Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Machine or implement
Reexamination Certificate
1999-01-15
2001-04-17
Canfield, Robert (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Machine or implement
C052S749100, C052S098000, C052S749100, C248S548000, C248S900000, C403S297000, C403S362000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06216413
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of post structures and is particularly concerned with a post structure having a frangible region that allows the post to collapse when the latter is struck.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Post structures are used extensively. For example, post structures are frequently used as signaling posts along roadways to either mark-out the roadway or support various types of signs. The conventional signaling post structure consists in a single elongated tubular member that is anchored in the ground.
One of the major drawbacks associated with conventional signaling post structures is that, in the event that the post structure is struck by a vehicle, it will often be bent or otherwise damaged by the impact and will thus need to be straightened or replaced. The straightening or replacement of conventional signaling post structures, has proven to be tedious, time consuming and relatively expensive.
Another disadvantage associated with conventional signaling post structures is that in some instances the magnitude of the impact may cause the post structure to be sheared and projected, thus creating a potentially dangerous situation, sometimes over a relatively large area.
In order to circumvent the above mentioned disadvantages, various structures have been proposed. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,277,146 issued Nov. 12, 1994, naming Peter Stol as inventor teaches a flexible sign post for use along roadsides that allows a sign to be deflected when hit by a passing object. The sign post consists of a number of mounting brackets that are spaced apart and secured to a substantially rigid vertical sign post. Each mounting bracket has a mandrel over which an elastomeric sleeve is fitted. A number of substantially rigid braces are connected to the mounting brackets by the elastomeric sleeves. The sign can then be attached to the ends of the braces in a vertical position.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,160,111 issued Dec. 12, 1992, and naming Michael Leonard as inventor teaches a collapsible signaling post provided with a weakened section characterized by a helicoidal groove carved on the periphery of a tubular member mounted between an anchoring member and a rod member supporting a sign. The groove provides a weakened section adapted to split open along a portion thereof and upon bending caused by a lateral force exerted on the signaling post. The two end portions of the tubular member remain connected to each other by the unfolded spires formed between the helicoidal thread.
Although partly solving some of the above mentioned disadvantages, these structures present another drawback in that the replacement of one of these post structures once it has been hit by a vehicle requires a relatively lengthy, tedious and expensive operation.
Also, the prior art structures are not particularly well adapted to bend upon impact according to a predetermined pattern. The somewhat unpredictable behavior of these structures upon impact may lead to dangerous situations.
Furthermore, the structures disclosed in the above mentioned patents are relatively expensive to manufacture and install.
Also, these structures are not particularly well suited for situations wherein cyclic installations and removal are preferable or required. One example of such situation is the use of post structures to mark-out a cycling path in geographical regions wherein the sport is seasonal. In such a situation, it would be highly desirable to provide a post structure that can be readily removed and re-installed.
Accordingly, there exists need for an improved post structure that is adapted to bend upon impact according to a relatively predetermined pattern, while selectively maintaining the bent segments connected to each other. There also exists a need for an improved post structure that allows for quick and ergonomic installation and removal as well as easy and relatively inexpensive replacement of damaged parts.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved post structure.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a post structure comprising a substantially elongated anchoring member, the anchoring member having an anchoring member first end and a longitudinally opposed anchoring member second end; the anchoring member having an anchoring member hollow section that extends longitudinally into the anchoring member second end, the anchoring member hollow section being peripherally delimited by an anchoring member peripheral wall, the anchoring member peripheral wall defining an anchoring member inner surface and an anchoring member outer surface; a substantially elongated supporting member, the supporting member having a supporting member first end and a longitudinally opposed supporting member second end; the supporting member having a supporting member hollow section that extends longitudinally into the supporting member first end, the supporting member hollow section being peripherally delimited by a supporting member peripheral wall, the supporting member peripheral wall defining a supporting member inner surface and a supporting member outer surface: a connecting component, the connecting component having a connecting component first section and a connecting component second section, the connecting component first section and the connecting component second section being configured and sized so as to be respectively insertable into the anchoring member hollow section and the supporting member hollow section; the connecting component first section and the connecting component second section respectively defining a first friction surface and a second friction surface; the supporting member being frictionally attached to the anchoring component by the connecting component with the first friction surface frictionally contacting the anchoring member inner surface and the second friction surface frictionally contacting the supporting member inner surface; the anchoring member and the supporting member having a greater resistance to impact that the connecting component.
Preferably, the post structure further comprises a biasing means for selectively biasing at least a portion of the first friction surface and of the second friction surface respectively against the anchoring member inner surface and the supporting member inner surface.
Conveniently, the biasing means includes a longitudinally extending slot formed in the connecting component, the slot having a slot longitudinal axis and a slot transversal axis; the slot defining a pair of jaw members, the jaw members being at least partially separated by the slot; a jaw spreading means inserted in the slot between the jaw members for spreading the jaw members away from each other.
Preferably, a hollow jaw channel extends longitudinally through at least one of the jaw members and a retention nail extends longitudinally though the jaw channel; the retention will including an elongated strip of relatively ductile material that defines a nail first end and a longitudinally opposed nail second.
Conveniently, the slot extends partially across the connecting component in the direction of the slot transversal axis so as to define an hinge section about which the jaw members are adapted to pivot.
Preferably, the slot defines a pair of opposed slot walls positioned on each side of the slot transversal axis that merge towards each other in a radial direction leading into the connecting component so that the slot defines a generally “V”-shaped cross-section configuration.
In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the jaw spreading means includes a wedging component, the wedging component having a generally elongated configuration defining a wedging component first end and a longitudinally opposed wedging component second end, an external wedging thread being formed on the wedging component adjacent the wedging component first end and a nut being threadably mounted on the wedging thread; the wedging component also defining a wedge abutment segment adjacent the wedging compon
Canfield Robert
Sofia Michel
Swabey Ogilvy Renault
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