WO2014062128A1

WO2014062128A1 - Post mount

Info

Publication number: WO2014062128A1
Application number: PCT/SE2013/051215
Authority: WO
Inventors: Magnus Hammar
Original assignee: G Hammars Verkstad Ab
Priority date: 2012-10-17
Filing date: 2013-10-17
Publication date: 2014-04-24
Also published as: SE1251184A1; SE536779C2

Abstract

A mount (1) for anchoring a barrier unit (21) to support posts (30) includes a profiled sheet (2) of material having a first barrier unit attachment section (3), a second post attachment section (4) spaced from the first attachment section and an elastically deformable middle sheet section (5) joining the first and second attachment sections for taking up thermal movement in the barrier unit. A sound barrier as well as a method for forming such a barrier is also provided.

Description

TITLE: POST MOUNT

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally concerns barriers or fences that are supported by posts and specifically relates to a mount for anchoring such a barrier or fence to support posts as well as to a sound barrier unit that is anchored to fixed barrier support posts.

BACKGROUND

The expansion and contraction of materials due to change in temperature, also known as thermal movement, is a factor to be reckoned with for many structures. Naturally such thermal movement has greater effect in environments where the temperature varies considerably and for assemblies including materials having very different thermal movement coefficients. Most outdoor building structures experience such thermal movement and especially structures having a large surface area. In such structures materials may tend to be displaced to different extents. Such displacement may for rigidly mounted components lead to skew, warping and other deformation that in turn may cause anything from a dislocation to a breakage of parts of the structure.

The most common solutions to such thermal movement problems have been directed to maintaining a range of movement through the use of slidable friction connections. In such connections fixing means, such as bolts and screws holding together parts of a structure, may be accommodated in elongated holes allowing for mutual slidable displacement of the parts.

One specific area where thermal movement problems have been noted involves structures in the form of barriers, walls and fences made up of planks and especially those where plastic planks are used. Such plastic plank structures are increasingly employed as sound or noise barriers protecting residential areas from highway noise. In such barriers the planks are often vertically arranged and fixed to a frame, such as a steel frame, forming fixed units of considerable length. When experiencing large temperature variations such units may become subjected to the above discussed severe deformation.

SUMMARY

A general object of this disclosure is to present a solution to the problems discussed above. In particular it is an object of this disclosure to suggest an improved mount for anchoring a barrier to support posts.

In particular it is another object of this disclosure to suggest an improved sound barrier.

A further object of the disclosure is to suggest a method of forming a sound barrier. These and other objects are met by the invention as defined by the accompanying claims. In a first aspect the invention relates generally to a mount for anchoring a barrier unit to support posts. In a basic configuration a profiled sheet of material is employed having a first barrier unit attachment section, a second post attachment section spaced from the first attachment section and an elastically deformable section joining the first and second attachment sections for resiliency taking up thermal movement in the barrier unit.

In a second aspect the invention relates to a sound barrier with sound barrier units mounted at intervals to rigidly anchored support posts and consisting of planks that are assembled in a barrier unit frame. In a basic configuration the sound barrier units are mounted to respective support posts by means of mounts according to this invention, whereby first barrier unit attachment sections are rigidly attached to a respective barrier unit frame and second support post attachment sections are rigidly attached to a respective support post.

In a further aspect the invention relates to a method of forming a sound barrier wherein sound barrier units are formed by assembling planks in a barrier unit frame and said sound barrier units are mounted at intervals to support posts. In a basic configuration the sound barrier units are mounted to respective support posts by rigidly attaching a first barrier unit attachment section of a mount according to this invention to the barrier unit frame and by rigidly attaching a second support post attachment section to the respective post. These basic configurations present the main advantages of effectively allowing thermally induced relative movement of planks of the barrier unit and thereby maintaining the general shape of each barrier unit even under temperature variations. They will also allow for easy and quick installation of the mounts as well as of an entire barrier. Preferred further developments of the basic inventive idea as well as embodiments thereof are specified in the dependent subclaims.

Advantages offered by the present invention, in addition to those described, will be readily appreciated upon reading the below detailed description of embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention and its further objects and advantages will be best understood by reference to the following description taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a barrier unit mount;

Fig. 2 is a side view of the barrier unit mount of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3 is a top view of the barrier unit mount of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 4 is an end view of the barrier unit mount of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the barrier unit mount in operating condition mounting a schematically illustrated barrier unit to a post;

Fig. 6 is a side view of the barrier unit mount of Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is an end view of the barrier unit mount of Fig. 5;

Fig. 8 is a top view of the barrier unit mount of Fig. 5;

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a barrier unit mount;

Fig. 10 is a side view of the second embodiment of the barrier unit mount in operating condition mounting a schematically illustrated barrier unit to a post; Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a barrier unit mount in operating condition mounting a schematically illustrated barrier unit to a post;

