GB2315510A

GB2315510A - Pedestrian guard rail

Info

Publication number: GB2315510A
Application number: GB9706551A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Douglas Lunan Stewart
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1996-03-30
Filing date: 1997-04-01
Publication date: 1998-02-04
Anticipated expiration: 2017-04-01
Also published as: GB9706551D0; GB2315510B

Abstract

A pedestrian guard rail comprises a plurality of modules 10 each having a horizonal top rail 12 and a horizontal bottom rail 14 connected by a plurality of vertically extending bars 16. The modules are connected together by joints 26. A support post 54 is located at a lower joint to support the guard rail. The joints allow pivotal movement between modules so that they can be set at a required angle to each other. The modules may be free standing on the ground, fixed by a press in support base 54, or a support base that can be bolted to the ground. Alternatively, the support post may be set in the ground by concrete.

Description

Improvements Relating to Pedestrian Guard Rails This invention relates to improvements in pedestrian guard rails. In particular, the invention relates to an improved connector and support system for use with pedestrian guard rail modules.

Typically, guard rails are principally constructed from a number of small individual modules which are interconnected in some way to form a visible barrier.

The use of such guard rails is generally associated with the control of pedestrian flow, such as in the vicinity of heavy road traffic, or in situations where the control of the general public is of significant importance, such as sporting events, open air music concerts and the like.

Metal guard rails of the type discussed are normally interconnected using bolted joints, requiring a plurality of nuts and bolts. In the situations where the rails are being used in the vicinity of road vehicles, the bolts tend to fail by shearing when the rail is impacted by an impeding vehicle. As the safety of the public is crucial in this type of situation, the ability of the guard rail to restrain the vehicle is reduced as the bolts simply break and the rail collapses.

Furthermore, joints of this type can be hazardous to the public by exposing sharp edges when the guard rails are used on curves in the road, for example, which also affects the aesthetic appearance of the rail.

A secondary consideration in connection with guard rails are the mounting posts which are used to locate such rails. Typically, the guard rails are formed from panels of metal bars or mesh which are supported between posts. Such posts are generally embedded in concrete footing or otherwise permanently mounted.

Guard rails of this type are generally designed and constructed to withstand impacts imposed by pedestrians. Vehicle impact can therefore irreversibly damage a guard rail panel such that it requires to be replaced. This involves the inconvenience and expense of retracting the post from the permanent mounting before replacement can be effected.

It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate these types of disadvantages outlined above by providing an improved pedestrian guard rail.

According to the present invention there is provided a pedestrian guard rail comprising a plurality of modules each having a generally horizonal top rail and a generally horizontal bottom rail connected by a plurality of vertically extending bars, the modules being connected together at adjacent ends of respective top rails by means of a top joint and at adjacent ends of respective bottom rails by means of a bottom joint and further comprising a support post located at said bottom joint for supporting said guard rail.

Further according to the present invention there is provided a pedestrian guard rail comprising a plurality of modules each having a generally horizontal top rail and a generally horizonal bottom rail, adjacent ends of respective top rails and bottom rails being connected together by pivotal joints.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a joint for connecting adjacent ends of a generally horizontal top and bottom rail of a guard rail, the joint comprising a female member for fitment to one end of one rail, the female member being provided with a recess adapted to receive a boss formed on a male member fitted to the end of an adjacent rail such as to permit relative pivotal movement between the rails, and means for pivotally fixing the female member to the male member.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures in which Fig. 1 is an elevation of a two guard rail modules showing a single post mounting system according to the present invention; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a connector assembly according to the invention; Fig. 3a is a perspective view of a male connector of the assembly of Fig. 2; Fig. 3b is a perspective view of a female connector of the assembly of Fig 2; Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional side elevation of the assembly of Fig 2 showing the interior structure of the assembly; Fig. 5a is an elevation of two guard rail modules showing connectors of the present invention and an alternative mounting system; Fig. 5b is an end elevation of the mounting system of Fig. 5a; Fig. 6 is an alternative mount to that shown in Figs Sa and b; Fig. 7 is an elevation showing two guard rail modules with a further alternative mounting system; Fig. 8 is an elevation of two end termination posts for use with the present invention; Fig. 9 is an alternative mount to that shown in Figs 5a, 5b and Fig 6; and Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the mount of Fig 9.

