GB2555807A

GB2555807A - Barrier

Info

Publication number: GB2555807A
Application number: GB1618956.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: James Whitley Christopher
Original assignee: Oxford Plastic Systems Ltd
Current assignee: Oxford Plastic Systems Ltd
Priority date: 2016-11-10
Filing date: 2016-11-10
Publication date: 2018-05-16

Abstract

A barrier unit comprises a base member 12 and a panel unit 14 with the members cooperating with each other so that in use the panel member is held in an upright configuration. The panel member is shaped to define a projecting shoulder 32 and a recess 36 with the shoulder of the panel being receivable in the recess of an adjacent similar barrier unit and connector means for interconnecting the panel members. The connector means comprise a movable peg 34 associated with the shoulder and a socket 38 associated with the recess. The peg may be held captive to the barrier unit or may be completely removable from the barrier unit. A fence panel (54 fig 9) may be mounted upon the barrier unit with the leg of the fence panel defining the peg. The base member may comprise further connecting means (42 fig 6) to connect the base member with a similar base member. Also disclosed is a barrier formed from multiple barrier units secured to one another.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: Barrier Abstract Title: A barrier unit (57) A barrier unit comprises a base member 12 and a panel unit 14 with the members cooperating with each other so that in use the panel member is held in an upright configuration. The panel member is shaped to define a projecting shoulder 32 and a recess 36 with the shoulder of the panel being receivable in the recess of an adjacent similar barrier unit and connector means for interconnecting the panel members. The connector means comprise a movable peg 34 associated with the shoulder and a socket 38 associated with the recess. The peg may be held captive to the barrier unit or may be completely removable from the barrier unit. A fence panel (54 fig 9) may be mounted upon the barrier unit with the leg of the fence panel defining the peg. The base member may comprise further connecting means (42 fig 6) to connect the base member with a similar base member. Also disclosed is a barrier formed from multiple barrier units secured to one another.

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BARRIER

This invention relates to an apparatus for the provision of a temporary barrier.

It is often necessary to provide means of diverting the course and flow of both traffic and pedestrians, as a result of, but not limited to, maintenance work. It is preferable that these means are temporary, so that they may be put in place before the maintenance work is carried out and removed after completion.

The current technique utilised is that of the use of temporary barriers of heavy-duty, high visibility coloured plastic construction. These barriers consist of a plurality of similar barrier units linked to one another. Each barrier unit comprises a single hollow unit, of generally cuboidal shape, sized so as to be easily visible to, and provide sufficient obstruction to, that which is to be diverted. The barrier units are hollow so enable their filling with ballast, for example sand or water, to anchor them in place when in the desired position and to provide extra stability.

These existing barrier units have two main disadvantages in that, first, due to their hollow construction, they are very space inefficient and hence occupy a large volume of space when they are to be stored or transported; secondly, they have an adverse effect on the environment as, due to the requirement that they be of high visibility coloured composition, they must usually be manufactured from virgin plastic and hence little or no recycled material can be used in their construction. Both of these drawbacks to the current barrier unit design result in an increase in costs: both in transportation/storage and in manufacture.

In addition the current design of some single piece barrier units results in the easy detachment of barrier units from one another whilst in use. This leads to not only a reduction in the strength of an assembled barrier, but also in reduced security, as barrier units may be stolen, moved or vandalised.

GB2444172 describes a design of barrier comprising a series of barrier units, each of which takes the form of a base to which a barrier panel is fitted. The barrier panel is shaped to include, on one side, a projecting shoulder and on an opposing side thereof, a recess. The shoulder and recess are shaped such that the shoulder of one barrier unit can be received within the recess of an adjacent one of the barrier units. The shoulder has a downwardly projecting peg depending therefrom that is receivable, in use, within a suitably shaped and positioned socket formed in the adjacent one of the barrier units. The barrier panels are conveniently of hollow moulded plastics material form, and the socket may be defined by an opening formed in the panel through which the peg can extend into the interior of the panel.

Whilst arrangements of the type described in GB2444172 have a number of advantages, the panel has to be bodily lifted to connect it to or disconnect it from an adjacent panel. This can in some circumstances be difficult to achieve. For example, if a barrier unit part way along a run of such units needs to be removed, lifting that unit can be hampered by the presence of the adjacent units.

The present invention seeks to provide a solution to at least some of these problems.

