FIELD

[01 ] The present disclosure relates in general to means for restricting vehicle access and particularly to a security post for restricting vehicle access.

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. Vehicular access may be restricted, for example, by means of a barricade comprising a foundation frame to which security posts are mounted. The barricade, which may also be known as a vehicle security barrier, is configured to prevent forcible passage by a vehicle to the target area by enforcing stand-off.

[03] Certain examples of security posts are made from metal tubes. Metal tubes may be manufactured using known production processes. Moreover, such production processes may yield high-grade metal tubes exhibiting properties desirable in a security post.

SUMMARY

[04] Conventional tubular members, such as metal tubes, may however lack certain properties that may be desirable in a security post. For example, a metal tube may not be able to withstand an impact and is therefore filled with a filler material, such as a concrete mixture, in order to reinforce the metal tube. That is to say, conventional tubular members may be straightforward to manufacture but may not provide a shape optimised to withstand an impact. It is therefore desirable to provide an alternative security post.

[05] According to the present disclosure there is provided a security post 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] According to an example, there is provided a security post (100) for restricting vehicle access, the security post comprising: an elongate core (1 10) comprising: a head end (1 1 1) and a foot end (1 12), and a main body (1 13) extending from the head end to the foot end, the main body defining an outer perimeter (1 14) of the core; a first tubular member (120) comprising a first tubular wall (123), the first tubular wall defining a first inner perimeter (125) and enclosing a first cavity (126); wherein the core is located in the first cavity and the first tubular member extends part of the way from the foot end of the core to the head end of the core, and wherein an inner perimeter of the first tubular wall substantially corresponds to the outer perimeter of the core. [07] The security post may further comprise a second tubular member (130) comprising a second tubular wall (133), the second tubular wall defining a second inner perimeter (135) and enclosing a second cavity (136); wherein the first tubular member (120) is located in the second cavity and the second tubular member extends part of the way from the foot end (1 12) to a head end (121) of the first tubular member, and wherein the second inner perimeter (135) substantially corresponds to an outer perimeter of the first tubular member (120).

[08] The security post may further comprise a third tubular member (140) comprising a third tubular wall (143), the third tubular wall (143) defining a third inner perimeter (145) and enclosing a third cavity (146); wherein the second tubular member (130) is located in the third cavity and the third tubular member extends part of the way from the foot end (1 12) to a head end (131) of the second tubular member, and wherein the third inner perimeter (135) substantially corresponds to an outer perimeter (124) of the second tubular member (120); and wherein: the head end of the first tubular member 120 extends approximately 75 percent of the way from the foot end to the head end of the core 1 10, the head end of the second tubular member 120 extends approximately 50 percent of the way from the foot end to the head end of the core 1 10, the head end of the third tubular member extends approximately 25 percent of the way from the foot end to the head end of the core 1 10.

[09] The core may be provided as a tubular member.

[10] An empty cavity may extend from the head end of the core to the foot end of the core.

[1 1 ] The core and/or the first tubular member may be manufactured from metal or a metal alloy.

[12] The core and/or the first tubular member may be manufactured from steel.

[13] According to another example, there is provided a mounting assembly for a barricade, the mounting assembly comprising: a security post according as described above, and a foundation frame, wherein the foundation frame forms a socket configured to receive the foot end of the security post.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[14] 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 is a perspective view of an exemplary security post and a foundation frame;

Figure 2 shows a core and two tubular members of the security post of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the foundation frame of Figure 1 and a tubular member of the security post of Figure 1 ; and

Figure 4 shows an exemplary arrangement of a plurality of security posts and a plurality of foundation frames of Figure 1 arranged to form a barricade. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[15] Figure 1 shows a security post 100 according to the present disclosure and foundation frame 200.

[16] The security post 100 is mounted to the foundation frame 200 which, in use, is suitably anchored. For example, the foundation frame 200 may be located in an excavated trench and filled with concrete in order to secure the foundation frame 200.

[17] The security post 100 comprises a head end 101 (or‘first end’) and a foot end 102 (or ‘second end’). The foot end 102 corresponds to a proximal end with respect to the foundation frame 200, in that the foot end 102 is received into the foundation frame 200 and suitably secured thereto. For example, the foot end 102 may be welded to the foundation frame 200. The head end 101 corresponds to a distal end with respect to the foundation frame 200, in that the head end 101 is spaced from the foundation frame 200. In particular, the security post 100 extends from the foundation frame 200 such that the head end is a free end and, in use, may correspond to a top end of the security post 100.

[18] A length of the security post 100 is delimited by the head end 101 and the foot end 102. The length of the security post 100 is greater than a width of the security post 100. In other words, the security post 100 has a generally elongate shape. The security post 100 defines a longitudinal axis 105. According to the present example, the security post 100 is rotationally symmetrical about the longitudinal axis 105.