Referring to Fig. 1, a guard rail module, generally designated 10, comprises a substantially horizontal top rail 12 and a substantially horizontal bottom rail 14.

A series of regularly spaced vertical bars 16 extend between the top rail 12 and the bottom rail 14.

A post 18 extends from the bottom rail 14 for securing to a surface 20 by any suitable means, examples of such means will be discussed hereafter. Each end of the module 10 is, in this example, provided with a post 18 at either end of the bottom rail 14. The top of each post 18 is attached to an end of the bottom rail 14 by welding, or in any other suitable manner.

It should be noted that in this particular example, each guard rail module 10 has an associated post 18, located at either end of the bottom rail 14. The individual posts 18 are secured together by means of a bolt 22 and associated nut 24. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that other alternative arrangements for securing the posts 18 to the bottom rail 14 are available as are alternatives to supplying each module 10 with a post 18 for subsequent securement. Such variations will be discussed hereafter by way of example only, and the present invention is not limited to such.

A feature of the present invention is that unlike prior art systems where the posts generally extend from the surface 20, or possibly from below the surface 20, to the top rail 12, no part of the posts 18 extend above the bottom rail 14.

For convenience, when referring to further embodiments herein, like parts of each embodiment will use the same reference numerals for ease of cross-reference.

The components of the guard rail module 10 as described above, are conveniently formed of mild steel and welded together to form a single unit which is preferably galvanised and/or painted to give corrosion resistance to suit outdoor use in a damp climate.

In these particular examples, it is particularly preferred that the top and bottom rails 12, 14 are formed from rectangular hollow section, more commonly known as RHS. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that alternatives to this type of construction are widely available and it should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the use of such.

A connector assembly 26 is used to connect the top rail 12 of the modules 10. In this particular embodiment, a further connector assembly 26 could be incorporated to connect the bottom rail 14, if the securing bolt was not fitted.

As is known on the art, a series of vertical bars 16 which extend between the top and bottom rails 12, 14 may be in-line along the central, longitudinal axis of the guard rail module 10. Alternatively the bars 16 may alternate from one side of the central axis to the other. This latter type of arrangement gives a reduced susceptibility to deformation upon impact and additionally provides improved ability to see through the module 10 at shallow approach angles.

A further alternative to give increased through visibility is the staggering of successive groups of four bars 16 such that a single group of four bars 16, form a shallow diagonal along a horizontal plane. This arrangement forms windows through which hazards are clearly visible at shallow angles.

Referring now to Fig. 2 there is shown an embodiment of an improved connector, generally designated 26, according to the present invention. The connector 26 comprises two individual components; a male connector 28 and a female connector 30. The RHS 32 of the top and bottom rail 12, 14 is clearly shown in this embodiment.

As shown in greater detail in Fig. 3a, the male connector 28 comprises a substantially arcuate section 34 which is of a particular diameter and configuration to be engaged by a similar arcuate section 36 of the female connector 30 (Fig. 3b).

The male connector 28 further comprises a raised boss 38 of a smaller outside diameter to that of the arcuate section 34. This boss 38 is adapted to be received by a similarly dimensioned and configured insert 40 of the female connector 30.

The boss 38 has a central hole 42 through which a bolt 44 is passed for securing the two connectors 28, 30 together, as will be described hereafter. The top surface of the boss 38 has an elongated hexagonal hole as best seen in Fig. 3a. The underside of the boss 38, and hence the male connector 28 has a countersunk hexagonal hole 46 for locating the head of the bolt 44, and is best viewed in Fig. 2. This countersunk hole 46 allows the head of the bolt 44 to be seated flush with surface of the male connector 28, as best exemplified in Fig. 4.

Fig. 3b shows the equivalent female connector 30. The female connector 30 has a similarly dimensioned arcuate section 36 which is adapted to interengage with the arcuate section 34 of the male connector 28 such that a finite range of pivotal movement is achieved.

The underside of the female connector 30 has an elongate hole 48. This elongate hole 48 allows for adjustment of the position of the bolt 44 to compensate for any manufacturing tolerances or where the mutual pivoting of the connector assembly 26 requires a certain latitude of movement.

The male and female connectors 28, 30 both have a rectangular boss 50 which is adapted to interengage with the rectangular hollow section tubing 32 of the top and bottom rails 12, 14. Conveniently, the rectangular boss 50 is designed such that the RHS tubing 32 is welded to the boss 26. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that other methods of securing the tubing 32 to the rectangular boss 50 and hence the connector 26 are available and could be used instead of welding.

