GB2572009A

GB2572009A - Barrier connector

Info

Publication number: GB2572009A
Application number: GB1804273.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Reynolds Mark
Original assignee: Hardstaff Barriers Ltd
Current assignee: Hardstaff Barriers Ltd
Priority date: 2018-03-16
Filing date: 2018-03-16
Publication date: 2019-09-18
Also published as: GB201804273D0

Abstract

A connector 3 for a barrier system comprises a first connector portion 31 having a first mounting surface for connecting to a first barrier unit, and a first hinge portion. A second connector portion 32 has a second mounting surface for connecting to a second barrier unit, and a second hinge portion. The first and second hinge portions are connected by a hinge pin 33 and as such the first and/or second connector portion is pivotable around the pin. The pin may be removable and the first and/or second hinge portions may comprise a plurality of interlocking knuckles 301. A reinforcing plate 34 may be fixable to the first and second barrier units and may comprise first and second portions joined by a pivot. The reinforcing plate may restrict removal of the hinge pin. Also claimed is a barrier system and a method of constructing a barrier system comprising units joined by a connector.

Description

Barrier Connector

Technical Field

The invention relates to connectors for barrier systems. Specifically, the invention relates to, but need not be limited to, connectors for temporary and permanent vehicle barriers.

Background

Vehicle barriers are commonly employed in a variety of applications where it is necessary to protect areas adjacent traffic from out of control vehicles. Common examples are on roadside verges and central reservations, around building and engineering works, to protect pedestrian areas and even for more permanent installation around bridges, parapets or on racing circuits. Vehicle barriers are available in large variety of styles to fit various different situations, levels of protection required, and can be permanent or temporary installations.

The present Applicant manufactures two non-proprietary barrier systems comprising series of interlocking identical concrete barriers, known as the Multibloc™ and the Maxibloc™. The Maxibloc system is substantially the same as Multibloc system, but constructed from significantly larger and heavier concrete barriers, thus providing a higher level of protection. To form a barrier system, a series of the concrete barriers are aligned and bolted together to form a continuous barrier. A strengthening bar is then bolted to the upper surface of each of a pair of barriers to provide additional strength and rigidity.

Summary

One problem with existing barrier systems comprising a series of connected concrete barriers, is that non-straight sections of the barrier (i.e. curves formed by multiple units) are difficult to achieve. Gentle bends are possible over long distances, but the angle is severely limited since the barriers are connected directly to one another, and the connection is by necessity, very strong. When used on motorways, for example, such gentle bends are typically sufficient.

However, in town and city centres, among many other applications, it may be necessary to turn significantly sharper corners. One solution is the provision of pre-cast concrete corner units or curved units. While this is reasonably effective, it requires a specific piece which is typically much more expensive, since it is only used in low volumes. Alternatively, the concrete barriers may simply be abutted without being connected to the adjacent barriers. While this permits the bend or corner to be formed in the overall barrier section, the system is significantly weakened.

One alternative solution is to reinforce the concrete barriers with a cable or cables running through or connected to the concrete barriers. In such systems, the concrete barriers in corner sections or non-straight sections may not be directly coupled to one another, but are connected by the cables. Thus, curves in the overall barrier are attainable, although the angles are still restricted. This arrangement benefits from increased protection and improved resistance to head on impacts. However, the cables are difficult and time consuming to install into the barriers, and require tensioning once in place.

The present invention attempts to address or ameliorate one or more of the problems with existing barrier systems, or provide a useful alternative.

In a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a connector for a barrier system, the connector comprising:

a first connector portion comprising: a first mounting surface for connecting to a first barrier unit, and a first hinge portion;

a second connector portion comprising: a second mounting surface for connecting to a second barrier unit, and a second hinge portion;

wherein the first and second hinge portions are connected, in use, by a hinge pin; and wherein the first and/or second connector portion is pivotable around the hinge pin.

The invention provides a way of securely connecting barrier units which permit movement relative to the hinge pin. Thus it is possible, in use, to form angles and corners between pairs or series of barrier units connected by said connectors.

The first mounting surface may comprise a first mounting plate connected to the first hinge portion. The second mounting surface may comprise a second mounting plate connected to the second hinge portion. The first and/or second mounting surface may be connected to the respective first and/or second hinge portion by one or more ribs. The first and/or second connector portion may comprise at least one retaining strap configured to connect the mounting surface or plate to the one or more ribs.

