Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
BARRIER FOR ROADWAY
FIELD
[1] This disclosure relates generally to roadways and, more particularly, to
barriers for
roadways to manage traffic of vehicles.
BACKGROUND
[2] Barriers for roadways (e.g., highways, bridges, and other roads) are used
to manage
traffic of vehicles, such as to establish lanes, protect motorists and other
people
(e.g., pedestrians, constructions workers, etc.) against crashes or other
impacts,
and/or other purposes.
[3] Some barriers are fixed and/or permanent (e.g., such that they remain
substantially
stationary and/or are integrated into road infrastructures).
[4] Others are movable barriers configured to be transferred between different
locations
by transfer vehicles (e.g., lifting and moving them), such as for lane
management
(e.g., reconfiguring lanes, such as for peak traffic times (e.g., "rush
hour"), etc.),
roadwork (e.g., construction sites to build or repair roads), etc.
[5] While they are certainly useful and have evolved, existing barriers have
some
issues. For example, movable barriers may sometimes deflect too much upon
being
impacted by vehicles, be expensive, etc. Some barriers may also pose
particular
risks for motorists and others (e.g., "catapulting" or "vaulting" of vehicles
when
impacted).
[6] For these and/or other reasons, there is a need to improve barriers for
roadways.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-30
SUMMARY
[7] According to various aspects, this disclosure relates to a barrier for a
roadway (e.g.,
a highway, bridge, or other road), which can be used to manage vehicular
traffic,
such as to establish lanes, protect motorists and other people (e.g.,
pedestrians,
constructions workers, etc.) against crashes or other impacts, and/or other
purposes, and which may be configured to enhance its use and performance, such
as by better protecting the motorists and others when impacted by vehicles
(e.g.,
reducing deflection by deflecting less or substantially not deflecting;
mitigating risks
of "catapulting" or "vaulting" of vehicles; and/or otherwise improving
protection
provided by the barrier), facilitating transportation, installation and/or
transfer of the
barrier at the roadway, and/or enhancing other aspects of the barrier.
[8] For example, according to one aspect, this disclosure relates to a barrier
for a
roadway. The barrier comprises a plurality of barrier modules hingedly
connected to
one another. The barrier comprises a hinge connecting a given one of the
barrier
modules to an adjacent one of the barrier modules. The hinge comprises a
connector of the given one of the barrier modules, a connector of the adjacent
one
of the barrier modules, and a pin that is manually installable to join the
connector of
the given one of the barrier modules and the connector of the adjacent one of
the
barrier modules. The barrier is configured to deflect by no more than 2.2 m
according
to MASH.
[9] According to another aspect, this disclosure relates to a barrier for a
roadway. The
barrier comprises a plurality of barrier modules hingedly connected to one
another.
The barrier comprises a hinge connecting a given one of the barrier modules to
an
adjacent one of the barrier modules. The hinge comprises a connector of the
given
one of the barrier modules, a connector of the adjacent one of the barrier
modules,
and a pin that is manually installable to join the connector of the given one
of the
barrier modules and the connector of the adjacent one of the barrier modules.
The
connector of the given one of the barrier modules comprises an opening to
receive
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-30
the pin. An aspect ratio of a cross-section of the opening of the connector of
the
given one of the barrier modules is no more than 1.8.
[10] According to another aspect, this disclosure relates to a barrier for
a roadway.
The barrier comprises a plurality of barrier modules hingedly connected to one
another. The barrier comprises a hinge connecting a given one of the barrier
modules to an adjacent one of the barrier modules. The hinge comprises a
connector of the given one of the barrier modules, a connector of the adjacent
one
of the barrier modules, and a pin that is manually installable to join the
connector of
the given one of the barrier modules and the connector of the adjacent one of
the
barrier modules. The connector of the given one of the barrier modules
comprises
an opening to receive the pin. A ratio of a maximal dimension of a cross-
section of
the opening of the connector of the given one of the barrier modules over a
minimal
dimension of the cross-section of the opening of the connector of the given
one of
the barrier modules is no more than 1.8.
[11] According to another aspect, this disclosure relates to a barrier for
a roadway,
the barrier comprising a plurality of barrier modules hingedly connected to
one
another. The barrier comprises a hinge connecting a given one of the barrier
modules to an adjacent one of the barrier modules. The hinge comprises a
connector of the given one of the barrier modules, a connector of the adjacent
one
of the barrier modules, and a pin that is manually installable to join the
connector of
the given one of the barrier modules and the connector of the adjacent one of
the
barrier modules. The connector of the given one of the barrier modules
comprises
an opening to receive the pin. The connector of the given one of the barrier
modules
further comprises a connecting member and an insert that forms at least part
of the
opening of the connector of the given one of the barrier modules. The insert
is
secured to the connecting member of the connector of the given one of the
barrier
modules.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-30
[12] According to another aspect, this disclosure relates to a barrier for
a roadway.
The barrier comprises a plurality of barrier modules hingedly connected to one
another. Each barrier module comprises a body including concrete and an add-on
mass connected to the body of the barrier module to increase a weight of the
barrier
module.
[13] According to another aspect, this disclosure relates to a barrier for
a roadway.
The barrier comprises a plurality of barrier modules hingedly connected to one
another. The barrier comprises a limiter configured to limit pivoting of a
given one of
the barrier modules relative to an adjacent one of the barrier modules.
[14] According to another aspect, this disclosure relates to a barrier for
a roadway.
The barrier comprises a plurality of barrier modules hingedly connected to one
another. The roadway comprises a recess under a given one of the barrier
modules.
The given one of the barrier modules extends into the recess of the roadway.
[15] According to another aspect, this disclosure relates to a barrier for
a roadway.
The barrier comprises a plurality of barrier modules hingedly connected to one
another. Each barrier module comprises a base portion, an upper portion, and
an
intermediate portion between the base portion and the upper portion. A given
one
of the barrier modules comprises a body. The body of the given one of the
barrier
modules comprises a lateral surface that is inclined relative to a heightwise
direction
of the given one of the barrier modules in the intermediate portion of the
given one
of the barrier modules. The given one of the barrier modules also comprises a
reinforcement overlying the lateral surface of the body of the given one of
the barrier
modules. The given one of the barrier modules further comprises an impactable
surface that is more vertical than the lateral surface of the body of the
given one of
the barrier modules. The impactable surface is configured to be impacted by an
impacting vehicle.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-30
[16] According to another aspect, this disclosure relates to a barrier for
a roadway.
The barrier comprises a plurality of barrier modules hingedly connected to one
another. Each barrier module comprises a container configured to contain a
substance and a reinforcement connected to the container.
[17] According to another aspect, this disclosure relates to a barrier for
a roadway.
The barrier comprises a plurality of barrier modules hingedly connected to one
another. Each barrier module comprises a container configured to contain a
substance and a brace mounted inside the container.
[18] According to another aspect, this disclosure relates to a barrier for
a roadway.
The barrier comprises a plurality of barrier modules hingedly connected to one
another. Each barrier module comprises a container configured to contain a
substance. The container of a given one of the barrier modules is stackable on
the
container of another one of the barrier modules for transportation.
[19] According to another aspect, this disclosure relates to a barrier for
a roadway.
The barrier comprises a plurality of barrier modules hingedly connected to one
another. An end one of the barrier modules implements a crash cushion and
comprises a body including polymeric material. The end one of the barrier
modules
is taller than downstream ones of the barrier modules.
[20] According to another aspect, this disclosure relates to a barrier for
a roadway.
The barrier comprises a plurality of barrier modules hingedly connected to one
another. An end one of the barrier modules implements a crash cushion and
comprises a body including polymeric material. The end one of the barrier
modules
comprises an end member connected to the body of the end one of the barrier
modules and comprises rigid material that is more rigid than the polymeric
material
of the body of the end one of the barrier modules. The end member of the end
one
of the barrier modules is configured to collapse about a bumper of an
impacting
vehicle that impacts the end member of the end one of the barrier modules.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-30
[21] According to another aspect, this disclosure relates to a barrier for
a roadway.
The barrier comprises a plurality of barrier modules hingedly connected to one
another. A height of each of the barrier modules is at least 42 inches.
[22] According to another aspect, this disclosure relates to a barrier for
a roadway.
The barrier comprises a plurality of barrier modules connected to one another.
A
given one of the barrier modules comprises a body including concrete and a
container configured to contain a substance. The container is connected to the
body
of the given one of the barrier modules.
[23] According to another aspect, this disclosure relates to a barrier for
a roadway.
The barrier comprises a plurality of barrier modules hingedly connected to one
another. A given one of the barrier modules comprises a force-exerting system
configured to exert a nongravitational downward force on the given one of the
barrier
modules towards the roadway.
[24] According to another aspect, this disclosure relates to a barrier for
a roadway.
The barrier comprises a plurality of barrier modules hingedly connected to one
another. Each barrier module comprising a body including concrete and a shield
affixed to the body of the barrier module to protect the barrier module
against impact
from an adjacent one of the barrier modules.
[25] According to another aspect, this disclosure relates to a barrier for
a roadway.
