BARRIER FOR ROADWAY

Abstract

A barrier for a roadway (e.g., a highway, bridge, or other road), which can be used to manage vehicular traffic, such as to establish lanes, protect motorists and other people (e.g., pedestrians, constructions workers, etc.) against crashes or other impacts, and/or other purposes, and which may be configured to enhance its use and performance, such as by better protecting the motorists and others when impacted by vehicles (e.g., reducing deflection by deflecting less or substantially not deflecting; mitigating risks of “catapulting” or “vaulting” of vehicles; and/or otherwise improving protection provided by the barrier), facilitating transportation, installation and/or transfer of the barrier at the roadway, and/or enhancing other aspects of the barrier.

Description

FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to roadways and, more particularly, to barriers for roadways to manage traffic of vehicles.

BACKGROUND

Barriers for roadways (e.g., highways, bridges, and other roads) are used to manage traffic of vehicles, such as to establish lanes, protect motorists and other people (e.g., pedestrians, constructions workers, etc.) against crashes or other impacts, and/or other purposes.

Some barriers are fixed and/or permanent (e.g., such that they remain substantially stationary and/or are integrated into road infrastructures).

Others are movable barriers configured to be transferred between different locations by transfer vehicles (e.g., lifting and moving them), such as for lane management (e.g., reconfiguring lanes, such as for peak traffic times (e.g., “rush hour”), etc.), roadwork (e.g., construction sites to build or repair roads), etc.

While they are certainly useful and have evolved, existing barriers have some issues. For example, movable barriers may sometimes deflect too much upon being impacted by vehicles, be expensive, etc. Some barriers may also pose particular risks for motorists and others (e.g., “catapulting” or “vaulting” of vehicles when impacted).

For these and/or other reasons, there is a need to improve barriers for roadways.

SUMMARY

According to various aspects, this disclosure relates to a barrier for a roadway (e.g., a highway, bridge, or other road), which can be used to manage vehicular traffic, such as to establish lanes, protect motorists and other people (e.g., pedestrians, constructions workers, etc.) against crashes or other impacts, and/or other purposes, and which may be configured to enhance its use and performance, such as by better protecting the motorists and others when impacted by vehicles (e.g., reducing deflection by deflecting less or substantially not deflecting; mitigating risks of “catapulting” or “vaulting” of vehicles; and/or otherwise improving protection provided by the barrier), facilitating transportation, installation and/or transfer of the barrier at the roadway, and/or enhancing other aspects of the barrier.

For example, according to one aspect, this disclosure relates to a barrier for a roadway. The barrier comprises a plurality of barrier modules hingedly connected to one another, wherein at least three of the barrier modules differ in height.

According to another aspect, this disclosure relates to a barrier for a roadway. The barrier comprises a plurality of barrier modules hingedly connected to one another. The barrier modules differ in height. A transition from a tallest one of the barrier modules to a shortest one of the barrier modules occurs over transition ones of the barrier modules.

According to another aspect, this disclosure relates to a barrier for a roadway. The barrier comprises a plurality of barrier modules hingedly connected to one another. The barrier modules differ in height. Terminal ones of the barrier modules implement a crash cushion configured to deform when impacted by a vehicle. Main ones of the barrier modules are shorter than the terminal ones of the barrier modules. Transition ones of the barrier modules are configured to transition between the terminal ones of the barrier modules and the main ones of the barrier modules.

According to another aspect, this disclosure relates to a barrier for a roadway. The barrier comprises a plurality of barrier modules hingedly connected to one another. At least three of the barrier modules differ in height. The barrier is configured to be transferred between different locations at the roadway by a transfer vehicle.

According to another aspect, this disclosure relates to a barrier for a roadway. The barrier comprises a plurality of barrier modules hingedly connected to one another. The barrier modules differ in height. A transition from a tallest one of the barrier modules to a shortest one of the barrier modules occurs over transition ones of the barrier modules. The barrier is configured to be transferred between different locations at the roadway by a transfer vehicle.

According to another aspect, this disclosure relates to a barrier for a roadway. The barrier comprises a plurality of barrier modules hingedly connected to one another. The barrier modules differ in height. Terminal ones of the barrier modules implement a crash cushion configured to deform when impacted by a vehicle. Main ones of the barrier modules are shorter than the terminal ones of the barrier modules. Transition ones of the barrier modules are configured to transition between the terminal ones of the barrier modules and the main ones of the barrier modules. The barrier is configured to be transferred between different locations at the roadway by a transfer vehicle.

According to another aspect, this disclosure relates to a barrier for a roadway. The barrier comprises a plurality of barrier modules hingedly connected to one another. The barrier modules differ in height. The barrier is configured to be transferred between different locations at the roadway by a transfer vehicle. Each of the barrier modules comprises a conveyor-engaging part configured to be engaged by a conveyor of the transfer vehicle. The conveyor-engaging part of at least one of the barrier modules is at least partly inclined relative to a longitudinal direction of the barrier.

According to another aspect, this disclosure relates to a barrier for a roadway. The barrier comprises a plurality of barrier modules hingedly connected to one another. The barrier modules differ in height. The barrier is configured to be transferred between different locations at the roadway by a transfer vehicle. Each of the barrier modules comprises an overhang configured to be engaged by a conveyor of the transfer vehicle. The overhang of at least one of the barrier modules is at least partly inclined relative to a longitudinal direction of the barrier.

According to another aspect, this disclosure relates to a barrier for a roadway. The barrier comprises a plurality of barrier modules hingedly connected to one another. A given one of the barrier modules is adjustable to adjust a height of the given one of the barrier modules.

According to another aspect, this disclosure relates to a barrier for a roadway. The barrier comprises a plurality of barrier modules hingedly connected to one another. A given one of the barrier modules comprises an adjustment system configured to move parts of the given one of the barrier modules relative to one another to adjust a height of the given one of the barrier modules.

According to another aspect, this disclosure relates to a transfer vehicle for transferring a barrier for a roadway between different locations at the roadway. The barrier comprises a plurality of barrier modules hingedly connected to one another The transfer vehicle comprises a frame, a powertrain configured to generate power for the transfer vehicle, a conveyor configured to admit the barrier modules at a first one of the different locations at the roadway and transfer the barrier modules towards and release the barrier modules at a second one of the different locations at the roadway as the transfer vehicle travels at the roadway, and a control system configured to control the conveyor to transfer respective ones of the barrier modules differing in height.

These and other aspects of this disclosure will now become apparent to those of ordinary skill upon review of a description of embodiments that follows in conjunction with accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

A detailed description of embodiments is provided below, by way of example only, with reference to accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a barrier for a roadway comprising a plurality of barrier modules;

FIG. 2 shows a front elevation view of a barrier module and a partial view of an adjacent barrier module;

FIG. 3 shows a side elevation view of the barrier module;

FIG. 4A shows an enlarged view of an embodiment of a shield affixed to a body of the barrier module;

FIG. 4B shows an exploded view of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5 shows a transfer vehicle on the roadway;

FIG. 6 shows a schematic of the barrier in a first location;

FIG. 7 shows a schematic of the barrier as transferred to a second location;

FIG. 8 shows the front elevation view of the barrier module such as in FIG. 2 showing a brace within the barrier module with a concrete casting of the barrier module being shown in phantom lines;

FIG. 9 shows the side elevation view of the barrier module such as in FIG. 3 showing the brace within the barrier module with the concrete casting of the barrier module being shown in phantom lines;

FIG. 10A shows an enlarged partial view of a pair of the barrier modules connected to one another at a hinge in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 10B shows an enlarged partial view of a pair of the barrier modules connected to one another at the hinge in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 11 shows an isometric exploded view of part of the hinge;

FIG. 12 shows an isometric exploded view of another embodiment of part of the hinge;

FIG. 13 shows an embodiment of the barrier for the roadway comprising barrier modules comprising a container configured to contain a substance;

FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional view of a front elevation view of the container of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 shows a cross-sectional view of a side elevation view of the container of FIG. 13;

FIGS. 16A and 16B show a front elevation view and a side elevation view of the container such as in FIG. 13 showing an embodiment of the brace within the barrier module with the body of the module being shown in phantom lines;

FIGS. 17A and 17B show a front elevation view and a side elevation view of the container such as in FIG. 13 showing another embodiment of the brace within the barrier module with the body of the module being shown in phantom lines;

FIG. 18A shows an embodiment of the barrier module comprising a head and a recess;

FIG. 18B shows the embodiment of FIG. 18A with the barrier module stacked upon another barrier module comprising a head and a recess;

FIG. 19 shows an embodiment of the container comprising reinforcements on lateral sides of the container;

FIG. 20 shows a top view of the barrier deflected upon impact of a vehicle;

FIGS. 21A and 21B show embodiments of the hinge connection of FIG. 11 with an insert secured to a connecting member;

FIG. 22 shows an enlarged view of a cross-section C of an opening of a connector of the hinge connection of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23A shows an embodiment of the insert of FIG. 22;

FIG. 23B shows the insert of FIG. 23A inserted in the opening of the connector of the hinge connection;

FIG. 23C shows a top view of the insert of FIG. 23B;

FIG. 24A shows another embodiment of the insert of FIG. 21;

FIG. 24B shows the insert of FIG. 24A inserted in the opening of the connector of the hinge connection on a compression side of the connector;

FIG. 24C shows the insert of FIG. 24A inserted in the opening of the connector of the hinge connection on a tension side of the connector;

FIG. 24D shows a section view of FIG. 24B;

FIG. 25A shows another embodiment of the insert of FIG. 19;

FIG. 25B shows the insert of FIG. 25A inserted in the opening of the connector of the hinge connection;

FIG. 25C shows a bottom view of FIG. 25B;

FIG. 26A shows yet another embodiment of the insert of FIG. 19;

FIG. 26B shows the insert of FIG. 26A inserted in the opening of the connector of the hinge connection;

FIG. 26C shows a top view of the insert of FIG. 26B;

FIG. 27 shows a side elevation view of an embodiment of the barrier module comprising an add-on mass disposed in an upper portion of the barrier module;

FIG. 28 shows a side elevation view of an embodiment of the barrier module comprising an add-on mass disposed in a base portion of the barrier module;

FIG. 29 shows a front elevation view of the barrier module of FIG. 28;

FIG. 30 shows a side elevation view of an embodiment of the barrier module comprising a first add-on mass and a second add-on mass disposed in the base portion of the barrier module;

FIG. 31 shows a front elevation view of the barrier module of FIG. 30;

FIG. 32 shows a side elevation view of an embodiment of the barrier module comprising a first add-on mass disposed in the base portion of the barrier module and a second add-on mass disposed in the upper portion of the barrier module;

FIG. 33 shows a front elevation view of the barrier module of FIG. 32;

FIG. 34 shows a bottom view of an embodiment of the barrier module comprising an add-on mass with a drain;

FIG. 35 shows an embodiment of the barrier comprising a limiter, the barrier being shown in an undeflected position;

FIG. 36 shows an enlarged view of the limiter of FIG. 35;

FIG. 37 shows an embodiment of the barrier comprising the limiter, the barrier being shown in a deflected position;

FIG. 38 shows an enlarged view of the limiter of FIG. 37;

FIG. 39A shows a broken-out section view of an embodiment of the barrier comprising a limiter changeable between a locked state and an unlocked state, the limiter being shown in the locked state;

FIG. 39B shows the limiter of FIG. 39A, the limiter being shown in the unlocked state;

FIG. 40A shows a section-view of the front elevation of the barrier module of the barrier of FIG. 39A;

FIG. 40B shows a section-view of the front elevation of the barrier module of the barrier of FIG. 39B;

FIG. 41A shows a section view of the front elevation of the barrier module of another embodiment of the barrier comprising the limiter changeable between a locked state and an unlocked state, the limiter being shown in the locked state;

FIG. 41B shows the limiter of FIG. 41A, the limiter being shown in the unlocked state;

FIG. 42 shows an embodiment of the barrier module extending into a recess in the roadway;

FIG. 43 shows another embodiment of the barrier module extending into the recess in the roadway;

FIG. 44 shows an embodiment of the barrier module comprising a substantially vertical impactable surface;

FIG. 45 shows a side elevation view of an embodiment of the barrier module comprising an end member;

FIG. 46 shows a front elevation view of the embodiment of the barrier module comprising the end member;

FIG. 47 shows a top view of the embodiment of the barrier module comprising the end member;

FIG. 48 shows an embodiment of the body of the barrier module comprising a plurality of grooves;

FIG. 49 shows a section view of an embodiment of the barrier module comprising a force-exerting system;

FIG. 50 shows a section view of another embodiment of the barrier module comprising a force-exerting system;

FIG. 51 shows a side elevation view of an embodiment of a “hybrid” barrier module;

FIG. 52 shows the side elevation view of the barrier module of FIG. 50 showing the brace within the barrier module with the concrete casting of the barrier module being shown in phantom lines;

FIG. 53 shows an embodiment of the container of the body of the barrier module comprising a shell;

FIG. 54 shows the shell of FIG. 53 comprising a plurality of subshells;

FIGS. 55A to 55F show a variety of profiles of a guardrail of the body of the barrier module;

