SPRING-ASSIST MODULE FOR BOOM BARRIER, BOOM BARRIER SYSTEM, AND ASSOCIATED METHODS

Abstract

A boom barrier includes a boom arm and a spring-assist module configured to assist with pivoting the boom arm. The boom arm can be pivoted upwardly to an upper position in response to torque being applied in a first direction to the boom arm. The boom arm can be pivoted downwardly to a lower position in response to torque being applied in a second direction to the boom arm. The spring-assist module can apply torque in the first direction to the boom arm when the boom arm is in the lower position and an adjacent range of intermediate positions to assist with pivoting the boom barrier upwardly and/or the spring-assist module can apply torque in the second direction to the boom arm when the boom arm is in the upper position and an adjacent range of intermediate positions to assist with pivoting the boom arm downwardly.

Description

BACKGROUND

The present invention generally relates to barriers and, more particularly, to boom barriers or gates including a boom arm mounted for being pivoted about a horizontal axis to restrict access.

It is well know to have a boom barrier mounted along a road so that the boom barrier's boom arm can be pivotably lowered to extend across the road to restrict vehicular access, and the boom arm can be pivotably raised to permit access. The boom arm can be manually pivoted, or the pivoting can be driven by a motor, and a counterweight may be included for reducing the torque required to pivot the boom arm.

For increasing the effectiveness of a boom barrier, its boom arm may be relatively heavy and/or long. Overcoming the inertia associated with initiating and ceasing the pivoting of a boom arm and any associated counterweight may present challenges. As another example, transporting the counterweight associated with a boom barrier (e.g., a portable boom barrier) may present challenges. Accordingly, there is a desire for a boom barrier that provides a new balance of properties.

SUMMARY

An aspect of this disclosure is the provision of a boom barrier that includes a boom arm and a spring-assist module configured to at least assist with pivoting the boom arm. The boom arm can be pivoted upwardly to an upper position in response to torque being applied in a first direction to the boom arm. The boom arm can be pivoted downwardly to a lower position in response to torque being applied in a second direction to the boom arm. The spring-assist module can apply torque in the first direction to the boom arm when the boom arm is in the lower position and an adjacent range of intermediate positions to assist with pivoting the boom barrier upwardly and/or the spring-assist module can apply torque in the second direction to the boom arm when the boom arm is in the upper position and an adjacent range of intermediate positions to assist with pivoting the boom arm downwardly.

In an advantageous aspect of this disclosure, the boom barrier and spring-assist module can be cooperatively configured so that any counterweight associated with the barrier's boom arm may have a relatively small mass (e.g., weight). In one example, the weight of the counterweight may be reduced without reducing the weight of the boom arm, so that the access-restricting effectiveness of the boom barrier is not reduced by any reduction in weight of the boom arm.

In a related advantageous aspect and/or other aspect of this disclosure, the boom barrier and spring-assist module can be cooperatively configured to reduce the effective rotational inertia associated with initiating and/or ceasing pivoting of the boom arm. In one example, the effective rotational inertial may be reduced without reducing the weight of the boom arm, so that the access-restricting effectiveness of the boom barrier is not reduced by any reduction in in weight of the boom arm.

The foregoing summary provides a few brief examples and is not exhaustive, and the present invention is not limited to the foregoing examples. The foregoing examples, as well as other examples, are further explained in the following detailed description with reference to accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings are provided as examples. The present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples depicted in the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic front elevation view depicting a boom barrier system positioned on a surface, wherein the system includes a boom barrier and an integrated spring-assist module, the spring-assist module is in a retracted configuration, and an associated boom arm is in a lower position, in accordance with an embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 2 is like FIG. 1 except, for example, the boom arm in a raised position and the spring-assist module is in an extended configuration.

FIG. 3 is like FIG. 1 except, for example, the boom arm in an intermediate position and the spring-assist module in an intermediate configuration.

FIG. 4 is a top-left pictorial view of the boom barrier system in the configuration of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an isolated pictorial view of the spring-assist module in an intermediate configuration.

FIG. 6 is another isolated view of the spring-assist module in the intermediate configuration.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is an schematic, isolated pictorial view of portions of the spring-assist module in its intermediate configuration.

FIG. 9 is a top-right pictorial view of a left portion of the boom barrier system in the configuration of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a rear elevation view of a portion of the boom barrier system in the configuration of FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is an schematic isolated view of the spring-assist module in its retracted configuration, in accordance with a first implementation (e.g., example).

FIG. 12 is an schematic isolated view of the spring-assist module in its extended configuration, in accordance with the first implementation.

FIG. 13 is an schematic isolated view of the spring-assist module in its retracted configuration, in accordance with a second implementation.

FIG. 14 is an schematic isolated view of the spring-assist module in its extended configuration, in accordance with the second implementation.

FIG. 15 is an isolated, top-left pictorial of the right base of the boom barrier of FIG. 1 with its latching mechanism in an open configuration.

FIG. 16 is like FIG. 15, except for depicting the right end of the boom arm closed in the latching mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Examples of embodiments are disclosed in the following. The present invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. For example, features disclosed as part of one embodiment or example can be used in the context of another embodiment or example to yield a further embodiment or example. As another example of the breadth of this disclosure, it is within the scope of this disclosure for one or more of the terms “substantially,” “about,” “approximately,” and/or the like, to qualify each of the adjectives and adverbs of the Detailed Description section of disclosure, as discussed in greater detail below. As a further example, directional references (e.g., front, rear, right, and left) are included in the Description Of The Drawings and the Detailed Description sections of this disclosure for ease of understanding and not for the purpose of limiting the scope of this disclosure. For example and as will be understood by the skilled artisan, the frame of reference can be reversed, so that the “front” is the “rear,” and the “left” is the “right.”

FIGS. 1-4 depict a boom barrier system 20 including a boom barrier 22 with at least one integrated spring-assist module 24 in accordance with an embodiment of this disclosure. In the embodiment depicted in the drawings, the boom barrier 22 includes left and right bases 30, 32, and a boom arm 34 pivotably mounted to the left base for rotating about a rotational axis X (FIG. 4) through angle A (FIG. 2). In FIGS. 1-3, the bases 30, 32 are respectively sitting upon schematically depicted surface(s) on opposite sides of a pathway 36 (e.g., road, driveway, lane, and/or the like) extending across surface structure 37 (land, gravel, concrete, asphalt and/or any other suitable structure or material).

The boom arm 34 can include one or more beams that may be in the form of a truss, boom-arm fence, articulating boom arm, or other suitable structure. The boom arm 34 is in its lower (e.g., horizontal) position in FIGS. 1 and 4, for restricting passage along the pathway 36. In contrast, the boom arm 34 is in its raised or upper position (e.g., relatively vertical or upright) in FIG. 2. The bases 30, 30 can be sufficiently spaced apart from one another to permit vehicle access therebetween when the boom arm 34 is in its upper position. FIG. 3 depicts the boom arm 34 in one of its numerous intermediate (e.g., inclined) positions. The spring-assist module 24 can be operatively associated with the boom barrier 22 to (i) reduce the effective rotational inertia associated with pivoting the boom arm 34 and any secondary arm 38 (e.g., any counterweight 40) connected to the boom arm and/or (ii) allow the mass (e.g., weight) of any counterweight 40 to be relatively small, as discussed further below.

Referring to FIGS. 5-7, the spring-assist module 24 depicted in the drawings includes a housing 42 at least partially containing one or more upper and/or lower compression coil springs 44, 46 (FIG. 7). Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the ends of the coil springs 44, 46 can be directly or indirectly engaged against structural components that may optionally be referred to as spring seats 48, 50, 52. The upper and lower spring seats 48, 52 can be opposite end plates of the housing 42, as discussed further below. In the example depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8, the intermediate spring seat 50 (e.g., a divider, plate, flange, and/or disk) is positioned between the springs 44, 46 and configured to be moved (e.g., reciprocated) along the length of the module housing 44. The spring assist module 24 depicted in the drawings includes a rod 54 connected to the intermediate spring seat 50 for reciprocating with the intermediate spring seat, as discussed further below. As an example, the intermediate spring seat 50 can be a cylindrical disk having an outer diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter of a cylindrical sidewall 56 of the housing 42 so that air in the housing can readily flow around the intermediate spring seat 50, so that neither the intermediate spring seat, nor other structures associated with the intermediate spring seat (e.g., any spacer(s) 53), function like a piston of a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder.

Opposite ends of the at least one upper spring 44 can be respectively engaged, directly or indirectly, against the upper spring seat 48 and the intermediate spring seat 50. Similarly, opposite ends of the at least one lower spring 46 can be respectively engaged, directly or indirectly, against the lower spring seat 52 and the intermediate spring seat 50. As best understood with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, optionally, one or more spacers 53 (e.g., shims, washers, plates, or the like) can be engaged between the end of each spring 44, 46 and the respective spring seats 48, 50, 52 for adjusting or tuning purposes, as discussed further below.

At least partially reiterating from above, a lower end portion of the rod 54 can be fixedly connected (e.g., welded, interference fit, etc.) to the intermediate spring seat 50 for reciprocating with the intermediate spring seat, so that the rod may be referred to as a spring-biased reciprocating rod. In the example depicted in FIG. 9, an upper end of the rod 54 is pivotably mounted by way of a mechanical linkage to the boom arm 34 at a position between, and spaced apart from, the opposite ends of the boom arm, and a lower end of the module housing 32 is indirectly or directly pivotably mounted to the left base 30.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 7, and 8, when the boom arm 34 is in its lower position, the lower spring 46 can be compressed, and the upper spring 44 can be less compressed or not compressed (see, e.g., FIGS. 11 and 13), as discussed further below. Referring to FIGS. 1, 7, and 8, when the boom arm 34 is in its raised configuration, the upper spring 44 can be compressed, and the lower spring 46 can be less compressed or not compressed (see, e.g., FIGS. 12 and 14), as discussed further below. The respectively compressed springs 44, 46 store mechanical energy that can be selectively discharged to selectively aid in pivoting (e.g., manually pivoting) the boom arm 34, as discussed further below.

In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6, the housing 42 of the spring-assist module 24 includes a frame or body comprising at least one sidewall 56 (e.g., a canister, cylinder, or other suitably configured sidewall(s)) extending at least partially around an interior space 57 (FIG. 7) of the housing. The upper and lower spring seats 48, 52 can be in the form of end closures or end caps of the module housing 42. As a more specific example, the upper spring seat 48 can be an upper plate obstructing (e.g., closing) an upper end of the housing interior space 57. Similarly, the lower spring seat 52 can be a plate obstructing (e.g., closing) a lower end of the housing interior space 57. The upper and lower spring seats 48, 52 (e.g., plates, caps, and/or other suitable structures) can be fixedly and/or removably connected to opposite portions (e.g., ends) of the cylindrical sidewall 56 by welding, fasteners, and/or in any other suitable manner. For example and for providing access to the housing interior space 57, the upper spring seat 48 (e.g., plate) can be removably attached by fasteners 58 (e.g., bolts and nuts, and/or other suitable fasteners) to a flange 60 fixedly connected to (e.g., formed with, welded to, and/or otherwise attached to) an upper annular edge of the sidewall 56. In the embodiment depicted in the drawings, numerous components of the spring-assist module 24 are annular or cylindrical. That said, the spring-assist module 24 and its components can be in any other suitable shape. More generally, numerous variations in the boom barrier system 20, including the spring-assist module 24, are within the scope of this disclosure, as further discussed below.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the rod 54 can extend through a central hole 60 in the upper spring seat 48 (e.g., end plate or end cap of the module housing 42). An upper end portion of the rod 54, or a fitting 64 (e.g., clevis, shaft eyelet, or other suitable fitting and/or bracket) connected (e.g., via screw threads or in any other suitable manner) to the upper end of the rod, can define at least one hole 66 configured to contain a pivot pin, as discussed further below. Similarly, the lower end of the housing 42 can define one or more holes 68 configured to contain a pivot pin, as discussed further below. The holes 68 can be defined by one or more brackets, fittings, lugs 70, or other suitable structures mounted to or formed with the lower spring seat 52.

In the example depicted in FIG. 9, the left base 30 includes a base plate 70 supporting a relatively massive body 72 (e.g., inner structure) that is at least partially contained in an outer structure or housing 74. The base plate 70 can be rectangular, and the base body 72 and base housing 74 can be generally in the form of rectangular blocks, or they can be in any other suitable configurations. Most of the components of the boom barrier system 20 can be constructed of steel or other suitable materials.

The base body 72 can be a single block of concrete, stack(s) of modular concrete blocks, or other suitable structure(s) (e.g., the concrete can be replaced with other suitable material that is typically relatively dense). The base body 72 can define or otherwise include outwardly open left and right holes or slots 76, 78 that each extend partially into the base body. For each of the slots 76, 78, it can include an inclined surface of the base body 72, and opposite surfaces of the base body that are spaced apart from one another and extend outwardly from the inclined surface. The base housing 74 can be formed from panels that are respectively connected at edges and define openings for providing access to the slots 76, 78. Alternatively, the left base 30 can be in the form of a frame, block, pier, pile, and/or any other suitable supporting structure.

With continued reference to FIG. 9, the boom arm 34 can be pivotably connected to the left base 30 by way of at least one top bracket 80 mounted to (e.g., bolted to, anchored in, and/or otherwise suitably connected to) the base body 72, at least one beam end bracket 82 mounted to (e.g., welded, bolted to and/or otherwise suitably connected to) the left end or left end portion of the boom arm, and a pivot pin 84 extending through respective holes in the brackets 80, 82. In an embodiment of this disclosure, each of the secondary arm 38 and the features it supports and carries (e.g., an upwardly-open counterweight enclosure 86, counterweight block(s) 88, and a pivotable handle bar system with handles 90) can be conventional. The right end of the secondary arm 38 can be fixedly mounted to the left end or left end portion of the boom arm 34 in a conventional manner (e.g., welded, bolted, and/or otherwise suitably connected) so that the secondary arm pivots with the boom arm, as discussed further below.

In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 9, the lower end of the module housing 42 is pivotably connected to the left base 30 by way of a linkage having at least one lower bracket 100 mounted to the base plate 70 and a pivot pin 102 extending through each of one or more holes in the lower bracket and the holes 68 (FIGS. 6 and 7) in the lower end of the module housing. The lower bracket 100 can be mounted adjacent the right slot 76 so that at least a portion of the spring-assist module 24 extends into or through the right slot 78. More specifically and as also depicted with dashed lines (since hidden from view) in FIG. 2, a lower portion of the spring-assist module 24 can extend through a right-side opening of the right slot 78, an upper portion of the spring-assist module can extend through an upper opening of the right slot, and an intermediate portion of the spring-assist module can be at least partially positioned in the right slot. Alternatively, the lower end of the module housing 42 can be pivotably connected to other suitable structure of the left base 30, the lower bracket 80 can be fixedly mounted (e.g., anchored) to the underlying structure(s) 37 (FIGS. 1-3), and/or the lower end of the module housing can be pivotably connected to any other suitable structure (e.g., structure that the boom arm 34 pivots relative thereto).

In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 9 and 10, the upper end of the spring-assist module's rod 54 is pivotably connected to the boom arm 34 by way of a linkage having one or more upper brackets 104 mounted to the boom arm 34 (e.g., by welding, fasteners, and/or any other suitable connections) and a pivot pin 106 extending through holes in the upper brackets and the hole 66 (FIGS. 5 and 7) in the upper end portion of the rod 54 and/or the fitting 64. Alternatively, it is believed that the upper end of the rod 54 can be pivotably connected to other suitable structure of the boom barrier 22. For example, it is believed that the upper end of the rod 54 may be pivotably connected to the secondary arm 38 when the lower end of the module housing 42 is pivotably connected to suitable structure. Each of the pivot pins 84, 102, 106 can be the shaft of a bolt (e.g., that is secured with a nut) and/or any other suitable conventional pivot pin.

Examples of a methods of using the boom barrier system 20 are described in the following. A user can manually pivot the boom arm 34 between its various positions by manually gripping and lifting or lowering the handles 90. The compression of the springs 44, 46 varies in response to the resulting manual pivoting of the boom arm 34 through an angular range A (FIG. 2) of about 80 degrees or any other suitable range. The sizes and spring rates of the springs 44, 46, as well as the number of such springs, and the inclusion of any number of spacers 53 and the placement of the spacers (e.g., serially stacking), can be selected and adjusted for tuning purposes to effect the amount of force (e.g., restoring force) that is exerted by each spring and transmitted by a mechanical linkage to the boom arm 34 or other suitable portion of the boom barrier 22.

Reiterating from above, the compressed springs 44, 46 store mechanical energy that can be selectively discharged to selectively aid in pivoting (e.g., manually pivoting) the boom arm 34. The lower spring 46 can store a first amount of potential energy when the boom arm 34 is in the lower position, and the upper spring 44 can store a second amount of potential energy when the boom arm is in the upper position. The second amount can be different from the first amount. As a more specific example, the first amount can be greater than the second amount.

As examples and at least partially reiterating from above, FIG. 11 depicts an example of the spring-assist module 24 in its retracted configuration (e.g., the angle A (FIG. 2) is 0 degrees), wherein the lower spring 46 is compressed, and the upper spring 44 is not compressed; and FIG. 12 depicts an example of the spring-assist module in its extended configuration (e.g., the angle A is about 80 degrees), wherein the upper spring 44 is compressed, and the lower spring 46 is not compressed. As contrasting examples, FIG. 13 depicts the spring-assist module 24 in what is believed to be another example of its retracted configuration (e.g., the angle A is 0 degrees), wherein the lower spring 46 is compressed, and the upper spring 44 is at least less compressed than lower spring; and FIG. 14 depicts the spring-assist module in what is believed to be another example of its extended configuration (e.g., the angle A is about 80 degrees), wherein the upper spring 44 is compressed, and the lower spring 46 is at lest least lest compressed than the upper spring. As an example of another variation of this disclosure, it is believed that the upper and lower spring portions 44, 46 may be parts of a single spring, wherein the inner end portion of the rod 54 is fixedly connected to an intermediate portion of the single spring by suitable fasteners, clamps, welding and/or other suitable features.

A mechanical linkage can include the intermediate spring seat 50, rod 54, rod fitting 64, pivot pin 106, and bracket(s) 104 on the boom arm 34, although the mechanical linkage may be referred to as a subset of those components, the mechanical linkage can include a different number of components, the mechanical linkage can be characterized as being part of the spring-assist module 24, and/or the mechanical linkage may include different components. The boom barrier 22 and spring assist module 24 can be cooperatively configured so that while the boom arm 34 is in a range of positions from its lower position (e.g., angle A (FIG. 2) of 0 degrees) to an intermediate position (e.g., angle A of about 50 degrees), restorative force from the compressed lower spring 46 (e.g., a first compressed portion of the at least one spring) is transmitted by the linkage and applied as an upwardly directed force to the boom arm at the upper bracket(s) 104 (e.g., a predetermined position spaced apart from the pivot 72 along the length of the boom arm); so that the spring-assist module 24 applies torque in a first direction to the boom arm 34 while the boom arm 34 is in the range of positions from its lower position (e.g., angle A of 0 degrees) to the intermediate position (e.g., angle A of about 50 degrees). Typically the torque applied by the spring-assist module 24 in the first direction is not large enough by itself to pivot the boom arm 34, but it can be large enough to significantly assist a user that is manually pivoting the boom arm upwardly.

The boom barrier 22 and spring assist module 24 can be cooperatively configured so that while the boom arm 34 is in a range of positions from its upper position (e.g., angle A of about 80 degrees) to an intermediate position (e.g., angle A of about 55 degrees), restorative force from the compressed upper spring 44 (e.g., a second compressed portion of the at least one spring) is transmitted by the linkage and applied as an downwardly directed force to the boom arm at the upper bracket(s) 104; so that the spring-assist module 24 applies torque in a second direction to the boom arm 34 while the boom arm 34 is in the range of positions from its upper position (e.g., angle A of about 80 degrees) to the intermediate position (e.g., angle A of about 55 degrees). Typically the torque applied by the spring-assist module 24 in the second direction is not large enough by itself to pivot the boom arm 34, but it can be large enough to significantly assist a user that is manually pivoting the boom arm downwardly. Restorative forces from the compressed springs 46, 48 can vary as the springs expand, generally in accordance with Hooke's law, as will be understood by the skilled artisan.

Further elaborating and/or generalizing the above ranges and values associated with pivoting of the boom arm 34 through angle A, it is believed that the boom arm 34 can be configured to be pivoted from its lower position through about 90 degrees (e.g., from an angle A of 0 degrees to an angle A of about 90 degrees) to its upper position, the boom arm 34 can be configured to be pivoted from its lower position through about 80 degrees (e.g., from an angle A of 0 degrees to an angle A of about 80 degrees) to its upper position, the boom arm 34 can be configured to be pivoted from its lower position through about 70 degrees (e.g., from an angle A of 0 degrees to an angle A of about 70 degrees), the boom arm 34 can be configured to be pivoted from its lower position through at least about 60 degrees (e.g., from an angle A of 0 degrees to an angle A of about 60 degrees), the boom arm 34 can be configured to be pivoted from its lower position through at least about 50 degrees (e.g., from an angle A of 0 degrees to an angle A of about 50 degrees), and/or any values or ranges therebetween.

Further elaborating and/or generalizing the above ranges and values associated with forces originating from the compressed lower spring 46 being applied as the upwardly directed force and the torque in the first direction to the boom arm 34, it is believed that the upwardly directed force and the torque in the first direction can be applied from the lower position of the boom arm through about 60 degrees (e.g., from an angle A of 0 degrees to an angle A of about 60 degrees), from the lower position of the boom arm through about 50 degrees (e.g., from an angle A of 0 degrees to an angle A of about 50 degrees), from the lower position of the boom arm through about 40 degrees (e.g., from an angle A of 0 degrees to an angle A of about 40 degrees), from the lower position of the boom arm through about 30 degrees (e.g., from an angle A of 0 degrees to an angle A of about 30 degrees), from the lower position of the boom arm through about 20 degrees (e.g., from an angle A of 0 degrees to an angle A of about 20 degrees), through a range of at least 10 degrees (e.g., from an angle A of 0 degrees to an angle A of at least 10 degrees), through a range of at least 20 degrees (e.g., from an angle A of 0 degrees to an angle A of at least 20 degrees), through a range of at least 30 degrees (e.g., from an angle A of 0 degrees to an angle A of at least 30 degrees), through a range of at least 40 degrees (e.g., from an angle A of 0 degrees to an angle A of at least 40 degrees), through a range of at least 50 degrees (e.g., from an angle A of 0 degrees to an angle A of at least 50 degrees), and/or any values or ranges therebetween.

Further elaborating and/or generalizing the above ranges and values associated with forces originating from the compressed upper spring 44 being applied as the downwardly directed force and the torque in the second direction to the boom arm 34, the downwardly directed force and the torque in the second direction can be applied from the upper position of the boom arm through about 40 degrees (e.g., from an angle A of about 80 degrees to an angle A of about 40 degrees), from the upper position of the boom arm through about 30 degrees (e.g., from an angle A of about 80 degrees to an angle A of about 50 degrees), from the upper position of the boom arm through about 20 degrees (e.g., from an angle A of about 80 degrees to an angle A of about 60 degrees), from the upper position of the boom arm through about 10 degrees (e.g., from an angle A of about 80 degrees to an angle A of about 70 degrees), through a range of at least 5 degrees (e.g., from an angle A of about 80 degrees to an angle A of at least 75 degrees), through a range of at least 10 degrees (e.g., from an angle A of about 80 degrees to an angle A of at least 70 degrees), through a range of at least 20 degrees (e.g., from an angle A of about 80 degrees to an angle A of at least 60 degrees), through a range of at least 30 degrees (e.g., from an angle A of about 80 degrees to an angle A of at least 50 degrees), through a range of at least 40 degrees (e.g., from an angle A of about 80 degrees to an angle A of at least 40 degrees), and/or any values or ranges therebetween.

In the embodiment depicted in the drawings, the spring-assist module 24 provides spring assist forces in opposite directions for assisting a user in both manually raising and manually lowering the boom arm 34. Alternatively, the spring-assist module 24 may provide spring assistance in only one direction, for example by omitting one of the springs 44, 46. As another example, the boom barrier 22 can include a conventional motor that is conventionally mounted for pivoting the boom arm 34 with the assistance of the spring-assist module. Numerous other variations are within the scope of this disclosure. For example, it is believed that the spring-assist module 24 may be mounted in an inverted configuration as compared to the embodiment depicted in the drawings.

Referring to FIG. 15, the boom barrier's right base 32 can include a base plate 170 supporting a relatively massive body 172 (e.g., inner structure) that is at least partially contained in an outer structure or housing 174. The base body 172 can be a single block of concrete, stack(s) of modular concrete blocks, or other suitable structure(s) (e.g., the concrete can be replaced with other suitable material that is typically relatively dense).

The right base 32 can include an upright post 180 (with a downwardly turned upper end) and a U-shaped latch bracket 182 mounted to (e.g., bolted to, anchored in, and/or otherwise suitably connected to) the base body 172. The latching mechanism can include a bar 184 pivotably mounted to one of the uprights of the latch bracket 182, and configured to be locked to the other one of the uprights of the latch bracket 182, or the latching mechanism can be in any other suitable form for releasably securing the boom arm 34 in its lower position. A hoop 186 can be mounted to (e.g., welded, bolted to and/or otherwise suitably fixedly connected to) the right end of the boom arm 34 so that the post 180 extends through the hoop when the boom arm is in its lower position. The right end of the boom arm 34 being held by the latching mechanism 182, 184 and/or the upright post 180 extending through the hoop 186 reinforces the integrity of the boom barrier 22 in the event of a vehicle crashing into the boom arm 34 in its lower position, and/or such reinforcing can be provided in any other suitable manner.

The bases 30, 32 can include conventional impact absorbers 190, each of which can comprise block of elastomeric material, one or more compression coil springs, and/or other suitable structures. The impact absorber 190 of the left base 30 can be mounted in the left slot 76 for being engaged by a lower side of the secondary arm 38 when the boom arm 34 is in or closely adjacent its upper position. The impact absorber 190 of the right base 32 can be mounted to the right base at a position between the latch bracket 182 and the post 180. The right base's impact absorber 190 can be engaged by an underside of the right end portion of the boom arm 34, or be engaged by a downwardly extending block 198 or other suitable structure mounted to the right end portion of the boom arm, when the boom arm is in or closely adjacent its lower position.

The boom barrier system 20 can be portable. For facilitating portability, the bases 30, 32 can include longitudinal and/or crosswise, space apart lower bars 192 mounted to the lower side of base plates 70, 140, or other suitable features, that at least partially define receptacles (e.g., horizontally extending receptacles) for receiving forks/prongs of a conventional lifting mechanism (e.g., a forklift, pallet-jack, or the like). Alternatively, the bases 30, 32 can be substantially permanently affixed to and/or be parts of, the structure 37 or any other suitable structures.

Reiterating from above, it is within the scope of this disclosure for one or more of the terms “substantially,” “about,” “approximately,” and/or the like, to qualify each of the adjectives and adverbs of the foregoing disclosure, for the purpose of providing a broad disclosure. As an example, it is believed that those of ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that, in different implementations of the features of this disclosure, reasonably different engineering tolerances, precision, and/or accuracy may be applicable and suitable for obtaining the desired result. Accordingly, it is believed that those of ordinary skill will readily understand usage herein of the terms such as “substantially,” “about,” “approximately,” and the like.

In the specification and drawings, examples of embodiments have been disclosed. The present invention is not limited to such exemplary embodiments. The use of the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Unless otherwise noted, specific terms have been used in a generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

1. A boom barrier system configured for selectively obstructing passage of a vehicle, the boom barrier system comprising: a boom barrier comprising a pivotably mounted boom arm configured to be pivoted about an axis of rotation: upwardly to an upper position in response to torque being applied in a first direction to the boom arm, anddownwardly to a lower position in response to torque being applied in a second direction to the boom arm, wherein the first and second directions are opposite from one another;a spring-assist module connected to the boom barrier and comprising at least one spring, the spring assist module being configured to: apply torque in the first direction to the boom arm when the boom arm is in the lower position to assist with pivoting the boom arm upwardly, andapply torque in the second direction to the boom arm when the boom arm is in the upper position to assist with pivoting the boom arm downwardly;a secondary arm connected to the boom barrier; andat least one handle connected to the secondary arm,wherein at least the secondary arm and the at least one handle are cooperatively configured so that the boom arm is manually pivotable about the axis of rotation by way of the at least one handle, andwherein the axis of rotation is positioned between the spring-assist module and the at least one handle.

2. The boom barrier system according to claim 1, comprising a base to which the boom arm is pivotably mounted for being pivoted about the axis of rotation, wherein: the base includes opposite first and second openings between which the axis of rotation is positioned; andthe boom barrier system is operatively configured so that:when the boom barrier is in the upper position, at least a portion of the secondary arm is positioned in the first hole, and at least a portion of the spring-assist module is positioned in the second hole, andwhen the boom barrier is in the lower position, the secondary arm is positioned outside of the first hole, and at least a portion of the spring-assist module is positioned in the second hole.

3. The boom barrier system according to claim 1, wherein: the boom arm is mounted for pivoting about the axis of rotation; andthe spring assist module is connected to the boom arm at a position distant from the axis of rotation to: apply an upwardly directed force at the position when the boom arm is in the lower position, andapply a downwardly directed force at the position when the boom arm is in the upper position.

4. The boom barrier system according to claim 1, wherein the spring-assist module comprises: a housing that at least partially contains the at least one spring; anda rod operatively associated with the housing and the at least one spring for reciprocating in response to the boom arm being pivoted upwardly and downwardly.

5. The boom barrier system according to claim 1, wherein: the boom arm is mounted to be pivoted upwardly from the lower position through a range of at least 50 degrees; andthe spring assist module is configured to apply torque in the first direction to the boom arm from the lower position through an angular range of at least 10 degrees.

6. The boom barrier system according to claim 5, wherein the spring assist module is configured to apply torque in the first direction to the boom arm from the lower position through an angular range of at least 20 degrees.

7. The boom barrier system according to claim 5, wherein the spring assist module is configured to apply torque in the first direction to the boom arm from the lower position through an angular range of at least 45 degrees.

8. The boom barrier system according to claim 1, wherein: the boom arm is mounted to be pivoted downwardly from the upper position through an angular range of at least 50 degrees; andthe spring assist module is configured to apply torque in the second direction to the boom arm from the upper position through an angular range of at least 10 degrees.

9. The boom barrier system according to claim 8, wherein the spring assist module is configured to apply torque in the second direction to the boom arm from the upper position through an angular range of at least 20 degrees.

10. The boom barrier system according to claim 8, wherein the spring assist module is configured to apply torque in the second direction to the boom arm from the upper position through an angular range of at least 30 degrees.

11. The boom barrier system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one spring is configured to: store a first amount of potential energy when the boom arm is in the lower position; andstore a second amount of potential energy when the boom arm is in the upper position, wherein the second amount is different from the first amount.

12. The boom barrier system according to claim 11, wherein the first amount is greater than the second amount.

13. The boom barrier system according to claim 1, wherein: the boom barrier system is configured so that a predetermined amount of torque is required to be applied to the boom arm in the first direction to pivot the boom arm upwardly out of the lower position; andwhen the boom arm is in the lower position, the spring-assist module is configured to apply, to the boom arm in the first direction, no more than the predetermined amount of torque.

14. The boom barrier system according to claim 13, wherein when the boom arm is in the lower position, the spring-assist module is configured to apply, to the boom arm in the first direction, less than the predetermined amount of torque.

15. A boom barrier configured for selectively obstructing passage of a vehicle, the boom barrier comprising: a pivotably mounted boom arm configured to be pivoted about an axis of rotation: upwardly to an upper position, anddownwardly to a lower position;a spring-assist module comprising at least one spring and a mechanical linkage between the at least one spring and the boom arm, the boom barrier and the spring-assist module being cooperatively configured so that force from the at least one spring is transmitted by the linkage and applied as an upwardly directed force at a position along a length of the boom arm when the boom arm is in the lower position;a secondary arm connected to the boom barrier; andat least one handle connected to the secondary arm,wherein at least the secondary arm and the at least one handle are cooperatively configured so that the boom arm is manually pivotable about the axis of rotation by way of the at least one handle, andwherein the axis of rotation is positioned between the spring-assist module and the at least one handle.

16. The boom barrier system according to claim 15, comprising a base to which the boom arm is pivotably mounted for being pivoted about the axis of rotation, wherein: the base includes opposite first and second openings between which the axis of rotation is positioned; andthe boom barrier system is operatively configured so that:when the boom barrier is in the upper position, at least a portion of the secondary arm is positioned in the first hole, and at least a portion of the spring-assist module is positioned in the second hole, andwhen the boom barrier is in the lower position, the secondary arm is positioned outside of the first hole, and at least a portion of the spring-assist module is positioned in the second hole.

17. The boom barrier according to claim 15, wherein: the boom barrier and the spring-assist module are cooperatively configured so that force from a first compressed portion of the at least one spring is transmitted by the linkage and applied as an upwardly directed force at the position along a length of the boom arm when the boom arm is in the lower position, andforce from a second compressed portion of the at least one spring is transmitted by the linkage and applied as a downwardly directed force at the position along the length of the boom arm when the boom arm is in the upper position.

18. The boom barrier according to claim 17, wherein: the at least one spring comprises first and second coil springs;the spring-assist module comprises: a housing at least partially containing the first and second coil springs,a rod extending outwardly from within the housing, andat least one spring seat fixedly connected to the rod;the first coil spring is positioned between the at least one spring seat and a first end of the housing; andthe second coil spring is positioned between the at least one spring seat and a second end of the housing.

19. A boom barrier for selectively obstructing passage of a vehicle, the boom barrier comprising: a pivotably mounted boom arm configured to be pivoted about an axis of rotation: upwardly to an upper position, anddownwardly to a lower position;a rod extending outwardly from within a housing;a mechanical linkage connected between the rod and the boom arm;at least one spring seat fixedly connected to the rod;at least one coil spring that is at least partially contained by the housing, wherein: at least a portion of the at least one coil spring is positioned between the at least one spring seat and a first end of the housing, andthe boom barrier is configured so that at least the portion of the at least one coil spring is compressed when the boom arm is in the upper position;a secondary arm connected to the boom barrier; andat least one handle connected to the secondary arm,wherein at least the secondary arm and the at least one handle are cooperatively configured so that the boom arm is manually pivotable about the axis of rotation by way of the at least one handle, andwherein the axis of rotation is positioned between the at least one handle and the mechanical linkage, which is connected between the rod and the boom arm.

20. The boom barrier according to claim 19, wherein: the at least one coil spring comprises: a first coil spring at least partially contained by the housing and positioned between the at least one spring seat and the first end of the housing, anda second coil spring at least partially contained by the housing and positioned between the at least one spring seat and a second end of the housing; andthe boom barrier is configured so that: the first coil spring is compressed when the boom arm is in the upper position, andthe second coil spring is compressed when the boom arm is in the lower position.