FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to bollards for use alone or as a plurality for providing a barrier. In particular, though not exclusively, the invention relates to bollards for use in providing a vehicular impact barrier.

BACKGROUND

Barriers suitable for withstanding impacts from a vehicle typically comprise concrete blocks placed upon the ground, or vertical posts embedded within the ground, such as within concrete. In order to provide sufficient resistance to impacts from vehicles moving at typical speeds (e.g. 30 to 60 kilometres per hour), the concrete blocks must be very heavy and large, or the posts must be deeply embedded in the ground, to enable them to absorb and/or disperse the high energies involved.

However, the large size required of concrete blocks renders them very difficult to transport to site, to emplace to form the barrier and/or to remove when no longer required. Storage of the blocks is also problematic due to their size. Similarly, the embedding of vertical posts to sufficient depth requires deep excavation which may be costly in man-hours and time- consuming, or may be impossible if excavation disrupts underground services at the excavation site, such as power/telecommunications cables, or water, gas or sewage pipes etc. The invention aims to provide an improved bollard and/or barrier which addresses these problems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION In a first aspect, the invention provides a bollard apparatus comprising: a plurality of (e.g. separate) post members each comprising an upper length part integrally joined to a lower length part by a bend in the post member such that the lower length part extends from the bend transversely relative to the upper length part; a sheaving part for holding together the upper length parts of the plurality of post members as a sheave such that the plurality of respective lower length parts extend transversely relative to the sheave at a common end thereof collectively thereat to provide a bollard foot upon which the sheave is supportable in an upstanding position. The length of the sheaving part is preferably sufficient that it may extend along the longitudinal length of the sheave a greater distance than is the diameter/width of the sheaving part. The sheaving part may be a collar, preferably a circumferentially closed collar, with a significant longitudinal length, or may comprise a plurality of collars, or may comprise a tube or pipe (or a helix of wound material, e.g. metal) having longitudinal length exceeding its diameter, or a combination of collars, helices and/or tubes. In this way, the sheaving part may hold together the sheave without the need to weld post members to each other or to the sheaving part. Welding is permanent and adds stresses to metal structures. The invention provides a means of coupling the posts of the sheave together mechanically. Collectively, the strength of the sheave is enhanced.

Preferably, the length of the sheaving part is sufficient that it extends along at least about 5%, more preferably at least about 10% of the longitudinal length of the sheave, preferably holding (e.g. gripping or contacting) the posts of the sheave together along substantially the hole length of the sheaving part. More preferably, the length of the sheaving part is sufficient that it extends along at least about 20%, or yet more preferably at least about 30%, or more preferably at least about 40%, or 50% or more (e.g. over 75%) of the longitudinal length of the sheave to hold the sheave along that length. The length of the sheaving part may be less than about 90%, or about 80% of the length of the sheave to allow the lower parts of the sheave to be embedded if desired, without embedding the sheaving part. The sheaving part may extend to the top end of the sheave. It may have a top cover part for covering the sheave, e.g. as a sheath. The sheaving part may have an internal bore for receiving the sheave, which has a substantially uniform diameter or width. The bore may be circular in section or other shape.

Provision of a bend integrally formed in this way avoids the use of welds to join length parts of a post. This is inherently stronger. Also, a spring action and resilience within the material of the post, at the bend, provides an improved ability to dissipate impact loads. The bend may be of such angular extent (i.e. bend angle) that the lower length part subtends an angle of between about 60 degrees and 120 degrees to the upper length part, preferably about 90 degrees when used on/in horizontal ground surfaces. This means that each post is able to provide, with the lower length part, a means of transferring impact loads to the ground over an extended region (the length of the lower length part) without requiring an excavation into the ground of the same extent. This provides a more effective barrier which can be implemented more easily. Underground services such as cables, pipes and the like, and tree roots need not be disturbed by deep excavations for receiving the foot of the bollard (when it is to be embedded) since a relatively shallow excavation may suffice to embed the whole of the lower length part(s) sufficiently. Concrete, such as reinforced concrete, may be used to embed the lower length part(s), for example, or some other suitable hard-setting foundation material. A foundation may be about 400mm in depth or less. The invention may comprise a bollard or barrier comprising plural bollards embedded in a foundation, such as one described above for example. The length of a lower length part may be equal to at least 25% of the length of the upper length part, or may be at least 50%, or at least 75% or at least 100% of the length of the upper length part. Greater such lengths provide greater transfer of impact energy from the post to the ground upon/within which is resides or is embedded.

The post members are preferably formed of metal, such manganese or steel, preferably spring steel. Spring steel provides a resistance to snapping or shattering. The posts may be machined (e.g. cut) metal, cast metal or forged metal. As the metal is shaped during the forging process, its internal grain deforms to follow the general shape of the part. As a result, the grain is continuous throughout the part, giving rise to a piece with improved strength characteristics. The sheaving part may be formed from metal, preferably steel, such as spring steel. Tubular spring steel has a good ability to absorb shock. Spring steel may be a low- alloy, medium-carbon steel or high-carbon steel with a very high yield strength. This allows the posts and sheaving parts, when made of spring steel, to urge to return to their original shape despite significant bending or twisting.

