Elastically impingeable bollard system

Abstract

Elastically impingeable resistant bollard systems are disclosed. An exemplary bollard includes a shaft having a flange positioned on an outer surface of the shaft, the flange extending away from the outer surface, a first portion of the shaft extending in a first direction away from the flange, and a second portion of the shaft extending in a second direction away from the flange, the second direction being different than the first direction; an anchor to be positioned at an end of the shaft; and a first shock-absorbing body to be positioned between the first face of the flange and a mounting surface on which the bollard is to be mounted, the first shock-absorbing body to contact at least a portion of the first portion of the shaft.

Description

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This patent claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 505,317, filed May 31, 2023, and also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 597,436, filed November 9, 2023. The entire contents of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 63 / 505,317 and 63 / 597,436 are incorporated herein by reference. Priority is claimed to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 63 / 505,317 and 63 / 597,436. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to bollards, and more specifically, to resilient impact-resistant bollard systems. Background Technology

[0004] Bollards have been developed to absorb impacts from vehicles (e.g., manufacturing equipment, automobiles, etc.). In some cases, bollards can block (e.g., prevent) such vehicles from entering a specific area, thereby preventing impacts and potential damage to other things (building structures, goods, equipment, people, etc.). Some bollards can be implemented in parking lots, roads, manufacturing workshops, etc. Attached Figure Description

[0005] Figure 1 An exemplary guard post constructed in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein is shown.

[0006] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of a first exemplary embodiment of an exemplary guard post.

[0007] Figures 3 to 5 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of an exemplary retaining post.

[0008] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of a second exemplary embodiment of an exemplary guard post.

[0009] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of an exemplary retaining post.

[0010] Generally, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings and accompanying written description to refer to the same or similar parts. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Instead, the thickness of layers or regions may be magnified in the drawings. While the drawings show layers and regions with sharp lines and boundaries, some or all of these lines and / or boundaries may be idealized. In reality, boundaries and / or lines may be unobservable, mixed, and / or irregular.

[0011] As used herein, unless otherwise stated, the term "above" describes the relationship of two components relative to the Earth. If the second component has at least one component between the Earth and the first component, then the first component is above the second component. Similarly, as used herein, the first component is "below" the second component when it is closer to the Earth than the second component. As stated above, the first component can be above or below the second component, and may be in one or more of the following situations: there are other components between them, there are no other components between them, the first and second components are in contact, or the first and second components are not in direct contact with each other.

[0012] As used in this patent, a statement that any component (e.g., layer, film, region, area, or plate) is located on another component in any way (e.g., positioned on, located on, disposed on, or formed on, etc.) indicates that the referenced component is in contact with the other component, or that the referenced component is above the other component and is located between one or more intermediate components.

[0013] As used herein, a connection reference (e.g., attachment, coupling, joining, and joining) may include intermediate components between the elements referenced by the connection reference and / or relative movement between those elements, unless otherwise indicated. Therefore, a connection reference does not necessarily imply that two elements are directly connected and / or in a fixed relationship with each other. As used herein, the statement that any component is “in contact” with another component is defined to mean that there is no intermediate component between the two components. Furthermore, as used herein, the statement that any component is directly adjacent to another component is defined to mean that the two elements are not necessarily in contact, but they are close together and there is no intermediate material positioned between them.

[0014] Unless otherwise specified, descriptors such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., used herein are not attributed to or otherwise indicate any priority, physical order, arrangement in a list, and / or any sorting meaning, but are merely used as labels and / or arbitrary names to distinguish elements for ease of understanding the disclosed examples. In some examples, the descriptor “first” may be used to refer to an element in a particular embodiment, while the same element may be referred to with different descriptors, such as “second” or “third,” in the claims. In such cases, it should be understood that such descriptors are only used to clearly identify those elements in the context of discussion (e.g., within the claims), in which, for example, the elements might otherwise share the same name.

[0015] As used herein, “approximately” and “about” modify their subject / value to acknowledge the potential for variation in real-world applications. For example, “approximately” and “about” may modify dimensions that are not precise due to manufacturing tolerances and / or other real-world defects, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, unless otherwise specified in the description below, “approximately” and “about” may indicate that such dimensions are within tolerances of + / - 10%. Detailed Implementation

[0016] In some industrial environments, bollards can prevent vehicles or goods from entering or colliding with specific equipment, storage facilities, pedestrian spaces, other vehicles, etc. Many bollards include internal mechanisms for absorbing shocks and / or resisting loads. In some examples, bollards utilize shock-absorbing (e.g., energy-absorbing, damping, etc.) materials to resist shocks. Even if such exemplary bollards can slow or stop a moving vehicle upon impact, the impact may still cause damage to the bollard or potentially render it inoperable or less resilient (unable to withstand subsequent impacts). The examples disclosed herein utilize shock-absorbing materials and designs to absorb or resist shocks experienced by exemplary bollards. The examples disclosed herein reduce the risk of bollard system damage by employing shock-absorbing materials that can contact the bollard shaft and / or bollard anchors. The examples disclosed herein utilize flanged shafts to distribute forces to other load-bearing parts of the bollard (e.g., multiple dampers, anchors, shafts, etc.).

[0017] Figure 1 An exemplary bollard 100 constructed in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein is shown. The exemplary bollard 100 includes exemplary anchoring elements (e.g., housing, collar, base plate, etc.) 102 and exemplary housings (e.g., covers) 104. Figure 1 As shown, the exemplary anchor 102 can be coupled (e.g., mounted) to an exemplary ground surface (e.g., ground surface, mounting surface, etc.) 106. Additionally, the exemplary bollard 100 can be secured (e.g., mounted, anchored, etc.) to the ground surface 106 by screws 108. Alternatively or additionally, the exemplary anchor 102 includes an exemplary mounting flange 110 that can be coupled to the ground surface 106.

