The present invention relates to an anchor system and to a method of use thereof.

Although the following description refers almost exclusively to an anchor system for use in anchoring a road safety barrier to a road surface in use, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the anchor system of the present invention could be used for anchoring any one or more items to any suitable surface, for use in any application, such as for example in crash cushions, security barriers, hostile vehicle mitigation security barriers, land management, anchoring fences, use in non-concrete or asphalt related applications and/ or the like.

It is known to use anchor pins to secure temporary fixtures, such as road safety barriers or crash cushions, to a road surface in use in order to secure the fixtures against significant movement following impact of a vehicle with the same. On concrete surfaces, it is known to use chemically bonded anchors or mechanically expanding anchors to achieve a strong anchor point. However, a problem with chemical bonded anchors is that they are difficult to remove once the temporary fixture is removed. This can result in anchor points being left in the concrete or substrate after the temporary fixture is removed, which can cause damage to vehicles or maintenance equipment thereafter. In addition, both chemically bonded and mechanically expanding anchors can be less effective when used on asphalt surfaces or substrates due to the reduced resistance and strength of asphalt compared to concrete. The depth to which asphalt is laid on a ground surface frequently varies and this can affect the strength of any anchor system that may be used. In addition, asphalt is typically laid onto a variety of different substrate surfaces, formations and/or soil and this will also affect the strength of any anchor system. There is a wide variation in the strength of asphalt and the strength of asphalt varies with temperature. Conventionally, in order to overcome the anchoring problems associated with asphalt, it is known to use steel driven pins in pre-drilled holes in the asphalt. The steel pins are typically 400-500mm in length and 30mm in diameter. Although these steel anchor pins usually provide sufficient shear strength in use, they are often found to be inadequate in terms of their removal or“pull out” capacity. For example, when steel anchor pins are used to anchor the base of a road safety barrier to an asphalt surface, vehicle impact with the barrier rarely causes shearing of the pins. However, the rotational or pivot effect on the barrier as a result of a vehicle impact with the barrier often causes the anchor pin to lift out of the asphalt, which can result in the barrier toppling over. This is obviously undesirable.

It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide an anchor system that overcomes the abovementioned problems.

It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a method of using an anchor system that overcomes the abovementioned problems.

It a yet further aim of the present invention to provide a concrete or asphalt anchor system and/ or a method of use thereof.

It is a yet further aim of the present invention to provide a barrier anchor system and/ or a method of use thereof. According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an anchor system, said anchor system including at least one anchor member for anchoring an item to a surface in use, wherein said anchor member includes first and at least second anchor sections that are detachably attachable together in an end to end manner in use, the anchor system further including a first sleeve member for location around at least part of the first anchor section in use, characterised in that a second sleeve member is provided for location around at least part of the first anchor section and at least part of the second anchor section in use, the second sleeve member arranged to allow detachable attachment of the first anchor section with the second anchor section in use.

Thus, the anchor system of the present invention provides at least two outer sleeve members for the anchor sections; a first outer sleeve member provided for acting as a cover or shield for at least part of the first anchor section (which is not associated at all with the second anchor section), and a second outer sleeve member that acts as a joining member for joining the first and second anchor sections together in use.

Preferably with the first and at least second anchor sections attached together via the second sleeve member, this provides an elongate anchor member suitable for providing an anchoring function for anchoring the item to a surface in use.

Preferably when the first and second anchor sections and the first and second sleeve members are assembled together in use, part of the first anchor section, part or all of the first sleeve member, all of the second sleeve member and all of the second anchor section is provided below the surface or ground surface in use.

In one example, part of the first sleeve member could be located above ground and/or within an aperture or channel of the item or barrier member being anchored in use.

Preferably the anchor system is locatable in a fully assembled or anchor position, wherein the first and second anchor sections are joined together via the second sleeve member and the first sleeve member surrounds a part of the anchor section, or a detached or disassembled position, wherein the first anchor section is separated from the second anchor section. In this detached position, the second sleeve member could remain with the first anchor section or the second anchor section. The first sleeve member could remain with the first anchor section or the second sleeve member as required.

