Protection barrier system

A protection barrier system for energy-absorption of impacts includes an elongated barrier defining a chamber therein. The barrier includes side walls having a plurality of connected non-vertical wall segments and a plurality of buttresses positioned vertically at spaced apart locations along each side wall. One or more guide channels are positioned on each side wall in horizontal alignment with similar guide channels on like-configured barriers. A coupling is disposed on each opposed end of the barrier for coupling of either barrier end juxtaposed in end-to-end nested arrangement with like barriers. A supplemental energy-absorbing system is connectable between opposed ends of end-to-end coupled barriers, providing energy-absorbing tubes removably inserted through each guide channel of each barrier. Cables are extendable through the tubes in the guide channels of the nested barriers, providing additional energy-absorption and deterrence from breaching of the barriers. A method of manufacture for the protection barrier is also disclosed.

 

Having thus described the aforementioned invention, we claim:

1. A protection barrier comprising:

an elongated barrier defining a chamber therein, said barrier having first and second side walls, each of said first and second side walls including a plurality of non-vertical wall segments disposed thereon;

a guide horizontally recessed in each of said first and second side walls, said guide being positioned in horizontal alignment with similar sized guides on like-configured barriers;

a coupling vertically disposed on each opposed end of said barrier, said coupling for connecting juxtaposed end-to-end arrangement of like-configured barriers;

said barrier having a base and a top surface, said chamber extended in said barrier between said base and said top surface;

said first and second side walls each including said plurality of non-vertical wall segments being disposed between said base and said top surface; and

a plurality of buttresses positioned vertically at spaced apart locations along said first and second side walls, each of said plurality of buttresses having an opening therethrough, said opening aligned with said guide carried by said first and second side walls.

2. The protection barrier of claim 1 wherein said guide including:

a guide channel bounded horizontal by two adjacent wall segments of said plurality of non-vertical wall segments, said guide channel horizontally aligned with each opening through each buttress; and

a tube removably extended through said guide channel and through each opening through each buttress;

whereby upon an impact of a vehicle with one of said first or second side walls, said tube and guide channel are impacted with resulting destruction of said tube within said guide channel and with resulting distribution of impact energy along said guide channel and said two adjacent wall segments of said first and second side walls.

3. The protection barrier of claim 1 further comprising:

said barrier having like-configured first and second ends joined to respective opposed ends of said first and second side walls, said chamber is extended in said barrier between said base, said top surface and an interior surface proximal of each of said first and second ends;

said first and second side walls each including said plurality of non-vertical wall segments being disposed between said base and said top surface;

said first and second ends having beveled corners angled outwardly and backwards from each opposed end coupling toward respective ends of said first and second side walls;

said guide including an upper guide channel aligned parallel with a lower guide channel, said upper and lower guide channels are spaced apart horizontally between an upper wall segment and a lower wall segment of said plurality of non-vertical wall segments; and

a plurality of buttresses positioned vertically at spaced apart locations along said first and second side walls; each of said plurality of buttresses having an upper opening and a lower opening therethrough, said upper opening of each buttress being aligned with said upper guide channel, said lower opening of each buttress being aligned with said lower guide channel.

4. The protection barrier of claim 3 wherein said guide channels including:

an upper tube removably extended through said upper guide channel and through each respective upper opening of each buttress; and

a lower tube removably extended through said lower guide channel and through each respective lower opening of each buttress;

whereby upon an impact of a vehicle with one of said first or second side walls, said upper tube and said lower tube are impacted with resulting destruction of said upper tube and said lower tube with resulting distribution of impact energy along said upper channel and said lower channel of said of said plurality of non-vertical wall segments.

5. The protection barrier of claim 3 wherein said coupling including:

a tongue extended from each opposed end, said tongue extending vertically between said base and said top surface of said barrier, said tongue extended from an off-center portion of each end; and

a groove indentation in each opposed end, said groove extending vertically between said base to said top surface of said barrier, said groove and said tongue having one contiguous surface;

said beveled corners provide for pivotable movement of said tongue of a first barrier end relative to a like-configured groove of a like-configured second barrier end when said tongue of either end of said first barrier is removably inserted into said groove of either end of the like-configured second barrier for an end-to-end nesting relationship of a plurality of like-configured barriers.

6. The protection barrier of claim 1 wherein said barrier is composed of polyethylene material of sufficient density for said barrier to be substantially rigid.

7. A protection barrier comprising:

an elongated barrier defining a chamber therein, said barrier having a base, a top surface, first and second side walls, and first and second ends;

each of said first and second side walls including:

a plurality of non-vertical wall segments connected end-to-end collectively defining a side wall surface;

a plurality of buttresses extending vertically in spaced apart locations along said side wall surface;

said plurality of non-vertical wall segments including:

an upper guide channel horizontally disposed along each side wall surface, said upper guide channel forming an inwardly curved recess in said side wall surface;

a lower guide channel horizontally disposed along said side wall surface, said lower channel forming a second inwardly curved recess spaced apart from said upper guide channel in said side wall surface; and

each of said buttresses having an upper opening and a lower opening therethrough, said upper openings being in horizontal alignment with said upper guide channel and said lower openings being in horizontal alignment with said lower guide channel along said side wall surface, and

interconnection means extending vertically along each first and second ends, whereby said first and second ends are detachably interconnectable with like-configured interconnection means of either first and second ends of like-configured barriers.

8. The protection barrier of claim 7 wherein said elongated barrier is composed of polyethylene material having sufficient density for said first and second side walls to be substantially rigid.

9. The protection barrier of claim 8 wherein said interconnection means including:

a tongue extended from said first end, said tongue extending vertically from said first end between said base to said top surface of said barrier, said tongue extended from an off-center portion of said first end;

an opposed tongue disposed from said second end in a mirror-image configuration of said first end;

a groove indentation in said first end extending vertically along said first end between said base to said top surface of said barrier;

an opposed groove extension disposed in said second end in a mirror-image configuration of said first end; and

said first and second ends having beveled corners, said beveled corners provide for pivotable movement of said tongue of either said first or second end relative to a groove indentation of a like-configured second barrier end when said tongue of either said first or second end of a first barrier is removably inserted into the groove indentation of either end of a like-configured first or second end of the like-configured second barrier, said second end tongue is removably insertable into the groove indentation in either like-configured first or second end of the like-configured barrier for an end-to-end nesting relationship of like-configured barriers.

