Automatic self contained collapsible traffic barrier bollard system and method of installation

Abstract

A collapsible traffic barrier system is disclosed which includes a steel vault having a top, a bottom, two ends, an approach side and a shoulder side. The top may be treated with anti-skid material. A rod is rotatably mounted to support members inside the vault, wherein the rod extends across the vault from end to end. A plurality of bollards are coupled to the rod substantially near the first end thereof, whereby rotation of the rod rotates the bollards so as to extend the second ends of the bollards above the vault in a vertical direction, or raised position. An actuator having a first end anchored within the vault and a second end is coupled to the rod by means of an arm. The actuator is a worm-drive mechanism disposed for rotating the rod. A stop is anchored to the bottom of the vault for engaging the first ends of the bollards when the bollards are in the raised position.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A collapsible traffic barrier system comprising: 
 a. a steel vault having a top, a bottom, two ends, an approach side and a shoulder side;    b. a rod rotatably mounted to support members inside said vault, said rod extending across said vault from end to end;    c. a plurality of bollards, each having a first end and a second end, said bollards being coupled to said rod substantially near said first end, whereby rotation of said rod rotates said bollards so as to extend the second ends thereof above said vault in a vertical direction, hereafter raised position;    d. an actuator having a first end anchored within said vault and a second end coupled to said rod by means of an arm, said actuator being disposed for rotating said rod; and,    e. a stop anchored to the bottom of said vault for engaging the first ends of said bollards when said bollards are in said raised position.    
     
     
         2 . The system as in  claim 1  wherein said vault is galvanized.  
     
     
         3 . The system as in  claim 1  wherein said rod is a schedule  80  steel pipe.  
     
     
         4 . The system as in  claim 1  wherein said support members comprise a plurality of steel I-beams disposed between said approach side and said shoulder side of said vault.  
     
     
         5 . The system as in  claim 1  wherein said top of said vault comprises sheet steel having anti-skid treatment thereon for exposure to traffic.  
     
     
         6 . The system as in  claim 1  wherein said actuator is driven by an electromagnetic motor.  
     
     
         7 . The system as in  claim 6  wherein said electric motor is controllable by a switch coupled to a source of electricity.  
     
     
         8 . The system as in  claim 6  electric motor is controllable by a remote control switch.  
     
     
         9 . The system as in  claim 6  electric motor is controllable by a switch coupled to a computer system.  
     
     
         10 . A traffic control device having collapsible bollards, said device comprising: 
 a. a steel vault adapted for being placed transverse a traffic lane of a roadway and in the pavement of said roadway, said vault having a top, a bottom, two ends, an approach side and a shoulder side;    b. a rod rotatably mounted to support members inside said vault, said rod extending across said vault from end to end;    c. a plurality of bollards, each having a first end and a second end, said bollards being coupled to said rod substantially near said first end, whereby rotation of said rod rotates said bollards so as to extend the second ends thereof above said vault in a vertical direction, hereafter raised position;    d. an actuator having a first end anchored within said vault and a second end coupled to said rod by means of an arm, said actuator being disposed for rotating said rod; and,    e. a stop anchored to the bottom of said vault for engaging the first ends of said bollards when said bollards are in said raised position.    
     
     
         11 . The device as in  claim 10  wherein said support members comprise a plurality of steel I-beams disposed between said approach side and said shoulder side of said vault.  
     
     
         12 . The device as in  claim 10  wherein said top of said vault comprises sheet steel having anti-skid treatment thereon for exposure to traffic.  
     
     
         13 . The device as in  claim 10  wherein said actuator is driven by an electric motor.  
     
     
         14 . The device as in  claim 13  wherein said electric motor is controllable by a switch coupled to a source of electricity.  
     
     
         15 . The device as in  claim 13  electric motor is controllable by a remote control switch.  
     
     
         16 . The device as in  claim 13  electric motor is controllable by a switch coupled to a computer system.  
     
     
         17 . The device as in  claim 10  wherein said vault includes water drainage openings.  
     
     
         18 . The device as in  claim 10  wherein said rod is a schedule  80  steel pipe.  
     
     
         19 . In a traffic control system having collapsible bollards disposed in a vault having an approach side and a shoulder side, a method for installing said system in a roadway comprising: 
 a. excavating an opening in said roadway larger than the size of said system;    b. locating said system in said opening and adjusting the height thereof even with the surface of said roadway;    c. connecting electrical conduit between said system and the shoulder of said roadway;    d. pouring concrete in the openings between said vault sides and said roadway pavement, the concrete on said approach side being twice as wide as on said shoulder side;    d. finishing off said concrete with a broom finish and connecting said system to a control switch by means of said conduit.    
     
     
         20 . The method as in  claim 19  further including the step of excavating an additional pit at the bottom of said opening and adding gravel to said pit for drainage of water.