# US 10,870,956 B1 · Traffic channelizer > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 10,870,956 B1 - Document ID: US10870956B1 - Status: Granted - Kind: B1 - Application number: 16/407,023 - Filed: 2019-05-08 - Granted: 2020-12-22 - Earliest claimed: 2018-05-08 - Assignees: Studio5051, LLC - Applicants: Studio 5051, LLC - Inventors: Howard Marshall Merriam - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10870956B1 ## CPC - E01F 9/588: Lane delineators for physically separating traffic lanes and discouraging but not preventing crossing - E01F 13/02: free-standing; {portable, e.g. for guarding open manholes (E01F9/688 takes precedence); Portable signs or signals specially adapted for fitting to portable barriers} - E01F 9/608: for guiding, warning or controlling traffic, e.g. delineator posts or milestones - E01F: ADDITIONAL WORK, SUCH AS EQUIPPING ROADS OR THE CONSTRUCTION OF PLATFORMS, HELICOPTER LANDING STAGES, SIGNS, SNOW FENCES, OR THE LIKE ## Abstract A modular system for separating traffic into discrete zones includes a plurality of rail segments pivotally secured to rail mounts. The mounts are configured for rapid and straightforward coupling of rail segments thereto. Moreover, the mounts may be quickly installed and de-installed from a road surface. The overall system therefore provides a physical barrier system that is easily installed and easily modifiable into desired arrangements. Its modular construction of any number of a plurality of distinct rail segments further facilitates customized channelizing design. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A modular system for separating traffic into discrete zones, said modular system comprising: a plurality of mounts anchorable to a road surface, each defining a mount axis substantially perpendicular to the road surface; a plurality of rail segments each having a length along a length axis and first and second opposed ends pivotally securable to respective mounts for pivoting about said respective mount axes, with a first rail segment pivotally securable to a first mount and a second mount spaced apart from the first mount, and a second rail segment pivotally securable to the second mount and a third mount spaced apart from the first and second mounts, wherein respective ends of said first and second rail segments are pivotally securable to said second mount in an axially stacked arrangement along said mount axis; and a delineator securable to a respective said mount to extend axially along the mount axis from said respective mount, with a flexible joint connecting the delineator to the mount. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) A modular system as in claim 1 wherein said flexible joint is rubber and extends from a bottom end of said delineator. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) A modular system as in claim 1 wherein said mounts include a plate anchorable to the road surface and post extending from said plate along the mount axis. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) A modular system as in claim 3 wherein said first and second ends of said rail segments each terminate in a sleeve which is configured to engage about a respective said post. ### Claim 5 (depends on 4) A modular system as in claim 4 wherein said respective sleeves of said first and second rail segments are pivotally securable about said post of said second mount in the axially stacked arrangement along said mount axis. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) A modular system as in claim 5, including a projection extending radially outwardly from said post to support said rail segments. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) A modular system as in claim 6 wherein said projection is an annular collar. ### Claim 8 (depends on 5) A modular system as in claim 5 wherein said first and second mounts are spaced apart along the length axis of said first rail segment, and said second and third mounts are spaced apart along the length axis of said second rail segment. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) A modular system as in claim 1, including a cap securable to said mount to retain respective ones of said rail segments at said mount. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) A modular system as in claim 9 wherein said cap defines a receptacle within which said flexible joint is securable. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) A modular system as in claim 10 wherein said flexible joint permits elastic deflection of said delineator from alignment with the mount axis. ### Claim 12 (depends on 11) A modular system as in claim 11 wherein said delineator axially extends at least one meter from said respective mount. ### Claim 13 (depends on 1) A method for separating traffic into discrete zones with the modular system of claim 1, said method comprising: (a) anchoring said mounts to the road surface in a spaced pattern; and (b) securing said first rail segment to said first and second mounts, and securing said second rail segment to said second and third mounts to define first and second traffic zones. ### Claim 14 (depends on 13) The method of claim 13, including securing said second rail segment to said second and third mounts in an inverted orientation with respect to said first rail segment. ### Claim 15 (depends on 13) The method of claim 13 wherein each of said first and second rail segments are spaced from the road surface by at least one centimeter. ### Claim 16 (depends on 13) The method as in claim 13, including securing a delineator to at least one of said first, second, and third mounts.