BE1024696B1 - SWITCHABLE CONCRETE BLOCKS FOR USE IN SECURITY - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to the use of horizontally switchable concrete blocks as a stop protection. To this end, each concrete block is provided with a receiving element consisting of a vertical open cylinder in open connection with one side of the concrete block, and a cylindrical pin, loosely fitting into the open cylinder, connected via a connecting piece with a side of the concrete block, opposite the side of the concrete block to which the open cylinder is connected, the dimensions of the whole being dimensioned such that the connection between adjacent concrete blocks is effected by pivoting action of the pin of one concrete block in the open cylinder of an adjacent concrete block.

Description

(30) Priority data:

(73) Holder (s):

WIBLOC ebvba 9260, WICHELEN Belgium (72) Inventor (s):

VAN HEE Willy 9260 WICHELEN Belgium (54) SWITCHABLE CONCRETE BLOCKS FOR SECURITY USE (57) The present invention relates to the use of horizontally switchable concrete blocks. zJ · as protection against attacks. For this purpose, each concrete block is provided with a receiving element.

consisting of a vertical open cylinder in open ___ - - '* · ^'. f -.¾ connection with one side of the concrete block, and an ^f 'v ¹ cylindrical pin, fitting loosely in the open _{rig 8} cylinder, connected via a connecting piece with one side of the concrete block, opposite the side of the concrete block to which the open cylinder is connected, the dimensions of the whole being dimensioned such that the connection between adjacent concrete blocks is effected by the hinge action of the pin of one concrete block in the open cylinder of an adjacent concrete block.

BELGIAN INVENTION PATENT

FPS Economy, K.M.O., Self-employed & Energy

Publication number: 1024696 Filing number: BE2017 / 0037

Intellectual Property Office

International classification: E01F 13/12 E01F 15/08 Date of issue: 24/05/2018

The Minister of Economy,

Having regard to the Paris Convention of 20 March 1883 for the Protection of Industrial Property;

Having regard to the Law of March 28, 1984 on inventive patents, Article 22, for patent applications filed before September 22, 2014;

Having regard to Title 1 Invention Patents of Book XI of the Economic Law Code, Article XI.24, for patent applications filed from September 22, 2014;

Having regard to the Royal Decree of 2 December 1986 on the filing, granting and maintenance of inventive patents, Article 28;

Having regard to the application for an invention patent received by the Intellectual Property Office on 22/03/2017.

Whereas for patent applications that fall within the scope of Title 1, Book XI, of the Code of Economic Law (hereinafter WER), in accordance with Article XI.19, § 4, second paragraph, of the WER, the granted patent will be limited. to the patent claims for which the novelty search report was prepared, when the patent application is the subject of a novelty search report indicating a lack of unity of invention as referred to in paragraph 1, and when the applicant does not limit his filing and does not file a divisional application in accordance with the search report.

Decision:

Article 1

WIBLOC ebvba, Bohemia 103, 9260 WICHELEN Belgium;

represented by

THEUNIS Patrick, Langbosweg 19, 2550, KONTICH;

a Belgian invention patent with a term of 20 years, subject to payment of the annual taxes as referred to in Article XI.48, § 1 of the Code of Economic Law, for: SWITCHABLE CONCRETE BLOCKS FOR SECURITY USE.

INVENTOR (S):

VAN HEE Willy, Bohemia 103, 9260, WICHELEN;

PRIORITY:

BREAKDOWN:

Split from basic application: Filing date of the basic application:

Article 2. - This patent is granted without prior investigation into the patentability of the invention, without warranty of the Merit of the invention, nor of the accuracy of its description and at the risk of the applicant (s).

Brussels, 24/05/2018,

With special authorization:

B E2017 / 0037

Title: Switchable concrete blocks for use in security

DESCRIPTION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION:

The present invention relates to the use of concrete blocks to protect persons.

More particularly, the invention relates to a system in which individual concrete blocks are designed in such a way that they can be linked together and in this way the switched blocks protect people against stops performed by means of vehicles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known that security of persons and objects, especially at gatherings where a large group of people gather, is currently a very topical issue.

In particular, this security issue arises when a large group of people gather for open-air manifestations, more particularly in public places such as squares, streets, ...

Part of the security problems can already be solved for manifestations held in stages (football or other) through efficient access control.

