GB2461571A

GB2461571A - Barrier

Info

Publication number: GB2461571A
Application number: GB0812289A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Rodney Freeman
Original assignee: Redman Fisher Engineering Ltd
Current assignee: Redman Fisher Engineering Ltd
Priority date: 2008-07-04
Filing date: 2008-07-04
Publication date: 2010-01-06
Also published as: WO2010001140A2; WO2010001140A3; GB0812289D0

Abstract

A security barrier or fence or gate 10 including a grating 14 including a first set of struts 16 extending in a first direction and a second set of struts 18 extending in a second direction, wherein the grating 14 is made from a polymer reinforced with a plurality of glass fibres and a plurality of metallic wires. Also independently claimed is a grating made from a glass reinforced polymer having a fibre optic cable in one of the struts; a hinged assembly including a first element pivotally connected to a second element; a hinged assembly having first second and third elements with a locking means and a grating assembly including a fixing secured to the grating by an anchor part and a fastener.

Description

Title: Barrier

Description of Invention

The invention relates to a barrier and gate assembly, particularly but not exclusively to a barrier and gate assembly which is a target for forced entry, particularly using explosives, a saw, cutter or any other hand tool.

Where used in protecting an area to which terrorists or other serious criminals desire access, a barrier becomes a likely target for attempts to break down or through the barrier using explosives. In order to protect personnel within the area in question in the event of an attack using explosives, it is desirable to minimise, or even eliminate the use of metallic parts in the barrier, as such parts can cause serious damage or injury when propelled through the air during an explosion. It is also desirable, whilst minimising the use of metallic parts, to maximise the length of time taken to break down the barrier using non-explosive means, for example using a saw, cutter or other tool. S...

According to a first aspect of the invention we provide a barrier including a grating including a first set of struts extending in a first direction and a second :. 20 set of struts extending in a second direction, wherein the grating is made from a polymer reinforced with a plurality of glass fibres and a plurality of metallic * . wires.

S S..

By virtue of the provision of the metallic wires, the resistance of the barrier to being cut with a saw or other cutting tool may be increased.

The glass fibres may extend along the first set of struts. Alternatively or additionally the glass fibres may extend along the second set of struts.

The metallic wires may extend along the first set of struts. Alternatively or additionally the metallic wires may extend along the second set of struts.

The metallic wires in each strut may be intertwined to form a metallic braid.

The metallic wires may be made from stainless steel.

The first set of struts may extend generally perpendicular to the second set of struts. In this case the struts may be spaced so that generally square apertures are provided between adjacent struts.

According to a second aspect of the invention we provide a barrier including a grating made from a glass reinforced polymer, the grating including a first set of struts extending in a first direction, and a second set of struts extending in a second direction, wherein a fibre optic cable is provided in one of the struts.

By virtue of the provision of the fibre optic cable, a means for detecting if the barrier has been breached can be provided.

Preferably the strut is molded around the fibre optic cable so that the fibre optic cable is completely enclosed within the strut. * *e 0* *

Preferably the fibre optic cable is made from glass coated with a second, temperature resistant, material. The temperature resistant material may be Teflon. The provision of a temperature resistant coating will assist in *:. preventing damage to or degradation of the fibre optic cable during curing of the polymeric component of the barrier.

A fibre optic cable may be provided in one strut of the first set of struts and in one strut of the second set of struts. The provision of a fibre optic cable in a strut of each of the first and second set of struts means assists in providing a means of detecting whether the barrier has been breached irrespective of the orientation of the grating within the barrier.

According to a third aspect of the invention we provide a hinged assembly including a first element pivotally connected to a second element by means of a hinge, the first and second element each including a first face and a second face and a edge surface extending between the first face and the second face, the hinge being arranged such that when the first element is positioned relative to the second element such that the edge surface of the first element is generally parallel to the edge surface of the second element, all parts of the hinge lie between the first surface and second surface of the first element, the first surface and second surface of the second element or between the edge surface of the first element and the edge surface of the second element.

By virtue of this configuration of hinge, the access to the hinge a potential intruder requires to disconnect the first element from the second element is severely restricted.

The hinge preferably includes a generally cylindrical spigot which is mounted in a cylindrical aperture provided in a socket, the spigot being secured to the edge surface of the first element, and the socket being secured to the edge surface of the second element. In this case, the spigot may be mounted in a cylindrical aperture provided in a second socket, the second socket being secured to the edge surface of the first element. * * S...

