U.S. patent application number 13/383884 was filed with the patent office on 2012-05-17 for systems, devices, asystems,devices, and/or methods for managing traffic.
This patent application is currently assigned to CONMAT GROUP, INC.. Invention is credited to Michael L. Budd, SR., Roy D. Simmons, JR..
Application Number | 20120121326 13/383884 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42262246 |
Filed Date | 2012-05-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120121326 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Budd, SR.; Michael L. ; et
al. |
May 17, 2012 |
Systems, Devices, ASystems,Devices, And/Or Methods For Managing
Traffic
Abstract
Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, machine,
device, and/or manufacture comprising a traffic separating median
barrier comprising: a barrier body having a substantially uniform
cross section along a longitudinally extending direction, said
barrier body defining a body length extending along said
longitudinally extending direction, a body width orthogonal to said
body length, and a body height orthogonal to said body length and
said body width, said barrier body terminating in a first barrier
end region and a second barrier end region, said first barrier end
region comprising a female interlocking structure attached to said
barrier body, said second barrier end region comprising a male
interlocking structure attached to said barrier body, said female
interlocking structure adapted to interlock with said male
interlocking structure.
Inventors: |
Budd, SR.; Michael L.;
(Bridgewater, VA) ; Simmons, JR.; Roy D.; (Dayton,
VA) |
Assignee: |
CONMAT GROUP, INC.
Harrisonburg
VA
|
Family ID: |
42262246 |
Appl. No.: |
13/383884 |
Filed: |
September 29, 2009 |
PCT Filed: |
September 29, 2009 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US09/58704 |
371 Date: |
February 1, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
404/6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E01F 15/083 20130101;
E01F 15/088 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
404/6 |
International
Class: |
E01F 15/00 20060101
E01F015/00 |
Claims
1. A traffic separating median barrier comprising: a barrier body
comprised of an elongated concrete material, said barrier body
defined by a substantially uniform cross section along a
longitudinally extending direction, said barrier body defining a
body length extending along said longitudinally extending
direction, a body width orthogonal to said body length, and a body
height orthogonal to said body length and said body width, said
barrier body terminating in a first barrier end region and a second
barrier end region, said first barrier end region comprising a
female interlocking structure attached to said barrier body, said
second barrier end region comprising a male interlocking structure
attached to said barrier body, said female interlocking structure
adapted to interlock with said male interlocking structure; said
female interlocking structure comprising a substantially open-ended
tube having a longitudinal axis extending substantially parallel to
said body height, said tube defining a slot having a slot width
substantially parallel to said body width and having a slot height
substantially parallel to said body height; and said male
interlocking structure comprising a web having a web thickness
extending substantially parallel to said slot width and measuring
less than said slot width, said web extending from said barrier end
in a direction parallel to said body length and attached to a
flange having a longitudinal axis extending substantially parallel
to a longitudinal axis of said web and a major surface extending
substantially perpendicular to a major surface of said web, said
flange having a flange width greater than said slot width; wherein:
for any substantially identical pair of said barriers, a
longitudinal axis of a barrier body of a first barrier from said
pair is capable of being angled horizontally by at least 6 degrees,
or vertically by at least 3 degrees, with respect to a longitudinal
axis of a barrier body of a second adjacent barrier from said pair
when a male interlocking structure of said first barrier is
interlocked with a female interlocking structure of said second
barrier by a web of said first barrier extending through a slot of
said second barrier and a flange of said first barrier located
within a tube of said second barrier.
2. A traffic separating median barrier according to claim 1,
further comprising: a plurality of interconnecting rods, each of
said interconnecting rods connected to each of said interlocking
structures and extending longitudinally through said barrier
body.
3. A traffic separating median barrier according to claim 1,
further comprising: a plurality of interconnecting rods, each of
said interconnecting rods connected to each of said interlocking
structures and extending longitudinally through said barrier body;
and a first plurality of interlock anchor rods, each of said first
plurality of interlock anchor rods interconnecting with one of said
interlocking structures and extending in said longitudinally
extending direction a distance of at least 40 diameters of said
interconnecting rods.
4. A traffic separating median barrier according to claim 1,
further comprising: a plurality of interconnecting rods, each of
said interconnecting rods connected to each of said interlocking
structures and extending longitudinally through said barrier body;
and a first plurality of interlock anchor rods, each of said first
plurality of interlock anchor rods extending in said longitudinally
extending direction, interconnecting with one of said interlocking
structures, and overlapping an adjacent one of said interconnecting
rods by a distance of at least 40 diameters of said interconnecting
rods.
5. A traffic separating median barrier according to claim 1,
wherein: said concrete material is precast concrete.
6. A traffic separating median barrier according to claim 1,
wherein: said concrete material is reinforced precast concrete.
7. A traffic separating median barrier according to claim 1,
wherein: said tube is at least partially embedded in said concrete
material.
8. A traffic separating median barrier according to claim 1,
wherein: said web and said flange interconnect to form a T-shaped
longitudinal cross-section.
9. A traffic separating median barrier according to claim 1,
wherein: said web height is substantially equivalent to said slot
height.
10. A traffic separating median barrier according to claim 1,
wherein: said male interlocking structure is comprised of metal and
said female interlocking structure is comprised of metal.
11. A traffic separating median barrier according to claim 1,
wherein: said male interlocking structure extends less than 18
inches in a direction parallel to said body height.
