed and could present a hazard if impacted by oncoming
traffic. Further, a direct impact by a vehicle on the end-most
barrier device can create a breakup of the barrier wall.
Preferably, a crash cushion in positioned in alignment with the
end-most barrier device in the direction of oncoming traffic, and a
transition device is connected between the crash cushion and
end-most barrier device to secure them together. The crash cushion
covers the beams carried on the side walls of the end-most barrier
device, and resists breakage of barrier devices in the barrier wall
in the event of a direct impact by a vehicle.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The structure, operation and advantages of the presently
preferred embodiment of this invention will become further apparent
upon consideration of the following description, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the barrier of this
invention;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the barrier depicted in FIG. 1,
with a second barrier shown in phantom at one end;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a side view of the barrier of FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of two barriers connected
end-to-end with one embodiment of the external reinforcement
structure of this invention;
[0022] FIG. 5 is an exploded, perspective view of the mounting
bracket employed with the barriers claim 4;
[0023] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the assembled reinforcing
structure of FIG. 5;
[0024] FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the barrier shown in
FIG. 1 depicting the foam layer along the walls within the barrier
interior;
[0025] FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7 except with the hollow
interior of the barrier device completely filled with foam.
[0026] FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 4, except depicting an
alternative embodiment of the external reinforcement structure of
this invention;
[0027] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the mounting bracket
employed in the embodiment of FIG. 9;
[0028] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the assembled external
reinforcement structure of the barrier device in FIG. 9;
[0029] FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of a portion of FIG.
11;
[0030] FIG. 13 is a plan view of a portion of FIG. 11;
[0031] FIG. 14 is a view similar to FIG. 4, except illustrating a
still further embodiment of the barrier of this invention;
[0032] FIG. 14A is a cross sectional view of a portion of a side
wall and slat shown in FIG. 14;
[0033] FIG. 15 is a view similar to FIG. 14, except depicting
another barrier according to this invention;
[0034] FIG. 15A is an enlarged view of the encircled portion of
FIG. 15;
[0035] FIG. 15B is an alternative embodiment of the encircled
portion of FIG. 15 showing another connector structure for securing
adjacent barriers to one another;
[0036] FIG. 15C is a cross sectional view of a portion of side wall
and box beam shown in FIG. 15;
[0037] FIG. 16 is a view similar to FIGS. 14A and 15C except
depicting a slat or beam which is captured within a correspondingly
shaped seat formed in the side wall of the barrier device;
[0038] FIG. 17 is a view similar to FIG. 16 depicting an
alternative slat or beam shape;
[0039] FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of a C-clamp for connecting the
ends of the beams or slats or adjacent barriers;
[0040] FIG. 19 is a side view similar to FIG. 9 except illustrating
the C-clamp of FIG. 18 mounted to the ends of the beams of adjacent
barriers;
[0041] FIG. 20 is a side view similar to FIG. 14 except showing the
C-clamp of FIG. 18 mounted to the ends of the slats of adjacent
barriers;
[0042] FIG. 21 is a side view of the barrier device depicted in
FIG. 9 depicting a ground anchor connected to the mounting bracket
which support the beams;
[0043] FIG. 22 is a plan view of FIG. 21;
[0044] FIG. 23 is an end view of a barrier device similar to that
shown in FIG. 14 except including a mounting bracket extending
through the fork lift holes of the barrier and a ground anchor of
the type depicted in FIG. 21;
[0045] FIG. 24 in an enlarged view of the encircled portion of FIG.
23;
[0046] FIG. 25 is a side view of two barrier devices in a barrier
wall in which an end connector is mounted to the beam carried by
one of the barrier devices;
[0047] FIG. 26 is a side, elevational view of a portion of a crash
cushion coupled by one embodiment of a transition device to an
end-most barrier device of a barrier wall;
[0048] FIG. 27 is a plan view of the embodiment depicted in FIG.
26;
[0049] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a portion of the crash
cushion and end-most barrier device shown in FIGS. 26 and 27,
depicting the transition device in further detail;
[0050] FIG. 29 is a side, elevational view of a portion of a crash
cushion coupled by an alternative embodiment of a transition device
to an end-most barrier device of a barrier wall; and
[0051] FIG. 30 is a plan view of the embodiment shown in FIG.
29.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0052] Referring initially to FIGS. 1-4, the barrier device 10 of
this invention comprises a top wall 12, a bottom wall 14, opposed
end walls 16, 18, and, opposed side walls 20, 22 which are
interconnected to collectively define a hollow interior 24. In the
presently preferred embodiment, each of the walls 12-22 are formed
of a semi-rigid plastic material chosen from the group consisting
of low density polyethylene, high density polyethylene,
acrylonitrile or butadiene styrene, high impact styrene,
polycarbonates and the like. These plastic materials are all
inherently tough and exhibit good energy absorption
characteristics. They will also deform and elongate, but will not
fail in a brittle manner at energy inputs which cause other
materials to undergo brittle failure. The surfaces of these types
of plastic materials are inherently smoother than materials from
which other barriers are typically constructed, therefore creating
less friction and reducing the likelihood of serious abrasion
injuries to vehicles and/or passengers who may come into contact
therewith. Additionally, materials of this type are unaffected by
weather and have excellent basic resistance to weathering, leaching
and biodegradation. Additives such as ultraviolet inhibitors can be
added thereto, making such materials further resistant to the
effects of weather. They also retain their mechanical and chemical
properties at low ambient temperatures.
