Classifications

• • 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
  • E01F15/02—Continuous barriers extending along roads or between traffic lanes
  • E01F15/06—Continuous barriers extending along roads or between traffic lanes essentially made of cables, nettings or the like
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
  • E04H17/00—Fencing, e.g. fences, enclosures, corrals
  • E04H17/02—Wire fencing, e.g. made of wire mesh
  • E04H17/06—Parts for wire fences
  • E04H17/08—Anchoring means therefor, e.g. specially-shaped parts entering the ground; Struts or the like
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
  • E04H17/00—Fencing, e.g. fences, enclosures, corrals
  • E04H17/02—Wire fencing, e.g. made of wire mesh
  • E04H17/10—Wire fencing, e.g. made of wire mesh characterised by the way of connecting wire to posts; Droppers
  • E04H17/12—Wire fencing, e.g. made of wire mesh characterised by the way of connecting wire to posts; Droppers the wire being placed in slots, grooves, or the like
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
  • E04H17/00—Fencing, e.g. fences, enclosures, corrals
  • E04H17/14—Fences constructed of rigid elements, e.g. with additional wire fillings or with posts
  • E04H17/20—Posts therefor
  • E04H17/21—Posts therefor with hollow cross sections
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
  • E04H17/00—Fencing, e.g. fences, enclosures, corrals
  • E04H17/14—Fences constructed of rigid elements, e.g. with additional wire fillings or with posts
  • E04H17/24—Connections for attaching additional wire to frames, posts or railings
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
  • E04H17/00—Fencing, e.g. fences, enclosures, corrals
  • E04H17/006—Caps or covers for posts

