GB2573399A - Anti-climbing device - Google Patents

Abstract

An anti-climb device comprising a protective strip 401, 402 with a base panel and an array of plastic spikes extending upwardly from the base panel. The spikes 403, 501 comprise a plurality of bosses of two different heights. The bosses may be conically shaped and may be hollow with a base end open to the reverse face of the base panel. The spikes may be laid out in a diagonal pattern or alternate rows. The device may be bendable along two axes. The base panel may define a plurality of fixing apertures 502. The device may slidably engage with another device via mating flanges with a series of locking ribs on one flange and corresponding slots on the other. The device may have a skirt or collar for receiving adhesive. Also claimed is a system comprising a plurality of said devices connected together via a jointing strip or connecting bridge.

Description

ANTI-CLIMB DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an anti-climb device, in particular to a security spike deterrent and repellent in the form of a strip provided with an array of spikes configured to protect an installation from the effects of trespassing and vandalism.

Background of the Invention

Many civil engineering installations and utilities such as gas pipelines, electricity substations and so on entail numerous hazards from a health and safety perspective. These include falls from heights, canals, high voltage electricity sources and so on. In addition, such infrastructure projects often incorporate plant and equipment at risk of damage, such as meters, transponders, delicate materials, surface coatings and so on.

As a consequence, it is necessary to protect such installations from unwarranted access by trespassers and vandals, both to protect the installations and to reduce or eliminate risk of injury or death.

It is common practice to achieve this protection by the fitting of various guards and deterrent devices to the installations, such as barbed wire, razor wire, glass fragments embedded in concrete and so on. In addition, it is often necessary to provide fencing and barriers around the perimeter of the whole site so as to provide further protection.

United States Design Patent Number USD 642,654 S discloses an array of spikes comprised in a strip, the strip configured to be installed on top of a fence or wall.

In addition to traditional spikes made of metal, newer types have been introduced that are made of plastic. These plastic spikes are intended to deter animal pests such as pigeons and cats rather than human trespassers.

A benefit of using the plastic spikes is that they can be deployed to make a continuous run of protection. Typically, each length is butted against the next. In addition, the plastic material is relatively easy to cut to size to suit the application on top of a fence or other assets and facilities.

As has been stated when used to deter pests, arrays of plastic spikes can be effective.

An object of the present invention is to use a system of plastic spikes to deter humans. However, various problems have been encountered with the use of existing plastic spikes in this application.

Firstly, known plastic spikes consist of an array of substantially conical projections arranged on a panel strip, and the conical projections are of uniform height. Whilst these may be effective against animal pests, the uniform height of the conical projections can still define a level area on which a human intruder wearing suitably robust footwear might be able to walk.

Secondly, when the existing plastic spikes are deployed end to end it can be difficult to align them accurately. This is because the panel strips of spikes are butted together without any joining means between the panel strips. The difficulty of alignment is particularly apparent when the plastic spikes are deployed on a pipe where access may be awkward.

Thirdly, and related to the above problem of alignment of the panel strips of spikes, the existing plastic spikes are known to be suitable for fixing to, for example, the top of a fence or wall, where fasteners such as screws may be readily used. However, in many utilities applications, for example on pipes, the convention is to use metal banding to fix the spikes in place. The banding is fastened around the pipe at repeated intervals and retains the spikes by trapping the spikes against the circumference of the pipe. Specifically, when tension is applied the banding is pulled into the gaps between the spikes on the panel strip.

A problem exists concerning the retention of the spikes, for example on a pipe, when fastened with metal banding. The gaps between the array of conical spikes at their base are uniform and typically around 10 millimetres. The gaps cannot be larger than this owing to the need to prevent cat paws for example from gaining unwanted access and being able to walk between the cones. Thus, there is a minimum gap needed between the cones.

Similarly, when the panel strips are cut and abutted to create a continuous run, the effect of the cutting on the panel strip is that the gap defined by the conical spikes at the point of joining the panel strips is effectively halved. Typically, therefore, the gap on the two adjacent and abutting portions of the panel strips is as low as 5 millimetres.

However, the metal banding typically used is manufactured from galvanised or lacquered steel and is substantially flat in profile where it is applied to a pipe, for example. The width is often in the region of 15 millimetres, with a thickness in the region of 0.5 millimetres. Partly as a result of having the thin section, the edges of the banding are usually sharp.

