IMPROVED BARRIER SECTION CONNECTION SYSTEM

STATEMENT OF CORRESPONDING APPLICATIONS

This application is based on the provisional specification filed in relation to New Zealand Patent Application Number 555598, . the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to an improved barrier section. In particular, the present invention relates to improved barrier section and connection system between two or more barrier sections. The connection system allows the barrier sections to be aligned and retained in at least two different configurations when forming the barrier.

BACKGROUND ART

There are a number of different types of permanent and temporary barriers. These barriers are used in a number of applications where it is necessary to separate one area from another. Examples of the types of applications barriers may be used include, dividing road lanes, construction sites or other hazardous areas.

Barriers are typically constructed by connecting a plurality of barrier sections together. Barriers are positioned to fit various configurations and may be connected to that the barrier is made up of various barrier sections. Prior art barrier sections are generally connected together either by a single pin which allows the barrier sections to pivot with respect to each other and not fix in place. Alternatively, the barrier sections are connected by a series of four pins that fix the barrier sections in place and do not allow for any movement or pivoting between the

sections.

For example one type of barrier connection employs a hinging mechanism, with two parallel sets of projections located on each end of each barrier section. The first set of projections on one end forms the gudgeon portion of the hinge mechanism, while the second set of projections on the opposing end forms the pintle portion of the hinge. To connect these barrier sections together, both pintle portions on one barrier section is slotted into both gudgeon portions of another barrier section thereby forming the hinge. One disadvantage of this system is the time taken to form this connection increases substantially when further barrier sections have already been connected together, as the user has to ensure that downstream barrier connections do not come apart when the section being worked on is lifted into place. Additionally, as there is no locking or fastening mechanism in this connection, these types of barriers are generally only suitable for flat terrain. Uneven terrain does not allow the projections to properly align and connect together. A further disadvantage is that as sections are not locked together, this allows the sections to hinge and easily pivot with respect to each other, therefore offering little structural resistance to an impact force such as from a vehicle impact.

New Zealand Patent No. 511631 describes another barrier connection system, where a plurality of barrier sections are connected together through a variation on a hinging mechanism. Here, each barrier section has a plate that protrudes from the centre of each end on the section. Each plate has two projections and when the barrier sections are connected, the two projections overlap the two projections on the other barrier section. A single hinge pin is then threaded through an aperture which runs through all four projections to connect the barrier sections together.

Another barrier connection system is also detailed in New Zealand Patent No.

524878. The connection device described in this patent also uses hinge elements

or brackets to connect a number of barrier sections together. Similar to NZ 511631 , this system has a hinge element located on each end of the barrier section. The hinge element is constructed from two brackets that project out and extend the whole width of the end of the barrier section. When in use, the brackets from two barrier sections overlap each other and are attached by a series of pins or bolts. The pins connect the brackets at three different .connection points. One connection point is located in the centre of the bracket, while the other two connection points are at either end of the bracket or side the barrier section.

One problem with the connections described in NZ 511631 and NZ 524878 is that it is difficult to move a barrier section into a different orientation to the other sections. The hinging mechanisms can not be easily re-positioned from the initial arrangement. To re-orientate the barrier sections, the hinges that have to be loosened, the barrier section moved to the desired angle and the hinges tightened. This can be time consuming and labour intensive, as numerous parts have to be manipulated.

Another disadvantage is that the hinging connections are constructed from metal. As some temporary barrier sections are often filled with fluid for weight when in place, the metal components have to be regularly inspected for wear and tear and to ensure that the systems remain safe and effective. Also to avoid corrosion, the metal needs to be resistant to corrosion and hence tends to add expense to the barrier cost. Further, as the hinge elements or brackets project out from the end of the barrier section, this may be a potential hazard particularly if the barrier is struck by an impacting vehicle, as substantial damage may be caused to the vehicle and/or passages.

It therefore would be an advantage to have a connection system that would allow at least two barrier sections to run in varying orientations with respect to each barrier

section and allow the direction to be easily manipulated. It would also be useful to have a system that has few metal hinging parts or elements that did not have to be routinely checked to ensure safety standards are met. Further, it would be useful to have a barrier connection that would fasten and hold the sections together, therefore allowing the barrier to be constructed and be suitable for a number of different terrains along with provide sufficient support if impacted by a vehicle.

