A Post for retaining cables and the like

STATEMENT OF CORRESPONDING APPLICATIONS

This application is based on the provisional specification filed in relation to New Zealand Patent Application Number 546969, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a post. In particular, the present invention relates to a post 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 for cable barriers for roading networks and/or vehicle road lanes requiring separation by a barrier. However, it will be appreciated that other applications that require cable barriers or posts will also exist, without limiting the scope of the invention.

BACKGROUND ART

The current configuration of barrier posts used in constructing a cable barrier for a roading network has a single aperture that projects downwards though the middle of the barrier post. This slot retains one or more barrier cables within the cable barrier system.

However, the 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.

Further, 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 post into position, in order to insert the post into the cable barrier.

Therefore, it would be an advantage to have a barrier post that was of lightweight construction and therefore more cost effective to manufacture, and still provided sufficient lateral support to prevent shearing or buckling of the post upon impact. Having a cable barrier system that allows for easy replacement or insertion of one or more barrier posts within an erected barrier system may also be a further advantage.

It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

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.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

In a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a post, which includes: two or more apertures which, in use, receive and retain at least one cable therein; characterised in that each aperture: has an opening on the side of the post on which the aperture is positioned; and are sequentially positioned along the same side of the post.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a post, which includes: - two or more apertures which, in use, receive and retain at least one cable therein; characterised in that each aperture; has an opening from the side of the post on which the aperture is positioned; and

- wherein the apertures are sequentially positioned along alternate sides of the post.

In a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a post, which includes: - three or more apertures which when in use, receive and retain at least one cable therein; characterised in that at least two apertures: have an opening on the side of the post on which the apertures are positioned; - are sequentially positioned along alternate sides of the post; and further characterised in that at least one aperture is centrally positioned on the top of the post.

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.

Preferably, there may be three apertures on the post.

In some preferred embodiments, when there may be three apertures on the post, there are two apertures on one side and one positioned on the other side of the post, preferably between the two other apertures.

In general, the aperture 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 of the aperture may have a variety of different configurations without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In some embodiments, the opening may be configured to help direct a cable into the aperture so the cable can be retained therein.

In further embodiments, the opening 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 where the cable-barrier is directly involved with a suitable force or area 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 opening 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 surface or edge of the opening may be substantially 45° with respect to the longitudinal axis of the post.

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 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 another aspect of the present invention, there may be a cap for the post.

Preferably, the cap for the post may comprise of: - a top portion; and a rim that fits seamlessly over the open-ended top of the post.

In another aspect of the present invention, there may be at least one elongated appendage that may run substantially inside the post.

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).

Preferably, the elongated appendage(s) may connect with the cap of the post. It should be appreciated that the elongated appendage(s) and the cap may connect together prior to or following insertion into the post.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a post socket for a post as substantially described herein, comprising of:

- an opening;

- a body portion.

Preferably, the opening of the post socket may be of a sufficient size and shape to allow a portion of the post to substantially slot inside the cylinder.

Preferably, the body portion may be an elongated cylinder, in the form of a sleeve that securely holds a portion of the post in place.

In a fourth aspect of the present invention, there may also be a cable barrier system that includes:

- a plurality of posts according to the present invention; and - at least one cable retained within at least one aperture of the post.

In a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of constructing a cable barrier system, including the steps of: a plurality of posts according to the present invention; then - laterally pushing at least one barrier cable though at least one aperture on each post.

It should be appreciated from the above description that preferred embodiments of the present invention may have a number of advantages over the prior art including:

- providing a post, preferably for barrier construction, that has lightweight construction;

providing a post that is comparatively inexpensive in the cost to manufacture;

- allows for posts to be inserted into or be removed from an already erected cable barrier system without having to release the cables or dig large post holes to allow room to manoeuvre the post into position.

- allows for the release of a portion of the barrier cable which is located within the region of a substantial deformation of the post, or substantial movement of the barrier cable caused by a collision with the cable- barrier.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a side elevation view of the top section of one preferred embodiment of the barrier post of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows two detail views of one embodiment of an aperture within the barrier post as shown in Figure 1 , where;

Figure 2a shows a detail view of the top portion of the barrier post of the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figure 2b shows a detail view of one aperture of the embodiment, as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2a;

Figure 3 shows views of embodiment of a cap for a barrier post, where;

Figure 3a shows a perspective view of the cap;

Figure 3b shows a front elevation view of the cap;

Figure 3c shows a side elevation view of the cap;

Figure 4 shows views of one embodiment of a post socket for a barrier post where;

Figure 4a shows a side elevation view of the post socket;

Figure 4b shows a perspective view of the post socket;

Figure 5 shows views of an elongated appendage for a barrier post, where;

Figure 5a shows a side elevation view of the elongated appendage;

Figure 5b shows a plan view of the elongated appendage;

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the barrier post with the cap and post socket assembled;

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the barrier post of the first embodiment assembled, with the cap, two elongated appendages and post socket;

Figure 8 shows views of an alternative embodiment of the top section of the barrier post, where;

Figure 8a shows a perspective view of the top section;

Figure 8b shows a side elevation view of the top section;

Figure 9 shows views of another alternative embodiment of the top section for the present invention, where;

Figure 9a shows a perspective view of the top section;

Figure 9b shows a side elevation view of the top section;

Figure 10 shows a cross-section side elevation view of one barrier post while in use in a cable-barrier system;

Figure 1 1 shows a perspective exploded view of one barrier post, cables, cap and post socket while in use in a cable-barrier system;

Figure 12 shows a perspective view of two barrier posts while in use in a cable-barrier system;

Figure 13 shows a photograph of the barrier post while in use in a cable-barrier system; and

Figure 14 shows another photograph of a series of barrier posts while in use in a cable-barrier system.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

With respect to Figure 1 , there is a barrier post as indicated by arrow 1. Along the body of the barrier post 1 , there are a series of three apertures, as indicated by arrows 2 to 4.

