AU783153B2 - A road barrier - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Applicant(s): KIWI CATTLESTOPS NZ LIMITED Invention Title: A ROAD BARRIER The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us: 1A TITLE: A ROAD BARRIER TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to improvements in road barriers and cattlestops.

More particularly the invention relates to improvements in moveable barriers and cattlestops, or vehicle and animal barriers, which are capable of remote operation.

BACKGROUND ART Cattlestops for preventing the passage of large four legged animals through a gateway or along a road or other area, are known. These are generally of the type 10 having spaced apart sides, with iron rails or pipes stretched between the sides.

The spacing between adjacent pipes or rails is such that a hoofed animal cannot pass across the stop, as the gap between the rails or pipes is sufficient to deter an animal from crossing the cattlestop and fencing prevents any other route being used.

One of the major advantages of a cattlestop is that a gate is not needed to prevent hoofed, four legged animals from leaving a specific area. However, this advantage is increasingly being eroded by a need for greater security on a farm or other area to vehicles, thus necessitating the addition of a gate or road barrier.

Generally, if a gate is added, the gate is at the front or the end of the cattlestop.

Such gates are usually hinged on a post at the side of the cattlestop, and are manually operated.

Another disadvantage of such a system of cattlestop and gate is that either the gate has to open away from the cattlestop; or must move across the cattlestop. The cattlestop is not easy to walk over. If the slope of the ground adjacent the cattlestop is such that the gate has to swing across the cattlestop, the opening and 2 closing of the gate always includes the difficulty of walking on the cattlestop.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a moveable road barrier which combination overcomes the above described disadvantages of a cattlestop with or without an associated gate.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description, which is given by way of example only.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION For the purposes of this specification, the term 'rail' or 'bar' includes a rail or bar (whether of uniform cross-section or otherwise), a pipe, a length of metal of uniform cross-section there-along a flexible rail (of metal, chain or other material), or a combination thereof. Generally, the term is used to refer to an iron or iron alloy rail, but is not to be strictly limited thereto. It will be appreciated that whilst some other metals or materials may be used in the construction of the rails, there is a necessary selection limitation imposed by the weight the rails must each be capable of bearing.

Further, for the purposes of this specification, the term 'road' is used to include any road, track, trail, gateway or driveway for vehicles, whether two- three- or fourwheeled.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a road barrier for a road comprising at least one first horizontal bar capable of elevation in a substantially vertical direction and supported, when in use, at a predetermined height above and across the road from at least one end by lifting and lowering means; the at least one o: •horizontal bar being contained when not in use at or below the road surface within a barrier frame that can be driven over, wherein the road barrier is included within a cattlestop placed across the road and having a supporting frame with two sides parallel to the road and a front and a back; the upper edge of the supporting frame being adjacent ground level when the cattlestop is in position and the sides supporting a SH: \annertteg\keep\spec \40829-OO.doc 3108/05 a..

a 3 plurality of rails laid across the road; so that when elevated and in use the horizontal bar of the road barrier prevents vehicles from using the road over the cattlestop.

The frame is optionally in the form of at least one length of shaped concrete which is embedded substantially below ground level, the concrete being adapted to receive the first rail therein.

Preferably, the first horizontal bar, which is capable of elevation, is the middle rail of the cattlestop.

Preferably the first horizontal bar includes thereon signage or other means to assist in forming a barrier to the passage of humans, large animals and vehicles.

Preferably also, the height to which the first horizontal bar is raised is in the range 0.2 metres to 2.4 metres from ground level. Most preferably, the height of the bar is 0.75 metres from ground level.

Preferably, the means to releasably retain said first bar at a pre-determined height is operated by means selected from electro-mechanical means, hydraulic means, pneumatic means, water-driven means, remotely operated means, and a combination thereof.

Such a system could, for example, be operated by a motor and battery system.