[19] The width of the security post 100 is different at the head end 101 and the foot end 102. In particular, the foot end 102 is wider than the head end 101 . This provides the security post 100 with a tapered shape where the head end 101 defines a narrow end, and the foot end 102 defines a wide end. Where the security post 100 is rotationally symmetrical, a diameter of the foot end 102 is greater than a diameter of the head end 101 .

[20] The security post 100 comprises a core 1 10 and a plurality of tubular members 120, 130, 140. The core 1 10 defines an inner post around which the tubular members, which are each shorter than the core 1 10, are arranged. In particular, the core 1 10 and the tubular members are arranged in a nested configuration. The core is carried inside a tubular member, and said tubular member is carried inside another tubular member.

[21 ] Figure 2 shows the core 1 10 and two tubular members 120, 130.

[22] The core 1 10 comprises a head end 1 1 1 , a foot end 1 12, and a main body 1 13 extending between the head end 1 1 1 and the foot end 1 12. The distance between the head end 1 1 1 and the foot end 1 12 is greater than the width of the main body 1 13, such that the core 1 10 has a generally elongate shape. [23] The main body 1 13 of the core 1 10 defines an outer perimeter 1 14. According to the present example, the main body 1 13 also defines an inner perimeter 1 15 and encloses a cavity 1 16. The cavity 1 16 extends through the whole core 1 10, i.e. from the head end 1 11 to the foot end 1 12.

[24] The tubular members 120, 130, 140 are hollow cylinders (or‘sleeves’) located around the core 1 10 for reinforcement of the core 1 10. Suitably, a first tubular member 120 is configured to receive the core 1 10, while a second tubular member 130 is configured to receive the first tubular member, and a third tubular member 140 is configured to receive the second tubular member 130.

[25] Each tubular member 120, 130, 140 comprises a head end 121 , 131 , 141 and a foot end 122, 132, 142. Each tubular member also comprises a tubular wall 123, 133, 143 extending between the respective head end and foot end.

[26] The distance between the head end 121 , 131 , 141 and the foot end 122, 132, 142 is greater than a width of the respective tubular member 120, 130, 140, i.e. the tubular members are each elongate. The tubular members extend along the longitudinal axis 105. The first tubular member has a length of approximately 65 to 90 percent of the length of the core, preferably approximately 75 percent of the length of the core 1 10. The second tubular member has a length of approximately 40 to 55 percent of the length of core 1 10, preferably about 50 percent. The third tubular member has a length of approximately 15 to 40 percent of the length of core, preferably approximately 25 percent. According to the present example, the first tubular member has a length of approximately 75 percent of the length of the core 1 10, the second tubular member has a length of approximately 50 percent of the length of the core 1 10, and the third tubular member has a length of approximately 25 percent of the length of the core 1 10. Accordingly, the head end of the first tubular member 120 extends approximately 75 percent of the way from the foot end to the head end of the core 1 10. The head end of the second tubular member 120 extends approximately 50 percent of the way from the foot end to the head end of the core 1 10. The head end of the third tubular member extends approximately 25 percent of the way from the foot end to the head end of the core 1 10.

[27] The tubular wall 123, 133, 143 of each tubular member defines an outer perimeter 124, 134, 145 and an inner perimeter 125, 135, 145. Moreover, each tubular wall encloses a cavity 126, 136, 146.

[28] The core 1 10 is located in the cavity 126 of the first tubular member 120. Moreover, the first tubular member 120 is fitted around the core 1 10. That is to say, the inner perimeter 125 of the first tubular member 120 substantially corresponds to the outer perimeter 1 14 of the core 1 10. [29] Similarly, the first tubular member 120 is located in the cavity 136 of the second tubular member 130, and the inner perimeter 135 of the second tubular member 130 substantially corresponds to the outer perimeter 124 of the first tubular member 120.

[30] Similarly, the second tubular member 130 is located in the cavity 146 of the third tubular member 140, and the inner perimeter 145 of the third tubular member 140 substantially corresponds to the outer perimeter 134 of the second tubular member 140.

[31 ] The core 1 10 and the tubular members 120, 130, 140 are coaxially arranged with respect to the longitudinal axis 105.

[32] The core 1 10 and the tubular members 120, 130, 140 each have a constant width. More particularly, the outer perimeter 1 14, 124, 134, 144 is constant across the entire length of the core and the tubular members, i.e. from head end to foot end. According to the present example, not only the outer perimeter but the whole cross-section of the core and the tubular members is constant.

[33] Figure 3 shows the foundation frame 200 and the third tubular member 140.

[34] The third tubular member 140 is received into a socket 202 of the frame 200. The socket 200 defines an opening substantially corresponding to the outer perimeter 144 of the third tubular member 140.