10. The protection barrier of claim 9 wherein said first and second side walls including:

an upper tube removably extended through each respective upper opening in said plurality of buttresses and said upper guide channel; and

a lower tube removably extended through each respective lower opening in said plurality of buttresses and said lower guide channel;

whereby upon an impact of a vehicle with one of said first or second side walls, said upper tube and said lower tube are impacted with resulting destruction of said upper tube and said lower tube with resulting distribution of impact energy along said upper guide channel and said lower guide channel of the impacted first or second side walls.

11. The protection barrier of claim 10 wherein said first and second side wall including:

said side wall surface inwardly angled from said base to said top surface;

a first cable inserted through said upper tube, said first cable extended through each upper tube of respective like-configured barriers when a plurality of like-configured barriers are interconnected end to end; and

a second cable inserted through said lower tube, said second cable extended through each lower tube of respective like-configured barriers when a plurality of like-configured barriers are interconnected end to end.

12. A protection barrier comprising:

an elongated barrier having a chamber therein, said barrier having a base, a top surface, first and second side walls, and first and second ends having beveled corners;

each of said first and second side walls having a plurality of non-vertical wall segments disposed thereon;

a plurality of buttresses positioned vertically at spaced apart locations along said first and second side walls, each buttress having an upper opening and a spaced apart lower opening therethrough, each upper opening and each lower opening are aligned with respective upper openings and lower openings in adjacent buttresses; and

interconnection means disposed on opposed ends of said barrier, said interconnection means for connecting juxtaposed end-to-end arrangement of like-configured barriers;

whereby said chamber in said barrier is filled with ballast to any of a plurality of heights in said chamber during stationary use of said protection barrier when said interconnection means on opposed ends are connected with like-configured barriers.

13. The protection barrier of claim 12 wherein said plurality of non-vertical wall segments including:

an upper guide channel disposed horizontally between said buttresses along each side wall, said first guide channel aligned with said upper opening through each buttress; and

a tube removably inserted through said upper opening in each buttress and through said upper guide channel disposed along each side wall, whereby said tube provides reinforced structural rigidity for each side wall.

14. The protection barrier of claim 13 wherein said plurality of non-vertical wall segments further including:

a lower guide channel disposed horizontally along each side wall, said lower guide channel being aligned with said lower openings through each buttress; and

a lower tube removably inserted through said lower opening in each buttress and through said lower guide channel disposed along each side wall, whereby said lower tube provides reinforced structural rigidity for each side wall.

15. The protection barrier of claim 14 wherein said barrier having an inlet for receipt of ballast into said chamber, said inlet disposed through said top surface, and an outlet for release of ballast from said hollow interior, said outlet disposed on said first side wall or said second side wall adjacent said base, whereby said chamber is filled with ballast during stationary use.

16. The protection barrier of claim 15 wherein said interconnection means including:

a tongue extended from said first end, said tongue extending vertically along said first end between said base to said top surface of said barrier, said second end having a like-configured tongue extended therefrom;

a groove indentation in each first end extending vertically along said first end between said base to said top surface of said barrier, said second end having a like-configured groove therein;

said beveled corners of said first and second ends provide for pivotable movement of said tongue of either said first or second end relative to a groove indentation of a like-configured second barrier end when said tongue of either said first or second end of a first barrier is removably inserted into the groove indentation of either like-configured first or second ends of the like-configured second barrier in the nested relationship with like-configured barriers; and

a connector member having a keyhole slot therein, said connector member is pivotably disposed on an end post extended from said barrier top surface proximal to each opposed first and second ends of said barrier;

whereby said tongue of said first end of one barrier is removably inserted into said groove indentation of either of a like-configured first and second end of a similar configured barrier, said connector member is removably disposed to bind each respective tongue inserted in each respective groove indentation in like-configured ends of like-configured barriers.

17. A protection barrier system for positioning adjacent an immovable structure, comprising:

an elongated barrier having a hollow chamber therein, said barrier having a base, a top surface, first and second side walls, and first and second ends having beveled corners;

a plurality of non-vertical wall segments disposed in connecting relationship defining a side wall surface of said first side wall, said non-vertical wall segments having an upper guide channel and a lower guide channel disposed horizontally between said wall segments, said upper and lower guide channels extended horizontally between said first and second ends;

a plurality of buttresses positioned vertically at spaced apart locations along said first side wall, each buttress having an upper opening and a spaced apart lower opening therethrough, each upper opening and each lower opening are aligned with respective upper openings and lower openings in adjacent buttresses;

interconnection means disposed on opposed ends of said barrier, said interconnection means for connecting juxtaposed end-to-end arrangement of like-configured barriers; and

said second side wall being substantially planar and opposed from said first side wall;

whereby said chamber in said barrier is filled with ballast to any of a plurality of heights in said chamber during stationary use of said protection barrier having said planar second side wall disposed adjacent an immovable structure, said interconnection means on opposed ends are connectable in nested relationship with like-configured barriers.

18. The protection barrier system of claim 17 wherein said interconnection means including:

a tongue extended from said first end, said tongue extending vertically along said first end between said base to said top surface of said barrier, said second end having a like-configured tongue extended therefrom; and

a groove indentation in each first end extending vertically along said first end between said base to said top surface of said barrier, said second end having a like-configured groove therein;

said beveled corners of said first and second ends provide for pivotable movement of said tongue of either said first or second end relative to a groove indentation of a like-configured second barrier end when said tongue of either said first or second end of a first barrier is removably inserted into the groove indentation of either like-configured first or second ends of the like-configured second barrier in the nested relationship with like-configured barriers; and

a connector member having a keyhole slot therein, said connector member is pivotably disposed on an end post extended from said barrier top surface proximal to each opposed first and second ends of said barrier;

whereby said tongue of said first end of one barrier is removably inserted into said groove indentation of either of a like-configured first and second end of a similar configured barrier, said connector member is removably disposed to bind each respective tongue inserted in each respective groove indentation in like-configured ends of like-configured barriers.