[0018] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 An exploded view of a first exemplary embodiment 200 of an exemplary guard post 100. (See attached diagram.) Figure 2As shown, the exemplary guard post 100 also includes an exemplary cap 201, an exemplary elongated damper (e.g., a post) 202, an exemplary damper 204 (e.g., a first damper, an upper damper, etc.), an exemplary shaft 206, and another exemplary damper 208 (e.g., a second damper, a lower damper, etc.). The exemplary guard post 100 extends along an exemplary axis 210 (e.g., a central axis, a longitudinal axis, a longitudinal direction, etc.). In some examples, the central axis of the guard post housing 104 is substantially aligned with the central axis of the shaft 206 and / or axis 210. In some examples, the cap 201 is omitted. In some such examples, the top of the housing 104 is closed. In some examples, the cap 201 is integrally formed with the housing 104.

[0019] The exemplary shaft 206 includes an exemplary flange (e.g., a portion) 212 surrounding an exemplary outer surface (e.g., an outer sidewall) 214 of the shaft 206. Figure 2 As shown, an exemplary flange 212 is positioned on an outer surface 214. The exemplary flange 212 extends (e.g., protrudes) from the shaft 206 in a radial direction from the central axis and / or axis 210 of the shaft 206. However, the exemplary flange 212 may extend in any direction away from the central axis, axis 210, outer surface 214, etc. of the shaft 206. In other words, the exemplary flange 212 may protrude from the shaft 206 in a direction transverse to its elongated length. Alternatively or additionally, the exemplary flange 212 may include multiple separate portions. For example, a first portion of the flange 212 may be spaced apart from a second portion of the flange 212 in a direction extending circumferentially around the shaft 206. In such an example, the first portion of the flange 212 may extend in a first direction away from the outer surface 214, and the second portion of the flange 212 may extend in a second direction away from the outer surface 214, the second direction being different from the first direction.

[0020] exist Figure 2 In this example, the first damper 204 and the second damper 208 may be coaxially aligned with each other and / or aligned with axis 210. For example... Figure 2As shown, the second damper 208 is closer to the bottom of the guard post 100 than the first damper 204. Therefore, for illustrative purposes, the first damper 204 and the second damper 208 are referred to herein as the upper and lower dampers, respectively. Exemplary upper damper 204 and lower damper 208 may be annular rings (e.g., compressible rings). In some examples, the upper damper 204 and / or lower damper 208 may have a generally spherical shape. That is, in some examples, one or both of the upper and lower dampers 204, 208 are not a continuous ring (as shown), but can be implemented using a plurality of discrete spheres or balls arranged to surround (e.g., at least partially surround) the shaft 206, outer surface 214, axis 210, etc. In some such examples, the discrete portions of the dampers 204, 208 may have shapes other than spheres (e.g., cubes, cylinders (similar to body 202), etc.). Alternatively or concurrently, exemplary dampers 204, 208 may include a generally circular cross-section. Thus, in some examples, dampers 204, 208 are donut-shaped (e.g., ring-shaped bodies with a circular cross-section). In other examples, the cross-sectional shape may be different (e.g., square or rectangular, elliptical, etc.). In the illustrated example, the upper damper 204 and the lower damper 208 both have the same dimensions, shape, and design. However, in other examples, the dimensions, shape, and / or design of the upper damper 204 and the lower damper 208 may differ. In some examples, dampers 204, 208 may include multiple assembled or stacked elements (e.g., rings or donuts). These elements may be the same or different shapes and made of the same or different materials.

[0021] Figures 3 to 4B This is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary guard post 100. An exemplary shaft 206 includes a first portion 300 extending from a flange 212 along a first direction to a first end 304 of the shaft, and a second portion 302 extending from the flange 212 along a second direction different from the first direction to a second end 306 of the shaft. In this example, the first portion 300 and the second portion 302 extend in a direction generally aligned with the central axis 210 of the shaft 206. In some examples, the first portion 300 and the second portion 302 may extend in a direction transverse to (e.g., at an angle to) the central axis 210.

[0022] An exemplary flange 212 is positioned between a first end 304 of the shaft 206 and a second end 306 of the shaft 206 opposite to the first end 304. In this example, the flange 212 is spaced apart from both ends 304 and 306 of the shaft 206. Furthermore, when the guard post 100 is assembled, an exemplary anchor 102 is positioned at the first end 304 to surround at least the flange 212, the first portion 300, and the first end 304. Specifically, an exemplary mounting flange 110 of the anchor 102 is adjacent to the first end 304 of the shaft 206. That is, in this example, the first portion 300 of the shaft 206 is shorter than the second portion 302 of the shaft 206. The exemplary anchor 102 includes a cavity 308 to receive the flange 212 and the first end 304.

[0023] An exemplary flange 212 includes a first surface (e.g., face) 310 facing a first end 304 of the shaft 206 and a second surface (e.g., face) 312 facing in the opposite direction (e.g., facing a second end 306 of the shaft 206). An exemplary lower damper 208 will be positioned at least partially between the first surface 310 of the flange 212 and the first end 304. Furthermore, the exemplary lower damper 208 may be positioned closer to the first end 304 than the flange 212 (e.g., adjacent to a first portion 300 of the shaft 206). In some examples, the lower damper 208 will contact the first surface 310 of the flange 212 and / or the first portion 300 of the shaft 206. Alternatively or additionally, the lower damper 208 will be positioned within the cavity 308 adjacent (e.g., directly adjacent to) the outer surface 214 of the shaft 206. Therefore, the exemplary lower damper 208 can be arranged to at least partially surround (e.g., encircle) the outer surface 214, the first portion 300 of the shaft 206, the first end 304, etc.

