Terminal for a road barrier

Abstract

A terminal (10) of a road barrier (2) comprising a first straight band (1) with a cross-section with multiple waves, equipped with a first end (1A) connected to a static element (5A) of the said road barrier (2), at least one intermediate post (5B, 5C) connected to the first straight band (1) to support the said band, an end pole (6) connected to a second end of the straight band (1), and a ring (7) with a cross-section wit multiple waves which is supported in a cantilevered fashion by the said end pole (6), the end pole (6) being positioned inside the ring (7).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to a terminal for a road or traffic barrier.

[0002] In particular, it refers to a terminal for a traffic barrier with a cross-section featuring two or three waves.BACKGROUND ART

[0003] Commonly known traffic barriers, positioned for example at the sides of a roadway, are made up of a plurality of essentially straight or slightly curved metal beams or bands running longitudinally along the route the road takes.

[0004] They are connected to one another at each end thereof and supported by metal posts driven into or fixed to the ground.

[0005] Commonly known beams may feature a cross-section with two or three waves so as to better absorb shocks and lend rigidity to the said beams.

[0006] Commonly known barriers are very reliable in the event of impacts in a central area (i.e., away from the start or end of the barrier) but are ineffective in the event of direct impacts at the very end or beginning of the barrier.

[0007] To this end, specifically designed terminals are installed at the start and end of the barrier to make the barrier safer even in the event of impacts near these points.

[0008] Commonly known terminals, however, are particularly expensive and laborious to install, requiring an installation method which is very different from that used for the central part of the barrier.

[0009] These elements normally require additional supports, or supports which are positioned differently from the support posts used normally.

[0010] US2003 / 062603 A1 and US 5 765 811 A describe terminals known in the art.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The object of the present invention is to provide a road barrier terminal which is improved with respect to the prior art.

[0012] A further object of the invention is to provide a road barrier terminal that is easy and quick to assemble.

[0013] A still further object of the present invention is to provide a terminal that can be mounted using a configuration of support posts that is either identical or very similar to that of the central part of the barrier.

[0014] This and other objects are achieved by means of a road barrier terminal produced according to the technical teachings of the claims annexed hereto.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0015] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become clearer in the description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of the terminal, illustrated - by way of a non-limiting example - in the drawings annexed hereto, in which: Figure 1 is a simplified top-down view of the terminal according to the present invention, coupled to an existing barrier; the road is positioned on the right-hand side of the figure and of the terminal; Figure 2 is a front view of the terminal, therefore a top-down view of Figure 1, or as the terminal would be visible from in a car driving along the road with the terminal on the right; Figure 3 is a simplified sectional view taken along line III-III in Figure 1; Figure 4 is a sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Figure 1; Figure 5 is a side view, seen from the road, of the barrier in Figure 1; Figure 6 is an exploded top-down view of some of the constituent parts of the terminal in Figure 1; Figure 7 shows a similar view to Figure 2, but of a terminal featuring two-wave cross-section; Figure 8 is a simplified schematic view of a roll bending machine used to produce the curved parts of the terminal shown in Figure 6; and Figure 9 is a simplified side view of the roll bending machine shown in Figure 8. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] With reference to the figures stated, reference number 10 is used to denote, as a whole, a road barrier terminal.

[0017] The terminal 10 comprises a first straight band 1 with a cross-section with multiple waves, equipped with a first end 1A connected to the road barrier 2.

[0018] As can be seen from the cross-section in Figure 3, the band 1 shown in Figure 1 is of the three-wave type but could also be of the two-wave type.

[0019] The cross-section with two waves can feature two ridges C and one valley V (Fig. 7), while the cross-section with three waves can feature three ridges C and two valleys V (Fig. 2).

[0020] In the case of a cross-section with two waves, the terminal / barrier is preferably installed at a maximum height of 70 cm above the ground, while in the case of a cross-section with three-waves, the terminal / barrier is preferably installed at a maximum height of 80 cm above the ground.

[0021] Advantageously, the band 1 is of the galvanised metal type.

[0022] Both the two- and three-wave band types are well known in the industry and are the most widespread standard types.

[0023] In this text, the cross-section of the bands with multiple waves is shown purely by way of example.

[0024] In practice, there are several types of beams known on the market (always classified according to whether they feature a two- or a three-wave cross-section) that have slightly different cross-sections from those shown, such as different radii of curvature or waves with a more squared cross-section.

