EP3693510A1

EP3693510A1 - Work site barrier system

Info

Publication number: EP3693510A1
Application number: EP19155735.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Helena Fagerlund; Joakim Svedberg
Original assignee: Safety Solutions Jonsereds AB
Current assignee: Safety Solutions Jonsereds AB
Priority date: 2019-02-06
Filing date: 2019-02-06
Publication date: 2020-08-12
Anticipated expiration: 2039-02-06
Also published as: PL3693510T3; LT3693510T; EP3693510B1; DK3693510T3

Abstract

The invention relates to a work site barrier system comprising:
a barrier (2) comprising a top portion (6) having a groove (8), which groove comprises opposing side walls (9), wherein at least one side wall comprises first and second wall portions being positioned adjacent to each other and at different distances to a central plane of the groove measured in a direction normal to the plane, wherein the plane extends between an entrance opening of the groove and a bottom of the groove; a panel (3); and a connector (4) arranged to connect said panel to said barrier, wherein the connector comprises a panel engagement portion (41) connected with the panel, and a barrier engagement portion (42) arranged to be received in said groove, wherein the barrier engagement portion comprises a fixing device (49), arranged to engage at least one side wall at at least one of said first and second wall portions in order to fix the barrier engagement portion to the barrier.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a work site barrier system for use at, inter alia, construction sites and in vehicular traffic environments.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Work site barrier systems are often used to enclose construction sites and alongside of roads, such to prevent people from looking into and entering the worksite, and/or reduce the spreading of noise resulting therefrom to the surroundings as well as from the surroundings, e.g. traffic noise, to the work site, etc. For the same reason, it is desirable to provide a work site barrier system of a considerable height. Providing work site barrier systems of considerable height places high requirements on the structural integrity of the barrier system, which in windy conditions is subjected to significant wind loads.
Work site barrier systems generally comprise panels of some kind, which are supported by posts, heavy blocks of concrete or secured directly to the ground. Due to the high wind loads, it is thus critical to provide a proper securing of the panels of the system to its supporting structure. On the other hand, when used at construction sites, reconstruction of the work site barrier system should also be allowed in order to adapt to the construction site as it changes.
US2005/0104054 discloses a traffic noise barrier system including a longitudinal barrier and a traffic noise barrier wall. The traffic noise barrier wall is spaced apart from a back surface of the longitudinal barrier and attached thereto by means of transverse beams, which support the traffic noise barrier wall. The transverse beams comprise end plates at each end thereof, which end plates are secured to the longitudinal barrier on the one end, and to a post of the traffic noise barrier wall on the other end. Bolts are used for securing the end plates to the barrier and to the post of the panel, respectively. Alternatively, securing the end plates to the post of the panel can be achieved by welding. A drawback with this traffic noise barrier system is that a considerable effort is required for mounting and dismounting the system, considering that the transverse beams must be fastened to the traffic noise barrier wall at one end, and then supported by an operator or a lifting device while fastening the other end to the longitudinal barrier by means of bolts. There is thus a need for a work site barrier system which can be mounted and dismounted in an efficient manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to overcome, or at least lessen the above mentioned problems. A particular object is to provide a work site barrier system which can be efficiently and safely mounted.
To better address this concern, in a first aspect of the invention there is presented a work site barrier system comprising a barrier, a panel, and a connector arranged to connect said panel to said barrier. The barrier comprises a top portion having a groove, which groove comprises opposing side walls, wherein at least one side wall comprises first and second wall portions being positioned adjacent to each other and at different distances to a central plane of the groove measured in a direction normal to the plane, wherein the plane extends between an entrance opening of the groove and a bottom of the groove. The connector comprises a panel engagement portion connected with the panel, and a barrier engagement portion arranged to be received in said groove. The barrier engagement portion comprises a fixing device, arranged to engage at least one side wall at at least one of said first and second wall portions in order to fix the barrier engagement portion to the barrier.
The connector provides a stable, preferably releasable, connection of the panel to the barrier. The barrier engagement portion of the connector provides a support for the panel when received in the groove. The fixing device then allows securing the connector, and thereby the panel, to the barrier as it is arranged to engage the at least one recess of the groove. To mount the work site barrier system, the panel, engaged with the connector by the panel engagement portion of the connector, is arranged such that the barrier engagement portion of the connector is received in the groove of the barrier. Thereafter, the fixing device is arranged to engage at least one side wall of the groove in order to fix the connector and, thus, the panel to the barrier. To dismount the work site barrier system, the fixing device is arranged to be disengaged from the recess, whereby the panel with connector can be removed from the barrier. This can ideally be done by one sole operator. There is thus provided a work site barrier system which can be easily mounted and dismounted.
A further advantage with the work site barrier system is that the panel can be provided with the connector engaged therewith, by the panel engagement portion of the connector. This facilitates the handling of the system, i.e. the mounting and dismounting thereof, considering that the panel and connector are handled as one unit. According to an embodiment, it is, however, possible to release the connector from the panel if required, such as for example if the panel is damaged and need to be exchanged, or, if desirable, for transporting. The connector, and more particularly the panel engagement portion, is thus releasably engaged with the panel. To further optimize transport of the panel, the panel engagement portion of the connector is movably engaged with the panel, according to an embodiment of the work site barrier system. This allows adjusting the position of the connector with respect to the barrier, which can be advantageous when packaging several panels for transport.
The barrier of the work site barrier system can be any type of barrier comprising a groove with opposing side walls as defined above. Preferably, the barrier comprises ballast providing stability to the barrier and thus to the base of the work site barrier system. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the barrier is of a kind adapted for use near vehicular traffic, such as a vehicle barrier. This is advantageous when providing the work site barrier system near roads that are transited, as this type of barriers provides advantages in the case a vehicle accidently thrusts into the same.
