FIELD

[01 ] The present disclosure relates in general to a mounting assembly for restricting vehicle access and particularly to a mounting assembly for a bollard.

BACKGROUND

[02] The control and, more particularly, the restriction of vehicular access to a target area has become an increasingly important security consideration in many countries. By restricting vehicular access to the target area partially or entirely, a vehicle-controlled zone may be formed so that buildings and/or individuals may be protected from, for example, a criminal or terrorist threat or act.

[03] Vehicular access may be restricted, for example, by means of bollards defining a barricade. The barricade, which may also be known as vehicle security barrier, is configured to prevent forcible passage by a vehicle to the target area by enforcing stand-off. The installation of bollards, or other types of street furniture, requires excavation to provide a foundation for a mounting structure located underground, and hence which is configured to withstand considerable impact. Providing a deep foundation may be unfeasible, for example in highly- populated urban areas where services (pipes, cables, etc.) and other structures are already provided underground. Yet especially highly-populated urban areas may be a target.

[04] It is therefore desirable to provide a mounting assembly which, on the one hand, provides a suitably resilient structural foundation and, on the other hand, does not require a deep excavation, for example no more than 100 millimetres.

SUMMARY

[05] According to the present disclosure there is provided a mounting assembly as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.

[06] Accordingly there may be provided mounting assembly (100) for installation of street furniture (200), the mounting assembly (100) comprising: a first plate (1 10) and a second plate (120) provided in a stacked configuration, a first socket aperture (1 12) extending through the first plate (1 10); a second socket aperture (122) extending through the second plate (120), wherein the first socket aperture (1 12) and the second socket aperture (122) are aligned to form a socket (130), and wherein the socket (130) defines an axial direction (20) for receiving of street furniture (200); a connector (140) extending in a direction away from the socket (130) and configured to connect the first plate (1 10) and the second plate (120), wherein the connector (140, 141 , 142, 143) extends perpendicular to the axial direction (20). [07] The mounting assembly may further comprise at least one secondary connector (142), wherein the or each secondary connector (142) extends perpendicular to the axial direction (20) of the socket (130), and the or each secondary connector (142) is provided at an angle between 30 degrees to 60 degrees with respect to the connector (141 ).

[08] A first secondary connector (142) of the at least one secondary connector (142) may be located between the socket (130) and a second end (1 04) of the mounting assembly (1 00), and a second secondary connector (142) of the at least one secondary connector (142) may be located between the socket (130) and a first end (102) of the mounting assembly (100).

[09] The mounting assembly may further comprise a tertiary connector (143) which extends perpendicular to the axial direction (20) of the socket (130) and is aligned with the connector (141 ); wherein the connector (141 ) is located between the socket (130) and the second end (104) of the mounting assembly (1 00), and the tertiary connector (143) is located between the socket (130) and the first end (104) of the mounting assembly (1 00).

[10] The connector (141 ) may extend perpendicular to the first end (102).

[1 1 ] The distance between the first end (102) and the second end (104) of the mounting assembly may be at least 1 .4 metres.

[12] The mounting assembly may further comprise a tubular member (230) located within the socket (130) and projecting therefrom; wherein the connector (141 ) extends from and is secured to the tubular member (230).

[13] The connector (141 ) may comprise a first tab (148) received into a first slot (1 14) formed in the first plate (1 10) and a second tab (148) received into a second slot (124) formed in the second plate (120).

[14] The connector (141 ) may comprise a main body (146) from which the first tab (148) and the second tab (148) project, and wherein the main body (146) abuts against the first plate (1 1 0) when the first tab (148) is received into the first slot (1 12), and the main body (146) abuts against the second plate (120) when the second tab (148) is received into the second slot (124).

[15] The mounting assembly may further comprise a first collar (161 ) attached to the first plate (1 10), wherein the first collar (161 ) defines a third socket aperture (1 63) aligned with the first socket aperture (1 12) and the second socket aperture (122) to axially extend the socket (130).

