Anchor apparatus and / or method of use thereof

Abstract

An anchor apparatus 4 includes an anchor for attaching a first item such as a highway crash barrier 10 to a second item such as a ground surface. The apparatus includes an actuation mechanism for allo

Description

1’he present invention relates to anchor apparatus and / or a method of use thereof. Although the following description refers almost exclusively to anchor apparatus for use with a barrier system or barrier member, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the anchor apparatus of the present invention could be used with any item or object which may require anchoring in use, such as for example a furniture or kitchen cabinet, fencing, a construction item and / or the like. Barrier systems, such as for example a highway crash barrier system, are typically used to stop one or more vehicles, people, animals and / or objects from passing from one side of a barrier to an opposite side of the barrier. Barrier systems are typically formed from a plurality of barrier members that are joined together in an end to end manner to form an elongate barrier structure. Such barrier structures can be temporary structures, in that they can be free standing or temporarily anchored to a ground surface in use to allow placement and / or removal as often as required, or they can be permanent structures which are fixedly attached to a ground surface in use. In order to temporarily or permanently anchor a barrier member to a ground surface, it is known to provide anchor pins that are inserted through suitable apertures defined on flanges or feet of the barrier member. The anchor pins can be located either internally or externally of the barrier member. One example of a highway crash barrier member that uses an anchor system uses four anchor puis provided at each end of the barrier member. However, the number of anchor pins will typically depend on the length of the barrier member beuig anchored and the amount of deflection the anchored barrier member needs to absorb following impact of a vehicle with the same ui use. Currently, each anchor pin has to be fitted and / or removed manually in use. This results in a very labour intensive and tune consuming process to uisert and / or remove anchor pins to allow anchoring or release of a barrier member. This is particularly the case when the barrier structure may comprise a large number of barrier members joined in an end to end arrangement with each barrier member requiring anchoring to a ground surface in use. In addition, anchor pins that are located internally of a barrier element can be very- difficult to access and fit and / or remove in use. For example, when an intermediate barrier member is to be fitted and / or removed from a plurality of barrier members joined in an end to end configuration, access to an interior space of any intermediate barrier member is typically prevented or restricted by an adjoining barrier member. It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide anchor apparatus for an item and / or a method of use that overcomes the abovementioned problems. It is a further aim of the present invention to provide item anchor apparatus and / or a method of use thereof. It is a yet further aim of the present invention to provide barrier anchor apparatus and / or a method of use thereof. It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a barrier system or barrier member that includes anchor apparatus and / or a method of use thereof. It is a yet further aim of the present invention to provide a barrier system anchor mechanism and / or a method of use thereof. According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided anchor apparatus, said anchor apparatus including anchor means for anchoring a first item to at least a second item, surface and / or ground in use; and wherein said anchor apparatus includes actuation means arranged for allowing actuation of insertion and / or removal of the anchor means with respect to the at least second item, surface and / or ground in use. Preferably the actuation means are arranged to allow remote, automatic and / or indirect insertion and / or removal of the anchor means in use. For example, preferably a user is able to actuate insertion and / or removal of the anchor means using the actuation means without directly contacting the anchor means in use. In one embodiment the anchor apparatus is integrally formed with at least a part of the first item or further includes attachment means for attaching or detachably attaching the anchor apparatus to the first item in use. Preferably the attachment means includes any or any combination of one or more screws, nuts and bolts, brackets, plates, clips, inter-engaging members, flanges, apertures, welding, adhesive and / or the like. In one embodiment the actuation means are arranged such that actuation of the same allows automatic insertion and / or removal of the anchor means in use. In one embodiment the actuation means are arranged such that they can be manually actuated in use. For example, the actuation means are or include user actuation means. In one embodiment the actuation means are or include mechanical, electrical, electro-mechanical, hydraulic and / or pneumatic means or mechanisms to allow actuation of the anchor means in use. Preferably the actuation means are arranged such that actuation of the actuation means allows or results in movement of the anchor means between a first anchored, in-use or inserted position, wherein the anchor means anchor or help to anchor the first item to the at least second item, surface and / or ground in use, and a second released, out-of-use, removed position, wherein the anchor means is removed from engagement with the at least second item, surface and / or ground. Preferably the anchor means are movable in use between a first anchored, in-use or inserted position, wherein the anchor means anchor or help to anchor the first item to the at least second item, surface and / or ground, and a second released, out-ofuse or removed position, wherein the anchor means is removed from or is out of engagement with the at least second item, surface and / or ground. Further preferably, with the anchor means in the second released, out-of-use or removed position, the anchor means are moved clear or a spaced distance apart from the at least second item, surface and / or ground. Preferably a free end of the anchor means is arranged to engage in or through a predrilled or pre-prepared aperture, channel, recess, hole and / or the like in the at least second item, surface and / or ground when in the first anchored position. In one