GB2460886A

GB2460886A - Self righting post attachment

Info

Publication number: GB2460886A
Application number: GB0900270A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Steve Orton; Dennis Bean
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-07-10
Filing date: 2009-01-09
Publication date: 2009-12-16
Also published as: GB0900270D0; GB0812637D0

Abstract

A self righting attachment arrangement 1 for connecting a post 2 of a bollard, lamppost or signpost to a support surface comprising a base 3, to be connected to a support surface, a main body receiving cup 19, forming a receptacle for the post to be received in, and a resilient biasing arrangement 4 connected between the two. The main body receiving cup may also include one or more apertures in the outer wall to receive a screw that can be extended into the post to secure it to the cup. Preferably there is also a stop arrangement to limit the deflection of the post in at least one direction, where the stop may be formed by a collar 23, that partially surrounds the resilient biasing arrangement, or a rod, both of which abut against part of the main body receiving cup. The stop arrangement may also comprise of at least one bracket element 3d configured to attach the stop arrangement to the base. A method of attaching a post to a support surface is also claimed.

Description

Title: An Attachment Arrangement DescrirDtion of Invention The present invention relates to attachment arrangements for a post, bollards including an attachment arrangement, lampposts including an attachment arrangement, car parks including such bollards and/or lampposts, and methods of attaching a post to a support surface.

Bollards are conventionally used in a number of different locations including, for example, car parks. The bollards are generally used to protect areas or objects from nearby cars or to demarcate areas in which, for example, a car or other vehicle may park. Bollards may also be used to support signs and the like.

Conventionally, bollards are installed by, for example, digging a suitable hole, placing a base of the bollard in the hole, and filling the hole with concrete (i.e. a concrete foundation). In other instances, a bollard base plate may be bolted to a concrete foundation or otherwise attached or adhered to a support surface.

If a vehicle collides with a bollard (even at a relatively low speed), then it is common for either the bollard to break or for at least part of the foundation or support surface structure to which the bollard is attached to be damaged as a result of the collision. Damaged bollards and structures of this type are aesthetically unpleasant and can present a health and safety hazard (for example, a trip hazard).

Bollard designs have been improved by the fitting of a resilient biasing arrangement to the bollard between the bollard and the support surface (see US5,500,642) for example.

These improved bollard designs require an entirely new bollard to be manufactured and integrally coupled to the resilient biasing arrangement prior to installation. This can make the replacement of conventional bollards (as discussed above) with bollards according to such improved designs expensive and inefficient.

A conventional car park may include an exit and entry system which counts the number of vehicles entering the car park and subtracts from that total the number of vehicles leaving the car park. As such, the system maintains a running total of the number of vehicles in the car park. If the system is aware of the number of parking spaces in the car park, then the number of free (i.e. unoccupied) spaces in the car park can be determined.

Such systems do not allow for vehicles occupying more than one space and are not capable of providing detailed information as to where in the car park spaces are available, which spaces are more regularly occupied, or similar useful information.

Systems have been developed which include a sensor above a parking space which determines whether or not the parking space is free. A light is attached to the ceiling and changes colour according to whether or not a car is parked in the parking space.

Such systems are expensive to install and maintain, require a large infrastructure to operate, and can only be implemented in well protected facilities such as multi-storey car parks.

Lampposts and large signposts are often located near roads and in car parks.

If a vehicle collides with a lamppost or large signpost, then it is common for either the lamppost or large signpost to break, or for at least part of the lamppost or large signpost to be damaged (e.g. bent or dented) as a result of the collision. Damaged lampposts and large signposts of this type are aesthetically unpleasant, can present a health and safety hazard, and are often expensive to repair or replace.

Embodiments of the present invention seek to ameliorate some of the aforementioned problems associated with the prior art.

Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention provides an attachment arrangement for connecting a post forming part of a bollard, lamppost, or signpost to a support surface, the attachment arrangement comprising: a base configured to be connected to a support surface; a main body receiving cup; and a resilient biasing arrangement connected to and disposed between the base and the main body receiving cup, wherein the main body receiving cup forms a receptacle adapted to receive a main body section of a post, such that a main body section of a post received by the cup can be deflected about the resilient biasing arrangement with respect to the base.

Preferably, the attachment arrangement further comprises a stop arrangement configured to limit deflection in at least one direction of a main body section of a post received by the cup about the resilient biasing arrangement with respect to the base.

Advantageously, the stop arrangement is attached to the base and is configured to limit deflection of a main body section of a post received by the cup about the resilient biasing arrangement by abutment against a part of the post or the main body receiving cup.

Conveniently, the stop arrangement comprises a collar which partially surrounds the resilient biasing arrangement.

Preferably, the stop arrangement comprises a rod.

Advantageously, the stop arrangement further comprises at least one bracket element configured to attach the stop arrangement to the base.

Conveniently, the cup comprises a base member and an outer circumferential wall secured to the base member, the base member and outer circumferential wall defining the receptacle and the outer circumferential wall defines one or more apertures, each aperture being arranged to receive a screw and to permit the screw to extend into a main body section of a post received by the cup to secure the main body section to the cup.

Another aspect of the present invention provides an attachment arrangement for retro-fitting to an existing post, and a post, the attachment arrangement comprising: a base configured to be connected to a support surface; a shaft configured to be received inside a corresponding bore of the post to connect the post to the shaft, wherein the shaft has a length which is less than a length of the post; a resilient biasing arrangement disposed between the shaft and the base such that the post connected to the shaft can be deflected about the resilient biasing arrangement with respect to the base.

Preferably, the bore and post are co-axial.

Advantageously, the shaft is less than half the length of the post.

Conveniently, the attachment arrangement and post further comprise a stop arrangement configured to limit deflection in at least one direction of the post connected to the shaft about the resilient biasing arrangement with respect to the base.

Preferably, the stop arrangement is attached to the base and is configured to limit deflection of the post connected to the shaft about the resilient biasing arrangement by abutment against a part of the post or attachment arrangement.

Advantageously, the stop arrangement comprises a collar which partially surrounds the resilient biasing arrangement.

Conveniently, the stop arrangement comprises a rod.

Preferably, the stop arrangement further comprises at least one bracket element configured to attach the stop arrangement to the base.

Advantageously, the post is a bollard.

Alternatively, the post is part of a lamppost or signpost.

Another aspect of the present invention provides an attachment arrangement for connecting a main body section of a post to a support surface, the attachment arrangement comprising: a base configured to be connected to a support surface; a post attachment element arranged to be connected to a post; a resilient biasing arrangement disposed between the base and post attachment element, such that a post connected to the post attachment element can be deflected about the resilient biasing arrangement with respect to the base; and a stop arrangement configured to limit deflection of the post about the resilient biasing arrangement with respect to the base in at least one direction.