The hinge pin may be removable. The hinge pin may have a non-circular or polygonal cross-section. For example, the hinge pin may have a rectangular or square crosssection e.g. in the plane transverse to the main axis of the pin. The hinge pin may be hollow and/or tubular.

The first and/or second hinge portion may comprise at least one hinge knuckle comprising an aperture for receiving the hinge pin.

As used herein, the term hinge knuckle is intended to refer to the part of the hinge which receives the pin, and may alternatively be known as a loop, joint or node. In embodiments in which both first and second hinge portion comprise at least one hinge knuckle, the hinge knuckles may be configured to be adjacent in use. In use, the hinge knuckles define a single channel for receiving the hinge pin. The aperture and/or channel may have a circular cross-section.

The first and second hinge portion may comprise a plurality of hinge knuckles configured, in use, to interlock to provide a continuous hinge. For example, the first hinge portion may comprise 2, 3, 4, 5 or more hinge knuckles. The second hinge portion may comprise 2, 3, 4, 5 or more hinge knuckles. Embodiments using more than one hinge knuckle per hinge portion are preferable, since the force of a vehicle impact applied to the first and second hinge portions is better distributed along the length of the hinge pin. In one series of embodiments, the hinge knuckles are connected to a main brace. The hinge knuckles main comprise one or more fins for connecting to the main brace. The fins and/or main brace may comprise one or more slots configured to engage with each other.

The main brace may extend at least part of the height of the connector portion and optionally may be connected to the mounting surface by one or more ribs. The main brace may comprise one or more slots configured to engage slots in, or sections of the one or more ribs.

In a further series of embodiments, the first and/or second hinge portion may comprise a series of hinge knuckles comprising a groove or channel for receiving the hinge pin, wherein the hinge knuckles are configured so that in use, they are arranged on alternate sides of the hinge pin. For example, the hinge knuckles may have a C-shaped profile or cross-section.

In some embodiments, the hinge knuckles may be configured to act as a first crumple zone, and/or deform upon an impact or collision in use. The hinge knuckles may be configured to conform to the shape or cross-section of the hinge pin upon impact. The hinge knuckles may comprise circular cross-section tubes, and the hinge pin comprises a square cross-sectioned tube. The hinge pin may have a wall thickness or gauge greater than the wall thickness or gauge of the hinge knuckles.

In some embodiments, the first and second hinge portion extend at least 50% and/or at least 75% of the height of the barrier unit to which they are to be fixed.

The first and/or second connector portion may be configured to project or extend from the end of a barrier unit, in a direction perpendicular to the height of the unit. For example, the first and/or second connector portion may extend toward an adjacent barrier unit. The first and/or second connector portion may be configured so that the hinge portion is connected to, but extends away from the mounting surface.

The first and/or second connector portion may comprise one or more cladding surfaces. The cladding surface may be configured to cover the mounting surface, and/or main brace and/or ribs.

The first and/or second connector portion may further comprise a tapering portion extending from the first and/or second mounting surface to the first and/or second hinge portion. The tapering portion may be configured to narrow toward the first and/or second hinge portion. Thus, the first and/or second connector may be configured to narrow as it extends toward an adjacent barrier unit. The tapering portion thus allows the first and/or second connector portions to pivot around the hinge pin in a wide range of angles without contacting the other of the first and/or second connector portion.

The connector may be configured so that the first and/or second connector portion is pivotable through an angle of up to 210°.

The mounting surface may be configured to engage or be attached to an end face of a barrier unit. The mounting surface may be angled relative to the ribs and/or main brace.

In some embodiments, the mounting surface may extend substantially across an end face of a barrier unit. For example, the mounting surface may have a width substantially equal to the width of a barrier unit to which it is to be fitted. The mounting surface may have a profile configured to conform to the end profile of a barrier unit. The mounting surface may comprise an angled surface or plate. The angled surface may comprise at least one fixing hole for receiving a fastener therethrough. The mounting surface may comprise an angled surface connecting a first oblique surface and second oblique surface.