Fig. 12 is a side view of the third embodiment of the mount in the operating condition;

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a barrier unit mount;

Fig. 14 is a side view of the fourth embodiment of the barrier unit mount in operating condition mounting a schematically illustrated barrier unit to a post; and

Fig. 15 is a schematical illustration of a sound barrier of a kind where barrier mounts of the present invention may be employed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention will be explained below with reference to exemplifying embodiments of a mount for anchoring a barrier unit to a support post and to a barrier employing such mounts for mounting barrier units to respective support posts as well as to a method of forming such a barrier. The embodiments relate to an application of the invention to sound or noise barriers using vertically arranged plastic planks or boards for forming fixed barrier units. It shall be emphasized though, that the invention may be applied also in other fields where barriers are formed of planks, boards or panels consisting of materials having similar thermal movement coefficients. For simplicity the invention will in the specification and claims refer specifically to barriers but it is emphasized that this expression is intended to include all types of walls, fences or panels for use in various environments where thermal movement issues may arise. Thus, the illustrations are for the sole purpose of describing preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the invention to details or to any specific field of application. It shall be realized that the disclosure covers the incorporation of features related to other applications and any combination of features disclosed herein.

As was mentioned above, previous solutions for relieving thermal movement problems in barriers were commonly based on the use of slidable connections. This invention attempts to find a more effective and versatile solution to such problems by taking a new approach for accommodating thermal movement in barriers and barrier units. An object is to provide a fairly simple solution compensating for thermal movement in a barrier structure. The solution will allow for and accommodate considerable dimensional change caused by thermal expansion and contraction of e.g. barrier planks, panels or boards. Basically this is accomplished by means of a barrier mount that will allow relatively unrestricted movement of the barrier in a vertical direction relative to the support posts but will exclude movement of the barrier in the two horizontal degrees of freedom of movement. It is essential that the movement in the vertical direction does practically not cause any plastic, but only purely elastic deformation.

The invention will be explained below with reference to exemplifying schematical embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the accompanying drawing figures 1-15. In Figs. 1-8 is outlined a first embodiment of a mount 1 used for flexibly anchoring exemplary barrier units 21 to support posts 30 of a likewise exemplary sound barrier 20 (Figs. 5-8 and 15). In these exemplary embodiments the barrier units 21 may have standing or vertically arranged barrier planks 22 of a material, such as plastic material, having a reasonably high thermal movement coefficient. The planks 22 are mounted to a later described metal frame structure 23. The mount 1 consists of a sheet 2 of a material having an appropriate resilience to elastically accommodate thermal movement that may occur between barrier unit 21 and support posts 30 due to thermal expansion or contraction of the frequently employed plastic barrier planks.

In the embodiment of Figs. 1-8 the mount 1 is preferably a profiled flat metal sheet or plate 2, e.g. of an ordinary steel grade. It has a first barrier unit attachment section 3, a second post attachment section 4 spaced from the first attachment section by an elastically deformable middle sheet section 5. The middle section 5 joining the first and second attachment sections 3, 4 serves to resiliently accommodate thermal movement in the barrier unit 21.

Along one side of the sheet 2 the first barrier unit attachment section 3 is formed as a bend at an appropriate angle a, here approximately 90°, from a general plane PI of the adjacent middle sheet section 5. Holes 3 A for receiving fasteners 9, such as nuts and bolts or rivets, are formed in the barrier unit attachment section 3, said fasteners 9 serving to secure a barrier unit 21 frame 23 (Figs. 5-8 and 15) to the barrier unit attachment section 3. The post attachment section 4 is a bend along an opposite side of the sheet 2. Holes 4A for receiving a fastener 10, such as a U-bolt or yoke with nuts, are formed therein too. Said fastener 10 serves to secure a support post 30 (Figs. 5-8 and 15) to the post attachment section 4 that is extended generally parallel to the barrier unit attachment section 3.

The profiled sheet 2 further has a fold 7 of at least 120° in the middle sheet section 5, at a position near the second post attachment section 4. Said fold 7 in the middle sheet section 5 of the profiled sheet 2 may preferably be folded down by 1 0-170° towards itself in order to provide the desired resiliency at the position adjacent to the second post attachment section 4. When forming a mount 1 from an ordinary steel grade this fold 7 is important for allowing a sufficiently large elastic movement without causing any plastic deformation of the material. The rather "sharp" fold angle is preferred in order to provide stability, thereby avoiding "fluttering" of the barrier structure. With such a downward fold 7 the adjoining second post attachment section 4 will be folded back appropriately to extend generally parallel to the barrier unit attachment section 3. The middle sheet section 5 is continuous and will in a mounted operating condition in a barrier overlie an upper end of the support post 30.

In Figs. 9 and 10 is illustrated a modified second embodiment of the invention that is a variation of the first embodiment. Here, the first and second attachment sections 103, 104 as well as the fold 107 are generally identical in shape and profile to those of the first embodiment. However, in this case an aperture 106 is provided in the middle section 105 of the sheet 102. The aperture 106 extends from a position close to the barrier unit attachment section 103, through the middle sheet section 105, through most of the fold 107 and to a position near the post attachment section 104. This means that in assembling a barrier to a support post 30, the support post will initially be extended through the mount 101. The aperture 106 is provided mainly for obtaining a compact configuration tightly enclosing a support post 30 being received therein in operating condition.

As indicated, the described mounts 1, 101 may be used for mounting a sound barrier 20 as illustrated in Fig. 15. Such a sound barrier may preferably consist of barrier units 21 formed by rigidly attaching planks 22, such as interlocking plastic planks or boards, to a barrier unit frame 23. In a practical example the planks 22 may each have a length of approximately two meters and the assembled barrier 20 may have a length of up to 50-100 meters or more. In such an application the barrier may have to be able to withstand considerable horizontal wind force from the back and from the front, depending upon the wind direction. Simultaneously a relatively modest vertical pressure from the expanding/contracting planks of the barrier shall be allowed to elastically deform the mount vertically.

The barrier unit frame 23 takes up the weight of the planks 22 and is normally formed by separate spaced horizontal steel bars 23 that preferably have a U-shaped profile and are arranged with their open sides facing each other. The steel bars 23 extend generally transversal to vertically aligned planks 22 that are received in the U-shaped profile thereof. The sound barrier units 21 are then mounted at intervals to respective support posts 30 that are rigidly anchored in a foundation, normally in the ground G. Specifically, in applications using mounts 101 of the second embodiment, the sound barrier units 21 are mounted to respective support posts 30 by extending a support post through the respective mount 101 prior to rigidly attaching the first barrier unit attachment section 103 of a mount 101 as described to the barrier unit frame 23 and rigidly securing the second support post attachment section 104 to the respective post. In the illustrated embodiment the mounts are attached to an upper bar of the frame 23 whereas the lower bar of the frame may be fixed directly to the respective support posts 30.

With the above described method of the invention is formed a sound or noise barrier 20 that includes sound/noise barrier units 21 consisting of plastic planks 22 that are assembled in a barrier unit frame 23. With the use of the described mounts 1, 101 an upper region of the barrier unit 21 is through the barrier unit frame 23 mounted at intervals to rigidly anchored barrier support posts 30, so that thermal contraction and/or expansion of the planks will be accommodated, not primarily by the frame 23 but by the resiliency of the mounts 1. With the barrier unit attachment sections 3, 103 being rigidly attached to a barrier unit frame 23 and the support post attachment sections 4, 104 being rigidly attached to the respective support post the barrier units 21 are maintained intact and thermal movement is accommodated fully by the mounts 1, 101.

A third embodiment of the inventive mount 201 is shown in Figs. 11 and 12. This embodi- ment is a further variation using features of the first embodiment. In this case a sheet 202 formed at least mainly of spring material, preferably spring steel is used. By using spring material the necessary elastic resilience for elastically accomodating thermal movement will be obtained without the need of any sharp fold as in the two first embodiments of the mount. The first barrier unit attachment section 203 and the middle sheet section 205 are similar to those of the first embodiment. The first attachment section 203 is again a 90° bend along one side of the sheet 202 and with fastener receiving holes 203 A formed therein. When a barrier 20 is to be mounted, the holes 203 A will receive bolt and nut connections 9 for securing the barrier unit 21 frame 23 to the mounts 201. The middle sheet section 205 is continuous and lacks an aperture. Thus, the support post 30 will not be extended through the mount 201 that will again be mounted overlying the upper end of the post 30. The second post attachment section 204 is a bend along an opposite side of the sheet 202. It has a flat continuous surface 204B that is secured to a post 30 side surface, such as by adhesive or by welding, and may have a slightly narrower width than the barrier attachment section 203 to fit the post side.

In Figs. 13 and 14 is shown a fourth embodiment that is a further variation of a mount 301 combining features of the second and third embodiments. Again, like in the third embodiment, the profiled sheet 302 at least in the middle section 305 consists of spring material, e.g. spring steel. In this case, a support post 30 receiving aperture 306 is provided, like in the first embodiment. Here, said aperture 306 is in operating condition formed between two separate, cooperating parts 302.1, 302.2 of a split sheet 302. Thus the split sheet 302 includes separate sheet parts 302.1 302.2 together forming a first barrier attachment section 303. In this case the sheet parts 302.1 302.2 each have a separate first barrier attachment section 303.1, 303.2 formed as an approximately 90° bend along one side of the sheet sections and with fastener receiving holes 303A formed therein. When a barrier 20 is to be mounted, the holes 303A will receive bolt and nut connections 9 for securing the barrier unit 21 frame 23 to the mounts 301. However, in a further modification the sheet 302 may also be formed in one piece by extending the spring steel material between the sheet parts 302.1, 302.2 at the first attachment sections 303.1, 303.2. The second post attachment section 304 consists of an end portion 304.1, 304.2 of a respective separate middle section 305.1, 305.2 of the sheet parts 302.1, 302.2 and a bracket 312 fixed, such as by welding, to a support post 30. Finally, the sheet part 302.1, 302.2 end portions 304.1, 304.2 are secured to the bracket 312 such as by means of bolt and nut connections 9 or rivet connections.

The barrier mount has been shown in embodiments specifically configured for barriers with vertical or standing barrier planks, but may with minor modifications be adapted for use with barriers having horizontal or lying planks. In further alternative, but not specifically shown embodiments of the invention variations of the illustrated parts of the inventive mount may be employed without departing from the inventive scope. Such variations may involve using other materials than those mentioned or other types of connections than the standard bolt and nut connections mentioned above. To exemplify this, the discussed spring material embodi- ments may employ any feasible kind of spring material other than metal material, such as a composite material or stainless steel. Further, depending upon the application and on the used materials different parts may be secured to each other by means of welding, riveting or bonding/adhesives. It shall be emphasized that although the invention has been described and illustrated with specific reference to an application by a sound or noise barrier, the invention is in no way restricted to such applications. The basic principles of the invention may be applied to other areas where barriers or fences of similar configuration are used.

The present invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered the most practical and preferred embodiments but it shall be understood that it is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. It likewise covers any feasible combination of features described and illustrated herein and is therefore intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS

1. A mount (1; 201) for anchoring a barrier unit (21) to support posts (30) and having a profiled sheet material (2; 202) with separate attachment sections (3; 203 and 4; 204, respectively) for a barrier unit and for a support post, respectively and an elastically deformable middle section (5; 205) joining the attachment sections, characterized in that:

- the sheet material (2; 202) consists of flat plate or sheet material to resiliently take up thermal movement in the barrier unit;

- the middle section (5; 205) is continuous in order to overlie an upper end of the support post (30) in a mounted operating condition in a barrier (20);

- along one side of the sheet material (2; 202) a first barrier unit attachment section (3;

203) is formed as a fold from a general plane (PI) of the adjacent middle sheet section (5; 205);

- a second support post attachment section (4; 204) is formed at a position adjacent a fold (7) in the middle sheet section, along an opposite side of the sheet material (2;

202).

2. A mount (1 ; 201) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first barrier unit (21) attachment section (3; 203) is formed as a fold at an angle of approximately 90° from the general plane (PI) of the adjacent middle sheet section (5; 205).

3. A mount (1) according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that profiled sheet material (2) has an at least 120° fold (7) in the middle sheet section (5), at a position adjacent to the second attachment section (4) for a post (30).

4. A mount (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the fold (7) in the middle sheet section (5) of the profiled sheet (2) is folded 140-170° towards itself at the position adjacent to the second attachment section (4) for a post (30).

5. A mount (201) according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the profiled sheet (202) at least in the middle section (205) consists of spring steel and is a unitary part (202).

6. A mount (1; 201) according to any of claims 1-5, characterized in that the first barrier unit attachment section (3; 203) has fastener receiving holes (3 A; 203 A) formed therein and in that the second attachment section (4; 204) for a post (30) is folded along an opposite side of the sheet, with fastener receiving holes (4A) formed therein or alternatively with a flat continuous surface (204B).

7. A sound barrier (20) including sound barrier units (21) that are mounted at intervals to rigidly anchored barrier support posts (30) and that consist of planks (22) that are assembled in a barrier unit frame (23), characterized in that the sound barrier units are mounted to respective support posts by means of mounts (1 ; 201) according to any of claims 1-6, whereby the first barrier unit attachment sections (3; 203) are rigidly attached to a respective barrier unit frame and the second support post attachment sections (4; 204) are rigidly secured to the respective support post.

8. A sound barrier (20) according to claim 7, characterized in that the planks (22) consist of plastic material.

9. A method of forming a sound barrier (20), wherein sound barrier units (21) are formed by assembling planks (22) in a barrier unit frame (23) and said sound barrier units (21) are mounted at intervals to respective support posts (30), characterized by mounting the sound barrier units to respective support posts by rigidly attaching the first barrier unit attachment section (3; 203) of a mount (1 ; 201) according to any of claims 1-6 to the barrier unit frame (23) and by rigidly securing the second support post attachment section (4; 104; 204; 304) thereof to the respective post.