Abstract
A sound wall barrier system. The sound wall barrier system includes a first barrier having a first barrier end including a first recessed cavity, the first recessed cavity defined by an angled side and a recessed back surface; a first elongate post at the first barrier end positioned proximal to the first recessed cavity, the first elongate post including a central web and a post flange coupled to the central web; and a first angled flange coupled to the first barrier within the first recess cavity, wherein the first angled flange and the recessed back surface circumscribe at least a portion of the post flange.
Claims
1. A sound wall barrier system comprising: a first barrier having a first barrier end including a first recessed cavity, the first recessed cavity defined by an angled side and a recessed back surface; a first elongate post at the first barrier end positioned proximal to the first recessed cavity, the first elongate post including a central web and a post flange coupled to the central web; and a first angled flange coupled to the first barrier within the first recess cavity, wherein the first angled flange and the recessed back surface circumscribe at least a portion of the post flange.
2. The sound wall barrier system of claim 1, wherein the first barrier includes an opposing barrier end opposite the first barrier end, the opposing barrier end having an opposing recessed cavity, wherein the opposing recessed cavity is defined by an angled side and a recessed back surface.
3. The sound wall barrier system of claim 2, comprising: a second elongate post at the opposing barrier end positioned proximal to the opposing recessed cavity, the second elongate post positioned substantially parallel to the first elongate post; and a railing coupled to at least one of the first elongate post and the second elongate post, the railing extending in a direction from the first elongate post to the second elongate post.
4. The sound wall barrier system of claim 3, comprising: a set of nested hollow steel sections including an inner hollow steel section and an outer hollow steel section, wherein one of the inner hollow steel section and the outer hollow steel section is coupled to the railing and the other of the inner hollow steel section and the outer hollow steel section is coupled to the first elongate post.
5. The sound wall barrier system of claim 4, wherein the inner hollow steel section and the outer hollow steel section are respectively welded to one of the railing and the first elongate post.
6. The sound wall barrier system of claim 3, wherein the railing is at least one of a hollow steel section or a C-channel beam.
7. The sound wall barrier system of claim 3, comprising: a plurality of sound wall panels received between the first elongate post and the second elongate post, wherein the railing is referenced based on a railing plane that is offset to a plane of the plurality of sound wall panels.
8. The sound wall barrier system of claim 1, comprising a footing positioned in a grade, the footing configured to encase the first elongate post.
9. The sound wall barrier system of claim 1, wherein the first angled flange is coupled to the angled side of the first recessed cavity.
10. The sound wall barrier system of claim 9, wherein the first angled flange is coupled to the angled side based on a screw fastener.
11. The sound wall barrier system of claim 1, wherein the portion of the post flange circumscribed by the first angled flange and the recessed back surface is unfixed to the first angled flange and the recessed back surface.
12. The sound wall barrier system of claim 1, comprising: a second barrier having a second barrier end positioned adjacent the first barrier, the second barrier having a second recessed cavity, the second recessed cavity defined by an angled side and a recessed back surface, wherein the second barrier end is positioned adjacent the first barrier end to provide a collective recessed cavity, and wherein the post flange is positioned within the collective recessed cavity.
13. The sound wall barrier system of claim 12, wherein the first barrier includes a first loop protruding from the first barrier end, and wherein the second barrier includes a second loop complementary to the first loop, the second loop protruding from the second barrier end.
14. The sound wall barrier system of claim 13, comprising a fastener configured to be inserted through a combination of aligned first loop and second loop for coupling the first barrier and the second barrier.
15. The sound wall barrier system of claim 12, comprising a second angled flange coupled to the second barrier within the second recessed cavity.
16. The sound wall barrier system of claim 1, wherein the first barrier is a modular concrete barrier.
17. The sound wall barrier system of claim 1, wherein the first angled flange includes a first portion of the first angled flange is configured at approximately 45-degree angle relative to a second portion of the first angled flange.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0024] In the figures, embodiments are illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood that the description and figures are only for the purpose of illustration and as an aid to understanding.
