NZ603600B - A Post - Google Patents
A Post Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- NZ603600B NZ603600B NZ603600A NZ60360012A NZ603600B NZ 603600 B NZ603600 B NZ 603600B NZ 603600 A NZ603600 A NZ 603600A NZ 60360012 A NZ60360012 A NZ 60360012A NZ 603600 B NZ603600 B NZ 603600B
- Authority
- NZ
- New Zealand
- Prior art keywords
- post
- mouth
- cable
- aperture
- apertures
- Prior art date
Links
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 5
- 210000000088 Lip Anatomy 0.000 description 3
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 2
- 210000000481 Breast Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006011 modification reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010008 shearing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
Abstract
post (100) is disclosed with apertures (101) on alternate sides to receive and retain at least one cable of a road barrier. Each side of the post has the same number of apertures (101) and each aperture has an opening in the form of a mouth. The mouth has a top surface has a greater angle at a distal region (102) than at a proximate region (103). The mouth shape is configured to reduce the travel path and/or frictional contact with the cable as it is ejected from the mouth following a collision. istal region (102) than at a proximate region (103). The mouth shape is configured to reduce the travel path and/or frictional contact with the cable as it is ejected from the mouth following a collision.
Description
James & Wells ref: 237996/14 JV
PATENTS FORM NO. 5
Fee No. 4: $250.00
PATENTS ACT 1953
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
A POST
We, AXIP Limited, a New Zealand company of 156-158 Foundry Road, Silverdale, New
Zealand,
Dallas Rex James, a New Zealand citizen of 29A Bayview Road, Browns Bay, North
Harbour, Auckland, New Zealand, and
Jason Paul Rogers, a Australia citizen of 45 Ina Ville Drive, Newsham Park, Pukekohe
2120, New Zealand
hereby declare the invention for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the
method by which it is to be performed to be particularly described in and by the following
statement:
James & Wells ref: 237996/14 JV
A POST
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a post. In particular, the present invention relates to a post and
parts therefor that may be used for, but not limited to, cable barriers. For ease of reference, the
present invention will now be described while in use
BACKGROUND ART
The present invention is designed to further improve upon the applicants earlier cable barrier
post covered by NZ Patent No. 546969.
The post in NZ 546969 was itself designed to overcome problems with conventional cable
barrier posts for a roading network which have a single aperture (slot) extending downwards
though the middle of the barrier post as shown in Figure 7. This slot retaining one or more
barrier cables within the cable barrier system.
In short, one of the major drawbacks with this conventional single slot construction is that in
order to accommodate multiple cables, the length of the slot is relatively long compared to the
length of the post. As a consequence sides of the slot have considerably less strength than the
remainder of the post. Accordingly, this necessitates constructing the post in a manner that
provides sufficient lateral strength to help prevent shearing or buckling of the post in this
weakened region. Thus, typically posts have to have a solid construction, or use stronger
materials in their construction, to compensate for the reduction of strength and this
understandingly adds to their cost.
Furthermore, the location of the slot within these barrier posts makes it difficult to replace, one
or more posts, that may be damaged or broken, within an erected cable barrier system. The
cables have to be loosened within the cable barrier system and/or a large post hole relative to
the size of the post may have to be dug to allow room for manoeuvring the new post into
position, in order to insert the post into the already erected cable barrier.
However, whilst the post of NZ 546969 addressed the aforementioned shortcomings with the
single slot post, the Applicant has now found that in practice, the post in NZ 546969 also has a
number of shortcomings. One such shortcoming is the folding over of the top of the post,
following an impact with the barrier. This ends up trapping at least one of the cables within the
aperture and thus reduces the energy that can be absorbed if the cables were free to fully flex.
In addition, it also means the post cannot be re-used which is wasteful and expensive.
It would therefore be useful to have a post which improves upon the post in NZ 546969 as well
James & Wells ref: 237996/14 JV
as addresses the issues with the single slot post discussed earlier.
All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby
incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The
discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the
right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly
understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this
reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the
common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country.
It is acknowledged that the term ‘comprise’ may, under varying jurisdictions, be attributed with
either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this specification, and unless
otherwise noted, the term ‘comprise’ shall have an inclusive meaning - i.e. that it will be taken to
mean an inclusion of not only the listed components it directly references, but also other non-
specified components or elements. This rationale will also be used when the term ‘comprised’
or 'comprising' is used in relation to one or more steps in a method or process.
It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide
the public with a useful choice.
Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the
ensuing description which is given by way of example only.
