EP2460938A1

EP2460938A1 - A safety barrier device

Info

Publication number: EP2460938A1
Application number: EP10193740A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Leopoldo Gasparetto Stori; Matthew Garland
Original assignee: Barrier Safety Systems Ltd
Current assignee: Barrier Safety Systems Ltd
Priority date: 2010-12-03
Filing date: 2010-12-03
Publication date: 2012-06-06
Also published as: WO2012072272A1

Abstract

A safety barrier device (3) comprises an elongate safety barrier element (9), means to couple the barrier element (9) to a front vehicle (2), and means to couple the barrier element (9) to a rear vehicle (4) to extend the barrier element (9) from the front vehicle (2) to the rear vehicle (4). The barrier element (9) is inflatable. The barrier element (9) is selectively movable between a storage configuration and an operational configuration. In the storage configuration the barrier element (9) is wrapped in a coil on the front vehicle (2), and the barrier element (9) is deflated. In the operational configuration the barrier element (9) is extended from the front vehicle (2) to the rear vehicle (4), and the barrier element (9) is inflated. The safety barrier device (3) also comprises means to apply a tensile force to the barrier element (9), and means to determine the tensile force applied to the barrier element (9). The safety barrier device (3) further comprises means to determine an impact upon the barrier element (9). Responsive to an impact upon the barrier element (9) being determined, the tensile force applied to the barrier element (9) is automatically reduced.

Description

Statements of Invention

According to the invention there is provided a safety barrier device comprising:

a safety barrier element, and
means to couple the barrier element to a vehicle to extend the barrier element from the vehicle.

The safety barrier device may be employed to protect people working adjacent to a stream of traffic, for example along a roadside.
The safety barrier element is movable. By coupling the barrier element to the vehicle, the barrier element may be moved in a fast and convenient manner.
In one embodiment of the invention the coupling means comprises means to couple the barrier element to a first vehicle, and means to couple the barrier element to a second vehicle to extend the barrier element from the first vehicle to the second vehicle. Preferably a longitudinal dimension of the barrier element extending from a first vehicle to a second vehicle is adjustable. In this manner the size of a safe working area may be adjusted.
In another embodiment the device comprises means to apply a tensile force to the barrier element. By tensioning the barrier element, the safety barrier device may resist an impact, for example from a vehicle. Preferably the device comprises means to determine a tensile force applied to the barrier element. Ideally the device comprises means to determine an impact upon the barrier element. Most preferably the device comprises means to reduce a tensile force applied to the barrier element, responsive to an impact upon the barrier element being determined. In this manner the body which has impacted upon the barrier element, for example a vehicle, is cushioned by the barrier element rather than being deflected back into a stream of traffic.
In one case the barrier element is selectively movable between a storage configuration and an operational configuration. Preferably the barrier element is substantially wrapped in the storage configuration. This arrangement minimises the space required to store the barrier element. Ideally the barrier element is substantially extended in the operational configuration. Most preferably at least part of the barrier element is substantially collapsed in the storage configuration. This arrangement minimises the space required to store the barrier element. At least part of the barrier element may be substantially expanded in the operational configuration.
In another case at least part of the barrier element comprises an inclined wall part. Preferably the wall part is inclined inwardly in an upward direction. Ideally at least part of the barrier element is substantially triangular shaped in cross-section. The barrier element may be oval shaped. The barrier element may be near-circular shaped. Most preferably at least part of the barrier element comprises a foot part for engagement with the ground. The foot part may be of a slip-resistant material. The foot part may comprise a slip-resistant device. The slip-resistant device may be activated upon impact of a vehicle. Preferably at least part of the barrier element comprises a tape part. Ideally at least part of the barrier element comprises a webbing part.
The invention also provides in another aspect a safety barrier system comprising:

a safety barrier device of the invention, and
one or more vehicles.

