AU2004201403A1 - Adjustable Vehicular Access Barrier - Google Patents

Description

03/04/2004 00:52 +61-2-95522894 WALSH AIND ASSOCIATES PAGE 05/27 ADJUSTABLE VEHICULAR ACCESS BARRIER

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to traffic barriers and more particularly, although not exclusively, to traffic barriers for controlling access across driveways and the like.

More particularly the present invention relates to traffic barriers having an adjustable opening for vehicular access for selectively prohibiting and allowing access therethrough.

PRIOR ART There are inexistence a variety of traffic barriers which are utilized to preclude traffic of automobiles at the entrances and exits of parking areas and the like. For example there is provided a visible barrier presented at the pavement level so as to pennit the desired traffic flow by means of retraction and extension above and below pavement level so as to prevent unauthorized traffic by means of its visible configuration.

Another known vehicle barrier comprises a ramp located on a pavement and having teeth which are positioned at an incline so that when a vehicle passes in one direction the teeth will cause damage to a type passing thereover and in an opposite direction will allow a type to pass thereover without damage. Thus this invention operates as a traffic barrier so that the barrier is alternately positioned coplanar with a ramp or at an incline thereto where it is locked in its menacing position.

Most often, it is desirable and/or required that the installation of traffic controllers and admission gate mechanisms be above ground. That is, there are situations where a driveway is already constructed, or incorporated in a prestressed slab, which precludes modification of the supporting plane. In other words, sumps and like depressions are not permissable, in which case an above ground installation is a necessity.

Existing barriers, for controlling the flow of vehicle traffic, also comprise either a hinged arm which may be raised and lowered to block a defined area, or a type of hinged plate which may be raised or lowered from a ground level position to obstruct an approaching vehicle. Such barriers may be utilized for any number of purposes, such as providing ingress and egress to property, to provide access to public

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COMS ID No: SMBI-00695227 Received by IP Australia: Time 23:46 Date 2004-04-02 03/04/2004 0:52 +61-2-95522894 WALSH AND ASBSOCIATES PAGE 06/27 thoroughfares, or in the control of terrorist activities to prevent high speed barrier breaches by terrorist vehicles at high security locations.

The pnor art has never addressed a practical solution for allowing a safe and easily utilized ramp with moveable barriers such as bollards to be provided in a driveway for allowing authorized vehicles to have access from one side to the other.

There are nevertheless a number of examples in the prior art of devices and systems which selectively allow and prevent access to a restricted area. For example, United States patent 4,004,857 discloses a moveable barrier apparatus fir use in contolling traffic along parallel lanes of a roadway. The apparatus includes elongate channels which are embedded in the roadway transversely of the lanes at spaced-apart positions. Carrier cars ae mounted by roller bearings for movement lengthwise within each channel, and posts which wet mounted on the cars extend upwardly above the roadway through slots formed along the channels. An elongate upstanding barrier is mounted on the posts to form a divider between adjacent lanes of the roadway.

Actuators are mounted in each of the channels for moving the cars and posts lengthwise of the channels for selectively changing the transverse position of the barrier. Whilst this system is usefbl for road division it is not adaptable for driveway United States Patent 4,632,598 discloses an elongated Movable roadway barrier having an upright wall attached to a base support adapted to engage a roadway surface The barrier is provided with retractable wheels which are lowered simultaneously with the application of a lateral force to the barrier using a cable system attached to drive motors located proximate the side of the roadway or using a self-propelled drive mounted in the barrier.

United States Patent 5,009,542 discloses a trffiro barrier gate for controlling the flow of vehicles through a bonier, such as a concrete median wall between opposing traffic lanes of a controlled aocess highway. The gate comprises hinged sidewall panels connected to a support member which is moved vertically on conmand and which, when moved, causes the sidewall panels to collapse and spread out thereby forming a ramp for the passage of vehicles through the wall barrier. In a second embodiment, COMS ID No: SMBI-00695227 Received by IP Australia: Time 23:46 Date 2004-04-02 03/04/2004 00:52 +61-2-95522894 WALSH ANJD ASSOCIATES PAGE 07/27 the gate revolves 80.degree upon command, and then retracts into a well in the ground thereby forming the traffic ramp.

