MXPA00001112A - An apparatus for protecting structural supports - Google Patents

Abstract

The apparatus (100) is a semi-cylindrical component (200) having a body defined by a wall, a top, and a base. The wall has at least one flat wall face and surrounds a hollow interior. An indentation for receiving a structural support is present in at least one flat wall face. A means (510, 520) for securing the shaped component to the structural support and for firmly seating one component at its flat wall face against the second component (300) at its flat wall face when two components are present. Preferably, each component has a plurality of impact absorbing indentations, each having an aperture, a base and a wall extending from the base to an aperture mouth. These indentations function to re-distribute the energy of impact when a collusion occurs between the apparatus and a moving object. Preferably, each component is formed by rotational molding from a plastic resin.

Description

APPARATUS FOR PROTECTING STRUCTURAL SUPPORTS Mr FIELD OF THE INVENTION An apparatus is provided for protecting columns and structural supports against damage resulting from the impact of a moving vehicle, while preventing or reducing damage to the vehicle and its driver. The apparatus of the invention finds use in aquatic and industrial sites such as in a warehouse where loaders and towing engines impact with structural supports or in a dock where small boats dock. The apparatus also finds use as a safety device to reduce and prevent damage to vehicles and their drivers during collisions with stationary objects such as poles, lamp posts and the like. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Accidental collisions often occur between vehicles such as cars, trucks and boats and supporting structures such as posts and columns. When vehicles roll back, limited visibility contributes to the problem of safely avoiding structural supports. If the area is crowded with other vehicles or with moving materials such as in a warehouse, backing out of a vehicle can be especially problematic. Accidental acceleration or poor traction due to spills or wet surfaces often also results in collisions between vehicles and structural supports such as lighting poles, telephone poles, traffic lights and the like. An acceleration or deficient judgment regarding the distance between a vessel and a support structure also occurs resulting in damage. In warehouses, previous attempts to protect a structural support or a vehicle and its driver from damage caused by the collision, have tended to protect one or the other but not both. In addition, these devices have been complicated or difficult to install or both. Devices that partially enclose a structural support are known. A device to protect people who collide with double-T beams against impact is the Soft-Post ™ urethane cushion. This cushion is substantially C-shaped and holds around the upper and lower extensions of the double-T beam while failing to cover the body of the double T. A partial enclosure of a structural support is illustrated for example in U.S. Pat. No. 5,369,925 (Vargo), the description of which is hereby incorporated by reference, three quarters encircle the guard of the post that bolts to the floor. The devices that surround a support are known, thus providing greater protection and reinforcement to the support. For example, to protect structural supports especially those in warehouses, the structural supports have been circumscribed in concrete or these supports have been provided by a hollow cylindrical device filled with concrete or gravel such as the Column Cushion available from Ancón Buildmg Services Div. Goshen, IN 46526. Another example of a protective apparatus, the parts of which are connected by a tongue and groove system, are illustrated in the US patent. No. 5,006,386 (Menichini), the description of which is incorporated herein by reference. Protective devices are also known and used in aquatic environments such as at the base of a bridge support, in the supporting structures of a petroleum platform in the ocean and in the posts supporting a dock. These devices include circumscribing the support structure in concrete as before and providing a cushion fence such as in the U.S. patent. No. 5,562,364 (Darder-Alomar), the description of which is incorporated herein by reference. From US-A-3, 831, 941 and FR 2492443 A, an apparatus according to the preamble of claim 1 is known. While the air chamber of FR 2492443 A is closed, the air chamber of US-A -3, 831, 941 can be subjected to pressure in a variable proportion by means of valves. None of the above provide the combined properties of impact absorption, structural support protection, cost effectiveness in manufacturing and ease of installation, which are provided by the apparatus of the invention. An objective of this invention is to provide a protective apparatus that is resilient and absorbs and redistributes impact. Another object of the present invention is to provide a protective apparatus that is easy to install and economical to manufacture. COMPENDIUM OF THE INVENTION An apparatus is provided to protect a structural support and absorb impact. The apparatus for protecting a structural support includes a component shaped to receive a structural support and a means for securing the shaped component to the structural support. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus is constituted by two configured components which are images in the mirror with each other and a means for holding one component to the other component. More preferably, each is a semi-cylindrical component having a lid, a base and a wall. Each cover, base and wall have one, ? *** »& outer face, an inner face. UB Hollow interior is defined by the wall, lid and base, thus providing a body. Each semi-cylindrical component has a flat outer face and a rounded outer face. An indentation for receiving a support structure is present on the flat outer face and extends from the top or from the lid to the base. Preferably, indentations are present to absorb impact on the rounded outer face. The body wall of each component is cylindrical and has a thickness and is constituted by a plastic material that can be vinyl, polyethylene, polypropylene or a polyurethane. Preferably, the body is constituted by a polyethylene stabilized with UV, which is configured by rotational molding. Each semi-cylindrical component is highly resilient, resistant to stress cracking and semi-flexible. Preferably, each body of the two semi-cylindrical components has a vent hole. Advantageously, due to the flexibility of the body material, the semicylindrical components adapt to the shape of the structural support on their respective flat faces, when the two semi-cylindrical components are placed face to face and stabilized in position by the means for holding the component - i »configured to the structural support, in this way sliding around the support is minimized. In the preferred embodiment, on the outer rounded face of each of the semi-cylindrical components, there is a plurality of discontinuous indentations for absorbing impact. Each has an opening mouth, an opening base and a plurality of opening walls extending from the opening base to the opening mouth. The opening base and opening walls are continuous with the wall of the semi-cylindrical body. The discontinuous indentations work to deflect the impact energy away from the structural support. The discontinuous indentations in their respective aperture bases terminate in the hollow body interior at a distance from the interior planar face of the wall. In this way, a hollow region remains between the opening base and the inner surface of the flat wall face to protect, cushion and redistribute the energy of the impact path towards the structural support. Preferably, the opening walls form an angle in their respective opening bases. More preferably, each opening base has a smaller area than that of the opening mouth. Also on the outer face of the rounded wall of the body, an indentation 7 is continuous to receive a means for holding the shaped components to the structural support. The continuous indentation sits approximately in the same position in each of the two semi-cylindrical components, such that when the means for securing the shaped components to the structural supports held in a circumference, the semi-cylindrical components are located in the structural support. Preferably, the means for securing the shaped components to the structural support comprises a band or strip having a surface with hooks at one end and a hairy or fluffy surface to correspond to the surface with hooks at the opposite end. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of the apparatus having two semi-cylindrical components for protecting a structural support wherein the apparatus is held in place by means for securing the component configured with the structural support. Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of the apparatus of Figure 1 with a double beam T seated in a central position and indicates the position through which a cross section is taken.