The barrier comprises a plurality of barrier modules hingedly connected to one
another. Each barrier module comprising a container configured to contain a
substance. The container of the barrier module comprises a shell including a
plurality of subshells that are detachably fastened to one another to be
assemblable
into the shell and disassemblable.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-30
[26] These and other aspects of this disclosure will now become apparent to
those
of ordinary skill upon review of a description of embodiments that follows in
conjunction with accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[27] A detailed description of embodiments is provided below, by way of
example
only, with reference to accompanying drawings, in which:
[28] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a barrier for a roadway comprising a
plurality of barrier modules;
[29] Figure 2 shows a front elevation view of a barrier module and a
partial view
of an adjacent barrier module;
[30] Figure 3 shows a side elevation view of the barrier module;
[31] Figure 4A shows an enlarged view of an embodiment of a shield affixed
to a
body of the barrier module;
[32] Figure 4B shows an exploded view of Figure 4A;
[33] Figure 5 shows a transfer vehicle on the roadway;
[34] Figure 6 shows a schematic of the barrier in a first location;
[35] Figure 7 shows a schematic of the barrier as transferred to a second
location;
[36] Figure 8 shows the front elevation view of the barrier module such as
in
Figure 2 showing a brace within the barrier module with a concrete casting of
the
barrier module being shown in phantom lines;
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Date Regue/Date Received 2022-09-30
[37] Figure 9 shows the side elevation view of the barrier module such as
in Figure
3 showing the brace within the barrier module with the concrete casting of the
barrier
module being shown in phantom lines;
[38] Figure 10A shows an enlarged partial view of a pair of the barrier
modules
connected to one another at a hinge in accordance with one embodiment;
[39] Figure 10B shows an enlarged partial view of a pair of the barrier
modules
connected to one another at the hinge in accordance with another embodiment;
[40] Figure 11 shows an isometric exploded view of part of the hinge;
[41] Figure 12 shows an isometric exploded view of another embodiment of
part
of the hinge;
[42] Figure 13 shows an embodiment of the barrier for the roadway
comprising
barrier modules comprising a container configured to contain a substance;
[43] Figure 14 shows a cross-sectional view of a front elevation view of
the
container of Figure 13;
[44] Figure 15 shows a cross-sectional view of a side elevation view of the
container of Figure 13;
[45] Figures 16A and 16B show a front elevation view and a side elevation
view
of the container such as in Figure 13 showing an embodiment of the brace
within
the barrier module with the body of the module being shown in phantom lines;
8
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-30
[46] Figure 17A and 17B show a front elevation view and a side
elevation view of
the container such as in Figure 13 showing another embodiment of the brace
within
the barrier module with the body of the module being shown in phantom lines;
[47] Figure 18A shows an embodiment of the barrier module comprising a head
and a recess;
[48] Figure 18B shows the embodiment of Figure 18A with the barrier module
stacked upon another barrier module comprising a head and a recess;
[49] Figure 19 shows an embodiment of the container comprising
reinforcements
on lateral sides of the container;
[50] Figure 20 shows a top view of the barrier deflected upon impact of a
vehicle;
[51] Figures 21A and 21B show embodiments of the hinge connection of Figure
11 with an insert secured to a connecting member;
[52] Figure 22 shows an enlarged view of a cross-section C of an opening of
a
connector of the hinge connection of Figure 21;
[53] Figure 23A shows an embodiment of the insert of Figure 22;
[54] Figure 23B shows the insert of Figure 23A inserted in the opening of
the
connector of the hinge connection;
[55] Figure 23C shows a top view of the insert of Figure 23B;
[56] Figure 24A shows another embodiment of the insert of Figure 21;
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-30
[57] Figure 24B shows the insert of Figure 24A inserted in the opening of
the
connector of the hinge connection on a compression side of the connector;
[58] Figure 24C shows the insert of Figure 24A inserted in the opening of
the
connector of the hinge connection on a tension side of the connector;
[59] Figure 24D shows a section view of Figure 24B;
[60] Figures 25A shows another embodiment of the insert of Figure 19;
[61] Figure 25B shows the insert of Figure 25A inserted in the opening of
the
connector of the hinge connection;
[62] Figure 25C shows a bottom view of Figure 25B;
[63] Figure 26A shows yet another embodiment of the insert of Figure 19;
[64] Figure 26B shows the insert of Figure 26A inserted in the opening of
the
connector of the hinge connection;
[65] Figure 26C shows a top view of the insert of Figure 26B;
[66] Figure 27 shows a side elevation view of an embodiment of the barrier
module comprising an add-on mass disposed in an upper portion of the barrier
module;
[67] Figure 28 shows a side elevation view of an embodiment of the barrier
module comprising an add-on mass disposed in a base portion of the barrier
module;
[68] Figure 29 shows a front elevation view of the barrier module of Figure
28;
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-30
[69] Figure 30 shows a side elevation view of an embodiment of the barrier
module comprising a first add-on mass and a second add-on mass disposed in the
base portion of the barrier module;
[70] Figure 31 shows a front elevation view of the barrier module of Figure
30;
[71] Figure 32 shows a side elevation view of an embodiment of the barrier
module comprising a first add-on mass disposed in the base portion of the
barrier
module and a second add-on mass disposed in the upper portion of the barrier
module;
[72] Figure 33 shows a front elevation view of the barrier module of Figure
32;
[73] Figure 34 shows a bottom view of an embodiment of the barrier module
comprising an add-on mass with a drain;
[74] Figure 35 shows an embodiment of the barrier comprising a limiter, the
barrier
being shown in an undeflected position;
[75] Figure 36 shows an enlarged view of the limiter of Figure 35;
[76] Figure 37 shows an embodiment of the barrier comprising the limiter,
the
barrier being shown in a deflected position;
[77] Figure 38 shows an enlarged view of the limiter of Figure 37;
[78] Figure 39A shows a broken-out section view of an embodiment of the
barrier
comprising a limiter changeable between a locked state and an unlocked state,
the
limiter being shown in the locked state;
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Date Regue/Date Received 2022-09-30
[79] Figure 39B shows the limiter of Figure 39A, the limiter being shown in
the
unlocked state;
[80] Figure 40A shows a section-view of the front elevation of the barrier
module
of the barrier of Figure 39A;
[81] Figure 40B shows a section-view of the front elevation of the barrier
module
of the barrier of Figure 39B;
[82] Figure 41A shows a section view of the front elevation of the barrier
module
of another embodiment of the barrier comprising the limiter changeable between
a
locked state and an unlocked state, the limiter being shown in the locked
state;
[83] Figure 41B shows the limiter of Figure 41A, the limiter being shown in
the
unlocked state;
[84] Figure 42 shows an embodiment of the barrier module extending into a
recess in the roadway;
[85] Figure 43 shows another embodiment of the barrier module extending
into
the recess in the roadway;
[86] Figure 44 shows an embodiment of the barrier module comprising a
substantially vertical impactable surface;
[87] Figure 45 shows a side elevation view of an embodiment of the barrier
module comprising an end member;
[88] Figure 46 shows a front elevation view of the embodiment of the
barrier
module comprising the end member;
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Date Regue/Date Received 2022-09-30
[89] Figure 47 shows a top view of the embodiment of the barrier module
comprising the end member;
[90] Figure 48 shows an embodiment of the body of the barrier module
comprising
a plurality of grooves;
[91] Figure 49 shows a section view of an embodiment of the barrier module
comprising a force-exerting system;
[92] Figure 50 shows a section view of another embodiment of the barrier
module
comprising a force-exerting system;
[93] Figure 51 shows a side elevation view of an embodiment of a "hybrid"
barrier
module;
[94] Figure 52 shows the side elevation view of the barrier module of
Figure 50
showing the brace within the barrier module with the concrete casting of the
barrier
module being shown in phantom lines;
[95] Figure 53 shows an embodiment of the container of the body of the
barrier
module comprising a shell;
[96] Figure 54 shows the shell of Figure 53 comprising a plurality
of subshells;
[97] Figures 55A to 55F show a variety of profiles of a guardrail of the
body of the
barrier module;
[98] Figure 56 shows an embodiment of the barrier modules comprising
overlapping reinforcements;
[99] Figure 57 shows yet another embodiment the barrier module extending
into
a recess in the roadway;
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Date Regue/Date Received 2022-09-30
[100] Figure 58 shows an embodiment of the barrier module comprising a
crash
cushion;
[101] Figures 59,60 and 61 show an embodiment of the barrier module
comprising
protrusions;
[102] Figures 62A and 62B show an embodiment of the barrier comprising a
limiter
comprising a plurality of limiting elements, the barrier shown in an
undeflected
position;
[103] Figure 62C shows the barrier of Figures 62A and 62B shown in a
deflected
position;
[104] Figure 63 shows another embodiment of the barrier comprising a
limiter
comprising a plurality of limiting elements, the barrier shown in an
undeflected
position;
[105] Figures 64A, 64B, 64C and 64D show another embodiment of the hinge;
[106] Figures 65A, 65B, 65C and 65D show an embodiment of the container
comprising reinforcements mounted inside the container;
[107] Figure 66 shows an embodiment of the container comprising an opening
to
permit passage of fastening components; and
[108] Figures 67A and 67B shows another embodiment of a shield affixed to
an
overhang of the barrier module.
[109] It is to be expressly understood that the description and drawings
are only for
purposes of illustrating certain embodiments and are an aid for understanding.
They
are not intended to be and should not be limiting.
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Date Regue/Date Received 2022-09-30
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[110] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a barrier 10 for a roadway 13 (e.g.,
a
highway, bridge, or other road). The barrier 10 can be used to manage
vehicular
traffic, such as to establish lanes, protect motorists and other people (e.g.,
pedestrians, constructions workers, etc.) against crashes or other impacts,
and/or
other purposes.
[111] As further discussed below, in various embodiments, the barrier 10
may be
configured to enhance its use and performance, such as by better protecting
motorists and others when impacted by vehicles (e.g., reducing deflection by
deflecting less or substantially not deflecting; mitigating risks of
"catapulting" or
"vaulting" of vehicles; and/or otherwise improving protection provided by the
barrier
10), facilitating transportation, installation and/or transfer of the barrier
10 at the
roadway 13, and/or enhancing other aspects of the barrier 10.
[112] The barrier 10 comprises a plurality of barrier modules121-12N
connected to
one another. This allows a length of the barrier 10 to be set as desired for
the
roadway 13. The barrier 10 has a longitudinal direction LB, a heightwise
direction
HB, and a widthwise direction WB. Similarly, each of the barrier modules 121-
12N has
a longitudinal direction Lm, a heightwise direction HM, and a widthwise
direction Wm.
[113] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the barrier modules
121-
12N are hingedly connected to one another, such that they can be moved (e.g.,
pivoted) relative to one another (e.g., when impacted and/or to be transferred
at the
roadway 13). The barrier comprises a hinge 16 connecting a given one of the
barrier
modules 121-12N, denoted 12x, to an adjacent one of the barrier modules121-
12N,
denoted 12.
[114] The longitudinal direction Lm of each of the barrier module 12x
defines a
length Lx of each of the barrier module 12x. The length Lx of the barrier
modules 12x
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-30
may be defined from a pin 43 of the hinge 16 of the barrier module 12x to the
pin 43
of the hinge 16 of adjacent barrier module 12.
[115] The length Lx of the barrier modules 12x may comprise any suitable
value.
For example, in one embodiment, the length Lx of the barrier module 12x may be
at
least 1 meter (m) (about 3.3 feet (ft)). In another embodiment, the length Lx
of the
barrier module 12x may be at least 1.15 m (about 3.8 ft). In yet another
embodiment,
the length Lx of the barrier module 12x may be at least 1.2 m (about 3.9 ft).
The
aforementioned values of the length Lx of the barrier modules 12x may improve
transportation of the barrier modules 121-12N (e.g. may optimize the space
occupied
by the barrier modules 121-12N when placed in a flatbed truck or other
transport
vehicles).
[116] More particularly, in this embodiment, the barrier 10 is a movable
barrier
configured to be transferred between different locations Li, L2 at the roadway
13 by
a transfer vehicle 20, such as for lane management (e.g., reconfiguring lanes,
such
as for peak traffic times (e.g., "rush hour"), etc.), roadwork (e.g.,
construction sites
to build or repair roads), etc.
[117] For
example, in this embodiment, the transfer vehicle 20 comprises a
conveyor 22 to admit the barrier modules 121-12N at the location Li at the
roadway
13 and transfer them towards and release them at the location L2 at the
roadway 13
as the transfer vehicle 20 travels at the roadway 13, as shown in Figures 5, 6
and
7. The transfer vehicle 20, including its conveyor 22, may be implemented in
any
suitable way. For instance, in some embodiments, the transfer vehicle 20,
including
its conveyor 22, may be implemented as one available from QMB
BarrierTM(http://www.qmb.ca/indexen.html), as one available from Barrier
SystemsTM (http://www.barriersystemsinc.coma as one described in U.S. Patent
No. 4,653,954, or as any other suitable transfer vehicle.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-30
[118]
Each barrier module 12x of the barrier modules 121-12N comprises a base
portion 30, an upper portion 32, and an intermediate portion 34 between its
base
portion 30 and its upper portion 32.
