Combined roadside water drainage and safety apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus that’s both a water drain and vehicle restraint comprises a multitude of rectilinear base units 12 placed in the ground at the side of a road. Each base unit comprises a generally horizon

Description

Technical Field The present invention relates to a combined roadside water drainage and vehicle restraint apparatus comprising a plurality of base units placed in the ground to the side of a road, for providing an integrated water drainage and road safety apparatus. Background and Prior Art Rainfall onto roads can be a significant hazard to vehicles, and it is desirable to be able to swiftly remove rain water from the road, especially when rainfall rates are particularly high. Traditionally, this is achieved by having drainage ditches by the side of the road, often filled with gravel, to provide a drainage channel for rainwater run-off from the road. Sometimes a v-shaped channel is provided to act as a gutter, allowing time for the water to flow alongside the roadside until it meets a drain. Additionally, it has been known for many decades to install crash barriers (now known as “vehicle restraint” systems) along the outer edge of such roads and especially motorway carriageways. Such vehicle restraint systems are rigorously tested for safety standards in an isolated and controlled environment. It has been found however that the behaviour of vehicles leaving a lane can be significantly influenced by such water drainage ditches or v-channels, and can negatively affect the outcome of a crash with a vehicle restraint system. Devices are known to be positioned by the roadside that can help with the management of rainwater run-off, and also simultaneously support a vehicle restraint unit. WO2020 / 183153 A1 discloses an apparatus for installing a vehicle restraint comprising a base unit, the base unit comprising a plurality of apertures that are capable of handling the drainage of rainwater. Optionally the apertures may comprise a metal mesh to prevent the ingress of soil, leaves and the like which might otherwise partially or wholly block the aperture. WO2022 / 023702 A1 discloses a development of this apparatus wherein an additional base unit is provided which can support an item of street furniture. Although such designs are effective at handling the passage of rainwater, the apertures can significantly affect the movement of a vehicle prior to colliding with the vehicle restraint system. Additionally, safety testing of vehicle restraint systems is generally carried out in an isolated test environment. The testing therefore does not take into account the influence of any nearby water drainage features, which could have a significant influence on the behaviour of nearby vehicles. Improvements in this area would therefore be desirable. Brief Description of the Invention In a first aspect, the invention relates to a combined roadside water drainage and vehicle restraint apparatus, the apparatus comprising a plurality of generally rectilinear base units, placed in the ground at the side of a road, each base unit comprising (a) a generally horizontal rectangular upper surface; (b) a generally horizontal rectangular lower surface; (c) two opposing generally vertical side faces connecting the upper surface to the lower surface and being oriented parallel to the road; and (d) two opposing generally vertical end faces connecting the upper surface to the lower surface and being oriented perpendicular to the road; wherein the generally horizontal upper surface comprises a channel, such that the plurality of base units, when placed end-to-end together provide an open water channel running alongside the road, and each base unit comprises at least one rigidly oriented vertical socket, into which can be located a vertical support post for supporting a horizontal vehicle restraint barrier. Such an apparatus provides the functions of water runoff management together with a vehicle restraint system in a single apparatus. This provides for control of the interaction between the vehicle restraint system, and any interference the water run-off facility might have on the behaviour of a vehicle about to collide therewith. The apparatus can be safety tested as a single unit, taking into account the effect of the open water channel, thus improving the road safety performance. A vehicle restraint system, or crash barrier, is normally a substantially horizontal steel member, attached to a plurality of vertical support posts which are positioned at intervals. Each support post must be stably anchored, in