AU2019101787A4

AU2019101787A4 - Energy absorbing bollard assembly

Info

Publication number: AU2019101787A4
Application number: AU2019101787A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Thomas Luke HOTCHKIN
Original assignee: Saferoads Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Saferoads Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2018-08-24
Filing date: 2019-08-23
Publication date: 2021-04-01
Anticipated expiration: 2027-08-23
Also published as: WO2020037379A1; AU2019324737A1

Abstract

Abstract: A bollard unit (3) includes (a) a low height elongate base (7) having an upper section (9) that is formed for easy pedestrian access across the base from one side to the other side of the unit, and (b) at least one bollard post (13) extending upwardly from the base and forming a vehicle barrier. WO 2020/037379 PCT/AU2019/050896 1/7 3 63 Nl'7 FIG I

Description

Nl'7

FIG I ENERGY ABSORBING BOLLARD ASSEMBLY FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to an energy absorbing bollard assembly. The present invention relates to an energy absorbing bollard unit that can be used in the construction of an energy absorbing bollard assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Energy absorbing bollards are designed, by way of example, to protect pedestrian areas such as sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, outdoor seating etc. from vehicle impacts without endangering the vehicle occupants. Energy absorbing bollards are also designed for other functions. There are different types of bollards. One bollard type comprises bollards that are rigid and form inflexible barriers to vehicles contacting the bollards. These bollards are constructed to cause vehicles rather than the bollards to collapse on contact with the bollards and thereby decelerate the vehicles via absorption of energy as the vehicles collapse. Another type of bollard comprises flexible bollards that bend and deform elastically from a vertical, i.e. upright, orientation when contacted by vehicles and absorb vehicle energy via deformation of the bollards. These flexible bollards return to their original orientation and shape after vehicle impact. Another type of bollard comprises bollards that are formed to selectively collapse when contacted by vehicles, with the bollards absorbing vehicle energy due to the collapse of the bollards. By way of example, the bollards may include crumple zones or other areas that can selectively collapse and absorb energy by this mechanism. The applicant has realised that there is a need for an alternative bollard to the bollards known to the applicant, with particular although by no means exclusive focus as a defence against vehicle terrorist attacks on members of the public at public events. The above description is not to be taken as an admission of the common general knowledge in Australia and elsewhere.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In broad terms the invention provides a bollard unit that includes (a) a low height, as described herein, elongate base having an upper section that is formed for easy pedestrian access across the base from one side to the other side of the unit, and (b) at least one bollard post extending upwardly from the base and forming a vehicle barrier. The bollard unit may include a connector at each end of the unit that is adapted to engage a complementary connector of an adjacent unit and connect adjacent units together in a line of the bollard units. The invention also provides a bollard system that includes a line of a plurality of bollard units that are interconnected in end-to-end relationship and cooperate together to absorb vehicle impact when one of the bollard units is contacted by a vehicle, with each bollard unit including (a) a low height, as described herein, elongate base having an upper section that is formed for easy pedestrian access across the base from one side to the other side of the unit, (b) a connector at each end of the unit that engages a complementary connector of an adjacent unit and connects adjacent units together in the line, and (c) at least one bollard post extending upwardly from the base and forming a barrier to a vehicle, with the spacing between bollard posts in the line being such as to allow easy pedestrian access between the bollard posts. The bollard units in the line cooperate together when one unit is contacted by a vehicle and the line rather than an individual unit absorbs vehicle impact and prevents a vehicle crossing from one side to the other side of the line. In this regard, the applicant has carried out a crash test on the bollard system comprising a plurality of the bollard unit is connected together in a line and found that the system effectively stopped a 2.27 tonne vehicle at 67km/h. The crash test was carried out in accordance with ASTM F3016. The upper section of the base and the spacing of adjacent bollards may be selected to make it possible for pedestrians to move from one side to the other side of the line of units. Typically, the