A SAFETY BARRIER.

Abstract

A safety barrier (1) is provided. The barrier (1) has a length (L), a width (W), and a height (H). The barrier (1) has an end connection (10) at one end, which end connection is arranged to connect with a corresponding end connection of another safety barrier. The end connection comprises a receiving space (11) adapted to receive at least a portion of an end connection of another safety barrier and to permit connection and disconnection with said corresponding end connection of another safety barrier only by moving the safety barriers relative to each other in the direction of the barrier's height. A distance across the receiving space between wall surfaces of the receiving space in the direction of the safety barrier's length is minimal between the upper and lower ends of the end connection and is greatest at the ends.

Description

A SAFETY BARRIER TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a safety barrier. BACKGROUND In the fields of, and similar or related fields of, construction and roadworks, it is important to separate workers from bystanders, such as vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians, and / or to separate vehicles from each other. In the case of roadworks, it may also be desirable to divert traffic. Therefore, the solution has been to separate construction / work sites and / or divert traffic with the help of safety barriers (also known as Jersey barriers). It is important that safety barriers be robust and virtually immovable once installed. Furthermore, the use of safety barriers may only be required temporarily, as the construction / work only lasts for a limited amount of time. Therefore, the need for strong (i.e., heavy and / or robust) and temporary safety barriers has resulted in safety barriers that can be coupled / joined together to form a chain of safety barriers.It is well known in the art to couple safety barriers by raising one safety barrier above a corresponding safety barrier and then lowering it so that a connecting portion of one of the safety barriers can be inserted into the other. In other words, the safety barriers are coupled in the same way that two pieces of a jigsaw puzzle fit together. The connecting portion of such a safety barrier is hook-shaped, as in the barrier shown in WO2014 / 036237 A1. However, the need to install safety barriers quickly, combined with their weight, poses a substantial risk to the health of the workers installing them. SUMMARY. In view of the foregoing discussion, one concern of the present invention is to provide a safety barrier that is easier and safer to interconnect. To address at least one of these concerns, and others, a safety barrier is provided according to the independent claim. Preferred embodiments are defined by the Q / RPLn / ZZnZ / B / YILI dependent claims. The safety barrier has a length, a width, and a height. The barrier has an end connection at one end. The end connection is arranged to connect with a corresponding end connection of another barrier. The end connection comprises a receiving space adapted to receive at least a portion of an end connection of another barrier and to permit connection and disconnection with said corresponding end connection of another barrier only by moving the barriers relative to each other in the direction of the barrier's height. The distance across the receiving space between wall surfaces of the receiving space in the direction of the barrier's length is minimal between the upper and lower ends of the end connection and is greatest at the ends.In the context of this application, the term "temporary" should be understood to mean, for example, non-permanent, momentary, provisional, and / or time-limited. It should be noted that the safety barrier is advantageous for temporary use due to its ease of assembly and disassembly, but it is also useful for long-term or permanent use. The height of the safety barrier can be understood as its vertical extension. The length of the safety barrier can be understood as its longitudinal extension. The length and width can be perpendicular to each other. Furthermore, the length and width can each be understood as horizontal extensions of the safety barrier. The minimum distance across the wall surfaces of the receiving space between the upper and lower ends of the connection allows for a secure connection between the barriers.The greater distance across the space between the wall surfaces of the receiving space, at the ends, allows for easier, and therefore faster and safer, connection of barriers because there is more space at the ends of the end connection. Additionally, it allows two coupled barriers to be positioned at an angle to each other while still maintaining a connection between them to secure them between the upper and lower ends of the end connection. "At an angle to each other" means, for example, that the barriers are positioned relative to each other such that their longitudinal, lateral, and / or transverse axes are at an angle to one another. "Secure" means, for example, that they are coupled. Q / RPLn / ZZnZ / B / YILI locking, interlocking, tightening, connecting, set, and / or stable. The aforementioned characteristics can increase the versatility of the barrier, allowing