Intrusion-proof barrier

Abstract

Intrusion-resistant barrier (10), characterized in that it comprises at least one plate (11) and one or more anchoring devices (12) suitable for cooperating with respective anchoring holes (13) of the plate (11) for anchoring to a part (24) of a structure (30), and each of which comprises a bolt (16) suitable for engaging in a corresponding anchoring hole (13), a first (22) and a second clamping element (22') that can be positioned along an axis (X) of the screw (17) of the bolt (16) in order to receive and clamp this part (24) between them, a first bolt (21) for clamping the two clamping elements (22, 22'), and a second bolt (23) that can be positioned upstream of the first bolt (21) along the axis (X) in order to, in conjunction with the first bolt (21), clamp the said plate (11). to clamp between them, comprising the first bolt (21) and the first clamping element (22) being suitable toto work together so that, during use, they serve as spacers between the plate (11) and an outer surface of the part (24) clamped by the first (22) and the second clamping element (22'), thus defining a gap (I) that promotes air circulation.

Description

AREA OF APPLICATION

[0001] The embodiments described here relate to an intrusion-proof barrier for birds or animals in general, intended to protect the perimeter of photovoltaic panels and / or solar thermal systems, or possibly also rain gutters or the outdoor units of modern air conditioning systems, which are installed, for example, on roofs or coverings of buildings or on the ground, or generally on structures that are installed, for example, on roofs or roof coverings, or in any case slightly raised above a lower installation surface, defining a relatively narrow space beneath them that could, however, attract the unwanted presence of birds, rodents, or animals in general. The embodiments described here can also be used to close the corrugated profiles of roofs or coverings intended for ventilation. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] It is well known that the nesting of birds, generally pigeons, or the presence of animals in general, under photovoltaic panels installed on building roofs is a serious problem that can impair the efficiency of the photovoltaic system. Furthermore, it causes various inconveniences, such as the presence of guano or droppings in general, ticks, infiltration due to poor rainwater drainage, noise (particularly bothersome at night), and unpleasant odors. There is also a risk of disease transmission to humans through the droppings.

[0003] To prevent birds, rodents or animals in general from entering under the panels, elements or barriers can be used that are arranged along the perimeter of the panels.

[0004] In general, these known elements or barriers require, for their attachment, the drilling of parts of the edging or support structure of the panels or other surfaces, which may not be desirable because it can compromise their integrity and sometimes be a costly process.

[0005] Furthermore, this measure must be applied with caution, because it is preferable that the perimeter of the panels not be closed off by elements or barriers that obstruct airflow, as this could impair the efficiency of the system.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need to perfect an intrusion-proof barrier, for example, but not in a restrictive manner, for birds, rodents or other animals, which is to be arranged to protect coverings, raised structures, for example the perimeter of photovoltaic and / or solar installations that are installed on the roofs of buildings, which can overcome at least one of the disadvantages of the state of the art.

[0007] In particular, an objective of the present invention is to provide an intrusion-proof barrier that is easy to install by maintaining the integrity of the structure to which it is attached, in particular without the need to make fastening holes, and which at the same time at least allows the passage of air or rainwater under the structure itself.

[0008] In order to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to achieve these, as well as other goals and advantages, the applicant has developed, investigated and implemented the present invention. DECLARATION OF INVENTION

[0009] The present invention is expressed and characterized in the independent claim, while the dependent claims explain further features of the present invention or variants of the main solution concept.

[0010] In accordance with the above objectives, embodiments relate to an intrusion-resistant barrier comprising at least one plate and one or more anchoring devices suitable for interacting with respective anchoring holes in the plate to anchor it to a part of a structure. Each anchoring device comprises a bolt suitable for engaging in a corresponding anchoring hole, a first and a second clamping element that can be positioned along an axis of the bolt's screw to receive and clamp the part between them, a first bolt for clamping the two clamping elements, and a second bolt that can be positioned upstream of the first bolt along the axis to clamp the plate between them in conjunction with the first bolt.