The sheaving part is preferably dimensioned and arranged to hold one, some or each of the upper length parts adjustably within the sheave to be revolvable about the longitudinal axis of the respective upper length part to adjust a direction in which a respective lower length part extends transversely relative to the sheave. In this way, the arrangement of lower length parts forming the foot of the bollard may be adjusted as desired, either to provide the maximum stability or to avoid obstacles (or both) as desired. The post members may be each rectangular in cross-sectional shape. The sheaving part may be arranged to hold together the opposing flat surfaces of adjacent upper length parts within the sheave. This enhances the interface and coupling between parts forming the sheave. The sheaving part may comprise a collar part(s) dimensioned to circumscribe and grip the sheave. The sheaving part is preferably circumferentially closed. It is preferably dimensioned to form an interference fit with posts of the sheave thereby to grip and hold the sheave.

At least one said post member may comprise an upper length part which is different in length to the upper length part of at least one other said post member such that the respective upper length parts terminate at different positions within the sheave, when in use. This provides a graduated spring effect which produces greater spring "stiffness" closer to the foot of the bollard. The sheaving part may comprise multiple collars and/or tubes with different bore diameters dimensioned to grip different respective parts of the sheave comprising greater/fewer upper-length parts. The bend is preferably at least substantially 60 degrees and may be no greater than substantially 120 degrees in angular extent. Thus, the bend may form, loosely speaking, a generally "L" shape with an obtuse, right-angled or acute inner or corner angle.

Alternatively, the bend may be at least substantially 250 degrees in angular extent thereby forming a loop. In this way, the corner of the post may comprise a loop acting as a shock-absorbing spring. The bollard apparatus may include one or more load distribution plate member(s) detachably attachable to a respective lower length part such that the face of the plate member extends generally parallel to a ground surface from which the sheave is upstandingly supportable in use. The load distribution plate member(s) may include one or more conduits or sleeves attached to a surface of a broader plate base. The conduit(s) or sleeves are preferably dimensioned to receive therein (to fit upon) an end of a lower length part thereby to hold that lower length upon the plate base.

The lower length part of one, some or each post member may comprise a further bend integrally joining a first lower length part and a second lower length part thereof, such that the second lower length part extends from the further bend either transversely relative to both the first lower length part and the upper length part or transversely relative to the first lower length part and substantially parallel to the upper length part. In the first case an enhanced footprint is provided, and in the second case the second lower length may be incorporated in a neighbouring bollard sheave thereby coupling to bollards as a barrier.

The invention may provide a barrier apparatus comprising a plurality bollard apparatus as described above, and comprising a further sheaving part for holding together the lower length parts of post members of two adjacent bollard apparatus as a further sheave thereby to connect the two bollard apparatus. In this way, lower length parts may also be sheaved together (e.g. a horizontal sheave) to couple together neighbouring bollards. This enhances horizontal load transfer.

The invention may provide a barrier apparatus comprising a plurality bollard apparatus as described above, and comprising a sleeve part including one or more sleeve bores for receiving and attaching concurrently to ends of opposing said lower length parts of post members of two adjacent said bollard apparatus thereby to connect the two bollard apparatus. For example, the sleeve bore may be dimensioned to snugly receive each one of two opposing respective lower length parts at opposite ends within the sleeve end-to-end. Alternatively, the sleeve bore may be dimensioned to receive them in overlapping arrangement. The sleeve part may comprise a leg, plate or wing part extending generally transversely to one or more said sleeve bore so as to extend generally transversely to a post lower length part(s) when received within the sleeve bore. This serves to better spread impact forces to a ground surface or foundation due to the increased footprint it provides.

It is intended that the invention may be made and sold as a kit for assembly by the user. The invention may provide a kit of parts for a bollard according to the bollard apparatus described above.

The invention in a second aspect may provide a kit of parts for a bollard comprising: a plurality of post members each comprising an upper length part integrally joined to a lower length part by a bend in the post member such that the lower length part extends from the bend transversely relative to the upper length part; a sheaving part for holding together the upper length parts of the plurality of post members as a sheave such that the plurality of respective lower length parts extend transversely relative to the sheave at a common end thereof collectively thereat to provide a bollard foot upon which the sheave is supportable in an upstanding position, when assembled. Due to the lack of welding of parts (posts, sheaving part) the kit may be assembled and disassembled as desired. The posts and sheaving part may be easily stored or packed for transport to site for assembly.

In a third aspect, the invention may provide a bollard or barrier apparatus comprising: a plurality of post members each comprising an upper length part integrally joined to a lower length part by a bend in the post member such that the lower length part extends from the bend transversely relative to the upper length part wherein said bend is at least substantially 250 degrees (e.g. about 270 degrees, or between about 250 degrees and about 290 degrees) in angular extent thereby forming a loop; a coupling member for passing through said loop of each said post member simultaneously thereby to retain together the plurality of post members thereupon such that the plurality of respective lower length parts extend transversely relative to the coupling part collectively thereat to provide a foot upon which the bollard or barrier is supportable in an upstanding position. The loop may be at least substantially about 430 degrees in angular extent, e.g. bent through about 450 degrees, or between about 430 degrees and about 470 degrees. In this way, the loop formation in each post acts in concert with the coupling member to couple together the posts. The loops provide a spring action for absorbing impact forces or distributing them over time (i.e. less impulse). The coupling member may be a metal such as steel (e.g. spring steel) or may be cast metal (e.g. manganese). The posts may otherwise be of material and/or shape such as described above with reference to the first aspect. The apparatus may include a sheaving part for holding together the upper length parts of the plurality of posts. The sheaving part may be as described above with reference to the first aspect. The lower length part of one, some or each post member may comprise a further bend integrally formed therein and separated from the bend joining the lower length part to the upper length part, wherein the further bend is at least substantially 180 degrees in angular extent thereby forming a hook or further loop, and a further coupling member for residing in the recess of the hook or passing through the further loop, so as to extend transversely relative to the lower length part. This provides a larger "footprint" at the base of the bollard.

Some or each post member may comprise a said hook or further loop and the further coupling member may be arranged for simultaneously residing in the recess of two or more said hooks or passing through two or more said further loops, so as to extend transversely relative to the lower length parts of the said post members so coupled by the further coupling member.

The invention may provide a barrier comprising one or a plurality of bollards according to the bollard apparatus described above. The bollard(s) may be embedded in a concrete foundation, which may be reinforced concrete (e.g. containing a wire/bar mesh, such as rebar), such that the lower length parts of the posts are embedded and at least some of the upper length parts are upstanding from the foundation. The foundation may be up to about 400mm deep. The invention may provide a kit of parts for a bollard or a barrier according to the bollard apparatus described above in the third aspect.

In a fourth aspect, the invention may provide a kit of parts for a bollard or barrier comprising: a plurality of post members each comprising an upper length part integrally joined to a lower length part by a bend in the post member such that the lower length part extends from the bend transversely relative to the upper length part wherein said bend is at least substantially 250 degrees in angular extent thereby forming a loop; a coupling member for passing through said loop of each said post member simultaneously thereby to retain together the plurality of post members thereupon such that the plurality of respective lower length parts extend transversely relative to the coupling part collectively thereat to provide a foot upon which the bollard or barrier is supportable in an upstanding position, when assembled. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 schematically illustrates a bollard (optionally embedded in concrete foundations);

Figure 2 schematically illustrates a plan view of the bollard of Fig.1 ;

Figure 3A schematically illustrates a bollard with multiple sheaving collars;

Figure 3B schematically illustrates a bollard with multiple sheaving collars and posts of differing heights;

Figure 4 schematically illustrates a bollard with posts of rectangular cross-section;

Figure 5 illustrates schematically a plan view of a bollard with a sheaving collar containing a rubber filler;

Figure 6 illustrates schematically a plan view of a bollard with only two posts wedged in interference fit to the inside bore of a sheaving collar by a sector-shaped wedge;

Figure 7 illustrates schematically a plan view of a bollard with a sheaving collar filled with a solid filler;

Figure 8 and Figure 9 schematically illustrate a bollard with posts of rectangular cross- section;

Figure 10A and Figure 10B schematically illustrate a barrier comprising two bollards with posts of rectangular cross-section;

Figure 1 1 A, Figure 1 1 B and Figure 1 1 C schematically illustrate a barrier comprising two bollards with posts of rectangular cross-section;

Figure 12 illustrates a coupling sleeve for coupling two bollards together;

Figure 13 and Figure 14 show examples of load transfer plates for attachment to posts of bollards;

Figure 15 schematically shows a barrier comprising two bollards;

Figure 16 and Figure 17 show schematically, two extended barriers comprising multiple coupled bollards;

Figures 18 to 20 show barriers comprising looped posts;

Figures 21 and 22 show a bollard comprising looped posts;

Figures 23 and 24 show looped posts for a bollard or barrier of figures 18 to 22;

Figure 25 shows a bollard for use on/in an inclined ground level;

Figure 26 shows a schematic graph of acceleration imparted to a bollard by vehicular impact. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 illustrates a bollard 1 comprising three posts (2, 3, 4) each comprising an upper length part (2A, 3A, 4A) which is integrally joined to a respective lower length part (2B, 3B, 4B) by a bend 5 in the post such that the lower length part extends from the bend transversely (e.g. substantially at right angles) to the upper length part collectively to form a foot. This foot may be placed upon a ground surface or may be buried, or embedded within a concrete foundation (shown optionally as dashed line). A sheaving collar 6 comprises a cylindrical (optionally box-section, in the alternative) tube which fully circumscribes and holds-together the three upper length parts (2A, 3A, 4A) of the three posts collectively as a sheave. The sheaving collar is open-ended at both ends, but may be closed at its upper end, acting as a sheath covering the upper end of the sheave. The three posts are held within the sheaving collar 6 such that the respective lower length parts (2B, 3B, 4B) each extends transversely (e.g. substantially perpendicular) relative to the sheave comprising the three upper length parts, at a common lower end of the sheave. In this way, collectively, the three lower length parts of the respective three posts provide a bollard foot upon which the sheave is supportable in an upstanding position, as shown. Figure 2 illustrates the bollard of Figure 1 in plan view.