FIG. 56 shows an embodiment of the barrier modules comprising overlapping reinforcements;

FIG. 57 shows yet another embodiment the barrier module extending into a recess in the roadway;

FIG. 58 shows an embodiment of the barrier module comprising a crash cushion;

FIGS. 59, 60 and 61 show an embodiment of the barrier module comprising protrusions;

FIGS. 62A and 62B show an embodiment of the barrier comprising a limiter comprising a plurality of limiting elements, the barrier shown in an undeflected position;

FIG. 62C shows the barrier of FIGS. 62A and 62B shown in a deflected position;

FIG. 63 shows another embodiment of the barrier comprising a limiter comprising a plurality of limiting elements, the barrier shown in an undeflected position;

FIGS. 64A, 64B, 64C and 64D show another embodiment of the hinge;

FIGS. 65A, 65B, 65C and 65D show an embodiment of the container comprising reinforcements mounted inside the container;

FIG. 66 shows an embodiment of the container comprising an opening to permit passage of fastening components;

FIGS. 67A and 67B shows another embodiment of a shield affixed to an overhang of the barrier module;

FIG. 68 shows a side elevation view of an embodiment of a barrier for a roadway comprising a plurality of barrier modules and wherein respective ones of the barrier modules differ in height;

FIG. 69 shows a perspective view of the barrier of FIG. 68;

FIG. 70A shows an enlarged side elevation view of an embodiment of a transition of the barrier shown in FIG. 68,

FIG. 70B shows an enlarged side elevation view of another embodiment of the transition of the barrier shown in FIG. 68,

FIG. 71 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a transition barrier module of the transition shown in FIGS. 70A and 70B;

FIG. 72 shows an exploded side elevation view of the transition barrier module of FIG. 71;

FIG. 73 shows a side elevation view of another embodiment of a barrier for a roadway comprising a plurality of barrier modules and wherein respective ones of the barrier modules differ in height;

FIG. 74 shows an enlarged side elevation view of a transition of the barrier shown in FIG. 73;

FIG. 75 shows a perspective view of a transition barrier module of the transition shown in FIGS. 73 and 74;

FIG. 76A shows an exploded perspective view of the transition barrier module of FIG. 75;

FIG. 76B shows an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of a transition barrier module;

FIGS. 77A, 77B and 77C shows an embodiment of a transition barrier module wherein parts of the transition barrier module are adjusted relative to one another in a plurality of predetermined positions;

FIG. 78 shows a side elevation view of another embodiment of a barrier for a roadway comprising a plurality of barrier modules and wherein respective ones of the barrier modules differ in height;

FIG. 79 shows an enlarged side elevation view of a transition of the barrier shown in FIG. 78;

FIG. 80 shows an exploded side elevation view of a transition barrier module of the transition of the barrier shown in FIGS. 78 and 79;

FIG. 81 shows an embodiment of a transition barrier module comprising a ballast;

FIG. 82 shows another embodiment of a transition barrier module comprising a ballast;

FIGS. 83 and 84 respectively show perspective and side elevation exploded views of an embodiment of a barrier module comprising an adjustment mechanism;

FIGS. 85A and 85B respectively show perspective and perspective exploded views of another embodiment of a barrier module comprising an adjustment mechanism;

FIGS. 86 and 87 show the transfer vehicle moving the barrier from the first location to the second location;

FIG. 88 shows a block diagram representing the transfer vehicle;

FIGS. 89 and 90A show block diagrams representing a control system of the transfer vehicle;

FIG. 90B shows steps of an algorithm executed by a processing entity of a control system of the transfer vehicle; and

FIG. 91 shows another embodiment of a transition of the barrier.

It is to be expressly understood that the description and drawings are only for purposes of illustrating certain embodiments and are an aid for understanding. They are not intended to be and should not be limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a barrier 10 for a roadway 13 (e.g., a highway, bridge, or other road). The barrier 10 can be used to manage vehicular traffic, such as to establish lanes, protect motorists and other people (e.g., pedestrians, constructions workers, etc.) against crashes or other impacts, and/or other purposes.

As further discussed below, in various embodiments, the barrier 10 may be configured to enhance its use and performance, such as by better protecting motorists and others when impacted by vehicles (e.g., reducing deflection by deflecting less or substantially not deflecting; mitigating risks of “catapulting” or “vaulting” of vehicles; and/or otherwise improving protection provided by the barrier 10), facilitating transportation, installation and/or transfer of the barrier 10 at the roadway 13, and/or enhancing other aspects of the barrier 10.

The barrier 10 comprises a plurality of barrier modules 12₁-12_N connected to one another. This allows a length of the barrier 10 to be set as desired for the roadway 13. The barrier 10 has a longitudinal direction L_B, a heightwise direction H_B, and a widthwise direction W_B. Similarly, each of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N has a longitudinal direction L_M, a heightwise direction H_M, and a widthwise direction WM.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the barrier modules 12₁-12_N are hingedly connected to one another, such that they can be moved (e.g., pivoted) relative to one another (e.g., when impacted and/or to be transferred at the roadway 13). The barrier comprises a hinge 16 connecting a given one of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N, denoted 12_x, to an adjacent one of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N, denoted 12_j.

The longitudinal direction L_M of each of the barrier module 12_x defines a length L_X of each of the barrier module 12_x. The length L_X of the barrier modules 12_x may be defined from a pin 43 of the hinge 16 of the barrier module 12_x to the pin 43 of the hinge 16 of adjacent barrier module 12_j.

The length L_X of the barrier modules 12_x may comprise any suitable value. For example, in one embodiment, the length L_X of the barrier module 12_x may be at least 1 meter (m) (about 3.3 feet (ft)). In another embodiment, the length L_X of the barrier module 12_x may be at least 1.15 m (about 3.8 ft). In yet another embodiment, the length L_X of the barrier module 12_x may be at least 1.2 m (about 3.9 ft). The aforementioned values of the length L_X of the barrier modules 12_x may improve transportation of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N (e.g. may optimize the space occupied by the barrier modules 12₁-12_N when placed in a flatbed truck or other transport vehicles).

More particularly, in this embodiment, the barrier 10 is a movable barrier configured to be transferred between different locations L₁, L₂ at the roadway 13 by a transfer vehicle 20, such as for lane management (e.g., reconfiguring lanes, such as for peak traffic times (e.g., “rush hour”), etc.), roadwork (e.g., construction sites to build or repair roads), etc.

For example, in this embodiment, the transfer vehicle 20 comprises a conveyor 22 to admit the barrier modules 12₁-12_N at the location L₁ at the roadway 13 and transfer them towards and release them at the location L₂ at the roadway 13 as the transfer vehicle 20 travels at the roadway 13, as shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7. The transfer vehicle 20, including its conveyor 22, may be implemented in any suitable way. For instance, in some embodiments, the transfer vehicle 20, including its conveyor 22, may be implemented as one available from QMB Barrier™ (http://www.qmb.ca/index en.html), as one available from Barrier Systems™ (http://www.barriersystemsinc.com/), as one described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,653,954, or as any other suitable transfer vehicle.

Each barrier module 12_x of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N comprises a base portion 30, an upper portion 32, and an intermediate portion 34 between its base portion 30 and its upper portion 32.

In this embodiment, the upper portion 32 of the barrier module 12_x is wider than the intermediate portion 34 of the barrier module 12_x. This may facilitate transfer of the barrier module 12_x by the transfer vehicle 20 and/or enhance protection when the barrier module 12_x is impacted.

More particularly, in this embodiment, the upper portion 32 of the barrier module 12_x comprises a conveyor-engaging part 33 configured to be engaged by the conveyor 22 of the transfer vehicle 20 to lift and move the barrier module 12_x. Specifically, in this embodiment, the conveyor-engaging part 33 of the upper portion 32 of the barrier module 12_x is an overhang. The overhang 33 is also configured to engage an impacting vehicle 19 that impacts the barrier module 12_x and impede movement of the impacting vehicle 19 upwards over the overhang 33. In this case, the upper portion 32 of the barrier module 12_x is T-shaped to form the overhang 33.

Also, in this embodiment, the base portion 30 of the barrier module 12_x is wider than the intermediate portion 34 and the upper portion 32 of the barrier module 12_x. This enhances stability of the barrier module 12_x, while minimizing damage to the impacting vehicle.

The widthwise direction WM of the barrier module 12_x defines a width W_X of the barrier module 12_x. The width W_X of the barrier module 12_x may be defined as the width of the base portion 30 of the barrier module 12_x.

The width W_X of the barrier modules 12_x may have any suitable value. For example, in one embodiment, the width W_X of the barrier module 12_x may be at least 18 inches. In another embodiment, the width W_X of the barrier module 12_x may be at least 24 inches.

The barrier module 12_x comprises a body 36. In this embodiment, the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x includes concrete 38 (e.g., a concrete casting). In this example, the concrete 38 forms at least part of a periphery of the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x.

Also, in this embodiment, the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x comprises a brace 40 connected to the concrete 38. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, in this example, the brace 40 is at least partly embedded in the concrete 38. The brace 40 may comprise any suitable material. For instance, the brace 40 may comprise a metallic material. In this example, the brace 40 comprises a plurality of bracing members 42₁-42_B spaced from one another. In this case, respective ones of the bracing members 42₁-42_B are elongate in the longitudinal direction of the barrier 10. More particularly, in this example, the bracing members 42₁-42_B include tie rods 124₁, 124₂.

In some embodiments, the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x may be configured without a brace. In such embodiments, the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x may comprise fiber filled concrete (e.g., synthetic fibers, glass fibers, metallic fibers).

The barrier module 12_x comprises a connector 41 configured to connect the barrier module 12_x to the adjacent barrier module 12_j. As shown in FIGS. 10A, 10B and 11, in this embodiment, the hinge 16 connecting the barrier module 12_x to the adjacent barrier module 12_j comprises the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x, the connector 41 of the adjacent barrier module 12_j, and the pin 43. The pin 43 joins the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x and the connector 41 of the adjacent barrier module 12_j. The hinge 16 may join the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x and the connector 41 of the adjacent barrier module 12_j in any other way in other embodiments (e.g., via flexible material, etc.).

In this example of implementation, as shown in FIG. 11, the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x comprises connecting members 55₁, 55₂ that are spaced from one another in the heightwise direction H_B of the barrier 10. In this case, the pin 43 of the hinge 16 extends to the connecting members 55₁, 55₂.

In another example of implementation, as shown in FIG. 12, the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x may comprise a third connecting member 553 spaced from the first connecting member 55₁ and the second connecting member 55₂ of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x in the heightwise direction H_B of the barrier 10.

In this embodiment, the brace 40 of the barrier module 12_x is secured to the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x. For instance, in this embodiment, each of respective ones of the bracing members 42₁-42_B of the barrier module 12_x comprises a threaded opening 51 to receive a threaded fastener 53 to fasten the bracing members 42₁-42_B to the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x.

In an another embodiment, each of respective ones of the bracing members 42₁-42_B of the barrier module 12_x comprises a threaded end 107 to be received by a fastener 116 to fasten the bracing members 42₁-42_B of the barrier module 12_x to the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x.

The body 36 of the barrier module 12_x may be implemented in any other way in other embodiments.

For example, in some embodiments, with additional reference to FIGS. 13 to 17B, the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x comprises a container 50 configured to contain a substance 52. The container 50 comprises a shell 60 that has a hollow interior 54 and may form at least part of the periphery of the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x, as shown in FIG. 53. The hollow interior 54 may provide a reduction of mass of the barrier module 12_x as compared to a barrier module 12_x of similar dimension (i.e., of similar volume) without a container 50 comprising a hollow interior 54 (for example, compared to a barrier module 12_x including concrete 38). For example, in some cases, the reduction of mass may be at least 50%, in some cases at least 60%, in some cases at least 70% and in some cases at least 75%.

In various examples of implementation, the substance 52 may be a liquid (e.g., water), sand, gravel, concrete (e.g., poured-in-place concrete), foam (e.g. solid foam), or any other suitable substance (e.g., to add mass, provide cushioning upon impact, etc.).

In some embodiments, the substance 52 may be a first substance and the barrier module 12_x may comprise a second substance 152 contained in the container 50.

In order to facilitate transportation, the shell 60 of the container 50 of the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x may be empty during transport and the substance 52 may be introduced into the hollow interior of 54 of the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x after transportation of the barrier module 12_x.

In some cases, a removable filler cap 26 releasably covers an opening in the barrier module 12_x is provided to allow the substance 52 to be introduced into the hollow interior 54 of the body 36. The substance 52 may be introduced into the hollow interior 54 of the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x in any suitable manner (e.g., using a conveyor, a pump, gravitational force etc.). A drain 28 may be provided to allow the body 36 to be emptied. Additionally, or alternatively, the opening in the barrier module 12_x may be configured for emptying the substance 52 contained inside the hollow interior 54 of the body 36. The container 50 of the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x may be disassembled to facilitate introducing and/or emptying the substance 52 into the hollow interior 54 of the body 36. The container 50 of the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x may be emptied in any suitable manner (e.g. by gravitational force or with any other method such as by water jet, by jet of compressed air, by jet of steam, by suction, by vibration, or by any other force such as by shocks or physical force.)

