US2287685A - Means for providing variable capacity highways - Google Patents
Means for providing variable capacity highways Download PDFInfo
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- US2287685A US2287685A US350962A US35096240A US2287685A US 2287685 A US2287685 A US 2287685A US 350962 A US350962 A US 350962A US 35096240 A US35096240 A US 35096240A US 2287685 A US2287685 A US 2287685A
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- curb
- jacks
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
- E01F—ADDITIONAL WORK, SUCH AS EQUIPPING ROADS OR THE CONSTRUCTION OF PLATFORMS, HELICOPTER LANDING STAGES, SIGNS, SNOW FENCES, OR THE LIKE
- E01F15/00—Safety arrangements for slowing, redirecting or stopping errant vehicles, e.g. guard posts or bollards; Arrangements for reducing damage to roadside structures due to vehicular impact
- E01F15/006—Lane control by movable lane separating barriers, e.g. shiftable barriers, retractable kerbs ; Apparatus or barriers specially adapted therefor, e.g. wheeled barriers
Definitions
- This invention relates to improvements in means for providing variable capacity or convertible highways and is a further development of the constructionshown in my Patent 2,182,697
- the general object of the invention is to provide improved power-actuated means and accessories for raising and lowering the curb or curbs which define the traffic lanes.
- Fig. 3 is a top plan view of one section of steel curbing, without the upper layer of 'paving thereon;
- Fig. 4 is a longitudinal, sectional elevation through one of the concrete lined troughs or trenches showing a length of curb therein, with many details omitted;
- Fig. 5 is a plan view of one of the wear castings
- Fig. 6 is a side elevation thereof
- Fig. '7 is a section on the line 1-1 of Fig. 5;
- Fig. 8 is a section on the line 8-8 of Fig. 6;
- Fig. 9 is an enlarged transverse section, somewhat simplified, through one of the trenches showing the curb in uppermost position;
- Fig. 10 is another transverse section showing the curb in lowermost position and the compression springs extended;
- Fig.' 11 is a short section at right angles of Fig.
- Fig. l2 is a section showing theilluminating feature
- Fig. 13 is an elevation invention
- Fig. 14 is a partial plan- View of the flexible joint showing the structural details
- Fig. l5 is a section thereof on the line
- Fig. 16 is a view of the hydraulic jack of Fig. 13 in elevated position
- Fig. 17 is a sectional View of an illuminating cabinet
- Fig. 18 is a perspective view thereof
- Fig 19 is a perspective View of a modied fitting apparatus
- Fig. 20 is a sectional elevation of a further lifting apparatus
- Fig. 21 is a similar view showing the curb elevated
- Fig. 22 is a diagram of ⁇ and Fig. 23 is a perspective view 'of an additional modication.
- the outside curbs I0, I0, are of the usual construction.
- the three intermediate curbs Il are flush of a modied form of the another modification;
- each or all of them may be raised so that they will project suiiiciently to constitute an eiective barrier or curb, when required.
- curbs l I and the trenches I2 or slots in the pavement in which they are confined are shown somewhat diagrammatically in section, and on a larger scale, in Fig. 2.
- the three left hand double lanes are made available for traic, as shown in Fig. 2, i. e. the two left hand movable curbs are retained in lowermost position in the trenches or troughs, with their tops ush with the level of the pavement.
- the right hand one of the three curbs is shown as raised to its uppermost position, thus providing a double northbond lane and three southbound double lanes.
- two traffic lanes are provided for northbound vehicles and six are provided for southbound vehicles.
- the right hand movable curb is lowered and the left hand movable curb is raised, thus providing for six northbound traffic lanes and two southbound traic lanes.
- the middle curb only may be raised, thus providing four northbound traic lanes and four southbound traic lanes.
- the movable curbs are made preferably in twenty-five foot lengths and may have a width of about twenty inches and a vertical height of about sixteen inches and are commonly referred to as fins.
- One of these curb sections I3l is shown in Fig. 3.
- the said trenches I2 are made preferably of concrete, as shown in Figs. 2, 9 and 10.
- Each curb length is supported on two hydraulic jacks I4, I4, which rest on suitable concrete foundations in the trenches and are spaced at regular intervals.
- Each length as shown in section in Figs. 10 and 11, is made preferably with steel side plates I5 connected by a cross plate I6, welded thereto a few inches below the top, which provides an upper channel to be fllled with concrete or other paving material similar to the main paving on theroad.
- the lower sides of the plates I5 are reinforced by horizontal flanges I'I which may be welded thereto as shown, or may be rolled integrally therewith.
- the lower part of the curb has the form of a hollow box-like structure. Said curb is guided in its up and down movement by lugs I8, I8, as shown in Fig. 10, which lugs slide up and down against vertical guides provided by suitable brackets I 5 imbedded in the concrete on each side.
- a pair of vertical rods 20, 20, as shown also in Fig. l0, have their upper ends secured to the cross plate I6 and at their lower ends are turned outwardly and upwardly in the form of hooks to support the lower end of the helical spring 2
- the curb When the power is applied to raise the curb in the manner hereinafter described, the curb, as it lifts, carries with it the rods 20, 2U, which compress the springs 2I in each case until the curb reaches its uppermost position, Shown in Fig. 9.
- the springs When the power is released, the springs elongate and lower it. Ordinarily lthe curb would lower of its own weight except when the curb becomes jammed or obstructed in uppermost position, due to ice forming in winter, or other obstructions.
- the main purpose of the springs is to overcome the initial resistance, after which the curb will sink of its own weight.
