FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an impact absorbing post for collision protection, more specifically an impact absorbing post with a rotatable base cover. The present invention also relates to a kit for assembling such an impact absorbing post and to a use of the impact absorbing post and/or the kit for collision protection in food processing industry.

BACKGROUND

Impact absorbing posts for collision protection are known and are especially used to reduce the risk of harm to humans or to avoid damage to infrastructure or valuable goods. Such impact posts are for instance used in parking lots, warehouses, or industrial facilities, where you have mixed traffic of vehicles and humans or where you have heavy duty vehicles, such as forklift trucks or lorries, that could cause substantial damage to a building, to infrastructure or stored goods.

US5809733 describes a rotating guard rail assembly. The assembly comprises a vertical stanchion sheathed in plastic and having a rotating jacket assembly mounted about the exterior of the stanchion. The jacket is free to rotate about the stanchion, thereby acting as a cornering or pivoting device to redirect a moving object upon impact of the assembly. The drawback of this assembly is that the base of the assembly is not protected. A forklift truck can hit the base of the assembly without hitting the rotating jacket, damaging the base, and resulting in a loose assembly. A loose assembly is not suited as collision protection. It is possible that the damage to the base is not visible, what results in an even more dangerous situation. An additional disadvantage is that the steel tubing will be plastically deformed when having an impact with high energy. Major deformation will result in a visible cue that the assembly needs to be replaced, however when only a minor invisible deformation occurs, it is possible that the rotating jacket is blocked. The assembly will only be able to withstand a severely reduced impact energy, while it will not be immediately realized that the assembly needs to be replaced. US5809733 also disclose an alternative embodiment of the assembly. In this alternative embodiment, rings are mounted to the stanchion by hubs. The rings can freely rotate about the hubs. The rings replace the rotating jacket. This alternative embodiment has the same drawback that the base of the assembly is not protected. US 2012/301219 relates to an impact-absorbing anchoring assembly for a protective barrier. The anchoring assembly has as disadvantage that the fastener to attach the protective device to the load transfer member is not protected. GB 2 507 979 describes a similar shock absorbing bollard. The bollard comprises a tubular cover that covers an inner core and is rotatable around the inner core. The inner core is connected to a surface by means of bolts. The tubular cover is attached to the inner core by a fixing lug. The bollard has again the disadvantage that the fixing lug is not protected.

The present invention aims to resolve at least some of the problems and disadvantages mentioned above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention and embodiments thereof serve to provide a solution to one or more of above-mentioned disadvantages. To this end, the present invention relates to an impact absorbing post for collision protection according to claim 1.

This impact absorbing post is advantageous because the base member and the connecting members are protected by a rotatable base cover. The base member and connecting members are completely covered by the rotatable base cover and the primary impact member. It is not possible that for instance a forklift truck is hitting the base member or the connecting members without hitting first the rotatable base cover. The rotatable base cover will act as a cornering or pivoting device to redirect the forklift truck upon impact of the base cover. The chance that the base member or the connecting members are damaged is significantly reduced. The impact absorbing post retains its function as collision protection.

Preferred embodiments of the impact absorbing post are shown in any of the claims 2 to 10.

A specific preferred embodiment relates to an invention according to claim 2.

This embodiment is advantageous because an impact with high energy on the base member of the impact absorbing post will be partly deflected by the rotatable base cover and partly absorbed by the base protection that is rigidly attached to the base member. The base protection is placed inside the rotatable base cover, so when the rotatable base cover is hit during a collision with high energy, the rotatable base cover will deform only limited before transferring the remaining energy to the base protection. The base member and the connecting members will not be damaged by the collision with high impact energy.

Another specific preferred embodiment relates to an invention according to claim 14.

This embodiment is beneficial to absorb the impact energy of a frontal collision with the impact absorbing post. During a frontal collision of for instance a forklift truck with the impact absorbing post, the impact absorbing post would not function as a cornering or pivoting device, even when the rotatable base cover would extend along the total length of the primary impact post. The forklift truck will hit the primary impact member above the rotatable base cover. The primary impact member will absorb the impact energy by deforming. Because the primary impact member is a hollow profile made from a polymer, it can absorb a high amount of impact energy by elastic deformation. If the deformation is only elastic deformation, the primary impact member will return to its original shape. The deformation of the primary impact member is minimal near the base member. If the deformation is a plastic deformation, it will be above the rotatable base cover and a visible cue that the impact absorbing post needs to be repaired. Even before reparation of the impact absorbing post, the rotatable base cover will not be blocked, such that in case of limited damage to the primary impact member, the impact absorbing post at least partly retains its function as collision protection.