United States Patent 4,354,771 A motorized curb barrier traffic-way controller wherein a retractile curb barrier and locking lift means operate by motor drive means that is recycled by closing a mode switch through cam controlled "stop" and "go" switches responsive to the position of a motor drive means at the side of the trafficway, the preferred installation being above grade and comprised of low profile modules with retractile curb configurations that project as tie barriers, the modules and drive means being adapted to coupled engagement one with the other when assembled.

While the above described systems fulfil useful purposes and are adapted to specific objectives none of the prior art devices described in the above patents teach a moveable ramp barrier of the type and application to be described below.

INVENTION

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle security barrier for selectively controlling vehicular traffic on the roadway. The present invention contemplates providing, a ramp barrier including moveable bollards or the like for selective operation so that the barrier may be opened on command to allow authorized vehicles access from one side of the barrier to the other side.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a selectively operable traffic barrier system to selectively allow traffic access to desired locations. Another object of the invention is the provision of a selectively operable traffic barrier including a ramp having slidable bollards thereon and which may, on command, be opened and closed to allow vehicular traffic access through the barrier in order to gain access to another side of the barrier.

Other objects, advantages and capabilities of the invention will become apparent from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, showing only preferred embodiments of the invention.

COMS ID No: SMBI-00695227 Received by IP Australia: Time 23:46 Date 2004-04-02 03/04/2004 00:52 +61-2-95522894 WALSH AND ASSOCIA;TES PAGE 08/27 In one broad form the prisent invention comprises: an adjustable vehicle driveway barrier comprising: a ground engaging transverse base having first and second ends, wherein each said ends include a fixed post like member; mounted intermediate said ends are adjustable members which are capable of selective longitudinal adjustment along said transverse base between a first advanced extended configuration in which vehicular access is prevented by at least one bollard, and a second retracted configuration in which vehicular access over said base is allowed.

Preferably the posts are bollards and there are two adjustable bollards which enable said retraction and extonsion. Preferably, the bollards travel on at least one rail mounted in said base and may be actuated by remote control.

In one broad form the present invention comprises: an adjustable driveway barrier assembly comprising: a ground engaging transverse base member having first and second ends, at least one adjustable member capable of movement along said base member between a first location at or near one said ends and a second location remote from said one end; drive means allowing said movement of said at least one adjustable member between said frst and second locations; wherein when said at least one adjustable member is moved from said first location to said second location said at least one adjustable member provides an obstruction to passage along said driveway.

Preferably the assembly comprises a first fixed member at said first end and a second fixed member at the second end of said transverse base and a second adjustable member.

4 COMS ID No: SMBI-00695227 Received by IP Australia: Time 23:46 Date 2004-04-02 03/04/2004 00:52 +61-2-95522894 WALSH AD SSOCIATES PAGE 09/27 According to one embodiment, said adjustable members are each capable of selective longitudinal adjustment along said transverse base between said first location and said second location; wherein each said adjustable member is capable of separate or co incident movement in the same or opposite direction. Preferably, the adjustable members are bollards fixed to a carriage which is capable of movement on a rail along said base.

The bollards travel between a first state in which they are spaced apart to allow passage of a vehicle across the transverse base and a second state in which they are disposed substantially intermediate the first and second end of said base to prevent vehicular access.

The transverse base includes a longitudinal recess which accommodates the rail which is preferably flush with an upper surface of said transverse base. Longitudinal slots are formed between said rail and opposing walls of said recess wherein a wheel mounted carriage is mounted on said rail for travel therealong. The carriage preferably includes spaced apart wheels which run on an upper surface of the rail and opposing return portions which ench engage a flange of the rail. Preferably, there are two conjoined rails and an upper surface of the carriage receives and retains thereon a bollard which moves in unison with the carriage. The carriage is operably connected to the drive system and preferably each bollard is connected to a separate carriage.

