Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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TITLE OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Barrier System and Barrier System Installation Method
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No.
62/699,633 filed July 17, 2018 entitled "Barrier System" and U.S. Provisional
Patent
Application No. 62/732,780 filed September 18, 2018 entitled "Barrier System",
each of
which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] This invention relates to barrier systems used to protect people and
structures
from collisions with vehicles, to control vehicle access to certain areas, to
direct a flow of
traffic, and/or to reduce damage to the vehicles that do contact the barrier
system.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In one embodiment, there is a barrier system including an impact
receiving
post having a solid cross section, the impact receiving post being bendable
and having
proximal end and distal end, and a foundation cage coupled to the proximal end
and
configured for installation beneath a ground surface.
[0005] The barrier system may include a damper coupled to the outer surface
of the
impact receiving post. The damper may extend at least partially along a length
of the
post. The damper may be comprised of an elastomeric material. In a further
embodiment, the barrier system includes a cover that extends over the outer
surface of the
damper. The cover may comprise stainless steel. The foundation cage may
comprise a
plurality of members that cross one another to define a porous three
dimensional
structure. The foundation cage may define a recess that receives the impact
receiving
post and the foundation cage may include a platform at least partially
extending across
the recess to support the impact receiving post and prevent the impact
receiving post from
extending further into the foundation cage. The foundation cage may include a
proximal
end and a distal end, and the platform may be spaced apart from the proximal
end and the
distal end. The foundation cage may include one or more support members and
the
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impact receiving post may extend through the support members. The foundation
cage
may include a beam which extends from a top of the foundation cage to a bottom
of the
foundation cage. The beam may extend from a first lateral side of the
foundation cage to
a second lateral side of the foundation cage, the second lateral side of the
foundation cage
opposite the first lateral side of the foundation cage. The beam may include a
through-
hole and the impact receiving post may extend through the through-hole. The
beam may
be oriented in line with an expected direction of impact. The impact absorbing
post may
include a flange, and the through hole may be adjacent a ridge that defines a
pocket to
receive the flange.
[0006] The barrier system may comply with at least one of ASTM F3016, ASTM
F3016M, ASTM F2656, ASTM F2656M, PAS 68, and TWA 14. The impact receiving
post may comprise a portion of a stainless steel rod stock. The impact
receiving post may
have a diameter of about 4 inches. The impact receiving post may have a height
extending from the foundation cage of at least about 30 inches. The impact
receiving
post may have a diameter of about 4 inches and a height extending from the
foundation
cage of about 30 inches to about 54 inches. The foundation cage may overlap
the impact
receiving post by at least 21 inches. The foundation cage may have a diameter
of about 6
inches. The foundation cage may have a height of about 36 inches and a
diameter of
about 6 inches.
[0007] The impact receiving post may be a solid steel post. The impact
receiving
post may be fabricated from steel having a tensile strength of at least 500
megapascals.
The foundation cage may include an opening such that the impact receiving post
is
received in the opening in a predetermined orientation relative to the
foundation cage.
[0008] The foundation cage and the impact receiving post may be configured
to limit
a displacement of the distal end of the impact receiving post to 48 inches or
less when the
barrier system is struck by a vehicle weighing up to 5,000 pounds and
traveling at up to
mph. The footing and the impact receiving post may be configured to limit a
displacement of the distal end of the impact receiving post to 48 inches or
less when the
barrier system is struck by a vehicle weighing up to 5,000 pounds and
traveling at up to
mph.
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[0009] In another embodiment, a barrier system comprises an impact
receiving post
having proximal end, a distal end, and a solid cross section, an elastomeric
damper
disposed on an outer surface of the impact receiving post, the elastomeric
damper
extending at least partially along a length of the impact receiving post, a
cover disposed
over an outer surface of the elastomeric damper, and a foundation cage
including a
plurality of members that cross one another to define a porous three
dimensional
structure, the foundation cage configured for installation in concrete beneath
a ground
surface and to receive the proximal end of the impact receiving post. The
impact
receiving post, the elastomeric damper and the cover may be configured to bend
in
response to being struck by a vehicle. The footing and the impact receiving
post may
limit displacement of the distal end of the steel impact receiving post to 48
inches or less
when the barrier system is struck by a vehicle weighing up to 5,000 pounds and
traveling
at up to 30 mph.
[0010] In another embodiment, a barrier system comprises an impact
receiving post
having proximal end, a distal end, and a solid cross section, and a
prefabricated
foundation cage configured for installation in concrete beneath a surface and
configured
to receive the proximal end of the impact receiving post. When installed in
the concrete,
the s impact receiving post may be configured to meet or exceed at least one
of ASTM
F3016, ASTM F3016M, ASTM F2656, ASTM F2656M, PAS 68, and TWA 14 standards.
[0011] In another embodiment, a barrier system comprises a steel impact
receiving
post having a solid cross section, a proximal end, and a distal endõ and a
foundation cage
coupled to the proximal end of the steel impact receiving post, the foundation
cage
having a diameter of about 4 inches to about 8 inches and a length below the
steel impact
receiving post of about 15 inches. The foundation cage may define a recess
with a
portion of the steel impact receiving post within the recess. The steel impact
receiving
post may have a diameter of 4 inches, a total length of about 40 inches to
about 60 inches
including a length above the foundation cage of about 34 inches to about 44
inches, and
an overlap length where the steel impact post overlaps the foundation cage of
about 16
inches to about 26 inches.
[0012] In another embodiment, a method of installing a barrier system
includes
digging a hole having a maximum diameter of 24 inches into a ground surface,
inserting a
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first end of an impact receiving post having a solid cross section into a
foundation cage,
the impact receiving post having a diameter of 4 inches and a height of about
24 inches to
about 48 inches, inserting the foundation cage and the impact receiving post
into the hole,
and inserting a substrate into the hole. The method may include core drilling
an opening
in a surface prior to the digging the hole. Core drilling may include drilling
with a 12
inch drill bit. Digging the hole may include using a 10 inch auger. The method
may
include welding the foundation cage prior to inserting the foundation cage and
the impact
receiving post into the hole.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description
of
embodiments of the barrier system and barrier system installation method, will
be better
understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings of exemplary
embodiments. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not
limited to the
precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. For example, although not
expressly
stated herein, features of one or more various disclosed embodiments may be
incorporated into other of the disclosed embodiments.