embodiment the actuation means, or a single actuation means or device, is arranged to move two or more anchor means. Preferably at least one of the two or more anchor means are provided on and / or associated with a first side of the item, and at least the other of the two or more anchor means are provided on and / or associated with a second side, and preferably an opposite side, of the item. In one example the actuation means, or a single actuation means or device, is arranged to move three, four or more anchor means. Preferably the plurality of anchor mans are provided a spaced distance apart from each other. In one embodiment the actuation means, or a single actuation means or device, is arranged to move the two or more anchor means simultaneously or substantially simultaneously in use. In one embodiment when the item is a barrier member, two or at least two, and further preferably three or at least three, separate anchor apparatus are provided with and / or associated with the barrier member. Preferably the plurality of anchor apparatus provided on the item are arranged a spaced distance apart from each other. For example, the anchor apparatus could provided at spaced apart intervals along a length or longitudinal axis of a barrier member in use. It is to be noted that the number of anchor apparatus used for an item will preferably depend on the degree of anchoring required for the item in use. For example, when the item is a barrier member, the anchors are typically required to withstand or absorb static and / or dynamic forces and loads in use. As such, the number and / or type of anchors might depend on the impact energy that is to be absorbed by the barrier member in use and the degree of deflection that is to be provided by the barrier member in use. In one embodiment the actuation means, or a single actuation means or device, is arranged to move the two or more anchor means sequentially, at different times, slightly different times or at entirely different tunes in use. In one embodiment the actuation means are arranged such that actuation of the same results in identical or substantially identical and / or simultaneous movement of the two or more anchor means between the first in-use, inserted or anchored position and the second out-of-use, removed or released position in use. In one embodiment the actuation means are arranged such that actuation of the same results in non-identical or different movement of the two or more anchor means between the first in-use, inserted or anchored position and the second out-of-use, removed or released position in use. For example, actuation of the actuation means could result in sliding movement of one anchor means and rotational movement of another anchor means; or could result in rotational movement of the two anchor means in opposite or different directions. In one embodiment at least part of the anchor means is integrally formed with or fixed relative to at least part of the actuation means. In one embodiment at least part of the anchor means is attached or detachably attached with at least part of the actuation means in use. This allows the anchor means to be removed for replacement and / or repair if required in use. In one embodiment the anchor means includes, consists of or is in the form of at least one anchor pin or member. However, the anchor means can include any object or device that allows anchoring of one item to another item, ground or surface in use. In one embodiment the anchor means, the at least one pin or anchor member has a head portion and a neck portion protruding outwardly from the neck portion. In one embodiment the neck portion is integral with, attached or detachably attached to the head member. Preferably the head portion has an upper surface and a lower surface and the neck portion is arranged to protrude outwardly and / or downwardly from a lower surface of the head portion. Preferably at least a portion of the outer perimeter of the head portion extends beyond the outer perimeter of the neck portion. For example, the head portion can have a wider diameter or width compared to the neck portion. Preferably the anchor means, the at least one pin or anchor member, or the neck portion is linear or substantially linear in form; elongate or substantially elongate in form; and / or rigid or substantially rigid in form. In one embodiment the anchor means or the neck portion of the anchor means, has a smooth or substantially smooth outer surface and / or at least the outer surface does not have any screw threads or fixing means associated with the same. In one embodiment the anchor means or the neck portion of the anchor means, has fixing means provided on or associated with at least part of the outer surface thereof to help the anchor means to engage or grip with the second item, surface and / or ground surface in use, such as for example, one or more screw threads, rib members, teeth members and / or the like. Preferably an end or second end of the anchor means or neck portion opposite to a first end or the head portion is locatable in a ground surface or second item in use. Preferably the first end of the neck portion is joined to or integral with the head portion. Preferably the end or second end of the anchor means or neck portion has a narrowing taper, an apex, a point and / or the like to help location of the same in a ground surface or with a second item in use. In one embodiment the anchor apparatus includes an anchor plate located on, with and / or associated with a wall or base wall of the first item or barrier member. Preferably this helps to provide strength and / or rigidity to the area of the first item or barrier member which the anchor means passes through in use. In one example, the anchor plate can act as a guide for movement of the anchor means relative to the first item and / or second item, surface or ground in use. Further preferably, an aperture or channel can be defined in the anchor plate to guide movement of the anchor mans relative to the same in use. Preferably the second end of the anchor means or neck portion is locatable through an aperture defined in the anchor plate to provide the first anchored position in use. Preferably the anchor plate can be joined to a wall or the base wall of the item or barrier member via suitable joining means, such as for example, one or more nuts, bolts, screws, inter-engaging members, clips, adhesive, welding and / or the like. In one embodiment the actuation means includes anchor support means for supporting at least part of the anchor means in use. For example, the anchor support means can support the anchor means in position within or with