[0024] In some examples, the lower damper 208 is positioned between the first surface 310 and the ground 106. In some examples, the exemplary lower damper 208 is positioned closer to the ground 106 than the flange 212. Therefore, the exemplary lower damper 208 can separate the flange 212 from the ground 106. In other words, when the guard post 100 is mounted to a mounting surface (e.g., the ground 106), the exemplary flange 212 does not engage with the mounting surface. Furthermore, in some examples, the lower damper 208 has a thickness greater than the length of the first portion 300 of the shaft 206. Therefore, as in... Figure 4A As is most clearly shown, when the lower damper 208 contacts the first surface 310 of the flange 212, the lower damper 208 extends beyond the first end 304 of the shaft 206.

[0025] In this example, the exemplary outer surfaces of dampers 204, 208 contact the exemplary sidewalls (e.g., inner walls, side surfaces, vertical sidewalls, inner surfaces, etc.) 314 of anchor 102. An exemplary upper damper 204 is positioned between the second surface 312 of flange 212 and the sidewall 314 of anchor 102. Additionally, the exemplary upper damper 204 contacts the upper surface 315 of anchor 102 and the second surface 312 of flange 212. Thus, the upper damper 204 spaces the second surface 312 of flange 212 from the upper surface 315 of anchor 102. Furthermore, the exemplary upper damper 204 may be positioned adjacent to the outer surface 214 of shaft 206 (e.g., along the second portion 306 of shaft 206). An exemplary flange 212 may be positioned (e.g., spaced apart) between the upper damper 204 and the lower damper 208. Therefore, in this example, the upper damper 204 is completely above the lower damper 208 (e.g., higher than, completely separated from, etc.). For example, the lowermost part of the upper damper 204 is completely above the uppermost part of the lower damper 208.

[0026] An exemplary anchor 102 surrounds a first portion 300 of the shaft 206, a flange 212, an upper damper 204, and a lower damper 208. Additionally, the exemplary anchor 102 includes an opening 316 to allow a second portion 302 of the shaft (including a second end 306) to protrude (e.g., extend) from the anchor 102. For example, the second portion 302 of the shaft 206 extends away from the anchor 102 along the longitudinal direction of the shaft 206 (e.g., the central axis 210). In some examples, the shaft 206 may extend any suitable distance above the anchor 102 (e.g., half the height of the housing 104, less than half the height of the housing 104, greater than half the height of the housing 104, etc.).

[0027] In this example, the diameter (e.g., size) of flange 212 is larger than the diameter of opening 316. Therefore, the size of flange 212 prevents it from passing through opening 316 during assembly and / or operation. An exemplary upper damper 204 can be positioned on the upper surface 312 of flange 212 before the shaft 206 is positioned (e.g., fed) through opening 316. Thus, exemplary upper damper 204 can be sandwiched between upper surface 315 and flange 212. An exemplary lower damper 208 can then be added to the exemplary assembly. However, exemplary lower damper 208 can be added to the assembly at any time before the guard post 100 is secured to ground 106.

[0028] An exemplary housing 104 at least partially surrounds (e.g., surrounds, completely surrounds, covers, etc.) the second portion 302 of the shaft 206. When the housing 104 surrounds the shaft 206, the outer surface 214 of the shaft 206 may be spaced apart from the exemplary inner surface 318 of the housing 104 to define an exemplary chamber 320 therebetween.

[0029] Furthermore, the exemplary support post 100 includes at least one elongated damper 202 spaced (e.g., positioned between) a second portion 302 of the shaft 206 and an inner surface 318 of the housing 104. For example, the elongated damper 202 may fill at least a portion of the cavity 320 between the shaft 206 and the housing 104. In this example, the elongated damper 202 is positioned around the periphery of the shaft 206 (e.g., outer surface 214). The exemplary elongated damper 202 may include a longitudinal axis (e.g., exemplary longitudinal axis 322) offset (e.g., lateral offset, misalignment, etc.) from the central axis 210 of the shaft 206. For example, the elongated damper 202 may be substantially parallel (e.g., within 5 degrees) and radially spaced relative to the shaft 206. For this purpose, the exemplary elongated damper 202 may extend along the elongated length (e.g., longitudinal direction) of the shaft 206. For example, at least one of the elongated dampers 202 may extend from the outer surface (e.g., outer surface) 324 of the anchor 102 to the second end 306 of the shaft 206. In this example, the outer surface 324 is adjacent to the opening 316. In some examples, at least one of the elongated dampers 202 may extend from the anchor 102 to an exemplary end 400 of the housing 104 and / or the cap 201 of the housing 104. In some examples, the elongated damper 202 may extend above the anchor 102 by any suitable distance (e.g., half the height of the housing 104, less than half the height of the housing 104, greater than half the height of the housing 104, etc.).

[0030] In this example, the elongated damper 202 extends beyond the second end 306 of the shaft 206. However, the exemplary elongated damper 202 may not extend beyond the second end 306 of the shaft 206. In some examples, the second end 306 of the shaft 206 extends beyond the elongated damper 202. In the exemplary upright orientation of the exemplary guard post 100, the length of one of the elongated dampers 202 may be longer than the length of the second portion 302 of the shaft 206. Additionally, the exemplary elongated damper 202 has a cylindrical shape and therefore a generally circular cross-section. In other examples, the elongated damper 202 may have a prism shape, a square shape, a rectangular shape, or any other suitable shape or cross-section. Figures 3 to 4BIn this example, the diameter of the elongated damper 202 is smaller than the diameter of the shaft 206. In some examples, the diameter of the elongated damper 202 may be larger than the diameter of the shaft 206. In some examples, the elongated damper 202 is integrally formed to define a sleeve that extends continuously around the shaft 206.