[0025] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached figures, wherein in the figures:
[0026] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a sound wall barrier system facing a traffic-facing side, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0027] FIG. 1B is a perspective view facing a back side of the example sound wall barrier system of FIG. 1A;
[0028] FIG. 1C is a front view of the sound wall barrier system of FIG. 1A;
[0029] FIG. 1D is a top view of the sound wall barrier system of FIG. 1A;
[0030] FIG. 1E is a bottom view of the sound wall barrier system of FIG. 1E;
[0031] FIG. 1F is a side view of the sound wall barrier system of FIG. 1A;
[0032] FIG. 1G is a side view of the sound wall barrier system of FIG. 1A;
[0033] FIG. 1H is a perspective view of a sound wall barrier system facing a traffic-facing side, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0034] FIG. 1I is a perspective view facing a back side of the sound wall barrier system of FIG. 1H;
[0035] FIG. 1J is a front view of the sound wall barrier system of FIG. 1H;
[0036] FIG. 1K is a top view of the sound wall barrier system of FIG. 1H;
[0037] FIG. 1L is a bottom view of the sound wall barrier system of FIG. 1H;
[0038] FIG. 1M is a side view of the sound wall barrier system of FIG. 1H;
[0039] FIG. 1N is a side view of the sound wall barrier system of FIG. 1H;
[0040] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a back side of a sound wall barrier system, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0041] FIG. 2B is a perspective view facing a back side of two adjacent barriers, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0042] FIG. 2C is a perspective view facing a back side of two adjacent barriers and a post, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0043] FIG. 2D is a perspective view facing a back side of two adjacent barriers and a portion of a post coupled to the barriers by angled flanges, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0044] FIG. 2E is a top view of the system depicted in FIG. 2D;
[0045] FIG. 2F is a top view of a sound wall barrier system including sound panels between a first flange and a retaining flange of a post, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0046] FIG. 2G is a perspective view of a back side of a sound wall barrier system, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0047] FIG. 2H is a perspective view facing a back side of two adjacent barriers, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0048] FIG. 2I is a perspective view facing a back side of two adjacent barriers and a post, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0049] FIG. 2J is a perspective view facing a back side of two adjacent barriers and a portion of a post coupled to the barriers by angled flanges, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0050] FIG. 2K is a top view of the example embodiment depicted in FIG. 2J;
[0051] FIG. 2L is a top view of a sound wall barrier system including sound panels between a first flange and a retaining flange of a post, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0052] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an individual barrier, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0053] FIG. 3B is a back view of two interconnected barriers, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0054] FIG. 3C is a top view of two interconnected barriers, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0055] FIG. 3D is a front view of two interconnected barriers, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0056] FIG. 3E is a perspective view of two interconnected tabs for connecting barriers, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0057] FIG. 3F is a perspective view of an individual barrier, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0058] FIG. 3G is a back view of two interconnected barriers, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0059] FIG. 3H is a top view of two interconnected barriers, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0060] FIG. 3I is a front view of two interconnected barriers, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0061] FIG. 3J is a perspective view of two interconnected tabs for connecting barriers, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0062] FIG. 4A is a perspective view facing a noise-receiving side of a railing system, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0063] FIG. 4B is a perspective view facing a back side of a railing system, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0064] FIG. 4C is a perspective view of a cutout of a railing system, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0065] FIG. 4D is a perspective view of an inner connector, an outer connector, and a retainer tab, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0066] FIG. 4E is a perspective view of an inner connector, an outer connector, and a retainer tab, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0067] FIG. 4F is a perspective view of a railing connected to a post, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0068] FIG. 4G is a perspective view facing a noise-receiving side of a railing system, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0069] FIG. 4H is a perspective view facing a back side of a railing system, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0070] FIG. 4I is a perspective view of a cutout of a railing system, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0071] FIG. 4J is a perspective view of an inner connector, an outer connector, and a retainer tab, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0072] FIG. 4K is a perspective view of an inner connector, an outer connector, and a retainer tab, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0073] FIG. 4L is a perspective view of a railing connected to a post, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0074] FIG. 5A is a back view of two interconnected barriers, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0075] FIG. 5B is a perspective view of two interconnected tabs for connecting barriers, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; and
[0076] FIG. 5C is a front view of two interconnected barriers, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0077] FIG. 5D is a back view of two interconnected barriers, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0078] FIG. 5E is a perspective view of two interconnected tabs for connecting barriers, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; and
[0079] FIG. 5F is a front view of two interconnected barriers, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0080] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain examples will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. As used herein, an element or feature introduced in the singular and preceded by the word a or an should be understood as not necessarily excluding the plural of the elements or features. Further, references to one example or one embodiment are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional examples or embodiments that also incorporate the described elements or features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, examples or embodiments comprising or having or including an element or feature or a plurality of elements or features having a particular property may include additional elements or features not having that property. Also, it will be appreciated that the terms comprises, has, includes means including but not limited to and the terms comprising, having and including have equivalent meanings.
[0081] As used herein, the term and/or can include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements or features.
[0082] It will be understood that when an element or feature is referred to as being on, attached to, affixed to, connected to, coupled with, contacting, etc. another element or feature, that element or feature can be directly on, attached to, connected to, coupled with or contacting the other element or feature or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element or feature is referred to as being, for example, directly on, directly attached to, directly affixed to, directly connected to, directly coupled with or directly contacting another element of feature, there are no intervening elements or features present.
[0083] It will be understood that spatially relative terms, such as under, below, lower, over, above, upper, front, back and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe the relationship of an element or feature to another element or feature as illustrated in the figures. The spatially relative terms can however, encompass different orientations in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.
[0084] Reference herein to example means that one or more feature, structure, element, component, characteristic and/or operational step described in connection with the example is included in at least one embodiment and/or implementation of the subject matter according to the subject disclosure. Thus, the phrases an example, another example, and similar language throughout the subject disclosure may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same example. Further, the subject matter characterizing any one example may, but does not necessarily, include the subject matter characterizing any other example.
[0085] Reference herein to configured denotes an actual state of configuration that fundamentally ties the element or feature to the physical characteristics of the element or feature preceding the phrase configured to.
[0086] Unless otherwise indicated, the terms first, second, etc. are used herein merely as labels, and are not intended to impose ordinal, positional, or hierarchical requirements on the items to which these terms refer. Moreover, reference to a second item does not require or preclude the existence of a lower-numbered item (e.g., a first item) and/or a higher-numbered item (e.g., a third item).
[0087] As used herein, the terms approximately, about, substantially, and generally represent an amount close to the stated amount or a deviation from a strict definition that still results in the desired function or result being performed or achieved. For example, the terms approximately, about, substantially, and generally may refer to an amount or deviation that is within engineering tolerances and that would be readily appreciated by a person of ordinary skill in the art.
[0088] Various aspects of preferred embodiments of sound wall barrier systems according to the disclosure are described herein with reference to the drawings.
