US20180155887A1

US20180155887A1 - Ragsblock traffic barrier

Info

Publication number: US20180155887A1
Application number: US15/371,019
Authority: US
Inventors: Dion Thomas Heffran
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-12-06
Filing date: 2016-12-06
Publication date: 2018-06-07

Abstract

The present invention is a traffic barrier with a conduit provided throughout its length. The conduit may be configured to house wiring, plumbing, irrigation, etc. The traffic barrier may also be provided with a keyway and one or more drainways to allow the flow of rain runoff to move through the barrier. Anchoring devices will attach to the roadbed and fit within the barrier drainways to better secure the position of the traffic barrier. The barrier is provided with accessory sleeves to retains posts or poles for signs or fences. The accessory sleeves may be in communication with the conduit. One end of the traffic barrier may be enlarged to accommodate a cavity to house a battery and sleeve for a solar panel. Multiple barriers may be joined in series to create a connected conduit RAGSBLOCK system.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to the field of traffic barricades, specifically, traffic barricades which can accept accessories and wiring to power electronic accessories.

2. Description of Related Art

Traffic barricades have been present on roads and highways for many years. They are strategically placed to restrict automobiles from driving into dangerous situations. Traffic barricades may be placed to keep cars from entering construction zones, straying into oncoming traffic, and meandering into biker lanes. Barricades may also be present to protect pedestrians, bikers, and buildings. There is general dissatisfaction (and resultant deaths) among bicyclists of dangerous incursions of motor vehicles into the bicycle marked lanes in urban areas. In less congested areas the vehicle speeds increase and the danger grows.
Traffic barricades appear in various shapes, sizes, and materials. Small, portable traffic barricades may be placed on the road to warn drivers of upcoming obstacles or construction zones. Large, concrete barriers may be placed in between opposing lanes of traffic to prevent cars from colliding into oncoming traffic, wherein the large barriers are able to stop the movement of a vehicle that may be out of control or erratically driven.
Currently, reflective coatings or tape may be applied to the barricades to make them more visible to drivers. To further increase visibility, lights may be mounted to the barricades, but the lights are powered by a battery which limits the intensity of the light and type of light that may be used. If lights of greater intensity are to be used, they would require electricity supplied from an external power source. Connecting lights from to an external power source might increase the time required to install the barriers. Furthermore, they would not provide a permanent lighting solution to provide pedestrians and bicyclists with better visibility at night or in dark situations. Bicycle commuting to work is not discretionary and may require riding in the dark.
Based on the foregoing, there is a need in the art for a barricade system with an embedded conduit, and what may be further desired is a barricade adapted to easily accept electrical accessories to be connected to a power source via internal wiring in a provided conduit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention of a traffic barrier with embedded conduit comprises of an elongated body having a length and a side wall shape of a known traffic barrier, designed to minimize vehicle damage. A conduit is provided throughout the length of a barrier. The conduit may be adapted to receive an irrigation system or wiring system. In an embodiment, the conduit is provided with a sleeve or insert which may be plastic, metal, or another material deemed suitable.
In the preferred embodiment, the traffic barrier is further provided with a keyway, located at the bottom of the barrier. The traffic barrier may be further provided with one or more drainways running perpendicular to the length of the barrier. The keyways and drainways allow for flowing water or rain runoff to pass through the barriers. One or more anchoring devices may nest within the keyways and drainways of the barrier. The anchoring devices are provided with a plurality of holes to fasten to the roadbed and barrier.
In an embodiment, the traffic barrier is further provided with one or more accessory sleeves. The accessory sleeves are holes with apertures provided on the top surface of the barrier. The accessory sleeves may be provided to hold poles or posts to provide fencing or signage. The accessory sleeves may be adapted to be in communication with the conduit provided through the length of the barrier to allow for interconnected wiring.
In an embodiment, one end of the traffic barrier is provided to be larger, having a generally square cross section. The larger end may be further provided with a cavity to house a battery. In the embodiment, the barrier may further be comprised of a solar sleeve. The solar sleeve will allow for a solar panel to be placed in communication with the battery. In an embodiment, the traffic barrier having a larger end is to be provided as an end segment in a series of barriers.
The foregoing, and other features and advantages of the invention, will be apparent from the following, more particular description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, the accompanying drawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, the objects and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the ensuing descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawings briefly described as follows.

