Posts

Abstract

A method for releasing at least one anchor cable from a terminal post in a cable barrier, after an inline impact, including deforming the terminal post from a straight upright configuration to a bent inclined configuration where the deformation creates a suitably sized aperture in the post which enables release of the anchor cable.

Claims

1. A method for releasing at least one anchor cable from a terminal post in a cable barrier, comprising the steps of: providing a suitably sized aperture in the terminal post, said aperture being adjacent to a slot, wherein at least one anchor cable is secured in said slot; deforming the terminal post by an inline impact to the terminal post, from a straight upright configuration to a bent inclined configuration; and releasing of a terminal end of the at least one anchor cable from the terminal post through said aperture.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the deformation of the terminal post causes a further step of: sliding the at least one anchor cable out of a slot before releasing the terminal end of the at least one anchor cable from said terminal post through the suitably sized aperture.

3. The method of claim 2 comprising the step of: levering the terminal end of the at least one anchor cable, so as to cause sliding of the at least one anchor cable out of said slot.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the deformation of the terminal post occurs along a predetermined fail line.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the terminal post deforms with at least one of a groove and a pair of notches located beneath the aperture.

6. A method for releasing at least one anchor cable from a terminal post in a cable barrier, comprising the steps of: providing an aperture and a slot in the terminal post, said aperture being adjacent to and larger in size than said slot, wherein at least one anchor cable is secured in said slot; deforming the terminal post by an inline impact to the terminal post, from a straight upright configuration to a bent inclined configuration; and releasing of a terminal end of the at least one anchor cable from the terminal post through said aperture.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

(2) FIG. 1 shows a perspective back view of a portion of a terminal post in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention;

(3) FIG. 2 shows a side view of the terminal post depicted in FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 3 shows a partial schematic side view of the terminal post shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in a deformed position; and

(5) FIG. 4 shows a partial schematic plan view of a barrier including the terminal post shown in FIGS. 1-3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(6) With respect the Figures there is provided a terminal post generally indicated by arrow 1 which has an upright portion 2 formed from a length of I-Beam which, in use, is located above the ground. The post 1 also has a ground engaging portion 3 at one end thereof. The ground engaging portion 3 is generally concreted into the ground (not shown). The ground engaging portion extends from one end 15 of the post 1 to a point underneath two pairs of notches 4 (one on each side flange 7) all aligned in the same horizontal plane.

(7) The upright portion 2 has an aperture 5 located in the connecting web 6 which spans between side flanges 7. Located on one side of the aperture 5 is a transverse reinforcing member 8 which has a slot 9 therein. The slot 9 receives the terminal end of an anchor cable 10 which has a nut 11 and washer 12 thereon.

(8) The transverse reinforcing member 8 is separated from the web 6 a distance shown by double headed arrow X via a horizontal support member 20. The distance X helps reduce the size of aperture 5 whilst still ensuring that there is sufficient gap (as shown by double headed arrow Y) between the bottom of transverse reinforcing member 8 and the aperture 5, for the nut 11 and washer 12 to pass therethrough, when the post is deformed—refer FIG. 2.

(9) The distance X also helps the transverse reinforcing member 8 lever the end of the cable 10 out of slot 9 when the post deforms after a ‘reverse’ in-line impact in direction B, see FIG. 2. If a ‘front on’ in-line impact occurs in direction A the end of the cable simply slides out of slot 9.

(10) The post 1 also has a pair of horizontal sleeves 21 which can receive the ends of a horizontal anchor cables (not shown) which are retained within the sleeves 21 via a nut and washer arrangement (not shown).

(11) Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

(12) As can be seen in FIG. 3 when the post 1 deforms the anchor cable 10 is levered out of the slot 9 and can pass through aperture 5, by virtue of being held under tension, in the direction of arrow C.

(13) FIG. 4 shows a barrier 100 which has guardrails 200 and support posts 300. The barrier also includes a terminal cable 400 which is held at one end by terminal post 800.