it to be installed on uneven terrain while still maintaining a tight fit. To couple two barriers, one barrier can be raised so that its end connection is above the corresponding end connection of the other barrier, and then the end connections of the barriers can be coupled by lowering the raised barrier. A greater distance at the ends makes it easier to couple the barrier's end connections, thus increasing the barrier's safety. The end connection can be understood as comprising a hook shape, or a J-hook shape, that can be configured to couple with a corresponding end connection of another barrier. According to an illustrative embodiment, the distance across the receiving space between wall surfaces in the direction of the barrier's width is minimal between the upper and lower ends of the end connection and greatest at the ends. Therefore, the barrier allows for a more secure connection between barriers and an even easier connection due to the distance, in the direction of the barrier's width, being minimal between the upper and lower ends of the end connection and greatest at the ends. According to an illustrative embodiment, the end connection is elongated along the height of the barrier, with the distance being minimal at the midpoint of the end connection. This increases the barrier's versatility, allowing it to be installed on more uneven terrain. According to an illustrative embodiment, the distance is greatest at the longitudinal ends of the end connection. Therefore, the distance across the space between the wall surfaces of the receiving space is greater at the ends, allowing for easier connection of the barriers. According to an illustrative embodiment, the end connection has a longitudinal extension along the height of the barrier, a lateral extension along the width of the barrier, and a transverse extension along the length of the barrier. The end connection has a transverse projection that is maximum between the longitudinal ends of the end connection and smallest at the ends. The transverse extension allows for a secure connection between the Q / RPLn / ZZnZ / B / YILI barriers between the upper and lower ends of the end connection, with some margin at the ends. The transverse extension allows the barriers to be coupled with a relative inclination to each other, with respect to the axes along the length of the barriers. For example, it may be necessary to install safety barriers along a section of land comprising a flat section and a sloping section, and the present inventive concept can be installed where there is such a sudden increase in slope. Therefore, a continuous connection of barriers can be achieved, increasing the robustness of the coupled safety barriers and thus the degree of safety provided by the safety barriers. According to one illustrative embodiment, the transverse projection is maximum at the longitudinal midpoint of the end connection. Consequently, a barrier can tilt equally in both directions relative to a corresponding coupled barrier. This ability to tilt equally allows for a more versatile barrier. According to an illustrative embodiment, the transverse overhang is minimal at the longitudinal ends of the end connection. Therefore, it can be easier to connect two barriers, thus increasing the safety and efficiency of the barrier. According to an illustrative embodiment, the end connection further comprises a base portion and a connecting portion. The connecting portion projects from the base portion along the length and width of the barrier. Each of the base portion and the connecting portion is elongated and has a longitudinal extension along the height of the barrier, a lateral extension along the width of the barrier, and a transverse extension along the length of the barrier. The base portion and the connecting portion can be understood as comprising a hook shape or a J-hook shape. The base portion and the connecting portion can increase the connection strength between the barriers. Furthermore, the base portion and the connecting portion can ensure that the barriers do not separate in all directions except along the height of the barriers. According to an illustrative embodiment, the base portion comprises a longitudinal groove, wherein a groove wall surface and a connecting portion wall surface define the receiving space. Q / RPLn / ZZnZ / B / YILI receiving space is adapted to receive the connecting portion of another barrier, wherein the connecting portion is arranged to couple with the corresponding connecting portion of the other barrier. According to an illustrative embodiment, the distance across the receiving space between the wall surfaces of the groove and the connecting portion is minimal between the longitudinal ends of the connecting portion and greatest at the longitudinal ends. Consequently, the connection can be secured while allowing for easier connection of the barriers. Additionally, the varying distance allows for different orientations of the connected barriers while maintaining a secure connection. According to an illustrative embodiment, the transverse extension of the connecting portion is greatest between the longitudinal ends of the connecting portion and least at the longitudinal ends. This may allow two connected barriers to rotate and / or tilt relative to each other. According to an illustrative embodiment, the lateral extension of the connecting portion is greatest between its upper and lower longitudinal ends and least at the longitudinal ends. Consequently, the lateral extension may decrease from the upper and lower longitudinal ends to the longitudinal ends. This decrease may appear, for example, as a funnel and / or a guide section, which can facilitate the connection of two safety barriers. The decrease may reduce the height required to raise one barrier to connect it to another, thus increasing the barrier's efficiency and safety. Furthermore, the lateral extension of the connecting portion may be greatest in the longitudinal midpoint of the end connection. Moreover, the lateral extension of the connecting portion may be least at the longitudinal ends of the end connection. According to an illustrative embodiment, the end connection comprises a form such that, when received by a receiving space of another barrier, it permits rotation and / or tilting of the barrier with respect to the other barrier. The term "received by a receiving space of another barrier" further implies, for example, that the end connection is coupled with a corresponding end connection of another barrier. The end connection can be integral with the barrier body. The barrier body and the end connection can be composed of the Q / RPLn / ZZnZ / B / YILI same material. The barrier body and the end connection can be formed together. For example, the barrier body can consist of a frame and a barrier material, where the barrier material comprises the end connection. An end connection that is integral with the barrier body can be more durable. The barrier can be formed by a covering of one material and then filled with another material. For example, the barrier can consist of an outer layer of metal and then filled with concrete. The barrier can be monolithic. In other words, the barrier can be formed from a single piece of material. The barrier can be formed from a single piece of concrete, for example. The present inventive concept is not limited to concrete material and can be formed from any material, such as any metallic material or plastic material.A monolithic barrier can be easier and therefore cheaper to produce. Additionally, the barrier can have a support frame arranged within it. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Example embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 is a schematic and perspective view of a safety barrier according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Figure 2 is a schematic and perspective view of a safety barrier according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Figure 3 is a schematic and perspective view of a safety barrier according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Figure 4 is a schematic and perspective view of a safety barrier according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Figure 5 is a schematic and perspective view of two coupled safety barriers according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Figure 6 is a schematic and cross-sectional view of an end connection of a safety barrier according to one or more Q / RPLn / ZZnZ / B / YILI exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Figures 7 to 9 are schematic and cross-sectional views of the end connections of two coupled safety barriers according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present invention. All figures are schematic, not necessarily to scale, and generally only show parts that are necessary to clarify the embodiments of the present invention, characterized in that other parts may be omitted or merely suggested. DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The present invention can, however, be embodied in many different ways and should not be interpreted as being limited to the embodiments of the present invention set forth herein; rather, these embodiments of the present invention are provided by way of example to convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, identical reference numbers indicate identical or similar components having the same or similar function, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a safety barrier according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The barrier 1 has a length L, a width W, and a height H. The length L of the barrier 1 is greater than the height H of the barrier 1. The height H of the barrier 1 is greater than the width W of the barrier 1, although it should be noted that in other embodiments the width may be greater than the height. The barrier 1 has a lower portion 2 and an upper portion 3, where the lower portion is wider than the upper portion. The greater width of the lower portion increases the stability of the barrier 1. In addition, the barrier 1 has a body 4. The body 4 of the barrier 1 has substantially the same cross-section along its entire length L. The body 4 comprises a middle portion 17 and two side portions 18 on either side of the middle portion 17.The cross-sectional shape of body 4 is substantially composed of three shapes, where the cross-section of the middle portion of body 17 is a rectangle and the cross-section of the lateral portions of