GB2538227A

GB2538227A - Automated road barriers

Info

Publication number: GB2538227A
Application number: GB1507226.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Hayton Philip
Original assignee: Westcotec Ltd
Current assignee: Westcotec Ltd
Priority date: 2015-04-28
Filing date: 2015-04-28
Publication date: 2016-11-16
Anticipated expiration: 2035-04-28
Also published as: GB201507226D0; GB2538227B

Abstract

The road barrier system 10 has a barrier 15 and one or more pressure sensitive regions 11,12 that are suitable for engaging a vehicle 17, wherein the regions move the barrier from a first position to a second position, the first position preventing passage through the barrier and the second position permitting access. The weight of a vehicle may cause the pressure sensitive regions to displace the barrier in a swing-like motion from the first to second position under its own weight. The pressure sensitive regions may be located before and after the barrier, wherein the region located before causes the barrier to open, while the region after the barrier causes it to close. The pressure sensitive regions can be rods or fluid filled bags, and may be spaced apart so that pressure is only applied to the region either before or after the barrier at any given time.

Description

la Field of the invention

The invention relates generally to road barriers and has particular relevance in the field of automated road barriers.

Background to the n ention

Existing road barriers known to the applicant are automated road barriers which are operated by the use of, for instance, a card swipe, remote fob or proximity sensor. These barriers are typically used at an entrance or exit point at a site where the movement of vehicles is regulated, i.e. a car park. Automated road harriers are also often used residentially to prevent the unauthorised entry of a vehicle onto a landowner's property.

However, these known barriers have a number of disadvantages_ One such disadvantage of barriers which use card swipes or remote fobs to allow access through the barrier is that, in both cases, a driver of a vehicle has to ensure that the card or fob is carried in the vehicle at all times. Aside from the clear irritation that this can cause when a driver forgets to carry the card or fob with them, Looking for the card or fob when approaching a barrier unnecessar ly distracts the driver, who would do better to concentrate on the road.

Automated road barriers can a.so be actuated by a proximity sensor which determines when a vehicle is approaching the barrier so that the barrier can be opened without further action from the driver. However, such systems can be costly and, even where they are installed, they can be inaccurate.

Road barriers are also provided or farmyards or where animals are likely to moving past. If not automated as described above, these road harriers are manually operated and require tie driver to exit their car before passing through to open the barrier, and after passing in order to close the barrier behind them.

Embodiments of the invention seek to improve the ease of use and performance of automated road barriers, In a first broad independent aspect, the invention provides an automated road barrier system comprising one or more pressure sensitive regions and a barrier; wherein said one or more pressure sensitive regions are suitable for engaging with a road-going vehicle and are configured to cause the barrier to move from a first position, whereby access through the barrier is prevented, to a second position, whereby access through the barrier is peinitted.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it provides an automated road barrier with improved reliability and ease of use. The ease of use of is improved because the barrier is actuated by a vehicle applying pressure (e.g. the weight or force of a vehicle) to the one or more pressure sensitive regions. This allows the driver to remain in their vehicle and also avoids the need for an additional device or further actuation from a driver, which permits the driver to concentrate solely on driving the vehicle. The barrier can therefore be opened as the vehicle approaches the barrier and applies pressure to the one or more pressure sensitive regions. This configuration is also advantageous because it provides a low maintenance barrier with a minimal number of components.

In a idiary aspect, the barrier moves, when caused by the one or more pressure gions, from the first position to the second position under its own weight.

This configuration is particularly vantageous because it provides a barrier system in which the barrier moves from the first, closed position to the second, open position with minimal mechanical or electrical effort. The weight of the barrier is sufficient to cause the barrier to move. This improves the reliability of the barrier system.

In a subsidiary aspect, the barrier comprises an elongate member which, in a first position, tip at least partially blocks a pathway, and the one or more pressure sensitive regions is coupled to the barrier such that when sufficient pressure is applied to the one or more pressure sensitive regions, the barrier is caused to move from the first position to a second position where the barrier does not block the pathway; whereby the coupling between the barrier and the one or more pressure sensitive regions allows the barrier to move in a m swing-like fashion from the first to the second position.

The provision of an elongate member, which moves in a swing-like fashion when pressure is applied to the one or more pressure sensitive regions, provides a simplified automated road barrier which is actuated by the weight of the barrier. No additional actuation by a driver or by another source, such as a motor, is required. This further improves the reliability of the barrier system.