One or both of the sockets may be secured to the respective edge surface by means of a threaded fastener which extends into the first or second element between the first surface and the second surface of the element. In this case the threaded fastener may have a first end which extends to the socket and a * . second end which extends into the element, a nut being mounted on a S..

threaded portion at the second end of the fastener. The first end of the fastener may be provided which a head or a further nut which engages with the socket.

Preferably the components from which the hinge is constructed are made from a glass reinforced polymer.

One or both of the first or second elements may comprise a grating including a first set of struts extending in a first direction and a second set of struts extending in a second direction. In this case, the grating may have any of the features of the grating of the first aspect of the invention.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention we provide a hinged assembly including first, second and third elements each including a first face and a second face and a first edge and a second edge each extending between the first face and the second face, the first edge of the first element being pivotally connected to the second edge of the second element by means of a hinge, and locking means being provided to secure the second edge of the first element to first edge of the third element, wherein the locking means include a first locking part secured to the second edge of the first element, a second locking part secured to the first edge of the third element, and a padlock, both locking parts including an aperture through at least one of which, when the locking means is in use, a hook part of the padlock passes, characterised in that the locking means also includes a shroud part which is secured to either the first element or the third element, at least a portion of the shroud part being * ** spaced from the element to which it is secured and extending such that when * * * the locking means is in use, the hook part of the padlock lies directly between **.* the shroud part and the first and third elements. ** * *

* * By virtue of the provision of such a shroud part, the access required to remove **.

the padlock by cutting the hook part using, for example, bolt cutters is restricted. *

Preferably at least one of the first locking part, second locking part and shroud part are made from glass reinforced polymer.

Preferably the first and second locking parts are each generally L-shaped, and have a first part which is secured to the first and third element respectively, and a second part which extends generally perpendicular to the first and third element respectively, the aperture being provided in the second part of each, and when in use, the hook part of the padlock extending through the apertures in both the first locking part and the second locking part.

Preferably the shroud part is secured to the first element.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention we provide a grating assembly, the grating including a first set of struts extending in a first direction and a second set of struts extending in a second direction, the struts in each set being spaced to form a plurality apertures extending through the depth of the grating from a first face to a second face of the grating, wherein the assembly further includes a fixing which is secured to the grating to engage with the first surface of the grating by means of an anchor part which is located in one of the apertures of the grating and engages with at two generally parallel struts of the struts surrounding the aperture and a fastener which extends from the anchor part to the fixing.

Preferably the thickness of the struts decreases from the first face to the 15 second face of the grating and the anchor part is dimensioned such that it becomes wedged between the struts with which it engages generally centrally between the first face and the second face of the grating. S. * .

* . The fastener may comprise a bolt with a head at a first end thereof and a thread shaft at a second end thereof, a nut being mounted on the thread shaft .,. 20 so that the anchor part, the grating and the fixture are clamped between the head and the nut. Alternatively the fastener may comprise a threaded shaft with a nut mounted on each end of the shaft such that the anchor part, the grating and the fixture are clamped between the head and the nut.

The fixture may be part of a locking means for securing the grating relative to an adjacent element. In this case, the fixture may be a generally L-shaped plate having a first part which engages which the first face of the grating and a second part which extends generally perpendicular to the grating. The second part of the fixture may include an aperture for receiving a locking element such as the hook of a padlock.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following figures: FIGURE 1 is an illustration of a portion of barrier according to the first aspect of the invention, FIGURE 2 is an illustration of a vertical cross-section of the grating panel shown in Figure 1 along the line X, with a) a fibre-optic cable embedded in a horizontal bar, b) a fibre-optic cable embedded in a conduit mounted on an outside edge of a horizontal bar, and c) a fibre-optic cable embedded in an enlarged portion of a horizontal bar, and FIGURE 3 is an illustration of one of the hinges shown in Figure 1, and FIGURE 4 is an illustration of a horizontal cross-section through the locking means provide to secure the gate of the barrier illustrated in Figure 1 to an adjacent grating panel.

Referring now to the drawings there is provided a barrier 10 including a gate 12 to allow access through the barrier 10. The barrier 10 is made from a series of interconnected grating panels 14 each of which includes a plurality of generally vertically extending bars 16 and a plurality of generally horizontally 20 extending bars 18 which intersect to form a grid of generally square apertures which extend from an innermost face to an outermost face of each panel 14 relative to the area enclosed or protected by the barrier. In this example, the apertures 20 in the grid are 5cm square, with a depth (measured from the front to the back surface of each panel) of 2.5cm. It will be appreciated, however, that the apertures 20 and depth need not be this size.

