WO2016179629A1

WO2016179629A1 - Indicator post

Info

Publication number: WO2016179629A1
Application number: PCT/AU2016/000137
Authority: WO
Inventors: Darran James RANDALL; Ralph Edward NORTON; Roger Clive TRETHEWIE
Original assignee: Roadside Products Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2015-04-21
Filing date: 2016-04-21
Publication date: 2016-11-17
Also published as: US20180087228A1; CA2983045A1

Abstract

An indicator post comprising an elongate sheet of stainless steel is disclosed.. The elongate sheet is configured to be resiliency bendable to enable the indicator post to revert upright after an application of a bending force. In other examples, the stainless steel indicator post may be semi-flexible or rigid.

Description

INDICATOR POST

ERIOKTTC DOCUMENTS

[00011 The present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 201590142? titled "INDIC ATOR ^'POST* and filed on 21 April 2015, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002.] The present disclosure relates to an indicator post, hi one form, the present disclosure relates to a flexibl indicator post suitable for indicating the positi n of an object or delineating a road, lane way or the like,

BACKGROUND

[00031 indicator posts are commonly employed by road traffic authorities to visually indicate or delineate the location of roads , paths and lanes. Furthermore, indicator posts are often utilised by entities such as water authori ies, fire protection authorities and mining companies as an asset or utility marker post to indicate the positio or location of important assets such as pipelines, valves and drains.

[0004] Flexible indicator posts are used in those situations: where a post is likely to suffer ton numerous impacts, from either vehicles or other objects. Tie principle behind these flexible posts is that upon impact they are able to flex and then subsequently return to a substantially upright position. In this manner, a flexible post is able to survive an impact unlike a standard rigid post which will either fracture or bend permanently. As such, flexible posts will tend to have a greater lifetime when compared to standard rigid posts or semi-flexible posts resulting in reduced maintena ce costs.

[0005] One example of a flexible indicator post is a roadside post that is formed of a single elongate sheet of spring steel. Spring, steel, however, -corrodes readily in the general, environment Accordingly, any post formed of sheet spring steel will necessarily require a coating such as powder or dip coating to pre ven t eorros i on .

[0006 ] Unfortunately, coatings of this t pe will wear. In the- case of indicator posts that are driven into the ground, often the installation of post will cause dee scratches in the powder coating from stones and rocks and the like. Similarly, if a post has been subjected to one or more impacts from a vehicle then this will also cause degradation, in the coating- This will result in the spring steel post corroding and then eventually requiring replacement. In one attempt to address this problem, the spring steel post may be first galvanised- However, this results in another manufacturing step with its attendant increases in cost of production and additional process control issues associated with the galvanising process.

SUM ARY j 00 7 j In a first aspect, there is disclosed an. indicator post comprising an elongate sheet of stainless steel the elongate sheet configured to be resiliently bendable to enable the indicator post to revert uprigh t after an application of a bending force,

[0008 ] In another form, the stainless steel is an austeniiie stainless steel, [0009] In another form, the austenitic stainless steel is 301 type, [001 ] i another form, the austenitic stainless steel is 304 type.

[0011 J In another form, the hardness of stainless steel is selected from a range of any one of:

less than 310 HY

310-360 HV; or

370430 HV.

[0012] In another form, the elongate sheet has a substantially arcuate- sectional profile.

[001.3] in another form, the arcuate sectional profile has a radius of curvature between SO mm and 250 aim.

10014 J In another form, the width of the elongate sheet is approximately between.40 mm and 140 mm.

[0015] In another form, the thickness of the elongate sheet is approximatel between 0.8 mm and 3,0 mm.

[0016] I another form, one end of the elongate sheet is tapered to be dri ven into the ground.

[0017] In another form, the indicator post further includes- ground engaging means to resist upward movement of the post after installation into the ground,

[001 1 la another form, the indicator post farther includes an installation depth indicator.

[001 1 In another form, the indicator post further includes a. driveable base portion attached to the elongate sheet:. [0020] In another form, the driveahle base portion includes a star picket section,

[0021 J in another form, the indicator post includes a white reflective coatin and a retro-reflective sheet portion for configuration as a roadside post.

[0022] In another form, the indicator post Includes a reflective coating for configuration as a utility marker post.

[002 1 in a second aspect, there is disclosed an indicator post comprising an elongate sheet of stainless steel, the elongate sheet configured to be bendable to enable the indicator post to bend on applicatio of a bending force and then be manually restraightened to a substantiall upright position.