respect to the first item in use. In one embodiment the anchor support means holds the anchor means in an upright position within the item or barrier member in use. For example, in this supported position, a longitudinal axis of the anchor means can be perpendicular or transverse to a longitudinal axis of the item or barrier member. In one embodiment the anchor support means is or includes a bracket member. Preferably the anchor support means or bracket member defines an aperture through which the neck portion of the anchor means is locatable or removably locatable in use. Preferably the aperture of the anchor plate, anchor support means or bracket member is of such size that the neck portion of the anchor means can pass through the same but the head portion is prevented from passing through. For example, the head portion of the anchor means can engage with a surface of the anchor support means to retain the anchor means in place on the anchor support means in use. Preferably securing means are provided on and / or associated with the anchor means and / or anchor support means for securing or releasably securing the anchor means in place on the anchor support means in use. In one embodiment the securing means can include one or more locking pins, clips, inter-engaging members, ties, sprung clips and / or the like. Preferably the anchor support means or bracket means has two opposing side walls and the securing means or locking pin is locatable between the two opposing side walls or through apertures defined in the two opposing side walls. In one example, the securing means includes a locking pin located over and / or above the head portion of the anchor means to hold the same in place on the anchor support means. In one embodiment at least part or all of the anchor apparatus is provided on and / or associated with an external surface and / or external area of the first item. In one embodiment at least part or all of the anchor apparatus is provided in and / or associated with an interior surface, interior cavity and / or interior area of the first item. In one embodiment at least part of one of the anchor means and actuation means is provided internally of the first item and at least part of the other of the anchor means and actuation means is provided externally of the first item. For example, in one embodiment, a whole or part of the anchor means are provided internally of the first item but at least part or a whole of the actuation means is provided externally of the first item. In an alternative example, a whole or at least part of the anchor means are provided externally of the item and a whole or part of the actuation means are provided internally of the item. Preferably the actuation means are arranged to undergo linear, slidable, pivotable and / or rotational movement in order to move the anchor means between the first in-use, inserted or anchored position and the second out-of-use, removed or released position in use. Preferably the anchor means are arranged to undergo linear, slidable, pivotable and / or rotational movement in moving between the first in-use, inserted or anchored position and the second out-of-use, removed or released position in use. In one embodiment linear, slidable, pivotable and / or rotational movement of the actuation means results in corresponding and / or complementary' movement of the anchor means in use. In one embodiment movement of the actuation means in one of a linear, slidable, pivotal and / or rotational manner results in movement of the anchor means in a noncorresponding or non-complementary manner, or in another and different linear, slidable, pivotal and / or rotational manner, direction or orientation. For example, rotational movement of the actuation means can result in linear slidable movement of the anchor means or vice versa. In one embodiment the actuation means includes an actuation portion (or user actuation portion) and movement means or mechanism for allowing movement of the anchor means. Preferably the movement means or mechanism includes any or any combination of a screw thread arrangement, mechanical mechanism or arrangement, electrical mechanism or arrangement, pneumatic means or mechanism, hydraulic means or mechanism, cam means or mechanism, one or more lever arrangements and / or the like. In one example the movement means or mechanism includes a screw threaded means or mechanism, whereby rotation of the screw threaded means or mechanism results in corresponding rotational movement of the anchor means or results in linear and / or slidable movement of the anchor means. In one embodiment the anchor support means are directly or indirectly attached to, provided on and / or associated with the movement means or mechanism such that movement of the movement means or mechanism causes movement of the anchor support means and thus anchor means in use. Preferably the anchor support means are attached to the movement means or mechanism via one or more arm members. Preferably the one or more arm members are arranged to be perpendicular, substantially perpendicular, at an angle, or at an acute or obtuse angle with respect to the movement means or mechanism. Preferably the one or more arm members are arranged to position the anchor support means a spaced distance apart from the movement means or mechanism. In one embodiment the movement means or mechanism includes a main body or rod member about which or relative to which the one or more arm members, anchor support means or anchor means are movable or movably mounted. In one embodiment the user actuation portion is arranged to at least partially protrude outwardly from the item, is provided flush or substantially flush with a surface of the item, or is provided recessed within the item but can be easily accessed via an aperture defined in an outer surface of the item in use. In one embodiment at least part of the actuation means or movement means or mechanism is provided in a housing so as to at least partially protect the same in use. Preferably the housing in one example also helps to stop rotation or unwanted movement of the anchor means or anchor support means in use. For example, the main body or rod member of the movement means or mechanism can be provided in the housing. In one embodiment one or more slots are defined in the housing for allowing at least part of the anchor support means or the one or more arm members to protrude outwardly therefrom and / or to move along or relative to the housing in use. Preferably the one or more slots are provided parallel or substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the housing and / or movement means or mechanism. In