GB2602031A

GB2602031A - Bollard assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2602031A
Application number: GB2019827.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Richard Jefferson Ian; David Botwright Matthew; Philip Knight Roger
Original assignee: Marshalls PLC
Current assignee: Marshalls PLC
Priority date: 2020-12-15
Filing date: 2020-12-15
Publication date: 2022-06-22
Anticipated expiration: 2040-12-15
Also published as: GB202019827D0; GB2602031B

Abstract

The assembly 10 comprises a base 100 comprising a base plate (120, 140, figure 5) defining a socket (170, figure 4) extending through the base plate, a core plate 200 comprising a foot end (220, figure 9) received into the socket, a core body (240, figure 9) extending from the base, wherein the core body defines a slot (242, figure 9) extending through the core body, a brace member 300 comprising, a tail end (320, figure 10) received into the socket, a brace body (340, figure 10) extending from the base, wherein the brace body comprises a tab (342, figure 10) extending into the slot of the core plate. The foot end may further comprise a first foot extending from a first side edge and a second foot extending from a second side edge of the core plate, wherein the first and second foot are received into the socket of the base plate. Also disclosed is a barricade comprising a plurality of the bollard assemblies and a ridge comprising a plurality of the bollard assemblies.

Description

BOLLARD ASSEMBLY

FIELD

[1] The present disclosure relates in general to a bollard assembly for restricting vehicle access.

BACKGROUND

[2] The control and, more particularly, the restriction of vehicular access to a target area has become an increasingly important security consideration in many countries. By restricting vehicular access to the target area partially or entirely, a vehicle-controlled zone may be formed so that buildings and/or individuals may be protected from, for example, a criminal or terrorist threat.

[3] Vehicular access may be restricted, for example, by means of bollards defining a barricade. The barricade, which may also be known as vehicle security barrier, is configured to prevent forcible passage by a vehicle to the target area by enforcing stand-off. The installation of bollards requires excavation to provide a foundation for a mounting structure located underground. In order to withstand considerable impact, the foundation is required to be sufficiently resilient. This may be difficult to achieve, however, since available depth for the foundation may be limited. For example, in highly populated urban areas where services (pipes, cables, etc.) and other structures are already provided underground, this may limit the available depth for the foundation. A bridge deck, i.e. the surface of a bridge, is another example where a deep foundation may be impossible to achieve.

[4] It is therefore desirable to provide a bollard assembly which, on the one hand, provides a suitably resilient structural foundation and, on the other hand, does not require a deep excavation, for example no more than 100 millimetres.

SUMMARY

[5] According to the present disclosure there is provided an apparatus as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.

[6] Accordingly there may be provided a bollard assembly, comprising: a base comprising a base plate defining a socket extending through the base plate; a core plate comprising a foot end received into the socket, a core body extending from the base, wherein the core body defines a slot extending through the core body; a brace member comprising: a tail end received into the socket, a brace body extending from the base, wherein the brace body comprises a tab extending into the slot of the core plate.

[7] The foot end of the core plate may comprise a foot received into the socket of the base plate. Preferably the foot end comprises a first foot extending from a first side edge of the core plate and a second foot extending from a second side edge of the core plate, wherein the first foot and the second foot are received into the socket. The first foot and the second foot may extend into opposite directions.

[8] The tab of the brace member may extend from a first edge of the brace member and may be located in the socket of the base plate; the tail end of the brace member may comprise a protrusion extending from a second edge of the brace member. The first edge and the second edge may be opposite edges of the brace member. The tab and the protrusion may extend into opposite directions.

[9] The base may comprise a cover plate located on the base plate and defining a cover plate aperture through which the core body and the brace body extend. The cover plate may be located over the protrusion of the brace member, where such a protrusion is provided. The cover plate may be located over the foot or feet of the core plate, where such a foot or feet are provided.

[10] The base plate may have a front edge, a rear edge and/or a pair of side edges, and wherein the cover plate extends part of the way, but not all the way, between the front edges and the rear edges, and the cover plate extends part of the way, but not all the way, between the side edges. The cover plate may be secured to a top surface of the base plate. For example, the cover plate may be welded to the top surface along a front edge, a rear edge and/or a side edge of the cover plate.

[11] The brace body may extend between the tail end of the brace member and a top end of the brace member, such that the tab is provided between the tail end and the top end.

[12] The brace member may be provided as a plate profile. Here a 'profile' is understood to be a shape cut from plate [13] The bollard assembly may comprise a plurality of brace members and the core plate may define a plurality of slots. The plurality of brace members may comprise a first brace member and a second brace member and the plurality of slots may comprise a first slot and a second slot. A first tab of the first brace member may be located in the first slot, and a second tab of the second brace member may be located in the second slot. The plurality of brace members may comprise a third brace member. A third tab of the third brace member may be located in a third slot of the core plate.

[14] The first brace member may engage a first face of the core plate. The second brace member may engage the first face of the core plate. The third brace member may engage a second face of the core plate. The first face and the second face of the core plate may be opposite faces.

[15] The first brace member and the second brace member may be provided without a third brace member. The first brace member and the third brace member may be provided without a second brace member.

[16] The socket may comprise a main section and a secondary section. Where a plurality of brace members is provided, the socket may comprise a plurality of secondary sections, such as a first secondary section, a second secondary section and a third secondary section. The secondary section or each secondary section may extend away from the main section. The foot end of the core plate may be received into the main section and the foot end of the or each brace member may be received into the or each secondary section.

