AU2019101418A4 - Screen for roadside barriers - Google Patents

Abstract

A screen for a roadside barrier is provided that is particularly suited for installation on a lightweight barrier adjacent to a worksite. The screen includes: a screen member, comprising a plurality of apertures, the apertures sized and arranged to enable air to flow through the screen while enabling the screen to deflect projectiles that may hit the screen. The apertures reduce the effect of wind on the screen, and may thereby reduce the risk of the barrier blowing over, while screening the worksite from projectiles, such as tyres or wheels, from the roadway. eeo 1eo eoe e1g uu eu 0 ... uu- . .n.-.u. ~ . ~ . uss eu uMn sesuN u- u Nue tu ..u.. su cu M: MI :#:r Mla) test : M.st fle use uts uss uut tucI 1 M: I::: Ml. f W0 NZ : o :e eeo eec oc c, ec ec e. c 0.oc UNc ee ue c. eee cs c 0 !.; floe coec . NOe ce; eo O N = Mlec Wce eoc .o ec c LU. NGN::*:Mo

Description

SCREEN FOR ROADSIDE BARRIERS

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to roadside barriers, and in particular, to screens for roadside barriers.

BACKGROUND ART [0002] Roadside barriers are commonly used along roadways around worksites to protect workers by preventing vehicles from inadvertently entering the worksite. Traditionally, these barriers have been around 1m high, and are configured to deflect vehicles back onto the roadway. An example of such barrier is the Jersey Barrier, which is generally formed of concrete segments that may be joined in a lengthwise arrangement to produce a long barrier.

[0003] While such barriers may reduce a likelihood of a vehicle entering a work area, a problem is that wheels detaching from vehicles, and other projectiles may mount the barrier and enter the worksite, and cause serious injury to roadside workers. A further problem with such barriers is that motorists may be distracted by the workers in a work area, thereby increasing the risk of accidents.

[0004] Screens have therefore been attached to the top of such barriers, to protect workers from such projectiles, and to prevent motorists from seeing into the work area. These screens have traditionally been formed of sheets of plywood, which extend upwardly from the barrier.

[0005] More recently, lightweight galvanised steel barriers have become more commonly used, as these are generally longer lasting, higher performing and more easily deployed than solid concrete barriers. These barriers are joined in a lengthwise direction to create a long barrier.

[0006] A problem with such plywood screening of the prior art is that it is too heavy to be used with such lightweight galvanised steel barriers, as it would cause the barrier to become top-heavy, and prone to tipping over.

[0007] Several attempts have been made to manufacture lightweight screens that are suitable for use with lightweight galvanised steel barriers. One such example utilises composite plastic screening which is attached to the roadside barrier instead of the traditional plywood screening. A problem with such lightweight composite screening is that they are prone to shattering upon impact, which can itself cause injury to workers.

2019101418 19 Nov 2019 [0008] A further problem with such screens is that they also prevent workers from seeing the roadway, and as a result, workers are unable to see what is happening in their environment.

[0009] Yet a further problem with such lightweight screens is that despite being lightweight, they still cause imbalance to the barrier, particularly in windy environments. In particular, even though the screens themselves may be lightweight, when windy the screens may function much like a sail, causing significant force to be applied to the barrier, thereby potentially causing the barrier to tip over.

[0010] As such, there is clearly a need for an improved screen for roadside barriers.

[0011] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0012] The present invention is directed to screens for roadside barriers which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0013] With the foregoing in view, in a first aspect the present invention resides broadly in a screen for a roadside barrier, the screen including: a screen member, comprising a plurality of apertures, the apertures sized and arranged to enable air to flow through the screen while enabling the screen to deflect projectiles that may hit the screen.

[0014] Advantageously, the screen is particularly suited for installation on a lightweight barrier adjacent to a worksite as the apertures reduce the effect of wind on the screen, and thereby reduce the risk of the barrier blowing over, while screening the worksite from projectiles, such as tyres or wheels, from the roadway.

[0015] Preferably, the apertures are sized and arranged to reduce the ability of a motorist to see through the screen member when travelling along a length of the screen member at speed. As an illustrative example, the apertures may be arranged in a two-dimensional array such that motion blur prevents (or significantly reduces) the ability of a motorist to see through the screen member when travelling parallel to the screen. As such, the screen member may function as an anti-gawk screen for motorists travelling along the screen (barrier) at speed.