The container 50 may comprise one or more ports to facilitate connection of conduits to the body 36 of the container 50, the conduits configured to introduce jets of water, air or steam into the body 36 of the container 50, to name a few non-limiting examples.

The container 50 of the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x may be implemented in any suitable way.

In this embodiment, the shell 60 of the container 50 comprises polymeric material 59. For instance, the polymeric material 59 may include polyethylene (high, medium or low density), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (abs), polystyrene, polypropylene, polyurethane (PU), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), nylon, polyester, vinylester, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, and/or any other thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer, or any other suitable polymer. In some examples, the polymeric material 59 may be reinforced (e.g., composite material). For example, the polymeric material 59 may be fiber-reinforced polymeric material comprising fibers disposed in a polymeric matrix. For instance, in some embodiments, the polymeric matrix may include any suitable polymeric resin, such as a thermoplastic or thermosetting resin, like epoxy, polyethylene, polypropylene, acrylic, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyether ether ketone (PEEK) or other polyaryletherketone (PAEK), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), nylon, polyimide, polysulfone, polyamide-imide, polyurethane, or any other suitable resin, and the fibers may include carbon fibers, glass fibers, polymeric fibers such as aramid fibers (e.g., Kevlar fibers), boron fibers, silicon carbide fibers, metallic fibers, ceramic fibers, etc.

In other embodiments, the shell 60 of the container 50 may comprise metallic material. For instance, in some embodiment, the shell 60 of the container 50 may be made of steel, aluminum or other suitable metal.

In some cases, the shell 60 of the container 50 may be configured to be thin (i.e., walls of the shell 60 of the container 50 may be configured to be thin). In some instances, including instances where the shell 60 of the container 50 is configured to be thin, the shell 60 of the container 50 may comprise reinforcements as will be discussed below.

In this example of implementation, the container 50 is molded. More particularly, in this example, the container 50 is rotomolded or otherwise molded to create its hollow interior 54. In other examples of implementation, the container 50 may include portions formed separately and assembled together (e.g., by being bonded, welded, forged, mechanically fastened, etc.). In yet other examples of implementation, such as where the shell 60 of the container 50 is metallic, it may be welded, forged, punched, hydroformed or made using any other metal forming process.

In this example of implementation, a mass of the shell 60 of the container 50 comprising the metallic material may represent between 15% and 50% of the mass of the barrier module 12_x includes concrete 38 (e.g., a concrete casting) at equal volume.

In this embodiment, at least part of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x is integrally formed with the container 50 of the barrier module 12_x. For instance, in this embodiment, at least part of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x is integrally rotomolded with the container 50 of the barrier module 12_x during rotomolding of the container 50. In this example, at least part of each of the connecting members 55₁, 55₂ of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x is integrally rotomolded with the container 50 of the barrier module 12_x.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B, the container 50 of the barrier module 12_x may be stackable on the container 50 of another barrier module 12_N for transportation. For instance, in this embodiment, the container 50 comprises a bottom recess 45 and a head 57. The head 57 of the container 50 of the barrier module 12_x is configured to fit into the bottom recess 45 of the container 50 of the other barrier module 12_N for stacking.

One or more other components may be connected to the container 50 of the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x in various embodiments.

For example, in this embodiment, the brace 40 is connected to and extends inside the container 50 of the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x. In some cases, the brace 40 may be at least partly embedded in the substance 52 contained in the container 50.

The brace 40 of the barrier module 12_x may be secured to the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x. For instance, the brace 40 comprises the threaded opening 51 to receive the threaded fastener 53 to fasten the brace 40 of the barrier module 12_x to the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x.

The brace 40 may comprise a metallic material. In this example, the brace 40 comprises the bracing members 42₁-42_B spaced from one another. In this case, respective ones of the bracing members 42₁-42_B are elongate in the longitudinal direction of the barrier 10. More particularly, in this example, the bracing members 42₁-42_B include the tie rods 124₁, 124₂.

Also, in this embodiment, the barrier module 12_x comprises reinforcements 49_x connected to the container 50. The reinforcements 49_x may be mounted on lateral sides 44_x of the container 50.

For example, in one embodiment, the barrier module 12_x may comprise a first reinforcement 49₁ connected to the container 50 of the barrier module 12_x and mounted on a first lateral side 44₁ of the container 50. The barrier module 12_x may comprise a second reinforcement 49₂ connected to the container 50 of the barrier module 12_x and mounted on a second lateral side 44₂ of the container 50.

In yet another embodiment, the reinforcements 49_x may be mounted inside the container 50. For instance, the first reinforcement 49₁ may be mounted on the lateral side 44₁ of the container 50 and the second reinforcement 49₂ may be mounted inside the container 50. In yet another example of implementation of this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 65A, 65B, 65C and 65D, a plurality of reinforcements 49_x may be mounted inside the container 50. The plurality of reinforcements 49_x may increase a rigidity of the container 50, which may increase performance of the barrier 10 in accordance with evaluation criteria of MASH test no. 3-11 (as will be discussed below).

As shown in FIG. 19, in this embodiment, each of the reinforcements 49₁, 49₂ comprises a guardrail 47 (e.g., made of steel or other metallic material, or any other suitable material). The guardrail 47 is mounted on each of the lateral sides 44₁, 44₂ of the container 50. Each of the lateral sides 44₁, 44₂ of the container 50 conforms to the guardrail 47.

The guardrail 47 may comprise a recess 48. Each of the lateral sides 44₁, 44₂ of the container 50 may comprise a projection 46_x projecting into the recess 48 of the guardrail 47. In one embodiment, the recess 48 of the guardrail 47 may be a first recess 48₁ and the projection 46 of each of the lateral sides 44₁, 44₂ of the container 50 may be a first projection 46₁. In this embodiment, each of the lateral sides 44₁, 44₂ of the container 50 may comprise a second projection 462 projecting into a second recess 482 of the guardrail 47.

The guardrail 47 may have a variety of suitable profiles including, for example, those shown in FIGS. 55A to 55F.

In some embodiments, the guardrail 47 of barrier module 12_x may overlap a guardrail 47 of the adjacent barrier module 12_j, as shown in FIG. 56. This may help prevent snagging of the guardrails.

The barrier 10 may be configured to enhance its use and performance in various embodiments. Examples of this will now be described.

1. Reduced Deflection when Impacted

In some embodiments, the barrier 10 may reduce deflection, by deflecting less or substantially not deflecting, when impacted by vehicles, in some cases while facilitating installation and/or transfer the barrier 10 between the different locations L₁, L₂ at the roadway 13, such as by the transfer vehicle 20.

For example, in some embodiments, with additional reference to FIG. 20, the barrier 10 is configured to deflect by no more than 2.2 meters (m) according to MASH, i.e., the Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware produced by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), published as a 2nd edition in 2016, accessible at https://bookstore.transportation.orq/, and incorporated by reference herein. Specifically, the barrier 10 may be configured to deflect by no more than 2.2 m in accordance with MASH test no. 3-11. An example of such a deflection A is shown in FIG. 20. For instance, in some embodiments, the barrier 10 may be configured to deflect by no more than 2 m, in some cases no more than 1.8 m, in some cases no more than 1.6 m, in some cases no more than 1.4 m, in some cases no more than 1.2 m, and in some cases even less, in accordance with MASH test no. 3-11.

While having such reduced deflection, the barrier 10 may provide ease of installation and/or mobility at the roadway 13. For instance, in some embodiments, the pin 43 of the hinge 16 may be installable manually, i.e., without using any mechanized tool such as a hydraulic cylinder, an actuator, a hydraulic hammer, a pneumatic hammer, or any other machine, to join the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x and the connector 41 of the adjacent barrier module 12_j. In some cases, one or more nonmechanized tools such as a hammer or screwdriver may be used to install the pin 43 of the hinge 16. Thus, in some cases, the hinge 16 may be viewed as a “quick-connect” hinge. This is in contrast with conventional movable barriers which have limited deflection but require a hydraulic cylinder, an actuator, a hydraulic hammer, a pneumatic hammer, and/or another machine to install their hinge's pin.

As shown in FIGS. 21A, 21B and 22, in some embodiments, the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x comprises an opening 56 to receive the pin 43 of the hinge 16, whereby a size (i.e., an area) of a cross-section C of the opening 56 may be limited. This may reduce deflection of the barrier 10 when impacted by limiting rotation of the barrier module 12_x relative to the adjacent barrier module 12_j as there is less space for the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x and the connector 41 of the adjacent barrier module 12_j to translate relative to the pin 43. This may also make the barrier 10 more rigid in torsion. It may keep loading on upper and lower parts of the hinge 16 (e.g., the connecting members 55₁, 55₂ of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x and the connecting members 55₁, 55₂ of the connector 41 of the adjacent barrier module 12_j) more equal and reduce a tendency for the impacting vehicle 19 to vault or snag, as well as reducing a potential for hinge failure.

For example, in some embodiments, a ratio of a maximal dimension D_max of the cross-section C of the opening 56 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x over a minimal dimension D_min of the cross-section C of the opening 56 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x may be limited. For instance, in some embodiments, the ratio of the maximal dimension D_max of the cross-section C of the opening 56 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x over the minimal dimension D_min of the cross-section C of the opening 56 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x may be no more than 1.8, in some cases no more than 1.6, in some cases no more than 1.4, and in some cases even less.

Also, in some embodiments, and an aspect ratio of the cross-section C of the opening 56 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x may be limited. This aspect ratio refers to a ratio of the maximal dimension D_max of the cross-section C of the opening 56 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x over an orthogonal dimension of the cross-section C of the opening 56 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x that is orthogonal (i.e., normal) to the maximal dimension D_max of the cross-section C of the opening 56 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x (which may be the minimal dimension D_min of the cross-section C of the opening 56 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x). For instance, in some embodiments, the aspect ratio of the cross-section C of the opening 56 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x may be no more than 1.8, in some cases no more than 1.6, in some cases no more than 1.4, and in some cases even less.

Furthermore, in some embodiments, a ratio of a maximal dimension D_max of the cross-section C of the opening 56 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x over a dimension D_pin of a cross-section P of the pin 43 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x may be limited. For instance, in some embodiments, the ratio of the maximal dimension D_max of the cross-section C of the opening 56 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x over the dimension D_pin of the cross-section P of the pin 43 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x may be less than 2, no more than 1.8, in some cases no more than 1.6, in some cases no more than 1.4, in some cases no more than 1.15, in some cases no more than 1.05, and in some cases even less. Accordingly, the pin 43 of the connector 41 may closely fit within the opening 56 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x.

The opening 56 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x may have any suitable shape. In some embodiments, the opening 56 of the connector 41 may be circular. In this embodiment, the opening 56 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x is noncircular. More particularly, in this embodiment, the opening 56 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x is elongated. In this example, the opening 56 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x is oblong. For instance, in this case, the opening 56 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x is a slot.

In some cases, the shape of the opening 56 of the upper part of the hinge may be different from the shape of the opening 56 of the lower part of the hinge. For example, as shown in FIGS. 64A, 64C and 64D, the opening 56 of the connecting members 55₁ of the connector 41 of the barrier modules 12_x, 12_j have a circular shape whereas the opening 56 of the connecting members 55₂ of the connector 41 of the barrier modules 12_x, 12_j have an oblong shape.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 64A, 64B, 64C and 64D, the hinge 16 may be configured such that the opening 56 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x is offset from the opening 56 of the connector 41 of the adjacent barrier module 12_j. This configuration may ensure that the pin 43 in the hinge 16 contacts at least one of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x and the connector 41 of the adjacent barrier module 12_j and may ensure that the pin 43 closely fits within the opening of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x and the opening 56 of the connector 41 of the adjacent barrier module 12_j. This configuration may also facilitate manual installation of the pin 43 of the hinge 16.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 21A to 24C, the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x comprises an insert 62 that forms at least part of the opening 56 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x and is secured to a given one of the connecting members 55_x of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x. This may facilitate resizing of the cross-section C of the opening 56 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x, including in embodiments where the barrier module 12_x may have been originally manufactured with the cross-section C of the opening 56 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x being larger.

In some other embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 25A to 26B, the insert 62 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x defines an entirety of a perimeter of the opening 56 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x.

The insert 62 is secured to any given one of the connecting members 55_x of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x. In one embodiment, the insert 62 may be secured to the connecting member 55₁. In another example of implementation, the insert 62 may be secured to the connecting member 55₂. In yet another example, the insert 62 may be secured to each of the connecting members 55₁, 55₂, as shown in FIG. 21B. In this example of implementation, the insert 62 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x is a first insert 62₁. The first insert 62₁ is secured to the first connecting member 55₁ of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x. The second connecting member 55₂ of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x comprises an opening 100 to receive the pin 43. The connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x comprises a second insert 62₂. The second insert 62₂ is secured to the second connecting member 55₂ of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x.

In one example of implementation, the cross-section C of the opening 56 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x comprising the first insert 62₁ may be different from a cross-section C of the opening 100 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x comprising the second insert 62₂. For example, the cross-section C of the opening 56 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x may be smaller than the cross-section C of the opening 100 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x. This may help minimize the splaying and rotation of the barrier module 12_x while also facilitating transportation by the conveyor 22.