- Lateral braces or channel plates 24 are positioned transversely adjacent each jack and are welded extension of foot 25 secured to it which rests on a seat or stop 26 to limit the downward movement of the curb, i. e. the curb rests on said seat normally when in lowermost position, in which position it supports the weight of automobiles running over it.
- Each curb is raised preferably by two uid pressure actuated jacks I4, as previously stated, one of the jacks being shown in section in Fig. 1l. It comprises a cylinder 21 mounted on a suitable base, with a concrete or other footing 28 under it and it is provided with a hollow piston 29 in the form of a cylinder closed at the lower end.
- the hydraulic pressure i. e. the fluid under pressure preferably in the form of oil, is pumped through suitable pipes to the cylinder and through the lower port 30, and as the piston is lifted it raises the short vertical shaft 3l which rests in the seat in the bottom thereof and extends above the piston, being received in an inverted cup-shaped seat 32, welded or otherwise secured to the cross plate I6 of the curb. This provides a loose connection which permits operation of the curb despite slight irregularities during the up and down movement.
- each division may have a separate pump station and distribution station to actuate any one or two or all three lines of curbing.
- a length of curbing of 300 feet may first be raised a distance of a few inches, followed immediately by another similar length, as the first length continues to rise, and so on with other sections, giving a stepped arrangement.
- Suitable switches at the control station start the train of movements.
- the lifting action may be said to be in the form of a wave action, the movement of the wave being about 20 M. P. H.
- Each brace 24 has a metal 75 vided, which may be unscrewed to give access to the incandescent lamp 36 immediately beneath the same.
- glass lenses 31 or bulls-eyes see Fig. 12
- the conductors 38 may extend throughout the length of each section with a flexible connection to the next unit to provide for up and down movement of adjacent sections.
- FIGs. 17, 18, A modified form of this feature is shown in Figs. 17, 18, in which the incandescent light and the lenses are mounted near the ends of the curb length as a unit 40, to be slid in from one side of the curb when the latter is in elevated position.
- the lenses 4I are mounted in opposite ends of the box-like structure, which latter has resilient circuit contacts 42 beneath the same, adapted to contact with circuit contacts 43 permanently mounted in the curb section. When pushed into place the circuit is closed by said contacts. This eliminates the necessity of the hand hole covers.
- Wear plates 45 are welded onto the sides of the curb at regular intervals of about five feet to slide up and down on the wear castings 4B now" described. A(See Fig, 10.)
- the castings 46 serve to reinforce the side walls of the trench and provide a metal facing for the slot through which the curb moves up and down.
- These castings may be about ve feet long and are provided with intermediate, transverse arms 4l' having enlarged heads to anchor in the concrete, and with transverse end plates 48 (see Figs. 5 and 8).
- These castings are bolted to the brackets IS which provide a vertical abutment against which the lugs I8 slide to prevent longitudinal movement of the curb (see Figs. 3 and l).
- castings not only serve to guide the up and down movement of the curbs, making it possible to provide a loose connection between the elevating mechanism and the under part of the jacks, but said castings enable the curb to resist the heavy side thrusts received from time to time when automobiles accidentally run against the side of the curb or where cars are thrown against the curb in automobile accidents.
- FIG. 13 Another form of curb is shown in simplified form in Fig. 13 in which the jacks are connected with adjacent ends of curb lengths instead of being positioned intermediate the ends.
- Each jack 50 for example, is positioned between the adjacent ends l, 5I of the individual lengths of curb, each of which has a slot in the end.
- a plate is received in each of the slots and provides a exible joint between the curb sections and the jack on which it rests.
- This construction is shown more in detail in Figs. 14 and 15 in which each end of the curb is provided with a casting 52 providing the slot referred to.
- a casting or hinge member 53 the shape of which is evident from Fig.
- a casting or hinge member 54 which members have circular enlargements or openings to receive a hinge pin 55.
- a third casting 56 which has an extension plate 57, shown in Fig. l5, bolted to the top plate 58 of the jack assembly so that the hinged structure rests on the jack and spring assembly.
- the clearances between the hinged members and the walls of the slot are suilicient to permit the sections to be raised with one end slightly in advance of the other, providing a gradual incline and also it permits the curb to follow the up and down undulations of a rolling road as well as to provide lateral clearance for right and left curves.
- the power station is located in a suitable enclosure at the side of the road with the connecting pipe lines running to each of the several trenches in which the curbs and jacks are located.
- a separate power station or pumping unit is installed in each trench, as shown :for example in Fig. 23 hereinafter described.
- 'Ihe pumping units are provided with a remote control so that they may be operated together or independently from a distance. These controls may be time controls if desired, to operate the curbs automatically at certain times of the day.
- Fig. 19 shows in perspective a modified arrangement for applying the lifting power.
- the motor driven compressor 60 develops the necessary power to move the plunger 6I horizontally in the concrete trough. thus tending to straighten the arms 62, 63 of the toggle member, the upper one of which raises the plate 64 which supports the adjacent ends of the concrete curb 65.
- the spring arrangement 65 may be similar to that previously described. With this arrangement the plunger or piston operates horizontally instead of vertically, thus making it possible to install the equipment in the limited space provided by the trench or a slight enlargement thereof.
- piston, plunger or jack may be mounted in a comparatively limitd space and its power made eifective in an upwardly and downwardly direction.
- fluid pressure may be used, of course, to move the piston downwardly as well as upwardly, thus dispensing with some or all of the springs, if conditions permit.
- the power is supplied by fluid under high pressure in excess of one thousand pounds per square inch and ample storage or ample pump capacity is required as the duid pressure must be used in a short interval of time.
- the curbs are raised in about ten to thirty seconds, depending on conditions.
- the drawing is somewhat diagrammatic, showing a curb 61 which may be raisedby a spring or springs 68.