[0031] Figure 4B This is a top cross-sectional view of an exemplary bollard 100. (Example:) Figure 4B As shown, an exemplary elongated damper 202 is positioned around a shaft 206. An exemplary housing 104 surrounds the elongated damper 202. Figure 4B In this example, the exemplary chamber 320 is at least partially filled with elongated dampers 202, such that the elongated dampers 202 are spaced apart. In some such examples, spacers (not shown) may be used to maintain the spacing between adjacent elongated dampers 202 and / or to assist in the assembly or installation of the guard post 100. In some examples, the elongated dampers 202 may not be spaced apart. In such examples, the chamber 320 may be filled with elongated dampers 202 (e.g., stuffed, completely filled, etc.). For example, adjacent elongated dampers 202 may contact each other (e.g., adjacent).

[0032] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of an exemplary bollard 100 is shown. In this example, the bollard 100 is shown as being subjected to impact, force, load, etc., in a direction generally indicated by an exemplary force vector 500. The force impacting the exemplary bollard 100 causes displacement of the exemplary bollard 100. For example, prior to the impact, the exemplary bollard 100 may have been generally aligned with a first exemplary axis (e.g., an upright axis) 502. After and / or during the impact, the exemplary bollard 100 moves (e.g., tilts, leans, angles, displaces, etc.) to a second exemplary axis (e.g., a displacement axis) 504. Figure 5 In the example, the elongated damper 202 is generally parallel to the axis 504 and the second portion 302 of the shaft 206. However, during operation, the exemplary elongated damper 202 may be moved to different positions and / or angles relative to each other and / or the shaft 206.

[0033] The exemplary guard post 100 is designed and constructed to provide several mechanisms for absorbing impacts of varying severity, represented by force vector 500. An elongated damper 202 acts as the initial point of contact with the impact on the housing 104, and thus serves as the initial damping mechanism of the guard post 100. That is, for relatively small impact forces, the elongated damper 202 may be able to deform (e.g., compress) to absorb the impact without significantly affecting the rest of the assembly. The exemplary elongated damper 202 may be made of a compressible material (e.g., natural rubber, polyurethane, polyethylene foam, closed-cell foam, etc.) to enable such compression, deformation, elastic recovery, etc. In some examples, the outer surface of the first elongated damper 202 may engage (be pushed against) the outer surface of the second elongated damper 202 during an impact with the guard post 100. In such examples, the second elongated damper 202 supports and / or cushions the movement of the first elongated damper 202. In addition, the elongated damper 202 is positioned to buffer the shaft 206 to prevent it from contacting the housing 104. In some examples, the elongated damper 202 engages (e.g., contacts) the outer surface 214 of the shaft 206 to resist and / or dampen the movement of the shaft 206.

[0034] In some examples, the elongated damper 202 may comprise a material with a relatively high coefficient of friction, such that adjacent elongated dampers 202 can grip (e.g., attach, adhere, stick, etc.) the housing 104. For example, the outer surface of at least one of the elongated dampers 202 may adhere to the inner surface 318 of the housing 104. An exemplary outer surface of at least one of the elongated dampers 202 resists movement of the housing 104 based on friction between the outer surface of at least one of the elongated dampers 202 and the inner surface 318. That is, during an impact, the exemplary housing 104 may not only move laterally but may also be pushed upward (e.g., away from the anchor 102). However, the relatively high frictional surface of the elongated damper 202 may reduce (e.g., eliminate) vertical movement of the housing 104.

[0035] In other examples, the outer surface of the first elongated damper 202 may adhere to the outer surface of the second elongated damper 202. An exemplary outer surface of the second elongated damper 202 resists the vertical movement of the first elongated damper 202 based on friction between the outer surfaces of the first and second elongated dampers 202. Therefore, the elongated dampers 202 can engage with each other to distribute (e.g., counteract) the forces experienced by the shaft 206 and / or the guard post 100.

[0036] If the impact force is large enough, it can be transmitted to the shaft 206 through the slender damper 202. This force may cause the shaft 206 to shift or tilt, such as... Figure 5As shown. In this example, the dimensions of flange 212 (e.g., diameter, width, etc.) are smaller than the dimensions of cavity 308. Therefore, a gap and / or clearance may exist between flange 212 and sidewall 314 to allow shaft 216 to tilt. In some examples, flange 212 may contact the sidewall 314 of anchor 102, allowing anchor 102 to absorb at least some impact force. However, as Figure 5 As shown, tilting of the shaft 206 may cause the shaft 206 and / or flange 212 (which tilts with the shaft 206) to be pressed or pushed against the dampers 204, 208 within the anchor 102. In this example, the shaft 206 may be made of a material that is harder than the elongated damper 202 (e.g., more rigid, less prone to compression or deformation, etc.). For example, the shaft 206 may be a steel shaft that can tilt, causing the elongated damper 202 to deform in response to forces.

[0037] Similar to the exemplary elongated damper 202, dampers 204 and 208 can be made of compressible materials that can deform under force (e.g., natural rubber, polyurethane, polyethylene foam, closed-cell foam, etc.). In some examples, the upper and lower dampers 204 and 208 are made of the same material as the elongated damper 202. In other examples, the upper and lower dampers 204 and 208 are made of different materials than the elongated damper 202. That is, in some examples, the upper and lower dampers 204 and 208 are stiffer than the elongated damper 202. In other examples, the elongated damper 202 is stiffer than the upper and lower dampers 204 and 208. In some examples, the upper damper 204 is made of a different material than the lower damper 208 (e.g., having a different stiffness). Generally, the exemplary shock absorbers 204, 208 are elastically compressible or deformable, but robust enough to support (e.g., retain, stabilize) the shaft 206 before and / or during impact. For example, when the guard post 100 is assembled, at least the lower shock absorber 208 can be compressed such that the lower shock absorber 208 supports the weight of the shaft 206. The exemplary lower shock absorber 208 may extend beyond the first end 304 before assembly. Then, when the shaft 206 and the lower shock absorber 208 are assembled within the anchor 102 and the anchor 102 is secured to the ground 106, the lower shock absorber 208 is compressed (e.g., squeezed) between the flange 212 and the ground 106. The exemplary lower shock absorber 208 may maintain clearance (e.g., space, gap, etc.) between the first end 304 and the ground 106. Alternatively or additionally, the exemplary lower shock absorber 208 may maintain clearance between the flange 212 and the ground 106 before and / or during operation. Furthermore, the exemplary upper damper 204 can be compressed when the anchor 102 is fixed to the ground 106. Therefore, the exemplary upper damper 204 can be compressed between the anchor 102 and the flange 212.