body 18 is a triangle. Q / RPLn / ZZnZ / B / YILI Two triangles are arranged such that one short side of the rectangle and one side, i.e., one leg, of each triangle form the base of barrier 1. Another side of the triangle thus extends along a long side of the rectangle and reaches a height that corresponds at least to a portion of the total height of barrier 1, typically less than half the height. The barrier 1 in Figure 1 further comprises four feet 5, substantially arranged at the corners of the lower portion of the barrier 1. The barrier 1 shown further comprises two holes 6 through the barrier 1 in one direction along the width W of the barrier 1. The holes 6 can be adapted for use when lifting and / or moving the barrier 1, such as with the aid of a forklift or other type of work vehicle. Additionally, the barrier 1 comprises three notches 7 arranged on one side of the barrier 1.The barrier 1 further comprises corresponding notches 7 on the opposite side. The notches 7 can be adapted to grip the barrier 1. The barrier 1 comprises an elongated recess 15 in its upper portion 3. The recess 15 extends along the length L of the barrier 1 between two opposing edge sections 16. The recess 15 and the edge sections 16 can be used to attach accessories such as soundproof walls, sign holders, etc. It should be noted that the number of notches, etc., given above may be different depending on the length of the barrier 1. The barrier 1 further comprises an end connection 10 disposed at one end of the barrier 1. The end connection 10 is arranged to couple with a corresponding end connection 10 of another safety barrier, see Figure 5. To achieve this coupling, the end connection 10 comprises a receiving space 11 adapted to receive at least a portion of an end connection of another barrier, and to permit connection and disconnection with said corresponding end connection of another barrier only by moving the barriers 1 relative to each other in the direction of the height H of the barrier 1. A distance across the receiving space 11 between the wall surfaces of the receiving space 11 in the direction of the length L of the barrier 1 is minimal between the upper and lower ends 19, 20 of the end connection 10 and is greatest at ends 19, 20. The end connection 10 comprises a base portion 12 and a connecting portion 13, which projects transversely from the base portion 12. The base and connecting portions 12, 13 are described in further detail together with the Q / RPLn / ZZnZ / B / YILI Figure 2. The end connection 10 shown is a separate part that has been attached to the body 4 of the safety barrier 1, and more specifically to one end of the body 4. However, it should be understood that the end connection 10 can be integral with the body 4 of the barrier 1. In this embodiment, the barrier 1 comprises an end connection 10 at each end thereof. The end connections 10 are replicated, and therefore it does not matter in which direction the two barriers 1 are rotated to interconnect them. The end connections 10 will fit together regardless. Figure 2 is a schematic, orthogonal view of a safety barrier 1 according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Figure 2 shows a barrier viewed from above. More particularly, Figure 2 shows a portion of the safety barrier 1, wherein the portion comprises one end of the barrier 1. An end connection 10 is arranged at the end of the barrier 1. The end connection 10 has the same width as the upper portion 3 and the middle portion 17 of the body 4. The barrier 1 comprises end caps 9, which are arranged at the longitudinal ends of the side portions of the body 18. Each end cap 9 has a transverse extension along the length of the barrier 1, which varies in the lateral direction, i.e., along the width W of the barrier 1, and which has a minimum at the transition between the triangle and the rectangle.The end connection 10 is elongated in the direction of the height of the barrier 1 and has a transverse extension along the length L of the barrier 1, which is at its maximum between the upper and lower ends 19, 20, i.e., longitudinal ends, of the end connection 10 and is smallest at ends 19, 20. Preferably, the transverse extension is maximum at the longitudinal midpoint M of the end connection 10. Preferably, the transverse extension of the end connection 10 is minimum at its longitudinal ends 19, 20. The transverse extension of the end connection 10 is defined as the distance from a two-dimensional flat interface, i.e., along the height and width of the barrier 1, between the end connection 10 and the body 4, and the free end of the end connection 10. Thus, with this definition, the transverse extension is equivalent to a transverse projection of the end connection 10. The base portion 12 has a first lateral portion 21, on a first side of barrier 1, a second lateral portion 22, on a second side of barrier Q / RPLn / ZZnZ / B / YILI 1, laterally opposite the first lateral portion 21, and a middle portion 23 laterally between the first and second lateral portions 21,22. The base portion 12 comprises a longitudinal groove 24. The connecting portion 13 has a first transverse portion 25 projecting transversely from the base portion 12, in the first lateral portion 21, a lateral portion 26 