[17] The base may comprise a plurality of base plates provided in a stacked configuration. The plurality of base plates may comprise a first base plate and a second base plate. The first base plate may define a first socket aperture extending through the first base plate, and the second base plate may define a second socket aperture extending through the second base plate. The first socket aperture and the second socket aperture may be aligned to define the socket. The foot end of the core plate and the tail end of the brace member may each be received into the first socket aperture and the second socket aperture.

[18] The second base plate may extend part of the way, but not all the way, towards a first side edge of the first base plate. Thus a first side margin may be defined. The second base plate may extend part of the way, but not all the way, towards a second side edge of the first base plate. Thus a second side margin may be defined. Alternatively or additionally, the second base plate may extend part of the way, but not all the way, towards a first front edge and/or a first rear edge of the first base plate.

[19] The second base plate may be secured to a top surface of the first base plate. For example, the second base plate may be welded to a top surface of the first base plate along a front edge, a rear edge and/or a pair of side edges of the second base plate.

[20] The first side margin may define a first margin aperture or a plurality of first margin apertures. The second side margin may define a second margin aperture or a plurality of second margin apertures.

[21] Accordingly there may be provided a barricade comprising a plurality of bollard assemblies as described above. The barricade may further comprise a linkage plate for physically connecting a first bollard assembly and a second bollard assembly of the plurality of bollard assemblies. The linkage plate may comprise a first end mountable to a side margin of the first bollard assembly and a second end mountable to a side margin of the second bollard assembly. The first end may comprise a first linkage plate aperture or a plurality of first linkage plate apertures for securing the linkage plate to the first margin aperture or plurality of first margin apertures. The second end of the linkage plate may comprise a second linkage plate aperture or a plurality of second linkage apertures for securing the linkage plate to the second margin aperture or the plurality of second margin apertures.

[22] The first end or the second end of the linkage plate may comprise a pair of edges provided at an obtuse angle. The linkage plate may be securable to the first base plate in a first configuration and in a second configuration. In the first configuration, the first edge may be adjacent to and parallel to a side edge of the second base plate. In the second configuration, the second edge may be adjacent to and parallel to the side edge of the second base plate.

[23] The linkage plate may comprise multiple layers. In particular, the linkage plate may comprise two or three layers. The linkage plate may comprise a top layer, a middle layer and a bottom layer. The top layer and the middle layer may define the first end and the second end of the linkage plate. The bottom layer may extend part of the way, but not all the way, to the first end and to the second end of the linkage plate.

[24] The top layer may define a top layer aperture along which the top layer is welded to the middle layer. The bottom layer may define a bottom layer aperture along the bottom layer is welded to the middle plate.

[25] The bottom layer may have a thickness substantially equal to a thickness of the first base plate. The middle layer and the top layer may have a combined thickness substantially equal to a combined thickness of the second base plate and the top plate.

[26] Accordingly there may be provided a bridge comprising a bollard assembly as described above or a barricade as described above. The bollard assembly or the barricade may be embedded in a bridge deck of the bridge. The core plate or the core plates and the brace member or the brace members may upstand from a bridge surface. The base or the bases may be embedded under the bridge surface. The base may extend at most 10 centimetres under the bridge surface. More particularly, a lowermost surface of the base plate or the base plates may be located no deeper than 10 centimetres under the bridge surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[27] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how example embodiments may be carried into effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary bollard assembly; Figure 2 is another perspective view of the bollard assembly of Figure 1; Figure 3 is an exploded view of the bollard assembly of Figure 1, separately showing a base, a core plate and a pair of brace members of the bollard assembly; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the base of Figure 3; Figure 5 is an exploded view of the base of Figure 4; Figure 6 is a perspective view of a base plate of the base of Figure 4; Figure 7 is an exploded view of a pair of base plates of the base of Figure 4; Figure 8 is a perspective view of a cover plate of the base of Figure 4; Figure 9 is a perspective view of the core plate of Figure 3; Figure 10 is a perspective view of a brace member of Figure 3; Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of a barricade comprising the bollard assembly; and Figure 12 is an exploded view of a linkage plate of the barricade of Figure 11. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [28] According to the present disclosure there is provided a bollard assembly for installation in a shallow foundation. The foundation may have a depth of no more than 10 centimetres and preferably of no more than 5 centimetres.

[29] Figures 1, 2 and 3 show an example of a bollard assembly 10 according to the present disclosure. Figure 1 is a front view of the bollard assembly 10. Figure 2 is a rear view of the bollard assembly 10. Figure 3 is an exploded view of the bollard assembly 10.

[30] The bollard assembly 10 comprises a front end 12 (or 'impact end' or 'first end') and a rear end 14 (or 'far end' or 'second end'). In use, the bollard assembly 10 may be orientated such that the front end 12 faces an expected impact and the rear end 14 points away from the expected impact. The bollard assembly 10 thus defines a nominal impact direction 20. According to the present example, the nominal impact direction 20 is perpendicular to the front end 12 of the bollard assembly 10. Figure 1 is a 'front' view with respect to the nominal impact direction 20, while Figure 2 is a 'rear' view with respect to the nominal impact direction 20. The bollard assembly 10 is particularly suitable for absorbing an impact of a vehicle travelling in a direction having a component in the nominal impact direction 20. For example, the vehicle may be travelling substantially in the nominal impact direction 20 or at angle thereto, such as an angle of 60 degrees relative to the nominal impact direction 20.