FIG. 1 is a left side elevational view of the traffic barrier with embedded conduit, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the traffic barrier with embedded conduit, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a front side elevational view of the traffic barrier with embedded conduit, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a left side elevational view of the traffic barrier with embedded conduit, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the traffic barrier with embedded conduit, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a front side elevational view of the traffic barrier with embedded conduit, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a front side elevational view of the nesting anchor of the traffic barrier with embedded conduit, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a front side elevational view of the nesting anchor of the traffic barrier with embedded conduit, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 9 is a front side elevational view of the nesting anchor of the traffic barrier with embedded conduit, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention and their advantages may be understood by referring to FIGS. 1-9, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements.
In reference to FIGS. 1-3, an embodiment of the RAGBLOCKS traffic barrier is shown to be used as an end segment in a series of traffic barriers. In the embodiment, the end segment is shown to have a larger end to provide weight to maintain the in-line integrity for a series of barriers in the event of a collision. The larger end also provides space for a battery cavity 1. Wherein a battery may be provided in the cavity 1 to provide an electric power source. The battery cavity 1 is provided with an access door on one side of the traffic barrier, such that the battery may be removed or replaced. In an embodiment, the battery access door will be lockable to prevent theft of the battery.
In a preferred embodiment, a solar sleeve 2 will be provided with an opening on the top of the barrier. The solar sleeve 2 is adapted to accept a pole in electric communication with a solar panel (not shown). The solar sleeve 2 will be configured in communication with the battery cavity 1, such that wiring and electrical connections may be provided so an attached solar panel may provide charge to a battery kept within the cavity 1.
In a preferred embodiment, the battery cavity 1 is provided with a battery to be in electric communication with a conduit 3 provided through the center of the barrier. The conduit 3 may be a simple through-hole throughout the length of the body of the traffic barrier. In another embodiment, the conduit 3 will be provided as a pipe or insert. In an embodiment, the conduit piping will be comprised of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), metal, or another material deemed suitable. The conduit 3 is further provided to be in communication with a plurality of accessory sleeves 4. The accessory sleeves 4 are configured to accept a variety of accessories, which may or may not, be electrically active. Accessories to be provided within the sleeves may include lights, advertisements, pedestrian crossing lights, traffic signs, fencing, rails, or other accessories deemed appropriate by one skilled in the art. In an embodiment, wiring may be provided through the conduit 3 to provide an electrical connection between the accessory sleeves 4, conduit 3, and battery cavity 1.
In an embodiment, the end barrier of the Traffic barrier with embedded conduit may be further provided with one or more horizontal sleeves 5. The horizontal sleeves 5 may be used for placement and transportation of the traffic barrier. In another embodiment, the horizontal sleeves 5 may be used to accommodate irrigation piping. In an embodiment, the horizontal sleeves 5 are in communication with the conduit 3 and may provided to accept both electrically active and passive accessories such as lights, advertisements, pedestrian crossing lights, traffic signs, fencing, rails, or other accessories deemed appropriate by one skilled in the art. In an embodiment with electrically active accessories, wiring may be provided to create an electrical connection between the horizontal sleeves 5, conduit 3, and battery cavity 1.
In a preferred embodiment, the traffic barrier is provided with on more drainways 6 to allow water to pass through during rain or storms. The drainways 6 also provide an aperture for a forklift to engage with while the traffic barrier is being moved or placed into position. In the preferred embodiment, the traffic barrier is further provided with a keyway 7. The keyway 7 may be provided for additional drainage. In an embodiment, a nesting anchor (not shown) may be provided within the keyway 7 to provide additional support for the barrier.
In reference to FIG. 4-6, an embodiment of the RAGSBLOCK traffic barrier is shown to be used as a middle segment in a series of barriers. In the embodiment, a conduit 13 is provided and may be in communication with other barriers in a series via a coupling component (not shown). The conduit 13 is further provided to be in communication with a plurality of accessory sleeves 14. In an embodiment, wiring may be provided to create an electrical connection between the conduit 13 and accessory sleeves 14. The accessory sleeves 14 are configured to accept a variety of accessories, which may or may not, be electrically active. Accessories to be provided within the sleeves may include lights, advertisements, pedestrian crossing lights, traffic signs, fencing, rails, or other accessories deemed appropriate by one skilled in the art.
In an embodiment, the middle barrier of the RAGSBLOCK traffic barrier may be further provided with one or more horizontal sleeves 15. The horizontal sleeves 15 may be used for placement and transportation of the traffic barrier. In another embodiment, the horizontal sleeves 15 may be used to accommodate irrigation piping. In an embodiment, the horizontal sleeves 15 may be provided with wiring to be in electric communication with wiring provided in the conduit 13. In the embodiment, the horizontal sleeves 15 may be provided to accept both electrically active and passive accessories such as lights, advertisements, pedestrian crossing lights, traffic signs, fencing, rails, or other accessories deemed appropriate by one skilled in the art.
In a preferred embodiment, the traffic barrier is provided with on more drainways 16 to allow water to pass through during rain or storms. The drainways 16 also provide an aperture for a forklift to engage with while the traffic barrier is being moved or placed into position. In the preferred embodiment, the traffic barrier is further provided with a keyway 17. The keyway 17 may be provided for additional drainage. In an embodiment, a nesting anchor (not shown) may be provided within the keyway 17 to provide additional support for the barrier.
In a preferred embodiment, the RAGSBLOCK traffic barrier is comprised mostly of concrete, specifically with a mix number of 6. The concrete may be casted over folded wire and reinforced with rebar, as is known in the art. In another embodiment, the traffic barriers may be metal, plastic, composite, or another material deemed suitable by one skilled in the art. The barriers may be casted off site and transported to the location they are to be installed, providing for quick installation with minimal traffic closures. In a preferred embodiment, the RAGSBLOCK traffic barrier is shaped like what is known as a Jersey barrier, having an angled base which tapers to approximately half the height of the barrier. This angle is provided to deflect the tires of a vehicle to prevent damage to the body of the vehicle, and is known in the art.
In the preferred embodiment, the middle and end segments are provided in series to form an elongated traffic barrier which also functions as an encased group of conduits to be referred to as a RAGSBLOCK system. In an embodiment in which one or more end segment barriers are provided with a battery, the entire RAGSBLOCK system may be electrically active. In the embodiment, the conduit of each barrier may be coupled with an extension piping to link the conduits of the individual barriers. In another embodiment, in which conduits provided irrigation piping, a coupling element may be provided to create a continuous flow between each of the individual barriers throughout the RAGSBLOCK system.
In an embodiment, in reference to FIG. 7, a nesting anchor 20 is shown having a top anchor side 21 fitted to engage with the keyway of a RAGSBLOCK traffic barrier. The nesting anchor 20 is further provided with a bottom anchor side 22 to be attached to the ground on which the barriers are to be placed on. In an embodiment, the bottom anchor side 22 is anchored into the ground via studs or screws placed through provided anchor holes 23 and secured into the ground or roadbed. In a preferred embodiment, the nesting anchor 20 is metal and is welded together, but may be comprised of another material. The securement of the nesting anchor to the ground provides for further support when for the barrier when the nesting anchor is placed within the keyway. In an embodiment, a recess is provided in on the bottom of the traffic barrier to better fit the nesting anchor within the keyway. Furthermore, the nesting anchor may be secured to the barrier via screws, bolts, studs, or another means of fastening through provided barrier securement holes 24. In a preferred embodiment, the provided anchor holes 23 and securement holes 24 are ⅝″ through-holes, but may be any diameter deemed appropriate by one skilled in the art.
In an embodiment, in reference to FIG. 8, a nesting anchor 25 is shown having a top anchor side 26 fitted to engage with the keyway of a Traffic barrier with embedded conduit. The nesting anchor 25 is further provided with a bottom anchor side 27 to be attached to the ground on which the barriers are to be placed on. In an embodiment, the bottom anchor side 27 is anchored into the ground via studs or screws placed through provided anchor holes 28 and secured into the ground or road bed. In a preferred embodiment, the nesting anchor 25 is metal and is welded together, but may be comprised of another material. The securement of the nesting anchor to the ground provides for further support when for the barrier when the nesting anchor is placed within the keyway. In an embodiment, a recess is provided in on the bottom of the traffic barrier to better fit the nesting anchor within the keyway. Furthermore, the nesting anchor may be secured to the barrier via screws, bolts, studs, or another means of fastening placed through provided securement holes 29. In a preferred embodiment, the provided anchor holes 28 and securement holes 29 are ⅝″ through-holes, but may be any diameter deemed appropriate by one skilled in the art.
In an embodiment, in reference to FIG. 9, another anchoring device is shown in the form of a C-shaped cleat to be placed within the keyway of the traffic barrier. In an embodiment, the cleat is further provided with one or more anchor holes 31 provided to allow fasteners to engage with the street surface or roadbed. The cleat may be further provided with one or securement holes 32 to allow fasteners to engage with the barrier. This arrangement allows for better securement of the traffic barrier in its desired position. In a preferred embodiment, the provided anchor holes 31 and securement holes 32 are ⅝″ through-holes, but may be any diameter deemed appropriate by one skilled in the art.
The invention has been described herein using specific embodiments for the purposes of illustration only. It will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, however, that the principles of the invention can be embodied in other ways. Therefore, the invention should not be regarded as being limited in scope to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but instead as being fully commensurate in scope with the following claims.

