A VEHICLE SECURITY BARRIER AND SYSTEM FOR HOSTILE VEHICLE MITIGATION

Abstract

Aspects of the invention relate to a vehicle security barrier system for hostile vehicle mitigation. The vehicle security barrier system comprising: a panel; first and second support members; and a reinforcing arrangement.

Claims

1. A vehicle security barrier system for hostile vehicle mitigation, the vehicle security barrier system comprising: a panel; a reinforcing arrangement; a first support member, and a second support member, the panel comprising: first and second rail members, extending transversely between the first and second support members; and a third rail member extending between the first and second rail members; the reinforcing arrangement comprising: a first cable extending through the first rail member, the first cable having first and second attachment components at respective ones of first and second ends thereof; a second cable extending through the second rail member, the second cable having first and second attachment components at respective ones of first and second ends thereof; and a third cable extending within the third rail member, the third cable having first and second attachment components at each of first and second ends thereof, the first attachment component of the third cable being coupled to the first cable extending within first rail member, and the second attachment component of the third cable being coupled to the second cable extending through the second rail member; the first support member comprising: a tubular main section; an aperture in the tubular main section for receiving said first attachment component at the first end of the first cable; at least one recess or slit associated with said aperture; and a cover plate affixed to the first support member for adding strength proximate said aperture and/or at least one recess; and the second support member comprising: a tubular main section; an aperture in the tubular main section for receiving said second attachment component at the second end of the first cable; at least one recess or slit associated with said aperture; and a cover plate affixed to the second support member for adding strength proximate said aperture and/or at least one recess.

2. A vehicle security barrier system according to claim 1, wherein the first attachment component comprises a loop and is coupled to the locking post of the first support member, and wherein the second attachment component comprises a loop and is coupled to the locking post of the second support member.

3. A vehicle security barrier system according to claim 2 wherein said tubular main section of the first support member and/or second support member has a top cap covering an uppermost end thereof, to which said locking post is affixed.

4. A vehicle security barrier system according to any claim 1 wherein a bottom cap covers a bottommost end of the tubular main section of the first support member and/or second support member.

5. A vehicle security barrier system according to claim 1 wherein the first support member and/or second support member comprises: a heel plate; and a toe plate having a lip edge.

6. A vehicle security barrier according to claim 5 wherein the heel plate is disposed at an elevation below the toe plate, such that in use, the heel plate is disposed below ground level and below the level of the top plate; and where in use, the top plate is also disposed below ground level.

7. A vehicle security barrier system according to claim 1, wherein the first support member and the second support member each comprise: two apertures formed in the tubular main section, each of said two apertures for receiving a loop of a cable forming part of said reinforcement arrangement; and first and second cover plates positioned over the two apertures respectively and attached to the main section.

8. A vehicle security barrier system according to claim 7 wherein one or more reinforcing plates are affixed to the tubular main section and overlapping one or more portions of at least one of the at least two apertures.

9. A vehicle security barrier system according to claim 1 wherein the tubular main section of the first and/or second support member has a generally square cross-sectional shape.

10. A vehicle security barrier system according to any claim 1 wherein the first and second transverse rail members are disposed in a parallel manner to one another and in a perpendicular orientation relative to the first and second support members and wherein the third rail member extends vertically between the first and second transverse rail members.

11. A vehicle security barrier system according to claim 1 wherein the first and second attachment components of the first and second cables each comprise a loop.

12. A vehicle security barrier system according to claim 11 wherein the panel further comprises: a fourth rail member, having first and second ends, the fourth rail member extending transversely between the first and second support members and being adjoined at its first and second ends to the first and second support members respectively; wherein the reinforcing arrangement further comprises: a fourth cable extending within the fourth rail member, the fourth cable having first and second attachment components at each of first and second ends thereof, the first attachment component of the fourth cable comprising a loop and being coupled to the first support member, and the second attachment component of the fourth cable comprising a loop and being coupled to the second support member, the fourth rail member being disposed at an elevation that is above the second transverse rail member and below the first transverse rail member, such that the fourth rail member intersects the third rail member that extends vertically between the first and second transverse rail members, and such that the third cable extending within the third rail member crosses or intersects the fourth cable.