[16] The mounting assembly may further comprise a second collar (162) attached to the first collar (1 61 ), wherein the second collar (1 62) defines a fourth socket aperture (164) aligned with the third socket aperture (163) and configured to axially extend the socket (130), and wherein the second collar has an outer diameter which is smaller than an outer diameter of the first collar. [17] The first plate (1 10) and the second plate (120) may define a recess (106), and a first linkage member (150) may be provided in the recess (106), wherein the first plate (1 10), the second plate (120) and the first linkage member (150) are configured to receive a pin to pivotally link the first plate, the second plate and the first linkage member.

[18] The first linkage member (150) may be provided as a plate comprising a tapered end.

[19] The mounting assembly may further comprise a second linkage member (151 ) inserted into the recess (106) between the first plate (1 1 0) and the second plate (120) and configured to receive another pin to pivotally link the first plate, the second plate and the second linkage member (151 ).

[20] The first linkage member (150) may have a first length and the second linkage member (151 ) may have a second length, and the first length may be different from the second length.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[21 ] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how example embodiments may be carried into effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a mounting assembly according to the present disclosure;

Figure 2 shows a plan view of a first plate of the mounting assembly;

Figure 3 shows a plan view of a second plate of the mounting assembly;

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a partially assembled the mounting assembly;

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of an assembled mounting assembly;

Figure 6 shows a plan view of a connector of the mounting assembly;

Figure 7 shows a plan view of a linkage member of the mounting assembly; and

Figure 8 shows a perspective view of an assembly of mounting assemblies according to the present disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[22] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an example of a mounting assembly 100 according to the present disclosure.

[23] The mounting assembly 100 is configured for mounting street furniture, such as bollards, street lights and the like. In particular, the mounting assembly 100 is configured to anchor an item of street furniture in the ground. The mounting assembly 100 may accordingly be located in an excavated trench backfilled with a setting material, such as concrete, and suitably sealed to achieve a desired visual appearance. According to the present example, the mounting assembly 100 is configured to retain a bollard 200. [24] The mounting assembly 100 is delimited by a first end 102 and a second end 104. In use, the mounting assembly 100 is orientated such that the first end (or ‘impact end’) faces an expected impact, while the second end 104 (or‘far end’) faces away from the expected impact. According to the present example, the length of the mounting assembly, i.e. the distance between the first end 102 and the second end 104 of the mounting assembly, is at least 1 .4 metres. Preferably, the length is at least 1 .46 metres. A width of the mounting assembly 1 00 is in a range of 1 metre and 0.6 metres. Preferably, the width is no more than 0.8 metres. The relationship between the length and the width of the mounting assembly is such that an elongate mounting assembly is provided. That is to say, the length of the mounting assembly is greater than its width. According to some examples, the mounting assembly 100 has a length-to-width ratio of 1 :0.6. More preferably, the mounting assembly 1 00 has a length- to-width ratio of 1 :0.55.

[25] The mounting assembly 100 defines a nominal impact direction 10, from the first end 102 to the second end 1 04. The nominal impact direction 10 may be perpendicular to the first end and the second end, for example where both are straight.

[26] The mounting assembly 1 00 comprises a pair of plates 1 10, 120. The pair of plates 1 1 0, 120 is provided in a stacked configuration to define the general shape of the mounting assembly 100. That is to say, a first plate 1 10 (or‘top plate’) is located over a second plate 120 (or‘bottom plate’). A recess 106 (or‘cavity’) is defined between the pair of plates 1 10, 120.

[27] Figures 2 and 3 show plan views of the first plate 1 10 and the second plate 120, respectively.

[28] The pair of plates 1 10, 120 defines a socket 130. The socket 130 is a recess or cavity by means of which the mounting assembly 100 physically anchors street furniture, such as the bollard 200 according to the present example. That is to say, the socket 130 is configured to retain an item of street furniture, such as the bollard 200. The item of street furniture is received by means of a foot 230 (or ‘tubular member’) inserted into the socket 130 of the mounting assembly 100. The socket 130 is configured to receive and retain the foot 230 to thereby anchor the item of street furniture, in use, in the ground.