12. A traffic separating median barrier according to claim 1,
wherein: said female interlocking structure extends less than 18
inches in a direction parallel to said body height.
13. A traffic separating median barrier according to claim 1,
wherein: each of said barrier end regions comprises an end face
that transitions to a longitudinal face, a top face, and a bottom
face of said barrier via a plurality of chamfers.
14. A traffic separating median barrier according to claim 1,
wherein: each of said barrier end regions comprises an end face
that transitions to a longitudinal face, a top face, or a bottom
face of said barrier via a corresponding chamfer.
15. A traffic separating median barrier according to claim 1,
wherein: each of said barrier end regions comprises an end face
that transitions to a longitudinal face, top face, or bottom face
of said barrier via a corresponding substantially beveled edge.
16. A traffic separating median barrier according to claim 1,
wherein: each of said barrier end regions comprises an end face
that transitions to a longitudinal face, top face, or bottom face
of said barrier via a corresponding substantially rounded edge.
17. A traffic separating median barrier according to claim 1,
wherein: said first barrier is incapable of separation from said
second barrier when interlocked therewith and subjected to a
vehicle impact load sufficient to otherwise move said first barrier
when not interlocked with said second barrier.
18. A traffic separating median barrier according to claim 1,
wherein: said barrier is adapted to satisfy all current crash test
requirements of the United States Federal Highway Administration
(FHWA).
19. A traffic separating median barrier according to claim 1,
wherein: said barrier is adapted to satisfy all current crash test
requirements of the American Association of State Highway and
Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Manual for Assessing Safety
Hardware (MASH) Test Level-3 (TL-3).
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0001] A wide variety of potential practical and useful embodiments
will be more readily understood through the following detailed
description of certain exemplary embodiments, with reference to the
accompanying exemplary drawings in which:
[0002] FIG. 1A is a left end view of an exemplary barrier,
illustrating an exemplary female interlocking structure;
[0003] FIG. 1B is a side view of the exemplary barrier shown in
FIG. 1A;
[0004] FIG. 1C is a right end view of the exemplary barrier shown
in FIG. 1A, illustrating an exemplary male interlocking
structure;
[0005] FIG. 2 is a side view of the exemplary male and female
interlocking structures and an exemplary interconnecting structure
between the exemplary male and female interlocking structures;
[0006] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the exemplary male and female
interlocking structures and an exemplary interconnecting structure
between the exemplary male and female interlocking structures;
[0007] FIG. 4 is a plan cross-sectional view taken at section A-A
of FIG. 1B and showing an exemplary male interlocking structure of
one exemplary barrier interlocked with an exemplary female
interlocking structure of an adjacent exemplary barrier;
[0008] FIGS. 5A and 5B show side and plan views, respectively, of
an exemplary male interlocking structure;
[0009] FIGS. 6A and 6B show side and plan views, respectively, of
an exemplary female interlocking structure;
[0010] FIG. 7 is a plan view of an exemplary group of connected
exemplary barriers; and
[0011] FIG. 8 is a side view of an exemplary group of connected
exemplary barriers.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012] Median barriers, which typically are relatively heavy
devices that are frequently utilized for separating lanes of
traffic from other lanes of traffic, construction work, etc. The
barriers typically must be sufficiently heavy such that, if
accidentally contacted by a moving vehicle, they will prevent the
moving vehicle from leaving its lane, thereby protecting
construction workers, pedestrians, and/or other lanes of traffic on
the other side of the median barrier.
[0013] Pre-cast reinforced concrete can be used to form median
barriers. Yet to be most effective, there is a need to ensure that
vehicles generally cannot pass through or substantially move a
median barrier and thereby create a hazard to the adjacent lane of
traffic, constructions workers, pedestrians, etc.
[0014] Median barriers can have certain resistance to movement
caused by the weight of the barrier and the static coefficient of
friction between the lower surface of the barrier and the roadway
and/or other surface upon which the barrier is located. Because
this coefficient of friction is generally fixed, the resistance to
lateral movement is generally proportional to the weight of the
barrier. For the convenience of construction crews, temporary
barriers are often constructed with a length on the order of 12
feet, although longer or shorter barriers can be provided if the
need arises (if, for example, it were necessary to have barriers
around a very sharp curve, shorter barriers might permit the outer
edge of the curve to be lined with barriers without the barriers
intruding on the roadway). Unfortunately, as a barrier becomes
smaller, its weight typically becomes less and, thus, its
resistance to lateral movement becomes less. This can create
challenges when a need arises for both a resistance to
impact-generated movement and a non-linear grouping of
barriers.
[0015] One answer to the problem of barriers being shifted under
vehicle impact is to involve the weight and mass of adjacent
barriers such that several adjacent barriers must be moved in the
event of a vehicle impact, thereby providing greater resistance to
lateral movement of the struck barrier. Exemplary embodiments of
such an approach are described here, where similar exemplary
structures are similarly numbered among the various figures in the
drawings.
[0016] FIG. 1B is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a
precast concrete barrier 10, showing longitudinally-extending top
face 61, longitudinally-extending bottom face 62, end face 63, and
end face 64. FIG. 1A is a side view of an exemplary female
interlocking structure 14 on one end of barrier 10, and showing
longitudinally-extending side faces 65 and 66. FIG. 1C is an end
view of the other end of the barrier in FIG. 1B showing an
exemplary male interlocking structure 12 located thereon. Depicted
in phantom lines are an exemplary connection structure for
interconnecting the male interlocking structure 12 with the female
interlocking structure 14 internal to barrier 10.
[0017] Barrier 10 can be constructed of reinforced concrete having
a minimum compressive strength at the age of approximately 28 days
of approximately 4,000 psi. Reinforcement in barrier 10 can conform
to ASTM A615, Grade 60. The standard length for an exemplary
barrier can be approximately 12 feet with the male portion
protruding from the end of the barrier by approximately 17/8
(1.875) inches. The width of the body of the exemplary barrier
shown in FIGS. 1A and 1C can be approximately 24 inches and the
height can be approximately 32 inches. The body can be cast
directly and/or in multiple units. For example, if a length less
than approximately 12 feet be desirable, such length can be cast
directly, and if a section longer than approximately 12 feet be
needed, it can be cast as one unit, or as two or more units.
[0018] The interrelationship of an exemplary male interlocking
structure 12 and an exemplary female interlocking structure 14 with
a respective exemplary barrier 10 is shown in FIG. 4. As can be
seen, either the male end of an elevated leftmost barrier or the
female end of an elevated right-hand barrier can be lowered
vertically so as to interengage the web 20 and flange 22 of male
interlocking structure 12 with the slot 30 and tube 26 of female
interlocking structure 14. As shown, in certain exemplary
embodiments, there can be a gap and/or separation of approximately
0 inches to approximately 4 inches, including all values (e.g.,
approximately 0.76, 1, 1.252, 1.5, 2, etc., inches) and subranges
therebeween, between barriers when the barriers are pulled as far
apart as possible while in the interconnected state. This gap can
permit one barrier to be canted with respect to another so as to
permit a curve in a line of barriers without disengaging the
interlocking portions of the barriers. Furthermore, the barriers
can continue to form a structural interconnection between adjacent
barriers when forming a curve or other non-linear pattern along a
roadway, median, etc. This spacing also can permit barriers to be
interengaged and/or interlocked when there is a vertical
displacement, i.e., the line of barriers begins to go up and/or
over a hill and/or otherwise encounters a change in grade and/or
elevation.
[0019] Male interlocking structure 12 and female interlocking
structure 14 can be respectively interconnected internally to
barrier 10. FIGS. 2 and 3 show these interlocking structures. Each
of reinforcing bars 40 and 42 can comprise a section of, for
example, number 5 or number 6 rebar measuring approximately 11 foot
8 inches. Note that the number of reinforcing bars shown in the
drawings is conceptual only, and the actual number implemented in a
particular barrier can depend on the design requirements of that
barrier.
[0020] These interconnecting reinforcing bars 40 and/or 42 can be
welded to anchor bars 24 and 28 that can be connected to male
interlocking structure 12 and female interlocking structure 14,
respectively. Note that the number of anchor bars shown in the
drawings is conceptual only, and the actual number implemented in a
particular barrier can depend on the design requirements of that
barrier. In certain exemplary embodiments, interconnecting rebar 40
and/or 42 merely can be wired to be substantially adjacent
corresponding anchor bars 24 and/or 28 as shown in the phantom
lines of FIGS. 1A and 1B. This can facilitate precise alignment of
male interlocking structure 12 and/or female interlocking structure
14 while the concrete is poured and/or cured. The overlap in which
interconnecting reinforcing bars 40 and/or 42 coextend with anchor
rods 24 and/or 28 of male interlocking structure 12 and/or female
interlocking structure 14 can be equal to approximately 40
diameters of the larger reinforcing bar, which can provide
substantially the same structural strength as welding the bars
together.
[0021] As shown in FIG. 1B, edges and/or major surface
intersections (e.g., top face to end face, bottom face to end face,
side face to end face, etc.) 51, 52, 53, and/or 54 can be sharp,
perpendicular, notched, angled, beveled, chamfered, rounded, and/or
arced. By notching, angling, beveling, chamfering, rounding,
arcing, and/or otherwise causing edges and/or major surface
intersections 51, 52, 53, and/or 54 (e.g., by beveling (chamfering)
and/or cutting back the intersections by approximately 0.75 inches)
to transition from the longitudinally-extending major faces to the
end faces of the barriers by other than perpendicular
intersections, interconnected barriers 10 can have greater freedom
to be positioned at an angle with respect to each other's
longitudinal axis as measured in a substantially vertical plane
without substantial compromise of the strength and/or
crash-worthiness of barrier 10.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a plan cross-sectional view taken at section A-A
of FIG. 1B. As shown edges and/or major face intersections (e.g.,
right side surface to end surface, left side surface to end
surface, top face to end face, etc.) 56, 57, 58, and/or 59 can be
sharp, perpendicular, notched, angled, beveled, chamfered, rounded,
and/or arced. By notching, angling, beveling, chamfering, rounding,
arcing, and/or otherwise causing edges and/or major face
intersections 56, 57, 58, and/or 59 to transition from the side
and/or longitudinally extending major surfaces to the end surfaces
of the barriers by other than simple perpendicular intersections,
interconnected barriers can have greater freedom to be positioned
at an angle with respect to each other's longitudinal axis as
measured in a substantially horizontal plane.