[0089] FIGS. 1A and 1H illustrate perspective views of an example sound wall barrier system 100, in accordance with some embodiments. As depicted, system 100 includes one or more interconnected barriers 110, a plurality of posts 120 which are located in the vicinity of the point of interconnection between barriers 110 and extend upwardly from respective footings 130, sound wall panels 140 extending between posts 120, and one or more railings 150 extending between posts 120. In some embodiments, system 100 may be placed in the vicinity of a thoroughfare. In some embodiments, the side of system 100 which includes railings 150 (hereinafter referred to as the noise-facing side 190) may be facing towards the thoroughfare. Sound wall panels 140 may be operable to deflect and/or absorb noise generated by vehicles and/or objects in the thoroughfare, which may be beneficial for reducing noise levels on the back side of the system 100. In some embodiments, post 120 may be encased in a footing 130, which may be inserted into the ground to provide additional stability to system 100. In some embodiments, footings 130 may be made of concrete. In some embodiments, sound wall panels 140 may be made of polyvinyl chloride, commonly referred to as PVC.
[0090] FIG. 1B is a perspective view facing a back side 195 of the example sound wall barrier system of FIG. 1A. Similarly, FIG. 1I is a perspective view facing a back side 195 of the example sound wall barrier system of FIG. 1H. In some embodiments, the back side 195 of system 100 faces away from a roadway and is the side opposite to the noise-facing side 190. FIG. 1C is a front view of the traffic-facing side 190 of the example sound wall barrier system of FIG. 1A. FIG. 1J is a front view of the traffic-facing side 190 of the example sound wall barrier system of FIG. 1H. FIG. 1D is a top view of the example sound wall barrier system of FIG. 1A. FIG. 1K is a top view of the example sound wall barrier system of FIG. 1H. FIG. 1 E is a bottom view of the example sound wall barrier system of FIG. 1E. FIG. 1L is a top view of the example sound wall barrier system of FIG. 1H. FIG. 1F is a side view of the example sound wall barrier system of FIG. 1A. FIG. 1M is a side view of the example sound wall barrier system of FIG. 1H. FIG. 1G is a side view of the example sound wall barrier system of FIG. 1A. FIG. 1N is a side view of the example sound wall barrier system of FIG. 1H.
[0091] As depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1H, system 100 may include a plurality of barriers 110 which are interconnected. In some embodiments, barrier 110 may be a traffic barrier including, but not limited to, a Jersey barrier, a K-rail barrier, an Ontario Tall Wall, or any other suitable barrier. In some embodiments, post 120 may be coupled to one or more barriers 110.
[0092] FIGS. 2A and 2G illustrate perspective views of a back side 195 of system 100. FIG. 2A shows post 120 coupled to one or more barriers 110 by two angled flanges 210, 220. FIG. 2G shows post 120 coupled to one or more barriers by one angled flange 210. In general, at least one flange may be used to couple barrier 110 to post 120.
[0093] FIGS. 2B and 2H are perspective views facing the back side 195 of system 100 with all other elements omitted other than barriers 110 for simplicity. As depicted, each barrier 110 may include a top 305, a back 310, an angled side 315, and a recessed back 320. In some embodiments, recessed back 320 may be parallel to back 310. In other embodiments, recessed back 320 and back 310 might not be parallel. The combination of angled side 315 and recessed back 320 may be referred to collectively herein as recessed cavity 325.
[0094] FIGS. 2C and 2I are perspective views of the back side 195 of system 100 with all other elements omitted other than barriers 110 and post 120 for simplicity. As depicted, post 120 comprises a first flange 410 and a second flange 420 connected by a central web 430. In some embodiments, post 120 may be a so-called W-beam (sometimes referred to as a W-section or a W-shape). In other embodiments, post 120 may be an I-beam, an H-beam, or any other suitable configuration having two flanges connected by a central webbing. As depicted in FIGS. 2C and 2I, a retaining flange 440 is affixed to central web 430 of post 120. In some embodiments, the retaining flange 440 is welded to central web 430. In some embodiments, the retaining flange 440 may be bolted to central web 430. In some embodiments, retaining flange 440 may be parallel to first flange 410 and second flange 420.
[0095] As described with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2G, post 120 is coupled to one or more barriers 110 via one or more angled flanges 210, 220. FIGS. 2D and 2J are perspective views of system 100 omitting sound walls 140 and omitting a portion of post 120 for simplicity. FIG. 2E is a top view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2D. FIG. 2K is a top view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2J. As shown in FIGS. 2D and FIG. 2J, angled flange 210 is secured to angled side 315 and a portion of angled flange 210 protrudes between first flange 410 and retaining flange 440 of post 120. In some embodiments, the angled flange 210 may include a first portion coupled to the angled side 315 by a fastener 230 and a second portion extending from the first portion. As illustrated in FIG. 2K, the second portion of the angled flange 210 may extend away from the angled side 315 surface akin to a cantilever portion. In some embodiments, the second portion of the angled flange 210 and a received back surface 320 may circumscribe at least a portion of the first flange 410 of the post 120. In some embodiments, an angle between the described first portion and the second portion of the angled flange 210 may be approximately 45 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle between the first portion and the second portion may be complementary to an angle between the angled side 315 surface and the recessed back 320 surface, as illustrated in FIG. 2K. Other angles between the described first portion and the second portion of the angled flange 210 may be contemplated such that the angled flange 210 and the recessed back 320 surface may collectively circumscribe at least a portion of the post 120, such as a portion of the first flange 410.