All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby
incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The
discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the
right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly
understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this
reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the
common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country.
It is acknowledged that the term ‘comprise’ may, under varying jurisdictions, be attributed with
either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this specification, and unless
otherwise noted, the term ‘comprise’ shall have an inclusive meaning - i.e. that it will be taken to
mean an inclusion of not only the listed components it directly references, but also other non-
specified components or elements. This rationale will also be used when the term ‘comprised’
or 'comprising' is used in relation to one or more steps in a method or process.
Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the
ensuing description which is given by way of example only.
It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide
the public with a useful choice.
James & Wells ref: 237996/14 JV
All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby
incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The
discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the
right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly
understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this
reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the
common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country.
Throughout this specification, the word "comprise", or variations thereof such as "comprises" or
"comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or
group of elements integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step,
or group of elements, integers or steps.
Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the
ensuing description which is given by way of example only.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is a road barrier post, which includes
apertures on alternate sides of the post which, in use, each receive and retain at least one
cable therein characterised in that the same number of apertures are on each side of the post
and wherein each aperture: has a side opening in the form of a mouth, wherein said mouth has
a top portion comprising a proximate linear surface leading away from the aperture intersecting
a distal linear surface which extends to the side of the post wherein the angle of the distal linear
surface with respect to the horizontal is greater than that of the proximate linear surface so as
to reduce:
- the travel path of, and/or;
- any frictional contact with;
the cable, during ejection from aperture following a collision by a vehicle.
The Applicant has found that utilising the same number of apertures on either side of the post
allows it to function as a median barrier as it performs in the same manner no matter on what
side it is impacted. The post of NZ 546969 by way of contrast can only be used as a roadside
barrier. Furthermore, adopting this requirement that the same number of apertures be on
either side of the post also ensures the tops of the posts don’t fold over following an impact.
Preferably, the post includes two, four or six apertures on the side of the post.
According a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a post wherein the
James & Wells ref: 237996/14 JV
apertures do not substantially abut and are instead separated a distance X from the medial
axis.
According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a post substantially as
described above wherein the post, wherein in use, the post is hollow and includes a cap
comprising:
- a top portion; and
- a rim that fits seamlessly over the open-ended top of the post and at least one
elongated appendage extends substantially inside the post, wherein the cap and
appendage are integrally formed as single piece.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description
which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in
which:
Figure 1 shows a schematic view of post according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention;
Figure 2 shows a prior art post according to NZ 546969;
Figure 3 is a photograph which shows a cable barrier post impact with posts according to
the prior art;
Figure 4 is a photograph of a cable barrier post impact with posts according to the present
invention;
Figure 5 shows a schematic view of a cap and appendage element of unitary construction
according to a further element of the present invention;
Figure 6 shows a schematic view of a further preferred embodiment of post according to
the present invention; and
Figure 7 shows a prior art single slot post.
BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
With respect to Figures 1 and 2 there is provided a post 1 which is hollow and has two
apertures 2 and 3 on either side thereof. The apertures 2 and 3 each have an opening 4 and 5
on the side of the post which permits cables (not shown) in use to be inserted or ejected from
James & Wells ref: 237996/14 JV
the apertures 2 and 3. The apertures 2 and 3 also have a retaining portion in the form of a wall
6 and 7 which has a lip 8 and 9 at the top thereof which, in use, assists with retaining a
tensioned cable within the apertures 2 and 3.
Figure 2 differs from Figure 1 in that it is has an additional aperture 500 which in use creates an
asymmetrical loading on the post when tensioned cables are inserted into the apertures.
Figure 1 shows a post 1 differs from the prior art post of Figure 2 in that it has the same
number of apertures on either side of the post to create a symmetrical loading on the post when
tensioned cables are inserted into the apertures. The post 1 in Figure 1 also has a short slot 10
in the top thereof which extends down the middle of the post 1 which is absent in the post 1
Figure 2. The slot 10 extends no more than substantially 10% - 15% of the overall length of the
post. This is in contrast some to existing posts prior art posts shown in Figure 7 which have a
slot which extends around 30%-40% of the above ground post length as it has to retain all the
cables of a cable barrier.
The post 1 of Figure 1 also differs from the prior art post of Figure 2 in that the apertures 2 and
3 do not abut the medial axis Y and are instead separated a distance X therefrom. By way of
contrast, Figure 1 the post has a width of 90mm and the distance X, the apertures are
separated from the medial axis Y, is substantially 5mm.
