GB2555529A

GB2555529A - Barrier

Info

Publication number: GB2555529A
Application number: GB1714612.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Celik Alexander; Stevens Wayne; Michael Hopkinson John; Malcolm Snow Gary
Original assignee: Rosehill Polymers Group Ltd
Current assignee: Rosehill Polymers Group Ltd
Priority date: 2016-09-12
Filing date: 2017-09-12
Publication date: 2018-05-02
Anticipated expiration: 2037-09-12
Also published as: WO2018046960A1; GB201714612D0; GB2555529B

Abstract

The barrier 2 comprises a deformable resilient body having an L-shaped profile made up of two limbs 10 extending longitudinally and meeting at a vertex 12, the body comprising connection portions for connecting the body to another barrier. The connection portions may comprise at least one male locking member 19b at a first edge and at least one female locking member 19a at a second, opposed edge. The connection portion may comprise a pin having two legs, one leg being received in an aperture 22 in one barrier and the other leg being received in an aperture 22 in a neighbouring barrier. The connection portions may comprise an internal passageway 20 for accommodating a robe, cable, chain, tape, or rod which connects adjacent barriers. The barrier may comprise a wire mesh fence. The barrier may be of rubber reclaimed from vehicle tyres. Also claimed is a method of manufacturing the barrier comprising pressing a resilient material together in a mould.

Description

(56) Documents Cited:

GB 2434595 A GB 2248867 A

EP 0305624 A1 WO 2013/045910 A1

US 5033905 A (58) Field of Search:

INT CL E01F Other: EPODOC, WPI (71) Applicant(s):

Rosehill Polymers Group Limited

Rose Hill Mills, Beech Road, SOWERBY BRIDGE,

West Yorkshire, HX6 2JT, United Kingdom (72) Inventor(s):

Alexander Celik Wayne Stevens John Michael Hopkinson Gary Malcolm Snow (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

Mohun Intellectual Property Limited

13/14 Park Place, LEEDS, LS1 2SJ, United Kingdom (54) Title of the Invention: Barrier

Abstract Title: Barrier to delineate roadway and non-roadway regions (57) The barrier 2 comprises a deformable resilient body having an L-shaped profile made up of two limbs 10 extending longitudinally and meeting at a vertex 12, the body comprising connection portions for connecting the body to another barrier. The connection portions may comprise at least one male locking member 19b at a first edge and at least one female locking member 19a at a second, opposed edge. The connection portion may comprise a pin having two legs, one leg being received in an aperture 22 in one barrier and the other leg being received in an aperture 22 in a neighbouring barrier. The connection portions may comprise an internal passageway 20 for accommodating a robe, cable, chain, tape, or rod which connects adjacent barriers. The barrier may comprise a wire mesh fence. The barrier may be of rubber reclaimed from vehicle tyres. Also claimed is a method of manufacturing the barrier comprising pressing a resilient material together in a mould.

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BARRIER

The present invention relates to a barrier, such as for use in or near roadways for preventing vehicles and/or people/animals from crossing a threshold, and particularly although not exclusively to delineate roadway and nonroadway regions,

Background

A barrier constructed from a deformable resilient material with two limbs, together forming a barrier with a substantially perpendicular or V-shaped cross-section is known from W02013/045910 .

This type of barrier is known to be superior to other wellknown previous types of barriers such as a concrete or brick wall or a resilient metal strip. Such prior barriers are commonly found at the sides of roads or in central reservations or at the perimeters of sites. Barriers of the known previous type described above have two major disadvantages: firstly, they require a lot of time, preparation and materials to install; and secondly, because of their strength they can cause significant damage to a vehicle if it impacts upon them. Furthermore, the previous barriers can often readily be weaponised as they readily break up on impact into a number of pieces which may cause damage and/or injury to nearby buildings and people.

A further type of previously considered barrier is a hollow container, usually of plastics material, which is placed and then filled with water or sand to give it significant weight.

The plastics container type barrier has advantages in certain situations, but has the disadvantages of being easily damaged by a vehicle impact, so that it may lose the water or sand filling and become ineffective, and it may also be so heavy that it may damage a vehicle on impact.

Embodiments of the present invention aim to provide a barrier for use on or near a roadway in which the above mentioned shortcomings are addressed.

Statements of Invention

The present invention is defined in the attached independent claims, to which reference should now be made. Further, preferred features may be found in the sub-claims appended thereto .

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a barrier comprising a deformable resilient body, having a generally L-shaped profile made up of two limb portions extending longitudinally of the body, and meeting at a vertex so as to define an angle between them, wherein the body comprises connection portions for connecting the body to another barrier.