However, access control is much more difficult for manifestations in public places, such as fairs, fireworks, meetings such as pop concerts and the like. These locations are also accessible for vehicles, so that attacks are provided if the use of trucks or other heavy vehicles is used

BE2017 / 0037 vehicles much more difficult to prevent.

The recent attacks in Nice and Berlin illustrate this

A classic solution for this is to place large, heavy obstacles, such as square concrete blocks, at the various entry points of the public spaces (squares, streets) where the manifestations continue.

However, in order for these to provide effective protection, the individual blocks must be extremely heavily designed. After all, with a truck or heavy terrain vehicle, a barricade built up with even larger blocks can be broken through relatively easily.

This can be solved by making the individual blocks sufficiently heavy. However, other problems arise, notably the limited manipulability and difficult placement of such heavy blocks.

Alternatively, they can be placed side by side or on top of each other to give the whole of the individual blocks a sufficient strength.

Placing on top of each other, however, is time-consuming for both construction and dismantling of the barricade.

In addition, this obstructs the view

Placement next to each other is possible, but a very large number of blocks must then be placed next to each other.

Usually, a barricade or blockade is for one-time use or time-limited use.

The use of such extremely heavy blocks, or a large number of stacked blocks, then causes problems during both construction and dismantling.

There is therefore a need for an easy-to-place, yet efficient solution for protecting people from possible attacks with heavy vehicles in public squares and streets.

B E2017 / 0037

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The aim of the present invention is to provide a solution to the aforementioned and other drawbacks, in that it provides a concrete block which can be easily connected to a larger whole and thus guarantees efficient security.

More particularly, the invention relates to a set of concrete blocks that can be connected horizontally to one another.

In addition, each concrete block is equipped with:

- a vertical open cylinder (6) in open connection (7) with one side (9) of the concrete block, and

- a cylindrical pin (3), loosely fitting in the open cylinder (6), connected via a connecting piece (2) to one side (10) of the concrete block, opposite the side (9) of the concrete block with which the open cylinder (6 ) is connected.

Furthermore, the dimensions of the pin (3), its connecting piece (2) with the side (10) of the concrete block, the open cylinder (6) and its open connection (7) with the opposite side (9) of the concrete block are such dimensioned that the switching between adjacent concrete blocks is effected by the hinge action of the pin (3) of one concrete block in the open cylinder (6) of an adjacent concrete block.

More particularly, the invention comprises the set of switchable concrete blocks, the method and the use of the switched concrete blocks as described in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

BE2017 / 0037

With the insight to better demonstrate the characteristics of the invention, a number of preferred embodiments of a switchable concrete block according to the invention, resp. a combination of such switched concrete blocks, with reference to the accompanying drawings, figures or photos.

These photos show the following:

Figure 1 shows a top view of a concrete block according to the invention;

Figure 2 shows a view of the long side of a concrete block according to the invention;

Figure 3 shows a side view of a concrete block according to the invention in which the open cylinder (6) is arranged;

Figure 4 also shows a side view of a concrete block according to the invention in which the open cylinder (6) is arranged;

Figure 5 shows two interconnected concrete blocks according to the invention; Figure 6 also shows two connected concrete blocks according to the invention;

Figure 7 shows three interconnected concrete blocks according to the invention; Figure 8 shows the same three blocks of Figure 6 after they have been pushed away due to impact on the center block by a vehicle.

Figure 9 schematically shows a side view of a concrete block according to the whole of switchable concrete blocks according to the invention, with reference to reference marks.

Figure 10 schematically shows a top view of a concrete block according to the series of switchable concrete blocks according to the invention, with reference signs being indicated.

Figures 9 and 10 also show the dimensions of the various parts of the concrete block, carried out according to a preferred embodiment as shown below in the detailed description of the invention.

B E2017 / 0037

In Figures 9 and 10, the following reference marks are used for the different parts of the concrete block:

1. Points to the concrete block according to the invention;

2. points to the connecting piece between the cylindrical pin (3) and the mass of the concrete block itself;

3. points to the cylindrical pin;

4. indicates a recess at the bottom of the concrete block;

5. points to eyes that allow the concrete block to be lifted and / or placed via a crane and, for example, belts;

6. Points to the cylindrical opening in which the cylindrical pin (3) fits loosely;

7. Notes the open connection between the cylindrical opening (6) and the side of the concrete block;

8. points to an opening in the concrete block to place, for example, a flagpole;

9. points to the side of the concrete block at the level of the cylindrical opening (6) and the open connection (7);

10. points to the side of the concrete block at the height of the connecting piece (2) and the cylindrical pin (3).