In a subsidiary aspect, the barrier further comprises at least one shaft, id elongate member is mounted to said shaft; wherein the positioning of the shaft, in relation to the t1 ground on which the system is located, is altered when sufficient pressure is applied to the one or more pressure sensitive regions, in order to fac litate movement of the barrier f the first, closed position to the second, open position.

changing the positioning or alignment of the shaft when sufficient pressure applied to the: ne or more pressure sensitive regions facilitates the movement of the elongate member from the first, closed position to the second, open position. This configuration is particularly advantageous when a light-weight vehicle applies pressure to the one or more pressure sensitive regions, because the weight of the vehicle might not otherwise be sufficient to cause the barrier to open. Shifting the alignment of the shaft in relation to the ground rallows the barrier to swing open even when alighter vehicle is present because the farrier more readily swings when tilted in a particular direction.

In a subsidiary aspect, the elongate is pivotably mounted to said shaft, and is balanced such that, in use, when sufficient pressure is applied to the one or more pressure sensitive regions, the weight of the elongate member on the shaft is shifted such that the elongate member is caused to pivot about the shaft from the first position to the second position.

Mounting and balan-in the &ongate member on in this way allows the member to effectively and reliably swing from the first position to the second position when the weight of the elongate member is shifted, This configuration provides a mechanical barrier without any electrical components, which improves the weather resistance of the barrier. The barrier can also be maintained more straightforwardly, s requires little to no power, and is more reliable in operation.

In a subsidiary aspect, the system comprises a plurality of pressure sensitive regions, at least one pressure sensitive rregion being located, in use, before and after the barrier; whereby, in use, the one or more pressure sensitive regions located betore the barrier are configured to cause the:barrier to move from the firs: position to the second position when sufficient pressure is applied to said region; and the one or more pressure sensitive regions ocated after the barrier are configured to cause the Darner to move from the second posit on to tie rst position, when sufficient Pressure is applied to said uither regiort This configuration is pa milady advantageous b he barrier can be moved horn th second position to the first position once a vehicle has crossed the barrier. This further improves the ease of use of the barrier system because a driver does not need to exit their vehicle to close the barrier once they have passed, In a subsidiary aspect, the one or more pressure sensitive regions each comprise a fluid-filled bag having a shape and configuration wl-ich, when sufficient pressure is applied to the nag is displaced to facilitate the release of the barrier.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because the one or more fluid-filled bags prov'de straightforwardly produced and installed, low maintenance pressure sensitive regions.

In a subsidiary aspect, the one or more pressure sensitive regions each comprise a rod which is located at Least partially below ground level, at a position substantially perpendicular to the direction of a pathway such that, in use, when sufficient pressure is applied to the rod, the rod forced in a downward direction in order to cause the barrier to move.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it provides a straightforwardly produced and installed, low maintenance pressure sensitive region.

In a subsidiary aspect, the one or more pressure sensitive regions located before and after 15 the barrier are spaced apart from each other so that pressure can only be applied to the one or more pressure sensitive regions either before or after the barrier at any given time.

Spacing the one or more pressure sensitive regions apart from each other such that pressure can only be applied to one or more pressure sensitive regions at one side of the barrier at any given time improves the performance of the barrier. This configuration also minimises the risk that the barrier will contact a vehicle as it is passing through the barrier.

Brief Descrip;ion of the Drawings Figure I shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 1, wherein pressure is applied to a first pressure sensitive region by a vehicle.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, wherein pressure is applied to a second pressure sensitive region by the vehicle.

Figure 4a shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention.

Figure 4b shows a perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 4a, wherein pressure is applied to a first pressure sensitive region by a vehicle.

Detailed Description of the Embodiments

A preferred embodiment of an automated road barrier system is shown in Figure 1 and is referenced generally as 10, The barrier system 10 comprises one or more pressure sensitive regions, 11 and 12, and a barrier 13. The barrier 13 is connected to the one or more ic pressure sensitive regio-s, 11 and 1?, orid is moveable from a first position (see Figure 1) whereby access through the barrier system 10 is prevented, to a second position (see Figure ?) whereby access through the barrier system 10 is permitted (see Figure 3). The movement of the barrier 13 from the first position to the second position is dependent on the Pressure applied to the one or more pressure sensitive regions 11, 12, In use, when sufficient pressure is applied to the one or more pressure sensitive regions 11, 12, Le. the pressure from the weight of a car driving over the pressure sensitive regions 11,1,7, the barrier 13 is caused to move so that access through the barrier system 10 is permitted.