[119] In
this embodiment, the upper portion 32 of the barrier module 12x is wider
than the intermediate portion 34 of the barrier module 12x. This may
facilitate
transfer of the barrier module 12x by the transfer vehicle 20 and/or enhance
protection when the barrier module 12x is impacted.
[120] More
particularly, in this embodiment, the upper portion 32 of the barrier
module 12x comprises an overhang 33 configured to be engaged by the conveyor
22 of the transfer vehicle 20 to lift and move the barrier module 12x. The
overhang
33 is also configured to engage an impacting vehicle 19 that impacts the
barrier
module 12x and impede movement of the impacting vehicle 19 upwards over the
overhang 33. In this case, the upper portion 32 of the barrier module 12x is T-
shaped
to form the overhang 33.
[121] Also, in this embodiment, the base portion 30 of the barrier module
12x is
wider than the intermediate portion 34 and the upper portion 32 of the barrier
module
12x. This enhances stability of the barrier module 12x, while minimizing
damage to
the impacting vehicle.
[122] The widthwise direction Wm of the barrier module 12x defines a width
Wx of
the barrier module 12x. The width Wx of the barrier module 12x may be defined
as
the width of the base portion 30 of the barrier module 12x.
[123] The width Wx of the barrier modules 12x may have any suitable value.
For
example, in one embodiment, the width Wx of the barrier module 12x may be at
least
18 inches. In another embodiment, the width Wx of the barrier module 12x may
be
at least 24 inches.
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Date Regue/Date Received 2022-09-30
[124] The barrier module 12x comprises a body 36. In this embodiment, the
body
36 of the barrier module 12x includes concrete 38 (e.g., a concrete casting).
In this
example, the concrete 38 forms at least part of a periphery of the body 36 of
the
barrier module 12x.
[125] Also, in this embodiment, the body 36 of the barrier module 12x
comprises a
brace 40 connected to the concrete 38. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, in this
example,
the brace 40 is at least partly embedded in the concrete 38. The brace 40 may
comprise any suitable material. For instance, the brace 40 may comprise a
metallic
material. In this example, the brace 40 comprises a plurality of bracing
members
421-42B spaced from one another. In this case, respective ones of the bracing
members 421-42B are elongate in the longitudinal direction of the barrier 10.
More
particularly, in this example, the bracing members 421-42B include tie rods
1241,
1242.
[126] In some embodiments, the body 36 of the barrier module 12x may be
configured without a brace. In such embodiments, the body 36 of the barrier
module
12x may comprise fiber filled concrete (e.g., synthetic fibers, glass fibers,
metallic
fibers).
[127] The barrier module 12x comprises a connector 41 configured to connect
the
barrier module 12x to the adjacent barrier module 12. As shown in Figures 10A,
10B
and 11, in this embodiment, the hinge 16 connecting the barrier module 12x to
the
adjacent barrier module 12 comprises the connector 41 of the barrier module
12x,
the connector 41 of the adjacent barrier module 12, and the pin 43. The pin 43
joins
the connector 41 of the barrier module 12x and the connector 41 of the
adjacent
barrier module 12. The hinge 16 may join the connector 41 of the barrier
module
12x and the connector 41 of the adjacent barrier module 12 in any other way in
other
embodiments (e.g., via flexible material, etc.).
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Date Regue/Date Received 2022-09-30
[128] In this example of implementation, as shown in Figure 11, the
connector 41
of the barrier module 12x comprises connecting members 551, 552 that are
spaced
from one another in the heightwise direction HB of the barrier 10. In this
case, the
pin 43 of the hinge 16 extends to the connecting members 551, 552.
[129] In another example of implementation, as shown in Figure 12, the
connector
41 of the barrier module 12x may comprise a third connecting member 553 spaced
from the first connecting member 551 and the second connecting member 552 of
the
connector 41 of the barrier module 12x in the heightwise direction HB of the
barrier
10.
[130] In this embodiment, the brace 40 of the barrier module 12x is secured
to the
connector 41 of the barrier module 12x. For instance, in this embodiment, each
of
respective ones of the bracing members 421-42B of the barrier module 12x
comprises
a threaded opening 51 to receive a threaded fastener 53 to fasten the bracing
members 421-42B to the connector 41 of the barrier module 12x.
[131] In an another embodiment, each of respective ones of the bracing
members
421-42B of the barrier module 12x comprises a threaded end 107 to be received
by a
fastener 116 to fasten the bracing members 421-42B of the barrier module 12x
to the
connector 41 of the barrier module 12x.
[132] The body 36 of the barrier module 12x may be implemented in any other
way
in other embodiments.
[133] For example, in some embodiments, with additional reference to
Figures 13
to 17B, the body 36 of the barrier module 12x comprises a container 50
configured
to contain a substance 52. The container 50 comprises a shell 60 that has a
hollow
interior 54 and may form at least part of the periphery of the body 36 of the
barrier
module 12x, as shown in Figure 53. The hollow interior 54 may provide a
reduction
of mass of the barrier module 12x as compared to a barrier module 12x of
similar
19
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-30
dimension (i.e., of similar volume) without a container 50 comprising a hollow
interior
54 (for example, compared to a barrier module 12x including concrete 38). For
example, in some cases, the reduction of mass may be at least 50%, in some
cases
at least 60%, in some cases at least 70% and in some cases at least 75%.
[134] In various examples of implementation, the substance 52 may be a
liquid
(e.g., water), sand, gravel, concrete (e.g., poured-in-place concrete), foam
(e.g. solid
foam), or any other suitable substance (e.g., to add mass, provide cushioning
upon
impact, etc.).
[135] In some embodiments, the substance 52 may be a first substance and
the
barrier module 12x may comprise a second substance 152 contained in the
container
50.
[136]
In order to facilitate transportation, the shell 60 of the container 50 of the
body
36 of the barrier module 12x may be empty during transport and the substance
52
may be introduced into the hollow interior of 54 of the body 36 of the barrier
module
12x after transportation of the barrier module 12x.
[137]
In some cases, a removable filler cap 26 releasably covers an opening in the
barrier module 12x is provided to allow the substance 52 to be introduced into
the
hollow interior 54 of the body 36. The substance 52 may be introduced into the
hollow interior 54 of the body 36 of the barrier module 12x in any suitable
manner
(e.g., using a conveyor, a pump, gravitational force etc.). A drain 28 may be
provided
to allow the body 36 to be emptied. Additionally, or alternatively, the
opening in the
barrier module 12x may be configured for emptying the substance 52 contained
inside the hollow interior 54 of the body 36. The container 50 of the body 36
of the
barrier module 12x may be disassembled to facilitate introducing and / or
emptying
the substance 52 into the hollow interior 54 of the body 36. The container 50
of the
body 36 of the barrier module 12x may be emptied in any suitable manner (e.g.
by
gravitational force or with any other method such as by water jet, by jet of
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-30
compressed air, by jet of steam, by suction, by vibration, or by any other
force such
as by shocks or physical force.)
[138] The container 50 may comprise one or more ports to facilitate
connection of
conduits to the body 36 of the container 50, the conduits configured to
introduce jets
of water, air or steam into the body 36 of the container 50, to name a few non-
limiting
examples.
[139] The container 50 of the body 36 of the barrier module 12x may be
implemented in any suitable way.
[140] In this embodiment, the shell 60 of the container 50 comprises
polymeric
material 59. For instance, the polymeric material 59 may include polyethylene
(high,
medium or low density), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (abs), polystyrene,
polypropylene, polyurethane (PU), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), nylon,
polyester,
vinylester, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, and/or any other thermoplastic
or
thermosetting polymer , or any other suitable polymer. In some examples, the
polymeric material 59 may be reinforced (e.g., composite material). For
example,
the polymeric material 59 may be fiber-reinforced polymeric material
comprising
fibers disposed in a polymeric matrix. For instance, in some embodiments, the
polymeric matrix may include any suitable polymeric resin, such as a
thermoplastic
or thermosetting resin, like epoxy, polyethylene, polypropylene, acrylic,
thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyether ether ketone (PEEK) or other
polyaryletherketone (PAEK), polyethylene terephtha late (PET), polyvinyl
chloride
(PVC), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polycarbonate, acrylonitrile
butadiene
styrene (ABS), nylon, polyimide, polysulfone, polyamide-imide, polyurethane,
or any
other suitable resin, and the fibers may include carbon fibers, glass fibers,
polymeric
fibers such as aramid fibers (e.g., Kevlar fibers), boron fibers, silicon
carbide fibers,
metallic fibers, ceramic fibers, etc.
21
Date Regue/Date Received 2022-09-30
[141]
In other embodiments, the shell 60 of the container 50 may comprise
metallic
material. For instance, in some embodiment, the shell 60 of the container 50
may
be made of steel, aluminum or other suitable metal.
[142] In
some cases, the shell 60 of the container 50 may be configured to be thin
(i.e., walls of the shell 60 of the container 50 may be configured to be
thin). In some
instances, including instances where the shell 60 of the container 50 is
configured
to be thin, the shell 60 of the container 50 may comprise reinforcements as
will be
discussed below.
[143]
In this example of implementation, the container 50 is molded. More
particularly, in this example, the container 50 is rotomolded or otherwise
molded to
create its hollow interior 54. In other examples of implementation, the
container 50
may include portions formed separately and assembled together (e.g., by being
bonded, welded, forged, mechanically fastened, etc.). In yet other examples of
implementation, such as where the shell 60 of the container 50 is metallic, it
may be
welded, forged, punched, hydroformed or made using any other metal forming
process.
[144] In
this example of implementation, a mass of the shell 60 of the container 50
comprising the metallic material may represent between 15% and 50% of the mass
of the barrier module 12x includes concrete 38 (e.g., a concrete casting) at
equal
volume.
[145] In
this embodiment, at least part of the connector 41 of the barrier module
12x is integrally formed with the container 50 of the barrier module 12x. For
instance,
in this embodiment, at least part of the connector 41 of the barrier module
12x is
integrally rotomolded with the container 50 of the barrier module 12x during
rotomolding of the container 50. In this example, at least part of each of the
connecting members 551, 552 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12x is
integrally rotomolded with the container 50 of the barrier module 12x.
22
Date Regue/Date Received 2022-09-30
[146] In another embodiment, as shown in Figures18A and 18B, the container
50
of the barrier module 12x may be stackable on the container 50 of another
barrier
module 12N for transportation. For instance, in this embodiment, the container
50
comprises a bottom recess 45 and a head 57. The head 57 of the container 50 of
the barrier module 12x is configured to fit into the bottom recess 45 of the
container
50 of the other barrier module 12N for stacking.
[147] One or more other components may be connected to the container 50 of
the
body 36 of the barrier module 12x in various embodiments.
[148] For example, in this embodiment, the brace 40 is connected to and
extends
inside the container 50 of the body 36 of the barrier module 12x. In some
cases, the
brace 40 may be at least partly embedded in the substance 52 contained in the
container 50.
[149] The brace 40 of the barrier module 12x may be secured to the
connector 41
of the barrier module 12x. For instance, the brace 40 comprises the threaded
opening 51 to receive the threaded fastener 53 to fasten the brace 40 of the
barrier
module 12x to the connector 41 of the barrier module 12x.