[31] The bollard assembly 10 comprises a base 100, a core plate 200 and a brace member 300. In Figure 3, the base 100, the core plate 200 and the brace member 300 are shown separately. The core plate 200 is provided closer to the front end 12 than to the rear end 14. The brace member 300 is located 'behind' the core plate 200 with respect to the nominal impact direction 20. That is to say, the distance between the core plate 200 and the front end 12 is smaller than the distance between the brace member 300 and the front end 12. As can be seen in Figure 3, two brace members 300 are provided according to the present example. Both brace members 300 are located behind the core plate 200.

[32] In use, the core plate 200 and the brace member 300 may define a bollard, i.e. a post providing an obstacle to vehicular traffic, while the base 100 may be embedded in a substrate, such as concrete, to anchor the core plate 200 and the brace member 300. The core plate 200 and the brace member 300 extend from the base 100 in a direction which in use may be substantially vertical. According to the present example, the core plate 200 and the brace member 300 are substantially perpendicular to the base 100.

[33] Figures 4 and 5 show the base 100 of the bollard assembly 10. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the base 100. Figure 5 is an exploded view of the base 100. The base 100 comprises a first base plate 120, a second base plate 140 and a cover plate 160. The plates 120, 140, 160 are provided in a stacked configuration. That is to say, the second base plate 140 is located on the first base plate 120, and the cover plate 160 is located on the second base plate 140. In use, the first base plate 120 may be in a lowermost position while the cover plate 160 may be in an uppermost position, with the second base plate 140 provided between the first base plate 120 and the cover plate 160.

[34] A pair of side margins 112, 114 is defined by the base 100. The side margins 112, 114 are exposed sections of the first base plate 120 which are not covered by the second base plate 140. Thus a first side margin 112 extends along one side of the base 100, and a second side margin 114 extends along the other side of the base 100.

[35] A socket 170 is defined by the plates 120, 140, 160. The socket 170 extends through the base 100. According to the present example, the socket 170 extends through the whole base, i.e. through each of the plates 120, 140, 160. The socket 170 is configured to receive and retain the core plate 200 and the brace members 300. Suitably the socket 170 comprises a main section 172 and a pair of secondary sections 174, 176.

[36] The main section 172 of the socket 170 is configured to receive and retain the core plate 200. Suitably the main section 172 has a shape which cross-sectionally substantially corresponds to the core plate 200. According to the present example, this is a generally elongate shape and, more particularly, a substantially rectangular shape.

[37] Each of the secondary sections 174, 176 is configured to receive and retain one of the brace members 300. Suitably each secondary section 174, 176 has a shape which cross-sectionally substantially corresponds to the respective brace member 300. According to the present example, each secondary section 174, 176 has a generally elongate shape and, more particularly, a substantially rectangular shape.

[38] According to the present example, the main section 172 extends substantially parallel to the front end 12 of the bollard assembly 10 while the secondary sections 174, 176 extend substantially perpendicular to the front end 12. In other words, the main section 172 extends substantially perpendicular to the nominal impact direction 20 while the secondary sections 174, 176 extend substantially parallel to the nominal impact direction 20.

[39] Each of the pair of secondary sections 174, 176 is separately joined to the main section 172. More particularly, each secondary section 174, 176 extends away from the main section 172 [40] Figures 6, 7 and 8 illustrate the plates 120, 140, 160 of the base 100. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the first base plate 120 of the base 100. Figure 7 is an exploded view showing the first base plate 120 and the second base plate 140 of the base 100. Figure 8 is a perspective view of the cover plate 160.

[41] Each plate 120, 140, 160 has a top surface 121, 141, 161 (or 'first' surface); a rear surface 122, 142, 162 (or 'second' surface); a front edge 123, 143, 163 (or' first' edge); a rear edge 124, 144, 165 (or 'second' edge); and a pair of side edges 125, 145, 165.

[42] The top surface 121, 141, 161 and the rear surface 122, 142, 162 of each plate 120, 140, 160 are substantially flat and substantially parallel. That is to say, the plates 120, 140, 160 each have a uniform thickness delimited by the top surface 121, 141, 161 and the rear surface 122, 142, 162. When the base 100 is assembled, the second base plate 140 is located on the first base plate 120. In particular, the rear surface 142 of the second base plate 140 contacts the top surface 121 of the first base plate 120. Similarly, the cover plate 160 is located on the second base plate 140. That is, the rear surface 162 of the cover plate 160 contacts the top surface 141 of the second base plate 140.

[43] The front edge 123, 143, 163 and the rear edge 124, 144, 165 delimit a longitudinal extent of the plates 120, 140, 160. The side edges 125, 145, 165 delimit a sideways extent of the plates 120, 140, 160. According to the present example, all edges are provided as straight edges. That is to say, the front edges 123, 143, 163, the rear edges 124, 144, 165 and the side edges 125, 145, 165 are provided as straight edges.

[44] The first side margin 112, discussed above with reference to Figure 4, is defined between the side edge 125 of the first base plate 120 and the corresponding side edge 145 of the second base plate 145. Similarly, the second side margin 114 is defined between the other side edge 125 of the first base plate 120 and the other side edge 145 of the second base plate 145.

[45] A plurality of coupling apertures 126 is provided along each side edge 125 of the first base plate 120. More particularly, the coupling apertures 126 are located in the side margins 112, 114. The coupling apertures 126 are configured for coupling the bollard assembly 10 to an external structure, such as another bollard assembly 10.

