KINETIC ENERGY ABSORBING BARRIER STRUCTURE

Abstract

A kinetic energy absorbing barrier structure, characterized in that it comprises a shell designed to contain a frame in which multiple weights are suitably positioned and which surrounds a tank; the tank is designed to contain a volume of water, gel or other material and defines one or more compartments designed to contain soil for plants; the frame is characterized by having a high capacity of deformation so that the structure is able to absorb the energy deriving from a possible impact, minimizing the movements.

Claims

1-15. (canceled)

16. A kinetic energy absorbing barrier structure (1), characterized in that it comprises a shell (2) containing a frame (3) that surrounds a tank (4); a plurality of weights (20) being associated with said frame (3); said tank (4) being configured to contain a volume of water, gel or other material (10) and defining one or more compartments (5) designed to contain soil (6) for plants (7); said shell (2) and frame (3) having a high capacity of deformation, capable of stopping a vehicle and preventing devastating effects of a possible attack; said structure being characterized in that it comprises a saw-toothed lateral edge (21) that extends along the lower outer perimeter of the base of the shell (2); said saw-toothed edge (21) being configured to puncture the tyres of a vehicle that hits said structure; said structure further comprising an orthogonal saw-toothed lateral edge (24) on the side of the shell (2) opposite to the side on which possible impact of a vehicle is expected; said orthogonal saw-toothed lateral edge (24) being capable of biting into the ground if the impact of the vehicle causes said structure to tilt.

17. The structure according to claim 16, characterized in that said tank (4) has at least one filler plug (8) and one or more discharge plugs (9) for respectively introducing and discharging the water, gel or other material (10).

18. The structure according to claim 16, characterized in that it comprises deformable rubber supports (11) with a high coefficient of friction associated with said frame (3) and/or shell (2).

19. The structure according to claim 16, characterized in that it is rigidly connected to one or more similar structures (1) by quick-connection means (12).

20. The structure according to claim 19, characterized in that said quick-connection means (12) comprise T-couplings (13) inserted in guides (14) made in a wall (15) of said shell (2) and capable of engaging a connection element (16) provided with shaped slots (17).

21. The structure according to claim 16, characterized in that it comprises a trolley system (18, 19) to facilitate the handling of the structure.

22. The structure according to claim 21, characterized in that said trolley system comprises a trolley (18) that can be associated with said shell (2) and is fitted with retractable wheels (19).

23. The structure according to claim 16, characterized in that it comprises auxiliary functional elements such as day and night signs, seats, folding seats, tables, lamps, shelters, bike racks, etc.

24. The structure according to claim 16, characterized in that it comprises mechanical anchoring means (22) associated with the lower support surface of said structure (1).

25. The structure according to claim 24, characterized in that said mechanical anchoring means comprise saw-toothed elements (22) fastened to the bottom of said shell (2).

26. The structure according to claim 16, characterized in that it comprises a chemical support base (23) configured to fasten said structure to continuous smooth surfaces, such as marble, sett, and the like.

27. The structure according to claim 26, characterized in that said chemical support base is constituted by a biadhesive gel (23) applied to the bottom of said shell (2).

28. The structure according to claim 16, characterized in that it comprises hidden props (25); each of said props (25) being hinged to the structure at a hinge point (26) and arranged inside said structure; said props being capable of bursting through said structure and being driven into the ground in the event of the impact of a vehicle causing deformation of the structure.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Further characteristics and advantages of the subject of the present invention will become clearer through an examination of the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of the present invention, shown by way of non-limitative example in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0021] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the kinetic energy absorbing barrier structure, according to the present invention;

[0022] FIG. 2 is an exploded front view of the structure;

[0023] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of fitting out the structure forming the subject of the present invention;

[0024] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing another example of fitting out the structure;

[0025] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a further example of fitting out the structure;

[0026] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a possible configuration of multiple structures connected to each other;

[0027] FIG. 7 shows an example of a wheeled device for handling the structure;

[0028] FIG. 8 is a side view, partially in section, showing the quick-connection system in the working position;

[0029] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an example of quick-connection system;

[0030] FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing a series of structures to be joined via the quick-connection system;

[0031] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the water tank;