[0025] Obviously, these other commonly known types of beams can also be used in the present invention.

[0026] The band 1 is supported by a static element 5A, at least one intermediate post 5B, 5C, and an end post 6 connected to a second end 1B of the straight band 1 with multiple waves.

[0027] In this text, the term 'static element' 5A may refer to a post which already forms part of a barrier 2 (as shown in Figure 1) or any other fixed element, such as the end of an element of a 'New Jersey' barrier, a wall acting as a barrier 2, or any other element suitable to adequately support the straight band 1.

[0028] In this text, there are two intermediate posts shown by way of example, namely, posts 5B and 5C; however, there can be just one post which is functional to the effectiveness of the terminal, namely post 5C, or both posts 5B and 5C; the post 5A (or the static element) is considered the last post, or fixed point, of the existing barrier to which the terminal is attached.

[0029] In practice, it has been found that the post 5A did not undergo any deformation during the tests required to obtain the required type-approvals for the terminal and therefore can be considered not part of the terminal but rather part of the barrier to which the terminal is attached.

[0030] Therefore, as will be seen in the following examples, the straight band 1 can be supported by one, two, or three intermediate posts, as well as by the end post 6 and by the static element 5A (which can also be a post).

[0031] There is also a ring 7, with a cross-section with multiple waves, supported by a cantilever or bracket (see Figure 2) extending from the said end post 6.

[0032] The end post 6 is positioned inside the ring 7, as clearly visible in Figure 1.

[0033] Advantageously, the end post 6, which may be the only post supporting the ring 7, performs a dual function, namely supporting the end of the band 1 and, as already mentioned, supporting the ring 7 in a cantilevered manner.

[0034] According to the invention, the ring 7 is formed of a first curved band 3 and a second curved band 4, with a cross-section with multiple waves, each of the said bands having a U-shaped configuration in plan view (see Figure 6).

[0035] The first curved band 3 and the second curved band 4 are mutually secured at the straight sections 8A, 8B, 8C, and 8D thereof, which are overlaid in a two-by-two fashion to form the ring 7.

[0036] The end post 6 may is secured to the said ring 7 at at least two overlaid straight sections 8B, 8D, and at a second end 1B of the first straight band 1.

[0037] The second curved band 4 may have a straight section 8D sandwiched between the end post 6 and a straight section 8B of the first ring 3.

[0038] According to one aspect of the invention, there may be one intermediate post only.

[0039] Advantageously, there is a first constant spacing L between at least the intermediate post and the end post 6, and between the intermediate post and the static element 5A.

[0040] If there are multiple intermediate posts (as in Figure 1), the same first spacing L may be maintained between them constantly.

[0041] The first spacing L may be between 265.2 cm and 100 cm, but preferably the first spacing L is 265.2 cm, 200 cm, 150 cm, or 100 cm.

[0042] The first spacing L depends greatly on the type of band, i.e. whether a two- or three-wave band, and on the specific impact the terminal can withstand (at 50 or 80 km / h).

[0043] It has been found that with a two-wave band 1 with a length of 400 cm (measured as a second spacing between the end post 6 and the static element 5A), and having a first spacing L (respectively between the end post and the intermediate post and between the intermediate post and the static element 5A) of 200 cm, the terminal is capable of withstanding a frontal impact according to T50 specifications (standards UNI EN 1317, UNI CEN / TS 1317-7: 2024).

[0044] It has furthermore been found that with a three-wave band 1 with a length of 525 cm (measured as a second spacing between the end post 6 and the static element 5A), and having a first spacing L (respectively between the end post and the intermediate post and between the intermediate post and the static element 5A) of 262.5 cm, the terminal is capable of withstanding a frontal impact according to T50 specifications (standards UNI EN 1317, UNI CEN / TS 1317-7: 2024).

[0045] The presence of a three-wave band, which is therefore more rigid, allows an increase in the first spacing and consequently in the length of the band 1.

[0046] It has furthermore been found that with a band 1 like that shown in Figure 1, i.e. a three-wave band, with a length of 450 cm (measured as a second spacing between the end post 6 and the static element 5A), and having a first spacing L (respectively between the end post 6 and the intermediate post 5C, between the two intermediate posts 5C, 5B, and between the intermediate post 5C and the static element 5A) of 150 cm, the terminal is capable of withstanding a frontal impact according to T80 specifications (standards UNI EN 1317, UNI CEN / TS 1317-7: 2024).

[0047] It has still furthermore been found that with a two-wave band 1 with a length of 400 cm (measured as a second spacing between the end post 6 and the static element 5A), and having a first spacing L (respectively between the end post 6 and the intermediate post 5C, between the three intermediate posts, and between the intermediate post 5C and the static element 5A) of 100 cm, the terminal is capable of withstanding a frontal impact according to T80 specifications (standards UNI EN 1317, UNI CEN / TS 1317-7: 2024).

[0048] Since the two-wave band is less rigid than the three-wave band, the length of band 1 was decreased, simultaneously decreasing the first spacing L.

[0049] Advantageously, the ring 7 has an external curvature radius R1 of between 30 cm and 50 cm, preferably 44 cm.

[0050] As shown in Figure 1, the ring 7 can have a second curvature radius R2 that is slightly smaller than the first curvature radius R1.

[0051] The radius R2, which is slightly smaller than R1, is explained by the fact that, as shown in Figure 5, a section of the second curved band 4 essentially fits into the first curved band 3, precisely to allow the two curved bands to couple to form the ring 7.

[0052] Therefore, the second radius R2 may be slightly smaller than the radius R1 by just enough to allow for an assembly tolerance E (Fig. 5) between the first and second curved bands.

[0053] Advantageously, the assembly tolerance E is between 0.2 cm and 1.5 cm, preferably 1 cm.

[0054] As shown in Figure 1, but also in Figure 6, the ring 7 may feature two straight sections, with a length G of between 20 cm and 40 cm, preferably 32 cm.

[0055] Referring now to Figures 5 and 6, it can be noted that the overlapping straight sections 8A, 8C of the first and second curved band in the cantilevered section are mutually fastened or fixed with eight bolts B in the case of a two-wave band and twelve bolts in the case of a three-wave band.

[0056] Furthermore, the overlapping straight sections 8B, 8D of the first and second curved bands in the section near the end post 6 are mutually fastened by eight bolts B in the case of a two-wave band and twelve bolts in the case of a three-wave band, in addition to one or two additional bolts B1 that secure the said bands to the end post 6.

[0057] The present invention also relates to a method for producing a terminal like the one described comprising the following steps: forming a ring 7 by using a roll bending machine 20 to curve at least one straight band with a two- or a three-wave cross-section; fastening the ring 7, in a cantilevered or a bracket fashion, to an end post 6 that is supports the end of a straight barrier 1, the latter being, in turn, supported by at least three other intermediate posts 5A, 5B, 5C, with the result that the end post 6 is inside the ring and simultaneously supports both the ring 7 (in a cantilevered fashion) and the second end 1B of the straight barrier 1.

[0058] To form the ring 7, a first and a second originally straight band are curved into a U shape using the roll bending machine 20, leaving at least one straight section 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D at each end of each curved band 3, 4.

[0059] Finally, once overlapped, the straight sections 8A, 8C, and 8B, 8D of each curved band 3, 4 are be fixed (e.g. bolted) together in pairs.

[0060] The ring 7 is then fixed to the end post 6 at least in correspondence of two overlapping straight sections 8C, 8D and at a second end 1B of the first straight band 1.

[0061] Still referring to Figures 8 and 9, it can be noted that the roll bending machine 20 features two base rollers 21, 22 and a movable roller 23.

[0062] A third spacing S between the axis of the movable roller and the axes of the fixed rollers can be adjusted during processing, so that the said distance is at least approximately 10 cm, allowing the curved bands 3 and 4 to be bent into a U-shape.

[0063] In practice, the third spacing S is such that the base rollers 21, 22 are essentially in contact with the movable roller 23 (bearing in mind that the band being processed is positioned therebetween).

[0064] A fourth spacing S1 (between the two base rollers) may, instead, be fixed, therefore non-adjustable.

[0065] Advantageously, to obtain a 180° curve as described, thereby allowing the curved bands 3 and 4 to be bent into a U-shape, the roll bending machine 20 was designed with the stop rollers 30 having a smaller diameter that allows the third spacing S of the roll bending machine to be smaller so that the fixed rollers are almost touching the moving roller.

[0066] In this text, reference is made to fastening the post and the band 1 or the ring 7 using bolts. It is obvious that, in addition to screws and bolts, suitable plates (already commonly known in the prior art) may also be used to make the connection more effective.

[0067] Furthermore, in addition to bolts, appropriately sized conventional screws and washers may also be used to securely and firmly fasten the two curved bands forming the ring.