Figures 2a and 2b show two detail views of the apertures 2 to 4 within barrier post 1. Figure 2a shows the top portion of Figure 1, and Figure 2b is a detail view of one aperture, aperture 2, as indicated by the circle 200 around the barrier post 1 shown in Figure 2a. As shown in Figure 2b, aperture 2 has an opening 5 and a retaining portion, which is in the form of a wall 6. Wall 6 of the aperture, creates a space 9. The wall 6 also has a lip 10. The opening 5 of the aperture 2 is curved at an approximately 45° angle, as indicated by arrow 8.

Figure's 3a to 3c show one preferred embodiment of a cap for a barrier post 1 , as indicated in the general direction of arrow 300. Cap 300 includes the features of a top portion 310 and a rim 320.

Figure's 4a to 4c show a post socket for a barrier post 1 , as indicated in the general direction of arrow 400. Post socket 400 has an opening, in the form of a rim 410. Additionally, the post socket 400 has a body portion, in the form of an elongated cylinder, indicated by line 420.

Figure's 5a and 5b show an elongated appendage in the form of a sleeve 500. As shown in Figure 5b, the sleeve 500 is curved in order to allow the sleeve to fit seamlessly against the internal wall 6 of the barrier post 1.

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the barrier post 1 assembled with a cap 300 positioned on top of the barrier post 1. Additionally, barrier post 1 has been inserted in the body portion 420 of a post socket 400.

Figure 7 shows another perspective assembled view of the barrier post 1 , with a cap 300 positioned on top of the barrier post 1. Also indicated is the barrier post 1 inserted into a post socket 400. Additionally, barrier post 1 has two elongated appendages being sleeves 500 inserted inside against the internal surface (not indicated) of the barrier post 1.

Figures 8 and 9 show two further variations of the barrier post and relative aperture placement.

Figure 8 shows a barrier post indicated by arrow 700. This barrier post 700 has three apertures labelled 710 to 730 respectively. As shown the apertures 710 to 730 are located sequentially along the same side of the post 700. In this Figure, the apertures 710 to 730 are located on the right hand side of the post. However, it will be appreciated that the apertures can also be positioned on the left hand side of the post.

Figure 9 shows a barrier post as indicated by arrow 800. This barrier post 800 also has a series of three apertures (810 to 830) within the top portion of the barrier post 800. Two of the apertures 820 and 830 are offset and located along alternative sides of the barrier post 800, while the third aperture 810 is centrally located on the top of the barrier post 800.

Figures 10 to 14 show various views of the present invention while in use. Specifically, Figures 10 to 11 and Figure 13 all show a singular barrier post 1 while in use. While Figures 12 and 14, show a plurality of barrier posts 1 while in use.

Figure 10 shows a side cross sectional view of a barrier post 1. Also shown in this figure is a cap 300, and post socket 400. The post socket 400 has been positioned and stabilised in the ground 440 by concrete or other suitable material, as indicated by arrow 450. It should be appreciated that other materials besides concrete may be used and this should not be seen as limiting. Figure 10 also shows three barrier

cables 600 positioned within the apertures 2 to 4 of the barrier post 1.

Figure 11 shows the barrier post 1 of Figure 10 in an exploded view and in the relative positions to each other. While Figure 13 shows a photograph of the barrier post and components.

Figure 12, shows two barrier posts 1, cap 300, sleeves 500, post socket 400, concrete 450 and barrier cables 600 connected together to form a cable-barrier (as indicated by arrow 900). Figure 14 shows a further view of a plurality of barrier posts 1 , while in use.

To use the present invention, the post socket 400 is positioned into the ground (indicated by arrow 440 on Figure 10). The post socket 400 is held within the ground by suitable means such as concrete, for example. Once the post socket 400 is positioned, the barrier post 1 may be slotted into the body portion 420 of the post socket 400.

Once a plurality of barrier posts 1 have been arranged, the barrier cables 600 are positioned in place, within the barrier post apertures.

With particular reference to Figures 10, 11 , 12 and 13, the barrier cable(s) 600 are positioned and retained within space 9 of the apertures 2, 3 and 4, which is formed by wall 6. The 45° angle of the receiving portion within the opening 5 of the aperture 2 (3 and 4) allows for easy placement of the barrier cable 600 upon construction of the cable-barrier (as indicated by arrow 900 on Figure 12). In addition, this angle allows for easy release of the barrier cable 600 if the cable- barrier is struck by a suitable force.

The, sleeves 500, are threaded down through the internal section of the barrier post 1. As shown in Figures 10 and 13, when the sleeves 500 are in place, the sleeves 500 run seamlessly against the internal wall of the barrier post 1. The sleeves act to close off the opening 5 of the apertures 2 to 4. When in position, the sleeves 500 act to hold the barrier cable(s) 600 in place to prevent the cables 600 from moving substantially out of the aperture(s) 2 to 4 when struck by a suitable force.

The above use and assembly also applies to alternative embodiments shown in the above examples. For example, where reference is made to apertures 2, 3 and 4 above in the embodiments described in Figures 8 and 9, substitution may be made for apertures 710, 720 and 730 or 810, 820 and 830 respectively. With particular reference to aperture 810, two walls 6a and 6b are formed by respective sides of the barrier post 800. Similar substitutions also apply in respect of the space 9 and opening 5.

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.