Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Frangible section or means
Patent
1986-07-17
1988-06-21
Ridgill, Jr., James L.
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Frangible section or means
52296, 404 10, E01F 901, E04C 100
Patent
active
047518014
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Cross Reference to Related Application(s)
This United States application stems from PCT International Application No. PCT/SE85/00417 filed Oct. 25, 1985.
2. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a post for traffic signals, signs, information signs and the like and more particularly to a shock absorbing post comprising a foundation part fixed to the ground and a post part, which when subjected to an external shock force absorbs the energy thereof and/or is released from the foundation part without he latter being substantially separated from the ground fixation, the post part being connected to the foundation via a shock absorbing coupling.
3. Description of the Prior Art
Posts of a type related to that referred to above are known from e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 4,154,037 and GB Patent No. 2,078,829.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The object of the present invention is to improve traffic posts of this type in order to decrease the risk of personal injury and damage occuring when a vehicle unintentionally collides with such a post. A further object of the invention is to provide a type of energy absorption coupling in the post structure such that in a minor collision by a vehicle the post in principle remains without being substantially deformed and without the vehicle being excessively damaged, or the post being totally destroyed. In a major collision the post can be separated from foundation without the foundation being damaged or separated from the ground. Thus, with the invention the full costs to restore the post to its original condition are eliminated as only a new coupling, an possibly a new post only, need be replaced on the foundation instead of having to remanufacture or remount both a post and a foundation. By means of the invention also the energy absorption ability of the coupling can be adapted to the shock energy which might occur when run into by a vehicle at the site where the post is placed. Thus, vehicles with a lower speed name, as known, a lower collision energy than those with a higher speed. An adaption to this fact can be made according to the invention Furthermore, the invention can be adapted to various weights in posts and the post according to the invention is useful for traffic signals and information signs, e.g. "overhead" signs.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will now be described in detail in certain embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view through the foundation and showing a post according to the invention;
FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 but showing the coupling in an extended position;
FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line III--III in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view through the coupling taken along line IV--IV in FIG. 5;
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling taken along line V--V in FIg. 4;
FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a vehicle colliding with the post according to the invention;
FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along line VII--VII in FIG. 8 of another embodiment of the coupling of this invention;
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII--VIII in FIG. 7; and
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX--IX in FIG. 7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In FIG. 1 a foundation 1 is shown fixed to the ground 30 in a suitable and known manner. The foundation has a cylindrical cavity 2 into which a sleeve 3, or first post part, is inserted which is pivotable in the cavity 2 against resistance of e.g. friction between the sleeve 3 and the cavity 2. The cavity 2 thereby provides a first connection for the sleeve 3 to foundation 1. Alternatively or in addition thereto a torsion spring 4 can be inserted between the upper portion of the sleeve 3 and the bottom of the cavity 2 i.e., connected at the upper end to the upper part of sleeve 3 and at the lower end to foundation 1. The arrangement with the sleeve 3 in the cavity is, thus, to create a certain resista
REFERENCES:
patent: 840241 (1907-01-01), Nootbaar
patent: 1162608 (1915-11-01), Hohl et al.
patent: 1814664 (1931-07-01), Cahill et al.
patent: 2698474 (1955-01-01), Tittl
patent: 2721631 (1955-10-01), Honold
patent: 3332666 (1967-07-01), Gray
patent: 4154037 (1979-05-01), Anderson
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