Anti-ram crash-rated bollard

Abstract

A ram-resistant bollard system for prevention of ingress of vehicles onto a sensitive area that will completely stop a 15000 lb. truck, travelling at 30 mph in less than 3.3 ft wherein the bollard system comprises an upright element inserted into a base-plate which is secured onto a foundation structure made from two H-beams each made from a one-piece extruded metal form, wherein the two H-beams are connected to each other via at least one lower connector plate, partially overlapping and connected to the flanges on the lower surface of both H-beams, and wherein the base-plate is positioned above the flanges of the upper surface of the two H-beams, so as to be to be partially overlapping and connected to the top side of both H-beams via a plurality of small rectangular connection plates that are orthogonally positioned between the base-plate and the flanges of the H-beams.

Claims

1. An individual, stand-alone bollard designed to decelerate and stop a vehicle impacting said bollard; comprising: a single upright element (1), inserted into and passing through a base-plate (6) which is secured onto the top surface of a foundation structure, wherein the foundation structure comprises two H-beams (2) and (3), each made from a one-piece extruded metal form, oriented with respect to each other in a T-shape, wherein the two H-beams are placed such that, in situ, the web of each H-beam is in a vertical orientation, and wherein the two H-beams have an upper surface defined by flanges and a lower surface defined by flanges, wherein the two H-beams are connected to each other via at least one lower connector plate (5), which fits flush against the bottom of the foundation structure, partially overlapping and connected to the flanges of the lower surface of both H-beams, and wherein the base-plate (6) is positioned above the flanges of the upper surface of the two H-beams, so as to be to be partially overlapping and connected to the top side of both H-beams via a plurality of small rectangular connection plates (4) that are orthogonally positioned between the base-plate and the flanges of the H-beams.

2. The bollard of claim 1 wherein the base-plate has a hole disposed within said baseplate, sized and adapted to receive the upright element, and wherein the lower connector plate does not have a corresponding hole in it.

3. The bollard of claim 1 wherein the upright element has a round cross-sectional shape.

4. The bollard of claim 1 wherein the upright element passes through the base-plate such that said upright element penetrates into the foundation structure such that a portion of the upright element is sandwiched between the two H-beams.

5. The bollard of claim 1 wherein welds or bolts connect the H-beams to the base-plate and the lower connector plate.

6. The bollard of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of buttresses (7) welded between the upright element (1) and the base-plate (6).

7. The bollard of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of eye-holes (12) within the H-beams, adapted to receive rebar rods.

8. The bollard of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of integrated eye-bolts (11) adapted to facilitate attachment of cables for carrying and moving the bollard system during transport and installation.

9. The bollard of claim 1 wherein the baseplate is spaced 1 cm to 15 cm above the top of the H-beams and connected to the H-beams via a plurality of rectangular connection plates (4).

10. The bollard of claim 1 wherein the upright element (1) is internally reinforced.

11. The bollard of claim 1 wherein the upright element is internally reinforced by a crossbeam extending within the upright element.

12. The bollard of claim 1 wherein the upright element is internally reinforced by an H-beam or I-beam.

13. The bollard of claim 1 wherein the upright element is filled with concrete.

14. The bollard of claim 1, wherein the H-beam is made from a one-piece extruded form.

15. The bollard of claim 1 wherein the upright element (1) is inserted into and passes through a base-plate (6) such that at least 30% of the upright element is present below the base-plate.

16. The bollard of claim 1 wherein the upright element is permanently fixed to the base-plate and to the lower connector plate by welds.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

(1) FIG. 1 Perspective view of bollard system, schematic diagram.

(2) FIG. 2 Side view of bollard system, schematic diagram.

(3) FIG. 3 Front view of bollard system, schematic diagram.

(4) FIG. 4 Top view of bollard system, schematic diagram.

(5) FIG. 5 Side view of bollard system installed in ground, schematic diagram.

(6) FIG. 6 Perspective view of bollard system as installed with rebar in place.

(7) FIG. 7 H-beam and I-beam cross-sectional schematic diagram.

(8) FIG. 8 shows a prior art bollard design to Omar.

