AU2009101398A4

AU2009101398A4 - Barrier system

Info

Publication number: AU2009101398A4
Application number: AU2009101398A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Michael Cunningham
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-10-28
Filing date: 2009-10-28
Publication date: 2016-11-03
Anticipated expiration: 2017-10-28
Also published as: AU2009230807A1; AU2010201527A1

Abstract

- 17 Abstract A barrier system in the form of rigid fencing, the barrier system including: at least one removable support means able to provide a momentum inhibiting barrier to vehicles; at least one elongate post for mounting substantially upright to the support means 5 wherein the posts includes two portions, a first portion having a shape substantially complementary to the outer structure of the support means and a second portion having a substantially linear section angled to the first portion to provide a substantially upright orientation when the first portion is mounted to the supporting means; and a substantially non-transparent elongated panel removably mountable to 10 the at least one post above the removable support means; wherein the panel includes a rigidity formation to increase rigidity and limit flex and the panel further including wind directing means for decreasing torsional wind pressures on the panel; and wherein the rigidity formation includes at least one longitudinal protruding ridge extending a substantial length of the panel and with the at least one ridge being at 15 least substantially in the range of 10% to 20% of the panel height, whereby the barrier system can be easy to erect and dismantle and provide a substantial visual barrier and a physical barrier.

Description

2009101398 28 Oct 2009 -2-

Barrier System

Field of the Invention 5 This invention relates to safety barriers for providing both visual and physical barriers. Whilst the invention can be applied as a barrier for any purpose, for convenience sake it shall be described herein in terms of barriers used around construction sites. 10 Background to the Invention

Road side barriers are used when construction or road work is being conducted. These barriers are designed to provide two functions. The first function is to offer a barrier between the workers who are conducting the work and traffic preventing the traffic from entering the work space and endangering the workers. The second 15 function of the barriers is to prevent people from viewing the works. This can be for a number of reasons, firstly construction and road work sites are often unpleasant to look at so the barrier provides a way of maintaining an acceptable view. The second reason for visual barriers is to prevent people from viewing construction if the works are confidential for any reason. The third reason is that being able to view the 20 construction can be distracting to drivers as they proceed past a site and therefore increase risk of accidents.

One type of barrier that can perform this is a shade cloth covering over a wire fence. This is a very simple solution that provides a quick way of erecting a barrier. The 25 problems with this method include the fact that it is so light, that a normal wind can lift and remove, it if it is not secured tightly. Also, due to its nature of being a woven material, most shade cloths do not provide a complete visual barriers, but instead can be partially transparent. 30 Other barriers include fencing with heavy footings for receiving loosely fitting poles with flexible material or flexible fencing extending therebetween. These barriers take much time to assemble. However the main problem is the poles often are dislodged from the footings due to the height relative to the footings or are readily knocked over and then are held by other poles and the flexible material or flexible fencing. This 35 creates an unsafe barrier and aids damage to the flexible material or flexible fencing. -3- 2009101398 28 Oct 2009

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to overcome or at least substantially ameliorate one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art.

Summary of the Invention 5 In accordance with the invention there is provided a barrier system in the form of rigid fencing that can be used to provide a physical and visual barrier which is easy to erect and dismantle.

The present invention provides a barrier system including: at least one elongate post 10 for mounting substantially upright to a supporting means; and a panel removably mountable to the at least one post such that the barrier system can be used to provide a substantial visual barrier and a physical barrier.

The barrier system includes at least one mounting means attached to the post or 15 panel for mounting the panel to the post. The panel can be substantially rectangular in shape with two edges defining the length and two edges defining the height. The height of the panel is preferably substantially in the range of 35% to 45% of the panel length. The panel length can be of the order of three meters. 20 It is preferred that the panel includes a plurality of apertures such that wind can pass through the panel which substantially restricts visibility through the panel. The apertures are arranged in rows along the length of the panel. The spacing of the apertures can be substantially in the range of 5% to 10% of the panel height. 25 The panel is made from a substantially rigid material with the panel being substantially planar

The at least one mounting means can be inverted hooks and receiving structure such that the panel can be suspended from the at least one post by hanging on the 30 inverted hooks. The receiving structure is in the form of a receiving and holding cavity. The panels are held in place by removable fasteners that can engage with the inverted hooks.