In yet another example of implementation, the insert 62 may extend to and be secured to both the connecting members 55₁, 55₂.

As shown in FIG. 23B, the opening 56 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x is a pin-receiving opening 24 of the connector 41. As shown in FIG. 23A, the connecting member 55_x includes an insert-receiving opening 63 that receives the insert 62.

The insert 62 may be affixed to the connecting member 55_x in any suitable manner. In this embodiment, the insert 62 is permanently affixed to the connecting member 55_x (i.e., affixed to the connecting member 55_x such that it cannot be readily removed from the connecting member 55_x without damaging or otherwise impairing integrity of the insert 62 and/or the connecting member 55_x). For example, in one embodiment, the insert 62 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x may be thermally affixed to the connecting member 55_x. For instance, the insert 62 may be welded to the connecting member 55_x.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B, the connecting member 55_x of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x (namely the connecting members 55₁, 55₂) may comprise a base 97 and a cage 98 extending from the base 97. In this example, at least part of the insert 62 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x is disposed within the base 97 of the connecting member 55_x of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x. The insert 62 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x is spaced from a horizontal part 99 of the cage 98 of the connecting member 55_x of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x. In other embodiments, the connecting member 55_x of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x may comprise a base 97 without the cage 98.

As shown in FIGS. 23A to 26C, the insert 62 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x may be implemented in various ways.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 24A, 24B and 24C, the insert 62 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x comprises a base 65 and a projection 66 projecting from the base 65 into the insert-receiving opening 63 of the connecting member 55_x of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x. The projection 66 of the insert 62 fills part of the insert-receiving opening 63 of the connecting member 55_x and in that sense may be referred to as a “filler”. An outer surface 94 of the projection 66 of the insert 62 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x conforms to an inner surface 95 of the connecting member 55_x that defines the insert-receiving opening 63 of the connecting member 55_x of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x. In one example of implementation, the base 65 of the insert 62 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x is a plate 64. The base 65 of the insert 62 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x comprises a ledge 96 engaging the connecting member 55_x of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x. At least part of the outer surface 94 of the projection 66 of the insert 62 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x is curved.

In this embodiment, the insert 62 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x is disposed such that its projection 66 is compressed by the pin 43 of the hinge 16 when the barrier module 12_x and the adjacent barrier module 12_j are pressed towards one another and is not compressed by the pin 43 of the hinge 16 when the barrier module 12_x and the adjacent barrier module 12_j are pulled away from one another. This may help to avoid the insert 62 and its attachment (e.g., welding) to the connecting member 55_x being loaded when the hinge 16 is under tensile loading.

Also, in this embodiment, the insert 62 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x is welded to the connecting member 55_x of the connector 41. More particularly, in this embodiment as shown in FIG. 24D, an upper weld 113 and a lower weld 117 are provided respectively at interfaces of the base 65 and the projection 66 with opposite surfaces of the connecting member 55_x. In this example, there is no weld between the outer surface 94 of the projection 66 of the insert 62 and the inner surface 95 of the connecting member 55_x.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 26A, 26B and 26C, the insert 62 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x comprises the base 65 without the projection 66 projecting from the base 65. In this example, the base 65 of the insert 62 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x is the plate 64. The base 65 of the insert 62 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x comprises a ledge 96 engaging the connecting member 55_x of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x.

In yet another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 23A, 23B and 23C, the insert 62 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x comprises an inset 108. The inset 108 is inserted into the insert-receiving opening 63 of the connecting member 55_x, of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x. An outer surface 109 of the inset 108 of the insert 62 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x conforms to the inner surface 95 of the connecting member 55_x that defines the insert-receiving opening 63 of the connecting member 55_x of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x. At least part of the outer surface 109 of the inset 108 of the insert 62 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12_x is curved.

With reference to FIGS. 59, 60 and 61, the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x may further comprise frictional members 106 configured to increase the friction between the barrier module 12_x and the roadway 13 such that the barrier module 12_x may further resist deflection upon impact from an impacting vehicle 19. In some embodiments, a coefficient of friction between the frictional members 106 and a surface 17 of the roadway 13 (e.g., paving, dry concrete) may be at least 0.5. In this example, the frictional members 106 protrude downwardly from a lower surface of the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x. Additionally, or alternatively, in other embodiments, the frictional members 106 may be configured to mechanically attach to the surface 17 of the roadway 13.

The frictional members 106 may comprise any suitable material. For instance, the frictional members 106 may comprise elastomeric material 142 (e.g., rubber). In other cases, the frictional members 106 may comprise a metallic material 127 (e.g., steel or other suitable metal). In some cases, a surface 111 of the frictional member 106 may comprise a different material than a remainder of the frictional members 106 (i.e., the material of the surface 111 may be different than the metallic material 127). In one example, the surface 111 of the frictional members 106 may comprise a layer of material 132 which may at least partly cover the metallic material 127 of the frictional members 106. The layer of material 132 may be configured to mechanically attach to the surface 17 of the roadway 13. For example, the layer of material 132 may at least partly comprise diamond (e.g., diamond particles) such that a microstructure of the material 132 may be suitable for mechanically engaging the frictional members 106 to the surface 17 of the roadway 13.

The frictional members 106 may be configured to be secured to the barrier module 12_x in any suitable fashion. For example, the frictional members 106 may be mechanically fastened to the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x with screws, bolts or other mechanical fasteners. Accordingly, the frictional members 106 may comprise one or more openings 133 configured to receive one or more fasteners 134. Correspondingly, the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x may also comprise one or more openings 136 configured to receive the one or more fasteners 134. Thus, the one or more openings 133 of the frictional members 106 may align with respective ones of the one or more openings 136 of the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x.

In some embodiments, the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x may comprise a plurality of recesses 137 for at least partly receiving respective ones of the frictional members 106. As shown in the illustrated embodiments of FIGS. 60 and 61, the bottom 31 of the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x may comprise the plurality of recesses 137 and the frictional members 106 are at least partly received in the plurality of recesses 137.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 27 to 34, the barrier module 12_x comprises an add-on mass 70 connected to the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x to increase a weight of the barrier module 12_x.

For example, in one embodiment, at least part of the add-on mass 70 may be disposed in the upper portion 32 of the barrier module 12_x above a top 29 of the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x, as shown in FIG. 27.

For example, in another embodiment, at least part of the add-on mass 70 may be disposed in the base portion 30 of the barrier module 12_x below a bottom 31 of the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x, as shown in FIGS. 28 and 29.

The add-on mass 70 may further comprise frictional members 206 configured to increase the friction between the add-on mass 70 and the roadway 13 such that the barrier module 12_x may further resist deflection upon impact from the impacting vehicle 19. The frictional members 206 may be configured similarly to the frictional members 106 discussed above.

In yet another embodiment, the add-on mass 70 may be a first add-on mass 701 and the barrier module 12_x may comprise a second add-on mass 702 connected to the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x to increase the weight of the barrier module 12_x. For example, as shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, the first add-on mass 701 and the second add-on mass 702 may be separate from one another and at least part of the first add-on mass 701 and at least part of the second add-on mass 702 may be disposed in the base portion 30 of the barrier module 12_x below the bottom 31 of the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x.

In yet another example, as shown in FIGS. 32 and 33, the first add-on mass 701 may be disposed in the upper portion 32 of the barrier module 12_x above the top 29 of the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x while the second add-on mass 702 may be disposed in the base portion 30 of the barrier module 12_x below the bottom 31 of the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x.

In another embodiment, the add-on mass 70 may comprise a drain 68 to drain water on the roadway 13. As shown in FIG. 34, the drain 68 may comprise a plurality of drainage channels 67_x oriented transversally to one another. The drainage channels 67_x may include a longitudinal drainage channel 671 extending along the longitudinal direction L_B of the barrier 10. The drainage channels 67_x may also include a transversal drainage channel 67_j extending transversally to the longitudinal drainage channel 67_i.

The drain 68 of the add-on mass 70 may allow for adjustment of a height of a center of gravity of the barrier module 12_x.

The add-on mass 70 may be implemented in any suitable way. For example, in some embodiments, the add-on mass 70 may comprise concrete 138 (e.g., concrete casting).

In some other embodiments, the add-on mass 70 comprises a container 150 configured to contain a substance 252. The container 150 has a hollow interior 154.

In various examples of implementation, the substance 252 may be a liquid (e.g., water), sand, gravel, concrete (e.g., poured-in-place concrete), foam (e.g. solid foam), or any other suitable substance (e.g., to add mass, provide cushioning upon impact, etc.).

In some embodiments, the substance 252 may be a first substance 252_i and the container 150 may comprise a second substance 252_j contained in the container 150.

The container 150 of the add-on mass 70 may be implemented in any suitable way.

In this embodiment, the container 150 comprises polymeric material 159. For instance, the polymeric material 159 may include polyethylene, (high, medium or low density), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (abs), polystyrene, polypropylene, polyurethane (PU), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), nylon, polyester, vinylester, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, and/or any other thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer, or any other suitable polymer. In some examples, the polymeric material 59 may be reinforced (e.g., composite material). For example, the polymeric material 59 may be fiber-reinforced polymeric material comprising fibers disposed in a polymeric matrix. For instance, in some embodiments, the polymeric matrix may include any suitable polymeric resin, such as a thermoplastic or thermosetting resin, like epoxy, polyethylene, polypropylene, acrylic, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyether ether ketone (PEEK) or other polyaryletherketone (PAEK), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), nylon, polyimide, polysulfone, polyamide-imide, polyurethane, or any other suitable resin, and the fibers may include carbon fibers, glass fibers, polymeric fibers such as aramid fibers (e.g., Kevlar fibers), boron fibers, silicon carbide fibers, metallic fibers, ceramic fibers, etc.

In this example of implementation, the container 150 is molded. More particularly, in this example, the container 150 is rotomolded or otherwise molded to create its hollow interior 154. In other examples of implementation, the container 150 may include portions formed separately and assembled together (e.g., by being bonded, welded, mechanically fastened, etc.)

The add-on mass 70 may be affixed to the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x in any suitable manner. For example, the add-on mass 70 may be affixed to the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x with mountings 112. For example, the mountings 112 may comprise reinforcing steel (i.e. rebar), cement anchors, chemical anchors or any other type of suitable mountings.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 35 to 41B, the barrier 10 may comprise a limiter 80 configured to limit pivoting of the barrier module 12_x relative to the adjacent barrier module 12_j. For instance, the limiter 80 may be movable relative to at least one and in some cases both of the barrier module 12_x and the adjacent barrier module 12_j. The limiter 80 thus limits deflection of the barrier module 12_x relative to the adjacent barrier module 12_j when the barrier 10 is impacted and/or transferred at the roadway 13.

For example, in some embodiments, the limiter 80 may be configured to limit pivoting of the barrier module 12_x relative to the adjacent barrier module 12_j to no more than an angle allowing the barrier 10 to be transferred by the conveyor 22 of the transfer vehicle 20.

In some embodiments, the limiter 80 may be configured to limit pivoting of the barrier module 12_x relative to the adjacent barrier module 12_j to no more than 24°, in some cases to no more than 22°, in some cases to no more than 20°, and in some cases even less (e.g. no more than 10°, in some case no more than 5°, in some cases no more than 3° and in some cases no more than 1°).

The limiter 80 may be implemented in any suitable way in various embodiments. It may comprise one or more parts, which may include any suitable material, such as metallic material, elastomeric material, concrete, wood, or another suitable material. In some embodiments, the limiter may include any suitable combination of materials.

For example, in some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 35 to 38, the hinge 16 comprises at least part of the limiter 80. More particularly, in this embodiment, the limiter 80 is mounted about the pin 43 of the hinge 16. As such, the limiter 80 is held in place by the pin 43 and yet is not fastened to either barrier module 12_x or adjacent barrier module 12_j. In this example, the limiter 80 comprises limiting projections 81₁, 81₂ extending opposite one another to engage at least one of the barrier module 12_x and the adjacent barrier module 12_j when they pivot relative to one another, as the barrier 10 is impacted or transferred, to stop their relative motion.

As shown in FIGS. 39A to 41B, in some embodiments, the limiter 80 is changeable between a locked state, in which the limiter 80 locks the barrier module 12_x and the adjacent barrier module 12_j relative to one another, and an unlocked state, in which the limiter 80 allows the barrier module 12_x and the adjacent barrier module 12_j to move relative to one another.

The limiter 80 is configured to be in the locked state when the barrier module 12_x and the adjacent barrier module 12_j are stationary on the roadway and the limiter 80 is configured to be in the unlocked state when the barrier module 12_x and the adjacent barrier module 12_j are engaged by the transfer vehicle 20 for transfer between the different locations L₁, L₂ on the roadway 13. The limiter 80 is configured to acquire the unlocked state in response to engaging the conveyor 22 of the transfer vehicle 20 and to acquire the locked state in response to disengaging the conveyor 22 of the transfer vehicle 20.

In one embodiment, the limiter 80 may comprise a locking member 84 configured to engage the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x and the body 36 of the adjacent barrier module 12_j when the limiter 80 is in the locked state and to disengage the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x and the body 36 of the adjacent barrier module 12_j when the limiter 80 is in the unlocked state. The locking member 84 is configured to engage the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x in the base portion 30 of the barrier module 12_x and the body of the adjacent barrier module 12_j in the base portion 30 of the adjacent barrier module 12_j when the limiter 80 is in the locked state.

The body 36 of each of the barrier modules 12_x, 12_j comprises a void 85, as shown in FIGS. 40A and 40B. For example, the void 85 may be a recess 86. The recess 86 of the body 36 of the barrier modules 12_x, 12_j is located in the base portion 30 of the barrier modules 12_x, 12_j.

The body 36 of the barrier module 12_x may comprise a reinforcement 87 defining at least part of the void 85 of the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x. The reinforcement 87 may be comprised of any suitable material. For example, the reinforcement 87 may comprise a metallic material.

The locking member 84 is disposed in the void 85 of the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x and the body of the adjacent of the barrier module 12_j when the limiter 80 is in the locked state. The locking member 84 is movable relative to the void 85 of the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x and the body 36 of the adjacent of barrier module 12_j when the limiter 80 changes between the locked state and the unlocked state. The locking member 84 clears the void 85 of the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x and the void 85 of the body 36 of the adjacent barrier module 12_j when the limiter 80 is in the unlocked state.

The limiter 80 may comprise a biasing member 82 configured to bias the limiter 80 in the locked state. For example, the biasing member 82 may comprise a spring 83. The biasing member 82 is configured to bias the locking member 84 into engagement with the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x and the body 36 of the adjacent barrier module 12_j.

In one embodiment, the limiter 80 may comprise an actuator 88 configured to change the limiter 80 between the locked state and the unlocked state. As shown in FIGS. 39A to 40B, the actuator 88 extends from the upper portion 32 of the barrier module 12_x downwardly towards the locking member 84. The actuator 88 may comprise a rod 89 extending from the upper portion 32 of the barrier module 12_x, 12_j to the base portion 30 of the barrier module 12_x, 12_j.

As shown in FIGS. 41A and 41B, in another embodiment, the locking member 84 of the limiter 80 is a first locking member 84₁ and the limiter 80 may comprise a second locking member 84₂ spaced from the first locking member 84₁. The void 85 of the body 36 of each of the barrier modules 12_x, 12_j is a first void 85₁ and the body of each of the barrier modules 12_x, 12_j comprises a second void 85₂ spaced from the first void 85₁. The second locking member 84₂ is disposed in the second void 85₂ of the body 36 of each of the barrier modules 12_x, 12_j when the limiter 80 is in the locked state. The second locking member 84₂ is movable relative to the second void 85₂ of the body 36 of each of the barrier module 12_x, 12_j when the limiter 80 changes between the locked state and the unlocked state.

In another example of implementation, the body 36 of the barrier modules 12_x, 12_j may comprise a channel 114. The channel 114 may be located in the void 85 of the body 36 of the barrier modules 12_x, 12_j. The locking member 84 is configured to engage the channel 114 of the body 36 of the barrier modules 12_x, 12_j when the limiter 80 is in the locked state. The locking member 84 is configured to disengage the channel 114 of the body 36 of the barrier modules 12_x, 12_j, when the limiter 80 is in the unlocked state.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 42,43, and 57 the roadway 13 comprises a recess 90 under the barrier module 12_x and the barrier module 12_x extends into the recess 90 of the roadway 13.

More particularly, in this embodiment, the barrier module 12_x comprises a blocking member 92 that is connected to the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x and extends into the recess 90 of the roadway 13 to protect against a moment M tending to tip over of the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x when the barrier 10 is impacted by the impacting vehicle 19. As such, the blocking member 92 extends into the recess 90 to protect against tipping over of the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x. For instance, in this example, the blocking member 92 of the barrier module 12_x is configured to engage a blocking portion 93 of the recess 90 of the roadway 13 when the barrier 10 is impacted. This may help to minimize or avoid deflection of the barrier 10.

In one embodiment, the blocking member 92 is disposed on an impact side 12₁ of the barrier module 12_x such that the moment M causes a non-impact side 125 of the barrier module 12_x to rotate into the roadway 13 such that the impact side 12₁ of the barrier module 12_x tends to rotate rather than tending to tip over.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 43, the blocking member 92 is disposed at a lateral side 27_x of the barrier module 12_x. The blocking member 92 of the barrier module 12_x may be angular and may be mounted about an edge 25 of the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x. The blocking member 92 of the barrier module 12_x may include a substantially planar portion and may extend across the edge 25 of the body of the barrier module 12_x.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 42, the blocking member 92 is a first blocking member 92₁ disposed on a first lateral side 27₁ of the barrier module 12_x and the barrier module 12_x may comprise a second blocking member 92₂ disposed on a second lateral side 27₂ of the barrier module 12_x.

In some embodiments, a material 15 of the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x contacts and is different from a material 21 of the blocking member 92 of the barrier module 12_x. For instance, the material 15 of the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x is concrete and the material 21 of the blocking member 92 of the barrier module 12_x is a metallic material.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 62A, 62B, 62C and 63, the limiter 80 may comprise a plurality of limiting elements 180 formed integrally (e.g., molded) with at least one of the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x and the body 36 of the adjacent barrier module 12_j and configured to limit the deflection of the barrier module 12_x relative to the adjacent barrier module 12_j to limit pivoting of the barrier module 12_x relative to the adjacent barrier module 12_j, when the barrier 10 is impacted and/or transferred at the roadway 13. Thus, in some embodiments, the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x and/or the body 36 of the adjacent barrier module 12_j may be shaped to implement the limiter 80.

In this embodiment, the limiter 80 includes the plurality of limiting elements 180 of the barrier module 12_x and the plurality of limiting elements 180 of the adjacent barrier module 12_j.

In this embodiment, the limiting elements 180 of the barrier module 12_x are movable towards the limiting elements 180 of the adjacent barrier module 12_j such that at least one of the plurality of limiting elements 180 of the barrier module 12_x is configured to contact at least one of the plurality of limiting elements 180 of the adjacent barrier module 12_j when the barrier module 12_x and the adjacent barrier module 12_j pivot relative to one another, as the barrier 10 is impacted or transferred, to stop their relative motion (as shown in FIG. 62C).

In other embodiments, the limiting elements 180 may be secured to the barrier module 12x or the adjacent barrier module 12_j in any suitable fashion other than by being integrally formed therewith. For example, the plurality of limiting elements 180 may be mechanically fastened to the body 36 of the barrier module 12x or the adjacent barrier module 12_j with screws, bolts or other mechanical fasteners.

The limiter 80 may be implemented in any suitable way in various embodiments. It may comprise one or more parts, which may include any suitable material, such as metallic material, elastomeric material, concrete, wood, or another suitable material. In some embodiments, the limiter 80 may include any suitable combination of materials.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 49 and 50, the barrier module 12_x comprises a force-exerting system 69 configured to exert a nongravitational downward force F_d on the barrier module 12_x against the roadway 13. The nongravitational downward force F_d, which is a downward force that does not result from gravity and that adds to effects of the weight of the barrier module 12_x, increases friction between the barrier module 12_x and the roadway 13, thereby acting to limit deflection of the barrier module 12_x when the barrier 10 is impacted.

The force-exerting system 69 of the barrier module 12_x may be implemented in any suitable way in various embodiments.

For example, in some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 49, the force-exerting system 69 comprises a seal 73 configured to sealingly engage the surface 17 of the roadway 13 to create a vacuum 74 between the barrier module 12_x and the surface 17 of the roadway 13, such that the nongravitational downward force F_d on the barrier module 12_x is a vacuum-based force generated by the vacuum 74.

The force-exerting system 69 comprises at least part of a vacuum pump 75 to create the vacuum 74. The force-exerting system 69 also comprises a coupling 72 configured to be connected to the vacuum pump 75 to create the vacuum 74.

In certain embodiments, the force-exerting system 69 is configured to reduce air pressure between barrier module 12_x and the surface 17 of the roadway by at least 3 psi, in some cases at least 6 psi, in some cases at least 8 psi, and in some cases at least 10 psi.

In certain embodiments, the force-exerting system 69 may be configured such that if the vacuum 74 between the barrier module 12_x and the surface 17 of the roadway is broken, the vacuum 74 between the adjacent barrier module 12_j and the surface 17 of the roadway remains unaffected. For example, the vacuum 74 may be provided only between alternating barrier modules 12₁-12_n and the surface 17 of the roadway.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 50, the roadway 13 comprises a magnetic member 71 and the force-exerting system 69 comprises a magnetic member 76 configured to magnetically interact with the magnetic member 71 of the roadway 13, such that the nongravitational downward force F_d on the barrier module 12_x is a magnetic force generated by magnetic interaction between the magnetic member 76 of the force-exerting system 69 and the magnetic member 71 of the roadway 13.

For example, in one embodiment, the magnetic member 76 of the force-exerting system 69 may comprise an electromagnet 77. In this embodiment, the magnetic member 71 of the surface 17 of roadway 13 would comprise a ferromagnetic material 78. As such, the magnetic force is generated by the magnetic interaction between the electromagnet 77 comprised by the magnetic member 76 of the force-exerting system 69 and the ferromagnetic material 78 of the magnetic member 71 of the roadway 13. In one embodiment, the ferromagnetic material 78 of the magnetic member 71 of the surface 17 of the roadway 13 may be comprised of a steel mass 79.

In another embodiment, the magnetic member 76 of the force-exerting system 69 may comprise the ferromagnetic material 78 and the magnetic member 71 of the surface 17 of the roadway 13 may comprise the electromagnet 77.

The force-exerting system 69 may be configured such that the loss of nongravitational downward force F_d on the barrier module 12_x generated by the magnetic interaction between the magnetic member 76 of the force-exerting system 69 and the magnetic member 71 of the roadway 13 does not affect the nongravitational downward force F_d on the barrier module 12_j.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1, 4A and 4B, the barrier module 12_x may comprise shields 131₁-131₄ affixed to its body 36 to protect its body 36 against impacts, such as from the adjacent barrier module 12_j (e.g., when pivoting relative to the adjacent barrier module 12_j as they are engaged by conveyor 22 of the transfer vehicle 20 or as they are impacted by an impacting vehicle). The shields 131₁-131₄ may reduce stress concentrations at the location of impact and as such may prevent propagation of cracks caused by impact and may prevent failure of the material 15 of the body 36.

Each of the shields 131₁-131₄ comprises material 118 that has greater impact resistance (e.g., is stiffer, stronger, and/or more ductile, etc.) than material of the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x. In this embodiment, the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x comprises concrete 38 and thus each of the shields 131₁-131₄ protects the concrete 38 and its material 118 is more resistant to impact than the concrete 38. For example, in this embodiment, the material 118 of each of the shields 131₁-131₄ is metallic material (e.g., steel). The material 118 of each of the shields 131₁-131₄ may be polymeric material (e.g., polycarbonate, high-density polyethylene, etc.), composite material (e.g., fiber-reinforced polymeric material), or any other suitable material in other embodiments.

In certain embodiments, the material 118 of each of the shields 131₁-131₄ may have a modulus of elasticity of at least 100 MPa, in some cases at least 1000 MPa, in some cases at least 50 GPa, in some cases at least 100 GPa, and in some cases at least 200 GPa. The material 118 of each of the shields 131₁-131₄ may have a hardness in some cases of at least Shore 10D, in some cases at least Shore 40D, in some cases at least Shore 60D, or in some cases at least Shore 80D. Other values and ranges for the modulus of elasticity and the hardness of the material 118 of each of the shields 131₁-131₄ are possible.

In this embodiment, the shields 131₁-131₄ are corner shields disposed at respective ones of lower corners 135₁-135₄ of the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x. The shields 131₁-131₄ may be disposed elsewhere about the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x in other embodiments (e.g., extend along substantial parts of edges of the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x, disposed about areas of the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x likely to engage the conveyor 22 of the transfer vehicle 20). For example, in the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 67A and 67B, the barrier module 12_x comprises the shield 131₅. The shield 131₅ is an overhang shield disposed about the overhang 33 of the barrier module 12_x. Also, in this example, the shield 131₅ is a reinforcement that reinforces and protects the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x when engaged by conveyor 22 of the transfer vehicle 20 or when impacted by an impacting vehicle.

The shields 131₁-131₄, 131₅ may be affixed to the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x in any suitable way. In this embodiment, the shields 131₁-131₄, 131₅ are affixed to the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x during molding of the concrete 38 into the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x. The shields 131₁-131₄, 131₅ are placed in a mold in which the concrete 38 is poured to form the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x and retain the shields 131₁-131₄, 131₅ therewith. In one example of implementation of this embodiment, the shield 131₅ may be integrated with the brace 40.

In other embodiments, the shields 131₁-131₄ may be affixed to the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x after molding of the concrete 38 into the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x, such as by bending them about the body 36, adhesively bonding them to the body 36, chemically fastening them to the body 36 with chemical anchors, mechanically fastening them to the body 36 with screws or other mechanical fasteners, etc.

