MX2015004865A

MX2015004865A - A post.

Info

Publication number: MX2015004865A
Application number: MX2015004865A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Jason Paul Rogers; Dallas Rex James
Original assignee: Valmont Highway Technology Ltd
Priority date: 2012-11-14
Filing date: 2013-11-12
Publication date: 2015-07-21
Also published as: HK1215459A1; CL2015001313A1; CA2930774A1; EP2920370A4; US20150299969A1; MX358954B; ES2679395T3; BR112015011037A2; US10385529B2; NZ603600A; EP2920370B1; MY174092A; CA2930774C; EP2920370A1; BR112015011037B1; WO2014077701A1

Abstract

A post which includes apertures on alternate sides of the post which, in use, receives and retains at least one cable therein characterised in that the same number of apertures are on each side of the post wherein each aperture: has a side opening in the form of a mouth, wherein said mouth is at a distal region thereof configured to have a top surface with an angle greater than the angle at a proximate region of the mouth so as to reduce the travel path of, and/or; any frictional contact with; the cable, during ejection from aperture following a collision.

Description

A POST DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a post. In particular, the present invention relates to a post and parts thereof that may be used for, but not limited to, cable barriers. For ease of reference, the present invention will now be described while in use.

The present invention is designed to further improve upon the previous cable barrier post of the applicants covered by the New Zealand Patent No.546969 The post at NZ 546969 was also designed to overcome problems with conventional cable barrier posts for a road network having a single opening (slot) extending down through the barrier post means as shown in Figure 7. This slot retains one or more barrier cables within the cable barrier system.

In summary, one of the main disadvantages with the conventional single slot construction is to accommodate multiple cables, the length of the slot is relatively large compared to the length of the post. As a result, the sides of the slot have considerably less resistance than the rest of the pole. Accordingly, this needs to construct the post in a way that provides sufficient lateral strength to help prevent deformation or buckling of the post in this weakened region. From This way, the post typically must have a solid construction, or use stronger materials in its construction, to compensate for the reduction in strength and this is added comprehensively at its cost.

In addition, the location of the slot within these barrier posts makes it difficult to replace one or more poles, which can be damaged or broken, within a formed cable barrier system. The cables have to be loose within the cable barrier system and / or a large post hole in relation to the size of the pole may have to be dug to leave room to maneuver the new post in position, to insert the post into the barrier of the already formed cable.

However, although the post of NZ 546969 faces the deficiencies mentioned above by the single-slot post, it has been found that in practice, the post in NZ 546969 also has a large number of deficiencies. One of such deficiencies is the folding over the top of the post, after an impact with the barrier. This is finished until at least one of the cables is trapped within the opening and this reduces the energy that can be absorbed if the cables were free to flex fully.

In addition, it also means that the post can be reused which is wasteful and expensive.

Therefore it may be useful to have a post that improves on the post in NZ 546969 as well as in front of Problems with the simple slot post discussed above.

All references, including any of the patents or patent applications cited in this specification, are incorporated herein by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the reference states that their authors affirm, and the applicants reserve the right to put the accuracy and belonging of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications refer thereto, these references do not constitute an admission that any of these documents forms part of the general knowledge common in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country .

It is recognized that the term 'comprises' can, under different jurisdictions, be attributed either with an exclusive meaning or an inclusive one. For the purpose of this specification, and unless otherwise noted, the term 'comprises' must have an inclusive meaning - that is, it shall be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components that are directly referenced, but also other components or elements not specified. This reasoning will also be used when the term 'understood' or 'comprising' is used in relation to one or more steps in a method or process.

It is an object of the present invention to face the above problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

Additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, which is given by way of example only.

All references, including any of the patents or patent applications cited in this specification, are incorporated herein by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references establishes what their authors affirm, and the applicants reserve the right to state the accuracy and pertinence of the cited documents, it will be clearly understood that, although numerous publications of the prior art are referred to herein, this reference it does not constitute an admission that any of these documents is part of the general knowledge common in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country.

It is recognized that the term 'comprises' can, under different jurisdictions, be attributed either with an exclusive meaning or an inclusive one. For the purpose of this specification, and unless otherwise noted, the term 'comprises' must have an inclusive meaning - that is, it shall be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components referenced directly, but also other components or elements not specified. This reasoning will also be used when the term 'understood' or 'comprising' is used in relation to one or more steps in a method or process.

Throughout this specification, the word "comprises", or variations thereof such as "comprises" or "comprising", shall be understood to imply the inclusion of a element, integer or established stage, or group of elements of integers or stages, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or stage, or groups of elements, integers or stages.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is a road barrier post, which includes openings on alternate sides of the pole which, in use, each receives and retains at least one cable therein characterized in that the same number of openings are on each side of the post and where each opening: has a side opening in the shape of a mouth, wherein the mouth has an upper portion comprising a proximal linear surface that is directed away from the opening intersecting a linear surface Distant that extends to the side of the post where the angle of the linear surface distant from the horizontal is greater than that of the proximal linear surface in order to reduce: - the path of travel of, and / or - any contacted frictional with; the cable, during the execution of the opening after the collision by a vehicle.