Preferably the anchor system is arranged such that the first anchor section is removable from the second anchor section when in the anchor and/ or assembled position, to allow detachment of the item to the surface in use, whilst the second anchor section is able to remain in the anchor position with respect to the surface (i.e. it remains below the surface in use). The second sleeve member and/or first sleeve member may remain with the second anchor section or may be removable with the first anchor section on detachment.

In one embodiment the second sleeve member remains around and/ or attached to the second anchor section when the first anchor section has been detached or separated therefrom in use. In this embodiment, the second sleeve member and the second anchor portion typically remain in the anchor position with respect to the surface or ground surface, and are below the surface or ground surface in use. The first anchor section is typically removed from the surface or ground surface in use, and optionally the first sleeve member as well.

In one embodiment the second sleeve member remains around and/ or attached to the first anchor section when the first anchor section is detached or separated from the second anchor section in use. In this embodiment, the second sleeve member is typically removable from the surface or ground surface with or after the first anchor section in use. The second anchor section typically remains in the anchor position with respect to the surface or ground surface, and is below the surface or ground surface in use.

In one embodiment the first sleeve member is removed or removable with or after the first anchor section is detached from the second anchor section and removed from the anchor position with respect to the surface or ground surface in use. Thus, in this embodiment the first sleeve member is removable from the surface or ground surface as part of the detachment process in use.

In one embodiment the first sleeve member remains in the surface or ground surface after the first anchor section is detached from the second anchor section and removed from the anchor position with respect to the surface of ground surface in use. Preferably the first sleeve member is flush, substantially flush or recessed below the surface or ground surface once the first anchor section has been detached from the second anchor section in use. However, in one example, at least part of the first sleeve member protrudes outwardly or above the surface or ground surface in use. In one embodiment the first sleeve member acts as a cover or shield to shield the first anchor section from damage, debris, resin, adhesive and/ or weld that may be present and/or applied to the second anchor section during an anchoring process in use.

Preferably the first sleeve member shields or is provided around the first anchor section only.

Preferably the first sleeve member has a hollow channel defined therethrough.

Preferably the dimensions of the first anchor section hollow channel are such so as to allow at least part of the first anchor section, and preferably a neck portion of the first anchor section, to pass therethrough or be located therein in use. For example, the dimensions of the hollow channel are preferably equal to, slightly larger or larger than the dimensions of the first anchor section, and preferably the neck portion of the first anchor section.

In one embodiment at least part of the interior surface of the first sleeve member engages with at least part of the exterior surface of the first anchor section when the first sleeve member is located around the first anchor section in an assembled position in use. Preferably this engagement is via any or any combination of friction fit, adhesive, welding or engagement means in the form of one or more screw threads, clips, inter-engaging members, screws, nuts and bolts, bayonet fitting, pins, apertures and/ or the like. In one embodiment the interior surface of the first sleeve member and the exterior surface of the first anchor section are a spaced distance apart from each other when the first sleeve member is located around the first anchor section in an assembled position in use either along a whole or part of the length of the first sleeve member (i.e. a gap is provided between the first sleeve member and the first anchor section).

Preferably the gap wholly surrounds the part of the first anchor section that is surrounded by the first sleeve member when in an assembled position in use (i.e. the interior surface of the first sleeve member does not contact the exterior surface of the first anchor section when surrounding the same in use).

In one embodiment the exterior surface of the first and/or second sleeve member is smooth or continuous in form (i.e. there is no texture and/ or no protrusions or recesses defined on the exterior surface).

In one embodiment the exterior surface of the first and/or second sleeve member has gripping means provided thereon, is rough, non-continuous in form, is textured and/or has one or more protrusions and/ or recesses defined on the same. This may help to allow the first and/or second sleeve member to grip in a surface or ground surface when in an anchored position in use.

