Retractable fluid-filled speed bump/vehicle restrictor

• US 20030053860A1
• Filed: 09/20/2002
• Published: 03/20/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 09/20/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Brett Osmund Hall
• Original Assignee: Brett Osmund Hall
• Inventors: Hall, Brett Osmund
• Granted Patent: US 7,476,052 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 404/15
• CPC Class Codes: E01F 9/529 specially adapted for signalling by sound or vibrations, e.g. rumble strips; specially adapted for enforcing reduced speed, e.g. speed bumps

Abstract

The fluid-filled retractable speed bump (Vehicle Restrictor) can be used in a traffic environment in which it is impractical to use a traditional speed bump. When integrated with an appropriate traffic management system, it can be used to impede the position and speed of vehicles for improved traffic management and the prevention of vehicular collisions involving pedestrians, trains, and other vehicles. The invention transfers fluid between a reservoir volume and an active volume to present or withdraw impedance to motor vehicles using a retractable restriction surface. The fluid also distributes the vehicle'"'"'s loading forces to static structural components rather than mechanical moving parts. Reduced stress within fewer moving components minimizes the frequency and magnitude of maintenance compared to other such retractable devices.

Claims

1. A vehicle restrictor system for the impedance and control of vehicle movement, said system comprising:

a surface to provide an impact to the vehicle'"'"'s suspension system resulting from the contact between said surface and the vehicle'"'"'s tires;

a fluid that is transferred between a reservoir condition and an active condition, resulting in the activation or deactivation of said restriction surface;

a fluid transfer means by which said fluid is transferred between the reservoir and active condition; and

one or more components to support and confine said fluid;

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the fluid transfer means comprises:

a) at least one actuator,

b) a leak-resistant means to contain said fluid,

c) a means to reinforce said leak-resistant means, and

d) at least one rigid surface positioned by said actuator whereby, a corresponding amount of fluid is displaced.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein said fluid transfer means pumps said fluid into a volume whereby said restriction surface is activated or deactivated.

4. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a control system responsive to external traffic commands, to govern the rate and amount of fluid transferred whereby the degree of presentation of height and speed of the restriction surface presented to an approaching vehicle is controlled.

5. The system according to claim1, wherein activation of said restriction surface is variable in the degree of operation, comprising speed or height.

6. The system according to claim1, wherein the forces resulting from the vehicle'"'"'s contact with said restriction surface are transmitted by said fluid to structural compenents.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein some portion of the said restriction surface is tapered to maintain predominant contact with the outer rim surface of the tire.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein said restriction surface has a specific geometrical shape to invoke a specific type of vehicle impedance.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein one or more coverings fit over or takes the form of the said restriction surface to provide resistance to wear or modular maintenance.

10. The system according to claim 3, wherein a means of indicating the extent of wear is associated with said covering.

11. The system according to claim 1, wherein one or more coverings are affixed to or enclose system components to provide resistant to the penetration of contaminants.

12. The system according to claim 1, further comprising illuminative indications of the vehicle restrictor'"'"'s presence or operation.

13. A method for impeding and controlling vehicle movement comprising the steps of:

a) transferring a confined fluid between a reservoir condition and an active condition;

b) actuating a restriction surface, in communication with said fluid to offer impedance to the tires of a vehicle, varying from zero to some maximum.