WO2001092642A1

WO2001092642A1 - Barriers

Info

Publication number: WO2001092642A1
Application number: PCT/GB2000/002066
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jaginder Singh Mudhar
Original assignee: Jaginder Singh Mudhar
Priority date: 2000-05-30
Filing date: 2000-05-30
Publication date: 2001-12-06
Also published as: GB2379703A; AU5090000A; GB0230094D0; GB2379703B

Abstract

A barrier is provided which is capable of direct attachment to the ground or other support surface. The barrier comprises one or more clapper members (3) pivotally attached to a base member and moveable between a first (operational) position and a second (rest) position by pneumatic or hydraulic means (e.g. bellows (6)). The maximum angle between the clapper member (3) and the base member may be limited by means of a hinge (2) which is optionally provided with a cut-out or a shear-pin, whereby the hinge will break on application of a predetermined force to the clapper member (3).

Description

BARRIERS

This invention relates to barriers and especially to barriers adapted in use to permit or to impede the passage of wheeled vehicles. The present invention is particularly applicable to barriers for use in petrol stations and similar retail outlets and will be described hereafter with reference to such applications, though the present invention is not to be construed as being limited thereto.

Barriers according to the present invention are particularly useful in addressing the increasing problem of the so-called "drive-off" . A "drive- off" consists of a customer driving on to the forecourt of a petrol station, putting fuel into the tank of his vehicle and then driving off without paying for the fuel. Devices such as security cameras have been used in such situations, but have been found ineffective, owing to such factors as poor picture-definition, the customer wearing a hat or other clothing to obscure identity, the vehicle having been stolen and subsequently abandoned or its registration number changed.

The present invention aims to provide a barrier which, in use, places a physical restraint on the passage of a wheeled vehicle which is adjacent the barrier. This is achieved by means of one or more pivotally-mounted flaps (hereinafter referred to as "clapper members") which can be raised so as to impede the passage of a vehicle and lowered to permit such passage.

Although barriers of the type described in the immediately-preceding paragraph are known per se, the installation of such barriers has hitherto necessitated the excavation of pits to contain the mechanism to raise and lower the barrier. In addition to being costly and time-consuming, such installations tend to be permanent in nature and to lack flexibility in use.

It is the purpose of the present invention to provide a barrier which avoids the aforementioned disadvantages. This is achieved by providing a barrier which is mounted directly upon the ground or other support surface.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a barrier comprising a base member attached directly to the ground or other support surface and one or more clapper members (as hereinbefore defined) , the or each clapper member being pivotally attached to said base member and being adapted to be raised to a first position at an acute angle to the base member (whereby movement of a wheeled vehicle past said clapper member is impeded) and to be lowered to a second position substantially flush with the base member (whereby movement of said vehicle past said clapper member is permitted) .

Suitably, the base member may be attached to the ground or other support surface by means of bolts or the like.

Alternatively, the base member may be attached to the ground or other support surface by means of an adhesive.

The base member of the barrier may conveniently be provided with one or more serrated or roughened portions to enhance contact with the ground or other support surface.

Suitably, the or each clapper member may be raised and lowered by hydraulic or pneumatic means. Such means to raise and lower the or each clapper member may, for example, comprise one or more piston-and-cylinder assemblies.

Alternatively, one or more inflatable bellows may be used to raise and lower the or each clapper member.

The maximum angle between the clapper member and its associated base member may be limited by means of an articulated hinge, one end of which is pivotally attached to the base member, the other end being pivotally attached to the clapper member.

Generally, the fully-raised clapper member will be at a maximum angle of about 80°C relative to the base member.

In one preferred embodiment, the hinge is provided with a cut-out, whereby a predetermined force exerted on a clapper member in a direction upwardly of its associated base member (e.g. an attempt to force a vehicle over a raised clapper member) will cause the hinge to break. Alternatively, the hinge may be provided with a shear-pin for the same purpose. In a further preferred embodiment, breakage of the hinge permits the clapper member to be pivoted at more than 90° relative to the base member and to expose further means provided on the base member, (for example a stinger unit or the like), for impeding passage of a vehicle.

It has been found that the maximum height of the or each fully-raised clapper member, relative to the base member, should preferably not exceed 6 inches. Such a height is adequate, in use, for the raised clapper member to extend underneath most modern makes and models of motor-cars having low- profile tyres.

The articulated hinge requires a force of about 3 tons to cause it to break.

Thus, if an attempt is made to drive a relatively "heavy" vehicle over the raised clapper member, the hinge will break, causing the clapper member to be pivoted at more than 90° relative to the base member, thereby exposing a stinger unit for impeding further passage of the vehicle.