- the spring is compressed between the end of the latch seat 69 and the plate 10, the latter being moved by the plunger Il of a ram or jack.
- the lowermost position of the plate 'l0 is shown in dotted lines and the spring, although expanded somewhat, is under considerable compression and exerts a substantial minimum thrust in this position.
- the spring is compressed to its maximum amount, assuming the position shown in Fig. 21 in which the plate 10 is locked by the spring latches l2 to the lower rim of the latch seat E9.
- the power is again applied and as the plunger 'Il starts to lift, the latches are automatically tripped, whereupon the curb is raised rapidly by the expansion of the powerful spring 68.
- the plunger continues to move upwardly slowly under the pressure supplied by the system and thus the energy is again stored in the spring over a long interval of time.
- the mechanism just described is shown in vertical position but it is preferably mounted in horizontal position in the space available in the trench and in such position, as shown diagrammatically in Fig. 22, may be applied to a series of toggle levers which move the curb vertically when the power is applied horizontally.
- the spring compression mechanism just described is shown as a whole at 15, including the spring 68.
- the toggle mechanism I6 has its upper'end engaging beneath the curb 'Il and is provided with additional springs 18, 18, which correspond to the springs I3 in Fig. 20, i. e. when they expand they lower the curb.
- Fig. 23 shows a curb construction in which the actuating mechanism is located within the curb itself.
- the curb 8U is elevated by jacks 8
- the springs 83 operate in the manner previously described, being mounted on rods some of which are anchored in the base of the trough.
- the motor driven compressor 84 is located in the curb and the supply pipe 85 extends therefrom to the jacks 8
- 86 is the return tank.
- the curb is provided with hinged sections 81 to render the mechanism available.
- limit of upward movement of the curb can be determined by the springs themselves.
- a positive stop as for example a piston on the plunger or piston rod engaging the end of the cylinder.
- Means for dividing highways into separate lanes comprising a concrete trough having vertical guard members imbedded in the side walls, a curb section iitting between said guard members, a plurality of uid pressure jacks on which said curb section is supported, supply pipes to each of said jacks to permit actuation of the same and raise said section, said curb having an H cross section with paving material in the upper channel flush with the top thereof, depending groups of rods secured to the transverse plate of said H section and having upturned lower ends to seat a vertical, helical spring, a stop plate for the upper end of each of said springs, and a holding rod for said plate anchored in the bottom of said trough whereby upward movement of said curb compresses said springs and insures subsequent downward movement of said curb when said uid pressure is released.
- a highway construction comprising a concrete lined trench, a curb length loosely tted therein, a plurality of fluid pressure jacks seated in said trench and supporting said curb with its top normally ush with the side walls of said trench, said curb comprising vertical metal plates connected by a transverse plate, two pairs of depending rods secured to said transverse plate, each pair being spaced from the other, an anchoring rod between each pair of depending rods, a helical spring surrounding the three rods of each group and having its lower end supported by said depending rods and its upper end coniined by said anchoring rod whereby upward movement of said curb compresses said springs and whereby release of the iiuid pressure in said jacks initiates the downward movement of said curbs under their own weight, when retarded by ice and other obstructions.
- a pavement construction comprising a concrete lined trench intermediate the sides of the roadway, a series of fluid pressure jacks mounted vertically on the bottom of said trench in uniformly spaced relationship, a vertically movable curb above said jacks, a seat adjacent the base of said jacks, a vertical support secured to the under side of said curb and resting on said seat to limit the downward movement thereof, said jacks each having a vertical support also engaging the under side of said curb to raise and support the same, and guide members in the sides of said trench to provide lateral movement of said curb in its up and down movement.
- a construction comprising a trench having means therein for raising and lowering a barrier to provide traflic lanes, a fluid pressure operated plunger, a compression spring having one end connected to said barrier and having the other end connected to said plunger to transmit its thrust to said barrier and raise the same, and to compress said spring against the resistance of said barrier when in its uppermost position, means for latching said spring in compressed position to store energy, an additional spring connected to said barrier and put under tension when the same is raised, whereby upon release of said fluid pressure said last mentioned spring lowers said barrier causing said iirst mentioned spring and plunger to return to initial position as a unit with said spring held in compressed condition, and means for unlatching said spring during the initial lifting movement of said plunger, whereby the expansion of said spring raises said barrier and whereby upon the reapplication of iluid pressure to said plunger the necessary energy may be stored in said rst mentioned spring at a slow rate so as to enable said barrier to be raised thereby subsequently, at a rapid rate.
- a trench substantially parallel to and between the sides of the highway, and having side walls, a longitudinally arranged sectional curb fitting therein, means for raising and lowering said curb whereby it may project above the sides of said trench to separate said highway into independent lanes, or it may be lowered flush with the top of said trench, incandescent lamps within said curb sections and transparent members in the side walls thereof whereby when said curb is elevated it becomes visible at night, said curb sections being of hollow construction from end to end with electrical conductors extending therethrough, connected to said illuminating means and flexibly connected with the conductors of the adjacent section, whereby the circuit to said electrical illuminating means may be maintained when one section is raised or lowered somewhat in advance of the next section, said incandescent lamps being mounted in slidable carriages which may be inserted in or withdrawn from the curb through openings in the sides thereof.
- a concrete conduit having longitudinal reinforcing castings lining the open top thereof with lateral extensions imbedded in the side walls thereof, brackets also imbedded in said side walls, at spaced intervals below said open top and having vertical extensions thereon to provide wear resisting surfaces, a curb vertically adjustable in and out of the top of said conduit between said castings and positioned against lateral thrusts by said Wear resisting surfaces, said curb having a, lug on each side thereof positioned adjacent said vertical extensions to prevent longitudinal movement of said curb.
