WO1983001470A1 - Stabilizer socket for transportable signalling pannel - Google Patents

Abstract

The socket, comprised by elements having each a unitary weight allowing an easy handling, comprises a central base element (4) adapted to receive the foot (1) of a post (2), and additional stabilizer elements (13, 20) adapted to cap and/or surround the central element (4), respectively the preceding additional element. The elements are made of concrete, or are hollow bodies which may be filled with ballast. The foot (1) may be fixed in the central element (4) by means of bayonet assemblies locked by a spring associated either with the socket element (4) or with the foot (1), it may be screwed in the socket element (4), or it may be wedged in a smooth well of said element (4) by resilient means carried by the foot (1).

Description

 "STABILIZER BASE FOR SIGNALING PANEL

TRANSPORTABLE "

The present invention relates to a stabilizing base for a road or site sign.

We know that traffic signs are usually equipped with two feet formed of light metal rods, which allows them to be moved along the roads as the work progresses. Likewise, these portable signs are placed on the road, to announce slowdowns or unforeseen circumstances, for example an accident, a landslide, snowdrifts, a pass closed in winter ...

The disadvantage of these panels lies in the fact that, due to the lightness of their supports, they are frequently overturned by the passage of cars. The object of the present invention is to produce a panel which is firmly fixed, which cannot be poured over easily, and which however is easily transportable.

The base according to the invention is characterized in that it can comprise several stackable elements, which allows everyone not to exceed a given unit weight, for example fifty kilos, while the total weight of the whole can also be as high as stability requires. Finally, it includes locking means for immobilizing the base of a panel support post.

According to another characteristic of the invention, each element of the base is provided with notches allowing it to be manipulated by hand, which is made possible by the low unit weight of each element ", According to another characteristic of the invention , one can distinguish a central element carrying the locking means, and other elements which can be capped.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the locking means consist of a bayonet, the male part of which, formed by pins, is located on the base of the post, and the female part of which is embedded in the central part of the corresponding element of the base.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the female part of the bayonet is formed by a spring plunger or by a similar system.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the female part of the bayonet rests on a cross member fixed to the central element, but it is surrounded by a recess of large dimensions, to let pass the pebbles, gravel, or other small likely objects. to fall into this hole during the construction period.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the locking means consist of a split ring, mounted freely in. a groove formed on the post, the latter being a simple tube which engages by force in the central element of the base.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the locking means are constituted by a threaded and hollow metal part, resting on the bottom of the central element, and around which the material of the element is poured, thus creating a pitch screw, while the male part of the bayonet is provided with a thread at the bottom of the post.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the elements are hollow bodies, covering each other.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the elements are smooth frustoconical hollow bodies.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the elements are hollow frustoconical bodies in steps.

The appended drawings, given by way of limiting examples, will allow a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention.

Figure 1 is a general view of the sign post, mounted on the concrete base according to the invention.

Figure 2 is a view of the sign post provided with the snap bayonet according to the invention. Figure 3 is a sectional view of the base showing the interlocking of the elements and the locking system.

Figure 4 shows, in section, the details of the locking system.

Figure 5 shows, in section, the fitting element which is the widest.

Figures 6 and 7 show two other elements fitting into the first, Figure 8 is a sectional view of the rotational locking.

Figure 9 is a bottom view of the plate or crosspiece which is fixed to the concrete.

Figure 10 is a top view of the metal part to be fitted.

Figure 11 is a sectional view of conical trunk elements.

Figure 12 is a view of the post provided with the split ring. Figure 13 is a view of the screw thread cast in concrete.

Figure 14 is a view of the amount provided with a spring. Figure 15 is a view of the central concrete element. Figure 16 shows a variant, where the central element is a hollow envelope, to be filled on site with ballast material.

FIG. 17 is a similar view of a first additional element, intended to cover that of FIG. 16.

Figure 18 shows a second additional element intended to cover that of Figure 17.

Figure 19 is an elevational view with partial section of the foot. Figure 20 is a corresponding side view.

Figure 21 is a sectional view of the central part of the element of Figure 16, after establishment of the base of the post.

Figures 22 to 24 illustrate the successive phases for the installation of the post. There is shown in Figure 1, a post 2, plane tee in its base element 4, according to the invention. The post 2, carrying a sign 3, penetrates by a foot 1 into the base element 4. In FIG. 2, the male part 7 of a bayonet connection is seen in addition, with its two lugs 6.

The base intended to support the panel 3 in a stable manner is composed of several interlocking elements such as 4, 13, 20, and locking means 8 (FIG. 8) located in a housing 10.

Each element 4, 13, 20 of the base, can be made for example of solid concrete. I1 can be smooth frustoconical (case of elements 24, 23, 30, of figure 11) or in steps (case of elements 4, 13, 20 of figures 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 13 and 15) .

Each element 4, 13, 20 of the base is provided with notches 5 to facilitate its handling. The locking means 8 comprise a central sleeve 21 capped by a cup 9, while a spring 18 is compressed between them. The foot 1 of the post 2 penetrates into a central opening 22 of the element 4 of the base and comes, by simple rotation of a quarter turn, to be fixed in the housing 10, thanks to the grooves 6 of this bayonet assembly, The spring 18 is contained in the cavity 17 of the socket 21 and supports the cup 9 which thus comes to cover it V The assembly of the spring 18, of the socket 21 and of the cup 9 forms a pusher which is compressed while the post 2 is pushed in, by rotating it to lock the bayonet.

In Figure 3, we can see the cross member 11 on which the sleeve 21 of the locking means 8 rests. This cross member is sealed in the concrete of the element 4, that is to say at the base of the housing 10 whose the opening down remains free on a recess 12 large enough to let the pebbles, or the gravel, pass according to FIG. 9.

Figures 5, 6, 7 show three interlocking elements 4, 13 and 20, capable of being superimposed. In Figure 8, we see the pole 2. of the panel 3, whose lugs 6 are turning in the locking means 8 to ensure the assembly with clean bayonet. The pusher 9, 18, 21 then maintains the assembly in the locked position in the base 4, 13, 20.

A variant shows, in FIG. 12, the post 2, constituted by a simple tube provided with a groove 16 to receive a split ring 15. The latter, forcibly engaged in the element 4 of the base, ensures the fixing by friction. We see that, in this case, there is no need for lugs, or bayonet, or locking means 8 of the aforementioned kind.

FIG. 13 is a variant where the fixing of the post 2 is ensured by a threaded foot 14 which is screwed into a threaded socket 25, embedded in the concrete of the element 4.

FIG. 14 shows a post 2 of which laterally protrudes two locking indexes 26, projecting apart by a spring 27 compressed between them, FIG. 15 is a view of a central element

4 made of concrete, provided with a smooth central opening 28, capable of forcibly receiving the variants of FIGS. 12 and 14. This element 4 of FIG. 15 has a shape with a generally frustoconical profile whose meridian section defines rounded steps 29 , thanks to which a pebble or the like, falling on the base, cannot remain there, nor interfere with the stacking of the other elements 13 and 20.

The invention provides the following main advantages: - the base is easily transportable and handy, thanks to its removable elements 4, 13 or 20, or 24, 23, 30; - the base is very stable compared to the current post systems mounted on a fragile foot, and which are often knocked over by the passage of cars. Of course, it would not be departing from the scope of the invention, by making each element 4, 13, 20, or 24, 23, 30 of the base, in the form of a hollow plastic envelope, capable of being filled with sand, on the place of use. Such an envelope has the advantage of bursting or bursting in the event of an impact. She is therefore particularly suitable for signaling on roads or motorways, where traffic accidents are likely to occur. Variants of this type are illustrated in FIGS. 16 to 24,

The central element 4 of FIG. 16 is a hollow casing 31, defining a stepped profile with rounded edges. At its top, it has at least one filling opening 32, for fear pouring the ballast there. At its lower part, it defines a peripheral bead 33, located at a distance 34, above the lower plane intended to be placed on the ground, Thus, the user can pass his hand under the bead 33, at any point of the periphery, to handle conveniently the element 4, this makes it possible to remove the notches 5 described above.

The central opening 22 of the element 4 has no movable element for locking the post. In its upper zone, it defines a transverse shoulder 35, to serve as a stop for a washer 36 (Figures 19 and 21). In its lower zone, it defines retaining flares 37, diametrically opposite.

On the other hand, the foot 1 of the post, provided at its top with a sleeve 38, for receiving the post 2 (Figure 19) consists of a simple section of metal tube. I1 is locally swollen, to define a transverse rib 39. Under this rib, a helical spring 40 is threaded, then the washer 36 which slides freely. Then, the base of the tube is partially crushed, in order to make appear two projecting lugs 41, diametrically opposite, by means of which neither the spring 40 nor the washer 36 can no longer be lost or disassembled.

The operation is as follows: Press foot 1 from top to bottom into opening 22 (figtx e 22). In doing so, the washer 36 is brought back into abutment on the shoulder 35. By continuing to push it in (arrow 42), you compress the spring 40. At the end of the stroke, you turn a quarter of a turn (arrow 43, Figure 23) and let the spring 40 come back on itself, which lifts the assembly 1, 2, 3 and presents the pins 41 in the retaining flares 37 where they are now immobilized (Figures 21 and 24).

If the user wishes a heavier base, it suffices to cover element 4 of FIG. 16 with element 13 of FIG. 17, or even with element 20 of FIG. 18, before adapting the post 2 and its foot 1, as illustrated in FIGS. 22 to 24. Each of the elements 13 (FIG. 17), and 20 (FIG. 18) also consists of a hollow plastic envelope, respectively referenced 44 or 45, which '' ballast on site by filling it with water, sand, gravel, etc ...

Of course, it would not go beyond the ambit of the invention, by using the pole 2 to support any object, such as for example a screen or a parasol.

Claims

1 - Base for sign post, characterized in that it comprises several stackable elements (4), (13), (20), or (24), (23), (30), which allows everyone to not not exceed a given unit weight, for example fifty kilogs, while the total weight of the assembly may be as high as the stability requires, while the central element (4) of the stack is provided with means of locking (8), or (35), (37) to immobilize the foot (1) of a post (2). 2 - Base for sign post according to claim 1, characterized in that each element (4), (13), (20) or (24), (23), (30), the base is provided with notches (5) allowing manipulation by hand, since these elements have a low unit weight. 3 - base for sign post according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a central element (4) or (24), carrying the locking means (8), or (35), (37) and other elements (13), (20) or (23), (30), which can be styled if one wishes to increase the weight and stability of the assembly. 4 - base for sign post according to claim 3, characterized in that the locking means (8) are a bayonet assembly, the male part (7) formed of lugs (6) is located on the foot (1 ) of the upright (2), and the female part (9), (18), (21), housed in the mass of the element (4) or (24). 5 - Base for sign post according to claim 4, characterized in that the female part (9), (18), (21) of the bayonet comprises a cup (9) forming a pusher under the action of a spring ( 18), 6 - base for sign post according to claims 3 and 4, characterized in that the female part (9), (18), (21) of the bayonet rests on a crosspiece (11) fixed in the mass of the element ( 4) while it is surrounded by a recess (12) of large dimensions, allowing the passage of pebbles, gravel or the like, 7 - base for sign post according to claim 3, characterized in that the worm means rusting consist of a threaded sleeve (25) embedded in the mass of the element (4), to receive a threaded foot (14) provided on the foot (1) of the post (2). 8 - Base for sign post according to claim 3, characterized in that the locking means consist of a split ring (15) placed in a groove (16) formed on the foot (1) of the post (2), which 'is simply forced to engage in the smooth opening of the element (4) or (24). 9 - base for sign post according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking means are constituted by two indexes (26) separated transversely by a spring (27) to protrude on either side of the foot (1) of the upright (2), while it can be forced into the smooth opening of the element (4) or (24). 10 - base for sign post according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking means comprise: on the foot (1), a transverse rib (39) below which slide a helical spring (4θ) and a free washer (36) located above two transverse pins (41) of the foot (1); and, in the central opening (22) of the element (4) or (24), an upper shoulder (35) for retaining the washer (36), and two opposite lower flares (37) for retaining the pins (41 ) of the foot (1). 11 - Base according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at a distance (34) above its lower face, each element comprises a peripheral gripping bead (33). 12 - Base for sign post according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elements are smooth frustoconical bodies (24), (23), (30). 13 - Base for sign post according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the elements (4), (13), (20) are frustoconical bodies with meridian section in rounded steps. 14 - Base for next sign post any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each element (4), (13), (20), or (24), (23), (30), is constituted by a hollow plastic envelope (31 ), (44), (45), provided with a filling opening (32) for ballast. 15 - Base for sign post according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that its elements (4), (13), (20), or (24), (23) (30) are each produced solid concrete.