[0023] FIGS. 5A and 5B show the details of an exemplary embodiment
of the male interlocking structure 12 comprising web 20 and flange
22, respectively. In certain exemplary embodiments, web 20 can have
the form of a substantially rectangular plate that can extend
substantially vertically for approximately 6 inches to
approximately 18 inches, including all values (e.g., approximately
7.5, 8, 10, 12, 13.75, 15, etc. inches) and subranges therebetween,
and/or can extend substantially longitudinally from an end face of
barrier 10 by approximately 2 inches to approximately 8 inches,
including all values (e.g., approximately 2.5, 3, 3.75, 5.543, 6,
7.25, etc., inches) and subranges therebetween. Flange 22 can have
the form of a substantially rectangular plate that can: be
positioned substantially orthogonally to web 20, extend along any
portion of the substantially vertical length of web 20, and/or have
a width of approximately 1 inch to approximately 3 inches,
including all values (e.g., approximately 1.364, 1.75, 2, 2.5,
etc., inches) and subranges therebetween. In certain exemplary
embodiments, web 20 can be welded to flange 22 to form a "T" shape
(although the combination can be cast, forged, and/or otherwise
machined in one substantially monolithic piece).
[0024] Welded to web 20 can be a number of anchoring bars 24 that
can serve to aid in anchoring web 20 in the end of concrete barrier
10. Reinforcing bars 24 can be, for example, number 6 A706 rebar.
In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the rebar can
measure from approximately 2 feet to approximately 5 feet in
length, including all values (e.g., 2.5, 2.78, 3, 3.777, 4, etc.,
feet) and subranges therebetween, and/or can be welded to the web
20 where it is in contact therewith. Web 20 and/or flange 22 can
measure approximately one-half inch thick and/or can be standard
steel, e.g., A36 (FYE close 36 ksi), structural steel, and/or high
strength structural steel, e.g., A500 (FYE close 39 ksi).
[0025] Referencing FIGS. 6A and 6B, female interlocking structure
14 can be a tube 26 which can have any desired cross-sectional
shape (e.g., triangular, square, rhomboid, rectangular, hexagonal,
round, etc.), can be constructed of structural steel, can measure,
for example, approximately one-half inch thick and approximately 4
inches square, can extend for a predetermined portion of the height
of the barrier, and/or can be positioned in a predetermined
position with respect to the height of the barrier (e.g.,
substantially centered, offset by approximately 2 inches from
center, raised approximately 10 inches from the bottom surface of
the barrier, etc.). The longitudinal axis of tube 26 can be
substantially orthogonal with the longitudinally extending
direction of the barrier. Substantially parallel with the
longitudinally extending direction of the barrier and/or affixed
and/or welded to the sides of the substantially vertically oriented
tube 26 can be sections of anchoring bars 28, which can be
approximately 2 feet in length. Anchoring bars 28 can serve to
anchor tube 26 in the reinforced concrete of the median barrier. In
the portion of tube 26 external to the concrete material of median
barrier 10 can be a vertically extending slot 30 that can have a
width greater than the thickness of web 20, such as approximately 1
inch. The edges of tube 26 defined by slot 30 can be perpendicular,
angled, beveled, chamfered, arced, rounded, etc.
[0026] In certain exemplary embodiments, flange 22 can be in the
form of a steel structural tube having smaller outside longitudinal
cross-sectional dimension(s) than the inside longitudinal
cross-sectional dimension(s) of tube 26. For example, if tube 26
has a circular longitudinal cross-section with an inner diameter of
4 inches, flange 22 can also have a circular longitudinal
cross-section, but with an outer diameter of less than 4 inches, so
that flange 22 is free to move longitudinally with respect to tube
26. As another example, if tube 26 has a square longitudinal
cross-section with an inner dimensions of 3 inches by 3 inches,
flange 22 can also have a square longitudinal cross-section, but
with outer dimensions of less than 3 inches, so that flange 22 is
free to move longitudinally with respect to tube 26. The
intersection of web 20 with flange 22 would likely form a
cross-sectional shape of other than a "T" shape in such
embodiments. Nevertheless, because the width of slot 30 can be less
than the dimension of flange 22 measured in the same direction,
relative non-longitudinal movement between the flange and tube of
two interlocked barriers would be substantially limited,
effectively making the two barriers substantially inseparable in
response to vehicular impact.
[0027] FIG. 7 is a plan view of an exemplary group of
interconnected exemplary barriers 72, 74, and 76, and shows that
such barriers can form a curve in a substantially horizontal plane,
that curve having, for example, a minimum radius of approximately
50 feet to infinity, including all values (e.g., 63.7, 85, 102.33,
125, 160, 200, 400, 800, etc.), and subranges therebetween, when
measured to the innermost surface (or outermost surface if desired)
of the barriers with respect to an axis of the curve. Thus, any
adjacent pair of such barriers can form an angle with respect to
each other's longitudinal axis, as measured in a substantially
horizontal plane, of approximately 0 to approximately 15 degrees,
which is equivalent to approximately 0 to approximately 16.7
percent, including all values (e.g., approximately 5, 6.1, 7.5,
8.04, 10, 12.5, etc., degrees, and/or approximately 5.6, 6.5274,
8.5, 9, 11.25, 14, etc., percent) and subranges (e.g., between 3.1
and 7.94 degrees, 5 degrees to 10 percent, at least 5 degrees,
greater than 6 percent, etc.) therebetween.
