AU5949200A - Improved spring return post - Google Patents

Description

Australia Patents Act 1990 Complete Specification Standard Patent Entitled "Improved Spring Return Post" The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me.

o *o *o I Page 1 of 9 I Improved Sprin2 Return Post n This invention relates to an improved spring-loaded joint to allow an upright post to return to its original upstanding position.

i BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION 5 Posts, such as signposts on roadways are typically held in a socket which is concreted in the pavement or sometimes fitted with a "breakaway" section to I yield an impact. This method of fixing is effective, but involves returning to I repair or replacement of the post after impact.

The above procedure has proven to be of limited effectiveness, due to the high incidence of damage which occurs with many signs. For example, a "Keep Left" sign is usually positioned in the centre of the roadway and is subject to a high probability of damage to both signpost and vehicle if the vehicle fails to adequately respond to the "Keep Left" direction. In the case of a vehicle 3 impacting the signpost, the post must be removed and replaced. As mentioned, this is time consuming and is therefore an expensive procedure. The problem has been addressed in prior art by providing various spring-loaded joints, or by using n flexible joints or completely flexible posts. i The prior art forms of spring loaded or flexible joint units have proven to be of limited effectiveness. They can be cumbersome or aesthetically unpleasing or I 20 can move about when wind force from vehicles or weather overcomes the ability of the post to remain steady. Furthermore, the whiplash effect of using only a tension spring can become dangerous.

3 A more suitable method of holding signs with a flexible joint is desirable.

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Page 2 of 9 OBJECT OF THE INVENTION It is the object of the present invention to provide a means of holding a post stable in its position until impacted, whereupon it will yield to the impact and then return firmly to its original position with a minimum of whiplash effect or subsequent movement.

Further objects of the invention will be evident from the following description.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION In one form, although it need not be the only or indeed the broadest form, the invention resides in the improved spring return of a post comprising: a base member, to enable the post to be engaged to the ground. This is preferably a metal round pipe, dimensions to fit into existing post holding sockets, or alternatively into a post anchor system. It can also be a base plate which can be bolted to the pavement. a tension wind, or outer spring suitably formed from spring steel defines the space between the base member and the post member and preferably resides close to the surface pavement coupling members: to engage tension wind both to base member and to post member. They also serve to receive the dampening member.

a dampening member typically comprising a plastic or rubber tube which is of lesser diameter than coupling members. It is dimensioned to fit the space formed in the core of each of the coupling members.

Page 3 of 9 the tension spring members: comprises a metal tension spring of dimensions to allow it to reside in the core of the dampening tube. It is held under tension by a pin on each end which is positioned on each outer end of the assembled coupling members.

the post member: fits onto assembled coupling member and typically holds a sign or reflective material.

BRIEF DETAILS OF DRAWINGS To assist in the understanding of the invention, the preferred embodiments will now be described in reference to the following figures in which: Fig 1 is a view of a sign and post associated with the improved spring return post joint; Fig 2 is an exploded view of the improved spring and dampening members; Fig 3 is an exploded view of the coupling members and dampening tube member, side A being the external view and side B the internal view; Fig 4 is a view of the tension wind; Fig 5 is a view of the assembled spring return post assembly, without the post or e base; Fig 6 is a view of a base plate as an alternative to installing the improved spring return post to a paving surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS In the drawing, like reference numbers refer to like parts.

Referring to Fig 1 there is shown the outward appearance of the improved spring return post comprising base pipe 6 coupled to the tension wind 1 which is coupled i' i r i i i i i ri Ol.:l .i-l ildl'~l i Page 4 of 9 I to the post 7 upon which is attached a sign 13.

i The base pipe 6 can be of differing sizes shapes or made fe'om differing materials. There are two main types of bases. The first type of base is a pipe I typically, but not limited to galvanized steel or plastic. The second type of base, detailed in Fig 6, is a base plate capable of receiving the improved spring return postjoint which is then attached to concrete or other paving material by bolts, I pins or screws.

I The post 7 may be a signpost, fence post or any other similar upstanding post. The material from which it is made may be, but is not limited to, steel, i 10 aluminium, plastic, fibreglass or timber. Such posts may be cylindrical, square, I rectangular, triangular or formed in any other configuration. It will be appreciated that any type of post material or shape would be suitable.

