WO2008104740A1 - Restrictor plate - Google Patents

Restrictor plate Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2008104740A1
WO2008104740A1 PCT/GB2008/000559 GB2008000559W WO2008104740A1 WO 2008104740 A1 WO2008104740 A1 WO 2008104740A1 GB 2008000559 W GB2008000559 W GB 2008000559W WO 2008104740 A1 WO2008104740 A1 WO 2008104740A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
restrictor plate
slot
aperture
width
connector
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2008/000559
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Trevor Raymond Mustard
Original Assignee
Corus Uk Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Corus Uk Limited filed Critical Corus Uk Limited
Publication of WO2008104740A1 publication Critical patent/WO2008104740A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01F—ADDITIONAL WORK, SUCH AS EQUIPPING ROADS OR THE CONSTRUCTION OF PLATFORMS, HELICOPTER LANDING STAGES, SIGNS, SNOW FENCES, OR THE LIKE
    • E01F15/00—Safety arrangements for slowing, redirecting or stopping errant vehicles, e.g. guard posts or bollards; Arrangements for reducing damage to roadside structures due to vehicular impact
    • E01F15/02—Continuous barriers extending along roads or between traffic lanes
    • E01F15/04—Continuous barriers extending along roads or between traffic lanes essentially made of longitudinal beams or rigid strips supported above ground at spaced points
    • E01F15/0407—Metal rails
    • E01F15/0423—Details of rails
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01F—ADDITIONAL WORK, SUCH AS EQUIPPING ROADS OR THE CONSTRUCTION OF PLATFORMS, HELICOPTER LANDING STAGES, SIGNS, SNOW FENCES, OR THE LIKE
    • E01F15/00—Safety arrangements for slowing, redirecting or stopping errant vehicles, e.g. guard posts or bollards; Arrangements for reducing damage to roadside structures due to vehicular impact
    • E01F15/02—Continuous barriers extending along roads or between traffic lanes
    • E01F15/04—Continuous barriers extending along roads or between traffic lanes essentially made of longitudinal beams or rigid strips supported above ground at spaced points
    • E01F15/0407—Metal rails
    • E01F15/0438—Spacers between rails and posts, e.g. energy-absorbing means
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01F—ADDITIONAL WORK, SUCH AS EQUIPPING ROADS OR THE CONSTRUCTION OF PLATFORMS, HELICOPTER LANDING STAGES, SIGNS, SNOW FENCES, OR THE LIKE
    • E01F15/00—Safety arrangements for slowing, redirecting or stopping errant vehicles, e.g. guard posts or bollards; Arrangements for reducing damage to roadside structures due to vehicular impact
    • E01F15/02—Continuous barriers extending along roads or between traffic lanes
    • E01F15/04—Continuous barriers extending along roads or between traffic lanes essentially made of longitudinal beams or rigid strips supported above ground at spaced points
    • E01F15/0461—Supports, e.g. posts

