GLARE SCREEN SYSTEM

Abstract

A glare screen system comprises a number of glare screen units arranged in an end-to-end manner. Each glare screen unit comprises a number of upright paddles integrally formed with a horizontal rail. The paddles are tapered and hollow, allowing the glare screen unit to be nested on top of another one of the glare screen units. In addition, each glare screen unit comprises a receiver portion and an attachment portion at opposite ends. The receiver portion of one unit is configured to engage with the attachment portion of another unit to form the glare screen system.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system for screening the glare from the opposite side of a highway.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

On divided highways, concrete barriers typically divide one direction of a highway from the opposite direction. These concrete barriers are typically placed along the median to separate the opposing directions of traffic in order to prevent vehicles from one side of a highway from accidentally crossing over onto the opposite side and potentially causing head-on collisions with oncoming traffic. They are typically approximately two to three feet in height and are designed to withstand the impact of a vehicle travelling at fairly high speeds.

However, another problem with divided highways, and with roads in general, is that drivers may become disoriented or temporarily blinded from the glare of headlights of oncoming vehicles travelling along the other side of the road. This disorientation and temporary blindness may result in accidents or unsafe actions by the affected drivers.

In order to alleviate this problem, glare screens have been used. These glare screens are typically narrow, flat panels that are installed in a row on top of concrete barriers. These panels are placed at an angle such that when they are viewed by drivers from afar, the angle and spacing of the panels effectively block off the view (and glare) from the opposite side of the road.

Typically, these panels are made of a stiff material and are bolted, using brackets, to a horizontal rail attached to the top of the concrete barrier. However, these glare screen systems are cumbersome to assemble and install. In addition, because the materials used to make the panels are typically stiff, the panels do not perform well when impacted. The panels will either be ripped off their connections with the horizontal rail, or the panels will provide no give, resulting in a dangerous high-impact force.

Therefore, there is a need for a glare screen system that is easy to install and that may perform well when impacted.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A glare screen system comprises a number of glare screen units arranged in an end-to-end manner. Each glare screen unit comprises a number of upright paddles integrally formed with a horizontal rail. The paddles are tapered and hollow, allowing the glare screen unit to be nested on top of another one of the glare screen units. In addition, each glare screen unit comprises a receiver portion and an attachment portion at opposite ends. The receiver portion of one unit is configured to engage with the attachment portion of another unit to form the glare screen system.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a glare screen unit for use in a glare screen system installed on concrete barriers comprises a rail and a plurality of paddles. The rail is removably attached to one of the concrete barriers. The rail comprises first and second ends, an upper surface, an attachment portion proximate to the first end, and a receiver portion proximate to the second end. The attachment portion comprises one or more protrusions extending from the upper surface. Each of the protrusions comprises a protrusion wall, a protrusion floor extending across the protrusion wall, and one or more protrusion floor openings formed in the protrusion floor. The receiver portion comprises a receiver upper surface offset from the upper surface, and one or more formed on the receiver upper surface. Each of the depressions comprises one or more depression walls, one or more depression floors extending across the depression walls, and one or more receiver openings formed in the depression floors. The attachment portion of a first one of the units is configured to engage with the receiver portion of a second one of the units, with at least one of the protrusion floor openings of the first one of the units aligned with at least one of the receiver openings of the second one of the units to receive a fastener therethrough. The plurality of paddles extends substantially vertically from and integrally formed with the upper surface. Each of the paddles comprises first and second faces and an upper paddle surface. The first and second paddle faces join to define two paddle ends. The upper paddle surface extends between upper edges of the first and second paddle faces. Each of the paddles are tapered such that the paddle ends are closer together proximate to the upper paddle surface relative to proximate the upper surface. The first and second paddle faces and the upper paddle surface define, at least in part, a paddle enclosure. The paddle enclosure is configured to receive, at least in part, the paddle of another one of the units.

In another embodiment, the attachment portion further comprises one or more protrusion openings formed on the upper surface, with the protrusion openings defined, at least in part, by the protrusion wall.

In still another embodiment, the glare screen unit further comprises a cap configured to engage with one of the protrusion openings.

In a further embodiment, the cap comprises a cap wall, a cap floor, and a cap floor opening. The cap wall is configured to engage with the protrusion wall. The cap floor is configured to engage with the protrusion floor. The cap floor opening is formed in the cap floor, with the cap floor opening aligned with at least one of the protrusion floor openings.

In yet another embodiment, each of the protrusions further comprises a protrusion channel proximate to the protrusion wall.

In still yet another embodiment, the cap further comprises a cap surface extending from the cap wall. The cap surface comprises a rim that is configured to engage with the protrusion channel.

In another embodiment, a glare screen unit for use in a glare screen system installed on concrete barriers comprises a rail and a plurality of paddles. The rail is removably attached to one of the concrete barriers. The rail comprises first and second ends, an upper surface, an attachment portion proximate to the first end, and a receiver portion proximate to the second end. The attachment portion comprises one or more protrusions extending from the upper surface. Each of the protrusions comprises a protrusion wall, a protrusion floor extending across the protrusion wall, and one or more protrusion floor openings formed in the protrusion floor. The receiver portion comprises a receiver upper surface offset from the upper surface, and one or more formed on the receiver upper surface. Each of the depressions comprises one or more depression walls, one or more depression floors extending across the depression walls, and one or more receiver openings formed in the depression floors. The attachment portion of a first one of the units is configured to engage with the receiver portion of a second one of the units, with at least one of the protrusion floor openings of the first one of the units aligned with at least one of the receiver openings of the second one of the units to receive a fastener therethrough. The plurality of paddles extends substantially vertically from and integrally formed with the upper surface.