The sheaving collar 6 has an internal bore with a diameter sufficient to closely embrace and enclose the three upper length parts of the three separate posts and may be a sufficiently close fit as to form an interference fit or grip to the outer surfaces of the three posts, where those posts touch the internal bore of the sheaving collar. The collar may be pushed or hammered, or otherwise forced, over the sheave into this position. In alternative embodiments, the sheaving part may be a slightly looser fit allowing ease of movement up or down the vertical length of the sheave permitting appropriate positioning, as desired. This slightly looser fit of sheaving collar may be accompanied by a wedge or jamming member (e.g. see Figure 6) dimensioned to wedge into a space within the sheaving collar between the collar bore and post surfaces therein, or between posts therein. This allows the user/assembler wedge the sheaving collar into an interference fit against the outer surface(s) of the posts of the sheave. In this way, the sheaving collar may be adjusted to the appropriate height and then fixed in that position by inserting the wedging member as appropriate.

Each post member (2, 3, 4) is formed of spring steel and the bend 5 integrally joining the upper and lower length parts of each post is formed by either casting the post in that shape originally, when manufactured, or by applying a bending force to the otherwise originally straight (or at least straighter) post thereby to form the bend as appropriate. The sheaving collar 6 is also formed from steel such as spring steel. The length of the upper length parts, extending from the bend 5 in a post, may be between about 450mm and about 1200mm. The diameter (if circular) or width (if otherwise) of the bore of the sheaving collar may be between about 70mm and about 400mm. The appropriate choice of bore diameter/width will be determined according to the impact loads to which the bollard, or barrier it may be a part of (see below), is rated. For example, if designed to arrest a vehicle of about 1 .5 tons travelling at a speed of 16.09 kilometres per hour (10 miles per hour), the bollard would be rated to absorb and/or disperse about 14 kJ of kinetic energy. This may require a relatively thinner sheave of posts. However, if designed to arrest a vehicle of about 130 tons travelling at a speed of 80 kilometres per hour (50 miles per hour), the bollard would be rated to absorb and/or disperse about 7500 kJ of kinetic energy. This may require a relatively much thicker sheave of posts. In this way, the thickness of the posts forming the sheave of posts, and or the number of posts within the sheave, may be selected by the user to fit their required rating. This enables great versatility. For example, a relatively large number of relatively thin posts may be employed which, individually are inadequate to arrest an impacting vehicle but which collectively, as a sheave, are quite capable of doing so at the desired rating. This means that relatively thin steel lengths may be employed as posts. For example, the sheave may comprise up to 5, 10, 20 or more posts of progressively smaller thickness the larger their number (or mixture thereof). The wall of the sheaving collar may be between about 3mm and 30mm in thickness (e.g. steel, or other metal)

The sheaving collar, shown in the figures herein, may, in other embodiments, be replaced by a sheaving part in the form of a sheaving loop (e.g. steel, or other metal) which fully circumscribes the sheave, or an integral multiple of consecutive loops forming a helix which circumscribes the sheave multiple times and extends along a part of the length of the sheave in doing so. The looped limb/body of the sheaving loop may be between about 3mm and 30mm in thickness (e.g. steel, or other metal)

Figure 3A illustrates an alternative embodiment of the bollard apparatus in which the single sheaving collar 6 is replaced by a series of three separate consecutive sheaving collars (8A, 8B, 8C) each arranged separately and longitudinally along the sheave and each being independently positionable along the sheave as desired. This may be by application of a force where the sheaving collar is a tight fit, or by inserting a wedge when the collar is not a tight fit, as discussed above.

Figure 3B illustrates another alternative embodiment of the bollard apparatus in which the upper length parts (2A, 3A and 4A) of the three posts are each of different respective lengths. A series of two separate consecutive sheaving collars (8D, 8E) of different bore diameter are separately arranged longitudinally along the sheave at positions corresponding to the different local widths of the sheave. An upper, narrower sheaving collar 8D holds only two posts - the upper length of a longest first post and the upper length of a mid-length second post. A lower sheaving collar 8E holds the upper length of the longest first post and the upper length of the mid-length second post and the upper length part of a shortest third post. This arrangement of posts having upper length parts of different lengths, provides a sheave of resilience to vehicular impact which increases towards the foot of the bollard where the sheave is thicker.