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a restrictor plate for use in a connection in roadside furniture.
  • roadside furniture as used herein means items which are commonly installed besides roads such as safety barriers, signs and lamp posts.
  • the restrictor plate of the present invention is particularly useful in roadside furniture connections which include a slotted bracket.
  • a connection is the subject of the applicant's co-pending application, UK Patent Application No. 0601599.4, and applications based on that application, which relate to a safety barrier which uses slotted brackets to connect the beam to the posts which support that beam.
  • slotted brackets to connect the posts to the beam means that the connection between the beam and posts in the event of an impact on a post is 'strong' in the lateral direction of the beam in order to support the barrier on impact, but ⁇ weak' in the axial direction of the beam in order to reduce the severity of the impact and to prevent excessive damage to the vehicle.
  • a problem with such slotted brackets is that they may not provide sufficient resistance in the axial direction of the beam for the posts on either side of the impact zone. Some axial resistance is required on either side of the impact zone in order to put the beam into tension to help contain the vehicle.
  • the invention provides a restrictor plate for use in a connection in roadside furniture, the restrictor plate comprising an aperture for receiving a connector and a slot adjacent to and connected with said aperture, the width of the slot being less than the width of said aperture.
  • the invention also provides a restrictor plate according to the invention and a connector for use with the restrictor plate, the width of the slot being less than the width of said connector.
  • the restrictor plate By having a slot which is narrower in width than the aperture, and, in particular, narrower than the width of the connector, the restrictor plate will allow a connector which has been placed in the aperture of the restrictor plate to disconnect from the restrictor plate, while providing resistance to such disconnection.
  • the restrictor plate can provide some degree of axial resistance.
  • the amount of axial resistance can be controlled by varying the width of the slot in relation to the width of the connector.
  • the restrictor plate can be designed so that it will release a connector in the event of a direct impact on the post on which the restrictor plate is mounted, but will not release a connector in the event of an impact on either side of the post on which the restrictor plate is mounted.
  • the restrictor plate will allow the slotted bracket to perform its function of allowing a post which has been subject to a direct impact to disconnect from the beam, thereby reducing the severity of the impact on the vehicle, but at the same time will prevent the posts on either side of that post from disconnecting from the beam, thereby putting the beam into tension, and so helping to contain the vehicle.
  • the slot may extend from the aperture to one edge of the restrictor plate.
  • the restrictor plate may comprise one or more further apertures and one or more further slots, each slot being adjacent to and connected with an aperture, the width of each slot being less than the width of the associated aperture.
  • the apertures and slots may be positioned in a row.
  • the restrictor plate may be such that the amount of force required to release a connector from an aperture is substantially the same for each aperture.
  • the width of each of the apertures may be substantially equal.
  • the width of each of the slots may increase on going from the slot closest to the edge of the restrictor plate to the slot furthest from the edge of the restrictor plate.
  • Figure 1 shows a plan view of a restrictor plate according to the invention.
  • Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the underside of a safety barrier including the restrictor plate of Figure 1.
  • the restrictor plate 1 shown in the drawings comprises a rectangular plate of sheet steel.
  • the restrictor plate 1 comprises three circular apertures 2a, 2b, 2c for receiving a connector (not shown).
  • the three apertures 2a, 2b, 2c are positioned in a row.
  • the restrictor plate 1 also comprises four slots 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, each slot being adjacent to and connected with an aperture 2a, 2b, 2c so that there is a slot 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d on either side of each aperture 2a, 2b, 2c, the slots 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d being positioned in a row in line with the row of apertures 2a, 2b, 2c.
  • the apertures 2a, 2b, 2c and slots 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d join together to form a cut out in the restrictor plate 1 extending from one edge 4 of the restrictor plate to a point about two thirds of the way across the restrictor plate 1.
  • the width x of each of the apertures 2a, 2b, 2c is equal.
  • the width y of each of the slots 3a, 3b, 3c increases on going along the row from the slot 3a closest to the edge 4 of the restrictor plate 1 to the slot 3c furthest but one from the edge 4 of the restrictor plate 1. These widths are calculated such that the amount of force required to release a connector from any one of the apertures 2a, 2b, 2c is substantially the same for each aperture. All three slots 3a, 3b, 3c are narrower than the connectors, with the result that the restrictor plate 1 has to be deformed to allow a connector to pass through the slot.
  • the fourth slot 3d which is furthest from the edge 4 of the restrictor plate 1 is the same width as the adjacent slot, slot 3c, but it may be wider than that slot.
  • FIG 2 shows the restrictor plate 1 in use in a safety barrier 5.
  • the safety barrier comprises a beam 6 mounted on a plurality of posts 7, one of which is shown in Figure 2.
  • the beam 6 is connected to the post 7 by a slotted bracket 8.
  • the bracket 8 consists of two separate strips 9 which are welded to the top of the post 7 on either side of a cut out 10 in the top of the post 7 such that a gap is left between the two strips 9.
  • the gap forms a slot 11 in the bracket 8, which is in line with the axis of the beam 6.
  • Two restrictor plates 1 are positioned beneath the slotted bracket 8 on either side of the post 7 such that the three apertures, 2a, 2b, 2c and four slots 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d in each restrictor plate 1 are aligned with the slot 11 in the bracket 8, and so that the edge 4 of each restrictor plate 1 faces the post 7.
  • the cut out in each restrictor plate 1 is also in line with the axis of the beam 6.
  • a connector such as a bolt (not shown) is passed through a bolt hole 12 in the beam 6, through the slot 11 in the bracket 8 and through one of the apertures 2a, 2b, 2c in the restrictor plate 1. Any one of the three apertures 2a, 2b, 2c may be used, three apertures 2a, 2b, 2c being provided merely to allow for assembly tolerances.
  • the resistance provided by any of the slots 3a, 3b, 3c, positioned between the connector and the edge 4 of the restrictor plate 1 will be sufficient to prevent the connector from being released from the restrictor plate 1 so preventing the connector from sliding out of the slot 11 in the bracket 8.
  • the post 7 will not disconnect from the beam 6, with the result that the beam will be put into tension by taking load to ground via the post, and so will help to contain the vehicle.
  • the restrictor plate 1 provides an appropriate level of resistance along the axis of the beam both for a direct impact on any post 7 and an impact on either side of a post 7 which has undergone a direct impact.
  • the restrictor plate 1 is used as part of a connection in a safety barrier. However, it may also be used in the connections of other items of roadside furniture such as signs or lamp posts.