In accordance with an embodiment of the work site barrier system, one of said first and second wall portions is a protruding portion, which protrudes relative to the other one of said first and second wall portions, and which has a longitudinal extension along a length of the groove. According to different embodiments the protruding portion either provides a recess in the side wall or a ridge protruding towards the centre of the groove from the side wall. In case of a recess, the recess can be arranged at any height of the groove. Preferably, the recess is arranged at a lower portion of the groove. According to an embodiment of the work site barrier system, each of the vertical side walls comprises a recess. In a preferred embodiment, the recesses are arranged in the same horizontal plane. Arranging the respective recesses of the side walls in different horizontal planes is, however, also possible.
In accordance with an embodiment of the work site barrier system, the connector comprises a support portion arranged between the panel engagement portion and the barrier engagement portion, which support portion extends across a portion of the groove and abuts against a top surface of the top portion of the barrier. This allows positioning the panel on top of the barrier, whereby the support portion of the connector provides a support for the panel thereat.
In accordance with an embodiment of the work site barrier system, the support portion comprises an aperture and the fixing device further comprises an operation element. The operation element comprises a head and a shaft, the head at least partly abutting against a top surface of the support portion, and the shaft extending through the aperture of the support portion to a bottom portion of the barrier engagement portion. The fixing device further comprises a locking element and the shaft is engaged with the locking element. The fixing device is thus operable from the top of the barrier by the head of the operation element, abutting against the top surface of the support portion. Furthermore, the engagement of the locking element and the shaft is such that operating the operation element allows the locking element to enter in a fixed engagement with the barrier and, thus, to fix the barrier engagement portion of the connector to the barrier. This provides an easily accessible means for fixing the panel of the work site barrier system to the barrier.
In accordance with an embodiment of the work site barrier system, the shaft comprises a threaded portion which is in threaded engagement with the locking element, whereby turning of the head in a first direction causes the locking element to enter into engagement with at least one side wall at at least one of said first and second wall portions. This allows fixing the panel to the barrier using a basic tool, such as a wrench or an impact wrench, adapted to the size and geometry of the head of the operation element. Thereby, the work site barrier system can be mounted easily and efficiently.
In accordance with an embodiment of the work site barrier system, the barrier engagement portion further comprises a stop portion preventing the locking element from freely rotating upon turning of the head of the operation element in a second direction. Thereby, due to the threaded engagement of the operation element with the locking element, when the operation element is rotated in the second direction, in order to disengage the barrier engagement portion from the barrier, at some point the locking element is rotated along with the operation element until hitting the stop portion. The stop portion is positioned such that the locking element is aligned with the mouth of the groove, and thereby the barrier engagement portion can be removed from the groove.
In accordance with an embodiment of the work site barrier system, the locking element comprises a base part including an elongated locking plate having a longitudinal extension exceeding a smallest width of the groove. The locking plate may be a simple flat rectangular plate having a longitudinal extension as previously described. It is also possible to provide a flanged locking plate, or a locking plate having any for the purpose suitable shape.
In accordance with an embodiment of the work site barrier system, the locking element comprises a base part rotatably engaged with the operating element, and at least one locking part engaged with the base part, wherein turning of the head in the first direction generates at least one of a rotating movement, a pivoting movement, and a sliding movement of the at least one locking part to move the at least one locking part into engagement with at least one of the side walls at at least one of said first and second wall portions. Thereby, the barrier engagement portion is easily fixed to the barrier by turning the head of the operation element in a specific direction, for example by means of an impact wrench, providing an efficient manner of fixing of the panel to the barrier.
In accordance with an embodiment of the work site barrier system, the panel comprises a beam structure and the panel engagement portion of the connector is in engagement with the beam structure. The beam structure typically contributes to the structural integrity of the panel and can be adapted to meet the requirements posed on the panel in terms thereof.
In accordance with an embodiment of the work site barrier system, the panel engagement portion of the connector is in at least one of a fixed and a moveable engagement with the beam structure. Providing the panel engagement portion in a fixed engagement with the beam structure provides an advantage when mounting of the work site barrier system, as the panel and connector can be mounted onto the barrier as one unit. On the other hand, providing the panel engagement portion in a moveable engagement with the beam structure provides an advantage when it comes to packaging and transportation of the work site barrier system. It allows adjusting the position of the connector along the beam structure such to not collide with a connector of another panel, allowing a more compact packaging of several panels with connectors.
In accordance with an embodiment of the work site barrier system, the beam structure comprises a vertically arranged beam having an overall H-shape, and the panel engagement portion of the connector comprises a C-shaped bracket arranged to receive a portion of the vertically arranged beam such to form a vertically sliding engagement there with. Thereby, the connector can be arranged at any vertical position of the vertically arranged beam. This is advantageous for packaging of the panel, as previously described. This also allows removing the connector from the panel by simply sliding the connector over the end of the beam. This allows packaging the panel and the connector separately. This is furthermore efficient when replacement of a panel or a connector is required, as it allows for an easy removal of the connector from the panel.
In accordance with an embodiment of the work site barrier system, the panel engagement portion further comprises a fastening element arranged to fixate the panel engagement portion to the vertically arranged beam. Thus, when the connector is arranged in the desired vertical position along the vertically arranged beam, it can be fixated thereat by means of the fastening element such that the panel engagement portion of the connector is in a fixed engagement with the panel. For the purpose of transportation and replacement of a connector or a panel, it is furthermore advantageous the fastening element is releasable.
In accordance with an embodiment of the work site barrier system, the locking element comprises two locking parts hingedly engaged with the base part at opposing sides thereof, wherein the operation element is arranged to drive the locking parts to pivot outwardly to engage the side walls of the groove upon turning the head of the operation element in the first direction. Alternatively, the locking element comprises one locking part which is driven by the operation element to pivot outwardly to engage the side wall of the groove upon turning the head of the operation element in the first direction.
In accordance with an embodiment of the work site barrier system, the base part is plate-shaped and comprises a lateral groove at each end thereof, wherein the locking parts extend through one groove each with a play, such that upon turning the head of the operation element in the first direction, the base part causes the locking parts to pivot outwardly to engage the side walls of the groove of the barrier. Thus, as the operation element is turned in the first direction, the base part, prevented from rotating with the operation element by the stop portion, moves vertically along the extension of the operation element. Thereby, the hingedly arranged locking parts are forced to pivot outwardly such to engage each groove side wall of the barrier.
