Traffic lane separation unit, component member thereof, and mobile traffic lane separation device

Abstract

Traffic lane separation units include one or more protective wall blocks on protective wall movement devices. The movement devices may include lifting devices for raising and lowering the blocks, and transverse motion capable vehicles capable of moving the blocks in a direction transverse to a traffic lane. The devices may also include fixing devices such as clamps for fixing the devices in place on a road surface. Assemblies of such devices may in some cases include self-driven motion capable vehicles that can travel across the width of a traffic lane under their own power. Various configurations of these mobile traffic lane separation devices provide movable assemblies that can contribute to the ease and elimination of traffic congestion at bottlenecks such as intersections and interchanges.

1 - 55 . (canceled)  
   
   
       56 . A traffic lane separation unit for use on a roadway that includes at least one traffic lane, the traffic lane separation unit comprising: 
 at least one protective wall block fixed to and covering a protective wall movement device;    wherein said protective wall movement device comprises:    a lifting device operable to raise and lower said protective wall block; and    a transverse motion capable vehicle operable to support the lifting device for movement in a direction transverse to the traffic lane;    wherein operating said lifting device moves said protective wall block between:    a lowered position in which the protective wall block contacts a surface of the roadway and said movement device is raised away from the roadway surface and housed inside the protective wall block; and    a raised position in which the protective wall block is raised above the roadway surface and said movement device is lowered into contact with the roadway surface with the protective wall block supported on the movement device.    
   
   
       57 . The traffic lane separation unit of  claim 56 , wherein said transverse motion capable vehicle includes a self-propelled running device operable to drive the lifting device for movement in the direction transverse to the traffic lane.  
   
   
       58 . The traffic lane separation unit of  claim 56 , and further comprising a clamping device operable to secure said protective wall block in place on the roadway surface.  
   
   
       59 . The traffic lane separation unit of  claim 56 , wherein said protective wall movement device is operable to support the lifting device so that the protective wall block can be moved in a direction transverse to the traffic lane or rotated with respect to the traffic lane.  
   
   
       60 . The traffic lane separation unit of  claim 56 , and further comprising a table frame between said lifting device and said protective wall block.  
   
   
       61 . The traffic lane separation unit of  claim 56 , wherein said protective wall block is formed from concrete and wherein said protective wall block comprises: 
 two opposed side walls, each of which has a support surface configured to support the protective wall block on the roadway surface; and    a top member that extends between and connects the tops of said side walls;    wherein said block defines a space that is open at opposite ends and at the bottom of said protective wall block; and    wherein said space houses the protective wall movement device that includes the lifting device that raises and lowers the protective wall block and the transverse motion capable vehicle that supports the lifting device for movement in the transverse direction.    
   
   
       62 . The traffic lane separation unit of  claim 60 , wherein said lifting device includes a foldable linkage between the table frame and the transverse motion capable vehicle.  
   
   
       63 . The traffic lane separation unit of  claim 60 , wherein said lifting device includes an electrically operated jack between the table frame and the transverse motion capable vehicle.  
   
   
       64 . The traffic lane separation unit of  claim 62 , wherein: 
 the foldable linkage includes a main link and a sub-link, the main link and the sub-link jointly forming a linkage with a general configuration of one of the group consisting of an upside-down letter Y and a letter X; and    a bottom side of said linkage moves in a longitudinal direction as the protective wall block is raised and lowered on the table frame.    
   
   
       65 . The traffic lane separation unit of  claim 64 , wherein: 
 bottom ends of said main link and said sub link pivot on a metallic receiving element fixed to said transverse motion capable vehicle; and    a bottom end of at least one of said main link and sub link slides in a longitudinal direction as the table frame pivots on a top of said main link and the table frame is raised and lowered.    
   