The connector may further comprise a reinforcing plate for fixing to the first and second barrier unit. The strengthening plate may comprise a first plate portion for fixing to a first barrier unit, and a second plate portion for fixing to a second barrier unit, wherein the first and second plate portions are connectable by a pivot. In some embodiments, the pivot may be removable. For example, the pivot may comprise a bolt, pin or screw. Alternatively, the first and second plate portions may be connected by a non-removable pivot, such as a rivet. The first plate portion may comprise an offset portion and the offset portion may be configured to overlap a part of the second plate portion in the region of the pivot.

The strengthening plate may be configured so that when fixed to a first and second barrier unit, the removal of the hinge pin is restricted. For example, the strengthening plate may be configured to be attachable to a first and second barrier unit, wherein a portion of the strengthening plate is located above the hinge pin to restrict the removal of the hinge pin from the hinge portions.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a barrier system comprising:

a first and second barrier unit, wherein the first and second barrier units are connected by a connector as described above.

The barrier system may comprise a plurality of barrier units, and a plurality of connectors as described above connecting the barrier units.

The barrier system may comprise a plurality of barrier units, wherein in a first region the barrier units are connected directly to one another by a fastener, and in a second region the barrier units are connected to one another by a connector as described above.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for constructing a barrier system, the method comprising:

providing at least a first and second barrier unit and a connector as described herein, fixing the first connector portion to the first barrier and the second connector portion to the second barrier, and inserting the hinge pin into the first and second hinge portions to connect the two barrier units.

The method may further comprise subsequently fixing a strengthening plate to an upper surface of the first and second barrier units.

Brief description of the figures

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

Figure 1 is a front view of a segment of a barrier system;

Figure 2 is a zoomed in exploded view of the region A in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a top view of a barrier unit;

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a hinge knuckle shown in Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a retainer strap shown in Figure 3;

Figure 6 is a plan view of a barrier unit;

Figure 7 is a cross-section through the region B of Figure 6;

Figure 8A and 8B are views of a hinge pin from a first and second side;

Figure 8C is a diagram of a hinge pin from above;

Figure 9A is a plan view of a reinforcing plate;

Figure 9B is aside view of a reinforcing plate;

Figure 10 is a top view of a pair of barrier units in a first and second configuration; and

Figure 11 is a cross-section in a vertical plane C-C as shown in Figure 6.

Turning now to Figure 1, there is shown a section of a barrier system 1. The barrier system 1 comprises a series of substantially identical concrete barrier units 2. The barrier units 2 are conventional concrete units currently available from the Applicant, and are sold under the Maxibloc trade mark. The units are approximately 2 metres high and can weigh up to approximately 10 tons. To form a conventional barrier for a roadway, for example, the barrier units can be connected directly to one another in a series of as many units as are required. As shown in Figure 1, the barrier units 2 are each connected to the adjacent barrier units by connectors 3.

Turning now to Figure 2, the connectors 3 will be described. Each connector 3 is formed from a first connector portion 31, a second connector portion 32, a hinge pin 33 and a reinforcing plate 34. Both the first and second connector portions 31, 32 are provided with a series of hinge knuckles 301 which are separated vertically to provide an alternating arrangement of hinge knuckles 301 and spaces 302. The spaces 302 are sized to received the hinge knuckles 301 of the adjacent connector portion 31, 32 so as to provide a series of interlocking hinge knuckles 301 alternating between first and second connector portions 31, 32. As shown in Figure 11, the spaces 302 are slightly larger than the knuckles 301, thus when the knuckles are aligned a small gap is provided between adjacent knuckles 301. This eases the installation and alignment of the first and second connector portions 31, 32 during the connection of adjacent barriers, and also allows for expansion due to temperature fluctuations. Due to the size and weight of the barriers 2, manoeuvring them into position can be difficult, and thus a freely rotatable hinge as shown in Figure 11 is beneficial.

The hinge knuckles 301 are provided with an internal aperture (not shown) which extends parallel to the height of the first and second connector portions 31, 32. To form the connector 3, the first and second hinge portions 31, 32 are moved toward each other until the hinge knuckles 301 interlock and define an elongate channel for receiving the hinge pin 33 (as shown in Figure 11). The hinge pin 33 is thus insertable into the channel and the first and second hinge portions 31, 32 are thus locked together. The reinforcing plate 34 is then fixed to the barrier units 2 over the top of the first and second hinge connectors 31, 32 to provide additional strength, aid alignment, and prevent removal of the hinge pin 33 from the channel formed by the aligned apertures of the hinge knuckles 301.