In one embodiment of the invention the system comprises means to selectively move the barrier element between the storage configuration and the operational configuration. Preferably the system comprises means to expand at least part of the barrier element.
In another embodiment the vehicle comprises a foot part for engagement with the ground. Preferably the foot part is of a slip-resistant material. Ideally the foot part comprises one or more protruding members for engagement with the ground. The foot part may comprise a friction pad. This arrangement minimises any slippage of the foot part over the ground. Most preferably the system comprises means to apply force to the foot part to engage the foot part with the ground. In this manner the frictional force acting between the foot part and the ground is maximised to minimise any slippage of the foot part over the ground.
In one case the vehicle comprises a crash cushion.
In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method for locating a safety barrier device, the method comprising the step of coupling a safety barrier element of the safety barrier device to a vehicle to extend the barrier element from the vehicle.
The safety barrier device may be employed to protect people working adjacent to a stream of traffic, for example along a roadside.
By coupling the barrier element to the vehicle, the barrier element may be moved in a fast and convenient manner.
In one embodiment of the invention the method comprises the steps of coupling the barrier element to a first vehicle, and coupling the barrier element to a second vehicle to extend the barrier element from the first vehicle to the second vehicle. Preferably the method comprises the step of adjusting a longitudinal dimension of the barrier element extending from the first vehicle to the second vehicle. In this manner the size of a safe working area may be adjusted. Ideally the longitudinal dimension of the barrier element is adjusted by moving the first vehicle relative to the second vehicle. One of the vehicles may be stationary. Both of the vehicles may be moving.
In another embodiment the method comprises the step of applying a tensile force to the barrier element. By tensioning the barrier element, the safety barrier device may resist an impact, for example from a vehicle, in a manner similar to a safety belt reaction principle. Preferably the method comprises the step of determining a tensile force applied to the barrier element. Ideally the method comprises the step of determining an impact upon the barrier element. Most preferably the method comprises the step of reducing a tensile force applied to the barrier element, responsive to an impact upon the barrier element being determined. In this manner the body which has impacted upon the barrier element, for example a vehicle, is cushioned by the barrier element rather than being deflected back into a stream of traffic. The device reacts upon impact of a vehicle absorbing the energy of the errant vehicle.
In one case the method comprises the step of moving the barrier element between a storage configuration and an operational configuration. In this manner the barrier element is deployed. Preferably the method comprises the step of expanding at least part of the barrier element.
In another case the method comprises the step of applying force to a foot part of the vehicle to engage the foot part with the ground. In this manner the frictional force acting between the foot part and the ground is maximised to minimise any slippage of the foot part over the ground.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of some embodiments thereof, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a side view of a safety barrier system according to the invention,
Fig. 2 is an enlarged side view of part of the safety barrier system of Fig. 1,
Fig. 3 is an enlarged side view of a friction pad part of the safety barrier system of Fig. 2,
Fig. 4 is an enlarged side view of a webbing and inflatable cushion part of the safety barrier system of Fig. 1,
Fig. 5 is an enlarged side view of part of the safety barrier system of Fig. 1,
Fig. 6 is a plan view of the safety barrier system of Fig. 1,
Fig. 7 is an enlarged plan view of part of the safety barrier system of Fig. 6,
Fig. 8 is an enlarged plan view of part of the safety barrier system of Fig. 6,
Fig. 9 is an enlarged plan view of part of the safety barrier system of Fig. 6,
Fig. 10 is an enlarged side view of part of the safety barrier system of Fig. 1,
Fig. 11 is an enlarged side view of part of the safety barrier system of Fig. 10,
Fig. 12 is an enlarged side view of part of the safety barrier system of Fig. 10,
Fig. 13 is a view along line A-A in Fig. 12 of a cross-section webbing and bottom inflatable cushion,
Fig. 14 is an enlarged end view of part of the safety barrier system of Fig. 13,
Figs. 15 to 18 are side views of the safety barrier system of Fig. 1, in use in various stages of deployment, and
Figs. 19 to 24 are views similar to Figs. 13 and 14 of other safety barrier systems according to the invention.

Detailed Description

Referring to the drawings there is illustrated a safety barrier system 1 according to the invention. The system 1 comprises a front vehicle 2, a safety barrier device 3, and a rear vehicle 4.
The safety barrier device 3 comprises an elongate safety barrier element 9, means to couple the barrier element 9 to the front vehicle 2, and means to couple the barrier element 9 to the rear vehicle 4 to extend the barrier element 9 from the front vehicle 2 to the rear vehicle 4 (Fig. 1).
The barrier element 9 comprises an upper webbing 19, a support net 10, a lower webbing 11, a base 12, and a foot 13 for engagement with the ground (Fig. 13).
In this case the upper webbing 19 and the lower webbing 11 are both of a material such as fibre reinforced plastic or rubber plastic.
The base 12 comprises a hollow interior space 14. The base 12 is inflatable by passing a fluid, such as air, into the interior space 14. When inflated, the base 12 comprises two inclined side walls 15, 16. Each side wall 15, 16 may be inclined inwardly in an upward direction. When inflated, the base 12 is triangular shaped in cross-section in this particular embodiment. In other embodiments, the base 12 may be oval shaped, or near-circular-shaped, or shaped similar to a mattress. In this case the base 12 is of a fibre reinforced rubber material.
The foot 13 is of a slip-resistant material. Alternatively the foot 13 may comprise a system which is activated upon impact by a wheel.
The barrier 9 comprises the bottom inflatable cushion 12 and the vertical net 10. The bottom inflatable cushion 12 is a near triangular shape fibre reinforced plastic element, the purpose of which is to redirect a colliding vehicle wheel. The cushion 12 is stored on horizontal axis drums fitted on the truck frame. The cushion 12 performs the action owing to its shape and its friction is increased with the specific high friction bottom surface or device 13.
The top vertical net 10 is a polyester or similar high strength plastic reinforced element. The purpose of which is to connect and support the containing webbings 11, 19 inside a suitable working width. The net 10 performs as a chain fixed to the two trucks 2, 4.
The barrier element 9 is selectively movable between a storage configuration and an operational configuration. In the storage configuration the barrier element 9 is wrapped in a coil on the front vehicle 2. In the storage configuration the base 12 of the barrier element 9 is collapsed and deflated. In the operational configuration the barrier element 9 is extended from the front vehicle 2 to the rear vehicle 4. In the operational configuration the base 12 of the barrier element 9 is expanded and inflated.
The barrier 9 is stored on board of the front truck 2 where a group of drums are installed with horizontal and vertical axes.
The longitudinal dimension of the barrier element 9 extending from the front vehicle 2 to the rear vehicle 4 is adjustable.
The safety barrier device 3 also comprises means to apply a tensile force to the barrier element 9, and means to determine the tensile force applied to the barrier element 9. The safety barrier device 3 further comprises means to determine an impact upon the barrier element 9, for example a vehicle impacting upon the barrier element 9. Responsive to an impact upon the barrier element 9 being determined, the tensile force applied to the barrier element 9 is automatically reduced.
The front vehicle 2 comprises a foot 5 for engagement with the ground (Fig. 2). The foot 5 is of a slip-resistant material 6 or slip-resistant device. The foot 5 comprises a plurality of downwardly protruding needle members 7 for engagement with the ground. The front vehicle 2 comprises a hydraulic piston or jack to apply a downward force to the foot 5 to engage the foot 5 with the ground.
The front vehicle 2 also comprises a windings coil 17 to selectively move the barrier element 9 between the storage configuration and the operational configuration, and a compressor 18 to expand and inflate the base 12 of the barrier element 9.
Similarly the rear vehicle 4 comprises a foot 5 for engagement with the ground (Fig. 5). The foot 5 is of a slip-resistant material 6. The foot 5 comprises a plurality of downwardly protruding needle members 7 for engagement with the ground. The rear vehicle 4 comprises a hydraulic piston to apply a downward force to the foot 5 to engage the foot 5 with the ground.
The rear vehicle 4 also comprises a crash cushion 8.
The rear vehicle 4 is fitted with the lorry mounted crash cushion 8 to dissipate any energy should a vehicle strike the rear truck 4 or close to the lead truck 2.
The trucks 2, 4 act as fixed points to anchor, support, contain, dissipate and absorb the energy resulting from a vehicle impact reaction forces. The trucks 2, 4 are of a suitable weight, possibly increased with appropriate ballast in order to achieve the required inertial mass. The high friction pads 5 fitted on the trucks 2, 4 and pushed into the asphalt surface by means of the hydraulic jacks increase the friction and reaction forces to support the colliding vehicle forces and energy arriving from the net 10.
The safety barrier device 3 is mobile, adjustable in length, and removable. The safety barrier device 3 is inflatable for a fast deployment. The safety barrier device 3 achieves a safe working environment because workers do not need to be located in exposed positions on or near roadways.
In use, using the windings coil 17 of the front vehicle 2, the barrier element 9 is moved from the storage configuration wrapped in a coil on the front vehicle 2 to the operational configuration extended from the front vehicle 2 to the rear vehicle 4. The base 12 of the barrier element 9 is inflated by passing a fluid into the interior space 14 using the compressor 18. The barrier element 9 is coupled to the front vehicle 2 and coupled to the rear vehicle 4 to extend the barrier element 9 from the front vehicle 2 to the rear vehicle 4 (Fig. 1).
The longitudinal dimension of the barrier element 9 extending from the front vehicle 2 to the rear vehicle 4 may be adjusted by moving the front vehicle 2 relative to the rear vehicle 4. One of the vehicles 2, 4 may be stationary during this adjustment. Alternatively both of the vehicles 2, 4 may be moving at different speeds during this adjustment. This arrangement automatically maintains the webbings 11,19 and the inflated cushion 12 tensioned.
An example maximum length of the mobile barrier 9 may be 100 m, and an example minimum required length may be 6 m to allow proper chain behaviour during collision.
When the front vehicle 2 is stationary, a downward force is applied to the foot 5 of the front vehicle 2 to engage the foot 5 with the ground. Similarly when the rear vehicle 4 is stationary, a downward force is applied to the foot 5 of the rear vehicle 4 to engage the foot 5 with the ground.
An example combined minimum weight of both terminal vehicles 2, 4 may be 20 tonnes. In certain situations this may not be sufficient to prevent the terminal vehicles 2, 4 from pulling together when the net/rope is struck by a large vehicle. To prevent this, a frame is fitted to the underside of the terminal vehicles 2, 4. The hydraulically operated piston forces down the frame with the feet 5 at the bottom. The feet 5 have a leading edge with the spikes 7 that dig into the road surface. This provides additional resistance to movement. The frame on the lead terminal vehicle 2 is opposite to that on the rear terminal vehicle 4. The overall resistance to movement is raised to a much higher level. In situations where an extremely high containment is required secondary terminal vehicles may be added. These vehicles may be connected to the primary terminal vehicles by net/wire rope, and may be connected to the main control as secondary slaves. Each of these vehicles may also be fitted with frames.
The safety barrier device 3 is thus located in a desired location to protect people working adjacent to a stream of traffic, for example along a roadside.
The movable and extensible safety barrier 3 protects people working along the road lanes while the nearby traffic is still active at reduced speed in accordance with safety procedures, such as traffic management procedures.
Typical road site operations require the relocation of activities along the road lane for safety barrier replacement or maintenance. The mobile safety barrier 3 is moved during the site activities following and in coordination with the progress of the same. People are always protected while moving on.
A tensile force is applied to the barrier element 9. Responsive to an impact upon the barrier element 9 being determined, the tensile force applied to the barrier element 9 is automatically reduced.
The barrier 3 contains any colliding vehicle, and the working length of the safety barrier device 3 is suitable to protect the site from major impact consequences.
The fully mobile vehicle restraint system 1 uses the two trucks 2, 4. One truck 2 is the lead vehicle and the other truck 4 is the rear vehicle. Both vehicles 2, 4 may be fitted with hydraulic drums, or alternatively only one of the two may be fitted with drums. The cable drums are fitted with tension sensors. Tension sensors are also fitted along the net 10 to monitor the correct containment performance of same. A wire or fibre net or rope is pulled from the first vehicle 2 with the cable drum and fixed to the second truck 4. A computer controlled tensioning system software maintains a constant tension to the net/rope. In the event that a vehicle strikes the net/cable, the tension sensors detect the strike and the drum releases a small amount of rope and then re-tensions, thus preventing the errant vehicle being deflected straight back into the carriageway and possibly causing a secondary collision with other vehicles or structures. Drums are fitted on an adjustable support which may be utilised to maintain the correct tension during any operation. A communication coordination system allows the lead vehicle 2 to act as the master and the rear vehicle 4 to act as a slave, and this allows both vehicles 2, 4 to move slowly in unison whilst maintaining a constant tension to the rope.
The barrier deploying sequence may be as follows. Both vehicles 2, 4 approach the site position along the road. The lead vehicle 2 may load the barriers 3 onto the drums, and the rear vehicle 4 follows. When the initial point of site operational area is close, an automatic projecting hook or device is released from the rear truck 4 and fastens the barrier fixing 3 to the rear truck supporting devices (Fig. 15). After the barrier 3 is attached, the lead truck 2 accelerates and the rear 4 slows down in order to deploy the barrier 3 (Fig. 16). When the barrier 3 is fully deployed the trucks 2, 4 slowly stop with normal safety procedure, and stabilise the position with the high friction pads 5 (Fig. 17). The tension is controlled automatically by means of a computer and maintained automatically by means of sensors.