The grating panels 14 are made from a glass reinforced plastic (GRP) which contains glass fibres which may extend through and along the length of either the vertical bars 16 or the horizontal bars 18, but more preferably extend through and along the vertical bars 16 and the horizontal bars 18. The polymer from which the GRP is formed may be isophthalic polyester, isophthalic vinylester or phenolic.

The grating panels 14 are manufactured using a mold filled with molten polymer into which the glass reinforcement fibres are laid. The polymer is then cured in an oven in accordance with standard GRP manufacturing techniques.

In order to facilitate removal of the cured grating panel 14 from the mold, the mold cavities for the vertical 16 and horizontal 18 bars are thicker at the top of the mold than the bottom of the mold. bThe vertical 16 and horizontal 18 bars of the grating panels 14 therefore taper from one side of the panel 14 to the other as can be seen in the cross-section through a portion of a grating panel illustrated in Figure 2a.

In order to increase the time required by a potential intruder to saw or cut through each of the grating panels 14, incorporated with the GRP are a * S. plurality of metallic wires or wire braids. The wires or braids are preferably * .*.

s..... made from stainless steel, and may be incorporated into the GRP during manufacturing of the grating panels 14, each wire or braid replacing one or * more of the glass fibres. Like the glass fibres, the wires or braids may extend along either the vertical bars 16 or the horizontal bars 18 or along both the vertical bars 16 and the horizontal bars 18.

S S..

Alternatively or additionally, the GRP may be reinforced with silica carbide (carborundum) powder.

It may also be required to provide means for detecting whether the barrier has been breached, and such means preferably comprises fibre-optic cables 22 which may also be incorporated in the GRP of the horizontal bars 18 of the grating panels 14. The fibre-optic cables 22 in each adjacent grating panel 14 may be connected so that data, including CCTV and alarms, can be transmitted via the fibre optic cables 22 along the entire extent of the barrier 10. Interruption in the flow of the data would thus indicate that the barrier has been breached. The diameter of the fibre optic cables 22 will depend on the amount of data to be transmitted along the cable, and if the diameter is less than the smallest dimension of the horizontal bars 18, each cable 22 can be embedded in the horizontal bar 18 during the molding of the GRP without any alteration in the shape or size of the horizontal bar 18, as illustrated in Figure 2a. If, on the other hand, the diameter of the cable is greater than the smallest dimension of the horizontal bars 18, the fibre-optic cable can be embedded in a specially enlarged portion of the horizontal bar 18 as illustrated in Figure 2c, or an additional conduit attached to or, more preferably integrally molded with the front or back edge of the horizontal bar 18 as illustrated in Figure 2b.

It should be appreciated, however, that during curing, the GRP can reach temperatures of up to 160°C and conventional fibre-optic cables cannot withstand such temperatures. As such, in order to ensure that the fibre-optic cables are not damaged as a result of being embedded in the GRP, Teflon� coated fibre-optic cables are used, the Teflon protecting the glass of the cable I...

from the heat. * * * *.*

In order to facilitate the provision of such a breach detection means irrespective of the orientation in which the grating panel 14 is mounted, a fibre optic cable may be incorporated in a horizontal bar 18 and a vertical bar 16 of each grating panel 14.

As mentioned above, the barrier 10 includes a gate 12 having a first vertical edge 12a, which is connected to a first grating panel 14a adjacent the first edge 12a of the gate 12 using a plurality of, in this example three, hinges 28, 28', 28". In order to minimise the potential damage or injury caused by flying debris in the event that the barrier 10 is breached using explosives, all the components of the hinges 28, 28', 28", are made from GRP, rather than from a metal. As it would be easier for an intruder to saw or cut through GRP hinge components, compared to metallic hinge components, the hinge is designed so that the access required to use a saw or cutting tool to breach the barrier is restricted.

The gate 12 is made from the same GRP grating as the grating panels 14.

