GB2334735A

GB2334735A - Rod traffic control device

Info

Publication number: GB2334735A
Application number: GB9717496A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Anastassios Aslanidis
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1997-11-24
Filing date: 1997-11-24
Publication date: 1999-09-01
Anticipated expiration: 2017-11-24
Also published as: GB2334735B; GB9717496D0

Abstract

A road traffic control device comprises an open-topped elongate cylindrical housing adapted to be inset into a road surface, a triangular control member rotatably mounted in said housing for rotation about its longitudinal axis, and selectively operable means for rotating the control member such that any of the three sides may lie substantially adjacent the opening in the housing. Suitably, one side of the control member is flattened. Preferably, another side has a raised surface such that when such side is uppermost in use it protrudes above the level of the surrounding road surface and so provides a vibration to the wheels of a vehicle passing over the device. The remaining side of the device is provided with spikes such that when such side is uppermost in use the spikes project above the level of the surrounding road surface and puncture the tyres of any vehicle passing over the device.

Description

CHANGEABLE ROAD SPEED AND TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM This invention relates to a system for inciting motorists to reduce speed under certain conditions or even to stop their vehicles completely.

It is a well known fact that certain weather conditions such as fog and rain reduce to great or lesser degrees the driver's visibility and if the speed of the vehicle is not reduced considerably in such conditions this may result in severe accidents, in many cases of a multiple nature.

It may also be necessary for the traffic at a certain point to be halted completely e.g if for some reason, the police wish to contact spot checks of vehicles and drivers/passengers or in case a suspicious vehicle should approach a sensitive installation such as an Embassy, Military base, Manufacturing or Industrial plant or anything which could be a potential target for terrorists.

Permanent speed ramps of the type used to control suburban secondary traffic and concrete blocks used for similar purposes in some parts of cities and for the protection of certain buildings, are anything but good for the purpose of controlling speed and traffic in highways for the purposes mentioned in the above paragraphs.

The above limitations were the basic reason for the present system to be designed and presented.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: Figure 1 shows a plane view of the system on a road.

Figure 2 shows the cutaway view of the system in position 1 for normal traffic flat surface on the top.

Figure 3 shows the cutaway view of the system POS.2 with the speed controlling ramp No.5 on the top.

Figure 4 shows the cutaway view of the system in POS.3 with the "NO PASS" ramp No.6 on the top..

Figure 5 shows the front view of the system (controlling side). cont. .2 Figure 6 shows a cutaway view across the length of the system.

Figure 7 shows the arrangement of two lengths of the system with an intermediate supporting bearing for use in two lanes roads, similarly it could be three, four or more sections connected.

Figure 8 shows alternative ramp surfaces No.18 to be used for alternative purposes.

Referring to the drawings the system comprises the following parts: -A cylindrical steel piece No.l with its upper section of certain percentage of its diameter removed, and where at its round ends flanzes going the whole length are formed. This fabrication is placed in a road recess with its flanzes flat with the road deck and encased in concrete No.7.

-A fabricated hollow triangle shaped prism No.2 of a length analogous to that of the cylindrical item No.l. This triangle shaped piece is fitted with a steel shaft No. 3 at its center. The shaft is secured in its place by brackets No.4 along its length. This item placed and can rotate inside the item No.1.

-A speed ramp No.5 made from hard rubber or other suitable material. The surface of the ramp could be smooth or grooved and could be fitted with integrally extruded coloured reflecting strips. This ramp is secured in one of the three sides of the the triangle shaped item (No.2).

-A "NO PASS" ramp No.6 made from hard steel or similar material and in the form of sharp spikes. This ramp is secured in one of the three sides of the triangle shaped item (No.2).

-The movement mechanism and locking device comprises a teethed pinion No,8 secured at the end of the shaft by means of a shaft key No.16 , a rack No.9 which can be mooved in two opposite directions, an energiser electric or hydraulic device No.10 for the movement of the rack., an hexagonal plate with holes drilled at its flat sides No.l 1 secured at the end of the shaft by means of a shaft key No.16, locking pins No.12 in diametrical opposite positions, and energiser electric or hydraulic devices No. 13 for the movement of the locking pins -The assembly of the cylindrical piece No.l and the triangular piece together with its shaft Nos. 2 and 3, Fig.2 is fitted with two end covers No.14 with shaft bearings No.15, fixed on the covers.

-When there is need for the system to be installed in more than one lane it can be done by arranging required assemblies connected in line and equipped with additional bearing No.14 on a supporting saddle No.17 Fig.7.

-Surfaces of the rotating triangular item No.2 can be fitted with alternative items to the ramps No.5 and 6, as shown in Fig.8 item No.18.

OPERATION OF THE SYSTEM -NORMAL TRAFFIC CONDITIONS: The system is in its normal position eg the flat surface of the triangular item No.2 is on the top flat with the road deck.

-FOG RAIN OR OTHER ADVERSE WHETHER CONDITIONS-calling for a speed reduction of the vehicles: The movement system rotates the trianglular item No.2 for 1200 and the side with the rubber ramp No.5 comes on the top.

-BLOCKADING THE TRAFFIC FOR CHECKINGS:- The triangular item is rotated in a position so as the "NO PASS" ramp is on the top.

MOVEMENTS OF THE SYSTEM TO THE DIFFERENT POSITIONS: Could be achieved by remote control, which activates the system accordingly, from a traffic control operation room fitted with the appropriate monitoring systems eg monitors of remote TV cameras, radiocommunication with police patrol cars. Alternatively the system could be operated locally through the appropriate controls in secure and licked box near to the system. Keys for the box carried by police patrol cars.

-ANCILIARIES:- The whole system has to be complemented with necessary equipment to ensure its efficient and safe operation in all conditions. eg levers, and/or cranks for bringing the system to its normal position Fig.2, in case of disruption of power supply. Also appropriate waming means for the motorists, well defined visual and/or sound signs in places well before the location of the system.

Yet, a small by-pass road at the end of the near side of the system, to facilitate the passage of checks cleared vehicles without the need of retracting the C'NO PASS" ramp.

Claims

CLAIMS A A system comprising a steel fabricated cylindrical piece inside of which a steel fabricated piece of triangular section can rotate both clockwise and anticlock wise, section of the upper cylindrical piece is removed so as the surface of the triangular piece to be in line with the ends of the cylindrical piece.
2. A system as claimed in Claim 1 wherein a ramp of hard rubber or similar material is fitted in one of the three surfaces of the rotating triangular piece for the purpose of inciting motorists to reduce speed in adverse weather conditions when this ramp portrudes above the road's surface.
3. A system as claimed in Claim I or Claim 2, wherein one of the surfaces of the rotating triangular piece is fitted with a ramp of hard steel in the form of sharp spikes for the purpose of forcing the motorists to stop their vehicles when this ramp portrudes above the road's surface.
4. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein any surface of the rotating triangular piece can be fitted with a ramp or a layer different of the rubber or steel ramp.
5. A system the use of which could save lives and protect from injuries.
6. A system the use of which could prevent severe damage and destruction of property.
7. A system which will stop terrorists approaching their targets with a vehicle.