[0053] When using the barrier device 10 of this invention as a
highway barrier, the hollow interior 24 is preferably filled with a
"ballast" material such as water or other liquid, or a flowable
solid material such as sand, concrete and the like. For this
purpose, the walls 12-22 of barrier device 10 have a thickness in
the range of about one-eighth inch to one inch so as to perform
satisfactorily in service. The barrier device 10 is preferably in
the range of about six to eight feet in length, and, at the wall
thickness noted above, has a weight when empty of about 80 to 140
lbs. When filled with a liquid such as water, the overall weight of
the barrier is in the range of about 1400 to 2200 lbs. Flowable
solid material such as sand and the like increase the weight of
barrier 10 further.
[0054] For ease of understanding and discussion of the principal
aspects of this invention, the various structural elements of the
barrier device 10 are described below in relation to their
collective performance of a particular function of the barrier 10.
These functions include the ability of the barrier 10 to better
redirect and control the upper movement of a vehicle upon impact
therewith, the ability to resist lateral separation of adjacent
barriers 10 when they are joined end-to-end to form an essentially
continuous wall, the ability to resist break up or disintegration
of individual barriers in response to impact from a vehicle and the
ability to float in water.
Control of Vehicle Movement
[0055] The control of vehicle movement upon impact with the barrier
device 10 of this invention is achieved primarily by the material
with which the barrier 10 is constructed, and the configuration of
its side walls 20 and 22. Because both side walls 20, 22 are
identical in configuration, only side wall 20 is described in
detail herein, it being understood that the side wall 22 is formed
with the identical structure and functions in the same manner.
[0056] The side wall 20 includes a substantially vertically
extending curb reveal 26 which extends from the bottom wall 14 to a
horizontally extending ledge or step 28 best shown in FIG. 1.
Preferably, the curb reveal 26 has a vertical height of nine
inches, measured from the bottom wall 14 upwardly, which is at
least two inches greater than the curb reveals of other highway
barrier devices, such as disclosed, for example, in my prior U.S.
Pat. No. 5,123,773. The horizontal extent of the step 28 is
preferably on the order of about 11/2 inches measured in the
direction from the outer edge of curb reveal 26 toward the hollow
interior 24 of barrier device 10.
[0057] Extending upwardly at an acute angle from the step 28 is an
intermediate section 30 which terminates at a vertically extending
upper section 32. The upper section 32, in turn, extends from the
intermediate section 30 to the top wall 12 of barrier 10 which is
formed with a pair of fill holes 33 preferably having a diameter in
the range of about 3-4 inches. In the presently preferred
embodiment, a number of stabilizers 34 are integrally formed in the
intermediate section 30, at regularly spaced intervals between the
end walls 16, 18. Each stabilizer 34 includes a base 36 and opposed
sides 38 and 40. As best seen in FIG. 1, the base 36 of each
stabilizer 34 is coplanar with the step 28 and is supported by an
internally located support 42 shown in phantom lines in FIG. 3. The
sides 38, 40 of each stabilizer 34 taper inwardly, toward one
another, from the base 36 to a point substantially coincident with
the uppermost edge of intermediate section 30 where the upper
section 32 of side wall 20 begins. In the presently preferred
embodiment, a throughbore 44 extends from the base 36 of one or
more of the stabilizers 34, through the internal support 42 and out
the bottom wall 14 of barrier 10. One or more of these throughbores
44 receive an anchoring device such as a stake 46, shown in phantom
in FIG. 3, which can be driven into the ground or other surface
upon which the barrier device 10 rests to secure it in an
essentially permanent position thereon.
[0058] Enhanced control and redirection of the path of a vehicle
impacting the barrier device 10 of this invention is achieved with
the above-described structure as follows. The increased height of
the curb reveal 26 of side wall 20, e.g., nine inches compared to
seven inches or less for conventional barriers, is effective to
engage and redirect the tires of a vehicle toward the lane in which
the vehicle was traveling instead of in a direction toward the
barrier 10 or the opposing lane of traffic. The curb reveal 26 is
strengthened and reinforced by the presence of the horizontally
extending ledge or step 28 and the stabilizers 34.
[0059] In the event the vehicle tires nevertheless extend above the
curb reveal 26 upon impact, the intermediate and upper sections 30
and 32 are designed to resist further upward movement of the
vehicle therealong. While the stabilizers 34 in intermediate
section 30 function to add rigidity and stability to the overall
barrier 10, the intermediate section 30 is nevertheless designed to
at least partially collapse inwardly or buckle in response to the
application of an impact force thereto. The extent of inward motion
of buckling is controlled, at least to some extent, by the diameter
of the fill holes 33 in the top wall 12. When the barrier interior
24 is filled with water, for example, the impact of a vehicle with
a barrier side wall 20 or 22 causes such water to displace from the
area of contact. Some of the water is forcefully discharged from
the interior 24 through the fill holes 33, and the amount of such
energy displacement is dependent on the diameter of the holes 33.
The greater the diameter, the greater the amount of water
displaced, and, hence, the more the barrier side wall 20 or 22 is
permitted to buckle. It has been found that a fill hole 33 diameter
of about 3-4 inches, noted above, is optimum wherein sufficient
buckling of the side walls 20, 22 is permitted for the purposes
described below without permanent damage to the barrier 10 upon
impact with a vehicle. In the presently preferred embodiment, when
the intermediate section 30 buckles inwardly, a pivot point is
created about which the upper section 32 can move in a generally
downward direction. Consequently, the tire and/or bumper of the
vehicle is impacted by the upper section 32 of barrier device 10
and urged downwardly, back toward the pavement or ground along
which the vehicle was traveling. This substantially prevents the
vehicle from vaulting over the top of the barrier 10 and entering
the opposing lane of traffic. Despite such movement of the
intermediate and upper sections 30, 32 in response to impact, the
material from which barrier device 10 is constructed allows such
sections 30, 32 to return to their original shape after
deformation.
