The present disclosure relates to post and socket assemblies, more particularly but not exclusively for an item of street furniture; and more particularly but not exclusively to assemblies in which the post is in the form of a bollard used in traffic control or information.

Background

Items of street furniture may include bollards, traffic signs, benches, seats, gates, barriers and lighting fixtures. Street furniture may also be referred to as road furniture.

Bollards are used to control or direct road traffic in many different circumstances. For example, they may be used to block or restrict access to a road, path or other area, to mark the edge of a road, a central reservation, or an island in the road, to provide information, or to separate stream of traffic. Bollards of this kind can sustain and/or inflict significant damage as a result of impacts from vehicles and it is desirable that such damage is reduced so as to save the costs associated with replacement and/or repair.

Bollards and items of street furniture may be secured to or located in the ground using a post and socket assembly. It is known to provide a self-righting bollard which moves on impact with a vehicle relative to as base so that it does not present significant resistance to the movement of the vehicle. In some designs, the bollard is designed to move to a degree that it can pass under the vehicle without damage occurring to either the bollard or the vehicle. After the vehicle has moved over of past the bollard, it preferably reverts to an upright position.

Existing self-righting bollards, and other items of street furniture which may be secured relative to the ground using the same assemblies, can still be prone to damage if they are subjected to repeated collisions. Moreover, there is a risk that a collision at high speed can cause the bollard or item of street furniture to separate from its base. In some designs the base is in the form of a socket located below ground level and into which the bollard or a post is releasably secured. In the event of a collision such bollards and street furniture can distort sufficiently for them to be pulled out of their sockets.

GB1018652.6 describes a post and socket assembly which comprises a tubular bollard, which works perfectly well when cited at the side of a road. However, it suffers from the disadvantage when housing a paddle shaped bollard used typically to portray a traffic sign and most often sited on a traffic island in the middle of the road. Glancing collisions of a vehicle at speed with such bollards is common and can, in some circumstances, act to rotate the bollard relative to the socket such that the bollard becomes disengaged from the socket. Separation of the bollard from the socket produces a safety hazard to traffic which potentially can cause an accident and also leaves a traffic safety hazard unmarked. The replacement of such a product in the middle of the road may require expensive traffic management and so is to be avoided if at all possible.

The bollard and socket assembly in GB1018652.6 incorporates a separate locking member which is received within a channel in an interior wall of the socket so as to prevent relative rotation of the post and socket when the post is rotated relative to socket so as to engage the anchor member with the engagement surface. A lock actuator mechanism is used to retract the locking member from the channel in order to allow relative rotation of the post and socket, so as to allow the post and socket to be disengaged from each other.

Post and socket assemblies are also described in GB1219950.1. The post and socket assembly described of GB1219950.1 relates to a post that is releasably engageable by translation rather than rotation through use of a retention wall which prevents rotation of the post relative to the socket in either direction about the longitudinal axis of the post, when in the second position, this prevents the post from rotating relative to the socket when a vehicle collides with the post. Accordingly, the post is not separated from the socket.

Both GB1219950.1. and GB1018652.6 make use of retention means and locking means that are integrally formed and or located within the bollard/socket itself and whereby the post can be disengaged from the socket (i.e. between a locked and an unlocked position) through use of a key. The key used is generally T-shaped, comprising a handle and an elongate shaft. The elongate shaft is insertable through an aperture in a panel of the retaining member to engage a biasing member (such as a tongue.), allowing the post to be released from the socket.

The post and socket assembly described in GB1219950.1. and GB1018652.6 can reduce the cost and complexity associated with bollards and street furniture compared to previously known designs. The engagement mechanism is however susceptible to vandalism, whereby the post can be disengaged from the socket by an unauthorised person. In addition to the engagement mechanisms being damaged by unauthorised persons, they are also susceptible to be damaged by debris (leaves, dirt, and other items) which may become lodged in the aperture through which the key is to be inserted.

It is one object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate the aforesaid disadvantages. It is also an object of the present invention to provide for an improved or alternative post and socket assembly.

Summary

In accordance with a first aspect, there is provided a post and socket assembly, the post and socket assembly comprising a post having a longitudinal axis; a socket having a bore for receiving at least part of the post, and configured to be secured relative to the ground; a coupling arrangement for releasably coupling the post with the socket to prevent translation of the post along the longitudinal axis; and a locking arm for locking the coupling arrangement. The coupling arrangement comprises a rigid anchor member projecting from one of the post and the socket and a retention means disposed on the other of the post and socket and configured to receive the rigid anchor member. The post and the socket are configured for relative movement between a first position and a second position. In the first position, at least part of the post is located in the bore and the anchor member is received by the retention means to couple the post to the socket, and in the second position, the anchor member is de-coupled from the retention means to allow translation of the post along the longitudinal axis. In the first position, the locking arm is configured for insertion into the socket so as to abut a wall of the bore of the socket and to abut the post, to prevent the relative movement between the post and the socket and prevent de-coupling of the anchor member and retention means.

The term “locking arm” encompasses a generally elongate member which is configured to prevent relative movement of the post and socket. The term “locking arm” may be interchangeably referred to as a “locking wedge” or “locking element”. The terms “locking wedge” and “locking element” are not intended to be construed differently to the term “locking arm” unless stated. The locking arm (wedge) is a member that is entirely removable and replaceable from the assembly.

The term “bore” encompasses an opening or aperture, which is defined by walls of the socket, and is sized to receive at least a portion of the post.

“Securing the socket relative to ground” encompasses securing the socket to a ground surface through fastening means. It is also encompasses locating all or part of the socket in or under the ground. The socket may be secured in or under the ground, by setting the socket in concrete or by using any other suitable retention means.

Advantageously, the locking arm provides a simple means for preventing the release of the coupling arrangement and thus preventing easy unauthorised or accidental removal of the post from the socket after installation. The locking arm is easy to use as it may simply be inserted into the socket with the post to perform its function and then removed to allow the post to be removed from the socket. The locking arm therefore does not require additional bespoke tools to enable internal access to the post and/or the socket to couple or decouple the coupling arrangement. Although, as described in the specific embodiments below, bespoke tools may be used to aid removal of the locking wedge, although these are not essential. The locking arm is a separate element to the post and the socket. This allows the locking arm to be simpler than previously, which required complex locking apparatuses formed of complex shapes.

Advantageously, the locking arm is also easy to manufacture as fewer small or complex parts are required for operation of the arm, since it is arranged to abut the post and the socket in order to prevent the removal of the post from the socket. The locking arm may, for example, be of unitary construction (i.e. the locking wedge consists of a single unitary component). Following, the manufacture and assembly time and cost of the post and socket assembly is also improved, due to the reduction in complex parts (for example biasing tongues located within the socket)

Advantageously, the locking wedge is also durable and less prone to damage or wear and tear, through vandalism, accidental damage, and natural weather events. The locking wedge does not require multiple complex moving parts (e.g. locks, hinges, springs) to operate and therefore is less prone to damage over time.

