Field of the Invention: This invention relates to a structural barrier and a structural barrier system. It is particularly related to a means of stopping pedestrians and vehicular traffic. It is more particularly related to a structural barrier system with resistance to high impact such as from speeding vehicles or explosive blasts.

Background:

There are no other products available in the market that provide the required structural barrier in a similar manner. There are some known products that have parts that are raised or lifted such as rising steps, wedges, rising plate, and rising bollards. However such structures have no structural integrity such that they are at all able to fulfil a structural deterrent.

Some identified problems with these types of products stated above are that rising steps, wedges, rising plate, bollards all are designed to hinder vehicles only by causing inconvenience or appearing to have structural integrity. Such devices are psychological barriers sufficient to control normal good intentioned people. However such devices are not a true barrier to terrorist actions or the like. There is also no pedestrian control or protection.

Generally, known products are low height and are not capable of repelling a high- speed truck, i.e. the average raised height is under 500mm while most truck chassis are 1000-1200mm high and would therefore travel right over such devices. Also such devices are single direction impact only and are more for traffic directional control rather than serious impact or blast protection devices. In particular most known devices are not tested to have any stopping power. Also some of these products are not 100% duty cycle.

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved structural barrier, which overcomes or at least ameliorates the problems of the prior art.

Summary of the Invention:

In accordance with the invention there is provided a structural barrier system comprising: one or more structural barrier panels and a lifting means able to lift the structural barrier panel(s) from a substantially unobtrusive position which allows free flow of traffic to a substantially vertical protruding position which stops traffic; wherein the lifting means is connected to the structural barrier panel(s) for substantial lifting action and is positioned to not hinder the traffic when the structural barrier is in the unobtrusive position.

The lifting means can provide rapid lifting of the order of 4 to 6 seconds for a panel weight of about 4 tonnes.

The structural barrier in the protruding position is preferably substantially within the footprint of the structural barrier in the unobtrusive position.

The rapid lifting action is able to lift the structural barrier from a substantially unobtrusive position which allows free flow of traffic to a substantially vertical protruding position which binders traffic in a period of 3 to 6 seconds.

In accordance with a particular form of the invention there is provided a structural barrier system comprising: one or more structural barrier panels mounted on a pivoting means and having a connected lifting means able to pivot the structural bander panel(s) around the pivoting means from a substantially horizontal position to a substantially vertical position; wherein ihe structural barrier panel(s) in the horizontal position is able to withstand the weight of a motorised vehicle.

The structural barrier can include a resistive element which allows the structural barrier panel(s) in the vertical or protruding position to resist high impact such as from speeding vehicles or explosive blasts.

The structural barrier panel(s) can be a wall structure having at least one substantially planar surface so as to form a continuation of the road surface forming the traffic passageway when the wall panel is in the unobtrusive position. The structural barrier panel(s) can be a reinforced concrete slab. This can be a concrete wall which is 300 millimetres thick with an intricate steel fabric of deformed bar. This is encapsulated by 50MPA fine aggregate concrete.

The wall structure can include one side having a non planar surface and the road surface or road cavity having a structure for receiving the non planar surface of the wall structure. The wall structure and the road surface or road cavity can be at least partially complementary. The obverse surface of the wall structure can be substantially planar. In this form in the obtrusive position the wall panel can provide a surface with effective protrusions or depressions, while in the unobtrusive position a substantially planar surface allows for free flowing traffic of vehicles or pedestrians.

In another form the road structure or road cavity can include a plurality of protrusions and/or depressions which act as a defensive aid. The wall structure on one side can include structure for covering said protrusions or depressions when the wall structure is pivotally moved to overlay the road structure or road cavity. The obverse side of the wall structure again includes a planar surface for allowing free flowing traffic.

In another form of the structural barrier panel(s) a reinforced steel structure can be used such as an array of railway lines spaced or covered to provide a surface for vehicles to pass over. This can be constructed from a series of 300millimetre by 150 millimetre universal beam sections cross welded and overlaid with material and colour to suit site needs. The road cavity can include complementary rail like structure. In this way the structural barrier panel when in the obtrusive upright position provides a grid like vertical wall Also the road cavity provides a grid like horizontal surface which can be a direct restricting means against attacking traffic. The grid sizing can be selected to cause vehicle wheels to be trapped therebetween or to fall therebetween and therefore stop effective power to the attacking vehicle.