On the other hand, a "light" vehicle, particularly a vehicle of which the central mid-plane of the tyre lies above the uppermost edge of the raised clapper member, will be capable of being driven over the clapper member, thus circumventing the purpose of the barrier.

The present invention seeks to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages by providing further means for impeding the passage of a vehicle over the raised clapper member.

Accordingly, the present invention further provides a barrier as hereinabove described, in which the or each clapper member is provided, at the edge remote from the base member when the clapper is raised from its second position to its first position, with means to impede passage of a vehicle over said clapper member.

The said means to impede the passage of the vehicle may suitably comprise one or more stinger units or the like. Preferably, each said stinger unit is contained in a recess provided in the edge of the clapper member which, in use, will be remote from the base member.

Preferably, each said stinger unit is provided with a moveable cover (for example a cover which is hinged at one edge to the clapper member) adapted, in use, to be forced away from the clapper member and to expose the stinger unit.

Preferably, each said cover may be secured in the "closed" condition (relative to the stinger unit) by means of one or more members adapted, in use, to be sheared on application of a predetermined force.

Most preferably, two such stinger units may be provided for each clapper member. Suitably, the two stinger units may be spaced apart along the edge of the clapper member which, in use, will be remote from the base member, e.g. at a distance corresponding to the typical distance between two vehicle wheels having a common axle.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, each said stinger unit comprises a device adapted, in use, for the penetration and controlled deflation of a vehicle tyre.

Said device may conveniently comprise an elongate rod having a first end adapted, in use, to penetrate a vehicle tyre and a second end adapted, in use to engage a holding member mounted in association with a clapper member, together with a sleeve member which, in use, is removably located on the elongate rod so as to be coaxial therewith.

Preferably, the first end of said elongate rod comprises a tapered spike. Preferably, the holding member is adapted, in use, to permit radial displacement of the elongate rod. For example, the holding member may comprise a helical spring.

Preferably, the sleeve member is adapted, in use, to be retained in the vehicle tyre after penetration, whereby controlled deflation of the penetrated tyre occurs.

The rate of deflation of the penetrated tyre is determined by the internal diameter of the sleeve member.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the clapper members are raised and lowered by means of an elongate (generally sausage-shaped) inflatable member which in use is adapted to be adjacent to and to conform to the configuration of the articulated hinge.

Preferably, the supply line to the bellows or inflatable member may be provided with a pressure relief valve. This valve is adapted to supply a first pressure level sufficient to lift the or each clapper member to the raised position and then to reduce to a second pressure level sufficient to maintain the or each clapper member in said raised position. For example, in a barrier according to the present invention, the valve may be adapted to permit delivery of a first pressure of up to 150 p.s.i. and then to restrict the second pressure to a maximum of about 12 p.s.i. (suitably between 8 and 10 p.s.i.) .

A barrier according to the present invention is therefore adapted to be deployed from a first (rest) condition to a second (operational) condition. In one arrangement, the first (rest) condition is constituted by the or each clapper member lying substantially flush with its associated base member and the second (operational) condition is constituted by the or each clapper member being raised so as to make an acute angle with its associated base member.

In an alternative arrangement, the first (rest) condition is constituted by the or each clapper member being held (for example by means of one or more helical springs) at an acute angle with its associated base member and the second (operational) condition is constituted by the or each clapper member being lowered so as to lie substantially flush with its associated base member. The movement of the or each clapper member from the first to the second conditions may be achieved by means of a pneumatically-operated pulley assembly.

The or each clapper member may, if desired, be provided with one or more extension members. These extension members are adapted to be deployed, in use, so as to extend under the wheel arch of a vehicle and further impede its movement.

Portions of the base member adjacent the or each clapper member may be provided with an arcuate surface. This will minimise the risk of a vehicle being parked on top of the barrier and thus preventing its operation.

Further, one or more parking-ramps may be provided on the approach to the barrier, these parking-ramps facilitating the correct parking of a vehicle relative to the or each clapper member.

The present invention also provides a barrier assembly comprising one or more pairs of barriers of the type hereinbefore described, the or each pair of barriers being adapted in use to co-operate so as to impede the movement of a wheeled vehicle.

For example, each member of a pair of barriers may be positioned on either side of a petrol pump, preferably at a distance from each other such that when the barriers are operated the passage of a motor vehicle contained in the space defined by the barriers is impeded in either the forward or the reverse direction.

Again, each petrol pump in a filling station may be provided with a pair of barriers according to the present invention.