[0014] In the drawings:
[0015] Fig. 1 a perspective view of a barrier system in accordance with an
exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] Fig. 2 is an exploded, perspective view of the post of Fig. 1;
[0017] Fig. 3 is a front, elevational view of the barrier system of Fig. 1
installed in a
substrate in the ground;
[0018] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the barrier system of Fig.
1 taken along
a plane including line 4-4 of Fig. 1;
[0019] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional top plan view of the barrier system of
Fig. 1 taken
along a plane including line 5-5 of Fig. 3;
[0020] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional top plan view of the barrier system of
Fig. 1 taken
along a plane including line 6-6 of Fig. 3;
[0021] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional top plan view of the barrier system of
Fig. 1 taken
along a plane including line 7-7 of Fig. 3;
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[0022] Fig. 8 is a side view of the barrier system of Fig. 1 in a deflected
position;
[0023] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a barrier system in accordance with
another
exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] Fig. 10 is an exploded view of the barrier system of Fig. 9;
[0025] Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a barrier system in accordance with
another
exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0026] Fig. 12 is an exploded view of the barrier system of Fig. 11;
[0027] Fig. 13 is an exploded view of the barrier system of Fig. 11 with a
cover and
damper; and
[0028] Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional side view of the barrier system of Fig.
11 taken
along a plane including line 14-14.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE
INVENTION
[0029] Referring to Figs. 1-8 wherein like reference numerals indicate like
elements
throughout, there is shown a barrier system, generally designated 100 in
accordance with
an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The barrier system 100 may
be
configured to stop or hinder someone from driving a vehicle into an area. The
barrier
system 100 may protect a structure within the area (e.g., building), an area
itself (e.g.,
outside dining tables), and/or an area occupied by pedestrians (e.g., a
sidewalk). For
example, the barrier system 100 may be useful to prevent egress of cars from a
storefront
where there is heavy foot traffic and otherwise unobstructed access to glass
doors and
windows. A series of barrier systems 100 may be used to create a vehicle
barrier but
allow for pedestrian traffic between the barrier systems 100. The barrier
system 100
may include or also be referred to as a bollard.
[0030] Existing bollards may pull out of the ground partially or entirely,
break, or
shear off entirely upon impact with a vehicle allowing egress of the vehicle
into the area
intended to be vehicle free and/or causing the bollard or portions of the
bollard to become
a dangerous projectile. Because existing bollards are typically rigid
structures, an impact
with the bollard may also or alternatively result in unnecessary injury (e.g.,
avoidable air
bag deployment) and/or damage to a vehicle. Damage to the vehicle and air bag
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deployment may be of particular concern in minor incidental impacts between a
vehicle
and a bollard (e.g., where a driver drives forward rather than in reverse when
pulling out
of a parking space in front of a building).
[0031] Existing bollards are typically hollow metal pipes filled with
concrete. While
such a bollard may give the impression of a secure barrier, such bollards have
drawbacks.
For one, concrete has low shear strength especially since the metal pipe is
susceptible to
corrosion. Also, typical barriers are often supported by too shallow or too
massive of a
footing resulting in the bollard ripping out of the ground upon impact or a
reluctance by
the property owner to replace the bollard after minor impacts with a vehicle
due to the
amount of concrete that would need to be replaced and the heavy machinery
involved.
Further, the underground footing reinforcement, if any, is typically
manufactured on site
and subject to assembly errors and oversights that are undetectable once
installed and the
underground portion is encased in concrete.
[0032] The barrier system 100 described herein is more resistant to
corrosion and
may undergo limited deflection when struck by an object to deflect and absorb
some of
the impact energy. The barrier system 100, in some embodiments, may also have
further
impact absorbing features such as covers and dampers and be easier to install
and replace
than traditional safety barrier systems as discussed in further detail below.
The barrier
system 100 may also have a pre-fabricated footing assembly that reliably
retains the
barrier system 100 in the ground while being easier to install and taking up a
smaller
footprint than traditional barrier systems.
[0033] Referring to Figs. 1-2, the barrier system 100 includes a post 120.
The post
120 may bend or deflect when impacted by a vehicle to deflect and absorb some
of
impact energy when struck by a vehicle as discussed in further detail below.
The post
120 may be or may include a core 124. In some embodiments, the core 124 is a
solid
core (e.g., a core having a solid cross section). Existing hollow bollards may
buckle
when impacted by a vehicle. A core 124 having a solid cross section may resist
buckling.
A core 124 having a solid cross section may be resilient or bendable. The core
124 may
be solid across at least a majority of its cross section such that there are
no holes or gaps.
For example, the core 124 may be cut from a stainless steel rod stock. In
other
embodiments, at least a portion of the core 124 is hollow (e.g., such as
proximate the
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proximal end for attachment to the footing and/or proximate the distal end to
accommodate sensors). In other embodiments, the core 124 has a substantially
solid
cross section (e.g., any central axially extending hole has a diameter that is
less than
about 50%, about 25%, or about 10% of the core diameter).
[0034] Referring to Figs. 2 and 4, the core 124 may be comprised of 4-inch
diameter
hot dipped galvanized steel rod stock that is cut to the desired length. In
some
embodiments, the desired length is about 60 inches. In some embodiment, the
desired
length is at least 60 inches. In other embodiments, the desired length may be
about 90
inches, about 85 inches, about 80 inches, about 75 inches, about 70 inches,
about 65
inches, about 60 inches, about 55 inches, about 50 inches, about 45 inches, or
about 40
inches. In some embodiments, the rod stock is turned on a lathe to remove an
outer layer
of the core 124 (e.g., an outer layer having a thickness of about 1
millimeter). Removing
an outer layer of the core may help with galvanizing the steel, to make the
core 124 the
desired diameter, and/or improve the appearance of the core 124, particularly
for cores
124 that will be visible after installation. In some embodiments, the core 124
is
galvanized after it is turned on the lathe. In other embodiments, the core 124
is
galvanized after the core 124 is cut from rod stock.