[46] Each plate 120, 140, 160 defines a socket aperture 127, 147, 167 extending through the respective plate 120, 140, 160. That is to say, the first base plate 120 defines a first socket aperture 127, the second base plate 140 defines a second socket aperture 147, and the cover plate 160 defines a third socket aperture 167 (or 'cover plate' aperture). The socket apertures 127, 147, 167 in combination define the socket 170 of the base 100. More particularly, the socket apertures 127, 147, 167 are aligned to define socket 170. The second socket aperture 147 is aligned with first socket aperture 127 as indicated in Figure 7 by the dashed lines.

[47] Each socket aperture 127, 147, 167 extends all the way through the respective plate 120, 140, 167. That is to say, each socket aperture 127, 147, 167 extends from the corresponding top surface 121, 141, 161 to the corresponding rear surface 122, 142, 162.

[48] Each socket aperture 127, 147, 167 comprises a main section 128, 148, 168 and a secondary section 129, 149, 169. The main sections 128, 148, 168 and the secondary section 129, 149, 169 are generally straight and, more particularly, rectangular. The main sections 128, 148, 168 extend substantially parallel to the front edges 121, 141, 167 of the corresponding plate 120, 140, 160, whereas the secondary sections 129, 149, 169 extend substantially perpendicular to the front edges 121, 141, 167. The main sections 128, 148, 168 and the secondary sections 129, 149, 169 are joined, such that the secondary sections 129, 149, 169 extend away from the main section 128, 148, 168.

[49] The first socket aperture 127 of the first base plate 120 and the second socket aperture 147 of the second base plate 140 are substantially identical.

[50] The third socket aperture 167 is smaller than the second socket aperture 147. In particular, the third main section 168 of the third socket aperture 167 is shorter than the first main section 128 and the second main section 148. Similarly, the third secondary section 169 is shorter than the first secondary section 129 and the second secondary section 149. Thus the cover plate 160 covers or conceals part of the underlying socket apertures 127, 128 when the base 100 is assembled and the third socket aperture 167 aligned with the underlying socket apertures 127, 128. Accordingly, the cover plate 160 is configured to retain within the socket 170 at least part of the core plate 200 and the brace member 300.

[51] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the core plate 200.

[52] The core plate 200 defines a front face 201 (or 'first surface') and a rear face 202 (or 'second surface). The front face 201 and the rear face 202 are opposite faces of the core plate 200, delimiting a thickness of the core plate 200. The front face 201 and the rear face 202 are substantially flat and parallel, i.e. define a plate shape. According to the present example, the core plate 200 has a uniform thickness.

[53] The front face 201 is oriented such that it faces into the nominal impact direction 20 and, according to the present example, is substantially perpendicular to the nominal impact direction 20.

[54] The core plate 200 comprises a first side edge 206 and a second side edge 208. The first side edge 206 and the second side edge 208 are opposite edges of the core plate 200. The side edges 206, 208 delimit (or 'bound') a width of the core plate 200.

[55] The core plate 200 comprises a foot end 220 (or 'first end'), a core body 240 (or 'core plate body'), and head end 260 (or 'second end). The side edges 206, 208 extend from the foot end 220 to the head 260. The core body 240 extends between the foot end 220 and the head end 260. The foot end 200 and the head end 260 delimit a height of the core plate 200.

[56] The foot end 220 of the core plate 200 is receivable by the base 100. In Figures 1 and 2, the core plate 200 is received by the base 100, such that the foot end 220 is slotted into the base 100. The core body 240 extends from the base 100 when the foot end 220 is received into the base 100.

[57] The foot end 220 comprises a first foot 222 and a second foot 224. The first foot 222 extends from the first side edge 206. The second foot 224 extends from the second side edge 208, such that the feet 222, 224 extend into opposite directions. When the bollard assembly 10 is assembled, the first foot 222 and the second foot 224 are received into the socket 170. More particularly, the first foot 222 and the second foot 224 are located within the first socket aperture 127 and the second socket aperture 147 and covered by the cover plate 167. That is to say, the cover plate 160 is configured to extend over the feet 222, 224 of the core plate 200. Thus the cover plate 160 locks the foot end 220 of the core plate 200 in the socket 170.

[58] A slot 242 is defined by the core body 240. The slot 242 extends through the core body 240, i.e. from the front face 210 to the rear face 202. The slot 242 is configured to receive the brace member 300.

[59] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the brace member 300.

[60] The brace member 300 defines a forward edge 301 (or 'front' edge or 'first' edge) and a rearward edge 302 (or 'rear' edge or 'second' edge). The forward edge 301 and the rearward edge 302 are opposite edges of the brace member 300. According to the present example, the forward edge 301 faces towards the front edge 12 of the bollard assembly 10, whereas the rearward edge 302 faces towards the rear edge 14 of the bollard assembly 10 when the bollard assembly 10 is assembled.

[61] The brace member 300 comprises a pair of side surfaces 303. The side surfaces 303 are substantially flat and substantially parallel, thus defining a uniform thickness.

[62] The brace member 300 comprises a tail end 320 (or 'first end'), a brace body 340 (or 'brace member body'), and top end 360 (or 'second end'). The brace body 340 is delimited by the tail end 320 and the top end 360.

[63] The tail end 320 of the brace member 300 is receivable by the base 100. In Figures 1 and 2, the brace member 300 is received by the base 100, such that the tail end 320 is concealed in the base 100. The brace body 340 extends from the base 100 when the tail end 320 is received into the base 100.