The pivoting means can be a hinge pin mounted in and extending along a lower end of the structural barrier to provide a pivoting axis near one lower side of the barrier.

The lifting means can be positioned laterally offset to the structural barrier such that it allows tree traffic flow across the structural barrier when in the horizontal position but is able to remain connected to the structural barrier and as required raise the barrier to a vertical traffic hindering position. The lifting means can be a hydraulic means.

Preferably the lifting means can have either electro mechanical or electro hydraulic operation. This provides fast rapid deployment while safe motion for pedestrians and vehicles and environmentally friendly. Minimal space is required for in-ground versions. Such systems also have high resistance to vertical and horizontal loading.

The resistive element can be formed by the lifting means being hydraulic and providing a resistive pressure. However the resistive element can be a supporting prop mounted rearward of the structural barrier and engaging a back portion to provide a resistance to positive impact from the other side of the structural barrier.

Also in accordance with the invention there is provided a structural barrier system providing a means of hindering traffic including the steps of: providing one or more structural barrier panels able to move from a substantially unobtrusive position which allows free flow of traffic in a traffic passageway to a substantially vertical protruding position which hinders said traffic, the structural barrier ρanel(s) in the protruding position and unobtrusive position being within the footprint of the traffic passageway being controlled; providing a lifting means able to move the structural barrier panel(s) from the substantially unobtrusive position to the substantially vertical protruding position; providing a support footing adjacent a lower portion of the structural barrier when in the protruding position and securely mounted to the ground to provide a structural support to the structural barrier panel(s) and lifting means.

The structural barrier system can include the step of providing a resistive element for allowing the structural barrier panel(s) in the vertical or protruding position to resist high impact such as from speeding vehicles or explosive blasts.

The resistive element can be formed by the lifting means being hydraulic and. providing a resistive pressure. However the resistive element can be a supporting prop mounted rearward of the structural barrier panel(s) and engaging a back portion to provide a resistance to positive impact from the other side of the structural barrier.

The structural barrier system can include the step of providing a cavity in the road forming the traffic passageway wherein the cavity is able to receive the structural barrier panel(s) in the cavity in the unobtrusive or horizontal position. The cavity can closely align to the size of the wall to provide a substantially continuous road surface.

The cavity can be formed below the surrounding road surface so that the structural barrier panel(s) in the unobtrusive or horizontal position is aligned with the road surface.

One end of the structural barrier panel can be pivoted at a position within the cavity near one end. The lifting means can include a knuckle pivot having a frame with a base fixed to the wall panel at a position spaced from the hinge and further including a pivot pin at the top of the frame to allow the end of an hydraulic cylinder to be pivotally attached. The other end of the hydraulic cylinder is attached to a frame mounted to the ground. Therefore the hydraulic cylinder can control the movement of the wall panel from a vertical obtrusive blocking position at which the hydraulic cylinder is retracted to its mmimum length to a horizontal unobtrusive position of the wall panel within the cavity at which position the hydraulic cylinder is at its maximum extension. However due to the arrangement the hydraulic cylinder can remain in a substantially constant linear position parallel to the ground while the pivotally connected frame and wall panel rotate 90°. This provides the benefit that the hydraulic cylinder can also act as a direct resistive element in the obtrusive position. Further the arrangement allows the lifting means to be laterally offset to the wall panel and be located in side pods.

to another form the cavity can be formed by raising the surrounding road surface up to the height of the structural barrier in the unobtrusive or horizontal position so the traffic merely rides over an unobtrusive raised portion in the road.

The structural barrier system can include the step of providing a control system for controlling and or sensing people and traffic in the area. The control system can include sensors and provide warning alarms or signals such as traffic lights. The safety barrier system can be fully monitored via PLC control and adjustable functionality to suit traffic limits and future add on components. Speeds 3 to 6 seconds can be fully adjustable.

In accordance with a particular form of the invention there is provided a structural barrier system comprising a solid concrete or steel approximately 300 millimetre thick structural barrier panel used to obstruct roadways or property access points. The structural barrier panel(s) is about 5 metres wide and can be made available in full height as a serviceable minimum of about 2 metres high up to maximum height of about 2.4 metres. The barrier will block the entire road width and the wall can be provided with concrete infill and special reinforcements that will provide some blast mitigation properties. The barrier weighs approximately 4 tonnes maximum.