The socket may be configured to be secured above ground or may be configured for setting into the ground. For example, the socket may be configured to be permanently set into the ground with concrete or similar. The socket may comprise a bore for receiving the post and/or the locking wedge. The bore may be shaped and dimensioned to receive the locking wedge adjacent to the post. The bore may be defined by a wall of the socket.

The post may comprise a first end, which may be interchangeably be referred to as foot portion for insertion into the socket. The foot portion may be shaped, dimensioned, or otherwise configured for insertion into the socket (e.g. into the bore of the socket). The post may comprise means for connecting the foot portion (either directly or indirectly) to the item of street furniture such that the post may support the item of street furniture after insertion into the socket. Alternatively, the post and/or the foot portion may be integral with the item of street furniture.

The term longitudinal axis, is the axis which extends through the length of the post, and runs generally through the centre of the post. Accordingly, the term ‘longitudinal direction’ as used herein is defined relative to the longitudinal axis of the post. In use, the longitudinal direction will be vertical or substantially vertical as the post is inserted into the socket in the ground.

The locking arm (or wedge) may be configured for insertion into the socket in a generally longitudinal direction. The locking arm may be inserted at a location that is generally adjacent to the post.

Advantageously, the locking wedge is inserted adjacent to or alongside the post in the socket and so the locking wedge is readily accessible for insertion or removal when the post is inserted into the socket. In contrast, known post and socket assemblies may have locking arrangements that are only accessible (e.g. via a specialist tool) through a surface of the post or through a wall of the socket.

It will be understood that insertion into the socket in the longitudinal direction may refer to insertion that is substantially, but not entirely, longitudinal. For example, the insertion may be angled relative to the longitudinal direction so as to insert the locking wedge into a recess in the post (i.e. the direction of the insertion of the locking wedge also comprises a transverse component).

The locking arm may comprise a shaft portion for insertion into the bore and a face plate disposed at one end of the shaft portion. The face plate may extend in a plane generally transverse relative to the shaft portion and may be configured to abut an upper surface of a wall. The face plate may be configured to abut an upper surface of a wall of the socket to limit the insertion of the shaft portion into the socket in the longitudinal direction.

The term “face plate” encompasses a generally flat panel or sheet of material.

The face plate is sized such that it cannot be received in the bore when the post is inserted. Advantageously, this prevents over-insertion of the locking wedge and allows the locking wedge to be accessed when the post and the locking wedge are both inserted into the socket.

The face plate may be connected to the shaft portion for example by welding, adhesive, or mechanical fasteners. Alternatively, the face plate may be integral with the shaft portion such that the locking wedge is unitary. For example, the locking wedge may be formed by moulding or by metal bending using a press brake.

The face plate may have a cross sectional area greater than a cross-sectional area of the shaft portion such that a portion of the face plate extends away from the shaft portion to abut the upper surface of the wall. Alternatively, the face plate may have a surface area equal to the cross-sectional area of the shaft portion and additionally comprise a protrusion or flange that is configured to abut the upper surface of the wall. It will be appreciated that the upper surface may be an integral surface of the wall or may instead be provided by an upper surface of an insert that may be inserted into the socket adjacent to the wall.

The locking wedge may comprise a securing arrangement configured to secure the locking wedge to the socket.

Securing means may be provided for securing the locking arm (wedge) to the socket. Securing means may include one or more mechanical fasteners configured for insertion through the face plate and for engagement with threaded apertures or nonthreaded apertures provided in the upper surface of the wall of the socket. The upper surface may be configured to receive the mechanical fasteners. For example, the upper surface may comprise threaded holes for receiving screws through the face plate.

Advantageously, the securing arrangement and securing means prevents accidental or unauthorised removal of the locking wedge from the socket. This, in turn, prevents the post being moved into the second position such that the post could be removed from the socket.

The securing arrangement may be configured to releasably secure the locking wedge to the socket. For example, the securing arrangement may comprise a lock-and-key arrangement or may comprise one or more mechanical fasteners (such as screws, bolts, or pins). Such arrangements can be released when the post (and thus the locking wedge) need to be removed. Alternatively, the securing arrangement may be permanent or unreleasable without causing damage to the securing arrangement. For example, the securing arrangement may comprise adhesive or welding.

In some embodiments, the securing arrangement is disposed on the face plate and is configured to secure the locking wedge to the upper surface of the wall of the socket.

The securing means may be configured to secure the face plate to the socket.

For example, the securing arrangement or means may comprise one or more mechanical fasteners configured for insertion through the face plate and for engagement with the upper surface of the wall of the socket. The upper surface may be configured to receive the mechanical fasteners. For example, the upper surface may comprise threaded holes for receiving screws through the face plate.

Advantageously, providing the securing arrangement on the face plate ensures that the securing arrangement is visible and readily accessible to a user when securing the locking wedge to the socket. In contrast, known securing arrangements may comprise components disposed underneath the face plate or otherwise located within the socket once the locking wedge has been inserted. This makes securing or removal of the locking wedge more difficult because the user is unable to see the securing arrangement. It may also require the use of specialist tools to perform.

The locking wedge may further comprise a removal means to allow the locking wedge to be handled and removed from the socket. The removal means may be disposed on the face plate. The removal means may not require the use of additional tools. For example, the removal means may comprise a handle that can be held by a user to pull the locking wedge from the socket. Alternatively, the removal means may require an additional tool (such as a key, hook, or similar) to remove the locking wedge. Such removal means have the advantage that the locking wedge cannot be removed by unauthorised persons unless they have access to the additional tool.

The relative movement may comprise relative rotation between the first position and the second position.

The relative movement between the first and second position may comprise rotation of the post relative to the socket.

That is, the post and the socket may be configured for relative rotation between the first position and the second position. The relative rotation may be rotation about the longitudinal axis of the post. The relative rotation may comprise rotation in a first direction (e.g. clockwise or anticlockwise) to move from the first position to the second position and vice versa. The relative rotation may comprise rotation in a second direction opposite to the first direction (e.g. anticlockwise or clockwise, respectively) to move from the second position to the first position. The first position and the second position may be separated by a particular angle such as 30°, 45°, 60°, or, preferably, 90°. Other angles are also possible.

The post may comprise at least one side wall, and the at least one side wall may comprise a recessed portion. The recessed portion may be configured to receive at least part of the locking arm (wedge) when in the first configuration.

Put another way, the post may comprise a recess in a peripheral wall of a foot portion of the post, the foot portion being receivable by the socket. The recess may be configured to receive the locking wedge.

Advantageously, the recess receives the locking wedge and the locking wedge abuts the wall of the socket. The engagement between the locking wedge and the recess thereby prevents rotation of the post relative to the socket. This, in turn, prevents the release of the coupling arrangement.