In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a kit according to claim 15.

This kit is very beneficial to assembly an impact absorbing post with effective protection of the base member and the connecting members of the impact absorbing post.

In a third aspect the present invention relates to a use according to claim 16.

The use as described herein provides an advantageous effect that a hygienic collision protection can be provided in food processing industry, because connecting members and for instance bolts attaching the base member to a surface are covered by the rotatable base cover. Connecting members and bolts are protruding from the impact absorbing post or are installed in recesses whereon or wherein dirt collects. The rotatable base cover avoids that dirt can collect on these elements and results in more hygienic conditions in sensitive environments such as the food processing industry.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

Figure 1 shows an exploded view of an impact absorbing post.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an impact absorbing post according to an embodiment of the present invention, similar to the impact absorbing post of Figure 1.

Figure 3A shows a front view of an impact absorbing post, similar to the impact absorbing post of Figure 1.

Figure 3B shows a side view of the impact absorbing post of Figure 3A.

Figure 3C shows a top view of the impact absorbing post of Figure 3A.

Figure 4 shows a sectional perspective view of an impact absorbing post, similar to the impact absorbing post of Figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in disclosing the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. By means of further guidance, term definitions are included to better appreciate the teaching of the present invention.

As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings:

"A", "an", and "the" as used herein refers to both singular and plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. By way of example, "a compartment" refers to one or more than one compartment.

"Comprise", "comprising", and "comprises" and "comprised of" as used herein are synonymous with "include", "including", "includes" or "contain", "containing", "contains" and are inclusive or open-ended terms that specifies the presence of what follows e.g. component and do not exclude or preclude the presence of additional, non-recited components, features, element, members, steps, known in the art or disclosed therein.

Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order, unless specified. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.

The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers and fractions subsumed within that range, as well as the recited endpoints.

Whereas the terms "one or more" or "at least one", such as one or more or at least one member(s) of a group of members, is clear per se, by means of further exemplification, the term encompasses inter alia a reference to any one of said members, or to any two or more of said members, such as, e.g., any >3, >4, >5, >6 or >7 etc. of said members, and up to all said members.

Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to a person skilled in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments. Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

In the context of this document, extending substantially perpendicular to a plane, for instance a surface or a plate, means that the angle between a direction wherein something extends to the plane and the plane is 90° ± 15°, preferably 90° ± 10°, more preferably 90° ± 5° and even more preferably 90° ± 3°. In the context of this document, substantially parallel means that two directions make an angle of at most 15°, preferably at most 10°, more preferably at most 5° and even more preferably at most 3°.

In the context of this document, a static friction coefficient is determined according to ASTM G0219-18 (2018).

In the context of this document, a shore A hardness is defined according to ASTM D2240-15 (2021).

In a first aspect, the invention relates to an impact absorbing post for collision protection.

In a preferred embodiment the impact absorbing post comprises a base member for mounting the impact absorbing post on a surface, a primary impact member for absorbing an impact of a collision, connecting members for connecting the primary impact member to the base member and a rotatable base cover.

The base member comprises a bottom plate and a hollow connection profile for connecting the primary impact member to the base member using the connecting members. The base member is preferably made of metal, more preferably steel. The bottom plate is intended to be placed with one side on the surface. The surface is for instance a concrete floor of a warehouse or an asphalt surface of a parking lot. The bottom plate comprises holes for attaching the base member to the surface by using bolts, screws, anchors, or other suitable means. The bottom plate comprises at least four holes, preferably at least five holes and more preferably at least six holes. The holes are preferably equally distributed around the centre of the bottom plate. Optionally, the bottom plate comprises an extra hole in the center to avoid plastic deformation of the bottom plate during impact. The connection profile is rigidly fixed to the bottom plate. Preferably the connection profile is welded to the bottom plate. The connection profile extends along a longitudinal direction. The connection profile extends substantially perpendicular to the bottom plate. This means that the longitudinal direction of the connection profile is substantially perpendicular to the bottom plate and when installed on a surface substantially perpendicular to the surface. The connection profile is a hollow profile.