Preferably, the stop arrangement is attached to the base and is configured to limit deflection of the post about the resilient biasing arrangement by abutment against the part of a post connected to the post attachment element or the post attachment element.

Alternatively, the stop arrangement comprises a rod.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a bollard including an attachment arrangement.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a lamppost including an attachment arrangement Another aspect of the present invention provides a car park including at least one bollard or post and attachment arrangement or lamppost.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a method of attaching a post to a support surface comprising: connecting a main body section of a post to a main body receiving cup of an attachment arrangement; connecting a base of the attachment arrangement to a support surface, wherein a resilient biasing arrangement of the attachment arrangement is disposed between the base and the main body receiving cup, and the main body receiving cup forms a receptacle adapted to receive the main body section of the post, such that the main body section of the post received by the cup can be deflected about the resilient biasing arrangement with respect to the base.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a method of attaching a post to a support surface comprising: boring a hole through at least part of a length of a post; connecting a main body section of the post to a shaft of an attachment arrangement; connecting a base of the attachment arrangement to a support surface, wherein a resilient biasing arrangement of the attachment arrangement is disposed between the base and shaft of the attachment arrangement, the shaft is configured to be received inside the bore of the post to connect the post to the shaft, and the shaft has a length which is less than a length of the post, such that the main body section of the post connected to the shaft can be deflected about the resilient biasing arrangement with respect to the base.

Preferably, the method further comprises the initial steps of: locating a post connected to a support surface; and removing the post from the support surface.

Advantageously, the method further comprises the step of: connecting a stop arrangement to the attachment arrangement, the stop arrangement being configured to limit deflection in at least one direction of the main body section of the post about the resilient biasing arrangement with respect to the base.

Conveniently, the stop arrangement is connected to the base of the attachment arrangement.

Preferably, the stop arrangement comprises a collar which partially surrounds the resilient biasing arrangement.

Advantageously, the stop arrangement comprises a rod.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a method of attaching a post to a support surface comprising: connecting a main body section of a post to an attachment element of an attachment arrangement; connecting a base of the attachment arrangement to a support surface; and connecting a stop arrangement to the attachment arrangement, the stop arrangement being configured to limit deflection in at least one direction of the main body section of the post about a resilient biasing arrangement of the attachment arrangement with respect to the base, wherein the resilient biasing arrangement is disposed between the base and attachment element, such that the main body section of the post connected to the attachment element can be deflected about the resilient biasing arrangement with respect to the base.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a method of fitting one or more bollards in a car park, the method comprising the attaching a bollard to one or more support surfaces of the car park.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a bollard according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a bollard according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 shows a bollard in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 shows bollard in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention in use; Figure 5 shows bollard in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention in use; Figure 6 shows bollard in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention in use; and Figure 7 shows a system according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 shows a bollard attachment arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention in perspective; Figure 9 shows a bollard attachment arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention in perspective; Figure 10 shows a bollard attachment arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention in perspective; Figure 11 shows a bollard attachment arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention in perspective; Figure 12 shows a bollard attachment arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention in perspective; Figure 13 shows a bollard attachment arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention in perspective; Figure 14 shows a bollard attachment arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention in perspective; Figure 15 shows an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 16 shows an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 17 shows an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 18 shows an embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 19 shows an embodiment of the present invention.

A bollard 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in figure 1. The bollard 1 comprises base plate 3 to which a main body section 2 of the bollard 1 is coupled.

The base plate 3 is preferably constructed from a strong and rigid material such as steel. The base plate 3 is shown in the accompanying figures as having a generally rectangular or square cross-section. Nevertheless other cross-sectional shapes of base plate 3 are envisaged. Indeed, the base plate 3 may in fact comprise a framework-type structure rather than a plate as such.

An aperture 3a may be located through an entire depth of the base plate 3.

Preferably, the aperture 3a located through the centre of the plate 3. The aperture 3a is sufficiently large to permit an electrical cable 3c to pass thereth rough (the cable is shown in figures 4 and 5) -the cable 3c may be shielded and the aperture 3a is preferably sufficiently large to accommodate the cable 3c and its shielding. In an embodiment, the aperture 3a is sufficiently small so as not to compromise the rigidity and strength of the plate 3.

One or more further apertures 3d are provided through the entire depth of the plate 3. Each of the one or more further apertures 3d is adapted to receive a bolt 3e therethrough so that the base plate 3 can be secured to a surface.

Preferably, four further apertures 3d are provided. The further aperture or apertures 3d may be counter-sunk so that any bolts 3e used therewith do not substantially protrude from the base plate 3 (note that the counter-sunk arrangement is not shown in figures 1-3 or 8-1 8).

The main body section 2 of the bollard 1 comprises an elongate post having a first 2a and a second 2b end. The second end 2b of the main body section 2 of the bollard 1 is coupled to the base plate 3 and the main body section 2 extends from the base plate 3 substantially perpendicular thereto (in a first configuration).

The main body section 2 of the bollard 1 may include a bore 2d (see figure 2) which preferably extends from the first 2a to the second 2b end of the main body section 2. The bore 2d is sufficiently large to permit the cable 3c to pass therethrough -again, the cable 3c may be shielded and the bore 2d may be sufficiently large to accommodate the cable 3c and shielding. The bore 2d is sufficiently narrow so as not to compromise the strength of the main body section 2 of the bollard 1.

Towards the first end 2a of the main body section 2 of the bollard 1 (i.e. the end of the main body section 2 which is remote from the base plate 3), a cap is coupled to the main body section 2. In an embodiment, the cap 5 is coupled to the first end 2a of the main body section 2 of the bollard by an external thread 5a which cooperates with an internal thread 2c of the main body section 2 of the bollard 1 (see figure 2). This may permit the cap 5 to be removably secured to the main body section 2 of the bollard 1. In an embodiment, the cap 5 is integrally formed with the main body section 2 of the bollard 1 and can be considered to be part of the main body section 2 of the bollard).

A cap cover (not shown) may be provided. The cap cover is moveable between a first configuration (in which an internal cavity at the first end 2a of the main body section 2 is covered) and a second configuration (in which access to the internal cavity is permitted). To this end, a hinge (not shown) may be provided between the cap cover and the main body section 2 -which permits the cap cover to be moved into the second configuration without necessarily requiring the cap cover to be entirely removed from the rest of the main body section 2 of the bollard 1.

The cap 5 or cap cover may be provided with a lock so that only a user with the correct key can remove the cap 5 or move the cap cover into the second configuration. The lock may be located within the main body section 2 or the cap 5 and a keyhole (not shown) may be accessible from the exterior of the bollard 1.