[150] The brace 40 may comprise a metallic material. In this example, the
brace 40
comprises the bracing members 421-42B spaced from one another. In this case,
respective ones of the bracing members 421-42B are elongate in the
longitudinal
direction of the barrier 10. More particularly, in this example, the bracing
members
421-42B include the tie rods 1241, 1242.
[151] Also, in this embodiment, the barrier module 12x comprises
reinforcements
49x connected to the container 50. The reinforcements 49x may be mounted on
lateral sides 44x of the container 50.
23
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-30
[152] For example, in one embodiment, the barrier module 12x may comprise a
first
reinforcement 491 connected to the container 50 of the barrier module 12x and
mounted on a first lateral side 441 of the container 50. The barrier module
12x may
comprise a second reinforcement 492 connected to the container 50 of the
barrier
module 12x and mounted on a second lateral side 442 of the container 50.
[153] In yet another embodiment, the reinforcements 49x may be mounted
inside
the container 50. For instance, the first reinforcement 491 may be mounted on
the
lateral side 441 of the container 50 and the second reinforcement 492 may be
mounted inside the container 50. In yet another example of implementation of
this
embodiment, as shown in Figures 65A, 65B, 65C and 65D, a plurality of
reinforcements 49x may be mounted inside the container 50. The plurality of
reinforcements 49x may increase a rigidity of the container 50, which may
increase
performance of the barrier 10 in accordance with evaluation criteria of MASH
test
no. 3-11 (as will be discussed below).
[154] As shown in Figure 19, in this embodiment, each of the reinforcements
491,
492 comprises a guardrail 47 (e.g., made of steel or other metallic material,
or any
other suitable material). The guardrail 47 is mounted on each of the lateral
sides
441, 442 of the container 50. Each of the lateral sides 441, 442 of the
container 50
conforms to the guardrail 47.
[155] The guardrail 47 may comprise a recess 48. Each of the lateral sides
441, 442
of the container 50 may comprise a projection 46x projecting into the recess
48 of
the guardrail 47. In one embodiment, the recess 48 of the guardrail 47 may be
a first
recess 481 and the projection 46 of each of the lateral sides 441, 442 of the
container
50 may be a first projection 461. In this embodiment, each of the lateral
sides 441,
442 of the container 50 may comprise a second projection 462 projecting into a
second recess 482 of the guardrail 47.
24
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-30
[156] The guardrail 47 may have a variety of suitable profiles including,
for
example, those shown in Figures 55A to 55F.
[157] In some embodiments, the guardrail 47 of barrier module 12x may
overlap a
guardrail 47 of the adjacent barrier module 12, as shown in Figure 56. This
may help
prevent snagging of the guardrails.
[158] The barrier 10 may be configured to enhance its use and performance
in
various embodiments. Examples of this will now be described.
[159] 1. Reduced deflection when impacted
[160] In some embodiments, the barrier 10 may reduce deflection, by
deflecting
less or substantially not deflecting, when impacted by vehicles, in some cases
while
facilitating installation and/or transfer the barrier 10 between the different
locations
Li, L2 at the roadway 13, such as by the transfer vehicle 20.
[161] For example, in some embodiments, with additional reference to Figure
20,
the barrier 10 is configured to deflect by no more than 2.2 meters (m)
according to
MASH, i.e., the Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware produced by the American
Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), published
as
a 2nd edition in 2016, accessible at https://bookstore.transportation.org/,
and
incorporated by reference herein. Specifically, the barrier 10 may be
configured to
deflect by no more than 2.2 m in accordance with MASH test no. 3-11. An
example
of such a deflection A is shown in Figure 20. For instance, in some
embodiments,
the barrier 10 may be configured to deflect by no more than 2 m, in some cases
no
more than 1.8 m, in some cases no more than 1.6 m, in some cases no more than
1.4 m, in some cases no more than 1.2 m, and in some cases even less, in
accordance with MASH test no. 3-11.
25
Date Regue/Date Received 2022-09-30
[162] While having such reduced deflection, the barrier 10 may provide ease
of
installation and/or mobility at the roadway 13. For instance, in some
embodiments,
the pin 43 of the hinge 16 may be installable manually, i.e., without using
any
mechanized tool such as a hydraulic cylinder, an actuator, a hydraulic hammer,
a
pneumatic hammer, or any other machine, to join the connector 41 of the
barrier
module 12x and the connector 41 of the adjacent barrier module 12. In some
cases,
one or more nonmechanized tools such as a hammer or screwdriver may be used
to install the pin 43 of the hinge 16. Thus, in some cases, the hinge 16 may
be
viewed as a "quick-connect" hinge. This is in contrast with conventional
movable
barriers which have limited deflection but require a hydraulic cylinder, an
actuator,
a hydraulic hammer, a pneumatic hammer, and/or another machine to install
their
hinge's pin.
[163] As shown in Figures 21A, 21B and 22, in some embodiments, the
connector
41 of the barrier module 12x comprises an opening 56 to receive the pin 43 of
the
hinge 16, whereby a size (i.e., an area) of a cross-section C of the opening
56 may
be limited. This may reduce deflection of the barrier 10 when impacted by
limiting
rotation of the barrier module 12x relative to the adjacent barrier module 12
as there
is less space for the connector 41 of the barrier module 12x and the connector
41 of
the adjacent barrier module 1Z to translate relative to the pin 43. This may
also make
the barrier 10 more rigid in torsion. It may keep loading on upper and lower
parts of
the hinge 16 (e.g., the connecting members 551, 552 of the connector 41 of the
barrier module 12x and the connecting members 551, 5520f the connector 41 of
the
adjacent barrier module 12) more equal and reduce a tendency for the impacting
vehicle 19 to vault or snag, as well as reducing a potential for hinge
failure.
[164] For example, in some embodiments, a ratio of a maximal dimension Dmax
of
the cross-section C of the opening 56 of the connector 41 of the barrier
module 12x
over a minimal dimension Dmm of the cross-section C of the opening 56 of the
connector 41 of the barrier module 12x may be limited. For instance, in some
embodiments, the ratio of the maximal dimension Dmax of the cross-section C of
the
26
Date Regue/Date Received 2022-09-30
opening 56 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12x over the minimal
dimension
Dmm of the cross-section C of the opening 56 of the connector 41 of the
barrier
module 12x may be no more than 1.8, in some cases no more than 1.6, in some
cases no more than 1.4, and in some cases even less.
[165] Also, in some embodiments, and an aspect ratio of the cross-section C
of the
opening 56 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12x may be limited. This
aspect
ratio refers to a ratio of the maximal dimension Dmax of the cross-section C
of the
opening 56 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12x over an orthogonal
dimension of the cross-section C of the opening 56 of the connector 41 of the
barrier
module 12x that is orthogonal (i.e., normal) to the maximal dimension Dmax of
the
cross-section C of the opening 56 of the connector 41 of the barrier module
12x
(which may be the minimal dimension Dmm of the cross-section C of the opening
56
of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12x). For instance, in some
embodiments,
the aspect ratio of the cross-section C of the opening 56 of the connector 41
of the
barrier module 12x may be no more than 1.8, in some cases no more than 1.6, in
some cases no more than 1.4, and in some cases even less.
[166] Furthermore, in some embodiments, a ratio of a maximal dimension Dmax
of
the cross-section C of the opening 56 of the connector 41 of the barrier
module 12x
over a dimension Dpm of a cross-section P of the pin 43 of the connector 41 of
the
barrier module 12x may be limited. For instance, in some embodiments, the
ratio of
the maximal dimension Dmax of the cross-section C of the opening 56 of the
connector 41 of the barrier module 12x over the dimension Dpm of the cross-
section
P of the pin 43 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12x may be less than
2, no
more than 1.8, in some cases no more than 1.6, in some cases no more than 1.4,
in some cases no more than 1.15, in some cases no more than 1.05, and in some
cases even less. Accordingly, the pin 43 of the connector 41 may closely fit
within
the opening 56 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12x.
27
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-30
[167] The opening 56 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12x may have
any
suitable shape. In some embodiments, the opening 56 of the connector 41 may be
circular. In this embodiment, the opening 56 of the connector 41 of the
barrier
module 12x is noncircular. More particularly, in this embodiment, the opening
56 of
the connector 41 of the barrier module 12x is elongated. In this example, the
opening
56 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12x is oblong. For instance, in
this case,
the opening 56 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12x is a slot.
[168] In some cases, the shape of the opening 56 of the upper part of the
hinge
may be different from the shape of the opening 56 of the lower part of the
hinge. For
example, as shown in Figures 64A, 64C and 64D, the opening 56 of the
connecting
members 551 of the connector 41 of the barrier modules 12x, 12j have a
circular
shape whereas the opening 56 of the connecting members 552 of the connector 41
of the barrier modules 12x, 12 have an oblong shape.
[169] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 64A, 64B, 64C and 64D, the
hinge 16 may be configured such that the opening 56 of the connector 41 of the
barrier module 12x is offset from the opening 56 of the connector 41 of the
adjacent
barrier module 12. This configuration may ensure that the pin 43 in the hinge
16
contacts at least one of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12x and the
connector
41 of the adjacent barrier module 12 and may ensure that the pin 43 closely
fits
within the opening of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12x and the
opening 56
of the connector 41 of the adjacent barrier module 12. This configuration may
also
facilitate manual installation of the pin 43 of the hinge 16.
[170] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 21A to 24C, the connector 41
of
the barrier module 12x comprises an insert 62 that forms at least part of the
opening
56 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12x and is secured to a given one
of
the connecting members 55x of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12x. This
may
facilitate resizing of the cross-section C of the opening 56 of the connector
41 of the
barrier module 12x, including in embodiments where the barrier module 12x may
28
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-30
have been originally manufactured with the cross-section C of the opening 56
of the
connector 41 of the barrier module 12x being larger.
[171] In some other embodiments, as shown in Figures 25A to 26B, the insert
62
of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12x defines an entirety of a
perimeter of
the opening 56 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12x.
[172] The insert 62 is secured to any given one of the connecting members
55x of
the connector 41 of the barrier module 12x. In one embodiment, the insert 62
may
be secured to the connecting member 551. In another example of implementation,
the insert 62 may be secured to the connecting member 552. In yet another
example,
the insert 62 may be secured to each of the connecting members 551, 552, as
shown
in Figure 21B. In this example of implementation, the insert 62 of the
connector 41
of the barrier module 12x is a first insert 621. The first insert 621 is
secured to the first
connecting member 551 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12x. The
second
connecting member 552 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12x comprises
an
opening 100 to receive the pin 43. The connector 41 of the barrier module 12x
comprises a second insert 622. The second insert 622 is secured to the second
connecting member 552 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12x.
[173] In one example of implementation, the cross-section C of the opening
56 of
the connector 41 of the barrier module 12x comprising the first insert 621 may
be
different from a cross-section C of the opening 100 of the connector 41 of the
barrier
module 12x comprising the second insert 622. For example, the cross-section C
of
the opening 56 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12x may be smaller
than
the cross-section C of the opening 100 of the connector 41 of the barrier
module
12x. This may help minimize the splaying and rotation of the barrier module
12x while
also facilitating transportation by the conveyor 22.