[0016] The apertures may be sized and arranged in a manner that enables stationary

2019101418 19 Nov 2019 workers to see out through the screen. This may in turn enable workers to protect themselves in case of an incident, and/or be more aware of dangers in their surroundings.

[0017] The screen member may comprise a panel. The panel may be formed of steel. The steel may be galvanised.

[0018] The screen member may be formed of pressed steel. The apertures may be punched in the pressed steel.

[0019] The screen member may include one or more corrugations. The corrugations may extend along a length of the barrier.

[0020] The screen member may include a plurality of corrugations.

[0021] The apertures may be arranged in rows. The rows of apertures may extend along a length of the barrier.

[0022] The rows of apertures may be spaced apart from each other by regions that are substantially free of apertures. The regions free of apertures may be at least about half the width of the rows. The regions free of apertures may be at least about the width of the rows.

[0023] The apertures may be positioned intermediate peaks and troughs of the corrugation.

[0024] The peaks and troughs of the corrugation may be substantially free from the apertures.

[0025] The screen member may comprise a plurality of sub-members. Each of the submembers may be identical in size and shape. The sub-members may be joined in an overlapping arrangement. The join may extend along a length of the screen member.

[0026] Preferably, the screen includes a support, for supporting the screen member.

[0027] Preferably, the screen includes a plurality of supports for supporting the screen member. The supports may comprise support members arranged along a length of the screen member.

[0028] The support members may be elongate, and configured to extend upwardly from the barrier. The support members may be attached to the barrier at a base of the barrier, and at an upper edge of the barrier.

[0029] The support members may be received in apertures at a base of the barrier, and retained to an upper portion of the barrier using a fastener (such as a U-bolt).

2019101418 19 Nov 2019 [0030] The support members may extend upwardly from the barrier in a spaced arrangement, and the screen member may extend between adjacent support members.

[0031] The support members may comprise posts. Posts may be substantially rectangular in cross section.

[0032] The support members may extend up, and be attached to one side of the screen member. The support members may be attached to a side of the screen member that is away from the roadway when in use.

[0033] The screen member may be corrugated, and the support members may be attached to the screen member at multiple points at troughs of the corrugation.

[0034] Multiple screens may be coupled in a lengthwise arrangement. The screen members may be coupled in an overlapping arrangement at their respective ends.

[0035] The screen may be further coupled to the barrier using a wire rope. The wire rope may prevent the screen from becoming a projectile in case the coupling between the screen and the barrier fails.

[0036] The corrugations may be about 61mm deep (i.e. between a peak and a trough).

[0037] The apertures may be about 9mm in diameter.

[0038] The screen may be about 3953mm long, but may be adapted in size to suit any suitable barrier. The screen member may be about 1200mm high.

[0039] In use, the screen member may be configured to sit immediately above the barrier.

[0040] The barrier may be a temporary barrier.

[0041] The barrier may comprise a housing formed of one or more pressed metal sheets.

[0042] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0043] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

2019101418 19 Nov 2019 [0044] Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0045] Figure 1 illustrates a rear view of a screen, installed on a roadside safety barrier, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 2 illustrates a front view of the screen of Figure 1.

[0047] Figure 3 illustrates a rear perspective view of the screen of Figure 1.

[0048] Figure 4 illustrates an end view of the screen of Figure 1.

[0049] Figure 5 illustrates a top view of the screen of Figure 1.

[0050] Figure 6 illustrates an enlarged view of area B of Figure 1.

[0051] Figure 7 illustrates an enlarged view of area A of Figure 1.

[0052] Figure 8 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of area A of Figure 2.

[0053] Figure 9 illustrates a front view of a plurality of screens coupled in a lengthwise arrangement.

[0054] Figure 10 illustrates an enlarged, exploded, perspective view of area B of Figure 9.

[0055] Figure 11 illustrates a front view of a sub-member of the screen of Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 12 illustrates a top view of the sub-member of Figure 11.

[0057] Figure 13 illustrates a perspective view of the sub-member of Figure 11.

[0058] Figure 14 illustrates an end view of the sub-member of Figure 11.

[0059] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0060] Figure 1 illustrates a rear view of a screen 100, installed on a roadside safety barrier 105, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 illustrates a front view of

2019101418 19 Nov 2019 the screen 100, Figure 3 illustrates a rear perspective view of the screen 100, Figure 4 illustrates an end view of the screen 100, and Figure 5 illustrates a top view of the screen 100.