order to resist impact in the event of a vehicle crashing into the crash barrier. Details of such support posts and their anchoring techniques can be found in WO2020 / 183153 A1. Alternatively, the roadside installation may be an item of street furniture, as described in WO2022 / 023702 A1. The apparatus according to the present invention is intended to be used for extended distances along the side of a road. In order for the apparatus to provide an integral structure over those distances it is preferred that the end faces of adjacent generally rectilinear base units are connected by corresponding male and female interlocking members. Preferably a vertical support post for supporting a horizontal vehicle restraint barrier is located in each rigidly oriented vertical socket. Typically the apparatus will also be installed with a horizontal vehicle restraint barrier, attached to the vertical support posts. In practice, a plurality of such base units will be laid end to end to achieve the desired length of run of base units. Since each base unit is generally rectilinear, they can be described as having a length in a direction parallel to the road alongside which the base unit is placed. They can also be described as having a height, which is the vertical height when placed in the ground. The width of the base unit is then the distance they base units extend in a direction perpendicular to the road. Each of the plurality of base unit may each have the same width, so that an effective channel can be provided by the side of the road. Preferably they will all have the same height for ease of installation. Although the base units may be provided in more than one length, preferably at least a subset of the base units all have the same length, as this makes manufacturing and installation simpler. The channel may be v-shaped, i.e. comprising two sloping downward faces meeting in the middle, or alternatively the channel may have a curved cross-section. The precise dimensions of the base units are not critical, but a typical embodiment of the invention may be 4 to 10 metres in length, about 500 to 1200 mm wide and 150 to 400 mm in height. Since the apparatus is positioned by the roadside, there may be piped or cabled services already in place, prior to installation. Therefore, preferably the lower surface of each generally rectilinear base unit comprises at least one cavity extending continuously between the end faces, so that any cables or pipes can pass along the cavity. More preferably two cavities are provided, extending continuously between the end faces. In a preferred embodiment, the two cavities are located off-centre, providing the base units with an ‘M-shaped’ cross section in a direction parallel to the end faces. This provides two channels for the passage of services, such as pipes and electrical cables, but also provides a thickened central region, which helps to strengthen the base unit, as otherwise the channel, especially if v-shaped, would weaken the base unit structure along the centre line. The vertical sockets into which is located a vertical support post may be located in the base unit itself, and protrude from the upper surface of the base units. Alternatively, each vertical socket may be located within a respective support block, wherein the support blocks are mechanically interlocked with the base units. In a preferred embodiment, the combined apparatus comprises at least one item of additional roadside equipment, such as direction signs, road signs, warning signs, traffic cameras, traffic lights and signals, emergency telephones, supports for overhead gantries, safety fencing, acoustic damping fencing, and so on. Preferably at least one base unit comprises a rigidly oriented lighting unit. The vertical lighting unit is preferably located within a lighting support block, wherein the lighting support block is mechanically interlocked with the base unit. Preferably, each base unit is made from concrete, and may be reinforced as desired. This provides the strength to withstand the forces due to a vehicle, such as a car or lorry, passing over the surface of the apparatus. In a preferred embodiment, at least one base unit provides an open drain region, extending from the upper face to the lower face. Such open drain regions can provide a faster rate of flow of rainwater, albeit at the cost of having to handle the water as it flows downwardly out of the aperture. Advantageously, the open drain region comprises a filter for allowing the passage of rainwater but preventing the passage of leaves, gravel and the like, and the filter is preferably removable from the open