The dimensions of the rectangular boss 50 is such that the overlapping RHS tubing 32 is seated flush with the outer extremities of the connector assembly 26.

Fig. 4 shows the interengagement between the male and female connectors 28, 30. As can be seen in crosssection, the two arcuate sections 34, 36 are designed to interengage to allow for mutual pivotal movement of the two individual connectors 28, 30 with respect to one another. The boss 38 and corresponding insert 40 allow the connector assembly 26 to be substantially locked in position without the necessity of having the securing bolt 44 and nut 52.

Furthermore, the arrangement of the boss 38 and insert 40, provides a connector assembly 26 which exhibits a higher shear strength when the rails are under tension than the standard prior art arrangement which generally requires, and relies on, only a nut and bolt.

The countersunk hole 46 for the head of the bolt 44 provides for a connector assembly 26 which has no extrusions on the upper surface. The bolt 44 and nut 52 protrude below the surface of either the top or bottom rails 12, 14 such that there are no extrusions which may cause injury to pedestrians passing by on the upper surfaces. This provides a substantially continual surface with no protrusions, which pedestrians may safely rest against.

It will be generally appreciated that the connector assembly 26 of the invention requires one end of the guard rail module 10 to be provided with two male connectors 28, one at the top rail 12 and one at the bottom rail 14. The other end is similarly provided with two female connectors 30, again, one at the top rail 12 and one at the bottom rail 14. This allows adjacent guard rail modules 10 to be interconnected using the connectors 28, 30 to form the pivotal arrangement as herein described.

Turning now to Figs Sa and 5b, there is shown a mounting system, generally designated 54, which allows the connector assemblies 26 according to the present invention to be used to interconnect both the top and bottom rails 12, 14, with the inclusion of a nut and bolt assembly in the bottom rail 12 connector assembly 26.

The mounting system 54 comprises a mounting plate 56 onto which the connector 26 is bolted. Extending from the mounting plate 56 are four legs 58 (only three of which are shown in Figs Sa and 5b) which are perpendicular to the plane of the mounting plate 56.

In use, the legs 58 are driven sufficiently into the ground 60 to provide a strong anchor point onto which the guard rail modules 10 are bolted. The mounting system 54 does not protrude above the bottom rail 14 such that there is no direct connection between the ground 60 and the top rail 12, as stated to be one of the features of the present invention.

Fig. 5b is a transverse view of Fig. Sa such that the general configuration of the mounting system 54 can be appreciated.

Fig. 6 is an alternative embodiment of the mounting system 54 of Figs 5a and Sb. In this particular example, the legs 62 extend from the mounting plate 56 at an angle to the vertical. This angular displacement gives an increased strength by spreading the weight of the guard rail modules 10 over a larger area, thereby increasing stability and also the force of impact which can be absorbed.

One of the advantages of this type of mounting system 54 is that it is easily removed from the ground 60.

This allows for the replacement of damaged modules or for ease of installation in the event of short-term or temporary use.

Another alternative embodiment incorporating the present invention is shown in Fig. 7. In this particular example, the top and bottom rails 12, 14 are again interconnected by the connector assembly 26.

However, the mounting system in this example differs in that the posts 64 are not connected by a mounting plate and therefore the modules 10 can be pivoted to allow for any angular displacement therebetween, limited only by the finite movement of the connector assembly 26.

In this particular embodiment, the posts 64 are directly welded, or otherwise connected, to the bottom rails 12. Each module 10 is then set at the required angular displacement and the posts 64 are driven into the ground 60 by any suitable means.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the termination of such modules will require end posts 66 equipped with the respective male and female connectors 28, 30, as shown in Fig. 8. It is of course possible to have an end post directly welded to the module 10 such that the particular module 10 can only be used as a termination point. This however, although limiting the inventory of parts required, restricts the versatility of the system.

As previously described, the end posts 66 are provided with matching pairs of male and female connectors 28, 30 such that they co-operate with a corresponding male or female connector 28, 30 on the guard rail modules 10.

Figs 9 and 10 show yet another embodiment of a mounting system according to the present invention. In this particular example, the mounting system is very similar to that as shown in Fig. 6. However, as well as having a mounting plate 56 at the top, a base plate 68 is located at the bottom.