[0028] FIG. 8 is a side view of an exemplary group of
interconnected exemplary barriers 82, 84, and 86, and shows that
such barriers can accommodate a grade change (.DELTA.) in a
substantially vertical plane, that grade change having an angle
measuring approximately 0 degrees to approximately 4 degrees. Thus,
any adjacent pair of such barriers can form an angle with respect
to each other's longitudinal axis, as measured in a substantially
vertical plane, of approximately 0 to approximately 4 degrees,
which is equivalent to approximately 0 to approximately 4.5
percent, including all values and subranges therebetween, such as
2.75 degrees, 3.8 percent, greater than 3 degrees, etc.
[0029] For any substantially identical pair of interconnected
barriers, the maximum possible degree (or percent) of the angle
between the longitudinal axes of those barriers' bodies can be
affected by any combination of: [0030] the primary materials,
properties, and/or dimensions of barrier 10 and/or its components;
[0031] how far web 20 extends from the end face of barrier 10
(i.e., the longitudinally-extending width of web 20); [0032] the
dimensions, thickness, and/or height of web 20 and/or flange 22;
[0033] the position of web 20 and/or flange 22 with respect to the
major faces of barrier 10; [0034] the dimensions, thickness,
height, and/or position of tube 26; [0035] the dimensions and/or
position of the slot and/or space defined by tube 20 in which web
20 and/or flange 22 can move; [0036] the dimensions, position,
and/or distance of male interlocking structure and/or female
interlocking structure with respect to one or more
longitudinally-extending major faces of barrier 10; and/or [0037]
the technique via which, one or more longitudinally-extending major
faces transitions to one or both end faces of barrier 10 and/or the
degree to which the otherwise perpendicular intersections of such
faces are angled, beveled, notched, arced, rounded, trimmed,
cutback, removed, and/or smoothed, etc.; [0038] etc.
[0039] In certain exemplary embodiments, interconnecting bars
and/or anchor bars can be mechanically connected, e.g., through
U-shaped bolts and/or extending through holes in the structural
tube and/or web to aid in connecting the interlocking components to
their respective ends of the pre-cast concrete median barrier. In
certain exemplary embodiments, different numbers of interconnecting
bars and/or anchor bars and/or different sizes of bars can be used
to maintain a secure connection between the interlocking structures
and their respective barriers.
[0040] In certain exemplary embodiments, different arrangements of
webs and/or flanges can be used as long as the web can be inserted
vertically into the slots of the female interlocking structure and
the flange is wider than the slot so as to prevent disengagement in
any direction other than a substantially vertical direction.
[0041] Median barriers constructed in accordance with certain
exemplary embodiments disclosed herein have met or exceeded, in
independent crash tests, the Federal Highway Administration
standards for median barriers and in particular the American
Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)
Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH) Test Level-3 (TL-3).
These tests confirm that certain exemplary interlocked barriers did
not separate and/or become disengaged even though impacted by a
2.205 ton pickup traveling at 63.3 miles per hour at a 25.66
incidence angle with the barrier.
[0042] Federal Highway Administration approval of a barrier in
accordance with certain exemplary embodiments was granted on 17
Jul. 2009.
[0043] Thus, certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system,
machine, device, and/or manufacture comprising, and/or a method for
creating and/or using, a traffic separating median barrier
comprising: [0044] a barrier body comprised of an elongated
concrete material, said barrier body defined by a substantially
uniform cross section along a longitudinally extending direction,
said barrier body defining a body length extending along said
longitudinally extending direction, a body width orthogonal to said
body length, and a body height orthogonal to said body length and
said body width, said barrier body terminating in a first barrier
end region and a second barrier end region, said first barrier end
region comprising a female interlocking structure attached to said
barrier body, said second barrier end region comprising a male
interlocking structure attached to said barrier body, said female
interlocking structure adapted to interlock with said male
interlocking structure; [0045] said female interlocking structure
comprising a substantially open-ended tube having a longitudinal
axis extending substantially parallel to said body height, said
tube defining a slot having a slot width substantially parallel to
said body width and having a slot height substantially parallel to
said body height; and [0046] said male interlocking structure
comprising a web having a web thickness extending substantially
parallel to said slot width and measuring less than said slot
width, said web extending from said barrier end in a direction
parallel to said body length and attached to a flange having a
longitudinal axis extending substantially parallel to a
longitudinal axis of said web and a major surface extending
substantially perpendicular to a major surface of said web, said
flange having a flange width greater than said slot width; [0047] a
plurality of interconnecting rods, each of said interconnecting
rods connected to each of said interlocking structures and
extending longitudinally through said barrier body; [0048] a first
plurality of interlock anchor rods, each of said first plurality of
interlock anchor rods interconnecting with one of said interlocking
structures and extending in said longitudinally extending direction
a distance of at least 40 diameters of said interconnecting rods;
and/or [0049] a first plurality of interlock anchor rods, each of
said first plurality of interlock anchor rods extending in said
longitudinally extending direction, interconnecting with one of
said interlocking structures, and overlapping an adjacent one of
said interconnecting rods by a distance of at least 40 diameters of
said interconnecting rods; [0050] wherein: [0051] for any
substantially identical pair of said barriers, a longitudinal axis
of a barrier body of a first barrier from said pair is capable of
being angled horizontally by at least 6 degrees, or vertically by
at least 3 degrees, with respect to a longitudinal axis of a
barrier body of a second adjacent barrier from said pair when a
male interlocking structure of said first barrier is interlocked
with a female interlocking structure of said second barrier by a
web of said first barrier extending through a slot of said second
barrier and a flange of said first barrier located within a metal
