Moveable median

Abstract

A portion of the movable median (100) moves orthogonally to the road, the median (100) including modules (300, 400, 500) including: a driven module (300) to move the movable median (100) between first and second positions. A module (300, 400, 500) includes a module structure (110) having: hollow beams (112) extending longitudinally along the module axis (302,402,502) and a plurality of sleepers (114) extending below the plurality of hollow beams (112), at least one sleeper connecting and supporting the hollow beams. The driven module includes a motor and a lifting frame, the lifting frame having: a drive wheel, rotatable about a drive wheel axis, an actuator for moving the lifting frame between a driving position and a lifted position, wherein the drive wheel is lifted from the road. In the driving position, the drive wheel is pressed against the road such that the driven module is lifted.

Description

MOVEABLE MEDIANRELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present invention claims convention priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2024900212, the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference thereto.FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to a movable median for directing traffic.BACKGROUND

[0003] Movable medians are used to direct traffic in situations where changing traffic conditions might be required. In some instances, medians may be referred to as channelisers, they are substantially the same kind of thing. For example, tidal flows in common commuter roads might be managed by opening, closing, and / or redirecting lanes using movable medians. Movable medians are distinct from more robust barriers that extend more substantially vertically from the road surface. Such more robust barriers are typically capable of containing some form of vehicle accident, and may be more appropriate for use in locations separating lanes of traffic with opposing directions, or on roads with higher speeds, such as highways.

[0004] Existing movable medians are typically sprung-loaded and always sit above the road surface, with a gap between the median and the road surface maintained by the sprung loaded wheels. If a vehicle impacts this type of median, the median will flex until the spring load has been overcome and the median bottoms out against the road surface, then transferring load.This means that when existing movable medians are hit laterally by a vehicle, there is no contact between the median and the road surface to resist lateral movement, except for the brake force on the wheels, which is typically insufficient to resists a high-impact load.

[0005] The movement of the existing medians under impact loading causes a safety issue, as the median requires intervention to return to the desired position. Until the intervention has occurred, the median may project into traffic lanes, causing further incidents. Another issue with existing medians is that they typically utilize location beacons, such as RFID markers,mounted in the road surface for position control. Objects on the road surface may block the reading of the location beacons, or the median may be bumped out of position, causing the median to lose its position and drive to an incorrect and / or unsafe position. The fixed beacons also mean that in order to change the final position, the beacons have to be physically moved on the road surface, causing road works that interfere with normal traffic flow. For example, lane markings may be slightly adjusted, and the location beacon would also need to be relocated, causing the lane marking to be a much more substantial exercise than would otherwise be needed.

[0006] Existing medians are also very wide, causing narrowing of the lanes that are divided by the median. The extra width is required due to the spring-loaded nature of the median, so that sufficient width is available to counteract impacts. Reducing the width of existing medians would increase their tendency to move out of position under impact, which would be undesirable from a safety perspective.SUMMARY

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to substantially overcome, or at least ameliorate, one or more of the above-discussed disadvantages, or at least provide a useful alternative to the previously mentioned movable medians.

[0008] There is disclosed herein a movable median for directing vehicle traffic of a road flowing in a road direction, the movable median being movable between a first position and a second position, wherein at least a portion of the movable median moves orthogonally to the road direction between the first position and the second position, the movable median including a plurality of modules including: a driven module extending along a driven module axis, the driven module being drivable to move the movable median between the first and second positions; wherein at least one of the modules includes a module structure extending along the respective module axis, the module structure having: a plurality of hollow beams extending longitudinally along the module axis; and a plurality of sleepers, each sleeper extending below the plurality of hollow beams, with each hollow beam being connected to at least one sleeper, thereby connecting and supporting the hollow beams.

[0009] Preferably, the modular structure further includes a spacer element located between the hollow beams, preferably two spacer elements located distally from each other along the module axis.

[0010] Preferably, the module structure includes one or more skin elements connected to an outer surface of the beams and / or sleepers to cover the module, wherein the one or more skin elements have a thickness of about 5 mm.

[0011] Preferably, the sleepers have a length under 500 mm.

[0012] Preferably, a height of the median is under 400 mm, preferably under 200 mm, most preferably about 150 mm.

[0013] Preferably, the hollow beams are located inwardly of a distal end of the sleeper, such that an angle subtends between a top of the hollow beam and the distal end of the sleeper.

[0014] Preferably, the angle is about 65°.

[0015] Preferably, the distal end of the sleeper is chamfered to match the angle.

[0016] Preferably, a side skin element extends between the top of the hollow beam and the distal end of the sleeper; and wherein the side skin element abuts the chamfered distal end, wrapping around the distal end to at least partially cover a bottom of the sleeper.

[0017] Preferably, the median further includes a module connector to connect at least one of the plurality of modules to at least one adjacent module, the module connector including: a first attachment plate, adapted to attach to the module; a second attachment plate, adapted to attach to the adjacent module; a connecting plate extending between the first and second attachment plates.

[0018] Preferably, the connecting plate connects to the first and second attachment plates at an extremity thereof, such that the module connector is U-shaped.

[0019] The movable median of claim 10, wherein the connecting plate includes: a first plate portion connected to the first attachment plate; a second plate portion connected to the second attachment plate; a pin connecting the first and second plate portions to allow pivotal movement between the first and second plate portions.

[0020] Preferably, the first and / or second attachment plate include one or more holes to receive bolts to attach to the respective module, and wherein the module connector further includes one or more spacers applied to one or more bolts, between the attachment plate and the respective module, to adjust an angle between the attachment plate and the module.

[0021] Preferably, a gap between the module and the adjacent module is smaller than a length of the module connector.

[0022] Preferably, the gap between the module and the adjacent module is less than 75 mm, preferably less than 50 mm, more preferably less than 35 mm.