Effectively, barriers according to the present invention will be portable so as to cause minimum disruption to the operation of a site. They are also flexible enough to adapt to individual requirements. The system has minimum electrical control in order to comply with the various safety laws. The barriers are easily integrated into the existing set-up of petrol filling stations and can serve to enhance any existing security system already in place.

Thus, barriers according to the invention provide a means of securing a vehicle adjacent a fuel pump. This is achieved once the customer lifts the fuel pump nozzle from its holder. An audio/visual alarm notifies the cashier who then authorises the pump to deliver fuel via the nozzle. Two or more clapper members will lift and secure either or both of the front or rear wheels of the vehicle. On return of the nozzle to its holder, an audio/visual alarm will notify the cashier that the pump is ready to be used again. The customer will then proceed to the cashier in order to pay for the fuel. The cashier will, once paid, accept the sale, thus causing the clapper members around the vehicle to withdraw and allow the vehicle to pass.

The present invention will be illustrated, merely by way of example, in the following description and with reference to the accompanying drawings .

In the drawings (wherein like numerals denote like parts) :

Figure 1 is a front view of a first embodiment of a barrier according to the present invention;

Figure 2 is a view from above of the barrier shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a side view of the barrier shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 is a view of a bellows for use in the barrier shown in Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a view from above of a barrier assembly according to the present invention;

Figure 6 is a view of a hinge for use with the barrier shown in Figure 1;

Figure 7 is a view of a relief valve for use with the barrier shown in Figure 1; Figures 8A and 8B show a first pneumatically-operated pulley assembly for use in connection with a second embodiment of a barrier according to the present invention;

Figures 9A and 9B show a second pneumatically-operated pulley assembly for use in connection with the barrier shown in Figure 8;

Figures 10A, 10B and IOC show schematically the operation of a barrier according to another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 11 is a view from above of a petrol pump lay-out including four pairs of barriers according to the present invention.

Figure 12 is an elevation of a clapper-member for use in a barrier according to the present invention;

Figure 13 is a view of a device for the controlled deflation of a vehicle tyre, for use in a barrier according to the present invention;

Figure 14 is an exploded view of the device shown in Figure 13;

Figure 15 is a schematic representation of the action of the device shown in Figures 13 and 14.

A barrier according to the present invention can be mounted directly on to the ground or support surface by means of an adhesive. Serrations 10 (Figure 3) help the unit to "dig" into the support surface and enhance the effect of the adhesive. The parking ramp 8 (Figure 1) is used to firstly enable a vehicle (not shown) to park correctly i.e. within the protection zone 11 (Figure 5) . Secondly it prevents the vehicle from parking too close to the ramp and preventing the clapper member 3 (Figure 1) from operating. This can occur if the vehicle's wheels are resting against the extension flaps 1 (Figure 1) . Ramp 7 (Figures 1 and 2) also helps to shield any projections (such as the extension flaps 1) against damage or being tripped over.

A pneumatic bellows 6 (Figure 1) is used to lift the clapper member. The bellows is fitted with a pressure relief valve 5 (Figures 1 and 7) . This valve is designed so as to allow the bellows to be supplied with an air pressure of 150 p.s.i. and then not to allow the pressure within the bellows to exceed about 12 p.s.i.. This gives the bellows enough lifting force to lift the clapper member and when the clapper member is fully raised to maintain the pressure within the bellows between 8 and 10 p.s.i.. This is achieved by the mathematical relationship between areas 12, 13 and 14 in Figure 7. The clapper member can be lifted further via the extension 1 (Figure 1) which will be pushed up under the wheel arch of a vehicle. The angle of lift will be governed by the hinge bracket 2 (Figures 1, 3 and 6) . The hinge bracket has a cut-out B (Figure 6) which under a preset force (e.g. the force required to cause deliberate damage to the barrier) will break apart and thus allow the clapper member to fall back and expose the stinger unit (a group of nails) 4 (Figure 1) . The stinger unit will be forced into the tyre by the action of the clapper member being forced back. This will puncture the tyre and thus render the vehicle undrivable. The bellows system would be used when it is required to keep a vehicle in a stationary position or within the protection zone 11 (Figure 5) . An alternative method for lifting the clapper member is shown in Figures 10A to IOC. Here, an inflatable "sausage" 15 (Figure 10C) is moulded as part of the hinge. At rest (Figure 10A) the "sausage" is deflated and follows the shape of the hinge at rest. Once inflated, the "sausage" will take up its designed or manufactured state (i.e. straight) and force the hinge to extend as shown in Figures 10B and IOC. These two systems will be known as the "normally closed systems" since under a fault condition the barriers fall and simply act as "sleeping policemen" or road speed limiting ramps.

