SECURITY BARRIER FOR FORCING VEHICLES TO A STOP

Abstract

The invention relates to a security barrier for stopping a vehicle, comprising a base (2) which is designed to lie on the ground, a frame (3) which extends above the base (2) and is designed to absorb the impact of the vehicle, and a pair of loading structures (4) which are designed to connect the frame (3) to the base,
wherein each loading structure (4) comprises a spur (14) which is designed to contact the ground from the side opposite the impact of the vehicle and which is connected to the base (2) by means of at least one hinge (22) that has an axis (A), said axis sliding relative to the loading structure (4) in a direction which is inclined downwards from the frame (3) to the spur (14).

Claims

1. A security barrier for stopping a vehicle, comprising a base plate which is configured to lie on the ground, a frame which extends above the base plate and is configured to absorb the impact of the vehicle, and a pair of load structures which are configured to connect the frame to the base plate, wherein each load structure comprises a spur which is configured for contacting the ground on the opposite side to the impact of the vehicle and is connected to the base plate by means of at least one hinge which has an axis which, in relation to the load structure, slides in a downwardly inclined direction from the frame (3) to the spur.

2. The security barrier according to claim 1, wherein the frame comprises: a pair of lateral vertical bars which have a lower end which lies on the base plate or is positioned in the vicinity thereof, at least one upper transverse bar which is connected to the upper ends of the vertical bars or is located in the vicinity thereof, and a lower transverse bar which is connected to the lower ends of the vertical bars or is located in the vicinity thereof.

3. The security barrier according to claim 1, wherein the hinge comprises a pin which slides along an inclined rail of the associated load structure.

4. The security barrier according to claim 3, wherein each delimiting structure has: a first sloping bar which defines the rail, and a second sloping bar; wherein the first sloping bar is connected to the vertical bar in the vicinity of the lower end, and wherein the second sloping bar is connected to an upper end of the vertical bar or to an end of the upper transverse bar, wherein the first and the second sloping bar converge with one another to the spur.

5. The security barrier according to claim 1, wherein compression rods are present, which compression rods extend forwards or upwards from upper ends of vertical bars and which are connected together at their ends by a transverse bar.

6. The security barrier according to claim 1, wherein the base plate has a lower surface with increased friction.

7. The security barrier according to claim 6, wherein the lower surface is defined by a coating of elastomeric material.

8. The security barrier according to claim 6, wherein the lower surface has elevations which are configured to increase its adhesion to the ground.

9. The security barrier according to claim 1, wherein the security barrier is provided with a bicycle rack.

10. The security barrier according to claim 1, further comprising a tank.

11. The security barrier according to claim 1, further comprising a container which is filled with stones or other heavy material.

12. The security barrier according to claim 1, wherein the load structures are connected to the base plate by means of two hinges which have respective axes which extend parallel to one another and slide in the inclined direction relative to the load structure.

13. The security barrier according to claim 12, wherein the frame is raised relative to the base plate.

14. The security barrier according to claim 1, wherein at least one auxiliary load structure mounted on the base plate is provided between the pair of load structures.

15. A security barrier system comprising a plurality of security barriers according to claim 1, in which security barriers are coupled with one another.

Description

[0019] For better understanding of the present invention, some preferred embodiments are described hereinbelow by means of non-limiting examples and with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a security barrier according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0021] FIGS. 1a and 1b are perspective views of different spurs of the security barrier of FIG. 1;

[0022] FIGS. 2 and 3 are a side view and a front view of the security barrier of FIG. 1;

[0023] FIG. 4 is a side view of an embodiment of the frame of the security barrier of FIG. 1;

[0024] FIGS. 5 and 6 are side views of embodiments of the base plate of the security barrier of FIG. 1;

[0025] FIG. 7 is a side view of a further embodiment of the base plate of the security barrier of FIG. 1;

[0026] FIGS. 8 and 9 are a rear view and a plan view of a further embodiment of the security barrier of FIG. 1;

