PORTABLE PASSIVE CABLE BARRIER SYSTEM

A portable cable barrier system including end structural posts, middle structural posts, guide posts, and cables, and post connections configured to tighten and dissipate the force associated with a vehicular collision or similarly forceful impact inflicted on the cable.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to portable net barrier systems. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a passive cable barrier system with structural posts, guide posts, and lightweight cables, to improve portability of barrier systems without compromising strength.

BACKGROUND

Vehicle barriers are sometimes used to provide access point control by denying unauthorized access to roadways, facilities, and other resources. For instance, vehicle barriers may be used to control access at entrances and exits of facilities and roadways, and to restrict vehicle access to unauthorized areas, such as areas reserved for pedestrian traffic. Vehicle barriers take many forms, including net barriers, cable barriers, wedge barriers, plate barriers, gates, bollards, and others.

Vehicle barriers may be either passive or active in nature. Specifically, passive vehicle barriers are fixed in a closed position where access is continuously denied, whereas active vehicle barriers can be selectively opened and closed. Further, vehicle barriers may be permanent or portable. Permanent vehicle barriers are typically permanently affixed to the ground where they are installed, such as through cementing the barrier into position; on the other hand, portable barriers are typically not permanently coupled to the ground, and thus may be transported and installed in various locations.

There are currently a variety of issues associated with cable barriers. First, cable barriers often require large compression clamps or spelter fittings to secure cables to posts, which is both costly and heavy. Second, cable barriers often require intricate time-consuming installation, including welding work. Finally, because of their weight and intricate installation requirements, cable barriers are typically cumbersome to transport and install.

Cable barrier systems that use fewer fittings, that are easy and quick to install, and that are portable, while simultaneously not compromising the cable barrier's ability to restrict vehicle access to unauthorized areas, are therefore needed.

SUMMARY

The portable cable barrier system disclosed herein improves on cable barrier systems technology by implementing a cable barrier system that uses cable tension to withstand the force associated with vehicular collisions or similar impacts. The portable cable barrier system includes end and middle structural posts that include post connections that are configured to route a cable in different directions, such the cable is in a state of tension and the post connections dissipate force in cases of a vehicular collision or similar impact. This portable cable barrier system simplifies fittings, reduces weight, and improves both transportability and ease of installation.

In light of the disclosure herein, and without limiting the scope of the invention in any way, in a first aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, a portable cable barrier system includes at least three structural posts and at least one cable. The at least three structural posts each include a structural base and a structural arm, the structural arm is fixedly coupled to the structural base, and the structural arm includes a post connection. The cable is coupled to the at least three structural posts at the post connection. A first structural post and a second structural post of the at least three structural posts are located on different sides of a third structural post of the at least three structural posts. The at least one cable is coupled to the at least three structural posts such that the at least one cable spans from the first structural post, to the third structural post, and to the second structural post.

In a second aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the first and second structural posts further comprise end cable reinforcements.

In a third aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, each structural base further comprises a structural reinforcement.

In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the post connection comprises the cable wrapping around the structural arm at a desired height such that the cable makes at least one revolution around the structural arm, and a first end of the cable is directed in a first direction and a second end of the cable is directed in a second different direction, such that there is tension on the cable around the circumference of the structural arm.

In a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the post connection further comprises a cable retention mechanism that defines a cable receiving area on the structural arm and is configured to receive the cable at a point where the first end of the cable and second end of the cable intersect, such that the cable receiving area is configured to receive at least two portions of the cable.

In a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, a portable cable barrier system includes at least three structural posts, at least one cable, and at least one guide post. The at least three structural posts each include a structural base and a structural arm, the structural arm is fixedly coupled to the structural base, and the structural arm includes a post connection. The cable is coupled to the at least three structural posts at the post connection. The at least one post each includes a guide base and a guide arm, the guide arm is fixedly coupled to the guide base, and the guide arm includes a guide post cable retention mechanism. A first structural post and second structural post of the at least three structural posts are located on different sides of a third structural post of the at least three structural posts. The at least one guide post is located between the third of the at least three structural posts and the first or second of the at least three structural posts. The at least one cable is coupled to the at least three structural posts and at least one guide post.