Adjoining buttresses arc located at the lateral ends of the wall and the wall is hinged at one lower end into these buttresses by two 100 millimetre drive rams through block hinges. A hydraulic power pack is located in the buttresses along with control logic and safety equipment and raises the structural barrier around the pivoting means from a substantially horizontal position to a substantially vertical position. The open and raise time would be 3 to 6 seconds either direction. The lowering procedure can be automatic or manually overridden. When lowering, there is an audible continuous warning alarm throughout its travel

A concrete version will lay into the road by about 300mm. The exposed pit has a series of fail safe safety sensors fitted, to detect people and or vehicles. Stop/ Go traffic lights can be included standard. Safety beams ensure that the arc of travel is

clear at all times and the road cavity is empty. The road cavity also can have a back up pump arrangement.

There also can be above ground versions of the structural barrier for applications such as suspended slabs or temporary rapid deployment applications. These versions could be set up in such a way you would bolt down the unit and plug in power. All units have 100% duty cycle and offer high, levels of layered safety systems.

In accordance with another form of the invention there is provided a structural barrier system comprising: one or more structural barrier panels mounted on a wheeled means and a position limiting means connected to the one or more structural barrier panels in a pivotal arrangement at a spaced distance from the wheeled end of the one or more structural barrier panels, the structural barrier system further having a connected lifting means able to pivot the structural barrier panel(s) around the pivoting means from a substantially vertical position to a substantially horizontal position and the reverse; wherein the structural barrier panel(s) has a structural integrity such that in the horizontal position is able to withstand the weight of a motorised vehicle to allow free flow of traffic while in the vertical position stops traffic.

The wheeled means are preferably wheels laterally offset at a bottom edge of the structural barrier panels. The wheels can be retained in channels or on rails.

The position limiting means can be a set of opposing linear props pivotally hinged at respective lateral ends of the structural barrier panels at a spaced distance from the wheeled lower end of the one or more stτuctural barrier panels and pivotally mounted on a fixed structure at a spaced position in a plane normal to the main surfaces of the structural barrier panels. In one form the prop is hinged to a lateral end of the structural barrier panels and at the other end to a substantially fixed structure in a plane normal to the lateral ends.

The lifting means can be an hydraulic cylinder coacting with the position limiting means to allow pivotal rotation of the structural barrier panels around the pivotal connection while being supported by the wheeled means that is able to move along its rails or channels.

In one form a framework extends above the ground substantially alongside the prop hinge. A hydraulic cylinder extends from the frame to near the pivotal connection of the position limiting means to the structural barrier panels. By expansion of the hydraulic cylinders the pivot point cannot move laterally and therefore must incur rotational displacement. The wheeled means supporting the structural barrier panels moves back towards the other pivotal connection of the while the hydraulic cylinder controls the laying down of the structural barrier panels on the ground or in ground cavity or within raised structure cavity.

In a further form there is not a requirement for the framework and the hydraulic cylinder engages a lower end of the structural barrier panels near the wheeled means. At maximum expansion of the hydraulic means and due to the length of the position limiting means the bottom of the structural barrier panels coincides with the middle portion of the structural barrier panels to form a vertical wall. By controlling the retraction and thereby length of the hydraulic cylinder while the position limiting means remains constant the bottom of the structural barrier panels does not coincide with the middle portion of the structural barrier panels and therefore rotation occurs around the pivotal connection of the position limiting means attachment to the bottom of the structural barrier panels until the panels lay flat on the ground or in ground cavity or within raised structure cavity.

The structure can be built into the road surface or be a removable structure.

Also in accordance with the invention there is provided a structural barrier system providing a means of hindering traffic including the steps of; providing one or more structural barrier panels mounted on wheeled means; providing a position limiting means pivotally connected at one end to the one or more structural barrier panels;

providing a lifting means able to move the structural barrier panel(s) from the substantially unobtrusive position to the substantially vertical protruding position by coacting with the position limiting means to allow pivotal rotation of the structural barrier panels around the pivotal connection while being supported by the wheeled means that is able to move along rails or channels; wherein the structural barrier panel(s) is able to move from a substantially unobtrusive position which allows free flow of traffic in a traffic passageway to a substantially vertical protruding position which hinders said traffic, the structural barrier panel(s) in the protruding position and unobtrusive position being within the footprint of the traffic passageway being controlled.