[0023] There is also disclosed a movable median for directing vehicle traffic of a road flowing in a road direction, the movable median being movable between a first position and a second position, wherein at least a portion of the movable median moves orthogonally to the road direction between the first position and the second position, the movable median including a plurality of modules including: a driven module extending along a driven module axis, the driven module being drivable to move the movable median between the first and second positions, wherein the driven module includes a motor and a lifting frame, the lifting frame having: a drive wheel, rotatable about a drive wheel axis, mounted to the lifting frame and connected to the motor, an actuator for moving the lifting frame between a driving position and a lifted position, wherein, in the lifted position, the drive wheel is lifted from the road, and in the driving position, the drive wheel is pressed against the road such that the driven module is lifted, and the movable median is movable between the first and second positions by operation of the motor connected to the drive wheel.

[0024] Preferably, the actuator acts on a linkage to move the lifting frame between the driving and lifted positions, wherein the connection between the actuator and the linkage includes a spring and / or dampener to dampen impact energy applied to the linkage.

[0025] Preferably, the actuator acts on a linkage to move the lifting frame between the driving and lifted positions, wherein the linkage includes: a wheel frame for receiving the drive wheel; a support frame mounted to the hollow beams; and a linkage member extending at an angle between the wheel frame and the support frame, such that horizontal and / or pivoting movement of the linkage member results in vertical movement of the wheel frame relative to the support frame.

[0026] Preferably, the actuator is connected to the linkage member, the support frame includes a horizontal slot, and the linkage member includes a pin engaged with the slot to guide movement of the linkage member when urged by the actuator.

[0027] Preferably, the linkage includes two linkage members, each having a fixed end, pivotally connected to the support or wheel frame, and a free end, having a pin engaging a horizontal slot.

[0028] Preferably, the linkage includes two further linkage members, pivotally connected at one end to the free end of the two linkage members, and at a second end having a pin engaging the horizontal slot.

[0029] Preferably, the horizontal slot includes a first slot for the pin of the two linkage members, and a second slot for the pin of the two further linkage members.

[0030] Preferably, at least two linkage members cross each other, such that the support frame and the wheel frame remain substantially parallel when moving between the lifted and driving positions.

[0031] Preferably, the support frame is pivotable relative to the hollow beam about a pivot axis, such that an angle exists between the module axis and the drive wheel axis.

[0032] Preferably, the support frame includes: a bracket connected to the hollow beams, the bracket having an arcuate slot;a support frame beam extending from the bracket, the support frame beam including a hole for receiving a fastener that also extends through the arcuate slot, such that the support frame beam is movable until the fastener is tightened to fix the support frame beam relative to the arcuate slot.

[0033] Preferably, the bracket has a plurality of arcuate slots, wherein the arcuate slots share a common center of curvature, and wherein the support frame beam includes a plurality of holes for receiving respective fasteners that also extend through respective arcuate slots, such that the support frame beam is pivotable about the common center of curvature, until the fasteners are tightened to fix the support frame beam relative to the arcuate slot.

[0034] Preferably, the common center of curvature intersects the pivot axis about which the support frame pivots.

[0035] Preferably, the motor is connected to the drive wheel with at least two universal joints.

[0036] Preferably, the drive wheel has a diameter of between 100 mm to 150 mm, preferably about 125 mm.

[0037] Preferably, the drive wheel has a width of between 40 to 80 mm, preferably about 60 mm.

[0038] Preferably, the drive wheel includes spikes to improve grip on an icy road surface.

[0039] Preferably, the drive wheel includes a grip surface, wherein the grip surface includes polyurethane.

[0040] Preferably, the drive wheel includes a plurality of drive wheels, preferably three, rotatable about the drive wheel axis.

[0041] Preferably, the median further includes a non-driven module, the non-driven module including a lifting frame, the lifting frame having: a non-driven wheel, rotatable about a non-driven wheel axis, mounted to the lifting frame, an actuator for moving the lifting frame between a driving position and a lifted position,wherein, in the lifted position, the non-driven wheel is lifted from the road, and in the driving position, the non-driven wheel is pressed against the road such that the non-driven module is lifted.

[0042] Preferably, the lifting frame of the non-driven module is substantially similar to the lifting frame of the driven module.

[0043] Preferably, the non-driven wheel has a diameter of between 60 to 100 mm, preferably about 85 mm.

[0044] Preferably, the non-driven wheel has a width of between 80 to 150 mm, preferably about 100 mm.

[0045] Preferably, the median further includes: a controller for controlling the actuator; a rain and / or flooding sensor for providing a water signal to the controller indicative of rain and / or flooding occurring, wherein the controller is adapted to move the driven module to the lifted position when the water signal indicates that rain and / or flooding is occurring.

[0046] Preferably, the median further includes a pivot module extending along a pivot module axis and fixedly mounted to the road and providing a pivot point, wherein the driven module is connected to the pivot module at the pivot point.

[0047] Preferably, none of the modules are fixedly mounted to the road.

[0048] Preferably, the movable median includes a side wall and a lateral light located on the side wall.

[0049] Preferably, the median includes a controller for controlling operation of the median, wherein the median further includes: a camera providing a video signal to the controller, wherein the controller is adapted to determine, using the video signal, whether the median is in a desired position and correct a current position of the median to the desired position, if required.

[0050] Preferably, the controller is further adapted to determine, using the video signal, whether there is an impediment to movement of the median from the current position to the desired position.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] For a more complete understanding of the present invention, exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference signs designate like parts and in which:

[0052] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a movable median according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0053] FIG. 2 is a detailed isometric view of a module structure of the movable median of FIG. 1.

[0054] FIG. 3 is a sectioned side view of the module structure of FIG. 2.

[0055] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the module structure of FIG. 2.

[0056] FIG. 5 is a sectioned front view of the module structure of FIG. 2.

[0057] FIG. 6 is a front view of the movable median of FIG. 1.

[0058] FIG. 7 is a detailed isometric view of the connection between two modules of the median of FIG. 1.

[0059] FIG. 8 is a side view of a module connector of the median of FIG. 1.

[0060] FIG. 9 is a detailed isometric view of the median of FIG. 1.

[0061] FIG. 10 is a detailed isometric view of a lifting frame of a drive module of the median of FIG. 1.

[0062] FIG. 11 is a side view of the lifting frame of FIG. 10 in the lifted position.