[29] The socket 130 is defined by a pair of socket apertures 1 12, 122 in the first plate 1 10 and the second plate 120. The pair of socket apertures consists of a first socket aperture 1 12, which extends through the first plate 1 1 0, and a second socket aperture 122 which extends through the second plate 120. The socket apertures 1 12, 122 may have any suitable shape, such as circular, elliptical or polygonal. According to the present example, the socket apertures 1 12, 122 are provided circular and arranged coaxially. [30] The socket apertures 1 12, 122 define the socket 130 as a straight channel extending through the mounting assembly 100. The socket 130 is perpendicular to the first plate 1 10 and the second plate 120. According to the present example, the socket 130 has a cylindrical shape, i.e. is defined by two parallel and spaced apart apertures 1 12, 122. Suitably, the apertures 1 12, 122 are substantially circular and concentrically aligned.

[31 ] The socket 130 defines an axial direction 20. The axial direction 20 is perpendicular to the pair of plates 1 10, 120. The bollard 200 is received along the axial direction 20. According to the present example, the socket 130 also defines a radial direction 30. The radial direction 30 is perpendicular to the axial direction 20 and, according to the present example, parallel to the pair of plates 1 10, 120.

[32] Provided in each of the first plate 1 10 and the second plate 120 is a plurality of slots 1 14, 124 for receiving connectors, as described in greater detail below with respect to connectors for connecting the plates 1 10, 120.

[33] Provided in each of the first plate 1 10 and the second plate 120 is a plurality of a plurality of linkage apertures 1 15, 125 extending therethrough. The linkage apertures 1 15, 125 are described in greater detail below with respect to corresponding linkage members.

[34] Provided in each of the first plate 1 10 and the second plate 120 is a plurality of lifting apertures 1 16, 126. The lifting apertures 1 16, 126 are aligned to define a recess configured to receive a hook or other member by means of which the mounting assembly 100 may be lifted.

[35] Provided in the first plate 1 10 is a plurality of fill holes 1 18. The fill holes 1 1 8 may assist when filling a trench in which the mounting assembly 100 is located with a suitable setting material, such as concrete. It is also envisaged to provide fill holes 128 in the second plate 120.

[36] Figures 4 and 5 are perspective views of a partially-assembled mounting assembly 100 and an assembled mounting assembly 100. Figure 4 shows the second plate 120, the plurality of connectors 140 and the street furniture foot 230, while Figure 5 shows the first plate 1 10 located over the second plate 120, the first plate 1 10 receiving the connectors 140 and the foot 230.

[37] The plurality of connectors 140 is inserted into the slots 124 of the second plate 120 and suitably joined to the second plate 120. According to the present example, the connectors 140 are welded to the second plate 120 at welds 129 extending along the whole interface where a connector 140 meets the second plate 120.

[38] The foot 230 is provided as a tubular member 230 that is inserted into the second socket aperture 122 and projects therefrom. The tubular member 230 has a shape which is complementary to that of the second aperture 122 to be received into the second aperture 122. The tubular member 230 is suitably joined to the second plate 120, for example by means of welds 129. [39] According to the present example, the tubular member 230 is provided as a sleeve, i.e. a hollow body.

[40] The plurality of connectors 140 and the tubular member 230 are also joined together. According to the present example, each connector 140 extends to meet the tubular member 230. By means of welds 129, the connectors 140 and the tubular member 230 are fastened together.