In the case of stationary operation, prior to starting the lead terminal vehicle 2 is designated as the master, and the rear terminal vehicle 4 acts as the slave. The control box is identical in each terminal vehicle 2, 4 thereby making each terminal vehicle 2, 4 fully adaptable. The control box in the master vehicle is set to allow the rope to be pulled out from the drum manually and fed through various guides fitted to each terminal vehicle 2, 4. These guides are mounted on the rear, side and front of each terminal vehicle 2, 4 to prevent the cable from fouling on the wheels of the terminal vehicles 2, 4.
Once the net/cable has been fixed to the second terminal vehicle 4, the control box is set to allow tension to be applied automatically to the net/rope to a predetermined limit. A different setting on the control box allows the lead terminal vehicle 2 to slowly move away whilst the rear terminal vehicle 4 remains stationary. Various sensors monitor and control the speed of the lead terminal vehicle 2, the speed of the drum and the tension of the net/rope, thus maintaining a constant tension. Should the tension sensor detect a vehicle strike the control system immediately stops the lead terminal vehicle 2 and activates the drum to release an amount of net/rope and retension, allowing the errant vehicle to safely run along the length of the net/rope.
Once the desired length of net/rope has been achieved the control box sets to a stationary mode. Once again the tension sensors continually check the net/rope for the correct tension and adjust as required.
In the case of mobile operation, the set up is similar to the stationary operation except that the master terminal vehicle is able to control the speed of both terminal vehicles 2, 4, constantly monitor the net/rope tension, and adjust as required. If the system 1 detects a vehicle strike both terminal vehicles 2, 4 stop immediately, and the drum lets out a small amount of net/rope and re-tensions as described above.
The invention provides a temporary crash barrier.
The invention provides a mobile vehicle restraint system 1.
Using the lead terminal vehicle 2 as the master, additional slave terminal vehicles may be added, allowing for additional lengths of net/rope to be used. Where additional net/rope lengths are not possible through single span, the system 1 works the same as with previous set ups, with the master controller monitoring each slave and adjusting the tension as required.
In further detail, Fig. 1 illustrates the lead truck 2, the ballast, the windings coil 17, the compressor 18, the windings coil, the rubber inflatable shape 12, the double fibre reinforced fabric tape 19, 11, the extensible temporary barrier 9, the rear truck 4, the ballast, and the crash cushion 8. Fig. 3 illustrates the friction plate 5, the high friction material 6, and the steel needles 7. Fig. 6 illustrates the lead truck 2, the ballast, the windings coil 17, the compressor 18, the windings coil, the rubber inflatable shape 12, the working area, the double fibre reinforced fabric tape 19, 11, the extensible temporary barrier 9, the rear truck 4, the ballast, and the crash cushion 8. Fig. 10 illustrates the adjustable sliding device, the windings coil 17, the air compressor 18 for the rubber inflatable shape 12, the rubber inflatable shape 12, the windings coil, the typical swollen module, the fibre reinforced fabric tape 19, 11, the support net 10, and the diaphragm. Fig. 13 illustrates the fibre reinforced fabric tape 19, 11, the support net 10, and the fibre reinforced rubber inflatable shape 12. Fig. 14 illustrates the rubber inflatable shape 12, and the high friction material 13. The high friction material or high friction device may be activated upon impact by a vehicle.
Fig. 15 illustrates positioning the rear truck 4 and hooking the extensible barrier 3. Fig. 16 illustrates moving the lead truck 2 along the working area. Fig. 17 illustrates resting the lead truck 2 at the end of the working area, for example after travelling 50 m. Fig. 18 illustrates advancing the working area by moving the rear truck 4 to the new position.
It will be appreciated that the foot 13 of the barrier element 9 may be of any suitable slip-resistant material. For example the foot 13 may comprise an upper layer of neoprene rubber and a lower layer of neoprene rubber foam, as illustrated in Figs. 19 and 20.
It will be appreciated that the base 12 of the barrier element 9 may be of any suitable shape. For example when inflated, the base 12 may have an elongate oblong shape in cross-section, as illustrated in Figs. 21 and 22. In this case the longitudinal axis of the oblong shape is arranged substantially parallel to the ground. For example when inflated, the base 12 may have a semi-circular shape in cross-section, as illustrated in Figs. 23 and 24. In this case the flat side of the semi-circle is arranged substantially parallel to the ground.
The invention is not limited to the embodiments hereinbefore described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which may be varied in construction and detail.

Claims

A safety barrier device comprising:
a safety barrier element, and

means to couple the barrier element to a vehicle to extend the barrier element from the vehicle.
A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the coupling means comprises means to couple the barrier element to a first vehicle, and means to couple the barrier element to a second vehicle to extend the barrier element from the first vehicle to the second vehicle.
A device as claimed in claim 2 wherein a longitudinal dimension of the barrier element extending from a first vehicle to a second vehicle is adjustable.
A device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3 wherein the device comprises means to determine an impact upon the barrier element.
A device as claimed in claim 4 wherein the device comprises means to reduce a tensile force applied to the barrier element, responsive to an impact upon the barrier element being determined.
A device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5 wherein the barrier element is selectively movable between a storage configuration and an operational configuration.
A device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 6 wherein at least part of the barrier element comprises an inclined wall part.
A device as claimed in claim 7 wherein the wall part is inclined inwardly in an upward direction.
A device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8 wherein at least part of the barrier element comprises a foot part for engagement with the ground.
A safety barrier system comprising:
a safety barrier device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 9, and

one or more vehicles.
A system as claimed in claim 10 wherein the system comprises means to selectively move the barrier element between the storage configuration and the operational configuration.
A system as claimed in claim 10 or 11 wherein the vehicle comprises a foot part for engagement with the ground.
A system as claimed in claim 12 wherein the system comprises means to apply force to the foot part to engage the foot part with the ground.
A method for locating a safety barrier device, the method comprising the step of coupling a safety barrier element of the safety barrier device to a vehicle to extend the barrier element from the vehicle.
A method as claimed in claim 14 wherein the method comprises the steps of coupling the barrier element to a first vehicle, and coupling the barrier element to a second vehicle to extend the barrier element from the first vehicle to the second vehicle.