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As indicated above, the invention relates to a set of concrete blocks that can be connected horizontally to one another.

By “horizontally switchable concrete blocks” is meant that the different concrete blocks are placed next to each other on the ground and the different adjacent adjacent concrete blocks are each connected with their ends as explained in further detail below.

In addition, the whole forms a horizontal barrier or barricade after switching.

BE2017 / 0037

This in turn constitutes an efficient protection of the persons behind this barricade or chain of concrete blocks against possible attacks with trucks or heavy vehicles such as off-road vehicles.

In the entirety of switchable concrete blocks, each concrete block is provided with:

- a vertical open cylinder (6) in open connection (7) with one side (9) of the concrete block, and

- a cylindrical pin (3), fitting loosely in the open cylinder (6), connected via a connecting piece (2) to one side (10) of the concrete block, opposite the side (9) of the concrete block with which the open cylinder (6 ) is connected.

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a concrete block according to the invention. The cylindrical pin (3) is shown at the top. As shown in the figure, this is connected to the side (10) of the concrete block via a connecting piece (2). The open cylinder is depicted at the bottom. On the one hand, this comprises a connecting opening (7) from the side ((9) of the concrete block, opening into a vertical open cylinder (6), this open cylinder (6) being completely located in the 'interior' of the concrete block.

As can be seen in the photos (for example figure 5), the width of the connection opening (7) increases gradually from the open cylinder (6) to the outside (9) of the concrete block.

The term loose fitting as indicated above should include the fact that the diameter of the cylindrical pin (3) on the one hand and the diameter of the open cylinder (6) on the other hand are so coordinated that when the pin (3) is placed in the open cylinder (6):

- there is still sufficient clearance between the two, but that too

- the open connection (7) of the cylinder (6) to the outside (9) of the concrete block is smaller than the diameter of the pin (3).

The latter condition ensures that the pin (3) is open once

BE2017 / 0037 cylinder (6), it can be Hinged there, but cannot be removed from it, (unless when the connected concrete blocks are dismantled when a concrete block is lifted vertically via a lifting crane and the pin is removed vertically from the open cylinder )

To illustrate the latter, Figure 4 shows that the diameter of the cylindrical opening (6) in the concrete block with the preferred dimensions as indicated below (L 216 cm x W 78 cm x H 70 cm) is 40 cm and the opening of the connection (7 ) between the open cylinder (6) and the outside (9) of the concrete block is 23.5 cm

The corresponding dimensions, see figure 5, of the pin (3) are then 30 cm and the connecting piece (2) between this pin (3) and the load-bearing concrete block is then 21 cm.

Since the opening of 23.5 cm is smaller than the diameter of the pin (3), the pin (3) can therefore hinge (in case of a side impact of the concrete block assembly), but the concrete blocks remain connected to each other.

More generally, in the whole of the concrete blocks according to the invention, the diameter of the pin (3) is greater than the maximum opening of the open connection (7) between the cylindrical opening (6) and the outside (9) of the concrete block .

To enable a smooth and efficient hinge action of the pin (3) in the open cylinder (6), the dimensions and dimensions of these elements must be coordinated.

More specifically, the following elements must be dimensioned such that the connection between adjacent concrete blocks can be effected by the hinge action of the pin (3) of one concrete block in the open cylinder (6) of an adjacent concrete block:

BE2017 / 0037

-the dimensions of the pin (3),

- the connecting piece (2) of the pin (3) with the side (10) of the concrete block,

- the open cylinder (6) and

- its open connection (7) to the opposite side (9) of the concrete block.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the clearance between the cylindrical pin (3) and the open cylinder (6) is between% to 1/3 of the diameter of the pin.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the clearance between the opposite sides of adjoining concrete blocks is between ¹ 4 and 1/3 of this side of the concrete block.

Furthermore, the total distance from the side of the concrete block to the end of the pin is included, see figure 6, 56 cm in the concrete block with the preferred dimensions indicated above.

This dimension corresponds to the total distance from the side (9) of the concrete block to the inside of the cylindrical opening (6); see figure 5, on which this distance is also indicated for the concrete block with the above-mentioned preferred dimensions, in particular 56 cm.

