Abstract:
A vehicular barrier post includes an upper tubular portion and a lower tubular stand-off. The upper portion is joined to a rocking base having a tubular bottom portion telescopically received in the stand-off. The upper end of a tension spring is secured to the upper body portion by a pin. The lower end of the spring is attached to a tension member, such as a chain, which passes through the stand-off so as to be received in a hole in a suitable external support. The chain is pulled past the external support and when the spring is appropriately tensioned, a locking pin is passed through the chain, preventing its reverse travel through the external support. The upper body portion is allowed to freely rock about the stand-off.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/834,384 and filing date Apr. 11, 2001 (Attorney Docket No. 64026). 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0003]    The present invention pertains to vehicle barriers and in particular to vehicle barrier posts.  
           [0004]    2. Description Of The Related Art  
           [0005]    Over the years, various devices have been used to guide vehicles along a stretch of road, particularly in areas where a vehicle operator may mix—interpret the course of the roadway due, for example to an abrupt change of direction or a temporary construction work site. Devices used in the past include guard grails, barricades of various sizes to be placed on or near the roadway surface and barrels or the like devices acting as pylons. As pointed out in recent studies culminating in NCHRP 350 guidelines, attention has been focused on roadway or roadside devices which may be inadvertently struck by vehicles traversing the roadway. Such studies are especially concerned with injuries that may result when roadside devices are inadvertently struck by moving vehicles. In general, it has been found desirable to reduce the mass of roadside devices and to alter their construction where possible to reduce or eliminate immovable fixing of the roadside devices. In response to these and other similar concerns, a number of different post constructions have been proposed, which readily deflect when impacted by a moving vehicle. In general, these posts are made to have a much smaller mass than other roadside path-guiding devices, such as barrels and barricade. A number of posts are made flexible by reason of the materials (such as resilient plastic) from which the posts are made (see, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,343,567; 4,092,081; 4,084,914 and 4,123,183). In other post constructions, deflectability is provided, in general, by segmenting the post and joining the post members using spring forces, which are readily overcome upon impact. Examples of these latter constructions may be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,106,878; 4,092,081; 5,199,814; and 4,806,046. Although these spring-loaded constructions are made to deflect upon impact and often provide automatic restoration when the impact force is removed (sometimes described as self-upriding) various improvements are being sought. For example, due to the construction of the spring-loaded devices, their response to an impact force may depend upon the direction at which the impact is made to the post. Accordingly, posts with directional response must be oriented with respect to the direction of oncoming traffic and some measure of uncertainty as to the response of the device when struck from a different direction, must be taken into account. Further improvements are sought in simplifying the construction of such devices, which usually leads to cost reduction.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0006]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle barrier post fur use in roadside applications as well as applications on a roadway surface.  
           [0007]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle barrier post of the above type which presents little or no practical resistance when impacted by a moving vehicle.  
           [0008]    A further object of the present invention is to provide a post of the above-described type which is self-restoring after the impact-force is removed.  
           [0009]    A further object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle barrier post of the above-described type which can be economically formed from a minimum number of inexpensive parts.  
           [0010]    These and other objects of the present invention are provided in a deflectable sign mounting, comprising:  
           [0011]    a tubular body, having upper and lower ends, for supporting the sign;  
           [0012]    an extension spring secured within the tubular body;  
           [0013]    a rocking base-at the lower end of the tubular body;  
           [0014]    said tubular body, said extension spring and said rocking base together comprising an upper assembly;  
           [0015]    a stand-off member defining a hollow cavity and having upper and lower ends, the upper end of the standoff adapted for rocking engagement with the rocking base;  
           [0016]    an elongated tether member having a second end secured to said deflectable sign mounting and a first end engaging said extension spring so as to hold said extension spring in tension;  
           [0017]    a device base supporting said extension spring in an extended position, the device base defining an interior opening receiving the second end of the said elongated tether member;  
           [0018]    a retainer member engaging the second end of said tether member so as to support the second end of the device base to maintain a predetermined tension in said extension spring; and  