Additionally, remote controls can, for example, include alphanumeric pads positioned at the front and/or the back of the cattlestop or frame. Additional security features, for 20 example, TV monitors, scanners, intercoms, etc, may also be connected to the releasable retaining means.

Preferably said first horizontal bar includes a plurality of flexible strips, or straps, which depend from the first rail when said rail is in the elevated position.

There may also be provided a moveable road barrier in which said barrier further 25 includes at least one second horizontal bar which is spaced apart from said first horizontal bar H:\annettreg\keep-spec:. 40829-00.doc 3/08/05 EDITORIAL NOTE APPLICATION NUMBER 40829/00 This specification does not contain a page 4.

and connected thereto by flexible means. Preferably, said flexible means includes one of: chains, straps, wires, links, and a combination thereof.

Optionally, the frame may be assembled off site and installed as a unit; or may be assembled and/or constructed in situ.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 10 Figure 1 is a perspective side view of a first preferred embodiment of the barrier of the present invention with the first rail in the raised position; SFigure 2 is a partial side perspective view ofa second preferred embodiment of the present invention with the first rail in the lowered position; Figure 3 is a perspective side view from the front of a cattlestop of the prior 15 art; Figure 4 is a front view of a third preferred embodiment of the present invention with the first rail in the raised position; and Figure 5 is a partial perspective view of the frame and first rail only of the cattlestop of the present invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, two preferred embodiments of the present invention are thereshown.

In the first embodiment (Fig. 1) the barrier 2 includes a support post 13, a concrete frame 7 and a first rail 5. The frame 7 (as shown in Fig. 2, but is the same for both embodiments) includes a front 9 and a back 10. The frame 7 is set into the road 3, so that the top of the frame 7 is flush with the surface of the road 3, or is at ground level. The frame 7 in cross-section is a truncated V, to accommodate the rail 5, when the rail 5 is in the lowered position. It will be appreciated that a U shape or other cross-sectional shapes may also be used.

The frame 7 is described above as constructed of concrete. However, it will be appreciated that other materials may be used, for example metal alloys, angle iron, wood, etc. Also, the frame 7 is shown as continuous across the road 3. It will be appreciated, however, that the frame 7 need not be continuous, but may be in one or two channels across the road 3 (for example, in any wheel tracks). Further, it S. will be appreciated that the frame 7 may be above the usual level of the road 3, and the area of the road 3 immediately adjacent the frame 7 ramped up to each edge of the frame 7.

In the second preferred embodiment (Fig. 2) the barrier 32 includes a first rail which is supported between two support posts 13. In this second embodiment, like numerals refer to like parts from the first preferred embodiment.

~The first rail 5 has suspended therefrom a plurality of flexible straps 21. A second 20 rail 15 is secured below and by the straps 21, and approximately parallel with the first rail 5. Other types of straps may also be used. In Fig. 2 there is thereshown a broad strap 22 and a chain strap 23. The straps (21, 22, 23) may be combined in any variation or combination to support the second rail It will be appreciated, however, that the second rail 15 may be absent and that the straps (21 23) may depend from the first rail 5 without supporting a second rail It will further be appreciated that a sign or board or other device (not shown) may be secured from the first rail 5 or secured to the straps (21 23), acting as a further physical deterrent to passage along the road 3.

The addition of straps (21-23) and/or a second rail 15 assist as a deterrent to animals. The spacing of the strap (21-23) and of the rails 15) may be preselected with deterrence of particular animals as the criterion for the spacing.

With appropriate selection of the position of a board, selected signage (for example, a warning notice or other sign indicating address and name of occupants) may be added to the barrier 2. With appropriate selection of the material for the board, sign or device, the frame 7 can be adapted in known manner to accommodate the sign (etc) when the barrier 2 is in the lowered position.