Control of traffic flow in any one direction can be done by modifying the clapper member system as shown in Figures 8 and 9. Here, the clapper member is held open by means of a spring. A pneumatic cylinder fitted to a pulley system as shown in Figures 8A and 8B can then be used to close the lid against the pressure of the spring. A variation of the same system is shown in Figures 9 and 9A. This system would allow the traffic to flow in one direction and provide a barrier in the other direction.

For the prevention of fuel theft from a service station, a series of barriers would be fitted as shown in Figure 11.

Referring now to Figure 12, the clapper member 20 is provided with two recesses 22 and 23 in its uppermost edge 21.

Each recess contains a stinger unit, 24 and 25 respectively, and each recess is closable by means of a cover, 26 and 27 respectively, adapted to be moved from a "closed" condition (26) to an "open" condition (27) under the action of an applied force (e.g. the wheel of a vehicle which is being driven over the edge 21 of the clapper member 20.

The cover is held in its "closed" condition (26) by means of shearable straps 28 and 29. With reference to the controlled deflation device shown in Figures 13 to 15, said device being described herein as a "tyre syringe" :

The tyre syringe 30 comprises an elongate spike 31 held by a flexible helical spring 33. A sleeve 32 is secured around the spike 31 and, like the spike, is tapered at one end. The whole structure is held at a slight inclination from the vertical in order to aid penetration of a vehicle tyre when the syringe is in use.

In the sequence A to G shown in Figure 15, the wheel 4 of a vehicle approaches the syringe (A) . The slight inclination from the vertical of the syringe aids penetration (B). The whole of the spike has pierced the tyre (C) . As the tyre is moved across the syringe, the spring 33 allows the syringe to follow the direction of travel (D) . The whole or part of the sleeve 32 is now enclosed within the tyre. As the tyre continues to move across the syringe the sleeve detaches and slides off the spike (E and F) . Once the sleeve has cleared the spike, the spring 33 returns the spike 31 to its normal rest state (G) .

The sleeve 32 now permits the deflation of the tyre. The internal diameter of the sleeve can be varied to give different rates of deflation.

Claims

1. A barrier comprising a base member attached directly to the ground or other support surface and one or more clapper members (as hereinbefore defined) , the or each clapper member being pivotally attached to said base member and being adapted to be raised to a first position at an acute angle to the base member (whereby movement of a wheeled vehicle past said clapper member is impeded) and to be lowered to a second position substantially flush with the base member (whereby movement of said vehicle past said clapper member is permitted) .

2. A barrier according to Claim 1, in which the base member is attached to the ground or other support surface by means of bolts or the like.

3. A barrier according to Claim 1, in which the base member is attached to the ground or other support surface by means of an adhesive.

4. A barrier according to Claim 1, 2 or 3, in which the base member is provided with one or more serrated or roughened portions to enhance contact with the ground or other support surface.

5. A barrier according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, in which the or each clapper member is raised and lowered by hydraulic or pneumatic means .

6. A barrier according to Claim 5, in which the or each clapper member is raised and lowered by means of one or more piston-and- cylinder assemblies.

7. A barrier according to Claim 5, in which the or each clapper member is raised and lowered by means of one or more inflatable bellows.

8. A barrier according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, in which the maximum angle between the or each clapper member and its associated base member is limited by means of an articulated hinge, one end of said hinge being pivotally attached to the base member and the other end of said hinge being pivotally attached to the clapper member.

9. A barrier according to Claim 8, in which said maximum angle is about 80 degrees.

10. A barrier according to Claim 8 or 9, in which the maximum height of the or each fully-raised clapper member, relative to the base member, does not exceed 6 inches.

11. A barrier according to Claim 8, 9 or 10, in which the hinge is provided with a cut-out, whereby a predetermined force exerted on a clapper member in a direction upwardly of its associated base member will cause the hinge to break.

12. A barrier according to Claim 8, 9 or 10, in which the hinge is provided with a shear-pin, whereby a predetermined force exerted on a clapper member is a direction upwardly of its associated base member will cause the hinge to break.

13. A barrier according to Claim 11 or 12, in which said force is about 3 tons.

14. A barrier according to Claim 11 , 12 or 13, in which breakage of the hinge permits the clapper member to be pivoted at more than 90° relative to the base member and to expose further means, provided on the base member, for impeding passage of a vehicle.

15. A barrier according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the or each clapper member is provided, at the edge remote from the base member when the clapper is raised from its second position to its first position, with means to impede passage of a vehicle over said clapper member.