           [0019]    the rocking base and the upper end of the stand-off cooperating such that the upper assembly rocks about the stand-off upon application of a lateral force to the tubular body at a rest position, causing a bias energy to be stored within said extension spring, biasing the rocking base toward its rest position upon removal of the dislodging force. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0020]    [0020]FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a vehicular barrier post according to principles of the present invention;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 2 is a rear cross-sectional view taken along the line  2 - 2  of FIG. 1;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 3 is a top plan view thereof;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 4 is elevational view similar to that of FIG. 1 but showing internal components in phantom; and  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 5 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the vehicular barrier post with an alternative mounting arrangement.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative mounting arrangement according to principles of the present invention;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 7 shows a fragment of FIG. 6 taken on an enlarged scale;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional pattern; and  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 9 is a fragmentary view of another mounting arrangement according to principles of the present invention.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0029]    Referring now to the drawings, and initially to FIGS.  1 - 4 , a mounting arrangement or vehicular barrier post constructed according to principles of the present invention is general indicated at  10 . Included are an upper body portion in the form of a hollow cylindrical tube  12  and a bottom body portion or tubular stand-off  14 . As indicated in FIG. 4, the bottom end  16  of stand-off  14  rests against an external support  20  having an upper surface  22 , and an opposed lower surface  24  and a hole or passageway  26 . Disposed between upper body portion  12  and stand-off  14  is a rocking base  30 , shown in cross-section in FIG. 2. The rocking base preferably comprises a first cylindrical portion  32  joined at its upper end to a circular disk  34  having an upper surface  36  and an opposed lower surface  38 . As indicated in FIGS. 1 and 4, the base portion  32  is dimensioned for telescopic insertion within the inner bore of stand-off  14 . The circular disk portion  34  of rocking base  30  has cross-sectional size greater than that of upper body portion  12  and stand-off  14 . When assembled in the manner shown in the figures, the disk portion  34  of rocking base  30  protrudes laterally beyond the sides of upper body portion  12 , disposed there above and stand-off  14  disposed there below. A coiled extension spring  46  is disposed within the inner bore of upper body portion  12  and is secured at its upper end  47  by a pin  48  which extends through upper body portion  12  (see FIG. 2). The lower end of spring  46  is secured to a flexible tension member  54 , preferably in the form of a chain. With reference to FIG. 4, the tension member  54  extends through rocking base  30  and stand-off  14  as well as passageway  26  formed in the external support  20 . The flexible tension member  54  is then pulled to store energy in spring  46 , with retraction of the spring being perverted by a locking pin  58  bearing against the underneath surface  24  of external support  20 . As a result, the body portions  12 ,  14  and  30  of post  10  are joined together to assume the upright position shown, for example, in FIGS. 1 and 4. If desired, the flexible tension member  54  could take the form of a wire cable or a spring rod. Non-metallic tension members, such as a fiberglass rod, may also be used, if desired.  
         [0030]    When impacted by a force in the direction of arrow  64 , shown in FIG. 1, upper body portion  12  is inclined, or rotated in the direction of arrow  66 , with the upper end of body portion  12  moving to the left. This applies a downward force to the left end of disk portion  34  which, initially, is free to follow movement of upper body portion  12 . Eventually, with sufficient inclination, tube portion  32  of the rocking base  30  contacts the inner wall of stand-off  14  thereby limiting further inclination of disk portion  30  depending upon the relative clearance between tube portion  32  and the inner bore of stand-off  14 . In the preferred embodiment, stand-off  14  is not affixed to the external support  20  and is free to move under the applied displacement force. However, it is generally preferred that the spring of  46  be constructed so as to yield before stand-off  14  is made to undergo substantial deflection. In its preferred operation, further bending of post  10  occurs between upper body portion  12  and rocking base  30 . In the preferred embodiment, spring  46  and the construction of tension member  54  cooperates so as to allow upper body portion  12  to undergo substantial deflection, to the point where upper body portion  12  is allowed to bend in a generally horizontal direction. Spring  46  is constructed so as to readily extend a length sufficient to allow upper body portion  12  to assume a horizontal direction. The tension member  54  is constructed so as to slide over any portions it may contact as the upper body portion  12  is allowed to “pull away” from its rest position, shown in the figures. When the distorting force indicated by arrow  64  is removed, spring  46  is allowed to resume to a position minimizing stored energy, causing tension member  54  to pull against locking pin  58 , as the upper body portion assumes an upright position.  
         [0031]    In the preferred embodiment, the upper body portion is affixed to rocking base  30  to form an integral assembly therewith. The tubular portion  32  of rocking base  30  is dimensioned so as to be freely movable within the inner bore of stand-off  14  allowing freedom of movement, throughout the full range of motion of upper body portion  12 , i.e., between the upright position as shown in the figures and an horizontally directed position, generally assumed to be full deflection. It is possible that the upper body portion  12  could undergo a further displacement, forming an acute angle with the vertical line of stand-off  14 .  