[0032] FIGS. 12-15 show various possible configurations of multiple structures connected to each other;

[0033] FIG. 16 is a perspective view schematically showing the kinetic energy absorbing barrier structure that, according to a further aspect of the present invention, has a saw-toothed lateral edge;

[0034] FIG. 17 is a perspective view that shows the structure with a saw-toothed lateral edge and base with mechanical anchorage support;

[0035] FIG. 18 is a partial view, in section, of the structure with a saw-toothed edge;

[0036] FIG. 19 is a perspective view that shows the structure with a saw-toothed lateral edge and base with chemical support;

[0037] FIG. 20 is an elevation view that shows the structure with a support base with mechanical anchorage on turf or similar;

[0038] FIG. 21 is an elevation view that shows the structure with a support base with mechanical anchorage on an asphalt surface or similar;

[0039] FIG. 22 is an elevation view that shows the structure with a support base with a biadhesive gel base on a continuous smooth surface, such as marble, or sett;

[0040] FIG. 23 is an elevation view that shows the structure, according to a further aspect of the invention, fitted with orthogonal teeth on one side;

[0041] FIG. 24 is a view similar to the previous one showing the structure in operation;

[0042] FIG. 25 is an elevation view that shows the structure, according to a further aspect of the invention, fitted with hidden props; and

[0043] FIG. 26 is a view similar to the previous one showing the structure in operation.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0044] With particular reference to the numeric symbols in the aforementioned figures, the kinetic energy absorbing barrier structure according to the present invention, indicated as a whole by reference numeral 1, comprises a shell 2 designed to contain a frame 3 that surrounds a tank 4.

[0045] The structure further comprises a plurality of suitably positioned weights 20 made integral with the frame 3.

[0046] The tank 4 is designed to contain a volume of water or gel and defines one or more compartments 5 designed to contain soil 6 for plants 7.

[0047] The shell 2 can be made of a plastic or metal material and is characterized by a high deformation capacity.

[0048] The frame 3, which is preferably made of metal, for example of aluminium or steel, also has a high deformation capacity.

[0049] The tank 4, which can be made of plastic for example, has at least one filler plug 8 and one or more discharge plugs 9 arranged on the bottom, for respectively introducing and discharging the water or gel 10.

[0050] The frame 3 and/or shell 2 have deformable rubber supports with a high friction coefficient, indicated by reference numeral 11.

[0051] Two or more structures 1 can be rigidly connected to each other by quick-connection means, thereby joining the various structures in a chain.

[0052] FIGS. 6 and 12-15 show some examples of possible configurations.

[0053] The same connections, suitably configured, could also enable fixing the structures to the ground.

[0054] FIGS. 8 and 9 show an example of quick-connection means, indicated as a whole by reference numeral 12, constituted by T-couplings 13 inserted in guides 14 made in a wall 15 of the shell 2 and capable of engaging a connection element 16 provided with suitable shaped slots 17.

[0055] A trolley system is provided to facilitate the handling of the structure.

[0056] FIG. 7 shows an example of a trolley system, constituted by a trolley 18 that can be associated with the shell 2 and is fitted with retractable wheels 19.

[0057] According to the present invention, the barrier structure can be assembled in situ or transported completely preassembled to the place of installation.

[0058] At the place of installation, the tank 4 is filled with water, gel, or another material suitable for giving a certain weight to the structure, which shall be securely anchored to the paving due to the presence of deformable rubber supports 11 with a high friction coefficient or shall be fastened by suitable ironmongery.

[0059] The energy of a possible impact caused by a vehicle being driven against the barrier is absorbed by the deformation of the frame 3 and by the content of the tank 4, while the weight of the structure itself ensures considerable resistance to movement.

[0060] In this regard, it should be noted that the structure can be rigidly associated with other similar structures, as schematically shown in FIGS. 6 and 10, via quick-connection means, to form a modular barrier that is substantially unmovable.

[0061] The possible removal or shifting of the structure is facilitated by the possibility of emptying the tank, via the discharge plugs 9 and also by the possible presence of the trolley system.

[0062] According to the present invention, the barrier structure can be integrated with various functional elements, of which FIGS. 3-5 show just a few examples.