In a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the first and second structural posts further comprise end cable reinforcements.

In an eight aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, each structural base further comprises a structural reinforcement.

In a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the post connection comprises the cable wrapping around the structural arm at a desired height such that the cable makes at least one revolution around the structural arm, and a first end of the cable is directed in a first direction and a second end of the cable is directed in a second different direction, such that there is tension on the cable around the structural arm.

In a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the post connection further comprises a cable retention mechanism that defines a cable receiving area on the structural arm and is configured to receive the cable at a point where the first end of the cable and second end of the cable intersect, such that the cable receiving area is configured to receive two portions of the cable.

In an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, a portable cable barrier system includes two end structural posts, at least one middle structural post, at least one cable, and at least one guide post. The end structural posts each include a structural base and a structural arm, the structural arm is fixedly coupled to the structural base, and the structural arm includes a post connection. The end structural posts also each include at least one end cable reinforcement. The at least one middle structural post each includes a structural base and a structural arm, the structural arm is fixedly coupled to the structural base, and the structural arm includes a post connection. The cable is coupled to the end structural posts and at least one middle structural post at the post connections. The at least one guide post each includes a guide base and a guide arm, the guide arm is fixedly coupled to the guide base, and the guide arm includes a guide post cable retention mechanism. The end posts are located on a first and second end, such that the at least one middle structural post and at least one guide post are located between the first and second end. The at least one cable is coupled to the end structural posts, at least one guide post, and at least one middle structural post such that the cable spans from one of the two end structural posts to another of the two end structural posts and couples to the at least one guide post and at least one middle structural post, such that the cable forms a continuous boundary from one of the two end structural posts to the other of the two end structural posts.

In a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the first and second structural posts further comprise end cable reinforcements.

In a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the structural base further comprises a structural reinforcement.

In a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the post connection on the at least one middle structural post comprises the cable wrapping around the structural arm at a desired height such that the cable makes at least one revolution around the structural arm, and a first end of the cable is directed in a first direction and a second end of the cable is directed in a second different direction, such that there is tension on the cable around the circumference of the structural arm.

In a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the post connection further comprises a cable retention mechanism that defines a cable receiving area on the structural arm and is configured to receive the cable at a point where the first end of the cable and second end of the cable intersect, such that the cable receiving area is configured to receive at two portions of the cable.

In a sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the post connection on the two end structural posts comprises the cable wrapping around the structural arm at a desired height such that the cable makes at least one revolution around the structural arm, and a first end of the cable and a second end of the cable are directed in same a direction, such that there is tension on the cable around the circumference of the structural arm.

In a seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the cable is comprised of a lightweight woven steel.

In an eighteenth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, each structural base is comprised of concrete.

In a nineteenth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the post connection is configured such that a force on the first end of the cable or second end of the cable increases tension on cable portions in contact with the structural arm, to tighten the cable about the structural arm.

In a twentieth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the guide arm is comprised of at least one of a u-channel post or a square sign post.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Barrier System Overall

With reference to the Figures,FIG.1illustrates a perspective view of a portable passive cable barrier system100, hereinafter referred to as cable barrier system100or barrier system100. Generally, the barrier system100includes structural posts105, guide posts110, and at least one cable115. InFIG.1, the barrier system100includes two cables115disposed along its length; it should be appreciated, however, that alternate embodiments can include more or fewer cables115. In an embodiment, the barrier system100has a structural post105′ on a proximal end and a structural post105″ on a distal end, so as to create “end posts”105′,105″ of the barrier system100. Interspersed at distances between the end posts105′,105″ are middle structural posts105and guide posts110. The number and order of structural posts105and guide posts110can vary in alternate embodiments. As seen inFIG.1, the cables115are secured to the top of the end posts105′,105″, middle structural posts105, and guide posts110. Notably, the cables115are secured to the posts105,110, such that each single cable115spans across system100from a one end post105′ to the other end post105″, while also securing to any interspersed middle structural posts105and guide posts110.