[35] According to the present example, the third tubular member 140 is welded to the frame 200.

[36] Collars 210, 212 are provided at the socket 202. The collars 210, 212 are annular members located about the third tubular member 140 and configured to reinforce the security post 140 against stresses acting at the interface between the post 100 and the frame 200.

[37] Figure 4 shows an exemplary installation of a plurality of security posts 100 and a plurality of foundation frames 200 to form a barricade. Figure 4 also shows optional sleeves 300 which may be fitted over the posts 100.

[38] The core 1 10 and the tubular members 120, 130, 140 are producible using known manufacturing processes. For example, where the core and the tubular members are made from metal or a metal alloy, known processes for metal/alloy tubing may be utilised in the production.

[39] According to the present example, the core 1 10 and the plurality of tubular members 120, 130, 140 are welded together at the foot 102 of the security post 100 in order to relatively locate these. A structural weld may not be necessary. [40] The first tubular member is arranged to provide the foot end of the core with additional width and strength. Thus, by arranging the first tubular member to be shorter than the core, the security post is provided with a tapered shape. The tapered shape may disguise the security post, i.e. make it more difficult to identify the security post as such, and therefore increase security. Also, the first tubular member may be convenient to manufacture utilising known processes of manufacturing applicable to tubes, thus combining a tapered shape with tube manufacturing. Moreover, as a result of the foot end of the core being reinforced by the first tubular member, the security post may have a rigidity which is smaller at the head end of the core and greater at the foot end of the core. In the event of an impact, the head end of the core may therefore deform to a greater extent than the foot end of the core such that a likelihood of dislocating the security post from its foundation (or‘snapping’) may be reduced. Furthermore, performance of the security post may be comparable or improved compared to known security posts having a cylindrical shape. The comparable or improved performance of the security post is considered surprising, since it may otherwise be expected that a tapered shape results in uneven material distribution which would adversely affect performance. Moreover, less resource material may be needed for manufacture and therefore a more environmentally friendly solution may be provided.

[41] By providing a second tubular wall around the first tubular wall, the tapered shape may be emphasised and the foot end of the core may be increased further, while a section between the foot end and the head end may be provided with an intermediate rigidity that is higher than that of the head end and lower than that of the foot end. Performance of the security post may thus be improved further and stresses experienced by the security post as result of an impact may be reduced. In particular, in a case where a single tubular member is provided, a single interface exists between a section of increased rigidity towards the foot end and a section of lower rigidity towards the head end. Said interface, which is formed at the head end of the first tubular member, may experience large stresses in the event of an impact. By providing a second tubular sleeve, a second interface is formed. The stresses at each interface may therefore be reduced greatly, for example by a factor of approximately half.

[42] The core 110 and three tubular members 120, 130, 140 with lengths of approximately 75 percent, 50 percent and 25 percent of the length of the core may provide a particularly suitable structure for a security post.

[43] The security post according to the present disclosure may be formed entirely from tubular members, providing for improved manufacturing. [44] Whereas the design of a conventional security posts may need to rely on a filler material being carried inside the security post in order to meet desired performance requirements, the security post according to the present disclosure may meet or exceed such performance requirements even where a hollow core is utilised. In particular, the security post according to the present disclosure may be configured to deform in order to absorb an impact, whereas conventional posts may rely on structural strength of rigid material. Moreover, as a result fewer natural resources may be required for manufacturing a security post according to the present disclosure, thus further reducing its environmental footprint.

[45] Known manufacturing processes for metal and metal alloys may produce high-grade tubing suitable for security posts.

[46] Steel may be a particularly preferred material for manufacturing the security post.

[47] According to the example described above, the security post comprises the core and three tubular members. According to other examples, any number of tubular members may be provided with the core. For example, a core and a single tubular member may be provided, a core and two tubular members may be provided.

[48] The exemplary core described above is provided as a tubular member, i.e. a hollow cylinder forming an empty cavity therein. According to other examples, however, the core may be provided as a solid cylinder. For example, the core may comprise a tubular member filled with a suitable filling material, such as concrete, or may be formed as a single solid piece.

[49] The examples described depicted in the Figures show the core and the tubular members provided as right circular cylinders. According to other examples, these are provided as elliptical cylinders, i.e. cylinders with elliptical cross-section, and/or oblique cylinders, i.e. cylinders with at least one slanted end.

[50] In summary, exemplary embodiments of a security post have been described. The described exemplary embodiments provide for an improved security post. Additionally, the described exemplary embodiments are convenient to manufacture and straightforward to use.

[51 ] The security post may be manufactured industrially. An industrial application of the example embodiments will be clear from the discussion herein.

[52] 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.