In yet another embodiment, a glare screen unit for use in a glare screen system installed on concrete barriers comprises a rail and a plurality of paddles. The rail is removably attached to one of the concrete barriers. The plurality of paddles extends substantially vertically from and integrally formed with the upper surface. Each of the paddles comprises first and second faces and an upper paddle surface. The first and second paddle faces join to define two paddle ends. The upper paddle surface extends between upper edges of the first and second paddle faces. Each of the paddles are tapered such that the paddle ends are closer together proximate to the upper paddle surface relative to proximate the upper surface. The first and second paddle faces and the upper paddle surface define, at least in part, a paddle enclosure. The paddle enclosure is configured to receive, at least in part, the paddle of another one of the units.

In a further embodiment, the first and second faces are angled with respect to a longitudinal axis of the rail, such that the angle between a plane extending between the two paddle ends and the longitudinal axis is between approximately 60° to 70°.

In still a further embodiment, the angle between the plane extending between the two paddle ends and the longitudinal axis is between approximately 65°.

In yet still a further embodiment, the paddles taper to a greater degree proximate to the paddle ends than proximate to a vertical midline of the first or second paddle faces.

In another embodiment, the paddles taper proximate to the paddle ends at an angle of approximately 2.7°.

In still another embodiment, the paddles taper proximate to the vertical midline of the first or second paddle faces at an angle of approximately 2.5°

In still yet another embodiment, an angle formed by a line joining one of the paddle ends of one of the paddles with an opposite one of the paddle ends of an adjacent one of the paddles with a longitudinal axis of the rail varies along a height of the paddles.

In still another embodiment, the angle is greatest proximate to the upper surface and least proximate to the upper paddle surface.

In a further embodiment, the glare screen unit is formed from a plastic material.

In yet a further embodiment, the plastic material is an elastomeric material.

The foregoing was intended as a summary only and of only some of the aspects of the invention. It was not intended to define the limits or requirements of the invention. Other aspects of the invention will be appreciated by reference to the detailed description of the preferred embodiments. Moreover, this summary should be read as though the claims were incorporated herein for completeness.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described by reference to the detailed description and to the drawings thereof in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a glare screen system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an individual glare screen unit of the glare screen system in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the unit of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the unit of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 depicts two units connected together;

FIG. 6 depicts three units connected together;

FIG. 7 are partial views showing the first and second ends of the unit;

FIG. 8 is a partial view showing two units connected together in one configuration;

FIG. 9 is a partial view showing two units connected together in another configuration;

FIG. 10 is a partial view showing two units connected together, as viewed from below;

FIG. 11 is a sectional partial view showing two units connected together, without the cap and fastener;

FIG. 12 is a sectional partial view showing two units connected together, without the cap and fastener, as viewed from below;

FIG. 13 is another partial view showing two units connected together, with the cap and fastener;

FIG. 14 is an exploded partial view showing two units connected together, with the caps and fasteners;

FIG. 15 is a sectional partial view showing two units connected together, with the cap and fastener;

FIG. 16 is an exploded sectional partial view showing two units connected together, with the cap and fastener;

FIG. 17 is a partial view showing two units connected together, with the cap;

FIG. 18 is a sectional partial view showing two units connected together, with the cap;

FIG. 19 is a sectional partial view showing two units connected together;

FIG. 20 is a sectional partial view showing two units in the process of being separated;

FIG. 21 depicts one unit being removed from a set of three units on a concrete barrier;

FIG. 22 depicts one unit being stacked on one of the other two units on the concrete barrier;

FIG. 23 depicts the concrete barrier being moved;

FIG. 24 depicts concrete barriers of different lengths with the units attached;

FIG. 25 is a front view of the unit;

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the unit of FIG. 25, taken along H1;

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the unit of FIG. 25, taken along H2;

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the unit of FIG. 25, taken along H3;

FIG. 29 shows one embodiment of a number of units stacked together;

FIG. 30 shows another embodiment of a number of units stacked together;

FIG. 31 shows another embodiment of the unit;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the unit;

FIG. 33 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 32;

FIG. 34 is a view of two of the units of FIG. 32 installed on a concrete barrier; and

FIG. 35 is another view of two of the units of FIG. 32 installed on a concrete barrier.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a glare screen system 10 comprises one or more glare screen units 12 arranged in a substantially end-to-end configuration. Each of the glare screen unit 12 comprises one or more substantially upright and hollow paddles 14 extending from a substantially horizontal rail 16. Preferably, the paddles 14 are integrally formed with the rail 16, although it is also possible that the paddles 14 are connected to the rail 16 using other means, such as using mechanical fasteners. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, three of the units 12 are shown connected end-to-end, but it is understood that many more of the units 12 may be connected together in a similar manner. The glare screen system 10 may be installed on top of a concrete barrier 2 (such as those used as part of a highway divider for a highway 8), as shown in FIG. 1.

Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, each of the units 12 preferably comprises four paddles 14; however, in other embodiments, the number of paddles 14 may be greater or may be fewer. The rail 16 comprises an upper surface 18 and two sidewalls 20 that extend generally downwardly from the upper surface 18. Preferably, the upper surface 18 comprises lateral edges 21, with the sidewalls 20 extending proximate from the lateral edges 21. The paddles 14 preferably extend upwardly from the upper surface 18.

The rail 16 further comprises first and second ends 22, 24. The first end 22 of the rail 16 for one of the units 12 is configured to engage with the second end 24 of the rail 16 for another of the units 12. For example, FIG. 5 depicts two of the units 12a, 12b connected together. Similarly, FIG. 6 depicts three of the units 12a, 12b, 12c connected together. The second end 24a of the unit 12a is configured to engage with the first end 22b of the unit 12b so that the units 12a, 12b may be arranged in an end-to-end configuration. Similarly, the second end 24b of the unit 12b is configured to engage with the first end 22c of the unit 12c so that the units 12b, 12c may be arranged in an end-to-end configuration.

Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, each of the paddles 14 preferably comprises first and second faces 26, 28. The first and second faces 26, 28 are preferably curved, as shown in FIG. 3, such that the paddles 14 are substantially hollow and have a generally elliptical cross-section. Each of the first and second faces 26, 28 comprises an upper face edge 27. Each of the paddles 14 also comprises an upper paddle surface 66 extending between the first and second faces 26, 28 proximate to the upper face edges 27. Because of the curvature of the first and second faces 26, 28, the upper paddle surface 66 preferably has a generally elliptical shape.

The paddles 14 further comprise two opposing paddle ends 63 that extend for substantially the entire height of the paddles 14, with the first and second faces 26, 28 joining at the paddle ends 63. Therefore, the first and second faces 26, 28 and the upper paddle surface 66 generally define, at least in part, a paddle enclosure 65.

Although the paddles 14 preferably extend substantially perpendicularly from a longitudinal axis 30 of the rail 16, the first and second faces 26, 28 themselves are preferably angled. In other words, when the unit 12 is viewed from above, the first and second faces 26, 28 of the paddles 14 are generally oriented at an angle A to the longitudinal axis 30, as best shown in FIG. 3). For example, a plane P that extends between the two paddle ends 63 would form the angle A with the longitudinal axis 30. The angle A is preferably the same for all of the paddles 14 on the rail 16. In one embodiment, the angle A may be between approximately 60° to 70°, or more preferably approximately 65°. However, other angles for the angle A may also be used. At least in part because of the angling of the paddles 14, when the unit 12 is viewed from afar and askew (e.g. by a driver driving along one side of the road), the view through the paddles 14 (e.g. of the opposite side of the unit 12) is at least partially obscured.

The paddles 14 are preferably substantially hollow. The paddles 14 are also preferably tapered, such that a horizontal distance between the two paddles edges 63 is closer together proximate the upper paddle surface 66 than proximate the upper surface 18. The degree of tapering of the paddles 14 preferably varies depending on the particular location along the first and second faces 26, 28. For example, in one embodiment, the degree of tapering of the first and second faces 26, 28 along proximate their vertical midlines M (shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) is preferably approximately 2.5°, while the degree of tapering of the first and second faces 26, 28 proximate the paddle ends 63 is preferably approximately 2.7°. Therefore, the paddles 14 are preferably slightly more tapered along the paddle ends 63 than along the vertical midlines M of the first and second faces 26, 28.

In addition, the thickness of the paddles 14 preferably varies depending on the particular location along the first and second faces 26, 28. For example, in one embodiment, the thickness of the first and second faces 26, 28 along proximate the vertical midlines M is preferably approximately 2.0 mm, while the thickness of the first and second faces 26, 28 proximate the paddle ends 63 is preferably approximately 2.5 mm. Therefore, the paddles 14 are preferably thicker along the paddle ends 63 than along the vertical midlines M of the first and second faces 26, 28.

Referring to FIG. 7, proximate to the second end 24, the rail 16 comprises a receiver portion 34. The receiver portion 34 of one of the units 12 is configured to engage with an attachment portion 36 proximate to the first end 22 of an adjacent one of the units 12.

The receiver portion 34 comprises a receiver upper surface 38 and two receiver sidewalls 40 that extend generally downwardly from the receiver upper surface 38. Preferably, the receiver upper surface 38 comprises two receiver lateral edges 39 and a receiver longitudinal edge 41, with the receiver sidewalls 40 extending proximate from the receiver lateral edges 39. The receiver portion 34 may also comprise a receiver end wall 43 extending generally downwardly from the receiver upper surface 38 proximate from the receiver longitudinal edge 41.

The receiver upper surface 38 is preferably narrower than the upper surface 18, and the receiver sidewalls 40 are preferably shorter than the sidewalls 20, such that the receiver upper surface 38 is offset from the upper surface 18, and the receiver sidewalls 40 are offset from the sidewalls 20, as shown in FIG. 7. When the receiver portion 34 of one of units 12 is engaged with the attachment portion 36 of another of the units 12, the resulting engagement results in a relatively smooth and continuous transition between the upper surfaces 18 of the units 12 and a relatively smooth and continuous transition between the sidewalls 20 of the units 12, as shown in FIG. 8.

