Ram-raid barrier device against vehicles of 7.2t, or even 25t

Abstract

The invention relates to an anti-ram vehicle barrier device (1), comprising welded steel blocks (3), spaced apart from each other and connected by round steel tubes (4) having an intermediate portion (4a) bordered by two flanges (5), a female end (4b), and a male end (4c) to engage with the female end (4b) of an adjacent tube, the male and female ends being equipped with assembly components, the flanges (5) of two tubes (4) laterally constraining the blocks (3), while allowing the rotation of the blocks (3) around the tubes (4) to pivot upwards when struck by a vehicle (2), so as to lift the front of the blocks (3) to collide with the vehicle (2), causing significant damage to stop its motion. According to the invention, the intermediate portion (4a) and the female end (4b) of the tubes (4) have a thickness of at least 3 mm, while the male end (4c) has a thickness of at least 5 mm, and each block (3) comprises at least two elements (3a), positioned side by side, and each comprising two steel plates (6) connected by a sleeve (6a) traversed by the tubes (4), and by spacers (7), the plates (6) being provided with protruding parts (8) to prevent the elements (3a) from sliding on the ground when struck.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of so-called anti-ram vehicle barriers.

[0002] The invention finds an advantageous application in securing public events by preventing vehicle circulation. This device also meets the needs for neutralizing a traffic lane or temporarily securing a construction site, for example.PRIOR ART

[0003] The prior art well knows patent FR3071856 in the name of the Applicant, which describes an anti-ram car barrier device, comprising welded steel or concrete blocks, spaced apart from each other, and connected by round steel tubes equipped with invisible assembly components so that they are difficult to disassemble once locked.

[0004] The device notably includes flanges that laterally guide the blocks, while the tubes guide the blocks in rotation.

[0005] Each block is thus perfectly immobilized vertically and laterally but retains the possibility of rotating around the tubes.

[0006] In this way, each block is configured to pivot upwards when struck by a vehicle, so as to lift the front of the block to collide with the vehicle, causing significant damage to stop its motion.

[0007] The set of blocks and tubes form a barrier of variable length depending on the number of blocks.

[0008] For example, in the device described in document FR3071856, the blocks have a height of 0.7 m, a length of 0.9 m, a thickness of 120 mm, with a weight of 45 Kg for the steel block and 70 Kg for the concrete block. The flanges and plates are 10 mm thick, and the tubes have a diameter of 80 mm and a thickness of 3 mm.

[0009] This solution is entirely satisfactory as it provides a deterrent and effective device, easy to set up, inexpensive, undismantleable without special tools, and maintenance-free, particularly to stop the motion, according to the IWA 14-1: 2013 standard, of a vehicle weighing less than or equal to 3.5 tons.

[0010] However, this solution can be improved, particularly to stop the motion of a vehicle weighing 7.2 tons, or even 25 tons.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] One of the objectives of the invention is therefore to improve the prior art device to provide an anti-ram vehicle barrier device capable of stopping the motion, according to the IWA 14-1: 2013 standard, of a vehicle weighing 7.2 t, or even 25 t.

[0012] Another objective of the invention is to provide a deterrent and effective device, easy to set up, inexpensive, undismantleable without special tools, and maintenance-free.

[0013] To this end, an anti-ram vehicle barrier device has been developed, comprising welded steel blocks, spaced apart from each other and connected by round steel tubes having an intermediate portion bordered by two flanges, a female end, and a male end to engage with the female end of an adjacent tube, the male and female ends being equipped with assembly components, the flanges of two tubes laterally constraining the blocks while allowing the rotation of the blocks around the tubes to pivot upwards when struck by a vehicle, so as to lift the front of the blocks to collide with the vehicle, causing significant damage to stop its motion.

[0014] According to the invention, the intermediate portion and the female end of the tubes have a thickness of at least 3 mm, while the male end has a thickness of at least 5 mm, and each block comprises at least two elements, positioned side by side, and each comprising two steel plates connected by a sleeve traversed by the tubes, and by spacers, the plates being provided with protruding parts to prevent the elements from sliding on the ground when struck.

[0015] In this way, by having, on the one hand, increased the thickness of the male end of the tubes and, on the other hand, doubled the blocks, meaning they now comprise at least two elements positioned side by side, it is possible to stop the motion of a vehicle weighing 7.2 t, or even 25 t, particularly to meet the current standards BSI PAS 68:2013, IWA 14-1: 2013, and ASTM F2656, which define the essential performance requirements in the event of an impact for a vehicle security barrier, as well as a test method to evaluate its performance when subjected to a single impact by a test vehicle not driven by a human being.