[0027] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a base plate of the security barrier of FIG. 8;

[0028] FIGS. 11, 12 and 13 are a perspective view, a side view and a front view of an embodiment of the security barrier of FIG. 1;

[0029] FIGS. 14 and 15 are a perspective view and a side view of an embodiment of the security barrier of FIG. 1;

[0030] FIGS. 16 and 17 are side views of the security barrier 1 at successive points in time following the impact of a vehicle;

[0031] FIGS. 18 and 19 are a plan view and a side elevation of embodiments of two security barriers of FIG. 1 which are located next to one another and coupled with one another;

[0032] FIGS. 20 and 21 are perspective views of further embodiments of two security barriers which are located next to one another and can be coupled with one another;

[0033] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] FIGS. 23 and 24 are side elevations of further embodiments of the present invention;

[0035] FIGS. 25 and 26 are a front view and a side elevation of a further embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] FIG. 27 is a side elevation of a further embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of further embodiments of two security barriers which are located next to one another and can be coupled with one another;

[0038] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the tyre killer including a cover of FIG. 28;

[0039] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of an alternative to the tyre killer including a cover of FIGS. 28 and 29;

[0040] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the security barrier of FIG. 1;

[0041] FIG. 32 is a side elevation of the security barrier of FIG. 31; and

[0042] FIG. 33 is a side elevation of an embodiment of the security barrier of FIGS. 31 and 32.

[0043] With reference to the figures, a security barrier for forcing vehicles to a stop is designated 1 as a whole.

[0044] The security barrier 1 has substantially the following: a base plate 2, a front frame 3 which in elevation extends above the base plate 2, and a pair of lateral load structures 4 which are configured to connect opposite sides of the frame 3 to the base plate 2 according to the description given hereinbelow.

[0045] The frame 3 consists of a pair of vertical bars 5, which represent opposite sides of the frame itself, and of a pair of upper and lower transverse bars 6, 7, which are connected to the upper ends 8 and the lower ends 9 of the vertical bars 5 (or in the vicinity thereof). The lower ends 9 of the vertical bars 5 lie on the base plate 2.

[0046] Each load structure 4 has a lower sloping bar 11 and an upper sloping bar 12, the respective ends of which are connected to the frame 3 and the opposite ends of which are connected together at a node 13, so that they form a nose/spur 14 which is configured for contacting the ground outside the base plate 2. This spur 14 can be of different forms. In FIG. 1, the spur is a wedge with a straight edge, similar to a nose. FIG. 1a shows a spur 14a whose edge has multiple indentations. FIG. 1b, on the other hand, shows a spur 14b which is tapered, that is to say has an arrowhead-shaped form, or has the shape of a hook/claw. As a result of the latter forms 14a and 14b of the spur 14 of FIG. 1, the spur can penetrate more deeply and more firmly into the ground. Furthermore, deformation of the spur can be reduced or even eliminated by corresponding stiffening structures attached to the security barrier, for example by metal reinforcing plates. It should be noted that the term ground is used here in the general sense of substrate and without a limiting function, and that it includes any type of surface and road covering (asphalt, paving, cobbles, gravel, etc.).

[0047] The lower sloping bar 11 is connected to the associated vertical bar 5 in the vicinity of the lower end 9, but at a certain distance from the base plate 2; the upper sloping bar 12 is connected to the frame 3 at an associated lateral end of the upper transverse bar 6 or, alternatively, at the upper end 8 of the associated vertical bar 5.

[0048] The lower sloping bars 11 define associated longitudinal rails 20, which receive the bolts/pins 21 of corresponding hinges 22 which connect the load structures 4 to associated plate pairs 26 which are fastened to the base plate 2 on both sides of each load structure 4. The pins 21 of the hinges 22 define a hinge axis A about which the frame 3 and the associated load structures 4 are able to rotate relative to the base plate 2.

[0049] An embodiment of the frame 3 shown in FIG. 4 provides that the vertical bars each have a lower vertical portion 5a and an upper inclined portion 5b, wherein the upper portion 5b is inclined towards the hinges 22. The upper inclined portion 5b is preferably orthogonal with respect to a bar of the load structure 4, preferably orthogonal with respect to the lower sloping bar 11. The lower end of the upper inclined portion 5b is preferably connected directly to the lower sloping bar 11 of the load structure 4. Further preferably, the lower sloping bar 11 of the load structure 4 is likewise connected directly to the upper end of the lower vertical portion 5a. As a result of these measures, the spur 14 can penetrate even more deeply and more firmly into the substrate/ground. In addition, lifting of the security barrier 1 can be reduced. Such lifting can occur if the vehicle that strikes the security barrier 1 pushes against the upper transverse bar 6 from beneath with its windscreen and/or A-pillar.

[0050] The base plate 2 is advantageously made of steel and provided with a lower surface with increased friction, preferably with a higher friction than an upper surface of the base plate 2, which lower surface is configured to ensure greater adhesion to the ground in the event of an impact. For this purpose, the base plate 2 can be provided with a rubber coating having increased resistance, for example HNBR, or with special coatings, or it can have surface features (for example elevations or teeth) which increase its adhesion to the ground. An embodiment of the base plate 2 with rubber mats/rubberised runners 29 is shown in FIGS. 8 and 10.

[0051] A base plate 2 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 additionally has a so-called tyre killer 27 on the upper surface, which tyre killer is in most cases produced from one or more pointed metal plates and is provided for suddenly letting the air out of vehicle tyres by puncturing them. In FIG. 5, this tyre killer 27 is positioned on the upper surface of the base plate 2 in front of the frame 3, that is to say on the opposite side of the frame 3 to the bad structure 4. As a result, the vehicle can be rendered unfit for driving even before the impact with the frame 3. In addition, the sudden bursting of the front tyres generates a force component coming from the vehicle downwards and towards the base plate 2, which can have the result that the spur 14 penetrates more deeply and more firmly into the substrate/ground and lifting of the security barrier 1 from the substrate/ground is reduced or prevented. Alternatively, the tyre killer 27 according to the embodiment in FIG. 6 can also be provided on the base plate 2 between the load structure 4. As a result, the tyre killer 27 would be housed in a protected manner and capable of letting the air out of tyres of a vehicle that is already penetrating or has already penetrated the frame 3, as a result of which the above-mentioned downwardly directed force component would be generated even closer to the spur 14. Finally, this embodiment is also safer, since passers-by cannot injure themselves on the concealed tyre killer.

[0052] An embodiment of the base plate 2 shown in FIG. 7 has a front portion 2a which extends forwards from the frame 3, that is to say in the opposite direction of the frame 3 to the load structure 4, wherein the length of the front portion 2a is so chosen that it is greater than or equal to a length between the front tyres and the front of a truck that is to be stopped. The front portion 2a is preferably at least as long as the frame 3 in its normal position is high. The base plate 2 can preferably be extended, so that the length of the front portion 2a can be adapted to requirements. The base plate 2 can preferably be extended telescopically or in a folding manner.

[0053] As can clearly be seen from the plan view of FIG. 10, the base plate 2 has recesses 23 in the region of the spurs 14, so that the spurs 14 are able to contact the ground without interfering with the actual base plate 2.

[0054] The height of the frame 3 is preferably such that the upper transverse bars 6 are positioned above the front part of a car or truck.

[0055] An embodiment of the security barrier 1 shown in FIGS. 11, 12 and 13 provides that there is provided between the load structures 4 at least one additional auxiliary load structure 28two are shownwhich corresponds to the lower sloping bars 11 of the load structures 4, wherein it is also identically connected to the base plate 2 and forms only the spur 14 alone. This auxiliary load structure 28 or multiple such auxiliary load structures 28 can be connected to one another or to the frame 3 at their end remote from the spur 14 by means of longitudinal or transverse members (not shown). As a result, the efficiency of the security barrier 1 can be increased, since it is possible to damage the vehicle radiator, which increases the likelihood of the vehicle being unfit to drive.