19. The protection barrier system of claim 18 wherein said upper and lower guide channels including:

said upper guide channel horizontally disposed in alignment with said upper openings of respective buttresses on said first side wall;

said lower guide channel horizontally disposed in alignment with said lower openings of respective buttresses on said first side wall;

an upper tube removably extended through each respective upper openings of respective buttresses and said upper guide channel; and

a lower tube removably extended through each respective lower openings of respective buttresses and said lower guide channel;

whereby upon an impact of a vehicle with said first side wall, said upper tube and said lower tube are impacted with resulting destruction of said upper tube, said lower tube and respective buttresses impacted with distribution of impact energy along said upper guide channel, said lower guide channel and said plurality of non-vertical wall segments of the impacted first side wall.

20. A protection barrier system comprising:

an elongated barrier having a chamber therein, said barrier having a base, a top surface, first and second side walls, and first and second ends;

each of said first and second side walls having a plurality of non-vertical wall segments disposed thereon;

a plurality of buttresses positioned vertically at spaced apart locations along said first and second side walls, each buttress having an upper opening and a spaced apart lower opening therethrough, each upper opening and each lower opening are aligned with respective upper openings and lower openings in adjacent buttresses; and

interconnection means disposed on opposed ends of said barrier, said interconnection means for connecting juxtaposed end-to-end nested arrangement of a plurality of like-configured barriers;

whereby said chamber in said barrier is filled with ballast to each of a plurality of heights in said chamber during stationary use of said barrier when said interconnection means on opposed ends are connected in end-to-end nested arrangement of a plurality of like-configured barriers.

21. The protection barrier system of claim 20 wherein said interconnection means including:

a tongue extended from said first end, said tongue extending vertically along said first end between said base to said top surface of said barrier, said second end having a like-configured tongue extended therefrom; and

a groove indentation in each first end extending vertically along said first end between said base to said top surface of said barrier, said second end having a like-configured groove therein; and

a connector member having a keyhole slot therein, said connector member is pivotably disposed on an end post extended from said barrier top surface proximal to either opposed first and second ends of said barrier;

whereby said tongue of said first end of said barrier is removably inserted into said groove indentation of either of a like-configured first and second end of a like-configured second barrier, said connector member is removably disposed to retain said tongue inserted in said groove indentation of either of the like-configured first and second ends of the end-to-end nested arrangement of the plurality of like-configured barriers.

22. The protection barrier system of claim 21 wherein said plurality of non-vertical wall segments including:

an upper guide channel disposed horizontally between said buttresses along each side wall, said upper guide channel aligned with said upper opening through each buttress; and

an upper tube removably inserted through said upper opening in each buttress and through said upper guide channel disposed along each side wall, whereby said upper tube is aligned horizontally with tubes removably inserted through respective upper guide channels of the end-to-end nested arrangement of the plurality of like-configured barriers.

23. The protection barrier system of claim 22 wherein said plurality of non-vertical wall segments further including:

a lower guide channel disposed horizontally along each side wall, said lower guide channel being aligned with said lower openings through each buttress; and

a lower tube removably inserted through said lower opening in each buttress and through said lower guide channel disposed along each side wall, whereby said lower tube is aligned horizontally with tubes removably inserted through respective lower guide channels of the end-to-end nested arrangement of the plurality of like-configured barriers.

24. The protection barrier system of claim 23, including:

an upper cable extended through said upper guide channel disposed along each side wall of like-configured end-to-end nested barriers;

a lower cable extended through said lower guide channel disposed along each side wall of like-configured end-to-end nested barriers; and

said upper cable and said lower cable being tensioned between opposed non-nested barrier ends of the end-to-end nested arrangement of a plurality of like-configured end-to-end nested barriers.

25. The protection barrier system of claim 24, further including:

a first connector bracket disposed on one end of the non-nested barrier ends of the end-to-end nested arrangement of the plurality of like-configured nested barriers, said connector bracket having a plurality of side-mounted horizontal tubes disposed to align with said upper guide channels and said lower guide channels through which each cable is extended, each upper and lower cable having a cable end disposed through one of each of said side-mounted horizontal tubes for attaching of connectors for retention of each cable end extended through respective upper and lower guide channels in the barrier abutting said first connector bracket; and

a second connector bracket disposed on the opposed end of the non-nested barrier ends of the end-to-end nested arrangement of the plurality of like-configured nested barriers, said second connector bracket having a plurality of side-mounted horizontal tubes disposed to align with said upper guide channels and said lower guide channels through which each cable is extended, each upper and lower cable having a distal cable end disposed through one of each side-mounted horizontal tubes for attaching of connectors for retention of each cable end extended through respective upper and lower guide channels in the barrier abutting said second connector bracket.

26. The protection barrier system of claim 24, further including:

a first end member disposed proximal one end of the non-nested barrier ends of the plurality of like-configured nested barriers, said end member having first and second side walls aligned with each respective side wall of the adjacent nested barrier, said end member having an outer curved end and an inwardly arcuate end including:

a tongue extended from said arcuate end, said tongue extending vertically along said arcuate end; and

a groove indentation in said arcuate end, said groove indentation extending vertically along said arcuate end;

whereby said tongue and said groove indentation of said first end member are disposed to mate with respective groove indentation and tongue of one of the non-nested barrier ends of the plurality of like-configured nested barriers;

said first and second side walls including a plurality of non-vertical wall segments disposed at heights comparable to said first and second side walls of the plurality of like-configured nested barriers;

a like-configured second end member disposed proximal an opposed non-nested barrier end of the plurality of like-configured nested barriers; and

said upper and lower cables disposed to extend from said first end member to said like-configured second end member, said upper and lower cables extended along each first and second side wall of the plurality of like-configured nested barriers.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

This invention pertains to temporary barriers utilized for channeling of vehicles and protection of workers along roads. More particularly, this invention pertains to movable energy-absorbing barriers having a plurality of configurations providing multiple levels of collision protection.