The metal banding can be introduced into the gap defined by the tops of the cone spikes because its width is typically less than the gap. However, the width of banding is typically substantially greater than the gap already described at the base of the cone spikes. The consequence of this greater width is that the banding cannot seat properly against the panel strip. When placed under tension the banding locates in an uneven manner in the gaps between the cone spikes. An uneven manner of location of the banding can take the form of random twisting of the substantially flat profile, which can cause this to cut into the plastic cone spikes. The tension may be very considerable where the break strain of the steel banding may exceed 500 kilograms. As a consequence of this tension the damage caused by the afore-mentioned random cutting can be severe and spread through the panel strip and array of spikes over time. One effect of such deterioration is that the tension required to retain the array of spikes may be reduced and the installation consequently becomes loose. Expansion due to heat from the sun in some applications will exacerbate the ill fitment. Another effect of such deterioration is that the appearance becomes unsightly.

Also, where the panels are arranged end to end using metal banding there is insufficient material at the ends of the adjoining panels to ensure a secure enough grip onto the pipe, for example. As has already been observed, where metal banding may have a width of around 15 millimetres the banding can force the two adjoining panels apart.

Fourthly, existing plastic spikes may possess a degree of flexibility in one plane only. Typically, this plane is across the width of the panel strip. Examples are known where parallel channels are incorporated into the plastic. Similarly, it is advised that some of the plastics materials used may be softened by immersion in hot water to provide additional flexibility in the longitudinal plane.

A problem when fitted to pipes is that the panel strip is required to bend in both planes at once; the panel strip needs to achieve compound curvature. In cases where parallel channels are incorporated into the plastic it is possible to bend over the width, for example, but not over the length.

In addition, it is not practicable for installers in the field to have to immerse strips in hot water to increase the flexibility of the strips. The environment is usually outdoors and may be remote so convenience of installation is of paramount importance.

A fifth problem exists concerning the use of defensive devices made of metal. Under regulations in the UK, such as the Occupier’s Liability Act 1984, the fitting of such metal devices is prohibited below a certain height owing to the risk of injury (currently the height restriction is 2 metres). An unfortunate consequence of this is the ease of access for a trespasser to a gas pipe, for example.

It is an object of the invention to provide a physical guard which will deter trespassers from climbing and walking on an installation.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect there is provided an anti-climb device for deterring humans from gaining unauthorised access to an installation, comprising: a protective strip, the protective strip comprising a base panel having a length direction, a width direction and a depth direction, and comprising an obverse face and a reverse face, and an array of spikes extending upwardly from the obverse face of the base panel, each spike formed from a plastics material; said array of spikes comprising: a plurality of first bosses, each first boss having first dimensions and a first apex displaced from the obverse face of the base panel by a first extent of projection, and a plurality of second bosses, each second boss having second dimensions that are different from said first dimensions and a second apex displaced from the obverse face of the base panel by a second extent of projection that is different from said first extent of projection.

By having bosses of different sizes, the surface area available to support the weight of any person attempting to walk across the protective strip is reduced. For example, by having a 1:1 ratio of smaller size bosses to larger size bosses (the smaller size bosses having apices closer to the obverse surface than the apices of the larger size bosses), a 50% reduction of surface area for supporting a foot is achieved. A greater ratio of lower bosses to higher bosses would achieve a greater relative reduction in surface area.

In an embodiment, the array of spikes comprises only two different sizes of bosses.

In an example, the base panel has a substantially rectangular shape.

In an embodiment, each of the first and second bosses is substantially conically shaped.

In an embodiment, each of the first and second bosses is hollow and has a base end open to the reverse face of the base panel.

In an example, additional material is provided at the junction between each boss and the obverse face of the base panel, to strengthen the boss.

The first and second bosses may be laid out in any suitable alternating pattern. In an example, the first and said second bosses are laid out in alternating rows, alternating columns, or alternating diagonal lines.

In an embodiment, the protective strip is bendable about a first axis extending in the length direction of the base panel and about a second axis extending in the width direction of the base panel.

The protective strip being bendable in two directions, which are perpendicular to each other, enables the protective strip to be bent to form a compound curvature. This is advantageous for facilitating use of the anti-climb device on installations such as gas pipes, for example. Thus, the protective strip being bendable along two axes that are normal to each other simultaneously.

In an embodiment, the base panel defines a plurality of fixing apertures. Mechanical fixings such as screws and nails may be utilised with the fixing apertures.

In an embodiment, the protective strip comprises a first mating flange at a first end thereof and a second mating flange at a second end thereof, the second mating flange slidably engageable with the first mating flange, whereby a plural number of the anti-climb devices are engageable in a longitudinal sequence by engaging the first mating flange of one anti-climb device with the second mating flange of another like anti-climb device.