tube of said second barrier; [0052] said concrete material is
precast concrete; [0053] said concrete material is reinforced
precast concrete; [0054] said tube is at least partially embedded
in said concrete material; [0055] said web and said flange
interconnect to form a T-shaped cross-section; [0056] said web
height is substantially equivalent to said slot height; [0057] said
male interlocking structure is comprised of metal and said female
interlocking structure is comprised of metal; [0058] said male
interlocking structure extends less than 18 inches in a direction
parallel to said body height; [0059] said female interlocking
structure extends less than 18 inches in a direction parallel to
said body height; [0060] each of said barrier end regions comprises
an end face that transitions to a longitudinal face, a top face,
and a bottom face of said barrier via a plurality of chamfers;
[0061] each of said barrier end regions comprises an end face that
transitions to a longitudinal face, a top face, or a bottom face of
said barrier via a corresponding chamfer; [0062] each of said
barrier end regions comprises an end face that transitions to a
longitudinal face, top face, or bottom face of said barrier via a
corresponding substantially beveled edge; [0063] each of said
barrier end regions comprises an end face that transitions to a
longitudinal face, top face, or bottom face of said barrier via a
corresponding substantially rounded edge; [0064] said first barrier
is incapable of separation from said second barrier when
interlocked therewith and subjected to a vehicle impact load
sufficient to otherwise move said first barrier when not
interlocked with said second barrier; [0065] said barrier is
adapted to satisfy all current crash test requirements of the
United States Federal Highway Administration (FHWA); and/or [0066]
said barrier is adapted to satisfy all current crash test
requirements of the American Association of State Highway and
Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Manual for Assessing Safety
Hardware (MASH) Test Level-3 (TL-3).
Definitions
[0067] When the following terms are used substantively herein, the
accompanying definitions apply. These terms and definitions are
presented without prejudice, and, consistent with the application,
the right to redefine these terms via amendment during the
prosecution of this application or any application claiming
priority hereto is reserved. For the purpose of interpreting a
claim of any patent that claims priority hereto, each definition in
that patent functions as a clear and unambiguous disavowal of the
subject matter outside of that definition. [0068] a--at least one.
[0069] activity--an action, act, step, and/or process or portion
thereof. [0070] adapted--suitable, fit, and/or capable of
performing a specified function. [0071] adjacent--close to; lying
near; next to; adjoining, and/or within a horizontal radius of
approximately 0.5 to approximately 6 inches of, including all
values and subranges therebetween. [0072] all--every. [0073]
anchor--(v) to hold, fix, and/or secure; (n) a device adapted to
hold, fix, and/or secure another. [0074] and/or--either in
conjunction with or in alternative to. [0075] angled--forming or
set at an angle [0076] apparatus--an appliance or device for a
particular purpose [0077] associate--to join, connect together,
and/or relate. [0078] at least--not less than. [0079] attach--to
fasten, secure, couple, and/or join. [0080] axis--a straight line
about which a body or geometric object rotates or can be conceived
to rotate and/or a center line to which parts of a structure or
body can be referred. [0081] barrier--a structure that impedes
and/or obstructs free movement. [0082] beveled edge--an edge of a
structure that is not perpendicular (but instead often at 45
degrees) to the faces of the structure. [0083] body--a main and/or
central part. [0084] bottom--a lowermost point. [0085] can--is
capable of, in at least some embodiments. [0086] capable--having
the requisite structural qualities for. [0087] cause--to bring
about, provoke, precipitate, produce, elicit, be the reason for,
result in, and/or effect. [0088] chamfer--(n) a beveled edge
connecting two perpendicular surfaces; (v) to cut a bevel on and/or
shape to a bevel. [0089] comprised--included in; a part of. [0090]
comprising--including but not limited to. [0091] concrete--a hard,
strong construction material comprising sand, conglomerate gravel,
pebbles, broken stone, or slag, in a mortar or cement matrix.
[0092] configure--to make suitable or fit for a specific use or
situation. [0093] connect--to join or fasten together. [0094]
connected--physically linked. [0095] containing--including but not
limited to. [0096] convert--to transform, adapt, and/or change.
[0097] corresponding--related, assoicated, accompanying, similar in
purpose and/or position, conforming in every respect, and/or
equivalent and/or agreeing in amount, quantity, magnitude, quality,
and/or degree. [0098] coupleable--capable of being joined,
connected, and/or linked together. [0099] coupling--linking in some
fashion. [0100] crash test--a form of destructive testing involving
vehicular impact that is usually performed to ensure compliance
with safe design standards. [0101] create--to bring into being.
[0102] cross-section--a section formed by a plane cutting through
an object at a right angle to an axis. [0103]
current--contemporaneous to the present time (i.e., as of the
effective filing date of the relevant priority patent application).
[0104] define--to establish the outline, form, and/or structure of.
[0105] degree--a measure of arcs and plane angles and representing
1/360 of a full rotation. [0106] device--a machine, manufacture,
and/or collection thereof. [0107] diameter--a thickness of an
elliptical object. [0108] direction--a spatial relation between
something and a course along which it points and/or moves; a
distance independent relationship between two points in space that
specifies the position of either with respect to the other; and/or
a relationship by which the alignment and/or orientation of any
position with respect to any other position is established. [0109]
distance--a measure of physical and/or logical separation. [0110]
each--every one of a group considered individually. [0111] edge--an
often sharp intersection of two, often substantially planar,
surfaces. [0112] elongated--drawn out, made spatially longer,
and/or having more length than width. [0113] embed--to implant,
fix, and/or set securely and/or deeply. [0114] end--an extremity
and its vicinity of something that has length; a terminus. [0115]
end region--a portion in the vicinity of an terminus. [0116]
equivalent--the same as, equal to. [0117] extend--to reach
spatially outward, stretch, cover, and/or span. [0118]
extending--existing, located, placed, and/or stretched lengthwise.