According to one embodiment, a foldable barrier is attached to each moveable bollard. The foldable barrier may be a screen comprising hinged screen elements allowing each screen element to rotate relative to an adjacent screen element The screen unfolds as the moveable bollards advance along the base towards a location intermediate the ends of the base thereby providing an access barrier. The screen bi folds as the removeable bollards retract along the base towards respective ends of the base. Preferably the screen elements each comprise a frame defining a space which receives mesh connected to the frame.

At least one of the screen elements include a downwardly depending foot which engages the recess in the base to guide travel of the screen element as the barrier folds.

COMS ID No: SMBI-00695227 Received by IP Australia: Time 23:46 Date 2004-04-02 03/04/2004 00:52 +61-2-95522894 WALSH AND ASSOCIATES PAGE 10/27 The transverse base preferably includes a sloping surface which provides ramped approaches to the base for vehicles passing over said base. Preferably, the transverse base member spans a driveway width. Travel of the bollards is longitudinal in another broad form, the present invention comprises: an adjustable driveway barrier assembly comprising: a ground engaging transverse base member having first and second ends, a first fixed member at said first end and a second fixed member at the second end of said transverse base.

at least one adjustable member capable of movement along said base member between a first location at or near one said ends and a second location remote from said one end; drive means allowing said movement of said at least one adjustable member between said first and second locations; wherein when said at least one adjustable member is moved from said first location to said second location said at least one adjustable member provides an obstruction to passage along said driveway.

In another broad form the present invention comprises: an adjustable vehicle driveway barrier comprising: a ground engaging transverse base having first and second ends, ramps disposed either side of said base wherein, each said ends include a fixed bollard; mounted intermediate said ends are adjustable bollards which are capable of selective longitudinal adjustment along said transverse base between a first advanced/ extended configuration in which vehicular access is prevented by at least one bollard, and a second retracted configuration in which vehicular access over said base is allowed through a space defined by said retracted bollards.

Preferably the adjustable bollards travel along the base on a carriage mounted on a rail submerged beneath an upper driving surface. The base is substantially hollow and houses therein the rail and caniages on which the bollards are mounted. Preferably the

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COMS ID No: SMBI-00695227 Received by IP Australia: Time 23:46 Date 2004-04-02 03/04/2084 88:52 +61-2-95522894WLSADASOITSAE1/2 WALSH AND ASSOCIATES PAGE 11/27 bollards are chain driven and advance and retact by operation of an electric motor associated with the chain. The ramped margins of the base start at grond level and elevate to a high pointait an upper surface of the carriage rail. Preferably there are tworails one on each end of the base so that each bollard has its own rail along which its associated carriage travels. The carriages for each bollard may be separately operated or operated in coinjuiction with each other.

The barrier assembly may include circuit means which allow remote control of the bollards when they are to be advanced or retracted. Preferably, the rails for each bollard! are recessed below an upper surfhce so that the vehicles may drive over the base.

In its broadest form the present invention comprises: a security assembly which employs at least one bollard which is capable of generally horizontal adjustment by movement along a carriage between a first position in which the bollard prevents access through a driveway and a second position where the bollard is free of the driveway and alows access to a sece area.

In another broad form tb.- present invention comprises: a remote control security assembly which employs a bollard which is capable of adjustment by movement along a carriage between a first position in which the bollard prevents access through a driveway and a second position where the bollard is free of the driveway and allows access to a sece area.

Preferably the carriage for said at least one bollard is mounted on a rail recessed beneath a base. According to an alternative embodiment, the foldable barrier is a scissor screen which expands and retracts as the bollard move along the base.

7 COMS ID No: SMBI-00695227 Received by IP Australia: rime 23:46 Date 2004-04-02 03/04/2004 00:52 +61-2-95522894 WALSH AND ISSDCIATES PAGE 12/27 DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present invention will now be described in more detail according to a preferred but non limiting embodiment and with reference to the accompanying illustrations, wherein Figure 1 shows a side perspective of a barrier assembly in the extended configuration according to a preferred embodiment; Figure 2 shows the barrier assembly of figure I with bollards retracted; Figure 3 shows a cross sectional profile through a typical barrier assembly according to a preferred embodiment; Figure 4 shows a cross sectional profile through a barrier assembly according to a preferred embodiment including a carriage; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a barrier assembly according to an alternative embodiment.