[0024] in anothe form, the indicator post has a sectional profile selected irom any one of the following:

C-seetion,

angle,

box,

top hat,

oval,

trigonal; or

channel.

[00251 i a third aspect, there: is disclosed an indicator post comprising an elongate sheet of stainless steel,, the elongate sheet configured to substantially pre■ ent bending of the indicator post on the appli cation of a bending force.

[00261 i another form, the indicator post has a. sectional profile selecte d from any one of the following:^' C-section,

angle,

box.

top hat,

oval,

trigonal; or

channeL

[0027] In another form, the bending force is from a vehicle impact. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0028] illustrative embodiments will be discussed with reference to die accompanying drawings wherein:

[002¾ FIGLIRE 1 is a front view of an indicator post according to a first .illustrative embodiment of the present in vention;

[0030] FIGURE 2 is a bottom view of the indicator post as illustrated in Figure i;

[00 1 1 FIGURE 3 is a top view of the indicator post as illustrated in Figure i ;

[0032] FlGiiRE 4 is a side view of the indicator post as illustrated in Figure I ;

[0033] FIGURE 5 is a rear view of the indicator-post as illustrated in Figure I;

[0034] FIGURE 6 is a side view of the indicator post illustrated in Figure 1 as installed in the ground;

[0035] FIGURE 7 is a front vi ew of an indic ator post according to a second illustrative embodiment of the present invention;

[003( ] FIGURE 8 is a bottom view of the indicator post as illustrated in Figure 7;

[00371 FIGURE 9 i a top view of the indicator post as-illustrated in Figure 7;

[0038] FIGURE 10 is. a side view of the indicator post as illustrated in Figure 7;

[0039] FIGURE 11 is a rear view of the indicator post as illustrated in Figure ?;

[0040] FIGURE 12 is a side view of the indicator post illustrated in Figure 7 as installed in the ground;

[0041] FIGURE 13 is a series of sectional views of indicator posts in accordance with further embodiments; and

[0042] FIGURE- 14 is a series of sectional views of further indicator posts in accordance with yet further embodiments.

[0043] Id the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the figures. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 0044| Referring now .to Figures, f to 5_» there: is shown an indicator post 100 in accordance with a first illustrative embodiment of the present invention. Indicator post 1.00 is formed as an elongate sheet 110 of stainless steel, i this illustrative embodiment, indicator post is intended to function as a roadside post with elongate sheet 1.1 formed of an austenitic stainless steel and in particular 304 type stainless steel having a hardness in the range of 370-430 Viefcers Pyramid umber (HV), j 0045 ) Throughout the specification, the term "stainless steel" is takfen to mean a steel alloy with a miinmutn of 1.0.5% chro iu content by mass.

[0046] Elongate sheet 11 has a generally arcuate shaped cross sectional profile (as best seen in Figure 3) and includes a stamped flattened portion 120 that provides a planar area for the attachment of retro- refleetive sheet portion I SO, Indicator post 1 0 includes: a tapered end 140 coming to a point 141 which aids in the dri ving of the post 100 into the ground.

[0047] In the e xample of where indicator post 1 0 is to be used as a roadside post that is installed into the ground typically on the side of the road, elongate sheet 1 1_.0 is coated with a white reflective coating in accordance with the applicable road safety standaids prior to the attachment of the retro -reflective sheet portion or decal 150. In other exam les,, where indicator post 1 0 may be used to indicate the position or location of important assets such as pipelines-,, valves and drains, elongate sheet may be coated with a suitable reflective, coating of an appropriate colour.

[004 1 The lower portion of indicator post 100 further includes an upwardly extending tongue 160 formed b punching a slot in elongate sheet 110 which upon, installation, of the pos 100 into the ground functions to resists upward movement of the post 100. Other ground engaging means that may be employed include a retention rod which extends horizontall through an aperture in the post and anchoring devices which may he attached or fastened to post 1 0 whic extend ei ther horizontally or upwardl and functions to resist upward movement of post .1.00.