[0016] According to a particular embodiment, the assembly components are in the form of a transverse axis fixed inside the female end of a tube, and an open helical or bayonet-shaped cutout provided at the male end of a tube so that, when the male end of a tube is inserted into the female end of an adjacent tube, the axis fits into the helical or bayonet-shaped cutout, the rotation of one of the two tubes ensures the bringing together of a flange of one tube with the flange of the adjacent tube, and laterally constrains the elements between said flanges.

[0017] To further increase the rigidity of the assembly, the male end of the tubes is doubled with a reinforcement sleeve adjusted to the internal diameter of the male end, with a thickness of 3 mm and comprising the same helical or bayonet-shaped cutout in correspondence.

[0018] The device preferably includes a male end tube bordered by an end flange, and a female end tube bordered by an end flange, the end flanges each comprising a specific imprint intended to receive in engagement a complementary-shaped tool to rotate the end tubes and ensure the locking of the assembly.

[0019] Preferably, the sleeves have a diameter greater than that of the tubes so as to leave a radial clearance of about 25 to 35 mm between them, to tolerate a misalignment of the blocks due to poor ground horizontality.

[0020] Advantageously, the elements include at least one spacer, preferably circular, equipped with a reflector for good visibility of the device at night.

[0021] Preferably, the elements also include a plate positioned between the plates to serve as a communication support, for the inscription of a city or manufacturer's logo, for example.

[0022] According to another advantageous characteristic, the two plates of an element include facing notches, provided at a front lower part and at a rear lower part, and configured to receive axes equipped with wheels to facilitate the movement of the element.

[0023] The notches preferably define a path to move the axes from a rest position in which the wheels do not touch the ground to a rolling position in which the elements are raised and the wheels are in contact with the ground to move the elements.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] FIG. 1 is a front view of the device according to the invention before being struck by a 7.2 t vehicle.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a front view of the device according to the invention after being struck by a 7.2 t vehicle.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the device according to the invention.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a detailed view of the device illustrating the assembly of two blocks in detail.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an element that comprises a block.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a connecting tube.

[0030] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a male end tube.

[0031] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a female end tube.

[0032] FIG. 9 is a view illustrating the interior of a female end tube.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] With reference to FIGS. 1 to 9, the invention concerns an anti-ram vehicle barrier device (1) designed to stop the motion of a vehicle (2) weighing 7.2 t, or even 25 t, particularly to meet the current standards BSI PAS68:2013, IWA 14-1: 2013, and ASTM F2656.

[0034] The device (1) comprises a plurality of welded steel blocks (3) protected from corrosion by hot-dip galvanization, spaced apart from each other and connected by round steel tubes (4) equipped with assembly components and flanges (5) laterally constraining the blocks (3), while allowing the rotation of the blocks (3) around the tubes (4) to pivot upwards when struck by a vehicle (2), so as to lift the front of the blocks (3) to collide with the vehicle (2), causing significant damage to stop its motion.

[0035] The length of the barrier device (1) according to the invention is variable and depends on the number of blocks (3) implemented.

[0036] According to the invention, and as an improvement over the prior art, the blocks (3) are doubled, meaning they each comprise at least two elements (3a), positioned side by side, and each comprising two steel plates (6) connected by spacers (7) and by a sleeve (6a) traversed by the tubes (4) and notably hiding the assembly components of said tubes (4). The spacers (7) form handles to facilitate the handling of the elements (3a).

[0037] Additionally, the plates (6) include protruding parts (8), similar to cleats, on parts intended to be in contact with the ground, to prevent the elements (3a) from sliding on the ground when struck.

[0038] According to a particular embodiment, and with reference to FIG. 6, the tubes (4) connecting the blocks (3) each have an intermediate portion (4a) bordered by two flanges (5), a female end (4b), and a male end (4c) to engage with the female end (4b) of an adjacent tube (4).

[0039] For example, the flanges (5) have a thickness of 8 mm, with a diameter of 160 mm.

[0040] Several connecting tubes (4) are thus intended to be assembled to each other to form a barrier device (1). The assembly components are, for example, in the form of a transverse axis (9) fixed inside the female end (4b) of a tube, and an open helical or bayonet-shaped cutout (10) provided at the male end (4c) of a tube.

[0041] Thus, when the male end (4c) of a tube is inserted into the female end (4b) of an adjacent tube, the axis (9) fits into the cutout (10) so that the rotation of one of the two tubes (4) ensures the bringing together of a flange (5) of one tube with the flange (5) of an adjacent tube to laterally constrain the elements (3a) between the flanges (5).