In accordance with an embodiment of the work site barrier system, the stop portion comprises a plate arranged to extend between the opposing side walls of the groove, and comprising at least one diagonally arranged aperture. The base part is in a movable engagement with an L-shaped locking part, which is movably engaged with the diagonally arranged aperture, such that the base part and the diagonally arranged aperture causes the locking part to slide outwardly towards one of the side walls of the groove upon turning of the head of the operation element in the first direction, whereby the L-shaped locking part engages at least one side wall at at least one of said first and second wall portions. That is, when the operation element is turned in the first direction, the base part, prevented from rotating with the operation element by the stop portion, moves vertically upwards along the operation element, whereby it forces the L-shaped locking parts to move upwards. The diagonally arranged aperture is oriented diagonally upwards, such that the L-shaped locking part, upon being forced upwards, further is pushed outwards towards a side wall of the groove. This outward movement of the L-shaped locking part is further allowed by the moving engagement with the base part. Alternatively, there can be provided two diagonally arranged apertures and the base part is in a movable engagement with two L-shaped locking parts at opposing sides thereof, which in turn are movably engaged with a respective diagonally arranged aperture. Upon rotation of the operation element in the first direction, the L-shaped locking parts enter in engagement with the respective barrier groove side wall, thus providing two fixing points of the fixing device of the barrier engagement portion to the barrier.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described in more detail and with reference to the appended drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a work site barrier system according to the present invention;
Fig. 2a is a schematic view of a connector of an embodiment of a work site barrier system according to the present invention;
Fig. 2b is a partly exploded view of a connector and a panel of an embodiment of a work site barrier system according to the present invention;
Fig. 3 is a detailed top view of a panel of an embodiment of a work site barrier system according to the present invention;
Fig. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a work site barrier system according to the present invention;
Fig. 5 is a schematic rear view of a panel engagement portion of an embodiment of a work site barrier system according to the present invention;
Fig. 6a is a partly exploded perspective view of a connector of an embodiment of a work site barrier system according to the present invention;
Fig. 6b is a cross-sectional view of a top portion of a barrier and a barrier engagement portion of a connector according to an embodiment of a work site barrier system according to the present invention;
Fig. 7a is a partly exploded perspective view of a barrier engagement portion of a connector of an embodiment of a work site barrier system according to the present invention;
Fig. 7b is a cross-sectional view of a top portion of a barrier and a barrier engagement portion of a connector according to an embodiment of a work site barrier system according to the present invention;
Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a top portion of a barrier and a barrier engagement portion of a connector according to an embodiment of a work site barrier system according to the present invention;
Fig. 9 shows alternative shapes of an aperture at a top portion of a barrier according to embodiments of the work site barrier system; and
Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a top portion of a barrier of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplifying embodiments of the invention are shown. The present invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness, and to fully convey the scope of the invention to the skilled addressee. Like reference characters refer to like elements throughout.
With reference to Fig. 1, there is provided an embodiment of a work site barrier system 1 comprising a barrier 2, a panel 3, and a connector 4 arranged to connect the panel 3 to the barrier 2. In the particular embodiment shown, the work site barrier system 1 comprises two connectors 4. The number of connectors 4 in the work site barrier system 1 is, however, generally adapted to the dimensions of the panel 3 and the barrier 2, and to the loads to which the work site barrier system 1 is subjected, and may thus vary.
The barrier 2 comprises a top portion 6 having a groove 8 extending along the length of the barrier 2, between its ends. The groove comprises a horizontal bottom surface 7, and opposing vertical side walls 9. The side walls 9 thus extend perpendicularly to the horizontal bottom surface 7, as well as along the length of the horizontal bottom surface 7, thereby defining the groove 8 to be generally U-shaped in cross-section.
As shown in the lower enlarged part of the barrier 2, each side wall 9 comprises a recess 10. Each recess 10 extends horizontally along the side wall 9. The recesses 10 are here arranged close to the bottom surface 7 of the groove 8. According to other embodiments, however, it is possible to arrange the recesses 10 at different positions along the vertical side walls 9, such as at the center thereof, or closer to a top thereof. Furthermore, although, in this embodiment of the work site barrier system, the barrier 2 comprises a recess 10 in each side wall 9, it is also possible to provide a recess 10 in only one of the side walls 9 of the groove, according to an alternative embodiment of the work site barrier system.
The barrier 2 of the exemplifying embodiment of Fig. 1 is further a safety barrier adapted for use in vehicular traffic environments, as disclosed in EP13369863 . However, other types of barriers are also applicable within the inventive concept, provided that they comprise a groove 8 as previously described and provide a stable base for the work site barrier system. For instance, the barrier can be made of concrete with a top groove made directly in the concrete or by having a metal profile cast into or attached to the concrete.
The panel 3 comprises a shielding plate 30 provided with a frame 13, and a beam structure with one or more beams 14. The shielding plate 30 can be made from any suitable materials, which can provide different kinds of properties, such as noise reduction, strength, etc. Some examples are a sandwich structure with a honeycomb core of plastic or aluminum, covered by surface plates of plastic, glass fiber reinforced plastic, aluminum, steel, etc., or a core of an isolation material, foamed plastic, or the like, covered by metal meshes, perforated metal or plastic sheets, or the like. Further examples are a plastic sheet, or a corrugated metal plate. The frame 13 is, typically, a metal frame. The panel 3 is further generally of a rectangular shape. This allows arranging several panels 3 adjacent to each other to form a work site barrier system of a desired extension. A particular advantage with providing a barrier 2 as disclosed in EP13369863 and a panel 3 of a rectangular shape, in accordance with the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, is that it allows mounting a work site barrier system comprising several barriers and panels arranged adjacent to one another and interconnected by the barriers. The rectangular shape of the panel 3 allows the side edges thereof to abut side edges of an adjacent panel. When reconstruction of such a work site barrier system is needed at a non-lateral part of the system, or if damage has occurred in a single barrier, panel or connector, the affected part of the work site barrier system can be removed or rearranged by disconnecting the corresponding barrier from the adjacent barriers and removing or adjusting the same.