[0011] The first bolt and the first clamping element are designed to work together so that, during use, they act as spacers between the plate and an outer surface of the part clamped by the first and second clamping elements, thus defining a gap that promotes air circulation. EXPLANATION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] These and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will be evident from the following description of embodiments, which are provided as a non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings, where: - Fig. 1 a schematic side view of an anchoring device that can be used in a penetration-resistant barrier according to the embodiments described herein; - Fig. 2 a schematic side view of an intrusion-resistant barrier according to the embodiments described herein, in conjunction with part of a structure; - Fig. 3 a three-dimensional view of an intrusion-resistant barrier according to the embodiments described herein, in conjunction with a part of a structure.

[0013] To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to denote identical common elements in the figures. It should be understood that elements and features of one embodiment can be conveniently combined or incorporated into other embodiments without further explanation. DESCRIPTION OF SOME EXECUTION FORMS

[0014] The possible embodiments of the invention will now be discussed in detail, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying figures for illustrative and non-limiting purposes. The phraseology and terminology used here also serve illustrative and non-limiting purposes.

[0015] Fig. References 1-3 are used to describe embodiments of an intrusion-resistant barrier 10, hereinafter referred to simply as barrier 10 for brevity. The barrier 10 is suitable for being arranged and anchored in relation to a structure 30, which is installed, for example, on roofs or coverings of buildings, or generally slightly elevated above a ground or reference or installation level, and which defines a space below it, which may be relatively narrow but could attract the unwanted presence of birds, rodents, or animals in general and promote their entry and nesting. For example, this structure can consist of a variety of panels, such as photovoltaic and / or solar thermal panels of a corresponding system.According to another example, the structures discussed here could also be rain gutters or the outdoor units of modern air conditioning systems. These structures, which are discussed here as examples, are generally installed using a perimeter frame that supports them. The barrier 10 is therefore suitable for being anchored to such a perimeter frame 24, which thus constitutes an example of a part of a structure 30 to which the barrier 10 can be anchored. The perimeter frame 24 will subsequently be referred to as an example of structure 30, without thereby limiting the protected area.

[0016] The barrier 10 is suitable for installation along the perimeter frame 24 by covering the space under the structure 30 laterally with its height in such a way as to protect it and thereby prevent birds, rodents or animals in general from penetrating underneath it.

[0017] The barrier 10 comprises one or more panels 11 and a plurality of anchoring devices 12. Each panel 11 can be designed to effectively serve as a barrier against the entry or passage of birds, rodents or animals in general.

[0018] Each plate 11 can, for example, be made of metal, preferably of corrosion-resistant metal such as stainless steel or aluminum. The possibility of using other materials, such as polymers, is not excluded. The one or more anchoring devices 12 are preferably made of metal, which can be stainless or at least protected against corrosion.

[0019] The panel 11 can be designed as a panel, board, sheet, or sheet of the desired thickness and can, for example, have an elongated shape, such as a standard rectangular shape. The length of the panel 11 can be defined as a standard, and several panels 11 installed consecutively can laterally cover a desired perimeter length of the structure 30. In other words, the barrier 10 is modular and, thanks to the modules made up of the panels 11, can be adapted to the length of the perimeter of the structure 30 that is to be laterally covered.

[0020] The plate 11 has a plurality of anchoring holes 13. These holes are suitable for interacting with respective anchoring devices 12 for the purpose of anchoring to the structure 30, for example, to the perimeter frame 24, as described above. For example, the anchoring holes 13 can be circular, oval, or in the form of an elongated eyelet. In this last case, they are useful for adjusting the anchoring position according to the dimensions of the plate 11 and the section of the perimeter frame 24 that is to be protected.

[0021] In embodiments, the plate 11 comprises an anchoring strip 14 on which the respective anchoring holes 13 are provided. These anchoring holes 13 are arranged along the anchoring strip 14, for example, at the desired spacing, depending on the requirements, such as equal intervals. The anchoring strip 14 extends along the length of the plate 11.