(9) FIG. 9 shows a prior art bollard design to Omar.

(10) FIG. 10 shows a prior art bollard design to Crawford.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(11) Attacks on soft targets, such as buildings or crowds of people, using a vehicle, often combined with gunfire and explosives, has sadly become a well-known tool of terrorism in our modern world.

(12) The present invention addresses this problem and provides a ram-resistant anti-ingress barrier system for prevention of ingress of vehicles onto a sensitive area. For example, the bollard of the invention may be used to prevent a heavy vehicle travelling at high speed from being driven beyond a perimeter picket area into a heavily populated area and thereby preventing accidental or intentional destruction and death.

(13) Specifically, the invention relates to bollards designed to decelerate a vehicle impacting said bollard, and to stop it within a certain set distance. More specifically the bollard of the invention provides a thoroughly tested and proven anti-ram crash-rated bollard system that meets The American Society for Testing and Materials standard ASTM F2656, and which is highly effective, has a relatively low cost of construction and installation because it is made with pre-formed, commercially available parts, and includes integrated elements for installation.

(14) The design of the bollard of the invention is adapted to produce superior ram resistance while concomitantly reducing manufacturing costs. The present design employs commercially available pre-formed structural elements. The invention uses standard H-beams (2) and (3), or similar, to form the core supportive structure (may be referred to herein as the “foundation structure”) that is embedded into the ground and used to support the upright bollard element that projects above the ground. This intentional integration of commercially available structural elements reduces use of customized material, reduced the need for welding and/or bolting parts together, and thereby reduces fabrication costs.

(15) The upright bollard element may be referred to as the “bollard pipe” (1) and in one embodiment is formed in the shape of a crosssectionally round pipe. However, the invention is not limited to this specific shape and the upright bollard element may be of any suitable shape including a crosssectionally square or rectangular or triangular or oval or cross-section other shape.

(16) The bollard system of the invention additionally employs a steel crossbeam (8) inside the upright bollard pipe to improve resistance to impact forces.

(17) As shown in the figures, H-beams (2) and (3) may be welded or bolted (or both) together to produce a strong underground scaffold (the foundation structure). H-beams may be attached together in a parallel or orthogonal orientation to one another. Onto this foundation structure, the upright bollard element (1) is secured, either by bolting or by welding, or both. A square or rectangular or round (or any other suitable shape) plate (a “base-plate”) (6) may be secured to the upper surface of the foundation structure to provide the surface onto which the upright bollard (1) element is secured or alternatively, through which the upright bollard element passes, continuing through the base-plate (6), and penetrating into the foundation structure such that the upright element is sandwiched between at least two H-beam elements (2) and (3), providing superior resistance to a force on the above-ground portion of the bollard.

(18) Very importantly, the H-beam(s) of the invention is made from a one-piece extruded form and are not pieced together and welded as in some of the prior art bollards.

(19) In one embodiment, the end of one of the H-beams is partially cut away to provide a semicircular (or approximately semicircular) shape at one end, adapted to receive the upright element, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6 where the flanges and the web of the H-beam (labeled as part No. 2 in FIG. 1) is shown to be cut away to provide a semicircular shape and in which the upright element is shown to be seated, attached to the H-beams via lower connector plate 5 on the bottom and base-plate 6 on the top.

(20) The structural elements of the bollard system, that is the H-beams (2) and (3), generally include a plurality of pre-formed eye-holes (12) adapted to receive rebar rods.

(21) In one embodiment the upright element (1) is inserted into and passing through a base-plate (6) such that at least 20% of the length of the upright element is present below the base-plate. In another the upright element (1), inserted into and passing through a base-plate (6) such that at least 31% of the length of the upright element is present below the base-plate. Of course, other are possible, for example at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45% or even at least 50% of the length of the upright element may be present below the base-plate. In the figures, and in one preferred example which has been tested, the total length of the upright is 63 inches and the length of the upright element above the baseplate is 43 inches, and the length of the upright element below the baseplate is 20 inches. Thus at least 31% of the length is below the baseplate (the fulcrum).