The locking arm may comprise at least one side wall and an end wall. The at least one side wall and the end wall of the locking arm may be configured to abut the recessed portion of the post.

The end wall may be a wall that is most distal from the face plate. The at least one side wall may extend from the end wall, and where a face plate is present towards the face plate. The end wall and at least one side wall, may define a hollow structure, alternatively, the end wall and at least one side wall may define a solid, or a webbed structure.

In some embodiments, the shaft portion of the locking wedge is angled relative to the face plate such that, upon insertion into the socket, the shaft portion extends into the recess of the post and the face plate extends in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the post.

Advantageously, such an arrangement ensures that insertion of the locking wedge into the socket causes the locking wedge to enter the recess, while also ensuring that the face plate sits parallel (e.g. flush) with the upper surface of the socket. This provides aesthetic and safety benefits in that the face plate and the locking wedge do not protrude above the ground when the post and socket assembly is installed. The locking wedge may be angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the post when installed.

Alternatively, the locking wedge may extend perpendicularly from the face plate and may comprise a projection that extends transversely (i.e. substantially parallel to the face plate) such that the projection extends into the recess of the post.

The bore may be shaped to receive a first end of the post and the locking arm. In particular, the bore of the socket may comprise a channel or recessed portion in a wall of the socket for receiving the locking wedge adjacent to the post.

Advantageously, the channel provides a means for the locking wedge to engage with the socket to prevent movement of the locking wedge relative to the socket so as to prevent the relative rotation of the post and the socket.

The relative movement between the first position and the second position may comprise translation of the post relative to the socket. That is to say that when the assembly transitions between the first position and the second position the post undergoes movement which does not require being rotated. Of course, it will be appreciated that the post may undergo rotational movement in addition to the translational movement.

Put another way the relative movement may comprise movement in a transverse direction between the first position and the second position.

That is, the post and the socket may be configured for relative transverse movement between the first position and the second position. The relative movement may comprise transverse movement in a first direction (e.g. forwards, backwards, left, or right relative to the post) to move from the first position to the second position. The relative movement may comprise transverse movement in a second direction opposite to the first direction (e.g. backwards, forwards, right, or left relative to the post, respectively) to move from the second position to the first position.

Advantageously, transverse relative movement facilitates the installation of items of street furniture that comprise a plurality of posts. That is, where the relative movement is rotation, it may be more difficult to install an item of street furniture that has a plurality of posts, because the rotation of one post relative to a respective socket may be inhibited by another of the posts. In contrast, transverse relative movement is not inhibited as all of the posts of a single item of street furniture can move collectively in a single transverse direction.

However, while this is an advantage of transverse relative movement, it will be appreciated that it is still possible to have embodiments with a plurality of posts that installed via relative rotation. For example, such items may be installed by temporarily removing the other posts from the item of street furniture while one of the posts is rotated. Alternatively, the item of street furniture may be connected to the posts after each of the posts has been rotated into the sockets. Alternatively, the sockets may instead be rotated onto the posts (i.e. before the sockets are secured to the ground) such that the sockets are already secured to the item of street furniture before it is secured to the ground.

When in the first position, the locking arm may be configured to be:

(i) at least partially received in the bore at a first location and prevent relative movement between the post and the socket; or

(ii) at least partially received in the bore at a second location, to cause the post and socket assembly to transition from the first position the second position.

The first location, may for example, in a recessed portion of the wall of the bore that is sized to receive the locking arm (wedge). When in the first location, the locking arm (wedge) may prevent any form of relative movement between the post and the socket.

When the locking arm (wedge) is received in a second location, said second location may be a region of the bore that is sized and/or shaped to receive the post when in the first configuration. In use, a user may exert a force on the post using the locking arm (wedge) so as to dislodge the post from the first position, thereby allowing the relative movement between the post and the socket. The locking arm may then be at least partly received in a portion of the bore that is shaped and sized to receive the post in order to facilitate removal of the post. It will be appreciated, that the portion of the locking arm (wedge) that is received at the first location, need not be the same as the portion that is received at the second location; although the same portion of the locking arm (wedge) may be received at both the first and the second location.

An end of the shaft distal from the face plate may be tapered. The tapered end may be configured to engage with the post when provided at the second location. The term “tapered end” encompasses and locking arm (wedge), where by the cross sectional area of the shaft decreases along its length. This may include a constant rate of decreasing in cross-sectional area; or the shaft may comprise a portion with a constant cross-sectional area, and a distal portion where the cross sectional area decreases along the length of the shaft. Providing a shaft with a tapered portion is advantageous because it ensures that the user correctly orientates the shaft before it is received in the bore, due to the bore, in some embodiments having a complementary shape. In addition, providing a shaft a with a tapered portion, aids in dislodging the post when providing the shaft at the second location.

Put another way, the shaft portion of the locking arm (wedge) may comprise a tapered end at an opposing end to the face plate. Insertion of the shaft portion into the socket on a first side of the post may prevent the relative movement between the post and the socket. Insertion of the shaft portion into the socket on a second side of the post, opposite to the first side, may cause the tapered end to engage with the post and the socket to cause relative movement of the post into the second position.

Advantageously, such an arrangement allows the locking wedge to move the post into either the first position or the second position, depending on whether the post is being inserted or removed from the socket. This allows for easier installation and uninstallation of the post.

The insertion on the first side may refer to insertion between the post and the socket on the first side. That is, insertion of the locking wedge on the first side causes the locking wedge to abut a first inner wall of the socket and to abut a first peripheral wall of the post and thus moves the post away from the first inner wall of the socket to move the post into the first position. This prevents the release of the coupling arrangement.

The insertion on the second side may refer to insertion between the post and the socket on the second side. That is, when it is desired to remove the post, the locking wedge is removed from the socket and is then re-inserted on the second side such that the locking wedge abuts a second inner wall of the socket (opposite to the first inner wall) and abuts a second peripheral wall of the post (opposition to the first peripheral wall) and thus moves the post away from the second inner wall of the socket to move the post into the second position. This releases the coupling arrangement.

The tapered end of the locking wedge allows the locking wedge to be more easily inserted on the second side, because the post may be located very close to (e.g. substantially in contact with) the socket on the second side. The most tapered (narrowest) portion of the tapered end is inserted first and, as the locking wedge is pushed down, the locking wedge causes the post to move into the second position.

A first end of the post configured to be received in the bore may be tapered. The shape of the bore may be complementary to the first end of the post. In providing a tapered post and a bore with a complementary profile ensures correct orientation and insertion of the post into the bore. In other words, the tapered bore mitigates against incorrect alignment and hence reduces the likelihood of damage to the post and/or socket during installation, repair and removal.

In some embodiments, a foot portion of the post, the wall of the socket, and a shaft portion of the locking wedge each comprise a polygonal cross-section.