It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein; this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country.

It is acknowledged that the term 'comprise' may, under varying jurisdictions, be attributed with either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this specification, and unless otherwise noted, the term 'comprise' shall have an inclusive meaning -. i.e. that it will be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components it directly references, but also other non-specified components or elements. This rationale will also be used when the term 'comprised' or 'comprising' is used in relation to one or more steps in a method or process.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a barrier section which includes at least one connecting assembly at one or both ends of the barrier section, the connecting assembly having:

- connecting section(s) which are positioned to be capable of engaging, or being engaged, with connection section(s) on an adjacent section, in use;

- at least one connecting device;

the barrier section characterized in that the connecting section(s) are configured to engage with the connecting section(s) on an adjacent section via the connecting device so that the barrier sections have either: a fixed, or an at least partially pivotal relationship, with one another.

Preferably, a fixed relationship has the respective connecting sections engaged in an in-line configuration; and wherein a pivotal relationship has the connecting section(s) engaged in an angled configuration.

In general, the connecting sections on the barrier sections may consist of at least one projection portion, and at least one receiving portion; at either end thereof.

In an alternative embodiment, both the first and second ends of a barrier section may have projecting _, portion(s) or receiving portion(s).

For ease of reference only the connecting sections will now be referred to as being projecting portion(s) and receiving portion(s).

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a barrier section including a connection between barrier sections, wherein the connection includes:

(a) at least one projecting portion at one distal end of the first barrier section;

(b) at least one receiving portion at an opposing second distal end of the second barrier section;

(c) a connecting device; and,

characterised in that the connecting device retains the projecting portion(s) of the first barrier section and the receiving portion(s) of the second barrier section such that the barrier sections are aligned in a first in-line position with respect to each other; and,

the connecting device may be readjusted to connect the first and second barrier section in a second or angled position with respect to each other.

Preferably, an in-line configuration has the respective connecting sections engaged in a fixed relationship; and wherein an angled configuration has the connecting section(s) engaged in a pivotal relationship.

The inventors of the present invention have developed an improved barrier section connection system for selectively engaging and connecting two or more barrier sections together in a number of configurations. Preferably, this connection system allows the barrier sections to be positioned in an in-line configuration or pivotally positioned in an angled configuration.

It should be appreciated that the barrier sections may be constructed from a range of materials. Preferably, the barrier may be moulded and/or constructed from a suitable type plastic, such as polyethylene. In alternative embodiments, the barrier may be constructed from a suitable metal, such as steel.

In some preferred embodiments the barrier section may include a hollow portion

which may be filled with a liquid, or other material, to add weight to the barrier section. It should be appreciated that by having hollow barrier sections this provides for ease of transport and assembly. Preferably the barrier sections may be filled with a fluid, such as water after connection via the connection device of the present invention. Use of water (or other fluids)- in the barrier sections provides greater weight to further support the barrier sections in position.

Preferably, the projecting portions(s) and receiving portions(s) may be integral with the body of the barrier section.

More preferably, the projecting portion(s) and receiving portion(s) may be made of substantially the same material as the barrier section.

It should be appreciated that the projection portions(s) and receiving portion(s) may have numerous variations in shape and configuration. In general, the projection portions(s) and receiving portion(s) should complement each other and thereby easily fit together.

Preferably, the projection(s) may be at least one protrusion. Preferably, in embodiments where there may be one protrusion, the protrusion may be substantially centrally positioned. In embodiments where there may be three or more protrusions, the protrusions may be evenly spaced with respect to one another.

Preferably, the receiving portion(s) may be at least one recess.

Most preferably the recess may be in the form of a notch. .

Preferably, the dimensions of the recess may be sufficient to receive the protrusion and provide enough space for the connection to be effected even when the respective sections are on uneven ground contours.

In other embodiments the receiving portion(s) may be a further protrusion.

The barrier section(s) are capable of being engaged together by a connecting device which forms part of the connection assembly. In preferred embodiments, the projection portions(s) and/or receiving portion(s) each have at least two apertures that pass through the projection portions(s) and/or receiving portion(s) that allow the connection device to pass through the apertures once aligned, and engage the barrier sections to one another.

Preferably, the connection device passes through the aligned apertures to engage the barrier sections and connect and retain the barrier sections in place.