Transverse Figure 2A of the apparatus of Figure 2. Figure 3 illustrates an isometric view of a longitudinal view of the flat face of one of the semi-cylindrical components of the Figure 1 Figure 4 illustrates a view isometric of the outer rounded face of an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the structural support is rounded in cross section and indicates the position through which a cross-sectional view is taken. Figure 4A shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of Figure 4. Description of Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention Now with reference to Figure 1, which illustrates the apparatus of the invention 100 seated with respect to a structural support of double beam T 10, the apparatus has a first semi-cylindrical component 200 and a second semi-cylindrical component 300 held in place by means for securing the configured component to the structural support. The means for securing the configured component to the structural support illustrated comprises a strip or strip having a first end and a second end. In the open position, the first end 510 and the second end 520 extend from either side of the apparatus into an indentation 130 to seat the means for securing the shaped component to the structural support. It is illustrated that the first end has a surface with hooks 530 on a first face. The second end 520 has a hairy surface on a second face (not shown). When the two ends are engaged on the aforementioned faces, the hooked surface engages the hairy surface, thus making a closed loop 540. Tension is applied when hooked and hairy surfaces are coupled to hold the two semi-cylindrical components in their respective outer flat wall surfaces one with the other in position around the structural support in the indentation to receive a structural support, generally referred to as 150. The means for holding the component configured with the structural support, are preferably made from a band of flexible and strong material such as nylon fabric and a fastener such as Velcro ™. However, other materials such as leather or another type of cloth or fabric and other fasteners such as belts can be employed as would be apparent to a person skilled in the art. A seam, generally referred to as 400, is created between the two components, which are cylindrical when the components are engaged at their respective edges. The seam is sealed tightly by the means for securing the shaped component to the structural support. Preferably, ventilations g >For air, generally referred to as 160, holes extending from the inner face through to the outer face of the rounded body wall, are present in each semi-cylindrical component. The preferred apparatus is constituted by a resilient plastic stabilized for UV. Now with reference to Figure 2, which is a cross section of Figure 1 at the indicated point, each semi-cylindrical component has a plurality of discontinuous indentations, generally referred to by the number 110; a rounded outer wall face 170; a flat outer wall face 180; and a hollow interior space 190. Each discontinuous indentation has an opening mouth 115, an opening base 111 having a variable width, and a plurality of opening walls 112 extending from the opening base to the opening mouth. These discontinuous indentations work to redistribute impact energy when the device is impacted. An air vent 160 for air from the hollow interior when the apparatus sits around the structural support and is flared, is also shown. Conversely, the air returns through the air vent 160 to the hollow interior after impact when the resilient material regains its previous shape. Each semi-cylindrical component may have a leg 120 in the base or the base may be directly in contact with the floor surface. Now with reference to Figure 3, one of the pair of semi-cylindrical components is illustrated in a longitudinal cross-sectional view. The semi-cylindrical component has an upper surface 220 and an outer flat wall face 210, which has a substantially planar surface. The planar surface has at its center an indentation for receiving a structural support 152. On the rounded outer face of the component 180, an indentation can be seen to receive a means for securing the configured component to the structural support 130; means for securing the configured component to the structural support 500; and a discontinuous indentation for redistributing impact 110. At the base of the semi-cylindrical component is an optional leg 230. Now with reference to Figure 4 illustrating an isometric front view of a second embodiment of the present invention and indicating the position through which the cross-sectional view shown in Figure 4A is taken, the discontinuous indentations 610 on the rounded outer face of the semi-cylindrical component have a round-shaped opening 117. As illustrated in FIG.