The primary impact member extends in a longitudinal direction. The primary impact member extends substantially perpendicular to the bottom plate. This means that the longitudinal direction of the connection profile and the longitudinal direction of the primary impact member are substantially parallel. The primary impact member is a hollow or a massive profile. The primary impact member is made of metal, plastic, concrete, or another suitable material. The primary impact member has along the longitudinal direction two opposite ends. The primary impact member has at least at the end connected to the base member a circular circumference. More preferably, the primary impact member is substantially a body of revolution, even more preferably a body of revolution. Substantially a body of revolution means that the basic shape of the primary impact member is a body of revolution but could comprise local protrusions or recesses.

The connection profile is placed inside the primary impact member. Consequently, the connection profile cannot be impacted directly during a collision. The connection profile is protected by the primary impact member against collision. In this case the primary impact member is a hollow profile or a massive profile having a recess for receiving the connection profile. Alternatively, the primary impact member is placed inside the connection profile.

The primary impact member is connected to the connection profile by use of the connecting members. Non-limiting examples of connecting members are screws, bolts, bolts and nuts, rivets, wedges, ...

The rotatable base cover is installed around the primary impact member and around the base member. The rotatable base cover is installed at an end of the primary impact member that is connected to the base member.

The base member and the connecting members are covered by the rotatable base cover and the primary impact member. The base member and the connecting members are covered by the primary impact member and the rotatable base cover seen in the longitudinal direction of the primary impact member, when looking towards the surface on which the impact absorbing post is placed. When the primary impact member is placed inside the hollow connection profile, the base member and the connecting members are covered by the rotatable base cover seen in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the primary impact member. When the connection profile is placed inside the primary impact member, the base member and the connecting members are covered by the rotatable base cover alone or by the rotatable base cover and the primary impact member, seen in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the primary impact member. The rotatable base cover is rotatable around the primary impact member and the base member. This means that the rotatable base cover is rotatable around an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of the primary impact member and the longitudinal direction of the hollow connection profile. Said axis is preferably positioned centrally on the bottom plate and centrally withing the primary impact member.

Preferably, the rotatable base cover is substantially a body of revolution, even more preferably a body of revolution. Substantially a body of revolution means that the basic shape of the rotatable base cover is a body of revolution but could comprise local protrusions or recesses.

The rotatable base cover abuts against the circular circumference of the primary impact member at the end connected to the base member. The rotatable base cover abuts against said circular circumference with a gap of at most 3 mm, preferably at most 2 mm, more preferably at most 1 mm and even more preferably at most 0.5 mm. This is beneficial for maximum coverage of the base member and the connecting members. This is additional advantageous for guiding the rotatable base cover while rotating around the primary impact member.

Both the rotatable base cover and the primary impact members being bodies of revolution is advantageous because the rotatable base cover can be installed after attaching the base member to the surface and connecting the primary impact member to the base member by simply sliding the rotatable base cover over the primary impact member.

An impact absorbing post according to this embodiment is advantageous because the base member and the connecting members are protected by the rotatable base cover. The rotatable base cover completely covers the base member and connecting members. It is not possible that for instance a forklift truck is hitting the base member or the connecting members without hitting first the rotatable base cover. The rotatable base cover will act as a cornering or pivoting device to redirect the forklift truck upon impact of the base cover. A part of the impact energy will be translated to rotation energy, reducing the amount of impact energy transferred to the base member and the connecting members. The chance that the base member or the connecting members are damaged is significantly reduced. The impact absorbing post retains its function as collision protection after the base member is hit by a vehicle.

In a preferred embodiment the impact absorbing post comprises a base protection. The base protection is rigidly attached to the base member. Preferably the base protection is detachably attached. This is beneficial because it allows to replace the base protection in case of damage after a collision. Preferably the base protection is attached to the base member by the means for attaching the base member to the surface. This is advantageous because no additional means are required to attach the base protection to the base member.

The base protection is made from a compressible material. A first example is a high- density foam with a density of at least 80 kg/m ³ , preferably at least 85 kg/m ³ , more preferably at least 90 kg/m ³ , even more preferably at least 95 kg/m ³ and most preferably at least 100 kg/m ³ . A non-limitative example of a suitable material for a high-density foam is ethylene-vinyl-acetate (EVA). A second example is rubber, more preferably synthetic rubber. Non-limitative examples of suitable materials for synthetic rubbers are styrene-butadiene rubbers (SBR) and styrene-ethylene- butylene-styrene (SEBS). Preferably the rubber material has a shore A hardness of at least 60, more preferably at least 70, even more preferably at least 80 and most preferable at least 85. A third example is a polypropylene material. Preferably the polypropylene material comprises an impact modifier. The polypropylene material has preferably a shore A hardness of at least 60, more preferably at least 70.