[0038] The shock absorbers 204 and 208 are positioned to offset (e.g., buffer, absorb) the impact on the guardrail 100. That is, as... Figure 5 As shown, an exemplary first portion 506 of the lower damper 208 resists generally downward movement (e.g., force) of the flange 212 when the shaft 206 tilts. Therefore, the exemplary first portion 506 of the lower damper 208 can prevent the flange 212 from contacting the ground 106 during operation. Furthermore, an exemplary first portion 508 of the upper damper 204 resists generally upward movement of the flange 212 when the shaft 206 tilts. Therefore, the exemplary first portion 508 of the upper damper 204 can prevent the flange 212 from contacting the upper surface 315 and / or sidewall 314 of the anchor 102. In some examples, an exemplary second portion 512 of the lower damper 208 resists generally lateral and / or rotational movement of the first portion 300 of the shaft 206. For example, the second portion 512 of the lower damper 208 can prevent the first portion 300 from contacting the sidewall 314 of the anchor 102.

[0039] like Figure 5 As shown, the diameter of the shaft 206 is smaller than the diameter of the opening 316. For relatively small impacts, the clearance between the shaft 206 and the opening 316 allows the shaft 206 to tilt without contacting the anchor 102. However, for relatively large impacts, the forces involved may overcome the reaction forces from both the elongated damper 202 and the dampers 204 and 208 within the anchor 102, as described above. In such cases, the shaft 206 will be pushed more than... Figure 5 Further afield, until the outer surface 214 of the shaft 206 contacts the edge of the opening 316 in the anchor 102. As a result, the impact force will be transmitted directly from the rigid shaft 206 to the rigid anchor 102. However, in many cases, a large portion of the impact will have been absorbed by the slender damper 202 and dampers 204, 208, thereby reducing the likelihood of any significant damage to the guard post 100 (or the object impacting the guard post 100).

[0040] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of a second exemplary embodiment 600 of the exemplary guard post 100. Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of an exemplary guard post 100. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The second exemplary implementation 600 is similar to Figures 2 to 5 The first exemplary implementation 200. In Figures 1 to 5 The same reference numerals used in the figures Figure 6 and Figure 7 This is used for the same or similar parts. Furthermore, the above combination... Figures 1 to 5 The discussion provided regarding such components also applies to... Figure 6 and 7 The corresponding components are shown.

[0041] Figure 6 and Figure 7 The second exemplary embodiment 600 of the exemplary guard post 100 shown is with Figures 2 to 5 The first exemplary embodiment 200 differs in that the elongated damping element (e.g., a column) 202 is omitted. Instead, in Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the example shown, multiple annular dampers 602 surround the second portion 302 of the shaft 206. In other examples, one or more of the annular dampers 602 may be replaced by multiple spherical or prismatic bodies. Thus, the dampers 602 are positioned in the space between the inner surface 318 of the housing 104 and the second portion 302 of the shaft 206. Similar to the combination described above... Figures 2 to 5 The exemplary elongated dampers 202 and 204, 208 discussed are Figure 6 and Figure 7 The annular shock absorber 602 can be made of a compressible material that can elastically deform under force (e.g., natural rubber, polyurethane, polyethylene foam, closed-cell foam, etc.).

[0042] In this example, there are nine annular dampers 602. However, in other examples, any other number of annular dampers 602 can be used. The specific number used depends on the total axial distance between the annular dampers 602 when stacked together and the dimensions of each of the annular dampers 602. In some examples, the annular dampers 602 are annular shapes with rectangular cross-sections. In other examples, the annular dampers 602 can have different cross-sectional shapes (e.g., circular, elliptical, trapezoidal, irregular, etc.). In some examples, the radial width 604 of the cross-section is greater than the axial thickness 606 of the cross-section. In some examples, the radial width 604 is equal to the axial thickness 606 (e.g., the cross-section is square). In some examples, the axial thickness 606 is greater than the radial width 604 of the cross-section. In some such examples, the axial thickness 606 can be many times the radial thickness 604. That is, in some examples, the annular dampers 602 have a tubular shape. In some examples, a corresponding... Figure 7The annular dampers 602 shown are stacked with a total axial distance equal to the axial thickness 606 (e.g., tubular length) of a single tubular damper 602. That is, in some examples, the guard post 100 includes only one annular damper 602. However, in some examples, implementing multiple smaller annular dampers 602 can facilitate the assembly of the guard post 100. In this example, each of the annular dampers 602 is of the same size. However, in other examples, the different individuals of the annular dampers 602 can be of different sizes. In some examples, both annular and elongated dampers can be used (positioned within the cavity).

[0043] like Figure 7 As shown, the total axial distance of the annular dampers 602 stacked together is sufficient to extend along the entire length of the second portion 302 of the shaft 206 exposed by the anchor 102. More specifically, in this example, the stack of the annular dampers 602 extends slightly beyond the top of the shaft 206. In other examples, the stack of the annular dampers 602 may be greater than... Figure 7 The extension extends beyond the top of shaft 206. In some examples, additional annular dampers 602 are stacked so that they completely cover the top of shaft 206. That is, in some examples, the stack of annular dampers 602 extends beyond the top of shaft 206 more than the axial thickness 606 of the individual annular dampers 602. In other examples, the top of shaft 206 extends beyond the stack of annular dampers 602.

[0044] Figure 6 and Figure 7 The second exemplary embodiment 600 of the exemplary guard post 100 shown is with Figures 2 to 5 The first exemplary embodiment 200 differs further in the shape of the shock absorber positioned within the anchor 102. Unlike Figures 2 to 5 The example shown (where a single damper 204 is positioned above flange 212 and a single damper 208 is positioned below flange 212) is in Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the example shown, two dampers 608 and 610 are positioned above flange 212, and two dampers 612 and 614 are positioned below flange 212. In this example, each of the dampers 608, 610, 612, and 614 within the anchor has an annular shape with a semi-circular cross-section. That is, the dampers 608, 610, 612, and 614 are annular bread-shaped, having flat surfaces 616 facing each other and circular surfaces facing away from each other. In this example, the combined shape of the two dampers 608 and 610 above the flange is similar to... Figures 2 to 5 The damper 204 is shown. Similarly, the combined shape of the two dampers 612 and 614 below the flange is similar. Figures 2 to 5The damper 208 is shown. Although dampers 608, 610, 612, and 614 are shown and described as having a semi-circular cross-section, other shapes are possible. For example, in some examples, the circular portion of the semi-circular cross-section defines a relatively small flat annular surface opposite to the larger flat surface 616 shown in the illustrated example. In other examples, dampers 608, 610, 612, and 614 may have cross-sections of different shapes (e.g., trapezoidal, irregular, rectangular, etc.). In some examples, more than two dampers 608, 610, 612, and 614 may be positioned above and / or below flange 212.

[0045] Although Figures 2 to 5 as well as Figure 6 and Figure 7 Described as Figure 1 Two separate implementations of the exemplary guard post 100, but Figures 2 to 5 The features disclosed in the document can be used in any suitable manner with Figure 6 and Figure 7 The publicly disclosed feature combinations. For example, in some examples, Figure 6 and Figure 7 The annular shock absorber 602 can be used with Figures 2 to 5 The dampers 204 and 208 are used in combination. In some examples, dampers 608, 610, 612, and 614 can be used with... Figures 2 to 5 The slender damping element 202 is used in combination. In some examples, Figure 6 and Figure 7 The annular damper 602 can be used along a portion of the second part 302 of the shaft 206, while Figures 2 to 5 The example uses an elongated damper along different portions of the second part 302 of shaft 206. In some examples, Figure 6 and Figure 7 The two dampers 608, 610, 612, and 614 can be used above or below the flange 212, while one of the single dampers 204 and 208 is used on the other side of the flange 212.

[0046] In short, the foregoing exemplary embodiments 200, 600 of the guard post 100 teach or suggest different features. While each exemplary embodiment 200, 600 disclosed above has certain features, it should be understood that a particular feature of an example is not necessarily to be used exclusively with that example. Rather, any feature depicted in the foregoing and / or figures may be combined with any example to complement or replace any other feature of those examples. Features of one example are not mutually exclusive with features of another example. Rather, the scope of this disclosure covers any combination of any features.

[0047] As will be understood from the foregoing, exemplary systems, apparatuses, articles, and methods for using damping materials to resist impacts experienced by exemplary bollards have been disclosed. The examples disclosed herein reduce the risk of damage to the bollard system by employing damping materials that can contact the bollard shaft and / or bollard anchors. The examples disclosed herein utilize shaft flanges to distribute forces to other load-bearing portions of the bollard.

[0048] Further examples and combinations thereof include the following: Example 1 includes a guard post comprising: a shaft having a flange positioned on an outer surface of the shaft extending in a direction away from the outer surface, a first portion of the shaft extending in a first direction away from the flange, and a second portion of the shaft extending in a second direction away from the flange, the second direction being different from the first direction; an anchor to be positioned at an end of the shaft; and a first damper to be positioned between a first face of the flange and a mounting surface on which the guard post will be mounted, the first damper contacting at least a portion of the first portion of the shaft.

[0049] Example 2 includes the guard post of Example 1, wherein the first damper will at least partially surround the outer surface of the shaft.

[0050] Example 3 includes a guard post of either Example 1 or 2, wherein the first damper will be positioned at least partially between the first face of the flange and the end of the shaft.

[0051] Example 4 includes the guard post of any of Examples 1 to 3, and also includes a plurality of first dampers arranged around the shaft.

[0052] Example 5 includes a retaining post of any of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the flange extends away from the shaft in a radial direction from the central axis of the shaft.

[0053] Example 6 includes a retaining post of any of Examples 1 to 5, wherein a flange surrounds the outer surface of the shaft.

[0054] Example 7 includes a guard post of any of Examples 1 to 6, wherein when the guard post is mounted to a mounting surface, the flange does not engage with the mounting surface.

[0055] Example 8 includes a guard post of any of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the first damping element is a compressible ring.

[0056] Example 9 includes the guard post of Example 8, and also includes a second damper that is positioned between the first damper and the first surface of the flange.

[0057] Example 10 includes the guard post of Example 9, wherein the first damper has a first flat surface and a first circular surface opposite to the first flat surface, and the second damper has a second flat surface and a second circular surface opposite to the second flat surface, the first flat surface being adjacent to the second flat surface.

[0058] Example 11 includes a guard post of any of Examples 1 to 10, and also includes a second damper positioned between a second face of the flange opposite to the first face and the surface of the anchor.

[0059] Example 12 includes the guard post of Example 11, wherein the flange is positioned between the first damper and the second damper.

[0060] Example 13 includes a bollard of either Example 11 or 12, wherein the outer surfaces of the first and second dampers will contact the sidewall of the anchor.

[0061] Example 14 includes a guard post of any of Examples 11 to 13, wherein at least one of the first damper or the second damper is an annular ring.