[0096] In some embodiments, the angled flange 210 may not be in physical contact with the first flange 410 or any other portion of the post 120, such that the post 120 may move relative to the angled flange 210 and the recessed back 320 surface when a vehicle or other object impacts the sound wall barrier system.
[0097] As shown in FIG. 2D, the system 100 may comprise two angled flanges 210 and 220. As shown in FIG. 2J, the system 100 may comprise one angled flange 210. In some embodiments, angled flange 210, 220 may be secured to angled side 315 of barrier 110 by a fastener 230. In some embodiments, barrier 110 may include an anchor 225 positioned on angled side 315, so as to receive fastener 230 more securely. In some embodiments, the anchor 225 may be a threaded anchor and fastener 230 may be correspondingly threaded to engage with the threading of threaded anchor 225 to further secure the connection between angled flange 210, 220 and barrier 110. In some embodiments, a portion of angled flange 210, 220 may be embedded within barrier 110 rather than fastened thereto. In some embodiments, an embedded flange having a flat shape (to be contrasted with the kinked shape of angled flange 210, 220 depicted in FIGS. 2D, 2E, 2J, and 2K) may have a portion embedded in barrier 110 (e.g. entering at a location on angled side 315) which may enable a protruding portion from angled side 315 between first flange 410 and retaining flange 440 to act as a cantilever. In some embodiments, an embedded flange may be secured to an anchor within barrier 110 to provide additional strength. It will be appreciated that there are many different ways of securing a flange to barrier 110 (whether through the use of fasteners, embedding, or any combination thereof).
[0098] As depicted in FIGS. 2D, a second angled flange 220 may be positioned on angled side 315. As depicted, angled flange 220 is positioned vertically higher than angled flange 210, and includes 3 holes for 3 respective fasteners 230. It will be appreciated that the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 2D and 2J are merely examples and that embodiments which have as few as 1 hole to more than 3 holes are contemplated. In some embodiments, angled side 315 may include a corresponding number of threaded anchors to match the number of holes in angled flange 220. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, first angled flange 210 may include more than one hole for receiving fasteners 230, and that angled side 315 may be designed to generally include a number of anchors (which may optionally be threaded anchors) which match the number of holes on angled flange 210, such that fasteners 230 may be inserted into each hole and secured to the threaded anchors. Of course, in some embodiments, fasteners 230 might not be inserted into every hole on angled flanges 210, 220, and the number of threaded anchors on angled side 315 might not necessarily match the number of holes on angled flanges 210, 220.
[0099] As depicted in FIGS. 2E and 2K, first flange 410 of post 120 may be in close proximity with recessed backs 320 of the two barriers 110 depicted. In some embodiments, first flange may be in physical contact with recessed backs 320. In some embodiments, although first flange 410 may be in physical contact with recessed backs 320, first flange might not be secured or attached to recessed backs 320. In some embodiments, the protruding portion of angled flanges 210, 220 is present between first flange 410 of post 120 and retaining flange 440 of post 120. As depicted, the protruding portion of angled flanges 210, 220 may not be not in physical contact with first flange 410 or retaining flange 440 of post 120. During periods of high wind and/or impacts to system 100, post 120 may move and/or warp and may come into contact with one or more of angled flanges 210, 220.
[0100] In some embodiments, the configuration of angled flanges 210, 220 to interconnect barriers 110 with posts 120 may result in post 120 being able to withstand greater torsional buckling stress relative to previously known configurations without angled flange(s) 210, 220. Given that post 120 may bear less torsional buckling stress, the use of angled flange(s) 210, 220 may allow for the physical dimensions of one or more of first flange 410, second flange 420, web 430, and/or retaining flange 440 to be reduced while providing similar performance and resistance to torsional buckling stress. This may be beneficial in that the size of components of post 120 may be reduced, which results in lower material costs, as well as the system 100 overall taking up less space and potentially being usable in scenarios in which there is limited space for sound wall barrier systems. For example, since angled flanges 210, 220 may not be in direct contact to provide support to post 120, the post 120 can laterally deflect and may have some freedom of movement within the recessed cavity 325, which may allow the post 120 to slide laterally, which may help reduce the load in situations such as lateral torsional buckling.
[0101] In other embodiments (such as the leftmost post 120 depicted in FIGS. 1B and 1H), first flange 410 of post 120 may be in contact with a recessed back 320 of a single barrier 110 and secured by angled flanges 210, 220 on a single side of web 430. In such embodiments, post 120 may have less structural resilience and might not be able to withstand as much torsional buckling stress relative to embodiments in which post 120 is placed between two barriers 110, and angled flanges 210, 220 are present on both sides of web 430.
[0102] As depicted in FIG. 1A and 1H, and more particularly in FIGS. 2F and 2L, sound panels 140 may be positioned between first flange 410 and retaining flange 440 and may extend between a first post 120 and a second post 120. In some embodiments, a plurality of sound panels 140 may be stacked vertically upward beginning from the top 305 of barrier 110. In some embodiments, the distance between first flange 410 and retaining flange 440 may be selected so as to substantially match a thickness of sound panels 140. This may provide a benefit of sound panels 140 being securely fixed at each post 120, so as to provide greater structural integrity and reduce the likelihood of sound panels rattling or otherwise moving during periods of high winds, and the like.