   
       66 . The traffic lane separation unit of  claim 64 , wherein: 
 bottom ends of said main link and said sub link pivot on a metallic receiving element fixed to said transverse motion capable vehicle;    the bottom end of said sub link slides in a longitudinal direction as the protective wall block is raised and lowered on the table frame; and    a top of said sub link moves in a longitudinal direction with respect to said table frame.    
   
   
       67 . The traffic lane separation unit of  claim 58 , wherein said clamping device is engageable with and disengageable from an engagement element located on the roadway surface when the lifting device is operated to raise and lower the protective wall block.  
   
   
       68 . The traffic lane separation unit of  claim 58 , wherein: 
 said clamping device has a link structure comprising a clamp arm that pivots on the transverse motion capable vehicle and a connecting lever that pivots with respect to a table frame between said lifting device and said protective wall block; and    said clamp arm opens and closes with an action of said connecting lever as the lifting device is operated.    
   
   
       69 . The traffic lane separation unit of  claim 56 , and further comprising speed reducing apparatus operable to reduce a driving speed applied to the transverse motion capable vehicle in order to drive the transverse motion capable vehicle at a reduced speed.  
   
   
       70 . The traffic lane separation unit of  claim 69 , wherein a speed reduction ratio applied to a drive motor incorporated in said transverse motion capable vehicle in order to drive the transverse motion capable vehicle at a reduced speed is between about 1/500 and 1/12,000.  
   
   
       71 . The traffic lane separation unit of  claim 61 , wherein: 
 through holes are present in side walls of at least two adjacent protective wall blocks; and    said adjacent protective wall blocks are connected together by a connecting member inserted through said through holes.    
   
   
       72 . The traffic lane separation unit of  claim 61 , wherein: 
 indentations are present at front and rear ends of outer surfaces of side walls of at least two adjacent protective wall blocks; and    a joining element is fitted into said indentations of said adjacent protective wall blocks to join together said adjacent protective wall blocks.    
   
   
       73 . The traffic lane separation unit of  claim 61 , wherein an elastic pad is present on the support surfaces of said side walls of said protective wall block.  
   
   
       74 . The traffic lane separation unit of  claim 56 , wherein: 
 a vehicle frame of said transverse motion capable vehicle includes a main frame and a plurality of holder frames that extend from either side of said main frame; and    the ends of said holder frames engage with notches provided in side walls of said protective wall block.    
   
   
       75 . The traffic lane separation unit of  claim 56 , wherein: 
 a joining element is provided at an end of said traffic lane separation unit at least one of a vehicle frame of said transverse motion capable vehicle and a table frame that forms a part of said lifting device.    
   
   
       76 . The traffic lane separation unit of  claim 75 , wherein said joining element is covered by a joining element cover that comprises: 
 side cover portions on both sides of said joining element; and    a top cover portion that extends between said side cover portions;    wherein said joining element cover is fixed at one end of said protective wall block.    
   
   
       77 . A protective wall block comprising: 
 two mutually opposed side walls, each of which has a support surface configured to support the protective wall block on a road surface; and    a top wall between said two mutually opposed side walls;    wherein said protective wall block includes a space that is open at least one longitudinal end of the protective wall block and at a bottom of said protective wall block; and    wherein said space is configured to house apparatus operable to allow movement of the protective wall block in a direction transverse to a direction of travel of a roadway upon which the protective wall block is supported.    
   
   
       78 . The protective wall block of  claim 77 , wherein said protective wall block includes a space that is closed at one longitudinal end of said protective wall block and open at another longitudinal end of said protective wall block.  
   
   
       79 . The protective wall block of  claim 77 , and further comprising: 
 a lifting device operable to raise the protective wall block above the road surface; and    a table frame across the top of said lifting device and configured to support the protective wall block on the lifting device.    
   
   
       80 . The protective wall block of  claim 77 , wherein shoulders on outside upper edges of the protective wall block have a configuration selected from the group consisting of a stepped corner shape or an inclined sloping shape.  
   