According to the invention there is provided a barrier unit comprising a base member and a separate panel member, the base member and panel member cooperating with one another, in use, such that the base member holds the panel member in an upright configuration, the panel member being shaped to define a projecting shoulder and a recess, the shoulder of the panel member being receivable, in use, within the recess of an adjacent similar panel member, and connector means for interconnecting the panel member with an adjacent similar panel member, in use, the connector means comprising a movable peg associated with one of the shoulder and the recess and receivable, in use, within a socket associated with the other of the shoulder and the recess of the adjacent panel member.

Such an arrangement is advantageous in that the peg can be moved relative to the associated barrier panel to position the peg in, or remove it from, the socket of an adjacent barrier unit to connect the adjacent barrier units to one another, or disconnect them from one another, without requiring lifting of the barrier unit.

The peg is preferably axially slidable between an extended position in which it projects from the barrier panel and may extend into the socket of the adjacent panel and a retracted position in which it is not located within the socket of the adjacent panel (when the panels are arranged with the shoulder of one panel received within the recess of the adjacent panel).

The peg may be held captive to the barrier panel. By way of example, it may be held captive to the shoulder thereof. Alternatively, it may be completely removable therefrom. Where removable, it could be secured to the associated barrier panel using a strap, tether or the like.

In some circumstances it is desirable to mount a fence panel upon the barrier unit. In such an arrangement, a leg of the fence panel may serve as the peg.

The base member may be of hollow construction, and may include an opening to permit the introduction of ballast into the hollow interior thereof, thereby anchoring the base member in position. The panel member is conveniently of hollow construction, and may include an opening to permit the introduction of ballast into the hollow interior thereof.

The base member may include at least one recess adapted to receive a projection of the panel member to secure the panel member thereto.

At least one vent may be formed through the panel member, thereby reducing wind resistance.

The invention also relates to a barrier comprising a plurality of barrier units of the type described hereinbefore secured to one another in an end-to-end configuration.

Desirably, the panel member is composed of virgin material, whilst the base member comprises recycled material. Due to the high visibility nature of the panel member it is not usually possible to manufacture this component purely from recycled material. Manufacturing the base member from recycled material, at least in part, not only reduces the burden of manufacture on the environment, but also reduces fabrication costs.

Conveniently, resilient means of releasably attaching the panel member to the base member are provided, preferably comprising a protrusion from the panel member and a corresponding recess in the base member.

Desirably, the peg and recess of the panel member which co-operate with similar pegs and recesses of adjacent barrier unit panel members to releasably join adjacent barrier units are such that they act as a hinge allowing the barrier unit to pivot around an adjacent barrier unit, whilst attached, from a first position where the panel member and panel member of an adjacent barrier unit subtend an angle of 180 degrees, to a second position where the panel member and panel member of an adjacent barrier unit subtend an angle of 90 degrees. This enables a barrier constructed from said barrier units to have a non-linear form and also enables the construction of enclosures.

Advantageously, said base member comprises connector means to, in use, secure the base member to a similar adjacent base member, wherein said connector means comprise a lug on a base member and a recess on an adjacent base member, the lug, in use being received by said recess, such that the movement between adjacent barrier units is restricted.

Preferably, said recess is sized so as to permit a range of angles subtended by said interconnected adjacent barrier units.

Desirably, the means for interconnecting the base member with a similar, adjacent base member and the means for interconnecting the panel member with a similar, adjacent panel member co-operate such that, in use, it is not possible to separate the adjacent connected barrier unit from the barrier unit without separating the respective base and panel member of either the barrier unit or the adjacent barrier unit. This increases the security of the barrier in use by preventing undesirable separation of barrier units from the barrier.

Advantageously, there are means of locking the panel member to the base member.

The base member may incorporate a recess to accommodate the positioning of an attached adjacent barrier unit base member if the angle subtended by the barrier unit and the attached adjacent barrier unit is not 180 degrees.

Preferably, the base member and panel member are shaped so as to only permit the panel member to be supported by the base member in one particular relative orientation between the two.

Desirably, the barrier unit also comprises means for the attachment of a light-emitting device, which will aid the discernability of the barrier in low light conditions.

The invention will further be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a barrier unit according to one embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a panel member component of the barrier unit shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a base member component of the barrier unit shown in Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a side view of the barrier unit shown in Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a plan view of the barrier unit shown in Figure 1;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a first end of a base of a barrier unit according to a second embodiment of the invention;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a second end of the base shown in Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a side view of the barrier unit shown in Figure 6; and

Figure 9 is a view illustrating an alternative embodiment.