[0103] Returning to FIGS. 1A and 1H, in some embodiments, system 100 may include a plurality of barriers 110 which are interconnected. In some embodiments, barriers 110 may be interconnected in a manner which enhances the structural strength of the overall system 100, and may facilitate distribution of forces during impacts (e.g. with vehicles) against barriers 110. FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a first side of a first barrier 110a, omitting post 120, footing 130, and a second barrier 110b for simplicity. As depicted, barrier 110a includes a vertical notch 340 which extends from top 305 to the bottom of barrier 110a. In the embodiment depicted, vertical notch 340 is semicircular, but it will be appreciated that other embodiments may incorporate different shapes for vertical notch 340. It will be further appreciated that vertical notch 340 need not have a consistent depth or radius through the entire height of barrier 110a, and may have a variable shape as the case may be. The embodiment depicted in FIG. 3A is an example embodiment and is not intended to be limiting, and other barrier configurations are contemplated.
[0104] As depicted in FIG. 3A, barrier 110a further includes upper notch 365 and lower notch 360. As depicted, notches 360, 365 are rectangular in shape and extend from the front of barrier 110a all the way through the back 310. Although the notches are depicted as rectangular in shape in the Figures, it will be appreciated that the embodiments depicted are merely examples, and other shapes for notches 360, 365 may be possible. As will be appreciated from FIGS. 2B, 3A and 3C, when two barriers 110 are arranged side by side or in close proximity, vertical notches 340a, 340b may align to form a cavity or space which is sufficiently dimensioned to receive fastener 370.
[0105] As depicted in FIG. 3A, barrier 110a includes upper tab 355 and lower tab 350 on a first end. In some implementations, each of upper tab 355 and lower tab 350 includes two apertures 356 which are axially aligned, so as to allow a fastener 370 to be inserted therethrough. In some implementations, as shown in FIG. 3F, each of upper tab 355 and lower tab 350 may include a bar loop connection having a single aperture. A fastener 370 can be inserted through the bar loop. Although two separate fasteners 370 (one for upper tab 355, and another for lower tab 350) are depicted in FIGS. 3B and 3G, in other embodiments a single fastener 370 (e.g. a bolt having sufficient length) may extend through both upper tab 355 and lower tab 350, as depicted in FIGS. 5A-5F. As shown in FIGS. 3B and 3G, a second end of barrier 110b may include upper tab 355b and lower tab 350b. It will be appreciated that although FIGS. 3B and 3G depicts two separate barriers 110a, 110b, the same principles may apply to a single barrier 110. In other words, a first end of barrier 110 may include upper tab 355a and lower tab 355a, and a second side opposite the first end of barrier 110 may include upper tab 355b and lower tab 355b.
[0106] As depicted in FIGS. 3B and 3G, upper tab 355a may be located at a height which is vertically higher than upper tab 355b. In some embodiments, upper tab 355a may be located at a height which is in relatively close proximity to upper tab 355b (e.g. a vertical distance of about 12-25 millimeters, though it will be appreciated that other distances are contemplated). In some embodiments, the height difference between upper tab 355a and upper tab 355b may be sufficiently small to ensure that fastener 370 is acting as a pin connection (i.e. without a bending moment).
[0107] In this manner, as depicted in FIGS. 3D and 3I, when barrier 110a is brought into close proximity with a second barrier 110b, the upper tab 355a at a first end of barrier 110a may align with the upper tab 355b at a second end of barrier 110b, such that the apertures 356 of both upper tabs 355a, 355b are axially aligned. In some embodiments, when upper tabs 355a, 355b are arranged so that the apertures 356 are axially aligned, a fastener 370 may be inserted through apertures 356, thereby securing upper tab 355a to upper tab 355b. Similarly to upper tabs 355a, 355b, lower tab 350a may be located at a height which is vertically higher than lower tab 350b. In this manner, when barrier 110a is brought into close proximity with second barrier 110b, the lower tab 350a at a first end of barrier 110a may align with the lower tab 350b at a second end of barrier 110b, such that the apertures 351 of both lower tabs 350a, 350b are axially aligned. In some embodiments, when lower tabs 350a, 350b are arranged so that the apertures 351 are axially aligned, a fastener 370 may be inserted through apertures 351, thereby securing lower tab 350a to lower tab 350b.
[0108] As noted above, and as depicted in FIGS. 5A-5F, in some embodiments, a single fastener 370 may be inserted through the apertures 356 of upper tabs 355a, 355b and continuing through to apertures 351 of lower tabs 350a, 350b. Such a configuration may be advantageous in that it may be difficult to access the space created by lower notches 360a, 360b to insert a single fastener which connects lower tabs 350a and 350b only. In the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 5A-5F, a single fastener 370 may be inserted (for example, inserted from above through the space created by vertical notches 340a, 340b) and lowered so as to fit through apertures 356 of upper tabs 355a, 355b and through apertures 351 of lower tabs 350a, 350b.
[0109] As depicted by dashed lines in FIGS. 3C and 3H, tabs 350, 355 may extend from an end of barrier 110 into the body of the barrier 110. It will be appreciated that the extent to which a tab 350, 355 extends into barrier 110 from an end may depend on the particular application and the desired level of stability. As the overall length and depth of tab 350, 355 increases, the overall stability can be expected to increase. In some embodiments, the portion of tab 350, 355 which extends inward into the body of barrier 110 may act to reinforce barrier 110 and add additional structural strength thereto.
