GB2595919A

GB2595919A - A barrier arrangement

Info

Publication number: GB2595919A
Application number: GB2008917.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ball Robert
Original assignee: ATG Access Ltd
Current assignee: ATG Access Ltd
Priority date: 2020-06-11
Filing date: 2020-06-11
Publication date: 2021-12-15
Anticipated expiration: 2040-06-11
Also published as: GB2595919B; GB202008917D0

Abstract

A barrier arrangement 10 for straddling a thermal expansion joint 18 on a structure such as a bridge comprises first and second posts fixed to first and second surfaces respectively, the two surfaces being movable relative to one another. A barrier 22 extends between the posts and is configured to move relative to the first or second post. The barrier may be fixed relative to either or both of the posts, or may comprise a floating structure which moves relative to the posts. The barrier may comprise a telescopic connection and/or a sleeve in which either or both of the posts are received. The barrier may comprise a tubular member containing at least one restraining member extending between the posts. A shock absorber may be provided at the end of the restraining member. The barrier may comprise first and second members pivotally connected together to form a scissor coupling. Each post may comprise a plurality of barrier connection points and either or both of the posts may be hollow and at least a portion of the barrier extends into the post.

Description

A Barrier Arrangement

Field of invention

The invention relates to a barrier arrangement comprising a plurality of posts. In particular, though not exclusively, the invention relates to barrier arrangement for straddling a thermal expansion joint on a structure such as a bridge.

Background

Barriers comprising a plurality of posts, e.g. bollards, are well known. Such barriers are used to segregate areas for vehicles and those for pedestrians, for example, and may be placed alongside roadways or pavements. In some situations, it is not possible to place the posts in a desired location due to infrastructure or other obstacles. As such, engineers have developed shallow mount barriers which require shallow footings to remove or reduce the need for disruptive footings which may disturb subterranean services such as electricity or water, for example. However, there are other instances where a barrier is required and the spacing of posts is not manageable.

One such structure may be an expansion joint on a structure such as a bridge where a conventional shallow mount bollard cannot be placed, and rigid cross members such as a railing cannot be used to extend between posts to straddle the expansion joint as the bollards may be required to move relative to each other.

The present invention seeks to provide a barrier for spanning a thermal expansion joint or section of a bridge. However, the invention may find broader application.

Summary

The present invention provides a barrier arrangement according to the appended claims.

The present disclosure provides a barrier arrangement comprising: a first post fixed to a first surface; a second post fixed to a second surface, wherein the first surface and second surface are movable relative to each other during use; a barrier extending between the first and second posts wherein the barrier is configured to move relative to the first or second posts such that the first and second posts are movable relative to each other with the first and second surface.

The barrier may be fixed to either or both of the first and second posts.

The barrier may comprise a floating structure which moves relative to the first and second posts.

The barrier may comprise a plurality of cross members which extend between the first and second posts. Each cross member may comprise a plurality of sub-members. The floating structure may comprise a first sub-member and may be attached to a second sub-member. The second sub-member may be part of or attached to one of the first or second posts In some examples, the barrier may comprise a first cross member and a second cross member which are vertically spaced apart along the height of the posts. The first and second cross members may be attached together by one or more vertical members. The first and second cross members may comprise a telescopic connection. The first and second cross members may comprise two or more sub-members. Each sub-member may extend directly from a respective post and connect via a telescopic connection.

In some examples, the barrier may comprise a first cross member and a second cross member which are vertically spaced apart along the height of the posts. The first and second cross members may be attached together by one or more vertical members.

The first and second cross members may comprise a plurality of telescopic connections. The first and second cross members may comprise three or more sub-members. A first sub-member and a second sub-member may extend directly from a respective post and connect via a floating structure comprises at least one floating sub-member. The connection between the respective sub-members may be provided by a telescopic connection.

The barrier, optionally the cross-members, may comprise one or more restraining members. The one or more restraining members may extend between the first post and second post and provide a tensile restraint for restricting the progression of a vehicle through the barrier during an impact. The restraining member may be attached to the post or a sub-member of a cross member. The attachment of the restraining member may comprise a through-hole in a wall of the sub-member or post through which the restraining member may pass. The restraining member may further comprise a stop attached to an end thereof which prevents the withdrawal of the restraining member during a vehicle impact.

The restraining member may comprise a closed loop and may encircle both the first and second posts on an outer surface thereof. There may be a plurality of vertically distributed along the height of the first and second posts. The restraining members may be housed within a common housing. The common housing may comprise a sleeve which is located over the first and second posts.

The restraining members may extend between the first and second posts in a slack, non-tensioned state. The length of the restraining members may be greater than the separation between the posts when the posts are in a maximum separated state.

The barrier may be longitudinally extendable.

The barrier and first and/or second post may comprise a sliding coupling.

The sliding coupling may comprise a telescopic connection.

The sliding coupling may comprise a bearing/bush. The sliding coupling may comprise a male end and a female end.

The barrier may comprise either the male end or female end and either or both of the first and second posts may comprise the other of the male end or female end.

The sliding coupling comprises a pin and slot arrangement in which a pin is slidably received within an elongate slot. The slot may define a plane which may be vertical or horizontal. Thus, the member comprising the slot may be vertically orientated or horizontally orientated.