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a post.
• the present invention relates to a post and parts therefor that may be used for, but not limited to, cable barriers.
• the present invention will now be described while in use
• the present invention is designed to further improve upon the applicants earlier cable barrier post covered by NZ Patent No. 546969.
• the post in NZ 546969 was itself designed to overcome problems with conventional cable barrier posts for a roading network which have a single aperture (slot) extending downwards though the middle of the barrier post as shown in Figure 7. This slot retaining one or more barrier cables within the cable barrier system.
• one of the major drawbacks with this conventional single slot construction is that in order to accommodate multiple cables, the length of the slot is relatively long compared to the length of the post. As a consequence sides of the slot have considerably less strength than the remainder of the post. Accordingly, this necessitates constructing the post in a manner that provides sufficient lateral strength to help prevent shearing or buckling of the post in this weakened region.
• typically posts have to have a solid construction, or use stronger materials in their construction, to compensate for the reduction of strength and this understandingly adds to their cost.
• the location of the slot within these barrier posts makes it difficult to replace, one or more posts, that may be damaged or broken, within an erected cable barrier system.
• the cables have to be loosened within the cable barrier system and/or a large post hole relative to the size of the post may have to be dug to allow room for manoeuvring the new post into position, in order to insert the post into the already erected cable barrier.
• the post in NZ 546969 addressed the aforementioned shortcomings with the single slot post
• the Applicant has now found that in practice, the post in NZ 546969 also has a number of shortcomings.
• One such shortcoming is the folding over of the top of the post, following an impact with the barrier. This ends up trapping at least one of the cables within the aperture and thus reduces the energy that can be absorbed if the cables were free to fully flex.
• a post which includes: apertures on alternate sides of the post which, in use, receive and retain at least one cable therein; characterised in that the same number of apertures are on each side of the post and wherein each aperture: has an opening on the side of the post on which the aperture is positioned; wherein the opening is configured to assist in the release of the cable from the aperture, when the post and/or cable is impacted by a suitable force of sufficient magnitude, and wherein the aperture also includes a retaining portion; and wherein the post includes apertures sequentially positioned along alternate sides of the post, so as to create a symmetrically loaded post.
• the Applicant has found that utilising the same number of apertures on either side of the post allows it to function as a median barrier as it performs in the same manner no matter on what side it is impacted.
• the post of NZ 546969 by way of contrast can only be used as a roadside barrier.
• adopting this requirement that the same number of apertures be on either side of the post also ensures the tops of the posts don't fold over following an impact.
• the post includes two, four or six apertures on the side of the post.
• a post wherein the apertures do not substantially abut and are instead separated a distance X from the medial axis.
• a post substantially as described above wherein the post, wherein in use, the post is hollow and includes a cap comprising: a top portion; and a rim that fits seamlessly over the open-ended top of the post and at least one elongated appendage extends substantially inside the post, wherein the cap and appendage are integrally formed as single piece.
• the mouth may for a distal region thereof be configured to reduce: the travel path of, and/or; any frictional contact with; the cable, during ejection from aperture following a collision.
• Figure 1 shows a schematic view of post according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention
• Figure 2 shows a prior art post according to NZ 546969
• Figure 3 is a photograph which shows a cable barrier post impact with posts according to the prior art
• Figure 4 is a photograph of a cable barrier post impact with posts according to the present invention
• Figure 5 shows a schematic view of a cap and appendage element of unitary construction according to a further element of the present invention
• Figure 6 shows a schematic view of a further preferred embodiment of post according to the present invention.
• Figure 7 shows a prior art single slot post.
• a post 1 which is hollow and has two apertures 2 and 3 on either side thereof.
• the apertures 2 and 3 each have an opening 4 and 5 on the side of the post which permits cables (not shown) in use to be inserted or ejected from the apertures 2 and 3.
• the apertures 2 and 3 also have a retaining portion in the form of a wall 6 and 7 which has a lip 8 and 9 at the top thereof which, in use, assists with retaining a tensioned cable within the apertures 2 and 3.
• Figure 2 differs from Figure 1 in that it is has an additional aperture 500 which in use creates an asymmetrical loading on the post when tensioned cables are inserted into the apertures.
• Figure 1 shows a post 1 differs from the prior art post of Figure 2 in that it has the same number of apertures on either side of the post to create a symmetrical loading on the post when tensioned cables are inserted into the apertures.
• the post 1 in Figure 1 also has a short slot 10 in the top thereof which extends down the middle of the post 1 which is absent in the post 1 Figure 2.
• the slot 10 extends no more than substantially 10% - 15% of the overall length of the post. This is in contrast some to existing posts prior art posts shown in Figure 7 which have a slot which extends around 30%-40% of the above ground post length as it has to retain all the cables of a cable barrier.
• the post 1 of Figure 1 also differs from the prior art post of Figure 2 in that the apertures 2 and 3 do not abut the medial axis Y and are instead separated a distance X therefrom.
• Figure 1 the post has a width of 90mm and the distance X, the apertures are separated from the medial axis Y, is substantially 5mm.
• FIG. 5 there is shown a cap 1000 and appendage element 1001 which has 2 prongs 1002 and 1003.
• the appendage element is integrally formed with the cap via a moulding process.
• the advantage of integrally moulding is two fold:
• FIG. 6 there is a portion of a post 100 having a modified aperture 101.
• the aperture 101 has a top edge with a quick cable release portion 102 at a distal end thereof which has a steeper angle than the remainder of the top edge 103 which has a shallower angle.
• the bottom edge 104 of the mouth 101 has a curved surface to also reduce any frictional contact with the cable during an ejection.
• the post may come in a variety of different shapes and configurations and be made from a variety of materials without departing from the scope of the invention.
• the post may be substantially hollow.
• the inventor has found that by using a substantially hollow post, with a simple design requirement of aperture placement, this contributes to the lightweight construction and/or expense of manufacture of the barrier post. Additionally, by selecting a more cost effective material, this can also contribute to the cost of manufacture.
• the post may have an elliptical cross-section.
• the aperture(s) may generally come in a variety of different shapes and sizes, provided the apertures have sufficient dimension to receive and retain, and preferably when required, release a segment of the cable.
• the number of apertures on the side of the post must be an even number. That is the same number of apertures needs to be on each side of the post.
• the side apertures may include a retaining portion which retains the cable within the aperture.
• the retaining portion may include at least one wall portion.
• the retaining portion may be at least one lip that retains or helps retain the cable within the aperture.
• At least one edge of the lip(s) may be curved.
• the aperture may project downwards from the mouth of the aperture.
• the opening (mouth) of the aperture may have a variety of different configurations without departing from the scope of the present invention.
• the mouth may be configured to help direct a cable into the aperture so the cable can be retained therein.
• the mouth may also be configured to assist the release of the cable from the aperture should a suitable force of sufficient magnitude be applied to the post and/or cable.
• the cable and/or post will only move a sufficient distance to cause release of the cable in the area of the cable-barrier which is directly subjected to a suitable force or the region of the cable-barrier immediately adjacent thereto.
• the force applied to the cable-barrier may be caused by collision of a vehicle with the cable-barrier or surrounding area.
• forces from other areas may be applied to the cable-barrier, without limiting the scope of the present invention.
• the mouth may include a surface or edge which is inclined at an angle which directs the cable either into or out of the aperture depending on which direction a force is moving the post and/or cable.
• the angle of the top surface or top edge of the mouth may be substantially 45° with respect to the longitudinal axis of the post.
• the mouth may be configured to reduce the travel path and/or frictional contact with the cable during an ejection event in number of different ways.
• the angle of the top surface or edge of the mouth may be substantially 45° at a proximate region thereof, and substantially 50° or more at a distal region thereof, with respect to the horizontal.
• the distal region of the top surface or edge of the month may be substantially 60°-70°
• the bottom surface or bottom edge of the mouth may also be configured to reduce frictional contact with the post as the cable exits the aperture.
• the bottom surface or bottom edge of the mouth may be convexly curved.
• bottom surface or bottom edge of the mouth may be angled downwardly from the horizontal.
• the above aperture shape is an advantage.
• the shape allows for cables to be easily removed from one or more posts in an already erected cable barrier, without the need for collapsing the whole barrier. This can be important, for example where the posts may need to be replaced due to damage from an impact.
• the shape of the aperture(s) provides for release of the cables from one or more barrier posts, at a particular point of impact, rather than releasing the cables from all posts, when an impact occurs.
• the elongated appendage(s) may fit seamlessly against a portion of the internal surface inside of the post.
• the elongated appendage(s) may effectively close off the opening to the aperture(s).
• preferred embodiments of the present invention can have a number of advantages which can include:

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Architecture (AREA)
• Civil Engineering (AREA)
• Structural Engineering (AREA)
• Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
• Refuge Islands, Traffic Blockers, Or Guard Fence (AREA)
• Devices Affording Protection Of Roads Or Walls For Sound Insulation (AREA)
• Catching Or Destruction (AREA)
• Details Of Indoor Wiring (AREA)
• Surgical Instruments (AREA)
• Impact Printers (AREA)
• Medicines Containing Antibodies Or Antigens For Use As Internal Diagnostic Agents (AREA)
• Dental Preparations (AREA)
• Transition And Organic Metals Composition Catalysts For Addition Polymerization (AREA)

Priority Applications (7)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

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ID=50731504

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (10)

Cited By (3)

Families Citing this family (5)

Citations (4)

Family Cites Families (22)

• 2013
  • 2013-11-12 WO PCT/NZ2013/000203 patent/WO2014077701A1/en active Application Filing
  • 2013-11-12 CA CA2930774A patent/CA2930774C/en active Active
  • 2013-11-12 US US14/437,699 patent/US10385529B2/en active Active
  • 2013-11-12 EP EP13854253.5A patent/EP2920370B1/en active Active
  • 2013-11-12 ES ES13854253.5T patent/ES2679395T3/es active Active
  • 2013-11-12 MY MYPI2015701038A patent/MY174092A/en unknown
  • 2013-11-12 MX MX2015004865A patent/MX358954B/es active IP Right Grant
  • 2013-11-12 BR BR112015011037-1A patent/BR112015011037B1/pt active IP Right Grant
• 2015
  • 2015-05-14 CL CL2015001313A patent/CL2015001313A1/es unknown
• 2016
  • 2016-03-21 HK HK16103288.7A patent/HK1215459A1/zh unknown

Patent Citations (5)

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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