Turning now to Figures 3 and 11, the structure of the hinge connectors 31, 32 will be described. The hinge connectors 31, 32 are formed from a series of four hinge knuckles 301. Each hinge knuckle 301 is a circular tube with an aperture 303 extending therethrough. The apertures 303 are all coaxial so as to define a channel, the centre of which extends along dashed line 304. The hinge knuckles 301 are all connected to a main brace 305 which extends parallel with the channel and apertures 304. Each hinge knuckle 301 has a fin 306 as shown in Figure 4. The fin 306 is typically welded to the outer surface of the tube defining the aperture 303, and extends perpendicularly. The fins 306 are provided with first slots 307 which can be interlocked with a corresponding second slots 308 provided in the main brace 305. Thus, the hinge knuckles 301 can be easily assembled on the main brace 305. The main brace 305 is ideally made from 15mm high tensile steel, and the hinge knuckles 301 and main brace 305 are subsequently welded together to ensure an extremely strong and secure connection.

The main brace 305 is connected to a series of three ribs 309A-C. First rib 309A engages a third slot 310 at an upper end of the main brace 305, and the third rib 309C engages a fourth slot 311 at a lower end of the main brace 305. The second rib, 309B engages a fifth slot 312 arranged approximately centrally of the main brace 305. The fifth slot 312 has an approximate T-shape for receiving an end of the second rib 309B and also a retaining plate 313 and lock plate 314. The retaining plate 313 has a profile which conforms to the profiled edge of the main brace 305, and retains the lock plate 314 in the cross of the T-shaped slot. The ribs 309A-C, main brace 305, lock plate 314 and retaining plate 313 are all welded together to provide an extremely strong connection.

The ribs 309A-C extend away from the main brace 305 in a direction perpendicular to the axis 304 of the channel, and toward a mounting plate 315. The mounting plate 315 is substantially a rectangular bar and extends parallel with the axis 304 of the channel, and connects to the ribs 309A-C via sixth slots 316. A pair of retainer straps 317 (as shown in figure 5) are provided for each of the ribs 309A-C. The retainer straps 317 are approximately triangular, and have a seventh slot 318 provided therein. The retainer straps 317 are aligned perpendicularly to the ribs 309A-C so that the rib 309A-C is located within the seventh slot 318. And the base edge 319 of the retainer strap is received within one of the sixth slots 316. The retainer strap 317 thus provides important support for the end of the ribs 309A-C and retains them in alignment with the mounting plate 315. The ribs 309A-C, mounting plate 315 and retainer straps 317 are all welded together. The mounting plate 315 is further provided with a series of four bushings 320, the purpose of which is described below.

As shown in Figures 2 and 11, it is necessary to vertically offset the two series of hinge knuckles 301 in order to permit them to interlock when positioned together. As shown in Figure 3, the sixth slots 316 provided on the mounting plate 315 are arranged centrally on the mounting plate. As shown, the upper end 315A (as shown) extending beyond the final pair of sixth slots 316 is shorter than the extension of the lower end 315B beyond the lowermost sixth slots 316. As such, the main brace 305 is positioned closer to the uppermost end of the mounting plate. In an alternative configuration, the mounting plate 315 is rotated through 180° relative to the rest of the internal structure so that upper end 315A and lower end 315B are switched. Thus, when attached to the ribs 309A-C as described above, the rest of the internal structure is shifted downwards. Thus, a simple way of obtaining distinct first and second connector portions 31, 32 is achieved without requiring unique components. The hinge knuckles 301 can thus be provided at different relative heights.

Turning now to Figure 6, there is shown a top view of a barrier unit 2 with first and second connector portions 31, 32 mounted on opposite ends. A cross-section through the region B is shown in more detail in Figure 7. A line C-C is provided to illustrate a vertical cross section through the connector portions, as detailed in Figure 11.

The first and second connector portions 31, 32 are provided with a top surface 360, first face 361 and second face 362. Not shown is a bottom face (363 in Figure 2). The top surface 360, first face 361 and second face 362 enclose the internal structure (i.e. as shown in Figure 3) of the first and second connector portions 31, 32, thus providing protection from the weather, preventing tampering with the structural components and prevent snagging on the angled internal surfaces.

