U.S. patent application number 14/216299 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-18 for modular travel warning strip system and methods.
This patent application is currently assigned to TrafFix Devices, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is TrafFix Devices, Inc.. Invention is credited to Jack H. Kulp, Geoffrey B. Maus, Jeremy Smith.
Application Number | 20140270942 14/216299 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51527587 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140270942 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Smith; Jeremy ; et
al. |
September 18, 2014 |
MODULAR TRAVEL WARNING STRIP SYSTEM AND METHODS
Abstract
A modular highway warning strip system which comprises a modular
warning strip segment having first and second ends, a length
extending between the first and second ends, two opposing
lengthwise sides, a width extending between the opposing lengthwise
sides of the segment, top and bottom surfaces, and a thickness.
Each of the first and second ends comprise at least one male
protrusion and at least one female receptacle, wherein the at least
one male protrusion is configured to engage the at least one female
receptacle for joining a plurality of the segments together
end-to-end. Advantageously, a plurality of metallic cables are
molded into the molded rubber segment and extend along
substantially the entire length thereof. One of the metallic cables
extends into each of the male protrusions. The cables are
preferably formed of corrosion-resistant steel, and preferably are
joined together to form a cable mat. The mat is molded into the
segment, which segment is molded of rubber.
Inventors: |
Smith; Jeremy; (San
Clemente, CA) ; Maus; Geoffrey B.; (Mission Viejo,
CA) ; Kulp; Jack H.; (Dana Point, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
TrafFix Devices, Inc. |
San Clemente |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
TrafFix Devices, Inc.
San Clemente
CA
|
Family ID: |
51527587 |
Appl. No.: |
14/216299 |
Filed: |
March 17, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61789396 |
Mar 15, 2013 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
404/15 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E01F 9/529 20160201 |
Class at
Publication: |
404/15 |
International
Class: |
E01F 9/047 20060101
E01F009/047 |
Claims
1. A modular highway warning strip system comprising: a modular
warning strip segment having first and second ends, a length
extending between said first and second ends, two opposing
lengthwise sides, a width extending between the opposing lengthwise
sides of the segment, top and bottom surfaces, and a thickness;
each of said first and second ends comprising at least one male
protrusion and at least one female receptacle, wherein the at least
one male protrusion is configured to engage the at least one female
receptacle; each male protrusion being located along the width of
the segment so that it aligns with a widthwise location of a
corresponding female receptacle on the opposing end of the segment;
wherein two of said segments may be joined end-to-end in a flush
manner by engaging each of the male protrusions on each of the two
adjoining segment ends with aligned corresponding female
receptacles on the other of the two adjoining segment ends.
2. The modular highway warning strip system as recited in claim 1,
and further comprising a handle formed in said segment, the handle
comprising an opening through the thickness of the segment, open on
both the top and bottom surfaces thereof, and large enough to
accommodate a gloved adult hand.
3. The modular highway warning strip system as recited in claim 1,
wherein each of the opposing lengthwise sides comprise ramps,
wherein the top surface of the segment slopes downwardly to the
outside edge thereof so that the edge of the segment has a smaller
thickness than a center portion of the segment.
4. The modular highway warning strip system as recited in claim 3,
wherein the ramps are sloped downwardly at an angle of
approximately 15 degrees.
5. The modular highway warning strip system as recited in claim 1,
wherein adjacent ones of said segments may be adjoined in an offset
relationship by engaging a male protrusion on one end of a first
segment into a non-aligned female receptacle on the adjoining end
of a second segment, wherein after said engagement the respective
segments are joined in a flush manner, but with offset respective
widths, so that a length of the two joined segments is
substantially exactly twice the length of a single segment, but a
width of the two joined segments is substantially greater than the
width of a single one of the segments.
6. The modular highway warning strip system as recited in claim 1,
wherein the width of the two joined segments is at least about a
third greater than the width of one of the segments.
7. The modular highway warning strip system as recited in claim 5,
wherein the width of the two joined segments is about five inches
greater than the width of one of the segments.