The receiver upper surface 38 comprises one or more depressions 42. The depressions 42 are preferably spaced inwardly from the receiver lateral edges 39 in order to provide additional structural integrity to the depressions 42. The depressions 42 may also be spaced inwardly from the receiver longitudinal edge 41.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the depression 42 comprise a single depression with a substantially “figure-eight” (or lemniscate) shape comprising first and second lobes 44, 46. The first and second lobes 44, 46 are substantially circular in shape, although there may be some overlap between the first and second lobes 44, 46. In other embodiments, other shapes or other numbers of depressions 42 may also be possible.

Referring to FIGS. 10 to 17, the depression 42 comprises one or more depression walls 82 that extends from and is continuous with the receiver upper surface 38. Preferably, the depression walls 82 are substantially vertical and defines, at least in part, the first and second lobes 44, 46. The depression 42 further comprises one or more depression floors 84 extending across the depression walls 82. Preferably, the depression floors 84 are substantially horizontal and defines, at least in part, the lower surface of the depression 42. The depression floors 84 may comprise one or more receiver openings 48 for receiving fasteners 50 therethrough for attaching the unit 12 to the concrete barrier 2, as shown in FIG. 1. The fasteners 50 may include anchors, bolts, screws, or other suitable mechanical fasteners. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, one of the receiver openings 48 is located in the depression floors 84 within each of the first and second lobes 44, 46.

Referring to FIG. 7, the attachment portion 36 is located proximate to the first end 22. The upper surface 18 and the two sidewalls 20 generally define, at least in part, a slot 64 at the first end 22 of the rail 16 that allows the first end 22 to fit over the receiver upper surface 38 of an adjacent one of the units 12.

The attachment portion 36 comprises one or more downwardly-extending protrusions 56 that are configured to engage with the depressions 42. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 to 17, the protrusions 56 comprise a single, generally round protrusion that is configured to engage with one of either the first lobe 44 or the second lobe 46. The protrusions 56 comprise a first protrusion wall 86 extending from the upper surface 18. Preferably, the first protrusion wall 86 extends substantially vertically for at least a portion of a height of the rail 16. A second protrusion wall 88 extends inwardly and substantially perpendicularly from the first protrusion wall 86. A third protrusion wall 90 extends substantially vertically from the second protrusion wall 86. As best seen in FIGS. 11 and 12, the first and third protrusion walls 86, 90 are preferably offset from each other. In addition, the first, second, and third protrusion walls 86, 88, 90 define a protrusion channel 92. Preferably, the first, second, and third protrusion walls 86, 88, 90 are substantially circular walls.

Each of the protrusions 56 may further comprise a protrusion floor 94 that extends within the third protrusion wall 90 (e.g. when the third protrusion wall 90 is substantially circular). Preferably, the protrusion floor 94 is substantially horizontal and defines, at least in part, the lower surface of the protrusions 56. The protrusion floor 94 may comprise one or more protrusion floor openings 58 that are configured to receive the fasteners 50 therethrough. The protrusion floor openings 58 preferably coincide with the receiver openings 48 in order to allow the fasteners 50 to pass through both the receiver openings 48 and the protrusion floor openings 58 simultaneously in order to both secure two of the units 12 together and to secure the units 12 to the concrete barrier 2.

The protrusion 56 is configured to engage with the depression 42. In particular, the third protrusion wall 90 is configured to engage with the depression wall 82 for one of the first and second lobes 44, 46. Similarly, the protrusion floor 94 is configured to engage with the depression floor 84 for one of the first and second lobes 44, 46, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12.

Referring to FIGS. 13 to 17, the intersection of the upper surface 18 with the first protrusion wall 86 results in a protrusion opening 96 on the upper surface 18. A cap 100 may be provided to fit within and engage the protrusion opening 96. The cap 100 is generally round and comprises a generally planar cap surface 102 with a circular cap opening 104 formed thereon. The cap surface 102 comprises an outer cap rim 106 that extends generally downwardly. A cap wall 108 extends downwardly from the cap surface 102, proximate to the cap opening 104. The cap wall 108 is a substantially circular wall. A cap floor 110 extends within the cap wall 108 (e.g., when the cap wall 108 is substantially circular). Preferably, the cap floor 110 is substantially horizontal and defines, at least in part, the lower surface of the cap 100. The cap floor 110 may comprise one or more cap floor openings 112 for receiving the fasteners 50 therethrough. The cap floor openings 112 preferably coincide with the protrusion floor openings 58 (and the receiver openings 48).

The cap 100 is configured to engage with the protrusion opening 96. Preferably, the cap rim 106 is configured to engage in the protrusion channel 92. In addition, the cap wall 108 is preferably configured to engage with the third protrusion wall 90, and the cap floor 110 is preferably configured to engage with the protrusion floor 94, as shown in FIG. 15.

Referring to FIG. 7, the rail 16 may comprise one or more ribs 62 extending generally downwardly from the upper surface 18. Preferably, the ribs 62 extend from the upper surface 18 proximate to where the paddles 14 extend from the upper surface 18. The ribs 62 may extend between the sidewalls 20 and generally follow the curvature of the first and second faces 26, 28. The ribs 62 increase the strength and rigidity of the rail 16. The receiver upper surface 38 may comprise one or more grooves 60 formed thereon. The grooves 60 are configured to engage with the ribs 62. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, two of the grooves 60 are formed on the receiver upper surface 38, on either side of the second lobe 46. The grooves 60 are preferably sized and oriented to align with one of the ribs 62. The engagement of the ribs 62 into the grooves 60 improves torsional stability when two of the units 12 are connected together.

Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, each of the sidewalls 20 preferably comprises an inwardly extending ledge 52 that extends from at least a portion of the sidewalls 20 proximate to the first end 22. Each of the receiver sidewalls 40 preferably comprises an outwardly extending projection 54 that extends from at least a portion of the receiver sidewalls 40 proximate to the second end 24. The ledge 52 is configured to engage with the projection 54 in helping to secure two of the units 12 together. Referring to FIG. 19, an angled ledge surface 53 is located proximate to the ledge 52, and an angled projection surface 55 is located proximate to the projection 54. When two of the units 12 are connected together, the ledge surface 53 will be initially pushed down on and engage the projection surface 55. The angling of the ledge surface 53 and the projection surface 55 will cause the sidewalls 20 to splay apart slightly, until the ledge surface 53 is pushed past the projection surface 55, at which time the sidewalls 20 will revert back to their original form, resulting in the configuration shown in FIG. 19. In this configuration, two of the units 12 may be held and transported together.

Referring to FIG. 20, in order to disengage the units 12, the portion of the sidewalls 20 proximate to the ledge 52 may be pulled apart (e.g. by hand) until the ledges 52 are no longer in engagement with the projections 54, thus allowing one of the units 12 to be lifted off the other one of the units 12.

One or more rail passages 76 may also be formed on the upper surface 18. The rail passages 76 are generally round and comprises a first passage wall 114 extending downwardly from the upper surface 18. The first passage wall 114 defines a rail opening 116 on the upper surface 18. Preferably, the first passage wall 114 extends substantially vertically for at least a portion of a height of the rail 16. A second passage wall 118 extends inwardly and substantially perpendicularly from the first passage wall 114. A third passage wall 120 extends substantially vertically from the second passage wall 118. As best seen in FIGS. 15 and 16, the first and third passage walls 114, 120 are preferably offset from each other. In addition, the first, second, and third passage walls 114, 118, and 120 define a passage channel 122.

Each of the rail passages 76 may further comprise a passage floor 124 that extends across the third passage wall 120. Preferably, the passage floors 124 are substantially horizontal and defines, at least in part, the lower surface of the rail passages 76. The passage floors 124 may comprise one or more passage floor openings 126 that are configured to receive the fasteners 50 therethrough for securing the rail 16 to the concrete barrier 2.

The caps 100 may also be used with the rail passages 76. The cap 100 is configured to engage with the rail passages 76. Preferably, the rail passages 76 and the protrusions 56 have similar dimensions, such that the cap rim 106 is also able to engage in the passage channel 122. In addition, the cap wall 108 is also able to engage with the third passage wall 120, and the cap floor 110 is preferably able to engage with the passage floor 124.

The process for installing the glare screen system 10 will now be described. FIG. 5 depicts two of the units 12a, 12b; however, it is understood that the glare screen system 10 may include many more of the units 12.

One of the units 12a may be first secured to the concrete barrier 2. The concrete barrier 2 will have openings drilled therein for receiving the fasteners 50. The unit 12a is placed on the concrete barrier 2 such that at least one of the rail passages 76a is aligned with the pre-drilled openings in the concrete barrier. One or more of the caps 100a are inserted into corresponding one or more of the rail passages 76a. The fasteners 50 are then applied through the cap openings 104a and the passage floor openings 126a, in order to secure the rail 16a to the concrete barrier 2.

The unit 12b is then placed such that the protrusion 56b is inserted into one of the first or second lobes 44a, 46a of the unit 12a. In other words, the first end 22b of the unit 12b overlaps somewhat with the second end 24a of the unit 12a, with the receiver portion 34a placed through the slot 64b. Because of the presence of the ledges 52b and the projections 54a, it may be necessary to first force the sidewalls 20b slightly apart laterally (i.e. by pulling the sidewalls 20b apart) proximate to the first end 22b, as shown in FIG. 17. This allows the ledges 52b to slide past the projections 54a. Once the ledges 52b have slid past the projections 54b, the sidewalls 20a may be released, allowing them to revert to their original configuration. However, the receiver portion 34a will now be held in place within the slot 36b by the engagement of the ledges 52b with the projections 54a.

One of the caps 100b is then placed into the protrusion opening 96b. One of the fasteners 50 is then applied through the cap floor opening 112, the protrusion floor opening 58b, and the receiver opening 48a to secure both the units 12a, 12b to the concrete barrier 2. For example, the fasteners 50 may comprise a concrete expansion anchor 128, which extends through the cap floor opening 112, the protrusion floor opening 58b, and the receiver opening 48a, and a nut 130 that threadably engages the anchor 128, as shown in FIGS. 14 to 16.

Subsequent ones of the units 12 may be attached in a similar manner.

Referring to FIG. 3, preferably, the first and second lobes 44, 46 are substantially circular, with centers C1 and C2, respectively. In one embodiment, the distance between the centers C1, C2 is approximately 1 inch. By allowing the units 12 to be connected to each other using either of the first or second lobes 44, 46, a finer adjustment of the overall length of the glare screen system 10 can be made. For example, when the unit 12a is connected to unit 12b with the protrusion 56b inserted into the first lobe 44a (as shown in FIG. 8), the overall length of the two units 12a, 12b connected together would be approximately 1 inch shorter than if the protrusion 56b is inserted into the second 46a (as shown in FIG. 9).

In one embodiment, the unit 12 has a length of approximately 1337 mm, a width of approximately 150 mm, and a height of approximately 620 mm. However, it is understood that other dimensions for the unit 12 are also possible.

FIG. 18 depict a sectional view of the units 12a, 12b connected together. Because of the engagement of the protrusion 56b with the depression 42a and the engagement of the cap 100 with the protrusion 56b, there is effectively a triple layer of material that connect the units 12a, 12b together (i.e. such as the depression wall 82a, the third protrusion wall 90b, and the cap wall 108, or such as the depression floor 84a, the protrusion floor 94b, and the cap floor 110). This layering increases the strength of the connection point between the units 12a, 12b, by helping the connection resist twisting or breakage when impacted (such as by a vehicle). The connection between the units 12a, 12b is further strengthened by the engagement of the cap rim 106 with the protrusion channel 92b.

As described above, the paddles 14 are substantially hollow. The paddles 14 may be integrally formed with the rail 16 to form the unit 12. However, the region of the first and/or second faces 26, 28 proximate to where they meet with the upper surface 18 may preferably comprise thinned sections 132 that extend for at least a portion of the height of the first and/or second faces 26, 28, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. In other words, the first and second faces 26, 28 at the thinned sections 132 are thinner than the walls at other portions of the unit 12. The thinned sections 132 promote the bending (or breaking) of the paddles 14 in the areas proximate to or at the thinned sections 132 when the paddles 14 are impacted.

Referring to FIGS. 21 to 24, the modular and stackable nature of the units 12 in the glare screen system 10 allows for flexibility in installing and removing the units 12. For example, once the units 12d, 12e, 12f are attached to the concrete barrier 2, it is possible to remove one of the units 12 (e.g. unit 12e as shown in FIG. 21) by removing the fasteners 50 associated with the unit 12e. The removed unit 12e can then be stacked on top of another of the remaining one of the units 12c, as shown in FIG. 22 (and described in more detail below). The concrete barrier 2 can also be moved (with the remaining units 12 still attached) using a barrier lift 6, as shown in FIG. 23. This allows the concrete barrier 2 to be moved without having to remove all of the units 12 from the concrete barrier 2.

Referring to FIG. 24, concrete barriers 2 with the units 12 attached may be of different lengths. For example, FIG. 24 depicts concrete barriers 2a, 2b, 2c with lengths 20 feet, 12.5 feet, and 12 feet, respectively. The concrete barriers 2a, 2b, 2c may be stored side by side, with the units 12 still attached.

Referring to FIGS. 25 to 28, because of the tapered nature of the paddles 14, the angle formed by opposing paddle ends 63 of adjacent ones of the paddles 14 changes along the height of the paddles 14. FIGS. 26 to 28 depict cross-sectional views of the unit 12 at different heights along the paddles 14 (i.e. at heights H1, H2, H3 of FIG. 25). For example, paddles 14a, 14b on the unit 12 have opposing paddle ends 63a, 63b. Lines L1, L2, L3 connect the paddle end 63a with the paddle end 63b at heights H1, H2, H3, respectively. The lines L1, L2, L3 form angles B1, B2, B3 with the longitudinal axis 30. At the heights H1, H2, H3 shown in FIGS. 26 to 28, the angle B1 is approximately 22.25°, the angle B2 is approximately 27.17°, and the angle B3 is approximately 32.95°. The angle B1 corresponds to a height proximate to the upper paddle surface 66, the angle B2 corresponds to a height at a midpoint of the paddle 14, and the angle B3 corresponds to a height proximate to the attachment of the paddle 14 to the upper surface 18.

Referring to FIGS. 26 to 28, the angles B1, B2, B3 provide an approximation of the degree of visibility through the paddles 14 at the respective heights H1, H2, H3. Therefore, the degree of visibility through the paddles 14 is the greatest proximate to the top of the paddles 14 and it decreases moving down the paddles 14 (with the least degree of visibility proximate to the bottom of the paddles 14). Because of the tapering of the paddles 14, there is a smooth transition from greater visibility blocking (proximate to the bottom of the paddles 14) to lesser visibility blocking (proximate to the top of the paddles 14) along the height of the paddles 14. For example, the headlights from oncoming vehicles (which are typically lower) may be visually blocked by the paddles 14 to a greater degree than compared to higher parts of the same vehicles (which may be visually blocked by the paddles 14 to a lesser degree as they would correspond to being higher up through the paddles 14).

The use of conventional high walls along the sides of a highway or road may make motorists nervous when driving next to them. However, the glare screen system 10 provides a visual barrier without having to use a heavy, full wall.

The unit 12 may be made from a plastic material using injection molding techniques. In one embodiment, a softer plastic material may be used in making the unit 12 such that when the paddles 14 are deflected (such as by vehicle impact), the paddles 14 will tend to revert back to their original orientation. This is less dangerous for drivers because the paddles 14 are less likely to shatter upon impact (creating debris). Preferably, the unit 12 may be made from am elastomeric material (such as thermoplastic elastomers or thermoplastic olefins).

The use of a softer plastic material in making the unit 12 also allows for people to pass through the paddles 14, such as in an emergency. Because the softer plastic material allows the paddles 14 to bend more easily, a person is able to temporarily push down the paddles 14 in order to pass across. Conventional glare screens typically have rigid panels that are not able to be pushed down (except under extreme force).

The use of softer plastic material in making the unit 12 also allows for snow to more easily slough off the paddles 14, especially when snowplows push snow onto the paddles 14.

Because of the substantially hollow nature of the paddles 14 and the tapering of the paddles 14, the units 12 may be stacked vertically. For example, the paddles 14 of one of the units 12 may be inserted over the paddles 14 of the second one of the units 12. Preferably, the upper paddle surface 66 comprises one or more protruding stops 68 (seen in FIG. 12) that extend into the paddle enclosure 65. The stops 68 prevent the units 12 from sticking together when stacked. This sticking together or adherence of the units 12 may make later separation of the units 12 much more difficult. For example, when two of the units 12a, 12b are stacked together, with the unit 12a stacked on the unit 12b, the stops 68a on the unit 12a would come into contact with the upper paddle surface 66b on the unit 12b and prevent the paddles 14a from any further downward movement with respect to the paddles 14b. In this manner, the amount of contact between the first and second faces 26a, 26a of the paddles 14a and the first and second faces 26b, 28b of the paddles 14b is limited, thus reducing the likelihood of the paddles 14a, 14b sticking or adhering to each other.

Referring to FIGS. 29 and 30, multiple ones of the units 12 may be stacked and arranged together, such as for storage when not in use. For example, FIG. 29 depicts one possible arrangement of the units 12, with eight rows 70 of the units 12 arranged in a side-by-side configuration, with each of the rows 70 comprising nine of the units 12 stacked on top of each other. Furthermore, one or more straps 72 may be provided. The straps 72 are generally planar and comprise a plurality of strap openings 74. The strap openings 74 are configured to engage with the paddles 14. In particular, the strap openings 74 are preferably sized so that the paddles 14 are able to pass through (at least partially) the strap openings 74.

For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 29, eight rows 70 of the units 12 (i.e. 12g, 12h, 12i, 12j, 12k, 12l, 12m, 12n) are arranged in a side-by-side configuration. Each of the units 12g, 12h, 12i, 12j, 12k, 12l, 12m, 12n are stacked on top of eight further units 12. Therefore, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 29, a total of 72 of the units 12 may be arranged together and placed on a pallet 4.

Two of the straps 72 (i.e. 72a, 72b) are provided, with one of the straps 72a fitted over one of the paddles 14 for each of the units 12g, 12h, 12i, 12j, 12k, 12l, 12m, 12n. Another of the straps 72b is fitted over another one of the paddles 14 for each of the units 12g, 12h, 12i, 12j, 12k, 12l, 12m, 12n. The straps 72a, 72b assist in securing the rows 70 of the units 12 in place and prevent the units 12 from toppling over. Although FIG. 29 depicts the use of two of the straps 72, it is understood that a greater or lesser number of the straps 72 may also be used.

Referring to FIG. 30, different numbers of the units 12 may be stacked and arranged together. For example, FIG. 30 depicts eight of the rows 70 of the units 12, with each of the rows 70 comprising twenty-six of the units 12 stacked on top of each other. A number of the straps 72 are used (e.g. six in FIG. 30) at various heights in order to secure the arrangement of units 12 together.

Referring to FIG. 31, in another embodiment of the unit 12, the receiver portion 34 may be omitted from the second end 24. This may be useful when the unit 12 is to be installed on a concrete barrier with the second end proximate to an end of the concrete barrier 2. The rail passages 76 may be used for receiving fasteners 50 to secure the unit 12 onto the concrete barrier 2.

The orientation of the paddles 14 (e.g. the angle between the plane P and the longitudinal axis 30) in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 31 is appropriate for use on highway medians in jurisdictions with right-hand traffic. However, for jurisdictions with left-hand traffic, the orientation of the paddles 14 would be a mirror image, as shown in FIGS. 32 to 35. FIGS. 32 to 35 depict an embodiment of the unit 12 that would be appropriate in jurisdictions with left-hand traffic. Furthermore, the unit 12 would also be appropriate in jurisdictions with right-hand traffic if used on the right side of the highway (rather than in the middle). This may be the case, for example, where a frontage road runs on the right side of the highway.

FIGS. 34 and 35 depict examples of a possible view experienced by drivers driving past the glare screen system 10 installed on a concrete barrier 2. FIGS. 34 and 35 depict how the units 12 partially obscure the view of drivers through the paddles 14.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the preferred embodiment has been described in some detail but that certain modifications may be practiced without departing from the principles of the invention.

Claims

1. A glare screen unit for use in a glare screen system installed on concrete barriers, the unit comprising: a rail removably attached to one of the concrete barriers, the rail comprising: first and second ends;an upper surface;an attachment portion proximate to the first end, the attachment portion comprising: one or more protrusions extending from the upper surface, each of the protrusions comprising: a protrusion wall;a protrusion floor extending across the protrusion wall; andone or more protrusion floor openings formed in the protrusion floor;a receiver portion proximate to the second end, the receiver portion comprising: a receiver upper surface offset from the upper surface; andone or more depressions formed on the receiver upper surface, each of the depressions comprising: one or more depression walls;one or more depression floors extending across the depression walls; andone or more receiver openings formed in the depression floors;wherein the attachment portion of a first one of the units is configured to engage with the receiver portion of a second one of the units, with at least one of the protrusion floor openings of the first one of the units aligned with at least one of the receiver openings of the second one of the units to receive a fastener therethrough; anda plurality of paddles extending substantially vertically from and integrally formed with the upper surface, each of the paddles comprising: first and second paddle faces, the first and second paddle faces joining to define two paddle ends; andan upper paddle surface extending between upper edges of the first and second paddle faces;wherein each of the paddles are tapered such that the paddle ends are closer together proximate to the upper paddle surface relative to proximate the upper surface; andwherein the first and second paddle faces and the upper paddle surface define, at least in part, a paddle enclosure;wherein the paddle enclosure is configured to receive, at least in part, the paddle of another one of the units.

2. The glare screen unit of claim 1, wherein the attachment portion further comprises one or more protrusion openings formed on the upper surface, the protrusion openings defined, at least in part, by the protrusion wall.

3. The glare screen unit of claim 2, further comprising a cap configured to engage with one of the protrusion openings.

4. The glare screen unit of claim 3, wherein the cap comprises: a cap wall that is configured to engage with the protrusion wall;a cap floor that is configured to engage with the protrusion floor; anda cap floor opening formed in the cap floor, the cap floor opening aligned with at least one of the protrusion floor openings;

5. The glare screen unit of claim 4, wherein each of the protrusions further comprises a protrusion channel proximate to the protrusion wall.

6. The glare screen unit of claim 5, wherein the cap further comprises a cap surface extending from the cap wall, the cap surface comprising a rim that is configured to engage with the protrusion channel.

7. A glare screen unit for use in a glare screen system installed on concrete barriers, the unit comprising: a rail removably attached to one of the concrete barriers, the rail comprising: first and second ends;an upper surface;an attachment portion proximate to the first end, the attachment portion comprising: one or more protrusions extending from the upper surface, each of the protrusions comprising: a protrusion wall;a protrusion floor extending across the protrusion wall; andone or more protrusion floor openings formed in the protrusion floor;a receiver portion proximate to the second end, the receiver portion comprising: a receiver upper surface offset from the upper surface; andone or more depressions formed on the receiver upper surface, each of the depressions comprising: one or more depression walls;one or more depression floors extending across the depression walls; andone or more receiver openings formed in the depression floors;wherein the attachment portion of a first one of the units is configured to engage with the receiver portion of a second one of the units, with at least one of the protrusion floor openings of the first one of the units aligned with at least one of the receiver openings of the second one of the units to receive a fastener therethrough; anda plurality of paddles extending substantially vertically from and integrally formed with the upper surface.

8. The glare screen unit of claim 7, wherein the attachment portion further comprises one or more protrusion openings formed on the upper surface, the protrusion openings defined, at least in part, by the protrusion wall.

9. The glare screen unit of claim 8, further comprising a cap configured to engage with one of the protrusion openings.

10. The glare screen unit of claim 9, wherein the cap comprises: a cap wall that is configured to engage with the protrusion wall;a cap floor that is configured to engage with the protrusion floor; anda cap floor opening formed in the cap floor, the cap floor opening aligned with at least one of the protrusion floor openings;

11. The glare screen unit of claim 10, wherein each of the protrusions further comprises a protrusion channel proximate to the protrusion wall.

12. The glare screen unit of claim 11, wherein the cap further comprises a cap surface extending from the cap wall, the cap surface comprising a rim that is configured to engage with the protrusion channel.

13. A glare screen unit for use in a glare screen system installed on concrete barriers, the unit comprising: a rail removably attached to one of the concrete barriers; anda plurality of paddles extending substantially vertically from and integrally formed with the upper surface, each of the paddles comprising: first and second paddle faces, the first and second paddle faces joining to define two paddle ends; andan upper paddle surface extending between upper edges of the first and second paddle faces;wherein each of the paddles are tapered such that the paddle ends are closer together proximate to the upper paddle surface relative to proximate the upper surface; andwherein the first and second paddle faces and the upper paddle surface define, at least in part, a paddle enclosure;wherein the paddle enclosure is configured to receive, at least in part, the paddle of another one of the units.

14. The glare screen unit of claim 13, wherein the first and second faces are angled with respect to a longitudinal axis of the rail, such that the angle between a plane extending between the two paddle ends and the longitudinal axis is between approximately 60° to 70°.

15. The glare screen unit of claim 14, wherein the angle between the plane extending between the two paddle ends and the longitudinal axis is between approximately 65°.

16. The glare screen unit of claim 13, wherein the paddles taper to a greater degree proximate to the paddle ends than proximate to a vertical midline of the first or second paddle faces.

17. The glare screen unit of claim 16, wherein the paddles taper proximate to the paddle ends at an angle of approximately 2.7°.

18. The glare screen unit of claim 16, wherein the paddles taper proximate to the vertical midline of the first or second paddle faces at an angle of approximately 2.5°

19. The glare screen unit of claim 13, wherein an angle formed by a line joining one of the paddle ends of one of the paddles with an opposite one of the paddle ends of an adjacent one of the paddles with a longitudinal axis of the rail varies along a height of the paddles.

20. The glare screen unit of claim 19, wherein the angle is greatest proximate to the upper surface and least proximate to the upper paddle surface.

21. The glare screen unit of claim 1, wherein the glare screen unit is formed from a plastic material.

22. The glare screen unit of claim 21, wherein the plastic material is an elastomeric material.