[0035] The core 124 may be resilient such that the core 124 flexes to
absorb some of
the force of impact from a vehicle. The core 124 may be comprised of metal
such as
stainless steel (e.g., 316L stainless steel), 1045 hot rolled steel, 1045
polished steel, 1018
hot rolled steel, A36 steel, 12L14 steel, 1117 hot rolled steel, 1141 hot
rolled steel, 1144
steel, or 4140 steel). The core 124 may be galvanized. By providing a solid
core without
concrete that extends from a secure base in the ground, the barrier system 100
is more
corrosion resistant and configured to elastically bend or deflect when
impacted by a
vehicle, as described in greater detail below. The core 124 may be a
continuous core that
extends from below grade to above grade. The core 124 may include an indicator
136
configured to be positioned level with the grade when the core 124 is
installed. The
indicator 136 may provide an installer with a visual indication of the
alignment of the
core 124 relative to the ground surface. In some embodiments, the indicator
136 is a
groove that is cut into the outer surface of the core 124 during the turning
process. In
other embodiments, the indicator 136 is painted or drawn on the core 124.
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[0036] In some embodiments, the core 124 is cut from rod stock to a desired
length.
In one embodiment, the core 124 has a diameter of 4 inches. In other
embodiments, the
core 124 may have a diameter of about 10 inches, about 9 inches, about 8
inches, about 7
inches, about 6 inches, about 5 inches, about 4 inches, about 3 inches, about
2 inches, or
about 1 inch. Holes (e.g., tap hole 125) or openings (e.g., opening 198) may
be drilled in
the core 124 after the core 124 is galvanized. A tap hole 125 may be
positioned at each
of the proximal end and the distal end of the core 124. The tap hole 125 may
have a
diameter of 0.5 inches with 13 threads per inch.
[0037] Referring to Figs. 1-2, the barrier system 100 may include a cover
122
extending over the core 124. The cover 122 may include a recess to receive the
core 124.
The cover 122 may be closed on one end and open on the other end. The cover
122 may
be fabricated from marine grade 316L stainless steel, mild steel, aluminum,
iron, or a
polymeric material. The cover 122 may be detachably coupled to the core 124.
The
cover 122 may include a light and the cover 122 may be detachably coupled to
the core
124 to replace the light. The cover 122 may be replaceable after the barrier
system 100 is
installed. A replaceable cover 122 may eliminate the need to replace the
entire barrier
system 100 when the barrier system 100 is subjected to only a relatively small
force of
impact. The cover 122 may be moveable relative to the core 124 upon impact to
allow
for further absorption and deflection of the impact. For example, the cover
122 may
reversibly bend radially inwardly toward the core to absorb minor impacts with
the
barrier system (e.g., a vehicle weighing up to 5,000 pounds traveling under 5
miles per
hour). The post 120 may include the cover 122 and the core 124. A center of
the cross
section of the post 120 may be solid. A distal end of the barrier system 100
may be free
and unattached once installed to for a cantilever structure.
[0038] It may be desirable for a barrier system to provide notification
when a vehicle
has collided with the barrier system. At least one of the cover 122 and the
core 124 may
include a sensor (not shown but could be an accelerometer, gyroscope, or force
gauge).
The sensor may be connected to a device configured to communicate with a user
or an
app (e.g., via a wired or wireless connection such as cellular, Bluetooth,
WiFi or Zigbee
communication protocols). The sensor may be configured to transfer information
to a
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system and/or user to indicate that the barrier system has been impacted, the
location of
the barrier system, and the severity of the impact and automatically send an
alert.
[0039] The cover 122 may also provide for a more customizable, replaceable,
and
professional appearance as compared to typical bollard that includes painted
metal and
concrete. In some embodiments, the cover 122 has a generally tubular shape. In
other
embodiments, the cover 122 is spherical. In still other embodiments, the cover
122 is
rectangular or triangular. The cover 122 may have the shape of an object such
as a light
post, furniture (e.g., a bench), a garbage can, a person, an animal, a
character, or a pawn
shape. Multiple barrier systems 100 may be positioned adjacent each other to
form a
planter. Multiple barrier systems 100 may be positioned near each other and
connected
to each other to form a fence.
[0040] With a 4-inch core 124, the cover 122 may have a 6.75 inch outer
diameter dz.
In other embodiments, the cover 122 may have an outer diameter dz of about 12
inches,
about 11 inches, about 10 inches, about 9 inches, about 8 inches, about 7
inches, about 6
inches, about 5 inches, about 4 inches, about 3 inches, about 2 inches, or
about 1 inch.
[0041] It may be desirable to couple an object to the barrier system 100.
An upper
end of the cover 122 may include an opening and a post (not shown but could
be, for
example, a 2.5 inch diameter post) may extend through the opening and couple
to the
core 124. A bracket (not shown) may couple to the core 124 via threaded
engagement
with the tap hole 125. A first end of the post may be coupled to the bracket
and a second
end of the post may be coupled to another object (e.g., a sign or a light).
[0042] Referring to Fig. 2, the barrier system 100 may include a damper
126. The
damper 126 may be positioned between the core 124 and the cover 122. The
damper 126
may absorb at least some energy when the barrier system 100 is impacted by a
vehicle
(e.g., a vehicle weighing up to 5,000 pounds traveling under 5 miles per
hour). The
damper 126 may be comprised of a resilient material such as rubber or
elastomer (e.g.,
ethylene propylene diene terpolymer rubber). The damper 126 may at least
partially
return toward its original shape after the barrier system 100 is impacted by
an external
object. The damper 126 may couple to an outer surface of the core 124. The
damper 126
may extend at least partially along a length of the core 124. The damper 126
may be
fixed to the core 124 and the cover 122 may be detachably coupled to the
damper 126 or
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core 124. The cover 122 may extend along an outer surface of the damper 126.