The pin may be common to a plurality of barrier cross members which extend between the first and second posts. The plurality of barrier cross members may be provided in a vertical stack along the length of the post. The pin may extend vertically. The cross members may comprise a first post sub-member which is part of or directly appended from the post and a second sub-member which is part of or directly appended from the other post.

In some examples, the pin may extend from a side wall of either or both of the first and second posts. The pin may extend perpendicularly with respect to the plane defined by the first and second posts.

The barrier may comprise a sleeve in which either or both of the first and second posts are received. The sleeve may comprise a first sleeve and a second sleeve wherein the first and second posts are received within respective first and second sleeves. The first and second sleeves may be attached together by one or more cross members.

The barrier may comprise at least one tubular member. The at least one restraining member which extends between the first and second posts (or the first and second sleeves) may be located within the tubular member.

The barrier arrangement may further comprise a shock absorber. The shock absorber may be provided at a terminal end of the at least one restraining member.

The barrier may comprise a first member and a second member, wherein the first member and second member are pivotably coupled together.

The first and second member may comprise a scissor coupling.

The barrier may comprise a plurality of serially connected scissor couplings.

The barrier may be hingedly connected to one or other of the first and second posts. The hinged connection may be configured to allow the barrier to operate as gate, e.g. a swing gate. Alternatively, the barrier may be configured to slide linearly in relation to the first and second posts so as to slide or compress from a full extent between the first and second posts, to a compressed, retracted state.

Each post may comprise a plurality of barrier connection points. The barrier connection points may be distributed along the length of the respective post.

Either or both of the first post and second post may be hollow and at least a portion of the barrier may extend within the hollow interior of the first or second post.

The skilled person will appreciate that except where mutually exclusive, a feature described in relation to any one of the aspects, examples or embodiments described herein may be applied to any other aspect, example, embodiment or feature. Further, the description of any aspect, example or feature may form part of or the entirety of an embodiment of the invention as defined by the claims. Any of the examples described herein may be an example which embodies the invention defined by the claims and thus an embodiment of the invention.

Brief Overview of Figures The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a generic barrier arrangement according to the present disclosure; Figures 2 to 17 show alternative barrier arrangements in accordance with the present disclosure.

Detailed description

Posts may be a bollard or other suitable upright member to which the barrier can be attached to full fill the purpose described herein. The posts may comprise part of an existing structure or may form part of a purpose built arrangement. The barrier arrangement and/or posts may be temporary or may a fixed installation.

Many of the examples described below include common features. Features having the same reference numerals may be assumed to be substantially the same unless stated otherwise.

Figures la and lb show, respectively, a plan view and side view of a barrier arrangement 10. The barrier arrangement 10 comprises a plurality of posts 12 which extend vertically upwards from a surface 14 on which they mounted so as to present a barrier for impeded, diverting and/or preventing the passage of a vehicle. The posts 12 may be of various forms and may generally any suitable type known in the art. In the example shown, the posts are mounted to one or more plates 16 which is attached to the surface 14 to provide a suitable foundation for the posts 12 by a suitable method, thereby providing a shallow mount system. However, the posts 12 may be mounted in any suitable way and attached to any suitable foundation. For example, the posts may be buried or received in a suitable footing such as concrete. In some embodiments, the posts 12 may be provided by a surface mass such as a concrete block.

The posts 12 may be generally elongate structural members having a longitudinal vertical axis. The posts 12 will be of suitable material and construction such that they can impede, divert or arrest the passage of a vehicle and may be certified to a particular standard. The cross-section can be any suitable shape but is shown in Figure la as being round to provide a cylindrical post. Other cross sections such as square, rectangular, hexagonal etc are possible.

Although only two posts 12 are shown per plate footing 16, each plate footing 16 may have only a single post 12 or may have more than two posts 12. A barrier installation may comprise any number of posts 12 in any required geometrical arrangement, such as a linear array. For the purposes of the present disclosure, the barrier arrangement is predominantly concerned with two posts 12 which are adjacent so as to be proximate to one another and separated by a gap. The two posts 12 may therefore comprise a first post 12a and a second post 12b. The first 12a and second 12b posts may define a plane therebetween. A barrier 18 which extends between the first and second posts 12a, 12b may be located with the plane.

The gap between the posts 12a, 12b, may comprise an expansion joint 18. The expansion joint may partition the surface 14 such that the respective portions of the surface on either side of the expansion joint 18 opposing sides are configured to more laterally with respect to each other. That is, the two opposing side of the surface 14 are free to move away or towards each other in the general plane of the surface 14 (appreciating that the surface 14 itself may not be planar). This relative movement may result in the posts 12a,b on either side of the joint 18 moving relative to each other due to being affixed to the surface on either side of the expansion joint 18.

An expansion joint of the type shown in Figure la and lb may be found on a man-made structure such as a bridge. As is well known, bridges may experience thermal expansion and include expansion joints to account for this. The expansion joint may be any type which results in the relative lateral movement of the first and second posts 12a,b. Although only a line is shown representing the expansion joint in Figures lab, it will be appreciated that there may be linear sections of a structure which are subject to relative movement and/or cannot have posts mounted to them. Hence, as shown in Figure 1 a,b there are arrows 20 pointing outwards indicating the movement of the surface portions either side of the expansion joint and the corresponding posts 12a,b. Although the arrows are point outwards, it will be appreciated that this movement could be in the opposite direction.