[64] The tail end 320 comprises a protrusion 322 (or 'projection). The protrusion 322 extends from the rearward edge 302. When the bollard assembly 10 is assembled, the protrusion 322 is received into the socket 170. More particularly, the protrusion 322 is located within the first socket aperture 127 and the second socket aperture 147 and covered by the cover plate 167. That is to say, the cover plate 160 is configured to extend over the protrusion 322.

[65] The brace body 340 comprises a tab 342. The tab 342 extends from the forward edge 301 of the brace member 300. According to the present example, the protrusion 322 and the tab 342 extend into opposite directions. The tab 342 is insertable into the slot 242 of the core plate 200. More particularly, the tab 342 extends into the slot 242 when the bollard assembly 10 is assembled.

[66] Figure 11 is a perspective exploded view of a barricade 1000 comprising multiple bollard assemblies 10. More particularly, the barricade 1000 comprises two bollard assemblies 10a, 10b. The bollard assemblies 10a, 10b are connected to each other by a pair of linkage brackets 1110, 1120 and a linkage plate 1200 positioned between each of the pair of linkage brackets. Each of the pair of linkage brackets 1110, 1120 and the linkage plate 1200 are secured to the bollard assemblies 10a, 10b at the side margins 112, 114. According to the present example, the linkage brackets 1110, 1120 are welded to the side margins 112, 114 and the linkage plate 1200 is secured by means of mechanical fasteners, such as bolts, to the side margins 112, 114.

[67] The linkage brackets 1110, 1120 and the linkage plate 1200 extend between the side margin 114 of bollard assembly 10a and the side margin 112 of the bollard assembly 10b. Longitudinal edges of each of the pair of linkage brackets 1110, 1120 and the linkage plate 1200 are parallel to each other when secured to the bollard assemblies 10a, 10b.

[68] The first linkage bracket 1110 is mounted to the side margins 112, 114 at a first position at the front end 12 of each bollard assembly 10a, lob, and the second linkage bracket 1120 is mounted to the side margins at a second position between close to a mid-point between the front end 12 and the rear end 14 of each bollard assembly 10a, 10b and the rear end 14 of each bollard assembly 10a, 10b. The coupling plate 1200 is mounted to the side margins by securement to a pair of the coupling apertures 126 of each bollard assembly 10a, 10b, the pair of coupling apertures being located between the first position and the second position.

[69] Each linkage bracket 1110, 1120 comprises three components: two terminal components 1111, 1121 that are each in contact with one of the bollard assemblies 10a, 10b and a bridging component 1112, 1122 that connects the terminal components 1111, 1121. The bridging components 1112, 1122 are connected to the terminal components 1111, 1121 by means of mechanical fasteners, such as bolts.

[70] The linkage plate 1200 has a polygonal shape with a number of edges exceeding four. According to the present example, the linkage plate 1200 is octagonal. More particularly, the linkage plate 1200 has a generally rectangular shape comprising four diagonally truncated corners. The truncated corners of the linkage plate 1200 enable the bollard assembles 10a, 10b of the barricade 1000 to be either aligned with each other or angled with respect to each other. In other words, as a result of the geometry of the linkage plate 1200 shown in Figure 11, in use the barricade 1000 is configured to adopt a first configuration in which the bollard assemblies 10a, 10b are aligned and a second configuration in which the bollard assemblies 10a, 10b are angled with respect to each other such that the barricade 1000 is curved.

[71] The barricade 1000 may comprise any number of bollard assemblies 10 according to the target area the barricade 1000 is to be used to restrict vehicle access. The barricade 1000 is configured to comprise more than the two bollard assemblies 10a, 10b shown in Figure 11 for use of the barricade 1000 in large target areas. In this case, each of the bollard assemblies 10 of the barricade 1000 is connected to adjacent bollard assemblies 10 by a linkage plate 1200 and optionally one or two linkage brackets 1110, 1120.

[72] Figure 12 is an exploded view of the linkage plate 1200.

[73] The linkage plate 1200 comprises a top layer 1202 (or 'first layer'), a middle layer 1204 (or 'second layer') and a bottom layer 1206 (or 'third layer'). These layers 1202, 1204, 1206 (or 'plates' or 'sheets') are joined together to define the linkage plate 1200. According to the present example, the layers are welded together. More particularly, the top layer 1202 defines a top layer aperture 1203 along which the top layer is welded to the middle layer 1204. Similarly, the bottom layer 1206 defines a bottom layer aperture 1207 along which the bottom layer 1206 is welded to the middle plate 1204. The layers may also be welded together at their peripheries.

[74] In use, the bottom plate 1206 is located between the first base plates 120 of the bollard assemblies 10a, 10b; the middle plate 1204 is located between the second base plates 140 of the bollard assemblies 10a, 10b; the top layer 1202 is located between the cover plates 160 of the bollard assemblies 10a, 10b. The bottom layer 1206 has a thickness substantially equal to the thickness of the first base plate 120. The middle layer 1204 and the top layer 1202 have a combined thickness substantially equal to the combined thickness of the second base plate 140 and the cover plate 160. According to some examples, the middle layer 1204 has a thickness substantially corresponding to the thickness of the second base plate 140, and the top layer 1202 has a thickness substantially corresponding to the thickness of the cover plate 160.