Figure 6 shows the barrier assembly of figure 5 with barrier screen extended to block access over the base of the assembly.

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a barrier assembly according to an alternative embodiment.

Figure 8 shows the barrier assembly of figure 5 with scissor barrier extended to block access over the base of the assembly.

Referring to figure 1 there is shown a side perspective of a barrier assembly 1 in the extended configuration according to a preferred embodiment Barrier assembly 1 comprises a ground engaging base 2 including a first fixed end 3 and a second fixed opposite end 4. Intermediate fixed ends 3 and 4 is a central fixed region 5 which is adapted to obstruct proress of moveable bollards 6 and 7. Ends 3 and 4 include respective fixed bollards 8 and 9 such that when bollards 6 and 7 are fully advanced, the distance remaining between bollards 8 and 6, 6 and 7 and 7 and 9 is narrow enough to prevent vehicular access. It will be appreciated however, that the space remaining between bollards may be adjusted to a narower or wider spacing according to particular requirements.

a COMS ID No: SMBI-00695227 Received by IP Australia: Time 23:46 Date 2004-04-02 03/04/2004 00:52 +61-2-95522894 WALSH AND ASSOCIATES PAGE 13/27 Referri to figure 2 there is shown a side perspective of the barrier assembly I in the retracted configuration according to a preferred embodiment. Ends 3 and 4 include respective fixed bollardt 8 and 9 such that when bollards 6 and 7 are fully retracted the distance remaining between bollards 6 and 7 is wide enough to allow vehicular access. When retracted, moveable bollards 6 and 7 are respectively adjacent bollards 8 and 9. Moveable bollard 6 rides on carriage 10 and bollard 7 rides on carriage 11.

Figure 3 shows a cross sectional profile through a barrier assembly 20 taken approximately at a midoint between bollards 6 and 7. Assembly 20 comprises a concrete base 21 which -eceives foundation anchorage members 22 and 23 embedded therein. Surface 24 receives base members 25 and 26 which support bridge platform 27. Platform 27 is in general alignment with upper reaches of ramp surface 28 and also in alignment with ramp surface 29. The camber of surfaces 30 and 31 allow a vehicle to negotiate barrier Figure 4 shows a cross sectional profile through a barrier assembly 40 taken approximately at a midpoint between bollards 7 and 9 when bollard 7 is extended).

Assembly 40 comprises a concrete base 41 which receives foundation anchorage members 42 and 43 embedded therein. Surface 44 receives base members 45 and 46 which support bridge platform rail assembly 47 Rail assembly 47 is in general alignment with upper reaches of ramp surface 48 and also in alignment with ramp surface 49. The camber of surfaces 50 and 51 allow a vehicle to negotiate rail assembly 48 when a bollard not shown is retracted. Rail assembly 47 receives carriage 52 which slides therealong. Carriage 52 includes wheels 53 and 54 which engage surface 55 and navel tharealong. Mounted on carriage 52 is a bollard such as that shown in figures l and 2.

The barrier assembly of this invention will provide the structural rigidity and necessary safety features in accordance with applicable standards of the federal government and the various states. A conventional remote control system may be used in the operation of the barrier assembly or alternatively the assembly may be operable by a localised switch.

The banier assembly may be varied in materials of construction, its size, weight and other factors, depending upon the particular application.

q COMS ID No: SMBI-00695227 Received by IP Australia: Time 23:46 Date 2004-04-02 83/84/2084 00:52 +61-2-95522894 WALSH AND ASOIATES PAGE 14/27 When an emergency or authorized vehicle desires access through the barrier, the bollards will be retracted preferably remotely.

Control systems for effecting extension and retraction are well known, and it is anticipated that the operation may be effected by manual or automatic means. For instance, an electrical switch could be provided to energize the necessary movement of bollards. The vehicle requiring access may be equipped with a radio control device, much like standard door or gate opening systems, and would send an operating signal to a receiving unit within the barrier assembly to cause the bollards to advance or retract It is anticipated that there would be one or more bollards either side of a midline taken normal to the longitudinal axis) dictated by security or strength requirements.