The base protection covers the connecting members. The base protection is placed inside the rotatable base cover.

This embodiment is advantageous because an impact with high energy on the base member of the impact absorbing post will be partly deflected and converted to rotation energy by the rotatable base cover, and partly absorbed by the base protection that is rigidly attached to the base member. The base protection is placed inside the rotatable base cover, so when the rotatable base cover is hit during a collision with high energy, the rotatable base cover will deform only limited before transferring the remaining energy to the base protection. The base protection will absorb the energy by being compressed. The base member and the connecting members will not be damaged by the collision with high impact energy. In a preferred embodiment the base protection is made of a first material and the rotatable base cover is made of a second material, wherein a static friction coefficient between the first material and the second material is at most 1.0, preferably at most 0.85, more preferably at most 0.80, even more preferably at most 0.75 and most preferably at most 0.70. This embodiment is advantageous when the impact absorbing post comprises a base protection as previously described to avoid that the rotatable base cover does not rotate when a vehicle collides with the impact absorbing post near the base member. Depending on the impact energy, the rotatable base cover will deform sufficiently to touch the base protection. The higher said friction coefficient, the less the rotatable base cover can rotate and the more of the impact energy needs to be absorbed by the base protection.

In a preferred embodiment the rotatable base cover is made of a second material, wherein a static friction coefficient between the second material and rubber is at least 0.65. The rubber is for instance SBR with a shore A hardness of 60. This embodiment is beneficial when a tire of a vehicle hits the rotatable base cover. There will be sufficient friction between the tire and the rotatable base cover to guarantee that the rotatable base cover will rotate.

In a preferred embodiment the base protection is made of a first material and the rotatable base cover is made of a second material, wherein a static friction coefficient between the first material and the second material is lower than a static friction coefficient between the second material and rubber. The rubber is for instance SBR with a shore A hardness of 60. This embodiment is beneficial to guarantee that when a tire of a vehicle hits the rotatable base cover the rotatable base cover will rotate, because there will be more friction between the tire and the rotatable base cover than between the rotatable base cover and the base protection.

In a preferred embodiment, a distance between the rotatable base cover and the base protection is at least 0.3 mm and at most 5 mm, measured in a direction substantially parallel to the bottom plate of the base member.

Said distance is preferably at least 0.4 mm, more preferably at least 0.5 mm, even more preferably at least 0.6 mm and most preferably at least 0.7 mm.

Said distance is preferably at most 4.5 mm, more preferably at most 4 mm, even more preferably at most 3.5 mm and most preferably at most 3 mm. This embodiment is advantageous because initially the rotatable base cover will not touch the base protection, resulting in that the rotatable base cover will easily start rotating when for instance a forklift truck is hitting the rotatable base cover. A distance of at most 5 mm is advantageous when having an impact with high energy, because the rotatable base cover will not deform a lot before it will touch the base protection and before impact energy is transferred from the rotatable base cover to the base protection. This reduces the chance that the rotatable base cover will break on impact, which would result in loss of function of the rotatable base cover. It also avoids that the rotatable base cover needs to be made very strong.

In a preferred embodiment, the rotatable base cover comprises a flange. The rotatable base cover rests with the flange on the base protection. Preferably the flange is positioned at an end of the rotatable base cover the furthest away from the bottom plate, seen along the longitudinal direction of the connection profile of the base member. This embodiment is advantageous for obtaining a simple construction of the impact absorbing post. The rotatable base cover can be simply placed over the primary impact member and slid down until the flange rests on the base protection. The rotatable base cover will be hold in place due to gravity. No bearings or rings are required to keep the rotatable base cover in place. This embodiment is especially advantageous when the rotatable base cover abuts against the circular circumference of the primary impact member at the end connected to the base member with a gap of at most 3 mm and when the distance between the rotatable base cover and the base protection is at least 0.3 mm and at most 5 mm, as described in previous embodiments. This is advantageous because the friction when rotating is in a first instance mainly limited to the small contact surface between the flange and the base protection.