The presence of an expansion joint 18 or expansion section in the structure can prohibit the positioning of the bollards and limit the spacing of adjacent posts. In some circumstances, this can result in an unacceptably large gap between adjacent posts through which a vehicle could pass unhindered. As such, there is a requirement to provide a barrier arrangement which can operate across an expansion joint or expansion section of the structure.

The barrier arrangement 10 shown in Figures 1 a,b includes a barrier 22. The barrier 22 is configured to extend between the first and second posts 12a,b so as to provide an obstruction in the gap between the posts to impede, divert or arrest the passage of a vehicle. To account for the relative moment between the first and second posts 12a,b, the barrier 22 is configured to have an adjustable length such that it provides the relative movement without undue stress on the posts 12a,b or footings to which or in which they are mounted.

Thus, the present disclosure provides: a barrier arrangement comprising: a first post 12a fixed to a first surface; a second post 12b fixed to a second surface, wherein the first surface and second surface are movable relative to each other during use. A barrier 22 extends between the first and second posts 12a,b. The barrier 22 may be configured to move relative to the first or second posts 12a,b such that the first and second posts 12a,b are movable relative to each other with the first and second surface.

The barrier 22 can take any suitable form and may comprise one or more cross member 24 which extend between the first and second post. The one or more cross member 24 may extend from a first end which is attached to the first post 12a either directly or indirectly to a second end which is attached to the second post 12b either directly or indirectly. The connection of the barriers to the first and second posts 12a,b may be provided by a connection points. There may be a plurality of connections points which are distributed, i.e. spaced out along the vertical length of posts. Each sub-member or cross member of the barrier may be associated with at least one connection point at either end thereof.

The one or more cross member 24 may comprise multiple sub-members or may be provided by a single member. The one or more cross member 24 may be rigid so as to provide an amount of structural rigidity to the barrier arrangement, or may be flexible such that it does not add to the structural rigidity in a resting state but does nonetheless provide a suitable restraint for restraining or diverting an impacting vehicle.

The one or more cross member 24 may be of any suitable type and construction and may comprise different types of member. For example, the one or more cross member 24 may comprise a hollow section member such as a tube or box section, or may be a solid member in the form of a bar, beam or plate, or any combination thereof. The cross member shown in Figure 1a, b is a simple plate which is configured to expand, as described above. (It will be appreciated that the detail of the expansion mechanism is not shown in this general schematic).

The one or more cross member 24 may comprise one or more restraining members (not shown in Figures lab). The restraining members may be a tensile restraining member which undergoes tension when impacted by a vehicle. As such, the restraining member may be a flexible member when not under tension, such as a wire rope, chain synthetic fibre or similar. The one or more restraining member may be provided to provide the principal structural retention for arresting the vehicle during an impact. The one or more cross member 24 may comprise a restraining member and a housing which conceals the restraining member. The housing may or may not contribute to the structural integrity of the barrier 22 and may be provided for aesthetic reasons alone.

The one or more cross member 24 may comprise a plurality of cross members 24 distributed along the vertical length of the posts 12a,b such that the cross members 24 are provided at different heights and are separated by a predetermined distance suitable for impeding the passage of a vehicle or different sizes or types of vehicle. Additionally or alternatively, the cross member 24 may have a vertical height which is sufficient to span a portion of the vertical extent of the gap between the posts 12,ab, as shown in Figure 1 b. Additionally or alternatively, the barrier 22 may comprise one or more vertical members. The vertical members may extend between a plurality of cross members 24. The vertical members may add to the structural rigidity of the barrier 22, and/or may be provided to aid in the restraint or diversion of an impacting vehicle. The cross members 24 and vertical members may provide a mesh or net of restraining members, for example.

It will be appreciated that the cross members 24 may be extend horizontally. Horizontal direction the cross members 24 extend in may be defined by a longitudinal axis of the or each cross member or the barrier more generally. It will be appreciated the term 'horizontal' when used in connection with the cross member 24 should not be taken to be purely horizontal and the cross members 24 may traverse a vertical extent so as to extend diagonally between the first and second posts 12a,b. Further, cross members 24 may be arranged to be parallel to the surface above which they are placed which may itself be on a slope and not truly horizontal. Similar considerations are true for the vertical members which may have a horizontal component.

The barrier 22 may be fixed to either or both of the first and second posts 12a,b. In the situation where the barrier 22 is fixed to only a single post, 12a or 12b, it will be appreciated that it is free to move laterally with respect to the other post such that the two posts 12a,b are free to move apart from each other. In the case that the barrier 22 is fixed to both the first and second posts 12,a,b, the barrier 22 itself may be configured to elongate or contract such that the first and second posts 12a,b can move relative to each other relatively unhindered.

The fixing of the barrier 22 to a post 12a,b may be achieved using any suitable means such as welding or using one or more fasteners such as a bolt or other means.