8. The modular highway warning strip system as recited in claim 1,
and further comprising at least one stacking lug on the top surface
of the segment, and a corresponding stacking recess for flushly
receiving a stacking lug on the bottom surface of the segment.
9. The modular highway warning strip system as recited in claim 1,
wherein the segment is molded in a sandwich construction,
comprising a top layer of colored vulcanizable rubber, a bottom
layer of colored vulcanizable rubber, and a middle core layer of
black vulcanizable rubber.
10. The modular highway warning strip system as recited in claim 1,
and further comprising a plurality of metallic cables molded into
the segment and extending along substantially the entire length
thereof.
11. The modular highway warning strip system as recited in claim
10, wherein one of said metallic cables extends into each of said
male protrusions.
12. The modular highway warning strip system as recited in claim
10, wherein the cables are formed of corrosion-resistant steel.
13. The modular highway warning strip system as recited in claim
10, wherein the cables are joined together to form a cable mat,
said mat being molded into the segment, which segment is molded of
rubber.
14. A modular highway warning strip system comprising: a modular
warning strip segment having first and second ends, a length
extending between said first and second ends, two opposing
lengthwise sides, a width extending between the opposing lengthwise
sides of the segment, top and bottom surfaces, and a thickness;
each of said first and second ends comprising at least one male
protrusion and at least one female receptacle, wherein the at least
one male protrusion is configured to engage the at least one female
receptacle for joining a plurality of said segments together
end-to-end; and a plurality of metallic cables molded into the
segment and extending along substantially the entire length
thereof.
15. The modular highway warning strip system as recited in claim
14, wherein one of said metallic cables extends into each of said
male protrusions.
16. The modular highway warning strip system as recited in claim
14, wherein the cables are formed of corrosion-resistant steel.
17. The modular highway warning strip system as recited in claim
14, wherein the cables are joined together to form a cable mat,
said mat being molded into the segment, which segment is molded of
rubber.
18. The modular highway warning strip system as recited in claim
14, wherein adjacent ones of said segments may be adjoined in an
offset relationship by engaging a male protrusion on one end of a
first segment into a non-aligned female receptacle on the adjoining
end of a second segment, wherein after said engagement the
respective segments are joined in a flush manner, but with offset
respective widths, so that a length of the two joined segments is
substantially exactly twice the length of a single segment, but a
width of the two joined segments is substantially greater than the
width of a single one of the segments.
19. The modular highway warning strip system as recited in claim
18, wherein the width of the two joined segments is at least about
a third greater than the width of one of the segments.
20. The modular highway warning strip system as recited in claim
19, wherein the width of the two joined segments is about five
inches greater than the width of one of the segments.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e)
of the filing date of Provisional U.S. Application Ser. No.
61/789,396, entitled Modular Travel Warning Strip System and
Methods, filed on Mar. 15, 2013. This prior provisional application
is expressly incorporated herein by reference, in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Warning or, more popularly, rumble strips are well known in
the highway industry, particularly for high speed highway
applications in order to provide an easily detectable noise and
vibration, when driven over. They are typically used to warn
approaching drivers of a hazard ahead, such as a toll booth, the
end of a freeway, a sharp curve, or the like. Permanent rumble
strips are placed in the pavement of the roadway for such permanent
hazards as are described above. In other circumstances, where the
hazard is temporary, such as a construction zone, vehicular
accident, checkpoint, or the like, temporary rumble strips may be
useful. Such a temporary rumble strip system is disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 7,736,087 to Mettler et al., which patent is herein
expressly incorporated by reference.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The invention described herein is a portable rumble or
warning strip system which has a number of advantages compared to
prior art systems of the type. One such advantage is that the
system can be produced at a significantly lower cost, because of
improved molding techniques and the ability to utilize recycled and
lower cost rubber materials. This advantage, of course, affords a
significant environmental benefit compared to prior art products
molded of relatively expensive polyurethane. Other advantages
include greater ease of assembly and disassembly, availability in a
variety of colors, a carrying handle for ease of transport,
stacking lugs for easy stackability of multiple modules, jigsaw
style connections for maximum assembly options, and lengthwise
metallic cables to offer stability and additional weight.