More generally, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the size from the side of the concrete block to the end of the pin on the one hand and from the side of the concrete block to the inside of the cylindrical opening on the other hand is the same.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, each concrete block has a weight between 1.5 and 2.5 tons, preferably about 2 tons.

A two-ton block seems fairly heavy, but mass or weight is a necessary element from a security point of view. For a light forklift or

B E2017 / 0037 smaller truck crane, often owned by a municipality or city service, is two tons a usual handling weight

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the length of a concrete block is between 1.80 and 2.50 meters, more preferably between 1.90 and 1.40 meters, even more preferably between 2.00 and 2.30 meters.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the width of a concrete block is between 60 and 100 centimeters, more preferably between 70 and 90 cm, even more preferably between 75 and 85 cm.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the height of a concrete block is between 50 and 90 cm, more preferably between 60 and 80 cm, even more preferably about 70 cm.

The advantage of this limited height is that a wall or chain of concrete blocks formed in this way does not form an obstacle for fleeing people, for example in the event of an explosion, a fire, a heavy thunderstorm or when panic is unjustified.

Everyone gets over an obstacle of this height.

In addition, there is no high concrete wall that is not very inviting for any event

The unique coupling or switching system according to the invention makes a chain of the concrete blocks with a single layer. No second or third layer of blocks need be placed on top of the first layer to obtain sufficient rigidity in the whole.

Heavy basket reinforcement absorbs the lateral stresses.

Preferably, during the manufacture of the concrete blocks according to the invention, a reinforcement mesh is applied before the concrete is solidified.

BE2017 / 0037

This gives the concrete block according to the invention the necessary strength and strength.

A preferred size of the concrete blocks in the entirety of the invention is 216 cm long by 78 cm wide, with 70 cm high.

See, for example, figure 3, on which the width of 78 cm is indicated.

The distance from the shaft to the shaft is preferably more than 160 cm.

The advantage of a width of 78 cm is that during transport three blocks can be placed next to each other (3 x 78 cm = 234 cm); after all, a lorry truck can load a maximum of 242 cm.

For a three-axle truck, six or seven blocks of the above-mentioned preferred dimensions can be transported.

Such blocks can also be loaded transversely. For example, a trailer with a roller crane will be able to take a team there. A fixed without crane 15 pieces, corresponding to 30 tons weight.

In terms of distance, this also corresponds, because 15 blocks of each 78 cm wide gives 11.70 meters in total. A semi-trailer typically has a carrying floor of 13.60 meters. If the trailer would be shorter and still allowed to load 30 tons, the blocks can be put together during transport; after all, each block will then be 160 cm in length instead of 216 cm.

(160 cm, the size of the concrete block with the preferred dimensions is indicated above from L 216 cm x W 78 cm x H 70 cm, counting from one side of the concrete block to the opposite side of the concrete block, without taking into account the size of the pin and the connecting piece protrude from the side of the concrete block; in coupled condition the effective length of each concrete block is therefore 160 cm.)

With the preferred dimensions indicated above, 6 concrete blocks are required to close off a street approximately 10 meters wide.

BE2017 / 0037

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, a recess in the bottom of the concrete block is provided with, for example, 60 cm to 1 m, more preferably, for example, 80 cm, over the entire thickness of the concrete block.

Figure 2 shows such a recess.

This recess has the following functions:

- opening for pick-up and transport by a forklift truck;

- possibility of supply and transport by means of a pallet truck, a stone fork or a pallet hook;

- in the event of heavy rainfall, the block does not inhibit the run-off rain mass. Finally, a suction opening offers the advantage of stable placement on the road surface. After all, no road surface is perfectly level and / or flat. Such an opening in the middle of the concrete block provides extra pressure on both ends. This creates a form of point loads on the road surface, which further increases the stability of the blocks and makes "sliding" even more difficult.

In the event of a side impact by, for example, a heavy truck on the chain of linked concrete blocks, all blocks will be under tension.

The tolerance between the pins and the open cylinders, as well as between the sides of adjacent connected concrete blocks, is the only 'play' whereby the chain of switched concrete blocks is 'tightened', as it were. For a heavy truck it is possible to use a concrete block of to move about two tons, this is not possible to move the whole of, for example, six connected concrete blocks.

After all, the weight of the circuit or chain is 12 tons. Even for a very heavy truck, this is an impenetrable barrier or barricade. On the other hand, the placement of this set of concrete blocks remains relatively simple

B E2017 / 0037 because each individual block weighs only 2 tons.

The placement of such blocks can be done with a simple mechanical block clamp, with belts or with chains.

The whole of horizontally connected concrete blocks according to the invention can be built up according to the following method: a next concrete block to be placed is placed in a connected manner to an already placed concrete block because:

- the pin of the next concrete block is positioned in the open cylinder of an already placed concrete block, or that

- the open cylinder of the next concrete block is positioned around the pin of an already placed concrete block

The invention also relates to a set of switched concrete blocks built up according to the method described above.

Finally, the invention also relates to the use of the whole of switched concrete blocks as described above for the protection of persons against stops.

To illustrate the above, Figure 7 shows a set of three interconnected concrete blocks. These are usually placed on a straight line.

In case of a side impact, figure 8 shows the relative displacement of the switched concrete blocks.

For example, if the middle block is hit by a side impact, it will only shift very partially, since the adjacent adjacent concrete blocks will absorb the shock, as shown in figure 8.

B E2017 / 0037

As a result, the whole remains an efficient barrier or barricade and the safety of persons residing behind the barricade is maintained.

Optionally, an opening or vertical tube with a 160 mm bi-example in which a flagpole can be placed can be provided centrally in the block. This can be tensioned using a wooden wedge.

If desired, a closing element (for example a Heras type closure) can be placed in it, alternating between a flagpole or a steel tube, provided with two plug-in tubes with a diameter of 50 mm on an eccentric rotating disc, allowing a clearance of at least 20 cm.

Finally, in Figures 9 and 10 we have summarized the different sizes and dimensions of the above-mentioned preferred embodiment of the concrete block according to the invention as well as the different reference marks. Figure 9 shows a side view of the concrete block according to this preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 10 shows a top view of the concrete block according to this preferred embodiment of the invention.

On these figures we have also mentioned the eyes (5) that allow the concrete blocks to be lifted and disassembled, for example, by means of a crane and belts when mounting or dismantling the switched concrete blocks and positioning them in its place

For the manufacture of the concrete blocks according to the invention use can be made of a conventional concrete composition known to the person skilled in the construction industry.

Preferably, a fast-curing variant of concrete composition is used, such that the formwork can for instance already be removed after 24 hours.

The concrete block can then continue to harden without formwork.

B E2017 / 0037

Claims (9)

CONCLUSIONS 1. Entirely of horizontally connectable concrete blocks, each concrete block provided with: - a vertical open cylinder (6] in open connection (7] with one side (9) of the concrete block, and - a cylindrical pin (3), fitting loosely in the open cylinder (6), connected via a connecting piece (2) to one side (10) of the concrete block, opposite the side (9) of the concrete block to which the open cylinder is connected , the dimensions of the pin (3), its connecting piece (2) with the side (10) of the concrete block, the open cylinder (6) and its open connection (7) with the opposite side (9) of the concrete block such that are dimensioned that the switching between adjacent concrete blocks is effected by the hinge action of the pin (3) of one concrete block in the open cylinder (6) of an adjacent concrete block. Set of concrete blocks according to claim 1, characterized in that the clearance between the cylindrical pin (3) and the open cylinder (6) is included between U to 1/3 of the diameter of the pin (3). Set of concrete blocks according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the play between the opposite sides of adjacent connected concrete blocks is included between ¹ A and 1/3 of these sides of the concrete block. Set of concrete blocks according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each concrete block has a weight between 1.5 and 2.5 tons, preferably about 2 tons. Set of concrete blocks according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dimension from the side (10) of the concrete block to the B E2017 / 0037 the end of the pin (3) on the one hand and from the side (9) of the concrete block to the inside of the cylindrical opening (6) on the other are the same. Set of concrete blocks according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the diameter of the pin (3) is greater than the maximum 5 opening between the open cylinder (6) and the outside of the concrete block. Method for building up a set of horizontally connected concrete blocks according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a concrete block to be placed is placed connected to an already placed concrete block in that: 10 - the pin (3) of the next concrete block is positioned in the open cylinder (6) of an already placed concrete block, or that - the open cylinder (6) of the next concrete block is placed around the pin (3) of an already placed concrete block is positioned 8. A set of linked concrete blocks constructed according to the method 15 of claim 7. Use of the whole of switched concrete blocks according to claim 8 for the protection of persons against strikes. BE2017 / 0037 BE2017 / 0037 BE2017 / 0037 BE2017 / 0037