bollards are spaced apart by at least 1 m, typically less than 2 m. This is an important consideration in a panic situation when pedestrians need to move quickly to avoid a vehicle. The length, width and mass of the bollard unit may be selected so that the units are portable and can be transported, for example on a truck tray, from a manufacturing site or a storage location to an end use location and positioned in end-end-relationship in a line. The portable feature makes it possible to quickly form a line of bollard units, for example as may be required for a street parade or other public event. The portable feature also makes it possible to quickly and conveniently dis-assemble the line of barrier units. Typically, the bollard unit is at least 1 tonne and more typically at least 1.5 tonnes. Typically, the bollard unit is less than 2.5 tonne, more typically less than 2 tonnes. The term "low height" in the context of the base is understood herein to mean that the height of the base is such that the base allows easy pedestrian access between the bollards and, in particular, presents a minimal trip hazard. By way of example, the height of the base may be less than 200 mm, typically less than 150 mm. The upper section of the base may be inclined upwardly, for example at a gentle angle, typically less than 200, more typically less than 150, from each side of the base. These inclined sections form ramps for pedestrian access between adjacent bollard posts. The base may include a central section, with the inclined sides merging with the central section. The central section may be a flat section. The inclined sides may be flat sections. This is one of a number of possible arrangements to facilitate easy pedestrian access, including by wheelchair users, with minimal trip hazard risk. The base may be made from steel or any other suitable material such that the base can support the bollard post and maintain structural integrity in the line when contacted by a vehicle. The base may include an outer shell, typically formed form steel, that defines an internal volume that is filled with concrete or another suitable filler that adds mass to the base. The base may include two sections that are connected together to form the base. One section may be the upper section. The other section may be a base plate, typically a steel base plate, that is a mounting plate for the upper section, the connectors, and the bollard post. The bollard post may be rigid and form an inflexible barrier on contact by a vehicle. With this arrangement, there is efficient energy transfer from the bollard post to the bollard unit and to the line of bollard units on vehicle contact. The bollard post may be an elongate post that has a high length to width aspect ratio. Typically, the bollard post is at least 1 m high. Typically, the bollard post is less than 2 m high. Typically, the bollard post is cylindrical. The bollard post may be any suitable transverse cross-section. Typically, the bollard post is a hollow post with a wall made from high strength steel or any other high strength material. Typically, the bollard post is fixed to the base. For example, when the base and the bollard post are made from steel, the bollard post is welded to the base. The connector may be any suitable connector. For example, the connector may be the connector described and claimed in Australian patent application 2015203840 in the name of the applicant. The disclosure in the specification of Australian patent application 2015203840 is incorporated herein by cross-reference. The connector described in Australian patent application 2015203840 includes a connector unit that includes (a) a mounting section connected to the base, the mounting section having inner and outer faces, (b) first and second connector elements at respective ends of the mounting section, the first connector element including an inwardly extending flange that is spaced from the inner face of the mounting section to at least partially define a recess therebetween, the second connector element including an outwardly extending flange, the inwardly and outwardly extending flanges being dimensioned and orientated such that in use, the outwardly extending flange of the connector is receivable within the recess of another said connector on an adjacent bollard unit. The connector may include two connector units at each end of the unit. The invention also provides a bollard unit that is adapted to be interconnected with a plurality of the bollard units in end-to-end relationship and form a line of bollards, the bollard unit including (a) an elongate base having an upper section that is formed for easy pedestrian access across the base from one side to the other side of the unit, (b) a connector at each end of the unit that can engage a complementary connector of an adjacent unit and connect the units together in the line, and (c) at least one bollard post extending upwardly from the base and forming a vehicle barrier.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

