Climbing deterrent

Abstract

An anti-climb deterrent device comprising a tubular section 20 split at a plurality of points 30 and deformed outwards to form a plurality of prongs 40. At one end of the tube 50 is a bevel 60 having

Description

The present invention relates to a climbing deterrent to dissuade persons from climbing or clambering upon an object. Background There are a number of objects, such as pipes and cables spanning a river or stream, fences and other objects where it is desirable to dissuade persons and / or animals from climbing or clambering upon them. Either as a security measure or because the object or structure is simply not strong enough to bear a person’s weight. In these circumstances there is a need to providing a deterrent, the primary function of which is not so much to hinder or injure a person but simply to dissuade them from doing something which may otherwise be motivated by a casual impulse, adventure et cetera. An established product for doing this are rotating spikes. These are relatively aggressive but perform the above function and so the variants include more flexible long curved protrusions but which are visually more impactful but are in principle more easily overcome. The principal problems with the deterrence which comprise large rotating protrusions is that whilst they act as a suitable deterrent they can: be easily caught in high winds and result in the product rotating / spinning causing noise along with wear and tear. However, fixing such devices so that they do not rotate also makes them less effective as the protrusions can be flattened by impact with a suitable object such as a plank and be rendered ineffective. There is also the problem of ease of manufacture as such rotating obstacles are inherently complex to manufacture, particularly when addressing the above problems. In particular versions are known in which the rotating spikes, being located upon an axle, are configured so that the axle has a cam-like structure as does the internal diameter of the spikes such that the spikes may only rotate in one direction. This is highly effective but can also be a significant safety problem as if there is entrapment then a person can be very difficult to extract as the spikes / protrusions can only grip tighter when rotated. This largely frustrates the balance between aggressiveness and visual impact and simpler solutions such as razor wire can be used if the prime requirement is simply to injure a climber. There is therefore a need for an improved climbing deterrent particularly of the rotating protrusion -type to limit the ability for the devices to freely rotate whilst maintaining intrinsic safety and doing so in a cost-effective, manufacturing efficient manner. The present invention The present invention in its various aspects is as set out in the appended claims. The present invention provides an anti-climb deterrent device comprising a tubular section, which can act as a collar, which is split at a plurality of points and deformed outward from the axis of the tube to form a plurality of prongs wherein: a. The, first, end of the tube remote from the points terminates in a bevel having a, first, angle other than 90° to the axis of the tube; and b. the ends of the prongs terminate with a, second, angle other than 90° to form a bevelled termination having a point. This configuration has three beneficial effects. First of all it enables the device to be constructed from a single piece of tube split along its longitudinal axis for about half its length, the relevant feature being that the tube is cut from a long length of stock with a diagonal cut so is to simultaneously produce the bevel and the prongs when subsequently split. An important feature of the present invention is the deterrence effect. The purpose of the present invention is to deter climbing, for example, not to injure. The instability of the rotatable device, the curved and hindering nature of the prongs and, importantly, the irregularity of the device, each prong is terminated in a different manner this gives rise to doubt and uncertainty in the mind of a climber. Persons were shown images of figure 1 next to an equivalent image without the bevel (60) or the variations in the end spikes (70,81) (i.e. a simple perpendicular cut, c.f. figure 2) and asked ‘Which anti-climb device you do you consider to be the most intimidating?’ The choice is indicated by a cross the following table: Table 1 person one person two person three person four Invention X X X X Equivalent This is not to detract from the equivalent product but shows a relative, incremental benefit of the present invention in providing an increase deterrent value which is a key aspect of its function. The preferred feature of the present invention is that the ends of the prongs each terminate in a different manner. In the most preferred feature of the present invention one prong terminates in two points, two prongs terminating one point and a remaining prong for prongs terminates in a point / blade. The device of the present invention may comprise four or more prongs, preferably, four, five or six prongs. Most preferably four prongs. Five or six prongs produces more defined spikes at the end of each prong but is more complex to produce. Three