[0063] FIG. 12 is a side view of the lifting frame of FIG. 10 in the driving position.

[0064] FIG. 13 is a top view of the lifting frame of FIG. 10.

[0065] FIG. 14 is an isometric view of the lifting frame of FIG. 10.

[0066] FIG. 15 is a partially transparent isometric view of a lifting frame of a non-driven module of the median of FIG. 1.

[0067] FIG. 16 is a sectioned front view of the non-driven module of FIG. 15.

[0068] FIG. 17 is a side view of the lifting frame of FIG. 15 in the lifted position.

[0069] FIG. 18 is a side view of the lifting frame of FIG. 15 in the driving position.

[0070] FIG. 19 is an isometric view of the median of FIG. 1 in the first position.

[0071] FIG. 20 is an isometric view of the median of FIG. 1 in the second position.

[0072] FIG. 21 is a top view of the median of FIG. 1 in the first position.

[0073] FIG. 22 is a top view of the median of FIG. 1 in the second position.

[0074] FIG. 23 is a side view of the median of FIG. 1.

[0075] FIG. 24 is an isometric view of a movable median according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0076] FIG. 25 is a detailed view of a module of the median of FIG. 24.

[0077] FIG. 26 is an isometric view of a movable median according to a third embodiment of the invention.

[0078] FIG. 27 is a detailed isometric view of a module structure of the median of FIG. 26.

[0079] FIG. 28 is a sectioned front view of the module structure of FIG. 27.

[0080] FIG. 29 is a front view of the median of FIG. 26.

[0081] FIG. 30 is a detailed isometric view of the connection between two modules of the median of FIG. 26.

[0082] FIG. 31 is a detailed isometric view of the median of FIG. 26.

[0083] FIG. 32 is a detailed isometric view of a lifting frame of a drive module of the median of FIG. 26.

[0084] FIG. 33 is a side view of the lifting frame of FIG. 32 in the lifted position.

[0085] FIG. 34 is a side view of the lifting frame of FIG. 32 in the driving position.

[0086] FIG. 35 is a top view of the lifting frame of FIG. 32.

[0087] FIG. 36 is an isometric view of the lifting frame of FIG. 32.

[0088] FIG. 37 is an isometric view of a lifting frame of a non-driven module of the median of FIG. 26.

[0089] FIG. 38 is a sectioned front view of the non-driven module of FIG. 37.

[0090] FIG. 39 is a side view of the lifting frame of FIG. 37 in the lifted position.

[0091] FIG. 40 is a side view of the lifting frame of FIG. 38 in the driving position.

[0092] FIG. 41 is a flowchart detailing a method of operating the movable median of FIGS. 1, 24, and / or 26.

[0093] FIG. 42 is a top plan view of a second embodiment of a module connector between two modules of the movable median of FIG. 1.

[0094] FIG. 43 is a top isometric view of the module connector of FIG. 42.

[0095] FIG. 44 is a bottom isometric view of the module connector of FIG. 42.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0096] As shown in FIG. 1, a movable median 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is movable between a first position, for example as shown in FIGS. 19 and 21, and a second position, for example as shown in FIGS. 20 and 22, for directing vehicle traffic of a road 10 flowing in a road direction 14. As shown in FIG. 21, the median 100 may not be exactly straight in the first position, but may extend at an angle 102. This may be to follow a curving road direction 14. Typically, the angle 102 will be greater in the second position, as shown in FIG. 22. At least a portion of the median 100 moves orthogonally to the road direction 14. For example, the median might pivot from a position equally dividing a 4-laned road 10 to restricting one side of the road from 2 lanes to 1 lane, and expanding the other side of the road from 2 lanes to 3 lanes. When used in an untethered configuration, the median 100 may translate entirely orthogonally to the road direction, so that the median 100 remains substantially parallel to the road direction 14. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the median 100 preferably has a height 164 of less than 400 mm, more preferably less than 200 mm, most preferably about 150 mm. The median 100 includes a plurality of modules, including at least a driven module 300 extending along a driven modules axis 302. The plurality of modules may also include a nondriven module 400 and / or a pivot module 500.

[0097] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 6, at least one of the modules 300, 400, 500 includes a module structure 110. The module structure 110 will be explained with reference to the driven module 300, but substantially similar construction applies to the non-driven module 400 and the pivot module 500. The module structure 110 extends along the respective module axis 302. The module structure 110 includes a plurality of hollow beams 112 extending longitudinally along the module axis 302. The hollow beams 112 in the preferred embodiment take the form of rectangular hollow sections, however the hollow beams could be U-channels, C-beams, I- beams, round hollow sections, or other sections with a low ratio of weight to second moment of area. The module structure 110 also includes a plurality of sleepers 114, each sleeper 114 extending below the plurality of hollow beams 112, with each hollow beam 112 being connected to at least one sleeper 114, thereby connecting and supporting the hollow beams 112. The sleepers 114 preferably have a length 122 of under 500 mm. Preferably, the modular structure 110 further includes a spacer element 120 located between the hollow beams 112, in particular two or more spacer elements 120 may be located at a separation along the module axis 302 so as to assist in keeping the hollow beams 112 parallel to the module axis 302 andconsistently spaced from each other. The modular structure 110 may further include one or more skin elements 116 connected to an outer surface 118 of the hollow beams 112 and / or sleepers 114 to cover the module 300. Preferably, the one or more skin elements 116 have a thickness of about 5 mm. As seen in FIG. 5, the hollow beams 112 may be located inwardly of a distal end 124 of the sleeper 114, such that an angle 126 subtends between a top 142 of the hollow beam 112 and the distal end 124 of the sleeper 114. The angle 126 is preferably about 25° and the distal end 124 is preferably chamfered to substantially match a compliment of the angle 126. The skin elements 116 may include a side skin element 128 extending between the top 142 of the hollow beam 112 and the distal end 124 of the sleeper 114. The side skin element 128 may abut the chamfered distal end 124, wrapping around the distal end 124 to at least partially cover a bottom 132 of the sleeper 114.