For strength the panel can include at least one protruding ridge formed integrally with 35 the substantially planar panel. The at least one ridge is elongate with a width and 2009101398 28 Oct 2009 -4- length and extends substantially parallel to the length of the panel. The at least one ridge can be substantially in the range of 10% to 20% of the panel height. The at least one ridge can be a plurality of ridges whose heights substantially amount to a sum in the range of 25% to 35% of the panel height. 5

The posts can be fixedly mounted to the supporting means. The posts include a “U" cross sectional shape.

The posts includes two portions, a first portion having a shape substantially 10 complementary to the outer structure of the supporting means and a second portion having a substantially linear section angled to the first portion to provide a substantially upright orientation when the first portion is mounted to the supporting means. 15 The second portion includes the mounting means for mounting the panel to the post.

The supporting means can be a removable support means. The supporting means can be manufactured from concrete. The panel can be manufactured from polymer. The support means can be fillable with water or sand or the like. 20

Also in accordance with the invention there is provided a method of assembling a barrier system including the steps of: providing a substantially rigid panel and at least one post including two portions, a first portion having a shape substantially complementary to the outer 25 structure of the supporting means and a second portion having a substantially linear section angled to the first portion to provide a substantially upright orientation when the first portion is mounted to the supporting means wherein the at least one post includes at least one mounting means in the form of an inverted hook and the panel includes at least one receiving and holding cavity: 30 mounting the substantially rigid panel to the at least one post by passing the inverted hooks through receiving sleeves and holding on the substantially rigid panel such that the barrier system can be used to provide a visual barrier and a physical barrier. 2009101398 28 Oct 2009 -5-

The method of assembly wherein the posts are fixedly mounted to the support means. The posts can be removably mounted to the support means. The posts can be removably mounted are attached to the support means without use of fasteners. 5 The method of assembly wherein the posts are removably mounted to the support means by hooks.

The method of assembly wherein the support means is a removable support means. 10 In accordance with the invention there is a method of manufacturing a barrier system including the steps of: providing a first material that is extrudable and rigid; forming and shaping the first material to size, thickness, shape and form that is usable as a panel; wherein a plurality of apertures, receiving structures and at least one ridge are made during the forming and shaping of the material; providing a second material 15 that is malleable and rigid; forming and shaping the second material to size, thickness, shape and form that is usable as a post with a “U” cross section and has two portions; wherein a plurality of mounting means in the form of inverted hooks are made during the forming and shaping; whereby a barrier system is provided which is capable of being used as a visual barrier and a physical barrier. 20

The method for manufacturing the barrier system can include the plurality of apertures being made post forming and shaping of the material of the barrier system.

The method of manufacturing the barrier system can include the plurality of apertures 25 being made by cutting. The plurality of apertures can be made by punching.

The method for manufacturing the barrier system can include the receiving structures being made post forming and shaping of the material of the barrier system or include the receiving sleeve being made by cutting or include the receiving sleeve being 30 made by punching.

The barrier system can include forming the supports into a “U” section by folding or forming the supports into a “U" section by extruding. -6- 2009101398 28 Oct 2009

The barrier system can include the mounting means in the form of inverted hooks being made by punching and bending or include the mounting means in the form of inverted hooks being made by cutting and bending. 5 The method of manufacturing a barrier system includes the at least one post being formed into two portions by bending

Description of the Drawings

In order that the invention is more readily understood an embodiment will be 10 described by way of illustration only with reference to the drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic construction of the barrier system;

Figure 2 shows a partial cut away of the panel and a side view of the panel; and

Figure 3 is a top view of the assembled barrier system. 15

Description of a Preferred Embodiment of the Invention

In this preferred embodiment, the invention provides a barrier system in the form of rigid fencing, having removable support means 13 able to provide a momentum inhibiting barrier to vehicles, two elongate posts 21 for mounting substantially upright 20 to the support means at either end of the support means 13 and a substantially nontransparent elongated panel 11 removably mountable to the removable support means 13.