One of the hinges 28, is illustrated in detail in Figure 3, and is connected to the first grating panel 14a by means of GRP bolts 30, in this example two GRP bolts 30, which extend generally horizontally through apertures provided in the vertical bar 16a at the edge of the grating panel 14a and the adjacent vertical bar 16b. Each bolt 30 therefore extends through a first aperture 20a in the grating, a first end 30a of the bolt 30 being located in a second aperture 20b in the grating. A nut 32 is mounted on the first end 30a of the bolt 30.

The uppermost bolt 30 is extends across a first pair of apertures 20a, 20b in the first grating panel 14a whilst the lowermost bolt 30 extends across a second pair of apertures 20a, 20b' in the first grating panel 14a. * S. * S *

:.:: 15 In order to restrict access with a cutting tool such as a bolt cutter to the portion of the bolt 30 located in the first aperture 20a, a cylindrical GRP sheath may be mounted around portion of the bolt 30 within the first aperture 20a, the . sheath filling as much of the aperture 20a as possible.

The second end 30b of each bolt 30 is secured to a socket 36, the socket 36 comprising a tube which, in transverse cross-section, has a generally square outer surface and a generally circular inner surface. A cylindrical bore 37 thus extends through the socket 36 along the longitudinal axis A of the socket 36.

In this example, two GRP packing plates 38 are mounted between the socket 36 and the vertical bar 1 6a at the edge of the first grating panel 1 4a, the bolts 30 extending through apertures provided in the packing plates 38. Each bolt extends through two apertures provided in the socket 36 generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the socket 36.

The second end 30b of each boft 30 may either be provided with a head or a further nut, the nut or bolt head being located in a recess provided in the outer surface of the socket and extending into the bore 37 of the socket. The nut 32 at the first end 30a of each of the bolts 30 are tightened such that the socket 36 and packing plates 38 are clamped tightly to the first grating panel 1 4a.

An identical socket 36' and packing plates 38' are secured to the first edge 12a of the gate 12 using two bolts 30' in the same manner as described above.

The first edge 12a of the gate 12 is, however, provided with a recess, which, in this example is one grating aperture 20 deep and extends for five grating apertures 20 along the first edge 12a of the gate 12. The socket 36' secured to the gate 12 is mounted in the recess, and the first edge 12a of the gate 12 is positioned so close to the first grating panel 14a that the socket 36 secured to the first grating panel 14a is also mounted in the recess, the longitudinal axes A of the sockets lining up to allow a cylindrical spigot 40 to extend between the bores 37, 37' in the sockets 36, 36'. The ends of the spigot 40 each engage *.". with the nearest bolt 30, 30', the bolts 30, 30' thus restricting longitudinal *::* movement of the spigot 40 within the bores 37, 37'. The spigot 40 therefore provides a pivot about which the gate 12 may rotate relative to the first grating panel 14a.

In order to prevent rotation of the spigot 40 relative to the first socket 36, the spigot 40 may be provided with bore which extends perpendicular to the axis A. In this case, corresponding apertures are provided in the socket 36 and the edge vertical bar 16a of the first grating panel 14a so as to enable a locating pin 41 to be inserted into the bore in the spigot 40.

As mentioned above, in this example, the gate 12 is secured to the first grating panel 14a using three hinges 28, 28', 28". It will be appreciated, however, that more or fewer hinges 28 may be used. In order to make it difficult for anyone to lift the gate 12 off the hinges 28, 28', 28" when the gate is open, the central hinge 28' is inverted relative to the uppermost 28 and lowermost 28" hinges.

In this example, in the uppermost 28 and lowermost 28" hinges, the socket 36' secured to the gate 12 is vertically above the socket 36 secured to the first grating panel 14a, whereas in the central hinge 28', the socket 36' secured to the gate 12 is below the socket 36 secured to the first grating panel 14a.

All of the components of the hinge 28 are such that they may be manufactured from GRP by pultrusion.

Each hinge 28 is assembled as follows. Where the bolts are provided with a head or a nut is already screwed onto the second end 3Db of the bolt, the bolts are inserted in the apertures provided in the socket 36, the packing plates 38, and then the first grating panel 14a, and the first end 30a of each bolt 30 passed through the sheath (where provided), and screwed into its respective nut 32 so that the socket 36 is secured to the first grating panel 14a.

Where the bolts 30 are not provided with a head, or a pre-mounted nut, the bolts 30 may first be inserted into the apertures provided in the first grating panel 14a, the first end 30a of each bolt 30 passing through the sheath (where S...

provided) and screwed into its respective nut 32. The packing plates 38 and :. socket 36 are then mounted on the bolts 30, and a nut 32 is then screwed onto * the second end 30b of each bolt 30 and tightened so that the socket 36 is S..

