Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
The present invention relates to the mounting and installation of roadway sign posts onto triangular mounting systems. Several states and jurisdictions use triangular mounting anchors for the installation of sign posts. The triangular shape allows sign posts to be mounted in such a way that the sign post will break away easily when struck by a vehicle thereby reducing the risk of injury to motorists involved in this type of accident. Applicant has been involved with the installation and manufacture of roadway sign posts for a number of years. Through the course of such involvement, Applicant became aware of problems with the mounting systems currently used for the installation of sign posts onto the triangular mounting anchors. In particular, Applicant observed problems relating to the routine failure of current mounting systems to prevent sign posts from rotating, coming loose or sustaining damage after mounting.
Applicant believes the aforementioned problems with current sign post mounting systems are caused primarily by the inclusion in existing mounting systems of either set screws or locking rings to try to hold the sign post in place once it has been secured into the mounting system. When set screws are used, the only direct contact points between the mounting system and the sign post are the points where the set screws touch the sign post. Such contact is inadequate to hold the sign post in pace and ultimately causes the sign post to rotate or become loose after mounting. Additionally, the set screws can damage the structural integrity of the sign post by creating indentations at the point of contact which can lead to premature failure. When a locking ring device is used, sign posts cannot be tightened strongly enough to prevent the sign post from ultimately rotating or becoming loose within the ring. Additionally, the locking ring itself can turn within the system.
The present invention is designed to correct the problems generated by the use of set screws or locking rings commonly found on current models of triangular slipbase mounting systems. Rather than using set screws or a locking ring, the present invention uses a clamping system with exterior bolts to hold the sign post in place within a tapered bore. The exterior bolts and tapered bore create an extremely tight, full surface, clamp on the sign post which prevents the sign post from rotating or becoming loose without causing indentations and premature failure of the sign post.
The present invention is a heavy duty triangular slipbase mounting system for roadway sign posts. The invention is attached to a triangular shaped anchor that is secured to the ground through concrete or other means. Once attached to the anchor, the invention serves as the base into which a sign post can be installed. The invention is then responsible for holding the sign post securely in place so that the mounted sign post will not turn or rock in place. Rather than using set screws or locking rings to hold the sign post in place, the mounting system contained in the present invention possesses a slightly tapered inside bore and uses a clamp with exterior bolts as the primary means of holding the sign post in place in the bore. The clamp is tightened around the sign post by the use of two exterior bolts. The clamp and exterior bolt method of securing the sign post, along with the slightly tapered inside bore, allows for complete surface area contact between the mounting system and the sign post which creates a strong, vice-like grip on the sign post. This eliminates the development of slack that ultimately allows the sign post to rotate or become loose as occurs in the mounting systems currently being used. Additionally, because the exterior clamping bolts do not come into contact with the sign post, there is no damage to the structural integrity of the sign post such as that which commonly occurs when set screws are used in the mounting systems.
The present invention is made with all mild steel rather than ductile castings which reduces the chance for breakage. The invention can also be used as a triangular ground anchor without any modification. This is accomplished by attaching a stub to the system in the same manner as a sign post and then inverting the system so the stub can be inserted into the ground. Once the stub is secured into the ground, an additional unit can then be attached to the anchor and used as the sign post mounting system.
There are four drawings submitted with the application:
Figure One is a side view of the invention in an exploded view showing how all the parts should be assembled.
Figure Two is a top view of the invention showing the clamping bolts.
Figure Three is an exploded side view of the invention being used both as a mounting system and ground anchor.
Figure Four is a side view of the invention showing a completely assembled unit when in use as both a mounting system and ground anchor.
The invention is comprised of two formed, rounded halves fabricated from mild steel which, when attached to a triangular base, are set in such a manner that they create a round and slightly tapered inside bore that is approximately four and one half inches (4½″) long. (See
Four lugs are welded onto the formed halves at the top of the adjustment gaps. (See