FR2909691A1 - Path separating beacon for road construction site, has protection structure placed in retracted position, in which beacon is transposed, or in deployed position, in which structure extends above beacon and along longitudinal axis of beacon - Google Patents

Abstract

The beacon (1) has a protection structure fixed in a removable manner to a lower end of a concrete body (2). The structure is placed in a retracted position, in which the beacon is transposed, or in a deployed position, in which the structure extends vertically above the beacon and along a longitudinal axis of the beacon. The structure has panels (41, 51) withstanding wind and air currents ranging between 100 and 200 Kilometer per hour, where the panel is made of plastic material. An arm (7) is articulated on a T-shaped metallic head (3) and maintains the panels in vertical position.

Description

The present invention relates to tags for the separation of

lanes.

  Significant road works are systematically protected by markers consisting of metal blocks, concrete or mixed, of different shapes, linked to each other to protect the people who work on construction sites tracks left free to the traffic of users . These blocks are in connection with each other by means of fasteners such that the articulation between two successive blocks has a certain degree of freedom in the transverse direction. This relative freedom of rotation makes it possible to carry out the horizontal and lateral displacement (transposition) of the blocks, from one position to another on the road, thanks to conventional transfer devices. Such transposition devices are specific to the type of beacon to be transposed. Thus, patent EP 0 125 817 describes a method of transferring lane separation beacons comprising a body and T-shaped head returned, which raises the beacons by means of rollers which cooperate with the inner faces of the T-head. Furthermore, the patent FR 2 826 675 describes a device for making a lateral displacement of track separation beacons compatible with the beacons having a body, which guides the tags from below the body or via an existing groove on both side faces of the body. These markers have been satisfactory. However, today, the security constraints are increasing and these devices appear to be insufficient. Thus, it is necessary to protect also the users circulating on the tracks left free. Indeed, activity on the site tends to distract motorists and becomes a cause of significant accidents. Moreover, current beacons do not protect users from projections and other rubble coming from the site, nor the workers from the projections coming from traffic lanes.

For this reason, protective barriers are sometimes installed on each lane separation beacon in order to conceal the view of the construction site and, on the other hand, to limit the projections. These protective barriers consist of a solid metal panel placed by means of two jumpers clamped with a screw and a system of holes on the beacon. Because of their constituent material and their non-specificity (these barriers being initially intended to prevent in particular the passage), these barriers are heavy and difficult to handle. This protective device is wasting the workers on the job site a lot of time. In fact, each time the beacons have to be moved, the protective barriers must be removed beforehand and, once the beacons are in the desired position, these barriers must be reinstalled. These operations take up to 4 hours a day. The construction site is thus slowed down, and the workers get tired during the installation of the barriers even before starting the works which are initially assigned to them. This slowdown in the construction industry inevitably costs a lot of money to the construction and public works companies. In addition, once removed from the beacons, the barriers and fasteners pose a problem as to their storage. This problem increases with the size of the yard. The invention aims to overcome the disadvantages described above, by proposing a device having both the benefits of a beacon transposable by conventional transfer devices, and the protection function of users and construction workers.

This object is achieved in the context of the present invention by means of a transposable beacon, intended for the separation of traffic lanes, characterized in that it is provided with a retractable protective structure and fixed irremovably on the beacon. , said structure being able to be placed: in the retracted position, position in which the beacon can be transposed, or in the deployed position, in which position the structure extends vertically above the beacon and along the longitudinal axis of the beacon; beacon, and thus ensures its protection function.

Preferably, the protective structure comprises at least one panel, said at least one resistant panel, advantageously, wind and air currents between 100km / h and 200km / h in the deployed position. In some embodiments, the beacon has at least one support arm 5 to keep it substantially vertical in the deployed position, said at least one arm can be retracted along the beacon. Moreover, said protective structure preferably extends over at least 2/3 of the length of the beacon, and the beacon is made of concrete and / or metal.

In a first embodiment, the protective structure comprises at least two panels articulated with respect to one another, one of the two being fixed irremovably and articulated on one of the two sides longitudinals of the beacon, the axes of articulation extending longitudinally. In a second embodiment, the protection structure 15 comprises at least three panels fixed on one of the longitudinal sides of the beacon, each of them being moreover pivotally mounted about a transverse axis, the transverse axes being spaced along the longitudinal axis of the beacon. said longitudinal side. Preferably, the distance between two transverse axes corresponds substantially to the length of a panel.