[0062] Example 15 includes a guard post of any of Examples 11 to 14, wherein at least one of the first or second damping bodies is coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the shaft.

[0063] Example 16 includes a guard post of any of Examples 1 to 15, and also includes a guard post housing to at least partially surround a second portion of the shaft.

[0064] Example 17 includes the guard post of Example 16, wherein the central axis of the guard post housing is substantially aligned with the central axis of the shaft.

[0065] Example 18 includes a guard post of either Example 16 or 17, and also includes a second damper positioned between the shaft and the guard post housing.

[0066] Example 19 includes the guard post of Example 18, wherein the longitudinal axis of the second damper will be offset from the central axis of the shaft.

[0067] Example 20 includes the guard post housing of any of Examples 18 or 19, and also includes a plurality of second dampers positioned around the periphery of the shaft.

[0068] Example 21 includes the guard post housing of Example 20, wherein a plurality of second dampers have a generally circular cross-sectional shape.

[0069] Example 22 includes a guard post housing of either Example 20 or 21, wherein the outer surface of the first of a plurality of second dampers will engage with the outer surface of the second of a plurality of second dampers.

[0070] Example 23 includes a guard post of any of Examples 16 to 22, and also includes a plurality of annular dampers positioned within the guard post housing around a second portion of the shaft.

[0071] Example 24 includes the guard post of Example 23, wherein the first of a plurality of annular dampers is an annular body with a rectangular cross-section.

[0072] Example 25 includes an apparatus comprising: a shaft having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end; a flange projecting from the shaft, the flange including a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a first damper positioned directly adjacent to an outer wall of the shaft, the first damper contacting the first surface of the flange; a second damper positioned directly adjacent to an outer wall of the shaft, the second damper contacting the second surface of the flange; and a housing for surrounding the first and second dampers.

[0073] Example 26 includes the device of Example 25, wherein the first damper is arranged to at least partially surround the outer wall of the shaft.

[0074] Example 27 includes the device of either Example 25 or 26, wherein the housing is anchored to the ground surface.

[0075] Example 28 includes the device of Example 27, wherein the first damper separates the flange and the ground surface.

[0076] Example 29 includes a device of any of Examples 25 to 28, wherein a portion of the shaft extends away from the housing in the longitudinal direction of the shaft.

[0077] Example 30 includes the device of Example 29, and also includes a cover to surround the portion of the shaft.

[0078] Example 31 includes the device of Example 30, and further includes a third damper for the portion separating the shaft and the inner wall of the cover.

[0079] Example 32 includes the device of Example 31, wherein a third damper extends from the outer surface of the housing to the second end of the shaft, and the third damper extends in the longitudinal direction.

[0080] Example 33 includes the device of either Example 31 or 32, wherein the third damper will surround the shaft.

[0081] Example 34 includes the apparatus of Example 33, wherein the third damper is one of a plurality of annular dampers stacked within a cover along the length of the shaft.

[0082] Example 35 includes the apparatus of any one of Examples 25 to 34, and further includes a third damper positioned directly adjacent to the first damper, the first damper being between the third damper and the first surface of the flange.

[0083] Example 36 includes a guard post comprising: a guard post shaft having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the shaft including a flange positioned between and spaced apart from the first and second ends of the shaft, the flange projecting from the shaft in a direction transverse to the elongated length of the shaft; a collar for surrounding a first portion of the shaft including the flange and the first end, the collar having a cavity for receiving the flange and the first end of the shaft and an opening for allowing a second portion of the shaft (including the second end) to project from the collar; and a damper positioned within the cavity adjacent to the shaft, the damper being closer to the first end of the shaft than the flange.

[0084] Example 37 includes the guard post of Example 36, wherein the damper is positioned around the first end of the shaft.

[0085] Example 38 includes a guard post of any of Examples 36 or 37, wherein the collar includes a mounting flange adjacent to a first end of the shaft, the mounting flange being engageable to a ground surface.

[0086] Example 39 includes the guard post of any of Examples 36 to 38, and further includes a guard post housing to surround a second portion of a shaft protruding from a collar, wherein when the guard post housing surrounds the shaft, the inner surface of the guard post housing and the outer surface of the shaft are spaced apart to define a chamber therebetween.

[0087] Example 40 includes the guard post of Example 39, and also includes a shock-absorbing column to fill at least a portion of the cavity between the shaft and the guard post housing.

[0088] Example 41 includes the guard post of Example 40, wherein the shock-absorbing post extends from the collar toward the end of the guard post housing.

[0089] Example 42 includes a guard post of any of Examples 36 to 41, wherein the damper is a first damper, and the guard post further includes a plurality of annular dampers surrounding a second portion of the shaft.

[0090] Example 43 includes a guard post of any of Examples 36 to 42, wherein the damper is a first damper and the guard post further includes a second damper that is closer to the first end of the shaft than the first damper.

[0091] The following claims are incorporated herein by reference. While certain exemplary systems, apparatuses, articles of manufacture, and methods have been disclosed herein, the scope of this patent is not limited thereto. Rather, this patent covers all systems, apparatuses, articles of manufacture, and methods that fall within the scope of the claims of this patent.

Claims

1. A bollard, the bollard comprising: A shaft having a flange positioned on an outer surface of the shaft, the flange extending away from the outer surface, a first portion of the shaft extending in a first direction away from the flange, and a second portion of the shaft extending in a second direction away from the flange, the second direction being different from the first direction; An anchor, which is to be positioned at the end of the shaft; and A first damper is to be positioned between a first surface of the flange and a mounting surface, and the guard post is to be mounted on the mounting surface. The first damper will contact at least a portion of a first part of the shaft.

2. The bollard according to claim 1, wherein, The first damper will at least partially surround the outer surface of the shaft.

3. The bollard according to claim 1, wherein, The first damper will be positioned at least partially between the first surface of the flange and the end of the shaft.