[0098] In some embodiments, the median 100 may include a pivot module 500 that extends along a pivot module axis 502. The pivot module 500 is fixedly mounted to the road 10 and provides a pivot point 504, with the driven module 300 being connected to the pivot module 500 at the pivot point 504. In other embodiments, the pivot module 500 is not present, and none of the modules 300, 400 are fixedly mounted to the road 10.

[0099] FIG. 6 shows an end cap 172 of the median 100, having a pair of lights 174 to alert drivers to the potential obstacle.

[0100] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the media 100 may further include a module connector 200 to connect at least one of the plurality of modules to at least one adjacent module. The module connector 200 may include a first attachment plate 210, adapted to attach to the module 300, 400, 500, and a second attachment plate 220 adapted to attach to the adjacent module 300, 400, 500. The first and second attachment plates 210, 220 are attached by a connecting plate 230 extending between the first and second attachment plates 210, 220. The connecting plate 230 may connect the first and second attachment plates 210, 220 at extremities 212, 222 thereof, such that the module connector 200 is U-shaped. In this way, the second moment of inertia of the median 100 orthogonal to the road direction 14 is significantly lower than the second moment of inertia of the median 100 parallel to the road direction, meaning that the median 100 is relatively compliant lengthwise to adjust to changes in road geometry, while being relatively stiff widthwise to maintain a substantially linear formation of the plurality of modules.

[0101] The first and / or second attachment plates 210, 220 may include one or more holes 214, 224 to receive bolts (not shown) to attach to the respective module 300, 400, 500. The module connector 200 may include one or more spacers (not shown) applied to one or more of the bolts, between the attachment plate 210, 220 and the respective module 300, 400, 500, to adjust an angle 240 between the attachment plate 210, 220 and the module 300, 400, 500. Preferably, the attachment plates 210, 220 attach to the spacer element 120 of the respective module 300, 400, 500. As seen in this FIGS. A gap 250 between the module and the adjacent module is smaller than a length 260 of the module connector 200. To this end, the spacer element 120 of the module structure 110 is inset from an end 168 of the module 300, 400, 500. This allows the gap 250 to be preferably less than 75 mm, more preferably less than 50 mm, and most preferably less than 35 mm.

[0102] Briefly referring to FIGS. 42 to 44, which show a second embodiment of the module connector 200. The second embodiment is substantially similar to that shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, except for the features discussed hereunder.

[0103] The connecting plate 230 of the module connector 200 may include a first plate portion 232 and a second plate portion 234. The first plate portion 232 is connected to the first attachment plate 210 and the second plate portion 234 is connected to the second attachment plate 220. The first and second plate portions 232, 234 are connected using a pin 236 having a pin axis 238. Preferably, the pin 236 allows pivoting motion between the first and second plate portions 232, 234 about the pin axis 238, to allow pivoting motion between the module 300, 400, 500 and the adjacent module. To allow for the pivoting motion, the gap 250 is preferably about 50 mm. The pivoting motion may be produced by driving the module 300, 400, 500 and the adjacent module at appropriate relative speeds. The movable median 100 may include one or more module connectors 200 having pins 236. In the preferred embodiment only a single module connector having a pin 236 is provided.

[0104] Referring to FIGS. 9 to 14, the driven module 300 is drivable to move the median 100 between the first and second positions. The driven module 300 may include a motor 318 and a lifting frame 310. In the preferred embodiment, the driven module 300 includes a single motor 318 and a single lifting frame 310, however in other embodiments two or more lifting frames 310 each associated with a respective motor 318 may be provided in each module 300. The motor 318 may be operated by a drive controller 354, which is preferably located in the drivenmodule 300. The location of the drive controller 354 in the driven module 300 allows an effectively unlimited length of the median 100. Other prior art medians typically locate the drive controller external to the median, leading to limitations in median length due to resistance and signal losses in the increasingly long wiring. Preferably, the motor 318 is a servo motor, which improves accuracy of the position of the median 100 based on the position of the motor 318. As shown in FIG. 10, the lifting frame 310 preferably includes a drive wheel 316 mounted to the lifting frame 310. The drive wheel 316 may be rotatable about a drive wheel axis 320 and is connected to the motor 318. The drive wheel 316 preferably has a diameter 332 of between 100 mm and 150 mm, most preferably about 125 mm. The drive wheel 316 preferably has a width 334 of between 40 mm to 80 mm, preferably about 60 mm. The driven module 300 may further include an actuator 312 for moving the lifting frame 310 between a driving position, shown in FIG. 12, and a lifted position, shown in FIG. 11. In the lifted position, the drive wheel 316 is lifted from the road 10, and in the driving position, the drive wheel 316 is pressed against the road 10, contacting the road 10 with a grip surface 336, such that the driven module 300 is lifted by a distance. The distance the driven module 300 is lifted may be adjustable by enabling the actuator 312 for different amounts of time and / or reading a position of the lifting frame 312 and / or limit switches on the lifting frame 310 and / or the actuator 310. The grip surface 336 may include polyurethane. In another embodiment, the grip surface 336 may include spikes (not shown) for improving grip on an icy road surface. Preferably, the drive wheel 316 includes a plurality of drive wheel 316, most preferably three drive wheels 316, rotatable about the drive wheel axis 302. The use of a plurality of drive wheels 316 allows the diameter 332 to be decreased while maintaining an adequate grip surface 336. This facilitates the movement of the median 100 between the first and second positions, by operation of the motor 318 connected to the drive wheel 316.