The barrier unit 10 illustrated in Figures 1 to 8 of the accompanying drawings comprises two main components: a hollow base 12, as best seen in Figure 3; and a hollow panel member 14, as best seen in Figure 2. The base 12, the colour of which is unimportant, is fabricated from heavy-duty plastic, which may consist at least partially of recycled material. The panel member 14, which must usually be of high visibility construction so that it is obvious to pedestrians and/or traffic, is preferably fabricated from virgin heavy-duty plastic. This is due to the fact that it is often not possible to manufacture good quality high visibility coloured plastic solely from recycled material. The two-part construction, where the base 12 is manufactured partially from recycled material, reduces the environmental impact of manufacturing the barrier unit 10, when compared to that of a barrier composed entirely of virgin material. As the material of the base may also cost less than that of the panel member 14, the cost of manufacturing the barrier in a two-part manner is also reduced. Further, by manufacturing the base 12 from relatively low cost recycled material, the base 12 can be manufactured using an increased quantity of material than would be the case if virgin material were used, thereby increasing the self-ballasting capability of the product without significantly increasing cost.

The base 12 has a generally trapezoidal cross section. The base of the trapezium forms the surface which contacts the ground, or other suitable supporting surface, when the barrier unit 10 is in use. Each of the two faces which form the diagonal sides of the trapezoidal cross section of the base 12, have an orifice 16 in them located centrally with respect to the length of the base 12. These are to enable the insertion and removal of ballast material, for example sand or water, into the cavity within the hollow base 12. The extra mass provided by the ballast makes the base resistant to movement, once in its desired position, by either impact, weather or vandals. The ballast is removed to facilitate easy transportation of the barrier unit 10 when it is to be moved between locations.

The top face of the base 12 in use, opposite to that which is in contact with the ground, comprises three similar recesses 18. Corresponding protrusions 20 from the panel member 14 are sized so as to, in use, be releasably received within the recesses 18. The protrusions 20 and recesses 18 have tapered surfaces which co-operate to aid location of the panel member 14 within the base. Each protrusion 20 also comprises two cavities 24 on opposite sides of the panel member 14. These cavities 24 cooperate with corresponding resilient lugs (not shown) within the base 12 cavities 18 shaped and positioned so as to retain the protrusions 20 in the correct position within the recesses 18 and as such attach the panel member 14 to the base 12. The resilient lugs (not shown) and cavities 24 are also shaped so that, when they are inter-locked, a force can be applied to the panel member 14 which will deform the resilient lugs and enable the separation of the panel member 14 and base 12.

The ability to separate the base 12 from the panel member 14 facilitates space-efficient storage and transportation. As the panel member 14 is generally planar many of them can be stacked either next to one another or on top of each other. Base 12 has an underside shaped such that it may receive the top of an identical base 12. This enables stable space-efficient stacking of multiple bases 12 one on top of another.

The panel member 14 comprises five identical vents 26 which join the two opposing planar faces of said panel member. These vents 26 enable the passage of air from one side of the barrier to the other and as such reduce the wind resistance of the barrier unit 10. This reduces the force exerted on the panel member 14 by wind or turbulence and as such reduces the risk of the barrier unit being knocked over or unintentionally moved. The widths of the vents 26 are chosen to be sufficiently small as to impede their use as ledges aiding climbing upon the barrier.

The panel member 14 also comprises a pair of recesses 28, 30 on both of the planar sides. A large recess 28 near the top, in use, of the barrier unit is provided to accommodate the attachment of, for example, retro reflective tape, for the purpose of increasing the visibility of the barrier in low light conditions. A smaller recess 30 near the bottom, in use, of the barrier unit is provided to accommodate the attachment of, for example, a reflector panel or brand logo panel as appropriate.

Towards the top of the panel member 14, and adjacent a first edge thereof, there is a protrusion which runs parallel to the planar sides of the panel member 14. The protrusion defines a projecting shoulder region 32, which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base 12, when in use, to an extent such that it overhangs the base 12. Within the shoulder region 32 is formed a generally vertically extending (in use) passage 32a extending completely through the shoulder region 32 from the upper face thereof to the lower face thereof. A cylindrical peg 34 is located within the passage 32a. The peg 34 has an actuator 34a rigidly attached thereto, the actuator 34a extending through a slot 32b formed in the shoulder region 32. It will be appreciated that manipulation of the actuator 34a allows the peg 34 to be moved between a lowered, extended position in which it protrudes from the bottom of the shoulder region 32 and a retracted, raised position in which it is located mainly within the shoulder region 32, not protruding significantly beneath the shoulder region 32. The location of the actuator 34a within the slot 32b serves to hold the peg 34 captive to the shoulder region 32.