drain region. This effectively collects debris at surface level, and provides for ease of cleaning. For example, the filter may be a removeable filter basket that snugly fits into the open drain region. As discussed, the apparatus is typically positioned in the ground with its length parallel to and adjacent to a road. Ideally the horizontal upper face is flush with the surface of the ground, so that water can easily flow onto the surface of the apparatus, and that vehicles such as cars and lorries that leave the road can pass safely over the apparatus. The invention will now be illustrated, by way of example, and with reference to the following figures, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to the present invention. Figure 2 is an end view of the apparatus shown in figure 1. Figure 3 is a plan view of the apparatus shown in figure 1. Figure 4 is a perspective view of another apparatus according to the present invention. Figure 5 is a perspective view of a further apparatus according to the present invention. Turning to the figures, figures 1 to 3 show a combined roadside water drainage and vehicle restraint apparatus 10 comprising a plurality of generally rectilinear base units 12 placed in the ground at the side of a road that travels in direction R. Each base unit 12 comprises a generally horizontal rectangular upper surface 14, a generally horizontal rectangular lower surface 16, two opposing generally vertical side faces 18a, 18b connecting the upper surface 14 to the lower surface 16 and being oriented parallel to the road R, and two opposing generally vertical end faces 20a, 20b connecting the upper surface 14 to the lower surface 16 and being oriented perpendicular to the road R. The base units have the same width (the distance between side faces 18a, 18b), height (distance between upper surface 14 and lower surface 16) and length (distance between end faces 20a, 20b). The generally horizontal upper surface 14 comprises a v-shaped channel 15 aligned in direction R, formed from two sloping surfaces from the line connecting the sides faces 18a, 18b with the upper surface 14. When the plurality of base units are placed end-to-end together they form an open water channel running alongside the road. Each base unit comprises a rigidly oriented vertical socket 22, into which is located a vertical support post 24 supporting a horizontal vehicle restraint barrier 28. The end faces 20a, 20b of adjacent generally rectilinear base units are connected by corresponding male 30a and female 30b interlocking members. This ensures that the plurality of base units remain interlocked to form a single structure. As best seen from figure 2, the lower surface 16 comprises two cavities 17 extending continuously between the end faces 20a, 20b located off-centre, providing the base units 12 with an M-shaped cross section in a direction parallel to the end faces 20a, 20b. The apparatus therefore provides an integrated water drainage facility together with a vehicle restraint system. The combined apparatus may be tested for road safety, and provides a convenient solution to the provision of both water drainage and road safety for roads. Figure 4 shows an alternative design of combined roadside water drainage and vehicle restraint apparatus 50 according to the present invention wherein the vertical socket 22 is located within a respective support block 26, wherein the support blocks 26 are mechanically interlocked with the base units 12. The base unit 12 comprises an undercut shoulder 52, which is shaped to cooperate with a lip 54 provided on the support blocks 26. Additionally, the front face 27 of each support block 26 snugly fits the profile of the vertical side face 18b. The base unit 12 is also 5 provided with a linear array of vertical holes 56 which pass through the entirety of the base unit 12. Each lip 54 of each support block 26 comprises a corresponding linear array of holes 58. In order to secure the support blocks 26 in position relative to the base unit 12, a number of vertical pins (not shown) can be inserted into the holes 56 and into holes 58, to hold them in place to form the single combined roadside water drainage and io vehicle restraint apparatus 50. Figure 5 shows an alternative design of combined roadside water drainage and vehicle restraint apparatus 70 according to the present invention wherein the vertical socket 22 is located within a respective support block 26, but wherein the support blocks 26 are 15 mechanically interlocked with the base units 12 with a male pin 72 that are vertically placeable into a corresponding female slot in the block 12.