The connecting sections may be configured in a variety of different ways to have either a fixed or pivotal relationship.

In preferred embodiments where the connecting sections are in the form of receiving and projection portions the respective portions may each include two apertures which are spaced apart and positioned to be capable of aligning with the respective aperture on the other portion.

In a preferred embodiment, at least two apertures may pass through the projecting portion(s) and/or the receiving portion(s). Preferably, the apertures may be orientated parallel to each other through the projecting portion(s) and/or receiving portion(s). In alternative embodiments, the apertures may run horizontally through the projecting portion(s) and/or receiving portion(s). Preferably, a first or outer aperture may be positioned close to the distal end of the barrier section and a second or inner aperture may run inside the first aperture, closer to the centre of the barrier section.

In preferred embodiments where the receiving portion is at least one notch at one

end of the barrier section the aperture(s) may travel sub vertically from the top of the barrier section to the notch and through to the bottom or bottom region of the barrier section.

When both apertures on each of the respective receiving portion(s) and projecting portion(s) are aligned this is the configuration which allows for a fixed relationship between the sections.

Alternatively, when only the outermost apertures on the respective receiving portion(s) and projecting portion(s) are aligned this is the configuration which allows for a pivotal relationship between the sections.

In some embodiments the connecting device may be at least one pin or such like.

In preferred embodiments, the connecting device may have least two shafts aligned in the same plane, wherein the shafts are adapted to be received through the apertures.

Preferably, the connecting device may be at least one U-shaped staple.

It will be appreciated that the connecting device that engages the barrier sections together provides support and strength to assist in retaining the barrier sections in the required position.

In the fixed position wherein the barrier sections may be positioned in line with respect to each other, the connecting device(s) pass(es) through both apertures in the respective receiving portion(s) and projecting portion(s).

In the pivotal position wherein the barrier sections may be positioned at a desired angle with respect to each other, the connecting device only passes through the outermost aperture in the respective receiving portion(s) and connecting portion(s).

Preferably, in the pivotal relationship the barrier sections may be positioned at an angle of up to 30° with respect to each other (i.e. 30° from an in-line configuration).

More preferably, the angle between the barrier sections may be between 7.5° to 15° from an in-line configuration.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is a method of constructing a barrier by the steps of:

(a) selecting two or more barrier sections; and

(b) connecting the barrier sections so that they are engaged to one another in either a fixed or a pivotal manner.

It will be appreciated that steps (a) to (b) may be repeated with a multiple number of barrier sections until the desired barrier length is achieved.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is a barrier constructed from two or more barrier sections substantially as described above.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a connection between barrier sections, wherein the connection includes:

(a) at least one projecting portion at one distal end of the first barrier section;

(b) at least one. receiving portion at an opposing second distal end of the second barrier section;

(c) a connecting device; and,

characterized in that the connecting device retains the projecting portion or portions of the first barrier section and the receiving portion or portions of the second barrier section such that the barrier sections are aligned in a first in-line position with

respect to each other; and,

the connecting device may be readjusted to connect the first and second barrier section in a second angled position with respect to each other.

It may be appreciated from the above description that an advantage of the use of the connecting device to engage the barrier sections is that it is more tolerant of uneven ground or terrain changes than at least some prior art designs. This is because connecting device is: sufficiently robust; and is dimensioned to be suitably sized with the apertures to provide room for non-perfectly aligned apertures as occurs on uneven ground to allow for changes in barrier sections angle.

The inventors have found that one advantage of the present invention is that the configuration of the connection device allows the connection between two barrier sections to be placed in one position without altering the position of the downstream barrier connections. In prior art embodiments, re-positioning a joint between two barrier sections may result in other barrier sections also needing to be re-positioned or even resulting in other barrier sections falling apart and needing to be reassembled. A further advantage is that this connection provides support and stability to the barrier sections of the present invention in the event of a side on impact such as may occur in traffic applications.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention can have a number of advantages over the prior art which include providing a connection between at least two barrier sections to allow the sections to be retained fixed in either an in-line or at angled configuration. The present invention allows for simple readjustment to allow barrier sections to be re-configured in an angled position relative to each other. Further advantages include:

• having a connection section(s) having few metal parts or elements that do

not have to be checked for wear and tear;