In one
embodiment, the cover 122 and the damper 126 extend along the majority of the
length of
the core 124 extending from a ground surface once installed. A vehicle may
impact the
cover 122 when the barrier system 100 is struck. The cover 122 may absorb some
of the
force of impact (e.g., by deforming) and also transfer some of the force of
impact to the
damper 126. The damper 126 may also absorb some of the force of impact and
transfer
some of the force of impact to the core 124.
[0043] Referring to Fig. 2, the damper 126 may have one or more outer
surfaces 192.
The outer surfaces 192 may be radially-spaced by interposed inner surfaces
194. A
portion of the damper 126 may deform or displace into the spaces between the
alternating
inner surfaces 194 and outer surfaces when the barrier system 100 is impacted
by a
vehicle. The outer surfaces 192 may have a radius of curvature that matches
the radius of
the inside surface of the cover 122. The inner surfaces 194 may define an
inner diameter
that is greater than or equal to the outer diameter of the core 124. The
alternating inner
surfaces 194 and outer surfaces 192 of the damper 126 may ensure a tight fit
against inner
diameter of the cover 122 and a tight fit against the outer diameter of the
core 124. The
outer surfaces 192 may define the outer diameter of damper 126.
[0044] The damper 126 may be a unitary construct including the inner
surfaces 194
and outer surfaces 192 such that the damper 126 is simultaneously in contact
with and
spaced from each of the cover 122 and the core 124 when the post 120 is
assembled. The
post 120 may be at least partially hollow. There may be a space between the
outer
surface 192 and the core 124 when the damper 126 is coupled to the core 124.
There
may be a space between the inner surface 194 and the cover 122 when the damper
126 is
coupled to the core 124. The space between the damper 126 and the cover 122
may
extend the longitudinal length of the damper 126. The space between the damper
126
and the core 124 may extend the longitudinal length of the damper 126. The
post 120
may include a void defined by the spaces between the damper 126 and the cover
122 and
the damper 126 and the core 124.
[0045] It may be desirable to prevent the cover 122 from detaching from the
post 120
and becoming a projectile when the barrier system 100 is impacted. Referring
to Figs. 2,
3, and 6, the core 124, damper 126, and cover 122 may be coupled to each
other. In
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some embodiments, a fastener 138 (e.g., a threaded fastener, dowel, or pin)
couples the
core 124, damper 126, and cover 122 to each other. In some embodiments, the
fastener
138 is removable to allow for replacement of the cover 122. In other
embodiments, the
fastener 138 is only removable with a specially keyed tool to prevent
tampering. In still
other embodiments, the fastener 138 is not removable from the barrier system
100 once
assembled. In other embodiments, the core 124 damper 126 and cover 122 are
coupled to
each other via welding, adhesive, or interference fit.
[0046] Still referring to Figs. 2, 3, and 6, the barrier system 100 may
include an
opening 198 to receive the fastener 138. In some embodiments, at least one
opening 198
extends through the cover 122, the damper 126, and partially into the core
124. The
opening 198 may be configured to receive the fastener 128, thereby coupling
securing the
core 124, damper 126 and cover 122 together. The opening 198 may be at a
distance cho
above the surface 114 of the ground. The distance cho may be about 2 inches,
about 3
inches, about 4 inches or greater than about 4 inches. The opening 198 may be
positioned above a portion of the core 124 that experiences a maximum bending
force
when impacted by a vehicle. In some embodiments, the portion of the core 124
between
the ground surface 114 and about 4 inches above the ground surface 114 is the
portion
that experiences the most bending when impacted by a vehicle. In some
embodiments,
the barrier system 100 include three openings 198 and corresponding fasteners
equally
spaced from one another.
[0047] In some embodiments, the damper 126 and cover 122 provide a level of
safety
protection but the core 124 is configured to provide the majority of safety
protection. In
alternative embodiments, one or both of the damper 126 and cover 122 may be
omitted
entirely. In other embodiments, the damper 126 may be integral with the cover
122 or
integral with the core 124. In alternative embodiments, the damper 126 may be
coupled
to the core 124 without the cover 122. The cover 122 may be sandwiched between
two
dampers 126. In some embodiments, the damper 126 or the cover 122 may extend
over
two or more cores 124. For example, the cover may include a cross members or a
lattice
structure that extends between two or more barrier system cores to limit
pedestrian
movement between the barrier systems while the cores themselves provide the
majority
of the vehicle protection.
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[0048] Referring to Figs. 3 and 4, the barrier system 100 may include a
footing 110
that helps maintain the orientation of at least a lower portion of the barrier
system 100
relative to the surface 114 (e.g., the ground). The footing 110 may include a
foundation
cage 130 and a substrate 112 (e.g., concrete, asphalt, cement, or stone). The
footing 110
may be installed in a hole in the ground 132. The footing 110 may have a
horizontal
diameter dii of about 14 inches, about 12 inches, about 10 inches, about 8
inches, or
about 6 inches. In some embodiments, the barrier system 100 may have a
footprint that is
about 90% smaller than the footprint of existing bollard systems. The
substrate 112 may
be concrete having a strength of about 2,000 pounds per square inch, about
2,500 pounds
per square inch, about 3,000 pounds per square inch, about 3,500 pounds per
square inch,
about 4,000 pounds per square inch, about 4,500 pounds per square inch, or
about 5,000
pounds per square inch.
[0049] Referring to Fig. 4, the barrier system 100 may extend above the
surface 114
so drivers can see the barrier system 100 as well as to prevent egress of a
vehicle. The
distance di that the core 124 extends above the surface 114 when installed may
be about
54 inches, about 48 inches, about 44 inches, about 40 inches, about 36 inches,
about 32
inches, or about 30 inches. The distance d6 that the core 124 extends below
the surface
114 may be about 32 inches, about 28 inches, about 24 inches, about 20 inches,
or about
16 inches.