this example, the anchor support means and the anchor means are arranged to move in a direction parallel ot substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the housing and / or movement means or mechanism in moving between the first in-use, inserted or anchored position and the second out-of-use, removed or released position. Preferably the housing is attached to the item or barrier member via attachment means. For example, the attachment means could include one or more brackets, screws, nuts, bolts, inter-engaging members, apertures, adhesive, welding and / or the like. In one embodiment the user actuation means is arranged to allow a tool or user held tool or device to be attached or detachably attached to the same in use. For example, the user actuation means could be in the form of a hexagonal head, a head and / or boss to which an impact gun, drill, ratchet device, socket wrench and / or the like could be fitted in use. Preferably the first and / or at least second item is in the form of a barrier member, safety barrier, pedestrian barrier, highway crash barrier, sign earn ing barrier, fence type of barrier, gate member, a gate barrier member, an end barrier member, an offroad barrier, a construction item, scaffolding, a furniture unit, a cabinet and / or the like. Preferably the anchor means are for anchoring the barrier member to a ground surface and / or to an adjacent barrier member in use. Preferably a plurality of anchor apparatus are provided on and / or associated with the barrier member at spaced apart intervals along the length of the barrier member or along a longitudinal axis of the barrier member. For example, in one embodiment the item can be used as a gate barrier member for allowing highway work access and / or emergency access through a run of barrier members joined in an end to end manner forming an elongate barrier structure in use. Preferably the barrier member can have any cross sectional shape. For example, the barrier member can have a tapered cross sectional shape, such that a base of the barrier member is wider than a top of the barrier member. Alternatively, the barrier member can have vertical or substantially vertical walls, thereby providing the barrier member with a rectangular or square cross sectional shape. Preferably the barrier or barrier member includes connection means for allowing the barrier or barrier member to be joined to a further barrier or barrier member in an end to end arrangement or in an overlapping arrangement in use. Preferably the connection means can include one or more connection plates, nuts, bolts, screws, hooks, clips, inter-engaging members and / or the like. In one embodiment the first item with which the anchor apparatus is provided with an / or associated with is an end barrier member, suitable for using at the end of a barrier structure or length of joined barrier members. Preferably the first and / or second item or barrier includes item or barrier movement means for allowing the item or barrier to be moved across a surface or ground surface m use. Preferably the item or barrier movement means includes one or more wheel members, castor wheels, rollers, drums, rotatable members and / or the like. Preferably the item or barrier movement means are movable between a raised position, wherein the item or barrier movement means are typically above a surface or ground surface such that movement of the item or barrier across the surface or ground surface in use is difficult or prevented, and a lowered position wherein the item or barrier movement means are in contact with the surface or ground surface and movement of the item or barrier across the surface or ground surface can take place via the same in use. Preferably with the item or barrier movement means in the lowered position, a base of the item or barrier is moved a spaced distance above a surface or ground surface, thereby allowing the item or barrier to be moved across the surface or ground surface in use. In one example, the item or barrier movement means includes a screw threaded rotatable mechanism. In this example, rotation of the screw threaded rotatable mechanism causes the item or barrier movement means to be moved between the raised and lowered positions in use. Preferably actuation means are provided with and / or associated with the item or barrier movement means for allowing the item movement means to be moved between the raised and lowered positions in use. Preferably the anchor apparatus is separate to and / or independent of the item or barrier movement means. For example, in one embodiment actuation means for the anchor apparatus are independent to and separate to the actuation means for the item or barrier movement means. Preferably one or more apertures are defined in a surface of the item or barrier member, and further preferably in alignment with at least part of the anchor means provided internally of the item of barrier members, so as to allow direct access to the anchor means if required. For example, if the anchor means need replacement or if they get stuck, a user can access the anchor means through the one or more apertures to free and / or replace the same. Preferably the anchor apparatus is part of the first item or barrier member (i.e. it is a barrier or item anchor apparatus). According to a second aspect of the present there is provided a method of using anchor apparatus, said anchor apparatus including anchor means for anchoring a first item to at least a second item, surface and / or ground in use; and wherein said method includes the steps of inserting and / or removing the anchor means with respect to the at least second item, surface and / or ground by actuating actuation means. According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided item anchoring apparatus for anchoring a first item to a further item, surface and / or ground in use. Preferably the item anchoring apparatus includes the first item. Preferably the item or first item is a barrier member and the invention is barrier anchoring apparatus. According to a yet further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of using item anchoring apparatus for anchoring a first item or a further item, surface and / or ground in use. According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a barrier system including two or more barrier members joined in an end to end manner, the barrier system including anchor apparatus. Preferably the two or more barrier members are of a different type or have a different cross-sectional shape. Preferably the anchoring apparatus can be provided in one or more of the barrier members of the system, or in one or more of the barrier members of a different type or having a different cross-sectional shape. According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of using a barrier system. Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the following figures, wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a barrier system including anchor apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a more detailed view of an end barrier member of the barrier system in figure 1. The illustration of the end barrier member has been made partially transparent so that the mechanisms contained within the interior of the end barrier member can be viewed; Figure 3 is a more detailed view of the end barrier member shown in figure 2; Figure 4 is a partial cross sectional view of one of the anchor apparatus in the end barrier member in figures 1 -3; and Figure 5 is a partial detailed perspective view of an upper part of the anchor apparatus shown in figure 4. Referring to the figures, there is illustrated a highway barrier system 2 including anchor apparatus 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The anchor apparatus 4 is for anchoring the barrier system 2 to a ground surface in use. 1’he highway barrier system 2 comprises a plurality of barrier members 6 joined in an end to end manner to form an elongate barrier structure. In this example, at each end of the plurality of barrier members 6 there is provided a transition barrier member or members 8. An end barrier member 10 is joined to each transition barrier member 8 at either end of the elongate barrier structure. Each of the end barrier members 10 is provided with anchor apparatus 4 according to the present invention. In this particular example, the transition barrier members 8 provide transition between the tapered profile of the barrier members 6 (wherein the barrier members have a narrowing taper from the base to the top due to the provision of inclined side wall members) to the vertical side wall or linear profile of the end barrier member 10. However, it is to be noted that the cross sectional shape of the end barrier member containing the anchor apparatus can be any cross sectional shape as required and can be used on either tapered barrier members or vertical wall barrier members. In addition, although the anchor apparatus is shown in the end barrier member to anchor only the end barrier member in place in this embodiment, the anchor apparatus of the present invention could be provided in any of the barrier members to anchor the same in position in use. The end barrier member 10 comprises two opposite side impact walls 20, 22 provided a spaced distance apart from each other, an end wall 24 and an opposite end wall (not shown), a top wall 26, and a base wall or inwardly protruding base flanges 28 are provided opposite to top wall 26. In this illustrated example, the opposite side walls are vertical or substantially vertical. However, the side impact walls could have any profile, such as for example being angled, stepped and / or the like. The side impact walls 20, 22, the end walls 24, the top wall 26 and the base wall or flanges 28 define an internal barrier cavity therebetween. In this embodiment, the end barrier member 10 is provided with a wheel or movement arrangement 14 in the internal barrier cavity to allow wheeling of the barrier member into and out of position within the elongate barrier structure in use, as shown by arrows 12. The wheel arrangement 14 is typically of a conventional arrangement and includes a user actuation mechanism 18 for allowing raising and lowering of the wheels 16 of the wheel arrangement between a raised position, wherein the wheels 16 are a spaced distance above the ground surface in use, and a lowered position, wherein the wheels 16 are in contact with the ground surface and the barrier can be wheeled across the ground surface in use. Since any conventional wheel arrangement could be used with the barrier members of the present invention, the wheel arrangement has not been described any further detail in this application. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the wheel or movement arrangement 14 is an optional feature of the barrier member and may not be present in all barrier members. When the end barrier member 10 is in position, it is desirable to temporarily anchor the barrier member 10 in place on the ground to prevent the same from moving relative to the ground in normal use. The barrier member is typically anchored in position in the ground using anchor apparatus 4. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the anchor apparatus 4 can be located entirely within the internal cavity of the barrier member 10 and comprises anchor means in the form of anchor pins 30. In use, the anchor pins 30 are movable between a first anchored position, wherein an end of the anchor pin 30 is engaged in a ground surface on which the barrier is located in use to anchor the barrier member 10 to the ground surface, and a second released position, wherein the end of the anchor pin is moved a spaced distance above the ground surface and the barrier member 10 can be moved relative to the ground surface in use. Actuation of the anchor pins 30 between the first anchored position and the second released position is undertake indirectly and remotely such that a user is not required to directly access the anchor pins. This is particularly advantageous as the anchor pins are often difficult to access directly. The anchor apparatus 4 includes actuation means, such that actuation of the actuation means moves the anchor pins between the first anchored and second released positions in use. In addition, in this example two anchor pins 30 are provided with the anchor apparatus 4; one anchor pin 30 provided on each side or opposite sides of the barrier member. Actuation of the actuation means results in movement of the two anchor pins 30 simultaneously, thereby reducing the time and effort required to move the anchor pins 30 in use. In the illustrated example, three separate and independent anchor apparatus 4 are provided in the end barrier member 10 at spaced distances apart along the length of the barrier member 10. Each anchor apparatus 4 includes a pair of anchor pins 30 and actuation of the actuation means associated with each anchor apparatus simultaneously moves the pair of anchor pins between the first anchored position and the second released position in use. It is noted that in this embodiment the anchor actuation means are different and separate to the wheel actuation means. Each anchor pin 30 has a head portion 32 and a neck portion 34 protruding outwardly and below the