Figure 4 shows a further alternative embodiment of a bollard apparatus 12 in which each of the three separate post members (2, 3, 4) of circular cross-sectional shape illustrated in Figure 1 , are replaced by three separate post members (9, 10, 1 1) of rectangular cross- section. Once more, each of the three rectangular cross-section post members comprises an upper length part (9A, 10A, 1 1A) integrally joined to a respective lower length part (9B, 10B, 1 1 B) by a bend in the post 5 in the same manner as described above with reference to Figure 1 . The sheaving collar 6 may be dimensioned to hold together the upper length parts (9A, 10A, 1 1A) of the three rectangular cross-section posts in a close embrace forming an interference fit with their outer surfaces, or may be dimensioned to provide a looser fit enabling space for installation of a wedging member into the bore of the sheaving collar together with the three posts so as to force such an interference fit and secure the sheaving collar in position, as discussed above.

Alternatively, according to embodiments of the invention, the sheaving collar may contain a filler part 12 as schematically illustrated in Figure 5 which comprises a resilient material (e.g. rubber or the like) which extends along at least a part of the bore of the sheaving collar and occupies the bore up to the internal bore surface so as to be firmly gripped by the sheaving collar 6. Formed longitudinally along the filler part 12 are three separate receiving bores each of a circular cross-section and dimensioned to snugly receive a section of the longitudinal length of a respective one of the three upper length parts (9A, 10A, 1 1A) of the three posts of rectangular (or circular) cross-section. The receiving bores illustrated in Figure 5 are of circular cross-section to permit a respective upper length part of a post to be turned within it about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the receiving bore in question. This enables adjustment of the relative directions in which the associated lower length parts (9B, 10B, 1 1 B) of the three post members may transversely extend at the foot of the bollard as shown by arrows in Figure 5. In alternative embodiments the receiving bores may be square or rectangular in cross-sectional shape when such adjustment is not necessary. For example, the arrangement (shape, size and/or position) of the receiving bores may be predefined in order to produce a predefined arrangement in the relative positions and directions in which lower length parts of post members transversely extend at the foot of the bollard. Figure 6 shows yet a further alternative embodiment of the invention in which the bollard comprises only two post members (9, 1 1) held together in a sheave by the cylindrical sheaving collar 6 which is held in interference fit with the outer surfaces of the upper length parts (9A, 1 1A) of those posts by a wedging member 13 consisting of a rigid or resilient material (e.g. rubber or the like) having a cross-sectional shape in the form of a circular sector presenting a curved surface substantially matching the curvature of the inner bore of the sheaving collar 6, and flat sector sides converging at an angle selected to enforce a predefined angular splay between opposite or otherwise generally mutually facing surfaces of the upper length parts of the two posts in the sheave. In this way, the wedge member not only serves to wedge the two upper length parts in an interference fit against the internal surface of the bore of the sheaving collar 6, but also enforces a pre-selected angular splay between them, which presents itself as a predefined splay between the two lower length parts of the posts at the foot of the bollard.

In a yet further alternative embodiment of the invention, shown in plan in Figure 7, the internal bore of the sheaving collar 6 may be filled with a quick-setting liquid filler material, such as a foam filler 14, which may be inserted into the bore of the sheaving collar after the sheaving collar is placed over and around the sheave of posts (9A, 10A, 1 1A) when the angular splay, positioning or separation of the lower length parts (9B, 10B, 1 1 B) at the foot of the bollard has been suitably selected and arranged. In this way, the quick-setting filler material fills the regions of the volume of the sheaving collar to effectively set that relative positioning of the posts and to hold the sheaving collar in position upon the sheave as well.

Figures 8 and 9 illustrate an isometric view and a plan view of a further embodiment of the invention in which the bollard includes three post members (9A, 10A, 1 1A) of rectangular cross-section arranged such that a broader longitudinal surface of each of the first two of the three posts, associated with a long rectangle edge of the respective rectangular cross-section posts, directly oppose one another, in register and, preferably, flush against each other. The result is that two of the three rectangular cross-section posts (9A, 10A) are arranged such that the lower length parts (9B, 10B) thereof are substantially mutually parallel and extend in opposite directions from the sheave at the foot of the bollard. Simultaneously, the third rectangular cross-section post is arranged such that the wider surface area extending longitudinally along the upper length part of the third post, and associated with a long rectangle edge of the rectangular cross-section, is flush against each of two adjacent longitudinal surfaces of the other two rectangular cross-section posts respectively corresponding to short rectangular edges of those posts. This is shown in detail in the plan view of Figure 9. The result is that the lower length part 1 1 B of the third post extends in a direction generally perpendicular to the lower length parts of the other two posts (9B, 10B) of the bollard. The upper length parts of the three posts are able to be firmly and securely sheaved in this geometric orientation by virtue of the flush, flat longitudinal surfaces of those upper post parts which may be held in an interference fit with the sheaving collar 6, and/or may be held in place by use of insertion of a wedging member or filler material, such as is described above.

