Traffic Channelizer with Flexible Divider Members

Abstract

A modular system for separating traffic into discrete zones includes a plurality of rail segments pivotally secured to rail mounts. The mounts are configured for rapid and straightforward coupling of rail segments thereto. Moreover, the mounts may be quickly installed and de-installed from a road surface. The overall system therefore provides a physical barrier system that is easily installed and easily modifiable into desired arrangements. Its modular construction of any number of a plurality of distinct rail segments further facilitates customized channelizing design. The modular system includes flexible divider members connectable to the mounts through angled bracket flanges to define visible and aesthetically pleasing physical separation of the traffic into discrete zones.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62 / 993,789, filed on Mar. 24, 2020 and entitled Traffic Channelizer with Flexible Divider Members, the content of which being incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 118,722, filed on Dec. 11, 2020 and entitled Traffic Channelizer, which itself is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16 / 407,023, filed on May 8, 2019 and entitled Traffic Channelizer, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62 / 668,565, filed on May 8, 2018 and entitled Traffic Channelizer, the contents of each of which being incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to traffic channelizers generally, and more particularly to apparatus for defining dis...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a modular physical barrier that can be quickly installed and de- installed to meet customized needs and configurations. It uses multiple lengths of rail segments that are pivotally connected at their respective ends to mounts that have been placed in a spaced pattern to define the desired boundary. The system also uses vertically-oriented delineators and divider members to enhance visibility and provide aesthetic interest. Light-reflective coatings and appliques may also be applied to further enhance visibility and safety to its users.

Problems solved by technology

Each of these conventional channelizing devices and techniques, however, have their own limitations in both application and effectiveness.

Surface painting or striping, however, may sometimes be confusing to drivers of motorized vehicles, such that the zone separation intended by the municipalities is inconsistently maintained.

Moreover, street conditions can obscure the painting / striping, which renders the zone designations ineffective.

Sand, snow, or ice may act to obscure the visibility of painting / striping, and such painting / striping may deteriorate over time.

This approach, however, is expensive, and very often not feasible given space constraints.

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