13. A vehicle security barrier system according to claim 12 wherein any one or more of the first, second, third and fourth cables comprise a twisted steel cable having a diameter of about 8 mm, about 10 mm or about 20 mm.

14. A vehicle security barrier system according to claim 13, wherein the first support member comprises two apertures formed in the tubular main section, each of said two apertures for receiving a component of a cable forming part of said reinforcement arrangement; and wherein first and second cover plates are positioned over the two apertures respectively and ae a attached to the tubular main section.

15-18. (canceled)

19. A method of forming a vehicle security barrier system according to claim 1, the method comprising installing a reinforcing arrangement, the reinforcing arrangement comprising: first, second and third cables, each comprising a first attachment component and a second attachment component at each end thereof, wherein said installing the reinforcing arrangement comprises: i) threading the third cable through the third rail member, such that the first and second attachment components of the third cable can be coupled to the first cable and to the second cable; ii) threading the first cable through the first transverse rail member, and coupling the first cable to the first attachment component of the third cable; iii) affixing the first attachment component of the first cable to the first support member by passing the first attachment component through an aperture; iv) affixing the second attachment component of the first cable to the second support member by passing the first attachment component through an aperture; v) threading the second cable through the second transverse rail member and coupling the second cable to the second attachment component of the third cable; vi) affixing the first attachment component of the second cable to the first support member by passing the first attachment component through an aperture; and vii) affixing the second attachment component of the second cable to the second support member by passing the first attachment component through an aperture.

20. A method of forming a vehicle security barrier system according to claim 19 further comprising the steps of affixing first and second cover plates over the apertures in the first support member; and affixing first and second cover plates over the apertures in the second support member.

21. A method of forming a vehicle security barrier system according to claim 20 wherein the first support member and second support member each comprise a locking post extending through the main section, the locking post sized and configured for, and being threaded through the first attachment components of the first and second cables; and second attachment components of the first and second cables respectively.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0060] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0061] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a section of a vehicle security barrier system according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein one full vehicle security barrier panel is shown installed on a pedestrian walkway (pavement, side walk or footpath) alongside a kerb (curb) of the pedestrian walkway. The kerb is an edge where a raised pedestrian walkway meets a road;

[0062] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of part of a reinforcing arrangement installed in the vehicle security barrier system of FIG. 1;

[0063] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a support member (also referred to as “post” or “smart-post”) forming part of the reinforcing arrangement of the present embodiment; the support member having a series of access apertures, each for allowing a portion of the reinforcing arrangement shown in FIG. 2 to be received within the post;

[0064] FIG. 3B is an enlarged view of a portion of the support member of FIG. 3C showing one of the access apertures for receiving a portion of the reinforcing arrangement of FIG. 2;

[0065] FIG. 3C is an enlarged view of a portion of the support member of FIG. 3C, showing a reinforcing cover plate attached to the support member and obscuring the access apertures from view;

[0066] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a bottom section of the support member used in the vehicle security barrier system of FIG. 1, showing a heel plate and a toe-plate, attached to the support member. The heel and toe plates are, in use, disposed below ground;

[0067] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a section of vehicle security barrier system according to another embodiment, wherein three vehicle security barrier units (only one full unit is shown) are illustrated;

[0068] FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a section of the vehicle security barrier system of FIG. 5, wherein certain elements or components of the vehicle security barrier system have been removed or cutaway in order to illustrate at least part of a reinforcing arrangement installed in or within the vehicle security barrier system;

[0069] FIG. 7 is top view and a front view of a post-section of the vehicle security barrier system of FIG. 5;

[0070] FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view through part of a post-section of the vehicle security barrier system of FIG. 5;

[0071] FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the post-section of FIG. 7; and

[0072] FIG. 9 is a plan view of the side of the post-section of FIGS. 7, 8A and 8B, along with a cross-sectional view of the same.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0073] Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the vehicle security barrier systems, vehicle security barrier units, reinforcing arrangements and methods of reinforcing an installed guide rail system to produce a vehicle security barrier system of the present invention are disclosed herein. It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the way in which certain aspects of the invention can be implemented and do not represent an exhaustive list of all of the ways the invention may be embodied. Indeed, it will be understood that the vehicle security barrier systems, vehicle security barrier units, reinforcing arrangements and methods of reinforcing an installed guide rail system to produce a vehicle security barrier system described herein may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The Figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimised to show details of particular components. Well-known components, materials or methods are not necessarily described in great detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the invention.