The actuator 34a may be integrally formed with the peg 34 if desired, limited temporary deformation of the peg 34 and/or shoulder region 32 allowing the introduction of the peg 34 into the passage 32a.

On a second, opposite edge of the panel member 14, there is a generally rectangular cut-out or recess 36. On the face of this recess 36 located closest to the part of the panel member from which the protrusions 20 extend there is a socket 38 sized and located so as to be able to releasably receive the peg 34 of another, identical or similar panel member 14. The socket 38 and recess 36 co-operate with the shoulder portion 32 and peg 34, respectively, of the additional identical barrier unit to facilitate the connection of the barrier units to one another in an end-to-end fashion. A plurality of such units may be interconnected to form a barrier of a desired length.

Assembly of a barrier is achieved by positioning barrier units adjacent one another such that the shoulder region 32 of one unit is located within the recess 36 of an adjacent unit. Once so positioned, the peg 34 is lowered, by manipulation of the actuator 34a, to locate part of the peg 34 within the socket 38, thereby securing the adjacent units to one another. Separation of the units is undertaken by reversing this process. It will be appreciated that these steps may be undertaken to allow, for example, removal and reintroduction of a unit from part way along the length of an assembled barrier in a relatively convenient fashion.

Securing the barrier units 10 to one another in an end-to-end fashion causes the produced barrier to have enhanced strength in resisting a force applied perpendicular to an individual panel member 14, as a result of an interference fit between each peg 34 and the socket of the adjacent barrier unit 10.

The peg 34 and socket 38 are cylindrical, so as to enable the angle subtended by a barrier unit 10 and an adjacent barrier unit to be varied. The variation of this angle is facilitated and limited by recess portions 40 at either end of the base 12. In the embodiment shown the recesses 40 in the bases 12 of two adjacent joined barrier units 10, will enable the barrier units to pivot around the peg 34 via which they are linked so that the angle subtended between them is between 90 degrees in one direction and 90 degrees in the opposite direction. The maximum extent of movement permitted is determined by the relative position of the barrier unit and adjacent barrier unit at which their corresponding base recess faces 40 abut. The ability to pivot barrier units around adjacent ones enables the formation of non-linear barriers and enclosures.

The socket 38 also passes into a cavity within the panel member 14 and enables the insertion of ballast material, for example sand or water, into said cavity. The extra mass provided by the ballast assists in making the base resistant to movement, once in its desired position, by either weather or vandals. The ballast is removed to facilitate easy transportation of the barrier unit 10 when it is to be moved between locations.

In a further embodiment, similar to that previously described, the base 12 additionally comprises, at a first end, an L-shaped lug 42 as seen best in Figure 6. The lug 42 is shaped and orientated such that it has a first portion, adjacent the base, which projects beyond the extent of the base 12. A second portion projects in a direction generally perpendicular to this. At a second end, the base 12 additionally comprises a recess 44, as seen best in Figure 7. The recess is in the form of a cut-away portion of the base 12 and is sized and shaped such that, whilst the base 12 is in use, its first end may be placed adjacent the second end of a similar base 12, the lug 42 of the first base 12 being received by the recess 44 of the adjacent base 12, and hence received by the adjacent base 12. The lug 42 and recess 44 co-operate such that the main body of each base 12 contacts the ground and also such that the adjacent bases 12 may only be separated from one another if a portion of the main body of the adjacent base 12 is removed from the ground. In this manner many bases 12 may be secured adjacent one another in an end-to-end fashion. This serves to prevent the unintentional movement of adjacent base members relative to one another.

The recess 44 is sufficiently sized so as to enable angular movement between the longitudinal axes of adjacent bases 12 in a plane generally perpendicular to the ground. This permits the angle subtended by adjacent bases 12, and hence barrier units 10, to have a range of values whilst being secured to one another. The range of angles possible is facilitated and limited in the same way as the previous embodiment by recess portions 40 at either end of the base 12.