The invention is described further by way of example only with reference to the drawings, of which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a bollard unit in accordance with the invention, Figure 2 is a top plan view of the bollard unit shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a side view of the bollard unit shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 is an end view of the bollard unit shown in Figure 1; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the bollard unit shown in Figure 1 with an upper section of the base removed to show a lower section of the base; Figure 6 is a perspective view of a part of one embodiment of bollard assembly in accordance with the invention that includes a line of the bollard units shown in Figure 1 connected together in end-to-end relationship; and Figure 7 is a detailed perspective view illustrating the connection between two adjacent bollard units in the line shown in Figure 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The Figures illustrate one of many possible embodiments of a bollard unit 3 and a bollard assembly 5 made from a plurality of the bollard units 3 in accordance with the invention. Figure 6 shows a section of an embodiment of a bollard system 5 that includes a line of a plurality of bollard units 3 that are connected together in end-to-end relationship and cooperate together as a unit to absorb vehicle impact when one of the bollard units 3 is contacted by a vehicle. The Figure only shows three bollard units 3. It can be appreciated that the invention extends to any suitable number of bollard units 3. With reference to Figures 1-5, each bollard unit 3 includes: (a) a low height elongate base 7 having an upper section 9 that is formed for easy pedestrian access across the base from one side to the other side of the unit, (b) a connector 11 at each end of the bollard unit 3 that is formed to engage a complementary connector 11 of an adjacent bollard unit 3 (as shown in Figure 6) and connects adjacent units together in the line, and (c) two rigid bollard posts 13 fixed to and extending upwardly from the base 7 and forming a barrier to a vehicle, with the spacing between bollard posts 13 in the line being such as to allow easy pedestrian access between the bollard posts 13. The length, width, and mass of the bollard unit 3 may be selected as required. Typically, the bollard unit is 3 m by 1.2 m and weighs 1.5 tonnes. Typically, the base 7 is 120 mm high and 1.2 m wide. Typically, the spacing between the bollard posts 13 is 1.5 m. The invention is not limited to particular dimensions and mass. The base 7 includes two sections that are welded together to form the base 7. One section is the above mentioned upper section 9 of the base 7. The other section is a base plate 15, typically a steel base plate, that is a mounting plate for the upper section 9, the connectors 11, and the bollard posts 13. The upper section 9 of the base 7 includes a central flat elongate section 9a and two side ramps 9b that extend at a shallow incline from opposite sides of the base 7 to the flat section 9a. This profile facilitates convenient pedestrian access across the base 11, with minimal trip risk. The two sections 9, 15 of the base 7 define a hollow space that is filled with concrete. Each bollard post 13 is a hollow cylindrical post that has a high strength steel wall and is welded to the base plate 15 to extend perpendicularly form the base plate.11. The bollard post 13 is formed to be a rigid post for efficient impact energy transfer to the line of bollard units 3. The arrangement is such that, on vehicle impact, the line of bollard units 3 rather than an individual bollard unit 3 that is directly contacted by a vehicle absorbs the vehicle impact energy. The dimensions of the bollard post 9 may be selected as required for the operational requirements of the bollard assembly. For example, for typical applications, the post diameter may be 100-300 mm and the post length may be 0.9-1.2 m. It is emphasised that the embodiment, and the invention, are not limited to these dimensions. The connector 11 is the connector described and claimed in Australian patent application 2015203840 in the name of the applicant. As noted above, the specification of Australian patent application 2015203840 is incorporated by cross-reference. With reference to Figure 6, in use, the bollard units 3 are transported from a manufacturing site or a storage location to an end-use location and lifted into position to form the line of bollard units 3 shown in the Figure. There may be any suitable number of bollard units 3 in the line depending on the requirements of the location. The bollard units 3 are connected together by vertically aligning the respective connectors 11 of adjacent bollard units 3, then lowering one bollard unit 3 into engagement with the other, such that the connectors 11 engage each other as previously described. The portable bollard system 5 is easy to install and is unobtrusiveness and effective. The simple slide together connectors 11, and the lack of anchoring, allow the system to be installed on any surface with only basic lifting equipment required. Other systems which require pinning or a specific ground surface require knowledge of these systems, and an increase in installation time and equipment. The portable bollard system can simply be placed in position. The system is highly effective at stopping vehicles. Many modifications may be made to the embodiment of the invention shown in the drawings without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. By way of example, whilst the embodiment of the bollard unit 3 described with reference to the Figures includes connectors 11, the invention is not confined to bollard units 3 with connectors 11. In this regard, the invention extends to bollard units that are single, stand alone units. By way of example, whilst the embodiment of the bollard unit 3 described with reference to the Figures includes connectors 11 described in Australian patent application 2015203840, the invention is not confined to these connectors and extends to any suitable connectors for allowing a plurality of bollard units 3 to be connected together in a line. Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

Claims

1. A bollard unit that includes (a) a low height elongate base having an upper section that is formed for easy pedestrian access across the base from one side to the other side of the unit, and (b) at least one bollard post extending upwardly from the base and forming a vehicle barrier.

2. A bollard system that includes a line of a plurality of bollard units that are interconnected in end-to-end relationship and cooperate together to absorb vehicle impact when one of the bollard units is contacted by a vehicle, with each bollard unit including (a) a low height elongate base having an upper section that is formed for easy pedestrian access across the base from one side to the other side of the unit, (b) a connector at each end of the unit that engages a complementary connector of an adjacent unit and connects adjacent units together in the line, and (c) at least one bollard post extending upwardly from the base and forming a barrier to a vehicle, with the spacing between bollard posts in the line being such as to allow easy pedestrian access between the bollard posts.

3. A bollard unit that is adapted to be interconnected with a plurality of the bollard units defined in claim 2 in end-to-end relationship and form a line of bollards, the bollard unit including (a) a low height elongate base having an upper section that is formed for easy pedestrian access across the base from one side to the other side of the unit, (b) a connector at each end of the unit that can engage a complementary connector of an adjacent unit and connect the units together in the line, and (c) at least one bollard post extending upwardly from the base and forming a vehicle barrier.