In some examples, the barrier 22 may be provided by or comprise cross members 24 which are integral extensions of the posts 12,b. Thus, the first and/or second posts 12a,b may comprise a projecting cross members which are attached to the respective post 12a,b, and towards the opposing adjacent post to form part of or the cross member 24 or barrier 22.

In some examples, the barrier 22 may comprise a floating structure in which one or more cross members 24 are not fixed to the first or second post 12a,b such that at least a portion of the barrier 22 is laterally with respect to both the first and second post 12a,b. It will be appreciated that 'laterally moveable' should be taken to mean that the floating structure can move towards and away from the respective post to accommodate a portion of the required relative movement between the posts 12,b.

The cross members 24 can be attached to the first and second post 12a,b using any suitable mechanism which allows the relative movement between the floating structure and a respective post 12a,b. Some examples are discussed below and may comprise a barrier 22 which is longitudinally extendable either by virtue of comprising a floating structure or one or more attachments, such as a sliding coupling, which allows the relative longitudinal movement. For example, a sliding coupling may comprise a telescopic arrangement in which a first member is slidably nested within a second member, or a sleeve arrangement in which the post 12a,b is received within a hollow portion of the barrier.

The sliding coupling may comprise a male end and a female end to provide a telescopic connection. The male end may be attached to the post 12a,b so as to provide a structural member on which the female cross member 24 can be received.

Alternatively, the post 12a,b may provide a female member which receives the male cross member 24 therein to provide a telescopic connection. The telescopic connection may be configured to allow the length of the barrier to be varied as the first and second post 12a,b move relative to each other. It will be appreciated that in some examples, there may be a mixture of male and female members provided by either the post and/or the barrier 22.

In some examples embodiments the barrier arrangement may comprise a sliding coupling which comprises a pin and slot arrangement in which a pin is slidably received within an elongate slot so as to provide the lateral movement between the respective post 12a,b, and barrier 22. The pin and slot arrangement may be provided at a junction between a cross member 24 and post 12a,b. The slots may be arranged horizontally such that a corresponding horizontal sliding motion can be achieved by the pin. However, in some embodiments the slot may be provided in alternative orientations, such as vertical, for example. A vertical slot may be provided where a barrier 22 comprises one or more cross members 24 which translate the horizontal movement of the posts into a vertical movement by via a pivoting motion, such as may be the case for a scissor like arrangement.

In some examples, the barrier 22 may comprise a sleeve in which either or both of the first and second posts are received. The sleeve may wrap around or envelop the first and/or second post 12,a,b and allow relative movement between at least one of the first and second post 12a,b and the barrier 22. In some embodiments there may be a sleeve for each of the posts 12a,b. Hence, the sleeve may comprise a first pocket and a second pocket, wherein the first and second posts 12a,b are received within respective pockets. The respective sleeves may be connected together by one or more cross members.

In addition to or as an alternative to longitudinally extendable cross members, a barrier 22 may comprise one or more pivoting cross members which are configured to rotate relative to the first and/or second post 12a,b and/or at least one other cross member. The plane in which the cross member rotates may be horizontal or vertical.

Additionally, the cross members 22 may be pivotably attached to each other so as to provide a scissor connection or scissor coupling as it may be referred to.

In some examples, either or both of the first and second post 12a,b may be hollow and may receive at least a portion of the barrier 22. The interface between the first and second post 12a,b and barrier may provide the sliding coupling.

Throughout this disclosure, it will be appreciated that the extension or movement of the barrier may be caused by the movement of the posts. As such, the extension or movement of the barrier 22 may be considered to be passive and does not require any powered actuation.

Figures 2a and 2b show, respectively, plan and side views of a barrier arrangement 200. The barrier arrangement 200 comprises a first post 12a and a second post 12b which are separated by a gap. As described above, the first and second posts 12a,b are subject to lateral movement which causes them to move towards and away from each other so as to change the extent of the separation between them and the size of the gap.

A barrier 222 is provided in the gap between the first and second posts 12a,b. The barrier 222 generally comprises a first cross member 224a and a second cross member 224b. The cross members 224a,b are arranged in a vertical stack, i.e. one on top of the other, in a plane in which the first and second posts 12a,b lie. The construction of the first and second cross members 224a,b may be generally similar and so only one will be described below.

With reference to the upper cross member 224a, there is provided a first sub-member 224a' and a second sub-member 224a". The first and second sub-members 224a',a", are each attached at a first end to a respective one of the first and second posts 12a,b and extend outwardly and horizontally towards the opposing adjacent post 12a,b.

The sub-members 224a',a" are joined together via sliding coupling in the form of a telescopic connection 226. The telescopic connection 226 comprises a female end provided by one of the sub-members 224a", which receives a male end provided by the other of the sub-members 224a'. The female sub-member 224a" may comprise a hollow tube or box section having an open ended cavity in to which a terminal end the opposing sub-member 224a" may be slidably received. Upon relative lateral movement of the first and second posts 12a,b the telescopic connection 226 provides a sliding coupling which allows the cross member to expand and contract in a lengthwise direction such that the length of the barrier 222 may be extended or contracted in accordance with the relative movement of the first and second posts 12a,b. The first and second sub-members 224a',a" overlap in the lengthwise direction to provide the telescopic connection 226. The extent of the overlap, and the construction and materials used for the connection 226, will be sufficient to withstand a vehicle impact.