(22) In use, the bollard, comprising the foundation structure and the upright bollard element, is installed into a pre-dug hole, below the grade of the ground. Rebar elements are inserted through a plurality pre-formed eye-holes (12) within the foundation structure. Concrete is then poured around the structure to provide a secure subterranean foundation for the bollard system.

(23) Orientation of the system aids effectiveness as the H-beams are arranged in such a way as to place the center of gravity of the entire structure is underground and behind the above-ground upright element (1) relative to the crash/vehicle direction. To clarify, looking at FIG. 1, the foundation is in the shape of a letter T. The ‘front’ of the bollard is defined as the side most closely facing the anticipated vehicle that is going to crash into the bollard and is the top bar of the T. The ‘rear’ of the bollard is defined as the side diametrically opposite to the front side. In use, the bollard system is placed in the ground such that the front faces the likely source of the impact, and the back faces away from the impact. The bollard of the invention is designed so that the center of gravity is underground and behind the above-ground upright element (see FIG. 1). The arrangement allows the bollard to meet crash rated specifications without adding additional weight (and therefore cost) to the structure and without the necessity to dig a deeper foundation.

(24) One embodiment of the design employs a steel crossbeam (8) inside upright bollard element to strengthen the bollard and resist crushing. The crossbeam also acts to maintain a strong connection between the upright element of the bollard (the bollard pipe) and the foundation structure, and therefore to increase resistance to impact force of a speeding vehicle impacting the bollard at any level above the ground (above the grade).

(25) In various embodiments, the design also employs a plurality of steel buttresses (7) attached both to the outer surface of the upright element (1) and to the base-plate (6) of the foundation structure. These buttresses (7) are generally triangular in shape and attached by welds. These are present to further strengthen the connection between the upright element of the bollard (the bollard pipe) and the foundation structure and to add structural strength to prevent bending and deformation of the upright element during impact.

(26) In another embodiment the small triangular buttresses (7) are welded below the base-plate (6) in contact with the vertical element (1) and with the bottom of the base-plate (6).

(27) The design further integrates eyeholes (12) and/or eyebolts (11) into the structure, providing points for attachment of cables for lifting and moving the bollard system thereby providing easy installation.

(28) The invention differs from the prior art bollards in various ways. The overall structural design is unique, comprising an upright bollard element (1), welded or bolted to or passing through a base-plate (6) secured on the top surface of a foundation structure employing one or at least two H-beams (2) and (3) secured to each other in an approximately orthogonal orientation. This greatly adds to structural strength and reduces manufacturing costs. The design integrates architecture-usage H-beams to support bollard strong enough to withstand impact from hostile vehicle. The design includes integrated eyebolts making the installation much easier for onsite workers.

(29) In various embodiments the bollard system of the invention may employ either H-beams or I-beams or other similar structural elements. H-beams and I-beams primarily differ in their cross-sections. Both have a common horizontal part called the “flange” (15) and a vertical part located between the flanges called the “web” (14). If this were a letter H, the flanges would be vertical and the web would be horizontal. H-beams are stronger due to the thickness of the flanges (15). The web resists the shear stresses, and the flanges are made to withstand most of the bending moment coming over the steel beam. H-beams and I-beams are fabricated by milling or rolling steel and made of a single piece of steel.

(30) Alternatively, the flanges may be welded to the web. H-beams are also called wide flange beams. The web of I-beams is thinner than H-beams. H-beams have greater web thickness compared to I-beams. This increased thickness gives strength to H-beams. The flanges of I-beams are tapered with an inclination of 1:10 for better load-bearing capacity. Their thickness is less than that of H-beam flanges. The flanges of H-beams have equal thickness and are parallel to each other. They are longer, wider, and heavier than I-beams. The cross-section of H-beams is more optimized than I-beams, giving it a reasonable strength-to-weight ratio, i.e., more strength per unit area. They possess a greater surface area on the cross-section, hence high strength. I-beams are lightweight compared to H-beams. H-beams are heavier than I-beams. The moment of inertia of I-beams is less than H-beams, making them less efficient in resisting bending. The wider flanges of H-beams gain a greater moment of inertia and high lateral stiffness. Hence, they have better bending resistance than I-beams.