2. Description of the Related Art

Safety barriers are utilized along roadways and near building construction sites to channel vehicles past construction areas in order to minimize vehicle intrusion into worker occupied areas for protection of workers from vehicle impacts. Prior safety barriers typically include portable containers composed of semi-rigid plastic material formed into various shapes that are generally light-weight for transport between work sites, but can be filled with sand or water during use as a stationary barrier. Prior elongated safety barriers include end portions that are generally planar to allow end-to-end positioning of rectangular shaped barriers. A vehicle can penetrate through a line of prior safety barriers at any uncoupled end junction upon impact at or near the end junction, with a significant risk of intrusion into a worker occupied area.

A prior art safety barrier is illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, with the barrier including differently configured, opposed end surfaces that must mate with a second barrier end having a reversed configuration. The differently configured first end and second end surfaces of the prior art barriers typically require an end post or a locking pin to be manipulated through a second end slot or hole of a second barrier end. If the supporting surface is uneven, such as broken pavement, the first barrier end post or locking pin may not fit into an inadequately mated second end slot or hole. A vehicle impacting the prior art barriers positioned end-to-end can break through at the inadequately mated barrier ends without a significant amount of energy absorption by either end of the prior art barriers. Therefore, a vehicle can penetrate through the prior art barriers and into a worker occupied zone while retaining significant momentum.

A protection barrier system is needed that provides rapid assembly and disassembly of like-configured barrier ends, regardless of barrier length and without assembly disruption due to uneven supporting surfaces. There is a need for a protection barrier system that includes a barrier having side wall surfaces which distribute the force of a side impact along the side wall surfaces to minimize breaching of the barrier. A further need is a barrier system which supports a supplemental energy-absorbing system utilized with a plurality of like-configured nested barriers to provide energy-absorption and impact force distribution over numerous side wall surfaces of the plurality of like-configured nested barriers.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a protection barrier system is disclosed having a plurality of uses including channeling of vehicular traffic, providing energy-absorption and containment of vehicular impacts, controlling crowds, delineating parking areas, and providing a secure perimeter around buildings. The protection barrier system includes an elongated barrier defining a chamber therein. The barrier includes first and second side walls having a plurality of non-vertical wall segments disposed thereon. A plurality of buttresses are positioned vertically at spaced apart locations along each side wall. At least one guide channel is carried by each side wall, with the guide channel being positioned in horizontal alignment with similar guide channels on like-configured barriers. A like-configured coupling is disposed on each opposed end of the barrier, with the coupling for connecting of either barrier end juxtaposed in end-to-end arrangement with like-configured barriers. One embodiment of the side wall includes the plurality of non-vertical wall segments being connected to define a continuous side wall surface having an upper guide channel and a lower guide channel, with each guide channel disposed horizontally along each side wall surface. Each buttress includes an upper opening and a lower opening aligned with respective upper and lower guide channels of the side walls. The upper and lower guide channels provide improved energy-absorbing and impact force distribution for lateral channeling of a vehicle upon impact with the barrier. The like-configured coupling on each barrier end is removably coupled with a like-configured coupling on the first end or the second end of a similar configured barrier to provide end-to-end nesting of a selected length of similar configured barriers oriented in a straight or a curved orientation. A supplemental energy-absorbing system is detachably connectable between opposed ends of a plurality of end-to-end nested barriers. Aligned upper and lower tubes are removably insertable through each upper and lower guide channel of respective barrier side walls, and upper and lower cables are inserted through the tubes. The upper and lower cables are fixed at the opposed, non-nested ends of the barriers by connecting to end connector members that provide support and tension for each cable extended through the upper and lower tubes of end-to-end nested barriers. The energy of a vehicle impacting the barrier is absorbed by the side walls and the supplemental energy-absorbing system, thereby channeling a vehicle along respective side walls of nested barriers to deter a vehicle from passing over or breaching the coupled ends of the end-to-end nested barriers. A method of manufacture for the protection barrier is also disclosed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned features of the invention will become more clearly understood from the following detailed description of the invention read together with the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a prior art safety barrier;

FIG. 2 is a perspective side view illustrating one end of the prior art safety barrier of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective side view illustrating an opposed end of the prior art safety barrier of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a protection barrier system of the present invention, illustrating one embodiment of a protection barrier;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the protection barrier of FIG. 4, illustrating the side wall structure of the barrier;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the protection barrier of FIG. 5, illustrating the relationship of a tongue protrusion and a groove in both ends of the barrier;

FIG. 7a is a section view along 7a--7a of FIG. 6, illustrating a plurality of wall segments of the side wall surface of the barrier;

FIG. 7b is a section view along 7b--7b of FIG. 6, illustrating the relationship of a buttress and a plurality of channels on each side wall surface;

FIG. 8a is a detailed side view of an upper channel depicted in FIG. 7a;

FIG. 8b is a detailed side view of a lower channel depicted in FIG. 7a;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the ends of two barriers nested end-to-end;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an end connector depicted in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a top view of one end of a barrier depicted in FIG. 4;

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of a barrier depicted in FIG. 4;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of protection barriers connectable end-to-end and having a supplemental energy-absorbing system attachable thereto;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a end connector attached to cables of the supplemental energy-absorbing system depicted in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is an exploded view of the end connector of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the end connector of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an additional alternative embodiment of the barrier and end connector of FIG. 14;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of protection barriers connected end-to-end and having the energy-absorbing system attached to channel a vehicle laterally along the length of the side walls of end-to-end nested protection barriers;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of one alternative embodiment of the protection barrier of FIG. 4;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an additional alternative embodiment of the protection barrier of FIG. 4;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a plurality of like-configured barriers connected in a curved orientation; and