   
       81 . Protective wall movement apparatus comprising: 
 a lifting device operable to raise a protective wall block above and to lower the protective wall block onto a road surface; and    a transverse motion capable vehicle that includes apparatus operable to allow movement of the protective wall block in a direction transverse to a direction of travel of a roadway upon which the protective wall block is supported;    wherein said lifting device is configured to support a table frame that runs across said lifting device in a longitudinal direction; and    wherein said table frame is configured to support the protective wall block on the lifting device.    
   
   
       82 . The protective wall movement apparatus of  claim 81 , and further comprising a clamping device operable to secure said protective wall block in place on the said road surface.  
   
   
       83 . The protective wall movement apparatus of  claim 81 , wherein said lifting device forms a part of said transverse motion capable vehicle.  
   
   
       84 . The protective wall movement apparatus of  claim 81 , wherein the lifting device includes at least one of: 
 a foldable linkage between the table frame and the transverse motion capable vehicle, and an electric jack.    
   
   
       85 . The protective wall movement apparatus of  claim 82 , and further comprising a clamping device that includes: 
 a clamp arm mounted on and operable to pivot with respect to the transverse motion capable vehicle; and    a connecting lever mounted on and operable to pivot with respect to the table frame;    wherein said clamp arm is driven to open and close by said connecting lever when said lifting device is operated.    
   
   
       86 . The traffic lane separation unit of  claim 56 , wherein a plurality of said protective wall blocks is connected together to form a linear protective wall block assembly, and further comprising a locking device that includes a fixation base with an engagement element, wherein said fixation base is installed on the roadway at one end of said linear protective wall block assembly.  
   
   
       87 . The traffic lane separation unit of  claim 86 , wherein said fixation base is installed on a roadway lane separation line at a movable end of said linear protective wall block assembly.  
   
   
       88 . The traffic lane separation unit of  claim 56 , wherein a plurality of said protective wall blocks is connected together to form a linear protective wall block assembly, and further comprising: 
 a wheel that includes a raised rubber wheel portion and a tapered wheel portion on at least one side of the raised rubber wheel portion, wherein said wheel is attached to said transverse motion capable vehicle; and    a fixation base located on a roadway lane separation line at a movable end of said linear protective wall block assembly;    wherein said fixation base includes a rail portion configured to guide said wheel, and an engagement element configured to engage with a clamping device to secure said movable end of said linear protective wall block assembly in position on the roadway.    
   
   
       89 . The traffic lane separation unit of  claim 56 , wherein a plurality of said protective wall blocks is connected together to form a linear protective wall block assembly, and further comprising: 
 a wheel that includes a raised wheel collar portion and a tapered wheel portion on at least one side of the raised wheel collar portion, wherein said wheel is attached to said transverse motion capable vehicle;    a fixation base that extends between roadway lane separation lines at a movable end of said linear protective wall block assembly, wherein a guiding rail is formed in the fixation base and configured to guide said transverse motion capable vehicle between said roadway separation lines in a direction transverse to a direction of travel of the traffic lane; and    an engagement element configured to engage with a clamping device to secure said movable end of said linear protective wall block assembly in position on the roadway.    
   
   
       90 . The traffic lane separation unit of  claim 56 , wherein a plurality of said protective wall blocks is connected together to form a linear protective wall block assembly, and further comprising: 
 a driving gear attached to said transverse motion capable vehicle;    a fixation base located between roadway lane separation lines at a movable end of said linear protective wall block assembly, wherein a rack rail is formed in said fixation base and configured to engage said driving gear to drive said transverse motion capable vehicle between said roadway separation lines in a direction transverse to a direction of travel of the traffic lane; and    an engagement element configured to engage with a clamping device to secure said movable end of said linear protective wall block assembly in position on the roadway.    
   
   
       91 . The traffic lane separation unit of  claim 88 , wherein said engagement element includes a rod fixed across a groove formed in the fixation base.  
   