As noted above, the barrier 222 may comprise a second cross-member 224b which is provided below the first cross member 224a. The first and second cross members 224a,b may be connected by vertical members 228 which may provide additional strength for barrier 222. Although only two vertical members 228 are shown between each pair of sub-members, it will be appreciated that there may be greater or fewer vertical members 228 in any particular design. Similarly, there may be only one cross member or two or more cross members in some embodiments.

The attachment of the sub-members to the posts may be achieved using any suitable method such as welding or via a bolted flange, for example.

Figures 3a and 3b show a further example of a barrier arrangement 300. The barrier arrangement 300 comprises a first post 12a and a second post 12b as previously described. A barrier 322 extends between the first and second posts 12a,b and comprises a floating structure having a first end and second end which are both longitudinally displaceable in relation to the first and second posts 12a,b. As such, floating structure can move laterally towards and away from both the first and second posts 12a,b as required.

The floating structure may comprise one or more cross members 324a, 324b which are located one above the other in the plane defined by the first and second posts 12a,b.

Both the first and second cross members 324a,b are of similar construction and so only one of the cross members 324a,b will be described further. The upper cross member 324a comprises a first end and an opposing second end which define the length of the cross member 324a. The cross member 324a attaches to the first and second posts 12a,b via telescopic connections provided by the first and second ends of the floating sub-members 324a" being slidably mated with corresponding projecting sub-members 324a' which extend from the first and second posts 12a,b. The telescopic connection may be similar to that described in connection with figures 2a,b in which a male end is received by a female end in a co-axially nested configuration. In the example of figures 3a,b, the male end is provided by the projection extending from the post 12a,b with the female end being provided by the floating structure. However, it will be appreciated that this need not be the case and, as with any of the examples described herein, the male and female ends may be interchangeable, as required.

The extent of the post sub-members 324a' and the floating structure sub-member 324a" can be varied to suit a particular design requirement. Hence, although the telescopic connections are shown as being proximal to the posts 12a,b, such that the floating structure occupies the majority of the gap between the first and second posts 12a,b, this need not be the case. However, it will be appreciated that providing the telescopic connections adjacent to the posts 12a,b can be advantageous for the forces experienced by the connection during an impact. As with Figures 2a,b, there is provided a plurality of vertical members 328 which extend between the first and second cross members 324a,b of the floating structure. Although not shown, vertical members may also be provided between the sub-members 324a' which extend from the posts.

The cross members 224a,b, 324a,b described in connection with Figures 2a,b and Figures 3a,b may comprise one or more structural members which strengthen the cross members and help impede and or divert an impacting vehicle. In some examples, the structural members, which may be referred to as a restraining member, may be located within a cross member. As such, and as shown in Figures 2a,b and Figures 3a,b, the cross members 224a,b, 324a,b may be hollow so as to receive a restraining member (not shown).

Figures 4 to 6 show various cross members 424, 524, 624 which house restraining members 430, 530, 630 in the form of wire ropes. The wire ropes may extend between the first and second posts 12a,b and provide a tensile restraint which resists the passage of a vehicle during an impact.

In the example shown in Figure 4, there is a first post 12a having a first sub-member 424a' of a cross-member 424 extending horizontally therefrom into the gap between the first and second posts 12a,b. A telescopic connection 426 is provided with a second sub-member 424a" which may form part of a floating structure or may extend from the second post 12b directly (not shown). The sub-members 424a',a" may both be provided by hollow box sections such that the restraining member 430 can extend longitudinally through each of the sub-members 424a',a". The terminal end 432 of the restraining member 430 may include a stop 434 which acts to prevent the restraining member 430 from being withdrawn from the first sub-member 424a' during an impact. The restraining member 430 is received through an aperture provided in an end wall of the first sub-member 424a'. The aperture may sized to receive the restraining member 430 but is smaller enough to prevent passage of the stop 434 which contacts, either directly or indirectly, the end wall of the first sub-member 424a'. The restraining member 430 and/or end wall may be provided with a shock absorber 436 having a resiliently deformable or crushable construction to help prevent shock loading of the restraining member 430 during an impact.

The shock absorber may be provided by, for example, a resiliently deformable end wall comprising, for example, a rubberised material. Alternatively or additionally, the shock absorber may be provided by a spring 438 which is located between the end wall and the stop 432. Additionally or alternatively, a crushable element may be provided between the stop 432 and the end wall of the first sub-member.

Also shown in Figure 4 is a bearing 440 provided in the telescopic connection such that the movement between the first and second sub-members 424a',a" of the cross member may be guided. The bearing 440 may be a linear bearing in the form of, for example, a bush, as are known in the art.

Figure 5 shows an alternative arrangement in which a restraining member 530 is received by an aperture in a wall which defines the post 12a. In this example, the stop 534 and an optional shock absorber 538 are both provided within the hollow interior of the first post 12a and react against a wall of the post 12a.