In a preferred embodiment, the rotatable base cover comprises a first end near the base member and an opposite second end. The rotatable base cover comprises at the second end a slanted outer side wall. The slanted outer side wall forms a truncated cone. This embodiment is advantageous to avoid that on impact on the rotatable base cover, the rotatable base cover would be pushed up, leaving the base member unprotected. Due to the slanted outer side wall, a part of the forces on impact will be directed downwards, holding the rotatable base cover in its position.

In a further embodiment, the truncated cone has an apex angle of at least 40° and at most 65°. The apex angle is preferably at least 43°, more preferably at least 45°, even more preferably at least 47° and most preferably at least 49°.

The apex angle is preferably at most 63°, more preferably at most 61°, even more preferably at most 59° and most preferably at most 57°.

An apex angle in the range of 40° to 65° is advantageous for holding the rotatable base cover low to protect the base member, while still having not that much force downwards on impact that the rotatable base cover would be pushed against the surface on which the impact absorbing post is mounted. This would result in an additional friction between the rotatable base cover and the surface, which would hinder the rotation of the rotatable base cover. Also, the more force downwards, the less of the force on impact is used to rotate the rotatable base cover, resulting in less of the energy on impact that is transformed in rotational energy and more energy that needs to be absorbed by the rotatable base cover and other elements of the impact absorbing post.

In a preferred embodiment, the rotatable base cover is made of a second material, wherein a static friction coefficient between the second material and steel is at least 0.25. This embodiment is beneficial when a bodywork of a vehicle hits the rotatable base cover to have at least a minimum of friction to rotate the rotatable base cover around the base member and the primary impact member. Preferably the static friction coefficient is not higher than 0.40 in case the rotatable base cover is in contact with the primary impact member made of steel to avoid that the rotatable base cover does not rotate when a vehicle's bodywork collides with the impact absorbing post near the base member. This embodiment is especially advantageous when the impact absorbing post does not comprise base protection, because the rotatable base cover will almost exclusively rub the surface of the first impact member while rotating.

In a preferred embodiment the rotatable base cover is made of a second material and the primary impact member is made of a third material, wherein a static friction coefficient between the second material and the third material is at most 0.40, preferably at most 0.38, more preferably at most 0.36, even more preferably at most 0.34 and most preferably at most 0.32. This embodiment is advantageous when the impact absorbing post comprises a base protection as previously described to avoid that the rotatable base cover does not rotate when a vehicle collides with the impact absorbing post near the base member. Depending on the impact energy, the rotatable base cover will deform sufficiently to touch the primary impact member. The higher said friction coefficient, the less the rotatable base cover can rotate and the more of the impact energy needs to be absorbed by the primary impact member. This embodiment is especially advantageous when the impact absorbing post does not comprise base protection, because the rotatable base cover will almost exclusively rub the surface of the first impact member while rotating.

In a preferred embodiment, the rotatable base cover comprises two diametrically opposite protrusions. The protrusions have at least a part that is substantially parallel to the bottom plate of the base member. The protrusions are advantageous for removing the rotatable base cover from the impact absorbing post. The protrusions serve as handles to hold the rotatable base cover while sliding the rotatable base cover over the primary impact member.

In a preferred embodiment, the rotatable base cover comprises a recess. The recess comprises means for detachably holding a label. Non-limiting examples of said means are magnets, a click system, screw holes or other suited means. The rotatable base cover preferably comprises a label detachably placed in said recess. The label indicates an impact energy the impact absorbing post can withstand. When the impact energy is higher than the impact energy indicated on the label, it cannot be guaranteed that the impact absorbing post will withstand the collision. The impact energy can be indicated with a symbol, a colour, a number, or a combination of two or more of the previous. This embodiment is advantageous to check if the installed impact absorbing posts are suited for the intended application. A detachable label is beneficial because the impact energy an impact absorbing post can withstand can be increased by adding elements, such as the lower described secondary impact members.

In an alternative embodiment, the base protection as described in a previous embodiment, comprises a recess, comprising means for detachably holding a label. This alternative embodiment has the same advantages as mentioned in the previous embodiment. This alternative embodiment has the disadvantage compared to the previous embodiment that the rotatable base cover needs to be raised to see the label. It is clear that the previous embodiment and this alternative embodiment can be combined.