The first face 361 extends between a first side of the hinge knuckles 301 and the adjacent edge of the barrier unit 2. The second face 362 extends between the opposite side of the hinge knuckles 301 and the adjacent edge of the barrier unit 2. Since the end of the barrier unit 2 is profiled to provide an offset and angled middle portion, the second face 362 is larger than the first. A bend 364 is provided approximately level with the edge of the first surface 361, so that the second surface 362 can both connect to the barrier unit 2 and taper at the same angle as the first surface 361. Thus when viewed from above, the first and second surfaces 316, 362 taper or narrow toward the hinge knuckles 301. The first and second surfaces 361, 362 and the top surface 360 and bottom face 363 are all made from 5mm steel, and stamped or bent into shape. Thus the surfaces are not as strong as the internal structure of the connector portions 31, 32, but they are not required to provide significant levels of strengthening or rigidity.

Turning now to Figure 7, there is shown a zoomed in cross section of the region B shown in Figure 6. The cross-section is taken horizontally through the connector portion 32 and barrier unit 2. The barrier unit 2 is provided with a bore 21 which extends perpendicularly from the angled face 20 of the barrier unit 2. The bore 21 has an upper channel 21A with a first diameter and a lower channel 21B with a second, smaller diameter. The transition between upper and lower channel 21 A, 21B thus forms a shoulder 21C recessed within the volume of the barrier unit 2. As shown in Figure 2, the barrier unit 1 is provided with a series of four bores 21 spaced vertically along the barrier 2.

Also shown is the mounting plate 315 and one of the bushings 320. A fastener 23, in this case a screw or bolt is inserted into and through the bore 21, so that the head of the fastener 23 engages the shoulder 21C. The threaded portion of the fastener 23 engages the bushings 320 through the mounting plate 315, thereby strongly attaching the mounting plate 315, and thus the connector portion 32 to the barrier unit 2.

Turning now to Figure 8A-C and Figure 11 there is shown the hinge pin 33. The hinge pin 33 comprises a shaft 331 with a square cross section. The shaft 331 has a width at its widest point (i.e. diagonally) which is slightly smaller than the diameter of the apertures 303 in the hinge knuckles 301, thereby permitting both easy installation and accounting for a small amount of misalignment due to uneven ground. Since the barrier units 2 are multiple metres long, small fluctuations in the ground surface can cause “yawning” of the hinge knuckles, wherein the apertures are not fully aligned. With a narrower hinge pin, yawning of up to 1° can be accounted for, while still providing an extremely strong connection between connector portions.

The upper end of the hinge pin 33 is provided with a flared lip 332 which is approximately circular, as shown in Figure 8C. The end opposite the flared lip 332 is provided with a taper 333 to make the hinge pin 33 easier to insert. As shown in Figure 11, the flared lip rests against the upper edge of the topmost knuckle 301, and thus prevents the hinge pin 33 from being inserted too far into channel, or from dropping out of the hinge assembly altogether.

Turning now to Figures 9A and 9B, there is shown the reinforcing plate 34 in greater detail. The reinforcing plate 34 has a first T-plate 34A and a second T-plate 34B, each having an elongate stem portion 341 and a T-portion 342. Each T-plate 34A-B is provided with three fixing holes 343 through which fasteners (not shown) can be inserted to engage bushings (not shown) mounted into the upper surface of the barrier unit 2. The fixing holes 343 are slots rather than circular holes, thus permitting a small amount of misalignment to compensate for any yawning due to uneven ground. The first and second T-plate 34A-B are connected to each other in a central region of the reinforcing plate 34.

