Mobile barrier

Abstract

In one embodiment, a safety trailer has semi-tractor hitches at both ends and a safety wall that is fixed to one side of the trailer. That side, however, can be changed to the right or left side of the road, depending on the end to which the truck attaches. A caboose can be attached at the end of the trailer opposite the tractor to provide additional lighting and impact protection. Optionally, the trailer can be equipped with overhead protection, lighting, ventilation, onboard hydraulics, compressors, generators and other equipment, as well as related fuel, water, storage and restroom facilities and other amenities.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 209,460, filed Aug. 23, 2005, entitled “SAFETY AND CONSTRUCTION TRAILER”, which is incorporated herein by this reference in its entirety.[0002]The present application claims the benefits of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. Nos. 61 / 061,567, filed Jun. 13, 2008, entitled “MOBILE BARRIER”, and 61 / 091,246, filed Aug. 22, 2008, entitled “MOBILE BARRIER”, and 61 / 122,941, filed Dec. 16, 2008, entitled “MOBILE BARRIER” each of which is incorporated herein by this reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0003]The present invention relates generally to the field of trailers and other types of barriers used to shield road construction workers from traffic. More specifically, the present invention discloses a safety and construction trailer having a fixed safety wall and semi tractor hookups at both ends.BACKGROUND[0004]Various types of barriers have long...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0047]In one aspect, the trailer is designed to provide road maintenance personnel with improved protection from ongoing, oncoming and passing traffic, to reduce the ability of passing traffic to see inside the work area (to mitigate rubber-necking and secondary incidents), and to provide a fully-contained, mobile, enhanced environment within which the work crews can function day or night, complete with optional power, lighting, ventilation, heating, cooling, and overhead protection including extendable mesh shading for sun protection, or tarp covering for protection from rain, snow or other inclement weather.

[0048]Platforms can be provided at both ends of the trailer for hydraulics, compressors, generators and other equipment and supplies, including portable restroom facilities. The trailer can be fully rigged with direction and safety lighting, as well as lighting for the work area and platforms. Power outlets can be provided in the interior of the work area for use with construction tools and equipment, with minimal need for separate power trailers or extended cords. Both the caboose and the center underside of both end platforms can provide areas for fuel, water and storage. Additional fuel, water and miscellaneous storage space can be provided in an optional extended caboose of like but lengthened design.

[0049]In one aspect, the trailer is designed to eliminate the need for separate lighting trucks or trailers, to reduce glare to traffic, to eliminate the need for separate vehicles pulling portable restroom facilities, to provide better a brighter, more controlled work environment and enhanced safety, and to, among other things, better facilitate 24-hour construction along our nation's roadways. Other applications include but are not limited to public safety, portable shielding and shelter, communications and public works. Two or more trailers can be used together to provide a fully e

Problems solved by technology

For example, cones, barrels and flashing lights have been widely used to warn drivers of construction zones, but provide only limited protection to road construction workers in the event a driver fails to take heed.

In addition, conventional barriers require significant time and effort to transport to

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