The meebamsm for advancing and retracting the bollards may be altered but it has been found that use of a chain drive has the requisite strength to satisfy requirements.

In another embodiment of the present invention it may be that in certain locnons, and especially locations where space constraints dictate, the barrier assembly is narrower or has less bollards than ar shown in figures 1 and 2.

The operating mechanisms for the barrier assembly arc housed within the structure of the base. Certain electrical aspects such as wiring and other well known expedients am not shown in the figures for the sake of clarity, however, it would be understood by a person skilled in the art that it would be a relatively easy task to effect suitable circuitry for operation. A drive motor will preferably be located underneath the fixed bollards 8 or 9 and access may be gained to the controls by detaching end bollards 8 and 9. This ensures that a free channel is available for the rails on which support carriages for bollards 6 and 7 travel. Preferably there are two longitudinally spaced apart longitudinal rails.

The present invention as described herein is suitable in locations where there is a risk of unwanted vehicle intrjsion. When bollards 6 and 7 are separated all a vehicle must to is negotiate what is effectively a speed hump or ramp. The assembly is sufficiently robust so as to prevent wiwanted access to heavy vehicles.

I n COMS ID No: SMBI-00695227 Received by IP Australia: Time 23:46 Date 2004-04-02 83/04/2004 88:52 +61-2-95522894 WALSH AND ASSOCIATES PAGE 15/27 Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a barrier assembly according to an alternative embodiment Figure 5 shows an adjustable driveway barrier 60 which comprises a ground engaging transverse base member 61 having first and second ends 62 and 63.

Assembly 60 further compriscs a fint fixed end member 64 at end 62 and a second fixed end member 65 at end 63. Transverse base 61 includes respective opposing ramped approach regions 66 and 67 and a longitudinal recess 68. Assembly further comprises an adjustable bollard member 69 capable of movement along said base member 61 between a first retrcted location at or near said end 62 and a second extended location remote from end 62 see figure 6).

Assembly 60 further comprises drive Means associated with the base and preferably hidden in base 61 allowing movement of said bollard 69 between said first and second locations, Assembly I also comprises a second adjustable member 70 shown in its retracted location..Bollard 69 travels in the directions of arrow 71 and bollard travels in the direction o arrow 72.

Connected to bollards 6-9 and 70 are foldable barers 73 and 74. Barriers 73 and 74 arc made up of individual elements 75 which are hinged either side to an adjacent element thereby allowing relative movement between elements. This allows barriers 73 and 74 to be advaiced and rett along recess 68 so that in the retracted configuration access is allowed over base 61.

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the barrier assembly of figure 5. including adjustable driveway barrier 60 which comprises ground engaging transverse base member 61. As with the figure 5 embodiment, there is a first fixed end member 64 at end 62 and a second fixed end member 65 at end 63 which anchor barriers 73 and 74 at one end. Transverse base 61 includes respective opposing ramped approach regions 66 and 67 and a longitudinal recess 68.

Bollards 69 and 70 am capable of movement along the base 61 via drive means associated with base 61 allowing movement of said bollards 69 and 70 towards a central position which results in extending foldable barriers 73 and 74 so that they meet at location 76.

11 COMS ID No: SMBI-00695227 Received by IP Australia: Time 23:46 Date 2004-04-02 03/04/2004 00:52 +61-2-95522894 WALSH AIND ASSOCIATES PAGE 16/27 Individual elements 75 of barriers 73 and 74 are hingedly attached to each other to form a bi fold relationship between elements. This allows elements to stack or concertina at or near ends 62 and 63 of base 61. Bollards travel on a rail cariage according to the regime described herein with reference to figure 4.

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a barrier assembly according to an alternative embodiment Figure 7 shows an adjustable driveway barrier 80 which comprises a ground engaging transverse base member 81 having first and second ends 82 and 83.

Assembly 1 further comprises a first fixed end bollard member 84 at end 82 and a second fixed end member 85 at end 83. Transverse base 81 includes respective opposing ramped approach regions 86 and 87 and a longitudinal recess 88.