head portion 32. The neck portion 34 is linear or substantially linear and elongate or substantially elongate in form. The head portion 32 is larger in width / diameter than the neck portion 34 and the outer perimeter of the head portion 32 protrudes beyond the outer perimeter of the neck portion 34. Each anchor pin 30 is rigid or substantially rigid in form to provide the necessary strength and rigidity for allowing anchoring of the barrier member to the ground in use. The anchor apparatus 4 includes anchor support means 36 for supporting each anchor pin 30 in position within the barrier in use. More particularly, the anchor support means 36 includes a support bracket 38 comprising an aperture in a base wall 40 of the same. The support bracket 38 also includes a rear wall 48 and two opposing side walls 50, protruding outwardly from the rear wall 48. The rear wall 48 and side walls 50 are provided on or associated with the base wall 40. The neck portion 34 of the anchor pin 30 is locatable through the aperture in the base wall 40 such that the neck portion 34 protrudes below the base wall 40 of the anchor support bracket 38 when fitted in use. A lower surface of the head portion 32 of the anchor pin engages with a top surface of the base wall 40 defining the aperture when fitted in use and, due to the head portion 32 having a wider diameter than the neck portion 34, the head portion 32 is prevented from passing through the aperture of the anchor support bracket 38. Thus, the anchor support means 36 holds the anchor pin 30 in an upright position within the barrier member 10 in use. In this supported position, a longitudinal axis of the anchor pin is perpendicular or transverse to a longitudinal axis of the barrier member. A second end (not shown) of the anchor pin 30 is locatable through an aperture of a foot bracket 42 attached to the inwardly protruding base flange 28 of the end barrier member 10. The second end of the anchor pin 30 is locatable in the ground on which the barrier is located when in the first anchored position. In this embodiment, the foot bracket 42 is attached to the base flange 28 via bolts 44 but any suitable attachment mechanism could be used. The foot bracket 42 provides additional support to the anchor pin to help guide movement of the anchor pin in use between the first and second positions and helps to retain the orientation of the anchor pins. Although the outer surface of the anchor pins 30 are shown as being smooth, it will be appreciated that fixing or gripping means could be provided on the external surface of the anchor pins 30 to help them engage in the ground in use. For example, the external surface of the anchor pins 30 could include a screw thread, one or more outwardly protruding teeth, rib members and / or the like. In the illustrated arrangement, the anchor pins 30 are arranged to move in a linear and vertical manner in moving between the first anchored position and the second released position in use. However, the anchor pins could be arranged to move in a non-linear or non-vertical direction if required. Securing means in the form of a removable locking pin 46 is provided to maintain the anchor pin 30 in position on the anchor support bracket 38 in use. An aperture 52 is provided in each of the opposing side walls 50 of the anchor support bracket 38 to allow for the locking pin 46 to be removably located through the same. A sprung clip 54 can be provided on an end of the locking pin 46 to prevent accidental removal of the locking pin 46 from the anchor support bracket 38 in use. If the anchor pin 30 requires replacement or repair, the sprung clip 54 can be removed and the locking pin 46 can be removed from the apertures 52 of the side walls 50 of the anchor support bracket 38. The head portion 32 of the anchor pin 30 can then be gripped by a user and pulled in an upwardly direction to remove the anchor pin 30 from the anchor support bracket 38. The opposite process allows for an anchor pin 30 to be fitted in the anchor support bracket 38. The actuation means of the anchor apparatus 4 allows movement of the anchor support bracket 38 and therefore the anchor pin in use. More particularly, the actuation means includes a movement means or mechanism and a user actuation means or mechanism. The movement mechanism is arranged to allow movement of the anchor support bracket 38 and therefore the anchor pins 30 between the first anchored position and the second released position in use. The user actuation means are located remotely from and separate to the anchor pins 30 but actuation of the user actuation means indirectly and remotely allows movement of the anchor pins 30 via the movement mechanism in use between the first and second positions. More particularly, the user actuation means includes a hexagonal boss 56 which is accessible via a slot 58 defined in top wall 26 of the end barrier member 10. The hexagonal boss 56 is slightly recessed within the interior of the barrier member 10 but is aligned with the slot 58 for easy access. In use, a ratchet tool (not shown) can be fitted to the hexagonal boss 56 and rotation of the boss 56 via the tool causes rotation of the movement mechanism. Thus, the movement mechanism can be moved, and therefore the anchor pins 30 can also be moved, without a user having to directly contact the anchor pins 30. In this embodiment the movement mechanism includes a threaded central rod 60. Male screw threads 62 are provided on an external surface of the central rod 60. A first end 64 of the rod 60 is provided with the hexagonal boss 56 thereon. A second opposite end 66 of the rod 60 is located through an aperture 68 of a strengthening plate 70. The strengthening plate 70 is provided between opposing base flanges 28 of the end barrier member 10. The central rod therefore extends in length almost the entire height of the barrier member 10. A longitudinal axis of the central rod 60 is provided perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the barrier member 10. The movement mechanism also includes a movement bracket 72 having an aperture 74 defined through the same. The inner surface of the movement bracket 72 defining the aperture 74 is provided with female screw threads (not shown) that are complementary- to the male screw threads 62. Rotation of the hexagonal boss 56 causes rotation of the central rod 60, which allows movement bracket 72 to move in a linear vertical direction up or down the central rod 60, depending on whether the central rod 60 is being rotated in a clockwise or anticlockwise direction. Thus, movement bracket 72 is arranged to undergo movement in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the