The cap 5 or cap cover preferably has a domed end surface (as shown in figures 1 & 2) which forms an end extremity of the bollard 1 which is remote from the base plate 3. In an embodiment the end surface of the cap 5 is flat (as shown in figure 3) -other forms of cap 5 are envisaged.

The cap 5 carries a transparent or translucent outer band 5b around a portion thereof. The band 5b covers at least part of an internal cavity which is at least partially defined by internal surfaces of the cap 5. In an embodiment, the internal cavity is defined by internal surfaces of the cap 5 and the first end 2a of the main body section 2 of the bollard 1. The band Sb may equally be carried by the main body section 2 of the bollard 1.

A lighting arrangement 6 is coupled to the bollard 1 and located within the internal cavity adjacent the band Sb. The lighting arrangement 6 preferably comprises an annular body 6a which carries one or more light emitting diodes (LED5) 6b. The lighting arrangement 6 is in electrical communication with a power distribution unit 6c which is, in turn, in electrical communication with the cable 3c. The lighting arrangement 6 is arranged so as to emit light through the band Sb when it is activated. Activation of the lighting arrangement 6 may be driven by the power distribution unit 6c.

The band Sb may act as a light diffuser. Moreover, the lighting arrangement 6 may be configured to output two or more different colours of light depending on how the arrangement 6 is driven.

The lighting arrangement 6 is preferably coupled to the power distribution unit 6c with a plug-and-socket coupling. The power distribution unit 6c in turn is preferably coupled to the main body section 2 of the bollard 1 in a plug-and-socket coupling. As such, these components are modular in form and can easily be removed and replaced.

A sensor arrangement 7 is coupled or attached to the main body section 2, the base plate 3, and/or the cap 5 of the bollard 1. The sensor arrangement 7 is, in an embodiment, located in a sensor arrangement cavity 7a which is located in the main body section 2 of the bollard 1 between the first 2a and second 2b ends thereof. The sensor arrangement cavity 7a is preferably coupled to the bore 2d by a passage 7c so that at least part of the electrical cable 3c can pass through the passage 7c and be connected to the sensor arrangement 7 located in the sensor arrangement cavity 7a. A faceplate 7b is located over an open end of the cavity 7a. The faceplate 7b forms part of the outer surface of the main body section 2 of the bollard 1 and is transparent to a sensor signal (although it may be optically opaque).

In an embodiment, the sensor arrangement 7 is located in the cap 5 rather than the main body section 2 of the bollard 1. In such an embodiment, there may be no sensor cavity 7a. The sensor arrangement 7 may be positioned adjacent the band Sb and the band Sb may be transparent to a sensor signal.

Of course, as the cap S may be considered to form an integral part of the main body section 2 of the bollard 1 (in an embodiment), the first end 2a of the main body section 2 may, in fact, be an end of the bollard 1 (as a whole) remote from the base plate 3. Therefore, the sensor arrangement 7 may be located in any appropriate position between the base plate 3 and the end of the bollard 1 which is remote from the base plate 3. The term "cap" is intended to cover the cap and/or the cap cover, or the end of the bollard 1 remote from the base plate 3.

In an embodiment, the main body section 2 of the bollard 1 is coupled to the base plate 3 by a resilient biasing arrangement 4. The resilient biasing arrangement 4 is preferably configured to bias the main body section 2 of the bollard 1 so that it extends form the base plate 3 and is generally perpendicular thereto -although other arrangements are envisaged. The resilient biasing arrangement 4 preferably has a height (from the base plate 3 to the main body section 2 of the bollard 1 along a longitudinal axis of the main body section 2) of about 150mm.

The resilient biasing arrangement 4 preferably comprises a helical spring 4.

The resilient biasing arrangement 4 is sufficiently rigid such that it is difficult for a human to move the main body section 2 of the bollard 1 out of its first configuration (i.e. the alignment/orientation/position into which it is biased) manually by a substantial amount but it can be moved out of that configuration by a vehicle 10. The resilient biasing arrangement 4 preferably permits the main body section 2 of the bollard to be moved (i.e. deflected about the resilient biasing arrangement 4) against the biasing force on impact by a vehicle from any direction.

In an embodiment, the resilient biasing arrangement 4 may be bolted to the main body section 2 of the bollard 1; the resilient biasing arrangement 4 may be bolted to the base plate 3 or may be integrally formed therewith. In an embodiment, the resilient biasing arrangement 4 is integrally formed with at least part of the main body section 2 of the bollard 1. The term "integrally formed" is intended to include integral casting and the welding or soldering of two originally separate parts. In an embodiment, the resilient biasing arrangement 4 is secured to the main body section 2 of the bollard 1 by one or more counter sunk bolts or threaded bars which may cooperate with a thread in a plate (not shown) at the second end 2b of the main body section 2 of the bollard 1, a plate (not shown) of the resilient biasing arrangement and/or a threaded aperture (not shown) which extends through part of the main body section 2 of the bollard 1 -the threaded bar may be about 300mm in length. The threaded bar may include a hollow bore which aligns with the bore 2d of the main body section 2 of the bollard 1 an permits a cable 3c to pass therethrough.

Attachment arrangements 17 for securing the main body section 2 of the bollard ito the resilient biasing arrangement 4 are shown in figures 8-14 and are described below.

A sheath or gaiter 18 (see figures 13 and 14) may be provided around the resilient biasing arrangement 4 which substantially covers the resilient biasing arrangement 4. The sheath 18 is preferably manufactured out of a flexible material such as rubber (or a synthetic alternative). The sheath 18 is configured to prevent substantial access to the resilient biasing arrangement 4 without removal of the sheath 18. Thus, the sheath 18 acts as a safety arrangement which seeks to prevent or reduce the risk of an object being caught in the resilient biasing arrangement 4 -this can prevent or reduce the risk of injury as well as improving the reliability of the bollard 1.

The cap 5 may include a solar panel 8 (see figure 1) which is in electrical communication with the power distribution unit 6c. The solar panel 8 may be configured to charge a battery (not shown) which forms part of the power distribution unit 6c. The solar panel 8 may also be used to detect dark conditions and to cause activation of the lighting arrangement 6 when a predetermined ambient light condition is met -a separate sensor (not shown) may be used for this purpose (the separate sensor may be installed in the bollard i or may be separate from the bollard 1 but in communication with the power distribution unit 6c).

A speaker and a processing unit (not shown) may be incorporated into the power distribution unit 6c, the sensor arrangement 7, or any other part of the bollard i. In any event, the speaker and processing unit are in electrical communication with the sensor arrangement 7, the lighting arrangement 6 and the power distribution unit 6c of the lighting arrangement 6.