[0022] In embodiments, the plate 11 comprises a plurality of flexible prongs, or legs, 15, extending from the anchoring band 14. Specifically, they extend in a direction transverse to the direction of travel of the anchoring band 14. Such flexible prongs 15 are arranged in a row along the length of the plate 11, adjacent to one another. Collectively, these flexible prongs 15 define a comb-like configuration. These flexible prongs 15 are in material continuity with the anchoring band 14, thereby forming a monolithic body with it. The plate 11 can, in fact, consist of the anchoring band 14 and the plurality of flexible prongs 15.Such flexible prongs 15 are useful because they possess sufficient flexibility to be easily bent, allowing them to adapt to the height of the space to be protected, thus preventing birds, rodents, or animals in general from entering under the structure 30. In this way, it is possible to construct a barrier 10 with a panel 11 of standard dimensions in terms of length and height. In fact, with regard to length, it is sufficient to arrange as many panels 11 as are required due to the perimeter of the structure 30, and with regard to height, it is sufficient, if necessary, to slightly bend the flexible prongs 15 to change their vertical extent. Naturally, the flexible prongs 15 thus designed effectively prevent birds, rodents, or animals in general from entering under the structure 30.The design of the plate 11 with flexible prongs 15, which define a comb-like structure, also allows air to circulate, at least under the structure 30. Furthermore, the design of the flexible prongs 15 does not in any way prevent the possible runoff of rainwater or similar substances.

[0023] In embodiments, each plate can have 11 further openings, holes or windows, for example formed on the anchoring band 14, which are small enough to prevent the entry of birds, rodents or animals in general, but are useful to promote air passage.

[0024] In some embodiments, each plate 11 can have one or more partial cuts or incisions 31. These are partial cuts made in the material of the plate 11 to facilitate bending of the plate 11 about an axis perpendicular to its length. The cut extends only through a portion of the material. The incisions can be made, for example, with mechanical or laser cutting tools. Such partial cuts 31 can be produced with the desired spacing along the entire height of a plate 11 and are useful because they allow the plate 11 to be bent and thus adapted to the inner and outer angles of the perimeter along which the barrier 10 is installed. This results in a highly flexible installation of the barrier 10, adaptable to the structures to be protected.

[0025] In embodiments, each anchoring device 12 comprises a bolt 16 and two clamping elements 22, 22'. These latter elements can be selectively positioned along an axis X of the path of the bolt 16. In particular, when in use, it is possible to adjust the distance between these two clamping elements 22, 22' along the axis X so that a portion of the circumferential frame 24 is accommodated between them for the purpose of clamping.

[0026] The bolt 16 comprises a screw 17 and a first nut 21. The screw 17 has a head 18 and a free end 20, which are connected by a threaded shank 19. The screw 17 may be self-tapping.

[0027] The two clamping elements 22, 22' can be positioned axially along the threaded shaft 19 between the head 18 and the first nut 21. Therefore, after the frame part 24 is positioned between the two clamping elements 22, 22', the first nut 21 is used to clamp the two clamping elements 22, 22' firmly to the frame part 24.

[0028] With regard to the direction of the X axis, a first clamping element 22 and a second clamping element 22' can be defined, which are located in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 are visible from left to right. The first clamping element 22 is located immediately downstream of the first nut 21 along the direction of axis X, the second clamping element 22' lies between the first clamping element 22 and the head 18 of the screw 17.

[0029] In the clamped state, the first clamping element 22 rests against the first nut 21 and the second clamping element 22' rests against the head 18.

[0030] In embodiments, each clamping element 22, 22' comprises a clamping body 26 having a hole 27 to receive the threaded shank 19, and a clamping section 28. The clamping body 26 of the first clamping element 22 interacts with the first nut 21, and the clamping body 26 of the second clamping element 22' interacts with the head 18.