• a barrier connection assembly that can fasten and hold the sections together on uneven or sloped ground, therefore allowing the barrier to be constructed and be suitable for a number of different terrains; and

• providing sufficient support between barrier sections so that upon impact, the connection device retains the relative position of the barrier sections.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a side elevation of a barrier constructed from three barrier sections, wherein two ends two of barrier sections are orientated in a second position and two ends of a further two barrier sections are orientated in a first position;

Figure 2 shows a plan elevation of a barrier constructed from three barrier sections, wherein two ends two of barrier sections are orientated in a second position and two ends of a further two barrier sections are orientated in a first position;

Figure 3 show a side view of a single barrier section;

Figure 4 show a plan view of a single barrier section;

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a projecting portion of one barrier section; where;

Figure 5a shows a perspective view of a projecting portion of one barrier section in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 5b shows a further partial perspective view of the projecting portion of one barrier section as indicated in Figure 5a;

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a receiving portion of one barrier section; where;

Figure 6a shows a perspective view of a receiving portion of one barrier section in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 6b shows a further partial perspective view of the receiving portion of one barrier section as indicated in Figure 6a;

Figure 7 shows a perspective exploded view of one preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the barrier sections are prior to be connected in a first position;

Figure 8 shows a perspective view of one preferred embodiment of the invention, in a first position in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 9 shows a cross section side view of a barrier constructed from three barrier sections, wherein the ends two of barrier sections are orientated in a second position and the ends two of barrier sections are orientated in a first position;

Figure 10 shows a partial cross section view of barrier sections are retained second position; and

Figure 11 shows a partial cross section view of barrier sections are retained first position.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Figures 1, 2 and 9 show a barrier 1. The barrier 1 is constructed from three barrier sections, as indicated by arrows 11a to 11c respectively. In Figure 2 the two ends of the barrier sections 11a and 11b are orientated in a second position, while two ends of the barrier sections 11b and 11c are orientated in a first position. When the barrier sections are orientated in a first position, (for example, the barrier sections 11b and 11c) the barrier sections are positioned in an in-line position with respect to each other. In comparison, when the barrier sections are orientated in a second position, one barrier section 11a, is positioned in an angled position with respect to the second barrier section 11 b.

Figures 3 and 4 respectively show a side view and plan view of a single barrier section 11. As shown, the barrier section 11 has a projection 12 in the form of a single protrusion 30 at one end 14 of the barrier section 11. Additionally, the barrier section 11 has a receiving portion 13 in the form of a single recess 40 with two sides 43 and 44 at the opposing end 15. As shown on Figure 4, protrusion 30 has two apertures 31 and 32 that pass vertically though the barrier section 11 and the recessed sides 43 and 44 have two apertures 41 and 42 which also pass substantially vertically though each recessed side 43 and 44.

The projection 12 is further shown in Figures 5a and 5b. Figure 5a shows one preferred location of the projection 12 with respect to one end 14 of the barrier section 11. Figure 5b shows an expanded view of the projection 12, as indicated by Circle A on Figure 5a. In this embodiment, the projection 12 is in the form of a single protrusion 30. The protrusion 30 has two apertures 31 and 32 that pass vertically though the barrier section 11.

Figures 6a and 6b show a preferred embodiment of a receiving portion 13. Figure

4a shows one preferred location of the receiving portion 13 with respect to one end 15 of the barrier section 11. Figure 6b shows an expanded view of the receiving portion 13, as indicated by Circle A on Figure 6a. In Figures 6a and 6b, the receiving portion 13 is a recess 40. The recess 40 has two sides 43 and 44. Each recess side 43 and 44 has two apertures 41 and 42 which pass substantially vertically though each recess sides 43 and 44. .

Figure 7 shows two barrier sections 11a and 11b with the respective recess 40 of the receiving portion and the protrusion 30 of the projection are orientated in a position prior to barrier sections 11a and 11 b being connected together in a second position.

Figure 8 shows the respective recess 40 of barrier section 11a and the protrusion 30 of barrier section 11 b connected together in a second position by a connection device in the form of a staple 2.

Figure 9 shows a cross sectional view of a barrier 1 constructed from three barrier sections 11 a to 11 c. The two ends of the barrier sections 11 a and 11 b are orientated in a second position, while the two ends of the barrier sections 11b and 11 c are orientated in a first position.