[0105] The actuator 312 may act on a linkage 340 to move the lifting frame 310 between the driving and lifted position. It is preferable that the connection between the actuator 312 and the linkage 340 includes a spring and / or dampener to dampen impact energy applied to the linkage 340, thereby avoiding damage to the actuator 312. The linkage may include a wheel frame 350 for receiving the drive wheel 316, a support frame 360 mounted to the hollow beams 112, and a linkage member 380. The linkage member 380 extends at an angle 382 between the wheel frame 350 and the support frame 360, such that horizontal and / or pivoting movement of the linkage member 380 results in a vertical movement of the wheel frame 350 relative to the support frame 360. Preferably, the linkage member 380 includes a fixed end 384 that ispivotally connected to one of the wheel frame 350 and the support frame 360, and a free end 386 that is slidably connected to the respective other. Most preferably, the linkage 340 includes two linkage members 380, each having the fixed end 384 and the free end 386, the free end 386 having a pin 322 that engages a horizontal slot 324 in the respective frame 350, 360, to guide movement of the linkage member 380 when urged by the actuator 312. Preferably, at least the support frame 360 includes the horizontal slot 324. In a preferred embodiment, at least two linkage members 380 cross each other, such that the support frame 360 and the wheel frame 350 remain substantially parallel when moving between the lifted and driving positions. This allows the grip surface 336 of the drive wheel to meet the road 10 substantially simultaneously, reducing wear. The linkage 340 is preferably biased toward the lifted position by a spring and / or dampener 342 acting between the actuator 312 and the linkage 340.

[0106] As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the support frame 360 may be pivotable relative to the hollow beams 112 about a pivot axis 362, such that an angle 364 exists between the module axis 302 and the drive wheel axis 320. To this end, the support frame 360 may include a bracket 366 connected to the hollow beams 112, the bracket 366 having an arcuate slot 368. Preferably, the support frame 360 includes a bracket 366 at each end thereof. Preferably, the bracket 366 includes a plurality of arcuate slots 368 having a common center of curvature that coincides with the pivot axis 362. The support frame 360 may also include a support frame beam 370 that extends from the bracket 366, having a hole 372 for receiving a fastener (not shown) that also extends through the arcuate slot 368. In this way, the support frame beam 370, to which the drive wheel 316 is attached, is movable relative to the bracket 366, which is attached to the hollow beams 112, until the fastener is tightened to fix the support frame beam relative to the arcuate slot 368. Thus, the angle 364 of the drive wheel axis 320 is adjustable depending on the expected movement and installation of the median 100, reducing tire slip of the grip surface 336 on the road 10, decreasing wear. To allow for the movement of the lifting frame 310, and the angle 364 of the drive wheel axis 320, the motor 318 may be connected to the drive wheel 316 with at least two universal joints .

[0107] Referring to FIGS. 15 to 18, the non-driven module 400 may also include a lifting frame 410. The lifting frame 410 is substantially similar to the lifting frame 310 except for as discussed here below. In the preferred embodiment, the non-driven module 400 includes a single lifting frame 410. However, in other embodiments, two or more lifting frames 410 may be provided in each module 400. The lifting frame 410 includes a non-driven wheel 416mounted to the lifting frame 410 and rotatable about a non-driven wheel axis 420. An actuator 412 is adapted to move the lifting frame between a driving position, shown in FIG. 18, and a lifted position, shown in FIG. 17. In the lifted position, the non-driven wheel 416 is lifted from the road 10, and in the driving position, the non-driven wheel 416 is pressed against the road 10, such that the non-driven module 400 is lifted. The non-driven wheel 416 may have a diameter 432 of between 60 mm to 100 mm, most preferably about 85 mm, in the preferred embodiment about 86 mm. The non-driven wheel 416 may have a width 434 of between 80 mm to 150 mm, preferably about 100 mm.

[0108] The median 100 preferably includes a controller 160 for controlling the actuators 312, 412. The median 100 may also include a rain and / or flooding sensor for providing a water signal to the controller 160 indicative of rain and / or flooding occurring. The controller 160 is adapted to operate the actuators 312, 412 to move the modules 300, 400 to the driving position when the water signal indicates that rain and / or flooding is occurring. This allows the water to pass through a gap 166 underneath the median 100, given that the median 100, when the wheels 316, 416 are lifted, sits on the surface of the road 10 and might cause water to pool. However, this configuration allows the median 100 to absorb impacts without movement much more effectively than previously known medians.

[0109] The controller 160 may further be adapted to control movement of the median 100 between the first and second positions. To this end, the controller 160 may be adapted to operate the drive controller 354 of each driven module 300 of the median 100. To assist control, the driven module 300 includes a drive wheel sensor 374 to provide a first position signal to the controller 160 indicative of a position of the drive wheel 316 relative to the road 10. The controller 160 is adapted to, when instructed to move the median 100 between the stowed position and the deployed position, operate the drive controller 354 to drive the motor 318 for moving the median 100, and determine whether the first or second position has been reached based on the first position signal. This system desirably avoids reliance on an RFID tag embedded in the road 10, which may be interfered with. If the median 100 includes multiple driven modules 300, the controller 160 is adapted to use the first position signal from each driven module 300 to determine whether the first position or the second position has been reached, for the median 100 as a whole, as well as for each individual module 300, 400, 500. The controller 160 may be adapted to store a number of setpoints corresponding to a plurality offirst and / or second positions. The controller 160 may further be adapted to adjust one or more setpoints to adjust a location of the corresponding first and / or second positions.

[0110] If the barrier 100 includes a non-driven module 400, one or more non-driven module 400 may include a non-driven wheel sensor 472 to provide a second position signal to the controller 160 indicative of a position of the non-driven wheel 416. The controller 160 may be adapted to use the second position signal instead of or in addition to the first position signal to determine whether the first position or the second position has been reached.

[0111] A problem exists with longer medians 100, that the driven modules 300 are not driven at the appropriate staggered speed, leading to bending or snaking of the median 100. The controller 160 is adapted to use the first position signal and / or the second position signal to determine whether the driven modules 300 are moving such that the module axes 302, 402, 502 are collinear. If a non-collinearity has been determined by the controller 160, the controller 160 is adapted to control the drive controller 354 of each motor 318 to correct the non-collinearity, for example by slowing one motor 318 down, or speeding another motor 318 up.

[0112] An additional data source for the controller 160 might include a camera 176 mounted at an elevated position, for example atop a pole mounted adjacent the median 100, above the median 100 providing a video signal to the controller 160. The controller 160 would be adapted to process the video signal to determine whether the first position or the second position has been reached. The controller 160 may also be adapted to determine, based on the video signal, for example by an object-recognition algorithm, whether there are impediments to moving the median 100 between the first and second positions, and to determine to not operate a requested movement if an impediment has been detected.