The posts 21 include two portions 22, 23, a first portion having a shape substantially 25 complementary to the outer structure of the support means and a second portion having a substantially linear section angled to the first portion to provide a substantially upright orientation when the first portion is mounted to the supporting means. 30 The panel 11 includes a rigidity formation to increase rigidity and limit flex and the panel further including wind directing means for decreasing torsional wind pressures on the panel.

The barrier system includes at least one elongate post, 21, with a “U” shaped cross 35 section for mounting substantially upright to a supporting means, 13. The posts are 2009101398 28 Oct 2009 -7- held in place by a support means 13 such as a removable tillable container that w. , the post is fixedly mounted to the removable concrete footing. The posts have a substantially rigid polymer planar panel, 11, removably mounted to them such that the barrier system can be used to form a physical barrier that also provides a 5 substantial visual barrier.

The panel is substantially rectangular in shape with two sets of edges. One edge set defines the length of the rectangle, while the other set defines the height which is substantially in the range of 35% to 45% of the length of the panel. The length of the 10 panel is in the order of three meters.

The barrier system is mounted together by a mounting means that includes an inverted hook, 32, on the posts, 21, and a receiving structure formed as a receiving sleeve, 31, on the panel, 11,. The inverted hooks are passed into the receiving 15 sleeve when mounting to suspend the panel from the posts. Once the panel has been mounted onto the inverted hooks on the support posts, fasteners can engage with the inverted hooks to hold the panel in place.

The panel includes a plurality of apertures, 19, that allow the wind to pass through 20 which will also substantially restrict visibility through the panel. These apertures are arranged in rows and are spaced by a distance that can substantially range from 5% to 10% of the panel height.

The panel, 11, also includes at least one protruding ridge, 15, that is elongate with a 25 length and a width and is formed integrally with the panel. A ridge runs substantially parallel to the length of the panel and their width is in the range of 10% to 20% of the panel height. When a plurality of ridges is used on the panel, the total sum of the ridges heights is in the range of 25% to 35% of the panel height. These ridges are included on the panel to provide extra strength. 30

The posts, 21, are divided into two portions defined by a bend. The first portion, 22, has a shape substantially complementary to the outer structure of the supporting means. The second portion, 23, has a substantially linear section angled to the first portion to provide a substantially upright orientation when the first portion is mounted 2009101398 28 Oct 2009 10 15 20 25 -8- to the supporting means, 13. The second portion of the post includes the mounting means in the form or inverted hooks, 32.

To assemble the barrier system a person would follow the following steps: a) beginning with providing a substantially rigid panel, 11, and at least one post, 21, including two portions. b) The first portion, 22, having a shape substantially complementary to the outer structure of the supporting means and a second portion, 23, having a substantially linear section angled to the first portion to provide a substantially upright orientation when the first portion is mounted to the supporting means. c) The at least one post includes at least one mounting means in the form of an inverted hook, 32, and the panel includes at least one receiving structure formed as a receiving sleeve, 31. d) The panel, 11, is then mounted to the at least one post, 21, by passing the inverted hooks through receiving sleeves and holding on the rigid sheet such that the barrier system can be used to provide a visual barrier and a physical barrier to a support means such as a concrete footing. e) The support posts would be aligned such that they extend substantially vertically from the support means, 13, which is a concrete footing. f) The support posts will need to be mounted to the support means, this can either be done by releasably mounting them to the support means, or by fixing them to the support means. g) If the posts, 21, are to be releasably mounted to the support means, they will be attached by a method that will not make use of fasters such as hooks. h) Once this was done, the rigid panel would be mounted to the support by passing the inverted hooks through the receiving sleeves, 31, on the rigid panel. i) This would allow the barrier system to be used to provide at least a partial visual barrier and a physical barrier to passing traffic and pedestrians. j) The assembly method also includes fixedly mounting the first portion, 22, of the at least one posts to the mounting means which is a portable concrete foot. -9- 2009101398 28 Oct 2009 A method of manufacturing a barrier system includes the steps of: 5 10 o providing a first material that is extrudable and rigid that is then formed and shaped to size, thickness, shape and form that is usable as a panel, 11. o The plurality of apertures, 19, receiving sleeves, 31, and the ridges, 15, are made during the forming and shaping of the material, o A second material is then provided that is malleable and rigid that is then formed and shaped to size, thickness, shape and form that is usable as a post, 21, with a “c” cross section and has two portions, 22 and 23. o The plurality of mounting means in the form of inverted hooks, 32, is made during the forming and shaping.