central rod 60 in use. A collar 76 is attached to a lower surface of the movement bracket 72 and moves up and down the central rod 60 with the movement bracket 72. Two opposing side arms 78 are joined to collar 76 at a first end 80 and protrude outwardly from the collar 76. A second end 82 of each of the side arms 78 is joined to the anchor support brackets 38 via the rear walls 48 of the anchor support brackets. In one example, the side arms 78 are joined to the collar 76 and the anchor support bracket via welding but other joining means could be used if required. Furthermore, in the example, the side arms 78 protrude outwardly and downwardly at an acute angle to the central rod 60 / collar 76 to provide strength and triangulation to the movement mechanism. However, this is nonessential and the side arms could protrude perpendicularly to the central rod / collar 76 if required. Thus, when collar 76 and movement bracket 72 are moved in a downwardly or upwardly direction along rod 60, this causes anchor support bracket 38 to move in a corresponding manner, and therefore indirectly or remotely causes anchor pins 30 to move in a corresponding downwardly or upwardly direction between the first anchored position and the second released position respectively. Actuation of the movement mechanism causes the pair of pins 30 to be moved simultaneously between the first anchored position and the second released position. The anchor pins are provided adjacent opposing sides of the barrier member 10. This significantly speeds up the process of inserting or removing a plurality of anchor pins in use. In the illustration, separate user actuation means are shown with each pair of anchor pins. However, it will be appreciated a single user actuation means could be provided with a single anchor pin or a single user actuation means could be provided for actuation of all anchor pins of the barrier member. The movement mechanism is largely enclosed within a housing 84, as shown in figure 4, to protect the same in use and to prevent rotation of the anchor pins 30 and anchor support brackets 38 in use. In figure 5, housing 84 has been removed for clarity purposes. Elongate slots 86 are arranged longitudinally of the housing 84 to allow the side arms 78 to protrude outwardly of the housing 84 and to move up and down relative to the housing 84 in use. The housing 84 is mounted to the ulterior surface of end wall 24 via mounting brackets 86 and bolts 88. The housings 84 provided intermediate the end walls 24 of the end barrier member 10 can be mounted via intermediate mounting brackets attached to one of the side walls 20, 22 of the end barrier member 10. In one example, the intermediate mounting brackets are preferably mounted to the nonimpact facing wall of the end barrier member, although this is not essential. This typically allows the impact facing side wall of the end barrier member to be free of internal mountings and potentially allow greater deflection of the side wall following an impact with a vehicle. In use, when end barrier member 10 is required to be removed from position in an elongate barrier structure, a user actuates movement of the anchor apparatus movement mechanism by attaching a ratchet tool to hexagonal boss 56 and rotating the same. This rotation causes central rod 60 to rotate, which causes collar 76 and movement bracket 72 to move in an linear upwardly or vertical direction. Tins causes the pair of anchor pins 30 associated with the anchor apparatus to be moved simultaneously in an upwardly direction from the first anchored position to the second released position, thereby releasing the anchor mechanism from engagement with pre-dniled anchor apertures in the ground surface. This process is carried out for all anchor apparatus provided on the end barrier member 10. With the barrier member 10 now in an unanchored position, the user then moves the wheels 16 of the barrier member 10 from the raised position to the lowered position such that wheels 16 are moved into contact with the ground surface. This raises the base 28 of the end barrier member 10 above the ground surface, thereby allowing the barrier member 10 to be wheeled out of position of the elongate barrier structure. A similar process can be undertaken in reverse in order to move an end barrier member 10 into position with an elongate barrier structure. Once the end barrier member 10 is in position with the elongate barrier structure, the barrier member 10 can be joined to the transition barrier member 8 (or any other suitable barrier member) via any suitable conventional connection means, such as for example, a connection plate 92 and a plurality of bolts 90. Slots 94 can be defined in the top wall 26 of the end barrier member 10 which are aligned or substantially aligned above the position of the anchor pins 30. The slots 94 allow user access to be gained to the anchor puis 30 and locking puis 46, particularly when the anchor pins are ui a second released position, to allow replacement and / or removal of the anchor pins 30 from the anchor support brackets 36 in use. Further slots 96 can be defined in the top wall 26 of the end barrier member 10 to allow lifting equipment to be attached to lifting pin 98 provided. This allows the end barrier member 10 to be lifted or lowered from or into position in use if required. The end barrier member 10 can include strengthening ribs 100 between the side walls 20, 22 as required. Although the above embodiment is described with respect to an end barrier member or gate member for filling gaps in an elongate barrier structure, such as for example for highway works or providing an emergency access in runs of barrier members forming the elongate barrier structure, it will be appreciated that the anchor apparatus of the present invention could be provided with any type of barrier member, including for example intermediate barrier members (i.e. barrier members intermediate the end of the elongate barrier structure). Although the above embodiment is largely located in an internal space within the barrier member, the anchor apparatus of the present invention could largely or wholly be provided externally of the barrier member, the actuation means could be provided externally and the anchor means could be provided internally of the barrier member, the actuation means could be provided internally and the anchor means could be provided externally of the barrier member and / or the like. The anchor apparatus of the present invention could be retro-fitted to an existing barrier member or could be manufactured and fitted at the time of construction of the barrier member.