[0110] For illustration, FIGS. 3E and 3J illustrate perspective views of upper tabs 355a, 355b in a locking engagement secured by fastener 370, with barriers 110a, 110b omitted. In some embodiments, lower tabs 350a, 350b may have the same configuration as upper tabs 355a, 355b. As depicted, fastener 370 is a nut-and-bolt type fastener. However, it is contemplated that any suitable type of fastener may be used, provided the fastener can provide the necessary durability and resistance to force for a given application. Moreover, although FIG. 3E depicts each tab as including a U-shaped cross section with circular protruding tabs having apertures 351 included thereon, it is contemplated that other configurations for tabs may be used, provided the tabs of adjacent barriers may be aligned and placed into a secured or locked configuration which may transfer at least some impact energy from vehicle collisions to adjacent or nearby barriers 110. For example, as shown in FIG. 3J, the upper tabs 355a, 355b may comprise a smooth bar loop connection configured to receive a fastener 370.
[0111] Although the figures depict embodiments which include upper tabs 355a, 355b and lower tabs 350a, 350b, it is contemplated that some embodiments may include fewer (e.g. one single tab on each end) or more (e.g. more than two tabs on each end of barrier 110). Likewise, although the figures depict embodiments having two notches (e.g. upper notch 365 and lower notch 360), in other embodiments there may be fewer (e.g. one single notch on each end) or more (e.g. more than two notches on each each) notches on each end of barrier 110. In some embodiments, the number of notches 360, 365 may be selected so as to match the number of tabs on each end of barrier 110.
[0112] As depicted particularly in FIGS. 3D and 3I, when adjacent barriers are aligned, lower notches 360a, 360b of adjacent barriers 110a, 110b may align to form a cavity or window which is sufficiently sized to access lower tabs 350a, 350b. Likewise, upper notches 365a, 365b may align to form a cavity or window which is sufficiently sized to permit access to upper tabs 355a, 355b. The upper and/or lower notches 360, 365 may be useful in providing a convenient way to, for example, insert or remove a fastener 370 from apertures 351 of a pair of tabs 350a, 350b, 355a, 355b.
[0113] Returning to FIGS. 1A and 1H, in some embodiments, a section of railing 150 may be coupled between pairs of posts 120. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1H, adjacent sections of railing 150 may form a continuous railing along a length of sound wall barrier system 100.
[0114] FIGS. 4A and 4G illustrate perspective views of a section of railing 150 with posts 120 and sound panels 140 omitted for simplicity. FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a back side of the section of railing 150 depicted in FIG. 4A. FIG. 4H is a perspective view of a back side of the section of railing 150 depicted in FIG. 4G. As depicted, railing 150 includes a beam 510. In some embodiments, such as that of FIG. 4A, beam 510 may be a C-channel type beam which includes upper flange 520 and lower flange 525. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 4G, the beam 510 may be a hollow structural section (HSS) tube. In other embodiments, beam 510 may be one or more of miscellaneous channel type beams, concrete beams, I-beams, and the like, and different beams 510 on different sections might be different beam types. As depicted in FIG. 4C, a beam 510a may be coupled to inner connector 530. In some embodiments, beam 510a may be welded to inner connector 530. In some embodiments, inner connector 530 may be connected to beam 510a proximal to a first end of beam 510a. In some embodiments, inner connector 530 may be a hollow structure, such as a hollow steel section or the like. The inner connector 530 may be constructed of steel or any other suitable material.
[0115] As depicted in FIGS. 4C-4E, inner connector 530 may be configured to nest within outer connector 540. In some embodiments, outer connector 540 is a hollow connector which is sufficiently dimensioned to as to allow inner connector 530 to fit within an inner cavity of outer connector 540. As shown in FIGS. 4D, inner connector 530 may be secured within outer connector 540 by fastener 570. For example, each of inner connector 530 and outer connector 540 may include apertures which can be arranged along a common axis. Fastener 570 may then be placed through each aperture so as to lock and/or secure inner connector 530 to outer connector 540.
[0116] As depicted, fastener 570 includes a combination of bolt 573 (which includes a shaft 573a), nut 571 and washers 572. However, it is completed that other types of fasteners may be used, provided the desired structural strength can be attained. In some embodiments, high-strength bolts may be used. In some embodiments, fasteners 570 may be made of steel.
[0117] In some embodiments, inner connector 530 is shorter in length than outer connector 540. As such, when a first end 535 of inner connector 530 is protruding from outer connector 540, the second end of inner connector 530 opposite the first end 535 does not reach the second end 546 of outer connector 540. In some embodiments, inner and outer connectors may include additional components which may reduce impact forces. For example, the outer and inner connectors may feature slotted holes (e.g. for fastener 570) and/or pads which may absorb some impact energy experienced by beam 510. For example, absorptive materials such as rubber, neoprene, and SBR (Styrene-Butadiene Rubber) may be used for padding.
[0118] As depicted in FIGS. 4F, a second end 546 of outer connector 540 may be coupled to the first flange 410 of post 120. In some embodiments, the second end 546 of outer connector 540 may be welded to first flange 410 of post 120.
[0119] As depicted in FIG. 4C, fastener 570 may connect inner connector 530, outer connector 540, and retainer tab 550. Retainer tab 550 may allow for additional downstream beams to be connected. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4C, first beam 510a is connected to inner connector 530 at a first end 512a of first beam 510a (e.g. via welded or other form of connection), and retainer tab 550 provides a surface upon which a downstream beam 510b may be connected. In some embodiments, a second end 514b of a second beam 510b may be welded to retainer tab 550. In some embodiments, retainer tab 550 may include a retainer tab connector portion 555, which is configured to be secured to inner connector 530 and outer connector 540.