Abstract

A restrictor plate for use in a connection in roadside furniture, the restrictor pla comprising an aperture for receiving a connector and a slot adjacent to and connected with said aperture, the width of the slot being less than the width of said aperture.

Description

RESTRICTOR PLATE
The invention relates to a restrictor plate for use in a connection in roadside furniture. The term "roadside furniture" as used herein means items which are commonly installed besides roads such as safety barriers, signs and lamp posts.
The restrictor plate of the present invention is particularly useful in roadside furniture connections which include a slotted bracket. Such a connection is the subject of the applicant's co-pending application, UK Patent Application No. 0601599.4, and applications based on that application, which relate to a safety barrier which uses slotted brackets to connect the beam to the posts which support that beam.
Using slotted brackets to connect the posts to the beam means that the connection between the beam and posts in the event of an impact on a post is 'strong' in the lateral direction of the beam in order to support the barrier on impact, but Λweak' in the axial direction of the beam in order to reduce the severity of the impact and to prevent excessive damage to the vehicle. However, a problem with such slotted brackets is that they may not provide sufficient resistance in the axial direction of the beam for the posts on either side of the impact zone. Some axial resistance is required on either side of the impact zone in order to put the beam into tension to help contain the vehicle.
It is an object of the invention to seek to mitigate this problem.
Accordingly, the invention provides a restrictor plate for use in a connection in roadside furniture, the restrictor plate comprising an aperture for receiving a connector and a slot adjacent to and connected with said aperture, the width of the slot being less than the width of said aperture.
The invention also provides a restrictor plate according to the invention and a connector for use with the restrictor plate, the width of the slot being less than the width of said connector. By having a slot which is narrower in width than the aperture, and, in particular, narrower than the width of the connector, the restrictor plate will allow a connector which has been placed in the aperture of the restrictor plate to disconnect from the restrictor plate, while providing resistance to such disconnection. Thus, if the restrictor plate is used in combination with a slotted bracket, it can provide some degree of axial resistance. The amount of axial resistance can be controlled by varying the width of the slot in relation to the width of the connector. Thus, the restrictor plate can be designed so that it will release a connector in the event of a direct impact on the post on which the restrictor plate is mounted, but will not release a connector in the event of an impact on either side of the post on which the restrictor plate is mounted. Thus, the restrictor plate will allow the slotted bracket to perform its function of allowing a post which has been subject to a direct impact to disconnect from the beam, thereby reducing the severity of the impact on the vehicle, but at the same time will prevent the posts on either side of that post from disconnecting from the beam, thereby putting the beam into tension, and so helping to contain the vehicle.
The slot may extend from the aperture to one edge of the restrictor plate.
The restrictor plate may comprise one or more further apertures and one or more further slots, each slot being adjacent to and connected with an aperture, the width of each slot being less than the width of the associated aperture. The apertures and slots may be positioned in a row.
Providing a plurality of apertures allows for assembly tolerances as there will be choice of apertures which can be used for the connector.
The restrictor plate may be such that the amount of force required to release a connector from an aperture is substantially the same for each aperture.
The width of each of the apertures may be substantially equal. The width of each of the slots may increase on going from the slot closest to the edge of the restrictor plate to the slot furthest from the edge of the restrictor plate.
The invention will now be illustrated with reference to the following drawings of which:
Figure 1 shows a plan view of a restrictor plate according to the invention; and
Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the underside of a safety barrier including the restrictor plate of Figure 1.
The restrictor plate 1 shown in the drawings comprises a rectangular plate of sheet steel.
The restrictor plate 1 comprises three circular apertures 2a, 2b, 2c for receiving a connector (not shown). The three apertures 2a, 2b, 2c are positioned in a row.
The restrictor plate 1 also comprises four slots 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, each slot being adjacent to and connected with an aperture 2a, 2b, 2c so that there is a slot 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d on either side of each aperture 2a, 2b, 2c, the slots 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d being positioned in a row in line with the row of apertures 2a, 2b, 2c. The apertures 2a, 2b, 2c and slots 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d join together to form a cut out in the restrictor plate 1 extending from one edge 4 of the restrictor plate to a point about two thirds of the way across the restrictor plate 1.
The width x of each of the apertures 2a, 2b, 2c is equal. The width y of each of the slots 3a, 3b, 3c increases on going along the row from the slot 3a closest to the edge 4 of the restrictor plate 1 to the slot 3c furthest but one from the edge 4 of the restrictor plate 1. These widths are calculated such that the amount of force required to release a connector from any one of the apertures 2a, 2b, 2c is substantially the same for each aperture. All three slots 3a, 3b, 3c are narrower than the connectors, with the result that the restrictor plate 1 has to be deformed to allow a connector to pass through the slot. In the illustrated embodiment, the fourth slot 3d which is furthest from the edge 4 of the restrictor plate 1 is the same width as the adjacent slot, slot 3c, but it may be wider than that slot.
Figure 2 shows the restrictor plate 1 in use in a safety barrier 5. The safety barrier comprises a beam 6 mounted on a plurality of posts 7, one of which is shown in Figure 2. The beam 6 is connected to the post 7 by a slotted bracket 8. The bracket 8 consists of two separate strips 9 which are welded to the top of the post 7 on either side of a cut out 10 in the top of the post 7 such that a gap is left between the two strips 9. The gap forms a slot 11 in the bracket 8, which is in line with the axis of the beam 6. Two restrictor plates 1 are positioned beneath the slotted bracket 8 on either side of the post 7 such that the three apertures, 2a, 2b, 2c and four slots 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d in each restrictor plate 1 are aligned with the slot 11 in the bracket 8, and so that the edge 4 of each restrictor plate 1 faces the post 7. Thus, the cut out in each restrictor plate 1 is also in line with the axis of the beam 6.
In use, a connector such as a bolt (not shown) is passed through a bolt hole 12 in the beam 6, through the slot 11 in the bracket 8 and through one of the apertures 2a, 2b, 2c in the restrictor plate 1. Any one of the three apertures 2a, 2b, 2c may be used, three apertures 2a, 2b, 2c being provided merely to allow for assembly tolerances.
In the event of an impact directly on the post 7, the resistance provided by any of the slots 3a, 3b, 3c which are positioned between the connector and the edge 4 of the restrictor plate 1 will be such that the slot(s) 3a, 3b, 3c will be forced open so releasing the connector from the restrictor plate 1 and allowing the connector to slide out of the slot 11 in the bracket 8. Thus, the restrictor plate 1 will still allow the slotted bracket 8 to perform its function of reducing the severity of the impact on the vehicle.
However, in the event of an impact on one of the posts on either side of the post 7, the resistance provided by any of the slots 3a, 3b, 3c, positioned between the connector and the edge 4 of the restrictor plate 1 will be sufficient to prevent the connector from being released from the restrictor plate 1 so preventing the connector from sliding out of the slot 11 in the bracket 8. Thus, the post 7 will not disconnect from the beam 6, with the result that the beam will be put into tension by taking load to ground via the post, and so will help to contain the vehicle.
Thus, the restrictor plate 1 provides an appropriate level of resistance along the axis of the beam both for a direct impact on any post 7 and an impact on either side of a post 7 which has undergone a direct impact.
In the above embodiment described above, the restrictor plate 1 is used as part of a connection in a safety barrier. However, it may also be used in the connections of other items of roadside furniture such as signs or lamp posts.