         [0032]    As mentioned above, the bottom end  16  of stand-off  14  is held against the upper surface of external support  20 . Due to the flexible mounting of upper body portion  12 , stand-off  14  could be affixed to prevent motion relative to external support. However, it is also possible to assembly post  10  with affixing the stand-off to external support  20 , especially if the spring  46  is constructed so as to allow ready expansion so as to allow most of the deflection of post  10  to occur at rocking base  30 , without substantial deflection of stand-off  14  relative to external support  20 .  
         [0033]    During deflection of upper body portion  12 , the corner  70  formed by the tubular portion  32  and disk portion  34  of rocking base  30  rides or pivots over the upper end  72  of stand-off  14 . Preferably, upper end  72  is rounded for smooth operation. If desired, the corner  70  of rocking base  30  can be filled in or rounded to assume a convex shape to more smoothly travel over the upper end  72 . As will be appreciated, the rocking movement of upper body portion  12  is made directionally independent. Further, pieces interfitting with a close tolerance fit are eliminated by the design of the present invention, thereby avoiding the negative effects associated with roadside operation, such as elevated corrosion rates associated with ocean environments and ice melting products. As will now be appreciated, the major body components of post  10 , namely the upper portion  12 , rocking base  30  and stand-off  14  can be made of plastic materials, further enhancing corrosion resistance. Of course, if desired, one or more of these components could be made from metal, or metal alloys.  
         [0034]    As mentioned, it is generally preferred that upper body portion  12  be joined to rocking base  30  to form an integral assembly, with the tubular portion  32  of the rocking base being permitted freedom of full travel within the inner bore of stand-off  14 . Although conventional limit stops could be added to either the rocking base  30 , or the stand-off  14 , or both, this would hinder the ready deflection of post  10 , when employed as a vehicular barrier device. In a different application, the upper body portion  12  can be extended so as to receive an upright sign support, and rotation limiting of a rocking base  30  may become desirable so as to limit the amount of inclination of the sign panel supported by post  10 . It is generally preferred that such sign supporting uses of post  10  be employed at locations where vehicle impact is unlikely.  
         [0035]    Reference has been made above to external support  20 . As contemplated by the present invention, external support can comprise any number of conventional arrangements, such a planking installed on a roadway surface, or a base, such as that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,199,814 or U.S. Design Pat. No. 334,314. Alternatively, external support  20  could comprise a short section of construction material, dimensioned larger than the cross-section of stand-off  14 . After adjusting the tension of spring  46 , the external support  20  and possible the lower portion of stand-off  14  could be cast in roadway material filling a roadway depression. It should be noted in this regard, that the present invention would still allow ready replacement of internal components within post  10 . For example, a tripod or other device could be assembled above post  10  to support the upper end of spring  47 , allowing the extraction pin  48 , thereby allowing replacement of spring  46  or the replacement of upper body portion  12  with a body portion of different length.  
         [0036]    Turning now to FIG. 5, an alternative embodiment generally indicated at  100  is shown. As can be seen with comparison to the preceding figures, post  100  generally resembles the construction described above for post  10 . In the arrangement of post  100  illustrated in FIG. 5, the stand-off described above is replaced with a second body portion  104  having an upper end  106  functioning in a manner similar to the upper end  72  of stand-off  14 , described above. A ground penetrating tip  110  is provided at the lower end of body portion  104  and, as indicated in FIG. 5, is located below grade. If desired, body portion  14  could be pounded or turned into the ground, with the remaining components thereafter being assembled in the manner illustrated. Alternatively, a hole similar to that required for a fence post could be provided for ready installation of body portion  104 . The hole could be filled with concrete, asphalt or other fixing medium. Alternatively, a ground socket having an inner bore dimensioned to receive the lower end of body portion  104  could also be provided. If desired, the post  100  could be fully assembled before insertion of body portion  105  into the roadway surface or ground. Alternatively, the flexible tension member  54  could be pinned at  58  to body portion  104  with the spring  46  being pulled from above to allow insertion of pin  48  holding the spring  46  captive against downward displacement. The upper end of spring  46  could, for example, be provided with a pull ring for this purpose.  