The main body section 2 of the bollard 1 can be constructed in any appropriate conventional manner. Typically, a one or two-piece central pillar will be formed (often from steel). An outer skin is then applied to the central pillar. The outer skin may comprise a plastic or rubber material -including recycled polypropylene for example.

Other typical bollards 1 are constructed from a relatively hard outer cover which forms, for example, a tube. The cavity inside the tube is filled with a plastic material which may have a variable consistency and may include pockets of air.

The outer skin may be black or may be a colour selected for high visibility (e.g. yellow). Alternatively, the outer skin may be painted to an appropriate colour. A fluorescent band (for example, paint or another material) may be provided on the outer skin.

One or more sections of reflective material may be applied to the bollard 1.

For example, a reflective band may be adhered to the bollard around an outer surface thereof. One or more sections of reflective material could even be embedded into the outer skin of the bollard 1 during the manufacturing process.

In use the bollard 1 is installed in, for example, a car park. The bollard 1 may be installed by bolting the base plate 3 to a concrete foundation. An electrical cable 3c may be passed through the bore 2d of the main body section 2 of the bollard 1 and coupled to the components of the bollard 1 (including the sensor arrangement 7, the lighting arrangement 6, and the power distribution unit 6c of the lighting arrangement 6) as described above. The electrical cable 3c may supply power, and/or provide one or more control signals, and/or may permit the transmission of a trigger signal.

Figure 4 shows a vehicle 10 reversing towards a bollard 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 shows the situation when the vehicle 10 impacts the bollard 1.

Due to the resilient biasing arrangement 4, the bollard 1 can move (i.e. deflect about the resilient biasing arrangement 4) out of its first configuration (i.e. from the position in which the main body section 2 is biased relative to the base plate 3) into a second configuration (in which the main body section 2 is not in the first configuration).

When the vehicle 10 moves away from the bollard 1, the bollard 1 will move back towards the first configuration (due to the resilient biasing arrangement 4). Thus, the bollard 1 of an embodiment of the present invention is resistant to impact and ameliorates some of the problems associated with prior bollards (for example, damage to the bollard or foundation in the event of an impact). Movement of the bollard 1 on impact limits damage to the bollard 1 and to the vehicle 10 which impacts the bollard 1. The movement may also help to alert the driver of the vehicle 10 and pedestrians in the area to the impact.

An embodiment of the present invention (when properly installed outside a store) can be used as a security device. In particular, the bollard 1 of this embodiment may be used to hinder so called "ram-raids" (where a vehicle is driven into through, for example, a shop front window to gain access to the shop and steal products from the shop). An example of an embodiment of the present invention which may be used as a security device is shown in figure 3. The bollard 1 of this embodiment has a larger diameter than that of other embodiments and may also be shorter than the bollard 1 of other embodiments. The features described in relation to the other embodiments can equally be applied to this embodiment.

A bollard 1 used as a security device may be installed (as described herein) outside a shop. If a vehicle 10 attempts to ram the shop, then the vehicle 10 will hit the bollard 1.

The sensor arrangement 7 may be configured (in this embodiment) to detect the impact of a vehicle 10 against the bollard 1 and a trigger signal may be transmitted by the sensor arrangement 7 substantially as herein described. In this embodiment, the trigger signal may activate an alarm (for example a pre-recorded siren through the speaker of the bollard 1). The trigger signal may also cause the generation of an alert message which is transmitted to a predetermined address (the address may be, for example, an IP address, an email address, a telephone number or the like). This alert message may be received by the law enforcement authorities who may act on the message to investigate whether or not a ram raid is occurring at the shop.

The trigger signal in this embodiment may cause activation of a recording system which, using a video and/or audio recording device (not shown), records video/audio of the shop and the area immediately surrounding the shop for use in, for example, a subsequent prosecution of the ram raiders.

If a the bollard 1 includes a resilient biasing arrangement 4 (as herein described) which couples the main body section 2 of the bollard 1 to the base plate 3, and an attempt is made to drive the ram raiders' vehicle 10 over the bollard 1, then the bollard 1 may act as a barb (see figure 6). This may prevent or hinder the vehicle 10 from, for example, reversing away from the shop. In this embodiment, a sensor (not shown) may be provided which determines the strain applied to the resilient biasing arrangement 4 and which transmits a trigger signal -as described herein -if the strain exceeds a thresh o Id.

Typically, bollards 1 according to embodiments of the present invention are installed in car parks. Lampposts, signposts or another other form of post disclosed herein could also be installed in a car park.

The sensor arrangement 7 is configured to sense the presence of a vehicle 10 within a predetermined zone (a "sensor zone") relative to the bollard 1. The sensor arrangement 7 may be configured to sense the presence of a vehicle (or multiple vehicles 10 in a plurality of sensor zones).

When the sensor arrangement 7 senses the presence of a vehicle 10 in a predetermined zone a trigger signal is transmitted though the electrical cable 3c with which the sensor arrangement 7 is in electrical communication.

The trigger signal can be received by a number of different elements of embodiments of the present invention and can cause a number of resulting actions to be taken.

A system 11 is provided according to an embodiment of the present invention (see figure 7).

As a result of a trigger signal being transmitted by the sensing arrangement 7, the processing unit of the bollard 1 may cause a pre-recorded message to be played over the speaker of the bollard 1. The message may, for example, be a greeting, information about the local area or a local shop, information about parking regulations or the like.

The processing unit may control the operation of the power distribution unit 6c to cause the lighting arrangement 6 to emit a light. The light may be a particular colour which is different from the colour of the light which may be emitted prior to receipt of the trigger signal by the processing unit. In other words, the power distribution unit 6c may be actuated by the trigger signal to drive operation of the lighting arrangement 6.

The sensor arrangement 7 may also be able to detect the range of a vehicle 10 from the bollard 1. Instead of issuing a single trigger signal, the sensor arrangement 7 may transmit range information to the processing unit. In response the processing unit may control a pre-recorded series of messages alerting a driver of the vehicle, for example, to the proximity of the bollard 1.

The power distribution unit 6c may also be controlled by the processing unit to vary the colour or intensity of the light emitted by the light arrangement 6 dependent on the proximity of the vehicle 10.

In an embodiment, the trigger signal is transmitted through the cable 3c to a network 12. The network 12 may be a local area or a wide area network (such as the Internet). The network 12 may be wired or wireless.

A server 13 may be coupled to the network and configured to receive a trigger signal from the bollard 1. The server 13 may transmit parking information (for example, the number of free parking spaces in a car park) to a display 14. The display 14 may be located outside the car park and provide information to potential users of the car park or may be used by managers of the car park.