The beam structure is generally arranged to contribute to the structural stability of the panel 3. In the exemplifying embodiment of Fig. 1, the beam structure comprises two vertically arranged beams 14 which are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the panel 3. With reference to Fig. 2b, showing a portion of the panel 3 of Fig. 1, the vertically arranged beam 14 is attached to opposing horizontal portions of the frame 13 of the panel 3 by means of fastening elements 15, such as bolts or other. The vertical beams 14 of this exemplifying embodiment thereby extend across the complete vertical extension of the panel 3, also referred to as height. The vertical beam 14 shown in Fig. 2b has an H-shaped cross-section defining elongated recesses 16 extending along the vertical extension and at both sides thereof. This shape of the beam 14 is advantageous as it provides stability to the panel 3. The H-shape of the beam 14 is further advantageous for the connection of the panel 3 to the connector 4, as will be described in more detail further on. Providing a vertical beam 14 having a different shape, such as rectangular or cylindrical, is however also conceivable within the concept of the present invention.
Further, in the exemplifying embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the beam structure, i.e. the vertically arranged beams 14, comprises an attachment portion 17 at a top end thereof, shown in more detail in Fig. 2b. The attachment portion 17 is arranged to receive or hold accessories of the work site barrier system 1, such as signs or an extension panel. Here, the attachment portion 17 comprises two generally hook shaped protrusions arranged one above the other, which protrusions protrude in a direction perpendicular to the panel 3.
Fig. 3 shows a portion of another exemplifying embodiment of the work site barrier system, where an extension panel 20 is arranged at the top of the panel 3, such to prolong the vertical extension thereof. The extension panel 20 comprises a panel portion 22 and at least one vertically arranged attachment arm 25. The attachment arm 25 comprises an upper portion 26 and a lower portion 27. The upper portion 26 is attached to the panel portion 22. The lower portion 27 extends beyond a bottom end of the panel portion 22 and comprises fastening elements 21. The fastening elements 21 are here two bolts which are fastened to the attachment arm 25 at a distance from each other in the vertical direction which corresponds to the distance between the two hook shaped protrusions of the attachment portion 17 of the beam 14. The fastening elements 21 are arranged such that the respective bolts extend horizontally from at least one side surface of the attachment arm 25. In Fig. 3, each of the hook shaped protrusions of the attachment portion 17 has received a fastening element 21 of the extension panel 20. More particularly, a shaft portion of each fastening element 21, which shaft portion is smaller than the groove defined by the corresponding hook shaped protrusion, has been received in each of the hook shaped protrusions of the attachment portion 17. The head of the fastening element 21 is of a size that is larger than the corresponding groove defined by the hook shaped protrusion, and abuts a side surface of the attachment portion 17 facing away from the vertically arranged beam 14. This allows the fastening elements 21 to rotate around their respective horizontal axis while being received in the attachment portion 17 of the beam 14 of the panel 3. Furthermore, in this exemplifying embodiment, the vertical extension of the upper hook shaped protrusion is shorter than that of the lower hook shaped protrusion. When the two fastening elements 21 of the attachment arm 25 are received in the corresponding hook shaped protrusions of the attachment portion 17, the extension panel is fixed in a raised position, in which it vertically protrudes from the panel 3 such to provide an extension thereto. When arranging the extension panel 20 at the panel 3, the extension panel 20 is connected to the attachment portion 17 by the lower hook shaped protrusion, receiving the corresponding fastening element 21 therein. Thereby, the extension panel is allowed to pivot between a lowered position, in which it rests against a vertical side of the panel 3, to the raised position, corresponding to pivoting the extension panel 20 by 180 degrees. To fix the extension panel 20 in the raised position, the extension panel 20 is thus pivoted 180 degrees from the lowered position and, further, slightly lifted such that the upper hook shaped protrusion of the attachment portion 17 can receive the corresponding fastening element 21 therein. Correspondingly, to move the extension panel 20 from the raised position to the lowered position, the extension panel 20 is lifted such that the shaft portion of the fastening element 21 which is received in the upper hook shaped protrusion is released from the engagement therewith, where after the extension panel 20 can be pivoted downwards to the lowered position. In a similar manner, other accessories, for example a sign, or lighting, can be movably arranged at the attachment portion 17 of the panel 3. However, in order to enable further accessories in conjunction with the extension panel 20, preferably they are attached to the vertical beam 14 of the panel 3, e.g. in a similar way as the connector 4 as will be described below, or to the groove 8 of the barrier 2.
Continuing with Fig. 1, the connector 4 of the work site barrier system 1 comprises a panel engagement portion 41 and a barrier engagement portion 42. The panel engagement portion 41 is arranged to engage with the panel 3, and the barrier engagement portion is arranged to engage with the barrier 2. In the exemplifying embodiment of Fig. 1, the panel engagement portion 41 comprises an elongated bracket 43 being C-shaped in cross-section, as shown in more detail in Figs. 2a and 2b. The C-shaped bracket comprises facing bracket side walls 48 and a bracket bottom wall 45 interconnecting the two bracket side walls 48, thereby forming the C-shape. The C-shaped bracket 43 further comprises a protruding portion 44 at each of the bracket side walls 48, at their respective free ends, which are not connected with the bracket bottom wall 45. Each protruding portion 44 protrudes in a direction towards the opposing bracket side wall 48, i.e. towards the center of the C-shape. An elongated groove 46 is thus formed, defined by the C-shaped bracket 43 with its protruding portions 44. The elongated groove 46 is arranged to receive a portion of the vertically arranged H-shaped beam 14 of the panel 3. Thus, in a mounted position, the bracket 43 extends vertically. More particularly, to provide an engagement between the connector 4 and the panel 3, the C-shaped bracket 43 is arranged at the beam structure 14 of the panel 3 such that each protruding portion 44 engages a corresponding recess 16 of the H-shaped beam 14. This provides a sliding engagement between the connector 4 and the panel 3.