[0113] FIGS. 24 and 25 show a second embodiment of the movable median 100. The second embodiment is substantially identical to the first embodiment, except for the details hereunder discussed.

[0114] In particular, one of the modules 300, 400, or indeed each module as shown in the preferred embodiment, may be equipped with a vertically extending reflective surface 178 to allow the median 100 to present more prominently in the line of sight of road users. Due to the low height 164 of the median 100, the visual profile might be less prominent and the use of the reflective surface 178 improves visibility. Additionally, one or more modules 300, 400,preferably each module, may be equipped with one or more lateral lights 180. Shown in more detail in FIG. 25, each lateral light 180 may be mounted adjacent a cut out 182 in the side skin element 128 so that light emitted from the lateral light 180 mounted within the module structure 110 is allowed to traverse the skin element 128 to increase the visual prominence of the median 100. Preferably, the lateral light 180 and the cutout 182 have substantially conforming shapes, more preferably the shape has a high aspect ratio such that the lateral light 180 extends along the road direction 14. Preferably, the cutout 182 and / or lateral light 180 create a seal with the side skin element 128, so that an internal volume of the module structure 110 is protected from intrusion of water and / or contaminants through the cutout 182. The lateral light 180 is most preferably an LED, most preferably an LED array. The lateral light 180 may be controlled by the controller 160 to emit visible light in a variety of colours. The lateral light 180 may also be controlled by the controller 160 to emit visible light intermittently at a frequency. The frequency may be adjusted by the controller 160. For example, when the median 100 is moving between the first and second position, the frequency may be increased to increase the visual prominence of the median 100. If the median 100 includes a plurality of lateral lights 180, the lateral lights 180 may be controlled in sequence along the road direction 14 to be sequentially lit in the direction of traffic flow. If the median 100 divides lanes having opposite road directions 14, the lateral lights 180 on each side of the median 100 may be operated in respective opposite road directions 14.

[0115] FIGS. 26 to 40 show a median 100 according to a third embodiment of the invention. The third embodiment is substantially identical to the first embodiment, except for the details hereunder discussed.

[0116] As shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, the length of each module structure 110 may differ from that shown in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, each module may have a length 186 of 6 m or more. As shown in FIGS. 28 and 30, the module connector 200 may have a total of 6 holes 214 or more, with a corresponding number of fasteners. As shown in FIG. 29, the end 168 of the last module 300 may have one or more end lights 184. The end lights may have a rectangular shape and are preferably LED type lights.

[0117] Turning to FIGS. 31 to 36, the lifting frame 310 of the third embodiment shows a number of optional design differences to the lifting frame 310 of the first embodiment, each of which could be used independently of the others. Firstly, the linkage 340 may include aplurality of linkage members 380, connected by a plurality of pivots that also act as the pin 322. This arrangement allows for increased force multiplication of the force applied by the actuator 312. The horizontal slot 324 may be divided into a first and second slot 324a, 324b, so that each pin 322 is restrained between its corresponding positions for the first and second positions. Secondly, the lifting frame 310 may include a second spring 344 or other biasing member that acts on the pin 322 in the same direction the actuator 312 acts on the pin 322 when moving the lifting frame 310 from the lifted position to the driving position. The force exerted on the pin 322 by the second spring 344 reduces the force required to be exerted on the pin 322 by the actuator. Due to the shallow angle 382 of the linkage members 380, the force required of the actuator 312 to move the lifting frame 310 is higher when the lifting frame 310 is closer to the lifted position. Since the force exerted by the second spring 344 is proportional to its extension, the force exerted by the second spring 344 is higher when the lifting frame 310 is closer to the lifted position. In this way, the second spring 344 is able to mediate the changing force requirement on the actuator 312 with movement of the linkage 380.

[0118] As shown in FIGS. 35 and 36, the arcuate slot 368 may be embodied as a single arcuate slot 368, rather than the plurality of arcuate slots 368 shown in the first embodiment.

[0119] As shown in FIGS. 37 to 40, a similar approach as taken in the driven module 300, using a second spring 444, the plurality of linkage members 380, and the horizontal slots 424a, 424b may be applied to the lifting frame 410 of the non-driven module 400. In addition, the third embodiment uses a plurality of non-driven wheels 416 connected to at least two separate axles 446 forming a bogey 448, to provide a plurality of contact points between the non-driven module 400 and the road 10. Preferably, the bogey 448 includes four non-driven wheels 416.

[0120] FIG. 41 shows a method 101 of operating the median 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. For the purposes of this example a movement from the first position to a desired position, being the second position, will be described, but the method 101 works substantially similarly for moving from the second position to the first position.

[0121] At step S101, the controller 160 receives a request from a user, an automated system, or a scheduling system, to move the median 100 to the desired position. At step S103, the controller 160 checks signals from sensors, for example the video signal from the camera 176, to determine whether an impediment exists to the movement of the median 100 to the desiredposition. If an impediment exists, the movement request is denied and the controller 160 may issue an error message to the original source of the movement request. If the controller 160 has determined that an impediment does not exist, at step S105 the actuator 312, 412 is enabled to move the lifting frame 310, 410 to the driving position. If the median 100 includes multiple modules 300, 400, all actuators 312, 412 may be enabled simultaneously. Alternatively, the actuators 312, 412 may be actuated sequentially, preferably along a directly to progressively lift the median 100. At step S107, the controller 160 verifies, using monitoring of travel of the actuator 312, 412, position sensors, and / or limit switches whether the lifting frames 310, 410 have been moved to the driving position.