The trigger signal transmitted by the bollard 1 preferably includes a substantially unique identifier for that bollard 1. The identifier and the receipt of a trigger signal may be recorded in a storage medium 15 which may be coupled to the server 13. This information can be used to monitor detailed information regarding use of the car park and the particular parking space or spaces with which the bollard 1 is associated.

A user computer 16 may be permitted to connect to the server 13 (over the network 12 or over a separate network (not shown)). The server 13 may issue information regarding the number of free spaces in the car park, and even where those spaces are in the car park. The user computer 16 may be a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a mobile telephone, a personal digital assistant or a similar device.

The server 13 may be coupled to a plurality of bollards 1 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The bollards 1 may be located in a plurality of car parks, a plurality of displays 14 may be provided; a plurality of user computers 16 may be connected to the server 13; a plurality of storage media 15 may be provided; a plurality of networks 12 may be connected to the server 13.

The system 11 could be described (in whole or in part) as a monitoring units which monitors and permits the collection of various different types of usage information for the car park.

It will be appreciated that the roles and functions of various components of the bollard 1 can be combined. For example, the lighting arrangement 6 may include an integral sensor arrangement 7.

It will be appreciated that the resilient biasing arrangement 4 is not an essential part of all embodiments described herein.

It will be further understood that the cable 3c may be used to provide power to the bollard 1 and that this power could be collectively generated and distributed between a plurality of bollards 1 using the cable 3c, the solar panel 8, and the power distribution unit 6c of each bollard 1 involved. In an example of such an embodiment, power generated in a particularly sunny area of a car park can be distributed to bollards 1 in a particularly dark or dim area of the car park. A wind turbine (not shown) could be connected to the cable 3c to provide additional power.

The sensor arrangement 7 may comprise an infra-red sensor, an electromagnetic sensor, a radio detection and ranging sensor (RADAR), an optical sensor, an acoustic sensor, an ultrasonic ranging sensor, or any combination thereof. A skilled person will appreciate that other forms of sensor may also be suitable for use in the sensor arrangement.

Figures 8 and 9 depict bollard attachment arrangements 17 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The attachment arrangement 17 may comprise a base plate 3 (substantially as described above). The attachment arrangement 17 includes a resilient biasing arrangement 4 which is preferably coupled to the base plate 3 at one end thereof and coupled to a bollard receiving cup or socket 19 at the opposing end thereof (i.e. the resilient biasing arrangement 4 may be disposed between the cup 19 and the base plate 19).

The bollard receiving cup 19 may have a square cross-section (as shown in figure 8) or a circular cross-section (as shown in figure 9) or may have a different cross-section depending on the cross-sectional shape of the main body 2 of the bollard which the cup 19 is intended to receive.

The bollard receiving cup 19 is generally sized such that in internal cavity (defined by the walls of the cup 19 and an abutment or base surface at the base of the cup) may receive part of the main body section 2 of a bollard 1 therein. In other words, the dimensions of the internal cavity of the cup 19 as defined by the walls of the cup 19 are substantially equal to or greater than the corresponding dimensions of the main body section 2 of the bollard 1 which the cup 19 is intended to receive.

The attachment arrangements 17 generally as depicted in figures 8 and 9 are shown in figures 10 and 11 with part of the main body section 2 of respective bollards 1 received by the bollard receiving cups 19 thereof. An end surface of each main body section 2 of the respective bollards 1 is abutting the abutment surfaces of the respective cups 19 in these figures (although this cannot be seen).

A bollard 1 may be secured to one of the attachment arrangements 17 by, for example, a screw (not shown) which passes through a hole or aperture (not shown) in the side wall of the cup 19 of the arrangement 17 into the side of the main body section 2 of the bollard 1. The screw may be counter-sunk in the side wall of the cup 19. More than one screw may be provided and each screw may be provided though a different one of the side walls of the cup 19.

In addition, more than one such screws may be provided through a single side wall of the cup 19. The or each screw is sufficiently long to pass through the side wall of the cup 19 and into the main body section 2 of the bollard 1.

In an embodiment, the bollard receiving cup 19 of an attachment arrangement 17 has a depth (i.e. the distance from the top of the cup 19 to the abutment surface at the base of the cup 19) which is substantially equal to the height of the resilient biasing arrangement 4 (i.e. the distance from the base plate 3 to the outside surface of the base of the cup 19).

The resilient biasing arrangement 4 in embodiments of the present invention is a helical spring with at least one or more turns. Preferably, as shown in figures 8-14 for example, the helical spring has at least three turns.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the attachment arrangement 17 comprises a cylindrical shaft 20 (see figure 12). The shaft 20 is coupled to an abutment surface which is preferably a surface of an upper plate 21. The upper plate 21 has a cross-sectional shape and size which generally matches the cross-sectional shape and size of the main body section 2 of the bollard 1 to which the attachment arrangement 17 is to be coupled. In the case of figure 12, a upper plate 21 with a generally circular cross-sectional shape is depicted (in phantom).

The shaft 20 which extends from the upper plate 21 in figure 12 comprises a cylindrical pipe section which defines a hollow interior 20a. The shaft 20 is preferably rigid. An external surface of the shaft 20 is preferably substantially smooth (i.e. not threaded) although a threaded shaft 20 is envisaged for some embodiments. The shaft 20 is configured to be received by a correspondingly shaped cavity or bore (not shown) through the main body section 2 of a bollard 1. The shaft 20 has a height (from the abutment surface of the base plate 21 to the distal end of the shaft 20) which is less than the height of the main body section 2 of the bollard 1 to which the attachment arrangement 17 is to be coupled. In an embodiment, the height of the shaft 20 is less than half the height of the main body section 2 of the bollard 1 to which the attachment arrangement 17 is to be coupled. In an embodiment, the height of the shaft 20 is approximately one third of the height of the main body section 2 of the bollard 1 to which the attachment arrangement 17 is to be coupled.

As with the embodiments of figures 8-11, one or more screws may be provided to secure the main body section 2 of a bollard 1 to the attachment arrangement 17 shown in figure 12. In this embodiment, the screws will pass through at least part of the main body section 2 of the bollard 1 and into appropriately sized and shaped holes defined by the wall of the shaft 20.

The embodiments shown in figures 13 and 14 are similar to the embodiments depicted in figures 10 and 11 except that these embodiments include a sheath 18 (as described above).

The attachment arrangements 17 may include apertures through the base plate 3, cup 19, and/or upper plate 21 to permit a cable 3c to be passed therethrough -as described above.

Thus, the attachment arrangements 17 of embodiments of the present invention (as shown, for example, in figures 8-14) can be used to retrofit existing bollards 1.

Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention include a method of retrofitting a resilient biasing arrangement 4 to a bollard 1. The bollard 1 may already be in place; for example, the bollard 1 may be installed in a car park and embedded in a concrete foundation -as is the custom in the art.