In some embodiments, the barrier module 12_x may at least partly comprise a material 91 configured to optimise friction force between an impacting vehicle 19 and the barrier module 12_x. This may minimize barrier deflection when the barrier 10 is impacted by an impacting vehicle 19 and thus may increase performance of the barrier 10 in accordance with evaluation criteria of the MASH test no. 3-11. In one example of implementation of this embodiment, the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x comprises lateral surfaces 102₁, 102₂ which may include the material 91. The material 19 may comprise any suitable material. For example, the material 91 may comprise ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW), high density polyethylene (HDPE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) such as Teflon®.

2. Mitigating Risks of Excessive Upward Movement of Impacting Vehicle

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 44, the barrier 10 may be configured to mitigating risks of excessive upward movement (e.g., “catapulting” or “vaulting”) of an impacting vehicle.

For example as shown in FIG. 44, in this embodiment, the lateral surfaces 102₁, 102₂ of the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x are inclined relative to the heightwise direction H_M of the barrier module 12_x in the intermediate portion 34 of the barrier module 12_x, and the barrier module 12_x comprises reinforcement 351, 35_j each overlying a respective one of the lateral surfaces 102₁, 102₂ of the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x and comprising an impactable surface 37 that is more vertical than the respective one of the lateral surfaces 102₁, 102₂ of the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x and configured to be impacted by an impacting vehicle 19.

In one embodiment, the reinforcement 35_i, 35_j of the barrier module 12_x projects into an area of traffic flow of the roadway 13.

In another embodiment, the reinforcement 35_j, 35_j of the barrier module 12_x may comprise a guardrail 104. The barrier module 12_x may comprise a bracket 105 connecting the guardrail 104 to the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x.

In some embodiments, respective ones of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N may be taller to reduce potential for impacting vehicles to pass over them. For example, in some embodiments, a height of the barrier module 12_x may be any suitable value, in some cases at least 32 inches, or in some case at least 42 inches.

In some examples of implementation, as shown in FIGS. 27 to 33, the barrier module 12_x may comprise a heightener 110 connected to its body 36 such that its height is greater than a height of its body 36 (e.g., to be at least 32 inches, in some case at least 42 inches). In this embodiment, the heightener 110 is implemented by the add-on mass 70 connected to the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x.

For example, in one embodiment, the heightener 110 may be connected to the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x in the base portion 30 of the barrier module 12_x. In another embodiment, the heightener 110 may be connected to the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x in the upper portion 32 of the barrier module 12_x.

3. Enhanced Crash Cushion at End of Barrier

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 45 to 47, the barrier module 12_x is an end one of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N that implements a crash cushion 119 of the barrier 10 and its body 36 includes a polymeric material 259. The polymeric material 259 may comprise polyethylene (high, medium or low density) or any other suitable polymeric material.

For example, in some embodiments, the barrier module 12_x is taller than downstream ones of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N. For instance, in some embodiments, a ratio of a height of barrier module 12_x over a height of the downstream ones of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N is at least 1.1, in some cases at least 1.2, in some cases at least 1.3, and in some cases even greater. In other embodiments, the barrier module 12_x is the same height as the downstream ones of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N.

In this embodiment, the barrier module 12_x comprises an end member 120 connected to its body 36. In this example, a front surface 123 of the end member 120 of barrier module 12_x is straight in a heightwise direction H_B of the barrier module 12_x.

The end member 120 may comprise a rigid material 122 that is more rigid than the polymeric material 259 of the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x. For example, the rigid material 122 may be a metallic material.

The end member 120 of the barrier module 12_x is configured to collapse about a bumper 18 of the impacting vehicle 19 that impacts the end member 120 of the barrier module 12_x. The body 36 of the barrier module 12_x is configured to collapse about the bumper 18 of the impacting vehicle 19.

In one embodiment, the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x comprises a brace 140 extending to the end member 120 of the barrier module 12_x. As shown in FIGS. 45 to 47, the brace 140 of the barrier module 12_x extends from the end member 120 of the barrier module 12_x to a rear surface 39 of the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x that is opposite to the end member 120 of the barrier module 12_x. The brace 140 of the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x may comprise a plurality of bracing members 141. The bracing members 141 of the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x may extend diagonally.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 48, the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x may comprise a groove 115. The groove 115 of the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x may tend the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x to collapse about the bumper 18 of the impacting vehicle 19. In yet another embodiment, the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x may comprise a plurality of grooves 115₁-115_G.

In another example of implementation, as shown in FIG. 58, the barrier module 12_x is a terminal one of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N that implements a crash cushion 119 of the barrier 10 comprising a plurality of barrier modules. The barrier module 12_x is configured to extend from an end of the barrier 10. The barrier module 12_x comprises a container 450 configured to contain a substance 452. The container 450 may be configured similarly to the container 50 described in the present disclosure. The barrier module 12_x may be a first terminal barrier module and the barrier 10 may comprise a second terminal barrier module 12_j. A content of the container 450 of the first terminal barrier module 12_x may be different from a content of the container 450 of the second terminal barrier module 12_j.

The number of barrier modules 12_x forming the crash cushion 119 may vary depending on the speed of traffic flow and the particular application. For example, in some cases 2 barrier modules 12_x may be provided, in some other cases 12 barrier modules 12_X may be provided. Any suitable number of barrier modules 12_X may be provided to form the crash cushion 119.

In some embodiments, a weight of the content of the container 450 of the first barrier module 12_x may be different from a weight of the content of the container 450 of the second barrier module 12_j.

For example, the weight of the content of the container 450 of the first barrier module 12_x may be less than the weight of the content of the container 450 of the second barrier module 12_j.

A quantity of the substance 452 contained in the container 450 of the first barrier module 12_x may be different from a quantity of the substance 452 contained in the container 450 of the second barrier module 12_j.

The rigidity of the container 450 may be adjusted by the substance contained in the container (e.g., liquid, concrete, sand, air, foam, etc.). The rigidity may be adjusted in order to pass the MASH requirements for crash cushions. The rigidity of the container 450 may be adjusted as a function of its application. For example, the substance 452 contained in the container 450 may be concrete, sand or gravel and the barrier modules 12₁-12_N may be used a barrier. In another example, the substance 452 contained may be water or foam and the barrier modules 12₁-12_N may be used as a crash cushion.

The container 450 may be modified as a function of its application. For example, the container 450 of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N initially functioning as a crash cushion may be modified such that the barrier modules 12₁-12_N may to function as a barrier 10. For example, the container 450 may be modified to implement include the brace 40 including a plurality of bracing members 42₁-42_B (including the tie rods 124₁, 124₂) or connecting members 55_x or other components.

The substance 452 contained in the container 450 may also adjust other characteristics of the container 450 (e.g., density, location of the center of gravity, weight).

The barrier modules 12₁-12_N forming the crash cushion 119 are configured to be engaged by the conveyor 22 of the transfer vehicle 20 to lift and move the barrier modules 12₁-12_N.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 68 and 69, respective ones of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N differ in height (i.e., the height of a barrier module 12_x of the respective ones of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N is different from the height of another barrier module 12y of the respective ones of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N) and can be transferred by the conveyor 22 of the transfer vehicle 20 between the different locations L₁, L₂ at the roadway 13.

Notably, the respective ones of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N differing in height may be several ones of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N, i.e., at least three of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N. In some embodiments, the respective ones of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N may be at least four of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N, in some cases at least five of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N, in some cases at least six of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N, in some cases at least seven of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N, and in some cases even more of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N.

In this embodiment, terminal barrier modules 12₁-12₇ implement the crash cushion 119, main barrier modules 12₁₃-12_N are located aft (i.e., downstream) of the terminal barrier modules 12₁-12₇, and transition barrier modules 12₈-12₁₂ are shorter than the terminal barrier modules 12₁-12₇ and taller than the main barrier modules 12₁₃-12_N to form a transition 145 between the terminal barrier modules 12₁-12₇ and the main barrier modules 12₁₃-12_N. Accordingly, the transition 145 from a tallest one of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N (i.e., a tallest one of barrier modules 12₁-12₇) to a shortest one of the barrier modules 12₁₃-12_N (i.e., a shortest one of barrier modules 12₁₃-12_N) occurs over the transition barrier modules 12₈-12₁₂.

Moreover, in some embodiments, the transition 145 from a tallest one of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N (i.e., one of barrier modules 12₁-12₇) to a shortest one of the barrier modules 12₁₃-12_N (i.e., one of barrier modules 12₁₃-12_N) occurs over a plurality of meters. For example, in some embodiments, the transition 145 may occur over at least 3 m, in some cases over at least 4 m, in some cases over at least 5 m, in some cases over at least 6 m, in some cases over at least 7 m, in some cases over at least 8 m, in some cases over at least 9 m, and in some cases over at least 10 m.

A width W_T of the transition 145 may have any suitable value. For example, in one embodiment, the width W_T of the transition 145 may be at least 18 inches. In another embodiment, the width W_T of the transition may be at least 24 inches.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 70A, the transition 145 may be linear (i.e., arranged in or extending along a substantially straight line). In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 70B, the transition 145 may be nonlinear (i.e, not arranged in or not extending along a substantially straight line).

In some cases, the respective ones of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N differing in height may gradually vary in height. As such, the respective ones of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N may linearly vary in height.

For example, in some embodiments, a ratio of the height of a taller one of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N over the height of a shorter one of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N that is adjacent to the taller one of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N may be no more than 1.1 in some cases no more than 1.05, and in some cases no more than 1.03. This ratio may have other suitable values.

In yet another example, in some embodiments, a ratio of the height of a tallest one of the barrier modules 12₁-12₇ over the height of a shortest one of the barrier modules 12₁₃-12_N may be at least 1.1, in some cases at least 1.15, in some cases at least 1.2, in some cases at least 1.25, in some cases at least 1.3, and in some cases even more. This ratio may have other suitable values.

The barrier modules 12₁-12_N may be configured such that a given barrier module 12_x of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N is adjustable to adjust the height of the given barrier module 12_x. More particularly, the given barrier module 12_x may comprise an adjustment system 143 configured to move parts 144, 146 of the given barrier module 12_x relative to one another to adjust the height of the given barrier module 12_x. The adjustment system 143 will be described below with respect to the given barrier module 12_x, however it should be appreciated that any number of barrier modules 12₁-12_N may comprise the adjustment system 143.

In one example of implementation of this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 71, 72, 75, 76A, 76B, 80 and 84, a first one of the parts 144, 146 of the given barrier module 12_x is movable within a second one of the parts 144, 146 of the given barrier module 12_x to adjust the height of the given one 12_x of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N. In this instance, the first one of the parts 144, 146 is the (upper) part 144 and the second one of the parts 144, 146 is the (lower) part 146 such that the part 144 of the given barrier module 12_x is movable within the part 146 of the given barrier module 12_x to adjust the height of the given barrier module 12_x.

In this case, as shown in 77A, 77B and 77C, the adjustment system 143 is configured to move the parts 144, 146 of the given barrier module 12_x relative to one another in a plurality of predetermined positions P_x to adjust the height of the given barrier module 12_x. As shown in in FIG. 77A, in a first predetermined position P₁ of the plurality of predetermined positions P_X, the height of the given barrier module 12_x has been adjusted with the adjustment system 143 such that the height of the given barrier module 12_x in the position P₁ is greater than the height of the given barrier module 12_x in a second predetermined position P₂ of the plurality of predetermined positions P_x shown in FIG. 77B. Similarly, in the second predetermined position P₂ of the plurality of predetermined positions P_x, the height of the given barrier module 12_x has been adjusted with the adjustment system 143 such that the height of the given barrier module 12_x in the position P₂ is greater than the height of the given barrier module 12_x in a third predetermined position P₃ of the plurality of predetermined positions P_x, shown in FIG. 77C.

In this example of implementation, as shown in FIGS. 76A and 76B, the adjustment system 143 comprises a plurality of openings 147 spaced apart in a heightwise direction H_M of the given one 12_x of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N. The openings 147 are configured to receive fasteners 148 to secure the parts 144, 146 of the given barrier modules 12_x to one another to adjust the height of the given barrier module 12_x. Accordingly, the openings 147 are fastening openings 149.

As shown in FIG. 76B, in some cases, the adjustment system 143 may also comprises a plurality of hinging openings 151 spaced apart in the heightwise direction H_M of of the given barrier modules 12_x. The hinging openings 151 are configured to receive hinging members 153 to hingedly connect the of the given barrier modules 12_x to an adjacent barrier modules 12_j. In some embodiments, the hinging members 153 may be part of the connectors 41 of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N.

In another example of implementation of this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 85A and 85B, a first one of the parts 144, 146 of the given barrier module 12_x is movable relative to a second one of the parts 144, 146 of the given barrier module 12_x to adjust the height of the given one 12_x of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N, but without the first one of the parts 144, 146 of the given barrier module 12_x moving in or out of the second one of the parts 144, 146 of the given barrier module 12_x.

In this case, the adjustment system 143 is configured to move the part 144 of the given barrier module 12_x relative to the part 146, and the position of the part 144 may not be adjusted between predetermined positions but rather in a continuous range of essentially infinite positions.

In this example of implementation, the adjustment system 143 comprises a plurality of openings 147 spaced apart in a lengthwise direction L_M of the given barrier module 12_x. The openings 147 are configured to receive fasteners 148 to secure the parts 144, 146 of the given barrier modules 12_x to one another to adjust the height of the given barrier module 12_x. Accordingly, the openings 147 are fastening openings 149.