Once the bases 12 are secured adjacent one another, panel members 14 can be inserted into the bases 12 in the same manner as in the previous embodiment, protrusions 20 of the panel members 14 being received by recesses 18 in the base 12. Subsequently, the pegs 34 are moved to be received by the sockets 38 of adjacent panel members 14 in the manner outlined hereinbefore. In this manner each barrier unit 10 may be secured to adjacent ones in an end-to-end fashion by both its base 12 and its panel member 14, resulting in an increase in the strength of the barrier created. Separation of adjacent barrier units 10 is a reversal of this process.

The barrier unit 10 may also incorporate means of ensuring that orientation of the panel member 14 relative to the base 12 when they are connected can only be such that the lug 42 on the base 12 as at the same end of the barrier unit 10 as the peg 34 on the panel member 14.

The barrier unit 10 may also comprise means of releasably attaching a light source, for example, but not limited to, a bracket or recess (neither shown).

Whilst as illustrated the peg 34 is held captive to the shoulder region 32, it could alternatively e associated with the recess 36, with the socket 38 associated with the shoulder region 34. In either case, the peg 34 may be removable from the barrier unit, if desired, rather than being held captive thereto. If removable, a strap, tether or the like may be used to attach the peg to the barrier unit to avoid loss thereof.

Figure 9 illustrates an embodiment that in many respects is substantially as hereinbefore described, and so will not be described in detail save in so far as it differs from the arrangement described hereinbefore. In the arrangement of Figure 9, a fence panel is secured to the top of the barrier unit. The fence panel comprises legs 50, a top rail 52 interconnecting the legs 50, and a mesh part 54. In this arrangement, one of the legs 50 is arranged to serve as the peg, being received, in use, within the passage 32a and extending from the passage 32a into the socket 38. The leg 50 thus serves to secure adjacent barrier units to one another. The location of the leg 50 within the passage 32a and socket 38 further serves to hold the fence panel in an upstanding condition. The other of the legs 50 is received within another socket formed in the panel member 14, further supporting the fence panel in an upright condition.

It will be appreciated that a number of modifications can be made to the device within the scope of the invention. Examples include, but are not limited to, altering the colour, dimensions and weight of the barrier unit; altering the size and positioning of the base relative to the panel member; using different shape, size and orientation lugs 42 and recesses 44; and the addition of means of locking the base 12 and panel member 14 together.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A barrier unit comprising a base member and a separate panel member, the base member and panel member cooperating with one another, in use, such that the base member holds the panel member in an upright configuration, the panel member being shaped to define a projecting shoulder and a recess, the shoulder of the panel member being receivable, in use, within the recess of an adjacent similar panel member, and connector means for interconnecting the panel member with an adjacent similar panel member, in use, the connector means comprising a movable peg associated with one of the shoulder and the recess and receivable, in use, within a socket associated with the other of the shoulder and the recess of the adjacent panel member.

2. A unit according to Claim 1, wherein the peg is axially slidable between an extended position in which it projects from the barrier panel and may extend into the socket of the adjacent panel and a retracted position in which it is not located within the socket of the adjacent panel.

3. A unit according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the peg is held captive to the barrier panel.

4. A unit according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the peg is completely removable from the barrier panel.

5. A unit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the peg is associated with the shoulder.

6. A unit according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a fence panel mounted upon the barrier unit, a leg of the fence panel defining the peg.

7. A unit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the base member includes at least one recess adapted to receive a projection of the panel member to secure the panel member thereto.

8. A unit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the panel member is hollow and the socket forms a conduit leading to an opening in the panel member, which permits the introduction of ballast material into the hollow interior thereof.

5

9. A unit according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising connector means for interconnecting the base member with a similar, adjacent base member.

10. A unit according to claim 9, wherein said connector means comprise a lug on a base member and a recess on an adjacent base member, the lug, in use being

10 received by said recess, such that the movement between adjacent barrier units is restricted.

11. A unit as claimed in claim 10, wherein said lug is generally L-shaped and said recess in use is adjacent the ground,

12. A unit according to the preceding claims, wherein the base member incorporates a recess or cut-out to accommodate the positioning of a similar adjacent barrier unit base member if the angle subtended by the barrier unit and the adjacent barrier unit is not 180 degrees.

13. A barrier comprising a plurality of barrier units as claimed in any of the preceding claims and secured to one another in an end-to-end configuration.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1618956.5 Examiner: Miss Erin Bunton