Claims

1. A combined roadside water drainage and vehicle restraint apparatus, the apparatus comprising a plurality of generally rectilinear base units, placed in the ground at the side of a road, each base unit comprising:(a) a generally horizontal rectangular upper surface;(b) a generally horizontal rectangular lower surface;(c) two opposing generally vertical side faces connecting the upper surface to the lower surface and being oriented parallel to the road; and(d) two opposing generally vertical end faces connecting the upper surface to the lower surface and being oriented perpendicular to the road;wherein the generally horizontal upper surface comprises a channel, such that the plurality of base units, when placed end-to-end together provide an open water channel running alongside the road, and each base unit comprises at least one rigidly oriented vertical socket, into which can be located a vertical support post for supporting a horizontal vehicle restraint barrier.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a vertical support post for supporting a horizontal vehicle restraint barrier is located in each rigidly oriented vertical socket.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the channel is v-shaped.

4. An apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the end faces of adjacent generally rectilinear base units are connected by corresponding male and female interlocking members.

5. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lower surface of each generally rectilinear base unit comprises at least one cavity extending continuously between the end faces.

6. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the lower surface of each generally rectilinear base unit comprises two cavities extending continuously between the end faces.

7. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the two cavities are located off-centre, providing the base units with an M-shaped cross section in a direction parallel to the end faces.

8. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vertical sockets are located within the upper surface of the base units.

9. An apparatus according to any one claims 1 to 6, wherein each vertical socket is located within a respective support block, wherein the support blocks are mechanically interlocked with the base units.

10. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one base unit comprises a rigidly oriented lighting unit.

11. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the vertical lighting unit is located within a lighting support block, wherein the lighting support block is mechanically interlocked with the base unit.

12. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base units are made from cast concrete.

13. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one base unit comprises a drain to allow rain water to pass vertically through the base unit.

14. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the generally horizontal rectangular upper surface is flush with the surface of the ground.Concept HouseCardiff Road, NewportNP10 8QQT +44(0)30 0300 2000Search report under Section 17 of the Patents Act 1977Application No.: GB2500629.7Claims searched: 1 - 14Date search completed: 15 July 2026International classificationSubclass and subgroup Valid from E01C11 / 22 01 / 01 / 2006 E01F15 / 02 01 / 01 / 2006Field of searchWorldwide search of patent documents classified in the following areas of the IPC: E01C, E01FDatabases used in the preparation of this search report:SEARCH-PATENTDocuments considered to be relevantPatent literatureCategory Relevant to claims Document of relevance X 1 - 3, 5, 6, 8, 10 - 14 CN 111364379 A (ZONG XIUWEI) - See figures 1 - 4, noting the U shaped channel 4 that is formed of base units with generally horizontal rectangular upper and lower surfaces, and opposing generally vertical side and end faces that are parallel and perpendicular to the road respectively, with slots 2 which receive vertical supports 5. X 1,3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12 - 14 FR 2713254 A1 (SABLA SA) - See figures 1,2, and 6 - 8, noting the V shaped channel 26, the drain 23, and the barrier 62 which is coupled with the structure. X 1 - 6, 8, 10, 12 - 14 NO 348088 B1 (SKJ^VELAND CEMENTSTOEPERI AS) - See figures 5 -Concept HouseCardiff Road, NewportNP10 8QQT +44(0)30 0300 20007d, noting the drain 1 with gutter 15, post holes 20 which couple with means 200 to hold the guard rail 42 in place, along with the generally horizontal rectangular upper and lower surface, and opposing generally vertical side and end faces which are parallel and perpendicular to the road respectively. X 1 - 3, 8, 10, 12 - 14 CN 208533301 U (UNIV HEBEI ARCHITECTURE) - See figure 1, noting the curb with a drainage channel 4, which has slots for receiving vertical supports for guardrails 3, along with a repeating base. X 1 - 5, 8, 10, 12 - 14 CN 110670445 A (BAOLI CHANGDA ENG CO LTD) - See figures 1 - 5 in particular, noting the drainage channel 3 with through holes 4 that are suitable for receiving vertical supports, along with the tank body 2 which has generally rectangular upper and lower surfaces, along with opposing generally vertical side and end faces that are parallel and perpendicular to the road respectively X 1 - 3, 8 - 12, 14 JP 2003239233 A (MARUEI CONCRETE IND CO LTD) - See figures 1 - 9, which show a concrete water channel 10 that has vertical support posts which can be seated, as shown in figure 8, within their own support blocks 4.Non-patent literature[None]Categories Letter or symbol Description X Document indicating lack of novelty or inventive step. Y Document indicating lack of inventive step, if combined with another document of the same category. & Member of the same patent family. A Document indicating technological background. P Document published on or after the priority date but before the filing date of the present application. E Earlier application published on or after the filing date of the present application.

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