US4423854A — Roadway barrier

Claim 1

Independent Claim 275 words

A roadway barrier component adapted to be assembled on a supporting surface with corresponding barrier components removably connected to opposed ends thereof for forming an elongated dismountable roadway barrier for flanking a roadway, the barrier being deformable under vehicle impact to gradually redirect a straying vehicle coming into contact therewith, the barrier component comprising: (a) a pair of panels to be positioned along a lower edge of each panel on such a supporting surface in laterally spaced relationship to define a filler cavity between their internal surfaces for receiving a displaceable ballast material to support the component on such a supporting surface and to provide a medium for dissipating impact energy during use; (b) panel connection means for use in removably connecting the panels together in their laterally spaced relationship; (c) each panel having panel fitting zones for use in removably connecting the panels of the barrier component to panels of corresponding barrier components to form an elongated roadway barrier having at least one elongated outer surface which is generally smooth and free of outwardly projecting obstructions in at least one direction parallel to the length of the barrier; (d) the barrier component being adapted to provide a lesser impact resistance in a lower zone than in a central impact zone of the barrier component during vehicle impact therewith to combat vehicle ramping; and (e) the central impact zone of at least one panel being formed to provide an elongated beam stiffness along the length of the panel to distribute an impact force along the length of the panel during use and thus encourage re-direction of an impacting vehicle along the length of the barrier.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 275 words

A roadway barrier component adapted to be assembled on a supporting surface with corresponding barrier components removably connected to opposed ends thereof for forming an elongated dismountable roadway barrier for flanking a roadway, the barrier being deformable under vehicle impact to gradually redirect a straying vehicle coming into contact therewith, the barrier component comprising: (a) a pair of panels to be positioned along a lower edge of each panel on such a supporting surface in laterally spaced relationship to define a filler cavity between their internal surfaces for receiving a displaceable ballast material to support the component on such a supporting surface and to provide a medium for dissipating impact energy during use; (b) panel connection means for use in removably connecting the panels together in their laterally spaced relationship; (c) each panel having panel fitting zones for use in removably connecting the panels of the barrier component to panels of corresponding barrier components to form an elongated roadway barrier having at least one elongated outer surface which is generally smooth and free of outwardly projecting obstructions in at least one direction parallel to the length of the barrier; (d) the barrier component being adapted to provide a lesser impact resistance in a lower zone than in a central impact zone of the barrier component during vehicle impact therewith to combat vehicle ramping; and (e) the central impact zone of at least one panel being formed to provide an elongated beam stiffness along the length of the panel to distribute an impact force along the length of the panel during use and thus encourage re-direction of an impacting vehicle along the length of the barrier.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 53 words

A component according to claim 1, in which the component is so adapted to provide a lower zone of lesser impact resistance by at least one panel having its lower zone recessed inwardly of its central impact zone to delay contact between the lower zone and a vehicle striking the barrier during impact.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 41 words

A component according to claim 1 or claim 2, in which the component is so adapted to provide a lower zone of lesser impact resistance by the component including collapsing means for causing preferential collapsing of the lower zone under impact.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 51 words

A component according to claim 3, in which the collapsing means comprises a collapsible material to be located between the panels in the lower region during use, the collapsible material having a resistance to displacement which is less than that of a ballast material to be provided in the filler cavity.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 16 words

A component according to claim 1 or claim 2, in which the panels are corresponding panels.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 24 words

A component according to claim 1, in which the central impact zone of the panel is reinforced to provide resistance to penetration under impact.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 29 words

A component according to claim 6, in which the central impact zone of the panel is reinforced to increase the wall thickness of the panel in the impact zone.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 46 words

A component according to claim 7, in which the panel comprises upper and lower panel sections with each section having corrugating formations along one elongated edge zone, and in which the corrugating formations are overlapped to form the reinforced corrugated central impact zone of the panel.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 57 words

A component according to claim 1, in which each panel has an inturned flange proximate its lower edge to be directed inwardly during use for supporting the panel displaceably on a supporting surface, each flange being such as to be capable of being engaged by ballast material to restrain lifting of a panel under impact during use.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 44 words

A component according to claim 1, in which the panel connection means is adapted to cooperate with the panel fitting zones for use in removably connecting the panels together and for removably connecting the panels of the component to panels of corresponding barrier components.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 37 words

A component according to claim 1 or claim 10, in which the panel connection means is such as to limit its affect upon a vehicle striking the component and deforming a panel of the component during use.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 28 words