[75] The linkage plate 1200 comprises a first end 1220 and a second end 1240. The linkage plate 1200 is secured to the bollard assemblies 10a, 10b at the first end 1220 and the second end 1240, respectively. According to the present example, the top layer 1202 and the middle layer 1204 define the first end 1220 and the second end 1240 of the linkage plate 1200. That is to say, corresponding ends of the top layer 1202 and the middle layer 1204 together define the first end 1220 and the second end 1240. The bottom layer 1206 extends part of the way, but not all the way, to the first end 1220 and also extends part of the way, but not all the way, to the second end 1240 of the linkage plate 1200.

[76] The first end 1220 and the second end 1240 of the linkage plate 1200 each comprises a pair of edges 1222, 1224, 1242, 1244 provided at an obtuse angle. That is to say, the first end 1220 comprises a first edge 1222 and a second edge 1224; the second end 1240 comprises a first edge 1242 and a second edge 1244.

[77] The linkage plate 1200 is securable to the first base plate 120 of the bollard assembly 10a, 10b in a first configuration and in a second configuration. In the first configuration, the first edge 1222, 1242 may be adjacent to and parallel to a side edge 145 of the second base plate 140. In the second configuration, the second edge 1224, 1244 may be adjacent to and parallel to the side edge 145 of the second base plate 140.

[78] The bollard assembly 10 is manufacturable using any suitable material and preferably metal plate, such as steel plate. Each of the plates 120, 140, 160 of the base 100, the core plate, and each brace member 300 may be made from metal plate. In particular, these may be provided as plate profiles, which is understood to describe a shape cut from a sheet of material, such as metal plate. According to the present example, the bollard assembly 10 is manufactured from metal plate and each plate 120, 140, 160, core plate 200 and brace member 300 is provided as a plate profile.

[79] As a first step in assembling the bollard assembly 10, the core plate 200 and the brace members 300 are suitably secured together. In particular, the front edge 301 of each brace member 300 is butted against the rear surface 202 of the core plate 200 and bonded thereto. According to the present example, the brace members 300 and the core plate 200 are welded together, by welding along the front edge 301 of each brace member 300.

[80] As a second step, the core plate 200 and the brace members 300 are slotted into the socket aperture 127 of the first base plate 120 and suitably secured therein. According to the present example, the core plate 200 and the brace members 300 are welded to the socket aperture 127. More particularly, the core plate 200 and the brace member 300 are welded to the socket aperture 127 along the top surface 121 of the first base plate 120. Additionally or alternatively, the core plate 200 and the brace member 300 are welded to the socket aperture 127 along the rear surface 122 of the first base plate 120. This may be done at a later stage of the assembly.

[81] As a third step, the second base plate 140 is added to the assembly. The second base plate 140 is lowered onto the first base plate 120 whilst passing the core plate 200 and the brace members 300 through the socket aperture 147 of the second base plate 140. The second base plate 140 rests on the first base plate 140 such that the rear surface 142 of the second base plate 140 is received by the top surface 121 of the first base plate 120.

[82] The base plates 120, 140 are suitably bonded together. According to the present example, the first base plate 120 and the second base plate 140 are welded together along the edges of the second base plate 140. That is to say, the front edge 143, the rear edge 144, and the side edges 145 of the second base plate 140 are welded to the top surface 121 of the first base plate 120.

[83] The second base plate 200, the core plate 200 and the brace members 300 are suitably bonded together. According to the present example, the core plate 200 and the brace members 300 are welded to the socket aperture 147 of the second base plate 140. More particularly, the core plate 200 and the brace member 300 are welded to the socket aperture 147 along the top surface 141 of the second base plate 140.

[84] As a fourth step, the cover plate 160 is added to the assembly. The cover plate 160 is lowered onto the second base plate 140 whilst passing the core plate 200 and the brace members through the socket aperture 167 of the cover plate 140. The rear surface 162 of the cover plate 160 rests on the top surface 141 of the second base plate 140. This traps the feet 222, 224 of the core plate 200 and the protrusion 322 of each brace member 300 under the cover plate 160.

[85] The cover plate 160 is suitably secured to the second base plate 140, the core plate 200 and the brace members 300. According to the present example, the cover plate 160 is welded to each of these components. In particular, the cover plate 160 and the second base plate 140 are welded together along the edges of the cover plate 160. That is to say, the front edge 163, the rear edge 164, and the side edges 165 of the cover plate 160 are welded to the top surface 141 of the second base plate 140. The core plate 200 and the brace member 300 are welded to the socket aperture 167 along the top surface 161 of the cover plate 160.

[86] In use, the core plate and the brace member define a bollard anchored by the base. The brace member is provided to further strengthen the core plate and improve the anchoring in the base. In combination, the base plate (or plates), the core plate and the brace member provide a bollard assembly having a structural strength which may be sufficient for applications where a shallow foundation is desired or required. Since industrially made plate, such as steel plate, may be utilised, such a bollard may be manufactured using readily available and suitable resources.

[87] Providing the core plate with feet at the foot end may further improve anchoring of the core plate within the base. For example, the feet may allow for longer welds for improved anchoring of the core plate.

[88] Providing the brace member with a protrusion at the tail end may further improve anchoring of the brace member within the base. For example, the protrusion may allow for longer welds for improved anchoring of the brace member.

[89] The cover plate traps the feet of the core plate (where provided) and the protrusion of the brace member (where provided) in the socket to improve anchoring of the core plate and the brace member, respectively.

[90] Securing the cover plate to the top surface of the base plate, as opposed to the edges of the base plate, may improve the bond between the cover plate and the base plate. For example, a weld may be formed along the front edge, the side edges and the rear edge of the cover plate to weld the cover plate to the base plate.