This method of manufacture will make a barrier system is provided which is capable of being used as a visual barrier and a physical barrier to passing vehicles and pedestrians. 15

The method for manufacturing the barrier system includes the plurality of apertures, 19, being made post forming and shaping of the material of the barrier system. These apertures can be made by a number of methods such as cutting or punching. 20 The receiving sleeve, 31, made by a method of manufacture that happens post forming and shaping of the material. These receiving sleeves can be made by a number of methods such as cutting or punching.

The method of manufacturing the barrier system includes the shape of the “c” section 25 of the post, 21, being formed post forming and shaping of the material of the barrier system. The forming of the support post can be achieved by bending or extruding.

The inverted hooks, 32, on the post, 21, made during the method of manufacture of the barrier system can happen post forming and shaping of the material. The 30 manufacturing process used to make these inverted hooks can be either be punching and bending or cutting and bending.

The two portions of the post, 22 and 23, are formed during the method of manufacture of the barrier system happens during the forming and shaping of the 35 material. These two portions of the post can be made by bending the post. 2009101398 28 Oct 2009 - 10-

While we have described herein a particular embodiment of a barrier system, it is further envisaged that other embodiments of the invention could exhibit any number and combination of any one of the features previously described. However, it is to be 5 understood that any variations and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention and are included in the scope thereof as defined in the following claims.

Claims

The Claims Defining the invention are as follows:

1. A barrier system in the form of rigid fencing for mounting to at least one removable support means able to provide a momentum inhibiting barrier to vehicles, the barrier system including: a. at least one elongate post for mounting substantially upright to the support means; and b. a panel removably mountable to the at least one post above the removable support means; whereby the barrier system is easy to erect and dismantle and provide a substantial visual barrier and a physical barrier.
2. A barrier system according to claim 1 including at least one mounting means attached to the post or panel for mounting the panel to the post.
3. A barrier system according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the height of the panel is substantially in the range of 35% to 45% of the panel length.
4. A barrier system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the panel length is of the order of three metres.
5. A barrier system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the panel includes a plurality of apertures such that wind can pass through the panel but which substantially restricts visibility through the panel.
6. A barrier system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the apertures are arranged in rows along the length of the panel.
7. A barrier system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the apertures extend at an angle through the panel to form a visual barrier.
8. A barrier system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the spacing of the apertures is substantially in the range of 5% to 10% of the panel height.
9. A barrier system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the panel is made from a substantially rigid material.
10. A barrier system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the panel is substantially planar
11. A barrier system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one mounting means are inverted hooks and receiving structure such that the panel can be suspended from the at least one post by hanging on the inverted hooks.
12. A barrier system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the panels are held in place by removable fasteners that can engage with the inverted hooks.
13. A barrier system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the panel includes at least one protruding ridge formed integrally with the substantially planar panel to increase the strength of the panel.
14. A barrier system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one ridge is elongate with a width and length.
15. A barrier system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one ridge extends substantially parallel to the length of the panel.
16. A barrier system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one ridge is substantially in the range of 10% to 20% of the panel height.
17. A barrier system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one ridge is a plurality of ridges whose heights substantially amount to a sum in the range of 25% to 35% of the panel height.
18. A barrier system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the posts are fixedly mounted to the supporting means.
19. A barrier system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the posts include a “U” cross sectional shape.
20. A barrier system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the receiving structure is in the form of a receiving and holding cavity.
21. A barrier system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the posts includes two portions, a first portion having a shape substantially complementary to the outer structure of the supporting means and a second portion having a substantially linear section angled to the first portion to provide a substantially upright orientation when the first portion is mounted to the supporting means.
22. A barrier system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the second portion includes the mounting means for mounting the panel to the post.
23. A barrier system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the supporting means can be a removable support means.
24. A barrier system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the supporting means can be manufactured from concrete.
25. A barrier system according to any one of claims 1 to 24 wherein the panel can be manufactured from polymer.
26. A barrier system in the form of rigid fencing, the barrier system including: a. at least one removable support means able to provide a momentum inhibiting barrier to vehicles; b. at least one elongate post for mounting substantially upright to the support means wherein the posts includes two portions, a first portion having a shape substantially complementary to the outer structure of the support means and a second portion having a substantially linear section angled to the first portion to provide a substantially upright orientation when the first portion is mounted to the supporting means; and c. a substantially non-transparent elongated panel removably mountable to the at least one post above the removable support means; wherein the panel includes a rigidity formation to increase rigidity and limit flex and the panel further including wind directing means for decreasing torsional wind pressures on the panel; and wherein the rigidity formation includes at least one longitudinal protruding ridge extending a substantial length of the panel and with the at least one ridge being at least substantially in the range of 10% to 20% of the panel height; whereby the barrier system can be easy to erect and dismantle and provide a substantial visual barrier and a physical barrier.
27. A method of assembling a barrier system including the steps of: a. providing a substantially rigid panel and at least one post including two portions, a first portion having a shape substantially complementary to the outer structure of the supporting means and a second portion having a substantially linear section angled to the first portion to provide a substantially upright orientation when the first portion is mounted to the supporting means wherein the at least one post includes at least one mounting means in the form of an inverted hook and the panel includes at least one receiving and holding cavity. b. Mounting the substantially rigid panel to the at least one post by passing the inverted hooks through receiving sleeves and holding on the substantially rigid panel such that the barrier system can be used to provide a visual barrier and a physical barrier.
28. The method of assembly according to claim 26 wherein the posts are fixedly mounted to the support means.
29. The method of assembly according to claim 26 wherein the posts are removably mounted to the support means.
30. The method of assembly according to claim 26 wherein the posts are removably mounted are attached to the support means without use of fasteners.
31. The method of assembly according to claim 26 wherein the posts are removably mounted to the support means by hooks.
32. The method of assembly according to claim 26 wherein the support means is a removable footing.
33. A method of manufacturing a barrier system including the steps of; a. Providing a first material that is extrudable and rigid; b. Forming and shaping the first material to size, thickness, shape and form that is usable as a panel; c. Wherein a plurality of apertures, receiving structures and at least one ridge are made during the forming and shaping of the material d. Providing a second material that is malleable and rigid; e. Forming and shaping the second material to size, thickness, shape and form that is usable as a post with a “U” cross section and has two portions; f. Wherein a plurality of mounting means in the form of inverted hooks are made during the forming and shaping; g. Whereby a barrier system is provided which is capable of being used as a visual barrier and a physical barrier.
34. A method for manufacturing the barrier system according to claim 32 including the plurality of apertures being made post forming and shaping of the material of the barrier system.
35. A method for manufacturing the barrier system according to claim 32 including the plurality of apertures being made by cutting.
36. A method for manufacturing the barrier system according to claim 32 including the plurality of apertures being made by punching.
37. A method for manufacturing the barrier system according to claim 32 including the receiving structures being made post forming and shaping of the material of the barrier system.
38. A method for manufacturing the barrier system according to claim 32 including the receiving sleeve being made by cutting.
39. A method for manufacturing the barrier system according to claim 32 including the receiving sleeve being made by punching.
40. A method for manufacturing the barrier system according to claim 32 including forming the supports into a “U" section by folding.
41. A method for manufacturing the barrier system according to claim 32 including forming the supports into a “U” section by extruding.
42. A method for manufacturing the barrier system according to claim 32 including the mounting means in the form of inverted hooks being made by punching and bending.
43. A method for manufacturing the barrier system according to claim 32 including the mounting means in the form of inverted hooks being made by cutting and bending.
44. A method for manufacturing the barrier system according to claim 32 including the at least one post being formed into two portions by bending.
45. A barrier system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings.
46. A method of assembling a barrier system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings.
47. A method for manufacturing the barrier system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings.