Flexible Moment Connection Device for Mast Arm Signal Mounting

Abstract

An attachment assembly and a method for mounting a traffic control device to a mast arm are provided. The attachment assembly includes an attachment device. The attachment device includes a first portion operably connect to the mast arm so that a first surface of the first portion is oriented toward the mast arm, a second portion extending substantially parallel to the first portion along at least a portion of a first length, a second surface of the second portion is oriented toward the traffic control device, and a third portion having a third length and extending between the first portion and the second portion so that a gap is formed between a second face of the first portion and a first face of the second portion that allows the attachment device to flex when the traffic control device is mounted to the mast arm.

1 . A method of mounting a traffic control device to a mast arm, the method comprising:
 connecting an attachment assembly to the mast arm, the attachment assembly comprising a first attachment device, the first attachment device comprising:
 a first portion having a first length, the first portion comprising a plurality of apertures, the first portion having a first surface that is oriented toward the mast arm; 
 a second portion having a second length, the second portion comprising a plurality of apertures, the second portion extending substantially parallel to the first portion along at least a portion of the first length, the second portion having a second surface that is oriented toward the traffic control device; and 
 a third portion having a third length and extending between the first portion and the second portion so that a gap is formed between a second face of the first portion and a first face of the second portion that allows the attachment device to flex when the traffic control device is mounted to the mast arm; and 
   connecting the traffic signal to the first attachment device.   
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , comprising securing the attachment assembly to the mast arm using a cable. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 2 , comprising securing a second attachment device of the attachment assembly to the mast arm and connecting the first attachment device to the second attachment device with at least a portion of the cable positioned between the first and second attachment devices. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 3 , comprising positioning the first attachment device relative to the second attachment device such that a displacement gap is formed between at least a portion of the first attachment device and the second attachment device. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 4 , comprising connecting the first attachment device to the second attachment device with a plurality of connectors so that the displacement gap is formed. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 3 , comprising positioning the second attachment device so that a first surface of the second attachment device is facing the mast arm and a portion of the first surface is spaced apart from the mast arm. 
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 6 , comprising positioning an engagement flange of the second attachment device against the mast arm so that the first surface of the second attachment device is spaced apart from the mast arm. 
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 4 , comprising positioning the second attachment device so that a first surface of the second attachment device is facing the mast arm and a portion of the first surface of the second attachment device is spaced apart from the mast arm. 
     
     
         9 . The method according to  claim 3 , comprising inserting the cable into an adjustment slot of the second attachment device. 
     
     
         10 . The method according to  claim 9 , comprising inserting the cable through a cable clamp connected to the second attachment device. 
     
     
         11 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the first attachment device comprises a fourth portion having a fourth length that extends between the first portion and the second portion. 
     
     
         12 . The method according to  claim 3 , further comprising connecting a traffic control device to the first attachment device. 
     
     
         13 . The method according to  claim 12 , wherein the first attachment device dynamically responds to both vertical and horizontal displacement of the traffic control device. 
     
     
         14 . The method according to  claim 3 , further comprising connecting a single unit signal housing to the first attachment device. 
     
     
         15 . The method according to  claim 3 , comprising using a tool comprising a handle and a lever plate to tighten the cable. 
     
     
         16 . The method according to  claim 15 , comprising inserting the lever plate between a gap between the cable and a second surface of the second attachment device and tightening the cable. 
     
     
         17 . The method according to  claim 3 , comprising positioning the first attachment device and the second attachment device relative to each other so that both the first attachment device and the second attachment device are flexible.