The invention has found that using the same The number of openings on either side of the pole allows it to function as a median barrier when performed in the same manner no matter which side is impacted. The NZ 546969 pole in contrast mode can only be used as a barrier at the edge of the road. In addition, adopting this requirement of the same number of openings on either side of the post also ensures that the tops of the posts do not bend after an impact.

Preferably, the post includes two, four or six openings on the side of the post.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a post wherein the openings do not substantially buttress and instead separate at a distance X from the median axis.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a post substantially as described above wherein the post, where in use, the post is hollow and includes a cover comprising: - an upper portion, and - an edge that fits perfectly on the open top of the post and at least one elongated attachment extends substantially into the post, where the cover and the attachment are formed integrally as a single piece.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Additional aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic view of the post according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a pole of the previous technique according to NZ 546969; Figure 3 is a photograph showing a post cable barrier post impact according to the prior art; Figure 4 is a photograph of a cable barrier post impact with posts in accordance with the present invention; Figure 5 shows a schematic view of a lid and an attachment element of unitary construction according to a further element of the present invention; Figure 6 shows a schematic view of a further preferred embodiment of the post according to the present invention; Y Figure 7 shows a single-slot post of the prior art.

With respect to Figures 1 and 2, a post 1 which is hollow and has two openings 2 and 3 on either side thereof. The openings 2 and 3 each have an opening 4 and 5 on the side of the post that allows cables (not shown) in use to be inserted or ejected from the openings 2 and 3. The openings 2 and 3 also have a retaining portion in the shape of a wall 6 and 7 which has a projection 8 and 9 on the top thereof which, in use, assists with the retention of a tensioned cable within the openings 2 and 3.

Figure 2 differs from Figure 1 in that it has an additional opening 500 which in use creates an asymmetric load on the post when tensioned cables are inserted into the openings.

Figure 1 shows a post 1 different from the anterior tech post of Figure 2 in that it has the same number of openings on either side of the post to create a symmetrical load on the post when the tensioned wires are inserted into the openings. The post 1 in Figure 1 also has a short slot 10 in the upper part thereof extending towards the middle part of the post 1 which is absent in the post 1 of Figure 2. The slot 10 extends no further than substantially 10% - 15% of the overall length of the post. This is in contrast to some existing poles of the prior art poles shown in Figure 7 having a groove extending around 30% -40% of the length of the poles of the prior art. post above the ground as they have to retain all the wires of a cable barrier.

The post 1 of Figure 1 also differs from the prior art pole of Figure 2 in that the openings 2 and 3 do not buttress the middle Y axis and instead a distance X is separated therefrom. By way of contrast, the post of Figure 1 has a width of 90mm and the distance X, the openings that separate from the middle Y axis, is substantially 5mm.

Referring to Figure 3 it can be seen how the top of the posts is bent after a vehicle hits the barrier. This presents a problem as the cables are trapped in the openings if the pole bends reducing the energy that can be absorbed as well as decreasing the ability to redirect a roving vehicle.

The invention has surprisingly found that if the openings move away from the top of the middle axis of the post this increases as shown in Figure 2, this increases the strength of the post by about 30%. This is evidenced in Figure 4 where it can be seen that the top of the posts have not been bent at all.

Referring to Figure 5 there is shown a lid 1000 and an attachment element 1001 which has 2 teeth 1002 and 1003. The attachment element is formed integrally with the lid by a molding process. The advantage of integrally molding is double: - Increased speed of placing the lid, on the post, and most importantly the teeth are secured to align with the opening in the post, for quick insertion into the teeth of the previous technique can move in relation to the lid, as They clicked loosely together; - ensure that the teeth are not separated from the lid again, if a collision event occurs in the barrier, in a remote region of the pole associated with the cap, but energy is still received from the impact.

In Figure 6 there is a portion of a post 100 having a modified opening 101. The opening 101 has an upper edge with a rapid cable release portion 102 at a distal end thereof having a steeper angle than the remainder of the upper edge 103 which has a less pronounced angle. The lower edge 104 of the mouth 101 has a curved surface and also reduces any frictional contact with the cable during an execution.

It should be appreciated that the post should come in a variety of different shapes and configurations and be made from a variety of materials without departing from the scope of the invention.

In preferred embodiments, the post may be substantially hollow.

The invention has found that by using a substantially hollow post, with a simple design requirement of opening placement, this contributes to the light construction and / or manufacturing expense of the barrier post. Additionally, by selecting a more cost-effective material, this can also contribute to the manufacturing cost.

Preferably, the post can have an elliptical cross section.

The openings can actually come in a variety of different shapes and sizes, provided that the openings have sufficient dimensions to receive and retain, and preferably when required, release a segment of the cable.