Advantageously, the cross-sections each being polygonal reduces or prevents relative rotation of the post, the socket, and the locking wedge. This ensures a tighter fit between these components and reduces the chance of damage caused by undesired rotation. In addition, a polygonal cross-section is simple to manufacture (e.g. by extrusion, by moulding, or by metal bending using a press brake) compared to, for example, another arrangement that may require additional protrusions or projections to provide an engagement between the post, the socket, and the locking wedge. Such protrusions may introduce complexity to the manufacturing process and/or may introduce weaknesses to the post because they may be more easily snapped off or worn away during use.

The foot portion of the post, the wall, and the shaft portion may each comprise a foursided cross-section, such as a square or rectangular cross-section. The bore may have a profile which is complementary to the profile of the first end of the post and the portion of the locking arm to be received in the bore. That is to say, the bore is sized and shaped to receive a first end of the post and a portion of the locking arm, in particular the shaft of the locking arm. The bore may be sized and shaped such that when assembling, the post has to be inserted first (i.e. moved from the second position to the first position) and then the locking arm can be inserted. Likewise, during disassembly, the locking arm must be removed before the post can be transitioned from the first position to the second position. This is advantageous, as it promotes complete coupling between the post and the socket and mitigates against relative movement between the portion of the post that is received in the bore of the socket, and the socket.

It will be understood that a portion of the bollard (for example, an uppermost portion of the bollard which may include a traffic sign), or street furniture which is not received in the bore, may be able to move relative to the socket when in the first position.

In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of the wall of the socket is substantially equal to a sum of the cross-sectional area of the foot portion of the post and the cross- sectional area of the shaft portion.

Advantageously, such an arrangement of cross-sections ensures strong engagement between the cross-sections without large or noticeable gaps between each component. This in turn reduces the amount of undesirable movement that may occur when the post and locking wedge are inserted into the post. This ensures that relative rotation of the post, the locking wedge, and the socket is not possible. This also ensures that the post is adequately held in the first position because there is little or no space between the post, the socket, and the locking wedge that may otherwise allow the post to be moved slightly out of the first position.

The respective cross-sectional areas of the wall of the socket, the foot portion of the post, and the shaft portion may be substantially constant along the respective lengths of the wall, the foot portion, and the shaft portion. Advantageously, this ensures that there is a larger surface area of contact between each of the socket, the post, and the locking wedge. This, in turn, ensures that a strong engagement between these components remains present even if there is a small amount of relative longitudinal movement between the components. In contrast, arrangements that rely on projections or protrusions to provide the engagement between these components may be prone to the engagement being reduced or removed if a small amount of longitudinal movement occurs between the post and the socket.

The locking arm (wedge) may comprise a metal, including metal alloys. The locking arm, and/or post, and/or bollard may be made from of a suitable resilient material such as, for example, a moulded elastomeric polymer, which is designed to be capable of withstanding the impact of a vehicle colliding with and running over it at a speed of 100 km/h (62mph). The socket and/or locking arm may be manufactured from a rigid thermoplastic. The choice of materials allows the bollard to deform elastically such that it flexes relative to the socket when hit by a vehicle.

Advantageously, the locking wedge comprising metal imparts strength to the locking wedge that prevents the post being knocked or pushed over when installed into the ground. The metal may comprise, for example, steel or titanium.

In some embodiments, the anchor member projects in a direction that is generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the post.

The anchor member may be a rigid anchor member. The anchor member may be integrally formed with the post or socket or may be a separate element. The anchor member may be supported in an aperture in the post which may extend in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the post. The anchor member may, for example, be a hollow bar or tube of circular cross-section.

In some embodiments, the transverse direction of the anchor member is perpendicular to the direction of the relative movement. The transverse direction of the anchor member may be perpendicular to the transverse direction of the relative movement.

The retention means may include guiding means, for guiding the post between the first position and the second position. Advantageously, guiding means ensures that the post is provided in the correct orientation to the bollard can and completes the transition from the second position to the first position during installation. The guiding means may be arranged to act as self-aligning means, such that the anchor member can only pas through/along the guiding means when in the correct orientation. The guiding means may include, for example, a recessed portion or channel.

In some embodiments, the guiding means includes the socket comprising a guide wall extending inwards from a wall of the socket. The guide wall may be arranged to, upon the relative movement of the post and the socket, guide the anchor member towards the retention means.

Advantageously, the guide wall assists a user in moving the post between the first position and the second position. The guide wall may be arranged to constrain the movement of the anchor member in order to guide the anchor member towards the retention means. For example, the guide wall may be arranged to engage the anchor member so as to prevent movement of the anchor member (and thus the post) in the longitudinal direction. The guide wall may comprise a portion that is angled or sloped towards the retaining means such that the anchor member is biased towards the retaining means by gravity.

The guide wall may define a guide channel for receiving the anchor member and arranged to, upon relative movement of the post and the socket, guide the anchor member towards the retention means. For example, the guide channel may be defined by opposing guide walls.

The retention means may comprise a guide wall, and an end of the guide wall may be configured to abut the anchor member when the post and the socket are in the first position to prevent relative movement of the post and the socket in the longitudinal direction.

The term longitudinal direction encompasses the direction that is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the post, when installed in the first position.

In some embodiments, the retention means comprises a portion of the guide wall that is arranged to abut the anchor member when the post and the socket are in the first position to prevent relative movement of the post and the socket in the longitudinal direction. By extension, the retention means may comprise a portion of the guide channel. For example, the guide channel may change direction along its length so as to form the retention means. For example, the guide wall and/or the guide channel may change direction along its length from a substantially longitudinal direction to a substantially transverse direction. The portion of the length in the longitudinal direction allows the anchor member to move longitudinally through the socket. The portion of the length in the transverse direction allows the anchor member to move transversely but prevents the anchor member from moving longitudinally.

According to a second aspect, there is provided an item of street furniture comprising a post and a socket assembly according to the first aspect and any alternatives set out above.

The item of street furniture may comprise at least two sockets and at least two posts.

A portion of the post that is not received in the socket may be flexible to allow it to flex relative to the socket.

The item of street furniture may comprise a post and socket assembly as described herein.

The item of street furniture may comprise any one of: a bollard; a traffic sign; a bench; a seat; a gate; a barrier; or a lighting fixture.

According to another aspect there is provided a post and socket assembly comprises a socket configured to be secured relative to the ground. The post and socket assembly further comprises a post for insertion into the socket in a longitudinal direction and for supporting the item of street furniture. The post and socket assembly further comprises a coupling arrangement for releasably coupling the post with the socket to prevent movement of the post in the longitudinal direction. The post and socket assembly further comprises a locking wedge for locking the coupling arrangement. The coupling arrangement comprises an anchor member projecting from one of the post and the socket. The coupling arrangement further comprises a retention means disposed on the other of the post and socket. The retention means is configured to receive the anchor member. The post and the socket are configured for relative movement between a first position, in which the anchor member is received by the retention means to couple the post to the socket, and a second position, in which the anchor member is free from the retention means to decouple the post from the socket. The locking wedge is configured for insertion into the socket so as to abut a wall of the socket and to abut the post thereby to prevent the relative movement between the post and the socket and prevent release of the coupling arrangement.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a post and socket assembly, said assembly including: a locking element, a locking element housing, and a socket, wherein the locking element housing includes at least one window through which a lock catch may protrude, and a pivot support, wherein the locking element includes a pivot configured to engage with the pivot support of the locking element housing, an arm, and a lock catch located between the pivot and the arm, wherein the socket defines a bore for receiving at least a portion of the locking element housing and includes a recess for receiving the lock catch, and wherein the locking element is configured such that the lock catch protrudes through at least one window to engage with the recess to prevent removal of the locking element housing from the socket.