[0031] The clamping section 28 of each clamping element 22, 22' can have an internally ribbed or grooved surface 29. This latter feature can be useful for increasing the clamping grip. For example, if the circumferential frame 24 has a projecting lip 25, transverse as, for example, in Fig. 2 shown, the latter can engage in the ribbed or grooved surface 29, thereby making the clamping particularly tight.

[0032] In embodiments, each anchoring device 12 also includes a second nut 23. It can be positioned axially along the threaded shank 19 of the screw 17 and, when used, is positioned between the free end 20 of the screw 17 and the first nut 21, so that the plate 11 is gripped and clamped between the second nut 23 and the first nut 21.

[0033] The function of the second nut 23 is to clamp the plate 11 to the anchoring device 12 with the help of the first nut 21. By using the anchoring holes 13, the plate 11 can be coupled to the screw 17, which causes it to be held in place as shown in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, the first nut 21 is positioned between the first nut 21 and the second nut 23. The first nut 21 is then clamped onto the threaded shaft 19 until it engages and presses the plate 11. In this way, the plate 11 is securely locked to the anchoring device 12. Since the latter is firmly anchored to the frame part 24 by means of the two clamping elements 22, 22', which are clamped between the first nut 21 and the head 18 of the screw 17, it follows that the entire assembly consisting of the plate 11 and the anchoring device 12 is a single unit attached to the aforementioned frame part 24. It follows, therefore, that the barrier 10 is securely anchored to the aforementioned frame part 24 in order to perform its function of preventing birds, rodents, or animals in general from entering the structure 30.

[0034] An advantage of the present invention is that the barrier 10, even when it covers the sides and effectively prevents birds, rodents, or animals in general from entering under the structure 30, does not in any way impede air circulation underneath it. Thanks to the special design of the clamping device 12, a gap I is formed between the outer surface of the frame part 24, or the structure 30 in general, and the inner surface of the plate 11, which promotes airflow. Fig. 2) This effect is achieved because the function of anchoring to the frame part 24 of the structure 30 is fulfilled by the clamping elements 22, 22', while the function of clamping the plate 11 is fulfilled by the interaction of the first nut 21 and the second nut 23. Since these tasks are performed by functionally different components, which are nevertheless aligned along the axis X of the screw 17, the axial spatial extent of these components also produces the desired spacing effect, which creates the gap I. In other words, the clamping device 12, and in particular the arrangement consisting of the first nut 21 and the second clamping element 22', also serves as a spacer along the axis X between the outer surface of the frame part 24, or the structure 30 in general, and the inner surface of the plate 11, and the extent of the spacing is defined by the width of the gap I (which is shown in Fig. (2, which is schematically represented) is such that it promotes air circulation. Advantageously, such a design can therefore create a "chimney effect" in which warm air is drawn upwards by convection and its space, located below the structure 30, is occupied by fresher air. This creates a natural upward ventilation effect, which is particularly advantageous, for example, when the structure 30 is formed by photovoltaic panels and / or solar thermal panels of a respective system. In this case, overheating is advantageously prevented and the efficiency of the system is not impaired. An upper edge 11a of the plate 11 can be inclined outwards to promote air circulation ( Fig. 2).

[0035] The embodiments described here can also be used to close the corrugated profiles of roofs or the covers intended for ventilation, while at the same time guaranteeing the circulation of air that is essential for the ventilation itself.

[0036] Another advantage of the present invention is that, thanks to the design of the clamping device 12, and in particular thanks to the clamping elements 22, 22', it is not necessary to drill any part of the frame 24 or the structure 30, thus maintaining their mechanical and structural integrity. Furthermore, since no additional drilling is required, the installation and anchoring process proves to be simple and quick, while remaining reliable in any case.