In a further preferred embodiment the barrier 13 moves from the first position to the second postion ender its own we.ght. The barrier 13 may therefore be held, by a latch, magnet or other form of stopper (not shown), in the first position prior to actuation by the pressure sensitive region 11. When the Latch or stopper is released due to the vehicle 17 contacting and applying sufficient pressure to the pressure sensitive region 11, the barrier 13 is allowed to move under its own weight to the second position. In another embodiment, a spring (not shown) may be provided which causes the barrier 13 to be biased towards moving From the first to the second position such that, when the barrier 13 is released, movement of the barrier 13 to the second position to the frst position is immediately assisted by the spring. The incline of the barrier 13 or incline of a hinge from which the barrier 13 extends may also bias the barrier 13 to move towards the second position when actuateo.

In the preferred embodiment of Figures 1 to 3, the barrier 13 comprises an elongate member is which, in the first position, at Least partially blocks a road/pathway 14. The one or more pressure sensitive regions 11,12 are coupled, preferably mechanically, to the elongate member 15 such that when sufficient pressure is applied to the one or o pressure sensitive regions 11,12, the elongate member 15 is caused to move from the i'irst position to a second position wherein the elongate member 15 does not block the roacipathway 14. The coupling between the elongate member 15 and the one or more pressure sensitive regions 11,12 alLows the elongate member 15 to move in a swing-like fashion from the first to the second position. T his coupling might, for instance, comprise a cable (not shown) which extends between the pressure sensitive regions 11, 12 and the barrier 13 (preferably below ground Level) which, when pressure is app'ed to region 11 is pulled or affected in another way to release a latch holding the barrier 13 in the first posit o*11. 0 11.

Preferably, in the first positio, the elongate member 1':5 extends width-wise across the road/pathway 14 at a height saitaote to block a vehicle 17 from passing the bather system 10. The elongate member 15 is preferably parallel to the surface of the road/pathway 14.

1 in the second position, shown in Figure 2, the elongate member 15 is preferably still parallel to the surface of the road/pathway 14, but is rotated such that the elongate member 15 extends Lengthwise adjacent the side of the road/pathway 14, in an alteinatiw embodiment, however, the elongate member 15 is rotated such that it extends horizontally across the road/pathwayr 14 in the first position and extends vertically from the shaft 16 in the second position.

In the preferred embodiment of F;gure the barrier 13 further comprises at least one shaft 16, In this embodiment, the elongate member 15 is pivotabty mounted to an upper portion of the shaft 16 and;s balanced such that in use, when sufficient pressure is applied to the one or more pressure sensitive regions 11, 12, the weight of the elongate member 15 on the shaft 16 is shifted such that the elongate member 15 is caused to pivot about the shaft 16 from the first position to the second position. In an alternative embodiment, the elongate member 15 is fixedly mounted to the shaft 16 and the shaft 16 is pivotable on top of the surface to which it is mounted 0.e. the ground). Preferably, the sv positioning of the shaft 16, in relation to the ground on which the barrier 13 is Located. is altered when sufficient pressure is applied to the one or more pressure sensitive regions.11,12, in order to facilitate movement of the barrier 13 from the first, closed position to the second, open position. Changing the positioning or alignment of the shaft 16 when sufficient pressure is applied to the one or more pressure sensitive reg:ons 11,12 facilitates the movement of the elongate member 1S from the first, dosed position to the second, open position. Shifting the alignment of the shaft, preferably by a few degrees in relation to the ground, allows the barrier 13 to more readily swing open, which is particularly useful when a lighter vehicle is present, In one embodiment, the elongate member 15 is connected to the one or more pressure sensitive regions 11, 12 by a cable 21, and the elongate member 15 is balanced on the shaft 16 such that, when a vehicle 17 applies pressure to a pressure sensitive region 11, the pressure sensitive region alters the tightness or direct on of pull of the cable 21 so that the to weight of the elongate member 15 is shiftec to cease the elongate member 15 to swing.

In an alternative emhod ment the pressure sensitive regions 11, 12 are coupled to a processor (not, shown) which transmits a signal to a motor (not shown) housed in the harrier 13, which in turn moves the barrier 13 from the first to the second position when s.ifficient pressure is applied to a pressure sensitive region 11.