prongs, in combination with the preferred form of manufacture, there diagonal cut, produces less effective prong ends. This ease of manufacture then gives rise to a hindering, but not necessarily stopping of rotation of the deterrent device when mounted upon an axle. Hence, the deterrent / entanglement threat of the device is maintained but without the potential for the device to spin in the wind. Further this ease of manufacture also gives rise to points at the ends of the prongs so that the deterrence effect is enhanced. In the present invention the first and / or second angle is preferably between 20 and 70°. This range of angles gives practical effect to the above features. In the present invention the first and / or second angle is preferably between 20 and 45°. This range of angles is the best to give rise to both of the above effects effectively and simultaneously. In the present invention the first and second angle are preferably the same. This facilitates the method of manufacture by enabling single, repeated, angled cuts, relative to the axis of the stock tubing used for device manufacture to create the metal components for further shaping to produce the device of the invention. In the present invention the length of the tubular portion is preferably less than the linear length of the prong. This prevents the tubular section on the axle being used as a pull-up bar, as their is not enough space between the prongs for someone to fit. The split-tube shape is particularly difficult to hold onto as the small surface area of the edge alongside curved shape of the split-tube is particularly unergonomic to hold. These features enhance the deterrent effect as a person viewing the device will mentally evaluate its effects in hindering a climbing action and thus deter. The prongs are preferably curved, the curves of the prongs preferably extend beyond the end of the tube portion of the device and therefore abutting, face on face so to speak devices resulting in inter-engaging prongs. This works well with the bevel on the pipe so that some degree of rotation of the device and axle is permitted but not free rotation when in conjunction with further devices. In the present invention the device may be made from aluminium. This is preferable as it is lighter weight and easier to split during the manufacturing process. In the present invention the device may be made from steel. This is preferable as the elongate, preferably curved, prongs can be easily bent out of the way when made of a softer metal and it enables the device to be manufactured on a steel axle without giving rise to galvanic corrosion. Even so, since rusting can still be an issue, stainless steel may preferably be either used. The present invention may be exposed to the elements for extended periods of time, including rain, so the present invention will not weaken or lose the ability to rotate due to rust. The present invention includes an apparatus comprising a plurality of devices as herein described, mounted upon an axle in which the first ends of the tubes of adjacent pairs of devices are approximate to one another. In the present invention the devices are preferably, individually, free to rotate upon the axle. By this it is meant that when not abutted to an adjacent device then individual devices can spin freely upon the axle to which they are mounted. In this manifestation of the present invention having the bevels and the inter-engaging protrusions, acting concert to enable some rotation but not free rotation. Therefore, the deterrent effect is maintained, and unstable object to grip is far less desirable to a climber whereas the free rotation which can give rise to movements in the wind and enhanced corrosion is largely avoided. For the above reasons, in the apparatus of the present invention the devices are preferably constrained longitudinally along the length of the axle so that at least one portion of the bevel will engage one portion of an adjacent bevel in said adjacent pairs. Again, for the above reasons, In the apparatus of the present invention devices adjacent to the other device in said pair are preferably presented so that the prongs interleave / inter-engage so as to limit the relative potential for rotation of one device relative to the adjacent device. In the apparatus of the present invention the axle is preferably made of steel. This provides the necessary strength of an elongate member to support the prongs and reduces the number of supports which are needed for the axle. Each supports potentially being a point of purchase for a climber. In the apparatus of the present invention the axle may be made of aluminium. This is particular preferred when the devices made of aluminium so as to prevent galvanic corrosion. The present invention includes a method of producing a device of the present invention, the method comprising the steps: providing an elongate piece of metal tubing, dividing the elongate piece into a number of sections by performing cuts angled (as previously defined) to the longitudinal axis of the tubing, and splitting one or more of the sections created longitudinally for a portion of its length and in doing so forming the individual split portions into curved protrusions. The formed protrusions thereby