Claims

1. Anchor apparatus, said anchor apparatus including anchor means for anchoring a first item to at least a second item, surface and / or ground in use; and wherein said anchor apparatus includes actuation means arranged for allowing actuation of insertion and / or removal of the anchor means with respect to the at least second item, surface and / or ground in use.

2. Anchor apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the actuation means are arranged to allow remote, automatic and / or indirect insertion and / or removal of the anchor means in use.

3. Anchor apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the actuation means are arranged such that actuation of the actuation means allows or results in movement of the anchor means between a first anchored, in-use or inserted position, wherein the anchor means anchors or help to anchor the first item to the at least second item, surface and / or ground in use, and a second released, out-of-use or removed position, wherein the anchor means is removed from or is out of engagement with the at least second item, surface and / or ground.

4. Anchor apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein single actuation means are arranged to move two or more anchor means simultaneously, substantially simultaneously, or at different tunes.

5. Anchor apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the anchor means includes: any object or device that can allow anchoring of the first item or the at least second item, surface and / or ground; includes an anchor pin or member; includes an anchor pin or member comprising a head portion and a neck portion protruding outwardly from the head portion; has a narrowing taper, apex or point; and / or has fixing means provided on orassociated with at least part of an outer surface to help the anchor means engage or grip with the second item, surface and / or ground in use.

6. Anchor apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus includes an anchor plate located on or associated with the first item to provide strength and rigidity- and / or to help guide movement of the anchor means in use.

7. Anchor apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus includes anchor support means or a bracket member for supporting the anchor means within or with respect to the first item in use.

8. Anchor apparatus according to claim 7, wherein securing means are provided on or associated with the anchor means or anchor support means to secure or releasably secure the anchor means to the anchor support means in use.

9. Anchor apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein at least part of the anchor apparatus is: provided on or associated with an external surface and / or external region of the first item; and / or is provided on or associated with an internal surface or interior cavity of the first item.

10. Anchor apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the actuation means and / or the anchor means are arranged to undergo linear, slidable, pivotable and / or rotational movement in order to move the anchor means between a first anchored, in-use or inserted position, wherein the anchor means anchors or helps to anchor the first item to the at least second item, surface and / or ground in use, and a second released, out-of-use or removed position, wherein the anchor means is removed from or is out of engagement with the at least second item, surface and / or ground.

11. Anchor apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the actuation means includes an actuation portion and a movement mechanism for allowing movement of the anchor means in use.

12. Anchor apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the movement mechanism includes any or any combination of a screw thread arrangement, a mechanical arrangement or mechanism, an electrical arrangement or mechanism, a pneumatic arrangement or mechanism, a hydraulic arrangement or mechanism, a cam arrangement or mechanism, or one or more levers.

13. Anchor apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the anchor support means are attached to the movement mechanism via one or more arm members, and optionally wherein the one or more arm members are arranged to position the anchor support means a spaced distance apart from the movement mechanism.

14. Anchor apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein at least part of the actuation means or movement mechanism is provided in a housing to at least partially protect the same in use.

15. Anchor apparatus according to claim 14, wherein one or more slots are defined in the housing for allowing at least part of the anchor support means and / or the one or more arm members to protrude outwardly therefrom and / or to move relative to the housing in use.

16. Anchor apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and / or at least second item is in the form of a barrier member and the anchor apparatus is barrier member anchor apparatus.

17. Anchor apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and / or second item includes item movement means for allowing the item to bemoved across a ground surface in use, and wherein the anchor apparatus is separate to and / or independent of the item movement means.

18. A method of using anchor apparatus, said anchor apparatus including anchor means for anchoring a first item to at least a second item, surface and / or ground in use; and wherein said method includes the steps of inserting or removing the anchor means with respect to the second item, surface and / or ground by actuating the actuation means.

19. Barrier anchor apparatus, said barrier anchor apparatus including anchor means for anchoring a first barrier member to at least a second barrier member, surface and / or ground in use; and wherein said barrier anchor apparatus includes actuation means arranged for allowing actuation of insertion and / or removal of the anchor means with respect to the at least second barrier member, surface and / or ground in use.

20. A method of using barrier anchor apparatus, said barrier anchor apparatus including anchor means for anchoring a first barrier member to at least a second barrier member, surface and / or ground in use; and wherein said method includes the steps of inserting or removing the anchor means with respect to the second barrier member, surface and / or ground by actuating the actuation means.

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