         [0037]    Turning now to FIGS.  6 - 9 , further embodiments according to principles of the present invention are shown. FIG. 6 shows a mounting arrangement  200  which contains several features of the mounting arrangement or post  10  described above. Included is a unitary upper body portion  210  and a unitary lower body portion  250  coupled together in a rocking engagement. In FIGS. 6 and 7, a small gap is shown between the upper and lower body portions  210 ,  250  for illustrative purposes only. When fully assembled, the upper and lower body portions are pressed into engagement with one another.  
         [0038]    Unitary upper body portion  210  includes a cylindrical tube portion  212  and a lower base portion  214 . Unlike the mounting arrangement of post  10 , cylindrical portion  212  and lower base portion  214  together comprise a unitary construction. A spring  217  and a chain  54  are enclosed within cylindrical tube portion  212 , with the upper end of spring  217  being secured by pin  48 .  
         [0039]    Lower base portion  214  includes a cylindrical part  216  integrally formed with a circular disc part  218 . Together, the cylindrical part  216  and circular disc part  218  formed a stepped outer surface which nests within the stepped inner surface of unitary lower body portion  250 . Included in unitary lower body portion  250  is a stepped upper end  252  and a stand off body part  256  defining an inner bore  260  through which chain  54  passes. Unitary lower body portion  250  is secured to an external support such as support  20 . An optional flange  264  is provided at the bottom end of unitary lower body portion  250  for joinder to support  20 . If desired, unitary lower body portion  250  and support  20  can be formed as a monolithic part.  
         [0040]    As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, cylindrical part  216  and stand off body part  256  define internal passageways  262 ,  260 , respectively which together form a continuous passageway through the lower end of a mounting arrangement. Alignment members  270  have a shape corresponding to the pattern of FIG. 8 and define a cross-shaped internal opening  274  which receives chain  54  controlling the rotation orientation of chain  54  as it passes through the alignment members  270 .  
         [0041]    Referring to FIG. 9, an alternative mounting arrangement  300  generally resembles mounting arrangement  200  as can be seen by comparison to the fragmentary cross-sectional view of FIG. 7. However, unlike mounting arrangement  200 , the center of stand off body part  356  and the center of cylindrical part  316  include solid portions  317 ,  357  which have a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the pattern of FIG. 8, forming a continuous cross-shaped central passage way  274  which preserves a desired rotational alignment of the chain passing through that part of the mounting arrangement  300  shown in FIG. 9. Central portions can be formed separately, or can be integral with the body part and the cylindrical, if desired.  
         [0042]    The gap shown in FIG. 9, between the upper and lower body portions is introduced for graphical clarity. When the mounting arrangement  300  is fully assembled, the upper and lower body portions are pressed into engagement with one another.  
         [0043]    Thus, it can be seen that vehicular barrier posts according to principles of the present invention can be provided for a variety of installations, both permanent and temporary. With the present invention, the vehicular barrier post can be modified for replacement of internal components or to alter the height or style of the upper portion of the post. As a further advantage, the present invention allows substantial reduction in mass of the vehicular barrier post. As can be seen from the above, major body portions of vehicular barrier posts according to principles of the present invention are hollow and can be formed from lightweight construction materials, such as plastic pipe or tubing. Further, with the present invention stability during deflection is improved. As mentioned above, the corner of the rocking base pivots around the upper end of tubular stand-off. The corner of the rocking base provides substantial capture of the upper end of the stand-off  14 , representing an enhancement over previous constructions which required an end-to-end engagement of similarly dimensioned components.  
         [0044]    If desired, spring tensions can be adjusted in small increments in a number of ways. For example, with reference to FIG. 4, when a chain is employed as the tension member, the number of lengths of chain protruding from bottom surface  24  can be counted to provide a ready indication of corresponding energy stored in spring  46 . Alternatively, if the length of the tension member is to remain constant, a series of holes can be formed in upper body portion  12  extending along its length. With the pin  48  received in a lower hole, for example, spring  46 , held captive by pin  48 , will store less tension than when the spring is held captive at a higher position hole. Such arrangements may be particularly advantageous when extension members other than chains are employed.  
         [0045]    The drawings and the foregoing descriptions are not intended to represent the only forms of the invention in regard to the details of its construction and manner of operation. Changes in form and in the proportion of parts, as well as the substitution of equivalents, are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient; and although specific terms have been employed, they are intended in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for the purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention being delineated by the following claims.