Patent · US Expired

Composite sign post

US4939037A · kind A · utility

35Cited by
13References
16Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMar 2, 1988
Grant dateJul 3, 1990
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 2, 2008

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T428/1369
  • WIPO fieldCivil engineering
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

A composite fiber and resin sign post for displaying highway signs which provides great reduction in vehicle damage in the event a vehicle moving at high speed collides with the sign post. This potential is achieved by the controlling the mode and location of the structural failure of the post upon impact. The failure mode of the post is controlled by varying the configuration of the post in cross-section, in combination with varying the specific fibers and resins, and in further combination with varying the location and placement of the fibers. The composite post may be constructed by pultrusion, filament winding, or related processes. A preferred embodiment uses a ground anchor socket constructed either by processes and components similar to those used in manufacturing the post, or by stamping sheet steel and spot welding to form a socket. The anchor socket provides additional control over the post failure and makes replacement of damaged posts quicker and easier.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.