Claims

I claim:

1. A traffic barrier comprising:

i. an elongated body having a first end and a second end, wherein a distance between the first end and the second end defines a length;

ii. a top surface and a bottom surface,

iii. a first side wall and a second side wall; and

iv. a conduit extending from the first end to the second end throughout the length.

2. The traffic barrier of claim 1, the conduit comprising a piping.

3. The traffic barrier of claim 2, the piping comprising PVC.

4. The traffic barrier of claim 1, having a keyway on the bottom surface throughout the length of the Traffic barrier.

5. The traffic barrier of claim 4, comprising one or more drainways having a perpendicular intersection with the keyway.

6. The traffic barrier of claim 5, comprising one or more anchoring devices adapted to nest within at least one of the keyway and the one or more drainways.

7. The traffic barrier of claim 1, comprising of concrete.

8. The traffic barrier of claim 1, comprising one or more accessory sleeves extending from the top surface towards the conduit.

9. The traffic barrier of claim 1, comprising one or more through holes extending from the first side wall to the second side wall.

10. The traffic barrier of claim 1, having a larger end, wherein the larger end comprises a generally square cross-section.

11. The traffic barrier of claim 10, comprising a cavity near the first end adapted to retain a battery.

12. The traffic barrier of claim 11, having a solar sleeve comprising a hole extending from the top surface to the cavity.