[0119] face--a significant and/or prominent surface of an object.
[0120] female--a structure adapted to receive an corresponding
extending structure. [0121] flange--a protruding rim, edge, rib,
collar, tube, etc. [0122] form--to create. [0123] from--used to
indicate a source. [0124] further--in addition. [0125] generate--to
create, produce, give rise to, and/or bring into existence. [0126]
greater--larger and/or more than. [0127] having--including but not
limited to. [0128] height--a measurement of the extent of something
along an, often substantially vertical, dimension. [0129]
horizontal--parallel to and/or in the plane of the horizon. [0130]
identical--alike and/or very similar. [0131] impact--to have an
effect and/or influence on. [0132] incapable--not capable. [0133]
inch--a unit of length equal to one twelfth of a foot. [0134]
including--including but not limited to. [0135] initialize--to
prepare something for use and/or some future event. [0136]
install--to connect or set in position and prepare for use. [0137]
interconnect--to connect to one another. [0138] interlock--to unite
or join closely so as to substantially restrict and/or prevent
relative movement therebetween in at least one direction. [0139]
length--a longest dimension of something and/or the measurement of
the extent of something along its greatest dimension. [0140] less
than--having a measurably smaller magnitude and/or degree as
compared to something else. [0141] load--a substantial force.
[0142] located--situated in a particular spot and/or position.
[0143] longitudinal--of and/or relating to a length; placed and/or
running lengthwise. [0144] longitudinal axis--a straight line
defined parallel to an object's length and passing through a
centroid of the object. [0145] major--relatively great in size or
extent. [0146] male--a structure adapted to extend and to be
received by a corresponding female structure. [0147] material--a
substance and/or composition. [0148] may--is allowed and/or
permitted to, in at least some embodiments. [0149] measure--(n) a
quantity ascertained by comparison with a standard. (v) to
physically sense, and/or determine a value and/or quantity of
something relative to a standard. [0150] metal--any of a category
of electropositive elements that usually have a shiny surface, are
generally good conductors of heat and electricity, and can be
melted or fused, hammered into thin sheets, or drawn into wires.
[0151] method--one or more acts that are performed upon subject
matter to be transformed to a different state or thing and/or are
tied to a particular apparatus, said one or more acts not a
fundamental principal and not pre-empting all uses of a fundamental
principal. [0152] move--to change a position and/or place. [0153]
not--a negation of something. [0154] open--not closed. [0155]
orthogonal--perpendicular. [0156] overlap--to extend over and cover
a part of. [0157] pair--a quantity of two of something. [0158]
parallel--of, relating to, or designating lines, curves, planes,
and/or or surfaces everywhere equidistant and/or an arrangement of
components in an electrical circuit that splits an electrical
current into two or more paths. [0159] partially--to a degree, but
not necessarily totally. [0160] perpendicular--intersecting at
and/or forming a substantially right angle. [0161] plurality--the
state of being plural and/or more than one. [0162] precast--molded
and/or cast at a prior time. [0163] predetermined--established in
advance. [0164] project--to calculate, estimate, or predict. [0165]
provide--to furnish, supply, give, and/or make available. [0166]
receive--to get, take, acquire, and/or obtain. [0167] recommend--to
suggest, praise, commend, and/or endorse. [0168]
rectangular--defined by four substantially right angles. [0169]
reinforce--to give added strength and/or support. [0170]
request--to express a desire for and/or ask for. [0171]
requirement--a documented necessity, mandatory specification,
and/or prerequisite condition. [0172] rod--an elongated structure
having a cross-section taken perpendicular to its longitudinal axis
that is substantially elliptical and/or circular shaped. [0173]
rounded--having a surface that is curved, arced, and/or not flat.
[0174] satisfy--to fulfill, carry out, effect, and/or complete.
[0175] select--to make a choice or selection from alternatives.
[0176] separate--(n) distinct; (v) to disunite, space, set, or keep
apart and/or to be positioned intermediate to. [0177]
separation--removal, disengagement, and/or substantial
displacement. [0178] set--a related plurality. [0179] slot--a
narrow opening and/or aperture; and/or an opening having a longer
length than a width of the opening. [0180] structure--a device.
[0181] substantially--to a considerable, large, and/or great, but
not necessarily whole and/or entire, extent and/or degree. [0182]
sufficient--to a degree necessary to achieve a predetermined
result. [0183] support--to bear the weight of, especially from
below. [0184] surface--the outer boundary of an object and/or a
material layer constituting and/or resembling such a boundary.
[0185] system--a collection of mechanisms, devices, machines,
articles of manufacture, processes, data, and/or instructions, the
collection designed to perform one or more specific functions.
[0186] terminate--to end. [0187] thickness--a dimension through an
object. [0188] through--in one side and out the opposite or another
side of, across, among, and/or between. [0189] top--an uppermost
point. [0190] traffic--a flow of vehicles and/or pedestrians.