Preferably the first and/or second sleeve member are linear, substantially linear or entirely linear in form.

Preferably the second sleeve member has at least one hollow channel defined therethrough. In one embodiment a single hollow channel passes all the way through the second sleeve member and has an opening at each end, and preferably at each opposite end of the second sleeve member.

In one embodiment there is a first hollow channel portion provided at a first end of the second sleeve member with an opening thereto, and a second hollow channel portion provided at a second end, and preferably an opposite end, of the second sleeve member with an opening thereto.

Preferably the first and second hollow channel portions are separate and distinct from each other, not continuous with each other and/ or not in fluid communication with each other.

Preferably at least part of the first anchor section is received in the hollow channel or first hollow channel portion at one end of second sleeve member and at least part of the second anchor section is received in the hollow channel or second hollow channel portion at the other end or opposite end of the second sleeve member when in an assembled position in use.

Preferably the second sleeve member is shorter than, equal to, substantially equal to or longer in length compared to the first sleeve member.

Preferably the dimensions of the second sleeve member hollow channel or first hollow channel portion of the second sleeve member are such so as to allow at least part of the first anchor section, and preferably a neck portion of the first anchor section, to pass therethrough or be located therein in use. For example, the dimensions of the hollow channel or first hollow channel portion of the second sleeve member are preferably equal to, slightly larger or larger than the dimensions of the first anchor section, and preferably the neck portion of the first anchor section.

Preferably the dimensions of the second sleeve member hollow channel or second hollow channel of the second sleeve member are such so as to allow at least part of the second anchor section to pass therethrough or be located therein in use. For example, the dimensions of the hollow channel or second hollow channel are preferably equal to, slightly larger or larger than the dimensions of the second anchor section.

In one embodiment at least part of the interior surface of the second sleeve member engages with at least part of the exterior surface of the first anchor section when the second sleeve member is located around part of the first anchor section in use.

In one embodiment at least part of the interior surface of the second sleeve member engages with at least part of the exterior surface of the second anchor section when the second sleeve member is located around part or all the second anchor section in use.

Preferably the type of engagement of the first anchor section to the second sleeve member and the second anchor section to the second sleeve member can be the same or different.

Preferably the engagement of the first and/or second anchor sections to the second sleeve member is via any or any combination of friction fit, adhesive, welding, or engagement means in the form of one or more screw threads, clips, inter-engaging members, screws, nuts and bolts, bayonet fitting, pins, apertures and/ or the like. In one embodiment the interior surface of the second sleeve member and the exterior surface of the first anchor section are a spaced distance apart from each other along at least part or a whole of the length of the second sleeve member that overlaps with the first anchor section when the second sleeve member is located around part of the first anchor section in an assembled position in use (i.e. a gap is provided between the first anchor section and the second sleeve member).

In one embodiment the interior surface of the second sleeve member and the exterior surface of the second anchor section are a spaced distance apart from each other along at least part or a whole of the length of the second sleeve member that overlaps with the second anchor section when the second sleeve member is located around part of the second anchor section in an assembled position in use. (i.e. a gap is provided between the second anchor section and the second sleeve member).

Preferably the gap wholly surrounds the part of the first anchor section and/or second anchor section that is surrounded by the second sleeve member when in an assembled position in use (i.e. the interior surface of the second sleeve member does not contact the exterior surface of the first and/ or second anchor sections when surrounding the same in use).

In one embodiment the external diameter or width of the first sleeve member is the same or substantially the same as the external diameter or width of the second sleeve member. Preferably the first sleeve member does not protrude beyond the peripheral edge of the second sleeve member and/or is flush or substantially flush therewith when in the anchored position in use. In one embodiment the external diameter or width of the first sleeve member is different or substantially different to the external diameter or width of the second sleeve member. Preferably one of the first sleeve member or second sleeve member protrudes beyond the peripheral edge of the other of the first sleeve member or second sleeve member and/ or is not flush therewith when in the anchored position in use.