projecting laterally from the first transverse portion 25 away from the first lateral portion 21 of the base portion 12, and a second transverse portion 27 projecting transversely from the lateral portion 26 towards the middle portion 23 of the base portion 12. Thus, the first and second transverse portions 25, 27 project in opposite transverse directions. A wall surface of the groove 24 and a wall surface of the connecting portion 13 define the receiving space 11, such that the receiving space 11 is adapted to receive the connecting portion 13 of another barrier 1. This can be considered alternatively as the facing surface portions of the longitudinal groove 24 and the connecting portion 13 defining the receiving space 11. More specifically, a cross-section of the receiving space 11 and a cross-section of the connecting portion 13 have a similar shape, although the cross-sectional area of ​​the space 11 is slightly larger than that of the connecting portion 13. The connecting portion 13 is arranged to mate with the corresponding connecting portion of the other barrier, see Figure 5.Due to the shape of the connecting portion 13, which resembles a hook, it is only possible to receive a connecting portion 13 in the receiving space 11 by entering from above or below the end connection 10, i.e., in the direction of the height of the barrier 1. In this way, the coupling of the two end connections 10 prevents disconnection by separating the barriers 1 or by pulling them in opposite directions to the sides. The receiving space 11 has a longitudinal opening 28 that extends along the entire length of the connecting portion 13. Both the first lateral portion 21 and the second lateral portion 22 have a transverse extension that varies along the length of the base portion 12. More specifically, they protrude transversely to different degrees at different positions along the base portion 12. The difference in protrusion is indicated by d1 and d6, respectively, in Figure 2. Thus, the first and second lateral portions 21, 22 have, for example, surfaces of Q / RPLn / ZZnZ / B / YILI end curves at their lateral ends, or edges. Consequently, the wall surface of the groove 24, which is formed in the middle portion 23 of the base portion 12, is not flat and protrudes to a different extent along the length of the base portion 12, giving the middle portion 23 a variable extension, as indicated by the extension difference d5. It should be understood that the different sections of the wall surface of the groove 24 are oriented in different directions and, therefore, the extension difference d5 of the middle portion 23 is partly lateral and partly transverse. Like the end connection 10 as a whole, each of the base portion 12 and the connection portion 13 has a longitudinal extension along the height H of the barrier, a lateral extension along the width W of the barrier, and a transverse extension along the length L of the barrier. The transverse extension of the connection portion 13 varies along its length, such that the transverse extension of the connection portion 13 is greatest between the longitudinal ends 29 and 30 of the connection portion 13 and is least at the longitudinal ends 29 and 30 of the same. Preferably, the transverse extension of the connection portion 13 is greatest at the longitudinal midpoint M of the end connection 10. Preferably, the transverse extension of the connection portion 13 is least at the ends 29 and 30 of the connection portion 13.More specifically, according to one embodiment of barrier 1, the transverse extension of the connecting portion 13 into the second transverse portion 27 is maximum between ends 29 and 30 of the connecting portion 13 and minimum at ends 29 and 30 of the same. The difference between the maximum and minimum transverse projection of the second transverse portion 27 toward an opposite surface of the groove 24 is denoted by d7 in Figure 2, and the difference in the transverse projection of the lateral portion 26 in an opposite direction, i.e., looking outward from said surface of the groove 24, is denoted by d2. The latter two differences, d7 and d2, sum to a total variation in the transverse extension ET of the connecting portion 13 into the second transverse portion 27 along the connecting portion 13, as shown in Figure 6. There is a transverse distance DT between opposite wall sections of the receiving space 11.The transverse distance DTen a portion of the receiver space 11 where the second transverse portion 27 is to be received has a minimum between the longitudinal ends of the end connection 10 that accommodates a maximum transverse extension ET of the portion. Q / RPLn / ZZnZ / B / YILI connection 13 in the second transverse portion 27. This minimum transverse distance DT of the receiving space 11 is slightly longer than the maximum transverse extension ET. Consequently, the lateral extension EL of the connecting portion 13 at the maximum lateral projection of the lateral portion 26 is less than the minimum lateral distance DL of a corresponding portion of the receiving space 11. Thus, there is a clearance P between the connecting portion 13 and the receiving space 11. Therefore, the connecting portion 13 will engage steadily but will still be able to move within the receiving