AU2022246373A1

AU2022246373A1 - Mounting bracket and barrier system

Info

Publication number: AU2022246373A1
Application number: AU2022246373A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Hayden Wallace
Original assignee: Safe Direction Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Safe Direction Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2021-10-07
Filing date: 2022-10-04
Publication date: 2023-04-27

Abstract

Mounting Bracket and Barrier System Abstract This invention relates to a mounting bracket arranged to be fixed relative to a rigid structure, where the bracket projects above the structure in order to shield an end of the barrier against impact by an errant vehicle. The invention also relates to a barrier system including a barrier to contain an errant vehicle on a roadway, a rigid structure to which the barrier is connected and the mounting bracket positioned to project above the fixed structure in order to shield an end of the barrier from impact by an errant vehicle. 14 16 7 11 FIG. 1 13 15 16 16 AT -------- TA 17 FIG.2 17 1 18 8 18 166 16; 6 5 14 17 FG3 17 15 7 15 7 8 B 6 10 ) 10 I 14 19 A 10 11 RI 3 'B 19 15 FIGS -BFIG.4 FIG._

Description

16

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Mounting Bracket and Barrier System

Field of the Invention

[0001] This invention relates to a road safety barrier and in particular to a mounting bracket to fix the barrier to a rigid structure of a barrier system.

Background of the Invention

[0002] A road safety barrier generally comprises a semi-rigid guardrail to restrain errant vehicles. When the barrier transitions to a rigid structure it is connected by bolting the barrier on to the side of the structure.

[0003] The barrier acts to contain vehicles leaving a road. The barrier is at a set and regulated height. A number of modern vehicles have a higher centre of gravity than contemplated by conventional standards which requires the barrier to be positioned at an increased height, compared to original design specifications for the barrier. The road surface itself may be raised due to overlay of new road surfaces on an existing road which effectively makes a newly installed road safety barrier higher than an existing rigid structure.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] In accordance with the invention there is a mounting bracket arranged to be fixed relative to a rigid structure, where the bracket projects above the structure in order to shield an end of the barrier against impact by an errant vehicle.

[0005] In one embodiment, the bracket includes a first ramp angled upwardly from a leading end of the bracket toward an upper surface of the bracket.

[0006] In one embodiment, the bracket has a second ramp, at a reverse angle to the first ramp, the second ramp being angled up from a trailing end of the bracket toward the upper surface of the bracket.

[0007] In one embodiment, the first ramp and second ramp include through holes adapted to receive bolts that pass through a base of the bracket, to secure the bracket to the rigid structure.

[0008] In an alternative embodiment, the bracket includes a coupling to allow the bracket to be secured relative to the barrier so as to be positioned above the fixed structure.

[0009] In one embodiment, the coupling allows for height adjustment of the barrier relative to the bracket.

[0010] In one embodiment, the bracket is a frame which includes opposed side sections, each with a vertical slot which forms the coupling.

[0011] In another aspect, there is provided a barrier system including a barrier to contain an errant vehicle on a roadway, a rigid structure to which the barrier is connected and a mounting bracket, as described above, positioned to project above the fixed structure in order to shield an end of the barrier from impact by an errant vehicle.

[0012] In one embodiment, the barrier is arranged to fold over the first ramp if the barrier is impacted by the vehicle.

[0013] In one embodiment, the barrier is connected to the bracket and the fixed structure by a termination piece, the termination piece being fixed below an upper surface of the bracket whereby the bracket protects road users from a sharp edge at an end of the termination piece.

[0014] In one embodiment, the second ramp is angled upwardly from a trailing edge of the bracket to protect road users from the sharp edge of the end of the termination piece, if impacting the barrier from an opposite direction.

[0015] In one embodiment, the bracket is elevated above the structure and the barrier is connected to the bracket by a bolt which passes through the coupling to allow vertical adjustment of the barrier relative to the fixed structure.