Figure 6 shows a further example, in which the restraining member 630 is received through an aperture in the wall of the post 12a and extends vertically downwards inside the post 12a. The terminal end of the restraining member 630 may comprise a stop 634 having sufficient weight so as to assist the vertical suspension of the restraining member 630 within the post 12a. Alternatively or additionally, the restraining member may be attached to the post 12a via tensioning systems such as a spring or the like which extends between the terminal end of the restraining member and in internal attachment on the inside of the post 12a. Also shown is a shock absorber in the form of a crushable element 642 which absorbs the shock load when a vehicle impacts the sub-member and or restraining member 640.

It will be appreciated, that although Figures 5 and 6 are shown as including cross members comprising housings for the restraining members, it is possible for the restraining members to be unhoused. As such, the cross members may comprise only one or more tensile restraining members in the form of a wire rope.

It will be appreciated that the various elements shown and described in connection with Figures 4 to 6 may be used in any combination. For example, the crushable element within 6 may be replaced by a resiliently deformable member and the bearing element shown in figure 4AB provided in the arrangement of figure 5.

Figures 7a and 7b show a yet further example of a barrier arrangement 700. The barrier arrangement 700 may comprise a first post 12a and a second post 12b haying a barrier 722 extending therebetween, as previously described.

The barrier 722 may comprise a single cross member 724 in the form of a plate which extends the full length between the posts 12a,b and is supported by a sliding connection 726 in the form of a pin and slot arrangement. The pin and slot arrangement may comprise an elongate slot 744 which may be arranged horizontally and in which a pin 746 is configured to slide upon movement of the first and/or second post 12a,b. There may be a plurality of sliding connections 726 at each end of the barrier 722 such that the barrier 722 is supported by each post 12a,b at a plurality of locations. As shown in figure 7b, there are two sliding connections, however, there may be greater or fewer than two for each post 12a,b.

In the example shown in Figures 7a,b, the pin 746 is a projection which extends from a front surface (or rear surface) of the post 12a,b so as to extend perpendicularly and horizontally away from the plane which extends between the first and second post 12a,b. The pin 746 may include a stop 748 to prevent the barrier being removed from the pin during an impact or otherwise. Although the pin 746 is shown as projecting from the post 12a,b, it will be appreciated that in some examples, the location of the pin 746 and slot 744 may be reversed with the slot 744 being provided on the post 12a,b and the pin 746 provided on the barrier 722.

It will also be appreciated that, although the barrier is shown as being a plate member having a height which is over 50% of the barrier height, this need not be the case and the sliding connection having a pin and slot arrangement may be utilised in smaller cross members of lesser height. Further, there may be a plurality of separate cross members each with their own slot and pin connection.

Figures 8a and 8B show a further example of a barrier arrangement 800. The barrier arrangement 800 comprises the first and second posts 12a,b as previously described and a barrier 822 in the form of a plurality of cross-members 824a-c distributed across the height of the posts 12a,b.

Referring to the uppermost cross member 824a, there may be provided a first sub-member 824a" which is a floating structure extending between terminal sub-members 824a' which each attach to respective ones the first and second posts 12a,b. Thus, each of the first second posts 12a,b comprises at least one projection which extends horizontally from an outer wall of the post 12a,b to provide a sub-member 824a'. The floating sub-member 824a may comprise a first end and a second end and extends between the post sub-members 824a'. The length of the floating sub-member 824a" is greater than the separation between the opposing post sub-members 824a' such that there is an overlap at both ends of the floating sub-member 824a" and the post sub-member 824a'. Either the floating sub-member 824a" or post sub-member 824a' may comprise an elongated slot 844 through which a pin 846 is received to provide a guided lateral movement along the plane which extends between the first and second posts 12a,b. Thus, in use, as the posts 12a,b move away or towards each other, the pin 846 is guided within the slot 844 to provide the necessary movement whilst also providing structural integrity enough to resist an impact from a vehicle.

Although the example in figures 8a,b includes a sliding connection at both ends of a floating sub-member 824a", it will be appreciated that the cross member 824a may not include a floating structure and may be provided by sub-members 824a' which extend directly from the respective posts 12a,b and overlap each other in the gap between the posts 12a,b.

Referring to Figure 8b, it can be seen that a common pin 846 may be provided for all of the cross members 824a-c which are vertically stacked along the length of the posts 12a,b. However, this need not be the case and individual pins may be used for each cross member. Similarly, as with all of the examples of the present disclosure, there may be greater or fewer cross members than shown. Although not shown, it will be appreciated that the pin 846 may include some form of restraint to prevent it moving vertically in relation to the cross members and or being withdrawn.

Figures 9a and 9b show a barrier arrangement 900 comprising a first post 12a and a second post 12b between which there is provided a barrier 822 in the form of a sleeve 924. The sleeve 924 may comprise housing in which the first and second post 12a,b are received. The sleeve 924 may comprise a box section having sidewalls 950a-d which collectively encircle the first and second posts 12a,b and a top wall 952 which encloses the hollow compartment provided between the sidewalls 950a-d from above. The sleeve comprises at least one opening in the bottom thereof for receiving the posts 12a, b.

Although not shown, it will be appreciated that the sleeve may comprise one or more structural members which improve the impact tolerance of the sleeve. Hence, there may be one or more bracing members extending between the opposing sidewalls, for example.

Also shown in Figure 9b is an arrow 954 depicting the second end of the sleeve being fixed to the second post 12b. As is the case with many of the examples described herein, it will be appreciated that the barrier 922 may be configured to move relative to either or both of the first and second posts 12a,b. As such, in many examples, the barrier may be fixed to the second post 12b such that the movement is provided between the barrier 922 and the other the post 12a to which it is not fixed. The fixture between the barrier 922 and the post 12b will be dependent on the construction of both the barrier 922 and the post 12b, but may be provided by any suitable fixture such as a bolt inserted through the upper wall of the sleeve and threading lead engaged into a top surface of the post. It will be appreciated that, of course, there are many different ways of fixing the cross member to the post including permanent fixtures and removable ones.

Figures 10a and 10b show an adaptation of the example shown in figure 9a and 9b.

Here, the barrier 1022 comprises a plurality of sleeves 1050', 1050", one for each of the posts 12a,b. Hence, a box section is provided for each post 12a,b into which the respective post is inserted. The two sleeves 1050',1050" may be connected by cross members 1024a,b (or sub-members as the case may be) such that the gap between the first and second posts 12a,b is closed and the respective lateral movement can be provided. The construction of the sub-members 1024a,b which extend between the first and second sleeves may be the same as described elsewhere in this disclosure.

The first and second sleeve 1050', 1050" may be provided by a box section having sidewalls which encircle the posts and provide an enclosed space in which they can move laterally relative to the sleeves, similar to the unitary sleeve described in connection with Figures 9a,b. As shown in figure 10a, the sleeves may be elongate in cross-section so as to be rectangular with the major axis aligned with the plane which extends between the first and second posts.

Figures 11a and 11b provide a further example of a barrier arrangement 1100. The barrier arrangement 1100 comprises the first post 12a and second post 12b as previously described and a sleeve 1150 similar to that described in connection with Figures 9a and 9b. In this example, the first and second posts 12a,b are connected by restraining members 1130a,b which may be any suitable form but are shown as being tensile restraining members in the form of wire ropes which encircle the first and second posts 12a,b.

As shown, there may be a plurality of restraining members 1230a-d distributed along the vertical length of the posts 12a,b so as to provide support at different heights to account for different vehicles and/or impact conditions. In the example shown in Figure 11b, there are four restraining members, however, this should not be seen as a limitation and a greater or fewer number of restraining members may be provided. The sleeve 1150 may be cosmetic inasmuch as it is provided for aesthetic reasons and to protect the restraining members 1130a-d from the elements. However, it will be appreciated that the sleeve 1150 may provide some structural support and reinforcement for the restraining members.

The restraining members 1130a-d may be attached to the first and second posts 12a,b in any suitable manner such as with a clip or bracket which is attached to all forms part of the post 12a,b. Alternatively, or additionally, the posts 12a,b may be provided with suitable retention grooves or other formations which receive and retain the restraining members.

As shown in Figures 12a and 12b, restraining members (those of Figures 11a and 11 b or otherwise) will be arranged to allow the first and second posts 12a,b to move laterally towards and away from each other. As such, the restraining members 1230a-d may be configured to extend and contract longitudinally in service. To enable this, the restraining members 1230a-d may be provided with sufficient slack such that the maximum expected movements between the first and second posts does not result in a deleterious tensioning of the restraining member 1230a-d and a resultant stress of the first and second posts 12a,b. The extent of the slack required will be application-specific and depend on the stress tolerance of the first and second posts and the restraining member.

Figure 13 shows a variant of in which the horizontal restraining members 1330 are connected by a plurality of vertical members 1318 to provide a mesh or net of restraining members. Providing vertical members may help prevent the horizontal members from splaying out during an impact. The number and spacing of the horizontal and vertical members may vary between examples.

Figures 14a and 14b show a variant of the example shown in the cross member 1424 is attached to the post via a rotating sub-member such that the end of the cross member may be rotated around the post to accommodate any increase in length. Hence, Figure 14a shows the cross member in a contracted state, and Figure 14b shows the cross member in an expanded state. There may be a rotating sub-member provided on each of the first and second posts.

In Figure 15, there is shown an extendable barrier 1522 which comprises a scissor coupling in which a plurality of sub-members 1524 are connected together in scissor pairs in series to provide a length adjustable barrier. The scissor connections between intersecting cross members may include a pivot to allow the rotation. It will be appreciated that the barrier 1522 may comprises a sleeve as disclosed above.

The scissor barrier arrangement of Figure 15 may be configured to be openable such that the scissor barrier 1522 can be withdrawn to allow access through the first and second posts 12a,b. The scissor barrier may be fixed to the first post 12a using suitable connections and detachably latched to the second post 12b. Upon unlatching the second end from the second post 12b, the barrier 1522 can be withdraw so as to cause the scissor sections to compress with the shortening of the length. The latching to the second post 12b may be achieved with any suitable attachment mechanism and may not necessarily require a latch per se. Hence, the second end may be attached with a fixture such as a bolt or other fastener. The barrier 1522 may cantilever off the first post 12a so as to be self-supporting along its length, or may comprise one or more trolleys to carry the weight. The trolleys may comprise a plurality of leg mounted wheels which contact the ground beneath the barrier so as to carry the weight. There may be a plurality of wheels distributed along the length of the barrier 1522 to help carry the weight.