preferably point back down the axis of the tubular portion of the section. Each of the splits and hence each of the protrusions of the present invention are preferably representative of the same angular section of the cross section of the tube. In addition, it has been found that cutting the raw material tube so is to initiate the first step of the manufacturing process facilitates the splitting process as the cutters use to form the splitting, all being arranged in a star-shaped manner around the axis, results in one cutter engaging before the others, than the others sequentially engage so as to reduce the distortion caused by the start of cutting action which reduces the speed at which the cutting action can be initiated. The cutting portion of the manufacturing process can therefore be sped up. In the apparatus of the present invention the axle may be mounted at each end upon mounting brackets for mounting upon a fence. Additional mounting points may be present to allow the device to span particularly long distances. The present invention encompasses a kit of parts suitable for constructing the apparatus as hereinbefore disclosed. Drawings The present invention is illustrated by means of the following drawings in which like features are designated with like numerals. The figures provide figure 1 is an isometric projection that shows a device of the present invention; figure 2 is an isometric projection that shows two devices of the present invention in an assembly located upon an axle together forming a system of the present invention; figure 3 is a side view of the tubing that shows a schematic of how raw material tubing is sectioned so as to enable the present invention; and figure 4 is an isometric projection of the tubing illustrative of a further benefit of the present invention in providing a combination of more limited rotation together with more visually impactful deterrent protrusions. Please note that the device of the present invention is shown fully in figure 1 and the equivalent devices in figure 2 do not depict the variations of each end of the prong for the ease of rendering of the images. The features of the drawings are listed as follows: 10, 10’ device of the invention 20 tubular portion, acting as a collar when mounted upon an axle 110 30 splits in tubular portion (the crossways line is a construction line for clarity) 40 protrusion 50 elongate aperture 60, 60’ bevel 70 tip of protrusion (note that each protrusion has a different tip) 72 tip of protrusion (note that each protrusion has a different tip) 74 tip of protrusion (note that each protrusion has a different tip) 76 tip of protrusion (note that each protrusion has a different tip) 80 angled tip of protrusion 90 point on tip of protrusion 100 assembly of the present invention 110 axle 200 schematic of how raw material tubing 300 schematic of key features, 60, 90 of the present invention Detailed description The device of the invention 10 comprises an elongate tube 20 having a first end which is bevelled, in particular bevelled such that the angle of the bevel is relative to the longitudinal axis of the tube. At the second end of the tube, remote from the first end the tube bifurcates at a plurality of splits 30 to form a corresponding plurality of protrusions 40 terminating in a tip 70. It is noted that each of the tip 70, 72, 74 and 76 present a different termination, i.e. either a different form or orientation of the point. For clarity, the blade presented on one of the terminations 72 is less obviously pointed but is still blade like and has a termination other than perpendicular. The devices of the present invention 10, 10’ are usable in an apparatus of the invention comprising a plurality of the devices 10 located upon an axle 110 about which they are, apart from bevels 60, 60’ free to rotate. The apparatus is constructed simply by taking axle 110 and sliding upon it devices 10, 10’ until the devices are approximate and perpendicular to the axis of the axle 110 the bevels 60 have some degree of overlap. This prevents free rotation, but allow some rotation of the devices 10, 10’ to the extent that they are otherwise mutually engaged. In the present invention a plurality, as in, three, four, five, six, et cetera devices are: located on an axle 110 so as to provide an apparatus of the present invention in which the devices have some freedom to rotate but do not freely rotate. The devices of the present invention are simply and effectively constructed by taking a tube 20 by cutting the tube at a bevelled angle so as to provide two tubes 20, 20’. These are then subsequently split such as by pressing a multipronged die along the axis of the tube so is to split the tube and provide a plurality of prongs 40. As can be seen schematically in figure 4 the significant advantage of this single cutting step is that not only is the bevel 60 provided on pipe section 300 but the individual portions which are split office prongs thereby terminate with age 80 and .90 which is more effective as a deterrence than a simple perpendicular cut at the end of the prongs. Hence by the single action of the appropriate cutting a significant more effective devices provided in simultaneously providing reduced rotation and greater visual impact of deterrence.