As further explained below, the cables115couple to the structural posts105′,105″,105via a cable retention mechanism140and to the guide posts110via a guide post cable retention mechanism114. Importantly, the cables115are coupled to the posts105′,105″,105,110so as to create tension on the cable115across the length of the barrier system100. The cables115can be coupled to the posts105,110at varying heights. For example, the cables115can be installed at car height, but also at lower or higher heights. Relatedly, the cables115are made of a durable, lightweight material, such as woven steel, and are capable of withstanding the force of a vehicular collision or large impact. It should be noted the barrier system100could be installed such that forms a straight line, but a person skilled in the art could install the barrier system100in a variety of different configurations, so that it could defines irregular boundaries like a circular or triangular area.

As seen inFIG.1, the barrier system100includes components that are installed below the ground, and components that extend above ground. Specifically, the structural posts105′,105″,105include a structural base130and structural reinforcement131, which are both subterranean, and a structural arm with a subterranean portion132aand an above-ground portion132b. Similarly, the guide posts110include a guide base111and a guide arm with a subterranean portion112aand an above-ground portion112b.

FIG.3Aillustrates a side view of a portable passive cable barrier system100. LikeFIG.1, the barrier system100inFIG.3Aincludes structural posts105and guide posts. The barrier system100, also includes two sets of cables115. The cables115couple with guide posts110at guide connections114and couple with structural posts105at post connections125. It should also be noted that the barrier system includes end cable reinforcements120at the proximal and distal structural posts105that serve as the “end posts” for the barrier system100.

FIG.2Aillustrates a side view of a portable passive cable barrier system100. UnlikeFIG.1,FIG.2Ashows an alternate embodiment that includes structural posts105′,105″,105and a single cable115, but does not include guide posts110(seen inFIG.1).

Post Connections and Guide Connections

FIG.3Billustrates a close up side view of a post connection125in a portable passive cable barrier system100. The post connection125is located on the above-ground structural arm132band includes a cable retention mechanism140. The post connection125secures the single or multiple cables115to the structural post105at the above-ground structural arm132b. During installation, the user coils or wraps the cable115around the above-ground structural arm132bsuch that a first cable end115′ points in a first direction and a second cable end115″ points in a second direction such that the first and second direction are different. The configuration of the cable115and resulting tension around the arm132bare the primary methods for maintaining the cable115at the desired height. Next, the user further secures the cable115to the arm132busing the cable retention mechanism140, as described in detail below.

Relatedly,FIG.4Billustrates a top view of a post connection125in a portable passive cable barrier system100, as configured in a middle structural post105. As seen inFIG.4B, the post connection125includes a cable115wrapped around the above-ground portion of the structural arm132bfor the structural post105′,105″,105. The cable115couples with the structural posts105′,105″,105with a cable retention mechanism140, as noted above. Further, as also previously noted, for post connections125involving middle posts105, the cable115is wrapped around the structural arm132bsuch that a first cable end115′ points in one direction towards another structural post105or a guide post110(not shown) and a second cable end115″ points in a second direction towards a different structural post105or a guide post110. The first and second directions can vary depending on the respective location of other structural105or guide posts110, and the overall shape of the boundary protected by the barrier system100. Additionally, the cable115is tightly wrapped around the above-ground portion of the structural arm132band routed to other structural posts105or guide posts110such that there is constant tension on the cable115throughout the entire barrier system100.

Similarly,FIG.3Cillustrates a close up side view of a guide connection114in a portable passive cable barrier system100. The guide connection114is located on the above-ground guide arm112band includes a cable guide mechanism116. The guide connection114secures the cables115, or single cable115in alternate embodiments, to the guide post110. During installation, the user secures the cables115on the above-ground guide arm112busing a coupler116, such as a lightweight industrial staple. It should be noted that the guide posts110serve to route the cables115to the nearest structural posts105and maintain the cables115at a constant height. As such, unlike the installation in the structural posts105, the cables115in the guide connection114do not wrap or coil around the guide arm112.