In a preferred embodiment the primary impact member is a hollow profile made from a polymer, preferably a polyolefin, such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and polybutylene (PB), and more preferably polypropylene (PP). A hollow profile made from a polymer is advantageous to deform elastically to absorb the energy of the impact. This results in an impact absorbing post that can withstand collisions with high impact energy. At least 50% of a total length of the primary impact member is extending above the rotatable base cover. The total length is measured in a direction perpendicular to the bottom plate of the base member.

This embodiment is beneficial to absorb the impact energy of a frontal collision with the impact absorbing post. During a frontal collision of for instance a forklift truck with the impact absorbing post, the impact absorbing post would not function as a cornering or pivoting device, even when the rotatable base cover would extend along the total length of the primary impact post. The forklift truck will hit the primary impact member above the rotatable base cover. The primary impact member will absorb the impact energy by deforming. Because the primary impact member is a hollow profile made from a polymer, it can absorb a high amount of impact energy by elastic deformation. If the deformation is only elastic deformation, the primary impact member will return to its original shape. The deformation of the primary impact member is minimal near the base member. If the deformation is a plastic deformation, the plastic deformation will be above the rotatable base cover and a visible cue that the impact absorbing post needs to be repaired. Even before reparation of the impact absorbing post, the rotatable base cover will not be blocked, such that in case of limited damage to the primary impact member, the impact absorbing post at least partly retains its function as collision protection.

In a further embodiment, the impact absorbing post comprises at least one secondary impact member. The at least one secondary impact member is a hollow profile made from a polymer, preferably a polyolefin, such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and polybutylene (PB), and more preferably polypropylene (PP). The material may be different from or the same as the material from which the primary impact member is made. Preferably the material is the same as the material from which the primary impact member is made. This is beneficial when recycling the impact absorbing post. The at least one outer impact member extends in a longitudinal direction. The at least one secondary impact member extends substantially perpendicular to the bottom plate. This means that the longitudinal direction of the connection profile, the longitudinal direction of the primary impact member and the longitudinal direction of the at least one secondary impact member are substantially parallel. The at least one secondary impact member is placed inside the primary impact member. When having multiple secondary impact members, the secondary impact members are placed concentric in each other. The at least one secondary impact member is attached with the connecting members to the base member. The at least one secondary impact member is only connected to the primary impact member by the connecting members connecting the primary impact member and the at least one secondary impact member to the base member. Every secondary impact member is slidable relative to an adjacent secondary impact member and the primary impact member is slidable relative to an adjacent secondary impact member.

This embodiment is especially advantageous when having a very high impact energy of for instance more than 10 kJ. For such an impact, it is necessary to have an impact absorbing post that is strong but can still deform elastically to absorb the energy of the impact. Simply strengthening the primary object member would reduce the possibility to deform elastically and the ability to absorb the impact energy, increasing the risk on damage to the primary impact member and failure of the impact absorbing post. The at least one secondary impact member is beneficial because the primary impact member can still deform elastically easily and absorb energy due to the fact that the primary impact member and the secondary impact member are only connected by the connecting members in the base member and because the primary impact member and the at least one secondary impact member are slidable relative to each other, but it will not break because it is quickly supported by the at least one secondary impact member.

In an embodiment the connecting members are at least two bolts and nuts. The bolts are traversing from a first side of the impact absorbing post through the impact absorbing post to a second opposing side of the impact absorbing post. A first bolt is substantially perpendicular to a second bolt. This embodiment is beneficial because the bolts are not only connecting the primary impact member, but if present also the at least one secondary impact member. Two substantially perpendicular bolts are advantageous to have a balanced distribution of the energy of the impact over the connecting members, independent of a direction wherefrom an impact originates. The bolts have at least a size M8, preferably at least MIO and even more preferably at least M12. A bigger size is advantageous to avoid that the primary impact member tears around the bolt on impact.

In an embodiment the rotatable base cover abuts the bottom plate of the base member partly. Seen in the longitudinal direction of the connection profile, there is a gap of at least 1 mm between a bottom side of the bottom plate and a bottom side of the rotatable base cover. Preferably the gap is at least 1.5 mm, more preferably at least 2 mm. This embodiment is advantageous to also protect the bottom plate of the base member, while avoiding that rotation of the rotatable base cover is hindered by friction between the rotatable base cover and the surface on which the impact absorbing post is installed.

In a second aspect, the invention relates to a kit for assembling an impact absorbing post for collision protection.