[0049 ] Post 100 further includes 3 depth marker line Ϊ 30 extending horizontally across the front face of elongate sheet 110 which functions as an installation depth indicator, in another illustrative embodiment, a second depth marker lin is placed at the corresponding location on the rear of post 100, thereby facilitating installation of post 1 0 to the correct depth front either direction. Other examples of installation depth indicators include, but arc not limited to, a depth marker hole comprising a single centrally located aperture located on the post at the height corresponding to the depth that the indicator post -tOO is to be installed into the ground or a depth- ^'marker sticker or tag that is secured to the elongate sheet 1 1 by mechanical means and/or by an appropriate adhesi ve. [0050] In this illustrative embodiment post 100 ha a height of 1400 mm, a width of 104 mm and a thickness of 1.2 mm. However, depending on the intended location and requirements, post 100 may range in height, thickness, width and arcuate radius of curvafcire- as required,

[0051 ] Some illustrative height ranges include, but are not limited to, less than 400 mm, 400 mm to 600 mm, 600 mm to 800 mm, 800 mm to 1 00 mm, 1000 mm to 1200 mm,. 1200 mm to 1400 mm, 00 mm. to 1600 mm, 1600 mm to 180 mm, 1800 mm to 2000 mm and. greater than 2000 mm,

[0052] Some illustrative thickness ranges include, but are not limited to, OS ram to 1.0 mm, 1.0 mm to 1 ,1 mm, 1.1 m to 1.2 mm, 1 ,2 mm to 1 ,4 mm, 1,4 mm to 1.6 mm, 1,6 mm to IS mm, IM mm to 2.0 mm, 2.0 ram to 2.2 mm, 2,2 mm to 2.4^■mm, 2,4 mm to 2.6 mm and greater than 2.6 mm

[0053] Some illustrative width ranges include, but are not limited to, less than 40 mm, 40 mm to 60 mm, 60 mm to 80 mm, ¾0 mm to 100 mm, 100 mm to 120 mm, 120 mm to 140 mm. and greater than 140 mm.

[0054] Some illustrative radii of curvature include, but are not limited to, less tha 100 mm, 100 mm to 120 mm, 120 mm to 140 mm, 140 mm to 160 flam, 1 0 mm to 1.80 mm, 180 mm to 200 mm, 200 mm to 2.20 mm, 220 mm. to 240 mm and greater than 240 mm degrees.,

[0055] While in this illustrati ve embodiment, where indicator post 100 is designed to function as a roadside post, a full hardness 304 type stainless steel has been, employed, m other applications other types of stainless steel may be appropriate for the conditions, in one non-limiao example, where bending forces arc expected to be less, such as in the case of an indicator post which is not likely to be impacted or driven over by vehicles, a lower hardness stainless steel may be employed snch as 304 stainless steel having a hardness in the range of 31 -370 HV.

[0056] la yet other examples where indicator post 100 is used to delineate a pathway or and is only expected to suffer low impact forces from pedestrians, then a 304 stainless steel having a hardness below 310 HV may be employed. In other examples, where the expected corrosion environment is not expected to be harsh, a 30.1 type stainless steel may provide adequate corrosion resistance, noting that 301 type stainless steel is available in a range of hardness similar to that of 304 type stainless steel.

[0057] In other embodiments, other types of stainless -steel are suitable depending on the expected physical and environmental .conditions that the post must withstand. In one example, a martensitie type stainless steel such as.410 or 416 type stainless steel may be utilised in those circumstances where the relevan bending forces are expected to be less and/or the environmental conditions are not expected to be as harsh. In another example, a marteftsitic precipitation hardening stainless steel such as 630 type stainless steel may be employed. In yet another example, a semi-austenitic precipitation hardening stainless steel sueh. as 631 type stainless steel may employed, in a further example, a super duplex grade stainless steel such as 250? type stainless steel may be utilised. j 0058 ] Referring now to Figure 6, there is shown indicator post 100.in operation, indicator post 1.00 is installed in the ground 80 to the level of depth line marker 130. This installation may be accomplished in a number of different ways, in a first method of installing indicator pos t 100, a hole of larger size than the post may be dug or drilled to the suitable depth, post 1.00 is then deposited in the hole and the hole then refilled. In a second method of installing indicator post 1 0. a small pilot or lead hole is d illed into the ground 800 and post 100 may then be driven into the ground 800 either manually or by use of suitable pneumatic driving equipment. In a third method of ins talling indicator post 1 0, the post may be driven into the ground 800 either manually or by pneumatic means withou t the use of a pilot hole.

