GB2261239A

GB2261239A - Automatic self-righting traffic bollard

Info

Publication number: GB2261239A
Application number: GB9114362A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Frank Cheesmur
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1991-07-03
Filing date: 1991-07-03
Publication date: 1993-05-12
Also published as: GB9114362D0

Abstract

An automatic self-righting traffic bollard comprises a casing (7) held by four springs (1) to the base (4). The splaying of the bottom of the bollard casing 5 and providing a nesting position 4 in the base unit 10 prevents the bollard from becoming completely dislodged and directs it to its vertical position. In the event of the bollard being pushed over by more than 45 DEG , the lighting plug (9) is automatically removed from its socket. <IMAGE>

Description

SELF RETURNING TRAFFIC BOLLARD This invention relates to a self returning traffic road bollard.

Bollards are used for direction of traffic and pedestrians etc., and are well known to the public at large. They are also used as directional signs and warnings to drivers of vehicles and sometimes to direct pedestrians. Some have lighting installed and others, no lighting.

Bollards are commonly placed on centre islands, in the centre of the road to direct the traffic in a certain direction, or maybe to warn of hazards ahead.

Bollards are often knocked or pushed over to varying degrees.

This being caused by vehicles giving glancing blows to the bollards, thereby pushing the bollard over at an angle, and in some cases completely demolish the bollard.

Bollards are relatively expensive and are used in great numbers by the Highway Authorities throughout the British Isles.

According to the present invention there is provided a means of bringing the bollard back to its upright position after it has been struck pushing it up to an angle of 45".

The bollard is returned to its original position through a series of springs, the top of which are fixed within the bollard casing at approximately mid-point and the other end of the springs are fixed to the base unit which in turn is fixed to the ground.

The bollard uses.four springs which when put under tension, pulls the bollard to the upright position when it is pushed or struck.

For easy reference it can be said that the bollard consists of two parts, the bollard casing with or without light fittings and a base unit.

The specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by the way of examples with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows the bollard casing 7 standing upright in its normal position being held by four springs to the base 4, the.

bottom of the bollard casing is splayed outwards 5 and rest in the projecting angle 4 of the base unit.

There are four springs 1 the top of each spring is attached to a cross frame of the bollard casing with "S" hooks 3.

The bottom of the four springs are attached to an eyelet which is bolted to the four corners of the base unit 2.

! .

To facilitate the automatic removal of the lighting plug from its socket,9in the event of the bollard being pushed over more than 450, there is a shape bar with eyelet formed in the top, this bar is bolted to the base unit.6 The eyelet allow the electrical cable to be threaded through 6.

Figure 2 illustrates a bollard after it has been pushed over and shows two of the springs under tension, which pull the bollard back to its original position.

It also shows the bolted eyelet 6 in operation with the electric cable 8 passing through the eyelet and with'drawing the electric plug from the socket 9.

Claims

1. A self returning traffic bollard comprising of a rectangular or circular bollard with four springs connecting the bollard top unit to the bollard base unit, thereby allowing the bollard to lean in any direction, up to 450 and the springs return the bollard to its original upright position.

2. A self returning traffic bollard as claimed in 1 wherein the bollard is in two separate units, a top unit and a base unit.

3. A self returning traffic bollard as claimed in 1 and 2 wherein the bottom of the top unit is splayed outwards and rests on the protruding angle iron of the base unit9 thereby allowing the top unit to tip to 400 in any direction.

4 A self returning traffic bollard as claim in 1-3 with electric power supply to illuminate the-sign, power is connected to a socket into which connected the plug., the electric wire passes from the plug through an eyelet, whereby if the bollard leans over 45" the plug will automatically be pulled from the socket.

50 A self returning traffic bollard substantialiy as described herein with reference to figures 1.9 of the accompanying drawings.