U The post carries a sign 13 which may suitably be a road sign, informative Ssign or other indicia and may be attached to post 7 by any means.

Referring to Fig 2, there is shown the exploded view of each of the i elements of the improved spring return post. Couplings 2 and 3 may be, but are I not restricted to being of similar dimensions. Couplings are usually made from, but not restricted to nylon or plastic material. Component 2 is used to connect tension wind 1 to post base 6 or base 14 as shown in Fig 6. Component 3 is used 3 20 to connect tension wind 1 to post 7.

I The tension wind 1 is usually of a diameter similar to the diameter of post 7. it is preferably made from spring steel or stainless spring steel. It is of

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Page 5 of9 sufficient size as to have the ability to return the post to vertical position after it has been impacted by, for example, a motor vehicle.

Fitting inside couplings 2 and 3 is a dampening tube 4. Dampening tube 4 is positioned inside couplings 2 and 3 as is shown by Fig 3B.

Fitting inside dampening tube 4 is tension spring 5. The size of tension spring 5 can be varied to suit differing lengths and weights of post 7. The tension spring 5 is held in position under tension by pins 15A and 15B. Pins 15A and are located at the end of couplings 2 and 3 respectively as shown in FigS.

Referring now to fig 2. Attaching the tension wind 1 to the couplings 2 T3 is achieved by forming on one end of each coupling, a thread 12, which corresponds to the pitch of tension wind 1. The tension wind is screwed onto couplings 2 and 3 until it reaches rib 10. Due to the ability of the tension wind to tighten if unscrewing pressure is applied, the sign will remain in the preferred.

position and thereby minimise risk of unwanted tampering.

On the opposite end of couplings 2 and 3 is a typically cylindrical section which matches the inside dimension of post 7 and base 6. The size is such as to be firmly received into base 6 and post 7. This fitting can be further protected i" from subsequent movement between couplings 2 or 3 and post 7 or base 6 by pinning, dimpling or gluing or by any other means.

Dampening member 4 is located in the hollowed sections 8 in couplings 2 and 3 detailed in Fig 3. The dampening members' 4 action is to slow the return of the post to its upstanding position after impact or lateral movement. Dampening Page 6 of 9 member 4 is held in position after assembly by rib 9, which is of a lesser diameter than hollow 8.

The dampening member 4 is dimensioned to slide firmly into hollows 8.

Dampening action results in the slowing of the speed of return of post 7 to upstanding position by the inherent characteristic slowness of the material comprising dampening member 4 and by the friction created between the dampening member 4 and the hollows 8 as the post returns to its upstanding position.

The inner tension spring 5, as detailed in Fig 2, is located inside the dampening member 4 and is under tension. Its function is to: keep the post firmly in the upright position; stop possible kinking of dampening member when under bending pressure; hold tension wind firmly in compression to avoid any slight movement of post due to wind. It is held at each end of coupling members by pins 15A and Alternatively the tension spring can also be held in position under tension by clips or plates located at the ends of coupling members.

Claims (6)

1. 2. The improved spring return post of claim 1 wherein located along the central core of the flexible joint is a dampening tube comprising a flexible but stiff I tube held in said flexible joint by the post base coupling member and the post n coupling member, both of which are hollowed to receive the dampening tube member.-":
2. 3. The improved spring return post of claim 1 wherein located inside the dampening tube member of claim 2 is a tension spring, held under tension in said flexible joint by pins positioned over ends of assembled coupling members. I
3. 4. The improved spring return of claim 1 to 2 where the material in the dampening tube member comprises plastic. The improved spring return post of claim 1 to 2 where the material in the I dampening tube member comprises rubber.
4. 6. The improved spring return post of claim 1 to 2 where the exterior surface of dampening member and the hollow portion of the post base coupling I 20 member and the post coupling member is of a dimension to create friction between them when the joint is in movement.
5. 7. An improved spring return post of claim 1 wherein the outer spring tension I wind member is of dimensions adequate to lift said post back into vertical I I I Page 8 of 9 position after impact or lateral movement.
6. 8. An improved spring return post, substantially as herein described, with reference to the accompanying drawings and descriptions. Name of Applicant: 3P& 191 S-WeL 1 2 1? Date: Co..