Such an assembly provides a quick-release assembly that allows for the locking element and locking element housing to be readily inserted into a socket without the use of tools, and also allows the removal of the same from the socket quickly. The assembly also prevents unwanted removal of the locking element and locking element housing from the socket by locating the locking catch between a pivot point and an arm such that if the housing is attempted to be removed from the socket, the locking catch is urged further into the locking position, and the arm may engage with an internal wall of the locking element housing. In existing assemblies, the pivot point is between the lock catch and arm, which thereby prevents further anchoring into the socket when unauthorised removal is attempted. By configuring the lock catch through the window, the locking assembly will automatically lock into the socket upon insertion without the need for tools. It will be appreciated that the locking element and locking element housing may together be considered as a post or may form part of a larger post assembly. For example, the locking element housing may be part of a post or may be configured to be attached to a separate post assembly. One or both of the locking element housing and the socket may have a non-circular cross section. As such, one or both of the locking element housing and the socket may have a polygonal cross section, preferably a four-sided cross section. Of course, it will be appreciated that other polygonal cross-sections are possible as long as they prevent relative rotation of the locking element housing and the corresponding socket. This serves to prevent vandalism caused by use of a bollard to exert rotational force on the post and socket assembly. Furthermore, the cross-section does not have to be regular, nor does the cross-section have to be uniform in shape or dimension.

The locking element may be resiliently connected to the locking element housing via a spring or a resilient element. The resilient element urges the lock catch into a position in which it is engageable with the socket. During insertion, the resilient element is able to deform to allow the lock catch to move to allow insertion into the socket and then move back in order engage with the socket and prevent unwanted removal.

The lock catch may include a lower face configured to deflect the lock catch to allow the locking element housing to be inserted into the socket. For example, the lower face of the lock catch may be sloped or angled such that during insertion into a socket, the lower face interacts with the socket to move the lock catch from an extended position where it protrudes through a window in the locking element housing to a retracted position where it can allow insertion into the socket.

The lock catch may include an upper face configured to urge the lock catch towards the recess to prevent removal of the locking element housing from the socket. For example, the upper face of the lock catch may be sloped or angles such that during attempted removal from a socket, the lock catch engages more tightly with the socket, thereby preventing unauthorised removal.

The locking element housing may include a plate for connecting the housing to an item of street furniture.

The locking element housing may be formed of two or more components. The distal end of the locking element housing may be chamfered. By chamfering a distal end of the locking element housing, it is easier to insert the housing into a socket and the housing will self-centre within the socket.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an item of street furniture including the post and socket assembly according to the third aspect of the present invention. The item of street furniture may include any one of: a bollard; a traffic sign; a bench; a seat; a gate; a barrier; or a lighting fixture.

Any features, characteristics, or advantages discussed in relation to the post and socket assembly therefore apply equivalently to the item of street furniture.

In embodiments, the item of street furniture comprises any one of: a bollard; a traffic sign; a bench; a seat; a gate; a barrier; or a lighting fixture. The item of street furniture may comprise any other known items of street furniture that may be secured to the ground.

Features described in relation to one aspect of the present application may be combined with features described in respect of any other aspect of the present application, except where such combination is mutually exclusive. All such combinations are expressly considered and disclosed herein.

Brief Description of the Figures

Exemplary aspects will now be described with reference to the Figures in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective exploded view of an bollard according to a first aspect;

Figure 2 is a magnified exploded view of a post and socket assembly of the bollard in Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the post and socket assembly of Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of abollard including a post and socket assembly according to a second aspect;

Figure 5 is a perspective exploded view of a post and socket assembly of the bollard in Figure 4; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the post and socket assembly of Figure 5.

Figure 7 is an exploded view of a socket and post assembly according to the third aspect of the present application, and

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly according to the third aspect including a key.

Detailed Description

Figures 1-3 depict an item 1 of street furniture in particular a bollard having a traffic sign, comprising a post and socket assembly 100 according to a first aspect of the present disclosure.

As seen in Figure 1 , the item 1 of street furniture comprises a traffic sign 10 and a post and socket assembly 100. It will be appreciated that other possible items of street furniture may be connected to the post and socket assembly 100, such as a bollard, a bench, a seat, a gate, a barrier, or a lighting fixture.

The post and socket assembly 100 comprises a socket 120 that is configured to be secured relative to the ground and a post 110 for insertion into the socket 120 in a longitudinal direction (i.e. parallel to the longitudinal axis of the post 110, as depicted by dashed line L in Figure 2). The upper part 5 of the post 110 may take any suitable form but in the embodiment depicted the upper part 5 is a substantially hollow body with a lower elongate section having a cross section that is generally circular and an uppermost section that is generally planar.

The post and socket assembly 100 further comprises a coupling arrangement 130 for releasably coupling the post 110 into the socket 120, to prevent movement of the post 110 in the longitudinal direction (i.e. the direction along the longitudinal axis L shown in Figure 2). The post and socket assembly 100 further comprises a locking wedge 140, which may be interchangeably be referred to as a locking arm 140 for locking the coupling arrangement 130. The locking wedge 140 is configured for insertion into a bore 124 of the socket 120 with the post 110 so as to abut a wall 122 of the socket 120 and to abut the post 110, as will be discussed in detail below. The locking wedge 140 thereby prevents relative movement between the post 110 and the socket 120 and prevents release of the coupling arrangement 130.

Figure 2 depicts the post and socket assembly 100, including the coupling arrangement 130 and the locking wedge 140, in greater detail. The post 110 comprises a first lower end, which may also be referred to as a foot portion 114 that is receivable by the socket 120. That is, the foot portion114 may be dimensioned, shaped, and configured for insertion into a bore 124 of the socket, the bore 124 being defined by the wall 122 of the socket 120. The post 110 comprises a recess 112 in a peripheral wall of the foot portion 114 of the post 110. The functionality of the recess 112 will be discussed in greater detail below. The coupling arrangement 130 is configured to releasably couple the post 110 into the socket 120 once the foot portion 114 has been inserted into the bore 124.