[0004] More particularly, there is provided a modular highway
warning strip system which comprises a modular warning strip
segment having first and second ends, a length extending between
the first and second ends, two opposing lengthwise sides, a width
extending between the opposing lengthwise sides of the segment, top
and bottom surfaces, and a thickness. Each of the first and second
ends comprises at least one male protrusion and at least one female
receptacle, wherein the at least one male protrusion is configured
to engage the at least one female receptacle. Each male protrusion
is located along the width of the segment so that it aligns with a
widthwise location of a corresponding female receptacle on the
opposing end of the segment. Accordingly, two of the segments may
be joined end-to-end in a flush manner by engaging each of the male
protrusions on each of the two adjoining segment ends with aligned
female receptacles on the other of the two adjoining segment
ends.
[0005] A handle is preferably formed in the segment, the handle
comprising an opening through the thickness of the segment, open on
both the top and bottom surfaces thereof, and large enough to
accommodate a gloved adult hand.
[0006] Each of the opposing lengthwise sides comprise ramps,
wherein the top surface of the segment slopes downwardly to the
outside edge thereof so that the edge of the segment has a smaller
thickness than a center portion of the segment. In one embodiment,
the ramps are sloped downwardly at an angle of approximately 15
degrees.
[0007] Adjacent ones of the segments may be adjoined in an offset
relationship by engaging a male protrusion on one end of a first
segment into a non-aligned female receptacle on the adjoining end
of a second segment, wherein after the engagement, the respective
segments are joined in a flush manner, but with offset respective
widths, so that a length of the two joined segments is
substantially exactly twice the length of a single segment, but a
width of the two joined segments is substantially greater than the
width of a single one of the segments. In practice, the width of
the two joined segments is at least about a third greater than the
width of one of the segments. In one particular embodiment, wherein
the width of a single segment is about 12 inches, the width of the
two joined segments is about five inches greater than the width of
one of the segments.
[0008] At least one stacking lug may be disposed on the top surface
of the segment, and a corresponding stacking recess for flushly
receiving a stacking lug may be disposed on the bottom surface of
the segment.
[0009] The segment is typically molded of rubber. In some
embodiments, it may be molded in a sandwich construction,
comprising a top layer of colored vulcanizable rubber, a bottom
layer of colored vulcanizable rubber, and a middle core layer of
black vulcanizable rubber.
[0010] Advantageously, the system further comprises a plurality of
metallic cables molded into the segment and extending along
substantially the entire length thereof. One of the cables extends
into each of the male protrusions to provide support and stiffness
to ensure a secure engagement with the adjoining segment. The
cables are preferably formed of corrosion-resistant steel.
Additionally, the cables are joined together to form a cable mat.
The mat is molded into the segment, which segment is molded of
rubber.
[0011] In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a
modular highway warning strip system which comprises a modular
warning strip segment having first and second ends, a length
extending between the first and second ends, two opposing
lengthwise sides, a width extending between the opposing lengthwise
sides of the segment, top and bottom surfaces, and a thickness.
Each of the first and second ends comprise at least one male
protrusion and at least one female receptacle, wherein the at least
one male protrusion is configured to engage the at least one female
receptacle for joining a plurality of the segments together
end-to-end. Advantageously, a plurality of metallic cables are
molded into the molded rubber segment and extend along
substantially the entire length thereof. One of the metallic cables
extends into each of the male protrusions. The cables are
preferably formed of corrosion-resistant steel, and preferably are
joined together to form a cable mat. The mat is molded into the
segment, which segment is molded of rubber.