[41 ] The first plate 1 10 is located over the second plate 120 to receive the connectors 140 into corresponding slots 1 14, and the tubular member 230 into the socket aperture 1 12. That is to say, the connectors 140 are sandwiched between the plates 1 10, 120, thus defining the recess 106 therebetween. By means of welds 1 19, the first plate 1 10 is secured to the connectors 140. The tubular member 230 is received into the first socket aperture 1 12 and is thus located in the first socket aperture 1 12 and the second socket aperture 122, i.e. in the socket 130. Moreover, the tubular member 230 projects from the socket 130. Thus the tubular member 230 defines a sleeve into which the bollard 200 may be received or which may be received in the bollard 200, and around which a collar, as described below, may be located. According to other examples, however, the mounting assembly 100 may be assembled without providing the tubular member 230 and directly inserting the bollard 200 into the socket 130.

[42] Figure 6 is a plan view of a connector 140 for coupling together the pair of plates 1 1 0, 120. According to the present example, a plurality of connectors 140 is provided to connect the pair of plates 1 10, 120. That is to say, the connectors 140 are fastened to the first plate 1 10 and to the second 120 and thus join both plates 1 10, 120 together. According to some examples, the connectors 140 extend to the socket 130.

[43] A connector 140 of the plurality of connectors 140 extends in a direction away from the socket 130. Furthermore, the connector 140 extends perpendicular to the axial direction 20 defined by the socket 130. According to the present example, the socket 130 is generally circular, thus defining a radial direction 30, such that the connector 140 is radially aligned with respect to the socket 130.

[44] In other words, the connector 140 is generally elongate and orientated such that the connector 140 extends perpendicular to the axial direction 20. A longitudinal edge of the connector 140, i.e. one of the longest edges of the connector 140, is arranged perpendicular to the axial direction 20. According to the present example, this corresponds to the connector 140 extending in the radial direction 30 defined by the socket 130.

[45] A connector 141 (also referred to as a first connector 141 , below) of the plurality of connectors 140 extends perpendicularly with respect to the first end 102. That is to say, the first connector 141 extends perpendicular to the axial direction 20 and, at the same time, extends lengthwise in the nominal impact direction 10 defined by the mounting assembly 100. [46] A secondary connector 142 of the plurality of connectors 140 extends perpendicular to the axial direction 20, and is provided at an angle between 30 degrees and 60 degrees with respect to the first connector 141 . Preferably the angle is approximately 45 degrees. In other words, the secondary connector 142 extends lengthwise in a direction away from the socket 130, at an angle relative to the first connector 141 .

[47] According to the present example, a first pair of secondary connectors 142 is provided. Each secondary connector 142 is provided at an angle relative to the first connector 141 . Suitably, a secondary connector 142 of the first pair is provided on both sides of the first connector 141 . That is to say, a first secondary connector 142 is provided at an angle between 30 degrees and 60 degrees towards one side of the first connector 141 , and a second secondary connector 142 is provided is also provided at an angle between 30 degrees and 60 degrees towards the other side of the first connector 141 , i.e. between -30 degrees and -60 degrees.

[48] A second pair of secondary connectors 142 is provided. The secondary connectors 142 of the second pair are provided at an angle relative to the first connector 141 . The first pair of secondary connectors 142 is located between the socket 130 and the second end 104 of the mounting assembly 100, whereas the second pair of secondary connectors 142 is located between the socket 130 and the first end 102 of the mounting assembly 100. A connector of the second pair of secondary connectors 142 is provided at an angle of 120 degrees to 150 degrees with respect to the first connector 141 . According to the present example, a first secondary connector 142 of the second pair is provided at an angle between 120 degrees to 150 degrees on one side of the first connector 141 , while a second secondary connector 142 of the second pair is provided at an angle between 120 degrees to 150 degrees on the other side of the first connector 141 , i.e. between -120 degrees and -150 degrees.

[49] According to some examples, a single secondary connector 142 is located between the first end 102 and the socket 130, and a single secondary connector 142 is located between the second end 104 and the socket 130.