The coupling arrangement 130 comprises an anchor member 132 and a retention means 134. In the Figure, the anchor member 132 projects from the post 110 and the retention means 134 is disposed on the socket 120. However, it will be appreciated that the anchor member 132 could instead project from the socket 120 (i.e. radially inwards from the wall 122 into the bore 124) and the retention means 134 could be disposed on the post 110.

The anchor member 132 comprises a hollow bar or tube of circular cross-section. It will be appreciated that the anchor member 132 may have a differently shaped crosssection and/or may be solid rather than hollow. As can be seen more clearly in Figure 3, the anchor member 132 extends from two opposing sides of the post 110. The anchor member 132 may be a single integral tube that extends through the foot portion 114 of the post or the anchor member 132 may comprise two separate tubes, each secured to a respective opposing side of the foot portion 114 of the post 110.

The retention means 134 may comprise any feature that is configured to receive the anchor member 132 and, upon receiving the anchor member 132, prevent the anchor member 132 from moving in a longitudinal direction.

The socket 120 further comprises a guide wall 123 that extends inwards from the wall towards the retention means 134 upon relative movement of the post 110 and the socket 120. The guide wall 123 defines a guide channel 125 for receiving the anchor member 132. The guide channel 125 extends longitudinally along a length of the inner wall of the socket 120. The guide channel 125 is arranged to guide the anchor member 132 towards the retention means 134. It will, however, be appreciated that the guide wall 123 need not define a guide channel 125 in order to serve this function. The post 110 may only be inserted into the bore 124, when the anchor member 132 is aligned with the guide channel 125, this ensures that the post is always inserted in the correct orientation.

Although the anchor member 132 is depicted as projecting from the post 110 and the retention means as being provided in the socket 120, it will be appreciated, that in other embodiments, the anchor member may project from the socket 120 into the bore 124 in a generally radial direction, and the retention means may be provided on the post.

As can be seen from the outer contour of the socket 120, the guide wall 123 and the guide channel 125 change direction along their respective lengths from a substantially longitudinal direction (i.e. parallel to the longitudinal axis L) to a substantially transverse direction (i.e. perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L). Thus, in the depicted example, the retention means 134 is provided by a portion of the guide channel 123 (or a portion of the guide wall 123). In other words, the portion of the guide channel 123 which extends in a transverse direction (or circumferentially around the wall 122 of the socket 120) forms the retention means 134.

The functionality of the coupling arrangement 130 will now be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Prior to coupling, the foot portion 114 of the post 110 is inserted into the bore 124 of the socket 120. The post 110 will be inserted such that the anchor member 132 is oriented in a direction perpendicular to the direction shown in Figure 2 (i.e. with the post 110 rotated by 90° either clockwise or anticlockwise about the longitudinal axis L from the position shown in Figure 2). The anchor member 132 is therefore aligned with the uppermost portion of the guide channel 125 at the opening to the bore 124. The post 110 may then be inserted into the socket 120 such that the anchor member 132 is guided by the guide channel 125 towards the retention means 134. As the post 110 is inserted into the socket 120, the anchor member 132 will reach the portion of the guide channel 125 which changes direction from longitudinal to transverse. At this point, the post 110 is rotated approximately 90° clockwise such that the anchor member 132 moves transversely (or circumferentially) as indicated by the arrow R in Figure 2. At this stage, the post 110 is once again rotationally oriented as shown in Figure 2. The anchor member 132 then comes to rest underneath the retention means 134 (i.e. a portion of the guide wall 123) as shown in Figure 3. The anchor member 132 therefore abuts an end of the guide wall 123, thereby preventing longitudinal movement of the anchor member 132 relative to the retention means 134. In turn, this prevents the longitudinal movement of the post 110 relative to the socket 120, thus preventing the post 110 from being removed from the socket 120.

The post and socket assembly 100 is provided with a locking wedge 140 for locking the coupling arrangement 130 once the post 110 is coupled to the socket 120. As shown in Figure 2, the locking wedge 140 comprises a shaft portion 142 for insertion into the socket 120 and a face plate 144 disposed at one end of the shaft portion 142. The face plate 144 extends in a plane that is substantially transverse relative to the shaft portion 142. The face plate 144 is configured to abut an upper surface 126 of the wall 122 of the socket 120. The upper surface 126 may be provided directly by (e.g. integral with) the wall 122 of the socket 120. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 2, the upper surface 126 may be an upper surface of a separate insert that is received by the socket 120 and functionally serves as a portion of the wall 122. The face plate 142 may limit the insertion of the shaft portion 142 into the socket 120 in the longitudinal direction.

More specifically, the shaft portion 142 is insertable into a channel 128 of the socket 120. The shaft portion 142 is insertable and removeable in a single action by a user. The channel 128 extends in the longitudinal direction and extends into the wall 122 of the socket 120. Alternatively, the socket 120 may not comprise a channel 128 and may instead simply have a bore 124 with a cross-sectional area great enough to accommodate both the post 110 and the locking wedge 140, provided that the locking wedge 140 can abut the wall 122 of the socket 20 to prevent relative rotation between the post 110 and the socket 120. The bore 124 may a shape that is complementary to the profile of the portion of the post 110 that is to be received in the bore 124 and the profile of the shaft 142. As can be seen in Figure 2, the post 110 comprises a recess 112 in a peripheral wall of the foot portion 114 of the post 110. In the depicted example, the post 110 comprises two recesses 112. One of the two recesses 112 is visible in Figure 2 and the other recess is disposed on the opposing side of the post 110. It will be appreciated that only a single recess 112 may be present, or more than two recesses may be present. The advantage of having two recesses, as shown, is that the post 110 may be inserted in two different orientations (separated by a rotation of 180° about the longitudinal axis L), with either orientation allowing a recess 112 to align with the locking wedge 140. The recess 112 is configured to receive the locking wedge 140. That is, the recess 112 may be dimensioned, shaped, and otherwise configured to receive the locking wedge 140. In the depicted example, the recess 112 is substantially rectangular, but other shapes of recess 112 are possible depending on the shape of the shaft portion 142 of the locking wedge 140.

The shaft portion 142 of the locking wedge 140 is angled relative to the face plate 144 such that, upon insertion of the shaft portion 142 into the socket 120, the shaft portion 142 extends into the recess 112 in the peripheral of the foot portion 114 of the post 110. More specifically, the shaft portion 142 extends, in use, generally longitudinally (i.e. parallel to the longitudinal axis L) away from the face plate 144. However, in the depicted example, the shaft portion 142 is not orthogonal to the face plate 144 (i.e. the shaft portion 142 is angled relative to the longitudinal axis L when in use). That is, the shaft portion 142 is angled away from being orthogonal to the face plate 144. In use, the shaft portion 142 thus extends towards the post 110 as the locking wedge 140 is inserted into the socket 110 (e.g. via the channel 128). In other words, a side wall of the shaft 142 and an end wall of the shaft, where the end wall is the wall distal from the face plate 144 and opposes the face plate, abut the recces 112, when the shaft is inserted into the bore 124.