[0037] For the sake of clarity, it is specified that an example of the assembly sequence for barrier 10 may include providing one or more anchoring devices 12, as described here, in which the first nut 21 is in a loosened state, and the two clamping elements 22, 22' are free and positionable along the X axis. At this point, the two clamping elements 22, 22' are coupled to the frame part 24, which is positioned between them. Subsequently, by appropriately clamping the first nut 21, the two clamping elements 22, 22' close to each other, which then clamp the frame part 24 firmly between them; in this way, the bolt 16 with the two clamping elements 22, 22' is anchored to the frame 24.This process can be repeated a desired number of times along the circumference of the frame 24, effectively pre-positioning a certain number of bolts 16, each with two clamping elements 22, 22', depending on the number of plates 11 to be installed. The plate 11 is then coupled to the respective bolt(s) 16 by inserting the free end 20 of the bolt through a respective anchoring hole 13, sliding it along the threaded shank 19 until the plate 11 rests against the first nut 21. At this point, the second nut 23 is also screwed onto the bolt 17 and clamped against the plate 11, which is thus firmly locked between the first nut 21 and the second nut 23.This procedure can be used for all panels 11 to be mounted, taking care that, in the event that it is necessary to position the panels 11 by adapting to inner or outer angles, it is possible to utilize the piecewise cuts 31 to bend the panels 11 in the desired way, thus promoting a high degree of flexibility in the installation.

[0038] Naturally, modifications can be made and / or parts added to the intrusion-resistant barrier described so far without deviating from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. In the following claims, the reference numerals in parentheses serve only to facilitate reading and should not be considered as limiting factors with regard to the scope of protection defined in the specific claims.

Claims

[1] Intrusion-proof barrier (10), characterized byin that it comprises at least one plate (11) and one or more anchoring devices (12) suitable for cooperating with respective anchoring holes (13) of the plate (11) for anchoring to a part (24) of a structure (30), and each comprising a bolt (16) suitable for engaging in a corresponding anchoring hole (13), a first (22) and a second tightening element (22') positionable along an axis (X) of the screw (17) of the bolt (16) to receive and tighten said part (24) between them, a first bolt (21) for clamping the two tightening elements (22, 22'), and a second bolt (23) positionable upstream of the first bolt (21) along the axis (X) to clamp said plate (11) between them in cooperation with the first bolt (21), wherein the first bolt (21) and the first clamping element (22) are adapted to cooperate so that, during use,serve as a spacer between the plate (11) and an outer surface of the part (24) tensioned by the first (22) and the second tensioning element (22'), so that an intermediate space (I) is defined which promotes air circulation. [2] Barrier (10) according to claim 1, characterized by that the plate (11) comprises an anchoring band (14) on which the respective anchoring holes (13) are provided, and a plurality of flexible prongs (15) extending from the anchoring band (14). [3] Barrier (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by in that the plate (11) comprises one or more piecewise cuts (31) suitable for facilitating the bending of the plate (11) about an axis transverse to the length of the plate (11) itself. [4] Barrier (10) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized bythat the first clamping element (22) is located immediately downstream of the first nut (21) along the axis (X), the second clamping element (22') is located between the first clamping element (22) and the head (18) of the screw (17), in the clamped state the first clamping element (22) bears against the first nut (21) and the second clamping element (22') bears against the head (18). [5] Barrier (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that each clamping element (22, 22') comprises a clamping body (26) which has a hole (27) to receive the threaded shaft (19) of the screw (17), and a clamping section (28), wherein the clamping body (26) of the first clamping element (22) cooperates in abutment with the first nut (21) and the clamping body (26) of the second clamping element (22') cooperates in abutment with the head (18) of the screw (17). [6] Barrier (10) according to claim 5, characterized bythat the clamping section (28) of each clamping element (22, 22') has a grooved or serrated surface (29) on the inside. [7] Barrier (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the second nut (23) is positionable axially along the threaded shaft (19) of the screw (17) and, when in use, is positioned between the free end (20) of the screw (17) and the first nut (21) so that the plate (11) is gripped and clamped between the second nut (23) and the first nut (21). [8] Barrier (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the plate (11) is made of corrosion-resistant metal. [9] Barrier (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that it is modular and each plate (11) defines a module to be arranged in sequence with respect to one or more other modules consisting of plates (11) and which is anchored by means of one or more respective anchoring devices (12).

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