* securely fastened to the first grating panel 14a. S.

20 The spigot 40 is then mounted in the bore 37 of the socket 36, and the locating *SS * pin 41 inserted into the bore of the spigot via the corresponding aperture provided in the socket 36. The second socket 36' is then mounted (via its bore 37') onto the spigot 40. By rotating the second socket 36 on the spigot 40 so that the bolt -receiving apertures extend generally perpendicular to the bolt-receiving apertures in the first socket 36, the second set of bolts 30' may then be inserted through the apertures in the second socket 36' and the second set of packing plates 38' mounted on the bolts 30'.

The second set of bolts 30' are then mounted in the bolt-receiving apertures provided in the second socket 36', and the packing plates 38' mounted on the bolts 30'. The gate 12 is then mounted on the second set of bolts 30' second socket, the sheath (where provided) and nut 32' being mounted the first end 30a' of each bolt 30' as the bolt 30' is inserted through the apertures in the gate 12. Where the second end 30b' of the bolts 30' are provided with a head or a nut 32' is already mounted on the second end 30b' of each bolt 30' when these are inserted into the apertures in the socket 36', the nuts 32' may then be tightened so that the gate 12 is clamped securely to the hinge 28.

Otherwise nuts may then be screwed onto the second end 30b of the bolts 30' in situ, and the nuts 32 at both ends of the bolt tightened to secure the gate 12 to the hinge.

It will be appreciated that the process could equally be carried out in reverse, i.e. with the hinge 28 being secured to the gate 12 first, before being secured to the first grating panel I 4a. * **

At a second vertical edge 12b of the gate 12', means for locking the gate 12 in S... . the closed position, i.e. such that the gate 12 extends generally parallel to the adjacent grating panels 14a, 14b, is provided. The locking means comprises two eye-plates 42, 42', a first one of which 42 is secured to the second edge 12b of the gate 12, and second one of which 42' is secured to the second : adjacent grating panel 14b. The first eye-plate 42 is L-shaped and includes a first part 42a which lies along and is secured to an innermost face of the gate 12, and a second part 42b which extends generally perpendicular to the first part 42a and which lies along the second vertical edge 12b of the gate 12.

Similarly, the second eye-plate 42' is L-shaped and includes a first part 42a' which lies along and is secured to an inner-most face of the second adjacent grating panel 14b, and a second part 42b' which extends generally perpendicular to the first part 42a and which lies along the edge of the grating panel 14b adjacent the gate 12. Two bolt-receiving apertures are provided in the first part 42a, 42' of each eye-plate 42, 42', the first being adjacent a free end of the first part 42a 42a' of each eye-plate 42, 42' and a second being between the first bolt-receiving aperture and the second part 42b, 42b' of the eye-plate 42, 42'.

The second part 42b, 42b' of each eye-plate 42, 42' is longer than the depth of the gate 12 and grating panel 14b and a free portion of each extends from the outermost face of the gate 12 and grating panel 14b. An aperture 44, 44' is provided in the free portion of the second part 42b, 42b' of each eye-plate 42, 42', the apertures 44, 44' lining up when the gate 12 is in the closed position so that the hook of a padlock (not shown) may be inserted through both apertures 42, 42' and the padlock locked, thus locking the gate 12 in the closed position.

The locking means is also provided with a shroud 54 to restrict access to the hook of the padlock, for example with cutting tools, and therefore increases the time required to breach the barrier 10. The shroud 54 is made from GRP, and * *. 15 comprises a generally rectangular face plate 54a which is spaced from and * S * lies generally parallel to the outermost face of the gate 12 (and the second grating panel 14b when the gate 12 is in the closed position), first and second edge plates 54b, 54c which extend from the generally vertical edges of the * face plate 54a generally perpendicular to the face plate 54a towards the grating panel 14b and gate 12 respectively, and a securing plate 54d which extends from the free vertical edge of the second edge panel 54c generally *.S parallel to the face plate 54 and towards the first edge plate 45b. The shroud 54 in this example therefore encloses a space around the hook of the padlock and the free portions of the second parts 42b, 42b' of the two eye-plates 42, 42' which is generally rectangular in horizontal cross-section. It will be appreciated that the shroud 54 need not enclose a generally rectangular space and may, for example, be curved.