Claims

1. An anti-climb deterrent device comprising a tubular section (20) which is split at a plurality of points (30) and deformed outward from the axis of the tube (20) to form a plurality of prongs (40) wherein:a. The, first, end of the tube (20) remote from the points (30) terminates in a bevel having a, first, angle other than 90° to the axis of the tube (20); andb. the ends of the prongs (40) terminates with a, second, angle other than 90° to form a bevelled termination (80) having a point (90).

2. The device of claim 1 wherein each of the first and / or second angle is between 20 and 70°.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein each of the first and / or second angle is between 20 and 45°.

4. The device of any preceding claim wherein the first and second angle are the same (as taking account of the forming process).

5. The device of any preceding claim wherein the length of the tubular portion (20) is less than the linear length of the prong (40).

6. The device of any preceding claim wherein the device is made from aluminium.

7. The device of any of claims 1 to 5 wherein the devices made from steel.

8. An apparatus comprising a plurality of devices of any one of claims 1 to 7 mounted upon an axle (110) in which the first ends of the tubes of adjacent pairs of devices are approximate to one another.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 were in the devices are, individually, free to rotate upon the axle (110).

10. The apparatus of claim 8 or claim 9 wherein the devices are constrained longitudinally along the length of the axle (110) so that at least one portion of the bevel (60) will engage one portion of an adjacent bevel (60’) in said adjacent pairs.11 .The apparatus of any of claims 8, 9 and 10 wherein devices adjacent to a devices in said pair are presented so that the prongs (40) interleave so as tolimit the relative potential for rotation of one device relative to the adjacent device.

12. The apparatus of any of claims 8 to 11 wherein said axle (110) is made of steel.

13. The apparatus of any of claims 8 to 11 wherein said axle (110) is made of aluminium.

14. The apparatus of any of claims 8 to 13 wherein said axle is mounted at each end upon mounting brackets for mounting upon a fence.

15. A manufacturing process for manufacturing the device of any of claims 1 to 7.

16. A kit of parts for constructing the apparatus of any of claims 8 to 14.AMENDMENTS TO THE CLAIMS HAVE BEEN FILED AS FOLLOWS:07 05 25Claims1. A method of manufacture of an anti-climb deterrent device, the device comprising an elongate tubular section (20) the method comprising:taking an elongate tube (20) having a first end which is bevelled at a first angle other than 90°C to the axis of the tube;cutting the tube at a bevelled angle, to form a second angle other than 90° to form a second end of the tube (20), so as to also provide two tubes (20, 20’); andthe tube (20) is then subsequently split, along the axis of the tube, so is to split the tube and the split portion of the tube (20) is then deformed outwards from the axis of the tube to provide a plurality of prongs.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the tube is split to provide the plurality of prongs by pressing a multipronged die along the axis of the tube, so as to split the tube.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein each of the first and / or second angle is between 20 and 70°.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein each of the first and / or second angle is between 20 and 45°.

5. The method of any preceding claim wherein the first and second angle are the same (as taking account of the forming process).

6. The method of any preceding claim wherein the length of the tubular portion (20) is less than the linear length of the prong (40).

7. The method of any preceding claim wherein the device is made from aluminium.

8. The method of any of claims 1 to 6 wherein the device is made from steel.

9. An apparatus comprising a plurality of anti-climb deterrent devices, wherein each device comprises an elongate tube (20) having a first end which is bevelled at a first angle other than 90°C to the axis of the tube;07 05 25Wherein the second end of the tube comprises a plurality of split deformed outward portions configured to provide a plurality of prongs; andWherein the devices are mounted upon an axle (110) in which the first ends of the tubes of adjacent pairs of devices are approximate to one another.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the devices are, individually, free to rotate upon the axle (110).

11. The apparatus of claim 9 or claim 10 wherein the devices are constrained longitudinally along the length of the axle (110) so that at least one portion of the bevel (60) will engage one portion of an adjacent bevel (60’) in said adjacent pairs.

12. The apparatus of any of claims 7, 8 and 9 wherein devices adjacent to devices in said pair are presented so that the prongs (40) interleave so as to limit the relative potential for rotation of one device relative to the adjacent device.

13. The apparatus of any of claims 7 to 12 wherein said axle (110) is made of steel.

14. The apparatus of any of claims 7 to 12 wherein said axle (110) is made of aluminium.

15. The apparatus of any of claims 7 to 12 wherein said axle is mounted at each end upon mounting brackets for mounting upon a fence.13

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