In one embodiment the length of the first and/or second sleeve member is such that an end of the first sleeve member abuts with an end of the second sleeve member when in an assembled position on the first anchor section in use.

In one embodiment the length of the first and/or second sleeve member is such that an end of the first sleeve member is a spaced distance apart from the closest end of the second sleeve member when in an assembled position in use.

In one embodiment the second sleeve member covers or surrounds a whole or substantially a whole of the second anchor section when in an assembled position in use.

Preferably the fit between the second sleeve member and the first and/or second anchor sections is such that resin, adhesive or liquid cannot pass between the same in use.

Preferably the fit between the first sleeve member and the first anchor section is such that resin, adhesive or liquid cannot pass between the same m use. Preferably the anchor system is for use on or in a ground surface and the second anchor section is arranged to be left in the ground once anchoring of the item is no longer required. Thus, detachment of the first anchor section from the second anchor section can take place with the anchor system in the anchor position in the ground or surface in use, and detachment can be actuated by a user above the ground.

Preferably the second anchor section is arranged to be left recessed in the ground or surface once anchoring of the item is no longer required. As such, on removal of the first anchor section from the second anchor section, no part of the second anchor section protrudes outwardly from the ground surface in use. This prevents damage to vehicle and/or equipment that be used on the ground surface after removal of the anchor system.

Preferably the first anchor section is arranged to be removed entirely from the ground or surface at any time, and particularly advantageously when the anchor system is in use in an anchor position in the ground, once anchoring of the item is no longer required.

In one embodiment the first anchor section is elongate in form. The first anchor section can be a solid member, a hollow member or can have one or more channels defined through the same.

In one embodiment the one or more channels of the first anchor section are arranged parallel to or substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the first anchor section. In one embodiment the one or more channels of the first anchor section are arranged centrally or eccentrically within the same.

Preferably the first anchor section has a first end and a second end, and further preferably the second end is opposite to the first end.

Preferably the first and/ or second anchor sections, or at least a neck portion of the first anchor section, is linear, substantially linear or entirely linear in form.

Preferably a head portion is provided at or adjacent the first end of the first anchor section. Further preferably the head portion has larger dimensions than a neck portion of the first anchor section. The neck portion preferably protrudes outwardly from a surface or lower surface of the head portion.

Preferably the larger dimensions of the head portion prevent the head portion from passing through an aperture of an item being anchored in use. The neck portion is typically dimensioned so as to be able to pass through an aperture of the item being anchored in use.

In one example the first anchor section is in the form of a bolt, a threaded bolt or a partially threaded bolt.

In one example the first anchor section is in the form of a rod with a nut thereon. For example, the rod could form the neck portion and the nut could form the head portion. Preferably the nut is rotatably mounted on at least part of the rod, such as for example by complementary screw threads. In one example the second anchor section is in the form of a rod, a threaded rod or partially threaded rod.

Preferably the second end of the first anchor section is provided at the end of the neck portion opposite or furthest from the head portion.

Preferably the second end of the first anchor section or neck section are located in or engage with the second sleeve member in use.

Preferably the engagement means are provided on or associated with the neck portion of the first anchor section, and further preferably on the neck portion at or adjacent the second end of the first anchor section, or end that is to engage with the second sleeve member in use.

Preferably the second anchor section is elongate in form. The second anchor section can be a solid member, a hollow member or can have one or more channels defined through the same.

Preferably the one or more channels are arranged parallel or substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the second anchor section.

In one embodiment the one or more channels of the second anchor section are arranged centrally or eccentrically within the same.

Preferably the second anchor section has a first end and a second end.

Preferably the first end of the second anchor section is detachably attached, directly or indirectly, to the second end of the first anchor section in use. Preferably the second end of the second anchor section is a free end when in the anchor position.

Preferably the engagement means are provided on or associated with the second anchor section to allow detachable attachment with the second sleeve member in use.