- a highway construction the combination with a pavement having a slot therein substantially parallel to and between the sides of ⁇ the pavement, of jacks positioned in said slot at intervals, a vertically movable curb in said slot arranged in sections end to end with their upper surfaces substantially flush with said pavement, said sections being supported by said jacks, intercommunicating supply pipes to each of said jacks to supply fluid pressure thereto, to raise said sections simultaneously or in succession, whereby said highway is divided by said curb into two independent roadways of predetermined width when said curb is in elevated position, and consists of a single unobstructed roadway as wide as said combined independent roadways, when said curb is in lowered position.
Description
June 23 1942- o. K. JELINEK MEANS FOR PROVIDING VARIABLE CAPACITY HIGHWAYS' Filed Aug. 3, 1940 4 Sheets-Sheet l MNM INVENTOR. /w/C ATTORNEYS.
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ATTORNEYS June 23, 1942. o. K. JELINEK MEANS FOR PROVIDING VARIABLE CAPACITY HIGHWAYS Filed Aug. 5, 1940 June z3, 1942. f o, K. JEL|NEK- 2,287,685
MEANS FOR PROVIDING VARIABLE CAPACITY HIGHWAYSl Filed Aug. 3, 1940 4 Sheets-Sheet lv. ,y u Q@ 20 21 /l/l/ll lll/11111] 111/ y' INVENTR.
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ATTORNEYS.
Patented June 23, 1942 UNITED STATES TENT OFFICE MEANS FOR PROVIDING VARIABLE CAPACITY HIGHWAYS 11 Claims.
This invention relates to improvements in means for providing variable capacity or convertible highways and is a further development of the constructionshown in my Patent 2,182,697
issued December 5, 1939.
The general object of the invention is to provide improved power-actuated means and accessories for raising and lowering the curb or curbs which define the traffic lanes.
Other objects are: to improve the construction of the curb itself; to provi-de fluid pressure actuated mechanism of compact form which may be located in the vtrough in which the curb is mounted; to provide. vertical power actuated jacks at intervals in the channel or trough for raising the curb section, each curb section being lifted by two or more jacks; to provide means for so connecting the adjacent ends of curb sections as to provide a flexible or universal joint which in turn is directly supported by one of the jacks, whereby each ofl said sections is supported on said jacks at opposite ends thereof; to provide metal castings or wear 'plates in the side walls oi the concrete trough to guide the curb sections in theirl up and down movement inde- 1 in upper position by snow and ice in winter; f
to 'provide the curb sections with a layer of the same kind of paving material on the top thereof as is used in the main highway so as to avoid skidding; to provide an improved hollow vertically adjustable curb having a source of illumina- Fig. 3 is a top plan view of one section of steel curbing, without the upper layer of 'paving thereon;
Fig. 4 is a longitudinal, sectional elevation through one of the concrete lined troughs or trenches showing a length of curb therein, with many details omitted;
Fig. 5 is a plan view of one of the wear castings;
Fig. 6 is a side elevation thereof;
Fig. '7 is a section on the line 1-1 of Fig. 5;
Fig. 8 is a section on the line 8-8 of Fig. 6;
Fig. 9 is an enlarged transverse section, somewhat simplified, through one of the trenches showing the curb in uppermost position;
Fig. 10 is another transverse section showing the curb in lowermost position and the compression springs extended;
Fig.' 11 is a short section at right angles of Fig.
Fig. l2 is a section showing theilluminating feature;
Fig. 13 is an elevation invention; v
Fig. 14 is a partial plan- View of the flexible joint showing the structural details;
Fig. l5 is a section thereof on the line |5--I5 of Fig. 14;
Fig. 16 is a view of the hydraulic jack of Fig. 13 in elevated position;
Fig. 17 is a sectional View of an illuminating cabinet;
Fig. 18 is a perspective view thereof;
,Fig 19 is a perspective View of a modied fitting apparatus;
l Fig. 20 is a sectional elevation of a further lifting apparatus; i
Fig. 21 is a similar view showing the curb elevated;
Fig. 22 is a diagram of` and Fig. 23 is a perspective view 'of an additional modication. I" Y In Fig. 1 there is shownA somewhat diagrammatically a top plan view of a highway having sufficient lanes for eightcars, side by side, but divided by curbsV into four double lanes. The outside curbs I0, I0, are of the usual construction. The three intermediate curbs Il are flush of a modied form of the another modification;
with the pavement part of the time, but each or all of them may be raised so that they will project suiiiciently to constitute an eiective barrier or curb, when required.
These curbs l I and the trenches I2 or slots in the pavement in which they are confined, are shown somewhat diagrammatically in section, and on a larger scale, in Fig. 2.
Assuming that the traic toward the business district of a city is mainly southbound, as during the morning rush hours, the three left hand double lanes are made available for traic, as shown in Fig. 2, i. e. the two left hand movable curbs are retained in lowermost position in the trenches or troughs, with their tops ush with the level of the pavement. The right hand one of the three curbs is shown as raised to its uppermost position, thus providing a double northbond lane and three southbound double lanes. In other words, two traffic lanes are provided for northbound vehicles and six are provided for southbound vehicles.
During the evening rush hours when the traflic is mainly in the opposite direction, the right hand movable curb is lowered and the left hand movable curb is raised, thus providing for six northbound traffic lanes and two southbound traic lanes. At other times of the day the middle curb only may be raised, thus providing four northbound traic lanes and four southbound traic lanes.
In the commercial installation now described hereiny the movable curbs are made preferably in twenty-five foot lengths and may have a width of about twenty inches and a vertical height of about sixteen inches and are commonly referred to as fins. One of these curb sections I3l is shown in Fig. 3. The said trenches I2 are made preferably of concrete, as shown in Figs. 2, 9 and 10.
Each curb length is supported on two hydraulic jacks I4, I4, which rest on suitable concrete foundations in the trenches and are spaced at regular intervals. Each length, as shown in section in Figs. 10 and 11, is made preferably with steel side plates I5 connected by a cross plate I6, welded thereto a few inches below the top, which provides an upper channel to be fllled with concrete or other paving material similar to the main paving on theroad. The lower sides of the plates I5 are reinforced by horizontal flanges I'I which may be welded thereto as shown, or may be rolled integrally therewith. The lower part of the curb has the form of a hollow box-like structure. Said curb is guided in its up and down movement by lugs I8, I8, as shown in Fig. 10, which lugs slide up and down against vertical guides provided by suitable brackets I 5 imbedded in the concrete on each side.
A pair of vertical rods 20, 20, as shown also in Fig. l0, have their upper ends secured to the cross plate I6 and at their lower ends are turned outwardly and upwardly in the form of hooks to support the lower end of the helical spring 2|, which in said ligure are extended the maximum amount, with the upper end confined by the plate 22 which is secured to the upper end of the rod 23, the lower end of which is anchored in the concrete. When the power is applied to raise the curb in the manner hereinafter described, the curb, as it lifts, carries with it the rods 20, 2U, which compress the springs 2I in each case until the curb reaches its uppermost position, Shown in Fig. 9.
When the power is released, the springs elongate and lower it. Ordinarily lthe curb would lower of its own weight except when the curb becomes jammed or obstructed in uppermost position, due to ice forming in winter, or other obstructions. The main purpose of the springs is to overcome the initial resistance, after which the curb will sink of its own weight. Lateral braces or channel plates 24 are positioned transversely adjacent each jack and are welded extension of foot 25 secured to it which rests on a seat or stop 26 to limit the downward movement of the curb, i. e. the curb rests on said seat normally when in lowermost position, in which position it supports the weight of automobiles running over it.
Each curb is raised preferably by two uid pressure actuated jacks I4, as previously stated, one of the jacks being shown in section in Fig. 1l. It comprises a cylinder 21 mounted on a suitable base, with a concrete or other footing 28 under it and it is provided with a hollow piston 29 in the form of a cylinder closed at the lower end. The hydraulic pressure, i. e. the fluid under pressure preferably in the form of oil, is pumped through suitable pipes to the cylinder and through the lower port 30, and as the piston is lifted it raises the short vertical shaft 3l which rests in the seat in the bottom thereof and extends above the piston, being received in an inverted cup-shaped seat 32, welded or otherwise secured to the cross plate I6 of the curb. This provides a loose connection which permits operation of the curb despite slight irregularities during the up and down movement.
Assuming that the roadway equipped with these curbs is several miles long, it is preferably operated as a number of separate divisions. Each division may have a separate pump station and distribution station to actuate any one or two or all three lines of curbing. Ordinarily, only one length of curbing is operated at a time but all the 25 foot lengths of curbing in a composite unit may be operated simultaneously. For example, a length of curbing of 300 feet may first be raised a distance of a few inches, followed immediately by another similar length, as the first length continues to rise, and so on with other sections, giving a stepped arrangement. Suitable switches at the control station start the train of movements. The lifting action may be said to be in the form of a wave action, the movement of the wave being about 20 M. P. H. or any other desired rate. The mechanism for accomplishing this progressive operation is similar to `that used in operating traflic signals so as to may be one or more hand hole covers 35 proin place as shown. Each brace 24 has a metal 75 vided, which may be unscrewed to give access to the incandescent lamp 36 immediately beneath the same. In opposite sides of the curb are glass lenses 31 or bulls-eyes (see Fig. 12) so that when the curb is raised, it will be readily seen at night. The conductors 38 may extend throughout the length of each section with a flexible connection to the next unit to provide for up and down movement of adjacent sections.
A modified form of this feature is shown in Figs. 17, 18, in which the incandescent light and the lenses are mounted near the ends of the curb length as a unit 40, to be slid in from one side of the curb when the latter is in elevated position. The lenses 4I are mounted in opposite ends of the box-like structure, which latter has resilient circuit contacts 42 beneath the same, adapted to contact with circuit contacts 43 permanently mounted in the curb section. When pushed into place the circuit is closed by said contacts. This eliminates the necessity of the hand hole covers.
Wear plates 45 are welded onto the sides of the curb at regular intervals of about five feet to slide up and down on the wear castings 4B now" described. A(See Fig, 10.)
The castings 46, as shown in Figs. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and elsewhere, serve to reinforce the side walls of the trench and provide a metal facing for the slot through which the curb moves up and down. These castings may be about ve feet long and are provided with intermediate, transverse arms 4l' having enlarged heads to anchor in the concrete, and with transverse end plates 48 (see Figs. 5 and 8). These castings are bolted to the brackets IS which provide a vertical abutment against which the lugs I8 slide to prevent longitudinal movement of the curb (see Figs. 3 and l). In the form shown, there are five castings 45 for each curb section.
These castings not only serve to guide the up and down movement of the curbs, making it possible to provide a loose connection between the elevating mechanism and the under part of the jacks, but said castings enable the curb to resist the heavy side thrusts received from time to time when automobiles accidentally run against the side of the curb or where cars are thrown against the curb in automobile accidents.