Figure 10A schematically illustrates a barrier comprising a pair of bollards each of which includes three post members respectively comprising an upper length part (9A, 10A, 1 1A) integrally joined to any respective lower length parts (9C and 9D, 10B, 1 1 B) by a bend 5 in the respective post, and a sheaving collar 6 which holds together the three upper length parts as a sheave, as described above. The lower length part (9C, 9D) of one post member of each of two neighbouring bollards comprises a further bend 5B integrally joining a first lower length part 9C to a second lower length part 9D. The second lower length part 9D extends from the further bend 5B transversely relative to both the first lower length part 9C and the upper length part 9A of the post. In particular, as shown in the embodiment of Figure 10A, the first lower length part 9C of each of the posts in question, of the two neighbouring bollards, are arranged to extend towards each other collinearly and in parallel such that the second lower length part 9D of each of those posts also extends parallel to the other in flush adjacency and both transversely (e.g. substantially perpendicular) to the first lower length parts from which they extend at the further bend 5B.

The result is that the nearmost post (9A, 9C, 9D) of the two neighbouring bollards each comprises two integrally formed bends which direct the parts of the respective post in each one of three substantially orthogonal directions - that is to say, a first direction is the vertical direction followed by the upper length part 9A, a second direction is the substantially horizontal direction followed by the first lower length part 9C, and a third direction is the horizontal direction followed by the second lower length part 9D which is substantially perpendicular to both the first and second directions.

The second lower length part 9D provides additional stability by extending the effective interface area between the foot formed by the lower length parts of the posts of a bollard, and in particular providing an additional means for resisting turning forces and torques induced upon the bollard or bollards of the barrier by vehicular impact from a direction of impact ("DOI") which comes from the side of the barrier opposite to that from which the second lower length parts 9D extend.

Indeed, in order to enhance the transmission of energy and torque, induced in this way, along the length of the barrier from one bollard to another, a coupling sleeve 16 is provided which comprises a box-section steel sleeve member presenting a rectangular cross-section bore 18 dimensioned to receive and to slide over the ends of each of the two adjacent second lower length parts 9D of the two neighbouring bollards. As a result, if an impact from the afore mentioned direction DOI occurs at a first of the two bollards, the result will typically be that turning forces and torques will be applied to the sheave of posts of that bollard urging the bollard to turn or pivot about its foot in a direction away from the impacting vehicle. This turning force will be transmitted along the length of the first lower length part 9C of the impacted bollard and then to the second lower length part 9D thereof. Movement of that second lower length part will then be transmitted to the neighbouring, adjacent second lower length part via the coupling sleeve 16 and therefrom along the post of the second bollard to the other parts of that second bollard. In this way, energy may be dissipated laterally along the length of the barrier in response to an impact, in this way. In addition, in order to resist such turning forces, and to better transfer impact energies into a ground surface upon which the barrier rests, or into a material (e.g. concrete) within which the barrier is embedded, at its feet, load transfer plates 15 are provided for detachable attachment to the lower length parts 1 1 B of posts of the sheave of posts in each bollard. This is in particular most relevant to the lower length part of the post member which extends in a direction away from the line of the barrier formed by the bollards. Each lower transfer member comprises a rectangular box-section sleeve 15 which presents a rectangular bore 17 shaped to slide over and along the length of a lower length part of a post 1 1 B adjustably and removably. Each of the load transfer members 15, and the coupling member 16 is fixed upon a respective footplate 19 which presents a load bearing surface at its underside which is wider than the width of the box-section sleeve to which it is fixed. This increases the interaction surface between the barrier and the surface/material upon or within which it is located.

Figure 13 and Figure 14 schematically illustrate alternative structures of load transfer member. For example, as illustrated in Figure 13, the load transfer member may simply comprise a flat square or rectangular sheet of steel 19B within which are cut four parallel cuts from which are pressed to parallel arches arranged in register and upstanding from the planer surface of the plate. The height and breadth of the arches being substantially identical and dimensioned to receive a lower length part, or a second lower length part as appropriate, of a post member of a bollard (1 1 B, 9D etc.). An alternative illustrated in Figure 14 comprises a box-section sleeve part 15C presenting a rectangular or square bore 17C dimensioned for receiving a lower length part of a post 1 1 B or both of two adjacent second lower length parts 9D of neighbouring posts of the barrier. The sleeve member 15C sits entirely upon the upper surface of a plate member 19C to which it is fixed such as by welding. Figure 10B shows a variant embodiment to the arrangement shown in Figure 10A.