In a third embodiment, the protection structure comprises at least two panels slidably mounted on one of the longitudinal sides of the beacon, each panel also slidably mounted on an adjacent panel. In these three embodiments, the panels are advantageously made of metal or plastic. In a fourth embodiment, the protection structure comprises a substantially vertical arm in the deployed position of the structure and a blind type panel, with a deployment axis around which it winds in the retracted position, this deployment axis being substantially parallel to the axis 30 of the arm. Preferably, when the protective structure is in the deployed position, the panel extends between the arm of said beacon and the arm of an adjacent beacon.

In a fifth embodiment, the protective structure comprises at least two arms and a blind type panel whose axis of deployment is substantially longitudinal. Other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent on reading the following detailed description, with reference to the appended drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples and in which: FIG. 1 is a view side of a first embodiment of the present invention in the deployed position. Figure 2 is a front view of the first embodiment in the deployed position. Figure 3 is a side view of the first embodiment in the retracted position. Figure 4 is a front view of the first embodiment in the retracted position.

FIG. 5 is a front view of a second embodiment of the present invention in the retracted position, FIG. 6 is a front view of the second embodiment in an intermediate position. • Figure 7 is a front view of the second embodiment in the deployed position. Figure 8 is a side view of a third embodiment of the present invention in the deployed position. • Figure 9 is a front view of the third embodiment in the deployed position. FIG. 10 is a side view of the third embodiment of the present invention in the retracted position. • Figure 11 is a front view of the third embodiment in the retracted position. Figure 12 is a front view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention in the deployed position. Figure 13 is a front view of the fourth embodiment in the deployed position, with another store-type panel. FIG. 14 is a front view of a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in the deployed position. In the following description, identical references correspond to identical elements in the embodiments.

Moreover, the exemplary embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 14, are applied to track separation markers comprising a concrete body and a metal inverted T-shaped head. However, these embodiments are only possible examples of application of the invention to a given type of lane separation beacon.

In the case where a beacon would have no head but only a body (which is the case of some metal beacons), the protective structures illustrated in the exemplary embodiments as being placed in or along the head of the mixed beacon may, if necessary, simply be positioned on the upper part of the body of said headless beacon. Indeed, the beacons without head are not transposed by lifting the upper part of the beacon but by lifting and guiding by the underside of the body, or via an existing groove on both side faces of the body, as described in the patent FR 2 826 675. The position of these structures on the upper part of the beacon does not prevent their transposition.

In the first three exemplary embodiments, the number of panels and / or arms employed is in no way limiting, to the extent that the total thickness of the panels, retracted along the longitudinal side of the beacon to which they are attached. fixed, is sufficiently weak to allow the transposition of the beacons by the conventional transfer means, and where the structure is maintained safely. Moreover, in these first three embodiments, the panels are made of a resistant material, such as metal or a suitable plastic material. The panels, when immovably attached to one of the longitudinal sides of the beacon body, are preferably placed on the work site side, so that the workers can deploy and retract them without having to cross the barrier. of security.

Finally, whatever the embodiment, in the deployed position, the structure is sufficiently wide to extend over at least 2/3 of the longitudinal side of the beacon, so that it can exert its function of protection.

It is indeed often difficult to ensure that the structure extends over the entire length of the beacon, because of the articulation of the blocks between them (necessary during the transposition and provided for the beacon train can curl appropriately). Furthermore, in the retracted position of the structure, a passage is left free under the structure so as not to prevent the flow of water. Referring firstly to Figures 1 to 4, will be described the arrangement of a beacon according to a first embodiment of the invention. The lane separation beacon 1 according to the invention comprises a body 2, preferably made of concrete, a head 3, preferably a metal T-head, a first panel 41 articulated on the body 2 of the beacon 1, a second panel 51 hinged to the first panel 41, and two arms 7 hinged to the head 3 of the beacon 1. The hinges 81 between the body 2 of the beacon 1, the panel 41 and the panel 51 can be made by means of hinges. plastic or metal.

In the deployed position, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the panels 41 and 51 are held in a substantially vertical position by the arms 7, so that they can exercise their protective function. To avoid any movement (due to the displacement of the beacons, or the winds and drafts created by the automobiles) of the protective structure 25 when folded, it is attached to the lower end of the body 2 of the beacon 1 with any fastening elements 11, such as one or more stops, in order to maintain it against the longitudinal side of the body 2 to which it is hinged. These fastening elements 11, however, allow the water to flow under the beacon 1.

In the folded or retracted position of the structure, the arms 7 are folded and placed in the hollow metal head 3 of the beacon 1 thanks to a double articulation 9. This double articulation 9 makes it possible, on the one hand, to raise or lower the arm in the longitudinal plane of the beacon and on the other hand, from the 2909691 bend towards the panels, to their support position, as shown in Figure 1. At the end of each arm 7 is a cleat 13 which takes hold on the upper end of the panel 51 when the protective structure is in the deployed position. Once the cleat set in position on the panel 51, each arm is in abutment and prevents deflections of the deployed structure. The arms 7 may, depending on the type of head 3 of the beacon 1, also be folded along the beacon, here along the head 3 and, more precisely inside the metal head.

Furthermore, in order to obtain better retention of the panels 41 and 51, it is possible to add locking tongues 10 at the hinge between the panel 41 and the panel 51. In this way, the panels are stiffened. , which contributes to the wind resistance of the deployed structure, which must withstand winds and drafts of between 100 and 200 km / h. With reference to FIGS. 5 to 7, the arrangement of a beacon according to the second embodiment of the invention will be described. The lane separation beacon 1 according to the invention comprises a body 2, preferably of concrete, a head 3, preferably a metal T-head, three panels 42, 52 and 62 articulated on the body 2 of the beacon 1 The joints 82 between the body 2 of the beacon 1 and each panel 42, 52 and 62 are made by means of pivots 82 of transverse axis, said transverse axes being spaced along the longitudinal side of the body 2 of the beacon 1. The distance between two pivots 82 is substantially equal to the width of the panel 42, 52 or 62 of which it is formed the transverse axis of rotation. It is necessary that the panels 42, 52 and 62 are close enough so that the structure can perform its protective function. It is possible, however, that the panels 42, 52 and 62 partially overlap in the deployed position. In the retracted position, as shown in FIG. 5, the panels 42, 52 and 62 are superimposed on one another against the body 2 of the beacon 1. The order of superposition of the panels 42, 52 and 62 by relative to the body 2 of the beacon 1 is arbitrary. In this example, the central panel 52 is placed against the tag 2909691 and the inner side panel 62 is placed between the central panel 52 and the outer side panel 42. Figures 6 and 7 illustrate the placement of the panels 42, 52 and 62. Each panel 42, 52, or 62 pivots around its pivot 82 of transverse axis 5 until reaching a substantially vertical position. In the retracted position, the panels 42, 52 and 62 are locked on the lower end of the body 2 of the beacon 1 thanks to mechanical stops 15. These stops, however, allow the water to flow under the beacon 1. deployed position, the panels are held in position with 10 spring stops 16 fixed in the body 2. This attachment allows it to withstand drafts and winds between 100 and 200km / h. With reference to FIGS. 8 to 11, a third embodiment of the invention will be described. The lane separation beacon 1 according to the invention comprises a body 2, 15 preferably made of concrete, a head 3, preferably a metal T-shaped head, two panels 43 and 53 slidably mounted along the body 2 of the beacon. 1 and two arms (not shown) articulated on the head 3 of the beacon 1. The sliding means 83a between the body 2 of the beacon and the panel 43, and the sliding means 83b between the panel 43 and the panel 53, are made by means of vertical rails in the plane of deployment of the panels 43 and 53. During the deployment, the panel 43 slides in the slides 83a along the body 2 of the beacon 1, while the panel 53 slides in the slides 83b placed on the panel 43. At the end of the stroke, the panels 43 and 53 are in abutment and locked in the deployed position. The locking means may for example be notches or recesses placed above each slide, at the lower corners of each panel 43, 53. Moreover, the arms (not shown), initially folded and placed in the metal head 3 of the beacon 1 through a double joint, as in the first embodiment, take hold of the upper end of the panel 53 when the protective structure is deployed, and hold it in position. This maintenance stiffens the structure and allows it to withstand drafts ranging from 100 to 200 km / h.

In retracted position, as shown in Figures 10 and 11, the panels 43 and 53 are superimposed one in the other against the body 2 of the tag 1. With reference to Figures 12 and 13, will be described a fourth exemplary embodiment of the invention. The lane separation beacon 1 comprises a body 2, preferably made of concrete, a head 3, preferably a metal T-head, a blind-type panel 44 and an articulated arm 7 on the head 3 of the beacon 1. panel 44 has a deployment axis substantially parallel to the axis of the arm 7. The panel is made of a material both flexible and resistant. In the retracted position, the panel 44 is wound around the arm 7, the arm 7 being placed in the head 3 of the beacon 1, so that they do not interfere with the transposition of the beacon 1 by conventional transfer means. During deployment, the arm 7 is firstly placed in a substantially vertical position as illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13 by means of a simple hinge 14 which makes it possible to lift or fold down the arms 7 in the longitudinal plane of the beacon. and it is fixed in position by any locking means known from the prior art. The panel 44 is then unwound. Its length is such that it extends between the arm 7 of said beacon 1 and the arm 7 'of an adjacent beacon 1', to which it is fixed by means of fastening means. 12. The panel 44 may either wrap in the manner of a fabric awning (as shown in FIG. 12), or fold in an accordion around the arm, thanks to vertical stiffened fold lines (breaks). spaced apart and parallel (as shown in FIG. 13). This last embodiment of the panel stiffens the structure and allows the use of less flexible materials. Finally, with reference to FIG. 14, the arrangement of the beacon according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the invention will be described. The lane separation beacon 1 comprises a body 2, preferably made of concrete, a head 3, preferably a metal T-head, a blind type panel 45 and two arms 7 hinged to the head 3 of the beacon. The panel 45 has a substantially longitudinal axis of deployment.

In retracted position, the panel is wrapped around a longitudinal axis in or on the head 3 of the beacon, so that it does not interfere with the transposition of the beacon 1 by conventional transfer means. During the deployment, the panel 45 is first unrolled vertically.

The arms 7 are then placed in a substantially vertical position by virtue of a simple hinge 14, of the type of that of the preceding embodiment, and the panel 45 is fixed in position by means of any locking means known to those skilled in the art. prior. As in the previous embodiment, the panel 45 may be made of plastic or any other material that can withstand winds between 100 and 200 km / h and wind and unwind around an axis. In all the embodiments that have just been described, the beacons are made of concrete with a metal head. However, the invention applies to all types of tags, including metal tags.

Finally, it is noted that in all embodiments of the beacon according to the invention, it can be transposed using conventional means of transposition and without the need to remove the protective structure. Simply place the structure in the folded or retracted position along one side of the tag or in his head.

Indeed, in this retracted position, the beacon has no element on its head or on its lateral sides which would hinder its handling by conventional transfer devices, by the head or the bottom. This solves the storage problems that have arisen so far. Furthermore, the above description shows that the passage from the retracted position to the deployed position is made very easily, which also facilitates the work of the workers and saves considerable time. The reference signs inserted after the technical characteristics appearing in the claims are only intended to facilitate understanding of the latter and can not limit its scope.

Claims (14)

  1. Transposable beacon (1) comprising at least one body (2), intended for the separation of traffic lanes, characterized in that it is provided with a retractable protective structure and fixed irremovably on the beacon (1 ), said structure being able to be placed: in the retracted position, in which the beacon can be transposed, or in the deployed position, in which the structure extends vertically above the beacon (1) and along the longitudinal axis of the beacon; the beacon (1), and thus ensures its protection function.   2. Beacon (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the protective structure comprises at least one panel (41, 51, 42, 52, 62, 43, 53, 44, 45).   3. Beacon (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that said at least one panel (41, 51, 42, 52, 62, 43, 53, 44, 45) resists, in the deployed position of the structure, to winds and drafts between 100 and 200 km / h.   4. Beacon (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the protective structure extends over at least 2/3 of the length of the body (2) of the beacon (1).   5. Beacon (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is made of concrete and / or metal.   6. Beacon (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the protective structure comprises at least one support arm (7) to maintain substantially vertically in the deployed position, said at least one arm (7). ) that can be retracted along the upper part of the beacon (1). 2909691 12   7. Beacon (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the protective structure comprises at least two panels (41, 51) articulated with respect to each other, one of the two being itself fixed irremovably and articulated on one of the longitudinal sides of the body (2) of the beacon 5 (1), the hinge pins extending longitudinally.   8. Beacon (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the protective structure comprises at least three panels (42, 52, 62) fixed on one of the longitudinal sides of the tag, each of them further being pivotally mounted about a transverse axis, said transverse axes being spaced along said longitudinal side.   9. Beacon (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the distance between two transverse axes substantially corresponds to the length of a panel (42, 52, 62).   10. Beacon (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the protective structure comprises at least two panels (43, 53, 63) slidably mounted on one of the longitudinal sides of the body (2) of the tag (1), each panel (43, 53) being also slidably mounted on an adjacent panel (43, 53).   11. Beacon according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that said panels (41, 51, 42, 52, 62, 43, 53) are made of metal or plastic.   12. Beacon (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said protective structure comprises an arm (7) which is substantially vertical in the deployed position of the structure and a panel (44) of the type blind 30 whose deployment axis is substantially parallel to that of the arm (7). 2909691 13   13. Beacon (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that when said protective structure is in the deployed position, said panel (44) extends between the arm (7) of said beacon (1) and the arm (7). ') of an adjacent beacon (1'). 5   14. Beacon (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said protective structure comprises at least two arms (7) and a panel (45) type store whose axis of deployment is substantially longitudinal . 10