Another form of curb is shown in simplified form in Fig. 13 in which the jacks are connected with adjacent ends of curb lengths instead of being positioned intermediate the ends. Each jack 50, for example, is positioned between the adjacent ends l, 5I of the individual lengths of curb, each of which has a slot in the end. A plate is received in each of the slots and provides a exible joint between the curb sections and the jack on which it rests. This construction is shown more in detail in Figs. 14 and 15 in which each end of the curb is provided with a casting 52 providing the slot referred to. In the left hand slot, shown in Fig. l5, is fitted a casting or hinge member 53 the shape of which is evident from Fig. 14, and in the right hand slot there is provided another casting or hinge member 54, which members have circular enlargements or openings to receive a hinge pin 55. About the middle of the pin 5.5 is a third casting 56 which has an extension plate 57, shown in Fig. l5, bolted to the top plate 58 of the jack assembly so that the hinged structure rests on the jack and spring assembly. The clearances between the hinged members and the walls of the slot are suilicient to permit the sections to be raised with one end slightly in advance of the other, providing a gradual incline and also it permits the curb to follow the up and down undulations of a rolling road as well as to provide lateral clearance for right and left curves.
In some cases the power station is located in a suitable enclosure at the side of the road with the connecting pipe lines running to each of the several trenches in which the curbs and jacks are located. In other cases a separate power station or pumping unit is installed in each trench, as shown :for example in Fig. 23 hereinafter described. 'Ihe pumping units are provided with a remote control so that they may be operated together or independently from a distance. These controls may be time controls if desired, to operate the curbs automatically at certain times of the day.
Fig. 19 shows in perspective a modified arrangement for applying the lifting power. The motor driven compressor 60 develops the necessary power to move the plunger 6I horizontally in the concrete trough. thus tending to straighten the arms 62, 63 of the toggle member, the upper one of which raises the plate 64 which supports the adjacent ends of the concrete curb 65. The spring arrangement 65 may be similar to that previously described. With this arrangement the plunger or piston operates horizontally instead of vertically, thus making it possible to install the equipment in the limited space provided by the trench or a slight enlargement thereof.
Various other mechanical arrangements may be used, whereby the piston, plunger or jack may be mounted in a comparatively limitd space and its power made eifective in an upwardly and downwardly direction. Where a cylinder and piston are employed the fluid pressure may be used, of course, to move the piston downwardly as well as upwardly, thus dispensing with some or all of the springs, if conditions permit.
In the constructions thus far described, the power is supplied by fluid under high pressure in excess of one thousand pounds per square inch and ample storage or ample pump capacity is required as the duid pressure must be used in a short interval of time. For example, the curbs are raised in about ten to thirty seconds, depending on conditions. In order to avoid the difculty of furnishing this large capacity in a limited space, I have provided, as in Fig. 20, a modied arrangement in which the power is stored in powerful springs which may be put under compression gradually over a long period of time.
The drawing is somewhat diagrammatic, showing a curb 61 which may be raisedby a spring or springs 68. As shown, the spring is compressed between the end of the latch seat 69 and the plate 10, the latter being moved by the plunger Il of a ram or jack. The lowermost position of the plate 'l0 is shown in dotted lines and the spring, although expanded somewhat, is under considerable compression and exerts a substantial minimum thrust in this position. As the plunger ll moves upwardly, and after the curb has reached its upper position, the spring is compressed to its maximum amount, assuming the position shown in Fig. 21 in which the plate 10 is locked by the spring latches l2 to the lower rim of the latch seat E9.
During this upward movement the other springs 13 have been compressed and tend to lower the curb, which, however, remains in its uppermost position as long as the power continues to be applied to the jack. In order to lower the curb the power is released, whereupon the weight of the curb, aided by said springs, causes it to descend in the manner previously described. The plunger il, as it descends, carries the latch seat B9 and the spring with it, in locked position.
When it is desired to raise the curb, the power is again applied and as the plunger 'Il starts to lift, the latches are automatically tripped, whereupon the curb is raised rapidly by the expansion of the powerful spring 68. The plunger continues to move upwardly slowly under the pressure supplied by the system and thus the energy is again stored in the spring over a long interval of time.
The mechanism just described is shown in vertical position but it is preferably mounted in horizontal position in the space available in the trench and in such position, as shown diagrammatically in Fig. 22, may be applied to a series of toggle levers which move the curb vertically when the power is applied horizontally. In this figure the spring compression mechanism just described is shown as a whole at 15, including the spring 68.
The toggle mechanism I6 has its upper'end engaging beneath the curb 'Il and is provided with additional springs 18, 18, which correspond to the springs I3 in Fig. 20, i. e. when they expand they lower the curb.
Fig. 23 shows a curb construction in which the actuating mechanism is located within the curb itself. The curb 8U is elevated by jacks 8| in a manner similar to what has been described, the jack resting on a xed foundation 82 in the trench. The springs 83 operate in the manner previously described, being mounted on rods some of which are anchored in the base of the trough. The motor driven compressor 84 is located in the curb and the supply pipe 85 extends therefrom to the jacks 8|. 86 is the return tank. The curb is provided with hinged sections 81 to render the mechanism available.
When drivers of cars are approaching the portion of the road Where the installation of the curbs begins and where it is desired to move part of the trailic over into the narrower of the two lanes, I may provide the equipment shown in Fig. 1 where the diagonal curb section 88 is raised from the roadway, from the end of the middle As the curbs rise and compress the springs, the
limit of upward movement of the curb can be determined by the springs themselves. However, it is preferable in many cases to provide a positive stop, as for example a piston on the plunger or piston rod engaging the end of the cylinder.
Also, it is evident from the location of some of the fluid actuated plungers shown in the drawings that said plungers or piston rods may move either vertically, horizontally or in any other desired position and connected by suitable mechanism to the curb or barrier. Also, certain parts of the equipment described may obviously be used with or without other parts.
I claim:
1. In a highway construction, the combination with a pavement having a longitudinal slot therein, of jacks positioned in said slot at intervals, a vertically movable curb arranged in sections end to end near the top of said slot and means at the upper end of each jack connected to the adjacent ends of two of said sections, whereby each section is provided with two jacks to raise the same, depending members on said curb sections each supporting a compression spring near the lower end thereof, relatively xed abutments for the upper ends of said springs and means for applying uid pressure to said jacks to raise said curb sections and to compress said springs, whereby said curb sections may descend under the influence of said springs when said fluid pressure is released.
2. A highway construction as in claim 1, in which said depending members and said springs are arranged in groups with a spring on each side of each of said jacks.
3. Means for dividing highways into separate lanes comprising a concrete trough having vertical guard members imbedded in the side walls, a curb section iitting between said guard members, a plurality of uid pressure jacks on which said curb section is supported, supply pipes to each of said jacks to permit actuation of the same and raise said section, said curb having an H cross section with paving material in the upper channel flush with the top thereof, depending groups of rods secured to the transverse plate of said H section and having upturned lower ends to seat a vertical, helical spring, a stop plate for the upper end of each of said springs, and a holding rod for said plate anchored in the bottom of said trough whereby upward movement of said curb compresses said springs and insures subsequent downward movement of said curb when said uid pressure is released.
4. A highway construction comprising a concrete lined trench, a curb length loosely tted therein, a plurality of fluid pressure jacks seated in said trench and supporting said curb with its top normally ush with the side walls of said trench, said curb comprising vertical metal plates connected by a transverse plate, two pairs of depending rods secured to said transverse plate, each pair being spaced from the other, an anchoring rod between each pair of depending rods, a helical spring surrounding the three rods of each group and having its lower end supported by said depending rods and its upper end coniined by said anchoring rod whereby upward movement of said curb compresses said springs and whereby release of the iiuid pressure in said jacks initiates the downward movement of said curbs under their own weight, when retarded by ice and other obstructions.
5. A pavement construction comprising a concrete lined trench intermediate the sides of the roadway, a series of fluid pressure jacks mounted vertically on the bottom of said trench in uniformly spaced relationship, a vertically movable curb above said jacks, a seat adjacent the base of said jacks, a vertical support secured to the under side of said curb and resting on said seat to limit the downward movement thereof, said jacks each having a vertical support also engaging the under side of said curb to raise and support the same, and guide members in the sides of said trench to provide lateral movement of said curb in its up and down movement.
6. In a construction comprising a trench having means therein for raising and lowering a barrier to provide traflic lanes, a fluid pressure operated plunger, a compression spring having one end connected to said barrier and having the other end connected to said plunger to transmit its thrust to said barrier and raise the same, and to compress said spring against the resistance of said barrier when in its uppermost position, means for latching said spring in compressed position to store energy, an additional spring connected to said barrier and put under tension when the same is raised, whereby upon release of said fluid pressure said last mentioned spring lowers said barrier causing said iirst mentioned spring and plunger to return to initial position as a unit with said spring held in compressed condition, and means for unlatching said spring during the initial lifting movement of said plunger, whereby the expansion of said spring raises said barrier and whereby upon the reapplication of iluid pressure to said plunger the necessary energy may be stored in said rst mentioned spring at a slow rate so as to enable said barrier to be raised thereby subsequently, at a rapid rate.
7. In a highway construction, a trench substantially parallel to and between the sides of the highway, and having side walls, a longitudinally arranged sectional curb fitting therein, means for raising and lowering said curb whereby it may project above the sides of said trench to separate said highway into independent lanes, or it may be lowered flush with the top of said trench, incandescent lamps within said curb sections and transparent members in the side walls thereof whereby when said curb is elevated it becomes visible at night, said curb sections being of hollow construction from end to end with electrical conductors extending therethrough, connected to said illuminating means and flexibly connected with the conductors of the adjacent section, whereby the circuit to said electrical illuminating means may be maintained when one section is raised or lowered somewhat in advance of the next section, said incandescent lamps being mounted in slidable carriages which may be inserted in or withdrawn from the curb through openings in the sides thereof.
8. In a paving construction, a concrete conduit having longitudinal reinforcing castings lining the open top thereof with lateral extensions imbedded in the side walls thereof, brackets also imbedded in said side walls, at spaced intervals below said open top and having vertical extensions thereon to provide wear resisting surfaces, a curb vertically adjustable in and out of the top of said conduit between said castings and positioned against lateral thrusts by said Wear resisting surfaces, said curb having a, lug on each side thereof positioned adjacent said vertical extensions to prevent longitudinal movement of said curb.
9. In a highway construction, the combination with a pavement having a longitudinal slot therein, of jacks positioned in said slot at intervals, a vertically movable curb arranged in sections end to end near the top of said slot, pivotal means at the upper end of each jack connected to the adjacent ends of two of said sections, whereby each section is provided with two jacks to raise the same, supply pipes to each of said jacks to permit actuation thereof whereby, by supplying fluid pressure simultaneously to all of the jacks of a plurality of curb sections, said sections may be raised as a composite unit, followed by the raising of another composite unit, said pivotal means between the ends of said sections permitting progressive elevation of said curb as a whole.
10. In a highway construction, the combination with a pavement having a slot therein substantially parallel to and between the sides of` the pavement, of jacks positioned in said slot at intervals, a vertically movable curb in said slot arranged in sections end to end with their upper surfaces substantially flush with said pavement, said sections being supported by said jacks, intercommunicating supply pipes to each of said jacks to supply fluid pressure thereto, to raise said sections simultaneously or in succession, whereby said highway is divided by said curb into two independent roadways of predetermined width when said curb is in elevated position, and consists of a single unobstructed roadway as wide as said combined independent roadways, when said curb is in lowered position.