In order to fix the connector 4 to the panel 3 at a certain position along the vertically arranged beam 14, panel engagement portion fastening elements 47 are provided at the bracket bottom wall 45. The panel engagement portion fastening elements 47 are here arranged at a distance from each other along the extension of the elongated C-shaped bracket 43. Each panel engagement portion fastening element 47 is further arranged in a threaded engagement with the bracket bottom wall 45 such to extend there through and to abut against the beam 14. A plastic spacer can be arranged between the panel engagement portion fastening element 47 and the beam 14. Thus, by rotating each of the panel engagement portion fastening elements 47, in threaded engagement with the bracket bottom wall 45 at different positions there along, the panel engagement portion 41 can be fixed to the vertically arranged beam 14 by friction. The number of panel engagement portion fastening elements 47 may, in other embodiments, be different than two, such as for example one, three or more. Thereby, a simple mounting of the connector 4 at the panel 3 as well as a simple height adjustment of the panel 3 relative to the connector 4 are provided.
In an alternative embodiment, the panel engagement portion 41 comprises an elongated plate which extends in parallel with the panel 3. The panel engagement portion is further arranged to be fixable to the beam structure 14 of the panel 3 by means of a fastening element such as a bolt, such to provide a fixed engagement therewith.
Furthermore, with reference to Fig. 2a, the connector comprises a support portion 50 arranged between the panel engagement portion 41 and the barrier engagement portion 42, and in connection therewith. The support portion 50 is generally plate-shaped and has a longitudinal extension which is generally no larger than the total width of the top portion 6 of the barrier 2, but which is larger than the width of the groove 8 of the barrier. When the connector 4 is mounted at the panel 3, the longitudinal extension of the support portion 50 is perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the panel 3. Thereby, when arranged on top of the barrier 2 comprising the groove 8 as previously described, the support portion 50 extends across the groove 8 of the barrier 2 and partly abuts against a top surface of the top portion 6 thereof adjacent to the groove 8. Thereat, the support portion 50 provides a support for the connector 4 when arranged at the barrier 2.
The barrier engagement portion 42 extends from the support portion 50 in a direction which is perpendicular to the longitudinal extension thereof, and opposite to the direction in which the panel engagement portion 41 extends from the support portion 50. Thus, in the mounted position, the barrier engagement portion 42 extends vertically downwards. The barrier engagement portion 42 comprises a fixing device 49 having an operation element 52 engaged with the support portion 50, and a locking element 58 engaged with, and operated by means of, the operation element 52. In the exemplifying embodiment shown in Figs. 1-2, the barrier engagement portion 42 comprises opposing first and second barrier engagement side portions 53, 54, extending from opposite longitudinal sides of the support portion 50. A guide portion 55 extends between bottom ends of the first and second barrier engagement side portions 53, 54 at a distance from the support portion 50. In this embodiment, the support portion 50, the first barrier engagement side portion 53 and the guide portion 55 are formed by a metal plate which is bent such to provide the different portions. It is, however, also possible to form the three portions by welding independent plates to each other accordingly, or by any other for the purpose suitable means.
The support portion 50 and the guide portion 55 each comprises a centrally arranged through hole. The through hole of the support portion 50 is axially aligned with the through hole of the guide portion 55, and the operation element 52 extends through them and beyond. The operation element 52 comprises a head 56 and a shaft 57. The head 56 is arranged to partly abut against a top surface of the support portion 50, i.e. the top surface of the support portion 50 which is adjacent the through hole thereof. The shaft 57 is arranged to extend through the through holes of the support portion 50 and the guide portion 55 and there beyond. The engagement of the operation element 52 with the support portion 50 and the guide portion 55 is such that the operation element 52 can rotate or be turned in a screwing motion within the respective through holes.
The locking element 58 is provided at a bottom portion of the barrier engagement portion 42. The locking element 58 is here embodied by a locking plate which has a length that is larger than the width of the groove 8 of the barrier at the recesses 10. The locking element 58 further comprises a centrally arranged through hole which comprises an internal thread. The internal thread is arranged such to receive a threaded portion of the shaft 57 of the operation element 52 to form a threaded engagement therewith. Thereby, upon rotation or turning of the operation element 52, the locking element 58 is rotated there around to enter the recesses 10.
The distance at which the guide portion 55 is arranged from the support portion 50 is adapted such to be shorter than the distance between the top surface of the top portion 6 of the barrier 2 and the recesses 10 of the groove 8 thereof. Further, the locking element 58 is here arranged at a portion of the operation element 52 corresponding to the vertical position of the recesses 10 of the groove 8 when the connector 4 is mounted at the barrier 2. Thereby, upon turning of the operation element 52 by the head 56 around its vertical axis, the locking portion 58 can be moved between a locked position, in which it extends into the recesses 10 of the groove 8 at an angle to, typically close to perpendicular to, the longitudinal extension of the barrier 2, and a released position, in which it extends in a direction parallel to the longitudinal extension of the barrier 2. When arranged in the locked position, the locking element 58 provides a locking of the barrier engagement portion 42 of the connector 4 to the barrier 2. When, on the other hand, the locking element 58 is arranged in the released position, the connector 4 can be removed from the barrier 2.
The second barrier engagement side portion 54 comprises a stop portion 59, see Fig. 1. The stop portion 59 is arranged at an end of the second barrier engagement side portion 54 and constitutes a partial prolongation thereof. The stop portion 59 is arranged to extend such that the total length of the second barrier engagement side portion 54 is less than the vertical extension of the groove 8 of the barrier 2, but larger than the vertical extension at which the recesses 10 of the side walls 9 are arranged. Thereby, the stop portion 59 prevents the locking element 58 from freely rotating about the operation element 52 as the operation element 52 is rotated around its vertical axis.