The barrier preferably comprises a moulding. In a preferred arrangement the body comprises a single, integral moulding. The connection portions preferably comprise integrally moulded portions.

The limbs may be connected together substantially edge to edge to form a substantially perpendicular, or L-shaped/Vshaped cross-section.

The connection portions may comprise male and female complementary locking portions. Preferably the body includes at least one male locking portion and at least one female locking portion. The shape and/or size of the male locking portion is preferably arranged for insertion in a complementary female locking portion of another, adjacent barrier In use. The shape and/or size of the female locking portion is preferably arranged to receive a complementary male portion of another, adjacent barrier in use.

The connection portions are preferably arranged on edge regions, more preferably substantially transversely extending edge regions, of the body. There may be at least one male locking portion on a first edge of the body and there may be at least one female locking portion on a second, opposed edge of the body. Alternatively, or in addition, there may be at least one male locking portion and at least one female locking portion at each edge.

In a particularly preferred arrangement, the body has two male locking members at a first edge and two female locking members at a second, opposed edge.

Optionally, the two limbs are substantially equal in width.

Preferably, the connection portion comprises at least one pair of locking portions, for engagement with corresponding locking portions of a neighbouring barrier.

Each pair of locking portions may comprise one male and one female portion.

Axes of the locking portions may be substantially parallel to longitudinal edges of the limbs.

The locking portions may have a substantially uniform crosssection, which may be substantially circular, rectangular, or trapezoidal cross-section.

The locking portions may have a tapered profile.

The barrier may have at least one pair of locking portions in each limb.

Alternatively, or in addition, the connecting portion may comprise at least one aperture/recess for receiving a joining member.

The barrier may be arranged in use to be joined to at least one other barrier by a common joining member.

The joining member may comprise a pin member, preferably a staple pin having two legs, wherein one leg of the pin member may be arranged to be received in the aperture of one barrier and another leg of the pin member may be arranged to be received in the aperture of a neighbouring barrier.

The connecting portion may comprise an internal passageway for accommodating a connecting member. The internal passageway may be reinforced, for example by having a tube portion extending therein. This provides additional stiffness as well as providing a low-friction aperture for easier insertion of the connecting member. The barrier may be arranged to be connectable to at least one adjacent barrier by the connecting member, which connecting member may comprise an elongate member such as a rope, cable, chain, tape, rod or similar. The connecting member may be flexible or may be substantially rigid.

The barrier may be arranged in use to be joined in series with at least one other barrier to form a greater barrier, or a barrier system.

Optionally, the barrier may comprise one or more upright panel portions .

The panel portion may comprise a fence or screen, such as more preferably a wire mesh fence,

The panel portion may comprise one or more panel supports for insertion into one or more support sockets of the barrier.

The support sockets may comprise a channel located at one, and more preferably both edges of the barrier. The channel may be located in one or both limbs of the barrier. Preferably, the channel may be at least half the depth of the supports so that when barriers are placed adjacent one another the channels in neighbouring barriers together form an aperture for receiving, and substantially enclosing, the support.

The barrier may be arranged to support a panel alone. Alternatively, or in addition, the barrier may be arranged to share the support of a panel with another barrier.

Preferably, the deformable resilient material is an elastomeric material, which may advantageously be natural, man-made, rubber, or composite, and may include a binder material.

In a preferred embodiment, the rubber is reclaimed rubber from vehicle tyres, more preferably bound with a polymeric binder system, which may comprise polyurethane.

Preferably, the barrier comprises a moulding/pressing.

Advantageously, the angle between the limbs is chosen such that the centre of mass of the barrier lies above the lower of the two limbs.

Preferably, the angle between the limbs is substantially a right angle. A right angle between the limbs provides the advantage of good stability.

In a preferred embodiment, one or both of the inwardly-facing surfaces of the limbs is concave in the region nearest the vertex between them and convex in the region furthest away from the vertex between them.

Advantageously, one or both of the outwardly-facing surfaces of the limbs is convex in the region nearest the vertex between them and concave in the region furthest away from the vertex between them.

Preferably, the region of the vertex between the two limbs has a convex outer surface and a concave inner surface.

This configuration provides stability because the barrier can rest on the ground on two parts of the lower of the limbs. Because the parts of the limb near the ground form an arched profile the barrier, or barrier system formed of a plurality of barriers, can rest stably on uneven or contoured ground.

The arched profile also allows for deformation during a vehicle impact, enabling the barrier to remain in frictional contact with the ground so as to minimise the displacement of the barrier caused by the vehicle impact.

In a preferred embodiment, the part of the limb furthest away from the vertex between the limbs may have a cross section which forms a part/section of a circle.