Figure 10B schematically illustrates a barrier comprising a pair of bollards each of which includes three post members respectively comprising an upper length part (9A, 10A, 1 1A) integrally joined to respective lower length parts (9C, 10B, 1 1 B) by a bend 5 in the respective post, and a sheaving collar 6 which holds together the three upper length parts as a sheave, as described above. However, the two bollard in this variant share a common substantially "U- shaped" post (9A, 9C) in which the upper lengths are integrally joined to the same single lower length part 9C which extends linearly between them and the two sheaves of the barrier. In this way, the further bend 5B and second lower length parts 9D extending from it, in the two separate lower length parts of adjacent posts, may be omitted and, instead, replaced by a single post with two upper length parts dedicated to separate bollard sheaves. In this way, transverse forces may be transferred or dissipated laterally from one sheave to the other in response to vehicular impacts. Figure 1 1A illustrates an alternative vehicular impact barrier comprising two bollards substantially of the arrangement illustrated in Figure 10 and described above with respect to that Figure, but possessing no further bend and, therefore, no second lower length part 9D in the lower length parts of immediately adjacent post members 9A of neighbouring bollards of the barrier. Neighbouring bollards are coupled by coupling the terminal ends of the lower length parts of immediately neighbouring post members 9B along the line of the barrier via a shock-absorbing coupling sleeve 19. The shock-absorbing coupling sleeve 19 is illustrated in perspective view in Figure 12, and comprises a steel box-section sleeve 20 within which is embedded a first inner box-section sleeve 21 and a separate, substantially identical second inner box-section sleeve 21 which each present a through-bore 22 of rectangular cross-section mutually substantially arranged in co-axial register, and each substantially matching the cross- sectional shape and dimensions of the lower length parts of the two neighbouring post members 9B such that the ends of both can be simultaneously housed within the bores 22. Each inner sleeve 21 is embedded firmly within the bore of the outer sleeve 20 within a resilient shock-absorbing material such as rubber, or the like, which extends along substantially the full length of the outer sleeve 20 and each of the two inner sleeves 21 . The orientation of the inner sleeves 21 is eccentric to the bore of the outer sleeve 20 such that a wall of the inner bores are angled to the adjacent wall of the bore of the outer sleeve. This applies to all four walls of the box-section inner sleeves 21 . As a result, when one of the two inners sleeves 21 is subject to a rotational force in a clockwise sense (as viewed from the aspect of Figure 12) such rotation will be resisted or absorbed by a generally larger proportion of the shock-absorbing material 23 than would be the case were the rotation in the opposite, anticlockwise sense. By attaching the shock- absorbing sleeve 19 over opposite opposing ends of adjacent lower length parts 9B, in the correct orientation such that the uppermost surface of the shock-absorbing sleeve is generally tilting slightly away from the direction of expected impact DOI, this advantageous arrangement of shock-absorbing material 23 is enabled.

Alternatively, the inner sleeves 21 shown in Figure 12, may be non-eccentric within the outer sleeve 20 such that the walls of the former are substantially parallel to the walls of the latter, and the bores of the inner and outer sleeves may be co-axial. The separateness of the two inner sleeves means that the two inner sleeves are coupled only by the shock/energy- absorbing material 23 and the outer sleeve 20 housing it. In an alternative, opposite ends of two adjacent lower length parts 9B may be overlapped/stacked within a steel box-section coupling sleeve 19B as shown in Figures 1 1 B and 1 1 C, optionally with a rubber or other shock-absorbing material 23B sandwiched between them.

Figure 15 schematically illustrates a planar view of an alternative bollard arrangement in which each bollard consists of four post members of circular cross-sectional shape in which the upper length part (9A, 10A, 1 1 A, 25A) form a sheave held together by a sheaving collar 6 as described above. Each bollard comprises four posts of which two possess an upper and lower length parts alone, and the other two posts each comprises first lower length part (9C, 10C, 1 1 C, 25C) joined to the upper length part by an integrally-formed bend in the post, and extending to a second lower length part (9D, 10D, 1 1 D, 25D) by a further bend 5B integrally formed in the post. Each of these two other posts is substantially of the shape illustrated and described with respect to Figure 10 (post 9A, 9C, 9D) differing only in the fact that the post is circular in cross-section, rather than rectangular. Neighbouring bollards of this structure are coupled by a coupling sleeve 16 which fits over neighbouring, parallel second lower length parts 9D of the neighbouring bollards of the barrier. Also, load transfer sleeves/plates 15 are attached over the ends of outermost second lower length parts 9D at the outer lateral ands of the barrier formed by the two coupled bollards.

Figures 16 and 17 schematically show an isometric (Figure 16) and plan (Figure 17) view of two different barriers formed using bollards according to embodiments described above. Referring to Figure 16, each bollard comprises at least three (optionally four) post members of which two post members comprise lower length parts consisting of a first lower length part and a second lower length part joined by a further bend 5B. A coupling sleeve 16 couples the first bollard to the second bollard via respective second lower length parts 9D of neighbouring, nearmost posts. One of the two bollards possesses one further post having a single bend 5 extending to a lower length part 1 1 B upon which is mounted a load transfer member 15. The other bollard comprises a further two posts (four in total) each of which is adjusted such that the lower length parts of one is angled relative to the lower length part of the other, thereby defining a splayed arrangement at some desired angle of splay at the foot of that bollard.

Referring to Figure 17, a further mixture of posts either possessing a further lower length part 9D, or a single lower length part 1 1 B are employed. The single or further lower length parts each possess upon them either a load transfer member 15 or a coupling sleeve 16 coupling the further lower length parts to the adjacent further lower length part of a neighbouring bollard. Since the orientation or splay of lower length parts of the posts of any bollard may be adjusted to taste, this arrangement permits a simple and easy means of constructing a curved barrier able to deviate around obstacles such as street furniture, trees or subterranean service works/pipes etc. In this particular embodiment, one of the bollards comprises four posts, two of which comprise a lower length part comprising a first lower length part and a second lower length part, and the remaining three of which comprise a single lower length part 1 1 B. Figure 18 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a barrier comprising two bollards each consisting of one post 30 having an upper length part 31 integrally joined to a lower length part 32 by a bend 33 which traverses or bends through substantially 450 degrees thereby to define a loop between the lower length part and the upper length part. A coupling beam 34 passes through each loop of the two beams simultaneously to couple them. This loop effectively defines a spring portion in the post 30 and collectively in the barrier defined by the two posts.