[0016] In another embodiment, the bracket is bolted directly to the barrier without separate connection to the fixed structure, to provide a shield for the end of the barrier.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] The invention is described, by non-limiting example only, with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0018] Figure 1 is an isometric view of a bracket;

[0019] Figure 2 is a plan view of the bracket;

[0020] Figure 3 is a section view of the bracket, taken along the line A-A shown in Figure 2;

[0021] Figure 4 is a front view of the bracket;

[0022] Figure 5 is a section view of the bracket, taken along the line B-B shown in Figure 4;

[0023] Figure 6 is an end view of the bracket;

[0024] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a barrier system, including the bracket of Figures 1 to 6;

[0025] Figure 8 is a top view of the barrier system;

[0026] Figure 9 is a side view of the barrier system; and

[0027] Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of system.

Detailed Description

[0028] Figure 1 shows a bracket 1 with a frame 2, a base 3, an upper surface 4 and a first ramp 5. A second ramp 6 is provided opposite the first ramp 5, at a reverse angle.

[0029] The bracket 1 includes side sections 7 which are curved toward a top plate 8 of the bracket 1 for enhanced strength and rigidity. The side sections 7 include a coupling 10 in the form of a slot 11 formed in each side section 7.

[0030] The frame 2 has side edges 13 inclined from a leading or trailing end 14, 15, up to the top plate 8 of the bracket 1.

[0031] One or both of the ramps 5, 6 are fixed in place over the edges 13 by filet welding or any other other suitable form of attachment, to extend from the respective leading or trailing end 14, of the bracket 1, up to the top plate 8.

[0032] In the assembled condition, the bracket 1 is preferably hot dip galvanised for increased weather resistance and durability.

[0033] As can be seen, the top plate 8 and coupling 10 are positioned closer to the leading end 14 of the bracket, where higher impact forces are expected. This results in the first ramp 5 being oriented at a higher angle compared to the second ramp 6.

[0034] The ramps 5, 6 have holes 16 in the order of 54mm diameter although other dimensions may be used, as required.

[0035] As shown in Figure 2, the holes 16 align with openings 17 in a base 3 of the bracket 1. The openings 17 preferably have a diameter in the order of 19mm although, again, other dimensions may be used, as required.

[0036] Figure 2 also shows the through holes 16 and top plate 8 being positioned more toward a leading end 14 of the bracket 1.

[0037] Figure 3 is a sectional view of the bracket 1, where the through holes 16 and openings 17 are aligned. The top plate 8 is chamfered to match the end edges 18 of the ramps 5, 6. The first ramp 5 may be in the order of 189.9mm in length to extend from the leading end 14 to overlay the top plate 8 while the second ramp 6 may be in the order of 362.2mm in length to likewise extend from the trailing edge 15 to also overlay the top plate 8.

[0038] The ramps 5, 6 are preferably fixed 6mm short of an upper surface of the top plate 8 so as not present a snag risk. The ramps 5, 6 may be in the form of 3mm shims although other sizes and dimensions may apply.

[0039] Figure 4 shows the relative angles of the ramps 5, 6. The first ramp 5 is preferably fixed at an angle "A" in the order of 25.4 degrees while the second ramp 6 may be are an angle "B" in the order of 13.2 degrees.

[0040] Figure 4 also shows the coupling 10 which is in the form of the vertical slot 11, which extends between the base 3 and the top plate 8. The slot 11 has rounded ends of radius "R1" in the order of 12mm and a height "H" in the order of 64mm. The vertical orientation of the slot 11 allows for vertical adjustment of a connecting bolt (shown in later Figures).

[0041] Figure 5 is a view taken along the line B-B in Figure 4 and shows the coupling 10 in each side section 7 in opposed relation, for receipt of the connecting bolt referred to above. A small gap 19 is provided between the leading end 14 of the bracket 1 and the first ramp 5, which can serve for drainage.

[0042] Figure 6 shows a similar gap 19 between the ramp 6 and the trailing end 15 of the bracket 1, which is preferably in the order of 10mmm.

[0043] Figure 7 illustrates a barrier system 20 formed of a barrier 21 which includes a semi rigid guardrail 22 attached to a rigid structure 23 adjacent a road 24.