Various Exemplary Embodiments of the Invention

(31) In a broad embodiment, the invention encompasses comprising an upright bollard element (1), welded or bolted to or passing through a base-plate (6) secured on the top surface of a foundation structure employing at least two H-beams (2) and (3) secured to each other at approximately in an approximately orthogonal orientation. Preferably, the upright bollard element (1) passes through the base-plate (6), continuing through the base-plate, and penetrating into the foundation structure such that the upright element is sandwiched between at least two H-beam elements, providing superior resistance to a force on the above-ground portion of the bollard.

(32) In one embodiment the foundation structure employs H-beams. In another embodiment, I-beams may be used.

(33) In a typical embodiment, H-beams may be welded or bolted (or both) together in a parallel or orthogonal orientation to one another.

(34) In a typical embodiment, an upright bollard element is secured to the H-beam(s), either by bolting or by welding, or both, and a base-plate (6) of any shape, typically rectangular, is secured to the upper surface of the foundation structure to provide the surface onto which the upright bollard element is secured, or alternatively, through which the upright bollard element passes, continuing through the base-plate, and penetrating into the foundation structure such that the upright element is sandwiched between at least two H-beam elements.

(35) The upright element is generally further attached to the baseplate (6) and reinforced by a plurality of buttresses (7) welded between the upright element and the baseplate.

(36) In another typical embodiment, the H-beams include a plurality of pre-formed eye-holes (12) adapted to receive rebar rods.

(37) In another typical embodiment, the H-beams include a plurality integrated eye-bolts (11) adapted to facilitate attachment of cables for carrying and moving the bollard system during transport and installation.

(38) In certain embodiments the shape of the upright bollard element is round in cross-sectional area. In diameter it may be, for example 8 cm-40 cm, for example 10-30 cm or 10-20 cm in diameter. In other embodiments the upright bollard element may be square, rectangular triangular of a polygon in cross-section.

(39) More than one upright bollard element may be present on one foundation, and these may be positioned such that they are separated or touching or bundled together.

(40) In one embodiment the foundation may comprise a single H-beam. In others it may comprise two or more H-beams firmly attached together by welding or by bolting. The H-beams may be attached in a parallel fashion or attached orthogonally. Additionally, an X-shape or triangular or star-shaped arrangements are contemplated for the foundation element, with the key aspect being that the elements are made from commercial H-beams.

(41) H-beams may be sourced in many sizes, dimensions and weights, See Machine-MGF at https://www.machinemfg.com/h-beam-size-and-weight-chart/.

(42) Any commercially available size of dimension is contemplated in this invention.

(43) In one embodiment the dimensions of the foundation may be about 121 cm (about 48 inches) at its longest dimension (its length) and about 78 cm (31 inches) at its widest width and about 35 cm (14 inches) at its narrowest width. The range of length may be from about 50 to about 250 cm and the range of widest width may be from about 50 to 140 cm, and the range of narrowest width may be between 25 to 65 cm. The smallest dimensions will be dependent on the H-beam dimensions.

(44) In one embodiment the number of elements of the foundation structure is one, comprising a single length of H-beam. To this single H-beam is affixed an upright bollard element. The upright bollard may be attached by welding or by bolting or both. The upright bollard may be affixed directly to the web of the H-beam or to the flange of the H-beam.

(45) Alternatively, a base-plate may be attached to the H-beam, to the web (14), or to the flange (15), or welded across and in contact with two flanges, and the upright bollard may be attached to the base-plate or alternatively, it may pass through a hole in the base-plate penetrating into the foundation structure.

(46) Buttress elements (7) may be used to strengthen the attachment of the upright element, being attached to both the upright element and to the base-plate (6) or to the H-beam. The foundation structure is adapted to be buried below the ground and the bollard is adapted to project above the ground.