I ^'0059 j In both the second and third methods of installation, the presence of tapered end 140 facilitates the installation of indicator post 100. in a fourth method of installing indicator post 100, a section of the ground 800 may be excavated and filled with a settable material sueh as concrete. Before the settable material sets, indicator post is deposited into the settable material in. the upright position. As shown in Figure 6, indicator post 100 when subject to a bending: force such as an impact will rssiliently bend and recover to revert upright after applicatio of the beading force, in those circumstances where indicator post 100 may Subject to a tight right angle bend, such as where the bending force is as a result of direct wheel over by a vehicle, then a recess, may be formed in the ground immediately adjacent to the post to increase the bend radius at ground level.

[0060] Referring now to Figures 7 to 11, there is shown an indicator post 200 in accordance with a second illustrative embodiment of the present invention. As with the first embodiment indicator post 200 is for use as a roadside post and includes an elongate sheet 11.0 of stainless steel material which in this illustrati ve embodiment is formed from 3 1 type stainless having a hardness in the range of 3.10-370 MV, j 0061 J Indicator post 200 also includes a driveable base portion 210 including a base attachment plate 241 welded to a star picket section 230 having a. tapered end 240 and coming to a point 242. Star picket sectio 230 functions as a rigid insertion portion which is driven into the ground. n other embodiments, drivabfc base portion 21 may include a sharpened stake or a piece of a suitable rigid material having a channel or box section tha may or may not include a tapered end. j 0062 ) Base attachment plate 241 is attached to the bottom end of elongate sheet 110 by a series of rivets 220 but^■equally, driveable base portion 210 may be attached to elongate sheet 1 10 by other suitable attachments means such as by the use of an adhesive or other mechanical attachment means. S

j 0063 ] Referring now to Figure 12, there is shown, an indicator^' post 200 in. operation, in tins illustrative embodiment, indicator post 200 is installed in the ground to the level of the top edge of attachment plate 241 which forms a installation depth indicator. As - wit indicator post HK> of the first illustrative embodiment, indicator post 200 may be installed in a number of different ways. However, the presence of driveabl.e base portion 210 ensures that post 20 is more suitable to be directly driven into the ground 800. In one illustrative mode of installation, a jackliainmer is .employed to drive driveable base portion 210 by locating the end of a complementary tool inserted into the jaekhammer into the .notch.231 loca ted at th top of star picket section 230, In this method of installation, the jackhammer is aligned substantially parallel and against the Indicator post 200 as an installer dri ves star picket section 230 into the ground 800. Depending o the type of jaefchammer, the indicator post 200 may be inserted through the handle of the jaekhammeF which will function to align and retain post 200 to the jackhammer to facilitate the installation process. j 0064 ] Referrin now to Figure 13, there is shown a number of different indicato post cross sectional profiles that are contemplated ^'to ^'be within the scope of the present Invention. Cross sectional profiles 510, 520 and 530 show reducing radii curvature which in turn results in a sfiffer post for a given thickness. When m indicator post having an arcuate cross section is subject to a bending force, the post will substantially flatte at the bending point and then, resiiienti return to its original profile on removal of the bending force. Cross sectional profiles 540 and 550 have a sectional profile consisting of a series of flat segments 541 , 551 that together form an arcuate ribbed profile. For a given radius of curvature, reducing the .n mber of flat segments will increase the stiffness of the indicator post but may form crease points where the post, may plastically deform should a substantial, bendin force be applied,.

)0065) The elongate sheet 1 10 of stainless steel is in one embodiment formed from slit coils of the required grade of stainless steel having die appropriate thickness and width. The stainless steel material is then de-coiled and formed in a 250 tonne press to provide an elongate sheet having the required arcuate sectional profile and shape, in subsequent steps, barb may be formed at one end of the sheet if required and tire elongate sheet may the be powder coated for visibility purposes and t meet the relevant standards. Finally, in the case of a roadside post a retro-reflective decal is applied.

[00661 As would be appreciated, the use of stainless steel provides a resiiientiy bendahle indicator post having inherent corrosion resistant capability as compared to roadside posts formed, of sheet spring steel which must rel on coating o galvanising post treatments for their corrosion resistance. As a result, indicator posts in accordance with the above described embodiments will have greater wearahility and are less likely to fail because of a corrosion Induced defect. [0067 J Additionally, stainless steel may be used for indicator pasts that are not required to be tcsiliently bendable but still have enhanced corrosion resistant capabilities oyer standard metal posts formed of mild steel or the like.

[0068 ] Referring now to Figirre 14, in one example, a stainless steei indicator post may have a sectional profile adapted to increase the rigidity of the post such as a C-section 650, angle 630, box 6K), to hat 620, oval 660, trigonal 670 or channel 640 profile. In the ease of the top hat 620 and channel 640 profiles the angle 8 between the side walls 621 , 641 and the respective front wall of the post may be varied from 90° to an angle greater than 90° to reduce the structural rigidity of the post as require d.

[0069] In other examples, as well as, or in addition to changing the sectional profile, the rigidity of the post may be: enhanced by increasing, the thickness of the elongate sheet of stainless steel as required. I this manner, th same stainless steel materials that are employed tor resitientl beadabie posts may also be formed into rigid or alternatively semi -flexible posts that are capable of being manually restraightened after being bent foll wing an impact with a vehicle.

[0070] In one non-limiting example, a semi-fkxibie indicator post may comprise an elongate sheet of stainless steel hayin a thickness of about 1,2 mm and having a C-section profile or a top hat profile. In the ease of a top hat profile, the angle between the side walls and the front wall may be about 135°. in another example, the angle between the side walls and the front wall may be about 120°. In yet another example, the angle betwee the side wails and th front wall may be about 1.50*. In the case of rigid indicator post, an example of a non imitin.g embodiment is an indicator post comprised of an elongate sheet of stainless steel having a thickness of about 1.8 mm and having a channel or box profile.

[0071 ] Throughout, the specification and the claims that follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the words "comprise" and "include" and variations such as "comprising" and "Including" will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers, but not the exclusion of any other integer or g oup of integers,

[0072] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement of any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

[0073] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention is not restricted in its use to the particular application described. Neither is the present invention restricted in its preferred embodiment with, regard to the particular elements and/or features described or depicted herein.;. I will be appreciated thai the invention, is not l imited to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous reatxaagemeiits,: nmdifscatlons and substitutions' wi thout departing from the scope of the invention as set forth and defined by the folks win claims.

Claims

1. An, indicator post comprising an elongate sheet of stainless steel, the elongate sheet configured to be resilfently bendabk to enable the indicator post to revert upright after an appiieatioti of a bending force.

2. The: indicator post of claim 1 , wherei the stainless ste l is an ausienitie stainless steel .

3. The indicator post of claim 2, wherein the a«stcnitfe stainless steel is 301 type.

4. The indicator post of claim 2, wherein the ausienitie stainless steel is 304 type.

5. The indicator post of any of claims I to 4, wherein the hardness of stateless steel is selected from a range of any one of:

less than 310 HV

310-360 HV; or

370-430 HV.

6. The indicator post of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the elongate sheet has a substantially arcuate secti onal profile.

7. The indicator post of claim 6. wherein the arcuate sectional profile has a radius of curvature between HO mm and 250 mm.

8. The indicator post of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the widt of the elongate sheet i s approximately between 40 mm and 140 mm.

9. The indicator post of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, the thickness of the elongate sheet is approximately between 0,8 mm and 3,0 m

1 . The indicator post of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein one end of the elongate sheet is tapered to be dri ven into the ground.

1 1. The indicator post of claim 1 , further including ground engaging means to resist ^'upward movement of the post after installation into the ground,

12. The indicator post of any one of claims 10 or 1 1 , forther including an installation depth indicator.

13. The indicator post of any one of claims 1 to 9, further including a drive-able base portion attached to the elongate sheet.

14. The indicator post of claim 13, wherein the dri veahle base portion includes- a star picket section.

15. The indicator post of any one of claims 1 to 1.4, wherein the indicator post includes a white reflective coating and a retro-reflective sheet portion tor configuration as a roadside post.

.16. The indicator post of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the indicator post includes a reflective coating for configuration as a utility marker post.

1.7, A indicator post comprising art elongate sheet of stainless steel , the elongate sheet configured to be bendable to eaa k the indicate* post to bend o application of a bending force and then be manually re-straightened to a substantially upright position.

18. The indicator post of claim 17, wherein the indicator post has a sectional profile selected from any one of the following;

C-section,

angle,

box,

top hat,

oval,

trigonal; or

chaiineS,

19. An indicator post comprising an elongate sheet of stainless steel, the elongate sheet configured to substantially pre vent bending of the indicator post on the application of a bending force.

20. The indicator post of claim 9, wherein the indicator post has a sectional, profile selected from any one of the: following:

C-section,

angle,

bos,

top hat.

oval,

trigonal; or

channel . Π . The indicator post of eiaira 1. or 20, wherein the bending force is from a vehicle impact.