Assembly 80 further comprises an adjustable bollard member 89 capable of movement along said base member 81 between a first retracted location at or near said end 82 and a second extended location remote from end 82.

Assembly 80 further comprises drive means associated with the base and preferably hidden in base 81 allowing movement of said bollard 89 between said first and second locations. Assembly 80 also comprises a second adjustable member 90 shown in its retracted location.

Connected to bollards 89 and 90 are fbldable scissor barriers 91 and 92, which are also connected to fixed bollards 84 and 85. This allows scissor barriers 91 and 92 to be advanced and retracted longitudinally along recess 88 so that in the retracted configuration access is allowed over base 81. Figure 7 shows the scissor barriers 91 and 92 fully extended.

Figure 8 shows a perspective view ofthe barrier assembly of figure 7. Figure 8 shows the scissor barriers 91 and 92 fuly retracted. Bollards 89 and 90 are capable of movement along the base 81 via drive means associated with base 81 allowing movement of said bollards 89 and 90 towards a central position as shown in figure 7 and movement in an opposite direction which results in retraction of foldable scissor barriers 91 and 92.

A remote control may be used to operate advancing and retracting the barrier.

17 COMS ID No: SMBI-00695227 Received by IP Australia: Time 23:46 Date 2004-04-02 03/04/2004 08:52 +61-2-95522894 WALSH AND ASSOCIATES PAGE 17/27 Various modifications may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, and it is desired, therefore, that only such limitations shall be placed thereon as are imposed by the prior art and which are set forth in the appended claims.

COMS ID No: SMBI-00695227 Received by IP Australia: Time 23:46 Date 2004-04-02

Claims (1)

1. 32. An adjustable driveway barrier assembly comprising: a ground engaging transverse base member having first and second ends, a first fixed member at said first end and a second fixed member at the second end of said transverse base. at least one adjustable member capable of movement along said base member between a first location at or near one said ends and a second location remote from said one end; drive means allowing said movement of said at least one adjustable member between said first and second locations; wherein when said at least one adjustable member is moved from said first location to said second location said at least one adjustable member provides an obstruction to passage along said driveway. 33 An adjustable vehicle driveway barrier comprising; a ground engaging transverse base having first and second ends, ramps disposed either side of said base wherein, each said ends include a fixed bollard; mounted intermediate said ends are adjustable bollards which are capable of selective longitudinal adjustment along said transverse base between a first advanced/ extended configuration in which vehicular access is prevented by at least one bollard, and a second retracted configuration in which vehicular access over said base is allowed through a space defined by said retracted bollards. 34 A barrier according to claim 33 wherein the bollards are chain driven and advance and retract by operation of an lectric motor associated with the chain. A barrier according to claim 34 wherein ramped margins of the base start at ground level and elevate to a high point at an upper surface of the carriage rail. 17 COMS ID No: SMBI-00695227 Received by IP Australia: Time 23:46 Date 2004-04-02 03/04/2004 00:52 +61-2-95522894 WALSH AND ASSOCIATES PAGE 22/27 36 A barrier according to claim 35 wherein there are two rails one on each end of the base so that each bollard has its own rail along which its associated carriage travels. 37 A barrier according to claim 36 wherein the carriages for each bollard may be separately operated or operated in conjunction with each other. 38 A barrier according to claim 37 wherein the barrier includes circuit means which allow remote control of the bollards when they are to be advanced or retracted. 39 A barrier according to claim 38 wherein the rails for each bollard are recessed below an upper surface so that the vehicles may drive over the base. 40 A security assembly which employs at least one bollard which is capable of generally horizontal adjustment by movement along a carriage between a first position in which the bollard prevents access through a driveway and a second position where the bollard is free of the driveway and allows access to a secure area. 41 A remote control security assembly which employs a bollard which is capable of adjustment by movement along a carriage between a first position in which the bollard prevents access through a driveway and a second position where the bollard is flee of the driveway and allows access to a secure area. 1* COMS ID No: SMBI-00695227 Received by IP Australia: Time 23:46 Date 2004-04-02