Patent Application
20210395967
The present invention relates to traffic channelizers generally, and more particularly to apparatus for defining distinct zones that separate intended traffic types, such as among motorized vehicles, non-motorized vehicles, and pedestrians. The present invention is directed to modular systems that may be used to temporarily or permanently establish distinct traffic zones being separated by a continuous or semi-continuous physical barrier, and divider members associated with the physical barrier that may be arranged in a variety of useful and aesthetic configurations.
Traffic channelizers have long been used to direct traffic along intended and safe pathways. Examples of traffic channelizers include street painting/striping, guard rails, medians, concrete barrier walls, barrels, and cones. Each of these conventional channelizing devices and techniques, however, have their own limitations in both application and effectiveness.
As society has begun to adopt physical exercise as an important health benefit, municipalities are increasingly designating portions of streets for use only by non-motorized vehicles and/or pedestrians. Surface painting or striping of streets into designated lanes for such non-motorized vehicle and pedestrian use is the most commonly employed technique for formally establishing such designated use zones on streets that also serve motorized vehicles. Surface painting or striping, however, may sometimes be confusing to drivers of motorized vehicles, such that the zone separation intended by the municipalities is inconsistently maintained. Moreover, street conditions can obscure the painting/striping, which renders the zone designations ineffective. Sand, snow, or ice may act to obscure the visibility of painting/striping, and such painting/striping may deteriorate over time.
Another approach to establishing distinct traffic zones is through the use of permanent physical barriers, such as curbing or even completely separate pathways spaced from the motorized vehicle streets. This approach, however, is expensive, and very often not feasible given space constraints.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a traffic channelizing solution that is relatively quick, simple and inexpensive to install, but nevertheless establishes a physical barrier between the designated traffic zones.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a system for separating traffic into discrete zones that is modular in character so as to be easily customizable to the dimensions and configurations of specific applications.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a system for separating traffic into discrete zones that is conspicuous to both drivers of motorized vehicles and users of the designated non-motorized vehicle/pedestrian traffic zone.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a system for separating traffic into discrete zones that does not impede water drainage from the roadway.
By means of the present invention, discrete traffic zones may be defined by a modular physical barrier that may be quickly installed and de-installed to meet customized needs and configurations. The modular system of the present invention may employ multiple lengths of rail segments that are pivotally connected at their respective ends to mounts that have been placed in a spaced pattern to define the desired boundary. Vertically-oriented delineators may be employed in the present system to enhance visibility and to create a more conspicuous presence in the traffic separating system. Divider members may be used in place of, or in conjunction with the delineators to further enhance visibility of the traffic channelizer, and to provide aesthetic interest to the barrier. Light-reflective coatings and appliques may be applied to either or both of the delineators and rail segments to further enhance visibility of the system and safety to its users.
In one embodiment, a modular system for separating traffic into discrete zones includes a plurality of mounts anchorable to a road surface, each defining a mount axis that is substantially perpendicular to the road surface. The system may further include a plurality of rail segments having a length between first and second ends along a length axis and a rail plane passing through the length axis and the respective mount axes. A bracket having a base portion defining a bracket plane and a connection flange extending from the base portion at an angle with respect to the bracket plane is securable to the mount to retain the rail segment at the mount. A flexible divider member having first and second ends defining a length is securable to the connection flange of the bracket to extend along the rail plane in spaced relationship with the respective rail segment.
In some embodiments, the system may include one or more brackets defining a plurality of connection flanges, with the first and second ends of the flexible divider member being securable to respective first and second connection flanges. The system may further include a plurality of brackets, each securable to a respective mount, wherein the flexible divider member extends between spaced apart first and second brackets. The first and second brackets may be spaced apart along the rail plane by a bracket spacing dimension that is less than the respective divider member length.
In some embodiments, the system may include a plurality of flexible divider members, each coupled to two connection flanges, which are spaced apart along the rail plane by a flange spacing dimension that is less than the respective flexible divider member length.
The system may include a delineator that is securable to a respective one of the brackets to extend axial along the respective mount axis. The delineator may be secured to the bracket with a flexible joint that permits elastic deflection of the delineator from alignment with the mount axis.
In some embodiments, the mounts include a plate anchorable to the road surface and a post extending from the plate along a mount axis. The first and second ends of the rail segments may each terminate in a sleeve which is configured to engage about a respective post of the mount. The respective sleeves are pivotally securable about the respective posts.
The objects and advantages enumerated above together with other objects, features, and advances represented by the present invention will now be presented in terms of detailed embodiments described with reference to the attached drawing figures which are intended to be representative of various possible configurations of the invention. Other embodiments and aspects of the invention are recognized as being within the grasp of those having ordinary skill in the art.
A traffic separator as described herein includes the basic elements of mounts and rail segments pivotally secured between a respective pair of mounts. To create a desired traffic separation configuration, therefore, the mounts may be positioned in a pattern that defines the boundary line or lines established by the rail segments. Because the rail segments may be pivotally secured to the mounts, the established boundary lines may selectively be linear or non-linear.
For the purposes hereof, the term “traffic” means the movement through an area or along a route, including the vehicles and/or pedestrians moving along a route. The traffic separation systems of the present invention may be employed with traffic on both sides of the defined boundary, or may instead be employed with traffic routed on only one side of the defined boundary.
For the purposes hereof, the term “road” means an open way for vehicles and/or people, and may include, for example, streets, sidewalks, parking lots, intersections, paths, and the like. It is contemplated that the traffic separation systems of the present invention may be employed in connection with motorized vehicular traffic, non-motorized vehicular traffic, pedestrian traffic, and combinations thereof.
A schematic representation of the modular traffic separation system of the present invention is set forth in
An example construction of at least a portion of system 10 is illustrated in
In the illustrated embodiment, mounts 12 are discrete apparatus that may be arranged independently of one another. It is contemplated, however, that one or more mounts 12 may be connected to or integrally formed with a foundation body that is shaped in a linear or non-linear configuration associated with an intended boundary arrangement. An example of such a foundation body may include an elongated strip that is curved or jointed as necessary to establish the desired linear or non-linear configuration. In such an embodiment, mounts 12 may be spaced along the foundation body as deemed appropriate.
The illustrated embodiment of mount 12 includes a plate 14 that is of appropriate size and density to support modular system 10. Post 16 extends upwardly from plate 14 along mount axis 18 to suitably support one or more rail segments 22a, 22b. Post 16 is preferably configured to permit rail segments 22a, 22b to be pivotally secured to the respective mount 12. Accordingly, post 16 may be substantially cylindrical, wherein a respective cylindrical sleeve 24a, 24b may pivotally engage about post 16, as described further hereinbelow. It should be understood, however, that a variety of coupling mechanisms, and therefore physical configurations, may be implemented for mount 12 and rail segments 22a, 22b to permit pivotal coupling therebetween. Post 16 may be connected to, or integrally formed with, plate 14. In some embodiments, post 16 may be welded to plate 14.
Rail segments 22a, 22b each have a respective length “L1, L2” along their respective length axes 23a, 23b. Rail segments 22a, 22b have first and second opposed ends 26a, 26b that are pivotally securable to respective mounts 12 for pivoting about respective mount axes 18. In the example illustrated system 10, first rail segment 22a may be pivotally securable to a first mount 12a and a second mount 12b that is spaced apart from first mount 12a. A second rail segment 22b may be pivotally securable to second mount 12b and a third mount 12c that is spaced apart from the first and second mounts 12a, 12b. It is contemplated that rail segments 22a, 22b may be of equal or inequal lengths L1, L2 to aid in creating a desired overall boundary configuration defined by modular system 10.
Example lengths L1 L2 of rail segments 22a, 22b include two feet, four feet, six feet, and eight feet. Other lengths L1 L2, however, are contemplated as being useful in the present invention. As illustrated more clearly in the exploded views of
Mounts 12 are preferably configured to permit a plurality of distinct rail segments 22 to be pivotally secured thereat. By doing so, the boundary defined by rail segments 22 may be made substantially continuous. Moreover, coupling of a plurality of rail segments to a single mount reduces total hardware needed for system 10, and reduces installation time and labor. The illustrated embodiment enables a rapid and simple assembly of rail segments to a respective mount 12, simply by sequentially axially engaging sleeves 24 of respective rail segments 22 about post 16. As illustrated in
A particular feature of rail segments 22a, 22b is the arrangement of sleeves 24a, 24b, in which the axial stacking described above may be accomplished simply by inverting one of the rail segments with respect to the other of the rail segments at a particular mount 12. As illustrated, rail segment 22b may be inverted about its length axis 23b so that sleeve 24b of rail segment 22b is axially stackable with sleeve 24b of rail segment 22a in a manner that the total stacked axial dimension of sleeves 24b is substantially equal to a height “H” of rail segment 22. This way, rail segments 22a, 22b may be both pivotally securable at a single mount 12 while maintaining a substantially level plane coinciding with upper surfaces 25a, 25b of rail segments 22a, 22b.
Another rail segment embodiment is illustrated in
A first imaginary line 129 parallel to length axis 123 separates height H3 into an upper region 131a and a lower region 131b. In some embodiments, line 129 bisects height H3 into the upper and lower regions 131a, 131b. In the embodiment illustrated in
It is to be understood that rail segments 12, 122 may employ features other than, or in addition to, first and second sleeves 124a, 124b to pivotally connect with respective mounts 12. Structure capable of facilitating a pivoting connected relationship between the rail segments and the mounts may generally be useful in the present invention. In some embodiments, desirable connection structure establishes a continuous physical barrier between adjoining traffic zones. The illustrated sleeves 124, for example, may be axially stacked at respective mounts 12 so that the physical barrier established by the rail segments 22 is substantially uninterrupted across the joints where adjoining rail segments are pivotally secured. Such an arrangement provides both a substantially continuous physical and visual traffic barrier that assists in safely channelizing among distinct traffic zones. Therefore, the connection apparatus employed between the rail segments and the mounts of the present invention preferably establishes a substantially continuous barrier of intermeshed rail segments. The axially stackable sleeves of adjacent rail segments 122 at a respective joint 12 accomplishes that goal. To secure rail segments 22a, 22b at respective mounts 12, a cap 36 is preferably securable to mount 12. In some embodiments, cap 36 may be secured to mount 12, and specifically post 16, with a bolt 37 received through an aperture 38 in cap 36, and threadably engaged with a weld nut 40 secured within post 16. Weld nut 40 may, in some embodiments, be welded to an inner wall of post 16. Cap 36 may have an outer diameter that is equal to or greater than an outer diameter of sleeves 24 to retain rail segments 22 at mount 12.
Post 16 may be configured so that a mount height dimension Hm is substantially equal to a sum of sleeve heights Hs axially stacked at mount 12. In this manner, cap 36 secures sleeves 24 at post 16 to prevent significant axial movement of sleeves 24. Where only a single rail segment is mounted at a post 16, an end collar 44 may be engaged at post 16 to axially stack with a sleeve 24 of a respective rail segment 22. End collar 44 therefore takes up the axial space at post 16 that would otherwise be assumed by a collar 24 of an axially stacked rail segment 22.
Cap 36 may include a side wall 42 that defines a receptacle 43 for securing a delineator 50 to mount 12. Delineator 50 may be secured to extend axially along mount axis 18 from mount 12. Delineators 50 may be utilized to make modular system 10 more conspicuous. In some embodiments, delineators 50 may extend at least one meter from mount 12, although other axial dimensions for delineators 50 are contemplated by the present invention. Use of an array of delineators 50 in system 10 may significantly increase the visibility of modular system 10, and thereby enhance the safety functionality thereof. To further enhance visibility, particularly at night, light-reflective paint or decals 52 may be affixed to delineators 50.
A flexible joint 56 may be provided for securing delineator 50 to mount 12. In some embodiments, flexible joint 56 comprises a rubber body that is secured in place in receptacle 43 with a bolt, pin, or other fastener (not shown). Flexible joint 56 may be configured so that, when delineator 50 is secured to mount 12, flexible joint 56 extends axially beyond wall 42 of cap 36. The rubber body of flexible joint 56 preferably permits elastic deflection of delineator 50 from alignment with mount axis 18. Such flexibility minimizes the risk of damage to modular system 10 upon impact to a delineator 50.
System 10 may further include one or more divider members 60, such as that illustrated in
Divider members 60 may be secured to system 10 with brackets 62, which are themselves directly or indirectly secured to mounts 12 in the manner described above with respect to cap 36. In some embodiments, brackets 62 may be secured at mount 12 by being secured to post 16 with one or more bolts 37 threadably engaged with the weld nut 40 secured within post 16. In these embodiments, brackets 62 secure sleeves 24 at post 16 to prevent significant axial movement of sleeves 24, and also provide a connection point to couple to divider members 60.
In some embodiments, such as that shown in
In some embodiments, as illustrated in
As described above, divider members 60, 160 are preferably flexible to accommodate a variety of configurations when installed at system 10.
It is contemplated that mounts 12, and rail segments 22, and brackets 62, 162 are fabricated from strong and durable materials such as, for example, steel treated for rust resistance with galvanization or other methods, stainless steel, aluminum, metal alloys, polymers, polymer blends, and carbon fiber. Delineators 50 may be fabricated from a relatively rigid and lightweight material such as various polymers. Divider members 60, 160 may be fabricated from various polymers, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE). A particular design of system 10 includes mounts 12, rail segments 22, and brackets 62, 162 fabricated from galvanized steel, and delineators fabricated from extruded polyvinylchloride and divider members 60, 160 fabricated from HDPE.
The invention has been described herein in considerable detail in order to comply with the patent statutes, and to provide those skilled in the art with the information needed to apply the novel principles and to construct and use embodiments of the invention as required. However, it is to be understood that the invention can be carried out by specifically different devices and that various modifications can be accomplished without departing from the scope of the invention itself.
This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/993,789, filed on Mar. 24, 2020 and entitled Traffic Channelizer with Flexible Divider Members, the content of which being incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/118,722, filed on Dec. 11, 2020 and entitled Traffic Channelizer, which itself is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/407,023, filed on May 8, 2019 and entitled Traffic Channelizer, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/668,565, filed on May 8, 2018 and entitled Traffic Channelizer, the contents of each of which being incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62993789 | Mar 2020 | US | |
| 62668565 | May 2018 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 17118722 | Dec 2020 | US |
| Child | 17209825 | US | |
| Parent | 16407023 | May 2019 | US |
| Child | 17118722 | US |