The first T-plate 34A is provided with a connecting portion 344, which is parallel to but offset from the rest of the stem portion 341 by two bends 345. Thus the connecting portion 344 contacts the upper surface of the second T-plate 34B. The two T-plates 34A-B are connected by a fastener 346, in this embodiment a nut and bolt, which passes through holes in the ends of the first and second T-plates 34A-B. The fastener 346 acts as a pivot around which the first and second T-plate 34A-B can rotate. In addition to reinforcing the connecting portions 31, 32, the reinforcing plate 34 helps with alignment of the two barrier units to prevent or reduce yawning or misalignment of the connector portions 31, 32 due to uneven ground surfaces. As best shown in Figure 1, since the reinforcing plate 34 is located directly above the connecting portions 31, 32 and the hinge pin 33, the reinforcing plate 34 acts as an anti-tamper device preventing removal of the hinge pin. Particularly where large fasteners are used to connect the reinforcing plate 34 to the upper surfaces of the barrier units 2, such as M30 bolts which have head sizes greater than common spanner/wrench sizes.

To construct the barrier system 1 as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first and second connector portions 31, 32 are positioned adjacent to the end faces of a pair of barrier units 2. A fastener 23 is then inserted into each of the bores 21 in each of the barriers 2 and tightened to retain the connector portions 31, 32 in securely position. The two barrier units 2 with their respective first and second connector portions 31, 32 can then be positioned so that the hinge knuckles 301 interlock. Since each barrier weighs up to 10 tons, this would be carried out by a forklift truck or telehandler. Once positioned, the hinge pin 33 is inserted through the apertures 303 to engage each of the hinge knuckles 301. The first and second T-plates 34A-B are connected by a fastener 346, and the reinforcing plate 34 is then fixed to the upper surface of the barrier units by a series of fasteners (not shown) through the fixing holes 343.

If required, once connected it may still be possible to move the barriers units 2, for example to form an angle between them so as to form a non-straight barrier section or corner. However it is preferred that the barrier units 2 are positioned to form bends or non-straight sections and corners prior to inserting the hinge pin 33. In use, it is expected that barrier systems will comprise series of many barrier units 2, which are connected by a combination of directly bolting the two barrier units 2 together in the conventional manner, and by using connectors 3 as described herein where greater angles are required.

The barrier system 1 has a number of advantages over existing products. Firstly, by hingedly connecting the barrier units 2 by connectors 3, non-linear sections and corners are achievable while still retaining the structural integrity of a continuous barrier. With reference to Figure 10, the range of relative movement of a pair of barrier units 2 is shown. In Figure 10, barrier unit 2A is fixed in position, and a second barrier unit 2B is connected thereto by a connector 3. Barrier 2B can be rotated around the hinge pin 33 to a minimum internal angle of 74° between barrier unit 2A and 2B. Barrier unit 2B can then be move through an arc of 210° so as to the location as shown by barrier unit 2C. Compared to existing barrier systems, far more variation in alignment is achievable.

In testing, the barrier system 1 has been demonstrated to be at least as strong as existing barrier systems comprising barrier units 2 bolted directly together. Conventional connection has a major weakness, in that the barrier systems are very good at deflecting wayward vehicles at glancing angles, but are significantly less effective against head on collisions, especially from Heavy Good Vehicles and similar sized traffic. Size head on collisions are localised in a small region of the barrier, the forces involved may shear the bolts connecting adjacent barrier units or even break the concrete barrier units themselves.

In the present invention, because the barrier units 2 are connected in series by connectors 3, a degree of flexibility is permitted by the connectors 3. The connectors 3 are thus less likely to shear, and instead the barrier system 1 functions similarly to barriers systems reinforced with cables. The flexibility allows the barrier units 2 to drag adjacent barrier units 2, and thus the head on compressive force is at least partly mitigated and deflected into a tensile force distributed over a longer section of the barrier system.

A further advantage of the present invention lies in the configuration of the hinge knuckles 301 and the hinge pin 33 as shown in Figure 11. As described above, the hinge knuckles 301 have an aperture 303 are can be formed from metal tubing. Typically, metal tubing is available is limited predetermined external diameters, wherein the internal diameter is governed by the wall thickness or gauge of the tube. The hinge pin 33 is made from a non-circular tubing, in this case square tubing, and has an external width at its thickest point slightly smaller than the internal diameter of the hinge knuckles 301, to allow free rotation of the connector portions 31, 32 relative to the hinge pin 33. Thus a gap 335 is formed between the shaft 331 of the hinge pin 33 and the internal surface of the knuckles 301. The size of the gap 335 in Figure 11 is not limited to the separation shown, and may be smaller or greater.