FIG. 22 is an end view of an additional embodiment of the protection barrier of FIG. 7b.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A protection barrier system 10 is disclosed having a plurality of configurations to provide multiple levels of protection during use for channeling vehicular traffic, providing impact energy-absorption as roadway barriers, controlling crowds, delineating parking areas, and providing security around buildings. The protection barrier system 10 is illustrated in FIG. 4 and includes an elongated barrier 12 having a hollow interior 12' enclosed by a base 14, a top surface 22, a first side wall 32, a second side wall 32', a first end 54 and a like-configured second end 54'. The elongated barrier 12 is connectable end-to-end by nesting of either end 54, 54' with additional like-configured ends of similar configured protection barriers to form a plurality of barriers aligned in straight or curved orientations. The length of each barrier 12 can be increased during a production process to provide alternative lengths (see FIGS. 12 and 13) depending on the use. During assembly of a plurality of interconnected barriers, each protection barrier can be fortified with an impact reinforcement system having additional energy-absorbing members 80 that are removably insertable through either side wall or both side walls 32, 32' of each barrier 12 for use along rural roads, along highway work zones, and in dense traffic zones where frequent barrier impacts are anticipated.

One embodiment of the elongated barrier 12 includes a generally upright shape having a base 14 that is wider than the top surface 22. The outer walls of the barrier 12 are formed of a polyethylene material of selected thickness 12" (see FIGS. 8a and 8b) and density in order to provide a substantially rigid shape having an outer surface layer that is generally resistant to degradation from the weather. The barrier 12 provides an energy-absorbing barrier having an empty weight in a range of between about 50 pounds to about 200 pounds. The lower weight range for the barrier 12 is due to a polyethylene wall thickness of about 3/16 inch for each surface of the barrier 12. A barrier 12 having a lighter weight of about 50 pounds to about 100 pounds is utilized for controlling pedestrians, controlling crowds at public gatherings, and for delineating parking areas. The upper weight range is due to a polyethylene wall thickness of about 1/2 inch for each surface of the barrier 12. A barrier 12 having a heavier weight of greater than about 100 pounds is utilized for channeling vehicular traffic, providing impact energy-absorption as roadway barriers, and providing security around buildings. In order to meet and exceed the highway barrier certification standards provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for speed zones of 42 mph or higher, one embodiment for the barrier 12 includes a polyethylene wall thickness of between about 1/4 inch to about 1/2 inch, and a height of about forty-two inches from the base 14 to the top surface 22. For additional uses such as crowd control, parking area delineation, building security barriers and/or police and fire security barriers, the height of alternative barriers can vary in a range from about thirty inches in height to about forty-eight inches in height. A standard width of the base 14 between the lower base segment 34 of the first side 32 and the opposed lower base segment 34' of the second side 32' is about twenty-four inches, with alternative embodiments having a base width in a range from about twenty inches to about thirty inches. An outer width of the top surface 22 is about ten inches to about twelve inches in width. Each upper side edge of the barrier 12 is rounded at about an inch radius in a preferred embodiment, therefore the substantially planar portion of the top surface 22 is about ten inches in width.

The barrier 12 illustrated in FIGS. 4-6 is formed by a rotational molding production process utilizing four segments of molded and shaped polyethylene material formed into two identical side walls 32, 32' that are joined along part line 30, and two like-configured ends 54, 54' that are joined at part lines 72, 72' at opposed ends of the joined side walls 32, 32'. An axial length of the hollow interior 12' between the base of the first end 54 and the second end 54' includes at least three alternative lengths for the barrier 12 depending on the use. A first length for the barrier 12 includes an overall length (OAL) of about seven feet, six inches (89.5 inches), and includes a nested length of about 81.25 inches when each end 54, 54' is connected to a like-configured end of similar configured barriers 110 (see FIG. 13). The first length is formed by the step of joining two identical side walls 32, 32', combined with a step of bonding identical ends 54, 54' to opposed ends of the side walls 32, 32'. A second length for a barrier 210 (see FIG. 19) includes an OAL of about thirteen feet, three inches, and a nested length of about twelve feet, six inches. The second length is formed by at least one step of joining two identical side wall sections 32, 32 end-to-end to form one side, repeating the step of joining for two identical side wall sections 32', 32' end-to-end to form the second side wall section, and a step of bonding identical ends 54, 54' to opposed ends of the side wall sections. A third length for the barrier 310 (see FIG. 20) includes an OAL of about nineteen feet, zero inches, and a nested length of about eighteen feet, four inches. The third length is formed by at least two steps of joining three identical side wall sections 32, 32, 32 end-to-end to form one side wall section, repeating the step of joining for three identical side wan sections 32', 32', 32' end-to-end to form the second side wall section, and a step of bonding identical ends 54, 54' to opposed ends of the side wall sections. The joining and bonding steps can be accomplished during molding by using heat, pressure, and/or adhesive compounds utilizing techniques for joining polyethylene materials or similar materials that are fluid when heated and become rigid when cooled as known to those skilled in the art.

The base 14 includes bottom surface features that facilitate the movement of each barrier 12 between sites of use without excessive wear on the polyethylene exterior surfaces. Two elongated slots 16, 16" originate in the lower base segment 34 and extend as channels through the lower surface of the base 14 to slots 16', 16'" (not shown) in the lower base segment 34' of the second side wall 32' (identical in FIG. 4 to first side wall 32). The width of each slot is sized to allow a pair of forks of a forklift to be inserted through and under the base 14 for lifting the barrier 12 to a preferred position along a roadway, or for lifting onto a truck for transport to a second location. In order to drain any ballast from the interior chamber or hollow interior 12', and to reduce the mass of the barrier 12 during transport, drain holes 18, 18' that are stoppered by replaceable plug 20 (see FIG. 4), and second plug 20' (see FIG. 5), are provided at opposed corners of the junction of the base 14 and each end 54, 54', as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5.