[174] In
yet another example of implementation, the insert 62 may extend to and
be secured to both the connecting members 551, 552.
29
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-30
[175] As shown in Figure 23B, the opening 56 of the connector 41 of the
barrier
module 12x is a pin-receiving opening 24 of the connector 41. As shown in
Figure
23A, the connecting member 55x includes an insert-receiving opening 63 that
receives the insert 62.
[176] The insert 62 may be affixed to the connecting member 55x in any
suitable
manner. In this embodiment, the insert 62 is permanently affixed to the
connecting
member 55x (i.e., affixed to the connecting member 55x such that it cannot be
readily
removed from the connecting member 55x without damaging or otherwise impairing
integrity of the insert 62 and/or the connecting member 55x). For example, in
one
embodiment, the insert 62 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12x may be
thermally affixed to the connecting member 55x. For instance, the insert 62
may be
welded to the connecting member 55x.
[177] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 21A and 21B, the connecting
member 55x of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12x (namely the
connecting
members 551, 552) may comprise a base 97 and a cage 98 extending from the base
97. In this example, at least part of the insert 62 of the connector 41 of the
barrier
module 12x is disposed within the base 97 of the connecting member 55x of the
connector 41 of the barrier module 12x. The insert 62 of the connector 41 of
the
barrier module 12x is spaced from a horizontal part 99 of the cage 98 of the
connecting member 55x of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12x. In other
embodiments, the connecting member 55x of the connector 41 of the barrier
module
12x may comprise a base 97 without the cage 98.
[178] As shown in Figures 23A to 26C, the insert 62 of the connector 41 of
the
barrier module 12x may be implemented in various ways.
[179] In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 24A, 24B and 24C, the insert
62 of
the connector 41 of the barrier module 12x comprises a base 65 and a
projection 66
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-30
projecting from the base 65 into the insert-receiving opening 63 of the
connecting
member 55x of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12x.The projection 66 of
the
insert 62 fills part of the insert-receiving opening 63 of the connecting
member 55x
and in that sense may be referred to as a "filler". An outer surface 94 of the
projection
66 of the insert 62 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12x conforms to
an inner
surface 95 of the connecting member 55x that defines the insert-receiving
opening
63 of the connecting member 55x of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12x.
In
one example of implementation, the base 65 of the insert 62 of the connector
41 of
the barrier module 12x is a plate 64. The base 65 of the insert 62 of the
connector
41 of the barrier module 12x comprises a ledge 96 engaging the connecting
member
55x of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12x. At least part of the outer
surface
94 of the projection 66 of the insert 62 of the connector 41 of the barrier
module 12x
is curved.
[180] In
this embodiment, the insert 62 of the connector 41 of the barrier module
12x is disposed such that its projection 66 is compressed by the pin 43 of the
hinge
16 when the barrier module 12x and the adjacent barrier module 12 are pressed
towards one another and is not compressed by the pin 43 of the hinge 16 when
the
barrier module 12x and the adjacent barrier module 12 are pulled away from one
another. This may help to avoid the insert 62 and its attachment (e.g.,
welding) to
the connecting member 55x being loaded when the hinge 16 is under tensile
loading.
[181]
Also, in this embodiment, the insert 62 of the connector 41 of the
barrier
module 12x is welded to the connecting member 55x of the connector 41. More
particularly, in this embodiment as shown in Figure 24D, an upper weld 113 and
a
lower weld 117 are provided respectively at interfaces of the base 65 and the
projection 66 with opposite surfaces of the connecting member 55x. In this
example,
there is no weld between the outer surface 94 of the projection 66 of the
insert 62
and the inner surface 95 of the connecting member 55x.
31
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-30
[182]
In another embodiment, as shown in Figures 26A, 26B and 26C, the insert
62 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12x comprises the base 65 without
the
projection 66 projecting from the base 65. In this example, the base 65 of the
insert
62 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12x is the plate 64. The base 65
of the
insert 62 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12x comprises a ledge 96
engaging the connecting member 55x of the connector 41 of the barrier module
12x.
[183]
In yet another embodiment, as shown in Figures 23A, 23B and 23C, the
insert
62 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12x comprises an inset 108. The
inset
108 is inserted into the insert-receiving opening 63 of the connecting member
55x,
of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12x. An outer surface 109 of the
inset 108
of the insert 62 of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12x conforms to the
inner
surface 95 of the connecting member 55x that defines the insert-receiving
opening
63 of the connecting member 55x of the connector 41 of the barrier module 12x.
At
least part of the outer surface 109 of the inset 108 of the insert 62 of the
connector
41 of the barrier module 12x is curved.
[184]
With reference to Figures 59, 60 and 61, the body 36 of the barrier
module
12x may further comprise frictional members 106 configured to increase the
friction
between the barrier module 12x and the roadway 13 such that the barrier module
12x may further resist deflection upon impact from an impacting vehicle 19. In
some
embodiments, a coefficient of friction between the frictional members 106 and
a
surface 17 of the roadway 13 (e.g., paving, dry concrete) may be at least 0.5.
In this
example, the frictional members 106 protrude downwardly from a lower surface
of
the body 36 of the barrier module 12x. Additionally, or alternatively, in
other
embodiments, the frictional members 106 may be configured to mechanically
attach
to the surface 17 of the roadway 13.
[185]
The frictional members 106 may comprise any suitable material. For
instance, the frictional members 106 may comprise elastomeric material 142
(e.g.,
rubber). In other cases, the frictional members 106 may comprise a metallic
material
32
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-30
127 (e.g., steel or other suitable metal). In some cases, a surface 111 of the
protrusions 106 may comprise a different material than a remainder of the
frictional
members 106 (i.e., the material of the surface 111 may be different than the
metallic
material 127). In one example, the surface 111 of the frictional members 106
may
comprise a layer of material 132 which may at least partly cover the metallic
material
127 of the frictional members 106. The layer of material 132 may be configured
to
mechanically attach to the surface 17 of the roadway 13. For example, the
layer of
material 132 may at least partly comprise diamond (e.g., diamond particles)
such
that a microstructure of the material 132 may be suitable for mechanically
engaging
the frictional members 106 to the surface 17 of the roadway 13.
[186] The frictional members 106 may be configured to be secured to the
barrier
module 12x in any suitable fashion. For example, the frictional members 106
may
be mechanically fastened to the body 36 of the barrier module 12x with screws,
bolts
or other mechanical fasteners. Accordingly, the frictional members 106 may
comprise one or more openings 133 configured to receive one or more fasteners
134. Correspondingly, the body 36 of the barrier module 12x may also comprise
one
or more openings 136 configured to receive the one or more fasteners 134.
Thus,
the one or more openings 133 of the frictional members 106 may align with
respective ones of the one or more openings 136 of the body 36 of the barrier
module 12x.
[187] In some embodiments, the body 36 of the barrier module 12x may
comprise
a plurality of recesses 137 for at least partly receiving respective ones of
the frictional
members 106. As shown in the illustrated embodiments of Figures 60 and 61, the
bottom 31 of the body 36 of the barrier module 12x may comprise the plurality
of
recesses 137 and the frictional members 106 are at least partly received in
the
plurality of recesses 137.
33
Date Regue/Date Received 2022-09-30
[188]
In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 27 to 34, the barrier module 12x
comprises an add-on mass 70 connected to the body 36 of the barrier module 12x
to increase a weight of the barrier module 12x.
[189] For
example, in one embodiment, at least part of the add-on mass 70 may
be disposed in the upper portion 32 of the barrier module 12x above a top 29
of the
body 36 of the barrier module 12x, as shown in Figure 27.
[190] For example, in another embodiment, at least part of the add-on mass
70
may be disposed in the base portion 30 of the barrier module 12x below a
bottom 31
of the body 36 of the barrier module 12x, as shown in Figures 28 and 29.
[191] The add-on mass 70 may further comprise frictional members 206
configured
to increase the friction between the add-on mass 70 and the roadway 13 such
that
the barrier module 12x may further resist deflection upon impact from the
impacting
vehicle 19. The frictional members 206 may be configured similarly to the
frictional
members 106 discussed above.
[192] In yet another embodiment, the add-on mass 70 may be a first add-on
mass
701 and the barrier module 12x may comprise a second add-on mass 702 connected
to the body 36 of the barrier module 12x to increase the weight of the barrier
module
12x. For example, as shown in Figures 30 and 31, the first add-on mass 701 and
the
second add-on mass 702 may be separate from one another and at least part of
the
first add-on mass 701 and at least part of the second add-on mass 702 may be
disposed in the base portion 30 of the barrier module 12x below the bottom 31
of the
body 36 of the barrier module 12x.
[193] In yet another example, as shown in Figures 32 and 33, the first add-
on mass
701 may be disposed in the upper portion 32 of the barrier module 12x above
the top
29 of the body 36 of the barrier module 12x while the second add-on mass 702
may
34
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-30
be disposed in the base portion 30 of the barrier module 12x below the bottom
31 of
the body 36 of the barrier module 12x.
[194] In another embodiment, the add-on mass 70 may comprise a drain 68 to
drain
water on the roadway 13. As shown in Figure 34, the drain 68 may comprise a
plurality of drainage channels 67x oriented transversally to one another. The
drainage channels 67x may include a longitudinal drainage channel 671
extending
along the longitudinal direction LB of the barrier 10. The drainage channels
67x may
also include a transversal drainage channel 67j extending transversally to the
longitudinal drainage channel 671.
[195] The drain 68 of the add-on mass 70 may allow for adjustment of a
height of
a center of gravity of the barrier module 12x.
[196] The add-on mass 70 may be implemented in any suitable way. For
example,
in some embodiments, the add-on mass 70 may comprise concrete 138 (e.g.,
concrete casting).
[197] In some other embodiments, the add-on mass 70 comprises a container
150
configured to contain a substance 252. The container 150 has a hollow interior
154.
[198] In various examples of implementation, the substance 252 may be a
liquid
(e.g., water), sand, gravel, concrete (e.g., poured-in-place concrete), foam
(e.g. solid
foam), or any other suitable substance (e.g., to add mass, provide cushioning
upon
impact, etc.).
[199] In some embodiments, the substance 252 may be a first substance 252
and
the container 150 may comprise a second substance 252 contained in the
container
150.
35
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-30
[200] The container 150 of the add-on mass 70 may be implemented in any
suitable
way.
[201] In this embodiment, the container 150 comprises polymeric material
159. For
instance, the polymeric material 159 may include polyethylene, (high, medium
or
low density), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (abs), polystyrene,
polypropylene,
polyurethane (PU), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), nylon, polyester, vinylester,
polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, and/or any other thermoplastic or
thermosetting
polymer, or any other suitable polymer. In some examples, the polymeric
material
59 may be reinforced (e.g., composite material). For example, the polymeric
material
59 may be fiber-reinforced polymeric material comprising fibers disposed in a
polymeric matrix. For instance, in some embodiments, the polymeric matrix may
include any suitable polymeric resin, such as a thermoplastic or thermosetting
resin,
like epoxy, polyethylene, polypropylene, acrylic, thermoplastic polyurethane
(TPU),
polyether ether ketone (PEEK) or other polyaryletherketone (PAEK),
polyethylene
terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), poly(m ethyl methacrylate)
(PMMA),
polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), nylon, polyimide,
polysulfone,
polyamide-imide, polyurethane, or any other suitable resin, and the fibers may
include carbon fibers, glass fibers, polymeric fibers such as aram id fibers
(e.g.,
Kevlar fibers), boron fibers, silicon carbide fibers, metallic fibers, ceramic
fibers, etc.