[0074] In addressing the serious concern that existing pedestrian guide rail barriers, installed outside schools, playgrounds, and other public areas, are not intended to withstanding a deliberate, targeted and malicious impact from a vehicle borne attack, the applicant has considered a number of aspects. These include, but are not limited to: [0075] the public, road users and pedestrians a like, are all very familiar with existing styles of guard rail and that a significant change in appearance could cause complaints and objections; [0076] a highly protective vehicle security barrier that has an appearance significantly different from those in current use, particularly one which looked like an anti-terror attack structure could create a climate of fear, unnecessarily raise panic levels, make people feel nervous and may make them feel less safe; [0077] planning permission for installation of new barriers may be very difficult to obtain thus increasing cost and timescale involved in the installation and implementation of new style of vehicle security barrier; [0078] installation needs to be quick to reduce labour costs and to minimise any inconvenience to road and pathway users; [0079] installation needs to be easy or as simple as possible so that it can be done quickly and yet with high-degree of accuracy; [0080] in spite of the added quality of being able to withstand a deliberate vehicular attack, the panels must still provide a high degree of visibility for both pedestrians and road-user's alike; [0081] the cost of a new, more highly protective, vehicle security barrier needs to be as low as possible; [0082] if maintenance is needed, for example following a “normal” road traffic incident in which a vehicle accidently struck a railing, it is beneficial if a replacement can be easily, quickly and accurately installed; [0083] it would also be desirable if the transportation and delivery cost of the new, highly protective, vehicle security barrier system could be kept as low as possible.

[0084] With all of these and other considerations in mind, the applicant has created a method of reinforcing existing-style guard rail panels. The reinforcing arrangements and methods taught herein are not necessarily limited in their use and application to existing-style guard rail panels. Advantageously however, because reinforcing arrangements and methods can be installed in or used with existing style guard rail panels, the appearance is generally similar or unaltered and issues listed above associated with causing complaints and panic, and associated with planning permissions and maintaining visibility are all inherently addressed.

[0085] To adequately reinforce existing-type or existing-style guard rail panels it is beneficially, skillfully and uniquely disclosed herein to provide a reinforcing arrangement that comprises at least two horizontal steel wire cables threaded within a guide rail panel that are tethered to one another, at least by means of a vertical steel wire cable. The two horizontal steel wire cables are tethered at each of their ends to an adjacent guide rail panel or supporting post, such that the resulting, improved vehicle security barrier system has the new reinforcing arrangement running or extending entirely through its length. In this way the first and last panels and/or first and last support posts of a vehicle security barrier, along with the panels and posts in between, are connected together by the internal reinforcing arrangement.

[0086] It will be understood that a reinforcing arrangement of the present disclosure may be retro-fitted into existing, already installed pedestrian guide rails. It will be appreciated that existing “off-the shelf” guide rail panels can be modified to accommodate the reinforcing arrangement. Furthermore, the present disclosure provides a “smart post” also referred to as “support member”, “support post” or “post” herein, which is specifically configured to accommodate the reinforcing arrangement, and as such may also be considered as part of the reinforcing arrangement. It will be understood that a reinforcing arrangement of the present disclosure may be installed in other kinds of panel and is not limited in its application to the panels described and illustrated herein.

[0087] Reference is now made to FIG. 1, wherein a section of a vehicle security barrier system 200 is shown. The system is mounted at the edge of a pavement, close to a kerb 110 between the between the pavement and a traffic-bearing road 115. The system 200 is made up of a series of panels 111a, 111b, held in place at each of their ends by a post 114. As such, for a system 200 comprising three panels 111a, 111b, four posts 114 are used. The panels 111a, 111b are optionally each similar in dimension, shape, style and appearance to each other panel 111a, 111b in the system 200.

[0088] Each panel 111a, 111b comprises a first transverse rail member 124a and a second transverse rail member 124c. First and second vertical end rails 127a, 127b may extend vertically between the first and second transverse rail members 124a, 124c such that the panels 111a, 111b each have a generally rectangular and tubular main frame. Optionally, the tubular first and second vertical end rails 127a, 127b; and the tubular first and second transverse rail members 124a, 124c, each have square cross-sections.

[0089] A third rail member 126 extends between the first and second transverse rail members 124a, 124c, and crosses a fourth transverse rail member 124b. The fourth transverse rail member 124b extends in-between (i.e. below and above) the first and the second transverse rail members 124a, 124c respectively.

[0090] A reinforcing arrangement is installed into and forms part of the vehicle security barrier system 200. Elements 205 of the reinforcing arrangement include: first, second third and fourth cables 122a, 122c, 122d, 122b, each comprising a first attachment component 138a, 138c, 138d, 138b and a second attachment component 139a, 139c, 139d, 139b at each end thereof (see FIG. 2). The support posts 114 either side of the first and second vertical end rails 127a, 127b also form part of the reinforcing arrangement.

[0091] Referring again to the reinforcing arrangement and to the elements 205 shown in FIG. 2, it can be seen that the first and second attachment components 138a, 138b, 138c, 138d, 139a, 139b, 139c, 139d are the same on each end of each cable 122a, 122b, 122c, 122b. In other embodiments, the first and second attachment components 138a, 138b, 138c, 138d, 139a, 139b, 139c, 139d may differ from that shown; and/or may be different at a first end compared to a second end of a cable; and/or may differ from cable to cable. Optionally, as shown, the first and second attachment components 138a, 138b, 138c, 138d, 139a, 139b, 139c, 139d comprise loops formed by folding the end of the cable back on itself and securing the cut end alongside the main length of cable using a ferrule. Other attachment components may be suitable, for example, a twisted, looped end formed by folding the end of the cable back on itself and twisting or weaving the folded ends into the twisted form of the main length of cable.

[0092] Referring again to FIG. 1, in “off-the-shelf” panels used as pedestrian guard rails, the rectangular and tubular main frame is a closed and welded structure. However, in the present vehicle security barrier systems 200 that are optionally developed using “off-the shelf” pedestrian guard rail panels, access apertures are created for accessing the internal tubular structure and for installing therein, elements 205 of the reinforcing arrangement (see FIG. 2). In other embodiments wherein bespoke, purpose formed panels are used, such access apertures may be integrally formed when forming the panel itself, or may even not be required depending upon the method by which the panel is reinforced.

[0093] Whilst not necessarily visible in FIG. 1 of the accompanying illustrations, access apertures are optionally formed by laser cutting, and may be provided: [0094] on an outer face of the first vertical end rail 127a proximate to a first end of the first transverse rail member 124a; [0095] on an outer face of the first vertical end rail 127a proximate to a first end of the second transverse rail member 124c; [0096] on an outer face of the first vertical end rail 127a proximate to a first end of the fourth transverse rail member 124b; [0097] on an outer face of the second vertical end rail 127b proximate to a second end of the first transverse rail member 124a; [0098] on an outer face of the second vertical end rail 127b proximate to a second end of the second transverse rail member 124c; [0099] on an outer face of the second vertical end rail 127b proximate to a second end of the fourth transverse rail member 124b; [0100] on an outer face of the middle of the first transverse rail member 124a, proximate to a first end of the third (vertical) rail member 126; and [0101] on an outer face of the middle of the second transverse rail member 124c, proximate to a second end of the third rail (vertical) member 126.

[0102] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, installing the reinforcing arrangement comprises: [0103] ix) threading the third cable 122d into the middle aperture in either the first or second transverse rail member 122a, 122c and through the third (vertical) rail member 126 and toward the middle access aperture in the other of the first or second transverse rail member 122a, 122c, such that the first and second attachment components can be coupled to the first cable and to the second cable; [0104] x) threading the first cable 122a into the access aperture on the outer surface of the first vertical end rail 127a, through the first transverse rail member 124a, through the first attachment means 138d of the third cable 122d (thus coupling the first cable 122a to the first attachment component of the third cable 122d), further through the first transverse rail member 122a, and out of the access aperture on the outer surface of the second vertical end rail 127b; [0105] xi) locating the first attachment component 138a of the first cable 122a internally of the first support member 114 (see below); [0106] xii) locating the second attachment component 139a of the first cable 122a internally of the second support member 114 (see below); [0107] xiii) threading the second cable 122c into the appropriate access aperture on the outer surface of the first vertical end rail 127a, through the second transverse rail member 124c and coupling the second cable 122c to the second attachment component 139d of the third cable 122d and further threading the second cable 122c through the second transverse rail member 122c, and out of the appropriate access aperture on the outer surface of the second vertical end rail 127b; and [0108] xiv) locating the first attachment component 138c of the second cable 122c internally of the first support member 114 (see below); [0109] xv) locating the second attachment component 139c of the second cable 122c internally of the second support member 114 (see below); [0110] xvi) threading the fourth cable 122c into the appropriate access aperture on the outer surface of the first vertical end rail 127a, through the fourth transverse rail member 124b and past the third cable 122d within the third rail member 126 and further threading the fourth cable 122b through the remainder of the fourth transverse rail member 122b, and out of the appropriate access aperture on the outer surface of the second vertical end rail 127b; [0111] xvii) locating the first attachment component 138b of the fourth cable 122b internally of the first support member 114 (see below); and [0112] xviii) locating the second attachment component 139b of the fourth cable 122b internally of the second support member 114 (see below).

[0113] Referring to FIGS. 3A to 4 collectively, unique, creative and beneficial features of the support members 114, which permit the panels of the system 200 to be both easily, quickly and accurately installed, as well as easily, quickly and accurately replaced for repair and maintenance, are shown. The posts or support elements 114 are optionally, generally identical in form to one another to enable large scale production and to alleviate any complications and mitigate against any installation errors that may otherwise occur if left and right-handed posts were formed. The posts also have a tubular form; also with a square cross-section, such that the posts 114 have four flat sides and the first and second vertical end rails 127a, 127b of the panels 111a, 111b can snugly fit and abut up against a side of the post.

[0114] The tubular main section may have a top cap for covering an uppermost end thereof, to which a locking bar or rod may be affixed. The locking rod is not illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, however see FIG. 8A where a locking rod 36 of a system 100 of another illustrated embodiment of a system 100 of the disclosure is shown.

[0115] The posts 114 each comprise an anchoring foot structure at a bottom end thereof to assist in the robust, yet relatively quick, ground installation of the posts 114. The foot structure may comprise a heel plate 181 on a first, (optionally front) face of the post 114; and a toe plate 183 on a second, (optionally rear) face of the post 114.

[0116] The heel plate 181 is disposed at an elevation below the toe plate 183, such that in use, the heel plate 181 is disposed below ground level and below the level of the toe plate 183. In use, the toe plate 183 is also disposed below ground level.

[0117] The bottom end structure of the post 114 may be secured in place by concrete, and a simple “post-crete” style of quick-set concrete may be a convenient, efficient and sufficiently substantial product for securing the post 114 into the ground.

[0118] A further optional, yet beneficial feature is one or more protruding edges 185, 187 which may project from the heel plate 181, optionally in the direction toward the plane of the toe plate 183. The one or more protruding edges 185, 187 which may assist in the anchoring foot structure of the post 114 engaging into and anchoring into the material and concrete below ground in order to enhance the secure hold the post 114 has underground. This, further contributes to the strength of the system 200 and its ability to halt progression of a hostile vehicle attempting to break through the vehicle security barrier 200.

[0119] The posts 114 once securely installed into their concrete footings 112 are ready to receive the first and second ends respectively of the first and second and fourth cables 122a, 122c, 122b. As can be seen in FIG. 3A, the top of the post is open for having top loaded thereinto, portions of the first and second attachment components 138a, 139a of first cables 122a of adjacent panels 111a, 111b. Two vertically arranged slits, recesses or notches are provided, each for receiving part of a first cable 122a.

[0120] The post is further provided with one or more, in this arrangement two apertures 160a, each of which provides an opening for having placed therethrough portions of the first and second attachment components 138c, 139c, 138b, 139b of second and fourth cables 122c, 122b respectively, of adjacent panels 111a, 111b. Two transversally arranged slits, recesses or notches R1, R2 are provided in opposing sides of the post 114 (each adjacent to the side of the post 114 comprising the apertures 160a.

[0121] Once a post 114 has received within it the correct ends of the cables of the reinforcing arrangement, for example, once the first attachment components 138a, 138c, 138b of the first, second and fourth cables 122a, 122c, 122b are positioned within the post 114, then the locking rod (see 36 in FIG. 8A as an example) can be threaded down inside the post 114 through the attachment loops 138a, 138c, 138b of the first, second and fourth cables 122a, 122c, 122b. It can be appreciated that a two-person team may co-operate with one another to manipulate the various elements of the reinforcing arrangement into their final positions and aside from one or two steps which have to be carried out in order, some of the steps described sequentially herein may take place in a different order to that stated or may take place at the same time as the two-person team co-operates together. The top cap 140 can then be welded or secured in place. Optionally, a locking mechanism for securing the bottom end of the locking bolt into the ground may also be provided.

[0122] To secure the reinforcing cables within the system 200, a cover plate 143 (see FIG. 3C) is riveted, bolted, screwed, welded or otherwise affixed to the post 114. Beneficially, the cover plate 143 may occlude from view the aperture 160a, the recesses R1, R2, and the attachment components and cables 138a, 138b, 138c, 139a, 139b, 139c, 122a, 122b, 122c. The cover plates 143 are thick steel plates; optionally requiring four fixings to span the length of the plate 143. The cover plates 143 are considered to offer additional strength into the region of the post 114 where its structure may have been weakened slightly by the introduction of laser cut apertures 160a and recesses R1, R2.

[0123] A second reinforcing plate 151 is shown in FIG. 3C, and this may serve to provide further strengthening of the post 114 in the region of the recesses R1, R2. Optionally a lozenge-type shape of thick steel plate may offer an optimum amount of reinforcement. The second reinforcing plate 151 may be welded to the post 114, and the lozenge shape may facilitate a continuous and secure welded joint between the post 114 and the second reinforcing plate 151.

[0124] As can be seen in FIG. 1, the panels 111a, 111b comprise optional in-fill bars 120 and the structure provides a visibility gap between the first and third transverse rails 124a, 124b. In this way the appearance of the panels 111a, 111b if not matching, is at least very similar to the appearance of known pedestrian safety railings; and the vehicle security barriers 200 taught herein, still function as pedestrian safety railings by providing pedestrians with clear road visibility. The internal structure is however, massively different and as a result, the capability of the vehicle security barrier system 200 of the present disclosure to function as a hostile vehicle mitigation device is massively different to the capability of a mere pedestrian safety rail.

[0125] In FIGS. 4 to 9 a further embodiment of a vehicle security barrier system 100 is shown. Many features are identical in function and therefore, only the differences compared to the VSB system of FIGS. 1 to 3C are described. The panels 11a, 11b do not necessarily comprise first and second vertical end rails 127a, 127b as in the first embodiment, and sides of the posts 14 are used to complete the rectangular form of the panel. The reinforcing arrangement is the same and Figures to 9 show again, how cables 22a, 22b, 22c and their attachment components 38a, 38b, 38c can be located within the posts to permit for replacement of individual sections of the system, for example only panel 11a, should maintenance be required.

[0126] It will be recognised that as used herein, directional references such as “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “back”, “end”, “side”, “inner”, “outer”, “upper” and “lower” do not necessarily limit the respective components to such orientation, but may merely serve to distinguish these components from one another.

[0127] It will be recognised that as used herein, the term “vehicle security barrier” refers to a device for hostile vehicle mitigation the purpose of which is to stop, halt or otherwise arrest the free passage of a vehicle or at least resist a vehicle impact.

[0128] It will be recognised that as used herein, the term pedestrian walkway refers to any of a “pavement”, “side walk” and “footpath”, and is intended to encompass any form of path provided for persons to travel along by foot.