In an embodiment, one of the first mating flange and the second mating flange comprises a plurality of locking ribs and the other of the first mating flange and the second mating flange comprises a corresponding plurality of slots, each locking rib receivable within a corresponding slot.

In an embodiment, each of the first mating flange and the second mating flange defines a plurality of fixing apertures. Mechanical fixings such as screws and nails may be utilised with the fixing apertures.

In an embodiment, the protective strip comprises a series of channels running at perpendicular angles to define an array of square tablets on the reverse face thereof. In an example, the series of channels are configured to facilitate bending of the base panel in a first direction and in a second direction, the second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

In an embodiment, each square tablet is provided with a skirt formed around the perimeter of the square tablet. In an embodiment, the skirt defines an outer boundary of a chamber for receiving an adhesive.

In an embodiment, fixing apertures are defined at each intersection of said series of channels.

In an embodiment, each square tablet is associated with one first boss or one second boss and is provided with a collar immediately beneath the said one first boss or one second boss. In an embodiment, the collar defines an inner boundary of a chamber for receiving an adhesive.

In an embodiment, the protective strip is manufactured by a process of injection moulding of a plastics material. The protective strip may therefore be formed as a unitary component.

In an embodiment, the protective strip is manufactured with a removable hanging means. In an example, the removable hanging means is a euroslot hanger.

According to a second aspect there is provided an anti-climb system comprising a plurality of anti-climb devices according to the first aspect, and further comprising at least one jointing strip, the or each jointing strip comprising metal banding.

According to a third aspect there is provided an anti-climb system comprising a plurality of anti-climb devices according to the first aspect, and further comprising at least one connecting bridge for coupling a first said anti-climb device and a second said anti-climb device, the or each connecting bridge comprising a substrate panel, the substrate panel comprising an obverse face and a reverse face, and a plurality of spikes extending upwardly from the obverse face of the substrate panel, said plurality of spikes comprising a plurality of hollow bosses, each hollow boss having a base end open to the reverse face of the substrate panel, the hollow bosses of the connecting bridge nestable on top of corresponding bosses of a first said anti-climb device and a second said anti-climb device.

According to a fourth aspect there is provided an anti-climb system comprising a plurality of anti-climb devices according to the first aspect, and further comprising at least one jointing strip for coupling a first said anti-climb device and a second said anti-climb device, the jointing strip comprising a substrate panel and first and second projections engageable with corresponding first and second fixing apertures of a first said anti-climb device and a second said anti-climb device.

Further particular and preferred aspects of the invention are set out in the accompanying dependent claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The present invention will now be more particularly described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure I shows a typical gas pipe located over a canal installed on a wall;

Figure 2 shows the gas pipe in Figure I with a plurality of protective strips applied to it;

Figure 3 shows a closer view of the gas pipe in Figure 2 with a plurality of protective strips applied to it;

Figure 4 shows the plurality of protective strips seen in Figure 3;

Figure 5 shows a joint between two of the protective strips seen in Figure 4;

Figure 6 shows a side view of the protective strips seen in Figure 5;

Figure 7 shows an exploded view of the joint seen in Figure 5;

Figure 8 shows the two protective strips seen in Figure 5 connected with a jointing strip;

Figure 9 shows two protective strips connected with a jointing strip;

Figure 10 shows the underneath of a first protective strip seen in Figure 7; Figure I I shows the underneath of a second protective strip seen in Figure 7;

Figure I 2 shows a section through a protective strip;

Figure 13 shows a perspective view of a protective strip in an alternative condition;

Figure 14 shows a longitudinal section of the protective strip seen in Figure 3 in an alternative condition;

Figure 15 shows a transverse section of the protective strip seen in Figure 3 in an alternative condition;

Figure 16 shows a close-up view of the transverse section of the protective strip seen in Figure 15;

Figure 17 shows a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a protective strip;

Figure 18 shows the front perspective view of the embodiment of a protective strip seen in Figure 17 provided with a second embodiment of a jointing means;

Figure 19 shows the rear perspective view of the embodiment of a protective strip seen in Figure I 7 provided with a second embodiment of a jointing means;

Figure 20 shows a close-up view of the second embodiment of a jointing means seen in Figure 19; and

Figure 21 shows a pair of the second embodiment of a jointing means seen in Figures 18 to 20.

Description

Example embodiments are described below in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to embody and implement the apparatus and systems described herein. It is to be understood that embodiments can be provided in many alternate forms and the invention should not be construed as limited to the specific embodiments and examples set forth herein but by the scope of the appended claims.

The present invention provides an anti-climb device for deterring humans from gaining unauthorised access to an installation.