The number of openings on the side of the posts must be an even number. That is, you need to have the same number of openings on each side of the pole.

In general, the side openings may include a retaining portion that retains the cable within the opening.

In additional preferred embodiments, the retention portion may include at least a wall portion.

In some embodiments, the retention portion may have at least one projection that retains or aids in retaining the cable within the opening.

Preferably, at least one edge of the projections It can curl.

Preferably, the opening can project downwards from the mouth of the opening.

The opening (mouth) of the opening can have a variety of different configurations without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In some embodiments, the mouth can be configured to assist in directing a cable into the opening so that the cable can be retained therein.

In additional embodiments, the mouth can also be configured to assist in the release of the opening wire must have adequate strength of sufficient magnitude to be applied to the post and / or cable.

In general, the cable and / or post will move only a sufficient distance to cause the release of the cable in the area of the cable barrier to be directly subjected to adequate force or the region of the cable barrier immediately adjacent to it. .

Preferably, the force applied to the cable barrier can be caused by collision of a vehicle with the cable barrier or surrounding area. However, it will be appreciated that forces from other areas can be applied to the cable barrier, without limiting the scope of the present invention.

In additional preferred embodiments, the mouth may include a surface or edge that is inclined at an angle the which directs the cable either inside or outside the opening depending on which direction a force is moving the post and / or cable.

Preferably, the angle of the upper surface or upper edge of the mouth can be substantially 45 ° with respect to the longitudinal axis of the post.

In a further preferred embodiment, the mouth may for a remote region thereof be configured to reduce: - the path of travel of, and / or - any frictional contact with; the cable, during the expulsion of the opening after a collision.

The mouth can be configured to reduce the path of travel and / or frictional contact with the cable during an ejection event in a number of different ways.

In one embodiment, the angle of the upper surface or edge of the mouth may be substantially 45 ° in a proximal region thereof, and substantially 50 ° or more in a remote region thereof, with respect to the horizontal. Preferably, the region distant from the surface or upper edge of the mouth can be substantially 60 ° -70 °.

In some embodiments the lower surface or lower angle of the mouth can also be configured to reduce frictional contact with the post as the cable leaves the opening.

In one embodiment the lower surface or lower edge of the mouth can be convexly curved.

In another embodiment, the lower surface or lower edge of the mouth may be angled down from the horizontal.

The invention has found that the above opening shape is an advantage. In particular, the shape allows cables to be easily removed from one or more poles in an already erected cable barrier, without the need to collapse the entire barrier. This may be important, for example where poles may need to be replaced due to damage from an impact. Additionally, the shape of the openings provided for releasing the cable from one or more barrier posts, in particular point of impact, instead of releasing the cable from all posts, when an impact occurs.

In a preferred embodiment, it can have two elongated attachments that can be located on opposite sides of the post.

Preferably, the elongate attachments can be perfectly adjusted against a portion of the inner surface within the post.

In preferred embodiments, the elongate attachments can effectively close the openings.

In this way, the preferred embodiments of this invention may have a number of advantages which may include: - poles that have a symmetrical load when in use; - Posts that have increased lateral resistance: - Posts that resist bending after an impact with a cable barrier; - poles that expel a cable more quickly; - pole covers that can be inserted more quickly and easily; Y covers for poles that can maintain their integrity better during an impact.

The aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A road barrier post, which includes openings on alternate sides of the post which, in use, each receives and retains at least one cable therein characterized in that the same number of openings are located on each side of the post and where each opening: has a side opening in the shape of a mouth, wherein the mouth has an upper portion comprising a proximal linear surface leading away from the opening intersecting a distant linear surface extending to the side of the post where the The angle of the linear surface distant from the horizontal is greater than that of the near linear surface to reduce: - the path of travel of, and / or - any frictional contact with; the cable, during the execution of the opening after the collision by a vehicle.

2. The post according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper surface of the edge of the mouth is substantially 45 ° in a region close to it, and substantially 50 ° or more in a distant region thereof, with respect to the horizontal.

3. The post according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the surface or lower edge of the mouth is configured to reduce contact frictional with the post as the cable leaves the opening.

4. The post according to claim 3, characterized in that the lower surface or lower edge of the mouth is convexly curved.

5. The post according to claim 3, characterized in that the lower surface or lower edge of the mouth is angled downwards from the horizontal.

6. The post according to claim 1: wherein in use, the post is hollow and includes a cover comprising: - an upper portion, and - an edge that fits perfectly on the open top of the post and at least one elongated attachment extends substantially into the post, where the cover and the attachment are formed integrally as a single piece.

7. The post according to claim 6, characterized in that the openings do not substantially interconnect and a distance X from the middle axis separates instead.

8. A barrier including a post according to any of the preceding claims.

9. A post as described substantially in the present with reference to some example and / or drawing thereof which is not of the prior art.

10. A barrier including a post as substantially described herein with reference to any example and / or drawing thereof that is not of the prior art.