The configuration also enables a barrier system formed of such barriers to be lightweight relative to previously disclosed barriers.

In a first mode of use, the barrier may be arranged so that the lower limb faces outwards towards potentially oncoming vehicles .

If a vehicle impacts the barrier or barriers substantially in parallel with it or them, the vehicle will bounce back away from the barrier to re-join the roadway or the vehicle''s wheels will become trapped between the limbs so that the vehicle then continues in parallel with the barrier before coming to a halt. In either scenario, the weight of the vehicle causes the barrier to flex, flattening the curvature of the lower limb towards the ground. At the same time, the upper limb flexes inwardly towards the wheel or wheels of the vehicle, generating additional friction between the barrier and the wheel or wheels of the vehicle, and thereby slowing the vehicle.

In a second mode of use, the barrier may be arranged so that the lower limb faces inwards away from potentially oncoming vehicles, and the upper limb faces outwards towards potentially oncoming vehicles.

If a vehicle impacts the barrier with a significant momentum perpendicular to the barrier, the barrier will roll in the direction of the vehicle's momentum. The size of the barrier will be chosen so as to suit the likely size and speed of potentially-impacting vehicles. In most cases the vehicle will come to a stop with the barrier underneath the vehicle. This limits further movement by the impacting vehicle, by entrapping the vehicle. This would prevent any following vehicle from passing through the barrier.

In a third mode of usage, the barrier may be arranged so that both limbs rest on the ground to form an inverted Vshape. An impacting vehicle will cause the barrier to flex downwards, with an equivalent opposing force being imparted on the vehicle. This may urge/direct the vehicle back towards its intended path.

An embodiment of the present invention may have a limb width or height of approximately 450-500 mm. This size may be suitable for use in town centres and for vehicles travelling at approximately 15-20 miles per hour.

A further embodiment of the present may have a limb width or height of approximately 750-820.

A further embodiment of the present may have a limb width or height of approximately 970-1020.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a barrier system comprising a plurality of barriers joined together, wherein at least some of the barriers are in accordance with any statement herein.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of forming a barrier system, the method comprising joining together a plurality of barriers, in accordance with any statement herein.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a barrier, the method comprising pressing a resilient material together in a mould to form a barrier, in accordance with any statement herein.

The invention may include any combination of the features of limitations referred to herein, except such a combination of features as are mutually exclusive, or mutually inconsistent.

Brief description of the Figures

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a barrier according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a sectional view of a barrier according to the embodiment of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a barrier system comprising a plurality of barriers according to a second embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a staple pin for use with the embodiment of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a transparent perspective view of a barrier system comprising a plurality of barriers according to the embodiment of Figure 3;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a barrier comprising a panel portion according to an embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a portion of a barrier comprising a plurality of panel portions according to an embodiment of the invention.

In the following description, like reference numerals are used to denote like features.

Specific Description

Figures 1-3 show a barrier 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention, having two parallel limbs 10 meeting at vertex 12. The angle between limbs 10 is approximately ninety degrees. The inwardly-facing surfaces 14 of each limb 10 are tightly concave near the vertex 12 and convex further away from the vertex 12. The outwardly-facing surfaces 16 of each limb 10 are convex near the vertex 12 and concave further away from the vertex 12. The interface between the inwardly-facing and outwardly-facing surfaces of each limb 10 form a tightly-curving convex surface 18.

The limbs 10 are shaped so that away from the vertex 12 between the limbs 10 the limbs 10 are deeper than they are nearer the vertex 12. This gives a bulbous shape to each limb 10,

The barrier 2 has at least two support apertures/recesses 22 per limb 10, for accepting support poles of panel portions, such as warning signage, fences, or similar items, as will be discussed in relation to Figures 6 and 7 below. Furthermore, each barrier 2 comprises one or more connecting portions for joining neighbouring barriers 2a, 2b, 2c.

Figures 1 and 2 show a first embodiment of the invention, wherein the connecting portion comprises one or more locking features. Each limb 10 has a pair of corresponding locking portions 19a, 19b. Locking portion 19a is a female portion and locking portion 19b is a male portion. The locking portions 19a and 19b have a substantially constant trapezoidal cross-section, matching each other in shape are size so that the portion 19a of one barrier can engage with a corresponding portion 19b of a neighbouring barrier. The locking portions 19A and 19B are located and oriented so that the widest point of each locking portion 19a, 19b is substantially at the widest point of the limb 10. The trapezoid is oriented so that each locking portion 19a, 19b narrows towards the vertex 12, in common with the profile of the limb 10 itself.

