GB2306185A - Security post - Google Patents

Abstract

A sleeve 1 incorporates a pair of articulated plates 5 and 6 which are pivoted respectively about pivot members 7 and 8 and are also linked by a rod 9. The pivot member 7 can be rotated by a cylinder lock 10. Movement of the plate 5 causes a corresponding movement of the plate 6 about its pivot 8 through the connecting rod 9. In the lowered position, a flange 12 on the plate 6 locates below a retaining bar 13 which forms part of the socket 2. This prevents the sleeve 1 from being removed from the socket 2. In the raised position 6A, shown in dashed lines, the flange 12 is released from the bar 13 so that the post can be removed from the socket 2.

Description

"ImDrovements relatina to Securitv Posts" This invention relates to posts which can be set in an upright position to restrict access to parking spaces or other areas. Such posts are designed so that they can be removed or lowered when access is to be permitted. It is an object of this invention to provide a secure means of retaining a post in an upright condition.

According to the present invention there is provided a security post in the form of an elongated sleeve whose lower end is located in a socket adapted to be fixed into the ground, the inside socket having a locating formation fixed therein, whilst a connecting rod extends within the sleeve between articulating plates which are pivotally mounted respectively within the upper and lower ends of the sleeve whereby rotation of the upper plate effects rotation of the lower plate, through the rod between a latching position wherein a part of the lower plate locates into the locating formation and a release position where the lower plate disengages from the locating formation to enable removal of the sleeve from the socket.

Ideally a locking device is provided to enable the upper plate to be locked in the position in which the lower plate engages with the locating formation. This provides added security that, when the post is fixed in the upright position within the socket, it cannot easily be removed.

The particular design employed of the two articulating plates linked by a connecting rod is simple and cheap to construct and very effective.

In the preferred arrangement the upper end of the sleeve will be closed off by a cap which is welded or secured by adhesive. This prevents tampering with the internal mechanism and protects against the weather.

Ideally the lower end of the sleeve will incorporate a skirt which will be positioned over the top end of the socket when the post is in the latching condition. This causes rain water to run off the sleeve rather than running into the socket. The socket itself ideally has a cover hinged thereto enabling the open mouth of the socket to be covered when the sleeve is removed.

The invention may be performed in various ways and a preferred embodiment will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:- Figure 1 is a side view of a security post of this invention; and Figure 2 is a vertical section through the security post illustrated in Figure 1.

-The security post shown in the drawings comprises a tubular sleeve 1 which fits into a socket 2. The socket 2 will be held into the ground by a concrete infill 3 acting on flanges 4. The sleeve 1 incorporates a pair of articulated plates 5 and 6 which are pivoted respectively about pivot members 7 and 8. They are also linked by a rod 9.

The pivot member 7 can be rotated by a cylinder lock 10 by operation of a key 11. Movement of the plate 5 between its two positions causes a corresponding movement of the plate 6 about its pivot 8 through the connecting rod 9. In the lowered position, as illustrated in full lines in Figure 2, a flange 12 on the plate 6 locates below a retaining bar 13 which forms part of the socket 2. This prevents the sleeve 1 from being removed from the socket 2. However in the raised position 6A, shown in dashed lines in Figure 2, the flange 12 is released from the bar 13 so that the post can be removed from the socket 2.

A cap 14 of steel or a robust plastics material is secured by welding or adhesive over the top of the sleeve 1.

The sleeve 1 also has a neoprene skirt 15 mounted near to the lower end of the sleeve which protects against water running off the sleeve 1 into the socket 2. A hinged cover plate 16 enables the open mouth of the socket 2 to be covered when the sleeve 1 is removed.

Claims (6)

1. A security post in the form of an elongated sleeve whose lower end is located in a socket adapted to be fixed into the ground, the inside of the socket having a locating formation fixed therein, whilst a connecting rod extends within the sleeve between articulating plates which are pivotally mounted respectively within the upper and lower ends of the sleeve, whereby rotation of the upper plate effects rotation of the lower plate through the rod, between a latching position wherein a part of the lower plate locates into the locating formation and a release position wherein the lower plate disengages from the locating formation to enable removal of the sleeve from the socket.

2. A security post according to Claim 1, wherein a locking device is provided to enable the upper plate to be locked in the position in which the lower plate engages with the locating formation.

3. A security post according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the upper end of the sleeve is closed off by a cap which is welded or secured by adhesive.

4. A security post according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the lower end portion of the sleeve incorporates a skirt which will be positioned over the top end of the socket when the post is in the latching condition.

5. A security post according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the socket has a cover hinged thereto enabling the open mouth of the socket to be covered when the sleeve is removed.

6. A security post substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.