Figure 16 shows an alternative but related barrier arrangement 1600 in which only two sub-members 1624a, b are provided in a scissor arrangement.

In the example of Figure 16, each of the posts 12a,b comprises a sub-member 1624a' extending vertically and positioned to receive the terminal ends of each of the scissor sub-members 1624a,b. At least one of the post sub-members may include an elongate slot to provide vertical motion for the end of the scissor sub-member 1624b. The other end of the scissor sub-member may be mounted in the post via a pivot.

Figure 17 shows cross members 1724 having an length adjustable section in the form of a bellows 1756. The bellows 1756 may be provided at one or other end of the cross-member, or anywhere in between.

Many of the examples of the present disclosure include a single barrier within the plane defined between the first post and second post. However, it will be appreciated that some example arrangements may include double 'walled' arrangement of barriers having a first barrier and a second barrier. The first and second barrier may be arranged fore and aft of the posts. Hence, for example, the scissor barrier arrangement shown in Figure 15 may comprise first and second scissor barriers 1522 arranged in parallel and either side of the first and second posts 12a,b. Further, single barriers may be provided outside the plane of the posts. For example, as shown in the example of Figures 7a and 7b, the barrier may be positioned fore or aft of the posts. It will be appreciated that fore of the posts may correspond to the traffic side of the barrier arrangement, whilst aft may refer to the protected side of the barrier arrangement.

In some examples, the barriers of the present disclosure may comprise hinges to allow the barriers to be open and closed in a gate like fashion. Thus, one or more cross members may be attached to one of the first or second posts via a hinge. The hinge may be any suitable hinge as known in the art. The hinge may be provided by a portion of the barrier being mounted on top of one of the posts so as to be rotatable about the post. The axis of rotation may be coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the post. The opposite end of the cross members (or barrier) may be detachably attached (e.g. fastener with a fastener or latched) to the other of the first and second posts 12a,b. The detachable attachment may comprise any known in the art. An example of a suitable fastener may comprise a shooting bolt which extends out of the post to engage with the barrier. A portion of the barrier may be located on top of post and receive the bolt into an underside so as to prevent lateral movement thereof.

It will be understood that the invention is not limited to the examples and embodiments above-described and various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the concepts described herein. Except where mutually exclusive, any of the features may be employed separately or in combination with any other features and the disclosure extends to and includes all combinations and sub-combinations of one or more features described herein.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A barrier arrangement comprising: a first post fixed to a first surface; a second post fixed to a second surface, wherein the first surface and second surface are movable relative to each other during use; a barrier extending between the first and second posts, wherein the barrier is configured to move relative to the first or second posts such that the first and second posts are movable relative to each other with the first and second surface.
2. The barrier arrangement of claim 1, wherein the barrier is fixed to either or both of the first and second posts.
3. The barrier arrangement of claim 1, wherein the barrier comprises a floating structure which moves relative to the first and second posts.
4. The barrier arrangement of any preceding claim, wherein the barrier is longitudinally extendable.
5. The barrier arrangement of any preceding claim, wherein the barrier and first and/or second post comprise a sliding coupling.
6. The barrier arrangement of claim 5, wherein the sliding coupling comprises a telescopic connection.
7. The barrier arrangement of either of claims 5 or 6 wherein the sliding coupling comprises a bearing/bush.
8. The barrier arrangement of any of claims 5 to 7, wherein the sliding coupling comprises a male end and a female end.
9. The barrier arrangement of claim 8, wherein the barrier comprises either the male end or female end and either or both of the first and second posts comprise the other of the male end or female end.
The barrier arrangement of any of claims 5 to 9, wherein the sliding coupling comprises a pin and slot arrangement in which a pin is slidably received within an elongate slot.
11 The barrier arrangement of any preceding claim, wherein the barrier comprises a sleeve in which either or both of the first and second posts are received.
12 The barrier arrangement of claim 11, wherein the barrier comprises a first sleeve and a second sleeve wherein the first and second posts are received within respective first and second sleeves.
13 The barrier arrangement of any preceding claim, wherein the barrier comprises at least one tubular member and at least one restraining member which extends between the first and second posts located within the tubular member.
14 The barrier arrangement of claim 13, further comprising a shock absorber, wherein the shock absorber is provided at a terminal end of the at least one restraining member.
The barrier arrangement of any preceding claim, wherein the barrier comprises a first member and a second member, wherein the first member and second member are pivotably coupled together.
16 The barrier arrangement of claim 15, wherein the first and second member comprise a scissor coupling.
17 The barrier arrangement of claim 16 wherein the barrier comprises a plurality of serially connected scissor couplings.
18 The barrier arrangement of any preceding claim, wherein each post comprises a plurality of barrier connection points, wherein the barrier connection points are distributed along the length of the respective post.
19 The barrier arrangement of any preceding claim, wherein either or both of the post is hollow and at least a portion of the barrier extends within the hollow interior of the post.