[202] In this example of implementation, the container 150 is molded. More
particularly, in this example, the container 150 is rotomolded or otherwise
molded to
create its hollow interior 154. In other examples of implementation, the
container
150 may include portions formed separately and assembled together (e.g., by
being
bonded, welded, mechanically fastened, etc.)
[203] The add-on mass 70 may be affixed to the body 36 of the barrier
module 12x
in any suitable manner. For example, the add-on mass 70 may be affixed to the
body 36 of the barrier module 12x with mountings 112. For example, the
mountings
36
Date Regue/Date Received 2022-09-30
112 may comprise reinforcing steel (i.e. rebar), cement anchors, chemical
anchors
or any other type of suitable mountings.
[204] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 35 to 41B, the barrier 10
may
comprise a limiter 80 configured to limit pivoting of the barrier module 12x
relative to
the adjacent barrier module 12. For instance, the limiter 80 may be movable
relative
to at least one and in some cases both of the barrier module 12x and the
adjacent
barrier module 12. The limiter 80 thus limits deflection of the barrier module
12x
relative to the adjacent barrier module 12 when the barrier 10 is impacted
and/or
transferred at the roadway 13.
[205] For example, in some embodiments, the limiter 80 may be configured to
limit
pivoting of the barrier module 12x relative to the adjacent barrier module 12
to no
more than an angle allowing the barrier 10 to be transferred by the conveyor
22 of
the transfer vehicle 20.
[206] In some embodiments, the limiter 80 may be configured to limit
pivoting of
the barrier module 12x relative to the adjacent barrier module 12 to no more
than
24 , in some cases to no more than 22 , in some cases to no more than 20 , and
in
some cases even less (e.g. no more than 10 , in some case no more than 5 , in
some cases no more than 3 and in some cases no more than 10).
[207] The limiter 80 may be implemented in any suitable way in various
embodiments. It may comprise one or more parts, which may include any suitable
material, such as metallic material, elastomeric material, concrete, wood, or
another
suitable material. In some embodiments, the limiter may include any suitable
combination of materials.
[208] For example, in some embodiments, as shown in Figures 35 to 38, the
hinge
16 comprises at least part of the limiter 80. More particularly, in this
embodiment,
the limiter 80 is mounted about the pin 43 of the hinge 16. As such, the
limiter 80 is
37
Date Regue/Date Received 2022-09-30
held in place by the pin 43 and yet is not fastened to either barrier module
12x or
adjacent barrier module 12. In this example, the limiter 80 comprises limiting
projections 811, 812 extending opposite one another to engage at least one of
the
barrier module 12x and the adjacent barrier module 12 when they pivot relative
to
one another, as the barrier 10 is impacted or transferred, to stop their
relative motion.
[209] As shown in Figures 39A to 41B, in some embodiments, the limiter 80
is
changeable between a locked state, in which the limiter 80 locks the barrier
module
12x and the adjacent barrier module 12 relative to one another, and an
unlocked
state, in which the limiter 80 allows the barrier module 12x and the adjacent
barrier
module 12 to move relative to one another.
[210] The limiter 80 is configured to be in the locked state when the
barrier module
12x and the adjacent barrier module 12 are stationary on the roadway and the
limiter
80 is configured to be in the unlocked state when the barrier module 12x and
the
adjacent barrier module 12 are engaged by the transfer vehicle 20 for transfer
between the different locations Li, L2 on the roadway 13. The limiter 80 is
configured
to acquire the unlocked state in response to engaging the conveyor 22 of the
transfer
vehicle 20 and to acquire the locked state in response to disengaging the
conveyor
22 of the transfer vehicle 20.
[211] In one embodiment, the limiter 80 may comprise a locking member 84
configured to engage the body 36 of the barrier module 12x and the body 36 of
the
adjacent barrier module 12 when the limiter 80 is in the locked state and to
disengage the body 36 of the barrier module 12x and the body 36 of the
adjacent
barrier module 12 when the limiter 80 is in the unlocked state. The locking
member
84 is configured to engage the body 36 of the barrier module 12x in the base
portion
of the barrier module 12x and the body of the adjacent barrier module 12 in
the
base portion 30 of the adjacent barrier module 12 when the limiter 80 is in
the locked
30 state.
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Date Regue/Date Received 2022-09-30
[212] The body 36 of each of the barrier modules 12x, 12j comprises a void
85, as
shown in Figures 40A and 40B. For example, the void 85 may be a recess 86. The
recess 86 of the body 36 of the barrier modules 12x, 12 is located in the base
portion
30 of the barrier modules 12x, 12j.
[213] The body 36 of the barrier module 12x may comprise a reinforcement 87
defining at least part of the void 85 of the body 36 of the barrier module
12x. The
reinforcement 87 may be comprised of any suitable material. For example, the
reinforcement 87 may comprise a metallic material.
[214] The locking member 84 is disposed in the void 85 of the body 36 of
the barrier
module 12x and the body of the adjacent of the barrier module 12 when the
limiter
80 is in the locked state. The locking member 84 is movable relative to the
void 85
of the body 36 of the barrier module 12x and the body 36 of the adjacent of
barrier
module 12 when the limiter 80 changes between the locked state and the
unlocked
state. The locking member 84 clears the void 85 of the body 36 of the barrier
module
12x and the void 85 of the body 36 of the adjacent barrier module 12 when the
limiter
80 is in the unlocked state.
[215]
The limiter 80 may comprise a biasing member 82 configured to bias the
limiter 80 in the locked state. For example, the biasing member 82 may
comprise a
spring 83. The biasing member 82 is configured to bias the locking member 84
into
engagement with the body 36 of the barrier module 12x and the body 36 of the
adjacent barrier module 12.
[216]
In one embodiment, the limiter 80 may comprise an actuator 88 configured
to change the limiter 80 between the locked state and the unlocked state. As
shown
in Figures 39A to 40B, the actuator 88 extends from the upper portion 32 of
the
barrier module 12x downwardly towards the locking member 84. The actuator 88
may comprise a rod 89 extending from the upper portion 32 of the barrier
module
12x, 12 to the base portion 30 of the barrier module 12x, 12j.
39
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-30
[217] As shown in Figures 41A and 41B, in another embodiment, the locking
member 84 of the limiter 80 is a first locking member 841 and the limiter 80
may
comprise a second locking member 842 spaced from the first locking member 841.
The void 85 of the body 36 of each of the barrier modules 12x, 12 is a first
void 851
and the body of each of the barrier modules 12x, 12 comprises a second void
852
spaced from the first void 851. The second locking member 842 is disposed in
the
second void 852 of the body 36 of each of the barrier modules12x, 12 when the
limiter 80 is in the locked state. The second locking member 842 is movable
relative
to the second void 8520f the body 36 of each of the barrier module 12x, 12j
when the
limiter 80 changes between the locked state and the unlocked state.
[218] In another example of implementation, the body 36 of the barrier
modules
12x, 12j may comprise a channel 114. The channel 114 may be located in the
void
85 of the body 36 of the barrier modules 12x, 12j. The locking member 84 is
configured to engage the channel 114 of the body 36 of the barrier modules
12x, 12j
when the limiter 80 is in the locked state. The locking member 84 is
configured to
disengage the channel 114 of the body 36 of the barrier modules 12x, 12j, when
the
limiter 80 is in the unlocked state.
[219] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 42,43, and 57 the roadway 13
comprises a recess 90 under the barrier module 12x and the barrier module 12x
extends into the recess 90 of the roadway 13.
[220] More
particularly, in this embodiment, the barrier module 12x comprises a
blocking member 92 that is connected to the body 36 of the barrier module 12x
and
extends into the recess 90 of the roadway 13 to protect against a moment M
tending
to tip over of the body 36 of the barrier module 12x when the barrier 10 is
impacted
by the impacting vehicle 19. As such, the blocking member 92 extends into the
recess 90 to protect against tipping over of the body 36 of the barrier module
12x.
For instance, in this example, the blocking member 92 of the barrier module
12x is
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-30
configured to engage a blocking portion 93 of the recess 90 of the roadway 13
when
the barrier 10 is impacted. This may help to minimize or avoid deflection of
the
barrier 10.
[221] In one embodiment, the blocking member 92 is disposed on an impact
side
121 of the barrier module 12x such that the moment M causes a non-impact side
125 of the barrier module 12x to rotate into the roadway 13 such that the
impact side
121 of the barrier module 12x tends to rotate rather than tending to tip over.
[222] In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 43, the blocking member 92 is
disposed at a lateral side 27x of the barrier module 12x. The blocking member
92 of
the barrier module 12x may be angular and may be mounted about an edge 25 of
the body 36 of the barrier module 12x. The blocking member 92 of the barrier
module
12x may include a substantially planar portion and may extend across the edge
25
of the body of the barrier module 12x.
[223] In another embodiment, as shown in Figure 42, the blocking member 92
is a
first blocking member 921 disposed on a first lateral side 271 of the barrier
module
12x and the barrier module 12x may comprise a second blocking member 922
disposed on a second lateral side 272 of the barrier module 12x.
[224] In some embodiments, a material 15 of the body 36 of the barrier
module 12x
contacts and is different from a material 21 of the blocking member 92 of the
barrier
module 12x. For instance, the material 15 of the body 36 of the barrier module
12x
is concrete and the material 21 of the blocking member 92 of the barrier
module 12x
is a metallic material.
[225] As shown in the illustrated embodiment of Figures 62A, 62B, 62C and
63, the
limiter 80 may comprise a plurality of limiting elements 180 formed integrally
(e.g.,
molded) with at least one of the body 36 of the barrier module 12x and the
body 36
of the adjacent barrier module 12 and configured to limit the deflection of
the barrier
41
Date Regue/Date Received 2022-09-30
module 12x relative to the adjacent barrier module 12 to limit pivoting of the
barrier
module 12x relative to the adjacent barrier module 12, when the barrier 10 is
impacted and/or transferred at the roadway 13. Thus, in some embodiments, the
body 36 of the barrier module 12x and/or the body 36 of the adjacent barrier
module
12 may be shaped to implement the limiter 80.
[226] In this embodiment, the limiter 80 includes the plurality of limiting
elements
180 of the barrier module 12x and the plurality of limiting elements 180 of
the
adjacent barrier module 12.
[227] In this embodiment, the limiting elements 180 of the barrier module
12x are
movable towards the limiting elements 180 of the adjacent barrier module 12
such
that at least one of the plurality of limiting elements 180 of the barrier
module 12x is
configured to contact at least one of the plurality of limiting elements 180
of the
adjacent barrier module 12 when the barrier module 12x and the adjacent
barrier
module 12j pivot relative to one another, as the barrier 10 is impacted or
transferred,
to stop their relative motion (as shown in Figure 62C).