(47) The upright element, which may be round in cross-section (or any other suitable shape) may be hollow (defining a cylindrical internal void) may be internally reinforced by a crossbeam (8) inside the bollard pipe to improve resistance to impact forces and resist deformation of the upright element. The crossbeam may be made of steel or another metal. It may be x-shaped or may include any number of radial plates radiating from its central long axis, or indeed it may be made from a commercially available H-beam or I-beam of an appropriate size.

(48) The hollow upright element may be filled, preferably but not necessarily, in situ, with a material that will add weight and therefore inertia, to the bollard.

(49) The hollow upright element can be filled with a material, such as concrete.

(50) Other materials that may be used to fill the hollow upright element include, for example, gravels, sands and silts, which are all incompressible. They may be present in a dry or a wet state within the bollard. If a moist mass of these materials is subjected to compression, they suffer no significant volume change. Clays may also be used, but are more compressible than sand or gravel. Compressibility of sand and silt varies with density and, compressibility of clay varies directly with water content and inversely with cohesive strength. Clays and other highly compressible soils are known to swell when overburden pressure is removed. Filling the upright element with water, which is highly incompressible, has the advantage of allowing easy emptying and refilling using a pump. Filling is generally done after the bollard has been placed in situ.

(51) Holes (12) are provided in the H-beam to accept rebar for installation and Integrated eyebolts are provided for easy transport and installation.

(52) In other embodiments the number of elements of the foundation structure is more than one, comprising two or more of H-beams (2) and (3), affixed to one another by bolts or welds or both. The plurality of H-beams forms the foundation, and to this foundation is affixed an upright bollard element. The upright bollard may be attached by welding or by bolting or both. The bollard may be affixed directly to the web of the H-beam or to the flange (15) of one or more H-beams.

(53) Alternatively, a base-plate (6) may be attached to one or more H-beams, to the web, or to the flange, or welded across and in contact with two or more flanges, and the upright bollard may be attached to the base-plate or may pass through a hole in the base-plate into the foundation structure.

(54) In a preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and other drawings, the H-beams may set in a T-shape, with one H-beam orthogonal to another.

(55) In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 the bollard system comprises: one longer H-beam (a ‘first H-beam’) and one shorter H-beam (a ‘second H-beam’), set in a T-shape, wherein the longer H-beam is positioned short-side on (“end on”) to the long side of the shorter H-beam, as shown.

(56) Each H-beam defines a length, a width and a height. The length is the longest dimension, the height is the second longest dimension and the width is the shortest dimension. Each H-beam has two ends. A first end and a second end.

(57) The first and second H-beams, set in a T-shape, are attached to each other on bottom side of the structure via a (or via one or more) rectangular (but any shape may be used) lower plate (‘connecting plate’ or ‘connector plate’ or ‘lower connector plate’) (5) located on the bottom of the structure, partially overlapping and connected to both H-beams set in a T-shape, as shown. The steel plate is welded and/or bolted to the flanges of both the H-beams.

(58) Note that in the figures, the lower connector plate is number (5). The base plate (6) is on top of the foundation structure and may approximately mirror the lower connector plate.

(59) As can be seen in the figures, a rectangular lower connector plate (5) is flat and complete and has no hole within it and fits flush against the bottom of the first and second H-beams (2) and (3), and is attached directly to the flat bottom surface of one or more flanges (15) of both the H-beams.

(60) The lower connector plate (5) may be referred to as ‘bottom plate’ or ‘connecting plate’ or ‘connector plate’ or ‘lower connector plate’.

(61) The base-plate (6) sits on top of the foundation, and may approximately mirror the lower connector plate. The base-plate has a hole in it, sized and adapted to receive the upright bollard element. The whole is round in many embodiments but could be square of any other shape to receive an upright member. The base-plate (6) is placed parallel to and above the flanges of the H-beams below, and is set apart from them by a small distance of a few centimeters (e.g., 1-20 cm, 1-10 cm or 5-15 cm). The base-plate is attached securely to flat top flanges of the H-beams below it by small connection plates (4) (‘small plates’ or ‘small connector plates’ or ‘small connection plates’). The small connection plates (4) are orthogonally positioned between the base-plate and the flanges of the H-beams as shown in FIG. 1. That is to say that the small connection plates (4) meet the other surfaces at a right angle.