The rails 5, 15 of the second embodiment of the barrier 32 are shown in Figs. 2 as .rigid. However, it will be appreciated, that the material of the rails 15) may also be flexible. For example, chain may be used, or other flexible material suited to the purpose of the barrier 32.

oooeIn the event that the second rail 15 is present the frame 7 is adapted and sized to accommodate both the first and second rails 15), when both rails 15) are in the lowered position.

i Additionally, it will be appreciated that additional rails (not shown) may be added to depend from the first rail 5, as is desired. These may be secured by the straps (21 23), or by additional means, of known type.

In the first and second embodiments of the barrier 32) the frame 7 is shown as an integral concrete casting, but need not be so. Also, the posts 13 and frame 7 may be constructed off site, as may be the rails 15). The barrier 2, 32 can be installed as a completed structure on site. Alternatively, if so desired, the frame 7 may be cast in situ and/or in parts, and the other components of the barrier 2, 32 built on site.

A third embodiment of the barrier 202 is shown with reference to Figs. 3 to Referring to Fig. 3, a cattlestop 102 of known type is thereshown. The cattlestop 102 includes sides 103 and side rails 104. The side rails 104 may be of any appropriate material, for example wood or steel. The side rails 104 may be absent in some versions of the cattlestop 102 of the prior art.

The cattlestop 102 also includes a plurality of cattlestop rails 105 within a frame 106, the cattlestop rails 105 being spaced apart to deter animals from crossing.

The side rails 104 adjoin a fence or other restraining means of known type.

Referring to Figs. 4 and 5 of the drawings, the third embodiment of the barrier 202 of the present invention includes a movable first rail 205, and is in a like setting to that of the above described prior art cattlestop 102. The barrier 202 includes a concrete frame 207 (Fig. 5) and spaced apart cattlestop rails 105 (as shown in Fig 15 3 in the prior art).

Referring to Fig. 5, the cattlestop rails 105 are secured to one or more crossframes 208 of the frame 207 which are positioned between the front 209 and back 210 of the frame 207. A shoulder 211 on each side 212 of the frame 207 is positioned to support thereon the ends of the cattlestop rails 105. The securement of the cattlestop rails 105 may be by tensioned metal strips (not shown) which are bolted to the cross-frame 208 between adjacent cattlestop rails 105, or other known means. For example, the cattlestop rails 105 can be welded to the frame 207 (or a metal part of the frame 207) or otherwise bolted to the frame 207.

An upright post 213 is centrally positioned along each side 212 of the frame 207 and secured to the frame 207. Each post 213 includes known means to retain one end of the movable first rail 205, which means is movable between a position at ground level and a raised position (as shown in Figs. 4 and 5) of a pre-determined height. The upright posts 213 can, if so desired, form part of the side rails 204 or other fencing arrangement along the sides of the barrier 202. The sides 212 of the frame 207 are notched or include a cut-out portion (not shown) across which each end of the first rail 205 rests, when the first rail 205 is at ground level.

Whilst the barrier 202 as described above is shown with side rails 204, it will be appreciated that such side rails 204 are optional.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that the variations of the barrier 2 of the first embodiment of the present invention, with straps (21-23) and an optional second rail 15, or/and a flexible material for the rails (205, 15) can be V incorporated into the third embodiment of the barrier 202, in known manner.

The frame 207 is an integral concrete casting. The posts 213 are secured to the frame 207 off site, as are the rails (105, 205, 15). The barrier 202 is installed as a completed structure on site. Alternatively, if so desired, the frame 207 may be cast in situ, and the other components of the barrier 202 built on site.

For all three embodiments of the barrier 32, 202) of the present invention the ~first rail 205) may be moved between the raised and lower positions by a small, battery operated motor and battery (not shown). The battery and motor may :oeo operated on a voltage selected from: 12, 24, 36, 110 and 240 volts.

The raised position of the first rail 5, 205 is a fixed, pre-determined height, between 0.2 and 2.4 metres above ground level. Most preferably this height is 0.75 metres above ground level. It will, however, be appreciated that the height to which the first rail 5, 205 is raised may also be variable, within the above described range.