[0068] In this text, various measurements have been stated in cm, specifically those of the first spacing and those of the second spacing. Obviously, these measurements may have assembly or manufacturing tolerances, preferably of ±0.5 cm or greater, up to ±3 cm.

[0069] Various embodiments of the innovation have been disclosed herein, but further embodiments may also be conceived using the same innovative concept.

Claims

1. Terminal (10) of a road barrier (2), comprising a first straight band (1) with wave cross-section, having a first end (1A) fixed to a static element (5A) of said road barrier (2), at least one intermediate post (5B, 5C) fixed to the first straight band (1) to support it, an end post (6) fixed to a second end of the straight band (1), and a ring (7) with a wave cross-section supported, cantilevered, from said end post (6), the end post (6) being positioned internally to the ring (7), characterized in that the ring (7) is formed by a first (3) and a second curved band (4), having a wave cross-section, each having a U-shaped plan configuration, mutually constrained to each other at their straight sections (8A, 8B, 8C, 8D) that are overlapped two by two to form the ring (7), the end post (6) being fixed to said ring (7) at least in correspondence of two overlapping straight sections (8C, 8D) and at a second end (1B) of the first straight band (1).

2. Terminal according to the preceding claim, wherein the second curved band (4) has a straight section (8D) sandwiched between said end pole (6) and a straight section (8B) of the first curved band (3).

3. Terminal according to one or more of the preceding claims wherein said wave cross-section is either two-wave, thus having two ridges (C) and one valley (V) or three-wave, thus having three ridges (C) and two valleys (V), the band with two-wave section being preferably installed with a maximum height from the ground of 70cm, the band with three-wave section being preferably installed with a maximum height from the ground of 80cm.

4. Terminal according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate post is one, with a constant first spacing (L) between the intermediate pole and the end pole (6) and between the intermediate pole and the static element (5A), the first spacing being between 262,5cm and 200cm, preferably the first spacing (L) being 262,5 or 200cm.

5. Terminal according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate posts are two or three, with a constant first spacing (L) between the intermediate pole and the end pole (6), between the intermediate pole and the static element, and between the intermediate poles, the first spacing being between 150cm and 100cm, preferably the first spacing (L) being 150cm or 100cm.

6. Terminal according to claim 1, wherein the ring (7) has an outer radius of curvature (R1) between 30cm and 50cm, preferably 44cm.

7. Terminal according to the preceding claim, wherein the ring (7) has a second radius (R2) of curvature slightly smaller than the first radius of curvature (R1).

8. Terminal according to the preceding claim, in which the ring (7) has two straight sections of length (G)between 20cm and 40cm, preferably 32cm.

9. Terminal according to one or more of the preceding claims, in which the overlapping straight sections (8A, 8C) of the first and second curved bands in the cantilever section are mutually secured to each other with eight bolts (B) or twelve bolts, and the overlapping straight sections (8B, 8D) of the first and second curved bands in the sections close to the end post (6) are mutually secured to each other by eight or twelve bolts (B) and one or two additional bolts (B1) binding them to the end post (6).

10. A method for making a terminal according to claim 1, comprising the steps of forming a ring (7) by bending by means of a roll bending machine (20) at least one straight band having a two- or three-wave cross-section and attaching the ring (7), cantilevered, to an end post (6) that also supports the end of a straight band (1), the straight band (1) being in turn supported by at least one intermediate post (5B, 5C), so that the end post (6) is inside the ring and simultaneously supports both the ring (7) and the second end (1B) of the straight band (1), characterized in that, to form the ring, (7) a first and a second straight band are curved in a U-shape by means of the roll bending machine (20) leaving at least one straight section (8A, 8B, 8C, 8D) at each end of each curved band (3, 4), the straight sections (8A, 8C; 8B, 8D) of each curved band (3,4) in pairs are overlapped and fixed together, the ring (7) is then fixed to the end post (6) at least in correspondence of two overlapping straight sections (8C, 8D) and at a second end (1B) of the first straight band (1).

11. Method according to the preceding claim, in which the roll bending machine (20) provides two base rollers (21, 22) and a movable roller (23), the third spacing (S) between the axis of the movable roller and the axes of the fixed rollers being adjustable, during processing, until the base rollers (21,22) are substantially brought into contact with the movable roller (23) subject to the thickness of the band being processed, so as to enable the curved bands (3, 4) to be U-bent.

Images