In one embodiment the first and/or at least second anchor sections are arranged such that when attached together via the second sleeve member the overall length of the anchor member is equal to, substantially equal to or longer than the lengths of each of the at least first and second anchor sections added together. For example, the second sleeve member used to join the at least first and second anchor sections together could result in the second end of the first anchor section and the first end of the second anchor section being a spaced distance apart, thereby making the overall length of the anchor member longer than the length of the individual anchor sections added together.

Preferably the second end of the second anchor section has a narrowing taper and/or has one or more pointed ends, thereby allowing the second end of the second anchor section to penetrate a ground surface more easily in use.

Preferably a washer is provided on or associated with the head portion of the first anchor section. For example, a washer can be provided between the head portion of the first anchor section and the item being anchored in use. Preferably engagement of the first sleeve member with the first anchor section is as a result of rotational movement of the first anchor section relative to first sleeve member in use.

Preferably engagement of the second sleeve member with the first and/or second anchor sections is via rotational movement of the first and/or anchor sections relative to the second sleeve member in use.

In one embodiment movement of the first anchor section relative to the second sleeve member in a first direction allows engagement of the first anchor section and/or second anchor section with the second sleeve member, and preferably movement of the first anchor section relative to at least part of the second sleeve member in a second and/or opposite direction allows detachment of the first and/or second anchor sections from the second sleeve member.

In one embodiment the second anchor section has a channel defined therethrough which runs parallel to a longitudinal axis of the first anchor section.

Preferably the second end of the first anchor section is attachable in the channel defined in the second anchor section and/ or vice versa in use.

Preferably at least part of the first anchor section or neck portion at or adjacent the second end of the first anchor section is tapered relative to the remainder of the neck portion. This typically helps engagement of the neck portion in the second sleeve member in use. Preferably the at least first and second anchor sections are arranged so as to be co-axial with each other when in an attached, assembled or anchored position in use.

Preferably the at least first and second anchor sections are arranged such that when attached together the outer surfaces, at least adjacent the attachment, are flush or substantially flush with each other.

In one embodiment the ends of the first and second anchor sections abut each other within the second sleeve member when both are located in the second sleeve member in use.

In one embodiment the ends of the first and second anchor sections are arranged to be a spaced distance apart from each other when both are located in the second sleeve member in use.

In one embodiment an adhesive and/ or resin is provided with or around the second anchor section in use. This helps to retain the second anchor section or pin member in an anchored position in use, even after the first anchor section has been removed therefrom.

In one embodiment the first sleeve member provided with or around the first anchor section prevents any adhesive and/or resin from coming into contact with the same in use. This helps to allow removal of the first anchor section from the second anchor section when anchoring of the item is no longer required. Preferably the anchor system of the present invention is arranged to anchor in a substrate. The substrate can, for example, be asphalt, concrete, soil, ground, rock, sediment and/ or the like.

Preferably gripping means can be provided on or associated with the anchor system, the first anchor section, the second anchor section, the first sleeve member and/or the second sleeve member to allow gripping of the same with a surface or ground in use.

Preferably the gripping means include any or any combination of one or more spikes, teeth, protrusion members, ribs and/ or the like.

Preferably the anchor system can be formed from any or any combination of materials, such as metal, stainless steel, plastic, rubber, wood and/or the like.

Preferably the first and/ or second sleeve members are outer members in that they surround the exterior of the first and/ or second anchor sections in use.

In one embodiment a third or further sleeve member is provided with the first and/ or second anchor sections in use.

Preferably the item being anchored is a barrier, road safety barrier and/or the like. The barrier is typically anchored to a ground surface in use via the anchor system. In one embodiment a third or further anchor section is provided. Preferably the third or further anchor section is joined to the first and/or second anchor sections in use.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of using an anchor system, said anchor system including at least one anchor member, said anchor member including first and at least second anchor sections, said method including the steps of locating a first sleeve member around at least part of the first anchor section, locating a second sleeve member around at least part of the first anchor section and at least part of the second anchor section, the second sleeve member arranged to allow detachable attachment of the first anchor section with the second anchor sections.