16. A barrier according to Claim 14 or 15, in which the means for impeding passage of the vehicle comprises one or more stinger units or the like.

17. A barrier according to Claim 16, in which each said stinger unit is contained in a recess provided in the edge of the clapper unit which, in use, will be remote from the base member.

18. A barrier according to Claim 16 or 17, in which each said stinger unit is provided with a movable cover, said cover being adapted, in use, to be forced away from the clapper member, thereby exposing the stinger unit.

19. A barrier according to Claim 18, in which each said cover is hinged at one edge to the clapper member.

20. A barrier according to Claim 18 or 19, in which each said cover is secured in the "closed" condition (relative to the stinger unit) by means of one or more members adapted, in use, to be sheared on application thereto of a predetermined force.

21. A barrier according to any one of Claims 15 to 20, in which two stinger units are provided for each clapper member.

22. A barrier according to Claim 21, in which the two stinger units are spaced apart along the edge of the clapper member which, in use, will be remote from the base member.

23. A barrier according to Claim 22, in which the distance between said two stinger units corresponds to the typical distance apart of two vehicle wheels having a common axle.

24. A barrier according to any one of Claims 14 to 23, in which each said stinger unit comprises a device adapted, in use, for the penetration and controlled deflation of a vehicle tyre.

25. A barrier according to Claim 24, in which said device comprises an elongate rod having a first end adapted, in use, to penetrate a vehicle tyre and a second end adapted, in use, to engage a holding member mounted in association with a clapper member, together with a sleeve member which, in use, is removably located on the elongate rod so as to be coaxial therewith.

26. A barrier according to Claim 25, in which the first end of said elongate rod comprises a tapered spike.

27. A barrier according to Claim 25 or 26, in which the holding member is adapted, in use, to permit resilient radial displacement of the elongate rod.

28. A barrier according to Claim 27, in which the holding member comprises a helical spring.

29. A barrier according to any one of Claims 24 to 28, in which the sleeve member is adapted, in use, to be retained in the vehicle tyre after penetration, whereby controlled deflation of the penetrated tyre occurs.

30. A barrier according to Claim 29, in which the rate of deflation of said penetrated tyre is determined by the internal diameter of the sleeve member.

31. A barrier according to Claim 5 and to any one of Claims 8 to 30 when dependent directly or indirectly upon Claim 5, in which the or each clapper member is raised and lowered by means of an elongate inflatable member which in use is adapted to be adjacent to and to conform to the configuration of the articulated hinge.

32. A barrier according to any one of Claims 7 to 31, in which the supply line to the bellows or inflatable member includes a pressure relief valve.

33. A barrier according to Claim 32, in which the pressure relief valve is adapted to supply a first pressure level sufficient to lift the or each clapper member to the raised position and then to reduce to a second pressure level sufficient to maintain the or each clapper member in said raised position.

34. A barrier according to Claim 33, in which the first-pressure level is about 150 p.s.i. and the second pressure level is about 12 p.s.i..

35. A barrier according to Claim 34, in which the second pressure level is in the range 8 to 10 p.s.i..

36. A barrier according to any one of Claims 1 to 35, which is adapted to be deployed from a first (rest) condition to a second (operational) condition.

37. A barrier according to Claim 36, wherein the first (rest) condition is constituted by the or each clapper member lying substantially flush with its associated base member and the second (operational) condition is constituted by the or each clapper member being raised so as to make an acute angle with its associated base member.

38. A barrier according to Claim 36, wherein the first (rest) condition is constituted by the or each clapper member being held at an acute angle with its associated base member and the second (operational) condition is constituted by the or each clapper member being lowered so as to lie substantially flush with its associated base member.

39. A barrier according to Claim 38, in which, in the first (rest) condition, the or each clapper member is held at an acute angle with its associated base member by means of one or more helical springs.

40. A barrier according to Claim 38 or 39, in which, the movement, from the first to the second positions, of the or each clapper member is achieved by means of a pneumatically-operated pulley assembly.

41. A barrier according to any one of Claims 1 to 40, in which the or each clapper member is provided with one or more extension members adapted to be deployed, in use, so as to extend under the wheel arch of a vehicle and further impede its movement.

42. A barrier according to any one of Claims 1 to 41, in which portions of the base member adjacent the or each clapper member are provided with an arcuate surface.

43. A barrier according to any one of Claims 1 to 42, including one or more parking-ramps.

44. A barrier assembly comprising one or more pairs of barriers according to any one of the preceding claims, the or each pair of barriers being adapted, in use, to co-operate so as to impede the movement of a wheeled vehicle.