Device for speed restriction of vehicles

• US 6,024,510 A
• Filed: 04/30/1998
• Issued: 02/15/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 04/28/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Rafael - Armament Development Authority Ltd.
• Original Assignee: State of Israel--Ministry of Defence Armament Development Authority Rafael
• Inventors: Kamienchick, Yehuda
• Primary Examiner(s): Will, Thomas B.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Hartmann, Gary S.
• Application Number:
  US09/070,485
• Time in Patent Office: 656 Days
• Field of Search: 404/6, 404/9, 404/10, 404/15
• 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

An adaptive speed restriction device is disclosed for use on roads againstpeeding vehicles. The device comprises an elongated hollow element having a preselected length defining a cavity, an impervious and elastic casing having at least one upper surface presenting a hump; at least one air outlet vent that allows for flow of air from inside the casing outwards to the open atmosphere when external pressure is exerted on the upper surface, the upper surface collapsible into a flat surface as air flows out of the cavity; and an air inlet vent that allows flow of air outside of the casing into the cavity when the external pressure is not exerted on the upper surface. When a vehicle passes over the hump, pressure is exerted on the upper surface which expels air outside through the air outlet vent. The maximum flow rate of air exiting the cavity is adaptive to the speed of the vehicle passing over the device. The air outlet vent can be adjusted to allow the device to accommodate various allowed vehicle speeds.

Claims

1. An adaptive speed restriction device, comprising an elongated hollow element of a predetermined length defining a cavity, the element having an impervious casing consisting of at least one upper surface presenting a hump, said upper surface being elastic and resilient, having at least one air outlet vent, located on said casing that allows flow of air at a predetermined maximum flow rate, from the cavity within said casing outward of said casing in response to external pressure exerted on said upper surface, said upper surface collapsing into a flat surface as air flows outward of said casing, said casing being provided with an air inlet vent that allows flow of air outside of said casing into the cavity when said external pressure is not being exerted on said upper surface thereby reforming said hump as air flows into the cavity.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein said vent is provided with an adjustable aperture.

3. A device according to claim 2, wherein a replaceable aperture disk is mounted over the air outlet vent to provide the adjustable aperture.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the casing has at least one side wall on which said air outlet vent is located.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein said casing is provided with a frame.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein said frame is provided with bores suited for screws or nails for fixing said device onto a road surface.

7. The device according to any of claim 1, wherein said device has anchoring means at its ends.

8. A device according to claim 1, wherein the air inlet vent is a unidirectional valve.