[0061] The screen 100 is adapted to enable air to flow through the screen 100 while enabling the screen 100 to deflect projectiles that may hit the screen. As such, the screen 100 is able to be installed on the barrier 105, which is a lightweight barrier, such that the risk of the barrier 105 blowing over is reduced, while screening workers on the worksite from projectiles, such as tyres or wheels, from the roadway.

[0062] Furthermore, the screen 100 reduces or prevents a motorist from being able to see through the screen when travelling alongside the screen at speed, while enabling stationary workers to see out. This in turn may prevent motorists from being distracted by work going on behind the barrier, while enabling stationary workers to get a good overview of their environment.

[0063] The screen 100 includes a screen member 110, and a plurality of supports 115. The supports 115 comprise posts, having a substantially rectangular cross section, that are arranged along a length of the screen member 110.

[0064] The supports 115 extend upwardly from the barrier 105, and are attached to the barrier 105 at a base of the barrier, and at an upper edge of the barrier 105. Such configuration ensures that any force applied to the screen 100 is distributed across an entire height of the barrier 105.

[0065] The screen member 110 comprises a panel, the panel including a plurality of apertures 120. The apertures 120 are arranged in rows 120a, each row 120a comprising a twodimensional array of apertures 120. The apertures 120 in each array of apertures 120 are closely arranged, and spaced at a predefined interval. The apertures 120 may be spaced in the array such that a spacing between apertures 120 corresponds to between about 0.5 and 2 times the diameter of the apertures 120.

[0066] Such arrangement of apertures 120 allows for the flow of air through the panel, while preventing (or significantly reducing) the ability of a motorist to see through the screen when travelling parallel to the screen at speed (e.g. above about 30km/h, above about 60km/h, or above about 80km/h). The inventor believes that the effect is similar to that of motion blur in that while attempting to look through the apertures while travelling at speed along the panel, the brain is unable to distinguish between the screen itself and that through the apertures (and thus behind the screen). As such, the screen member 110 is able to effectively function as an anti-gawk screen for motorists travelling along the screen (barrier) at speed, while allowing workers that are not moving to see out.

2019101418 19 Nov 2019 [0067] As best illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the screen member 110 includes a plurality of corrugations that extend along a length of the barrier. The corrugations define peaks 125, troughs 130, and intermediate portions 135 extending between the peaks 125 and troughs 130. Each of the peaks 125, troughs 130 and intermediate portions 135 is substantially planar.

[0068] The apertures 120 are arranged in rows on the intermediate portions 135, and the peaks 125 and troughs 130 are substantially free from apertures. As such, the apertures 120 are directed either upwardly or downwardly, as the intermediate portions 135 are directed upwardly and downwardly.

[0069] As outlined above, the apertures 120 are arranged in rows 120a, each row comprising a two-dimensional array of apertures 120. Each row may be about four (4) apertures high, and may extend along an entire length of the screen 100.

[0070] The apertures 120 are equally spaced horizontally and vertically in the barrier.

[0071] As best illustrated in Figures 2, 3 and 4, the supports 115 comprise posts which are attached to one side of the screen member 110, and extend downwardly from an underside of the screen member 110. As shown in Figure 4, the posts are fastened to the troughs 130 of the screen member 110, at multiple locations using fasteners 140, such as bolts. Figure 8 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of area A of Figure 2, also illustrating the fasting of the screen member 110 to the supports 115.

[0072] The supports 115 are attached to a side of the screen member 110 that is away from the roadway when in use, to simplify installation of the screen 100 from a side of the barrier 105 that is away from the roadway. Such installation is generally safer and less disruptive than installations that require access from both sides of the barrier.

[0073] A lower end of each support 115 is received in an aperture 145 at a base of the barrier 105, adjacent to a drain 150 of the barrier 105. Figure 6 illustrates an enlarged view of area B of Figure 1 illustrating the base of the barrier 105. The support 115 is further retained to an upper portion of the barrier 105 using a fastener 155 (such as a U-bolt). Figure 7 illustrates an enlarged view of area A of Figure 1 illustrating the upper portion of the barrier 105.

[0074] The supports 115 extend upwardly from the barrier 105 in a spaced arrangement, and the screen member 110 extends between adjacent supports 115.

[0075] Now turning back to Figure 1 and Figure 7, the screen 100 is further coupled to the barrier 105 using a wire rope 170. The wire rope 170 is coupled to the screen 100 using a fastener, and to the barrier 105 using the fastener 155. The wire rope 170 may prevent the

2019101418 19 Nov 2019 screen from becoming a projectile in case the coupling between the screen 100 and the barrier 105 fails.

[0076] In use, multiple screens 100 will be coupled in a lengthwise arrangement to provide a long screen.

[0077] Figure 9 illustrates a front view of a plurality of screens 100 coupled in a lengthwise arrangement. In particular, each screen member 110 includes coupling apertures 160 at their respective ends, and the coupling apertures 160 are located at ends of the screens in the troughs 130. The screen members 110 are coupled in an overlapping arrangement using fasteners 165, as outlined in Figure 10. Figure 10 illustrates an enlarged, exploded, perspective view of area B of Figure 9.

[0078] The screen member 110 may comprise a plurality of sub-members 110a. Each of the sub-members is approximately half the size of the screen member 110 in height, and is the length of the screen member 110. As such, the sub-members 110a may be joined in an overlapping arrangement on top of each other. As such, the join between sub-members 110a extends along a length of the screen member 110.

[0079] Now turning back to Figure 10, the fastener 165 simultaneously couples adjacent sub-members 110a, and adjacent screen members 110. This can be achieved as the submembers 110a are overlapping in a vertical direction, and the screen members 110 are overlapping horizontally.

[0080] Figure 11 illustrates a front view of a sub-member 110a, Figure 12 illustrates a top view of a sub-member 110a, Figure 13 illustrates a perspective view of a sub-member 110a, and Figure 14 illustrates an end view of the sub-member 110a.

[0081] The sub-members 110a are formed of steel, which is pressed into shape and galvanised. The apertures 120, 160 are punched into the pressed steel.

[0082] The corrugations may be about 61mm deep (i.e. between a peak 125 and a trough 130).

[0083] The apertures 120 may be about 9mm in diameter.

[0084] The screen 100 may be about 3953mm long, but may be adapted in size to suit any suitable barrier 105. The screen member 110 may be about 1200mm high.

[0085] In use, the screen member 110 is configured to sit immediately above the barrier

2019101418 19 Nov 2019

105, i.e. with minimal gap between the screen member 110 and the barrier 105.

[0086] The barrier 105 may take any suitable form, but the screen 100 is particularly adapted for use with a temporary barrier, and in particular, a galvanised steel barrier that comprises a housing formed of one or more pressed metal sheets.

[0087] The screen 100 is adapted to be assembled to the barrier 105 on the non-traffic side of the barrier, which is safer and causes less disruption than a screen requiring assembly from both sides.

[0088] The use of apertures 120 in rows 120a strengthens the screen 100 compared to screens covered with apertures, or spreading out the same number of apertures 120 evenly across the screen.

[0089] Advantageously, the screen 100 may provide screening and shielding of workers working adjacent to a lightweight (e.g. galvanised steel) roadside barrier, in a manner that is safe and inexpensive to produce.

[0090] The apertures 120 enable air to flow through the screen 100 such that the risk of the barrier 105 and screen 100 blowing over in windy conditions is greatly reduced.

[0091] The screen 100 is strong, which enables the screen 100 to deflect projectiles that may hit the screen, such as tyres or wheels, from the roadway.

[0092] Furthermore, the screen 100 reduces or prevents a motorist from being able to see through the screen when travelling alongside the screen at speed. This in turn may prevent motorists from being distracted by work going on behind the barrier.

[0093] The screen 100 enables stationary workers to get a good overview of their environment as it enables the workers to see out.

[0094] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0095] Reference throughout this specification to One embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

2019101418 19 Nov 2019

Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0096] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (5)

1. A screen for a roadside barrier, the screen including:

a screen member, comprising a plurality of apertures, the apertures sized and arranged to enable air to flow through the screen while enabling the screen to deflect projectiles that may hit the screen.

2. The screen of claim 1, wherein the apertures are sized and arranged to reduce the ability of a motorist seeing through the screen member when travelling along a length of the screen member at speed, while enabling stationary workers to see out through the screen member.

3. The screen of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the screen member comprises a galvanised steel panel, the steel panel including one or more corrugations that extend along a length of the barrier, and wherein the apertures are punched in the steel panel.

4. The screen of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apertures are arranged in rows, wherein the rows of apertures extend along a length of the barrier, and wherein the rows of apertures are spaced apart by regions substantially free of apertures.

5. The screen of any one of the preceding claims, further including a plurality of support members for supporting the screen member, the support members arranged along a length of the screen member, wherein the support members are elongate, and are configured to extend upwardly from the barrier, and wherein the support members are configured to be attached to the barrier at a base of the barrier, and at an upper edge of the barrier.