[0056] In an embodiment of the security barrier 1 shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the frame 3 has a lower transverse bar 7a which is spaced apart from the base plate 2 in the normal position of the security barrier 1 shown. The lower ends 9 of the vertical bars 5 lie on the base plate 2. As a result, the vehicle floor of a vehicle can push down the lower transverse bar 7a and thus the structure as a whole, as a result of which lifting and displacement of the security barrier 1 can be reduced or prevented.

[0057] The functioning of the security barrier 1 is as follows.

[0058] In the event of an impact, the security barrier 1 is exposed to an impact force against the frame 3 and at the same time to the weight of the vehicle, which causes the base plate 2 to adhere to the ground. As a result of the impact and the friction between the base plate 2 and the ground caused by the weight of the vehicle, the frame 3 tends to be displaced in the direction of movement of the vehicle, which causes the pins 21 and the associated rails 20 to slide relative to one another (FIG. 16).

[0059] Owing to the inclination of the rails 20, this relative sliding tends to lower the spurs 14 and thus drive them into the ground. The whole security barrier 1 and the vehicle itself therefore tend to rotate upwards about the pivot point which is formed by the locking point of the spurs 14 in the ground. The kinetic energy of the vehicle is thus converted into potential energy which causes the vehicle itself to be lifted, wherein the continued movement of the security barrier 1 in the direction of movement of the vehicle is limited on account of the increased friction of the base plate 2 and the spurs 14 with the ground.

[0060] As can clearly be seen from FIG. 17, the front part of the vehicle remains jammed beneath the upper transverse bar 6 and is thus immobilised without destructive effects on the vehicle and the resulting protrusion of parts into the surrounding area; the upper transverse bar 6 can also effectively stop vehicles with a higher and shorter front part, such as delivery vehicles and trucks.

[0061] FIGS. 18 and 19 show two security barriers 1 which are located next to one another and coupled with one another. The coupling is carried out by means of a plurality of transverse or threaded rods 24, which are mounted via corresponding bores in the upper sloping bars 12 and next to which the two security barriers 1 are located. Two or more security barriers 1 can be coupled with one another depending on the requirements of the width of the passageway to be protected.

[0062] According to the embodiment in FIGS. 20 and 21, the coupling can also take place by means of transverse members 24a and 24b which are mounted in or on the upper or lower transverse bar 6, 7 of the frame 3. The transverse bars are thereby preferably tubes or U-shaped profiles.

[0063] FIGS. 22, 23 and 24 show further embodiments of the present invention.

[0064] In the embodiment of FIG. 22, a bicycle rack 30 is integrated into the security barrier 1, which bicycle rack consists of pairs of convexly curved, mutually parallel bars 31 which are fastened at the top to a transverse bar 32, which is rotatably connected to respective intermediate zones of the upper sloping bars 12, and at the bottom to a transverse bar 33 which lies on the base plate 2. Each pair of bars 31 is configured to form a housing for a wheel of a bicycle (FIG. 22). The security barrier can advantageously be encased in an external enclosure 34, for example made of wood, and thus represent an urban design element.

[0065] In the embodiment of FIG. 23, the security barrier 1 has an integral gabion 35, which is advantageously produced from a deformable metal mesh which is filled with stones or another heavy material in order to increase the mass of the security barrier 1 and thereby further reduce the stopping space. The gabion advantageously has a cover which is open or connected to the side walls by a connection which breaks in the event of an impact of a vehicle, so that the inclination of the gabion 35 causes at least some of the material to be discharged as a result of the impact, so that a stop bed is formed, in case a vehicle of large mass, for example a loaded truck being driven at high speed, is able to pull the security barrier 1 out and overcome it, or in case multiple hostile vehicles attempt to penetrate.

[0066] In the embodiment of FIG. 24, the security barrier 1 has a tank 36, which is advantageously likewise made of breakable material, so that the mass is increased but the kinematic behaviour of the security barrier 1 is not changed. The tank can be filled with a foam, a viscous liquid or also so-called tyre killer needles with multiple points.

[0067] FIGS. 25 and 26 show an embodiment of the present invention which is designated overall with the number 40 and which differs from the embodiment shown hereinbefore by the fact that there extend forward from the upper corners of the frame 3 associated compression struts 41 which may optionally be upwardly inclined and the ends of which are in turn connected by a transverse bar 42 which is preferably provided with a pointed lower edge which has the function of a nose which is configured to penetrate the front part of the vehicle following the impact. In the embodiment shown, the compression struts 41 are an extension of the upper sloping bars 12 upwards; according to an alternative embodiment, not shown, the compression struts can be formed from horizontal bars which are fastened to the ends of the upper transverse bar 6 or to the upper ends of the vertical bars 5.

[0068] The functioning of the security barrier 40 is substantially identical to the preceding description; the presence of the further transverse bar 42 is advantageous for stopping vehicles with large dimensions, such as delivery vehicles and trucks.

[0069] FIG. 27 shows a security barrier 50 according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] The security barrier 50 differs from the preceding security barriers 1, 40 by the fact that it has two hinges 22a, 22b for each load structure 4 instead of a single hinge 22 according to the preceding embodiments, having associated pins 21 which slide inside the rail 20 and have associated mutually parallel axes A, B.

[0071] In this case, the frame 3 is initially raised with respect to the base plate 2, that is to say it is spaced apart from the base plate 2, preferably by a distance at which the frame 3 covers, preferably completely, the hinges 22a, 22b in a direction parallel to the base plate, further preferably at a distance greater than 0 mm and less than the shortest distance from the base plate 2 to the next hinge 22b or pin 21. Following an impact of the vehicle against the frame 3, the load structures 4 are forced by the pins 21 to move in the direction of the rail 20, and the spurs 14 are therefore necessarily driven into the ground.

[0072] In FIG. 28, further embodiments of security barriers 50 are shown.

[0073] Thus, the two security barriers 50 shown, which are located next to one another and coupled with one another, are coupled by means of a plurality of transverse or threaded bars 24a, which are mounted via corresponding bores 24c in the vertical bars 5. The coupling can likewise take place by means of transverse or threaded bars (not shown) via vertical elongated bores 24d, which are preferably arranged at regular intervals along the upper sloping bars 12. Such elongated bores can alternatively or additionally be provided for the vertical bars 5 (not shown). In this manner, a simple height compensation between two security barriers 50 that are to be coupled can be achieved. For example, if one of the security barriers 50 is located on the roadway and the other security barrier 50 is located on a higher footpath.

[0074] Furthermore, in this embodiment, forward auxiliary load structures 43 are provided, which auxiliary load structures are connected to the base plate 2 in front of the frame 3, that is to say on the opposite side of the frame 3 to the load structure 4. In the embodiment shown, the auxiliary load structures are arranged at regular intervals from one another and along the frame 3, from which they are spaced apart. The forward auxiliary load structures 43 have the function of utilising the energy of an impacting vehicle to fix the base plate 2 and thus the security barrier 50 more firmly to the substrate/ground. For this purpose, a forward auxiliary load structure 43 has a receiver 44 which is articulated with the base plate 2 and on which an impact member 45 is pivotably mounted at one end with respect to the base plate 2. This impact member 45, preferably in the form of a C-shaped profile which is open towards the frame 3, is held in its normal position, here substantially perpendicularly to the base plate 2, by means of a bar 46, which is preferably inclined by 45 relative to the base plate 2. To that end, the bar 46 is articulated at one end with the impact member 45, close to the other end of the impact member 45. The opposite free end 47 (see FIG. 32 or 33) of the bar 46 is guided in an open guide 48 through the base plate 2 and lies with its structure configured as a spur on the substrate/ground. The guide 48 has an elongated hole in the base plate 2, via which an obliquely welded-on tube is arranged. The forward auxiliary load structure 43 will be described in greater detail hereinbelow within the context of further embodiments with reference to FIGS. 31 to 33.

[0075] Finally, further embodiments of the tyre killer are also shown. One embodiment provides that a tyre killer 27a projects downwards from the upper transverse bar 6 in the direction towards the base plate 2. This has the purpose in particular that the vehicle cannot detach itself from the security barrier 50 again following a collision or an impact. The tyre killer 27a thereby engages into the body, in particular into the bonnet and/or A-pillar, of the impacting vehicle. For this reason, this tyre killer 27a can be referred to as a vehicle barbed structure 27a, which prevents the vehicle that has penetrated the frame 3 from being detached or freed from the security barrier 50 in an opposite direction of the frame 3 to the load structure 4.

[0076] A further embodiment of the tyre killer 27b provides that the tyre killer is positioned on the upper surface of the base plate 2 in front of the frame 3, that is to say on the opposite side of the frame 3 to the load structure 4, and that it is protected from above by means of a cover 49. This cover 49 can extend away from the lower transverse bar 7 and can preferably be made of sheet metal. The tyre killer 27b made of sheet metal here has a triangular shape, wherein the hypotenuse points away from both the base plate 2 and the frame 3.

[0077] FIG. 29 shows the last-mentioned tyre killer 27b including the cover 49, wherein the tyre killer 27b is formed of multiple of the triangular metal plates described above, which are all arranged at regular intervals on the base plate 2, preferably along the transverse bar 7 and also at a specific distance therefrom.

[0078] FIG. 30 shows an alternative tyre killer 27c, the point of which does not point away from the frame 3, as in FIGS. 28 and 29, but towards the frame 3. As a result, the cover 49 can be made smaller. In the embodiment shown, the tyre killer 27c is likewise formed of multiple of the triangular metal plates described above, which have a triangular shape, wherein the hypotenuse points away from base plate 2 but towards the frame 3, and all of which are arranged at regular intervals on the base plate 2, preferably along the lower transverse bar 7 and connected directly thereto.

[0079] The described embodiments of the tyre killer 27a,b,c can be combined with one another as desired. In particular, the upper tyre killer 27a can be combined with one or both of the lower tyre killers 27b, 27c.

[0080] FIG. 31 shows a further embodiment of a security barrier 60 which, in addition to the last-described security barrier 50, has a nail structure 46a which protrudes from the impact member 45 on an opposite side of impact member 45 to the receiver 48. This nail structure 46a is cylindrical and tapers at its free end. The forward auxiliary load structure 43a thereby formed ensures that the vehicle, preferably the bumper thereof, is fixed to the forward auxiliary load structure 43a by means of the nail structure 46a. Thus, as in the above embodiment according to FIG. 28, here too the bar 46 together with the spur 47 is then pushed into the substrate/ground. The bar 46 is so designed that it bends or breaks as a result of the kinetic energy of the vehicle and releases the impact member 45, which is then able to pivot by means of the receiver 44 towards the base plate 2 in order to allow the vehicle oriented towards the frame 3 to penetrate further into the security barrier 60. The vehicle thereby remains connected to the nail structure 46a, as a result of which the pressure on the base plate 2 also increases and lifting of the security barrier 60 can be prevented.

[0081] FIG. 32 shows in the side elevation of the security barrier 60 of FIG. 31 that the bar 46 and the nail structure 46a are in one piece.

[0082] FIG. 33, on the other hand, shows in the side elevation of an alternative embodiment that the bar 46 and the nail structure 46a are in two parts, which has the advantage that the components of the forward auxiliary load structure 43a can more easily be detached from one another in the event of overload.