8/17/2023 0 Comments Dent breakaway boltsThe present invention is directed to a breakaway connector for attaching a support member to an anchor member. Finally, existing slip-based stub posts cannot be easily converted to this method because of the requirement that a concrete anchor be used. Furthermore, the bolt inserts tend to fill with water, dirt, adn other foreign matter, complicating the reinstallation of a damaged signpost. In addition, special torquing tools must be used to properly install the bolts. First, because overtightening of the bolts will cause them to fail, installation must be accomplished by crews trained on proper torquing procedures. Bolts that are designed to break when subjected to a predetermined amount of torque are placed through the signpost flange and threaded into the insert. One proposed method for overcoming this drawback utilizes a concrete anchor placed into the ground and having bolt inserts cemented in place. This necessitates digging out and replacement of the stub post. One drawback of this type of installation is that the stub post and flange are frequently damaged or destroyed if the bolts are over-torqued when they are installed. When a signpost is subjected to a strong lateral load, e.g., the impact of a motor vehicle, the shear force will cause the bolts to fail, allowing the signpost to break from the stub post. If it becomes necessary to change the signpost, a new signpost can be quickly bolted to the stub post. The signpost has a corresponding flange that is then bolted to the stub post flange. A flange is formed on or slipped over and attached to the projecting end of the stub post. For instance, in the installation of road signs, a stub post is first placed in the ground with one end projecting four to eight inches above the ground. The present invention pertains to connectors and, more particularly, to a connector for securing a support member to an anchor member and that will break in any direction only at a preformed stress point when subjected to a predetermined lateral load.Įxisting highway signs, fences, lights, and guardrails frequently utilize a two-part support post. The connector of claim 5, wherein said first and said second ends comprise internally threaded sleeves. The connector of claim 5, wherein said first and said second ends comprise threaded shafts.ħ. The connector of claim 1, wherein said flange has a predetermined maximum diameter on each side of said single performed stress point, said flange smoothly reducing in diameter from said predetermined maximum diameter to a predetermined reduced diameter to form a V-shaped annular groove at said single performed stress point.Ħ. The connector of claim 1, wherein said breakaway shank comprises a shaft having a predetermined diameter and said single performed stress point comprises a portion of said shaft having a predetermined reduced diameter in the form of a V-shaped annular groove.ĥ. The connector of claim 1, wherein said first and said second ends comprise internally threaded sleeves.Ĥ. The connector of claim 1, wherein said first and said second ends comprise threaded shafts.ģ. A breakaway connector for attaching a support member to an anchor member, the connector comprising:Ī first end adapter to be attached to the support member Ī second end adapter to be attached to the anchor member Ī breakaway shank positioned between and connected to said first and second ends, said breakaway shank having a single performed stress point such that, when said connector is subjected to a predetermined lateral load, said connector will break only at said single performed stress point, said breakaway shank further including a circumscribing flange formed thereon at the intersection of said first end and said breakaway shank, and at the intersection of said second end and said breakaway shank.Ģ. The embodiments of the invention in which anĮxclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:ġ.
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