[0120] It should be appreciated that although the example depicted in FIG. 4C depicts two adjacent beams 510a, 510b, similar principles may apply to a single beam 510 which does not have a second beam nearby. For example, as shown in the example embodiment depicted in FIG. 4B, the first end 512 of beam 510 may be connected to an end 535 (FIG. 4D) of an inner connector 530 (FIG. 4D), which is coupled to a post (not explicitly illustrated in FIG. 4B and 4D) via outer connector 540. Without an adjacent beam present, a second end 514 of beam 510 may be connected to a retainer tab 555 which is coupled to a post (not explicitly illustrated in FIG. 4B and 4D) via outer connector 540. In this manner, a single beam 510 may be supported between two posts 120a, 120b. The first end 512 is attached to retainer tab 555, and the second end 514 is attached to inner connector 530.
[0121] Referring again to FIG. 4C, a fastener 570 may couple the inner connector 530, the outer connector 540, and the retainer tab 550. As illustrated in FIG. 4C, the retainer tab 550 may include a retainer tab connector portion 555, which may be configured to be coupled to the inner connector 530 and the outer connector 540. In some scenarios, a vehicle may impart force at the sound wall barrier system and may make contact with a portion of the first beam 510a. Upon the vehicle imparting force at the first beam 510a, in some scenarios, the imparted force may cause shearing force at the fastener 570. In scenarios where the fastener 570 coupling the retainer tab 550 to the combination of the inner connector 530 and the outer connector 540 may fail, the first beam 510a may separate from the sound wall barrier system. It may be desirable to provide sound wall barrier system features to reduce occurrences of one or more beams from separating from the sound wall barrier system.
[0122] Referring to FIG. 4G, the railing 510 may be a hollow steel section. In some embodiments, the railing 510 may be coupled to an outer connector 540. In some embodiments, the outer connector 540 may be welded to the railing 510. Other methods for coupling the railing 510 and the outer connector 540 may be contemplated.
[0123] FIG. 4H illustrates a back-side of the railing 510 illustrated in FIG. 4G. In some embodiments, the outer connector 540 may be a hollow steel section.
[0124] FIG. 4I illustrates an enlarged view of the outer connector 540 coupled to the railing 510 of FIG. 4G. In some embodiments, one or more fasteners 570 may be installed through the outer connector 540 for coupling the outer connector and an inner connector 530 (FIG. 4J).
[0125] FIG. 4J illustrates a cutaway view of the combination of the railing 510 and the outer connector 540 coupled to an inner connector 530 based on one or more fasteners 570. In some embodiments, the one or more fasteners 570 may be a combination of one or more bolts 573 and corresponding nuts 571 and washers 572.
[0126] In some embodiments, the inner connector 530 may be a hollow steel section having a cross-sectional dimension that may be smaller than a cross-sectional dimension of the outer connector 540. Because the inner connector 530 may have a smaller cross-sectional dimension than the outer connector 540, the inner connector 530 may nest with the outer connector 540.
[0127] In some embodiments, the inner connector 530 may be coupled to a post 120 (such as illustrated in FIG. 1A or FIG. 1H). In some embodiments, the inner connector 530 may be welded to the post 120. Other methods of coupling the inner connector 530 to the post 120 may be contemplated.
[0128] Referring to FIG. 4K, a combination of the railing 510 and the outer connector 540 may be coupled to a combination of the post 120 and the inner connector based on one or more fasteners 570, as illustrated in FIG. 4J.
[0129] FIG. 4K further illustrates a cutaway view of two adjacently positioned railings 510. In some embodiments, the adjacently positioned railings 510 may be coupled based on a railing connector 590. The railing connector 590 may be a hollow steel section positioned within a cavity of the adjacently positioned railings 510. The railing connector 590 may have a cross-sectional dimension smaller than a cross-sectional dimension of the respective railings 510, such that the railing connector 590 may be positioned within the cavity of the adjacently positioned railings 510. In some embodiments, the railing connector 590 may be coupled to each of the respective railings 510 based on fasteners 592, thereby coupling the respective railings 510 at the railing ends 545. In some embodiments, the fasteners 592 may a combination of nuts and bolts inserted into aligned apertures of the respective railings 510 and the railing connector 590. In some scenarios where a vehicle may impart force at one or more of the railings, the imparted force may be transferred or distributed along a successively positioned series of railings 510.
[0130] FIG. 4L illustrates an enlarged view of the railing 510 coupled to the post 120 based on a combination of the fastened outer connector 540 and the inner connector 530 at a noise-facing of a sound wall barrier system.
[0131] Returning to FIGS. 1A and 1H, in some embodiments, system 100 may be capable of withstanding impacts from vehicles. In some embodiments, vehicles may include cars, sport utility vehicles, minivans, vans, box vans, and the like. In some embodiments, vehicles may include transport trucks. As noted above, in some embodiments, the use of one or more of angled flanges 210, 220 to secure posts 120 may allow for increased torsional loads. In some embodiments, the inclusion of railings 150 at higher vertical heights may allow for some of the impact energy from larger vehicles (e.g. transport trucks) to be deflected by railings and distributed through posts 120, rather than sound panels receiving the brunt of the impact energy, which may result in a sound wall barrier system 100 which has greater capability of withstanding vehicle impacts than existing systems. Moreover, the interconnections between reinforced barriers 110 may allow for secure linkages between barriers, which further serves to distribute impact energy across a greater area and number of components.
[0132] The present disclosure provides embodiments of sound wall barrier systems. In some scenarios, embodiments of sound wall barrier systems may be installed alongside roadways to provide a noise barrier or to provide a physical barrier. Embodiments of sound wall barrier systems may be configured to withstand physical impact of vehicles or other objects incident on the sound wall barrier features.
[0133] In some embodiments, the sound wall barrier system may include a first barrier having a first barrier end including a first recessed cavity. The first recess cavity may be defined by an angled side 315 (FIG. 2H) and a recessed back 320 (FIG. 2H) surface. As described with reference to FIG. 2H, the combination of the angled side 315 and the recessed back 320 may be referred to collectively as the recessed cavity.
[0134] The sound wall barrier system may include a first elongate post at the first barrier end positioned proximal to the first recessed cavity. Referring to FIG. 2I, the first elongate post may be the post 120 and may be positioned proximal to an end of the barrier 110 proximal to a recessed cavity defined by the angled side and the recessed back surface. In some embodiments, the post 120 may include a central web 430 and a post flange, such as the first flange 410 illustrated in FIG. 2I.
[0135] The sound wall barrier system may include a first angled flange coupled to the first barrier within the first recessed cavity. Referring to FIG. 2J and 2K, the angled flange 210 may be an example of the first angled flange. In FIG. 2K, the angled flange 210 may be coupled to the barrier 110 within the first recessed cavity. In the present example, the angled flange 210 and a recessed back surface (not explicitly numbered in FIG. 2K) may circumscribe at least a portion of the post flange 410 (FIG. 2K).
[0136] For example, the post flange 410 may be coupled to a central web with approximately half of the post flange dimension associated with one side of the central web and approximately half of the post flange dimension associated with another side of the central web. In the present example, the angled flange 210 and the recessed back surface may surround a subset portion of the post flange 410. In some scenarios, the angled flange 210 may not be in physical contact (e.g., unfixed) relative to the post flange 410 of the elongate post. As such, during scenarios with high environmental wind or physical impact to the sound wall barrier system, the elongate post may move and may contact the angled flange 210. Such features of the embodiments of the sound wall barrier system result in the post being able to withstand greater torsional buckling stress relative to other post-to-barrier coupling mechanisms.
[0137] The sound wall barrier system may include an opposing barrier end opposite the first barrier end, where the opposing barrier end may have an opposing recessed cavity. For example, in FIG. 2G, the barrier 110 may include opposing ends (shown where angled flanges 210 are positioned). The opposing recessed cavity may include features similar to the first recessed cavity and may be similarly defined by an angled side and a recessed back surface.
[0138] In some embodiments, a sound wall barrier system may include a second elongate post at the opposing barrier end positioned proximal to the opposing recessed cavity. The second elongate post may be substantially parallel to the first elongate post. For example, in FIG. 2G, a first elongate post and a second elongate post (both identified with reference numeral 120) is illustrated and are installed to be substantially parallel to one another.
[0139] In some embodiments, the sound wall barrier system may include railing coupled to at least one of the first elongate post and the second elongate post. The railing may extend in a direction from the first elongate post to the second elongate post. For example, referring to FIG. 1H, the railing 150 may be coupled to at least one of the first elongate post and the second elongate post 120 and may extend in a direction substantially parallel to the barrier 110.
[0140] In some embodiments, the sound wall barrier system may include a set of nested hollow steel sections including an inner hollow steel section and an outer hollow steel section. Referring to FIG. 4J, which is a cross-sectional view of the set of nested hollow steel sections, in some embodiments, the outer connector 540 may be coupled to the railing and the inner connector 530 may be coupled to an elongate post. As FIG. 4J is a cross-sectional view of the set of hollow steel sections, the coupling of the inner connector 530 to the elongate post is not explicitly illustrated in FIG. 4J.
[0141] In some embodiments, the sound wall barrier system may include a plurality of sound wall panels received between a first elongate post and a second elongate post. Referring again to FIG. 2G as an example, the plurality of sound wall panels may be received between the first elongate post 120 and the second elongate post 120.
[0142] In some embodiments, a railing 510 may be positioned or referenced based on a railing plane that is offset to a plane of the plurality of the sound wall panels. Referring to FIGS. 4K and 4L, the railing 510 may be coupled to one or more elongate posts 120. In some embodiments, the railing 510 may be coupled to the one or more elongate posts 120 based on a set of nested hollow steel sections, described herein. As illustrated in FIGS. 4K and 4L, the plurality of sound wall panels received between elongate posts 120 may be in a geometric reference plane that is different than a plane in which the railing 510 may be positioned. For example, the railing 510 may protrude from the geometric reference plane associated with the plurality of sound wall panels and the associated elongate posts 120. In the present example, if a vehicle or other object were to impact or impart physical force into the sound wall barrier system and contact the railing 510, the railing 510 may be configured to absorb or be configured to counteract the impact before such impact were to impart forces on the sound wall panels and the elongate posts. Embodiments of the sound wall barrier system including the railing features may be configured to withstand greater impact to the sound wall barrier system as compared to sound wall barrier systems that may not have included the railing features.
[0143] The term connected or coupled to may include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements).
[0144] Although the embodiments have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the scope. Moreover, the scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the device, process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification.
[0145] As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure, devices, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed, that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such devices, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.
[0146] The description provides many example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.
[0147] As can be understood, the examples described above and illustrated are intended to be exemplary only.