Detailed Description:

In order that the invention is more readily understood embodiments will be described by way of illustration with reference to the drawings wherein: Fig 1 is a sectional elevation of a structural barrier system in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention comprising an in-ground rising concrete wall version;

Fig 2 is a front elevation of the structural barrier system of Fig 1;

Fig 3 is a plan overhead view of the structural barrier system of Fig 1 ;

Fig 4 is an artist impression of perspective view of the structural barrier system of Fig 1;

Fig 5 is a sectional elevation of a structural barrier system in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention comprising an in-ground rising steel wall version;

Fig 6 is a front elevation of the structural barrier system of Fig 5; Fig 7 is a plan overhead view of the structural barrier system of Fig 5;

Fig 8 is a sectional elevation of a structural barrier system in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention comprising an above ground rising steel wall version;

Fig 9 is a front elevation of the structural barrier system of Fig 8;

Fig 10 is a plan overhead view of the structural barrier system of Fig 8; Fig 11 is a sectional elevation of a structural barrier system in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention comprising a shallow in-ground rising steel wall version;

Fig 12 is front elevation of the structural barrier system of Fig 11; Fig 13 is apian overhead view of the structural barrier system of Fig 11; Fig 14 is a sectional elevation of a structural barrier system in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the invention comprising an in- ground rising concrete wall version; Fig 15 is front elevation of the structural barrier system of Fig 14;

Fig 16 is a plan overhead view of the structural barrier system of Fig 14; Fig 17 is an artist's impression of perspective view of the structural barrier system of Fig 8 or Fig 14;

Fig 18 is a sectional elevation of a structural barrier system in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the invention comprising an above ground rising steel wall version; Fig 19 is front elevation of the structural barrier system of Fig 18.

Referring to the drawings, particularly Figures 1 to 4, there is shown a first embodiment of the structural barrier system of the invention comprising a rising concrete wall which is built in-ground.

The structural barrier system (10) shown provides a means of hindering traffic by providing a structural barrier panel(s) (12) able to move from a substantially unobtrusive position, which allows free flow of traffic in a traffic passageway (14), to a substantially vertical protruding position, which hinders said traffic. The structural barrier panel(s) (12) in the protruding position and unobtrusive position both being within the footprint of the traffic passageway (14) being controlled. A lifting means includes hydraulic cylinder (16) is able to move the structural barrier panel(s) (12) from the substantially unobtrusive position to the substantially vertical protruding position. A support footing (18) is provided adjacent a lower portion of the structural barrier when in the protruding position and which is securely mounted to the ground to provide a structural support to the structural barrier panel (12) and lifting means (15).

The structural barrier system (10) includes a cavity (20) in the road forming the traffic passageway (14) wherein the cavity (20) is able to receive the structural barrier panel (12) in the cavity (20) in the unobstructive or horizontal position. The cavity closely aligns the size of the wall to provide a substantially continuous road surface. The

cavity is formed below the surrounding road surface so that the structural barrier panel (12) in the unobtrusive or horizontal position is aligned with the road surface.

One end of the structural barrier panel is pivoted (22) at a position within the cavity near one end. The lifting means (15) can include a knuckle (24) pivot having a frame (26) with a base fixed to the wall panel (12) at a position spaced from the hinge and further including a pivot pin (28) at the top of the frame to allow the end of an hydraulic cylinder to be pivotally attached. The other end of the hydraulic cylinder is attached to a frame (30) mounted to the ground. Therefore the hydraulic cylinder can control the movement of the wall panel from a vertical obtrusive blocking position at which the hydraulic cylinder is retracted to its minimum length to a horizontal unobtrusive position of the wall panel within the cavity at which position the hydraulic cylinder is at its maximum extension. However due to the arrangement the hydraulic cylinder can remain in a substantially constant linear position parallel to the ground while the pivotally connected frame and wall panel rotate 90°.