[0050] Referring to Figs. 1, 3 and 4, the barrier system 100 is installed
such that the
proximal end of the barrier system extends into the ground. The barrier system
100 may
include a foundation cage 130 to reinforce the distal end of the barrier
system
underground. The foundation cage 130 may define a recess 109 to receive the
proximal
end of the core 124. The foundation cage 130 may include a plurality of
members that
cross one another to define a three-dimensional lattice structure. The three-
dimensional
lattice structure may allow for concrete to be poured into and around the
foundation cage
130 and for the concrete to flow vertically and horizontally through the
foundation cage
130 such that the foundation cage 130 and the proximal end of the core 124 is
fully
encased in the concrete footing.
[0051] Still referring to Figs. 1, 3, and 4, the foundation cage 130 may
include one or
more horizontal rods 108. In some embodiments, the horizontal rods 108 are
spaced
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equidistant from each other. In other embodiments, the distance between the
horizontal
rods 108 varies. In some embodiments, the distance ds between at least two of
the
horizontal rods 108 at the top of the foundation cage 130 is less than the
distance d9
between at least two of the horizontal rods 108 at the bottom of the
foundation cage. In
other embodiments, there is more space between at least two of the horizontal
rods 108 at
the top of the foundation cage 130 than between at least two of the horizontal
rods 108 at
the bottom of the foundation cage. In one embodiment, distance ds or distance
d9 is about
6 inches, about 5 inches, about 4 inches, about 3 inches, about 2 inches, or
about 1 inch.
The top horizontal rod 108 may be positioned below the surface at a distance
d4 of about
6 inches, about 5 inches, about 4 inches, about 3 inches, about 2 inches, or
about 1 inch.
At least one horizontal rod 108 may define a platform 144 to support the core
124 when
the core is inserted into an opening defined by the foundation cage 130.
[0052] Still referring to Figs. 1, 3, and 4, the foundation cage 130 may
include one or
more vertical rods 106. The vertical rods 106 may be spaced equidistant from
each other.
The vertical rods 106 may extend the length of foundation cage 130. In some
embodiments, at least one of the vertical rods 106 extends from the bottom of
foundation
cage 130 but does not extend completely to the top of foundation cage 130. At
least two
of the vertical rods 106 may be spaced at a distance of about 3 inches from
each other.
[0053] The foundation cage 130 may be prefabricated or pre-constructed. The
foundation cage 130 may be prefabricated to a standard configuration to
prevent
variability between foundation cages 130 compared to traditional methods where
rebar is
bent and tied together on site. The foundation cage 130 may be prefabricated
off site
from the installation site. The foundation cage 130 may be welded before it is
installed in
a hole in the surface or before the foundation cage 130 is coupled to the post
120. The
prefabricated foundation cage 130 and the post 120 may be commercially
available as a
kit. In some embodiments, the foundation cage 130 is fabricated by welding
steel or iron
pieces together. In other examples, the foundation cage 130 is formed as a
single,
integral part by casting iron or steel (e.g., using a sand casting procedure).
[0054] Referring to Figs. 4 and 5, foundation cage 130 may have a smaller
top plan
footprint than existing foundation cages. The foundation cage 130 may have a
diameter
of about 8 inches, about 7 inches, about 6 inches, about 5 inches, about 4
inches, or about
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3 inches. The foundation cage 130 may have an inner diameter that is about 3
inches,
about 2 inches, about 1 inch, about 0.5 inches, or about 0.25 inches larger
than an outer
diameter of the core 124. At least one of the horizontal rods 108 and vertical
rods 106
may have a diameter of about 0.5 inches, about 0.4 inches, about 0.3 inches,
or about 0.2
inches. The diameter of the core 124 may be smaller than the diameter of the
foundation
cage 130. The diameter of the foundation cage 130 may be smaller than the
diameter of
the cover 122.
[0055] Referring to Fig. 4, foundation cage 130 may have a larger vertical
footprint
than existing bollard systems. Foundation cage 130 may have a length d7 of
about 48
inches, about 44 inches, about 40 inches, about 36 inches, about 32 inches,
about 28
inches, about 24 inches, or about 20 inches. The distance ds between the
surface 114 and
the bottom of the foundation cage 130 may be about 54 inches, about 50 inches,
about 46
inches, about 42 inches, about 38 inches, about 34 inches, or about 30 inches.
The
distance d9 between the bottom of the foundation cage 130 and the bottom of
the footing
110 may be about 12 inches, about 11 inches, about 10 inches, about 9 inches,
about 8
inches, about 7 inches, about 6 inches, about 5 inches, about 4 inches, about
3 inches,
about 2 inches, or about 1 inch. The footing cage may have a height of about
36 inches
and a diameter of about 6 inches.
[0056] In some embodiments, the core 124 is installed into the ground
without the
foundation cage 130. The core 124 may be installed at a depth of about 5 feet,
about 3
feet, about 2 feet, or about 1 foot below grade when the core 124 is installed
without the
footing cage 130.
[0057] Referring to Fig. 3, the barrier system 100 may be placed in a hole
in the
surface 114 with the substrate 112. At least one of the cover 122 and the
damper 126
may extend from the distal end 128 of the post 120 substantially to the
surface 114. The
damper 126 may be spaced from the distal end 128 of the core 124. A proximal
end 129
of the core 124 may be within the foundation cage 130 and the substrate 112
when the
barrier system 100 is installed.
[0058] Referring to Fig. 8, the barrier system 100 may be configured to
bend along a
portion of its length extending from the ground such that the distal end 128
of the post
120 deflects. In some embodiments, the cantilever bend of the post 120 acts to
absorb
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and deflect energy from the vehicle to help to keep the post 120 intact,
reduce damage to
the vehicle and driver, and/or reduce air bag deployment. The bend of the post
120 and
absorption and deflection of may also allow for a smaller footing, helping to
make
installation and replacement of the barrier system 100 easier.