[0122] At step S109, once the controller 160 has verified that the lifting frames 310, 410 are in the driving position, the controller 160 enables the motor 318 at a lower power to start moving the median 100 toward the desired position. Following a period of time, a distance, a combination thereof, or another criteria, at step S 111 , the controller 160 enables the motor 318 at a higher power to continue moving the median 100 toward the desired position. At step SI 13 the controller 160 monitors movement of the modules 300, 400 of the median 100 to determine whether movement is synchronized along a predetermined line, curve, or segment defining movement between the first position and the second position. In order to determine whether movement is synchronized, the controller 160 monitors the sensor signals provided by one or more of the motor 318, wheel sensors connected to the driven wheel 316, the non-driven wheel 318, a position sensor adjacent the pivot module, and the camera 176. If non- synchronous movement is detected by the controller 160, the controller 160 is configured to differentially drive the motor 318 of different modules 300 so as to correct the non-synchronous positions.

[0123] At step SI 15, if the controller 160 detects that the median 100 is within a certain range of the desired position, or after a time and / or distance interval, the motor 318 is enabled at a lower power to decrease the speed of movement of the median 100. At step S 117, when the controller 160 has determined that the desired position has been reached, the controller 160 stops the motor(s) 318. At step S 119, the controller 160 enables the actuators 312, 412 to move the lifting frame 310, 410 to the lifted position to lower the median 100 to the surface of the road 10.

[0124] If the desired position that was reached is the first position, being a home position, the position signals are calibrated at step S121 based on a confirmation that the home position has been reached, through a reading of location beacons embedded in the road 10.

[0125] It will also be appreciated that in this document the terms “comprise”, “comprising”, “include”, “including”, “contain”, “containing”, “have”, “having”, and any variations thereof, are intended to be understood in an inclusive (i.e. non-exclusive) sense, such that the process, method, device, apparatus or system described herein is not limited to those features or parts or elements or steps recited but may include other elements, features, parts or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Furthermore, the terms “a” and “an” used herein are intended to be understood as meaning one or more unless explicitly stated otherwise. Moreover, the terms “first”, “second”, etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on or to establish a certain ranking of importance of their objects.

[0126] Integers:10 road 178 reflective surface14 road direction 180 lateral lights100 movable median 182 cutout101 method 184 end light102 angle of median 186 length110 module structure 200 module connector112 hollow beam 210 first attachment plate114 sleeper 212 extremity116 skin element 214 hole118 outer surface 220 second attachment plate120 spacer element 222 extremity122 length of sleeper 224 hole124 distal end of sleeper 230 connecting plate126 sidewall angle 232 first plate portion128 side skin element 234 second plate portion130 top skin element 236 pin132 bottom of sleeper 238 pin axis142 top of module 240 angle connector / module160 controller 250 gap between modules164 height of median 260 length of connector166 gap under median 300 driven module168 ends of module 302 driven module axis170 rain sensor 306 module side172 end cap 310 lifting frame174 lights 312 actuator176 camera 316 drive wheelmotor 374 drive wheel sensor drive wheel axis 376 universal joint pin 380 linkage member horizontal slot 382 angle of linkage membera, b first and second slot 384 fixed end universal joint 386 free end diameter 388 second spring width 400 non-driven module grip surface 402 non-driven module axis spikes 410 lifting frame linkage 412 actuator spring / dampener 416 non-driven wheel second spring 420 non-driven wheel axis wheel frame 432 diameter drive controller 434 width support frame 444 second spring pivot axis 446 axle angle module / frame 448 bogey bracket 472 non-driven wheel sensor arcuate slot 500 pivot module support frame beam 502 pivot module axis hole 504 pivot point

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A movable median for directing vehicle traffic of a road flowing in a road direction, the movable median being movable between a first position and a second position, wherein at least a portion of the movable median moves orthogonally to the road direction between the first position and the second position, the movable median including a plurality of modules including: a driven module extending along a driven module axis, the driven module being drivable to move the movable median between the first and second positions; wherein at least one of the modules includes a module structure extending along the respective module axis, the module structure having: a plurality of hollow beams extending longitudinally along the module axis; and a plurality of sleepers, each sleeper extending below the plurality of hollow beams, with each hollow beam being connected to at least one sleeper, thereby connecting and supporting the hollow beams.

2. The movable median of claim 1, wherein the modular structure further includes a spacer element located between the hollow beams, preferably two spacer elements located distally from each other along the module axis.

3. The movable median of claim 1 or 2, wherein the module structure includes one or more skin elements connected to an outer surface of the beams and / or sleepers to cover the module, wherein the one or more skin elements have a thickness of about 5 mm.

4. The movable median of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sleepers have a length under 500 mm.

5. The movable median of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a height of the median is under 400 mm, preferably under 200 mm, most preferably about 150 mm.

6. The movable median of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the hollow beams are located inwardly of a distal end of the sleeper, such that an angle subtends between a top of the hollow beam and the distal end of the sleeper.

7. The movable median of claim 6, wherein the angle is about 65°.

8. The movable median of claim 6 or 7, wherein the distal end of the sleeper is chamfered to match the angle.

9. The movable median of claim 8, wherein a side skin element extends between the top of the hollow beam and the distal end of the sleeper; and wherein the side skin element abuts the chamfered distal end, wrapping around the distal end to at least partially cover a bottom of the sleeper.

10. The movable median of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the median further includes a module connector to connect at least one of the plurality of modules to at least one adjacent module, the module connector including: a first attachment plate, adapted to attach to the module; a second attachment plate, adapted to attach to the adjacent module; a connecting plate extending between the first and second attachment plates.

11. The movable median of claim 10, wherein the connecting plate connects to the first and second attachment plates at an extremity thereof, such that the module connector is U-shaped.

12. The movable median of claim 10, wherein the connecting plate includes: a first plate portion connected to the first attachment plate; a second plate portion connected to the second attachment plate; a pin connecting the first and second plate portions to allow pivotal movement between the first and second plate portions.

13. The movable median of any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the first and / or second attachment plate include one or more holes to receive bolts to attach to the respective module, and wherein the module connector further includes one or more spacers applied to one or more bolts, between the attachment plate and the respective module, to adjust an angle between the attachment plate and the module.

14. The movable median of any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein a gap between the module and the adjacent module is smaller than a length of the module connector.

15. The movable median of claim 14, wherein the gap between the module and the adjacent module is less than 75 mm, preferably less than 50 mm, more preferably less than 35 mm.