Jtt? "?", Figure 4A, the walls 114 are tilted inward to provide an indentation in the shape of a cone. The indentation for receiving structural support 650 is rounded off when the components are juxtaposed one over the other. However, it can also be configured to receive a double T beam or other structural support. Wall thickness may vary from use to use. Preferably, for use in a warehouse where the structural components to be protected against impact of towing motors, the wall thicknesses are in the range of approximately 2.54 to approximately 7.62 cm (about 1 inch to about 3 inches).

The base of the discontinuous indentations is separated from the flat inner wall surface by approximately 5.08 cm (approximately 2 inches). The preferred method for forming the semi-cylindrical components of the present invention is by rotational molding from a UV-stabilized rotational grade molding resin, such as for example a polyethylene resin LLDPE, NRA-235 (available from Mobil Polymers, Norwalk, CT) that forms a resilient product after molding. As a result of the rotational molding process, the stress resistant surface is formed. However, the outer face of each component can be provided with a coating of a second plastic material. Biocidal agents can be incorporated in the plastic when the plastic material is molded or can be applied in the second plastic coating to prevent or retard growth in the apparatus especially for example in aquatic environments. The present invention can be stacked one apparatus on the other, to provide greater protection at a height on the first apparatus to protect a structural support. While the apparatus comprising two semi-cylindrical components has been described, rotational molding also allows the formation of other structures such as triangular, rectangular and so on, depending on the shape of the structural component to be protected and the expected direction of impact . In addition, the body itself absorbs impact and does not require discontinuous indentations for energy impact uses. For example, in case the structure is a pendant such as for example a vehicle service in a restaurant, a body having a lid, a base, a wall and a hollow interior can be formed. When the body is mounted on the lower surface of the hanging part, the impact results in release of air from the hollow interior and absorption of the impact. * 14 The foregoing is considered, only illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention presented herein. Since numerous modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction employed to illustrate the various means comprising this invention. * 5 j j | 3 te | M:

Claims (19)

1. REVIVAL ICATIONS 1. An apparatus ft3? To protect a structural support against impact, the apparatus comprises: at least one component for substantially covering a portion of the structural support, the component comprises: an outer face including a receiving indentation for the structural support; and an air chamber retained within the component; wherein the apparatus is characterized by: a ventilation for air from the air chamber; to cushion and redistribute impact energy with structural support. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the component is one of multiple components cooperating to substantially encircle the entire circumference of structural support. 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the multiple components are two components. The apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the two components are semi-cylindrical and wherein a portion of each outer face is curved, and a portion of each outer face including the receiving indentation is flat, such that the two components are joined on the flat surfaces to form a seam. The apparatus according to claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the receiving indentation is configured to conform to the structural member shape. 6. The apparatus according to claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the interior of the component is hollow, and wherein the air chamber is defined by the interior of hollow component. The apparatus according to claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the component extends longitudinally and the receiving indentation extends longitudinally over the entire extension of the component. The apparatus according to claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it also comprises at least one outer indentation, formed on the outer face of the component, for deflecting impact energy away from the structural support. The apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the outer indentation at least is a plurality of discontinuous indentations. 10. The apparatus according to claim 3 or 9, characterized in that at least one of the plurality of discontinuous indentations has an opening mouth, an opening base and a plurality of opening walls extending from the opening base to the mouth of opening. The apparatus according to claims 8 to 10, characterized in that at least one of the plurality of discontinuous indentations has a round-shaped opening and walls that tilt inwardly to provide a cone-shaped indentation. The apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the component is formed of a resilient material that recovers its previous shape after an impact. The apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the resilient material is a UV stabilized rotational grade molding resin. The apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the fastening means comprise a belt having closing means for holding the component at least around the structural support. 15. The apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that the belt includes first and second ends and the closing means comprises a hooked surface, formed at one end and a hairy surface, formed at the other respective end, wherein the ends are they dock to produce a closed loop. 16. The apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that it comprises fastening means for securing the component with the structural support. 17. A method for protecting a structural support against impact when using an apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 16, the method comprising: covering an exposed portion of the structural support with the component; fasten the component with the structural support; cushion the structural support with the component to redistribute impact energy with the structural support when venting air from the air chamber through the air ventilation. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that the step of covering an exposed portion includes covering with multiple cooperating components to substantially encircle the entire circumference of the structural support. 19. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that the step of covering with multiple components comprises covering with two components. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The apparatus (100) is a semi-cylindrical unit (200) having a body defined by a wall, a lid and a base. The wall has at least one flat wall face and surrounds a hollow interior. An indentation for receiving structural support is present at least on a flat wall face. A means (510, 520) for holding the shaped component to the structural support and for firmly seating a component on its flat wall face against the second component (300) on its flat wall face, when two components are present. Preferably, each component has a plurality of impact absorbing indentations, each having an opening, a base and a wall extending from the base to an opening mouth. These indentations work to redistribute the impact energy when a collision occurs between the device and a moving object. Preferably, each component is formed by rotational molding from a plastic resin. 3778