[0059] Referring to Figs. 3 and 8, in some embodiments, the post 120 may
bend
about a base of the post 120 (e.g., where the post 120 exits the surface 114)
when the post
120 is impacted. In other embodiments, the deformation of the post 120 is
distributed
along the length of the post when the post is impacted. In some embodiments,
the post
120 is permanently deformed when the post 120 is impacted. In other
embodiments, the
post 120 elastically deforms and returns to its original or close to its
original shape after
impact. The post 120 may undergo plastic deformation as a result of an impact.
[0060] Referring to Fig. 8, the distal end 128 the core 124 may deflect up
to the
maximum distance d12 while the lower or proximal end 129 of the core 124 does
not
deflect because it is supported within foundation cage 130. A lateral impact
force Fi
impinging upon post 120 is absorbed by the core 124 as well as the cover 122
and the
damper 126 and foundation cage 130. The bending of the core 124 may help
deflect
some of the forces of impact. The core 124 may be resilient such that the core
124
elastically bends or deflects to absorb some of the force of impact when
impacted by a
vehicle. In some high impact situations, the vehicle may lift up as the
vehicle extends
past the original longitudinal centerline of the core 124 thereby dissipating
some of the
force of impact. That force is distributed through the foundation cage 130 and
into the
substrate 112 surrounding foundation cage 130. In other embodiments, the
barrier system
100 does not include a cover 122 or damper 126 and the bend of the core 124
along with
the footing 110 as disclosed herein are sufficient for the desired application
(e.g., to
satisfy the ASTM F3016 standard).
[0061] Referring to Figs. 4 and 8, the barrier system 100 may include the
foundation
cage 130 that is about 5%, about 10%, about 15%, about 20%, about 25%, or
about 30%
larger than an outer diameter of the core 124 and a distal end 128 of the core
124 deflects
a maximum distance d12 of about 48 inches, about 45 inches, about 42 inches,
about 39
inches, about 36 inches, about 33 inches, about 30 inches, about 27 inches,
about 24
inches, about 21 inches, about 20 inches, about 19 inches, about 18 inches,
about 17
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inches, about 16 inches, about 15 inches, about 14 inches, about 13 inches,
about 12
inches, about 11 inches, about 10 inches, about 9 inches, about 8 inches,
about 7 inches,
about 6 inches, about 5 inches, about 4 inches, about 3 inches, about 2
inches, or about 1
inch when the barrier system 100 is struck by a vehicle weighing 5,000 pounds
traveling
at 30 miles per hour.
[0062] The
barrier system 100 may be configured such that the deflection distance d12
of the distal end 128 of the post 120 deflects a distance that is in
compliance with testing
standards (e.g., ASTM F3016/F3016M - 14, ASTM F2656/F2656M ¨ 18a, PAS 68, or
TWA 14) standards. The barrier system 100 may exceed the minimum requirements
for
an ASTM F3016 rating. In some embodiments, the barrier system 100 exceeds the
minimum requirements for the ASTM F3016 S20/S20/S30 and P1/P2 ratings. The
deflection distance d12 may be about 48 inches, about 47 inches, about 46
inches, about
45 inches, about 44 inches, about 43 inches, about 42 inches, about 41 inches,
about 40
inches, about 39 inches, about 38 inches, about 37 inches, about 37 inches,
about 36
inches, about 35 inches, about 34 inches, about 33 inches, about 32 inches,
about 31
inches, about 30 inches, about 29 inches, about 28 inches, about 27 inches,
about 26
inches, about 25 inches, about 24 inches, about 23 inches, about 22 inches,
about 21
inches, about 20 inches, about 19 inches, about 18 inches, about 17 inches,
about 16
inches, about 15 inches, about 14 inches, about 13 inches, about 12 inches,
about 11
inches, about 10 inches, about 9 inches, about 8 inches, about 7 inches, about
6 inches,
about 5 inches, about 4 inches, about 3 inches, about 2 inches, or about 1
inch when the
barrier system 100 is struck by a vehicle weighing 5,000 pounds traveling at
30 miles per
hour.
[0063] The
deflection distance d12 may be about 15 inches, about 14 inches, about 13
inches, about 12 inches, about 11 inches, about 10 inches, about 9 inches,
about 8 inches,
about 7 inches, about 6 inches, about 5 inches, about 4 inches, about 3
inches, about 2
inches, or about 1 inch when the barrier system 100 is struck by a vehicle
weighing 5,000
pounds traveling at 20 miles per hour.
[0064] The
deflection distance d12 may be about 15 inches, about 14 inches, about 13
inches, about 12 inches, about 11 inches, about 10 inches, about 9 inches,
about 8 inches,
about 7 inches, about 6 inches, about 5 inches, about 4 inches, about 3
inches, about 2
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inches, or about 1 inch when the barrier system 100 is struck by a vehicle
weighing 5,000
pounds traveling at 10 miles per hour.
[0065] Referring to Figs. 1-4, the barrier system 100 may be installed in
less time or
with less disturbance to the surrounding area (e.g., concrete 134) than
existing bollard
systems. The barrier system 100 may be installed in existing surfaces (e.g.,
sidewalks or
parking lots) without the need to replace large patches of the surface. A
method of
installing the barrier system 100 may include core drilling an opening in the
surface 114.
The core drill may have a drill bit size of about 24 inches, about 22 inches,
about 20
inches, about 18 inches, about 16 inches, about 14 inches, about 12 inches,
about 10
inches, about 8 inches, about 6 inches, or about 4 inches. The method may
include
digging a hole (e.g., with an auger) in the ground 132. Installing the barrier
system 100
with an auger may reduce installation time and avoid the use of heavy
machinery. The
auger may have a size of about 24 inches, about 22 inches, about 20 inches,
about 18
inches, about 16 inches, about 14 inches, about 12 inches, about 10 inches,
about 8
inches, about 6 inches, or about 4 inches.