[0012] Adjacent ones of the segments may be adjoined in an offset
relationship by engaging a male protrusion on one end of a first
segment into a non-aligned female receptacle on the adjoining end
of a second segment, wherein after the engagement the respective
segments are joined in a flush manner, but with offset respective
widths. Thus, a length of the two joined segments is substantially
exactly twice the length of a single segment, but a width of the
two joined segments is substantially greater than the width of a
single one of the segments. In practice, the width of the two
joined segments is at least about a third greater than the width of
one of the segments. In one particular embodiment, wherein the
width of a single segment is about 12 inches, the width of the two
joined segments is about five inches greater than the width of one
of the segments.
[0013] The invention, together with additional features and
advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the
following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying
illustrative drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a modular warning strip
segment constructed in accordance with the principles of the
invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a view similar to that of FIG. 1, wherein hidden
lines are shown in order to reveal the internal construction of the
segment;
[0016] FIG. 3 is an isometric view similar to FIGS. 1 and 2
illustrating a steel cable mat which forms a part of the inventive
warning strip segment apart from the molded segment;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a top view of the inventive modular warning strip
segment of FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a top view similar to FIG. 4, of the modular
warning segment as it is shown in FIG. 2, with hidden lines shown
for clarity;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a side view of the warning segment of FIGS. 1 and
4;
[0020] FIG. 7 is an end view of the warning segment of FIGS. 1 and
4;
[0021] FIG. 8 illustrates three modular warning segments of the
invention which have been joined together in end-to-end
fashion;
[0022] FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8 illustrating another
option for joining the modular warning segments of the invention
together in an offset relationship;
[0023] FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of the modular
warning segments of the invention which have been constructed in a
sandwich fashion for the purpose of having multiple colors;
[0024] FIG. 11 is another view of a modular warning segment of the
present invention having a sandwich construction;
[0025] FIG. 12 is yet another view of a modular warning segment of
the present invention having a sandwich construction; and
[0026] FIG. 13 is still another view of a modular warning segment
of the present invention having a sandwich construction.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] Referring now more particularly to the drawings, there is
shown in FIGS. 1-6 a modular warning strip segment or traffic
control bump 10 having a first end 12 and a second end 14, wherein
each end comprises male protrusions 16 and female receptacles 18
adapted for joining adjacent opposed ends of similar segments 10
for the purpose of configuring a desired warning strip
configuration. The segment 10 is comprised of rubber. The rubber
may be, preferably, recycled rubber. Generally, the color of the
material forming the segment is black, but other colors may be
utilized, such as orange and white, and variations, such as using
yellow portions along each lengthwise side, are within the scope of
the invention. A handle 20 is formed in the segment for convenient
transport. The handle 20 is preferably large enough to accommodate
a gloved hand. Male stacking lugs 22, with corresponding female
recesses (not shown) in the underside surface of the segment 10,
may be formed on each end, if desired, but are not required. Also,
of course, the location of the stacking lugs and corresponding
female recesses along the top and bottom surfaces of the segment 10
may vary as desired. Each lengthwise side of the segment 10
comprises a downwardly ramped portion 24, to a thinner profile
compared to the full thickness of the center portion of the
segment, to assist traversal over the segments. The bidirectional
ramp feature eliminates the issue of orientation of the segment on
the roadway. In the illustrated embodiments, the ramps 24 are
sloped at an angle of approximately 15 degrees, though that angle
may be varied if desired. Advantageously, the jigsaw ends of each
segment may also function as a handle if desired.
[0028] In one particular embodiment, the full thickness of each
segment is about 11/2 inches, and each segment 10 is about 46 to
461/2 inches in length. The width of each segment is about 12
inches in some embodiments and about 13 inches in others. Other
embodiments may employ varying thicknesses, such as about 1 inch or
about 0.75 inches. Each segment may weigh between about 24 and 40
lb. Joining three segments 10 together, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9,
will create a warning strip which covers approximately the width of
one typical roadway travel lane of 11 to 12 feet. The dimensions
discussed throughout this application are representative
only--variations are possible and even desirable, depending upon
particular application.
