Curb cushion

Abstract

The cushion according to one embodiment is a deformable resilient apparatus with a surface for allowing various vehicles to transverse from a first surface to a second surface that are separated by an obstacle without damaging the obstacle. The cushion deforms to fit the space between the vehicle and the obstacle, thereby preventing concentration of stress on the obstacle. The cushion is constructed such that it does not slide out of place when engaged by tracks or wheels of a vehicle. The cushion is constructed to deform and distribute the force applied by the vehicle onto the object more uniformly.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The disclosure relates to a device for protecting a surface from damage caused by wheels or tracks of motor vehicles and a method of manufacturing thereof. More particularly, the device includes a cushion that can be configured to protect a curb from damage.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]It is routinely necessary for heavy vehicles such as dozers, excavators, and dump trucks to traverse raised cement edges along roads commonly referred to as curbs. Curbs often crack or crumble due to the load applied to them via the wheels or tracks of the vehicles.[0003]To protect the curbs, people sometimes cover the curb or fill the transition area between the streets and curb with wood, dirt, or other readily available materials such as tires. In other instances rigid ramps are used to transition between the road surface and the top surface of the curb. Covering the curb and filling in the transition area with available pieces of wood and other random materials yield incon...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]The disclosure is directed to a device and method for transporting heavy construction equipment over two surfaces separated by an obstacle, such as a curb or a gutter. The device is a cushion that according to some embodiments is constructed of a deformable and resilient material. According to one embodiment, the cushion is positioned at least partially in the transition area between the road surface and the raised curb and over a portion of the upper surface of the curb. The curb cushion protects the curb and also functions as a ramp for facilitating the passing of vehicles over a curb. Given the functionality of the curb cushion it is particularly advantageous for use with heavy vehicles; however, it can be advantageously used with light vehicles such as passenger vehicles and light trucks.

Problems solved by technology

Curbs often crack or crumble due to the load applied to them via the wheels or tracks of the vehicles.

Covering the curb and filling in the transition area with available pieces of wood and other random materials yield inconsistent and unreliable results.

Often the force from the tires and tracks of the vehicles is transmitted through such protective materials and the curb is nonetheless damaged.

It is also common that the protective materials slide away from the curb area as the vehicles traverse the curb, thereby leaving the curb exposed and susceptible to damage.

However, using dirt to protect the curb can be overly time-consuming, cumbersome, and messy.

Because curb shapes and sizes vary, it is unlikely that any particular rigid ramp can be effectively used to protect different curbs.

In addition, since ramps are typically rigid, the forces ramps apply to the road surfaces can be concentrated rather than distributed, thereby causing them to perform poorly.

Furthermore, since ramps are designed to support the weight of a heavy vehicle, they are typically very heavy and difficult to transport and manipulate.

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