[0063] The structure can also be integrated with autonomous day and night signs, for example, via LEDs powered by solar panels.

[0064] The structure forming the subject of the present invention can be used to make a modular barrier, even one with complex configurations and connecting different types of functional elements, such as seats, folding seats, tables, lamps, shelters, bike racks, etc.

[0065] Two examples of barrier modules are shown in the figures: a straight module and a circular module.

[0066] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the structure is advantageously provided with a saw-toothed lateral edge 21, which extends along the lower outer perimeter of the base of the shell 2.

[0067] The saw-toothed edge 21 is configured to puncture the tyres of a vehicle that hits the structure.

[0068] In fact, at the moment of impact, it is foreseen that the structure deforms and the vehicle tends to run up onto the first edge.

[0069] It is found to be advantageous to stop the vehicle's directionality, and sometimes its traction, by making the vehicle straddle the structure.

[0070] In this way, a single block is created that increases the performance of the structure, as the weight of the vehicle is effectively added to that of the flower box itself.

[0071] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the structure is advantageously provided with a support base with mechanical anchorage specifically studied for open agglomerate surfaces, such as asphalt for example.

[0072] The mechanical anchoring is obtained via saw-toothed elements 22 fixed beneath the shell 2.

[0073] The mechanical anchorage system enables to significantly increase the performance of the structure when the flower box stands on asphalt.

[0074] In practice, in addition to just friction, the saw-toothed elements 22 constitute a kind of crampon that, by biting into the asphalt, tends to block any movement of the structure.

[0075] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the structure is advantageously provided with a chemical type of support base, specifically studied for continuous smooth surfaces, such as marble, sett, etc.

[0076] The chemical type support base is advantageously constituted by a biadhesive gel 23 applied on the bottom of the shell 2.

[0077] In practice, in addition to just friction, a kind of chemical gripper is formed that tends to block any movement of the structure.

[0078] The locking system using a biadhesive offers the advantage of being easily reversible when the structure is mechanically detached by removing it with hoisting means.

[0079] A further advantage of the locking system using a biadhesive is constituted in that, unlike glues, it leaves no residues and does not damage the surfaces.

[0080] FIGS. 23 and 24 show a further embodiment of the structure 1 that comprises an orthogonal saw-toothed lateral edge 24 on the side of the shell 2 opposite to the side provided with the saw-toothed lateral edge 21, i.e. the side opposite to the side against which the possible vehicular impact is expected.

[0081] As schematically shown in FIG. 24, if the vehicle impact should cause an inclination of the structure, the orthogonal saw-toothed lateral edge 24, which is on the side opposite to the side of impact, would bite the ground, stopping the translational movement of the structure 1.

[0082] FIGS. 25 and 26 show a further embodiment of the structure 1 that comprises hidden props 25.

[0083] Each prop 25 is inserted within and hinged to the structure 1 at a hinge point 26.

[0084] As schematically shown in FIG. 26, a possible impact of a vehicle causes deformation of the structure and, as a consequence, the props 25 that have the hinge point on the side of impact burst through the opposite side of the structure and are driven into the ground, blocking translational movement of the structure 1.

[0085] In practice, it has been found that the invention achieves the intended aim and objects.

[0086] A kinetic energy absorbing barrier structure has been produced that performs the task of ensuring an adequate protection from vehicles and, at the same time, constitutes an effective element of street furniture that is functional and aesthetically pleasing.

[0087] In fact, the device forming subject of the present invention, which is can be aesthetically disguised as a flower box or something else, is essentially an energy absorber that uses the water/gel not just as simple ballast, as in devices of the prior art, but rather as a means to transform, at the moment of impact, the kinetic energy of the vehicle into kinetic and potential energy of the mass of water or gel.

[0088] Basically, in the present invention, the water absorbs the energy through column dissipation and/or water choking-atomization, in practice rendering the distribution of the energy on impact harmless.

[0089] This is made possible because the frame and the tank are highly deformable and able to instantaneously transfer the energy (instantaneous pressure increase in tank).

[0090] The structure forming the subject of the present invention can advantageously be made with recycled materials.

[0091] Naturally, the materials used, as well as the dimensions, can vary according to needs.