Figure I shows an installation comprising a gas pipe 101 crossing a canal 102, where the canal 102 has opposing banks 103 and 104. It is desired to keep trespassers away from the gas pipe 101 both to prevent access to and damage of the installation and prevent personal injury. Accordingly fences 105 and 106 are erected adjacent to the banks 103 and 104.

Embodiments and examples of an anti-climb system comprising an anti-climb device will now be described with reference to Figures 2 to 21.

Figure 2 shows the gas pipe 101 seen in Figure I, installed on opposing banks 103 and 104. In order to prevent unwarranted trespassers, a plurality of plastic spikes 201 is fitted to the gas pipe 101. In the illustrated application, the plastic spikes are fitted along the majority of the length of the gas pipe 101 where this is visible above opposing banks 103 and 104.

Figure 3 shows a closer view of the gas pipe 101 seen in Figure 2. The gas pipe 101 is provided with a plurality of plastic spikes 201. An advantage of the present invention is that the use of plastic in its manufacture enables its installation in areas prohibited for metal under current UK legislation such as the Occupier’s Liability Act 1984. Typically, the prohibition applies to installations using metal spikes and other defensive means less than 2 metres from the ground, as indicated by arrow 301.

In the present illustrated application, it can be seen that the run of plastic spikes 201 extends almost to the ground as shown at the bank 104. Thus, any potential trespasser is provided with an early warning by way of a deterrent and a physical barrier to resist any attempt to climb on the gas pipe 101.

The plurality of plastic spikes 201 is fastened in the present embodiment to the gas pipe 101 by means of metal banding, such as that shown at 302. Typically, suitable metal banding is manufactured from galvanised or lacquered steel and is tightened using a tensioning tool.

The run of plastic spikes 201 incorporates sufficient flexibility to allow it to bend and conform to the profile of the circumference of the pipe 101. This flexibility is demonstrated at 303.

Figure 4 shows the plurality of protective strips seen in Figure 3 with the banding removed. A pair of protective strips can be seen at 401 and 402, where the protective strips 401, 402 are laid end to end in a longitudinal sequence. An array of substantially conically shaped bosses, such as substantially conically shaped boss 403, can be seen on the top surface of the protective strips 401, 402. The array acts as both a visual and a physical deterrent to unwarranted access by an intruder.

In the illustrated arrangement, the protective strips 401, 402 are positioned so as to overlap at their respective ends 404 and 405. The position of the banding when this is used is indicated by the broken line 406.

The banding is typically made from galvanised, stainless, thermoplastic-coated or lacquered steel. The width is often in the region of 15 millimetres with a thickness in the region of 0.5 millimetres. It will be observed that the banding seats in a channel defined by overlapping protective strips 404 and 405 sized to accommodate the width of steel banding.

Figure 5 shows a joint between two of the protective strips 401, 402 seen in Figure 4. An array of substantially conically shaped bosses, such as substantially conically shaped boss 403, consists of two sizes of the bosses. In the present embodiment, the larger size is shown as at 403 and the smaller size is shown as at 501. In a specific embodiment, the two sizes of bosses are 30 millimetres for the larger size 403 and 25 millimetres for the smaller size 501.

In the present embodiment, the larger 403 and smaller 501 bosses respectively are laid out in a diagonal pattern. The effect of walking on the diagonal pattern by a trespasser for example is greater discomfort and a feeling of instability compared to existing types of conical protective strips.

A plurality of holes is provided, such as the hole shown at 502, to create further fixing positions for screws, nails and the like.

The effect of walking on the diagonal pattern described in Figure 5 is again demonstrated in Figure 6. Specifically, the alternate placing of larger and smaller bosses results in a 50% reduction of surface area supporting the weight of any feet 601 attempting to walk across the protective strip 401. A consequence of this reduction of surface area is a correspondingly greater loading on the apexes of the larger bosses 403 leading to greater potential for penetration by the bosses into feet 601.

In a different embodiment, the larger 403 and smaller 501 bosses respectively could instead be laid out in alternate columns or rows.

Figure 7 shows an exploded view of the joint between two of the protective strips 401, 402 seen in Figure 5. The protective strips 401, 402 respectively are provided with mating flanges 404 and 405 respectively which slide over one another to create the joint already seen in Figure 5. Flange 404 is further provided with a plurality of locking ribs, such as the locking rib shown at 701. Flange 405 is further provided with a corresponding plurality of slots, such as the slot shown at 702. The plurality of locking ribs and slots confers stability in the joint and is especially resistant to lateral displacement. An advantage of this arrangement is that the joint is sufficiently stabilised to allow accurate placement and fitting of the metal banding as for example shown previously in Figure 3. In addition, holes are provided, such as the hole shown at 703, to create further fixing positions for screws, nails and the like.

Figure 8 shows a plan and side elevation of the joint seen in Figure 5, where the joint is supported by a connecting bridge 801. In the present embodiment, the connecting bridge 801 consists of a piece created from protective strips, such as protective strip 401 or 402, where the piece has been cut or snapped off. The substantially conical bosses 802 and 803 nest on top of corresponding substantially conical bosses 403 and 501, such as those on the substrate strips 401 and 402.

The connecting bridge 801 may be deployed as a temporary fixing to assist in the application of metal banding to provide a more permanent installation, for example. Once metal banding has been applied, the connecting bridge 801 can be duly removed.

Figure 9 shows a plan view of the pair of substrate strips 901 and 402 arranged substantially in parallel to each other. In the illustrated arrangement, a connecting bridge 801 is provided locking together the strips 901 and 402.

Figure 10 shows a perspective view from beneath protective strip 402. Preferably, the strip 402 is manufactured by a process of injection moulding of a plastic material. In the present embodiment, the plastics material is polypropylene. In an alternative embodiment polyethylene is also suitable, having similar properties.

A first useful property of all plastics materials in the present application is they are tough and weather resistant, combined with the correct degree of flexibility versus hardness.

A second useful property of the plastics materials is their suitability for printing. Typically, printing constitutes such techniques as screen printing, flexo-printing and digital printing. Thus, it is possible to apply instructions, logos and so on to the protective strip 402.

A third useful property of the plastics materials is their resistance to adhesion, for example of mosses and moulds. This is because the materials have low surface energy. An advantage of this resistance is reduced effort and cost of cleaning.

A fourth useful property of the plastics materials is that they are easy to recycle after use.

A series of channels running at perpendicular angles, such as channels 1001 and 1002, define an array of square tablets, such as square tablet 1003. In the present embodiment, tablet 1003 is provided with a skirt 1004 formed in the plastic running around its perimeter. The skirt 1004 provides two functions. Firstly, the skirt provides a footing by which the protective strip 402 is seated on the pipe for example. In an embodiment, the skirt 1004 defines a chamber 1005 upon being fixed to a pipe in which adhesive may be contained as an additional fixing means. Mastics work well in this context because the uneven substrate and holes provide a good surface area. Secondly, the skirt provides a means for locally stiffening the tablet and thereby prevents undue flexibility across the whole of the protective strip 402.

Holes are provided, such as those already seen in Figure 5 and shown at 502. As has been explained, the holes provide a first function of creating further fixing positions for screws, nails and the like. However, a second function of the holes is to permit bending of the protective strip 402 to fit around a pipe, for example. In the present embodiment, the protective strip 402 may be bent in both X 1001 and Y 1002 planes so as to achieve an effect of compound curvature following the shape of the object beneath, which in the present scenario is a pipe. The holes are important in this respect since they resist any tendency of the protective strip 402 to crack or break when bent round a pipe, for example. In the present scenario, the effect of bending the protective strip 402 along both X and Y axes simultaneously would otherwise be to create moments of excessive stress at the meeting points of the X and Y axes. Such excessive stress could result in damage and ultimate failure of the protective strip 402. Any cracking tendency of the protective strip 402 would be more even pronounced when a stiffer grade of material is used, or when any given grade changes properties due to cold and ice.

Finally, in the present embodiment, the combination of the channels running at perpendicular angles, such as channels 1001 and 1002, is combined with holes, such as hole 502 provided, at each intersection of the channels. This combination enables straightforward cutting, tearing or breaking actions to trim or separate elements of the protective strip 402 as required.

Figure I I shows a perspective view from beneath protective strip 401. As already seen in Figure 10 a series of channels running at perpendicular angles, such as channels 1101 and I 102, define an array of square tablets, such as square tablet I 103. In the present embodiment, tablet I 103 is provided with a collar I 104 formed in the plastic immediately beneath the substantially conical boss such as 403. The collar provides a footing by which the substantially conical boss, such as substantially conical boss 403, is seated on the pipe for example. When a human foot, such as that shown in Figure 6 at 601, treads on the boss 403, the absence of suitable bracing means, such as collar I 104, might cause the boss 403 to crack around its base and damage the protective strip 401.

In an embodiment, the collar I 104 defines a chamber I 105 beneath the substantially conical boss 403 upon being fixed to a pipe in which adhesive may be contained as an additional fixing means.

Figure 12 shows a partial section through a protective strip 401. As already seen in Figures 10 and I I a series of channels is provided, such as channel 1101, and also collars, such as collar I 104, formed in the plastic.

In a preferred embodiment, the substantially conical bosses, such as substantially conical boss 403, are provided with additional strength by means of additional material 1201. When a human foot, such as that shown in Figure 6 at 601, treads on the boss 403, the absence of the strengthening combined with suitable bracing means, such as collar I 104, might cause the boss 403 to crack around its base and damage the protective strip 401.

The additional material is concentrated adjacent to the base of the bosses, such as boss 403, where these meet the substrate 401. In the present embodiment, the additional material takes the form of a substantially conical shape which meets the general section of the bosses, such as boss 403, where indicated by arrow 1202.

A pipe 101 is shown onto which the protective strip 401 has been fitted.

Figure 13 shows the protective strip 303 first seen in Figure 3. The protective strip is shown in the present view without substantially conical bosses 403 and 501, such as those on the substrate strips 401 and 402. The protective strip is also shown without the pipe 101 so as to demonstrate its flexibility in both X and Y axes simultaneously, as indicated by arrows 1001 and 1002.

Figure 14 shows a section through the protective strip 303 seen in Figure 13. The illustrated section is shown bending along the Y axis; this corresponding to the long side in the present embodiment.

Figure 15 shows a section through the protective strip 303 seen in Figure 13. The illustrated section is shown bending along the X axis; this corresponding to the short side in the present embodiment. The diameter of the pipe is indicated by the broken line 1501.

Figure 16 shows a closer view of the detail section seen in Figure 15. The section is shown bending along the X axis and the skirts at 1004 are correspondingly caused to deflect inwards towards each other. The point where the skirts touch each other acts as an effective brake on any further bending. It is desirable to apply such a limit on the degree of the bending so as to prevent undue stress on the material of the protective strip 303.

Figure I 7 shows a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a protective strip 1701. Moulded into the top edge of the protective strip 1701 is hanging means of the type typically known as a euroslot hanger 1702. In the present embodiment, the euroslot hanger is intended for display in typical retail environments such as DIY stores. An advantage of this configuration is that no additional packaging is needed. Once fitted in place, the euroslot hanger can simply be snapped off along a line similar to the channels already described in Figures 10, II and 12. The euroslot hanger 1702 may be incorporated into a moulding tool by means of an interchangeable insert, whereby it is still possible to manufacture protective strip 1701 without the euroslot hanger if desired from the same tooling set-up.

Figure 18 shows the front perspective view of the alternative embodiment of a protective strip 1701 seen Figure 17 provided with an alternative embodiment of a jointing means 1801.

An arrangement of two protective strips 402 and 901 connected with a jointing strip has already been shown in Figure 9. As has already been observed, the protective strips such as 402, 901 and 1701 are provided with a plurality of holes such as 1802. Where protective strips such as 402, 901 and 1701 are placed in parallel alignment, such as already shown in Figure 9, the plurality of holes, such as hole 1802, provides a means of fixing together the protective strips. In the present embodiment, a jointing means 1801 is shown capable of fixing together protective strips such as 402, 901 and 1701.

Figure 19 shows A rear perspective view of the alternative embodiment of a protective strip 1701 seen in Figure 17 provided with a second embodiment of a jointing means 1801. The jointing means 1801 engages with holes such as 1802 and works as a coupling.

Figure 20 shows a close-up rear view of the second embodiment of a jointing means 1801 seen in Figure 19. Protective strips such as 901 and 1701 are provided with a plurality of holes such as 1802 and 2001 through which may be seen jointing means 1801.

Figure 21 shows a pair of the second embodiment of a jointing means 1801 seen in Figures 18 to 20. A bridging piece 2101 is provided with a pair of studs 2102 and 2103. The studs consist in turn of a pair of opposing legs such as 2104 and 2105 which compress in holes, such as holes 1802 and 2001, in the direction of arrows 2106 and then lock outwards in the direction of arrows 2107, thus locking together protective strips such as 901 and 1701. The locking action thus described is known as a snap fit. A snap fit is enabled by the taper provided on the outward facing surface of each leg where shown at 2108. This taper is often known as a fir tree profile.

In the present embodiment, a channel 2109 is provided on a centreline along the short axis. The purpose of this channel 2109 is to allow a degree of flexibility in the assembly of newly assembled protective strips such as 901 and 1701.

Referring to Figure 10 for example, the short axis of jointing means 1801 corresponds to the Y axis 1002 in the protective strip 402. Referring to Figure 15, the bending action in protective strips, such as protective strips 402, 901 and 1701, may therefore be continued around the diameter of the pipe as indicated by the broken line 1501, where the protective strips have been joined together, for example by means of a jointing connector 1801.