In some embodiments, the body 36 of one or more of the terminal barrier modules 12₁-12₇ includes the polymeric material 259 and the body 36 of one or more of the main barrier modules 12₁₃-12_N includes concrete 38. For example, in some cases, the body 36 of each of the terminal barrier modules 12₁-12₇ includes the polymeric material 259 and the body 36 of each of the main barrier modules 12₁₃-12_N includes concrete 38.

In other embodiments, the body 36 of one or more of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N includes a metallic material 101. For example, in some cases, the body 36 of each of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N includes the metallic material 101. The metallic material 101 may comprise any suitable metallic material such as steel, aluminum or other suitable metal.

In some embodiments, the body 36 of a first one of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N includes a first material and the body 36 of a second one of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N includes a second material different form the first material. For instance, in some embodiments, the second material may be harder than the first material. In one example of implementation of once such embodiment, the body 36 of the first one of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N may be concrete 38 and the body 36 of the second one of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N may be the polymeric material 259. Additionally, in some embodiments, the body 36 of a third one of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N may include a third material which is different from the first material and the second material.

In yet another example of implementation of this embodiment, the body 36 of a first one of the transition barrier modules 12₇-12₁₂ may comprise a first material and the body 36 of a second one of the transition barrier modules 12₇-12₁₂ may comprise a second material. For instance, the body 36 of the first one of the transition barrier modules 12₇-12₁₂ may comprise concrete 38 and the body 36 of the second one of the transition barrier modules 12₁₂ may comprise the metallic material 101.

Additionally, in some embodiments, one or more of the transition barrier modules 12₈-12₁₂ may comprise a ballast 103 to adjust a mass of one or more of the transition barrier modules 12₈-12₁₂. For example, in this embodiment, each of the transition barrier modules 12₈-12₁₂ may comprise the ballast 103.

In one example of implementation of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 81, the body 36 of each of the transition barrier modules 12₈-12₁₂ comprises a container 350 similarly configured to the container 50 described above and the ballast 103 of each of the transition barrier modules 12₈-12₁₂ comprises a substance 352 in the container 350.

In various examples of implementation, the substance 352 may be a liquid (e.g., water), sand, gravel, concrete (e.g., poured-in-place concrete), foam (e.g. solid foam), or any other suitable substance. In other examples of implementation, the ballast 103 of one or more of the transition barrier modules 12₈-12₁₂ comprises a metallic add-on mass 370, as shown in FIG. 82. The metallic add-on mass 370 may be connected to the body 36 of the one or more transition barrier modules 12₈-12₁₂ to increase a weight of the barrier module 12_x. The metallic add-on mass 370 may be configured similarly to the add-on mass 70 described above.

In yet other embodiments, the given one of the barrier modules 12_x may have any shape configured to reduce a tendency for the impacting vehicle 19 to vault or snag.

For example, a given barrier module 12_x adjacent the transition 145 (e.g., the transition barrier module 12₇ shown in FIG. 69) may comprise a shape which reduces the risk of the impacting vehicle 19 to snag due to a difference in shape and/or size (i.e., width and/or height) between the the given barrier module 12_x and the transition barrier module 12₇.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 68 to 72 and 78 to 80, the upper portion 32 of one or more of the transition barrier modules 12₈-12₁₂ may comprise an inclined part 58 that is inclined relative to the longitudinal direction L_B of the barrier 10. For example, the upper portion 32 of each of the transition barrier modules 12₈-12₁₂ may comprise the inclined part 58.

More particularly, in some embodiments, the conveyor-engaging part 33 of at least one of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N may be at least partly inclined relative to a longitudinal direction L_B of the barrier 10.

In other embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 73 to 77C and 81 to 87 the upper portion 32 of one or more of the transition barrier modules 12₈-12₁₂ may be horizontal relative to the longitudinal direction L_B of the barrier 10. For example, the upper portion 32 of each of the transition barrier modules 12₈-12₁₂ may be horizontal relative to the longitudinal direction L_B of the barrier 10.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, the conveyor-engaging part 33 of at least one of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N is horizontal relative to a longitudinal direction L_B of the barrier 10.

The transition 145 may be implemented in any other suitable way in other embodiments.

For example, in some embodiments, the height of the transition barrier modules 12₈-12₁₁ may correspond to the height of one of the terminal barrier modules 12₁-12₆ or the main barrier modules 12₁₂-12_N, and the conveyor-engaging part 33 of each of the transition barrier modules 12₈-12₁₂ is configured to be positioned to form the transition 145 between the terminal barrier modules 12₁-12₇ and the main barrier modules 12₁₃-12_N.

For instance, in some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 91, the height of the transition barrier modules 12₈-12₁₂ corresponds to the height of the terminal barrier modules 12₁-12₇, and the conveyor-engaging part 33 of each of the transition barrier modules 12₈-12₁₂ is positioned to form the transition 145 between the terminal barrier modules 12₁-12₇ and the main barrier modules 12₁₃-12_N. Specifically, the position of the conveyor-engaging part 33 of respective ones of the transition barrier modules 12₈-12₁₂ vary in the heightwise direction H_M of the barrier modules 12_x to form the transition 145 between the terminal barrier modules 12₁-12₇ and the main barrier modules 12₁₃-12_N. In this example, the conveyor-engaging part 33 includes the inclined part 58 that is inclined relative to the longitudinal direction L_B of the barrier 10. In this example, the transition 145 formed by the varying position of the conveyor-engaging part 33 of respective ones of the transition barrier modules 12₈-12₁₂ is linear. In other examples, the transition 145 formed by the varying position of the conveyor-engaging part 33 of respective ones of the transition barrier modules 12₈-12₁₂ may be non-linear.

With additional reference to FIGS. 86 to 88, in some embodiments, the transfer vehicle 20 comprises a frame 155, a powertrain 156, a suspension 162, a steering system 163, wheels 164, a cabin 165 and a control system 157 that is configured to control the conveyor 22 to transfer respective ones of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N differing in height.

The powertrain 72 is configured to generate power for the transfer vehicle 20, including motive power for the wheels 164 to propel the transfer vehicle 20 on the roadway 13. To that end, the powertrain 156 comprises a power source (e.g., a primer mover) that includes one or more motors. For example, in some embodiments, the power source of the powertrain 156 may comprise an internal combustion engine, an electric motor (e.g., powered by a battery), or a combination of different types of motor (e.g., an internal combustion engine and an electric motor). The powertrain 156 can transmit power from the power source to one or more of the wheels 164 in any suitable way (e.g., via a transmission, a differential, a shaft engaging (i.e., directly connecting) a motor and a given one of the wheels 164, etc.).

The steering system 163 is configured to steer the transfer vehicle 20 on the roadway 13. In this embodiment, the steering system 163 is configured to turn front ones and/or rear ones of the wheels 164 to change their orientation relative to the frame 155 of the transfer vehicle 20 in order to cause the transfer vehicle 20 to move in a desired direction.

The cabin 165 is configured to be occupied by one or more occupants of the transfer vehicle 20. In this embodiment, the cabin 165 comprises a user interface 166 configured to interact with one or more occupants of the vehicle and comprising an input portion that includes one or more input devices (e.g., a set of buttons, levers, dials, etc., a touchscreen, a microphone, etc.) allowing an occupant of the transfer vehicle 20 to input commands and/or other information into the transfer vehicle 20 and an output portion that includes one or more output devices (e.g., a display, a speaker, etc.) to provide information to an occupant of the transfer vehicle 20. The output portion of the user interface 166 may comprise an instrument panel (e.g., a dashboard) which provides indicators (e.g., a speedometer indicator, a tachometer indicator, etc.) related to operation of the transfer vehicle 20.

In some embodiments, to control the conveyor 22 to transfer the respective ones of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N differing in height, the control system 157 is configured to move the conveyor 22 vertically relative to the surface 17 of the roadway 13, (i.e., along the double arrow shown in FIG. 87).

More particularly, in this embodiment, the control system 157 comprises an actuator 158 configured to move the conveyor 22 and the controller 160 is configured to control the actuator 158 based on information regarding the barrier 10 that is indicative of heights of given ones of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N.

In some embodiments, the actuator 158 comprises a linear actuator such as an electromechanical linear actuator. In other embodiments, the actuator 158 may be implemented in any other suitable way. For instance, in other embodiments, the actuator 158 may comprise a fluidic actuator, such as a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator, or may comprise a motor, such as an electric motor, or other rotary actuator.

In one example of implementation of this embodiment shown in FIG. 87, the suspension 162 comprises a hydraulic system 174 and the actuator 158 comprises at least part of the hydraulic system 174. In this case, the actuator 158 comprises a plurality of actuating elements 176. For instance, each of the plurality of actuating elements 176 comprises a hydraulic cylinder 172. In this example, to move the conveyor 22 vertically relative to the surface 17 of the roadway 13, the control system 157 is configured to move the frame 155 vertically relative to the surface 13 of the roadway 17. In this case, the controller 160 is configured to control the hydraulic cylinders 172 of the hydraulic system 174 based on the information regarding the barrier 10 that is indicative of heights of given ones of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, to move the conveyor 22 vertically relative to the surface 17 of the roadway 13, the control system 157 may be configured to move the conveyor 22 vertically relative to the frame 155.

In some embodiments, the controller 160 is configured to receive at least part of the information regarding the barrier 10 from a user, such as via the user interface 166 of the transfer vehicle 20.

In some embodiments, the controller 160 is configured to receive at least part of the information regarding the barrier 10 from one or more sensors 161 in order to control the actuator 158 based on the information indicative of the height of each of respective ones of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N.

In some examples, the control system 157 may comprise at least one of the one or more sensors 161. Additionally or alternatively, the barrier 10 may comprise at least one of the one or more sensors 161. Thus, the control system 157 and/or the barrier 10 may comprise given ones of the one or more sensors 161.

The one or more sensors 161 configured to sense information regarding the barrier 10 (e.g., an absolute height of each of respective ones of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N, a relative position of each of respective ones of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N to the conveyor 22, frame 155 or other datum of the transfer vehicle 20). The one or more sensors 161 may include any suitable sensing device. For example, in some embodiments, the one or more sensors 161 may comprise: one or more passive sensors such as a camera, a sound sensor, a light sensor, etc.; one or more active sensors such as a lidar (light detection and ranging), a radar sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, etc.; and/or any other sensing device.

The one or more sensors 161 may also be configured to sense information other than information indicative of the height of each of respective ones of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N. For example, the one or more sensors 161 may be configured to sense information regarding a position of each of respective ones of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N on the roadway 13. In yet another example, the one or more sensors 161 may be configured to sense information indicative of whether respective ones of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N are engaged by the conveyor 22 of the transfer vehicle. In yet another example, the one or more sensors 161 may configured to sense information indicative of whether a given barrier module 12_x is an end one of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N.

In this embodiment, the controller 160 is a processing apparatus that comprises an interface 167, a processing entity 168, and memory 170, which are implemented by suitable hardware and software.

The interface 167 comprises one or more inputs and outputs (e.g., an input/output interface) allowing the controller 160 to receive input signals from and send output signals to other components to which the controller 160 is connected (i.e., directly or indirectly connected), including the actuator 158, and possibly other components such as the user interface 167 of the transfer vehicle 20 and the one or more sensors 161. The controller 160 may communicate with other components of the transfer vehicle 20 via a vehicle bus (e.g., a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus or other suitable vehicle bus). Connections between the interface 167 and other components may be wired or wireless (e.g., Bluetooth, WiFi, RFID, cellular, etc.).

The processing entity 168 comprises one or more processors for performing processing operations that implement functionality of the controller 160. A processor of the processing entity 168 may be a general-purpose processor executing program code stored in the memory 170. Alternatively, a processor of the processing entity 168 may be a specific-purpose processor comprising one or more preprogrammed hardware or firmware elements (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), electrically erasable programmable read-only memories (EEPROMs), etc.) or other related elements.

The memory 170 comprises one or more memory elements for storing program code executed by the processing entity 168 and/or data (e.g., maps, vehicle parameters, etc.) used during operation of the processing entity 168. A memory element of the memory 170 may be a semiconductor medium (including, e.g., a solid-state memory), a magnetic storage medium, an optical storage medium, and/or any other suitable type of memory. A memory element of the memory 170 may include a read-only memory (ROM) element and/or a random-access memory (RAM) element, for example.

In some embodiments, the controller 160 may be associated with (e.g., comprise and/or interact with) one or more other control units of the transfer vehicle 20. For example, in some embodiments, the controller 160 may comprise and/or interact with a powertrain control unit of the powertrain 156, such as an engine control unit (ECU), a transmission control unit (TCU), etc.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 90A and 90B, the processing entity 168 of the controller 169 of the control system 157 may execute an algorithm 900 stored in the memory 170 which when executed may partially or fully automate passage of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N differing in height through the conveyor 22 of the transfer vehicle 20 between the different locations L₁, L₂ at the roadway 13.

At step 910, the control system 157 receives information regarding the barrier 10 that is indicative of the heights of given ones of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N.