It will be appreciated that each end of the limb may comprise one female portion 19a and one male portion 19b. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the locking portions 19a, 19b may be of a different shape, such as substantially circular or substantially rectangular, for example.

When the barriers are thus connected, they resist separation, particularly by forces acting transversely, i.e. towards the curved surfaces of the limbs.

Figures 3-5 show a second embodiment of the invention wherein the connecting portion comprises a joining member. Each barrier 2 comprises an aperture for receiving the joining member, such that each barrier 2a, 2b, 2c can be joined to a neighbouring barrier 2a, 2b, 2c using the joining member. As showing in Figures 3-5, the joining member may be a staple pin 18.

Figure 5 shows a series of barriers 2a, 2b, according to Figure 3, having four visible staple pins 18 to join the barriers 2. Two staple pins 18 join a first barrier 2a with a second barrier 2b and the second barrier 2b with a third barrier 2c via the top limb 10. In addition, two staple pins 18 join a first barrier 2a with a second barrier 2b and the second barrier 2b with a third barrier 2c via the bottom limb 10. The four staple pins 18 mate with passages (not shown) and recesses 22 in the limbs 10. It will be appreciated that it is not always necessary to connect neighbouring barriers 2 at both the top and the bottom. For example, panel portions, such as the fence/barrier portions which will be discussed below with reference to Figures 6 and Ί may be used in lieu of the top staple pins 18.

Figure 4 shows the staple pin 18 for use with the barriers shown in Figures 3 and 5 and being generally U-Shaped with two equal arms 24a and 24b joined by a top section 26.

In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, further stability and a stronger link between barriers may be achieved by joining the separate barriers 2 internally. As well as, or in lieu of, the above-mentioned means of connecting neighbouring barriers, a chain, rope, rod 25 or any other suitable joining means may be inserted through substantially longitudinally extending internal passages 20. The passages 20 (shown in Figures 1-3 and 5) are substantially cylindrical and have a diameter chosen to suit the chosen joining means. Passages 20 are preferably located near the vertex 12 and near the part of the limbs 10 furthest away from the vertex 12.

The passages may be lined by one or more tubes to reinforce them and also to reduce the friction when inserting the joining means.

When the barrier 2 of either of the above-mentioned embodiments is arranged in the second mode described above, the barrier 2 is positioned so that the inwardly facing surfaces 14 are facing towards the flow of vehicle traffic. An impacting wheel of a vehicle (not shown) will engage one or both inwardly facing surfaces 14, causing the barrier to flex downwards and inwards towards the road and towards the wheel.

The barrier is also effective when the outwardly facing surfaces of the barrier face approaching vehicles.

When the barrier 2 is arranged in the third mode described above, the barrier 2 is positioned so that the inwardly facing surfaces 14 face towards the ground, so that the outwardly facing surfaces 16 and the connection 12 form an inverted V shape. An impacting wheel of a vehicle (not shown) will engage one of the outwardly facing surfaces 16, causing the barrier to flex downwards and outwards towards the road, absorbing some of the momentum of the vehicle and, by flexing, using some of that momentum to urge or re-direct the vehicle back towards its intended (previous) path.

A further use of the device, as shown in Figures 6 and Ί is as a support means for a panel structure, such as a fencing system. Here a plurality of barriers may be joined together, as mentioned above, and a panel structure in the form of a fencing/upright barrier unit 30 comprising one or more supports 31 may be inserted into the support apertures/recesses 22 in each barrier 2. The support apertures/recesses 22 at the edge of the barrier comprise channels. The channels are sized to correspond to half the width of the supports 31, so that the channels of neighbouring barriers together form an aperture for receiving the support. To add further stability to the fencing system, securing rods 25 which are arranged to extend through the passages of neighbouring barriers 2a, 2b, 2c may also extend through the panel supports 31 of the upright panel 30. This prevents easy or unwanted removal of the upright panel. As shown in Figures 6 and 7 the upright panel unit 30 may comprise a mesh, however it will be appreciated that other materials, for example a continuous material, may be used if privacy is a requirement. As shown in Figure 7, this allows for the quick and easy erection of a barrier system, which comprises a number of barriers 2a-2f and a plurality of vertical/upright panel units 30a, 30b. In certain embodiments, it may not be possible to have continuous lengths of upright panel units 30a, 30b. In this case filler units may be used which comprise only the fencing portion (i.e. a mesh or other material) which may be secured to the adjacent upright panel units 30a, 30b to provide a continuous upright barrier. In some embodiments, the upright panel units 30a, 30b may be used as the joining means to connect neighbouring barriers.