[0044] The guardrail 22 is connected to the structure 23 through a transition segment 25 and an intermediate segment 26 which is in turn bolted directly to the structure 23 via a termination piece 27. The termination piece 27 has a flattened end 28 which is fixed to the structure 23 with bolts 29.

[0045] A top bolt 30 of the termination piece 27 is secured above the height of the rigid structure 23, into the coupling 10 of the bracket 1.

[0046] The barrier 21 is able to be height adjusted if needed by virtue of the bolt 30 being received in the vertical adjustment slot 11 of the coupling 10.

[0047] The bracket 1 ensures fixed connection to the structure 23 while the ramps 5, 6 and top plate 8 of the bracket 1 shield a top edge 31 of the barrier 21 being exposed to direct vehicle impact.

[0048] In the arrangement shown, the edge 31 remains below the upper surface of the bracket 1 and the ramps 5, 6 provide safety to oncoming traffic or traffic from the opposite directions impacting any sharp and dangerous edge 31 of the barrier 21.

[0049] The first ramp 5 is also angled in general alignment with a leading nose 32 of the structure 23 which may, for example, be in the form of a concrete parapet. The first ramp 5 presents an inclined angle which allows the barrier 21 to fold over the bracket 1 when the barrier 21 is active in arresting a vehicle leaving the road 24. The bracket 1 thereby functions in a manner that does not present a sudden obstruction which would compromise the containment role of the system 20 or inflict a sudden impact on the errant vehicle.

[0050] Figure 8 shows a plan view of the system 20, where the termination piece 27 is shown bolted to the bracket 1. The bolt 30 that connects the piece 27 to the bracket 1 passes through the bracket 1 and is fixed by a nut 33 at the opposite side section 7 of the bracket 1.

[0051] As shown more clearly in Figure 9, the guardrail 22 is preferably formed of a W-beam 34 with supporting posts 35. The intermediate segment 26 is preferably formed of a thrie-beam 36 which is mounted on posts 37. The distance between the posts 36 and 37 reduces closer to the rigid structure 23 to help stiffen the barrier 21. The intermediate segment 26 is then bolted to the termination piece 27, which is in turn fixed to the rigid structure 23 by the bracket 1. Figure 9 clearly shows the top edge 31 of the barrier 21 being below the level of the upper surface 4 of the plate 8. The second ramp 6 provides angled protection, upwardly from the structure 23, to protect the edge 31 from direct impact from vehicles and/or motorcyclists impacting the system from an opposite direction to those vehicles intended to be restrained by the barrier 21.

[0052] Figure 10 illustrates the system 20 in an exploded view, where the relative distance between the posts 35, 37 supporting the guardrail 22, the transition segment 25 and the intermediate segment 26 are clearly shown.

[0053] The bracket 1 is mounted on top of the fixed structure 23 by fasteners 40 that are bolted into the structure 23 via the through holes 16. The bracket 1 is thereby mounted at an elevated position relative to the fixed structure 23. This allows the barrier 21 to also be connected to the bracket 1 with the bolt 30 and nut 33, through the coupling 10, so that the barrier 21 is secured at a position above the fixed structure 23. The ramps 5, 6 are adjacent the edge 31 of the termination piece 27 and angle up from the structure 23 to a level above the sharp edge 31 of the barrier 21.

[0054] The first ramp 5 allows the barrier 21 to fold over the bracket 1 in the event of an impact on the barrier 21 in a direction of traffic indicated by arrow "T" so that the barrier 21 can to continue to function as a relatively uninterrupted containment ribbon in arresting an errant vehicle without any sudden obstruction which might otherwise cause damage.

[0055] The second ramp 6 ensures any errant vehicle travelling in an opposite direction to the traffic flow "T" does not encounter the edge 31 after impacting the rigid structure 23 as a result of the sharp edge 31 remaining below the upper surface 4 of the bracket 1. This may also represent a significant advantage in the case of motorcyclists, who may otherwise be severely injured by an impact with the edge 31 of the barrier system 20.

