Pivot Swivel Cable Barrier

Abstract

A light weight, high strength cable supported by a longitudinal device that is capable of stopping a 15,000 lb. vehicle at speeds exceeding 30 mph and provides for manual operation by one (1) person, whereas the barrier may pivot, move vertically, or swivel horizontally to control vehicle passage. During normal operations where the vehicle barrier is moved, there is no tension on the cable and it remains unfastened. If a vehicle impact occurs, the cable immediately engages and fastens to the end support structures to resist vehicle impact forces. The light weight cable and longitudinal support device also minimizes the counterweight size. The barrier may be moved by an operator from either side of the vehicle travel path. Both fixed and unfixed end support structures may be utilized.

1 . A portable barrier system for allowing or denying vehicle passage through first and second end support structures, wherein the portable barrier system is adapted to receive a vehicle impact to deny passage, the portable barrier system comprising:
 a longitudinal support device having a first end pivotally connected to the first end support structure;   a cable barrier supported by said longitudinal support device to stop an oncoming vehicle, wherein said cable barrier defines a loop that projects from an end of said cable barrier; and   an open hook positioned on the second end support structure to fit entirely through a perimeter of said loop defined by said cable barrier, wherein said open hook is in a fixed position relative to the second end support structure and maintains the fixed position before, during, and after a vehicle impacts said cable barrier.   
     
     
         2 . The portable barrier system of  claim 1 , wherein said open hook projects from the second end support structure in a substantially vertical position in relation to the second end support structure. 
     
     
         3 . The portable barrier system of  claim 1 , wherein said open hook curves downwardly toward the second end support structure. 
     
     
         4 . The portable barrier system of  claim 1 , wherein said loop extends from said longitudinal support device in an exposed position around said open hook. 
     
     
         5 . The portable barrier system of  claim 4 , further comprising a force equalization bar connecting said open hook to the second end support structure. 
     
     
         6 . The portable barrier system of  claim 1  wherein said longitudinal support device is connected to the first end support structure by a pivot swivel device. 
     
     
         7 . The portable barrier system of  claim 1  further comprising a counterweight attached to the first end of the longitudinal support structure. 
     
     
         8 . The portable barrier system of  claim 1 , wherein said longitudinal support device pivots in either a horizontal or vertical direction. 
     
     
         9 . The portable barrier system of  claim 1 , further comprising an electric motor that automatically drives the longitudinal support device. 
     
     
         10 . A portable barrier system for allowing or denying vehicle passage through first and second end support structures, wherein the portable barrier system is adapted to receive a vehicle impact to deny passage, the portable barrier system comprising:
 a longitudinal support device having a first end pivotally connected to the first end support structure;   a cable barrier supported by said longitudinal support device to stop an oncoming vehicle, wherein said cable barrier defines a loop that projects from an end of said cable barrier;   a force equalization bar connected to the second end support structure;   an open hook projecting from said force equalization bar and fitting within said loop.   
     
     
         11 . A portable barrier system according to  claim 10 , wherein said open hook is in a fixed position relative to the second end support structure and maintains the fixed position before, during, and after a vehicle impacts said cable barrier. 
     
     
         12 . A portable barrier system according to  claim 10 , wherein said force equalization bar extends across one side of the second end support structure and applies a compressive force onto the second end support structure upon vehicle impact. 
     
     
         13 . A portable barrier system according to  claim 10 , further comprising a cinching cable wrapping around said force equalization bar, wrapping around the second end support structure, and terminating at a connection to said force equalization bar, said cinching cable compressing around the second end support structure upon vehicle impact. 
     
     
         14 . A portable barrier system for allowing or denying vehicle passage through first and second end support structures, wherein the portable barrier system is adapted to receive a vehicle impact to deny passage, the portable barrier system comprising:
 a longitudinal support device having a first end pivotally connected to the first end support structure;   a cable barrier supported by said longitudinal support device to stop an oncoming vehicle, wherein said cable barrier defines an exposed loop extending from one end of said longitudinal support device;   a strap fixed to said longitudinal support device at a position between said end support structures, said strap holding an end of said cable barrier against an intermediate portion of said cable barrier and maintaining a shape of said exposed loop;   an open hook positioned on the second end support structure to fit entirely through a perimeter of said exposed loop defined by said cable barrier.   
     
     
         15 . A portable barrier system according to  claim 14 , wherein said open hook is in a fixed position relative to the second end support structure and maintains the fixed position before, during, and after a vehicle impacts said cable barrier. 
     
     
         16 . A portable barrier system according to  claim 14 , further comprising a force equalization bar extending across one side of the second end support structure, wherein said open hook is connected to said force equalization bar and said force equalization bar applies a compressive force onto the second end support structure upon vehicle impact. 
     
     
         17 . A portable barrier system for allowing or denying vehicle passage through first and second end support structures, wherein the portable barrier system is adapted to receive a vehicle impact to deny passage, the portable barrier system comprising:
 a longitudinal support device having first and second ends, said first end pivotally connected to the first end support structure;   a cable barrier supported by said longitudinal support device to stop an oncoming vehicle, wherein said cable barrier defines a loop that projects from said second end of said longitudinal support device; and   an open hook positioned on the second end support structure to fit entirely through a perimeter of said loop defined by said cable barrier;   at least one spring connected to said open hook and the second end support structure, wherein said open hook pulls said spring into compression upon vehicle impact.   
     
     
         18 . A portable barrier system according to  claim 17 , further comprising at least one support tube connected to the second end support structure and holding said spring within the second end support structure. 
     
     
         19 . A portable barrier system according to  claim 18 , further comprising a plate connected to an end of said spring and defining at least one opening through which said support tube extends, said plate positioned between said spring and the second end support structure. 
     
     
         20 . A portable barrier system according to  claim 19 , wherein an end of said open hook extends through said plate and terminates at a steel bar engaging said plate.