US 5,823,705 AGranted

Multipurpose energy absorbing barrier system

AssigneeThe Entwistle Company

InventorsMartin A. Jackson, John M. Rhatigan

Life of this patent

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Abstract

A restraining barrier is positionable across a roadway in a deployed position to define a restraining zone and may be moved vertically to a passive position by first and second transport components. Opposite ends of the barrier are coupled to the first and second transport components, respectively, and also couple the barrier to first and second energy absorbers of differing restraintive force in order stop vehicles of varying weight. A support cable is coupled to an indicator for providing a signal indicating vehicle impact. Additionally, a series of restraining barriers and energy absorbers may provide a series of sequentially differing restraintive forces to stop lightweight and heavier vehicles. The barrier may be a net and include a lower wire below the net assuring effective trapping of autos and trucks of a variety of heights.

Claims29

Dependent claims

A restraining barrier system comprising:

first and second vertically disposed towers,
having a restraint zone defined between the lower portions thereof,
first and second transport means slidably mounted to said first and second towers respectively,
drive means for moving said transport means to selectable vertical positions,
at least one of said transport means comprising a first energy absorbing means for providing a first predetermined restraining force,
a restraining barrier means for support between said first and second transport means and being vertically movable therewith,
means for supporting said barrier means to said first and second transport means and for coupling said barrier means to said first energy absorbing means,
said selectable positions including a deployed position in which said restraining barrier means blocks the path of travel of a vehicle through the restraint zone and a passive position in which said restraining barrier is positioned to permit a vehicle to pass therethrough,
at least one second energy absorbing means for providing a second predetermined restraining force, and
said second predetermined restraining force being greater than said first predetermined restraining force,
a support system,
said second energy absorbing means interconnected between said barrier means and said support system and including means for activating said second energy absorbing means after activation of said first energy absorbing means,
said first and said second energy absorbing means being joined in parallel,
whereby a vehicle of a predetermined weight range can be substantially stopped by said first energy absorbing means upon said vehicle engaging with said barrier means and a vehicle of a weight heavier than said predetermined weight range can be substantially stopped by said second energy absorbing means upon said vehicle engaging with said barrier means.

11 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 08/733,523Filed 18 Oct 1996 · continuation in part
Priority: 27 Oct 1995
Granted: 20 Oct 1998
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification6 codes

E01F 13/048
Movable to allow or prevent passage: with obstructing members moving in a translatory motion, e.g. vertical lift barriers, sliding gates
B61L 29/04
Safety means for rail/road crossing traffic: gates for level crossings
E01F 9/696
Upright bodies, e.g. marker posts or bollards; Supports for road signs: overhead structures, e.g. gantries; Foundation means specially adapted…
E01F 13/12
Arrangements for obstructing or restricting traffic, e.g. gates, barricades ; Preventing passage of vehicles of selected category or dimensions:…

Family

Serial549,510Parent of this continuation-in-part · filed 27 Oct 1995
Serial549,508Parent of this continuation-in-part · filed 27 Oct 1995
US 5,624,203 AParent of this continuation-in-part · filed 29 Apr 1997
US 5,634,738 AParent of this continuation-in-part · filed 3 Jun 1997
US 5,823,705 AThis patent

From the US filing history. Foreign family members aren’t listed.