4. The guard post according to claim 1, wherein the guard post further comprises a plurality of the first damping bodies, the first damping bodies being arranged around the shaft.

5. The bollard according to claim 1, wherein, The flange extends radially away from the shaft from the central axis of the shaft.

6. The bollard according to claim 1, wherein, The flange surrounds the outer surface of the shaft.

7. The bollard according to claim 1, wherein, When the guard post is installed onto the mounting surface, the flange does not engage with the mounting surface.

8. The bollard according to claim 1, wherein, The first damping element is a compressible coil.

9. The guard post according to claim 8, wherein the guard post further comprises a second shock absorber, the second shock absorber being positioned between the first shock absorber and the first surface of the flange.

10. The bollard according to claim 9, wherein, The first damper has a first flat surface and a first circular surface opposite to the first flat surface, and the second damper has a second flat surface and a second circular surface opposite to the second flat surface, wherein the first flat surface is adjacent to the second flat surface.

11. The guard post according to claim 1, wherein the guard post further comprises a second damping body, the second damping body being positioned between a second surface of the flange opposite to the first surface and the surface of the anchor.

12. The bollard according to claim 11, wherein, The flange will be positioned between the first damper and the second damper.

13. The bollard according to claim 11, wherein, The outer surfaces of the first and second dampers will contact the sidewall of the anchor.

14. The bollard according to claim 11, wherein, At least one of the first damper or the second damper is an annular ring.

15. The bollard according to claim 11, wherein, The first or at least one of the damping bodies is coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the shaft.

16. The guard post of claim 1, further comprising a guard post housing to at least partially surround the second portion of the shaft.

17. The bollard according to claim 16, wherein, The central axis of the protective column housing is approximately aligned with the central axis of the shaft.

18. The guard post according to claim 16, wherein the guard post further comprises a second shock absorber, the second shock absorber being positioned between the shaft and the guard post housing.

19. The bollard according to claim 18, wherein, The longitudinal axis of the second damper will be offset from the central axis of the shaft.

20. The guard post housing according to claim 18, wherein the guard post housing further comprises a plurality of second damping bodies positioned around the periphery of the shaft.

21. The protective pillar housing according to claim 20, wherein, The plurality of second dampers have a generally circular cross-sectional shape.

22. The protective pillar housing according to claim 20, wherein, The outer surface of the first of the plurality of second dampers will engage with the outer surface of the second of the plurality of second dampers.

23. The guard post according to claim 16, wherein the guard post further comprises a plurality of annular damping bodies positioned within the guard post housing around the second portion of the shaft.

24. The bollard according to claim 23, wherein, The first of the plurality of annular dampers is an annular body with a rectangular cross-section.

25. An apparatus comprising: A shaft having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end; A flange protruding from the shaft, the flange including a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; A first damping body, which will be positioned directly adjacent to the outer wall of the shaft, will contact the first surface of the flange; The second damper will be positioned directly adjacent to the outer wall of the shaft and will contact the second surface of the flange; and A housing for enclosing the first damper and the second damper.

26. The apparatus according to claim 25, wherein, The first damper is arranged to at least partially surround the outer wall of the shaft.

27. The apparatus according to claim 25, wherein, The shell will be anchored to the ground surface.

28. The apparatus according to claim 27, wherein, The first damper will separate the flange from the ground surface.

29. The apparatus according to claim 25, wherein, A portion of the shaft will extend away from the housing along the longitudinal direction of the shaft.

30. The apparatus of claim 29, further comprising a cover to surround the portion of the shaft.

31. The apparatus of claim 30, further comprising a third damping body separating the portion of the shaft from the inner wall of the cover.

32. The apparatus according to claim 31, wherein, The third damping element extends from the outer surface of the housing to the second end of the shaft, and the third damping element extends along the longitudinal direction.

33. The apparatus according to claim 31, wherein, The third damping element will surround the shaft.

34. The apparatus according to claim 33, wherein, The third damper is one of a plurality of annular dampers, which are stacked within the cover along the length of the shaft.

35. The apparatus of claim 25, further comprising a third damper positioned directly adjacent to the first damper, the first damper being between the third damper and the first surface of the flange.

36. A bollard, the bollard comprising: A guard post shaft having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, the shaft including a flange positioned between and spaced apart from the first end and the second end of the shaft, the flange protruding from the shaft in a direction transverse to the elongated length of the shaft; A collar surrounding a first portion of the shaft, the first portion including the flange and the first end, the collar having a cavity and an opening, the cavity for receiving the flange and the first end of the shaft, the opening for allowing a second portion of the shaft including the second end to protrude from the collar; and A damper will be positioned within the cavity adjacent to the shaft, and the damper will be closer to the first end of the shaft than the flange.

37. The bollard according to claim 36, wherein, The damper is positioned around the first end of the shaft.

38. The bollard according to claim 36, wherein, The collar includes a mounting flange adjacent to the first end of the shaft, the mounting flange being capable of being connected to a ground surface.

39. The guard post of claim 36, further comprising a guard post housing surrounding the second portion of the shaft projecting from the collar, wherein when the guard post housing surrounds the shaft, the inner surface of the guard post housing and the outer surface of the shaft are spaced apart to define a chamber therebetween.

40. The guard post of claim 39, further comprising a shock-absorbing column to fill at least a portion of the cavity between the shaft and the guard post housing.

41. The bollard according to claim 40, wherein, The shock-absorbing column will extend from the collar toward the end of the protective column housing.

42. The bollard according to claim 36, wherein, The shock absorber is the first shock absorber, and the guard post also includes multiple annular shock absorbers, which surround the second part of the shaft.

43. The bollard according to claim 36, wherein, The shock absorber is a first shock absorber, and the guard post also includes a second shock absorber, which is closer to the first end of the shaft than the first shock absorber.

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