A cutting device may be used to cut the bulk of the main body section 2 of the bollard 1 from its concrete foundation. This process may leave a portion of the bollard 1 embedded with in the concrete foundation. If necessary, an uneven portion of the portion of the bollard which is still embedded in the concrete foundation which projects above the top of the concrete foundation may be abraded to provide a substantially even or flat surface (which may be aligned with and parallel to ground level).

The severed main body section 2 of the bollard 1 may be secured to an attachment arrangement 17 as depicted in, for example, figure 9. As such, the severed end of the main body section 2 of the bollard us inserted into the cup 19 until an end surface of the severed main body section 2 of the bollard 1 abuts the abutment surface at the base of cavity (or receptacle) defined by the cup 19. To this end, the diameter of the internal cavity of the cup 19 is marginally larger than the outer diameter of the severed end of the main body section 2 of the bollard 1. One or more screws are then passed through appropriately positioned holes in the side wall of the cup 19 into the main body section 2 of the bollard 1.

The bollard 1, including the attachment arrangement 17, may then be secured to the ground in an upright orientation (with the main body section 2 of the bollard extending substantially vertically). Indeed, the bollard 1 may be secured to the ground in substantially the same location as the location in which the original bollard 1 stood. The bollard 1 is secured to the ground by, for example, passing bolts 3e through the respective holes 3d in the base plate 3 of the attachment arrangement 17 into the ground or a suitable coupling arrangement (not shown).

If necessary, the severed main body section 2 of the bollard 1 may be trimmed prior to fitting to the attachment arrangement 17 so that the resulting bollard 1, including the attachment arrangement, is substantially the same height (from the base plate 3 to the distal end of the bollard 1) as the distance which the original bollard 1 (prior to being severed from its foundation) extended above ground level.

In a similar manner, the severed main body section 2 of the bollard 1 could be secured to an attachment arrangement 17 as depicted in figure 12.

Accordingly, if the main body section 2 of the bollard 1 does not include a bore which is suitable to receive the shaft 20 of the attachment arrangement 17, then such a bore may be created by the use of a drill (for example). The severed main body section 2 of the bollard 1 may then be secured to the attachment arrangement 17 by passing the shaft of the attachment arrangement 17 through the bore of the main body section 2 until an end surface of the bollard 1 abuts against the abutment surface (for example of the upper plate 21) of the attachment arrangement 17.

If the shaft 20 has been provided with suitable holes, then one or more screws may be passed through the wall of the main body section 2 of the bollard 1 and into the shaft 20 to secure the main body section 2 to the attachment arrangement to form the finished bollard 1. In an embodiment, the shaft 20 does not have preformed holes for this purpose; instead, after the shaft 20 has been inserted into the bore of the main body section 2 of the bollard 1, one or more appropriately sized holes are drilled through the wall of the main body section 2 of the bollard 1 and into the shaft 20. In accordance with this embodiment, no issue is created by the alignment of the or each hole in the shaft 20 with the path of the screw (or screws) through the main body section 2 of the bollard 1.

It will be appreciated, that the attachment arrangements 17 described above could also be used in relation to new bollards (which have not been severed from their foundations).

The attachment arrangement 17 including the shaft 20 is advantageous because the same attachment arrangement can be fitted to bollards 1 of various different forms, shapes and sizes.

The attachment arrangements 17 described above are advantageous because they help to ensure that the main body section 2 of the bollard 1 is securely fitted to the resilient biasing arrangement 4. This is a particular issue when the resilient biasing arrangement 4 if coupled to a main body section 2 of a bollard 1 with an internal construction which is relatively weak or inconsistent (and, therefore, hinders the reliability of bolts driven directly into the internal structure of the main body section 2 as the only securing means).

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention (see figure 15), a resilient biasing arrangement 4 is provided at a distal end of a lamp post or large sign post 22 (references herein to a lamppost include a large signpost). In general, a bollard, a lamppost, a signpost and the like can be classified as different types of post.

In this embodiment, the resilient biasing arrangement 4 is typically stiffer than in the above described embodiments (for example, the surface area of a lamppost is considerably larger than that of a bollard and thus is affected by wind forces to a greater extent). The resilient biasing arrangement 4 of this embodiment may be sufficiently stiff (i.e. resistant to bending) that a lamppost 22 to which the resilient biasing arrangement 4 is secured will remain in substantially the normal position (typically vertical) when the lamppost 22 is exposed to normal wind speeds; preferably, the lamppost 22 will remain substantially in the normal position when exposed to gale force winds.

The resilient biasing arrangement 4 may be coupled to a base plate 3.

The resilient biasing arrangement 4 may be secured to the lamppost 22 in the same manner as the resilient biasing arrangement 4 may be secured to the main body section 2 of the bollard 1 as described above -including the use of an attachment arrangement 17.

If a vehicle collides with lamppost 22, then the resilient biasing arrangement 4 is configured such that the lamppost 22 will be deflected (resiliently) from its normal position. This reduces the likelihood of the damage to the lamppost 22 being sufficient to require the lamppost 22 to be replaced.

Embodiments of the present invention including a stop arrangement 23 are depicted in figures 16 to 18. The stop arrangement 23 may be applied to any of the embodiments of the present invention described herein (including but not limited to bollards 1 with main body sections 2 of various different cross-sectional shapes).

The stop arrangement 23 is secured to the base plate 3; this may be achieved by integral forming of the stop arrangement 23 and the base plate 3, adhering the stop arrangement 23 to the base plate 3, or bolting the stop arrangement 23 to the base plate 3 (although it is envisaged that other securing mechanisms could be utilised or, indeed, combinations of mechanisms could be used).

The stop arrangement 23 extends from the base plate 3 towards the adjacent part of the main body section 2 of the bollard 1 (or the cup 19, if present).

The stop arrangement 23 may comprise a post or rod (as shown in figures 16 and 17), or a collar (as shown in figure 18).

In the case of the embodiment depicted in figure 16, the stop arrangement 23 has a length which is greater than the height of the resilient biasing arrangement 4. A distal end of the stop arrangement 23 is adjacent an end of the main body section 2 (or cup 19 or upper plate 21, if present) of the bollard 1. The stop arrangement 23 may be in contact with the main body section 2 (or cup 19 or upper plate 21, if present) of the bollard 1 or may be spaced apart therefrom. Preferably, the stop arrangement 23 has a length which is 2.5cm greater than the height of the resilient biasing arrangement 4.

In the case of the embodiment depicted in figure 17, the stop arrangement 23 has a length which is slightly less than the height resilient biasing arrangement 4 and the stop arrangement 23 is located beneath the main body section 2 (or cup 19 or upper plate 21, if present) of the bollard 1.