[0060] In the presently preferred embodiment, a drain hole 76 is
formed along each of the end walls 18 and 20 thereof near the
bottom wall 14 to allow passage of water and the like from one side
of the barrier device 10 to the other. Water or other flowable
material is introduced into the hollow interior 24 of the barrier
device 10 via the fill holes 33 formed in top wall 12. These fill
holes 33 can also receive the post of a sign or the like (not
shown) extendable into the barrier interior 24. As shown in FIG. 2,
a post boot 78 is formed at the bottom wall 14 of barrier 10, in
alignment with each fill hole 33, to receive and support the post
of a sign inserted through the fill hole 33. Preferably, the top
wall 12 is formed with an elongated channel 80 leading to each fill
hole 33 to allow for the flow of rainwater into the hollow interior
24. The top wall 12 is also formed with an internally extending
seat 82 which is adapted to mount an internal light fixture (not
shown) for illuminating the barrier device 10 from the inside. The
details of such lighting construction form no part of this
invention and are thus not discussed herein.
Resistance to Barrier Disengagement and Break Up
[0061] Another general aspect of the construction of the barrier
device 10 of this invention involves a number of elements designed
to resist disengagement of adjacent barrier devices 10 and 10' when
they are arranged end-to-end to form an essentially continuous
wall, and to resist the break up or disintegration of individual
barrier devices 10 and 10' in response to impact by a vehicle. Two
barrier devices 10 and 10' are depicted in FIGS. 4 and 9, which are
identical in structure and function. The same reference numbers are
therefore used to identify like structure, with the addition of a
"'" to the numbers associated with barrier 10' on the right-hand
side of FIGS. 4 and 9.
[0062] Each end wall 16 of barriers 10 is formed with an internally
extending recess 48 near the bottom wall 14, which receives an
outwardly protruding extension 52 formed on the end wall 18 of an
adjacent barrier 10. The upper portion of end wall 16 is formed
with a slot 56, and the upper portion of end wall 18 is formed with
a slot 58. Each slot 56, 58 has an inner, generally
cylindrical-shaped portion 59 and a narrower, substantially
rectangular-shaped portion 61 at their respective end walls 16, 18.
The slots 56, 58 extend from the top wall 12 downwardly to a point
near the juncture of the upper section 32 and intermediate section
30.
[0063] When two barrier devices 10 and 10' are oriented end-to-end,
with the end wall 16 of one barrier 10 abutting the end wall 18' of
an adjacent barrier 10', the slots 56, 58 collectively form a
barbell-shaped locking channel 60 shown in FIG. 4 and also depicted
in phantom at the bottom of FIG. 2. This locking channel 60
receives a coupler 62 having cylindrical ends 64, 66 and a
rectangular center section 67, which is removably insertable
therein and extends substantially along the entire length of the
locking channel 60. The cylindrical ends 64, 66 of coupler 62 pivot
within the correspondingly shaped cylindrical portions 59, 59' of
slots 56, 58', so that one barrier device 10 can be pivoted with
respect to an adjacent barrier 10' to assist with alignment
thereof, and to allow the barriers 10, 10' when placed end-to-end
to follow curves along a particular highway or other location where
they are placed.
[0064] Additionally, two hollow channels 68 and 70 are located
within the hollow interior 24 of barrier device 10 and extend
between the side walls 20, 22. A portion of both channels 68, 70 is
located in the intermediate section 30 of each side wall 20, 22,
and extends partially into the upper sections 32 thereof. The two
channels 68, 70 are positioned in the spaces between the three
stabilizers 34 formed in the side walls 20, 22, and provide added
internal support to the barrier 10 so that it retains its shape
when filled with a ballast material. Each of the channels 68 and 70
define a pass-through hole or opening 72 adapted to receive the
tines of a forklift truck to permit handling of the barriers
10.
[0065] In the presently preferred embodiment, a drain hole 76 is
formed along each of the end walls 18 and 20 thereof near the
bottom wall 14 to allow passage of water and the like from one side
of the barrier device 10 to the other. Water or other flowable
material is introduced into the hollow interior 24 of the barrier
device 10 via the fill holes 33 formed in top wall 12. These fill
holes 33 can also receive the post of a sign or the like (not
shown) extendable into the barrier interior 24. As shown in FIG. 2,
a post boot 78 is formed at the bottom wall 14 of barrier 10, in
alignment with each fill hole 33, to receive and support the post
of a sign inserted through the fill hole 33. Preferably, the top
wall 12 is formed with an elongated channel 80 leading to each fill
hole 33 to allow for the flow of rainwater into the hollow interior
24. The top wall 12 is also formed with an internally extending
seat 82 which is adapted to mount an internal light fixture (not
shown) for illuminating the barrier device 10 from the inside. The
details of such lighting construction form no part of this
invention and are thus not discussed herein.