11. In a highway construction, the combination with a pavement having a plurality of slots therein to divide the same into a number of individual roadways in excess of the number of slots, of jacks positioned in each of said slots at intervals, a vertically movable curb arranged in sections end to end in each of said slots and mounted on said jacks with the upper surfaces of said sections substantially flush with said pavement to provide a single composite roadway of a width equal to the combined widths of said individual roadways, supply pipes connected to a single source of pressure and to each of said jacks to supply uid pressure thereto to raise said sections, whereby by elevating one curb and retaining the others in flush position, any
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Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US350962A US2287685A (en) | 1940-08-03 | 1940-08-03 | Means for providing variable capacity highways |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US350962A US2287685A (en) | 1940-08-03 | 1940-08-03 | Means for providing variable capacity highways |
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US2287685A true US2287685A (en) | 1942-06-23 |
Family
ID=23378972
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US350962A Expired - Lifetime US2287685A (en) | 1940-08-03 | 1940-08-03 | Means for providing variable capacity highways |
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Cited By (14)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3086430A (en) * | 1959-01-28 | 1963-04-23 | David T Emmel | Traffic control equipment |
US3245327A (en) * | 1962-07-24 | 1966-04-12 | Roy E Wasley | Movable traffic line |
US3263578A (en) * | 1964-04-29 | 1966-08-02 | Walter R Pilcher | Highway dividing line changing system |
US3958890A (en) * | 1975-08-11 | 1976-05-25 | Victor Ferrari | Apparatus and method for moving roadway lane dividers |
US4004857A (en) * | 1975-09-19 | 1977-01-25 | Eschen Robert M Jr | Moveable barrier apparatus for roadway |
US4017200A (en) * | 1976-04-28 | 1977-04-12 | Woods Jr Frank W | Highway lane divider barrier and apparatus for shifting the same |
US4440521A (en) * | 1980-06-04 | 1984-04-03 | Gebelius Sven Runo Vilhelm | Method to distribute wear from passing vehicles over a road surface |
US4474503A (en) * | 1982-03-22 | 1984-10-02 | Booth William L | Traffic control apparatus |
US4666332A (en) * | 1986-07-07 | 1987-05-19 | Burgett William B | Method and apparatus for repositioning traffic barriers |
FR2623828A1 (en) * | 1987-12-01 | 1989-06-02 | Jacques Amiel | Dynamic roadway speed reducer for the regulation of road traffic |
US5885046A (en) * | 1996-10-02 | 1999-03-23 | Barrier Systems, Inc. | Four-wheel, double bogey for a lane barrier positioning vehicle |
US5917432A (en) * | 1996-10-02 | 1999-06-29 | Rathbone; Daniel B. | Intelligent intersections |
US6079898A (en) * | 1999-02-01 | 2000-06-27 | St. Amant, Iii; Dennis J. | Roadway cover system for utility lines |
US20090074507A1 (en) * | 2007-09-06 | 2009-03-19 | Energy Absorption Systems, Inc. | Barrier transfer device, system and method for the use thereof |
-
1940
- 1940-08-03 US US350962A patent/US2287685A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Cited By (16)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3086430A (en) * | 1959-01-28 | 1963-04-23 | David T Emmel | Traffic control equipment |
US3245327A (en) * | 1962-07-24 | 1966-04-12 | Roy E Wasley | Movable traffic line |
US3263578A (en) * | 1964-04-29 | 1966-08-02 | Walter R Pilcher | Highway dividing line changing system |
US3958890A (en) * | 1975-08-11 | 1976-05-25 | Victor Ferrari | Apparatus and method for moving roadway lane dividers |
US4004857A (en) * | 1975-09-19 | 1977-01-25 | Eschen Robert M Jr | Moveable barrier apparatus for roadway |
US4017200A (en) * | 1976-04-28 | 1977-04-12 | Woods Jr Frank W | Highway lane divider barrier and apparatus for shifting the same |
US4440521A (en) * | 1980-06-04 | 1984-04-03 | Gebelius Sven Runo Vilhelm | Method to distribute wear from passing vehicles over a road surface |
US4474503A (en) * | 1982-03-22 | 1984-10-02 | Booth William L | Traffic control apparatus |
US4666332A (en) * | 1986-07-07 | 1987-05-19 | Burgett William B | Method and apparatus for repositioning traffic barriers |
FR2623828A1 (en) * | 1987-12-01 | 1989-06-02 | Jacques Amiel | Dynamic roadway speed reducer for the regulation of road traffic |
US5885046A (en) * | 1996-10-02 | 1999-03-23 | Barrier Systems, Inc. | Four-wheel, double bogey for a lane barrier positioning vehicle |
US5917432A (en) * | 1996-10-02 | 1999-06-29 | Rathbone; Daniel B. | Intelligent intersections |
US6079898A (en) * | 1999-02-01 | 2000-06-27 | St. Amant, Iii; Dennis J. | Roadway cover system for utility lines |
US20090074507A1 (en) * | 2007-09-06 | 2009-03-19 | Energy Absorption Systems, Inc. | Barrier transfer device, system and method for the use thereof |
US8109692B2 (en) | 2007-09-06 | 2012-02-07 | Energy Absorption Systems, Inc. | Barrier transfer device, system and method for the use thereof |
US8348546B2 (en) | 2007-09-06 | 2013-01-08 | Energy Absorption Systems, Inc. | Method for transferring a barrier |
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