BARRIER ELEMENT TO BLOCK TRAFFIC AND/OR AS A SECURITY PRECAUTION INCLUDING A BALLAST COMPARTMENT

Abstract

The present invention relates to a barrier element to block traffic and/or as a security precaution, comprising: an elongated casing with two opposing longitudinal side walls and an upper wall; at least one casing support structure; and supports for resting on the ground/surface connected to the lower side of the elongate casing, wherein in the elongate casing a ballast compartment is incorporated that has a closed top, closed sides and an open bottom. The present invention also relates to a method for making ready for use of such a barrier element.

Claims

1. A barrier element to block and/or as a security precaution, comprising: an elongated casing with two opposing longitudinal side walls and an, the two side walls joining, upper wall; at least one casing support structure located in the elongate casing and connecting to both the side walls; and supports for resting on the ground/surface connected to the lower side of the elongate casing and/or the lower side of the casing support structure, wherein in the elongate casing a ballast compartment is incorporated that has a closed top, closed sides and an open bottom.

2. The barrier element according to claim 1, wherein the closed top and closed sides of the ballast compartment are liquid tight.

3. The barrier element according to claim 1, wherein the ballast compartment has an elongate ballast compartment casing.

4. The barrier element according to claim 1 wherein the top and sides of the ballast compartment are made out of metal sheet material.

5. The barrier element according to claim 1 wherein that at least one casing support structure is connected to the ballast compartment.

6. The barrier element according to claim 1 wherein at least one casing support structure is connected to the ballast compartment.

7. The barrier element according to claim 1 wherein the ballast compartment is provided with at least one internal protrusion.

8. The barrier element according to claim 1 wherein the ends of the elongated casing are provided with couplings.

9. The barrier element according to claim 8, wherein the couplings are connected to the ballast compartment.

10. The barrier element according to claim 1 wherein the ends of the elongated casing are chamfered.

11. The barrier element according to claim 1 wherein the ballast compartment is filled with a curing material.

12. The barrier element according to claim 11 wherein the curing material is concrete.

13. A method for making ready for use of a barrier element, comprising the method steps: a) placing a barrier element according to claim 1 in an inverted position; b) filling the inverted ballast compartment with a liquid curing material; c) hardening the curing material; and d) turning the barrier element back to a working position.

Description

[0019] The present invention will be further elucidated on the basis of the non-limitative exemplary embodiments shown in the following figures, herein shows:

[0020] FIG. 1 a perspective view of a barrier element according the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 2 a perspective bottom view of the barrier element shown in FIG. 1; and

[0022] FIG. 3 a partially cut away perspective view of the barrier element shown in the FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0023] FIG. 1 shows a barrier element 1 with an elongate casing 2 with a longitudinal side wall 3, an upper wall 4 and an end part 5 with coupling openings 6. From a casing support structure that is located in the elongate casing 2 only casing support structure part 7 on an end part 5 is visible in this figure. On the lower side of the barrier element 1 supports 8 are attached for resting on the ground/surface. On the upper wall 4 connectors 9 enable the attachment of lifting means (e.g. a crane) and or the attachment of other equipment parts (e.g. a raised rails). The side wall 3 has an inward angle 10 reducing the chance of a vehicle coming into contact with the barrier element 1 being launched across the barrier element 1.

[0024] In FIG. 2 the barrier element 1 from FIG. 1 is shown from the bottom. The elongate casing 2 has an open bottom 11 connecting to a ballast compartment as will be more clearly depicted in FIG. 3. The supports 8 of the barrier element 1 are partially blocking the opening 11 in the bottom of the barrier element 1. On one end side of the barrier element 1 a single coupling opening 6 is visible and on the opposite end of the barrier element 1 coupling pins 12 are visible. The coupling pins 12 of a barrier element 1 will fit the coupling openings 6 of an adjoining barrier element 1 to link the adjoining barrier elements 1.

[0025] In FIG. 3 the barrier element 1 is depicted in a cut away perspective view wherein the front longitudinal side wall is omitted. Tin the represented situation there is a clear view on a ballast compartment 20 that is embedded in the interior of the barrier element 1. This ballast compartment 20 is open on the lower side (see FIG. 2) and the supports 8 are attached to two opposing sides (of which only one is visible here) 21. Also ends 22 and the top 23 of the ballast compartment 20 are closed so that no liquid curing material will flow out the ballast compartment 20 when turned upside down. After curing the ballast material is held in the ballast compartment 20 by the supports 8.

[0026] Also visible in FIG. 3 are casing support structures 24 that are (at least partially) connected to the ballast compartment 20 to provide additional stability to the construction of the barrier element 1. Also the coupling openings 6 and, on the opposite side of the barrier element 1, the coupling pins 12 are clearly visible. Again here it is advantageous in the coupling openings 6 and coupling pins 12 receive support from de ballast compartment 20 to ensure additional strength and stability.