(62) The number of steps in the manufacture of the bollard system of the invention are relatively few, because the elements are commercially available, pre-formed. This reduces manufacturing costs.

(63) In one embodiment the materials used are all of forged steel. This includes steel alloys. In other embodiments some of the elements may be made from other materials such as iron, brass, carbon fiber, plastics, composite materials, etc.

(64) The bollard system of the invention is designed specifically to meet the pre-set standards of the DoD and American Society for Testing and Materials, ASTM F2656, used to certify bollards that could withstand the from the ramming of various types of vehicles at different speeds. Specifically, the bollard system of the invention is designed to meet the Standard Test Truck (M): It will stop a 6800 kg (1500 lb.) truck travelling at 50 kmh (30 mph), 65 kmh (40 mph) and 80 kmh (50 mph) within a certain distance. Penetration Rating is set at one of the following performance standards:

(65) P1=≤1 m (3.3 ft).;

(66) P2=1.01−7 m (3.31 to 23.0 ft.);

(67) P3=7.01−30 m (23.1 ft. to 98.4 ft.)

(68) The DoD and ASTM ratings are determined by the weight of the vehicle and its maximum speed when it hits a barrier. For example, a M50/P1 crash barrier is designed to stop a Medium (M) Duty 15,000-pound truck traveling 50 mph with a penetration distance of <3.3 feet. The penetration rating indicates a barrier's performance to stop the forward movement of the vehicle load after impact. The shorter the testing vehicle's penetrating distance, the higher the barrier's performance level. P1 is the highest standard of performance.

(69) The bollard of the invention was tested (non-publicly) on Feb. 16, 2022 using ASTM F2656-20 standard for M30 P1 impact condition designation. The bollard passed and met the required P1 standards, completely stopping a 15000 lb. truck, travelling at 30 mph in less than 3.3 ft.

(70) Standard=ASTM

(71) Rating=M30

(72) Vehicle Weight=15,000 lbs.

(73) Vehicle Speed=30 mph **P1, P2, P3

(74) Penetration Rating=P1=≤1 m (3.3 ft

(75) Specific embodiments include elements designed to strengthen the upright tubular element. As discussed above the upright element may include, set therein, a steel crossbeam (8). It may be filled with a relatively incompressible material such as water or sand. The upright may be a tube or a square or any other suitable shape in cross-section. Or may be formed of a solid piece such as an H-beam or an I-beam or a rod or bundle of rods bound together by steel bands. In al alternative embodiment the upright member is formed of more than one H-beam or I-beam such as two H-beams welded or bolted together either flange-to-flange or flange-to-web.

(76) In one embodiment the bollard of the invention includes integrated sensors. Either wired or wireless, in functional communication with a computer system that is programmed to provide an alert to a user or to the public when the bollard is impacted. Impact sensors may be placed in the upright element of in the foundation element and will react to a programmed displacement or to a change in momentum. In other embodiments the bollard may comprise lights, electric power, signage etc. In another embodiment the upright element may be removeable and not permanently fixed to the foundation. In another embodiment the bollards may be provided as multiple elements projection across a line or entrance.

(77) Installation and Use

(78) To install the bollard, the bollard of the invention is placed in a pre-dug hole, rebar (17) is inserted through the eyeholes (12) before or after hole digging, and concrete (16) is poured into the hole, setting around the bollard system such that the upright elements projects above the ground, but the foundation structure is set in concrete below the ground. The orientation of the bollard system maximized resistance to impact force and the longest dimension is usually set in-line with the anticipated impact direction.

(79) In use, the bollard, comprising the foundation structure and the upright bollard element, is installed into a pre-dug hole, below the grade of the ground. Rebar elements are inserted through a plurality pre-formed eye-holes within the foundation structure. Concrete is then poured around the structure to provide a secure subterranean foundation for the bollard system.