[0066] With reference to FIGS. 9-13, one embodiment of the external
reinforcement structure of this invention is shown. Preferably, the
reinforcing structure comprises a first beam 90 and a second beam
92 which are connected to one another by a pair of mounting
brackets 94 and 96. As shown, the beams 90, 92 are preferably
hollow box beams having a generally square cross section which can
be formed of metal, rubber, composite material or the like. The
mounting brackets 94 and 96 each include a plate 98 whose opposite
side edges are mounted to or integrally formed with vertically
upstanding legs 100 and 102. The mounting bracket 94 is inserted
within the opening 72 formed by channel 68, and the mounting
bracket 96 is inserted within the opening 72 formed by channel 70
such that opposite ends of each mounting bracket 94, 96 protrude
from one of the side walls 20 and 22. As best seen in FIGS. 9 and
11, with the mounting brackets 94, 96 in this position, the box
beams 90 and 92 are connected to respective ends of the brackets
94, 96 such as by bolts 104. Because the mounting brackets 94, 96
include the upstanding legs 100 and 102, the channels 72 are not
completely obstructed upon assembly of the beams 90, 92 and the
tines of a fork lift can still be inserted within the openings 72
with the mounting brackets 94, 96 and beams 90, 92 assembled to the
barrier 10 or 10'.
[0067] In order to interconnect the beams 90, 92 of one barrier
device 10 to those of an adjacent barrier device 10', a connector
bar 106 is inserted within one open end of each beam 90, 92 and
retained in place by bolts 104. The connector bars 106 have a cross
sectional area which is sufficiently less than that of the ends of
beams 90, 92 to permit pivotal motion of the beams 90, 92 of
barrier 10 relative to the beams 90', 92' of barrier 10' as
depicted in FIGS. 12 and 13. The view in FIG. 12 is representative
of vertically upward and downward relative movement of two beams 90
and 90' from barrier devices 10 and 10', respectively, which in the
orientation as shown, amounts to about 2.degree. movement of each
relative to a horizontal plane 107 and 4.degree. of movement with
respect to one another. FIG. 13 illustrates relative side-to-side
horizontal movement of the beams 90 and 90' in an amount of about
4.degree. measured from the horizontal plane 109 and about
8.degree. with respect to one another. This feature enables one
barrier device 10 to pivot relative to an adjacent barrier device
10' to accommodate at least gradual curves and height differentials
when forming a barrier wall, and to facilitate assembly of the
barriers 10, 10'.
[0068] Referring now to FIGS. 4-6, an alternative embodiment of the
external reinforcement structure of this invention is shown. Box
beams 110 and 112 are provided, which, like the beams 90 and 92
noted above, are preferably square in cross section and formed of
metal, rubber, composite material or the like. The box beam 110 has
a pair of spaced arms 114 and 116 which extend perpendicularly
therefrom, and box beam 112 is formed with a pair of
perpendicularly extending sleeves 118 and 120. When the beams 110
and 112 are in position along the side wall 20 and 22,
respectively, the arms 114, 116 of beam 110 register and telescope
within the sleeves 118, 120 to hold them together. See FIG. 6.
[0069] Instead of a connector bar 106 used in the embodiment of
FIGS. 4-8, the beams 90, 92 of one barrier 10 are connected to
respective beams 90', 92' of an adjacent barrier 10' with reduced
area extensions 122 formed at one end of each beam 90, 92. As best
seen in FIG. 4, the extensions 122 at the end of beams 90, 92 of
barrier 10 are inserted within the respective aligning ends of the
beams 90', 92' of barrier 10' to connect them together. Such
connection can be a friction fit between the extensions 122 and
beams 90', 92' or bolts (not shown) can be employed.
[0070] Still further embodiments of the external reinforcement
structure according to this invention are shown in FIGS. 14 to 15C.
These embodiments differ from those described above because instead
of securing beams to mounting devices carried by channels 68 and
70, the barriers 10, 10' are modified to incorporate seats in each
side wall which mount a beam or slat. The protruding ends of such
beams or slats from one barrier are connected to those of an
adjacent barrier to form a barrier wall.
[0071] Referring initially to FIGS. 14 and 14A, each side wall 20
and 22 of the barrier 10 is formed with a seat 130 which extends
longitudinally between the opposed end walls 16 and 18. Each seat
130 extends from the outer surface of a respective side wall 20, 22
toward the hollow interior 24 of the barrier device 10, forming an
inner wall 132, a top wall 134 and a bottom wall 136. See FIG. 14A.
These walls 132, 134 and 136 of the seat 130 receive and tightly
frictionally engage a generally rectangular-shaped slat 138, which
is formed of metal or other rigid material and has a solid cross
section. Preferably, the depth of the seat 130 is approximately
equal to the thickness of the slat 138 so that the slat 138 is
substantially flush with the outer surface of the side walls 20, 22
when mounted in place.
[0072] As seen in FIG. 14, opposite ends 140 and 142 of each slat
138, and opposite end 140', 142' of slat 138', protrude beyond the
end walls 16, 18 of the barrier devices 10, 10' respectively, and
are formed with a through bore 144. In order to connect adjacent
barrier devices 10 and 10' together, the through bore 144 in the
protruding end 142 of slat 138 of barrier device 10 is aligned with
the through bore 144 in the protruding end 140' of the slat 138' in
the barrier device 10'. A bolt 146 is then inserted through the
aligning through bores 244 and secured by a nut. Alternatively, a
rod (not shown) can be inserted through the aligning through bores
144 and secured with a cotter pin.
[0073] Referring now to FIGS. 15-15C, essentially the same concept
described above in connection with FIGS. 14-14B is employed except
using box beams 150 instead of slats 138. The side walls 20 and 22
of barrier 10 are each formed with a seat 152 having a cross
section defined by an inner wall 154, spaced from the outer surface
of the side walls 20, 22, a top wall 156 and a bottom wall 158.
Each seat 152 frictionally engages a box beam 150, which are
essentially the same construction as the box beams 92 and 112
described above. Preferably, the depth of the seat 152 and the
width of the box beam 150 are approximately equal so that the box
beam 150 is flush with the outer surface of each side wall 20,
22.
[0074] Two different structures for connecting the box beams 150
and 150' of adjacent barriers 10 and 10' are depicted in FIGS. 15A
and 15B, although it is contemplated that other connectors could be
employed. As seen in FIG. 15, opposite ends 160 and 162 of each box
beam 150 protrude beyond respective end walls 16 and 18 of the
barrier device 10, and the ends 160', 162' of box beam 150'
protrude beyond the end walls 16', 18' of barrier device 10'. In
the embodiment of FIG. 15A, the protruding end 162 of box beam 150
mounted to the barrier 10 is connected to the protruding end 160'
of the box beam 150' of the barrier 10' by a bracket 164. The
bracket 164 comprises a top plate 166 which spans between and rests
atop the protruding ends 162 and 160' of the box beams 150, 150',
and a bottom plate 168 extending along the bottom surface of the
protruding ends 162, 160'. A pin, bolt of other connector 170 is
inserted through one end of both plates 166, 168 and the box beam
150 of barrier 10, as well as the opposite end of both plates 166,
168 and the box beam 150' of the barrier 10'. Preferably, a pin is
employed for the connectors 170 to permit at least limited pivotal
motion of the barriers 10 and 10' relative to one another, i.e.,
each of the plates 166 and 168 can rotate about the pin connector
170, thus allowing the barriers 10, 10' to pivot.
[0075] An alternative embodiment of the connecting device between
the beams 150 and 150' of adjacent barriers 10, 10' is shown in
FIG. 15B. This connecting device, or "hitch connector," includes a
first U-shaped member 172 mounted to the protruding end 162 of
barrier 10, a second U-shaped member 174 mounted to the protruding
end 160' of barrier 10' and a coupler 176 extending between the
members 172, 174. Preferably, the members 172, 174 are welded or
other permanently mounted to the beams 150, 150'. The coupler 176
is formed in the general shape of a C-clamp with arms 178 and 180
which engage respective members 172, 174. The free ends of arms
178, 180 and are joined by a bolt 182 to secure the coupler 176 in
place. Each of the beams 150, 150' are permitted to pivot at their
connection to the coupler 176, which, in turn, allows the barriers
10 and 10' pivot relative to one another.
[0076] Referring now to FIGS. 16 and 17, still further embodiments
of the slats or beams shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 are illustrated.
Both the slat 138 of FIG. 14 and the box beam 150 of FIG. 15 are
frictionally retained within the side walls 20, 22 of a barrier 10.
In order to provide a more secure connection, FIGS. 16 and 17
depict arrangements in which a beam or slat is mechanically
retained within a seat formed in the side walls 20, 22. In the
embodiment of FIG. 16, each side wall 20 and 22 of the barrier 10
is formed with a generally T-shaped seat 200 which extends
longitudinally between the opposed end walls 16 and 18. Each seat
200 has an inner wall 202 located within the hollow interior 24 of
the barrier 10, and an outer opening 204 substantially flush with
the side wall 20 or 22. The inner wall 202 is defined by a top
portion 206, bottom portion 208 and side portion 210, with a
shoulder 212 being formed at the outer opening 204. A
correspondingly shaped beam 214, having a head section 216
connected to a stem section 218, is inserted into the seat 200 from
one end wall 16 to the other end wall 18, or vice versa.
Preferably, the stem section 218 of the beam 214 extends into the
outer opening of the seat 200 and is substantially flush with the
outer surface of the side wall 20 or 22. As seen in FIG. 16, the
beam 214 is mechanically retained within the seat 200 by engagement
of the head section 216 of the beam 214 with the shoulder 212 of
the seat 200.
[0077] Another embodiment of this invention wherein a beam or slat
is mechanically retained within a seat formed in the side walls 20
and 22 is shown in FIG. 17. In this embodiment, a C-shaped seat 220
having an inner wall 222 and an outer opening 224 is formed in each
side wall 20, 22. The seat 220 receives a correspondingly shaped
beam or slat 226 which is inserted therein from one of the end
walls 16 or 18. The slat 226 has a flattened outer surface 228
which is substantially flush with the outer surface of the side
wall 20 or 22. Because the outer opening 224 of seat 220 is
narrower than the slat 226, the slat 226 is mechanically retained
within the seat 220.
[0078] It is contemplated that shapes of seats and beams or slats
may be employed other than those shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 to
achieve a "mechanical" retention of the beams within the side walls
20, 22. As such, the key aspect of both FIGS. 16 and 17 is to
provide a seat, such as seats 200 and 220, each having with a
height dimension which is greater than the height dimension of
their outer opening. The term "height dimension" as used herein
refers to a distance measured in the vertical direction with the
seats 200 and 220 in the orientation as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17.
As such, the height dimension of the inner wall 202 of seat 200 is
the vertical distance between the top and bottom portions 206, 208,
and the height dimension of the inner wall 222 of seat 220 is
considered to be the largest distance which can be measured in the
vertical direction. Similarly, the "height dimension" of the outer
openings 204 and 224 of the seats 200 and 220, respectively, is the
largest distance which can be measured in the vertical direction.
Regardless of the exact shape of the seat in the side wall, and the
correspondingly shaped slat or beam, if the height dimension of the
inner wall is greater than the height dimension of the outer
opening as herein defined, the slats or beams are mechanically
retained within the seats.
[0079] Referring now to FIGS. 18-20, a still further embodiment of
a mounting device for connecting the protruding ends of the beams
or slats shown in previous embodiments is illustrated. A C-shaped
clamp 230 is provided having top and bottom legs 232 and 234,
formed with aligning bores 236, which are integrally formed or
connected to a side leg 238. It has been discovered that the beam
or slat connectors shown in FIGS. 14, 15A and 15B are subject to
wear in the field, and the connector arrangement shown in FIGS. 12
and 13 can result in problems of wedging of the connector bars 106
within the box beams 90 or 92 of an adjacent barrier device 10.
These problems are eliminated with the C-shaped clamp 230 herein.
The C-shaped clamp 230 extends between the ends of box beams 92 and
92' of adjacent barrier devices 10, 10' where it is bolted in
place, as shown in FIG. 19, or extends between the ends of the
slats 150, 150' of adjacent barrier devices 10, 10' where it is
similarly bolted in place. See FIG. 20. In each case, the side leg
238 of the clamp 230 faces outwardly, in the direction of vehicular
or pedestrian traffic. The clamp 230 is formed of rugged, high
strength steel or the like which overcomes the potential wear
problems with the connectors of FIGS. 14, 15A and 15B.
Additionally, because there is a space between the top and bottom
legs 232, 234 opposite the side leg 238 of the C-shaped clamp 230,
no wedging or binding occurs between the clamp 230 and protruding
ends of beams 92, 92' or 150, 150' in the event the barriers 10,
10' are moved relative to one another as a result of a vehicle
impact or the like. Consequently, unlike the arrangement of FIGS.
12 and 13, adjacent barriers 10 and 10' may be readily separated
from one another when it is time to disassemble a barrier wall.
[0080] As shown in FIG. 3, the stability of the barrier devices 10
on a particular surface may be enhanced by driving a stake 46 into
one or more through bores 44 formed in an internal support 42 of
the barrier device 10. Referring now to FIGS. 21-24, additional
anchoring devices are shown. In the embodiment of FIGS. 21 and 22,
a ground anchor 240 is depicted for use with beams 90 and 92
carried by a mounting bracket 94 as shown in FIGS. 9-11 and
discussed in detail above. The ground anchor 240 comprises a
turnbuckle 242 connected at one end to the threaded shaft of an
upper arm 244 and at the opposite end to the threaded shaft of a
lower arm 246. The upper arm 244 has a yoke 248 which is pivotally
connected to tubular connector 250. The tubular connector 250 is
sandwiched between box beam 92 and the mounting bracket 94, and
connected thereto by bolts. Preferably, at least one of the bores
formed in the tubular connector 250 to receive the bolts is formed
with a slot 252 for added adjustment of the position of the ground
anchor 240. See FIG. 22. The lower arm 246 is pivotally connected
to a base 254 which may be secured to the ground, a roadway or the
like by stakes (not shown) to enhance the stability of the barrier
devices 10 and resist their disengagement from one another in the
event of an impact with a vehicle or the like. Conventionally, the
threads on the shafts of the upper and lower arms 244 and 246 are
opposite to one another so that the turnbuckle 242 may be rotated
in one direction to extend both arms 244, 246 and in the opposite
direction to retract them.
[0081] The embodiment shown in FIGS. 23 and 24 employs the same
ground anchor 240 described above in connection with FIGS. 21 and
22, except it is adapted for use with slats 138 or beams 90, 92 (or
beams 150) which are received within a seat in the side walls 20,
22 of the barrier device 10, such as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15C. In
this embodiment, a mounting bracket 94 is inserted within the
opening 72 formed in the barrier 10, as in the embodiment of FIG.
9. An L-shaped angle 256 is welded or otherwise affixed to the beam
92 or 150 (or slat 138), and the tubular connector 250 is secured
by bolts between the angle 256 and mounting bracket 94. The ground
anchor 240 functions in the same manner as described above to
assist in stabilizing the barrier devices 10 atop the surface upon
which they rest.
[0082] Referring now to FIG. 25, when a number of barrier devices
10 are connected end-to-end to form a barrier wall as described
above, the barriers 10 at the outermost ends of the wall have beams
90, 92 or slats 138 with ends which are exposed. This can present a
hazard to drivers, passengers and pedestrians in the event of an
impact. To address this potential problem, a pair of end connectors
258 and 260 are provided. As depicted in FIG. 25, the end connector
258 has one end which is mounted to the beam 92, for example, on
one side of the barrier 10, and the end connector 260 has an end
mounted in the same manner to the beam 90 on the opposite side of
the barrier 10 (not shown). The free ends of the two connectors 258
and 260 extend into the through bore 72 of another barrier device
10, which does not include external reinforcement structure, where
such ends are connected together. As shown in FIG. 25, the end
connectors 258 and 260 taper downwardly from their connection to
the beams 90, 92, and then connect together within the bore 72, so
as to avoid presenting a sharp end of a beam or slat toward
oncoming vehicle or pedestrian traffic. Although the end connectors
258 and 260 are illustrated with the box beams 90 and 92, it should
be understood that they may be employed with the box beams 119,
112, and the slats 138, 150, 214 and 226.