Claims

1. A restrictor plate for use in a connection in roadside furniture, the restrictor plate comprising an aperture for receiving a connector and a slot adjacent to and connected with said aperture, the width of the slot being less than the width of said aperture.
2. A restrictor plate according to claim 1, the slot extending from the aperture to one edge of the restrictor plate.
3. A restrictor plate according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the restrictor plate comprises one or more further apertures and one or more further slots, each slot being adjacent to and connected with an aperture, the width of each slot being less than the width of the associated aperture.
4. A restrictor plate according to claim 3, wherein the apertures and slots are positioned in a row.
5. A restrictor plate according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the restrictor plate is such that the amount of force required to release a connector from an aperture is substantially the same for each aperture.
6. A restrictor plate according to any of claims 3 to 5, wherein the width of each of the apertures is substantially equal.
7. A restrictor plate according to any of claims 3 to 6, wherein the width of each of the slots increases on going from the slot closest to the edge of the restrictor plate to the slot furthest from the edge of the restrictor plate.
8. A restrictor plate substantially as described herein or as illustrated in the drawings.
9. A restrictor plate according to any preceding claim and a connector for use with the restrictor plate, the width of the slot being less than the width of said connector.
10. Roadside furniture comprising a connection including a slotted bracket and a restrictor plate according to any one of claims 1 to 8.
PCT/GB2008/000559 2007-02-28 2008-02-18 Restrictor plate WO2008104740A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0703832A GB0703832D0 (en) 2007-02-28 2007-02-28 Restrictor plate
GB0703832.6 2007-02-28