[0056] The vertical adjustment provided by the coupling means 10 means the barrier 21 can be be height adjusted, as required. Vertical adjustment of the barrier 21 can accommodate potential new increases in a mandated required height of the barrier. The mandated height may be raised due to newer vehicles having a higher centre of gravity, which requires a higher barrier for the system 20 to operate as required. Alternatively, there may be variation in the height of the road itself as a result of new surface being laid and increased in height, which would again require the barrier 21 to be positioned higher to meet prescribed height requirements.

[0057] In prior arrangements, the termination piece would bolt directly to the structure 23 and be height limited in the connection by the height of the structure. The present invention allows the barrier to be fixed above the level of the rigid structure 23 without compromising the safety of the barrier system 20 and without presenting a hazard to road users.

[0058] The invention has been described with reference to one embodiment only however within the scope of the invention are alternate embodiments, where the bracket is fixed directly to the end of the barrier, without necessarily being bolted to the rigid structure itself, or even fixed to the side of the rigid structure, provided the bracket is located at a position above the rigid structure in order to shield against impact on the end of the barrier.

[0059] In an alternative embodiment, the bracket 1 is connected only to the rigid structure 23, without being additionally bolted to the barrier 21. In that arrangement, the bracket 1 is positioned above the rigid structure 23 and proximate the barrier 21 in order to provide the same effect of shielding the edge 31 of the barrier 21.

[0060] It is also contemplated one or both of the ramps may carry reflective elements to alert road users of the location of the barrier.

[0061] Any dimensions provided above are by way of example only and may be subject to variation depending on requirements.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A mounting bracket arranged to be fixed relative to a rigid structure, where the bracket projects above the structure in order to shield an end of the barrier against impact by an errant vehicle.

2. The bracket of claim 1, wherein the bracket includes a first ramp angled upwardly from a leading end of the bracket toward an upper surface of the bracket.

3. The bracket of claim 2, wherein the bracket has a second ramp, at a reverse angle to the first ramp, the second ramp being angled up from a trailing end of the bracket toward the upper surface of the bracket.

4. The bracket of claim 3, wherein the first ramp and second ramp include through holes adapted to receive bolts that pass through a base of the bracket, to secure the bracket to the rigid structure.

5. The bracket of claim 1, wherein the bracket includes a coupling to allow the bracket to be secured relative to the barrier so as to be positioned above the fixed structure.

6. The bracket of claim 5, wherein the coupling allows for height adjustment of the barrier relative to the bracket.

7. The bracket of claim 6, wherein the bracket is a frame which includes opposed side sections, each with a vertical slot which forms the coupling.

8. A barrier system including a barrier to contain an errant vehicle on a roadway, a rigid structure to which the barrier is connected and a mounting bracket, as defined in any one of claims 1 to 7, positioned to project above the fixed structure in order to shield an end of the barrier from impact by an errant vehicle.

9. The barrier system of claim 8, wherein the barrier is arranged to fold over the first ramp if the barrier is impacted by the vehicle.

10. The barrier system of claim 8 or 9, wherein the barrier is connected to the bracket and the fixed structure by a termination piece, the termination piece being fixed below an upper surface of the bracket whereby the bracket protects road users from a sharp edge at an end of the termination piece.

11. The barrier system of any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the bracket includes a first ramp directed to oncoming traffic on the roadway and a second ramp angled upwardly from a trailing edge of the bracket to protect road users from the sharp edge of the end of the termination piece, if impacting the barrier from an opposite direction.

12. The barrier system of any of claims 8 to 11, wherein the bracket is elevated above the structure and the barrier includes a coupling for connecting the barrier to the bracket to allow for vertical adjustment of the barrier relative to the fixed structure.

13. The barrier system of claim 12, wherein, the barrier is connected to the bracket by a bolt which passes through the coupling.

14. The barrier system of any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein the bracket is bolted directly to the barrier without separate connection to the fixed structure, to provide a shield for the end of the barrier.

Safe Direction Pty Ltd Patent Attorneys for the Applicant/Nominated Person SPRUSON&FERGUSON