[0191] traffic separating median--a strip and/or space that
divides, segregates, and/or sets apart opposing lanes of vehicles
and/or pedestrians. [0192] transform--to change in measurable:
form, appearance, nature, and/or character. [0193] transition--to
pass, change, convert, and/or transform from one place and/or state
to another. [0194] T-shaped--shaped to resemble the upper case
letter T. [0195] tube--an elongate member having a longitudinal
axis and defining a longitudinal cross-section resembling any
substantially closed shape such as, for example, a circle, a
non-circle such as an oval (which generally can include a shape
that is substantially in the form of an obround, ellipse, limacon,
cardioid, cartesian oval, and/or Cassini oval, etc), and/or a
polygon such as a triangle, rectangle, square, parallelogram,
rhomboid, pentagon, hexagon, the shape of the letter "D", the shape
of the letter "P", etc. Thus, a right circular cylinder is one form
of a tube, an elliptic cylinder is another form of a tube having an
elliptical longitudinal cross-section, and a generalized cylinder
is yet another form of a tube. [0196] uniform--non-varying. [0197]
vehicle--any type of land surface mobile transport, such as a car,
motorcycle, truck, trailer, bus, tram, scooter, bicycle, ATV, golf
cart, unmanned vehicle, robot, taxiing airplane, etc. [0198]
vertical--substantially perpendicular to horizontal. [0199] via--by
way of and/or utilizing. [0200] web--a substantially rectangular
plate. [0201] when--at a time. [0202] wherein--in regard to which;
and; and/or in addition to. [0203] width--a measurement of the
extent of something along an, often substantially horizontal,
dimension. [0204] with respect to--in relation to. [0205]
within--inside.
Note
[0206] Various substantially and specifically practical and useful
exemplary embodiments of the claimed subject matter, are described
herein, textually and/or graphically, including the best mode, if
any, known to the inventors for carrying out the claimed subject
matter. Variations (e.g., modifications and/or enhancements) of one
or more embodiments described herein might become apparent to those
of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this application. The
inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as
appropriate, and the inventors intend for the claimed subject
matter to be practiced other than as specifically described herein.
Accordingly, as permitted by law, the claimed subject matter
includes and covers all equivalents of the claimed subject matter
and all improvements to the claimed subject matter. Moreover, every
combination of the above described elements, activities, and all
possible variations thereof are encompassed by the claimed subject
matter unless otherwise clearly indicated herein, clearly and
specifically disclaimed, or otherwise clearly contradicted by
context.
[0207] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language
(e.g., "such as") provided herein, is intended merely to better
illuminate one or more embodiments and does not pose a limitation
on the scope of any claimed subject matter unless otherwise stated.
No language in the specification should be construed as indicating
any non-claimed subject matter as essential to the practice of the
claimed subject matter.
[0208] Thus, regardless of the content of any portion (e.g., title,
field, background, summary, description, abstract, drawing figure,
etc.) of this application, unless clearly specified to the
contrary, such as via explicit definition, assertion, or argument,
or clearly contradicted by context, with respect to any claim,
whether of this application and/or any claim of any application
claiming priority hereto, and whether originally presented or
otherwise: [0209] there is no requirement for the inclusion of any
particular described or illustrated characteristic, function,
activity, or element, any particular sequence of activities, or any
particular interrelationship of elements; [0210] no characteristic,
function, activity, or element is "essential"; [0211] any elements
can be integrated, segregated, and/or duplicated; [0212] any
activity can be repeated, any activity can be performed by multiple
entities, and/or any activity can be performed in multiple
jurisdictions; and [0213] any activity or element can be
specifically excluded, the sequence of activities can vary, and/or
the interrelationship of elements can vary.
[0214] The use of the terms "a", "an", "said", "the", and/or
similar referents in the context of describing various embodiments
(especially in the context of the following claims) are to be
construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless
otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The
terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" are to
be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not
limited to,") unless otherwise noted.
[0215] Moreover, when any number or range is described herein,
unless clearly stated otherwise, that number or range is
approximate. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely
intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually
to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise
indicated herein, and each separate value and each separate
subrange defined by such separate values is incorporated into the
specification as if it were individually recited herein. For
example, if a range of 1 to 10 is described, that range includes
all values therebetween, such as for example, 1.1, 2.5, 3.335, 5,
6.179, 8.9999, etc., and includes all subranges therebetween, such
as for example, 1 to 3.65, 2.8 to 8.14, 1.93 to 9, etc.
[0216] When any claim element is followed by a drawing element
number, that drawing element number is exemplary and non-limiting
on claim scope. No claim of this application is intended to invoke
paragraph six of 35 USC 112 unless the precise phrase "means for"
is followed by a gerund.
[0217] Any information in any material (e.g., a United States
patent, United States patent application, book, article, etc.) that
has been incorporated by reference herein, is only incorporated by
reference to the extent that no conflict exists between such
information and the other statements and drawings set forth herein.
In the event of such conflict, including a conflict that would
render invalid any claim herein or seeking priority hereto, then
any such conflicting information in such material is specifically
not incorporated by reference herein.
[0218] Accordingly, every portion (e.g., title, field, background,
summary, description, abstract, drawing figure, etc.) of this
application, other than the claims themselves, is to be regarded as
illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive, and the scope of
subject matter protected by any patent that issues based on this
application is defined only by the claims of that patent.
* * * * *