[0066] The method may include positioning the core 124 within the recess
109
defined by the foundation cage 130. The core 124 and the foundation cage 130
may be
placed in the hole. The method may include pouring in the substrate 112 (e.g.,
concrete
having a strength of about 2,000 pounds per square inch to about 4,000 pounds
per square
inch). In some embodiments, an eye bolt (not shown) or other attachment is
threaded
into the tap hole 125 and the core 124 is picked up by the eye bolt (e.g.,
using a hoist,
forklift, or backhoe). Gravity may bias the core 124 toward being plumb when
the core
124 is picked up the eye bolt. In other embodiments, the core 124 is checked
for
plumbness and adjusted (e.g., manually) as necessary to ensure the core 124
remains
plumb as the substrate 112 is added. The damper 126 and the cover 122 may be
coupled
to the core 124. The fastener 138 may be positioned in the opening 198 in each
of the
core 124, damper 126, and cover 122.
[0067] Referring to Figs. 9-10, there is shown another embodiment of the
barrier
system, generally designated 200. The barrier system 200 is similar to the
barrier system
100 except that the foundation cage 230 is different from foundation cage 130.
The
foundation cage 230 may be of a desired shaped (e.g., cylindrical or
rectangular) and
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formed by a series of spaced rings 232. The rings 232 may be horizontal. In
some
embodiments, the rings 232 are circular. In other embodiments, the rings 232
have an
arcuate shape but do not form a complete circle. In still other embodiments,
the rings 232
have a shape other than circular (e.g., rectangular). The rings 232 within an
upper portion
236 of the foundation cage 230 may be closely spaced than rings 232 within a
lower
portion 238 of the foundation cage.
[0068] Still referring to Figs. 9-10, the rings 232 may be longitudinally
spaced from
each other. The rings 232 may be coupled to one or more rods 234. The rods 234
may
extend longitudinally. The rods 234 may be circumferentially spaced.
[0069] Still referring to Figs. 9-10, the barrier system 200 may include
one or more
support members 240. The support member 240 may include spokes 242 extending
radially outwardly from a hub. The spokes 242 may be coupled to the rings 232.
The
support member 240 may include an opening 241 (Fig. 10) to receive the core
124. At
least one support member 240 (e.g., the lowest support member 240a) does not
include an
opening 241 such that the support member 240 serves as a platform that
supports the
proximal end 129 of core 124. The rods 234, rings 240, and support members 240
may
be formed of a relatively rigid and high-strength material (e.g., steel).
[0070] The deflection distance d12 of the core 124 may be similar or the
same when
either of foundation cage 130 and foundation cage 230 are utilized with the
post 120.
However, foundation cage 130 may have a smaller horizontal area footprint.
Either of
foundation cage 130 and foundation cage 230 may be prefabricated or pre-
constructed.
The post 120 and either of foundation cage 130 and foundation cage 230 may be
commercially available as a kit. In some embodiments, the foundation cage
either of
foundation cage 130 and foundation cage 230 is fabricated by welding steel or
iron pieces
together. In other examples, either of foundation cage 130 and foundation cage
230 is
formed as a single, integral part by casting iron or steel (e.g., using a sand
casting
procedure).
[0071] In certain applications, it may be preferable to have a barrier
system that
utilizes a shallow footing. Referring to Figs. 11-14, there is shown another
embodiment
of the barrier system, generally designated 300. The barrier system 300 is
similar to
barrier system 100 except that the foundation cage 330 is different from
foundation cage
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130. The barrier system 300 includes a post 320 and foundation cage 300.
Similarly to
barrier system 100 and barrier system 200, the barrier system 300 is
configured such that
a deflection distance d12 of a distal end 128 of the post 320 does not exceed
a maximum
deflection distance when the barrier system 300 is struck by a vehicle with a
predetermined weight traveling at a predetermined speed.
[0072] Referring to Figs. 13-14, the post 320 may include cover 122, damper
126,
and a core 324. The cover 122 and the damper 126 may extend from the distal
end 128
of the post 320 toward the surface 310. A proximal end 329 of the core 324 may
extend
within the substrate 308 the foundation cage 330. The core 124 may include a
hole 197
configured to receive a fastener 163 (e.g., a threaded fastener, dowel, or
pin). The
fastener 163 may couple the core 324 to the foundation cage 330.
[0073] Referring to Figs. 11-12, the foundation cage 330 may include an
array 332
(e.g., a rectangular array) of cells 334. The cells 334 may be open cells 334.
The cells
334 may be formed by an upper layer 336 and a bottom layer 338. At least one
of the
upper layer 336 and the bottom layer 338 may form a grid. In some embodiments,
the
upper layer 336 is a mirror of the bottom layer 338. In other embodiments, the
upper
layer 336 and the bottom layer 338 have different layouts. Posts 340 may
couple to the
upper layer 336 and the bottom layer 338.
[0074] Referring to Figs. 11-14, the foundation cage 330 may include a beam
342
(e.g., an I-beam). The beam 342 may extend from a first lateral side 344 to a
second
lateral side 346 of the rectangular array 332. The first side 344 may be
opposite the
second side 346. The beam 342 may extend from a top of the foundation cage 330
to a
bottom of the foundation cage 300. The beam 342 may include a top opening 348
and a
bottom opening 350 sized and shaped to receive post 320. The bottom opening
350 may
include a ridge 352 (Fig. 14). The ridge 352 may support the end of the core
324. The
ridge 352 may define a pocket configured to receive a flange 326 on the core
324. The
core 324 may include a flange 326. The flange 326 may extend radially from the
proximal end of the core 324. The flange 326 may contact the foundation cage
330 to
prevent the core 324 from being pulled out of the foundation cage 330. The
flange 326
may help maintain the alignment of the core 324 relative to the foundation
cage 330. The
fastener 163 may protrude from at least one side of the core 324 and be spaced
from the
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flange 326 such that a portion of the ridge 352 is secured between the
fastener 163 and
the flange 326 when the core 324 is coupled to the foundation cage 330.