[91] By locating the tab below the top end of the brace member, i.e. locating the tab between the top end and the tail end, energy transfer from the core plate may be improved.

[92] Since suitable plate, such as steel plate, may be readily available and of sufficient strength, the brace member is preferably provided as a plate profile.

[93] Multiple brace members may be provided to further strengthen the core plate and/or to further improve anchoring in the base.

[94] The socket may be divided into individual sections (or 'compartments') in which the individual components of the bollard are slotted. Thus bonding between the bollard, i.e. the core plate and the brace member, and the base may be improved.

[95] The stiffness of the bollard assembly may be improved by providing the first brace member and the second brace member on the same side of the core plate, i.e. the first brace member and the second brace member engaging the same face of the core plate. The stiffness of the bollard assembly may be improved by providing a further brace member on the other side of the core plate.

[96] Securing the second base plate to the top surface of the first base plate, as opposed to the edges of the first base plate, may improve the bond between the base plates. For example, a weld may be formed along a side edge of the second base plate. In particular, the front edge, rear edge and/or the side edge of the second base plate may be welded to the top surface of the first base plate.

[97] The apertures in the side margins of the first base plate may be utilised to connect the bollard assembly to another structure, such as another bollard assembly. Since the apertures are provided in the side margins of the of the first base plate, these apertures extend only through the first base plate and, therefore, only through part of the base. Accordingly, a connector may not increase the overall depth of the base because said connector is received by part of the base, rather than the whole base.

[98] By providing the linkage plate with edges meeting at an obtuse angle, the linkage plate may be secured to a bollard assembly in multiple configurations such that in each configuration an edge of the linkage plate is adjacent and parallel to an edge of the bollard assembly. Thus a pair of bollard assemblies may be connected by the linkage plate in multiple configurations, for example to define a curved barricade, with the linkage plate extending towards the base plates of the bollard assemblies. Thus stiffness of the linkage plate may be improved by having a larger by having each edge adjacent to the base plate.

[99] The bottom layer may increase the stiffness of the linkage plate even when not extending all the way to the first end or the second end of the linkage plate. Hence the bottom layer may not increase the thickness of the barricade when mounted to bollard assemblies, since the bottom layer will be located between the bollard assemblies rather than thereon.

[100] Providing the linkage plate as a plurality of layers, such as steel plate, may improve ease and cost-effectiveness of manufacturing.

[101] By providing the linkage plate with a thickness not exceeding the thickness of the base, utilisation of a linkage plate may not result in the need for a deeper foundation in which to anchor the base. By providing the linkage plate with a thickness substantially equal to that of the base, stiffness of the linkage plate may be improved whilst maintaining a shallow foundation.

[102] According to the example described above, the core plate 200 and the brace member 300 are substantially perpendicular to the base 100 and substantially perpendicular to the nominal impact direction 20. According to other examples, the core plate 200 and the brace member 300 are substantially perpendicular to either the base 100 or the nominal impact direction 20,01 neither the base 100 nor the nominal impact direction 20.

[103] According to the example described above, two base plates 120, 140 are provided. According to other examples, a different number of base plates may provided, such as a single base plate or a plurality of base plates. For example, three or four or five base plates may be provided.

[104] According to the example described above, the socket 170 extends through both base plates 120, 140. According to other examples, the socket 170 extends through at least one base plate 120, 140. For example, the socket 170 may extend through some but not all base plates.

[105] According to the example described above, the plates 120, 140, 160 are provided with straight edges. According to other examples, the plates may be provided with some edges that are not straight, or all edges may be non-straight.

[106] According to the examples described above, the core plate 200 comprises a pair of feet 222, 224. According to other examples, the core plate 200 comprises at least one foot.

[107] According to other examples, a single linkage bracket 1110, 1120 connects the bollard assemblies 10a, 10b to each other.

[108] According to other examples, the bollard assemblies are connected to each other by only the linkage plate 1200 rather than by the linkage plate 1200 and the linkage bracket 1110, 1120.

[109] In summary, exemplary embodiments of a bollard assembly have been described. The described exemplary embodiments provide for an improved bollard assembly. Additionally, the described exemplary embodiments are convenient to manufacture and straightforward to use.

[110] The bollard assembly may be manufactured industrially. An industrial application of the example embodiments will be clear from the discussion herein.