The barrier 12 is preferably formed out of polyethylene material by a method of manufacture and assembly, such as a rotational molding production method. In the preferred embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7a and 7b, the thickness of each wall of the barrier 12 is about 5/16 inches. One embodiment includes a hollow interior cavity that extends through a lower portion of the barrier 12. A preferred embodiment provides a hollow interior cavity 12' that extends through a substantial portion of the lower and upper portions of the barrier 12 (see FIGS. 7a and 7b). The interior cavity 12' is substantially leak-tight for receiving and retaining liquid or granular ballast material such as liquid mixtures of water and anti-freezing agents, foam materials, or granular solids such as sand. The liquid or granular ballast material increases the mass of the barrier 12 to improve energy absorption of a vehicle impact, while maintaining the height of the center of gravity at a level of about 16.0 inches to about 16.7 inches above the bottom surface of the base 1 to minimize overturning of the barrier 12. The interior ballast, whether liquid, foam, or granular materials, is added through inlet 24' (see FIG. 6) disposed within the central indentation 24 on the top surface 22. Any liquids or granular materials exceeding the fill-volume are directed by indentation 24 to drain laterally along drain channel 28, 28' (see FIGS. 4-6). A removable plug 26 is provided to cover inlet 24' between additions of liquid, foam or granular ballast. The barrier 12 can be utilized without ballast materials therein for use in areas where low-energy impacts with barriers are expected along roads having speed limits of about 35 miles per hour or less. A preferred height of the center of gravity for a fluid filled barrier 12 is about 16.0 inches to about 16.7 inches above a bottom surface of the base 14. With the addition or draining of ballast, the height of the center of gravity of the barrier 12 can be adjusted depending on the anticipated need for energy absorption by barriers impacted by vehicles along roads where frequent vehicle impacts are anticipated.

In one embodiment of the barrier 12, both first side wall 32 and second side wall 32' have a similar configuration. For each side wall 32, 32', a plurality of non-vertical wall segments include a lower impact zone and an upper impact zone that are disposed between a lower base segment 34 that is vertically oriented above the base 14, and the rounded side edge of top surface 22. One skilled in the art will recognize that the dimensions of the preferred embodiment described herein for the side wall 32 can vary within a range of height dimensions that may be modified during the method of manufacture and assembly to meet the anticipated uses of each barrier. The preferred embodiment includes the lower base segment 34 extended from a rounded corner at the base 14 to a height of about 7.7 inches to about 8.0 inches above the base 14. The lower base segment 34 can be angled inwardly at a slight angle, or can be oriented generally vertical from the base 14. The lower impact zone includes a lower angled segment 36 extended from a connection with the lower base segment 34 at a height of about 7.7 inches to about 8.0 inches above the base 14, to connect with a lower portion of a curved lower guide channel 38 at a height of between about 14.6 inches to about 14.8 inches above the base 14. The inwardly oriented angle of the lower angled segment 36 is between about 40 degrees to about 50 degrees. An inwardly curved surface 96 of the lower guide channel 38 has a radius of between about 1.4 inches radius to about 1.5 inches radius. The center of the curved surface 96 and the lower guide channel 38 are between about 16 inches to about 16.2 inches above the base 14. The curved surface 96 is curved for a circumference that approximates a half circle (i. e. about 180 degrees along the inwardly curved surface 96)(see FIG. 8b). An upper boundary of guide channel 38, at a height of between about 17.5 inches to about 17.7 inches, is connected to a lower overhang 40" of a middle angled segment 40 that extends upwards at an inwardly oriented angle of between about 40 degrees to about 50 degrees. The lower impact zone is generally bounded by the lower overhang 40", and the curved surface 96 within channel 38, which are designed to be positioned at a height predicted to align the overhang 40" and lower guide channel 38 with the approximate height of the bumper of a small vehicle. The lower impact zone is positioned at the height of between 16 inches and 18 inches above the road surface for receiving of an initial impact from a bumper of a small vehicle to direct the vehicle laterally along the side wall 32 instead of up and over the barrier 12.

The upper impact zone includes the middle angled segment 40 connected with a middle sloped segment 42 at a height above the base 14 in a range of between about 22.0 inches to about 22.5 inches. The sloped segment 42 extends at an upwardly and inwardly oriented angle of between about 75 degrees to about 85 degrees. The middle sloped segment 42 connects at an upper end with a lower curved portion of an upper guide channel 44 at a height of between about 28.4 inches to about 28.7 inches above the base 14. The upper guide channel 44 includes upper curved surface 92 having a radius of between about 1.4 inches radius to about 1.5 inches radius that is about 30.0 inches to about 30.2 inches above the base 14. The upper portion of curved surface 92 and guide channel 44 is bounded by upper overhang 46", at a height of between about 31.4 inches to about 31.6 inches above the base 14. The upper boundary of curved surface 92 is extended for a circumference of about a half circle or greater than a half circle (i. e. about 180 degrees along the inwardly curved surface 92)(see FIG. 8a), from the lower curved portion of upper guide channel 44, to accentuate the upper overhang 46" extending laterally from upper sloped segment 46. The upper sloped segment 46 extends upwards and inwardly at an angle of between about 80 degrees to about 85 degrees to connect with the curved side edge of top surface 22 at a height of between about 41.0 inches to about 42.0 inches above the base 14. The upper guide channel 44 and upper overhang 46" are positioned at a height predicted to provide the guide channel 44 and overhang 46" as an upper boundary for an initial impact along the side wall 32 by a bumper of a large vehicle. Upper guide channel 44 and upper overhang 46" will preferably direct a large vehicle laterally along the side wall 32 instead of up and over the barrier 12. The barrier 12 provides improved work zone protection by the upper guide channel 44 engaging the bumper of a vehicle 102 during a side wall impact and the upper curved surface 92 restricting the bumper of a large or small vehicle from moving above overhang 46". The upper and lower impact zones of the side wall 32 channel a vehicle's impact in a lateral direction 102' along the barrier 12, therefore reducing the likelihood of a vehicle 102 moving over the barrier 12.