In the preferred embodiment of Figures 1 to 3, there is a plurality of pressure sensitive regions, 11 and 12, wherein a first pressure sensitive region 11 is located on a road/pathway 14, in use, before the barrier 13. A second pressure sensitive region 12 is located on the road/pathway 14, :n use, after the barrier 13, In tnis preferred embodiment, a single pressure sensitive region is located either side of the barrier 13. However, in alternative embodiments, multiple pressure sensitive regions are provided at either side of the barrier 13. For instance, two pressure sensitive regions may be provided either side of the barrier 13 so that the wheels of a vehicle contact the regions as the vehicle 17 26 approaches and moves away from the barrier system 10. Similarly, four pressure sensitive regions may be provided at either side of the barrier 13, which correspond in location to the four wheels of a vehicle 17.

In another alternative embodiment, one or more pressure sensitive regions are provided only before the barrier 13. In this embodiment. movement of the barrier 13 from the second to the first position (when the one or more pressure sensitive regions are provided before the barrier 13), i.e. to close the barrier system 10, is achieved automatically after a certain period of time by a motor or other means, such as a spring. A timer (not shown) may therefore be provided which starts a countdown once the barrier 13 has moved from the fir second position. Alternative means, such as a proximity sensor, may also be used to cause movement of the barrier 13 from the first to the second position, and one or more pressure sensitive regions are provided only to close the barrier system 10 once the vehicle 17 has passed.

Where a plurality of pressure sensitive rovided, with at Least e pressure sens.tive region located at either side ti 13, the one or more pressure sensitive regions located, in use, after the barrier 13 actuate the barrier 13 to move from the second to the first position. This is preferably actuated in a similar way to the actuation of the barrier 13 by the one or more pressure sensitive regions located, in use, before tie barrier -3, to move the barrier 13 from the first to the second position, Preferably, the barrier 13 is connected to the one or more pressure sensitive regions 12 located beh nd the barrier 13 by a cable 22 or similar. The cable 22 may be the same as the cable 21 which connects the barrier 13 and the pressure sensitive region 11 in front of the barrier 13. Alternatively, the cables are separate. When pressure is applied to the one or more pressure sensitive regiors 12 by a vehicle 17 (see Figure 3), with the e;ongate member 15 being balanced and pivotable on the shaft 16, the pressure sensitive region 12 pulls or otherwise affects the cable 22 so that the weight of the elongate member 15 is shifted to cause the elongate mernberl 5 to swing from the second to the first position, i.e. to close the barrier system 10.

In a further prefe-red embodiment, the one or more pressure sensitive regions 11, 12 located at either side of the barrier 13 are spaced apart from each other so that, in use, pressure can only be applied to one or more pressure sensitive regions at one side of the barrier 13 at any one time. This configuration minimises the risk of the barrier 13 moving from the second to the first position before the vehicle 17 has passed beyond the barrier id] would likely cause damage to the vehicle 17 and to the bar irer system 10. The one or more pressure sensitive regions 12 Located behind the barrier are therefore preferably located at a distance from the baMer 13 equivalent to or greater than the SO length of a longer than standard vehicle, The one or -ire pressure sensitive regions 11, 12 may co prise any device capable of reactinggiven amount of pressure which is applied to the regions 11, 12 such as a fluid-filled bag, moveable rod, pressure plate or pressure pad, although this, list is no exhaustive.

In one diment, the one or more pressure sensitive regions 11, 12 each comprise a fluid-filled bag (not shown). The fluid filled bags have a shape and configuration which, when sufficient pressure is applied by a vehicle 1t, is displaced to facilitate the release of barrier 13. For instance, the fluid filled bags may expand under the pressure of a vehicle 17 to the point where a joining member (not shown) between the fluid-filled bags to the barrier 13 is pushed or otherwise affected to move the barrier 13.

In an atteroatve embod.ment, shown in Figure 4, the:one or more pressure sensitive regions 11, 12 each comprise a rod The rod 18 is located at least partially below ground level at a position substantially perpendicular to the direction of the road/pathway 14. When sufficient pressure is applied to the rod 18, the rod 18 is forced in a downward in order to cause the barrier 13 to move. In another alternative embodiment, the rod 18 is comprised of a resiliently deforrnable material which is placed on the road/pathway 14 When a vehicle 17 drives over the rod 18 the rod 18 is deformed. In this embodiment, a number of sensors, such as air pressure sensors, may be provided inside he rod 18 to determine when an air pressure change occurs as a result of a vehicle 17 applying pressure, to the rod 18. When the air pressure inside the rod 18 cnanges sufficiently, a signal is proliferated and transmitted to a receive and motor in the barrier to ve the barrier 13.