The embodiment described above having the groove 8 with side walls 9 provided with recesses 10 for providing a structure useful for obtaining the fastening of the barrier engagement portion 42 at the barrier 2 is just one alternative of many. Referring additionally to Fig. 10, a more generalized description of such a structure is as follows. At least one of the side walls 9 comprises first and second wall portions 120, 121 being positioned adjacent to each other, and at different distances d1, d2 to a central plane A-A of the groove 8. The distances d1, d2 are measured in a direction normal to the plane, and the plane extends between an entrance opening 118 of the groove 8 and a bottom 119 of the groove 8. For reasons of interpretation, it should be mentioned that any portion of the recess 10, such as for instance a portion of the upper horizontal wall of the recess 10 extending between the very bottom of the recess 10 and its mouth, could be regarded as the second portion 121, and so could the recess 10 as a whole. Use is in fact made of the difference in measures, and having some part of the barrier engagement portion 42 engage with the side wall at one or both of the first and second wall portions 120, 121. Typically, in order to obtain a secure engagement, the barrier engagement portion 42 engages the side wall at least at a portion being positioned at a greater distance from the central plane A-A than the first wall portion 120. Some alternative side wall structures are shown in Fig. 9 and will be described below.
Thus, when mounting a panel 3 to which the connector 4 is engaged by means of the panel engagement portion 41 of the connector 4, the locking element 58 is arranged in the released position. The barrier engagement portion 42 of the connector 4 can then be arranged in the groove 8 of the barrier 2. The panel 3 can thereafter be fixed to the barrier 2 by operating the operation element 52 to the locked position, by turning the head 56 of the operation element 52 in a first direction. When turning the head 56 of the operation element 52 in the first direction, the locking element 58 is rotated into the locked position, in which it extends into the recesses 10 of the groove 8 and engages with the walls of the recesses 10. When turning the head 56 further, the locking element 58 is consequently blocked from continued rotation in the first direction. Due to the threaded engagement of the locking element 58 with the operation element 52, further rotation of the operation element 52 here from causes the locking element 58 to move vertically along the operation element 52 until it is stopped from further movement by the top end of the recesses 10, whereby the locking element 58 is fixed in the locked position and the connector 4 is fixed to the barrier 2.
By turning the head 56 of the operation element 52 in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, the locking element 58 is rotated back to the released position. More particularly, the locking element 58 rotates until stopped by the stop portion 59, and in this position the locking element 58 extends in parallel with the groove 8. Thereby, the connector 4 can be removed from the barrier 2.
With reference to Fig. 4, there is provided an alternative embodiment of the work site barrier system 100 according to the present invention. According to this embodiment, the beam structure of the panel 103 comprises two vertically arranged beams 114 extending along the height of the panel 103 at different portions thereof, i.e. at a distance from each other. At a bottom end of each beam 114, a barrier receiving bracket 115 is arranged. The barrier receiving bracket 115 is arranged such to be able to receive a portion of the barrier 2 extending from the groove 8 to a front or back wall of the barrier 2. The beam structure of this embodiment further comprises a transverse beam 116 extending between, and attached to, the two vertically arranged beams 114.
Furthermore, the panel engagement portion 141 of the connector 104 comprises a panel engagement post 143 comprising a hook shaped protrusion 144. The panel engagement post 143 extends from the support portion 150 of the connector 104 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal extension thereof. That is, when the connector 104 is engaged with the barrier 2 and the panel 103, the panel engagement post 143 extends vertically upwards from the support portion 150. The hook shaped protrusion 144 extends from the panel engagement post 143 in a direction towards the panel 103, and then downwards. The hook shaped protrusion 144 is further adapted such to partially circumvent a portion of the transverse beam 115 of the beam structure 114 of the panel 103. The partial circumvention of the transverse beam 116 by the hook shaped protrusion 144 allows the panel engagement portion 141 of the connector to slide along the transverse beam 116 while providing a connection of the connector 104 to the panel 103. The connector 104 is thereby slideably connected to the panel 103. As regards the barrier engagement portion 142 of the connector 104 it can be of any suitable kind, such as any of the embodiments described herein.
With reference to Fig. 5, there is provided yet another embodiment of the work site barrier system 200. In this embodiment, the panel engagement portion 241 comprises an engagement tube 243. The beam structure here comprises at least one vertically arranged beam 214 fastened to the panel 203. A bottom portion of the beam 214 is separated from the panel 3, at least slightly, and is received in the engagement tube 243. The engagement tube 243, as well as the beam 214, has a cylindrical shape, but other shapes are feasible as well. This allows the engagement tube 243 to be rotated about the beam 214, which can be advantageous for transportation and packing of the panel 203 and the connector 204. In addition, or alternatively, the engagement tube 243 is displaceable along the beam 214.
The support portion 250 is in this exemplifying embodiment arranged diagonally across the groove 8 of the barrier 2.
Figs. 6-8 show further examples of the barrier engagement portion of the connector according to further embodiments of the work site barrier system.
With reference to Figs. 6a-b, the barrier engagement portion 342 comprises the first and second barrier engagement side portions 353, 354 which extend perpendicularly of the support plate 350, as described with reference to Fig. 2a. In this exemplifying embodiment, however, the first and second barrier engagement side portions 353, 354 are each constituted by a plate. The plates, and thus the first and second barrier engagement side portions 353, 354, each has a width which does not exceed the width of the groove 8 of the barrier 2 of the work site barrier system 1, such to be receivable therein. The locking element 358 of the fixing device 349 is arranged between the first and second barrier engagement side portions 353, 354 at a distance from the support plate 350, and it is movable towards and away from the support plate 350 but non-rotatable. The locking element 358 comprises a plate-shaped base part 360, which has a threaded through hole engaged with the threaded portion of the operation element 52, and a lateral aperture 361 at two opposite ends thereof. The locking element 358 further comprises two locking parts 363 hingedly attached to the first and second barrier engagement side portions 353, 354, respectively, at a first end 364 of each locking part 363, and movably extending through the apertures 361 to engage with the recesses 10 at a second end 365 of each locking part 363. More particularly, when the barrier engagement portion 341 is received in the groove 8 of the barrier 2, the ends of the base part 360 comprising the lateral apertures 361 face one side wall 9 each of the opposing side walls 9 of the groove 8. The lateral grooves 361 are generally of a substantially rectangular shape. The first end 364 of each locking part 363 is an upper end positioned between the base part 360 and the support element 350, and the second end 365 is a lower end positioned below the base part 360. There is a play between the locking part 363 and the aperture 361. Due to the play of the lateral apertures 361, the locking parts 363 are pivoted outwards when the operation element 52 is rotated in the first direction. The position of the base part 360 is such that, when the barrier engagement portion 342 is received in the groove 8 of the barrier 2, the locking parts 363 are driven by the base part 360 to pivot outwards to engage the recesses 10 of the groove 8 of the barrier 2, see Fig. 6b, as a result of the operation element 52 being rotated in the first direction. Here, the first and second barrier engagement side portions 353, 354, extending beyond the base part 360 provide stop portions preventing the base part 360 from rotating around the operation element 52 as it is rotated, but in both directions of rotation in contrast to the stop portion 59 above.