The square tubing of the hinge pin 33 is more easily available in a range of diameters and gauges. Thus, in some embodiments, the gauge or wall thickness of the hinge pin is greater than the gauge or wall thickness of the hinge knuckles 301. During a collision, and particularly head on collisions, the walls of the hinge knuckles 301 will collapse as a first “crumple zone” and the gap 335 will be reduced or eliminated. Because the walls of the hinge pin 33 are much thicker and thus stronger, the collapsing hinge knuckles 301 will conform to the square cross section of the hinge pin 33. As adjacent barrier units 2 are moved backwards from the force of an impact, the connector portions 31, 32 rotate around the hinge pin 33. When the hinge knuckles 301 collapse around the hinge pin 33, the relative rotation of the hinge knuckles 301 around the square cross-sectioned hinge pin 33 is resisted. Thus, resisting the rotation dissipates some of the crash energy and further strengthens the resistance to impact of the connector 3. It is appreciated that other cross-sectional shapes for the hinge pin 33 and the knuckles 301 may be used. Preferably the shaft 331 of the hinge pin 33 is polygonal, and typically a rectangular or triangular cross-section is most effective at preventing rotation of the knuckles 301 once compressed around the shaft 331.

A further advantage is best described with reference to Figure 3. The ribs 309A-C are received by the main brace 305 in slots prior to being permanently welded together. As described above, during an impact the barrier units 3 are forced backward the tensile force experienced through the connector is along the main axis of the ribs 309A-C. By receiving part of the ribs 309A and 309C within the slots 310 and 311, the tensile force is transferred directly onto the rib, and not solely through the strength of the welds connecting the two parts. Similarly for the central rib 309B, the arrangement of the lock plate 314 and the retaining plate 313 is intended to strengthen the resistance to tensile forces and dissipate such forces over a larger area of the main brace 305 to prevent shearing of the connecting welds.

Broadly as described above is a temporary barrier system 1, as may be placed directly on a road or pavement surface. The barrier system 1 may be strengthened by installing the lower edge of the barrier units into a shallow channel, and backfilling the channel with concrete.

Claims

1. A connector for a barrier system, the connector comprising:

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the hinge pin is removable.

3. The connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the hinge pin has a square cross-section.

4. The connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and/or second hinge portion comprises at least one hinge knuckle comprising an aperture for receiving the hinge pin.

5. The connector according to claim 4, wherein the aperture has a circular crosssection.

6. The connector according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the first and second hinge portion comprise a plurality of hinge knuckles configured, in use, to interlock to provide a continuous hinge.

7. The connector according to claim 6, wherein the first hinge portion comprises a main brace connecting a first series of hinge knuckles, and wherein the second hinge portion comprises a second main brace connecting a second series of hinge knuckles.

8. The connector according to claim 7, wherein the first and second main brace are connected to the mounting surface by at least one rib.

9. The connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and/or second connector portion further comprises a tapering portion extending from the first and/or second mounting surface to the first and/or second hinge portion.

10. The connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mounting surface has a profile configured to conform to the end profile of a barrier unit.

11. The connector according to claim 10, wherein the mounting surface comprises an angled surface and wherein the angled surface comprises at least one fixing hole for receiving a fastener therethrough.

12. The connector according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a reinforcing plate fixable to the first and second barrier unit.

13. The connector according to claim 12, wherein the reinforcing plate comprises a first plate portion for fixing to a first barrier unit, and a second plate portion for fixing to a second barrier unit, wherein the first and second plate portions are connected by a pivot.

14. The connector according to claim 13, wherein the first plate portion comprises an offset portion and wherein the offset portion is configured to overlap a part of the second plate portion in the region of the pivot.

15. The connector according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the reinforcing plate is configured so that when fixed to a first and second barrier unit, the removal of the hinge pin is restricted.

16. A barrier system comprising:

a first and second barrier unit, wherein the first and second barrier units are connected by a connector according to any one of the preceding claims.

17. A method for constructing a barrier system, the method comprising:

providing at least a first and second barrier unit and a connector according to any one of claims 1 to 14, fixing the first connector portion to the first barrier and the second connector portion to the second barrier, and inserting the hinge pin into the first and second hinge portions to connect the two barrier units.

18. The method according to claim 17, further comprising subsequently fixing a reinforcing plate to an upper surface of the first and second barrier units.