(80) In our present invention, however, the H-beams are arranged in such a way as to place the center of gravity of the entire structure is underground and behind the above-ground upright element (1) relative to the crash/vehicle/impact direction. To clarify, looking at FIG. 1, the foundation is in the shape of a letter T. The ‘front’ of the bollard is defined as the side most closely facing the anticipated vehicle that is going to crash into the bollard and is the top bar of the T. The ‘rear’ of the bollard is defined as the side diametrically opposite to the front side. So to sat that the center of gravity is behind the above-ground upright element means that it is to the rear of the upright tube (on the tale of the T), and not in front of the upright tube. In use, the bollard system is placed in the ground such that the front faces the likely source of the impact, and the back faces away from the impact.

(81) The bollard of the invention is designed so that the center of gravity is underground and behind the above-ground upright element (see FIG. 1).

(82) The arrangement allows the bollard to meet crash rated specifications without adding additional weight (and therefore cost) to the structure and without the necessity to dig a deeper foundation. Specifically, the present invention is designed to use a shallow foundation hole to avoid utilities or other underground obstacles. This is a very important aspect of the invention because it hugely reduces costs.

(83) Our design (M30-SM “shallow mount” bollard) requires 700 mm (27.6″) of concrete below grade, while our “non-shallow mount” bollard needs only 900 mm (35.4″).

(84) To clarify, our design (M30-SM) is adapted to be installed no more than 700 mm below grade, and our “non-shallow mount” system is adapted to be installed no more than 900 mm (35.4″) below grade.

(85) Thus, the total depth of the bollard system below the ground may be 700 mm in one embodiment or 900 mm in another embodiment.

(86) In a preferred embodiment (the one tested), the foundation is entirely below grade (ground level) and the top of the triangular buttresses (7) are not visible because they are below grade, and the top of the triangular buttresses may be defined as the top of the foundation structure, with only the vertical tube element (1) being visible above grade.

(87) In another embodiment, the triangular buttresses (7) may be visible above grade and the base-plate (6) can be defined as the ground level.

(88) In another embodiment the triangular buttresses (7) are welded below the base-plate in contact with the vertical element (1) and the bottom of the base-plate (6).

General Representations Concerning the Disclosure

(89) This specification incorporates by reference all documents referred to herein and all documents filed concurrently with this specification or filed previously in connection with this application, including but not limited to such documents which are open to public inspection with this specification. All numerical quantities mentioned herein include quantities that may be plus or minus 20% of the stated amount in every case, including where percentages are mentioned. As used in this specification, the singular forms “a, an”, and “the” include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “a part” includes a plurality of such parts, and so forth. The term “comprises” and grammatical equivalents thereof are used in this specification to mean that, in addition to the features specifically identified, other features are optionally present. For example, a composition “comprising” (or “which comprises”) ingredients A, B and C can contain only ingredients A, B and C, or can contain not only ingredients A, B and C but also one or more other ingredients. The term “consisting essentially of” and grammatical equivalents thereof is used herein to mean that, in addition to the features specifically identified, other features may be present which do not materially alter the claimed invention. All weights, lengths, distances and other quantities described may be +/−10% or +/−20%. The term “at least” followed by a number is used herein to denote the start of a range beginning with that number (which may be a range having an upper limit or no upper limit, depending on the variable being defined). For example, “at least 1” means 1 or more than 1, and “at least 80%” means 80% or more than 80%. The term “at most” followed by a number is used herein to denote the end of a range ending with that number (which may be a range having 1 or 0 as its lower limit, or a range having no lower limit, depending upon the variable being defined). For example, “at most 4” means 4 or less than 4, and “at most 40%” means 40% or less than 40%. Where reference is made in this specification to a method comprising two or more defined steps, the defined steps can be carried out in any order or simultaneously (except where the context excludes that possibility), and the method can optionally include one or more other steps which are carried out before any of the defined steps, between two of the defined steps, or after all the defined steps (except where the context excludes that possibility). When, in this specification, a range is given as “(a first number) to (a second number)” or “(a first number)-(a second number)”, this means a range whose lower limit is the first number and whose upper limit is the second number. For example, “from 40 to 70 microns” or “40-70 microns” means a range whose lower limit is 40 microns, and whose upper limit is 70 microns.