   
       92 . A moveable traffic lane separation device, comprising: 
 a plurality of traffic lane separation units, wherein each of said units includes a protective wall movement device and at least one protective wall block fixed to said protective wall movement device, wherein each of said protective wall movement devices includes a transverse motion capable vehicle operable to move said protective wall block in a direction transverse to a direction of travel of a traffic lane on a roadway surface, and wherein said traffic lane includes first and second generally parallel lane edges;    wherein a first plurality of said traffic lane separation units is joined together end-to-end to form a lane shifting section of said traffic lane separation units, and wherein the transverse motion capable vehicles of said first plurality of said traffic lane separation units are operable to move said first plurality of said traffic lane separation units from said first traffic lane edge to said second traffic lane edge;    wherein a second plurality of said traffic lane separation units is joined together end-to-end to form a first transition section of said traffic lane separation units, and wherein said first transition section of said traffic lane separation units is fixed at one end of said first transition section in place substantially at one of the two generally parallel lane edges, and wherein a second end of the first transition section of said traffic lane separation units is joined to one end of said lane shifting section of said traffic lane separation units; and    wherein a third plurality of said traffic lane separation units is joined together end-to-end to form a second transition section of said traffic lane separation units, and wherein said second transition section of said traffic lane separation units is fixed at one end of said section transition section in place substantially at the other of the two generally parallel lane edges, and wherein a second end of said second transition section of said traffic lane separation units is joined to a second end of said lane shifting section of said traffic lane separation units.    
   
   
       93 . The moveable traffic lane separation device of  claim 92 , wherein said device is operable to move in a series of movement steps, wherein some of said traffic lane separation units move while others remain stationary in a first step, and wherein at least some of said previously moving separation units remain stationary while at least some of said previously fixed units move in a second step.  
   
   
       94 . A moveable traffic lane separation device, comprising: 
 a plurality of traffic lane separation units, wherein each of said units includes a protective wall movement device and at least one protective wall block fixed to said protective wall movement device, wherein each of said protective wall movement devices includes a transverse motion capable vehicle operable to move said protective wall block in a direction transverse to a direction of travel of traffic lane on a roadway surface, and wherein said traffic lane includes first and second generally parallel lane edges;    wherein a first plurality of said traffic lane separation units is joined together end-to-end to form a lane shifting section of said traffic lane separation units, and wherein the transverse motion capable vehicles of said first plurality of said traffic lane separation units are operable to move said first plurality of said traffic lane separation units from said first traffic lane edge to said second traffic lane edge;    wherein a second plurality of said traffic lane separation units is joined together end-to-end to form a transition section of said traffic lane separation units, and wherein said transition section of said traffic lane separation units is fixed at one end of said transition section in place substantially at one of the two generally parallel lane edges, and wherein a second end of the transition section of said traffic lane separation units is joined to one end of said lane shifting section of said traffic lane separation units.    
   
   
       95 . A traffic lane separation unit for use on a roadway that includes at least one traffic lane, the traffic lane separation unit comprising: 
 at least one protective wall block fixed to and covering a protective wall movement device;    wherein said protective wall movement device comprises:    a lifting device operable to raise and lower said protective wall block; and    a transverse motion capable vehicle configured to support the lifting device for movement in a direction transverse to the traffic lane;    wherein operating said lifting device moves said protective wall block between:    a lowered position in which the protective wall block contacts a surface of the roadway and said movement device is raised away from the roadway surface and housed inside the protective wall block; and    a raised position in which the protective wall block is raised above the roadway surface and said movement device is lowered into contact with the roadway surface with the protective wall block supported on the movement device.    
   
   
       96 . The traffic lane separation unit of  claim 95 , wherein said transverse motion capable vehicle includes a self-propelled running device operable to support and drive the lifting device for movement in a direction transverse to the traffic lane.  
   
   
       97 . The traffic lane separation unit of  claim 95 , and further comprising a clamping device operable to secure said protective wall block in place on the roadway surface.  
   
   
       98 . The traffic lane separation unit of  claim 95 , and further comprising a table frame between said lifting device and said protective wall block.  
   
   
       99 . The traffic lane separation unit of  claim 96 , wherein said protective wall block is formed from concrete and wherein said protective wall block comprises: 
 two opposed side walls, each of which has a support surface configured to support the protective wall block on the roadway surface; and    a top member that extends between and connects the tops of said side walls;    wherein said block defines a space that is open at opposite ends and at the bottom of said protective wall block; and    wherein said space houses the protective wall movement device that includes the lifting device that raises and lowers the protective wall block and the transverse motion capable vehicle that supports the lifting device for movement in the transverse direction.    
   
   
       100 . The traffic lane separation unit of  claim 99 , wherein said lifting device includes a foldable linkage between the table frame and the transverse motion capable vehicle.  
   
   
       101 . The traffic lane separation unit of  claim 99 , wherein said lifting device includes an electrically operated jack between the table frame and the transverse motion capable vehicle.  
   
   
       102 . The traffic lane separation unit of  claim 100 , wherein: 
 the foldable linkage includes a main link and a sub-link, the main link and the sub-link jointly forming a linkage with a general configuration of one of the group consisting of an upside-down letter Y and a letter X; and    a bottom side of said linkage moves in a longitudinal direction as the protective wall block is raised and lowered on the table frame.    
   
   
       103 . The traffic lane separation unit of  claim 102 , wherein: 
 bottom ends of said main link and said sub link pivot on a metallic receiving element fixed to said transverse motion capable vehicle; and    a bottom end of at least one of said main link and sub link slides in a longitudinal direction as the table frame pivots on a top of said main link and the table frame is raised and lowered.    
   
   
       104 . The traffic lane separation unit of  claim 102 , wherein: 
 bottom ends of said main link and said sub link pivot on a metallic receiving element fixed to said transverse motion capable vehicle;    the bottom end of said sub link slides in a longitudinal direction as the protective wall block is raised and lowered on the table frame; and    a top of said sub link moves in a longitudinal direction with respect to said table frame.    
   
   
       105 . The traffic lane separation unit of claim  42 , wherein said clamping device is engageable with and disengageable from an engagement element located on the roadway surface when the lifting device is operated to raise and lower the protective wall block.  
   
   
       106 . The traffic lane separation unit of  claim 97 , wherein: 
 said clamping device has a link structure comprising a clamp arm that pivots on the transverse motion capable vehicle and a connecting lever that pivots with respect to a table frame between said lifting device and said protective wall block; and    said clamp arm opens and closes with an action of said connecting lever as the lifting device is operated.    
   
   
       107 . The traffic lane separation unit of  claim 96 , and further comprising speed reducing apparatus operable to reduce a driving speed applied to the transverse motion capable vehicle in order to drive the transverse motion capable vehicle at a reduced speed.  
   
   
       108 . The traffic lane separation unit of  claim 107 , wherein a speed reduction ratio applied to a drive motor incorporated in said transverse motion capable vehicle in order to drive the transverse motion capable vehicle at a reduced speed is between about 1/500 and 1/12,000.  
   
   
       109 . The traffic lane separation unit of  claim 99 , wherein: 
 through holes are present in side walls of at least two adjacent protective wall blocks; and    said adjacent protective wall blocks are connected together by a connecting member inserted through said through holes.    
   
   
       110 . The traffic lane separation unit of  claim 99 , wherein: 
 indentations are present at front and rear ends of outer surfaces of side walls of at least two adjacent protective wall blocks; and    a joining element is fitted into said indentations of said adjacent protective wall blocks to join together said adjacent protective wall blocks.    
   
   
       111 . The traffic lane separation unit of  claim 99 , wherein an elastic pad is present on the support surfaces of said side walls of said protective wall block.  
   
   
       112 . The traffic lane separation unit of  claim 95 , wherein: 
 a vehicle frame of said transverse motion capable vehicle includes a main frame and a plurality of holder frames that extend from either side of said main frame; and    the ends of said holder frames engage with notches provided in side walls of said protective wall block.    
   
   
       113 . The traffic lane separation unit of  claim 95 , wherein: 
 a joining element is provided at an end of said traffic lane separation unit at least one of a vehicle frame of said transverse motion capable vehicle and a table frame that forms a part of said lifting device.    
   
   
       114 . The traffic lane separation unit of  claim 113 , wherein said joining element is covered by a joining element cover that comprises: 
 side cover portions on both sides of said joining element; and    a top cover portion that extends between said side cover portions;    wherein said joining element cover is fixed at one end of said protective wall block.    
   
   
       115 . The traffic lane separation unit of  claim 95 , wherein a plurality of said protective wall blocks is connected together to form a linear protective wall block assembly, and further comprising a locking device that includes a fixation base with an engagement element, wherein said fixation base is installed on the roadway at one end of said linear protective wall block assembly.  
   
   
       116 . The traffic lane separation unit of  claim 115 , wherein said fixation base is installed on a roadway lane separation line at a movable end of said linear protective wall block assembly.  
   
   
       117 . The traffic lane separation unit of  claim 95 , wherein a plurality of said protective wall blocks is connected together to form a linear protective wall block assembly, and further comprising: 
 a wheel that includes a raised rubber wheel portion and a tapered wheel portion on at least one side of the raised rubber wheel portion, wherein said wheel is attached to said transverse motion capable vehicle; and    a fixation base located on a roadway lane separation line at a movable end of said linear protective wall block assembly;    wherein said fixation base includes a rail portion configured to guide said wheel, and an engagement element configured to engage with a clamping device to secure said movable end of said linear protective wall block assembly in position on the roadway.    
   
   
       118 . The traffic lane separation unit of  claim 95 , wherein a plurality of said protective wall blocks is connected together to form a linear protective wall block assembly, and further comprising: 
 a wheel that includes a raised wheel collar portion and a tapered wheel portion on at least one side of the raised wheel collar portion, wherein said wheel is attached to said transverse motion capable vehicle;    a fixation base that extends between roadway lane separation lines at a movable end of said linear protective wall block assembly, wherein a guiding rail is formed in the fixation base and configured to guide said transverse motion capable vehicle between said roadway separation lines in a direction transverse to a direction of travel of the traffic lane; and    an engagement element configured to engage with a clamping device to secure said movable end of said linear protective wall block assembly in position on the roadway.    
   
   
       119 . The traffic lane separation unit of  claim 95 , wherein a plurality of said protective wall blocks is connected together to form a linear protective wall block assembly, and further comprising: 
 a driving gear attached to said transverse motion capable vehicle;    a fixation base located between roadway lane separation lines at a movable end of said linear protective wall block assembly, wherein a rack rail is formed in said fixation base and configured to engage said driving gear to drive said transverse motion capable vehicle between said roadway separation lines in a direction transverse to a direction of travel of the traffic lane; and    an engagement element configured to engage with a clamping device to secure said movable end of said linear protective wall block assembly in position on the roadway.    
   
   
       120 . The traffic lane separation unit of  claim 117 , wherein said engagement element includes a rod fixed across a groove formed in the fixation base.  
   
   
       121 . A moveable traffic lane separation device, comprising: 
 a plurality of traffic lane separation units, wherein each of said units includes a protective wall movement device and at least one protective wall block fixed to said protective wall movement device, wherein each of said protective wall movement devices includes a transverse motion capable vehicle operable to move said protective wall block in a direction transverse to a direction of travel of a traffic lane on a roadway surface, and wherein said traffic lane includes first and second generally parallel lane edges; and    wherein said traffic lane separation device is operable to move in a series of movement steps, wherein some of said traffic lane separation units move while others remain stationary in a first movement step, and wherein at least some of said previously moving separation units remain stationary while at least some of said previously fixed units move in a second movement step.