Next,FIG.2Billustrates a side view of a structural post105′,105″,105. The post105′,105″,105includes a structural base130with a structural reinforcement131. The structural base130is made of a durable material, such as concrete, and includes the structural reinforcement131, such as a rebar frame. In this embodiment, the structural base130is installed underground. However, in alternate embodiments the structural base130can be installed partially above ground. Also, a person skilled in the art can modify the composition of the structural base130and/or structural reinforcement131such that it withstands the forces associated with a vehicular collision or large impact. A structural arm with a subterranean portion132aand an above-ground portion132bis coupled to the structural base130. Specifically, the structural arm subterranean portion132acouples with the structural base130. In this embodiment, when the structural base130is made by pouring wet concrete, the structural arm subterranean portion132ais inserted into the wet concrete, adjusted to a desired height, and it remains coupled to the structural base130once the concrete dries. In alternate embodiments, the wet concrete is poured and dries to create the structural base130, then a hole is drilled into the structural base130, the structural arm subterranean portion132ais inserted into the hole at a desired height, concrete is poured to fill the hole with the structural arm subterranean portion132ain it, and the structural arm subterranean portion132aremains coupled to the structural base130once the concrete dries. A person skilled in the art can modify the manner in which the structural arm subterranean portion132acouples to the structural base130. Also, the structural arm above-ground portion132band structural arm subterranean portion132aare made of a durable, light material that can withstand the force of a vehicular collision or similar impact. The structural arm above-ground portion132bincludes a cable retention mechanism140, further described below with respect to2C.

Similarly, as seen inFIG.1, the guide posts110include a guide base111and a guide arm with a subterranean portion112aand an above-ground portion112b. The guide base111is made of a durable material, like concrete. In this embodiment, the guide base111is installed underground. However, in alternate embodiments the guide base111can be installed partially above ground. A guide arm with a subterranean portion112aand an above-ground portion112bis coupled to the guide base111. Specifically, the guide arm subterranean portion112acouples with the guide base111. In this embodiment, when the guide base111is made by pouring wet concrete, the guide arm subterranean portion112ais inserted into the wet concrete, adjusted to a desired height, and it remains coupled to the guide base111once the concrete dries. In alternate embodiments, the wet concrete is poured and dries to create the guide base111, then a hole is drilled into the guide base111, the guide arm subterranean portion112ais inserted into the hole at a desired height, concrete is poured to fill the hole with the guide arm subterranean portion112ain it, and the guide arm subterranean portion112aremains coupled to the guide base111once the concrete dries. A person skilled in the art can modify the manner in which the guide arm subterranean portion112acouples to the guide base111. Also, the guide arm above-ground portion112band guide arm subterranean portion112aare made of a light material and can be, for example, a u-channel or square sign post. The guide arm above-ground portion112bincludes a guide connection114, as described above. Guide posts110are intended to direct the cables115; guide posts110are not intended to provide a structural purpose (e.g., preventing the cables115from displacing as a result of experiencing forces associated with vehicular collisions or similar impact). As such, a person skilled in the art would understand that they could modify the material and design used for the guide arm subterranean portion112aand above ground portion112baccordingly.

FIG.2Cillustrates a cable retention mechanism140. As previously noted, the cable retention mechanism140is part of the above-ground portion of the structural arm132b. The cable retention mechanism includes cable guides141, a plate143, and fasteners142. In one embodiment, the cable guides141can be integrally coupled with the structural arm132bfor example in the structural arm edge132b′. Specifically, in this embodiment, the structural arm132bis made of concrete and the cable guides141are bolts that are placed in the structural arm132bwhen the concrete is wet, such that the cable guides141extend outwardly from the structural arm edge132b′ at a desired height, and remain coupled to the structural arm132bonce the concrete dries. In an alternate embodiment, the structural arm edge132b′ includes an aperture through which one end of the cable guides141, which are bolts, passes such that the body of the bolt extends from the structural arm edge132b′ outwardly and the head of the bold remains behind the aperture such it remains engaged with the aperture on the structural arm edge132b′. The user then threads a nut around the bolt to secure it to the structural arm132b.