The locking wedge 140 further comprises a securing arrangement 146 configured to secure the locking wedge 140 to the socket 120. In the depicted example, the securing arrangement 146 comprises a bolt that can be progressed through a hole in the face plate 144 and screwed into a threaded aperture in the upper surface 126 of the wall 122 of the socket 120. The bolt may be progressed through a washer before being progressed through the face plate 144. The securing arrangement 146 thus allows the locking wedge 140 to be secured to the socket 120 so that it cannot be readily removed.

In the depicted example, the securing arrangement 146 is disposed on the face plate 144 and is configured to secure the locking wedge 140 to the upper surface 126 of the wall 122 of the socket 120. This is advantageous as it allows ready access to the securing arrangement, because the face plate 144 is positioned at an exposed end of the locking wedge 140. It will be appreciated that the securing arrangement 146 may be located elsewhere (e.g. through the wall 122 of the socket 120). Furthermore, the securing arrangement 144 may take other forms than a bolt, such as an alternative mechanical fastener or other securing arrangement 144 contemplated herein. It will also be appreciated that the securing arrangement 144 is not essential to the locking wedge 140 performing its function of locking the coupling arrangement, but that the securing means, mitigate against easy removal of the locking wedge 140 by an unauthorised person and/or prevent dislodgement of the locking wedge 140, for example if hit by a vehicle.

The functionality of the locking wedge 140 is as follows. After the post 110 has been coupled to the socket 120 using the coupling arrangement 130 as described above, the locking wedge 140 is inserted into the socket 120 adjacent to the post 110 by inserting the shaft portion 142 into the channel 128. As shown in Figures 2 and 3 (which each show the post 110 in the first position), the recess 112 of the post 110 is aligned with the channel 128 of the socket 120. Therefore, insertion of the shaft portion 142 of the locking wedge 140 into the channel 128 causes the shaft portion 142 to enter the recess 112 of the post 110. The securing arrangement 146 may then be used to secure the locking wedge 140 to the socket 120.

In this position, the locking wedge 140 abuts both the wall 122 of the socket 120 (e.g. via the channel 128) and the post 110 (e.g. via the recess 112). Rotation of the post 110 relative to the socket 120 is thus prevented by the presence of the locking wedge 140. Since the post 110 cannot be rotated, the coupling arrangement 130 cannot be released/decoupled because the anchor member 132 cannot be rotated away from the retention means 134. Therefore, the locking wedge 140 locks the coupling arrangement 130 and prevents accidental or unauthorised removal of the post 110 from the socket 120. When the post 110 needs to be removed from the socket 120, the securing arrangement 146 can be released (e.g. by removing the bolt in the present case) and the locking wedge 140 can be removed from the channel 128. To aid in the removal of the locking wedge 140, the locking wedge may comprise a removal means disposed on the face plate 144. The removal means may take the form, for example, of a handle. Alternatively, as depicted in Figures 2 and 3, the removal means may take the form of a keyhole 148a (visible in Figure 2) and a key 148b (visible in Figure 3). The keyhole 148a may comprise an elongate hole in the face plate 144 of the locking wedge 140. The key 148b may comprise any tool with an elongate shaft that can be inserted through the keyhole 148a and a hook or other similar feature for hooking the face plate 144 once the shaft has been inserted through the keyhole 148a. The key 148b may, for example, comprise a T-shaped profile that allows the key 148b to be inserted through the keyhole 148a in one orientation and then rotated about the shaft of the key such that retraction of the key 148b causes the T-shaped profile to engage with the face plate 144 to pull the face plate 144 (and thus the locking wedge 140) upwards. Other means for removing the locking wedge 140 from the socket 120 may also be possible.

Once the locking wedge 140 has been removed from recess 112, the post 110 can once again rotate relative to the socket 120 and so the coupling arrangement 130 can be released and the post 110 can be removed from the socket 120.

Figures 4-6 depict another item 2 of street furniture, specifically a bollard, comprising a post and socket assembly 200 according to a second aspect of the present disclosure. The item 2 of street furniture and the post and socket assembly 200 are largely similar in construction to the item 1 of street furniture and the post and socket assembly 100 described above in relation to Figure 1-3. Like numerals are used to refer to like features between the two aspects. That is, numerals of the form 2XX in the second aspect refer to corresponding features that are enumerated in the form 1XX in the first aspect. For conciseness, description of features that are shared between the two aspects will not be repeated. Instead, the following description of Figures 4-6 will focus on the differences between the two aspects. It will be appreciated that other items of street furniture may utilise the post and socket assemblies described herein. The primary difference between the first aspect and the second aspect lies in the different construction and operation of the coupling arrangement 230 and the locking wedge 240. As can be seen in Figure 4, the item 2 of street furniture also comprises two post and socket assemblies 200, one on each post 210 of the item 2 of street furniture. This is, however, not necessary and the post and socket assembly 200 of the second aspect may instead be used with other items of street furniture that may have more or fewer than two posts. For example, the post and socket assembly 200 may be used on the item 1 of street furniture according to the first aspect. The post and socket assembly 200 is, however, particularly advantageous for items of street furniture with multiple posts, as will be described in detail below.

Figures 5 and 6 depict the post and socket assembly 200, including the coupling arrangement 230 and the locking wedge 240, in greater detail. As in post and socket assembly 100, the coupling arrangement 230 comprises an anchor member 232 and a retention means 234. A portion of the guide wall 223 provides the retention means 234, as seen most clearly in Figure 6.

To couple the post 210 to the socket 220, the post 210 is inserted into the bore 224 of the socket 220 and the guide channel 225 defined by the guide wall 223 receives the anchor member 232 and guides the anchor member 232 towards the retention means 234.

However, unlike in the first aspect, the relative movement between the post 210 and the socket 220 between the first position and the second position is a transverse movement (translational movement), rather than a rotation. Transverse movement is particularly advantageous in items of street furniture that require multiple posts. As can be seen in Figure 4, it would be more challenging to rotate one of the posts 210 relative to one of the sockets 220 because the presence of the other post 210 and socket 220 would inhibit rotation of the item 2 of street furniture as a whole. Posts 210 that are configured to move transversely relative to the sockets 220 are thus advantageous where multiple posts are required because all of the posts can collectively move in the transverse direction to couple/decouple the coupling arrangement 230.

The transverse movement from the second position to the first position is illustrated by arrow T. That is, once the post 210 is inserted into the socket 220, the post 210 is moved in a transverse direction to move the anchor member 132 underneath the retention means 234 (i.e. the portion of the guide wall 223 that has changed from a longitudinal direction to a transverse direction). The anchor member 132 therefore abuts the guide wall 223 (see Figure 6), thereby preventing longitudinal movement of the anchor member 132 relative to the retention means 234. In turn, this prevents the longitudinal movement of the post 210 relative to the socket 220, thus preventing the post 210 from being removed from the socket 220. In the depicted example, the post 210 is moved in a forwards direction relative to the item 2 of street furniture to couple the coupling arrangement 230. However, it will be appreciated that the coupling arrangement 230 could be coupled by relative movement in a different transverse direction (i.e. a direction that is perpendicular relative to the longitudinal axis L of the post 210).