[228] In other embodiments, the limiting elements 180 may be secured to the
barrier module 12x or the adjacent barrier module 12 in any suitable fashion
other
than by being integrally formed therewith. For example, the plurality of
limiting
elements 180 may be mechanically fastened to the body 36 of the barrier module
12x or the adjacent barrier module 12 with screws, bolts or other mechanical
fasteners.
[229] The limiter 80 may be implemented in any suitable way in various
embodiments. It may comprise one or more parts, which may include any suitable
material, such as metallic material, elastomeric material, concrete, wood, or
another
suitable material. In some embodiments, the limiter 80 may include any
suitable
combination of materials.
42
Date Regue/Date Received 2022-09-30
[230] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 49 and 50, the barrier
module
12x comprises a force-exerting system 69 configured to exert a
nongravitational
downward force Fa on the barrier module 12x against the roadway 13. The
nongravitational downward force Fa, which is a downward force that does not
result
from gravity and that adds to effects of the weight of the barrier module 12x,
increases friction between the barrier module 12x and the roadway 13, thereby
acting to limit deflection of the barrier module 12x when the barrier 10 is
impacted.
[231] The force-exerting system 69 of the barrier module 12x may be
implemented
in any suitable way in various embodiments.
[232] For example, in some embodiments, as shown in Figure 49, the force-
exerting system 69 comprises a seal 73 configured to sealingly engage the
surface
17 of the roadway 13 to create a vacuum 74 between the barrier module 12x and
the surface 17 of the roadway 13, such that the nongravitational downward
force Fa
on the barrier module 12x is a vacuum-based force generated by the vacuum 74.
[233] The force-exerting system 69 comprises at least part of a vacuum pump
75
to create the vacuum 74. The force-exerting system 69 also comprises a
coupling
72 configured to be connected to the vacuum pump 75 to create the vacuum 74.
[234] In certain embodiments, the force-exerting system 69 is configured to
reduce
air pressure between barrier module 12x and the surface 17 of the roadway by
at
least 3 psi, in some cases at least 6 psi, in some cases at least 8 psi, and
in some
cases at least 10 psi.
[235] In certain embodiments, the force-exerting system 69 may be
configured
such that if the vacuum 74 between the barrier module 12x and the surface 17
of the
roadway is broken, the vacuum 74 between the adjacent barrier module 12 and
the
surface 17 of the roadway remains unaffected. For example, the vacuum 74 may
be
43
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-30
provided only between alternating barrier modules 121-12n and the surface 17
of the
roadway.
[236] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 50, the roadway 13 comprises
a
magnetic member 71 and the force-exerting system 69 comprises a magnetic
member 76 configured to magnetically interact with the magnetic member 71 of
the
roadway 13, such that the nongravitational downward force Fa on the barrier
module
12x is a magnetic force generated by magnetic interaction between the magnetic
member 76 of the force-exerting system 69 and the magnetic member 71 of the
roadway 13.
[237] For example, in one embodiment, the magnetic member 76 of the force-
exerting system 69 may comprise an electromagnet 77. In this embodiment, the
magnetic member 71 of the surface 17 of roadway 13 would comprise a
ferromagnetic material 78. As such, the magnetic force is generated by the
magnetic
interaction between the electromagnet 77 comprised by the magnetic member 76
of
the force-exerting system 69 and the ferromagnetic material 78 of the magnetic
member 71 of the roadway 13. In one embodiment, the ferromagnetic material 78
of the magnetic member 71 of the surface 17 of the roadway 13 may be comprised
of a steel mass 79.
[238] In another embodiment, the magnetic member 76 of the force-exerting
system 69 may comprise the ferromagnetic material 78 and the magnetic member
71 of the surface 17 of the roadway 13 may comprise the electromagnet 77.
[239] The force-exerting system 69 may be configured such that the loss of
nongravitational downward force Fa on the barrier module 12x generated by the
magnetic interaction between the magnetic member 76 of the force-exerting
system
69 and the magnetic member 71 of the roadway 13 does not affect the
nongravitational downward force Fa on the barrier module 12j.
44
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-30
[240]
In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 1, 4A and 4B, the barrier module
12x may comprise shields 1311-1314 affixed to its body 36 to protect its body
36
against impacts, such as from the adjacent barrier module 12j (e.g., when
pivoting
relative to the adjacent barrier module 12 as they are engaged by conveyor 22
of
the transfer vehicle 20 or as they are impacted by an impacting vehicle). The
shields
1311-1314 may reduce stress concentrations at the location of impact and as
such
may prevent propagation of cracks caused by impact and may prevent failure of
the
material 15 of the body 36.
[241] Each
of the shields 1311-1314 comprises material 118 that has greater impact
resistance (e.g., is stiffer, stronger, and/or more ductile, etc.) than
material of the
body 36 of the barrier module 12x. In this embodiment, the body 36 of the
barrier
module 12x comprises concrete 38 and thus each of the shields 1311-1314
protects
the concrete 38 and its material 118 is more resistant to impact than the
concrete
38. For example, in this embodiment, the material 118 of each of the shields
1311-
1314 is metallic material (e.g., steel). The material 118 of each of the
shields 1311-
1314 may be polymeric material (e.g., polycarbonate, high-density
polyethylene,
etc.), composite material (e.g., fiber-reinforced polymeric material), or any
other
suitable material in other embodiments.
[242]
In certain embodiments, the material 118 of each of the shields 1311-1314
may have a modulus of elasticity of at least 100MPa, in some cases at least
1000MPa, in some cases at least 50GPa, in some cases at least 100 GPa, and in
some cases at least 200GPa. The material 118 of each of the shields 1311-1314
may
have a hardness in some cases of at least Shore 10D, in some cases at least
Shore
40D, in some cases at least Shore 60D, or in some cases at least Shore 80D.
Other
values and ranges for the modulus of elasticity and the hardness of the
material 118
of each of the shields 1311-1314 are possible.
[243] In
this embodiment, the shields 1311-1314 are corner shields disposed at
respective ones of lower corners 1351-1354 of the body 36 of the barrier
module 12x.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-30
The shields 1311-1314 may be disposed elsewhere about the body 36 of the
barrier
module 12x in other embodiments (e.g., extend along substantial parts of edges
of
the body 36 of the barrier module 12x, disposed about areas of the body 36 of
the
barrier module 12x likely to engage the conveyor 22 of the transfer vehicle
20). For
example, in the illustrated embodiment of Figures 67A and 67B, the barrier
module
12x comprises the shield 1315. The shield 1315 is an overhang shield disposed
about
the overhang 33 of the barrier module 12x. Also, in this example, the shield
1315 is
a reinforcement that reinforces and protects the body 36 of the barrier module
12x
when engaged by conveyor 22 of the transfer vehicle 20 or when impacted by an
impacting vehicle.
[244] The shields 1311-1314, 1315 may be affixed to the body 36 of the
barrier
module 12x in any suitable way. In this embodiment, the shields 1311-1314,
1315 are
affixed to the body 36 of the barrier module 12x during molding of the
concrete 38
into the body 36 of the barrier module 12x. The shields 1311-1314, 1315 are
placed
in a mold in which the concrete 38 is poured to form the body 36 of the
barrier
module 12x and retain the shields 1311-1314, 1315 therewith. In one example of
implementation of this embodiment, the shield 1315 may be integrated with the
brace
40.
[245] In other embodiments, the shields 1311-1314 may be affixed to the
body 36
of the barrier module 12x after molding of the concrete 38 into the body 36 of
the
barrier module 12x, such as by bending them about the body 36, adhesively
bonding
them to the body 36, chemically fastening them to the body 36 with chemical
anchors, mechanically fastening them to the body 36 with screws or other
mechanical fasteners, etc.
[246] In some embodiments, the barrier module 12x may at least partly
comprise
a material 91 configured to optimise friction force between an impacting
vehicle 19
and the barrier module 12x. This may minimize barrier deflection when the
barrier
10 is impacted by an impacting vehicle 19 and thus may increase performance of
the barrier 10 in accordance with evaluation criteria of the MASH test no. 3-
11. In
46
Date Regue/Date Received 2022-09-30
one example of implementation of this embodiment, the body 36 of the barrier
module 12x comprises lateral surfaces 1021, 1022 which may include the
material
91. The material 19 may comprise any suitable material. For example, the
material
91 may comprise ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW), high density
polyethylene (HDPE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) such as Teflon .
[247] 2. Mitigating risks of excessive upward movement of impacting
vehicle
[248] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 44, the barrier 10 may be
configured to mitigating risks of excessive upward movement (e.g.,
"catapulting" or
"vaulting") of an impacting vehicle.
[249] For example as shown in Figure 44, in this embodiment, the lateral
surfaces
1021, 1022 of the body 36 of the barrier module 12x are inclined relative to
the
heightwise direction HM of the barrier module 12x in the intermediate portion
34 of
the barrier module 12x, and the barrier module 12x comprises reinforcement
351, 35j
each overlying a respective one of the lateral surfaces 1021, 1022 of the body
36 of
the barrier module 12x and comprising an impactable surface 37 that is more
vertical
than the respective one of the lateral surfaces 1021, 1022 of the body 36 of
the barrier
module 12x and configured to be impacted by an impacting vehicle 19.
[250] In one embodiment, the reinforcement 351, 35j of the barrier module
12x
projects into an area of traffic flow of the roadway 13.
[251] In another embodiment, the reinforcement 35j, 35j of the barrier
module 12x
may comprise a guardrail 104. The barrier module 12x may comprise a bracket
105
connecting the guardrail 104 to the body 36 of the barrier module 12x.
[252] In some embodiments, respective ones of the barrier modules
121-12N may
be taller to reduce potential for impacting vehicles to pass over them. For
example,
47
Date Regue/Date Received 2022-09-30
in some embodiments, a height of the barrier module 12x may be any suitable
value,
in some cases at least 32 inches, or in some case at least 42 inches.
[253] In some examples of implementation, as shown in Figures 27 to 33, the
barrier module 12x may comprise a heightener 110 connected to its body 36 such
that its height is greater than a height of its body 36 (e.g., to be at least
32 inches,
in some case at least 42 inches). In this embodiment, the heightener 110 is
implemented by the add-on mass 70 connected to the body 36 of the barrier
module
12x.
[254] For example, in one embodiment, the heightener 110 may be connected
to
the body 36 of the barrier module 12x in the base portion 30 of the barrier
module
12x. In another embodiment, the heightener 110 may be connected to the body 36
of the barrier module 12x in the upper portion 32 of the barrier module 12x.
[255] 3. Enhanced crash cushion at end of barrier
[256] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 45 to 47, the barrier module
12x
is an end one of the barrier modules 121-12N that implements a crash cushion
119
of the barrier 10 and its body 36 includes a polymeric material 159. The
polymeric
material 159 may comprise polyethylene (high, medium or low density) or any
other
suitable polymeric material.
[257] For example, in some embodiments, the barrier module 12x is taller
than
downstream ones of the barrier modules 121-12N. For instance, in some
embodiments, a ratio of a height of barrier module 12x over a height of the
downstream ones of the barrier modules 121-12N is at least 1.1, in some cases
at
least 1.2, in some cases at least 1.3, and in some cases even greater. In
other
embodiments, the barrier module 12x is the same height as the downstream ones
of the barrier modules 121-12N.