With reference to Figs. 7a-b, there is provided an alternative barrier engagement portion 442. Like in the above embodiments, the barrier engagement portion 442 comprises a fixing device 449 having an operation element 52 and a locking element 458 operated by the operating element 52. However, in particular the base part 70 and the locking parts 71 of the locking element 458 are different. According to this embodiment, the base part 70 comprises a drive nut 72 arranged in threaded engagement with the operation element 52. At opposing sides and extending into the space between the first and second barrier engagement side portions 353, 354, the base part 70 further comprises fastening portions 74, each holding a bottom part of a motion transferring member 73. At a top portion thereof, the motion transferring member 73 is hingedly engaged with the locking part 71. Here, the motion transferring member 73 is engaged with the locking part 71 by means of a fastening element extending through respective engagement portions thereof.
The locking parts 71 of this exemplifying embodiment are embodied by two bent locking plates arranged between the first and second barrier engagement side portions 353, 354 at opposing sides of the operation element 52. At an upper portion, the locking plates 71 are hingedly engaged with respective hinge elements 75 extending through apertures in the first and second barrier engagement side portions 353, 354, and secured at outer surfaces thereof. The locking portions 71 are thereby allowed to pivot around the hinge element 75. At the lower portion, the locking plates are engaged with respective motion transferring portions 73.
The first and second barrier engagement side portions 353, 354 are here provided with elongated apertures 76 extending in the vertical direction, i.e. in a direction parallel with the extension of the operation element 52, for receiving end portions of the fastening portion 74. The elongated apertures 76 and the corresponding fastening portions 74 are arranged such to allow the end portion of each fastening portion 74 to slide along the vertical extension of the respective aperture 76. Thereby, when the operation element 52 is turned in a first direction, the base part 70, stopped from rotating with the fixing element by the first and second barrier engagement side portions 353, 354, here also constituting stop portions, is driven to move upwards along the operation element 52. As the base part 70 is moved upwards, the motion transferring portions 73 drive the locking plates 71 to pivot outwardly such to protrude from between the first and second barrier engagement side portions 353, 354.
The base part 70 and the locking plates 71 are arranged such that, when the barrier engagement portion 442 is received in the groove 8 of the barrier 2, the locking plates 71 engage the recesses 10 of the groove 8 of the barrier 2 as they are pivoted outwardly, see Fig. 7b.
Finally, referring now to Fig. 8, there is provided yet another example of the locking parts and the base part of the barrier engagement portion 542. The base part 80 here comprises a drive nut 86, which is in threaded engagement with the operation element 52. The drive nut 86 has a generally H-shaped cross section, formed by recesses 81 arranged in opposite side portions of the drive nut 80. The recesses 81 provide sliding tracks for an operation element engagement portion 82 of the locking part 83. More particularly, one of the recesses 81 is arranged in a sliding engagement with the base part engagement portion 82. The base part engagement portion 82 is adapted such to be received in the recess 81, having upper and lower surfaces which bear against the surfaces of the nut portions defining the recess 81. The base part engagement portion 82 is thus allowed to slide within the recess 81 in a direction perpendicular to the extension of the operation element 52.
The locking part 83 of this exemplifying embodiment comprises a substantially L-shaped plate. The L-shaped plate 83 is arranged between the first and second barrier engagement side portions 353, 354, and engaged thereto by two slidable fastening elements 84. At least one of the first and second barrier engagement side portions 353, 354 is here provided with a diagonally arranged groove 85 for each of the slidable fastening elements 84. The slidable fastening elements 84 are arranged to be slidable along the extension of the groove 85, whereby the locking plate 83 is movably engaged with the diagonally arranged groove 85. Thus, when the base part 80 moves upwards along the operation element 52 as the latter is rotated in the first direction, the locking part 83 is driven to slide along the diagonally arranged grooves causing the locking part 83 to slide outwards and to partly protrude from between the first and second barrier engagement side portions 353, 354 in a horizontal direction as taken in Fig. 8. Also here, the base part 80 is stopped from rotating together with the operation element 52 as the latter is turned, by the first and second barrier engagement side portions 353, 354 providing stop portions therefor.
When the barrier engagement portion 542 of the connector 4 is arranged at a barrier 2, and thus received in the groove 8 thereof, turning of the operation element 52 in the first direction causes the locking part 83 to slide outwards to a locked position in which the L-shaped plate engages the recess 10 of the corresponding vertical side wall 9 of the barrier 2, as seen in Fig. 8. Providing L-shaped plates at both sides of the base part 80, such that a locking plate 83 engages each of the recesses 10 of the vertical side walls 9 of the groove 8 of the barrier is also possible according to an embodiment of the work site barrier system 1.
Similarly, when the fixing element 52 is rotated in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, the base part 360, 70, 80 moves downwards along the operation element 52 such that the locking part is released from the engagement with the recess 10, and thereby enters the released position. Here from, the connector 4 can be removed from the barrier 2.
While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. For instance, the locking element of the embodiments shown in Figs. 1 to 7 can be adapted such to engage a sole recess provided in one of the vertical side walls 9 of the groove 8 of the barrier 2.