Figures 10 and 11 show close up cross sectional views of the barrier sections orientated in the second and first positions respectively. Figure 10 is a close up of the view of the connection between the barrier sections 11a and 11 b as indicated by Circle A on Figure 9. In comparison, Figure 11 is a close up of the view of the connection between the barrier sections 11b and 11 c as indicated by Circle B on Figure 9.

Figure 10 shows the projection 12b with respect to one end 14 of the barrier section 11b. The projection 12b is in the form of a single protrusion 30 with two apertures

31 and 32 that pass vertically though the barrier section 11b. Figure 10 also shows the receiving portion 13a with respect to one end 15 of the barrier section 11 a. The receiving portion 13a is in the form of a recess 40 with two sides 43 and 44 and with two apertures 41 and 42 which pass substantially vertical though each recess side 43 and 44.

Figure 10 shows the two ends the barrier sections 11a and 11b are aligned in a second position. Here, protrusion 30 from barrier section 11b is connected with the recess 40 of barrier section 11a. In this Figure, barrier section 11a is positioned in the desired angle, with respect to the end 15 of the second barrier section 11b. To connect the barrier sections 11a and 11 b together aperture 31 on the protrusion 30 and aperture 42 on recess sides 43 and 44 are aligned. A staple 2 with two shafts 3 and 4 has then been threaded through the apertures to retain the barrier sections 11a and 11 b in position. As shown, shaft 4 of staple 2 is threaded through the apertures 31 and 42, while shaft 3 of the staple 2 is threaded through the aperture 42.

In comparison, Figure 11 shows the projection 12c with respect to one end 14 of the barrier section 11c. The projection 12c is in the form of a single protrusion 30 with two apertures 31 and 32 that pass vertically though the barrier section 11c. Also shown, is a receiving portion 13b with respect to one end 15 of the barrier section 11b. The receiving portion 13b is in the form of a recess 40 with two sides 43 and 44 and with two apertures 41 and 42 which pass substantially vertically though each recess side 43 and 44.

Figure 11 shows two ends of the barrier sections 11b and 11c are retained in a first in-line position, with respect to each other. Protrusion 30 from barrier section 11c is connected with the recess 40 of barrier section 11b, apertures 42 and 31 and apertures 41 and 32 are aligned. The two shafts 3 and 4 of the staple 2 are

threaded through both aperture combinations. One shaft 4 of pin 2 is threaded through the first aperture combination 41 and 32, while shaft 3 of the pin 2 is threaded through the second aperture combination 42 and 31.

To construct the barrier sections 11a to 11c in a first position (for example, the barrier sections 11 b and 11c shown in Figures 1 and 2), the receiving portion 13b on one end 15 of the first barrier section 11b and the projection 12c of a second barrier section 11c are connected together. Both sets of apertures on the receiving portion 13b and the projection portion 12c are lined up (for example respective apertures 42 and 31 are lined up and apertures 41 and 32 are lined up). The shafts 3 and 4 of the staple 2 are then threaded through the apertures. Specifically, one shaft 4 of the staple 2 is threaded through the first aperture combination (apertures 41 and 32), while the other shaft 3 of the staple 2 is threaded through the second aperture combination (apertures 42 and 31). Figures 9 and 11 also show respective barrier sections constructed in a first position.

To construct the barrier sections in a second position (for example, the barrier sections 11a and 11 b shown in Figures 1 and 2), the receiving portion 13a of the first end 15 of the first barrier section 11a is connected with the projection 12b of a second barrier section 11b. Respective apertures 31 and 41 are lined up and one shaft 4 of staple 2 is then threaded through the apertures 31 and 41 to retain the barrier sections 11a and 11 b in position. The other shaft 3 of the staple 2 is threaded through the aperture 42. This allows the barrier sections to then be positioned in the desired position or angle with respect to each other. Figures 9 and 10 also show respective barrier sections constructed in a second position.

It should be appreciated from the above examples that there is provided an improved barrier connection system that allows at least two barrier sections to allow the sections to be retained or fixed in an in-line configuration. The connection

device also allows for simple readjustment to allow barrier sections to be reconfigured in an angled position relative to each other. Additionally, the preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a system with few metal hinging parts or elements. This system also provides sufficient support if subjected to a side impact such as if struck by a vehicle.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims.