AU2016253707A1 - Sign bracket for temporary roadwork signage- mounting over roadway guardrail. - Google Patents

Abstract

A device that enables short-term multi message roadwork signage to be placed over W-Beam guardrail systems. The device has an offset vertical support mechanism, which attaches to the guardrail post, so that when sign frame is attached to the device; it is positioned safely over the guardrail, and off the roadway. The device can be installed quickly without the use of mechanical fixings, and provides a stable mounting for the signage. - 13 Fig2I Fig32

Description

SIGN BRACKET FOR TEMPORARY ROADWORK SIGNAGEMOUNTING OVER ROADWAY GUARDRAIL.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention is related to roadwork signage, and traffic control. More specifically, it is a device that enables the simple, temporary installation of signage on the edge of the roadway, where steel guardrail barrier obstructs correct placement.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Along ever increasing sections of roadways, guardrail systems are being installed with the intended purpose of making roads safer for the travelling public, the intent of this document is not to dispute this. However, when there is a requirement to carry out routine maintenance, urgent repairs to the roadway, or a structure such as a bridge, on occasions these guardrail systems have an adverse affect on being able to carrying out the works safely.

[0003] For example, where longer sections of guardrail have been installed along the edge of the roadway, it becomes very difficult to place the signage associated with the road works at the appropriate locations.

[0004] When carrying out these types of works, the associated signage is required to be set out along the edge of the roadway at specific locations. The distances between the signs must comply with the relevant legislation, and any deviation outside of the given tolerances are considered in most cases to be an unacceptable risk without further control measures being developed. In some situations, a Registered Practicing Engineer must be engaged in the process, which can add time and cost.

[0005] The general signage used for short term road works in Australia, consist of a multi message sign frame, which holds the individual sign panels displaying the relevant messages advising road users of the works, reduced speeds and so on. These multi message sign frames have vertical steel square hollow sections on the two outside edges that are used to accept removable stands that sleeve into them. The stands are configured in an upside down "T" shape, which are also made from steel square hollow section. The upright section slides into the vertical outside sections on the sign frame which keeps the sign stable in an upright position.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0006] In most cases, setting out the signs in the correct location is easily achieved along the edge of the roadway. However, where longer sections of guardrail have been installed along the edge of the roadway, it becomes very difficult to place the signage at their specified locations. In most cases there is not enough clear distance between the guardrail and roadway to place a sign. Even if a wider shoulder is available, there is an increased risk of cyclists straying into the traffic lane and being struck by a vehicle while maneuvering around the sign.

[0007] A common work around in this situation is to use longer than the standard length vertical square hollow section on the stands. This allows the sign to straddle over the top of the guardrail. Although this keeps most of the sign assembly off the travelled path, there is an increased risk of instability, with the possibility that a larger passing vehicle, or gust of wind could cause the sign to blow onto the roadway. To reduce the risk of this happening, sand bags are sometimes used on the base of the stands with varying results, depending on weather conditions, and speed of large vehicles passing, sometimes they still blow over.

[0008] Another added risk encountered while adopting this work around is manual handling, personnel involved in the setting out of signage having to carry heavy sandbags, sometimes over difficult terrain behind the guardrail systems.

SOLUTION TO PROBLEM

[0009] Provide a safer, and simpler way of placing signage associated with temporary road works at locations where longer sections of guardrail impose restrictions. The present invention is a device that enables roadwork related signage to be temporarily attached to the guardrail post quickly, and without the need for fasteners, or sandbags.

ADVANTAGEOUS AFFECT OF INVENTION

[0010] The device is configured in such a way that it utilises the steel guardrail post as a temporary fixing on which it can attach to without mechanical fixings. Once the device is attached to the guardrail post, a multi message sign frame can then be attached to the device, also without the need for mechanical fixings, or sandbags.

[0011] The device is designed to offset the position of the sign frame so as to be off the roadway, with the edge of the sign being positioned in vertical alignment with the road facing edge of the guardrail. Once installed, the sign frame will sit approximately 200mm above the guardrail, providing good visibility to road users. The risk of road users colliding with signs is greatly reduced, by being completely off the travelled path, vehicles and cyclists will not have to veer around a sign straddling over the guardrail and onto the roadway.

[0012] The risk to personnel responsible for putting out the signs will also be reduced, as there is less to carry, being only the sign frame and the present invention. As opposed to a sign frame, two legs, and sand bags, this means less time spent setting up, and less manual handling.

[0013] It is fairly common that multi message sign frames, such as the ones used in short term road works with standard legs at the edge of the roadway, to blow over. A large truck travelling past, or a gust of wind can blow them over, sometimes onto the roadway. This puts road users at risk, from both the sign being struck by a vehicle that can cause an accident, and with the sign no longer being visible to warn road users of the hazards ahead.