space 11. As shown in Figure 7, as it approaches the opening 28 of the receiving space 11, the clearance P increases. This is to allow the interconnected barriers 1 to pivot horizontally relative to each other, i.e., to be positioned at an angle to each other in a horizontal plane.The difference in extension of the lateral portion 26, which is also a difference in the lateral projection towards the second side of the barrier 1, is indicated by d4 in Figure 2. The first transverse portion 25 has a surface that faces obliquely to the first side of the barrier 1. That surface is not flat, at least longitudinally, and provides a variable lateral / transverse extension of the first transverse portion 25. The total extension difference is indicated by d3 in Figure 2. Additionally, the transverse and lateral extension differences allow the interconnected barriers 1 to be angled in a vertical plane, facilitating their use on uneven terrain. If a lateral force causes one interconnected barrier 1 to pivot about the end connection 10, then, at a maximum pivot angle, the play P on one side of its connecting portion 13 will have become zero, and the connecting portion 13 will strike the wall surface of the slot of the other barrier 1. This can cause considerable force to be exerted on the connecting portion 13. To reduce that force, the end caps 9 of barrier 1 protrude transversely to such an extent that just before the side of the connecting portion 13 strikes the wall surface of the slot 24, the end caps 9 on one side of the barriers 1 will strike each other and absorb at least some of the force of the movement.In this way, the size of the play and the transverse projection of the end caps 9 are matched to each other so that the end caps 9 and the end connection 10 cooperate to absorb a lateral force that causes excessive pivoting around the end connection 10. Furthermore, the second lateral portion 22 of the base portion 12 has a Q / RPLn / ZZnZ / B / YILI transverse extension greater than the first lateral portion 21. However, the transverse extension differences d1, d6 of the first and second lateral portions 21, 22 are equal. The transverse projection of the connecting portion 13 is greater than the transverse projection of the second lateral portion 22 of the base portion 12. The connecting portion 13 is hook-shaped, or J-hook-shaped, i.e., it forms a hook portion. Consequently, in summary, the differences in the transverse and lateral extensions d1-d7 of the end connection 10 form a clearance P between the wall surfaces of the receiving space 11 and the connecting portion 13 received by the receiving space 11. The clearance P has a minimum between the upper and lower longitudinal ends 19, 20 of the end connection 10 and is greatest at the longitudinal ends 19, 20. Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of a barrier 1 according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that Figure 3 comprises features, elements, and / or functions as shown in Figures 1 and 2 and described in the associated text. Therefore, reference is also made to those figures and their related descriptions for clarity. The barrier 1 shown in Figure 3 is viewed from above and at an angle. Thus, one end of the safety barrier 1, a portion of one side of the safety barrier 1, and a portion of the top 3 of the safety barrier 1 are shown. The end connection 10 comprises the base portion 12 and the connection portion 13. The base portion 12, the connection portion 13, and the receiving space 11 extend along the height H of the barrier 1. However, the longitudinal extension of the connection portion 13 is less than the longitudinal extension of the base portion 12, wherein the first and second side portions 21,22 of the base portion 12 have a longitudinal extension to the top 3 of the barrier 1, while the longitudinal extension of the connection portion 13 stops at a longitudinal distance from the top 3, at the level of the bottom of the recess 15. The transverse extent of end connection 10, and the transverse extent of connection portion 13, are maximum at the longitudinal midpoint M of end connection 10. The transverse extent of end connection 10 is smallest at the longitudinal ends of end connection 10. The transverse extent of connection portion 13 is smallest at the ends Q / RPLn / ZZnZ / B / YILI longitudinal 29, 30 of the connection portion 13. The connection portion 13 has a lateral extension towards the second side of the barrier 1, i.e., a lateral projection towards the second side of the barrier 1, this is equal along a longitudinal midsection d11 of the connection portion 13. From the longitudinal ends of the longitudinal midsection d11 to the longitudinal ends of the connection portion 13, longitudinal end sections d12, the lateral extension towards the second side of the barrier 1 is decreasing in such a way that it reaches a minimum at the longitudinal ends of the connection portion 13, as does the total lateral extension of the connection portion 13. The connection portion 13 partially covers the receiving space 11. Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of a safety barrier according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that Figure 4 comprises features, elements, and / or functions as shown in Figures 1-3 and described in the associated text. Therefore, reference is also made to those figures and their related descriptions for clarity. The perspective view in Figure 4 shows one end and one side of body 4 of the barrier 1. The base portion 12 and the connecting portion 13 block the view of the left side of the end connection 10. Figure 4 shows how the transverse projection of the connecting portion 13 is greater than the transverse projection of the second side portion 22 of the end connection 10. There is a transverse distance between the edge of the connecting portion 13 and the wall surface of the second side portion 22 of the base portion 12. Additionally, there is a transverse distance between the second transverse portion 27 of the connecting portion 13 and the opposite wall surface of the receiving portion 11. This latter transverse distance is minimum at the longitudinal midpoint M of the end connection 10 and maximum at the longitudinal ends of the end connection 10.The lateral extension of the connecting portion 13, which is maximum at the longitudinal midpoint M and minimum at the longitudinal ends of the end connection 10, combined with the transverse distance characteristics mentioned above, defines a distance between the wall surfaces of the receiving space 11 that is minimum between the upper and lower longitudinal ends of the connecting portion 13 and maximum at the longitudinal ends. Preferably, the distance between the... Q / RPLn / ZZnZ / Β / YILI wall surfaces of space 11 is minimal in the longitudinal middle M of the end connection. Figure 5 is a schematic and perspective view of two coupled barriers 1 according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that Figure 5 comprises features, elements, and / or functions as shown in Figures 1-4 and described in the associated text. Therefore, reference is also made to those figures and their related descriptions for clarity. The two coupled safety barriers shown in Figure 5 are viewed from above. The two barriers 1 are coupled. In other words, the two barriers are, for example, interlocked, locked together, or connected. The two coupled barriers 1 are arranged in line with each other. In other words, the longitudinal axes of the barriers 1 are parallel. However, the barriers 1 are not limited to being parallel with respect to their longitudinal axes. It should be understood that the present inventive concept allows two coupled barriers to be arranged at an angle with respect to their longitudinal axes. The end connection 10 of each barrier 1 mates with the end connection 10 of the corresponding barrier 1. In other words, the connection portion 13 of each barrier 1 is inserted into the receiving space 11 of the corresponding barrier 1 and is mated with the wall portions of the receiving space 11 provided by the base portion 12 and the connection portion 13. The receiving space 11 is larger than the connection portion 13; that is, there is a clearance P between them. However, there is essentially no clearance between the connection portions 13 of the barriers 1 at the narrowest point of mating, while it widens toward the longitudinal ends of the connection portions 13.In other words, in a vertical orientation, the play P between the connecting portion 13 and the corresponding connecting portion 13 of the other barrier 1 is minimal between the upper and lower longitudinal ends of the connecting portions 13 and is greatest at the longitudinal ends. This is at least true when the ground on which the barriers 1 rest is flat. Similarly, in a horizontal orientation, the play P is minimal at the end, which could be considered an outer or free end, of the connecting portion 13 and increases toward the opening 28 of the receiving space 11. The play in the vertical orientation is also denoted vertical play Pv, as illustrated in the figure. Q / RPLn / ZZnZ / B / YILI figure 8, and the play in the horizontal orientation is also denoted horizontal play PH, as illustrated in figure 7. Figure 7 shows a horizontal cross-sectional view of the end connection 10. As explained above, the end caps 9 are arranged to project transversely in such a way that, if the barriers 1 are rotated about the interconnection between them, the end cap 9 of one barrier 1 will come into contact with the end cap 9 of the other barrier before the play, i.e., the horizontal play PH, of the interconnection becomes zero. In a vertical section taken along line ll in Figure 7, Figures 8 and 9 illustrate how the play at the end connection 10, which is determined by the shapes of the connecting portion 13 and the receiving space 11, allows for a vertical angle α between two interconnected barriers 1, typically caused by uneven terrain. More specifically, as shown in Figure 8, when the barriers 1 are placed on level ground, the play, i.e., the vertical play Pv, is minimal in the longitudinal midpoint M of the end connection 10 and increases towards the longitudinal ends of the connecting portion 13. At a maximum vertical angle α, the vertical play Pv is zero. This means that a surface portion of the connecting portion 13 of each barrier 1 rests against a corresponding surface portion of the receiving space 11 of the end connection 10 of the other barrier 1.

Claims

1. A safety barrier (1), the safety barrier (1) having a length (L), a width (W) and a height (H), wherein the safety barrier (1) has an end connection (10) at one end of the safety barrier, the end connection being arranged to connect with a corresponding end connection of another safety barrier, wherein the end connection comprises a receiving space (11) adapted to receive at least a portion of an end connection of another safety barrier, and to permit connection and disconnection with said corresponding end connection of another safety barrier only by moving the safety barriers relative to each other in the direction of the safety barrier height,wherein a distance across the receiving space between wall surfaces of the receiving space in the direction of the length of the safety barrier is minimal between the upper and lower ends of the end connection and is greatest at the ends, and wherein the end connection comprises a shape such that, when received by a receiving space from the other safety barrier, it permits the inclination of the safety barrier with respect to the other safety barrier.

2. A safety barrier according to claim 1, wherein the distance across the receiving space between wall surfaces of the receiving space in the direction of the width of the safety barrier is minimum between the upper and lower ends of the end connection and is greatest at the ends.

3. A safety barrier according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the end connection is elongated in the direction of the height of the barrier, and wherein the distance is minimum in the longitudinal midpoint (M) of the end connection.

4. A safety barrier according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the end connection is elongated in the direction of the height Q / RPLn / ZZnZ / B / YILI of the safety barrier, and wherein the distance is maximum at the longitudinal ends of the end connection.

5. A safety barrier (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the end connection (10) has a longitudinal extension along the height (H) of the safety barrier (1), a lateral extension along the width (W) of the safety barrier, and a transverse extension along the length (L) of the safety barrier, and wherein the end connection has a transverse projection that is maximum between the longitudinal ends of the end connection and is smaller at the ends.

6. A safety barrier (1) according to claim 5, wherein the transverse projection is maximum in the longitudinal midpoint (M) of the end connection.

7. A safety barrier (1) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the transverse projection is minimal at the longitudinal ends of the end connection.

8. A safety barrier (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the end connection 10 further comprises a base portion (12) and a connecting portion (13) projecting from the base portion in the direction of the length and width of the safety barrier, wherein each of the base portion and the connecting portion is elongated and has a longitudinal extension along the height (H) of the safety barrier, a lateral extension along the width (W) of the safety barrier, and a transverse extension along the length (L) of the safety barrier.

9. A safety barrier (1) according to claim 8, wherein the base portion (12) comprises a longitudinal groove (24), wherein a wall surface of the groove and a wall surface of the connecting portion (13) define the receiving space (11), such that the receiving space is adapted to receive the connecting portion of another safety barrier, wherein the connecting portion is arranged to engage with the corresponding connecting portion of the other safety barrier.

10. A safety barrier (1) according to claim 9, wherein a distance across the receiving space between the wall surfaces of the groove and the connecting portion is minimum between the longitudinal ends of the connecting portion and is greater at the longitudinal ends.

11. A safety barrier (1) according to any of claims 8 to 10, wherein a transverse extension of the connecting portion is maximum between the longitudinal ends of the connecting portion and is smaller at the longitudinal ends thereof.

12. A safety barrier (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein a transverse extension of the connecting portion is minimal at the longitudinal ends of the connecting portion.

13. A safety barrier (1) according to any of claims 8 to 12, wherein the lateral extension of the connecting portion is maximum between the upper and lower longitudinal ends of the connecting portion and is smaller at the longitudinal ends.

14. A safety barrier (1) according to any of claims 8 to 13, wherein the lateral extension of the connecting portion is minimal at the longitudinal ends of the end connection.

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