The plurality of non-vertical wall segments include wall segments having different angles and slopes 36, 40, 42, 46, and includes curved guide channels 38, 44, that provide a convoluted surface possessing a greater ability to absorb and dissipate energy from a side wall impact than previous straight wall barriers, or prior barriers having a single side wall curvature or having one angle for the side wall surface. The plurality of non-vertical wall segments of one embodiment of the protection barrier 12 (see FIG. 4), are connected end-to-end in water-tight connection to define side walls 32, 32' that are each upwardly angled as the plurality of wall segments extend from the base 14 to the top surface 22 of the barrier. The upwardly angled side walls 32, 32' extend from a wide base 14 and provide a barrier 12 having a low center of gravity when the interior chamber 12' is filled with liquid or granular ballast, allowing the barrier 12 to be preferably moved laterally during a side impact instead of being pushed over upon impact.

Additional rigidity for each side wall 32, 32' is provided by at least two buttresses 48a, 48e disposed vertically at spaced apart locations between the first end 54 and the second end 54'. A preferred embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 4-6, includes five vertical buttresses 48a-48e disposed a spaced apart distance apart between the first end 54 and the second end 54'. Each buttress 48a-48e is formed during the production process to be positioned vertically at spaced apart locations along each side wall surface. The buttresses 48a-48e are extended laterally from each side wall surface so that the outer edge surface of each buttress (see FIG. 7a and 7b) is generally disposed laterally outwards of the side wall surface along a mid-portion of the plurality of non-vertical wall segments including the surfaces extending from the lower angled segment 36 to the overhang 46" (see FIGS. 4, 5, 7a and 7b). The outer disposed buttresses 48a, 48e near to the opposed barrier ends 54, 54', have a width of about one and one-half inches. The inwardly disposed buttresses 48b-48d have a width of about three inches. In one embodiment, each vertical buttress includes at least one hole 50 therethrough. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, each respective buttress includes holes 50a-50e horizontally aligned a selected distance above the base 14. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5 and 7a-8b and 13, two sets of holes are disposed through each buttress. An upper hole 50 and a lower hole 52 are positioned respectively through an upper portion and a lower portion of each buttress for each side wall 32, 32'. The respective upper holes 50 are aligned horizontally along the upper guide channel 44 of each side wall 32, 32'. The lower holes 52 are aligned horizontally along the lower guide channel 38 of each side wall 32, 32'. For additional side wall rigidity, an adequately sized tube 90 is removably inserted through each upper hole 50 and upper guide channel 44 (see FIGS. 8a and 13). A similar adequately sized tube 94 is removably inserted through each lower hole 52 and the lower guide channel 38 (see FIGS. 8b and 13). The upper tube 90 and lower tube 94 remain horizontally aligned through each respective buttress 48a-48e, providing supplemental energy-absorption during an impact by a vehicle 102 against each side wall 32, 32' as discussed further herein.

The barrier 12 includes each end 54, 54' including a coupling having elements providing interconnection means for connecting a plurality of like-configured barriers end-to-end. The elements of the coupling are disposed on each opposed barrier end to form the barrier ends 54, 54' joined along respective part lines 72, 72' to each end portion of like-configured side walls 32, 32'. The elements for the coupling provide interconnection means for releasably interlocking either like-configured end 54, 54' of a first barrier 12 with either like-configured end 54 or 54' of a similar configured barriers 12 (see FIG. 13). A plurality of like-configured barriers 12 can be releasably mated together in end-to-end alignment to provide barriers positioned along a roadside in generally straight orientation and/or positioned in a curved orientation 110 (see FIGS. 13, 17 and 20). The like-configured ends 54, 54' are mirror configurations and allow rapid coupling by mating ends 54, 54', or ends 54, 54 of like-configured barriers 12 without assembly disruption due to uneven supporting roadway surfaces.

One component of the coupling includes a receiving channel or groove 58 that extends vertically within each end 54, 54' (see FIGS. 9 and 11). The groove 58 can extend either a partial distance from the base 14 to approximately a mid-portion of the ends 54, 54', or the groove 58 can extend along an upper portion of each end 54, 54' from the mid-section to approximately the top surface 22. A preferred embodiment for the groove 58 includes a vertical extension along substantially the full height of each end from the base 14 to an end channel 62 recessed in each upper end of the top surface 22 (see FIG. 4). A second component of the coupling includes a tongue 56 protruding from each end 54, 54' at a distance F of about 5.6 inches from one corner of each end 54, 54'. The distance E of protrusion from each end 54, 54' is about 3.7 inches along an outwardly faced curved surface extended to a tongue end 56'. The tongue 56 also protrudes about 3.5 inches along an inner faced curved surface from the opening 60 of the groove 58. The inner faced curved surface of tongue 56 is contiguous with an inner portion of the groove 58, forming an inner side boundary of the groove 58. The tongue 56 and the adjacent groove 58 extend vertically from the base 14 to the end channel 62 in the top surface 22. An end width A is about 24 inches for each top portion of each end 54, 54', as measured across each end channel 62 (see FIGS. 9 and 11). Distance G of about 4.2 inches forms the depth of each corner of each end 54, 54' from respective part lines 72, 72' (see FIG. 11).

The protrusion end 56' of the tongue 56 is shaped to mate in engaging relationship with a groove 58 of a like-configured barrier end 54, 54' in end-to-end orientation of two or more nested barriers 110 (see FIGS. 9 and 17). The groove 58 is generally a rounded "V" shape that includes first side C of about 4.7 inches in length, and second side D of about 3.5 inches in length (see FIG. 11). The first side C and second side D of each groove 58 are non-linear and have changing or involute curvatures providing angles of separation which vary for each of an inner portion 58', a middle portion 58", and an outer portion 58'". When viewed in cross-section, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the opposed side segments of the groove inner portion 58' have an angle of separation between about 41 degrees to about 42 degrees. The opposed side segments of the groove middle portion 58" have an angle of separation between about 27 degrees to about 28 degrees. The opposed side segments of the groove outer portion 58'" have an angle of separation 60 (see FIG. 6) of between about 42 degrees to about 43 degrees. The various angles of separation for the groove 58 allow the insertion end 56' of a tongue 56 having an angled width of about 27 degrees or less to be releasably nested into the inner portion 58' of the groove 58 of either end 54, 54' of a second barrier 12. A first outer corner of groove 58 is disposed a width B of about 5.5 inches inwardly from one outer corner of the end 54. The outer angled surface of tongue 56 is disposed a width F of about 5.6 inches from the second outer corner of the end 54 (see FIG. 11).