In the case of the embodiment depicted in figure 18, the stop arrangement 23 comprises a collar which is similar to the embodiment of figure 16 except the collar extends around a greater portion of the main body section 2 (or cup 19 or upper plate 21, if present) of the bollard 1. More specifically, the collar comprises an arcuate element with a degree of curvature which corresponds to a degree of curvature of the main body section 2 of the bollard 1. One or more bracket elements extend from the collar and allow the collar to be bolted to the base plate 3 using the same holes 3d as are used to secure the base plate 3 to, for example, the ground.

In use, when the main body section 2 of the bollard 1 is deflected from its normal position or orientation (e.g. vertical) by a deflecting force which is later removed. The main body section 2 will, under the influence of the resilient biasing arrangement 4, attempt to return to its normal orientation. In practice this may mean that the main body section 2 of the bollard 1 is carried through its normal position, by the momentum of the main body section 2, before coming to rest in its normal position. The stop arrangement 23 is configured to limit movement of the main body section 2 of the bollard in a certain direction in such circumstances. This limiting effect is achieved by abutment of the stop arrangement 23 with a respective part of the main body section 2 (or cup 19 or upper plate 21, if present) of the bollard 1.

The limiting of the movement of the main body section 2 of the bollard 1 can be useful if there is an object (such as a vehicle) located near the bollard 1.

Unwanted movement of the main body section 2 of the bollard 1 towards the object can be limited by use of the stop arrangement 23. This can reduce or eliminate the risk of the bollard 1 hitting the object.

The collar of the embodiment of figure 18 limits movement of the main body section 2 of the bollard 1 in a larger range of directions than is the case with the embodiments of figures 16 and 17.

In an embodiment (not depicted), the rod or post 23 as depicted in figure 17 includes an additional abutment member connected to an end of the rod or post which has a proximal location with respect to the main body section 2 bollard 1. The additional abutment member is preferably made of the same material as the rod or post (and may be integrally formed therewith). The additional abutment member has a first section which extends radially outwards parallel to the adjacent end of the main body section 2 of the bollard 1 (or cup 19 or upper plate 21, if present) and a second section which extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the main body section 2 of the bollard 1 along an outer side surface thereof (or of the cup 19 or upper plate 21, if present). The additional abutment member may be integrally formed with the rod or post 23. In other words, the post or rod of this embodiment is attached to the base plate 3 at a location beneath the main body section 2 of the bollard 1, but has a stepped arrangement such that a portion of the post or rod (i.e. the second section of the additional abutment member) is configured to abut against part of the main body section 2 of the bollard 1 (or the cup 19, if present). In this embodiment, the first section of the additional abutment member may be configured to abut against the end of the main body section 2 of the bollard 1 (or the cup, if present). In further embodiments, the additional abutment member may comprise only the first section, or may comprise both the first and second sections. The second section of the additional abutment member is preferably approximately 3cm long.

It is envisaged that more than one stop arrangements 23 could be used in relation to a single bollard 1.

Bolting (as opposed to welding, for example) of the stop arrangement 23 to the base plate 3 makes the stop arrangement 23 easier to replace in the event of damage.

Stop arrangements 23 of various different sizes and shapes are envisaged.

Figure 19 shows a stop arrangement for a bollard 1 with a square cross-section.

I will be understood that a stop arrangement 23 could be connected to the main body section 2 of the bollard 1 (or the cup 19 or upper plate 21 if present). Such a stop arrangement 23 (not depicted) could abut against part of the base plate 3, a support surface to which the base plate 3 is connected, or the resilient biasing arrangement 4 to achieve the same effect.

The stop arrangement 23 is, in some embodiments (not depicted), covered by the gaiter 18.

It will be understood that one or more bollards 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention and including a stop arrangement 23 could be located in a car park. Bollards 1 of this type could be fitted in the car park to demarcate, for example, parking bays. The stop arrangement 23 (or arrangements) of each bollard 1 could be positioned with respect to the main body section 2 of the bollard 1 such that it is adjacent the parking bay and prevents excessive movement of the main body section 2 of the bollard 1 into the parking bay (which may, for example, contain a vehicle). This arrangement can be used, therefore, to limit damage which may occur to a vehicle in a parking bay by unwanted movement of the main body section 2 of the bollard 1 towards the vehicle. However, movement away from the parking bay (perhaps caused by a vehicle hitting the bollard 1) is not substantially prevented.

As will be appreciated, the terms "orientation" and "position" have been used above to describe the angular deflection of a post about the resilient biasing arrangement.

The term "base plate" as used above encompasses other forms of base 3.

Aspects of embodiments include: A bollard comprising: a main body section having a first and a second end; a lighting arrangement attached to the main body section; and a sensor arrangement attached to the main body section and disposed between the first and second ends of the main body section for detecting the presence of a vehicle within a sensor zone, wherein the sensor arrangement is operable to transmit a trigger signal to a remote monitoring unit in response to a sensed vehicle.

Preferably, the sensor arrangement is further operable to actuate the lighting arrangement.

Advantageously, the bollard further comprises a resilient biasing arrangement attached to the main body section and which is attachable to a surface, wherein the resilient biasing arrangement is adapted to bias the bollard into a first configuration with respect to a surface when the arrangement is attached to the surface and to permit deflection of the bollard from the first configuration.

Conveniently, the main body section is substantially fully supported with respect to the surface by the resilient biasing arrangement.

Preferably, the bollard further comprises a solar panel coupled to the lighting arrangement and located towards the first end of the main body section.

Advantageously, the lighting arrangement comprises one or more light emitting diodes.

Conveniently, the bollard further comprises a domed cap at the first end of the main body section.

Preferably, the domed cap is integrally formed with the main body section.

Preferably, the domed cap is moveable with respect to the main body section between a first configuration in which the lighting arrangement can be accessed and a second configuration in which the lighting arrangement cannot be accessed.

Conveniently, the lighting arrangement is configured to emit light in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the main body section.

A monitoring system comprising: a bollard; and a remote monitoring system configured to receive a trigger signal from the bollard and update a record associated with the bollard in response to the trigger signal.