If so desired, the raising and lowering mechanism may be a chain and winch mechanism of known type, operated manually or by remote control means. If so 10 desired, the battery and motor may be replaced by one of the follow: a hydraulic system, a pneumatic system and/or a water driven system, as is desired.

Additionally, the raising and lowering mechanism can be operated by remote by the use of known types of controls and alphanumeric keypads (not shown). For example such pads could be positioned at the front and back of the barrier 32, 202), and be used to remotely raise and lower the first rail 5, 205 to allow a vehicle to pass along the road 3.

Additional security features such as TV monitors, visual scanners, intercoms etc (not shown) may be added in known manner, as is desired.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof.

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

For the purposes of this specification it will be clearly understood that the word "comprising" means "including but not limited to", and that the word "comprises" has a corresponding meaning.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the o* common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

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Claims (5)

1. A road barrier for a road comprising at least one first horizontal bar capable of elevation in a substantially vertical direction and supported, when in use, at a predetermined height above and across the road from at least one end by lifting and lowering means; the at least one horizontal bar being contained when not in use at or below the road surface within a barrier frame that can be driven over, wherein the road barrier is included within a cattlestop placed across the road and having a supporting frame with two sides parallel to the road and a front and a back; the upper edge of the supporting frame being adjacent ground level when the cattlestop is in position and the sides supporting a plurality of rails laid across the road; so that when elevated and in use the horizontal bar of the road barrier prevents vehicles from using the road over the cattlestop.

2. A road barrier as claimed in claim 1 wherein the horizontal bar is capable of serving as one of the cattlestop rails, when the barrier is not in use, and the supporting frame of the cattlestop serves as the barrier frame, so that vehicles can pass over the road barrier.

3. A road barrier as claimed in claim 1 or in claim 2 wherein said horizontal bar is supported from at least one end within a supporting structure including the lifting and lowering means; the supporting structure being located on or adjacent at least one side S2 0 of the cattlestop.

4. A road barrier as claimed in claim 3 wherein the height to which said horizontal o. bar can be lifted when in use is predetermined and in the range 0.2 to 2.4 metres above ground level.

29-Oo.doc 3/08/05 6060 0000 12 A road barrier as claimed in claim 3 wherein said horizontal bar includes a plurality of flexible straps dependent from said horizontal bar when said horizontal bar is in the elevated position, said straps being selected from the group: chains, straps, wires, links, and a combination thereof. 6. A road barrier as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said barrier further includes at least one dependent second horizontal bar which is spaced apart from said first horizontal bar and connected thereto by flexible means; said flexible means being selected from the group: chains, straps, wires, links, and a combination thereof, so that when the road barrier is in use the road barrier comprises a vertical series of horizontally aligned bars. 7. A road barrier as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said horizontal bar(s) includes thereupon signage or other means to assist in forming a barrier to the passage of humans, large animals and vehicles. 8. A road barrier as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein motive power selected from the range of: electromechanical means, hydraulic means, pneumatic means and water-driven means provides power for raising and for lowering said horizontal bar(s). v* p r 9. A road barrier as claimed in claim 8 wherein the means for raising and lowering said horizontal bar(s) is controlled by remotely operated means including one or more 20 of the group: alphanumeric pads positioned adjacent the barrier for activation thereof, •TV monitors, scanners, and intercoms. 4 iH:\annerttreg\keep\spec \4082?-00.doc 3/08/05 S 13 A road barrier as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the road barrier is provided as a kit of parts suitable for installation at an existing cattlestop. 11. A road barrier substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to Fig 4 or Fig. 5 of the accompanying drawings. Dated this 4th day of August 2005 KIWI CATTLESTOPS NZ LIMITED By their Patent Attorneys GRIFFITH HACK Fellows Institute of Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys of Australia H:annetteg\eep\spec\40829-OO-doc 3/08/05