[50] A tertiary connector 143 is extends perpendicular to the axial direction 20, and is aligned with the first connector 141 or, correspondingly, aligned in the nominal impact direction 1 0. The tertiary connector 143 is located between first end 102 and the socket 130, whereas the first connector 141 is located between the second end 104 and the socket 130. According to the present example, the first connector 141 , the socket 130 and the tertiary connector 143 span the distance between the first end 102 and the second end 104 of the mounting assembly 1 00. [51 ] A connector 140 of the plurality of connectors 140 comprises a main body 146 and a pair of tabs 148 (or lugs’) projecting from the main body 146. The tabs 148 of the connectors 140 are received into corresponding slots 1 14, 124 of the pair of plates 1 10, 120. When the tabs 148 are received into the slots, the main body 146 abuts against the plate 1 10, 120 into which the tab 148 is received. According to the present example, each connector of the plurality of connector 140 is provided as a generally rectangular plate.

[52] Figures 7 and 8 show a linkage member 150 for joining a pair of plates 1 10, 120 to another pair of plates 1 10, 120 and an example installation. In particular, Figure 7 is a plan view of a linkage member 150, while Figure 8 shows an exemplary installation of three pairs of plates 1 10, 120 mutually joined by respective pairs of linkage members 150. Figure 8 also shows optional decorative sleeves fitted to the bollards 200.

[53] The linkage member 150 is provided to connect the pair of plates 1 1 0, 120 to another pair of plates 1 10, 120. In particular, the linkage member 150 is insertible into the recess 106 between the pair of plates 1 10, 120. According to the present example, the linkage member 150 is provided as a plate which may be slotted into said recess 106.

[54] The linkage member 150 forms a linkage aperture 1 52 by means of which the linkage member 150 is connectable to the pair of plates 1 1 0, 120. That is to say, the linkage aperture 152 is brought into alignment with the pair of linkage apertures 1 15, 125 of the pair of plates 1 10, 120. A suitable fastening member, such as a bolt, may then be received into the aligned linkage apertures 1 1 5, 125, 152 to make a pinned connection. Said pinned connection is articulated such that the relative orientation of the linkage member 150 to the pair of plates 1 1 0, 120 may be adjusted.

[55] According to the present example, there is provided a first linkage member 150 and a second linkage member 151 by means of which the pair of plates 1 10, 120 is connected to another pair of plates 1 10, 120. The first linkage member 150 is located closer to the first end 102 of the mounting assembly 100, while the second linkage member 151 is located closer to the second end 1 04 of the mounting assembly 100.

[56] In particular, the first linkage member 150 is located between the secondary connector 142 and the other secondary connector 142. Suitably, the first linkage member 150 is provided with a tapered (or‘rounded’) end such that the first linkage member 150 allows for a greater range of angles between the first linkage member 150 and the pair of plates 1 10, 120. The second linkage member 151 may be provided suitably shortened or lengthened dependent on the angle between the first linkage member 150 and the pair of plates 1 10, 120. That is to say, the second linkage member 151 may have a length which is different from the length of the first linkage member 150. Alternatively or additionally, the second linkage member 151 may comprise a plurality of linkage apertures to allow connection at a plurality of discrete positions dependent on the angle between the first linkage member 150 and the pair of plates 1 10, 120. [57] A trench 300 in a substrate (i.e. ground) is shown in Figure 8 in which the mounting assembly 1 00 is located. According to the present example, the trench 300 has a depth of 100mm. That is to say, installation of street furniture utilising the mounting assembly 100 is achieved by means of an excavation that is no deeper than 100mm.

[58] With reference to Figure 2, a pair of collars 161 , 162 is provided on the first plate 1 10. A first collar 161 is attached to the first plate 1 10, while a second collar 162 is attached to the first collar 161 .

[59] The collars 1 61 , 162 are configured to extend the socket 130, i.e. to form a cylindrical portion of the socket 130 that extends from the plate 1 10. More particularly, the collars 161 , 162 extend the socket 130 in the axial direction 20 such that the socket 130 is elongated. The first collar 161 extends away from a surface of the first plate 1 1 0 and in a direction away from the second plate 120. In other words, the first collar 161 is attached to an opposite surface of the first plate 1 10 to that which faces the second plate 120. The second collar 162 is attached to the first collar 161 .