A car park comprising at least one parking space for a vehicle and a car park monitoring system.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

Claims: 1. An attachment arrangement for connecting a post forming part of a bollard, lamppost, or signpost to a support surface, the attachment arrangement comprising: a base configured to be connected to a support surface; a main body receiving cup; and a resilient biasing arrangement connected to and disposed between the base and the main body receiving cup, wherein the main body receiving cup forms a receptacle adapted to receive a main body section of a post, such that a main body section of a post received by the cup can be deflected about the resilient biasing arrangement with respect to the base.
2. An attachment arrangement according to claim 1, further comprising a stop arrangement configured to limit deflection in at least one direction of a main body section of a post received by the cup about the resilient biasing arrangement with respect to the base.
3. An attachment arrangement according to claim 2, wherein the stop arrangement is attached to the base and is configured to limit deflection of a main body section of a post received by the cup about the resilient biasing arrangement by abutment against a part of the post or the main body receiving cup.
4. An attachment arrangement according to claim 3, wherein the stop arrangement comprises a collar which partially surrounds the resilient biasing arrangement.
5. An attachment arrangement according to claim 3, wherein the stop arrangement comprises a rod.
6. An attachment arrangement according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the stop arrangement further comprises at least one bracket element configured to attach the stop arrangement to the base.
7. An attachment arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the cup comprises a base member and an outer circumferential wall secured to the base member, the base member and outer circumferential wall defining the receptacle and the outer circumferential wall defines one or more apertures, each aperture being arranged to receive a screw and to permit the screw to extend into a main body section of a post received by the cup to secure the main body section to the cup.
8. An attachment arrangement for retro-fitting to an existing post, and a post, the attachment arrangement comprising: a base configured to be connected to a support surface; a shaft configured to be received inside a corresponding bore of the post to connect the post to the shaft, wherein the shaft has a length which is less than a length of the post; a resilient biasing arrangement disposed between the shaft and the base such that the post connected to the shaft can be deflected about the resilient biasing arrangement with respect to the base.
9. An attachment arrangement and post according to claim 8, wherein the bore and post are co-axial.
10. An attachment arrangement and post according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the shaft is less than half the length of the post.
11. An attachment arrangement and post according to any one of claims 8 to 9, further comprising a stop arrangement configured to limit deflection in at least one direction of the post connected to the shaft about the resilient biasing arrangement with respect to the base.
12. An attachment arrangement and post according to claim 11, wherein the stop arrangement is attached to the base and is configured to limit deflection of the post connected to the shaft about the resilient biasing arrangement by abutment against a part of the post or attachment arrangement.
13. An attachment arrangement and post according to claim 12, wherein the stop arrangement comprises a collar which partially surrounds the resilient biasing arrangement.
14. An attachment arrangement and post according to claim 12, wherein the stop arrangement comprises a rod.
15. An attachment arrangement and post according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the stop arrangement further comprises at least one bracket element configured to attach the stop arrangement to the base.
16. An attachment arrangement and post according to any one of claims 8 to 15, wherein the post is a bollard.
17. An attachment arrangement and post according to any one of claims 8 to 15, wherein the post is part of a lamppost or signpost.
18. An attachment arrangement for connecting a main body section of a post to a support surface, the attachment arrangement comprising: a base configured to be connected to a support surface; a post attachment element arranged to be connected to a post; a resilient biasing arrangement disposed between the base and post attachment element, such that a post connected to the post attachment element can be deflected about the resilient biasing arrangement with respect to the base; and a stop arrangement configured to limit deflection of the post about the resilient biasing arrangement with respect to the base in at least one direction.
19. An attachment arrangement according to claim 18, wherein the stop arrangement is attached to the base and is configured to limit deflection of the post about the resilient biasing arrangement by abutment against the part of a post connected to the post attachment element or the post attachment element.
20. An attachment arrangement according to claim 19, wherein the stop arrangement comprises a collar which partially surrounds the resilient biasing arrangement.
21. An attachment arrangement according to claim 19, wherein the stop arrangement comprises a rod.
22. An attachment arrangement according to any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the stop arrangement further comprises at least one bracket element configured to attach the stop arrangement to the base.
23. A bollard including an attachment arrangement according to any one of claims ito 7 and 18 to 22.
24. A lamppost including an attachment arrangement according to any one of claims ito 7 and i8 to 22.
25. A car park including at least one bollard according to claim 23 or post and attachment arrangement according to claim i6 or lamppost according to claim 24 or post and attachment arrangement according to claim i6.
26. A method of attaching a post to a support surface comprising: connecting a main body section of a post to a main body receiving cup of an attachment arrangement; connecting a base of the attachment arrangement to a support surface, wherein a resilient biasing arrangement of the attachment arrangement is disposed between the base and the main body receiving cup, and the main body receiving cup forms a receptacle adapted to receive the main body section of the post, such that the main body section of the post received by the cup can be deflected about the resilient biasing arrangement with respect to the base.
27. A method of attaching a post to a support surface comprising: boring a hole through at least part of a length of a post; connecting a main body section of the post to a shaft of an attachment arrangement; connecting a base of the attachment arrangement to a support surface, wherein a resilient biasing arrangement of the attachment arrangement is disposed between the base and shaft of the attachment arrangement, the shaft is configured to be received inside the bore of the post to connect the post to the shaft, and the shaft has a length which is less than a length of the post, such that the main body section of the post connected to the shaft can be deflected about the resilient biasing arrangement with respect to the base.
28. A method according to claim 26 or 27, further comprising the initial steps of: locating a post connected to a support surface; and removing the post from the support surface.
29. A method according to any one of claims 26 to 28 further comprising the step of: connecting a stop arrangement to the attachment arrangement, the stop arrangement being configured to limit deflection in at least one direction of the main body section of the post about the resilient biasing arrangement with respect to the base.
30. A method according to claim 29, wherein the stop arrangement is connected to the base of the attachment arrangement.
31. A method according to claim 30, wherein the stop arrangement comprises a collar which partially surrounds the resilient biasing arrangement.
32. A method according to claim 30, wherein the stop arrangement comprises a rod.
33. A method according to any one of claims 29 to 32, wherein the stop arrangement further comprises at least one bracket element configured to attach the stop arrangement to the base.
34. A method of attaching a post to a support surface comprising: connecting a main body section of a post to an attachment element of an attachment arrangement; connecting a base of the attachment arrangement to a support surface; and connecting a stop arrangement to the attachment arrangement, the stop arrangement being configured to limit deflection in at least one direction of the main body section of the post about a resilient biasing arrangement of the attachment arrangement with respect to the base, wherein the resilient biasing arrangement is disposed between the base and attachment element, such that the main body section of the post connected to the attachment element can be deflected about the resilient biasing arrangement with respect to the base.
35. A method of fitting one or more bollards in a car park, the method comprising the attaching a bollard to one or more support surfaces of the car park according to any of claims 26 to 35.
36. An attachment arrangement substantially as herein before described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
37. An attachment arrangement and post substantially as herein before described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
38. A method substantially as herein before described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
39. A bollard substantially as herein before described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
40. A car park substantially as herein before described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
41. A lamppost substantially as herein before described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
42. Any novel feature or combination of novel features disclosed herein.