[0083] The embodiment of FIG. 25 is directed to an "end treatment"
for a barrier wall comprising a number of barrier devices 10, 10'
connected end-to-end which involves structure associated with only
the end-most barrier 10 in the wall. There are a number of
commercially available "crash cushions" employed on highways and in
other applications to absorb the energy of a direct impact with a
vehicle, and to protect the vehicle and its occupants from contact
with highway barriers, bridges, guard rails and other structures.
One crash cushion presently in use is the Trinity Attenuating Crash
Cushion or "Trace" unit commercially available from Trinity Highway
Products, LLC of Dallas, Tex.
[0084] Referring to FIGS. 26-30, two embodiments are illustrated of
a transition device for coupling an end-most barrier 10 of a
barrier wall according to this invention with a Trace crash
cushion, or similar unit. It should be understood that essentially
any crash cushion may be employed with the barrier wall herein, and
the details of the Trace crash cushion form no part of this
invention and are not described. For purposes of the present
discussion, a crash cushion 300 is shown in FIGS. 26-30 having an
end wall 302 to which the end-most barrier 10 of a barrier wall
according to this invention is coupled.
[0085] One embodiment of a transition device 304 is illustrated in
FIGS. 26-28. As discussed above, the end-most barrier 10 of the
barrier wall has a beam 90 extending along one side wall 20 and
another beam 92 located along the side wall 22. The transition
device 304 comprises structure for coupling the beams 90, 92 to the
end wall 302 of the crash cushion 300. As best seen in FIG. 28, one
end of a leg 306 is connected by bolts to a C-shaped clamp 230 to
the beam 90. The C-shaped clamp may be of the type described above
in connection with a discussion of FIG. 18. The opposite end of the
leg 306 is bolted to an end connector 308 which is preferably
welded, or otherwise securely affixed, to a mounting plate 310.
Similarly, one end of a second leg 312 is connected by a C-shaped
clamp 230 to the beam 92, and its opposite end is bolted to an end
connector 314 which is also securely affixed to the mounting plate
310. The mounting plate 310, in turn, is bolted to a pair of
I-beams 316 and 318 or similar supports which are preferably bolted
to the end wall 302 of crash cushion 300. The C-shaped clamp 230,
leg 306, end connector 308, mounting plate 310 and I-beam 316 may
be collectively characterized as a first coupling assembly 320,
while a second coupling assembly 322 is formed by the combination
of the C-shaped clamp 230, leg 312, end connector 314, mounting
plate 310 and I-beam 318.
[0086] An alternative embodiment of a transition device 322 is
shown in FIGS. 29 and 30. In this embodiment, the legs 306 and 312
of the transition device 304 described above are eliminated.
Instead, one end of the beam 90 of the end-most barrier 10 in the
barrier wall is connected to end connector 308, and the beam 92 is
connected to the end connector 314. The end connectors 308, 314 are
affixed to the mounting plate 310, as described above, which, in
turn, is mounted to I-beams 316, 318 connected to the end wall 302
of crash cushion 300.
[0087] In addition to the transition devices 304 and 322, a guard
rail or thrie beam 330 is preferably affixed to both sides of the
barrier 10 and the crash cushion 300 to connect them together.
Referring to FIGS. 26 and 27, a thrie beam 330 is attached at one
end to the crash cushion 300 and is mounted by a bracket 332 to the
side wall 20 of barrier 10. Similarly, a second thrie beam 330
mounts to the opposite side of the crash cushion 300 and to the
side wall 22 of barrier 10. For ease of illustration, the thrie
beams 330 are only shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, it being understood
that such beams 330 are employed in the embodiment depicted in
FIGS. 29 and 30 in combination with the transition device 322.
[0088] The transition devices 304 and 322, together with the thrie
beams 330, provide a secure connection between the crash cushion
300 and the end-most barrier 10 of the barrier wall to absorb
energy and protect the barrier wall from impact with an oncoming
vehicle. In turn, the vehicle and its occupants are not exposed to
an impact with the ends of the beams 90, 92 of the end-most barrier
10 which could prove to be dangerous in the event of a crash. The
stability of the barrier wall coupled to the crash cushion 300 is
further enhanced by the attachment of a number of ground anchors
240 to selected barrier devices 10, as described above in
connection with a discussion of FIGS. 21-24.
Flotation of Barrier Devices
[0089] With reference to FIG. 7, in one preferred embodiment of
this invention structure is provided to allow the barrier devices
10 and 10' to float by resisting leakage of water within which the
device 10 is placed into the hollow interior 24 of the barrier
device 10. Each of the walls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 and 22 is formed
with an inner surface 130 located within the hollow interior 24 and
an exterior, outer surface 132. These inner surfaces 130 receive a
foam layer 134 having a thickness in the range of about 0.5 to 6
inches. The remainder of the hollow interior 24 is open and can be
filled with ballast material through fill holes 33 in the manner
described above. The foam layer 134 is effective to seal the inner
surface 130 of each wall and substantially prevent leakage of water
into the hollow interior 24. Additionally, the foam layer 134 is
puncture resistant, particularly as its thickness is increased, and
therefore resists leakage even if the plastic walls of the barrier
are damaged by fork lifts or other equipment during transit or
assembly of the barriers 10.
[0090] The method of forming the barrier device 10 with the foam
layer 94 forms no part of this invention, and is therefore not
discussed in detail herein. Generally, a rotational molding process
is employed in which a polyethylene resin and polyethylene foaming
pellets are combined in a mold to form the completed barrier. Each
of the walls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 and 22 is therefore formed of a
high density polyethylene using this molding technique, preferably
having a thickness on the order of about 0.25 inches. One type of
polyethylene resin suitable for forming the plastic walls of the
barrier 10 are commercially available from ExxonMobil Chemical
under the trademark "PAXON," Type Numbers 7004 and 7204 rotational
molding resins.
[0091] One foam material which can be employed in the rotational
molding process noted above to form the foam layer 134 is
commercially available from Equistar Chemicals, Inc. of Houston,
Tex. under the trademark "PETROTHENE." A structural foam,
semi-rigid foam or flexible PETROTHENE foam may be employed in the
barrier 10 and 10' of this invention, whose properties and type
numbers are as follows:
TABLE-US-00001 Property Nominal Value Units MSTR005 - Structural
Foam Density 7 lb/ft.sup.8 Compressive Modulus 800 psi Shrinkage
(w/MSTR003, 4 skin) 0.010-0.015 in/in Thermal Conductivity (k)
0.435 BTU in/hr ft.sup.2 .degree. F. MSTR008 - Semi-Rigid Foam
Density 4 lb/ft.sup.3 Compressive Modulus 180 psi Shrinkage
(w/MSTR003, 4 skin) 0.010-0.015 in/in Thermal Conductivity (k)
0.384 BTU in/hr ft.sup.2 .degree. F. MSTR007 - Flexible Foam
Density 2 lb/ft.sup.3 Compressive Modulus 35 psi Shrinkage
(w/MSTR003, 4 skin) 0.010-0.015 in/in Thermal Conductivity (k)
0.357 BTU in/hr ft.sup.2 .degree. F.
[0092] In most instances it is contemplated that a semi-rigid foam
would be employed to form the foam layer 134, such as PETROTHENE
Type No. MSTR008, depending on the particular application for which
the barrier device is intended. If additional structural rigidity
is required, a denser foam with increased compressive modulus may
be used such as PETROTHENE Type No. MSTR005. Further, the overall
thickness of the foam layer 134 can be controlled in the molding
process to increase or decrease the rigidity of the barrier 10,
i.e., the thicker the foam layer 94 the more rigid the walls
12-22.
[0093] Referring now to FIG. 8, a further embodiment of this
invention is shown in which the hollow interior 24 of the barrier
10 is completely filled with a foam material to form a solid foam
body 136. One presently preferred foaming material is a
two-component polyether-based, low density pour-in-place urethane
foam commercially available from North Carolina Foam Industries of
Mount Airy, N.C. under the name "NCFI Low Density Pour System
31-120." The resin properties and reaction properties of this
material are as follows:
Typical Resin Properties:
TABLE-US-00002 [0094] 31-120R 31-120A Viscosity @ 72.degree. F. 500
cps 200 cps Weight Per Gallon 9.5 lbs. 10.2 lbs. Appearance amber
liquid brown liquid Shelf Life 6 months 6 months
Mix Ratio:
TABLE-US-00003 [0095] 31-120R 31-120A Ratio By Weight 100 parts 107
parts Ratio By Volume 100 parts 100 parts
Typical Reaction Properties:
TABLE-US-00004 [0096] Hand Mix @ 72.degree. F. Cream Time, seconds
32 Gel Time, seconds 140 Rise Time, seconds 210 Density (FRC) 1.9
pcf
[0097] As noted above and shown in FIGS. 4 and 9, adjacent barriers
10 can be connected end-to-end to form a barrier wall. With the
barriers filled with foaming material to form a solid foam body 136
within the hollow interior 24, the individual barriers 10 and
collectively formed barrier wall readily floats in water. Although
the embodiment of the barrier 10 shown in FIG. 7 will also float,
it is contemplated that that the provision of a foam body 136
within the barrier interior 24 will result in a more durable
structure with better integrity in the event of impact with a
vessel or other object. A barrier wall formed with individual
barrier devices 10 and 10' of the type shown in FIG. 13 can be
utilized in a variety of marine applications to encircle vessels
and other objects in the water, as well as to prevent access to
given areas within a port or docking area as desired. Further
resistance to impact is provided with the addition of the external
reinforcement structure shown in FIG. 4-6 or 9-13, in combination
with the barrier devices 10 including foam material depicted in
FIGS. 7 and 8.
[0098] While the invention has been described with reference to a
preferred embodiment, it should be understood by those skilled in
the art that various changes may be made and equivalents
substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope
of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to
adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the
invention without departing from the essential scope thereof.
[0099] For example, while the barrier 10 of FIG. 8 is illustrated
with a foam body 136 which substantially entirely occupies the
volume of the hollow interior 24, a foam body of lesser volume
could be employed. Additionally, the "external reinforcing
structure" of this invention is characterized as a "beam" and
depicted in the Figs. as either a hollow member having a generally
square cross section (FIGS. 4-6, 9-13 and 15-15C) or a solid,
substantially rectangular-shaped slat (FIGS. 14 and 14A). It should
be understood that the term "beam" as used herein is not limited to
the particular structures shown, but is meant to broadly include
hollow and solid members of essentially any cross sectional shape
as well as members whose outer surface includes openings such as a
cage structure or the like.
[0100] Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited
to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode
contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the
invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of
the appended claims.
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