Thus, embodiments of the present invention provide effective vehicle, and personnel barriers and barrier systems that are secure, robust and can be quickly erected.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance, it should be understood that the applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features referred to herein, and/or shown in the drawings, whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

1. A barrier comprising a deformable resilient body, having a generally L-shaped profile made up of two limb portions extending longitudinally of the body, and meeting at a vertex so as to define an angle between them, wherein the body comprises connection portions for connecting the body to another barrier.

2. A barrier according to Claim 1, wherein the barrier comprises a moulding.

3. A barrier according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the body comprises a single, integral moulding.

4. A barrier according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the connection portions comprise integrally moulded portions .

5. A barrier according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the connection portions comprise male and female complementary locking portions.

6. A barrier according to Claim 5, wherein the body includes at least one male locking portion and at least one female locking portion.

7. A barrier according to Claim 5 or 6, wherein the shape and/or size of the male locking portion is arranged for insertion in a complementary female locking portion of another, adjacent barrier in use.

8. A barrier according to any of Claims 5-7, wherein the shape and/or size of the female locking portion is arranged to receive a complementary male portion of another, adjacent barrier in use.

9. A barrier according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the connection portions are arranged on edge regions, of the body.

10. A barrier according to Claim 9, wherein there is at least one male locking portion on a first edge of the body and at least one female locking portion on a second, opposed edge of the body.

11. A barrier according to Claim 9 or 10, wherein there is at least one male locking portion and at least one female locking portion at each edge.

12. A barrier according to any of Claims 9-11, wherein the body has two male locking members at a first edge and two female locking members at a second, opposed edge.

13. A barrier according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the two limbs meet edge to edge to form a substantially perpendicular, or L-shaped/V-shaped crosssection .

14. A barrier according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the two limbs are substantially equal in width.

15. A barrier according to Claim 5, wherein axes of the locking portions are substantially parallel to longitudinal edges of the limbs.

16. A barrier according to Claim 5, wherein the locking portions have a substantially uniform cross-section.

17. A barrier according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting portion comprises at least one aperture/recess for receiving a joining member.

18. A barrier according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the barrier is arranged in use to be joined to at least one other barrier by a common joining member.

19. A barrier according to Claim 18, wherein the joining member comprises a pin member having two legs, wherein one leg of the pin member is arranged to be received in the aperture of one barrier and another leg of the pin member is arranged to be received in the aperture of a neighbouring barrier.

20. A barrier according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting portion includes an internal passageway for accommodating a connecting member.

21. A barrier according to Claim 20, wherein the internal passageway is reinforced using a tube portion extending therein.

22. A barrier according to Claims 20 or 21, wherein the barrier is arranged to be connectable to at least one adjacent barrier by the connecting member, which connecting member comprises an elongate member such as a rope, cable, chain, tape, rod or similar.

23. A barrier according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the barrier is arranged in use to be joined in series with at least one other barrier to form a greater barrier, or a barrier system.

24. A barrier according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the barrier comprises one or more substantially upright panel portions.

25. A barrier according to Claim 24, wherein the panel portion comprises a fence, such as a wire mesh fence.

26. A barrier according to Claim 24 or 25, wherein the panel portion comprises one or more panel supports for insertion into one or more support sockets of the barrier.

27. A barrier according to Claim 26, wherein the support socket comprises a channel at an edge region of the barrier.

28. A barrier according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the deformable resilient material is an elastomeric material.

29. A barrier according to Claim 28, wherein the elastomeric material is any of natural, man-made, rubber, or composite, and/or further comprise a binder material.

30. A barrier according to Claims 28 or 29, wherein the rubber is reclaimed rubber from vehicle tyres.

31. A barrier according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the barrier comprises a pressing and/or moulding.

32. A barrier according to any of the preceding claims, wherein one or both of the inwardly-facing surfaces of the limbs is concave in the region nearest the vertex between them and convex in the region furthest away from the vertex between them.

33. A barrier according to any of the preceding claims, wherein one or both of the outwardly-facing surfaces of the limbs is convex in the region nearest the vertex between them and concave in the region furthest away from the vertex between them.

34. A barrier according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the region of the vertex between the two limbs has a convex outer surface and a concave inner surface.

35. A barrier according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the part of the limb furthest away from the vertex between the limbs has a cross section which substantially forms a section of a circle.

36. A barrier system comprising a plurality of barriers joined together, wherein at least some of the barriers are in accordance with any of Claims 1-32.

37. A method of forming a barrier system, the method comprising joining together a plurality of barriers, the barriers being according to any of Claims 1-32.

38. A method of manufacturing a barrier, the method comprising pressing a resilient material together in a mould to form a barrier, wherein the barrier is in accordance with any of Claims 1-32.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1714612.7 Examiner: Mr Joshua Nolan