GB2434393A

GB2434393A - Barrier system for restricting vehicular access to a roadway

Info

Publication number: GB2434393A
Application number: GB0600965A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Geoffrey Messenger
Original assignee: STRONGARM Ltd
Current assignee: STRONGARM Ltd
Priority date: 2006-01-18
Filing date: 2006-01-18
Publication date: 2007-07-25
Also published as: GB0600965D0

Abstract

The barrier system, particularly for selectively restricting access to a site, comprises a support 30 for mounting by a roadway and an elongate arm 40 mounted on the support to enable linear reciprocal movement between a first position where it extends from one side of the support to block vehicle access and a second position where the arm extends from the opposite side of the support and vehicle access is permitted. The support is preferably designed to maintain a predetermined spacing between the arm and the road, the arm being cantilevered out from the support. The support preferably comprises a bearing assembly formed from one or more rotatable elements which support the arm and a motor to move the element between the first and second positions. The barrier may include an additional support 70 configured to receive a leading end of the arm when it is in the first position.

Description

TITLE: ROAD BARRIER

DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to apparatus for restricting vehicular access to a roadway, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to an automatic barrier for restricting vehicular access to a site.

Automatic barriers comprising a pivotable arm mounted to a roadside support are well know in the art, such barriers often being deployed at the entrances and exits of large car parks. In use, the pivotable arm moves about a horizontal axis between a first position blocking vehicular access and a second position allowing vehicular access.

Automation is achieved through the use of a motor assembly coupled to a sensor for determining the presence of a vehicle authorised to pass through the barrier.

Whilst pivoting barriers of the type described are in common use, such barriers are typically difficult and expensive to install. In particular, such pivoting barriers may require the formation of substantial foundation work to support the movement of the pivotable arm and any associated counterbalance (e.g. spring or counterweight) . In addition, the need for a counterbalance placed a considerable restriction on the weight of the pivotable arm and, consequently, the materials the pivotable arm can be constructed from. In practice, the pivotable arm is usually constructed from a lightweight aluminium tubing or formed from a thin sheet of steel.

Such a construction is unlikely to withstand even relatively light impact or manual force.

JP 11301484 discloses a gate having a telescopic arm comprising a plurality of short sections of decreasing radius, each section being configured to slidably engage an adjacent section by means of a free-running joint. Whilst such a telescopic arrangement may be suitable for use in low-security applications, the use of such free running joints will tend to undermine the strength of the arm, thereby limiting the ability of the gate to resist determined entry.

Accordingly, the present applicant has identified the need for an improved barrier which overcomes, or at least alleviates, the disadvantages associated with the prior art.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided apparatus for restricting vehicular access to a roadway, comprising: a support for mounting by a roadway; and an elongate member (or bar) mounted on the support and moveable from a first position for blocking vehicular access to the roadway and a second position for allowing vehicular access to the roadway, wherein the support member is configured to guide a linear reciprocating movement of the member between the first and second positions, with the elongate member extending in one direction in the first position and an opposite direction in the second position.

In this way, a road barrier is provided in which the arm for controlling access of vehicles has a linear opening/closing action which is guided by the support. The use of such a guided linear action may considerably simplify installation of the barrier, perhaps even allowing self-installation. In addition, the linear opening/closing action allows use of a single high-strength elongate member of unrestricted weight which can be configured to withstand high impacts, thereby providing a substantial deterrent against unauthorised entry.

The support may be configured to maintain a predetermined spacing between the elongate member and the roadway. The degree of spacing will generally depend upon the purpose of the barrier. In the case of a barrier for restricting conventional vehicular access, the elongate member may be supported with a spacing of at least 0.5 metres above ground level. In one embodiment, the elongate member may be supported with a spacing of substantially 1 metre above ground level.

The elongate member may be cantilevered. For example, the support may be configured to exclusively support the elongate member during movement between the first and second positions. The support may be configured to exclusively maintain the elongate member in the first position.

The support may be configured to exclusively guide linear movement of a free end (e.g. leading end) of the elongate member. In this way, smooth movement of the free end of the elongate member in an axial direction may be achieved, even when the elongate member is in the first or second position.

The support may define an aperture for receiving the elongate member. The elongate member may be a snug fit in the aperture. For example, the support may comprise a bearing assembly comprising one or more rotatable elements for supporting the elongate member. The bearing assembly may comprise at least one pair of longitudinally spaced

rotatable elements.

The elongate member may be substantially rigid. The elongate member may comprise a substantially hollow bar.

The elongate member may be coupled to a motor for moving the elongate member between the first and second positions. The motor may be mounted to the support. The motor may be coupled to a control device for determining the presence of a vehicle having authorisation to pass through the barrier.

The support may be configured to be bolted to a base set in the ground, e.g. concrete plinth perhaps with steel reinforcement.

The apparatus may comprise an addition support configured to receive a leading end of the elongate member when in the first position.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of a road barrier embodying the present invention, shown in its operative position; Figure 2 shows a schematic side view of the road barrier of Figure 1, shown in its inoperative position; Figure 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the road barrier of Figure 1 along line A-A; and Figure 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the road barrier of Figure 1 along line B-B.

Figures 1 to 4 show an automated road barrier 10 for controlling access to a roadway 20 or the like, comprising a steel support 30 for positioning by the roadway 20, and an elongate cantilever arm 40 moveably coupled to the support 30. The support 30 comprises a body 32 supported by two pairs of longitudinally spaced legs 34. The support may be secured to the ground by bolting the legs 34 to a concrete panel set in a steel foundation (not shown) . The body 32 defines an aperture 36 for slidably receiving a section of arm 40. The arm 40 comprises a substantially rigid hollow outer casing and may be formed of any suitable strong, lightweight metal or alloy. The arm may be constructed from a single length of square hollow section steel tube having a square side length of 120mm x 120mm and a wall thickness of 5mm. The arm may have a weight of approximately 120kg. The arm 40 is supported at a height of approximately 1 metre above the ground level and has a substantially square cross-section.

The arm 40 defines a longitudinal axis "X" and is moveable between a first position for blocking vehicular access to the roadway 20 (as shown in Figure 1) extending substantially beyond a first lateral side 38 of the support to a second position for allowing vehicular access to the roadway (as shown in figure 2) extending substantially behind the first lateral side 38 of the support, with movement of the arm 40 between the first and second positions being substantially along the longitudinal axis "X" of the arm. In the first position, the arm 40 may have a span of up to 6 metres.

The body 32 further houses a bearing assembly 50 comprising a pair of longitudinally spaced sets of rollers 52, 53. Each set 52, 53 comprises a first pair of rollers 55,56 for bearing against an upper and lower surface 45, 46 of the arm 40 respectively, and a second pair of rollers 57,58 for bearing against first and second lateral sides 47, 48 of the arm 40 respectively. In use, the bearing assembly guides movement of the arm 40 along the longitudinal axis "X".

A motor unit 60 is mounted on the side of the body 32 and coupled to the arm 40 by means of a rack-and-pinion assembly comprising toothed rack 62 mounted to the arm 40 and gearwheel (not shown) coupled to an output shaft on the engine unit 60.

An additional support 70 comprising a closed receiver socket 72 mounted on a pair of legs 74 is provided to support an axial end of the arm 40 when in the first position. Once in the arm 40 has moved to the first position, the arm is locked in place. In the second position, the arm may also be supported by an open support post (not shown) . The open support may have an upper surface comprising a roller for allowing movement of the arm and providing support. The open support may be located to support a mid-section of the arm when in the second position.

For safety and weather protection, internal support and drive system parts (e.g. motor and bearing assembly parts) are enclosed by an outer casing.

Automation of the road barrier 10 is achieved by means of a control unit 80 mounted on the support 30. Commands to operate the control unit may be generated with a standard keypad, hand-held radio-transmitter, key-switches (i.e. switches operable upon insertion of a key), push-buttons or any other similar access system. Movement of the arm 40 between the operative and inoperative positions is fully automotive in both directions. The control unit may be configured to provide a predetermined closing time after which the arm will move from the inoperative position to the operative position. Safety systems such as a safety photocell may be provided

Claims

CLAIMS

1. Apparatus for restricting vehicular access to a roadway, comprising: a support for mounting by a roadway; and an elongate member (or bar) mounted on the support and moveable from a first position for blocking vehicular access to the roadway and a second position for allowing vehicular access to the roadway, wherein the support member is configured to guide a linear reciprocating movement of the member between the first and second positions, with the elongate member extending in one direction in the first position and an opposite direction in the second position.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support is configured to maintain a predetermined spacing between the elongate member and the roadway.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the elongate member is cantilevered.

4. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the support is configured to exclusively guide linear movement of a leading end of the elongate member.

5. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the support comprises a bearing assembly comprising one or more rotatable elements for supporting the arm.

6. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the bearing assembly comprises at least one pair of longitudinally spaced rotatable elements.

7. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the arm is substantially rigid.

8. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the arm comprises a substantially hollow bar.

9. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the arm is coupled to a motor for moving the arm between the first and second positions.

10. Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the motor is coupled to a control device.

11. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising an addition support configured to receive a leading end of the elongate member when in the first position.