[111] Although preferred embodiment(s) of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A bollard assembly (10), comprising: a base (100) comprising a base plate (120, 140) defining a socket (170) extending through the base plate; a core plate (200) comprising a foot end (220) received into the socket, a core body (240) extending from the base, wherein the core body defines a slot (242) extending through the core body; a brace member (300) comprising: a tail end (320) received into the socket, a brace body (340) extending from the base, wherein the brace body comprises a tab (342) extending into the slot of the core plate.
2. The bollard assembly according to claim 1, wherein the foot end (220) of the core plate comprises: a first foot (222) extending from a first side edge (206) of the core plate, and a second foot (224) extending from a second side edge (208) of the core plate, wherein the first foot and the second foot are received into the socket of the base plate.
3. The bollard assembly according to claim 2, wherein the tab (342) of the brace member extends from a first edge (306) of the brace member, the tail end (320) of the brace member comprises a protrusion (322) extending from a second edge (308) of the brace member, the first edge and the second edge being opposite edges of the brace member; wherein the protrusion is located in the socket.
4. The bollard assembly according to claim 3, wherein the base (100) comprises a cover plate (160) arranged over: the base plate, the protrusion of the brace member, and the feet of the core plate, thereby configured to trap the protrusion of the brace member and the feet of the core plate in the socket; wherein the cover plate defines a cover plate aperture (167) through which the core plate and the brace member extend.
5. The bollard assembly according to claim 4, wherein the base plate has a front edge (123, 143), a rear edge (124, 144) and a pair of side edges (125, 145), wherein the cover plate extends pad of the way, but not all the way, between the front edges (123, 143) and the rear edges (124, 144), and the cover plate extends pad of the way, but not all the way, between the side edges (125, 145), and wherein the cover plate is welded to a top surface (121, 141) of the base plate along a front edge (163), a rear edge (164) and a pair of side edges (165) of the cover plate.
6. The bollard assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the brace body (340) extends between the tail end (320) of the brace member (300) and a top end (360) of the brace member (300), and wherein the tab (342) is provided between the tail end (320) and the top end (360).
7. The bollard assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the brace member is provided as a plate profile.
8. The bollard assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the bollard assembly comprises a plurality of brace members (300), the plurality of brace members comprising a first brace member (300) and a second brace member (300); the core plate defines a plurality of slots (242), the plurality of slots comprising a first slot (242) and a second slot (242); and wherein a first tab (342) of the first brace member is located in the first slot, and a second tab (342) of the second brace member is located in the second slot.
9. The bollard assembly according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of brace members comprises a third brace member (300) and the plurality of slots comprises a third slot (242), wherein a third tab (342) of the third brace member is located in the third slot; and the first brace member and the second brace member engage a first face (201) of the core plate (200) and the third brace member engages a second face (202) of the core plate (200), the first face and the second face being opposite faces of the core plate.
10. The bollard assembly according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the socket (170) comprises a main section (172), a first secondary section (174) and a second secondary section (176), wherein the first secondary section and the second secondary section each extend away from the main section; wherein the foot end (220) of the core plate is received into the main section, a tail end (320) of the first brace member is received into the first secondary section, and a tail end (320) of the second brace member is received into the second secondary section.
11. The bollard assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the base comprises a plurality of base plates (120, 140) provided in a stacked configuration, the plurality of base plates comprising a first base plate (120) and a second base plate (140), the first base plate defines a first socket aperture (127) extending through the first base plate, and the second base plate defines a second socket aperture (147) extending through the second base plate, wherein the first socket aperture and the second socket aperture are aligned to define the socket (170); wherein the foot end (220) of the core plate and the tail end (320) of the brace member are each received into the first socket aperture and the second socket aperture.
12. The bollard assembly according to claim 11, wherein the second base plate extends part of the way, but not all the way, towards a first side edge (125) of the first base plate to define a first side margin (112), and the second base plate extends part of the way, but not all the way, towards a second side edge (125) of the first base plate to define a second side margin (114).wherein the second base plate is welded to a top surface (121) of the first base plate along a pair of side edges (145) of the second base plate.
13. The bollard assembly according to claim 12, wherein a plurality of first margin apertures (126) is formed in the first side margin (112) and a plurality of second margin apertures (126) is formed in the second side margin (114).
14. A barricade (1000) comprising a plurality of bollard assemblies according to claim 13, further comprising: a linkage plate (1200) for physically connecting a first bollard assembly and a second bollard assembly of the plurality of bollard assemblies, the linkage plate comprising a first end (1220) mountable to a side margin (112, 114) of the first bollard assembly and a second end (1240) mountable to a side margin (112, 114) of the second bollard assembly, wherein the first end of the linkage plate comprises a plurality of first linkage apertures (1260) for securing the linkage plate to the plurality of first margin apertures, and the second end of the linkage plate comprises a plurality of second linkage apertures for securing the linkage plate to the plurality of second margin apertures.
15. The barricade according to claim 14, wherein the first end or the second end of the linkage plate comprises a pair of edges (1222, 1224, 1242, 1244) provided at an obtuse angle, wherein the linkage plate is securable to the first base plate in a first configuration and in a second configuration, in the first configuration, the first edge is adjacent to and parallel to a side edge (145) of the base plate, and in the second configuration, the second edge is adjacent to and parallel to the side edge of the base plate.
16. The barricade according to claim 15, wherein the linkage plate (1200) comprises a top layer (1202), a middle layer (1204) and a bottom layer (1206), wherein the top layer and the middle layer define the first end and the second end of the linkage plate, and the bottom layer extends part of the way, but not all the way, to the first end and to the second end of the linkage plate.
17. The barricade according to claim 16, wherein the top layer defines a top layer aperture (1203) along which the top layer is welded to the middle layer, and the bottom layer defines a bottom layer aperture (1207) along which the bottom layer is welded to the middle plate.
18. The barricade according to claim 16 or 17 when ultimately dependent on claims 4 and 11, wherein the bottom layer has a thickness substantially equal to a thickness of the first base plate; the middle layer and the top layer have a combined thickness substantially equal to a combined thickness of the second base plate and the top plate.
19. A bridge comprising a bollard assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13 or a barricade according to claim 14 to 18, wherein the bollard assembly or the barricade is embedded in a bridge deck of the bridge; the core plate or core plates and the brace member or brace members extend from a bridge 25 surface; the base or bases are embedded under the bridge surface; wherein the base extends to a depth of no more than 10 centimetres under the bridge surface.