In a preferred embodiment the kit comprises a base member for mounting the impact absorbing post on a surface, a primary impact member for absorbing an impact of a collision and connecting members for connecting the primary impact member to the base member.

The base member comprises a bottom plate and a hollow connection profile for connecting the primary impact member to the base member using the connecting members. The base member is preferably made of metal, more preferably steel. The bottom plate is intended to be placed with one side on the surface. The bottom plate comprises holes for attaching the base member to the surface by using bolts, screws, anchors or other suitable means. The bottom plate comprises at least four holes, preferably at least five holes and more preferably at least six holes. The holes are preferably equally distributed around the centre of the bottom plate. Optionally, the bottom plate comprises an extra hole in the center to avoid plastic deformation of the bottom plate during impact. The connection profile is rigidly fixed to the bottom plate. Preferably the connection profile is welded to the bottom plate. The connection profile extends along a longitudinal direction. The connection profile extends substantially perpendicular to the bottom plate. The connection profile is a hollow profile.

The primary impact member extends in a longitudinal direction. When assembled, the primary impact member extends substantially perpendicular to the bottom plate. This means that the longitudinal direction of the connection profile and the longitudinal direction of the primary impact member are substantially parallel. The primary impact member is a hollow or a massive profile. The primary impact member is made of metal, plastic, concrete, or another suitable material. The primary impact member has along the longitudinal direction two opposite ends. The primary impact member has at least at the end to be connected to the base member a circular circumference. More preferably, the primary impact member is substantially a body of revolution, even more preferably a body of revolution.

Non-limiting examples of connecting members are screws, bolts, bolts and nuts, rivets, wedges, ...

The kit further comprises a base cover. The base cover is suited for being placed rotatably around the primary impact member and around the base member, while the base member and the connecting members are covered by the primary impact member and the rotatable base cover. Preferably, the base cover is substantially a body of revolution, even more preferably a body of revolution. Substantially a body of revolution means that the basic shape of the base cover is a body of revolution but could comprise local protrusions or recesses.

This kit is very beneficial to assembly an impact absorbing post with effective protection of the base member and the connecting members of the impact absorbing post.

A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that an impact absorbing post according to the first aspect is preferably assembled using a kit according to the second aspect and that a kit according to the second aspect is preferably configured for assembling an impact absorbing post according to the first aspect. Accordingly, any feature described in this document, above as well as below, may relate to any of the three aspects of the present invention.

In a third aspect, the invention relates to a use of an impact absorbing post according to the first aspect and/or a kit according to the second aspect for collision protection in food processing industry.

The use as described herein provides an advantageous effect that a hygienic collision protection can be provided in food processing industry, because connecting members and for instance bolts attaching the base member to a surface are covered by the rotatably base cover. Connecting members and bolts are protruding from the impact absorbing post or are installed in recesses whereon or wherein dirt collects. The rotatable base cover avoids that dirt can collect on these elements and results in more hygienic conditions in sensitive environments such as the food processing industry. The invention is further described by the following non-limiting figures which further illustrate the invention, and are not intended to, nor should they be interpreted to, limit the scope of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

Figure 1 shows an exploded view of an impact absorbing post.