Preferably the jointing means 1801 is manufactured by a process of injection moulding of a plastic material. In the present embodiment, the plastics material is polypropylene.

As described above, the present invention provides an anti-climb device for deterring humans from gaining unauthorised access to an installation, comprising: a protective strip, the protective strip comprising a base panel having a length direction, a width direction and a depth direction, and comprising an obverse face and a reverse face, and an array of spikes extending upwardly from the obverse face of the base panel, each spike formed from a plastics material; said array of spikes comprising: a plurality of first bosses, each first boss having first dimensions and a first apex displaced from the obverse face of the base panel by a first extent of projection, and a plurality of second bosses, each second boss having second dimensions that are different from said first dimensions and a second apex displaced from the obverse face of the base panel by a second extent of projection that is different from said first extent of projection.

The ratio of first bosses to second bosses determines the effective surface area available to support each foot of a person placed upon the protective strip.

The array of spikes may comprise only two different sizes of bosses.

The base panel may have a substantially rectangular shape.

Each of the first and second bosses may be substantially conically shaped.

Each of the first and second bosses may be hollow and have a base end open to the reverse face of the base panel.

Additional material may be provided at the junction between each boss and the obverse face of the base panel, to strengthen the boss.

The first and second bosses may be laid out in any suitable alternating pattern. In an example, the first and said second bosses are laid out in alternating rows, alternating columns, or alternating diagonal lines.

The protective strip may be bendable about a first axis extending in the length direction of the base panel and about a second axis extending in the width direction of the base panel. Preferably, the protective strip is bendable along two axes simultaneously, to achieve a compound curvature.

The base panel may define a plurality of fixing apertures, with which fixings such as screws and nails may be used.

The protective strip may comprise a first mating flange at a first end thereof and a second mating flange at a second end thereof, the second mating flange engageable with the first mating flange, whereby a plural number of the anti-climb devices are engageable in a longitudinal sequence by engaging the first mating flange of one anti-climb device with the second mating flange of another like anti-climb device. The first and second mating flanges may be slidably engageable.

One of the first and second mating flanges may comprise a plurality of locking ribs and the other of the first and second mating flanges may comprise a corresponding plurality of slots, each locking rib receivable within a corresponding slot.

Each of the first and second mating flanges may define a plurality of fixing apertures. Mechanical fixings such as screws and nails may be utilised with the fixing apertures.

The protective strip may comprise a series of channels running at perpendicular angles to define an array of square tablets on the reverse face thereof. The series of channels may be configured to facilitate bending of the base panel in a first direction and in a second direction, the second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The channels may define lines along which the base panel can be flexed.

The base panel may define fixing apertures at each intersection of the series of channels.

Each square tablet may be provided with a skirt formed around the perimeter of the square tablet. The skirt may define an outer boundary of a chamber for receiving an adhesive, for example a mastic.

Each square tablet may be associated with a first boss or a second boss and may be provided with a collar immediately beneath the first boss or the second boss. Each square tablet may be associated with a single boss only. The collar may define an inner boundary of a chamber for receiving an adhesive, for example a mastic.

The protective strip may be manufactured by a process of injection moulding of a plastics material. The protective strip may therefore be formed as a unitary component.

The protective strip may be manufactured with a removable hanging means. The removable hanging means may be a euroslot hanger. The euroslot hanger may be frangibly connected to the remainder of the protective strip, to enable the hanger to be conveniently released by a tearing action.

The protective strip may have any suitable dimensions and any desired aesthetic properties.

The present invention also provides an anti-climb system comprising a plurality of the anti-climb devices and at least one jointing strip, the or each jointing strip comprising metal banding. The metal banding may be fabricated from any suitable metal material and have any suitable dimensions.

The present invention further provides an anti-climb system comprising a plurality of the anti-climb devices and at least one connecting bridge for coupling two anti-climb devices, the or each connecting bridge comprising a substrate panel, the substrate panel comprising an obverse face and a reverse face, and a plurality of spikes extending upwardly from the obverse face of the substrate panel, the plurality of spikes comprising a plurality of hollow bosses, each hollow boss having a base end open to the reverse face of the substrate panel, the hollow bosses of the connecting bridge nestable on top of corresponding bosses of first and second of the anti-climb devices. The connecting bridge may be formed from a suitable section of an anti-climb device.

The present invention furthermore provides an anti-climb system comprising a plurality of the anti-climb devices and at least one jointing strip for coupling a first said anti-climb device and a second said anti-climb device, the jointing strip comprising a substrate panel and first and second projections engageable with corresponding first and second fixing apertures of a first said anti-climb device and a second said anti-climb device. The first and second projections of the jointing strip may be snap-fittable into fixing apertures of first and second anti-climb devices.

Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in detail herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise embodiments and examples shown and that various changes and modifications can be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (20)

1. An anti-climb device for deterring humans from gaining unauthorised access to an installation, comprising:

a protective strip, the protective strip comprising a base panel having a length direction, a width direction and a depth direction, and comprising an obverse face and a reverse face, and an array of spikes extending upwardly from the obverse face of the base panel, each spike formed from a plastics material;

said array of spikes comprising:

a plurality of first bosses, each first boss having first dimensions and a first apex displaced from the obverse face of the base panel by a first extent of projection, and a plurality of second bosses, each second boss having second dimensions that are different from said first dimensions and a second apex displaced from the obverse face of the base panel by a second extent of projection that is different from said first extent of projection.

2. An anti-climb device as claimed in claim I, wherein each said first boss and each said second boss is substantially conically shaped.

3. An anti-climb device as claimed in claim 2, wherein each said first boss and each said second boss is hollow and has a base end open to the reverse face of the base panel.

4. An anti-climb device as claimed in any of claims I to 3, wherein said first bosses and said second bosses are laid out in one of: a diagonal pattern, alternate columns or rows.

5. An anti-climb device as claimed in any of claims I to 4, wherein said protective strip is bendable about a first axis extending in the length direction of the base panel and about a second axis extending in the width direction of the base panel.

6. An anti-climb device as claimed in any of claims I to 5, wherein said base panel defines a plurality of fixing apertures.

7. An anti-climb device as claimed in any of claims I to 6, wherein said protective strip comprises a first mating flange at a first end thereof and a second mating flange at a second end thereof, the second mating flange slidably engageable with said first mating flange, whereby a plural number of said anti-climb devices are engageable in a longitudinal sequence by engaging the first mating flange of one said anti-climb device with the second mating flange of another said anti-climb device.

8. An anti-climb device as claimed in claim 7, wherein one of said first mating flange and said second mating flange comprises a plurality of locking ribs and the other of said first mating flange and said second mating flange comprises a corresponding plurality of slots, each locking rib receivable within a corresponding slot.

9. An anti-climb device as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8, wherein each of said first mating flange and said second mating flange defines a plurality of fixing apertures.

10. An anti-climb device as claimed in any of claims I to 9, wherein said protective strip comprising a series of channels running at perpendicular angles to define an array of square tablets on the reverse face thereof.

11. An anti-climb device as claimed in claim 10, wherein each square tablet is provided with a skirt formed around the perimeter of the square tablet.

I 2. An anti-climb device as claimed in claim I I, wherein the skirt defines an outer boundary of a chamber for receiving an adhesive.

13. An anti-climb device as claimed in any of claims 10 to 12 when dependent upon claim 6, wherein fixing apertures are defined at each intersection of said series of channels.

14. An anti-climb device as claimed in any of claims 10 to 12, wherein each square tablet is associated with one first boss or one second boss and is provided with a collar immediately beneath the said one first boss or one second boss.

I 5. An anti-climb device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the collar defines an inner boundary of a chamber for receiving an adhesive.

16. An anti-climb device as claimed in any of claims I to 15, wherein said protective strip is manufactured by a process of injection moulding of a plastics material.

17. An anti-climb device as claimed in any of claims I to 16, wherein said protective strip is manufactured with a removable hanging means.

18. An anti-climb system comprising a plurality of anti-climb devices, each anticlimb device as claimed in any of claims I to 17 and further comprising at least one jointing strip, the or each jointing strip comprising metal banding.

19. An anti-climb system comprising a plurality of anti-climb devices, each anticlimb device as claimed in any of claims I to 17 and further comprising at least one connecting bridge for coupling a first said anti-climb device and a second said anti-climb device, the or each connecting bridge comprising a substrate panel, the substrate panel comprising an obverse face and a reverse face, and a plurality of spikes extending upwardly from the obverse face of the substrate panel, said plurality of spikes comprising a plurality of hollow bosses, each hollow boss having a base end open to the reverse face of the substrate panel, the hollow bosses of the connecting bridge nestable on top of corresponding bosses of a first said anti-climb device and a second said anti-climb device.

20. An anti-climb system comprising a plurality of anti-climb devices, each anticlimb device as claimed in claim 6, and further comprising at least one jointing strip for coupling a first said anti-climb device and a second said anti-climb device, the jointing strip comprising a substrate panel and first and second projections engageable with corresponding first and second fixing apertures of a first said anti-climb device and a second said anti-climb device.