The rising wall consists of a solid concrete or steel, with a 300mm thick panel used to obstruct road ways or property access points. This 5m wide barrier weighing approximately 4 tonnes will be raised and lowered via 100mm hydraulic rams which are housed in adjoining buttresses (32). The wall is hinged at one end into the adjoining buttresses with 100mm solid bar through block hinges (34). The hydraulic power pack is located inside the buttresses along with control logic and safety equipment. The height of the rising wall can be varied according to customer requirements to a maximum of about 2.4 metres.

When activated the rising barrier wall is lifted out of its road cavity, leaving a 300mm drop in the incoming road. The rising wall from rest to full lift is approximately 6 seconds. The lowering procedure may be automatic or manual override, when lowering there is an audible warning continuous throughout its travel. Safety beams ensure that the arc of travel is clear at all times and the road cavity is empty. The road cavity will also have a back up pu

It can be seen that such a structure provides total road obstruction to all vehicles and

pedestrians.

In one form there is a concrete wall which is 300mm thick with an intricate steel fabric web of deformed bar. This is encapsulated by 50MPA fine aggregate concrete. In another form there is a steel wall which is constructed from a series of 300mm x 150mm universal beam sections cross welded and overlaid with material and colour to suit site needs.

Two types of operation use either electro mechanical or electro hydraulic. Fast operations (motion) safe motion for pedestrians and vehicles, environmentally friendly. There is a minimal space requirement for an in ground version. High resistance is provided to vertical and horizontal loading. The operation is by a fully monitored system via PLC control and adjustable functionality to suit traffic limits and future add on components. Speed is 3 to 6 seconds fully adjustable up or down. Position sensing is achieved via proximity sensors.

Such structure is constructed of steel and concrete to be able to resist high impact potential situation and can also have blast mitigation possibilities. The steel is galvanized to provide a full weather resistant structure.

A second embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawings, particularly in Figures 5 to 7, where there is shown a structural barrier system of the invention comprising a rising steel wall which is also constructed in-ground to provide a total road obstruction to all vehicles and pedestrians.

The operation of structure of this system is similar to the first embodiment of Figures 1 to 4. However, in this case, the structure of the wall panels is formed by railway style bars (36) in a "see-through" style gate. Such can be used for potential high impact situations. The steel construction is formed of galvanized steel to be weather resistant. An important aspect of this design is that the cavity includes concrete recesses (38) that are able to receive the bars (36) of the wall panels.

The structural barrier wall panel is a reinforced steel structure formed from an array of

railway lines spaced or covered to provide a surface for vehicles to pass over. This can be constructed from a series of 300 millimetres by 150 millimetres universal I beam sections cross welded and overlaid with material and colour to suit site needs. The road cavity includes complementary rail like structure. In this way the structural barrier panel when in the obtrusive upright position provides a grid like vertical wall. Also the road cavity provides a grid like horizontal surface which can be a direct restricting means against attacking traffic. However when the grid like wall panel interflts with the grid like cavity a substantially continuous planar surface is provided which allows the traffic to freely flow.

Referring to the drawings and particularly Figures 8 to 10, there is shown a third embodiment of the structural barrier system of the invention comprising a full steel jacket (40) which is not transparent. It has a prop gate style for remote location of controls and pumps. Such a system is recommended for medium impact potential situations.

The system comprises structural barrier panels mounted on a wheeled means in the form of wheels (42) laterally offset at a bottom of the structural barrier panels. The wheels are retained in channels (44) or on rails. The system further includes a position limiting means (46) in the form of a set of opposing linear props (48) pivotally hinged at respective lateral ends (50) of the structural barrier panels at a spaced distance from the wheeled lower end (52) of the one or more structural barrier panels and pivotally mounted on a fixed structure (54) at a spaced position in a plane normal to the main surfaces of the structural barrier panels

A triangular buttress framework (56) extends above the ground substantially alongside the prop hinge. An hydraulic cylinder extends from the frame (56) to near the pivotal (58) connection of the position limiting means (46) to the structural barrier panels (12). By expansion of the hydraulic cylinders the pivot point cannot move laterally and therefore must incur rotational displacement. The wheeled means (52) supporting the structural barrier panels moves back towards the other pivotal connection of the while the hydraulic cylinder controls the laying down of the structural barrier panels on the ground or in ground cavity or within raised structure

cavity.