In some embodiments, the information may be preprogrammed during a provisioning phase of the conveyor 22 moving the barrier modules 12₁-12_N from the first location L₁ to the second location L₂ at the roadway 13. For example, the operator of the transfer vehicle 20 may input this information via the user interface 166 of the transfer vehicle 20. In another example, an off-site operator may input this information at a distance from the transfer vehicle 20 (e.g., over a data network such as the internet, a local area network, a wireless network, a combination of such networks or still other forms of data networks).

In such embodiments, the information may be indicative of the length of the barrier 10, including a length of each of one or more segments thereof. For example, the information indicative of the length of the barrier 10 may include information indicative of a length of the crash cushion 119 including terminal barrier modules 12₁-12₇, a length of the transition 145 including the transition barrier modules 12₈-12₁₂, and a length of a main segment including the main barrier modules 12₁₃-12_N. Additionally or alternatively, the information may be indicative of a slope of the transition 145 of the barrier 10, for example, including the slope of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N. In some cases, the information indicative of the slope of the barrier 10 may comprise information indicative of a slope of the inclined part 58 of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N.

In other such embodiments, the information may be indicative of a number of barrier modules 12₁-12_N in the barrier 10, for example, the number of the terminal barrier modules 12₁-12₇, the transition barrier modules 12₈-12₁₂ and the main barrier modules 12₁₃-12_N. The information may also be indicative of a length of respective ones of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N in the barrier 10, for example, a length of respective ones of the terminal barrier modules 12₁-12₇, the transition barrier modules 12₈-12₁₂ and the main barrier modules 12₁₃-12_N.

In other embodiments, the control system 157 receives the information indicative of the heights of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N from the one or more sensors 161. In such cases, the information may be received over a data network (e.g., the internet, a local area network, a wireless network, a combination of such networks or still other forms of data networks).

At step 920, the control system 157 is configured to control the transfer vehicle 20, including by adjusting the conveyor 22, based on the information regarding the barrier 10 to transfer the barrier modules 12₁-12_N between the first location L₁ to the second location L₂ at the roadway 13.

Adjusting the conveyor 22 may include causing the actuator 158 to move the conveyor 22 of the transfer vehicle 20 vertically relative to the surface 17 of the roadway 13 such that the conveyor 22 may engage the conveyor-engaging part 33 of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N differing in height.

In some embodiments, the control system 157 is configured to regulate a speed of the transfer vehicle 20 prior to, during, and after engagement of the conveyor-engaging part 33 of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N differing in height and the conveyor 22 such that the barrier modules 12₁-12_N may be transferred between the first location L₁ to the second location L₂ at the roadway 13 based on the motion of the transfer vehicle 20.

In embodiments in which the information is preprogrammed during the provisioning phase described above, the speed of the transfer vehicle 20 may also be preprogrammed during the provisioning phase.

In embodiments in which the control system 157 receives the information being indicative of the height of the barrier modules 12₁-12_N from the one or more sensors 161 as described above, the speed of the transfer vehicle 20 may be regulated as the information is received from the one or more sensors 161.

In yet other embodiments, the speed of the transfer vehicle 20 may be regulated by the operator of the transfer vehicle 20.

The control system 157 may operate in any other suitable way, including by controlling the conveyor 22 and/or the transfer vehicle 20 in any other suitable way, in other embodiments.

4. Hybrid Barrier Module

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 51 and 52, the barrier module 12_x may be a “hybrid” barrier module whose body 36 comprises the concrete 38 (e.g., concrete casting) and containers 250₁, 250₂ that are configured to contain a substance 552, similarly to the container 50 discussed in the present disclosure, and connected to the concrete 38 of the barrier module 12_x. This may improve movability of the barrier module 12_x (e.g., during transport and installation) by assembling and/or introducing the substance 552 after the concrete 38 of the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x is positioned at the roadway 13, while maintaining the weight of the barrier module 12_x in use.

In this embodiment, the concrete 38 of the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x may constitute no more than half of the weight of the barrier module 12_x, in some cases less than half of the weight of the barrier module 12_x, and in some cases no more than one-third of the weight of the barrier module 12_x.

The first container 250₁ overlies a first lateral surface 61₁ of the concrete 38 of the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x. The second container 250₂ of the barrier module 12_x overlies a second lateral surface 612 of the concrete 38 of the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x that is opposite to the first lateral surface 61₁ of the concrete 38 of the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x.

In some embodiments, a brace 240 of the body 36 may be connected to the concrete 38 of the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x. The brace 240 may be at least partly embedded in the concrete 38.

In various examples of implementation, the substance 552 may be a liquid (e.g., water), sand, gravel, concrete (e.g., poured-in-place concrete), foam (e.g. solid foam), or any other suitable substance (e.g., to add mass, provide cushioning upon impact, etc.). In this embodiment, the brace 40 of the barrier module 12_x is at least partly embedded in the substance 552 contained in the containers 250₁, 250₂.

In this example of implementation, the containers 250₁, 250₂ are molded. More particularly, in this example, the containers 250₁, 250₂ are rotomolded or otherwise molded to create a hollow interior 254. In other examples of implementation, the containers 250₁, 250₂ may include portions formed separately and assembled together (e.g., by being bonded, welded, mechanically fastened, etc.)

5. Additional Implementations

The shell 60 of the container 50 of the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x may be implemented in various other ways in other embodiments.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 54, the shell 60 of the container 50 of the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x may be a multipiece shell that comprises a plurality of subshells 120₁-120₃ (i.e., sections) that are detachably fastened to one another such that they are assemblable into the shell 60 and disassemblable (e.g., for transport or storage of the barrier module 12_x).

More particularly, in this embodiment, the subshells 120₁-120₃ of the shell 60 of the barrier module 12_x are fastened together via fasteners 124 (e.g., bolts, screws, or other threaded fasteners). In other embodiments, the subshells 120₁-120₃ of the shell 60 of the barrier module 12_x may be secured by other suitable means such as welding or forging. In this example, a top one of the subshells 120₁-120₃, namely the subshell 120₁, forms a lid of the barrier module 12_x, a bottom one of the subshells 120₁-120₃, namely the subshell 120₃, can facilitate emptying the substance 52 from the barrier module 12_x, and an intermediate one of the subshells 120₁-120₃, namely the subshell 120₂, forms a bulk of the barrier module 12_x.

In this example of implementation, each of the subshells 120₁-120₃ is metallic (e.g., cast, forged, punched, hydroformed, or otherwise formed into shape).

In one example of implementation, an interlocking flange 129 may be included in the subshell 120₁ and/or the subshell 120₃ in order to facilitate assembly/dissasembly.

An opening 126 in the barrier module 12_x is provided to allow the substance 52 to be introduced into the hollow interior 54 of the shell 60. The opening 126 may comprise a variety of suitable shapes (e.g., circular, rectangular, oval shape, etc.). The opening 126 may comprise any suitable size. In some embodiments, a plurality of openings may be provided.

In some embodiments, the opening 126 may be sealed to create an internal pressure build-up in the substance 52 contained in the shell 60 when the barrier module 12_x is impacted by an oncoming vehicle.

In some embodiments, the shell 60 of the barrier module 12_x and a shell 60 of adjacent barrier modules 12_j may be connected to another. The shell 60 of the barrier module 12_x and the shell 60 of the adjacent barrier module 12_j may be connected to one another in any suitable fashion (e.g., mechanical fasteners such as for example bolts, interlocking flanges or guide pins).

The subshells 120₁-120₃ of the shell 60 of the barrier module 12_x maybe fastened together in any other suitable fashion. For example, in one embodiment, the subshells 120₁-120₃ may be welded together.

Transportation of the shell 60 of the barrier module 12_x may be optimized. For example, a recess may be provided in the subshells 120₁-120₃ in order to allow the barrier module 12_x to be stacked on another barrier module 12_N, as previously described.

The container 50 of the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x may be implemented in various other ways in other embodiments.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 65D and 66, the container 50 may comprises one or more openings 139 to permit passage of fastening components through the barrier module 12_x (e.g., fastening components such as chains, slings, straps etc.).

In some embodiments, the container 50 of the body 36 of the barrier module 12_x may comprise areas configured to receive counterweights to adjust the mass of the barrier module 12_x. The counterweights may also adjust a location of the mass center of the barrier module 12_x.

The barrier 10 (e.g., its barrier modules 12₁-12_N) may be implemented in various other ways in other embodiments.

For example, in other embodiments, the barrier 10 may be fixed and/or permanent (e.g., such that it remains substantially stationary and/or is integrated into an infrastructure of the roadway 13). One or more features of the barrier 10 described herein when the barrier 10 is movable may be implemented when the barrier 10 is fixed and/or permanent.

Certain additional elements that may be needed for operation of some embodiments have not been described or illustrated as they are assumed to be within the purview of those of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, certain embodiments may be free of, may lack and/or may function without any element that is not specifically disclosed herein.

Any feature of any embodiment discussed herein may be combined with any feature of any other embodiment discussed herein in some examples of implementation.

In case of any discrepancy, inconsistency, or other difference between terms used herein and terms used in any document incorporated by reference herein, meanings of the terms used herein are to prevail and be used.

Although various embodiments have been illustrated, this was for purposes of describing, but should not be limiting. Various changes, modifications and enhancements may be made.

Claims

1. A barrier for a roadway, the barrier comprising a plurality of barrier modules hingedly connected to one another, wherein at least three of the barrier modules differ in height.

2. The barrier of claim 1, wherein a transition from a tallest one of the barrier modules to a shortest one of the barrier modules occurs over transition ones of the barrier modules.

3. The barrier of claim 2, wherein each transition one of the barrier modules comprises an upper portion comprising an inclined part that is inclined relative to a longitudinal direction of the barrier.

4. The barrier of claim 1, wherein a transition from a tallest one of the barrier modules to a shortest one of the barrier modules occurs over a plurality of meters.

5. (canceled)

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10. (canceled)

11. The barrier of claim 2, wherein the transition is linear.

12. The barrier of claim 2, wherein the transition is nonlinear.

13. (canceled)

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15. (canceled)

16. (canceled)

17. The barrier of claim 1, wherein the at least three of the barrier modules gradually vary in height.

18. The barrier of claim 1, wherein the at least three of the barrier modules linearly vary in height.

19. The barrier of claim 1, wherein a ratio of the height of a taller one of the barrier modules over the height of a shorter one of the barrier modules that is adjacent to the taller one of the barrier modules is no more than 1.1.

20. (canceled)

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33. The barrier of claim 2, wherein each transition one of the barrier modules comprises a body and a ballast to adjust a mass of the transition one of the barrier modules.

34. The barrier of claim 33, wherein the body of the transition one of the barrier modules comprises a container; and the ballast of the transition one of the barrier modules comprises a substance in the container.

35. (canceled)

36. (canceled)

37. The barrier of claim 1, wherein the barrier is configured to be transferred between different locations at the roadway by a transfer vehicle.

38. The barrier of claim 37, wherein: each of the barrier modules comprises a conveyor-engaging part configured to be engaged by a conveyor of the transfer vehicle; and the conveyor-engaging part of at least one of the barrier modules is at least partly inclined relative to a longitudinal direction of the barrier.

39. The barrier of claim 38, wherein the conveyor-engaging part of each of the barrier modules comprises an overhang.

40. The barrier of claim 1, wherein a given one of the barrier modules is adjustable to adjust the height of the given one of the barrier modules.

41. The barrier of claim 1, wherein a given one of the barrier modules comprises an adjustment system configured to move parts of the given one of the barrier modules relative to one another to adjust the height of the given one of the barrier modules.

42. The barrier of claim 41, wherein a first one of the parts of the given one of the barrier modules is movable within a second one of the parts of the given one of the barrier modules to adjust the height of the given one of the barrier modules.

43. The barrier of claim 41, wherein the adjustment system is configured to move the parts of the given one of the barrier modules relative to one another in a plurality of predetermined positions to adjust the height of the given one of the barrier modules.

44. The barrier of claim 41, wherein the adjustment system comprises a plurality of openings spaced apart in a heightwise direction of the given one of the barrier modules and configured to receive fasteners to secure the parts of the given one of the barrier modules to one another to adjust the height of the given one of the barrier modules.

45. The barrier of claim 44, wherein: the openings are fastening openings; and the adjustment system comprises a plurality of hinging openings spaced apart in the heightwise direction of the given one of the barrier modules and configured to receive hinging members to hingedly connect the given one of the barrier modules to an adjacent one of the barrier modules.

46. (canceled)

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50. The barrier of claim 1, wherein the barrier is configured to deflect by no more than 2.2 m according to MASH.

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56. (canceled)

57. A barrier for a roadway, the barrier comprising a plurality of barrier modules hingedly connected to one another, wherein: the barrier modules differ in height; terminal ones of the barrier modules implement a crash cushion configured to deform when impacted by a vehicle; main ones of the barrier modules are shorter than the terminal ones of the barrier modules; and transition ones of the barrier modules are configured to transition between the terminal ones of the barrier modules and the main ones of the barrier modules.

58. The barrier of claim 57, wherein the transition ones of the barrier modules are shorter than the terminal ones of the barrier modules and taller than the main ones of the barrier modules

59. (canceled)

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