GB2327968A - Barrier elements for use in hazard warning or traffic control assemblies - Google Patents

Abstract

A barrier element comprising a series of elongate members (10) having, at their respective ends, formations (14,15) which encircle and rest on a series of spaced uprights (11) such as traffic cones. The end formations are adapted to embrace different parts of the upright and are rotatable about the upright axis.

Description

BARRIER EUBMENTS FOR USE IN HAZARD WARNING OR TRAFFIC CONTROL ASSEMBLIES THIS INVENTION relates to barrier elements for hazard warning or traffic control assemblies and to assemblies having such elements.

According to this invention a barrier element for use in a hazard warning or traffic control assembly comprises an elongate member having removable end formations each adapted to embrace and be supported by a respective upright.

The end formation may comprise an aperture having a closed periphery for receipt of the upright.

The aperture may be defined by a tapered surface adapted to embrace a substantially correspondingly tapered surface on the upright.

The end formations may be adapted to embrace a different part of the upright so that in an assembly of a series of similar uprights the barrier elements are substantially at the same height.

The uprights may be cones.

The end formations may be part of fittings adapted for attachment to an elongate member.

The elongate member may be a tube whose ends receive the fittings.

The invention includes a hazard warning or traffic control assembly comprising uprights connected by a plurality of said barrier elements The invention may be performed in various ways and one specific embodiment with possible modifications will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:- Fig. 1 is a perspective view of part of a connector; Fig. 2 is a side view of part of a barrier assembly; and Fig. 3 is a plan view of Fig. 2.

An elongate connector or barrier elements 10 for connecting uprights 11 of a hazard warning or traffic (including pedestrian) control assembly is formed essentially of plastics and comprises an elongate tube 12 in the ends of which are secured by one or more rivets 13 end formations 14, 15.

The end formations 14, 15 are generally similar and have a first portion 16 received in the end of the tube 12 and a second portion 17 for embracing an upright 11.

The first portion 16 may as shown be in the form of a cross in section with the outer surfaces 18 being a close fit with the inner surface 19 of the tube 12. A circular portion 20 abuts the end face of the tube 12.

The second portion 17 need not completely encircle the upright but preferably as shown includes an aperture 21 with a closed periphery.

The upright 11 extends through the aperture 21 and the barrier element 10 can be selectively positioned by rotation about the upright axis of the upright.

In the case shown the upright 11 is a conventional cone 23 removably or fixedly connected to a base 24 which may be circular or substantially square in plan.

The inner surface 25 of the second portion 17 defining the aperture 21 is tapered to correspond to a particular position on the cone 23 so that the surface 25 is substantially correspondingly tapered and is generally in engagement with the respective part of the cone surface 26.

The second portion 17 of the end formation 14 extends from an upper region of the bore of the tube 12 whereas the portion 17 of the end formation 15 extends from a lower region of the bore of the tube (Fig. 1) so that when a series of connectors is assembled (Fig. 2) the tubes 12 of the connectors 10 are generally at the same height. The inner surface of the portion 17 of the fitting 15 is thus intended to embrace a wider part of the cone surface than the aperture of the fitting 14 and has a correspondingly greater diameter although still tapered. Thus in the assembly the formations 14, 15 are generally superimposed.

Adjacent connectors 10, 12 can be positioned at various relative angles (see Fig. 3) if the uprights 11 are not in line. The barrier assembly formed by the connectors and uprights can thus be linear or curved or can form L, U, V or rectangular shapes as desired. The lengths of tubes 12 can be different.

Tubes 12 could be in two telescoped parts for adjustable length.

The uprights 11 could be cylindrical with stepped upwardly facing shoulders on which the portions 17 rest.

Claims (10)

1. A barrier element for use in a hazard warning or traffic control assembly, comprising an elongate member having removable end formations each adapted to embrace and be supported by a respective upright.

2. A barrier element according to Claim 1, wherein each end formation comprises an aperture having a closed periphery for receipt of the upright.

3. A barrier element according to Claim 2, wherein the aperture is defined by a tapered surface adapted to embrace a substantially correspondingly tapered surface on the upright.

4. A barrier element according to any preceding claim, wherein the end formations of the or each elongate member are adapted respectively to embrace different parts of the upright so that in an assembly of a series of similar uprights the barrier elements are substantially at the same height.

5. A barrier element according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each upright is a cone.

6. A barrier element according to any preceding claim, wherein each end formation is part of a fitting adapted for attachment to the elongate member.

7. A barrier element according to Claim 6, wherein the elongate member is a tube whose ends receive the fittings.

8. A barrier element according to any preceding claim, wherein the elongate member is adapted to be supported by the upright thus to be rotatable thereon about its upright axis.

9. A barrier element according to any preceding claim, wherein the elongate member is telescopically adjustable in length.

10. A barrier element according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the uprights have upwardly facing shoulders on which the end formations rest.