Curb cushion

Abstract

The cushion according to one embodiment is a deformable resilient apparatus with a surface for allowing various vehicles to transverse from a first surface to a second surface that are separated by an obstacle without damaging the obstacle. The cushion deforms to fit the space between the vehicle and the obstacle, thereby preventing concentration of stress on the obstacle. The cushion is constructed such that it does not slide out of place when engaged by tracks or wheels of a vehicle. The cushion is constructed to deform and distribute the force applied by the vehicle onto the object more uniformly.

1 . A curb cushion comprising:
 a first end portion and a second end portion;   a top surface extending over the first end portion and the second end portion;   a bottom surface including a lower bottom surface extending under the first end portion and an upper bottom surface extending under the second end portion, the upper surface being offset from the lower surface in a direction towards the top surface; and   a deformable body portion extending between the top and bottom surfaces, the body portion being constructed of a resilient deformable material.   
   
   
       2 . The curb cushion according to  claim 1 , wherein the top and bottom surfaces are integrally molded together and constructed of the same material as the body portion. 
   
   
       3 . The curb cushion according to  claim 1 , wherein the lower bottom surface includes a plurality of spaced apart slots that extend toward the top surface. 
   
   
       4 . The curb cushion according to  claim 3 , wherein the slots extend across the entire width of the curb cushion. 
   
   
       5 . The curb cushion according to  claim 3 , wherein the slots are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the length of the curb cushion. 
   
   
       6 . The curb cushion according to  claim 5 , wherein the slots are angled extending in a direction towards the top surface and the second end portion. 
   
   
       7 . The curb cushion according to  claim 1 , wherein the top surface includes a first ramped portion that extends upward from the distal end of the first end portion towards the second end portion. 
   
   
       8 . The curb cushion according to  claim 7 , wherein the top surface includes a second ramped portion that extends upward from the distal end of the second end portion towards the first end portion. 
   
   
       9 . The curb cushion according to  claim 8 , wherein the top surface includes a transition surface that connects the first ramped portion to the second ramped portion, the transition surface disposed at an angle or arc relative to the first and second ramped portions. 
   
   
       10 . The curb cushion according to  claim 1 , wherein the body portion comprises a stabilization block that extends from the lower surface towards the top surface and is positioned adjacent the proximal end of the second end portion, wherein the stabilization block is constructed to deform to fit the geometric configuration of the space between the track or wheel of a vehicle and an exterior surface of a curb. 
   
   
       11 . The curb cushion according to  claim 1 , wherein the upper bottom surface and lower bottom surface are generally parallel and offset between 4 to 10 inches. 
   
   
       12 . The curb cushion according to  claim 1 , wherein the thickness of the body portion between the transition surface and the upper bottom surface is between 3 to 12 inches. 
   
   
       13 . The curb cushion according to  claim 1 , wherein the upper bottom surface is constructed to extend over a raised portion of a curb and the lower bottom surface is constructed to extend over a portion of the curb that abuts the road surface as well as a portion of the road surface. 
   
   
       14 . The curb cushion according to  claim 1 , wherein the upper and lower bottom surfaces include relief contours configured for holding the body portion stationary when the top surface is engaged by vehicles. 
   
   
       15 . A method of manufacturing a curb cushion comprising the steps of:
 filling a mold with a resilient polymeric material;   curing the polymeric material to form a curb cushion therein; and   removing the curb cushion from the mold.   
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the material is polyurethane foam resin. 
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein a plurality of parallel slots extending across the width of the curb cushion are molded into a bottom surface of the curb cushion. 
   
   
       18 . A method of protecting obstacles on the ground from damage resulting from the wheels and tracks of heavy machinery, the method comprising the steps of:
 covering edges of the obstacle with a deformable cushion; and   aligning the cushion with tracks or wheels of a vehicle.   
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the step of covering the edges of the obstacle includes identifying the back and front edges of a curb, the front edge being adjacent to the road and the back edge being opposite the front edge; and
 placing an upper bottom surface of a curb cushion over the back edge and a lower bottom surface of the curb cushion over the front edge.   
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising the step of positioning the curb cushion over a curb such that it overlaps the surface on either side of the curb by at least 2 inches.