The structural barrier system thereby has a connected lifting means able to pivot the structural barrier panel(s) around the pivoting means from a substantially vertical position to a substantially horizontal position and the reverse. The lifting means can be an hydraulic cylinder coacting with the position limiting means to allow pivotal rotation of the structural barrier panels around the pivotal connection while being supported by the wheeled means that is able to move along its rails or channels.

The structural barrier panel(s) has a structural integrity such that in the horizontal position is able to withstand the weight of a motorised vehicle to allow free flow of traffic while in the vertical position stops traffic.

In Figures 11 to 13, there is shown a fourth embodiment of the structural barrier system (10) of the invention comprising a shallow in-ground version recommended for medium impact situations. It includes a full steel jacket which is not transparent and has a prop style gate for remote location of controls and pumps.

This system operates similarly to the embodiment of Figures 8 to 10 but there is not a requirement for the framework and the hydraulic cylinder (16) engages a lower end of the structural barrier panels (12) near the wheeled means (52). At maximum expansion of the hydraulic means and due to the length of the position limiting means (53) the bottom of the structural barrier panels (12) coincides with the middle portion of the structural barrier panels to form a vertical wall. By controlling the retraction and thereby length of the hydraulic cylinder while the position limiting means (53) remains constant the bottom of the structural barrier panels does not coincide with the middle portion of the structural barrier panels and therefore rotation occurs around the pivotal connection (55) of the position limiting means attachment to the bottom of the structural barrier panels until the panels lay flat on the ground or in ground cavity or within raised structure cavity.

Referring to Figures 14 to 17, there is shown a fifth embodiment of the structural barrier system of the invention comprising a rapid deployment above ground structure recommended for medium impact situations. It is designed to be adaptable to all road widths by being made from modular panel (60) sections fitted to continuous hinge. It

differs from the embodiment of Figures 8 to 10 in that the structural barrier panels are modular and thereby with the lateral operating means a structure of variable widths can be created to suit the requirements of the location.

In Figures 18 and 19 there is shown a sixth embodiment of the structural barrier system of the invention similar to the embodiments of Figures 11 to 13.

It can be seen that the structural barrier of the invention is more than a traffic control device. Rising bollards and rising steps are old technology and are not a satisfactory solution to the new threats. The applicant has rejected these technologies as unsuitable. Unlike other products, the structural barrier system of the invention has been specifically designed and developed for a post September 11, 2001 security environment to meet all threats with a single product. World experience has demonstrated that these threats come from: o Trucks o Cars o Motorbikes o Pushbikes o Pedestrians

In addition, the structural barrier of the invention is advantageous over the prior art because: o It is the only product on the market that meets all threats from pedestrians through to trucks. o Its design is capable of 4-6 second opening and closing speeds. o It is the only product of its type capable of providing operations with full safety for pedestrians and vehicles. o It is the only product of its type that will stop a 7-ton truck travelling at 80 kilometres per hour. o The structural barrier is an economical solution when compared with combinations of devices such as raising bollards/raising steps and indeed conventional gates.

o The structural barrier of the invention may have the satety devices manually overridden for emergency operation. o All structural barriers of the invention come with Uninterruptible Power

Supply systems.

When concrete foundations are used for the structural barrier system of the invention, they provide strength and stabilization qualities against impact.

The structural barrier system of the invention has a series of 8 photo electrical safety beams that are constantly monitored by the on board PLC to constantly monitor and ensure the safe operation of the system at all times. The standard system also has two inductive loops for metal detection and is also constantly monitored via the programmable logic controller (PLC). Built in strobes and piezoelectric sensors also are monitored and operation prior to and upon operation, this giving ample visual and audible warning of operations. AU the built in safety systems are designed and installed as fail safe, so should a devise fail to operate the system will not move, this until the system is rectified and made safe for operation. The on board PLC monitors of all these devices also control all motor drive movements. The system also utilizes proximity sensors to determine the position of the system at all times, these sensors also are monitored via the PLC.

It should be understood that the above description is of preferred embodiments of the invention and is not limiting. Clearly, persons skilled in the art will readily, without any inventiveness, understand variations to the above described invention and such variations are included within the scope of the invention.