[60] The first collar 161 defines a third socket aperture 1 63 and the second collar 162 defines a fourth socket aperture 164. These socket apertures 163, 164 are coaxially and concentrically aligned with first socket aperture 1 12 and the second socket aperture 122 to extend the socket 130 defined thereby. According to the present example, the third socket aperture 163 and the fourth socket aperture 164 are sized and shaped substantially identical to the first socket aperture 1 12 and the second socket aperture 122.

[61 ] The first collar 161 has an outer diameter which is greater than an outer diameter of the second collar 162. That is to say, the first collar 161 and the second collar 162 have a generally annular shape, and the outer diameter of the first annular collar 161 is greater than the outer diameter of the second annular collar 162.

[62] In summary, exemplary embodiments of a mounting assembly for street furniture have been described. The described exemplary embodiments provide for an improved mounting assembly.

[63] An impact against an item of street furniture carried inside the socket may cause a significant force or torque to act on the mounting assembly in a direction perpendicular to the socket. Such force or torque may act to displace the item of street furniture or overturn the item of street furniture. A mounting assembly having a connector extending in a direction away from the socket and perpendicularly to the socket, i.e. perpendicular to the axial direction, may better withstand such force or torque. Thus the thickness of the mounting assembly may be kept low. [64] An impact may be expected occur in a direction at an angle with respect to the nominal impact direction to which the connector is aligned. The secondary connector, which is provided at angle with respect to the nominal impact direction, is orientated to further strengthen the mounting assembly against such an impact. Moreover, the secondary connector may also improve structural strength against an impact occurring in the nominal impact direction.

[65] Providing connectors in front of and behind of the socket, with respect to the impact direction, may further improve the structural strength of the mounting assembly.

An impact may be most likely and may exert the greatest force in the nominal impact direction. According to the present examples, the nominal impact direction is perpendicular to the first end of the mounting assembly. Accordingly, a connector which is perpendicular to the socket and perpendicular to the first end may improve structural strength of the mounting assembly may be further improved.

[66] By providing a large first and second plate, the structural strength may be improved such that the thickness of the base may be kept low. In particular, the plates may have a length of at least 1400mm, i.e. the distance between the first end and the second end of the mounting assembly.

[67] Securing together any one of the connectors and the tubular member, which may in use correspond to the foot of an item of street furniture, may further improve the structural strength of the mounting assembly. Moreover, any one of the connectors or all of the connectors or any combination of connectors may be connected to the tubular member.

[68] A tabbed connection by means of which the connectors are received by the plates may improve the connection between the connectors and the plates, thereby further improving the structural strength of the mounting assembly. Moreover, fabrication of the mounting assembly may be improved.

[69] A connector comprising a main body from which a tab projects such that a shoulder is formed by further improve the structural strength of the mounting assembly and, in particular, improve fabrication of the mounting assembly in that connectors and the plates can be securely assembled prior to, for example, welding these together permanently.

[70] When an item of street furniture is mounted into the base, a foot of the item of street furniture is located within the socket while an exposed part of the item of street furniture is located outside of the socket. Providing the collar extends said socket and, thus, defines a region over which the transition from being located within the socket to being located outside the socket occurs. The collar may therefore structurally strengthen the connection between the base and the item of street furniture and so reduce the risk of structural failure at the socket. [71 ] The pinned connection between the plates and the linkage member provides for a connection which is articulated, thereby enabling a continuous range of angles between the plates and the linkage member. Thus installation of a barrier at a corner or a bend may be improved.

[72] The shape of the linkage member may increase the continuous range of angles at which the linkage member is connectable to the plates.

[73] Additionally, the described exemplary embodiments are convenient to manufacture and straightforward to install.

[74] The mounting assembly may be manufactured industrially. An industrial application of the example embodiments will be clear from the discussion herein.

[75] Although preferred embodiment(s) of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.