Figure 19 schematically shows an alternative in which the two posts 35 of the barrier have a rectangular cross-sectional shape and, again, possess an upper length part 36 joined to a lower length part 37 via an 450 degree-loop 38.

Figure 20 illustrates yet a further variant, applicable to either of the embodiments shown in Figure 18 and Figure 19, in which the lower length part 41 of each post 39 comprises a further loop (or hook formation) 43 which traverses through substantially, or at least, about 180 degrees in a direction which is generally downward so as to loop over the upper surface and around underneath the undersurface of a coupling cross-beam 44 which crosses simultaneously through the further bend/loop in each of the two posts 39 of the barrier. Each post comprises and upper length part 40 integrally joined to a lower length part 41 via a bend 42 describing a substantially 450 degree loop as described above. Figure 21 schematically illustrates a bollard apparatus comprising two post members 30 each comprising an upper length part 31 integrally joined to a lower length part 32 by a bend in the post which extends through approximately 450 degrees to define a loop 33 through which passes a coupling beam 34. The loop joins the upper length part 31 of each post to its lower length part 32. A sheaving collar 6 may optionally (shown in dotted line form) be employed to hold together the upper length parts of the two posts as a sheave. In this way, the respective lower length parts of the two posts 32 extend transversely relative to the sheave at a common end of the bollard collectively to define a bollard foot upon which the sheave is supportable in an upstanding position. Though not shown, additional such loop-bearing posts 30 may be added to the sheave and threaded onto the coupling beam 34 as desired.

Figure 22 shows a variant bollard design in including three loop-bearing posts, each having an upper length part within the same common sheave, whereas the lower length part of a first post of the three (a middle post) extends from the sheave in a direction opposite to that in which the lower length parts of the remaining second and third posts (outermost posts) of the bollard extend in parallel. As a result, the second and third post lower lengths may, in parallel, provide resistance to turning forces generated by impacts occurring from the side of the bollard opposite to them, whereas the lower length of the first post may also resist such forces as a cantilever. A barrier may be formed using multiple bollards such as shown in Figure 21 and/or in Figure 22 (e.g. a mixture) in which some or all of the bollards are coupled via a common coupling beam 34 extending through the loops 33 of each post.

Figures 23 and 24 show alternative post structures, any one of which may replace any one or more of the posts shown in any other of the figures herein. In particular, the loop 33 is formed by a bend in the post through about 270 degrees. A terminal second bend 43 defined a hook for receiving within its recess a coupling bar 44 such as shown in Figure 20.

Figure 26 schematically shows how the bend angle may such that the lower length part of a post extends in a direction subtending between about 60 degrees and about 120 degrees for use on/with inclined ground surfaces (e.g. ground slope up to about 30 degrees). Lower length parts of adjacent posts may be arranged in parallel/collinear (or otherwise) to match the inclination of the ground level either side of the vertical sheave (2, 3).

Advantages of providing an impact barrier comprising one or more bollards either comprising a sheave of bent posts held by a sheave, and/or a post(s) possessing looped bend, is the resulting resilience of the bollard to impulsive/spiked impact loads as shown schematically in Figure 26. It has been found that such an arrangement has the ability to somewhat spread-out over time the otherwise very rapid acceleration of the impacted bollard (deceleration of impacting vehicle). This results in more manageable forces and stresses not only within the structure of the bollard apparatus, providing better resistance to structural breakage/failure in the bollard, but also within the impacting vehicle thereby imparting less violent impulse shock to occupants of the impacting vehicle while still being able to stop the vehicle. Figure 26 schematically shows the acceleration 50 experienced by a test bollard comprising a single straight post set within a foundation of concrete, when impacted by a vehicle. Also shown is the acceleration 60 experienced by a bollard according to an embodiment of the invention comprising a sheave of bent posts set within a foundation of concrete. As can be seen, the otherwise high and sharp impulse spike is rendered lower and wider (less sharp) thereby spreading the impact load overtime. Furthermore, the nature of the invention in preferred embodiments, such as comprising separate or separable component parts (posts, sheaving collar(s) etc.) means that the apparatus of the invention may be provided as a kit of component parts which permits ease of storage and transportation. For example, the posts of the bollard of Figure 1 , when in unassembled form (sheaving collar removed, or before fitting it to the sheave), are easily stackable horizontally or vertically in storage or in a vehicle (truck) in large numbers for transportation (e.g. to a location for assembly/use). This enables a quick-build barrier - which may be temporary or permanent, to be deployed and dis-assembled (if desired) rapidly.