The securing plate 54d is provided with a bolt-receiving aperture by means of which the shroud is secured to the gate 12.

The height of the shroud 54 is such that it sits directly in front of the second parts 42b, 42b' of the two eye-plates 42, 42', and covers the hook of the padlock used to lock the gate 12, but allows access to the key-hole or combination wheels or keys required to unlock the padlock. In order to hamper an intruder in attempting to breach the barrier 10 by sawing through the eye-plates 42, 42' to remove the padlock, the shroud 54 may also be provided with a top cover which extends from the uppermost horizontal edges of the shroud 54 to the outermost faces of the gate 12 and grating panel 1 4b.

A generally U-shaped cap 56 is mounted around the edge 1 2b of the gate 12, the cap 56 having a first part 56a which lies between the securing part 54d of the shroud 54 and the outermost face of the gate 12, and second part 56b which lies along the end vertical bar 16 of the gate 12, and a third part 56c which lies between the first part 42a of the first eye-plate 42 and the innermost face of the gate 12.

* *. 15 The first part 42a' of the second eye-plate 42' is secured to the innermost surface of the second grating panel 14b using two GRP bolts 50'. Each bolt 50' has a first end on which is provided a head 50a' and a second, threaded end 50b' extends through an aperture provided in the first part 42a' of the eye-plate 42'. As the grating panel 14b is an open grid, it does not have a continuous innermost or outermost surface to provide a bearing surface for the head 50a' of the bolts 50', and so an insert 48' is required to secure each of the bolts 50' relative to the grating panel 14b.

The inserts 48' each comprise a generally square polymeric block which is dimensioned such that its depth is less than the thickness of the grating panel 14b, and its width and height is such that may be inserted into a aperture 20 of the grating panel 14b with its edges engaging with the inner surfaces of the vertical 16 and horizontal 18 bars enclosing the aperture 20. As mentioned above, the mold from which the grating panel 1 4b is formed is configured such that the vertical and horizontal bars taper, and the panels 14 are orientated such that the thicker ends of the bars 16, 18 lie towards the inside of the area enclosed by the barrier 10, and the thinner end of the bars 16, 18 lies towards the outside of the area enclosed by the barrier 10. The dimensions of the insert 48 are such that the insert becomes securely wedged in the aperture 20 approximately mid-way between the outmost and innermost faces of the panel 14b, thus providing a bearing surface for a bolt 50'.

Each insert 48' includes a bolt-receiving aperture which, when the insert 48 is placed in an aperture 20 of the grating panel 1 4b as described above, extends generally perpendicular to the grating panel 14b between the innermost and outermost faces of the grating panel 14b. A recess is provided in each insert 48', at one end of the bolt-receiving aperture to accommodate the head 50a' of the bolt 50'.

In order to mount the second eye-plate 42' on the second grating panel 14b, the inserts 48' are each mounted in an aperture 20 of the grating panel 14b * *. 15 with the recess facing towards the outermost face of the grating panel 14b. * * *

The second end 50b of each of the bolts 50' is inserted through the bolt-receiving aperture in one of the inserts 48', and then through one of the apertures in the first part 42a' of the eye-plate 42' until the head 50a' of each *. bolt 50' engages with the insert 48' and sits in the recess of the insert 48. A nut 52' is then screwed onto the second end 50a' of the bolt 50' until the eye-plate 42' is clamped securely to the grating panel 14b. **I

The first eye-plate 42' is secured to the gate 12 in a similar manner, except that only one insert 48 is required. The insert 48 is mounted in a second aperture 20 in from the edge 12b of the gate, and a bolt 50 with a head 50a and threaded second end 50b extends from the insert, through an aperture provided in a packing plate 55 and through the first bolt receiving aperture of the first part 42a of the eye-plate 42. The head 50a of the bolt 50 engages with the insert 48 and nut 52 is screwed onto the second end 50b of the bolt so that the eye-plate 42 is securely clamped to the gate 12.

A second bolt 58 is also provided to secure the shroud 54 and cap 56 to the gate 12. This bolt simply comprises a threaded shaft which is pushed through the second bolt-receiving aperture in the first part 42a of the eye-plate 42, through the bolt-receiving aperture in the third part 56c of the cap 56, through an edge aperture 20 in the gate 12, through the bolt-receiving aperture in the first part 56a of the cap 56, and finally through the aperture in the securing part 54d of the shroud 54. Nuts 60 are screwed onto both ends of the bolt 58 to clamp the shroud 54, cap 56 and eye-plate 42 to the gate 12.

It should be appreciated that the hinges 28 and locking means have been carefully designed so that it is not possible to access the fittings by means of which the hinges 28 and locking means are secured to the gate 12 and grating panels 14 so as to dismantle the locking means or disassemble the hinges 28.

With respect to the hinges 28, the sockets 36, 36' and spigot 37 are located directly between the gate 12 and the grating panel 14a and do not extend beyond the innermost or outmost face the bolt heads 30 30b, 30b' face the vertical edge of either the gate 12 or grating panel 14 when the gate 12 is in * *** the closed position so cannot readily be accessed using a spanner or socket which extends in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bolts, and *. are located in recesses in the sockets 36, 36' so cannot readily be accessed using a spanner which is inserted into the gap between the gate 12 and first : grating panel 14a generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bolts 30, 30'. Moreover, even if were possible to access the bolt heads 30b, 30b and to unscrew the nuts 32, 32', the bolts 30, 30' are so long that there is insufficient space between the bolt heads 30a, 30' and the edge of the gate 12 or grating panel 14a and between the first end 30a, 30a' of the bolts 30, 30' and the nearest vertical bar 16 to facilitate removal of the nuts 32, 32' from the bolts 30, 30' whilst the gate 12 is in the closed position.

Similarly, as the nuts 52, 52' by means of which the eye-plates 42, 42' are secured to the grating panel 14b and gate 12 are located at the innermost face of the barrier 10, these cannot be reached by an intruder at the outermost face of the barrier 10, and as the heads 50a, 50a' of the bolts 50, 52 are located in a recess in the insert 48, 48' which itself if located within an aperture 20 of the grating these cannot be accessed using a socket or screw-driver in an attempt to dismantle the locking means.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse * *. 15 forms thereof. * * * * .. Sf.. * S S. * . * *** *. S ***

I *S5 *

Claims

CLAIMS1. A barrier including a grating including a first set of struts extending in a first direction and a second set of struts extending in a second direction, wherein the grating is made from a polymer reinforced with a plurality of glass fibres and a plurality of metallic wires.
2. A barrier according to claim 1 wherein glass fibres extend along the first set of struts.
3. A barrier according to claim 1 or 2 wherein glass fibres extend along the second set of struts.
4. A barrier according to any one of claims I to 3 wherein metallic wires extend along the first set of struts.
5. A barrier according to any preceding claim wherein metallic wires extend along the second set of struts. * .a* * *
6. A barrier according to any preceding claim wherein the metalhc wires in 15 each strut may be intertwined to form a metallic braid.S S.'
7. A barrier according to any preceding claim wherein the metallic wires are * made from stainless steel.
S..

* 8. A barrier according to any preceding claim wherein the first set of struts extend generally perpendicular to the second set of struts.
9. A barrier according to claim 8 wherein the struts are spaced so that generally square apertures are provided between adjacent struts.
10. A barrier including a grating made from a glass reinforced polymer, the grating including a first set of struts extending in a first direction, and a second set of struts extending in a second direction, wherein a fibre optic cable is provided in one of the struts.
11. A barrier according to claim 10 wherein the strut is molded around the fibre optic cable so that the fibre optic cable is completely enclosed within the strut.
12. A barrier according to claim 10 or 11 wherein the fibre optic cable is made from glass coated with a second, temperature resistant, material.
13. A barrier according to claim 12 wherein the temperature resistant material is Teflon.
14. A barrier according to any one of claims 10 to 13 wherein a fibre optic cable is provided in one strut of the first set of struts and in one strut of the second set of struts.

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15. A hinged assembly including a first element pivotally connected to a * . * second element by means of a hinge, the first and second element each * 55* * S s's. 15 including a first face and a second face and a edge surface extending between :. the first face and the second face, the hinge being arranged such that when S..the first element is positioned relative to the second element such that the edge surface of the first element is generally parallel to the edge surface of the second element, all parts of the hinge lie between the first surface and second 20 surface of the first element, the first surface and second surface of the second element or between the edge surface of the first element and the edge surface of the second element.
16. A hinged assembly according to claim 15 wherein the hinge includes a generally cylindrical spigot which is mounted in a cylindrical aperture provided in a socket, the spigot being secured to the edge surface of the first element, and the socket being secured to the edge surface of the second element.
17. A hinged assembly according to claim 16 wherein the spigot is mounted in a cylindrical aperture provided in a second socket, the second socket being secured to the edge surface of the first element.
18. A hinged assembly according to claim 16 or 17 wherein one or both of the sockets are secured to the respective edge surface by means of a threaded fastener which extends into the first or second element between the first surface and the second surface of the element.
19. A hinged assembly according to claim 18 wherein the threaded fastener has a first end which extends to the socket and a second end which extends into the element, a nut being mounted on a threaded portion at the second end of the fastener.
20. A hinged assembly according to claim 19 wherein the first end of the fastener may be provided which a head or a further nut which engages with the socket. * .0
21. A hinged assembly according to any one of claims 15 to 20 wherein the components from which the hinge is constructed are made from a glass reinforced polymer. *S S..

*
22. A hinged assembly according to any one of claims 15 to 21 wherein one or both of the first or second elements may comprise a grating including a first *. 20 set of struts extending in a first direction and a second set of struts extending in a second direction.
23. A hinged assembly according to claim 22 wherein the grating has any of the features of the grating of claims 1 to 9.
24. A hinged assembly inctuding first, second and third elements each including a first face and a second face and a first edge and a second edge each extending between the first face and the second face, the first edge of the first element being pivotally connected to the second edge of the second element by means of a hinge, and locking means being provided to secure the second edge of the first element to first edge of the third element, wherein the locking means include a first locking part secured to the second edge of the first element, a second locking part secured to the first edge of the third element, and a padlock, both locking parts including an aperture through at least one of which, when the locking means is in use, a hook part of the padlock passes, characterised in that the locking means also includes a shroud part which is secured to either the first element or the third element, at least a portion of the shroud part being spaced from the element to which it is secured and extending such that when the locking means is in use, the hook part of the padlock lies directly between the shroud part and the first and third elements.
25. A hinged assembly according to claim 24 wherein at least one of the first locking part, second locking part and shroud part are made from glass reinforced polymer. * S.
26. A hinged assembly according to claim 24 or 25 wherein the first and second locking parts are each generally L-shaped, and have a first part which is secured to the first and third element respectively, and a second part which extends generally perpendicular to the first and third element respectively, the aperture being provided in the second part of each, and when in use, the hook part of the padlock extending through the apertures in both the first locking part and the second locking part.
27. A hinged assembly according to any one of claims 24 to 27 wherein the shroud part is secured to the first element.
28. A grating assembly, the grating including a first set of struts extending in a first direction and a second set of struts extending in a second direction, the struts in each set being spaced to form a plurality apertures extending through the depth of the grating from a first face to a second face of the grating, wherein the assembly further includes a fixing which is secured to the grating to engage with the first surface of the grating by means of an anchor part which is located in one of the apertures of the grating and engages with at two generally parallel struts of the struts surrounding the aperture and a fastener which extends from the anchor part to the fixing.
29. A grating assembly according to claim 28 wherein the thickness of the struts decreases from the first face to the second face of the grating and the anchor part is dimensioned such that it becomes wedged between the struts with which it engages generally centrally between the first face and the second face of the grating.
30. A grating assembly according to claim 28 or 29 wherein the fastener comprises a bolt with a head at a first end thereof and a thread shaft at a second end thereof, a nut being mounted on the thread shaft so that the anchor part, the grating and the fixture are clamped between the head and the * ** 15 nut. * S * * 55

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31. A grating assembly according to claim 28 or 29 wherein the fastener comprises a threaded shaft with a nut mounted on each end of the shaft such * that the anchor part, the grating and the fixture are clamped between the head 5*5 * and the nut. 5.
32. A grating assembly according to any one of claims 28 to 31 wherein the 1S5 * fixture is part of a locking means for securing the grating relative to an adjacent element.
33. A grating assembly according to claim 32 wherein the fixture is a generally L-shaped plate having a first part which engages which the first face of the grating and a second part which extends generally perpendicular to the grating. The second part of the fixture may include an aperture for receiving a locking element such as the hook of a padlock.
34. A barrier substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.
35. A hinged assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.
36. A grating assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.
37. Any novel feature or novel combination of features described herein and/or in the accompanying drawings. * S. * . * * .. *.S* * S *55S ** * S * S..S *1 * * *S *S.S