In one embodiment the anchor system can be provided as a kit of parts and/ or can be pre-assembled.

In one embodiment there is no fixed order of steps of locating the first and second sleeve members with the first and second anchor sections.

Preferably a hole is formed or first drilled into the ground in which the anchor system is to be located in use.

In one embodiment an adhesive and/or resin is placed into the pre-drilled or pre-formed hole prior to positioning of the anchor system therein. The adhesive and/or resin is preferably located in the hole to a height of the second anchor section only, or the height of the second anchor section below the level when the second sleeve member engages with the second anchor section in use. In one embodiment the first sleeve member is arranged or is of such length to be provided a minimum distance below the head portion of the first anchor section in use. Further preferably this minimum distance is such that the first sleeve member is provided below the surface in which the first anchor section is being located in use. Yet further preferably the minimum distance is at least equal to the thickness of the item being anchored plus the thickness of any seal or washer that is optionally used between the first anchor section and the item.

In one embodiment the first sleeve member is arranged or is of such length to abut with a lower surface of the head portion, to abut a washer used in association with the head portion, or is provided a spaced distance below the head portion. For example, this spaced distance could result in the first sleeve member being locatable above the ground surface in use and/or it could allow further tightening and movement of the first anchor section relative to the item and/ or first sleeve member in use.

In one example, the second sleeve member can be arranged to be provided a minimum distance of 50mm +/-lmm below the head portion of the first anchor section when assembled and/ or ground surface in which the anchor system is to be used in use.

Preferably the length of the second sleeve member is less than or equal to 90mm +/- 1mm.

Preferably the length of the first sleeve member is less than the length of the first anchor section, and further preferably is less than the length of the neck portion of the first anchor section. Preferably the length of the first sleeve member is between 10mm-l 000mm +/- 1mm. Further preferably the length of the first sleeve member is more than or equal to 50mm +/- 1mm, and yet further preferably is more than or equal to 90mm +/- 1mm.

Preferably the length of the second sleeve member is between 10mm-90mm +/-lmm.

Preferably with the first sleeve member located around the first anchor section and the second sleeve member located around a part of the first anchor section, the first sleeve member is flush, substantially flush or located below the ground surface in use.

Preferably an end surface of the first sleeve member abuts an end surface of the second sleeve member when the sleeve members are fitted to the first anchor section in use.

Preferably at least part of the first anchor section engages with the item or barrier being anchored to the ground in use.

Preferably the barrier includes a base for location on a ground surface in use, and one or more side impact walls protruding transversally and outwardly of the base.

According to other independent aspects of the present invention there is provided a barrier with an anchor system; an item with an anchor system; a concrete or asphalt anchor system; a method of using the barrier, item or anchor system.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the following figures, wherein:

Figures la-lb show an anchor system in use in the ground according to an embodiment of the present invention, and an exploded view of the anchor system in figure la respectively;

Figures 2a-2c show simplified views of different anchor system according to embodiments of the present invention;

Figure 3 shows an alternative embodiment of a first anchor section that can be used with the anchor system.

Referring to the figures, there is illustrated various embodiments of anchor systems for use in anchoring a barrier or other suitable item to a road or ground surface in use. The anchor system in each embodiment comprise first and second anchor sections which can be attached together for anchoring the barrier in use, but which can be separated to allow removal of at least the first anchor section from the second anchor section when anchoring of the barrier is no longer required. The second anchor section is left behind in the ground but in a recessed position, such that it cannot damage or interfere with anything on the road surface when the first anchor section has been removed. Although the present invention is particularly advantageous for anchoring items temporarily, it could be used as a permanent anchor system if required.

The anchor system of the present invention is inexpensive to produce, is quick and easy to fit, and is quick and easy to dismantle after use.

Referring to figures la-lc, there is illustrated an anchor system 202 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The anchor system 202 is used for anchoring a base 4 of a barrier 6 (only part of which is shown for clarity reasons) to a ground surface 8 in use.

The anchor system 202 includes a first anchor section 10 and a second anchor section 204 detachably attached to the same when in an anchored position in use.

The first anchor section 10 has a first end 14 and a second opposite end 16 A head portion 18 is defined at the first end 14, and a neck portion 20 protrudes outwardly from a lower surface 22 of the head portion 18 towards second end 16.

The head portion 18 has larger dimensions than the neck portion 20, such that when the neck portion 20 is passed through an anchor aperture 24 in base 4 of the barrier 6, the head portion cannot pass through the aperture.

A first outer sleeve member 226 is provided around part of the first anchor section 10. The first outer sleeve member 226 has a channel 228 defined through the same and has a first end 230 arranged to face towards the lower surface 22 of the head portion 18 and a second end 232 arranged to face and/or abut the first end 220 of a second sleeve member 208 in use. The first outer sleeve member 226 is to prevent resin 206 used around the second anchor section 204 from contacting the first anchor section 10 in use. The diameter of the first outer sleeve member 226 is typically such that the outer surface of the first outer sleeve member is flush or substantially flush with the outer surface of the second sleeve member 208.

The first outer sleeve member 226 is provided a distance below head portion 18 equal to or greater the thickness of the base 4 of barrier 6 plus the thickness of washer 236 provided between the head portion 18 and the base 4. This ensures the end 230 of the first sleeve member 226 is flush with or below the surface 8 in use.

In this embodiment the outer sleeve member 226 does not have any specific engagement arrangement between the same and the neck portion 20 of the first anchor section 10, it simply sits around the first anchor section. However, specific engagement means could be provided between the outer sleeve member and the neck portion 20 if required.

The second anchor section 204 has a first end 218 and a second opposite end 240. The second end 240 is tapered to allow easy insertion of the second anchor section into a ground surface in use. The exterior surface of the second anchor section adjacent first end 218 is provided with attachment means in the form of a screw thread for engagement with the second sleeve member 208, as described in more detail below.

When the first anchor section 10 is engaged with the second anchor section 204 via the second sleeve member 208, the first and second anchor sections are co-axial and their longitudinal axes are parallel. The length of the complete anchor system 202 is longer than the length of each of the first anchor section or second anchor section alone. Thus, the provision of the two anchor sections allows an elongate anchor member to be provided which can penetrate sufficiently deep into the ground to provide a strong and secure anchor mechanism for the barrier in use.

The outer surfaces of the first and second sleeve members 208, 226 are flush or substantially flush, thereby increasing the ease with which the elongate anchor member can enter the ground in use.

The second sleeve member 208 is provided to indirectly attach the first anchor section 10 and the second anchor section 204 together in use. The second sleeve member 208 is formed such that it is coaxial with the first anchor section, the first sleeve member 226 and second anchor section 204 when attached to the same. A screw thread 210 is provided on an inner surface of the walls defining a channel 212 passing through the second sleeve member 208. This screw thread engages with the complementary screw thread 214 provided adjacent second end 16 of first anchor section 10, and complementary screw thread 216 provided adjacent first end 218 of second anchor section 204. The second sleeve member 208 has a first end 220 and a second opposite end 222. A longitudinal axis of sleeve member 208 is arranged to be parallel with a longitudinal axis of the first anchor section 10, the first sleeve member 226 and the second anchor section 204 when attached to the same in use.

A space 224 is typically defined between the second end 16 of the first anchor section 10 and the first end 218 of the second anchor section 204 when attached together via the sleeve member 208 in use. However, the anchor sections 10, 204 could be in abutting relationship if required when attached together via the sleeve member 208.

In use, an anchor hole is pre-drilled in the ground at the surface point where the barrier is to be anchored in use. The pre-drilled anchor hole is partially filled with the resin 206 to a depth such that the resin will only contact the second anchor section 204 of the anchor system 202 in use.

The second end 240 of the second anchor section 204 is located in the resin filled hole. The second sleeve member 208 is already engaged with end 218 of the second anchor section 204. The first sleeve member 226 is located on top of the second sleeve member 208 such that the sleeve members are in abutting end to end relationship.