[0014] This sign bracket invention will make the hazardous task of setting out roadwork signage near guardrail much safer, and simpler. It will reduce manual handling, and provide a stable mount for the multi message sign frames used.

[0016] For low volume production, the bracket could be fabricated in Aluminium (as shown in attached drawings), or for higher volume production, it would be more economically produced as an Aluminium casting.

BRIEF DE STCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] FIGURE 1 illustrates a front view of a multi message sign frame 13, with dashed lines representing 3 interchangeable sign panels.

[0018] FIGURE 2 illustrates a front view of the sign bracket invention.

[0019] FIGURE 3 illustrates a side view of a W-Beam guardrail system.

[0020] FIGURE 4 illustrates a front view of how the sign bracket invention (in grey fill), is positioned in relation to sign frame, and guardrail system when installed.

[0021] FIGURE 5 illustrates an expanded front view of the vertical mounting post section of the invention.

[00222] FIGURE 6 illustrates a top view, cross section through line A-A in fig 5.

[0023] FIGURE 7 illustrates a side view of the invention.

[0024] FIGURE 8 illustrates a top view, cross section through line B-B in fig 7.

[0025] FIGURE 9 illustrates a front view of the invention, and shows it’s numbered components.

[0026] FIGURE 10 illustrates a top view of the invention, and shows it’s numbered components.

[0027] FIGURE 11 illustrates a top view cross section of the invention (through lines A-A in Fig), and is shown in position on the guardrail post.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0028] FIGURES 1-2-3 illustrates how the sign bracket invention (Fig 2), sits in vertical alignment with the guardrail post 10, of the guardrail system (Fig 3), and in turn how the multi message sign frame 13 (Fig 1), aligns with the sign bracket invention (Fig 2).

[0029] FIGURE 3 illustrates a side view of the guardrail system, comprising of the steel W-Beam guardrail 12, the guardrail post 10 which is driven into the ground, and a spacer section 11, which has the same profile as the guardrail post.

[0030] FIGURE 4 illustrates a front view of the sign bracket invention (grey fill), sleeved into position over the guardrail post 10, and in turn the multi message sign frame 13 sleeves into position on the sign bracket invention.

[0031] FIGURE 5 illustrates an expanded front view of the vertical support configuration of the sign bracket invention. The main vertical support posts 4 and 5 are joined to the horizontal cross member support 1, which provides a base for the multi message sign frame 13 to rest on. The bottom section of support post 4 also acts as flat edge against the guardrail post to minimise rotation.

[0032] Joined to vertical support post 4 is a spacer 6, which provides the gap that enables the invention to sleeve onto the top of the guardrail post. Vertical member 7 is joined to spacer 6, which also acts as a spacer and minimises rotation.

[0033] Sandwiched between vertical support post 5 and vertical member 7, are two horizontal members 8, 9. These act as a brace against the inside side walls of the guardrail post 10, and give the sign bracket invention stability.

[0034] FIGURE 6 illustrates a top sectional view of the sign bracket invention taken from A-A.

[0035] FIGURE 7 illustrates a side view of the sign bracket invention.

[0036] FIGURE 8 illustrates a top sectional view of the sign bracket invention taken from B-B.

[0037] FIGURE 9 illustrates an overall front view of the sign bracket invention, it shows vertical channel members 2 & 3 on both ends of horizontal cross member support 1, which are used to house the multi message sign frame 13. The main vertical support posts 4 and 5 are positioned off centre so as to provide clearance from the roadway.

[0038] FIGURE 10 illustrates an overall top view of the sign bracket invention.

[0039] FIGURE 11 illustrates an expanded top sectional view of sign bracket invention taken from A-A Fig 5. The main vertical support posts 4 can be seen with it’s inside edge against the outside edge of the guardrail post 10, this along with vertical member 7 which rests against the inside flat section of the guardrail post 10, provides sideways and rotational support for the sign bracket invention.

[0040] Spacer 6 is also a stop as shown in position sitting on top of the guardrail post 10.

Vertical member 7 also acts as a spacer for horizontal members 8 & 9 so as they are spaced away from inside radius of the guardrail post 10. Horizontal members 8 & 9 provide stability by utilising the inside edges of the guardrail post 10 for support.

Claims (2)

1. A bracket used to display signage associated with roadwork, over W-Beam guardrail systems, with lower section of said bracket configured in such a way so as to utilise the profile of existing guardrail posts for stable temporary a ttachment, wi thout use of mechanical fixing.

2. A bracket of Claim 1, wherein the bracket can provide stable mounting, without use of mechanical fixings, of a multi message sign frame such as those used for short-term roadwork’s, and when mounted, be in an offset position, off the roadway.