16. A movable median for directing vehicle traffic of a road flowing in a road direction, the movable median being movable between a first position and a second position, wherein at least a portion of the movable median moves orthogonally to the road direction between the first position and the second position, the movable median including a plurality of modules including: a driven module extending along a driven module axis, the driven module being drivable to move the movable median between the first and second positions, wherein the driven module includes a motor and a lifting frame, the lifting frame having: a drive wheel, rotatable about a drive wheel axis, mounted to the lifting frame and connected to the motor, an actuator for moving the lifting frame between a driving position and a lifted position, wherein, in the lifted position, the drive wheel is lifted from the road, and in the driving position, the drive wheel is pressed against the road such that the driven module is lifted, and the movable median is movable between the first and second positions by operation of the motor connected to the drive wheel.

17. The movable median of claim 16, wherein the actuator acts on a linkage to move the lifting frame between the driving and lifted positions, wherein the connection between the actuator and the linkage includes a spring and / or dampener to dampen impact energy applied to the linkage.

18. The movable median of claim 16 or 17, wherein the actuator acts on a linkage to move the lifting frame between the driving and lifted positions, wherein the linkage includes: a wheel frame for receiving the drive wheel; a support frame mounted to the hollow beams; and a linkage member extending at an angle between the wheel frame and the support frame, such that horizontal and / or pivoting movement of the linkage member results in vertical movement of the wheel frame relative to the support frame.

19. The movable median of claim 18, wherein the actuator is connected to the linkage member, the support frame includes a horizontal slot, and the linkage member includes a pin engaged with the slot to guide movement of the linkage member when urged by the actuator.

20. The movable median of claim 18 or 19, wherein the linkage includes two linkage members, each having a fixed end, pivotally connected to the support or wheel frame, and a free end, having a pin engaging a horizontal slot.

21. The movable median of claim 20, wherein the linkage includes two further linkage members, pivotally connected at one end to the free end of the two linkage members, and at a second end having a pin engaging the horizontal slot.

22. The movable median of claim 21, wherein the horizontal slot includes a first slot for the pin of the two linkage members, and a second slot for the pin of the two further linkage members.

23. The movable median of any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein at least two linkage members cross each other, such that the support frame and the wheel frame remain substantially parallel when moving between the lifted and driving positions.

24. The movable median of any one of claims 18 to 23, wherein the support frame is pivotable relative to the hollow beam about a pivot axis, such that an angle exists between the module axis and the drive wheel axis.

25. The movable median of claim 24, wherein the support frame includes: a bracket connected to the hollow beams, the bracket having an arcuate slot; a support frame beam extending from the bracket, the support frame beam including a hole for receiving a fastener that also extends through the arcuate slot, such that the support frame beam is movable until the fastener is tightened to fix the support frame beam relative to the arcuate slot.

26. The movable median of claim 25, wherein the bracket has a plurality of arcuate slots, wherein the arcuate slots share a common center of curvature, and wherein the support frame beam includes a plurality of holes for receiving respective fasteners that also extend through respective arcuate slots, such that the support frame beam is pivotable about the common center of curvature, until the fasteners are tightened to fix the support frame beam relative to the arcuate slot.

27. The movable median of claim 26, wherein the common center of curvature intersects the pivot axis about which the support frame pivots.

28. The movable median of any one of claims 16 to 27, wherein the motor is connected to the drive wheel with at least two universal joints.

29. The movable median of any one of claims 16 to 28, wherein the drive wheel has a diameter of between 100 mm to 150 mm, preferably about 125 mm.

30. The movable median of any one of claims 16 to 29, wherein the drive wheel has a width of between 40 to 80 mm, preferably about 60 mm.

31. The movable median of any one of claims 16 to 30, wherein the drive wheel includes spikes to improve grip on an icy road surface.

32. The movable median of any one of claims 16 to 31, wherein the drive wheel includes a grip surface, wherein the grip surface includes polyurethane.

33. The movable median of any one of claims 16 to 32, wherein the drive wheel includes a plurality of drive wheels, preferably three, rotatable about the drive wheel axis.

34. The movable median of any one of claims 16 to 33, wherein the median further includes a non-driven module, the non-driven module including a lifting frame, the lifting frame having: a non-driven wheel, rotatable about a non-driven wheel axis, mounted to the lifting frame, an actuator for moving the lifting frame between a driving position and a lifted position, wherein, in the lifted position, the non-driven wheel is lifted from the road, and in the driving position, the non-driven wheel is pressed against the road such that the non-driven module is lifted.

35. The movable median of claim 34, wherein the lifting frame of the non-driven module is substantially similar to the lifting frame of the driven module.

36. The movable median of claim 34 or 35, wherein the non-driven wheel has a diameter of between 60 to 100 mm, preferably about 85 mm.

37. The movable median of any one of claims 34 to 36, wherein the non-driven wheel has a width of between 80 to 150 mm, preferably about 100 mm.

38. The movable median of any one of claims 16 to 37, wherein the median further includes: a controller for controlling the actuator; a rain and / or flooding sensor for providing a water signal to the controller indicative of rain and / or flooding occurring, wherein the controller is adapted to move the driven module to the lifted position when the water signal indicates that rain and / or flooding is occurring.

39. The movable median of any one of claims 1 to 38, wherein the median further includes a pivot module extending along a pivot module axis and fixedly mounted to the road and providing a pivot point, wherein the driven module is connected to the pivot module at the pivot point.

40. The movable median of any one of claims 1 to 39, wherein none of the modules are fixedly mounted to the road.

41. The movable median of any one of claims 1 to 40, wherein the movable median includes a side wall and a lateral light located on the side wall.

42. The movable median of any one of claims 1 to 41, wherein the median includes a controller for controlling operation of the median, wherein the median further includes: a camera providing a video signal to the controller, wherein the controller is adapted to determine, using the video signal, whether the median is in a desired position and correct a current position of the median to the desired position, if required.

43. The movable median of claim 42, wherein the controller is further adapted to determine, using the video signal, whether there is an impediment to movement of the median from the current position to the desired position.

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