48
Date Regue/Date Received 2022-09-30
[258] In this embodiment, the barrier module 12x comprises an end member
120
connected to its body 36. In this example, a front surface 123 of the end
member
120 of barrier module 12x is straight in a heightwise direction H B of the
barrier module
12x.
[259] The end member 120 may comprise a rigid material 122 that is more
rigid
than the polymeric material 159 of the body 36 of the barrier module 12x. For
example, the rigid material 122 may be a metallic material.
[260]
The end member 120 of the barrier module 12x is configured to collapse
about a bumper 18 of the impacting vehicle 19 that impacts the end member 120
of
the barrier module 12x. The body 36 of the barrier module 12x is configured to
collapse about the bumper 18 of the impacting vehicle 19.
[261]
In one embodiment, the body 36 of the barrier module 12x comprises a brace
140 extending to the end member 120 of the barrier module 12x. As shown in
Figures
45 to 47, the brace 140 of the barrier module 12x extends from the end member
120
of the barrier module 12x to a rear surface 39 of the body 36 of the barrier
module
12x that is opposite to the end member 120 of the barrier module 12x. The
brace 140
of the body 36 of the barrier module 12x may comprise a plurality of bracing
members
141. The bracing members 141 of the body 36 of the barrier module 12x may
extend
diagonally.
[262]
In another embodiment, as shown in Figure 48, the body 36 of the barrier
module 12x may comprise a groove 115. The groove 115 of the body 36 of the
barrier
module 12x may tend the body 36 of the barrier module 12x to collapse about
the
bumper 18 of the impacting vehicle 19. In yet another embodiment, the body 36
of
the barrier module 12x may comprise a plurality of grooves 1151-115G.
[263]
In another example of implementation, as shown in Figure 58, the barrier
module 12x is a terminal one of the barrier modules 121-12N that implements a
crash
49
Date Regue/Date Received 2022-09-30
cushion 119 of the barrier 10 comprising a plurality of barrier modules. The
barrier
module 12x is configured to extend from an end of the barrier 10. The barrier
module
12x comprises a container 450 configured to contain a substance 452. The
container
450 may be configured similarly to the container 50 described in the present
disclosure. The barrier module 12x may be a first terminal barrier module and
the
barrier 10 may comprise a second terminal barrier module 12. A content of the
container 450 of the first terminal barrier module 12x may be different from a
content
of the container 450 of the second terminal barrier module 12.
[264] The
number of barrier modules 12x forming the crash cushion 119 may vary
depending on the speed of traffic flow and the particular application. For
example,
in some cases 2 barrier modules 12x may be provided, in some other cases 12
barrier modules 12x may be provided. Any suitable number of barrier modules
12x
may be provided to form the crash cushion 119.
[265]
In some embodiments, a weight of the content of the container 450 of the
first
barrier module 12x may be different from a weight of the content of the
container
450 of the second barrier module 12i.
[266] For
example, the weight of the content of the container 450 of the first barrier
module 12x may be less than the weight of the content of the container 450 of
the
second barrier module 12j.
[267] A quantity of the substance 452 contained in the container 450 of the
first
barrier module 12x may be different from a quantity of the substance 452
contained
in the container 450 of the second barrier module 12j.
[268] The rigidity of the container 450 may be adjusted by the substance
contained
in the container (e.g., liquid, concrete, sand, air, foam, etc.). The rigidity
may be
adjusted in order to pass the MASH requirements for crash cushions. The
rigidity of
the container 450 may be adjusted as a function of its application. For
example, the
substance 452 contained in the container 450 may be concrete, sand or gravel
and
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-30
the barrier modules 121-12N may be used a barrier. In another example, the
substance 452 contained may be water or foam and the barrier modules 121-12N
may be used as a crash cushion.
[269] The
container 450 may be modified as a function of its application. For
example, the container 450 of the barrier modules 121-12N initially
functioning as a
crash cushion may be modified such that the barrier modules 121-12N may to
function as a barrier 10. For example, the container 450 may be modified to
implement include the brace 40 including a plurality of bracing members 421-
42B
(including the tie rods 1241, 1242) or connecting members 55x or other
components.
[270] The substance 452 contained in the container 450 may also adjust
other
characteristics of the container 450 (e.g., density, location of the center of
gravity,
weight).
[271] The barrier modules 121-12N forming the crash cushion 119 are
configured
to be engaged by the conveyor 22 of the transfer vehicle 20 to lift and move
the
barrier modules 121-12N.
[272] 4. Hybrid barrier module
[273]
In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 51 and 52, the barrier module
12x may be a "hybrid" barrier module whose body 36 comprises the concrete 38
(e.g., concrete casting) and containers 2501, 2502 that are configured to
contain a
substance 552, similarly to the container 50 discussed in the present
disclosure, and
connected to the concrete 38 of the barrier module 12x. This may improve
movability
of the barrier module 12x (e.g., during transport and installation) by
assembling
and/or introducing the substance 552 after the concrete 38 of the body 36 of
the
barrier module 12x is positioned at the roadway 13, while maintaining the
weight of
the barrier module 12x in use.
51
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-30
[274] In this embodiment, the concrete 38 of the body 36 of the barrier
module 12x
may constitute no more than half of the weight of the barrier module 12x, in
some
cases less than half of the weight of the barrier module 12x, and in some
cases no
more than one-third of the weight of the barrier module 12x.
[275] The first container 2501 overlies a first lateral surface 611 of the
concrete 38
of the body 36 of the barrier module 12x. The second container 2502 of the
barrier
module 12x overlies a second lateral surface 612 of the concrete 38 of the
body 36
of the barrier module 12x that is opposite to the first lateral surface 611 of
the
concrete 38 of the body 36 of the barrier module 12x.
[276] In some embodiments, a brace 240 of the body 36 may be connected to
the
concrete 38 of the body 36 of the barrier module 12x. The brace 240 may be at
least
partly embedded in the concrete 38.
[277] In various examples of implementation, the substance 552 may be a
liquid
(e.g., water), sand, gravel, concrete (e.g., poured-in-place concrete), foam
(e.g. solid
foam), or any other suitable substance (e.g., to add mass, provide cushioning
upon
impact, etc.). In this embodiment, the brace 40 of the barrier module 12x is
at least
partly embedded in the substance 552 contained in the containers 2501, 2502.
[278] In this example of implementation, the containers 2501, 2502 are
molded.
More particularly, in this example, the containers 2501, 2502 are rotomolded
or
otherwise molded to create a hollow interior 254. In other examples of
implementation, the containers 2501, 2502 may include portions formed
separately
and assembled together (e.g., by being bonded, welded, mechanically fastened,
etc.)
[279] 5. Additional Implementations
52
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-30
[280] The shell 60 of the container 50 of the body 36 of the barrier module
12x may
be implemented in various other ways in other embodiments.
[281] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 54, the shell 60 of the
container
50 of the body 36 of the barrier module 12x may be a multipiece shell that
comprises
a plurality of subshells 1201-1203 (i.e., sections) that are detachably
fastened to one
another such that they are assemblable into the shell 60 and disassemblable
(e.g.,
for transport or storage of the barrier module 12x).
[282] More
particularly, in this embodiment, the subshells 1201-1203 of the shell 60
of the barrier module 12x are fastened together via fasteners 124 (e.g.,
bolts, screws,
or other threaded fasteners). In other embodiments, the subshells 1201-1203 of
the
shell 60 of the barrier module 12x may be secured by other suitable means such
as
welding or forging. In this example, a top one of the subshells 1201-1203,
namely
the subshell 1201, forms a lid of the barrier module 12x, a bottom one of the
subshells
1201-1203, namely the subshell 1203, can facilitate emptying the substance 52
from
the barrier module 12x, and an intermediate one of the subshells 1201-1203,
namely
the subshell 1202, forms a bulk of the barrier module 12x.
[283] In
this example of implementation, each of the subshells 1201-1203 is metallic
(e.g., cast, forged, punched, hydroformed, or otherwise formed into shape).
[284] In one example of implementation, an interlocking flange 129 may be
included in the subshell 1201 and/or the subshell 1203 in order to facilitate
assembly/dissasembly.
[285] An opening 126 in the barrier module 12x is provided to allow the
substance
52 to be introduced into the hollow interior 54 of the shell 60. The opening
126 may
comprise a variety of suitable shapes (e.g., circular, rectangular, oval
shape, etc.).
The opening 126 may comprise any suitable size. In some embodiments, a
plurality
of openings may be provided.
53
Date Regue/Date Received 2022-09-30
[286]
In some embodiments, the opening 126 may be sealed to create an internal
pressure build-up in the substance 52 contained in the shell 60 when the
barrier
module 12x is impacted by an oncoming vehicle.
[287] In
some embodiments, the shell 60 of the barrier module 12x and a shell 60
of adjacent barrier modules 12 may be connected to another. The shell 60 of
the
barrier module 12x and the shell 60 of the adjacent barrier module 12i may be
connected to one another in any suitable fashion (e.g., mechanical fasteners
such
as for example bolts, interlocking flanges or guide pins).
[288]
The subshells 1201-1203 of the shell 60 of the barrier module 12x maybe
fastened together in any other suitable fashion. For example, in one
embodiment,
the subshells 1201-1203 may be welded together.
[289]
Transportation of the shell 60 of the barrier module 12x may be optimized.
For example, a recess may be provided in the subshells 1201-1203 in order to
allow
the barrier module 12x to be stacked on another barrier module 12N, as
previously
described.
[290] The
container 50 of the body 36 of the barrier module 12x may be
implemented in various other ways in other embodiments.
[291] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 65D and 66, the container 50
may comprises one or more openings 139 to permit passage of fastening
components through the barrier module 12x (e.g., fastening components such as
chains, slings, straps etc.,).
[292] In some embodiments, the container 50 of the body 36 of the barrier
module
12x may comprise areas configured to receive counterweights to adjust the mass
of
the barrier module 12x. The counterweights may also adjust a location of the
mass
center of the barrier module 12x.
54
Date Regue/Date Received 2022-09-30
[293] The barrier 10 (e.g., its barrier modules 121-12N) may be implemented
in
various other ways in other embodiments.
[294] For example, in other embodiments, the barrier 10 may be fixed and/or
permanent (e.g., such that it remains substantially stationary and/or is
integrated
into an infrastructure of the roadway 13). One or more features of the barrier
10
described herein when the barrier 10 is movable may be implemented when the
barrier 10 is fixed and/or permanent.
[295]
Certain additional elements that may be needed for operation of some
embodiments have not been described or illustrated as they are assumed to be
within the purview of those of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, certain
embodiments
may be free of, may lack and/or may function without any element that is not
specifically disclosed herein.
[296]
Any feature of any embodiment discussed herein may be combined with any
feature of any other embodiment discussed herein in some examples of
implementation.
[297] In
case of any discrepancy, inconsistency, or other difference between terms
used herein and terms used in any document incorporated by reference herein,
meanings of the terms used herein are to prevail and be used.
[298]
Although various embodiments have been illustrated, this was for purposes
of describing, but should not be limiting. Various changes, modifications and
enhancements may be made.
Date Regue/Date Received 2022-09-30