The cable guides141couple to the structural arm132b, such that the guides141define a receiving area144dimensioned to accommodate the width of at least two coils of a cable115wrapped around the structural arm132b. The plate143is configured to engage with the cable guides141, such that the plate lies parallel to the structural arm edge132b′ and is secured onto the cable guides141with fasteners142. As such, when the plate145is secured onto the cable guides141, it prevents the cable115from falling out of the receiving area144, and serves to secure the cable115between the cable guides141. A person skilled in the art could modify the cable guides141, plate143, and/or fasteners142to accommodate differently sized cables115, different numbers of cable coils around the structural arm132b, and to withstand the forces associated with the friction and tension resulting from the cable115receiving the force of vehicular collision or similar impact.

End Cable Reinforcements

FIG.4Aillustrates a top view of a portable passive cable barrier system100. As noted above, the barrier system100includes structural posts105and a cable115. Specifically, the barrier system100includes a distal structural post105′, a proximal structural post105″, and middle structural posts105. The distal and proximal posts105′,105″ serve as “end posts” with the middle structural posts105interspersed at intervals between them. As also previously noted, a cable115is secured to the posts105′,105″,105at a desired height. Notably, the cable115is secured to the posts105′,105″,105via post connections125. However, the end posts105′,105″ also include end cable reinforcements120.

FIG.4Cillustrates a top view of an end cable reinforcement120in a portable passive cable barrier system100. As seen inFIG.4C, the reinforcement120includes a cable115wrapped around the above-ground portion of the structural arm132bfor an end post105′,105″. The cable115couples with the end posts105′,105″ with a cable retention mechanism140, as noted above. Importantly, the cable115is wrapped around the structural arm132bsuch that both a first cable end115′ and a second cable end115″ point in the same direction towards another structural post105or a guide post110(not shown). As such, the first and second cable ends115′,115″ meet at a convergence point122. Importantly, the convergence point122is the point at which bringing the cable ends115′,115″ together maintains the tension in the cable115around the structural arm132bsuch that the cable115remains at a desired height. The cable ends115′,115″ are fixedly coupled to each other using a fixing mechanism121at the convergence point122. In this embodiment, the fixing mechanism includes nuts and bolts that can be quickly removed or replaced using, for example, an industrial drill or a ratchet and socket. As such, the fixing mechanism121does not use specialized parts or require special skills to install. Moreover, the fixing mechanism121can be replaced at a low cost, since the components of the fixing mechanism are not specially made or specific to the barrier system100. As seen inFIG.4C, the reinforcement120includes a plurality of fixing mechanisms121. A person skilled in the art can modify the number of fixing mechanisms121used, the type of fixing mechanisms121, and the material of the fixing mechanisms.121.

Vehicular Collisions & Other Forces Applied

The barrier system100, as seen inFIGS.1,2A, and3Aprimarily prevents access to restricted areas by creating a boundary around said areas. The cables115, in some embodiments singular cable115, are installed at a desired height, such as a car height, and fixed at the desired height using the tension created on the cables115by the configuration of post connections125. Moreover, in some embodiments, the barrier system includes guide posts110(as seen inFIGS.1and3A), which server to direct the cables115and help maintain the cables115at a desired height. Importantly, the barrier system100includes distal and proximal structural posts105′,105″ which include end cable reinforcements120, also help maintain tension throughout the length of the cables115.

Importantly, when a large impact force, such as a vehicular collision, is placed on the cables115, the force is transferred through the cables115and through to the post connections125. As a result of the configuration of the post connections125and the starting tension on the cables, the force is transferred to the cables115at the post connections125, such that it “locks” the cable115by further tightening the cable around the above-ground structural arm132b. As such, the section of the cables115which receives the large impact force increases in tension such that, for example, the vehicle is stopped, and other sections of the cables115receive little-to-no force from the large impact, as the force is dissipated. Additionally, because the barrier system100does not use specialized tools or welding to install, it can be set up, removed, and transported quickly. The barrier system100also does not rely on specialized parts, like custom fittings, which means it can be quickly and inexpensively fixed in situations where a component needs replacement.

It should be noted that in one embodiment, the barrier system complies with the standards in ASTM M50/P2, M50/P1 and M30/P1. However, in alternate embodiments, the barrier system complies with additional standards. While this application generally discussed the use a barrier system to restrict access to vehicles, it should be appreciated that the barrier system discussed can be used to restrict access when experiencing a large impact force, such as battering ram use or crowds.