In relation to Figure 3 it can be seen how the top of the posts fold over following a vehicle
impact with the barrier. This presents a problem as cables get trapped in the apertures if the
post folds over reducing the energy that can be absorbed as well as lessening the ability to
redirect an errant vehicle.
The applicant has surprisingly found that if the apertures are moved away from abutting the
medial axis of the post this increases as shown in Figure 2 this increases the strength of the
post by around 30%. This is evidenced in Figure 4 where it can be seen that the top of the
posts have not folded over at all.
In relation to Figure 5 there is shown a cap 1000 and appendage element 1001 which has 2
prongs 1002 and 1003. The appendage element is integrally formed with the cap via a
moulding process. The advantage of integrally moulding is two fold:
- increased speed of placing the cap, in post, and importantly the prongs are assured to
align with opening in the post, for quick insertion in the prior art the prong(s) could move
relative to the cap, as they were loosely clicked together;
- ensuring the prongs do not become separated from the cap, if a collision event
happens to the barrier, in a region remote from the post associated with the cap, but yet
still receives energy from the impact.
James & Wells ref: 237996/14 JV
In Figure 6 there is a portion of a post 100 having a modified aperture 101. The aperture 101
has a top edge with a quick cable release portion 102 at a distal end thereof which has a
steeper angle than the remainder of the top edge 103 which has a shallower angle. The bottom
edge 104 of the mouth 101 has a curved surface to also reduce any frictional contact with the
cable during an ejection.
DETAILED DISCUSSION OF ALTERNATE WAYS TO IMPLEMENT THE INVENTION
It should be appreciated that the post may come in a variety of different shapes and
configurations and be made from a variety of materials without departing from the scope of the
invention.
In preferred embodiments, the post may be substantially hollow.
The inventor has found that by using a substantially hollow post, with a simple design
requirement of aperture placement, this contributes to the lightweight construction and/or
expense of manufacture of the barrier post. Additionally, by selecting a more cost effective
material, this can also contribute to the cost of manufacture.
Preferably, the post may have an elliptical cross-section.
The aperture(s) may generally come in a variety of different shapes and sizes, provided the
apertures have sufficient dimension to receive and retain, and preferably when required,
release a segment of the cable.
The number of apertures on the side of the post must be an even number. That is the same
number of apertures needs to be on each side of the post.
In general, the side apertures may include a retaining portion which retains the cable within the
aperture.
In further preferred embodiments, the retaining portion may include at least one wall portion.
In some embodiments, the retaining portion may be at least one lip that retains or helps retain
the cable within the aperture.
Preferably, at least one edge of the lip(s) may be curved.
Preferably, the aperture may project downwards from the mouth of the aperture.
The opening (mouth) of the aperture may have a variety of different configurations without
departing from the scope of the present invention.
In some embodiments, the mouth may be configured to help direct a cable into the aperture so
the cable can be retained therein.
James & Wells ref: 237996/14 JV
In further embodiments, the mouth may also be configured to assist the release of the cable
from the aperture should a suitable force of sufficient magnitude be applied to the post and/or
cable.
In general, the cable and/or post will only move a sufficient distance to cause release of the
cable in the area of the cable-barrier which is directly subjected to a suitable force or the region
of the cable-barrier immediately adjacent thereto.
Preferably, the force applied to the cable-barrier, may be caused by collision of a vehicle with
the cable-barrier or surrounding area. However, it will be appreciated that forces from other
areas may be applied to the cable-barrier, without limiting the scope of the present invention.
In further preferred embodiments, the mouth may include a surface or edge which is inclined at
an angle which directs the cable either into or out of the aperture depending on which direction
a force is moving the post and/or cable.
Preferably, the angle of the top surface or top edge of the mouth may be substantially 45° with
respect to the longitudinal axis of the post.
In a further preferred embodiment the mouth may for a distal region thereof be configured to
reduce:
- the travel path of, and/or;
- any frictional contact with;
the cable, during ejection from aperture following a collision.
The mouth may be configured to reduce the travel path and/or frictional contact with the cable
during an ejection event in number of different ways.
In one embodiment the angle of the top surface or edge of the mouth may be substantially 45
at a proximate region thereof, and substantially 50 or more at a distal region thereof, with
respect to the horizontal. Preferably, the distal region of the top surface or edge of the month
may be substantially 60 -70 .
In some embodiments the bottom surface or bottom edge of the mouth may also be configured
to reduce frictional contact with the post as the cable exits the aperture.
In one embodiment the bottom surface or bottom edge of the mouth may be convexly curved.
