Road structure – process – or apparatus – Traffic steering device or barrier
Patent
1996-10-11
1998-08-11
Graysay, Tamara L.
Road structure, process, or apparatus
Traffic steering device or barrier
404 9, 404 10, 256 131, E01F 1300, E01F 1500, E01F 900
Patent
active
057918120
ABSTRACT:
Apparatus and methods are described for preventing the penetration of vehicles by narrow objects such as guardrail ends or portions of a guardrail end treatment during a collision. In one embodiment, portions of an ET-2000 guardrail extruder terminal are adapted for improved operation during impacts by attachment of a penetration guard. The penetration guard may also be affixed to other guardrail end treatments or even other suitable highway objects to create an improved safety apparatus. The penetration guard includes a frame and is affixed to the impact head of an ET-2000 guardrail extruder terminal. The frame is greatly collapsible when impacted from a substantially end-on direction. However, when impacted from a direction other than substantially end-on, the frame is substantially non-collapsible and maintains its integrity. The frame includes an outer housing which defines a central opening. The housing is preferably formed of a unitary outer of sheet metal which surrounds the central opening. In alternative embodiments, the housing is made up of a number of hingedly affixed plates or panels or deformable members which collectively change shape in a predetermined manner. In some embodiments, the frame includes an interior brace which helps prevent collapse of the frame when the frame is impacted from its side. If desired, the central opening may be filled with an appropriate energy absorbing deformable filler material.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2154818 (1939-04-01), Mayer
patent: 2776116 (1957-01-01), Brickman
patent: 3643924 (1972-02-01), Fitch
patent: 3661359 (1972-05-01), Walker
patent: 3690619 (1972-09-01), Kendall
patent: 4655434 (1987-04-01), Bronstad
patent: 4674911 (1987-06-01), Gertz
patent: 4678166 (1987-07-01), Bronstad et al.
patent: 4815565 (1989-03-01), Sicking et al.
patent: 4928928 (1990-05-01), Buth et al.
patent: 5022782 (1991-06-01), Gertz et al.
patent: 5078366 (1992-01-01), Sicking et al.
patent: 5112028 (1992-05-01), Laturner
patent: 5391016 (1995-02-01), Ivey et al.
patent: 5407298 (1995-04-01), Sicking et al.
patent: 5490661 (1996-02-01), Stevens et al.
An End Treratment for Concrete Barriers Used in Work Zones; Texas Transportation Institute State Department of Highways and PUblic Transportation; Research Report 262-2; Aug. 1982 (Rev. 02-83) (19 pp.).
A Guide to Standardized Highway Barrier Hardware; AASHTO-AGC-ARTBA Joint Committee; Subcommittee on New Highway Materials, Tash Force 13 Report; (undated) (17p.).
Colorado Median Barrier End Treatment Tests; R. G. Robertson and H. E. Ross, Jr.; May 1981; (15 pp.).
Graysay Tamara L.
Hartmann Gary S.
The Texas A&M University System
LandOfFree
Collision performance side impact (automobile penetration guard) does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Collision performance side impact (automobile penetration guard), we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Collision performance side impact (automobile penetration guard) will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-382230