Similarly, to the first aspect, the post and socket assembly 100 is provided with a locking wedge 240 for locking the coupling arrangement 230 once the post 210 is coupled to the socket 220. As in the first aspect, the locking wedge 240 comprises a shaft portion 242 and a face plate 244. The shaft portion 242 of the locking wedge 240 extends substantially orthogonal to the face plate 244. The locking wedge 240 does not require a recess in the post 210. Instead, once the post 210 has been inserted into the socket 220, a gap 227 exists between the post 210 and a first (e.g. rear) inner wall 221a of the socket 220.

As shown in Figure 5, the foot portion 214 of the post 210, the wall 222 of the socket 220 and the shaft portion 242 of the locking wedge 240 each comprise a polygonal (in this case, rectangular) cross-section. In addition, the cross-sectional area of the wall 222 of the socket 220 is substantially equal to the sum of the cross-sectional area of the foot portion 214 of the post 210 and the cross-sectional area of the shaft portion 242 of the locking wedge 240. This ensures that the locking wedge 240 fits within the gap 227 and that, once the locking wedge 240 has been inserted, there is little to no remaining space in the socket 220 that would allow for transverse movement of the post 210 or the locking wedge 240. In other words, the bore 224 has a profile which is complementary to the profile of the portion 214 of the post 210 and the shaft member 242 that is to be received in the bore 224. To lock the coupling arrangement 230, the locking wedge 240 is inserted into the socket 220 via the gap 227 between the post 210 and the first inner wall 221a. The locking. In this position, the locking wedge 140 abuts both the wall 222 of the socket 120 (e.g. via the first inner wall 221a) and the post 210 (e.g. via a first peripheral wall 215a of the post 210). Transverse movement of the post 210 relative to the socket 210 is thus prevented by the presence of the locking wedge 240. Since the post 210 cannot be moved transversely, the coupling arrangement 230 cannot be released/decoupled because the anchor member 232 cannot be moved away from the retention means 234. Therefore, the locking wedge 240 locks the coupling arrangement 230 and prevents accidental or unauthorised removal of the post 210 from the socket 220.

Similarly to the first aspect, the locking wedge 240 can be secured to the socket 210 via a securing arrangement 246. The securing arrangement 246 operates similarly to the securing arrangement 146 of the first aspect.

When the post 210 needs to be removed from the socket 220, the securing arrangement 246 can be released and the locking wedge 240 can be removed from the socket 220. The locking wedge may comprise a removal means in the form of a keyhole 248a (visible in Figure 5) and a key 248b (visible in Figure 6), similar to the first aspect.

Once the locking wedge 240 has been removed from the gap 227, the post 210 can once again move transversely relative to the socket 220 and so the coupling arrangement 230 can be released and the post 210 can be removed from the socket 220.

To assist in the removal of the post 210, the locking wedge 240 comprises a tapered end 245 as shown in Figures 5 and 6. The tapered end 245 is disposed at an opposing end of the locking wedge 240 to the face plate 244 (i.e. at a free end of the shaft portion 242). As already described, insertion of the locking wedge 240 into the socket 220 on a first side 211a (e.g. a rear side) of the post 210 prevents the relative transverse movement between the post 210 and the socket 220 to prevent release of the coupling arrangement 230. This is due to the locking wedge 240 abutting the first inner wall 221a of the socket 220 and abutting the first (e.g. rear) peripheral wall 215a of the post 210. In addition, due to the tapered end 245, insertion of the locking wedge 240 into the socket 220 on a second side 211b (e.g. a front side) of the post 210 causes the tapered end 245 to engage with the post 210 and the socket 220 to cause relative movement of the post 210 into the second position (i.e. to release the coupling arrangement 230). More specifically, the tapered end 245 allows the locking wedge 240 to be inserted into a narrow space between a second (e.g. front) peripheral surface 215b of the post 210 and a second (e.g. front) inner wall 221b of the socket 220. This urges the post 210 away from the inner wall 221b and into the second position. This, in turn, urges the anchor member 232 away from the retention means 234 to release the coupling arrangement 230. The post 210 can then be removed from the socket 220 by pulling the post in a longitudinal direction away from the socket 220 (e.g. upwards).

Figures 7 and 8 depict another embodiment of a post and socket assembly 100. The post 301 includes a locking element 303 contained in a locking element housing 302. In the depiction, the locking element housing 302 is formed of two halves which are fitted together to capture the locking element 303. The locking element 303 is generally elongate. The locking element 303 includes a pivot 304, a lock catch 305, and an arm 306, with the lock catch 305 being located between the pivot 304 and the arm 306. The lock catch includes an upper face 305u and a lower face 305I. A resilient member 307 connects the locking element 303 with the locking element housing 302. The resilient member 307 urges the lock catch 305 through a window 308 provide in a stem 309 of the locking element housing 302. The locking element housing 302 includes a pivot support 310 which engages the pivot 304 of the locking element 303 to allow movement of the locking element 303. It will be appreciated that the location of the pivot 304 and pivot support 310 may be switched. The socket 120 includes a recess 311 which is positioned and sized to receive the lock catch 305. The recess 311 is preferably enclosed to prevent ingress of water and dirt. The post 301 include a distal chamfered section 312 to aid insertion into the socket 120. A plate 314 may be provided which can be attached to an item of street or road furniture, such as a bollard. The plate 314 may be provided with holes suitable for receiving bolts or other suitable attachment means. The locking element housing 302 may include an upper stem 315 which is configured to engage with a bollard (or indeed any other item of street or road furniture). The upper stem 315, preferably has a non-circular cross-section, such as a square cross-section, in order to prevent relative rotation of the upper stem 315 and the bollard (or similar).

In operation, the post and socket assembly 100 can be readily inserted into the socket 120. As the stem 309 is inserted into the socket 120, the lower face 305I of the lock catch 305 is moved inwardly against the action of the resilient member 307. As the locking element housing is inserted further into the bore of the socket 120, upon reaching the recess 311, the resilient member 307 acts to extend the lock catch 305 into the recess 311 , thereby retaining the locking element housing into the socket 120. Removal is prevented since vertical movement of the post causes the lock catch 305 to be deflected further towards the recess 311. In order to release the lock catch, a key 313 may be inserted through a key hole and pushed against the arm 306 of the locking element 303. This distorts the resilient member 307 and allows the lock catch 305 to clear the recess 311 and thereby allow vertical movement out of the socket 120. IN this way, the assembly allows to quick insertion of a bollard (or similar) into a socket and avoids unwanted removal without the use of a tool. Where removal is desired, this can be readily achieved with a key and does not require time-consuming removal of bolts or the like.