Each opposed outer corner of each end 54, 54' are complementary edges disposed in angled configuration to permit hinged movement of each end 54, 54' when nested together. Each outer corner of respective nested barriers includes a beveled edge having an angle 68 of about 7.5 degrees less than a generally squared corner. An alternative embodiment for each opposed outer corner of each end 54, 54' can include a beveled surface having an alternative angle selected from a range of angles of about 7.5 degrees to about 15 degrees less than a generally squared corner. Upon insertion of tongue 56 of a first barrier end 54 into a groove 58 of a second barrier end, the angles 68 of each beveled edge of ends 54, 54' provide for pivotable movement 70 of the tongue 56 of one barrier end 54 relative to a groove 58 of a second barrier end 54 or 54'. The beveled corners of each end 54, 54' provide for pivotable movement 70 of about 7.5 degrees to about 15 degrees of pivoting movement for the barrier end 54 relative to the second barrier end 54 or 54' when nested end-to-end. The range of pivotable movement 70 (see FIG. 9) of about 7.5 degrees to about 15 degrees of pivoting movement for coupled, barrier ends will allow about thirteen barriers (see FIG. 21), to form a ninety degree change of direction having a radius 112 varying on the nested length of each individual barrier (see FIGS. 4, 18-21).

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the nested barrier ends 54 and 54, or barrier ends 54 and 54', are maintained in an interconnected, nesting relationship while allowing for a degree of pivotable movement 70. A nesting relationship of a tongue 56 of a first barrier end 54 is retained in a coupled, nesting relationship in a groove 58 of a second barrier end 54 by removably attaching an end connector member 66 having a single keyhole end (not shown), or preferably having double keyhole openings in opposed ends of an elongated slot 67 (see FIG. 10). A first keyhole opening 66" is defined within a rounded first connector end 66'. A second keyhole opening 66"" is defined within a rounded second connector end 66'". When two or more barriers are nested end-to-end, the first keyhole opening 66" of the first connector end 66' is pivotably disposed on a channel post 64 of the first barrier end 54. The width of elongated slot 67 is approximately the width of a base diameter of the channel post 64. Each channel post 64 includes an outer flanged end having an outer diameter that is less than the diameter of either first keyhole opening 66" and second keyhole opening 66"", but the channel post outer diameter is greater than the width of elongated slot 67. The second keyhole opening 66"" of the second connector end 66'" is pivotably disposed on a channel post 64 of a like-configured second barrier end 54 or 54'. Upon placement of the end connector member 66 around respective channel posts 64, 64 of nested barrier ends 54, 54', a range of pivotable movement 70 is allowed for the movement of tongue 56 in groove 58 without each barrier end 54, 54' becoming disengaged. The end connector member 66 is composed of polyethylene material, a metal, or a comparable rigid material that retains its shape when the barrier ends 54, 54' are pivotably moved within a range of pivotable movement 70 for each pair of nested barrier ends (see FIG. 9). When the barrier ends 54, 54' are not nested together, the end connector member 66 is pivotable within the end channel 62 of either barrier end 54 or 54' and is retractable toward either channel drain indentation 62', 62" (see phantom depiction for connector member 66 in FIG. 9).

One embodiment of the protection barrier system 10 is illustrated in FIGS. 13-15, providing for the addition of a supplemental energy-absorbing system 80 to one or more nested barriers 110 that are aligned end-to-end. The energy-absorbing system 80 includes members that are extended through respective guide channels 38, 44 and holes 50, 52 in either or both sides 32, 32' of the nested barriers 110 (see FIGS. 13 and 14). Installation of the energy-absorbing system 80 provides the nested barriers 110 with additional energy-adsorbing capabilities and improved means for distributing impact forces along the side wall 32 or 32' upon impact by any of a variety of vehicle sizes and shapes.

An alternative embodiment for the barrier 12 is illustrated in FIG. 17, depicting an alternative barrier 130 having a plurality of non-vertical wall segments 132, 132' disposed along the opposed wall surfaces, but without the plurality of buttresses formed into each side wall surfaces. Each side wall surface includes: a lower base segment 134, a lower angled segment 136, a lower guide channel 138, a middle angled segment 140, a middle sloped segment 142, an upper guide channel 144, and an upper sloped segment 146. The barrier 130 includes opposed wall surfaces without buttresses thereon for use in controlling pedestrians, controlling crowds at public gatherings, for delineating parking areas, and for roadside uses where speeds are typically less than about 35 mph. The barrier 130 can be filled with liquid or granular ballast disposed through an access port 124 (cover not shown), and drained from a drain hole 118 (plug not shown). The barrier 130 can be utilized without ballast therein to provide a light-weight, easily positioned barrier. The barrier 130 includes opposed ends 154, 154' with couplings having a tongue protrusion 156 and a groove 158 that allow either end 154, 154' to be coupled in end-to-end nested configuration with either end 154, 154' of a like-configured barrier 130 (without side wall buttresses), or with either end 54, 54' of barrier 110 (having side wall buttresses). Another alternative barrier includes a barrier configured as illustrated in FIG. 12, with two or more buttresses but without an upper hole 50 or a lower hole 52 through each buttress. The alternative barrier, lacking upper holes 50 or lower holes 52 in each buttress, is coupled end-to-end with like-configured ends of similar barriers, but without cables or tubes extended through each respective barrier side wall. The alternative barrier is utilized by positioning adjacent and parallel to, either in front of or behind, similar barriers to provide a plurality of barrier layers for impact absorption without cables or tubes ex