The groove at the top portion of the barrier can have many different shapes while still working with one or more of the above-described variants of the barrier engagement portion. Some examples of alternative shapes will be described in conjunction with Fig. 9. One alternative groove 90 has outwardly sloping side walls 91 in a direction from its entrance opening at the top of the barrier to its bottom. Each side wall 91 has first and second portions 92, 93 at different distances from a central plane. When any of the barrier engagement portions described above is received in the groove, and its locking member is turned it engages one or both of the side walls 91 at the second portion 93.
Another alternative groove 94 has generally vertical side walls 95, Each side wall 95 is provided with a protrusion 96 extending into the groove 94, i.e. towards the central plane of the groove 94. A locking element of the barrier engagement portion typically engages the protrusions at bottom surfaces 97 thereof.
Another alternative groove 98 is similar to the just described groove 94, but the protrusions 99 are arranged at the very top opening, or mouth, 123 of the groove 98.
Another alternative groove 124 is similar to the just described groove 98, but the protrusions 125 at the top opening of the groove 124 are sloping downwardly and inwardly of the groove 124.
The panel engagement portion can be more permanently connected with the panel, such as by being welded to the beam of the panel. However, that is a less flexible and less advantageous solution.
Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measured cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

A work site barrier system comprising:
a barrier (2) comprising a top portion (6) having a groove (8), which groove comprises opposing side walls (9), wherein at least one side wall comprises first and second wall portions (120, 121) being positioned adjacent to each other and at different distances to a central plane of the groove measured in a direction normal to the plane, wherein the plane extends between an entrance opening of the groove and a bottom of the groove;

a panel (3); and

a connector (4) arranged to connect said panel to said barrier, wherein the connector comprises a panel engagement portion (41) connected with the panel, and a barrier engagement portion (42) arranged to be received in said groove,

wherein the barrier engagement portion comprises a fixing device (49), arranged to engage at least one side wall at at least one of said first and second wall portions in order to fix the barrier engagement portion to the barrier.
The work site barrier system according to claim 1, wherein one of said first and second wall portions (120, 121) is a protruding portion, which protrudes relative to the other one of said first and second wall portions, and which has a longitudinal extension along a length of the groove (8).
The work site barrier system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of said side walls (9) comprises a recess (10), which comprises at least one of said first and second wall portions (120, 121).
The work site barrier system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said connector (4) comprises a support portion (50) arranged between said panel engagement portion (41) and said barrier engagement portion (42), which support portion extends across a portion of said groove (8) and abuts against a top surface of said top portion (6) of said barrier (2).
The work site barrier system according to claim 4, wherein said support portion (50) comprises an aperture and said fixing device (49) further comprises an operation element (52), which comprises a head (56) and a shaft (57), said head at least partly abutting against a top surface of said support portion (50), and said shaft extending through said aperture of said support portion to a bottom portion of said barrier engagement portion (42), wherein said fixing device further comprises a locking element (58), wherein said shaft is engaged with said locking element.
The work site barrier system according to claim 5, wherein said shaft (57) comprises a threaded portion which is in threaded engagement with said locking element (58), whereby turning of said head (56) in a first direction causes said locking element to enter into engagement with at least one side wall at at least one of said first and second wall portions (120, 121).
The work site barrier system according to any one of claims 5-6, wherein said barrier engagement portion (42) further comprises a stop portion (59) preventing said locking element (58) from freely rotating upon turning of said head (56) of said operation element (52) in a second direction.
The work site barrier system according to claim 5, wherein the locking element (58) comprises a base part including an elongated locking plate having a longitudinal extension exceeding a smallest width of said groove.
The work site barrier system according to any one of claims 5-7, wherein said locking element (358, 458) comprises a base part (360, 70, 80) rotatably engaged with the operating element (52), and at least one locking part (363, 71, 83), engaged with the base part, wherein turning of said head (56) in said first direction generates at least one of a rotating movement, a pivoting movement and a sliding movement of said at least one locking part to move said at least one locking part into engagement with at least one of the side walls (9) at at least one of said first and second wall portions (120, 121).
The work site barrier system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said panel (3) comprises a beam structure and said panel engagement portion (41) of said connector (4) is in engagement with said beam structure.
The work site barrier system according to claim 10, wherein said panel engagement portion (41) of said connector (4) is in at least one of a fixed and a moveable engagement with said beam structure.
The work site barrier system according to claim 10 wherein said beam structure comprises a vertically arranged beam (14) having an overall H-shape, and said panel engagement portion (41) of said connector (4) comprises a C-shaped bracket (43) arranged to receive a portion of said vertically arranged beam such to form a vertically sliding engagement there with.
The work site barrier system according to claim 10, wherein said panel engagement portion (41) further comprises a fastening element (47) arranged to fixate said panel engagement portion to said vertically arranged beam (14).
The work site barrier system according to claims 3 and 9, wherein said locking element (358, 458) comprises two locking parts (363, 71) hingedly engaged with the base part (360, 70) at opposing sides thereof, wherein the operation element (52) is arranged to drive said locking parts to pivot outwardly to engage said side walls (9) of said groove (8) upon turning said head (56) of said operation element in said first direction.
The work site barrier system according to claim 14, wherein said base part (360) is plate-shaped and comprises a lateral aperture (361) at each end thereof, wherein said locking parts (363) extend through one aperture each with a play, such that upon turning said head (56) of said operation element (52) in said first direction, said base part causes said locking parts to pivot outwardly to engage said recesses (10) of said groove (8) of the barrier (2).
The work site barrier system according to claim 9, wherein said stop portion (59) comprises a plate (354) arranged to extend between said opposing side walls (9) of said groove (8) and comprising at least one diagonally arranged aperture (85), wherein said base part (80) is in a movable engagement with an L-shaped locking part (83) which is movably engaged with said diagonally arranged aperture, such that said base part and said diagonally arranged aperture causes said locking part to slide outwardly towards one of said side walls of said aperture upon turning of said head (56) of said operation element (52) in said first direction, whereby said L-shaped locking part engages at least one side wall at at least one of said first and second wall portions (120, 121).