In the lternative embodiment of Figure 4, the barrier 13 comprises a number 0' bollards 19, 20, which, in a fi-st position, are Located above ground level sucn that access pa, barrier system 10 is prevented. A hole is provided beneath each botard 19, 20 such that, when sufficient pressure is applied to the one or more pressure sensitive regions, the bollards 19, 20 are released to be lowered to a position substantially below ground level to le 17 to pass over the bollards 19, 20 and past the barrier system 10, In this embodimentmotor may be provided for pushing the bollards 19, 20 their original position once a vehicle has passed. Again, a timer or sensor may be provided to ensure that the bollards 19, 20 are not raised when a vehicle is still located above them, The one or more pressure sensitive regions of Figures 1 to 3 and the barrier 13 of Figure 4 may be combined. Sim lady. the pressure sensitive regions of Figure 4 may be combined with the barrier of Figures 1 to 3.

As stated above, in one embodiment the barrier system 10 comprises a timer which is coupled to the barrier. The provision of a timer ensures that the barrier only moves from the second to the first position (or vice versa) when a countdown has elapsed. This minimises the risk of a collision between the barrier system 10 and a vehicle 17. A timer may also he configured to work in conjunction with the one or more pressure sensitive regions, ft, the barrier 13 is only caused to move when pressure has been applied to the one or more pressure sensitive regions for a specified amount of time. This prevents the barrier system 10 from opening due to an anomaly, such as a number of pedestrians, whose total weight is equivalent to that of a vehicle; simultaneously walk across the one or more pressure sensitive regions* The barrier system 10 may be actuated mechanical only or may have electrical components to facilitate the sensing of pressure applied to the pressure sensitive regions 11, 12 and to facilitate the movement of the barrier 13,

Claims

C1, An auto mated road barrier system comprising one or more pressure sensitive regions and a barrier, wherein said one or more pressure sensitive regions are suitabie for engaging with a road-going vehicle and are configured to cause the barrier to move from a first position. whereby access through the barrier is, prevented, to a second position, whereby access through the barrier Is permitted.
2. An automated road barrier system according to claim 1, wherein the ba as when caused by the one or more pressure sensitive regions, from the first position to the second position under its own weight.
3, An automated road barrier system ccording either claim 1 or barrier comprises an elongate member which, in a first position, at least pa fly blocks a pathway, and the one or more pressure sensitive regions is coupled to the furrier such that when sufficient pressure is:applied to the one or more pressure sensitive regions, the barrier is caused to move from the first position to a second position where the barrier does not block the pathway; whereby the coupling between the barrier and the one or more pressure sensitive regions allows the barrier to move in a swing-like fashion from the first to the second position.
4, An automated road barrier system ccording wherein the barrier ie.comprises at Least one shaft, and said elongate member is mounted to said shaft; wherein the positioning of the shaft, in relation to the ground on which the system is located, is altered when sufficient pressure is applied to the one or more pressure sensitive regions, in order to facilitate movement of the barrier from the first, closed position to the second, open position.
S. An automated road barrier system according to claim 4, wherein said elongate member is pivotabi.), mounted to said shaft and is balanced such that, in use when sufficient pressure is applied to the one or more pressure sensitive regions, the weight of the e member on the shaft is sniffed such that the elongate member is caused to pivot he shaft from the first position to the second position.
6 An automated road barrier system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the system comprises a plurality of pressure sensitive regions, at Least one pressure sensitive region being located, in use, before and after the barrier; whereby, in use, the one or more pressure sensitive regions Located before the barrier are configured to cause the barrier to move from the first position to the second position when sufficient pressure is applied to said region; and the one or more pressure sensitive regions Located after the barrier are configured to cause the barrier to move from the second position to the first position, when sufficient pressure is applied to said further region.
7. An automated road barrier system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more pressure sensitive regions each comprise a fluid-filled bag having a shape and configuration which, when sufficient pressure is applied to the bag, is displaced to facilitate the release or the barrier* is
8. An automated road barrier system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more pressure sensitive regions each comprise a rod which is located at least partially below ground level, at a position substantially perpendicular to the direction of a pathway such that, in use, when sufficient pressure is applied to the rod, the rod forced in a downward direction in order to cause the barrier to move.
9. An automated road barrier system according to any of claims 6 to 8, wherein the one or more pressure sensitive regions located before and after the barrier are spaced apar; from each other so that pressure can only be applied to the one or more pressure sensitive regions either before or after the barrier at any given time*
10. An automated road barrier system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.