A component according to claim 11, in which the connection means has at least one deformable portion having a resistance to deformation generally approaching that of the panels.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 31 words

A component according to claim 1, in which the panel fitting zones comprise spaced sets of apertures proximate opposed end regions of each panel for engagement by the panel connection means.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 46 words

A component according to claim 13, in which the panel connection means comprises at least one connection link member to extend between the panel fitting zones at one end of the pair of laterally spaced panels, and locking pins to lock the link member in position.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 33 words

A component according to claim 14, in which the locking pins are adapted to be displaced in a direction extending transversely to the bottom edge of the panels during insertion and during withdrawal.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 35 words

A component according to claim 14, in which the link member comprises a connecting unit having a plurality of arms to cooperate with the panel fitting zones at one end of the pair of panels.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 25 words

A component according to claim 10, in which the panel connection means comprises a bulkhead panel having opposed sides to be engaged with the panels.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 39 words

A component according to claim 1, in which each panel has an inwardly directed stiffening flange along its upper edge, and in which the component includes a lid panel to close the upper end of the component for use.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 280 words

Apparatus for forming on a supporting surface an elongated dismountable roadway barrier for flanking a roadway, which is deformable under vehicle impact to gradually deflect a straying vehicle coming into contact therewith, the apparatus comprising: (a) a plurality of panels adapted to be arranged in two generally parallel laterally spaced rows along lower edges of the panels on such a supporting surface to define a filler cavity between them for housing a displaceable ballast material to support the roadway barrier when formed and provide a medium for dissipating impact energy, and (b) panel connection means to be engaged with the panels for locating two such rows in their spaced relationship, and for connecting the panels in each row in end-to-end relationship to form an elongated linked row; at least the panels to be placed in one row being adapted, when connected, to present an outer surface for the row which is generally smooth and free of outwardly projecting obstructions in at least one direction parallel to the length of the linked row; the apparatus when assembled and when housing a ballast material in the filler cavity, being adapted to provide a lesser impact resistance in a lower zone adjacent the lower edge than in a central impact zone in at least one linked row during vehicle impact therewith to combat vehicle ramping; and at least the panels to be placed in one row each having a central impact zone formed to provide beam stiffness which is continuous along the length of the panel to distribute an impact force along the length of the panel during use and thus encourage re-direction of an impacting vehicle along the length of the barrier.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 280 words

Apparatus for forming on a supporting surface an elongated dismountable roadway barrier for flanking a roadway, which is deformable under vehicle impact to gradually deflect a straying vehicle coming into contact therewith, the apparatus comprising: (a) a plurality of panels adapted to be arranged in two generally parallel laterally spaced rows along lower edges of the panels on such a supporting surface to define a filler cavity between them for housing a displaceable ballast material to support the roadway barrier when formed and provide a medium for dissipating impact energy, and (b) panel connection means to be engaged with the panels for locating two such rows in their spaced relationship, and for connecting the panels in each row in end-to-end relationship to form an elongated linked row; at least the panels to be placed in one row being adapted, when connected, to present an outer surface for the row which is generally smooth and free of outwardly projecting obstructions in at least one direction parallel to the length of the linked row; the apparatus when assembled and when housing a ballast material in the filler cavity, being adapted to provide a lesser impact resistance in a lower zone adjacent the lower edge than in a central impact zone in at least one linked row during vehicle impact therewith to combat vehicle ramping; and at least the panels to be placed in one row each having a central impact zone formed to provide beam stiffness which is continuous along the length of the panel to distribute an impact force along the length of the panel during use and thus encourage re-direction of an impacting vehicle along the length of the barrier.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 43 words

Apparatus according to claim 19, in which the apparatus is so adapted by each panel for that row having a lower zone adjacent its lower edge recessed inwardly to delay contact between the lower zone and a vehicle striking the barrier during impact.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 37 words

Apparatus according to claim 19 or claim 20, in which the apparatus is so adapted to provide such a lower zone by the apparatus including collapsing means for causing preferential collapsing of the lower zone under impact.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 49 words

Apparatus according to claim 21, in which the collapsing means comprises collapsing material to be housed in the lower region of the filler cavity during use, the collapsing material having a resistance to displacement which is less than that of ballast material to be housed in the filler cavity.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 14 words

Apparatus according to claim 19, in which all of the panels are corresponding panels.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 18 words

Apparatus according to claim 23, in which the panels are shaped to be nestable for stacking and transportation.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 22 words

Apparatus according to claim 19, in which the panels are reinforced in the impact zones to provide resistance to penetration under impact.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 48 words

Apparatus according to claim 25, in which each panel comprises upper and lower panel sections with each section having at least one corrugating formation along one elongated edge zone, and in which the corrugating formations are overlapped to form the reinforced corrugated central impact zones of the panels.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 51 words

Apparatus according to claim 19, in which each panel has an inturned flange proximate its lower edge to be directed inwardly during use, each flange being such as to be capable of being engaged by ballast material to restrain lifting of the panels of the erected barrier under impact during use.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 29 words

Apparatus according to claim 19, in which the connection means are such as to limit their affect upon a vehicle striking the barrier and deforming the barrier during use.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 27 words

Apparatus according to claim 28, in which each connection means has at least one deformable portion having a resistance to deformation generally approaching that of the panels.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 41 words

Apparatus according to claim 19, in which the panel connection means comprise connection link members to extend between the panel fittings at one end of each pair of laterally spaced panels, and locking pins to lock the link members in position.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 24 words

Apparatus according to claim 30, in which each panel connection means comprises a bulkhead panel having opposed sides to be engaged with the panels.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 32 words

Apparatus according to claim 19, in which some of the panels are curved transversely to their lengths to allow formation of a roadway barrier which has angularly related portions along its length.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 240 words

An elongated dismountable roadway barrier positioned on a supporting surface to flank a roadway, the barrier being deformable under impact to gradually redirect a straying vehicle striking the barrier, the barrier comprising: (a) a plurality of panels arranged in two generally parallel spaced rows along lower edges of the panels to define a filler cavity between them; (b) connection means engaged with the panels thereby locating the rows in their laterally spaced relationship, and connecting the panels in each row in end-to-end relationship in an elongated linked row with the barrier presenting outer surfaces which are generally smooth in a direction parallel to the length of the barrier to allow a vehicle striking the barrier to be deflected along the length of the barrier; (c) a displaceable ballast material housed in the filler cavity to support the barrier and provide a medium for dissipating impact energy; (d) collapsing means in a lower region of the barrier adjacent its lower edge to cause the lower region of a row to collapse preferentially to a central region of that row above the lower region upon impact; and (e) the panels of at least one row each having a central impact zone formed to provide beam stiffness which is continuous along the length of the panel to distribute an impact force along the length of the panel during use and thus encourage re-direction of an inpacting vehicle along the length of the barrier.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 240 words

An elongated dismountable roadway barrier positioned on a supporting surface to flank a roadway, the barrier being deformable under impact to gradually redirect a straying vehicle striking the barrier, the barrier comprising: (a) a plurality of panels arranged in two generally parallel spaced rows along lower edges of the panels to define a filler cavity between them; (b) connection means engaged with the panels thereby locating the rows in their laterally spaced relationship, and connecting the panels in each row in end-to-end relationship in an elongated linked row with the barrier presenting outer surfaces which are generally smooth in a direction parallel to the length of the barrier to allow a vehicle striking the barrier to be deflected along the length of the barrier; (c) a displaceable ballast material housed in the filler cavity to support the barrier and provide a medium for dissipating impact energy; (d) collapsing means in a lower region of the barrier adjacent its lower edge to cause the lower region of a row to collapse preferentially to a central region of that row above the lower region upon impact; and (e) the panels of at least one row each having a central impact zone formed to provide beam stiffness which is continuous along the length of the panel to distribute an impact force along the length of the panel during use and thus encourage re-direction of an inpacting vehicle along the length of the barrier.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 29 words

A roadway barrier according to claim 33, in which the panels of at least one row are connected to provide beam stiffness extending along the length of the barrier.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 247 words

A roadway barrier component adapted to be assembled on a supporting surface with corresponding barrier components removably connected to opposed ends thereof for forming an elongated dismountable roadway barrier for flanking a roadway, the barrier being deformable under vehicle impact to gradually redirect a straying vehicle coming into contact therewith, the barrier component comprising: (a) a pair of panels to be positioned along a lower edge of each panel on such a supporting surface in laterally spaced relationship to define a filler cavity between their internal surfaces for receiving a displaceable ballast material to support the component on such a supporting surface and to provide a medium for dissipating impact energy during use; (b) panel connection means for removably connecting the panels together in their laterally spaced relationship; (c) each panel having panel fitting zones for use in removably connecting the panels of the barrier component to panels of corresponding barrier components to form an elongated roadway barrier having at least one elongated outer surface which is generally smooth and free of outwardly projecting obstructions in at least one direction parallel to the length of the barrier; (d) at least one panel having a central impact zone having a greater beam strength than a lower zone to allow for preferential collapsing of the lower zone under impact to combat vehicle ramping, and to encourage re-direction of an impacting vehicle along the length of the panel during use by distributing impact force along the length of the panel.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 247 words

A roadway barrier component adapted to be assembled on a supporting surface with corresponding barrier components removably connected to opposed ends thereof for forming an elongated dismountable roadway barrier for flanking a roadway, the barrier being deformable under vehicle impact to gradually redirect a straying vehicle coming into contact therewith, the barrier component comprising: (a) a pair of panels to be positioned along a lower edge of each panel on such a supporting surface in laterally spaced relationship to define a filler cavity between their internal surfaces for receiving a displaceable ballast material to support the component on such a supporting surface and to provide a medium for dissipating impact energy during use; (b) panel connection means for removably connecting the panels together in their laterally spaced relationship; (c) each panel having panel fitting zones for use in removably connecting the panels of the barrier component to panels of corresponding barrier components to form an elongated roadway barrier having at least one elongated outer surface which is generally smooth and free of outwardly projecting obstructions in at least one direction parallel to the length of the barrier; (d) at least one panel having a central impact zone having a greater beam strength than a lower zone to allow for preferential collapsing of the lower zone under impact to combat vehicle ramping, and to encourage re-direction of an impacting vehicle along the length of the panel during use by distributing impact force along the length of the panel.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 253 words

A roadway barrier component adapted to be assembled on a supporting surface with corresponding barrier components removably connected to opposed ends thereof for forming an elongated dismountable roadway barrier for flanking a roadway, the barrier being deformable under vehicle impact to gradually redirect a straying vehicle coming into contact therewith, the barrier component comprising: (a) a pair of panels to be positioned along a lower edge of each panel on such a supporting surface in laterally spaced relationship to define a filler cavity between their internal surfaces for receiving a displaceable ballast material to support the component on such a supporting surface and to provide a medium for dissipating impact energy during use; (b) panel connection means for removably connecting the panels together in their laterally spaced relationship; (c) each panel having panel fitting zones for use in removably connecting the panels of the barrier component to panels of corresponding barrier components to form an elongated roadway barrier having at least one elongated outer surface which is generally smooth and free of outwardly projecting obstructions in at least one direction parallel to the length of the barrier; (d) the barrier component being adapted to provide a lesser impact resistance in a lower zone than in a central impact zone of the barrier component during vehicle impact therewith to combat vehicle ramping; and (e) the component being so adapted to provide a lower zone of lesser impact resistance by the component including collapsing means for causing preferential collapsing of the lower zone under impact.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 253 words

A roadway barrier component adapted to be assembled on a supporting surface with corresponding barrier components removably connected to opposed ends thereof for forming an elongated dismountable roadway barrier for flanking a roadway, the barrier being deformable under vehicle impact to gradually redirect a straying vehicle coming into contact therewith, the barrier component comprising: (a) a pair of panels to be positioned along a lower edge of each panel on such a supporting surface in laterally spaced relationship to define a filler cavity between their internal surfaces for receiving a displaceable ballast material to support the component on such a supporting surface and to provide a medium for dissipating impact energy during use; (b) panel connection means for removably connecting the panels together in their laterally spaced relationship; (c) each panel having panel fitting zones for use in removably connecting the panels of the barrier component to panels of corresponding barrier components to form an elongated roadway barrier having at least one elongated outer surface which is generally smooth and free of outwardly projecting obstructions in at least one direction parallel to the length of the barrier; (d) the barrier component being adapted to provide a lesser impact resistance in a lower zone than in a central impact zone of the barrier component during vehicle impact therewith to combat vehicle ramping; and (e) the component being so adapted to provide a lower zone of lesser impact resistance by the component including collapsing means for causing preferential collapsing of the lower zone under impact.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 51 words

A component according to claim 36, in which the collapsing means comprises a collapsible material to be located between the panels in a lower region during use, the collapsible material having a resistance to displacement which is less than that of a ballast material to be provided in the filler cavity.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 219 words

A roadway barrier component adapted to be assembled on a supporting surface with corresponding barrier components removably connected to opposed ends thereof for forming an elongated dismountable roadway barrier for flanking a roadway, the barrier being deformable under vehicle impact to gradually redirect a straying vehicle coming into contact therewith, the barrier component comprising: (a) a pair of panels to be positioned along a lower edge of each panel on such a supporting surface in laterally spaced relationship to define a filler cavity between their internal surfaces for receiving a displaceable ballast material to support the component on such a supporting surface and to provide a medium for dissipating impact energy during use; (b) panel connection means for removably connecting the panels together in their laterally spaced relationship; (c) each panel having panel fitting zones for use in removably connecting the panels of the barrier component to panels of corresponding barrier components to form an elongated roadway barrier having at least one elongated outer surface which is generally smooth and free of outwardly projecting obstructions in at least one direction parallel to the length of the barrier; (d) at least one panel having a central impact zone which is bulged outwardly relatively to its upper and lower zones to constitute a primary impact zone for that panel during use.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 219 words

A roadway barrier component adapted to be assembled on a supporting surface with corresponding barrier components removably connected to opposed ends thereof for forming an elongated dismountable roadway barrier for flanking a roadway, the barrier being deformable under vehicle impact to gradually redirect a straying vehicle coming into contact therewith, the barrier component comprising: (a) a pair of panels to be positioned along a lower edge of each panel on such a supporting surface in laterally spaced relationship to define a filler cavity between their internal surfaces for receiving a displaceable ballast material to support the component on such a supporting surface and to provide a medium for dissipating impact energy during use; (b) panel connection means for removably connecting the panels together in their laterally spaced relationship; (c) each panel having panel fitting zones for use in removably connecting the panels of the barrier component to panels of corresponding barrier components to form an elongated roadway barrier having at least one elongated outer surface which is generally smooth and free of outwardly projecting obstructions in at least one direction parallel to the length of the barrier; (d) at least one panel having a central impact zone which is bulged outwardly relatively to its upper and lower zones to constitute a primary impact zone for that panel during use.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 45 words

A component according to claim 38, in which the central impact zone is positioned so that, when the component is filled with a displaceable ballast material, the center of gravity of the component will be in the region of or above the central impact zone.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 39 words

A component according to claim 38, in which the central impact zone is positioned so that, in use, it will be at a height generally corresponding to the height of the center of gravity of an average passenger vehicle.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 214 words

A roadway barrier component adapted to be assembled on a supporting surface with corresponding barrier components removably connected to opposed ends thereof for forming an elongated dismountable roadway barrier for flanking a roadway, the barrier being deformable under vehicle impact to gradually redirect a straying vehicle coming into contact therewith, the barrier component comprising: (a) a pair of panels to be positioned along a lower edge of each panel on such a supporting surface in laterally spaced relationship to define a filler cavity between their internal surfaces for receiving a displaceable ballast material to support the component on such a supporting surface and to provide a medium for dissipating impact energy during use; (b) each panel having panel fitting zones for use in removably connecting the panels of the barrier component to panels of corresponding barrier components to form an elongated roadway barrier having at least one elongated outer surface which is generally smooth and free of outwardly projecting obstructions in at least one direction parallel to the length of the barrier; (c) at least one panel comprising upper and lower panel sections with each section having at least one corrugating formation along one elongated edge zone, and with the corrugating formations being overlapped to form a corrugated central impact zone of that panel.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 214 words

A roadway barrier component adapted to be assembled on a supporting surface with corresponding barrier components removably connected to opposed ends thereof for forming an elongated dismountable roadway barrier for flanking a roadway, the barrier being deformable under vehicle impact to gradually redirect a straying vehicle coming into contact therewith, the barrier component comprising: (a) a pair of panels to be positioned along a lower edge of each panel on such a supporting surface in laterally spaced relationship to define a filler cavity between their internal surfaces for receiving a displaceable ballast material to support the component on such a supporting surface and to provide a medium for dissipating impact energy during use; (b) each panel having panel fitting zones for use in removably connecting the panels of the barrier component to panels of corresponding barrier components to form an elongated roadway barrier having at least one elongated outer surface which is generally smooth and free of outwardly projecting obstructions in at least one direction parallel to the length of the barrier; (c) at least one panel comprising upper and lower panel sections with each section having at least one corrugating formation along one elongated edge zone, and with the corrugating formations being overlapped to form a corrugated central impact zone of that panel.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 25 words

A component according to claim 41, which further comprises panel connection means for use in removably connecting the panels together in their laterally spaced relationship.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 26 words

A component according to claim 42, in which each panel section has a plurality of corrugating formations which are overlapped to form the central impact zone.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 228 words

A roadway barrier component adapted to be assembled on a supporting surface with corresponding barrier components removably connected to opposed ends thereof for forming an elongated dismountable roadway barrier for flanking a roadway, the barrier being deformable under vehicle impact to gradually redirect a straying vehicle coming into contact therewith, the barrier component comprising: (a) a pair of panels to be positioned along a lower edge of each panel on such a supporting surface in laterally spaced relationship to define a filler cavity between their internal surfaces for receiving a displaceable ballast material to support the component on such a supporting surface and to provide a medium for dissipating impact energy during use; (b) panel connection means for removably connecting the panels together in their laterally spaced relationship; (c) each panel having panel fitting zones for use in removably connecting the panels of the barrier component to panels of corresponding barrier components to form an elongated roadway barrier having at least one elongated outer surface which is generally smooth and free of outwardly projecting obstructions in at least one direction parallel to the length of the barrier; (d) the panel connection means having at least one deformable portion having a resistance to deformation generally approaching that of the panels to limit its effect upon a vehicle striking the component and deforming a panel of the component during use.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 228 words

A roadway barrier component adapted to be assembled on a supporting surface with corresponding barrier components removably connected to opposed ends thereof for forming an elongated dismountable roadway barrier for flanking a roadway, the barrier being deformable under vehicle impact to gradually redirect a straying vehicle coming into contact therewith, the barrier component comprising: (a) a pair of panels to be positioned along a lower edge of each panel on such a supporting surface in laterally spaced relationship to define a filler cavity between their internal surfaces for receiving a displaceable ballast material to support the component on such a supporting surface and to provide a medium for dissipating impact energy during use; (b) panel connection means for removably connecting the panels together in their laterally spaced relationship; (c) each panel having panel fitting zones for use in removably connecting the panels of the barrier component to panels of corresponding barrier components to form an elongated roadway barrier having at least one elongated outer surface which is generally smooth and free of outwardly projecting obstructions in at least one direction parallel to the length of the barrier; (d) the panel connection means having at least one deformable portion having a resistance to deformation generally approaching that of the panels to limit its effect upon a vehicle striking the component and deforming a panel of the component during use.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 36 words

A component according to claim 1, in which the central impact zone of each panel having such an impact zone, is bulged outwardly relatively to its upper and lower zones to form a primary impact zone.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 54 words

A component according to claim 1, in which the central impact zone of each panel having such a zone is positioned relatively to the panel's upper and lower zones to place the center of gravity of the component when filled with displaceable ballast material, in the region of or above the central impact zone.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 32 words

A component according to claim 1, in which each central impact zone is positioned at a height corresponding generally with the height of the center of gravity of an average passenger vehicle.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 27 words

A component according to claim 1, in which the beam stiffness of the central impact zone is provided by a bulge formation in the central impact zone.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 20 words

A component according to claim 48, in which the bulge formation comprises a corrugation formation along the central impact zone.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 22 words

A component according to claim 49, in which the bulge formation comprises a plurality of corrugation formations along the central impact zone.

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 17 words

A component according to claim 49, in which the corrugation formation is integrally formed in the panel.

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 25 words

A component according to claim 49, in which the corrugation formation is formed by means of a reinforcing strip which is fixed to the panel.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 47 words

A component according to claim 49, in which the panel comprises upper and lower panel sections with each section having at least one corrugation formation along one elongated edge zone, and in which the corrugation formations are overlapped to form the central impact zone of the panel.

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 28 words

A component according to claim 48, in which the bulge formation is arranged to be engaged by a vehicle during impact to restrain the vehicle front from lifting.

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 17 words

A component according to claim 54, in which the bulge formation comprises at least one corrugation formation.

Claim 64

Dependent Claim 24 words

A component according to claim 1, in which the beam stiffness of the central impact zone is provided by reinforcing along the impact zone.

Claim 65

Dependent Claim 39 words

Apparatus according to claim 19, in which the panels are adapted to be connected in end-to-end relationship in each row for the impact zones to provide beam stiffness which is continuous along the length of the barrier when formed.

Claim 66

Dependent Claim 50 words

Apparatus according to claim 19, in which the panels are adapted to be connected in end-to-end relationship in each row for the impact zones of the panels to provide beam stiffness extending from one panel to the next to distribute impact force along the length of the barrier during use.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1987-01-02	1987-07-04	1988-01-03	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	1991-01-02	1991-07-04	1992-01-03	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	1995-01-02	1995-07-04	1996-01-03	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Roadway barrier

Abstract

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