This provides a unit which may be set on the ground 60 where the base plate 68 provides a stable surface for supporting the modules 10.

In this particular example, the mounting system does not have legs which extend directly into the ground 60.

At each of the corners of the base plate 68 is a hole 70 through which a bolt 72 is passed. Located in the ground 60 is a plurality of expandable plugs 74 at corresponding locations to the position of the holes 70.

In use, the bolts 72 are positioned through the holes 70 such that they contact the expandable plugs 74 underneath. As the bolts 72 are driven into the plugs 74, the extensions expand such that the plugs 74 cannot be easily pulled free from the ground 60, as is well known.

In the case where no bolts are required, the base plate 68 contacts the ground and hence a versatile and very mobile modular guard rail system is obtained, which is simple to install in almost any locale.

Hence, the connectors and mounting systems described herein provide a plurality of versatile guard rail modules which are both easy to install and more importantly resistant to impacts from road vehicles.

Other modifications and improvements may be made to the foregoing exemplary configurations without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1A pedestrian guard rail comprising a plurality of modules each having a generally horizonal top rail and a generally horizontal bottom rail connected by a plurality of vertically extending bars, the modules being connected together at adjacent ends of respective top rails by means of a top joint and at adjacent ends of respective bottom rails by means of a bottom joint and further comprising a support post located at said bottom joint for supporting said guard rail.

2 A pedestrian guard rail as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said top joint and said bottom joint are pivoting joints.

3 A pedestrian guard rail as claimed in either preceding claim wherein said support post is located entirely below said bottom rail.

4 A pedestrian guard rail as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said support post is divided into two sections, one section being attached to either end of the bottom rail of each adjacent guard rail module, such that in use, the sections are secured together to form a single support.

5 A pedestrian guard rail comprising a plurality of modules each having a generally horizontal top rail and a generally horizonal bottom rail, adjacent ends of respective top rails and bottom rails being connected together by pivotal joints.

6 A pedestrian guard rail as claimed in Claim 5, wherein said pivoting joints comprise two individual members, said individual members being adapted to interengage and thereby provide a pivotal movement.

7 A pedestrian guard rail as claimed in Claim 6 wherein said two individual members comprise a male member and a female member.

8 A pedestrian guard rail as claimed in Claim 7 wherein said male and female members are provided with respective cooperating arcuate sections, the dimensions of said arcuate sections being selected such that the two members may be pivoted through a range of movement in a circular arc.

9 A pedestrian guard rail as claimed in either of Claims 7 or 8 wherein said male member is provided with a raised boss and said female member is provided with a correspondingly dimensioned insert, such that in use, said raised boss of said male member is positioned within said insert of said female member.

10 A pedestrian guard rail as claimed in any one of Claims 7 t 9, wherein said male and said female members are provided with a through bore, said bore being such that in use, the engagement of said male and said female members allows the passage of a bolt through said male and female members so that said members are held securely in position.

11 A pedestrian guard rail as claimed in Claim 10 wherein said male member is provided with a countersunk hexagonal hole on the outer surface of said male member, such that the head of said bolt is seated substantially flush with said outer surface.

12 A joint for connecting adjacent ends of a generally horizontal top and bottom rail of a guard rail, the joint comprising a female member for fitment to one end of one rail, the female member being provided with a recess adapted to receive a boss formed on a male member fitted to the end of an adjacent rail such as to permit relative pivotal movement between the rails, and means for pivotally fixing the female member to the male member.

13 A joint as claimed in Claim 12 wherein said male and female members are provided with respective cooperating arcuate sections, the dimensions of said arcuate sections being selected such that the two members may be pivoted through a range of movement in a circular arc.

14 A joint as claimed in either of Claims 12 or 13 wherein said male member is provided with a raised boss and said female member is provided with a correspondingly dimensioned insert, such that in use, said raised boss of said male member is positioned within said insert of said female member.

15 A joint as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein said male and said female members are provided with a through bore, said bore being such that in use, the engagement of said male and said female members allows the passage of a bolt through said male and female members so that said members are held securely in position.

16 A joint as claimed in any one of Claims 12 to 15 wherein said male member is provided with a countersunk hexagonal hole on the outer surface of said male member, such that the head of said bolt is seated substantially flush with said outer surface.

17 A pedestrian guard rail substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

18 A joint substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.