[0075] Referring to Figs. 12 and 13, in some embodiments, top opening 348
and
bottom opening 350 are formed at one end of the beam 342. In other
embodiments, the
top opening 348 and bottom opening 350 may be positioned at other positions
(e.g., more
central) along the length of the beam 342. The foundation cage 330 may be
aligned such
that the beam 342 is orientated in line with an expected direction of impact
Fi of a
vehicle. The core 324 may extend from the foundation cage 330 proximate a
front edge
such that the foundation cage 330 extends from the core 324 in a direction
toward the
protected area.
[0076] The foundation cage 330 may be prefabricated. In some embodiments,
the
foundation cage 330 is fabricated by welding steel or iron pieces together. In
other
examples, the foundation cage 330 is formed as a single, integral part by
casting iron or
steel (e.g., using a sand casting procedure).
[0077] Referring to Figs. 12 and 14, the foundation cage 330 may have a width
d13 of
about 48 inches, about 44 inches, about 40 inches, about 36 inches, or about
32 inches,
about 28 inches, about 24 inches, about 20 inches, or about 16 inches. The
foundation
cage 330 may have a length d14 of about 60 inches, about 56 inches, about 52
inches,
about 48 inches, about 44 inches, about 40 inches, about 36 inches, or about
32 inches,
about 28 inches, about 24 inches, about 20 inches, or about 16 inches. The
foundation
cage 330 may have a height d15 of about 12 inches, about 11 inches, about 10
inches,
about 9 inches, about 8 inches, about 7 inches, about 6 inches, about 5
inches, or about 4
inches. The foundation cage 330 may be placed in a footing 312 with substrate
308 and
the footing 312 may have a depth d17 of about 14 inches, about 12 inches,
about 10
inches, about 8 inches, or about 6 inches. The foundation cage 330 may be
spaced from
the bottom of the footing 312 by a distance d16 of about 10 inches, about 9
inches, about 8
inches, about 7 inches, about 6 inches, about 5 inches, about 4 inches, about
3 inches,
about 2 inches, or about 1 inch. The core 324 may extend above the ground
surface 310
by a distance d18 of about 48 inches, about 44 inches, about 40 inches, about
36 inches, or
about 32 inches, about 28 inches, about 24 inches, about 20 inches, or about
16 inches.
The cover 122 may extend above the ground surface 310 by a distance d19 of
about 48
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inches, about 44 inches, about 40 inches, about 36 inches, or about 32 inches,
about 28
inches, about 24 inches, about 20 inches, or about 16 inches.
[0078] Referring to Figs. 12 and 14, it may be desirable to install the
barrier system 300
perpendicular to the ground surface 310. The foundation cage 330 may be
configured to
adjust the orientation of the upper layer 336 relative to the ground surface
310. The
foundation cage 330 may include leveling feet (not shown). The leveling feet
may be
coupled to the bottom layer 338. The leveling feet may contact the bottom of
the hole.
The height of the leveling feet may be adjustable (e.g., via a threaded
engagement)
relative to the bottom layer 338. The core 324 may extend through the top
opening 348
and the bottom opening 350 such that the orientation of the core 324 is fixed
relative to
the bottom layer 338. The leveling feet may adjust the orientation of the core
324
relative to the ground surface 310 as the leveling feet adjust the orientation
of the bottom
layer 338.
[0079] The barrier system 300 may be installed in a hole in the surface
114. The hole
to install barrier system 300 may have a larger horizontal footprint than the
hole required
for barrier system 100. Referring to Figs. 11-14, a method of installing
barrier system
300 may include digging a hole that is appropriately sized and shaped to
foundation cage
330. The method may include inserting the core 324 through the bottom opening
350 of
the bottom layer 338 and up through the top opening 348 of the upper layer
336. In some
embodiments, the substrate 308 is added prior to coupling the damper 126 and
cover 122
to the core 324. In other embodiments, the damper 126 and the cover 122 are
coupled to
the core 324 before adding the substrate 308.
[0080] The method may include positioning the damper 126 and cover 122 over
the
core 324 so that the holes 198 in each of the cover 122, damper 126, and core
324 are
aligned. A fastener may be inserted through the holes 198 to secure the cover
122 and
the damper 126 to the core 324. The fastener 163 may be inserted through the
hole 197
at the lower end of the core 124, to secure the post 320 to the beam 342 of
foundation
cage 330. Post 320 and foundation cage 330 may be placed within the hole so
that the
elongate cover 122 is exposed above the surface of ground. The foundation cage
330
may be positioned such that the beam 342 is aligned with an expected direction
of
impact. The levelling feet may be adjusted such to achieve a desired
orientation of the
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post 320 relative to the ground surface. The substrate 308 (e.g., concrete)
may be poured
into the hole to secure the entire barrier system 300 into the ground.
[0081] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes
could be made to
the exemplary embodiments shown and described above without departing from the
broad inventive concepts thereof It is understood, therefore, that this
invention is not
limited to the exemplary embodiments shown and described, but it is intended
to cover
modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined
by the
claims. For example, specific features of the exemplary embodiments may or may
not be
part of the claimed invention and various features of the disclosed
embodiments may be
combined. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms "a", "an" and "the"
are not
limited to one element but instead should be read as meaning "at least one".
[0082] It is to be understood that at least some of the figures and
descriptions of the
invention have been simplified to focus on elements that are relevant for a
clear
understanding of the invention, while eliminating, for purposes of clarity,
other elements
that those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate may also comprise a
portion of the
invention. However, because such elements are well known in the art, and
because they
do not necessarily facilitate a better understanding of the invention, a
description of such
elements is not provided herein.
[0083] Further, to the extent that the methods of the present invention do
not rely on
the particular order of steps set forth herein, the particular order of the
steps should not be
construed as limitation on the claims. Any claims directed to the methods of
the present
invention should not be limited to the performance of their steps in the order
written, and
one skilled in the art can readily appreciate that the steps may be varied and
still remain
within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
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