[0029] FIGS. 10-13 illustrate a unique alternative sandwich
construction for the segments 10 of the present invention, to
permit production of segments 10 in multiple colors. The segment 10
is made as a sandwich. As shown in FIG. 11, a thin layer 25a of
colored vulcanizable rubber is laid into a mold, after which a
layer 25b of inexpensive black vulcanizable rubber is laid on top
of the first layer. Then, a second thin layer 25c of colored
vulcanizable rubber is laid on top of the black layer. This
sandwich is then pressed and vulcanized into a finished part.
Externally, the finished part has the appearance of a solid colored
part, which the exception of the parting line 26 as shown, for
example, in FIG. 12. An advantage of this approach is that the part
is much less expensive to produce, as the black core rubber is much
less expensive. The core rubber does not need to be U.V.
stabilized, or have other expensive additives, as it is inside the
protective shell of the colored outer layers.
[0030] As noted above, FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate two exemplary
approaches for deploying the modular warning segments 10 to create
a rumble or warning strip assembly 28 or 30, respectively. In FIG.
8, the assembly 28 is merely three segments 10 joined end-to-end
using the respective male protrusions 16 and female receptacles 18,
respectively, wherein male protrusions 16 on one end of a segment
10 are inserted into corresponding female receptacles on the
opposing end of an adjacent segment 10, the female receptacles 18
being open, so that the engagement of the male protrusions 16 into
corresponding female receptacles 18 is in the fashion of the
joining together of jigsaw puzzle pieces. Accordingly, a flush
engagement of the opposing segment ends is created, as shown. On
the other hand, FIG. 9 illustrates one example of the versatility
of the inventive system, in that the segments 10 are designed for
offset joinder as well, in either offset direction, because any
male protrusion 16 is adapted for flush engagement with any female
receptacle 18. This versatility allows for the creation of warning
strip assemblies having a great number of different orientations,
thereby maximizing the functionality of the inventive system. As
shown in FIG. 9, by offsetting the connections between adjacent
segments 10, a warning strip assembly 30 has a total width of
approximately 22 inches in the illustrated example, rather than the
width of warning strip assembly 28, which is limited to the width
of a single segment 10, or about 12 inches in the illustrated
embodiment. In other words, each segment 10 is offset about 5
inches relative to adjacent segments, when joined in the
illustrated offset manner. However, the total length of the
assembly remains the same as for the FIG. 8 assembly
28--approximately 11 ft, 21/2 inches in one representative
embodiment.
[0031] Although the inventive segments 10 may simply be comprised
of molded rubber, preferably recycled rubber, or of a sandwich
construction, as shown in FIGS. 10-13, a particularly advantageous
embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3,
and 5. Applicant has discovered that it is particularly beneficial
to mold the segment 10 to include a plurality of metallic cables 32
running lengthwise within the segment. As shown in FIG. 3, these
cables 32 may be formed as a single cable mat 34, preferably formed
of corrosion-resistant steel cables 32, though the cable material
may be varied depending upon application. The mat 34 is molded
together with a molded rubber segment 36, such as vulcanized
rubber, to form the segment 10 shown in FIG. 2.
[0032] Notably, as shown, some of the cables 32a forming the cable
mat 34 have an extended length so that they extend into the male
protrusions 16 on both ends of the segment 10, once the cable mat
34 is molded into the rubber mat 36.
[0033] Advantageously, the steel cables 32, 32a running lengthwise
along the segments 10 provide added weight for each segment 10,
which allows for the use of less rubber to make the segment,
thereby saving cost and bulk. More significantly, the cables
function to substantially stiffen and strengthen the projections 16
to significantly improve the connection between adjacent segments
10, as well as strengthening the ramps 24 on each side of the
segment.
[0034] Accordingly, although an exemplary embodiment of the
invention has been shown and described, it is to be understood that
all the terms used herein are descriptive rather than limiting, and
that many changes, modifications, and substitutions may be made by
one having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the
spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *