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Omni-Directional Sign Post Breakaway Connector

Disclosure #: 1087
Description: The US highway sign industry has tens of millions of dollars in annual revenue (Source). This novel connector is a cost effective solution to FHWA requirements and can replace non-breakaway sign posts as well as older uni-directional breakaway technologies. This omni-directional breakaway connector allows for a clean, fast break of a signpost when struck by a vehicle. This new connector incorporates a simple and inexpensive device that will fracture independent of the impact direction. This device can greatly reduce the amount of force needed to cause breakaway as compared to alternative systems, and existing signposts can easily be retrofitted with this device.
Advantage(s):
  • Allows a sign post to breakaway when struck from any direction
  • Reduces sign post replacement time and costs
  • Reduces chance of occupant injury during impact with breakaway device
  • Can be used on new installations or as a retrofit to an old support structure
Application(s):
  • Small and Medium road sign post construction
  • Retro-fitting of sign posts on roadsides
  • Breakaway utility pole guy wires
  • Medium to tall temporary work-zone sign support systems
  • Ground-mounted permanent sign support systems with one or more posts
Patent(s): US Patent 5,855,443.pdf
Licensing Manager: Marvin Jaques
mjaques@nutechventures.org
(402) 472-1517
Inventor(s): Ronald Faller
John Reid
Gene Paulsen
Kenneth Krenk
Technology Brief: Marketing brief - Omni-directional sign post breakaway connector.pdf


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