The impact absorbing post (1) comprises a base member (2) for mounting the impact absorbing post (1) on a surface, a primary impact member (3) for absorbing an impact of a collision, connecting members for connecting the primary impact member (3) to the base member (2), a cover (16) to close the primary impact member (3), and a rotatable base cover (4) and a base protection (6) for protecting the base member (2). The base member (2) comprises a bottom plate (11) and a hollow connection profile (12) for connecting the primary impact member (3) to the base member (2) using the connecting members. The connecting members are two bolts (5) and two nuts (9). The bolts (5) are traversing from a first side of the primary impact member (3) through the connection profile (12) to a second opposing side of the primary impact member (3). A first bolt (5) is substantially perpendicular to a second bolt (5). A washer (8) is placed at each side of the connection profile (12). The bolts (5) are guided through guiding tubes (10). The guiding tubes (10) are beneficial to avoid damage to the screw thread of the bolts (5) during collision. The bottom plate (11) comprises holes (13) for attaching the base member (2) to the surface by using concrete bolts or concrete screws. These concrete bolts or concrete screws are not depicted in Figure 1. To protect the base member (2) a base protection (6) is placed over the base member (2). The base protection (6) is made of a compressible material, like for instance EVA, SBR or SEBS. The base protection (6) is rigidly and detachably attached to the base member (2), using the concrete bolts or concrete screws for attaching the base member (2) to the surface. The base protection (6) comprises recesses (7) for receiving the concrete bolts or concrete screws and for giving access to the holes (13) in the bottom plate (11). The primary impact member (3) is a hollow profile made of a polymer, such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and polybutylene (PB). The primary impact member (3) is a body of revolution. The primary impact member (3) extends perpendicular to the bottom plate (11). The primary impact member (3) is closed at an end away from the base member by the cover (16). The rotatable base cover (4) is slid down along the primary impact member (3) until a flange (21) of the rotatable base cover (4) rests on the base protection (6). The flange (21) is not visible on Figure 1. The base cover (4) is rotatable around the primary impact member (3), the base member (2) and the base protection (6). The base member (2), the base protection (6) and the connecting members are covered by the rotatable base cover (4). The rotatable base cover (4) comprises U-shaped protrusions (14). The protrusions (14) have a part that is substantially parallel to the bottom plate (11). This is the part between the legs of the U-shape of the protrusions (14). The protrusions (14) serve as handles to hold the rotatable base cover (4) while sliding the rotatable base cover (4) over the primary impact member (3). The rotatable base cover (4) comprises at the second end a slanted outer side wall (15). The slanted outer side wall (15) forms a truncated cone. The base protection (6) comprises a recess. The recess comprises means for detachably holding a label (22). The label (22) is detachably placed in the recess. The label (22) indicates an impact energy the impact absorbing post (1) can withstand.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an impact absorbing post according to an embodiment of the present invention, similar to the impact absorbing post of Figure 1.

Figure 2 clearly shows that the base member (2), the base protection (6) and the connecting members are covered by the rotatable base cover (4). None of these elements are any longer visible.

Figure 3A shows a front view of an impact absorbing post, similar to the impact absorbing post of Figure 1.

Figure 3B shows a side view of the impact absorbing post of Figure 3A. Figure 3C shows a top view of the impact absorbing post of Figure 3A.

The front view shows how the part between the legs of the U-shaped protrusions (14) are substantially parallel with the bottom plate. Again, one can clearly see on the front view and the side view that the base member (2), the base protection (6) and the connecting members are covered by the rotatable base cover (4). From the top view it is clear that the rotatable base cover (4) abuts to the primary impact member (3).

Figure 4 shows a sectional perspective view of an impact absorbing post, similar to the impact absorbing post of Figure 1. The impact absorbing post (1) on Figure 4 is slightly different from the impact absorbing post (1) of Figure 1. Next to the primary impact member (3), the impact absorbing post (1) comprises three secondary impact members (17). The secondary impact members (17) are also hollow profiles made of a polymer and are placed inside the primary impact member (3). One secondary impact member (17) is placed around the connection profile (12), while the other secondary impact members (17) are placed inside the connection profile (12). Every secondary impact member (17) is slidable relative to an adjacent secondary impact member (17) and the primary impact member (3) is slidable relative to the adjacent secondary impact member (17). The secondary impact members (17) are attached with the connecting members to the base member (2). The secondary impact members are only connected to the primary impact member (3) by the connecting members. The apex angle (18) of the truncated cone formed by the slanted outer side wall (15) of the rotatable base cover (4) is drawn on Figure 4. Also visible is the flange (21). The rotatable base cover (4) rests with the flange (21) on the base protection (6). The rotatable base cover (4) abuts the bottom plate (11) partly. Seen in the longitudinal direction of the connection profile (12), there is a gap (19) of at least 1 mm between a bottom side of the bottom plate (11) and a bottom side of the rotatable base cover (4). Between the rotatable base cover (4) and the base protection (6) there is a distance (20) of at least 0.3 mm and at most 5 mm, measured in a direction substantially parallel to the bottom plate (11).

The elements in the figures are:

1. Impact absorbing post

2. Base member

3. Primary impact member

4. Rotatable base cover

5. Bolt

6. Base protection

7. Recess for concrete bolt or concrete screw

8. Washer

9. Nut

10. Guiding tube

11. Bottom plate

12. Connection profile

13. Hole

14. Protrusion

15. Slanted outer side wall 16. Cover

17. Secondary impact member

18. Apex angle

19. Gap between bottom plate and rotatable base cover 20. Distance between rotatable base cover and base protection

21. Flange

22. Label