In another embodiment the bottom surface or bottom edge of the mouth may be angled
downwardly from the horizontal.
The inventor has found that the above aperture shape is an advantage. In particular, the shape
allows for cables to be easily removed from one or more posts in an already erected cable
James & Wells ref: 237996/14 JV
barrier, without the need for collapsing the whole barrier. This can be important, for example
where the posts may need to be replaced due to damage from an impact. Additionally, the
shape of the aperture(s) provides for release of the cables from one or more barrier posts, at a
particular point of impact, rather than releasing the cables from all posts, when an impact
occurs.
In preferred embodiments, there may be two elongated appendages that may be situated on
opposite sides of the post.
Preferably, the elongated appendage(s) may fit seamlessly against a portion of the internal
surface inside of the post.
In preferred embodiments, the elongated appendage(s) may effectively close off the opening to
the aperture(s).
Thus, preferred embodiments of the present invention can have a number of advantages which
can include:
- posts which have a symmetrical loading when in use;
- posts which have increased lateral strength;
- posts which resist folding over upon an impact into a cable barrier;
- posts which ejects a cable more quickly;
- caps for posts which can be inserted more quickly and easily; and
- caps for posts which can better maintain their integrity during an impact.
Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be
appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the
scope thereof as defined in the appended claims.
James & Wells ref: 237996/14 JV
Claims (8)
1. A road barrier post which includes apertures on alternate sides of the post which, in use, each receive and retain at least one cable therein characterised in that the same number of apertures are on each side of the post wherein each aperture: has a side opening in the form of a mouth, wherein said mouth has a top portion comprising a proximate linear surface leading away from the aperture intersecting a distal linear surface which extends to the side of the post wherein the angle of the distal linear surface with respect to the horizontal is greater than that of the proximate linear surface so as to reduce: - the travel path of, and/or; - any frictional contact with; the cable, during ejection from aperture following a collision by a vehicle.
2. A post as claimed in claim 1 wherein a top surface of edge of the mouth is substantially 45 ⁰ at a proximate region thereof, and substantially 50 ⁰ or more at a distal region thereof, with respect to the horizontal.
3. A post as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the bottom surface or edge of the mouth is configured to reduce frictional contact with the post as the cable exits the aperture.
4. A post as claimed in claim 3 wherein the bottom surface or bottom edge of the mouth is convexly curved.
5. A post as claimed in claim 3 wherein the bottom surface or bottom edge of the mouth is angled downwardly from the horizontal.
6. A post, as claimed in claim 1: wherein in use, the post is hollow and includes a cap comprising: - a top portion; and - a rim that fits seamlessly over the open-ended top of the post and at least one elongated appendage extends substantially inside the post, wherein the cap and appendage are integrally formed as single piece.
7. A post as claimed in claim 6 wherein the apertures do not substantially abut and are instead separated a distance X from the medial axis.
8. A barrier which includes a post as claimed in any one of the preceding claims. James & Wells ref:
Priority Applications (11)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
NZ603600A NZ603600B (en) | 2012-11-14 | A Post | |
MYPI2015701038A MY174092A (en) | 2012-11-14 | 2013-11-12 | A post |
MX2015004865A MX358954B (en) | 2012-11-14 | 2013-11-12 | A post. |
PCT/NZ2013/000203 WO2014077701A1 (en) | 2012-11-14 | 2013-11-12 | A post |
ES13854253.5T ES2679395T3 (en) | 2012-11-14 | 2013-11-12 | Post |
CA2930774A CA2930774C (en) | 2012-11-14 | 2013-11-12 | A post |
EP13854253.5A EP2920370B1 (en) | 2012-11-14 | 2013-11-12 | Post |
BR112015011037-1A BR112015011037B1 (en) | 2012-11-14 | 2013-11-12 | POST |
US14/437,699 US10385529B2 (en) | 2012-11-14 | 2013-11-12 | Post |
CL2015001313A CL2015001313A1 (en) | 2012-11-14 | 2015-05-14 | A road barrier post that includes the same number of openings on each side of the post, where each opening has a side opening in the shape of a mouth, in order to reduce the travel path of and / or any friction contact with the cable, during ejection of the opening after a collision by a vehicle; And a barrier. |
HK16103288.7A HK1215459A1 (en) | 2012-11-14 | 2016-03-21 | A post |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
NZ603600A NZ603600B (en) | 2012-11-14 | A Post |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
NZ603600A NZ603600A (en) | 2014-05-30 |
NZ603600B true NZ603600B (en) | 2014-09-02 |
Family
ID=
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