RETRACTABLE POST SYSTEM

• US 20080290333A1
• Filed: 05/25/2007
• Published: 11/27/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 05/25/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Abel Gutierrez, Chris Parenti
• Original Assignee: Abel Gutierrez, Chris Parenti
• Inventors: Parenti, Chris, Gutierrez, Abel
• Granted Patent: US 8,096,727 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 256/13.1
• CPC Class Codes: E01F 13/046 the obstructing members moving up in a translatory motion, e.g. telescopic barrier posts for lane control E01F9/594

Abstract

A temporary barricade in the form of a retractable post system. In one configuration, the post is lowered into the ground, such that the top of the post is flush with the ground surface, leaving an unobtrusive configuration that one can walk over, drive over, and so forth. In another configuration, however, the post can be pulled up from the ground, and with a moderate rotational twisting motion, locked into vertical position, thereby providing a strong barrier to traffic and other situations.

Claims

1. A retractable barrier system, comprising:

a below-ground sleeve having an inner surface;

a post received by the sleeve such that the top surface of the post is flush with the ground surface in a retracted position;

a structure, whereby the post may be pulled up from the sleeve, and locked into an upright, extended position through a rotational movement;

a longitudinal rib on the inner surface of the sleeve, the rib having a cross-sectional geometry and a top surface; and

wherein the post includes a bottom flange with a cut-out conforming to the cross-sectional geometry of the rib, such that when the post is pulled up with the flange beyond the upper surface of the rib, the post may be rotated such that the flange rests on the upper surface of the rib, maintaining the post in a vertical, upright position.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the post includes an attachment point on its upper top surface to assist with retraction and extension.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein the post is constructed from a metal tube covered with a plastic sleeve.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein the sleeve includes an upper flanged portion and a retaining plate having an aperture with a diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the post.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein the post is generally cylindrical in shape, with a substantially flat top.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein the post has a diameter in the range of 3-8 inches.

2. (canceled)