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2008104740A1 true WO2008104740A1 (en) 2008-09-04

Family

ID=37965628

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2008/000559 WO2008104740A1 (en) 2007-02-28 2008-02-18 Restrictor plate

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (1) GB0703832D0 (en)
WO (1) WO2008104740A1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN105625225A (en) * 2016-03-15 2016-06-01 青岛理工大学 Anti-pierce isolation fence
EP2644913A3 (en) * 2012-03-27 2017-07-19 Nissan Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd. Retaining tool, system & method

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4126403A (en) * 1976-10-04 1978-11-21 Franklin Steel Company Post construction
US4550933A (en) * 1982-04-08 1985-11-05 Ase (Uk) Limited Adjustable anchorage
US4908245A (en) * 1988-07-05 1990-03-13 Burt Shah Self retaining injection molded shims
DE29714671U1 (en) * 1997-08-09 1998-03-05 Reiss Int Gmbh Perforated disc
DE19758253A1 (en) * 1997-12-30 1999-07-01 Zumtobel Staff Gmbh Slotted washer for a screw
US6926461B1 (en) * 2002-04-08 2005-08-09 Board Of Regents Of University Of Nebraska High-impact, energy-absorbing vehicle barrier system
DE202005013218U1 (en) * 2005-08-19 2005-10-27 SGGT Straßenausstattungen GmbH Protective plank strand for roadway, has locking plate, metal plate, timber section and spacer with aligning bore holes, and centre section whose blade is connected by plate, and screw bolts connected with one another by holes

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4126403A (en) * 1976-10-04 1978-11-21 Franklin Steel Company Post construction
US4550933A (en) * 1982-04-08 1985-11-05 Ase (Uk) Limited Adjustable anchorage
US4908245A (en) * 1988-07-05 1990-03-13 Burt Shah Self retaining injection molded shims
DE29714671U1 (en) * 1997-08-09 1998-03-05 Reiss Int Gmbh Perforated disc
DE19758253A1 (en) * 1997-12-30 1999-07-01 Zumtobel Staff Gmbh Slotted washer for a screw
US6926461B1 (en) * 2002-04-08 2005-08-09 Board Of Regents Of University Of Nebraska High-impact, energy-absorbing vehicle barrier system
DE202005013218U1 (en) * 2005-08-19 2005-10-27 SGGT Straßenausstattungen GmbH Protective plank strand for roadway, has locking plate, metal plate, timber section and spacer with aligning bore holes, and centre section whose blade is connected by plate, and screw bolts connected with one another by holes

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2644913A3 (en) * 2012-03-27 2017-07-19 Nissan Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd. Retaining tool, system & method
CN105625225A (en) * 2016-03-15 2016-06-01 青岛理工大学 Anti-pierce isolation fence
CN105625225B (en) * 2016-03-15 2018-05-22 青岛理工大学 Anti- puncture isolation guardrail

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0703832D0 (en) 2007-04-11

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
DE60314561T2 (en) Seat cushion for vehicle seats
CA2289582C (en) Breakaway support post for highway guardrail end treatments
US7875799B2 (en) Angled patch panel cover plate
US8388257B2 (en) Connecting device for connecting separating elements for traffic areas
US6474904B1 (en) Traffic barrier with liquid filled modules
EP2426260B1 (en) Improvements in and relating to posts
US7788878B1 (en) Device and method for bracing a wall structure
US5957425A (en) Safety sign post with breakaway connection
US8500103B2 (en) Yielding post guardrail safety system incorporating thrie beam guardrail elements
AU2002322629A1 (en) Traffic barrier with liquid filled modules
EP1813725A1 (en) Safety barrier
US9719221B2 (en) Vehicle safety catch fence
CA2614207A1 (en) Cable-release anchor assembly
EP2138801A2 (en) Armour construction for armoured vehicles
US20130094903A1 (en) Roadside traffic barrier
WO2014066350A2 (en) Frangible post for highway barrier end terminals
US7556243B2 (en) High tension cable to metal beam guide fence transition
WO2008104740A1 (en) Restrictor plate
DE112014000467T5 (en) Flexible guardrail with improved impact energy absorption capacity
EP3277885B1 (en) Road safety barrier with spacer
US20150299968A1 (en) Barrier System
EP1832681A1 (en) Reinforced roadside barrier
AU2014200471A1 (en) Safety barrier
CN106275089B (en) Bracket for improving impact load performance
WO1999036631A1 (en) Improvements to a semirigid, position-correctable, collision-energy-dissipating, guardrail

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 08709445

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 08709445

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1