The barrier is located in the required position over the pre-drilled hole on the ground surface. A second end 224 of the first anchor section 10 is inserted through the aperture 24 of the base 4 of the barrier, through the channel of the first sleeve member 226 and into the pre-drilled hole until head portion 18 engages with a top surface of the base 4 of barrier 6 and the second end 224 engages with the second sleeve member 208. Rotation of the first anchor section with respect to the second sleeve member 208 is typically required in order to engage the complementary screw thread portions of the second sleeve member with the first anchor section together. The anchor system 202 is thus in a fully assembled position with the second sleeve member 208 engaging the first and second anchor sections together and the sleeve member 226 in place on the first anchor section. A washer 236 can be provided between the lower surface 22 of the head portion 18 and an upper surface of base 4 if required. The second end 240 of the anchor system 202 can have a narrowing taper if required to increase the ease with which the anchor system 202 can be inserted into the hole in use.

The resin 206 is allowed to harden around the second anchor section 204 to provide a strong anchor position.

When removal of the barrier 6 is required, a user simply rotates the first anchor section 10 relative to the second anchor section 204, thereby allowing detachment of the first anchor section 10 from the second anchor section 204. At least the first anchor section 10 and optionally the first sleeve member 226 are removed from the pre-drilled hole. The second sleeve member 208 could also be removed in some embodiments if required. With the first anchor section 10 removed, the barrier 6 can also be removed from the ground surface 8. The second anchor section 204 remains recessed within the pre-drilled hole, which can be filled with any suitable material if required.

In one example, the pre-drilled hole typically passes through an asphalt upper surface, a sub-base for the asphalt, and soil/rock. However, the hole can be drilled or prepared to any required depth or through any suitable substrate.

The barrier is located in the required position over the pre-drilled hole on the ground surface and the second end of the anchor system is inserted through the aperture 24 of the base 4 of the barrier and into the pre-drilled hole. The second end of the anchor system typically passes through the asphalt layer, the sub-base layer and into the rock/ soil in use such that a strong anchor is provided. In one example, the overall length of the anchor system 202 could be approximately 450mm from the lower surface 22 of the head portion 18 to the second end 240 of the second anchor section 204.

The pre-drilled hole could be approximately 30mm in diameter in one example.

Referring to figures 2a-2c, there are illustrated further simplified views of different embodiments of the present invention. The embodiment shown in figure 2a is similar to the embodiment shown in figures la- lb with the exception that the outer diameter of the second sleeve member 208 is larger than the outer diameter of the first sleeve member 226. As such, the walls of the second sleeve member 208 protrude outwardly beyond the peripheral edges of the first sleeve member 226. This can provide a further barrier to any resin that is provided around the lower portion of second anchor section 204 so that it does not contact the first anchor section 10, which would otherwise potentially prevent removal of the first anchor section 10 at some point in the future in use.

In the embodiment shown in figures 2b, the second sleeve member 208 covers the entire length of the second anchor section 204. An end cap or bolt 242 can be provided at the second end of the second sleeve member 208 so as to retain any resin located around the second anchor section 204 within the second sleeve member 208. This arrangement will need to provide some separation between any resin contained within the second sleeve member and the first anchor section when in an engaged anchored position in use. The embodiment shown in figure 2c is similar to that shown in figure 2b but there is no end cap or bolt 242 provided at the second end of the second sleeve member 208.

Figure 3 shows an alternative embodiment of a first anchor section 302 that can be used with the present invention. In this embodiment, rather than having a bolt arrangement as provided in figures la-lb wherein the head portion 18 is fixed with respect to the neck portion 20, a nut 304 is rotatably mounted on a threaded rod 306. The nut 304 forms the head portion and can move along a part or whole of the length of the threaded rod in use. Screw threads can be provided along a whole or part of the length of the rod 306 to allow movement of the nut 304 relative thereto.