[0042] The intermediate portion (4a) has a length of, for example, between 500 and 600 mm, a diameter of about 70 mm, and a thickness of at least 3 mm. The male end (4c) has, for example, a diameter of about 60 mm, with a thickness of at least 5 mm. The male end (4c) is doubled with a reinforcement sleeve (11) adjusted to the internal diameter of the male end (4c), with a thickness of 3 mm and comprising the same helical cutout (10) in correspondence. The reinforcement sleeve (11) can extend inside the intermediate portion, for example, up to half of the intermediate portion. The female end (4b) has a diameter of about 70 mm, with a thickness of at least 3 mm.

[0043] Preferably, the axis (9) has a diameter of 10 mm, and the male (4c) and female (4b) ends have lengths of about 240 mm, for example.

[0044] Once the barrier device (1) is assembled, end tubes are positioned at both ends to finalize the installation and make disassembly difficult.

[0045] To this end, the device (1) includes, for example, a male end tube (12a) bordered by an end flange (5). The male end tube (12a) has the same helical or bayonet-shaped cutout (10) system to cooperate with the female end (4b) of the connecting tube.

[0046] Similarly, the device (1) also includes a female end tube (12b) bordered by an end flange (5), the female end tube (12b) having internally a transverse axis (9) intended to engage with the open cutout (10) of a male end (4c) of the connecting tube. The flanges (5) are of the same dimensions as those of the connecting tubes (4), and the end tubes (12a, 12b) have a length of about 240 mm to fit the ends of the connecting tubes (4). The female end tube (12b) has a diameter of about 70 mm with a thickness of 3 mm, and the male end tube (12a) has a diameter of about 60 mm with a thickness of at least 5 mm.

[0047] The end flanges (5) each include a specific imprint (13), for example, triangular as illustrated, intended to receive in engagement a complementary-shaped tool to proceed with the locking of the assembly, notably by rotating said end tubes (12a, 12b).

[0048] With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the steel plates (6) of each element have a substantially triangular shape, or generally an “L” shape to define a pointed front end to cause damage to the vehicle (2) when the point is lifted.

[0049] The steel plates (6) have, for example, a thickness of 8 mm and are spaced apart from each other by a distance of about 120 mm, for example. The spacer sleeve (6a) traversed by the connecting tubes (4) has, for example, a diameter of about 80 to 90 mm, notably adapted to allow the rotation of the elements (3a) around the tube, but also to leave a radial clearance of about 25 to 35 mm between the sleeve (6a) and the tubes (4) to adapt to the irregularities of the ground on which the device (1) is placed.

[0050] According to a particular embodiment, the plates (6) have a height of about 70 mm and a length of about 1 m.

[0051] The spacers (7) connecting two plates (6) are, for example, in the form of axes with a diameter of 20 mm, and for example, there are four of them, three located at the vertices of the L-shape, and another located on a lower base. The sleeve (6a) receiving the connecting tubes (4) is also positioned at the lower part, close to the ground, at the base of the “L” shape.

[0052] According to a particular embodiment, the plates (6) are also perforated with regularly spaced holes (6b) along the plates (6), to possibly store the connecting tubes (4) in a storage position.

[0053] To improve the visibility of the device (1) at night, the elements (3a) include at least one, and preferably three spacers (14) each equipped with a reflector.

[0054] These spacers (14) are, for example, circular, with a diameter slightly larger than that of the reflectors to protect them in case of impact. These spacers (14) are perforated, for example, in their center to allow easy attachment of the reflectors.

[0055] Preferably, the elements (3a) also include a plate (15) positioned between the plates (6) to serve as a communication support, for example, to receive the logo of a city or the logo of the device (1) manufacturer, or any other symbol or writing.

[0056] To easily move the device (1) and the elements (3a) before immobilization, the elements (3a) include means to receive wheels.

[0057] For example, the two plates (6) of an element include notches (16) facing each other, provided at a front lower part and at a rear lower part of the element.

[0058] The front and rear notches (16), facing each other in pairs, are configured to receive, for example, axes equipped with wheels.

[0059] These notches (16) define, for example, a “Z” or “L” shape, or any appropriate shape to define a path to move the axes from a rest position in which the wheels do not touch the ground, to a rolling position in which the elements (3a) are raised and the wheels are in contact with the ground to move the element.

[0060] It follows from the above that the invention indeed provides an anti-ram vehicle barrier device (1), deterrent and effective, easy to set up, inexpensive, undismantleable without special tools, and maintenance-free, capable of stopping the motion of a vehicle (2) weighing 7.2 t, or even 25 t according to current standards.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0033]With reference to FIGS. 1 to 9, the invention concerns an anti-ram vehicle barrier device (1) designed to stop the motion of a vehicle (2) weighing 7.2 t, or even 25 t, particularly to meet the current standards BSI PAS68:2013, IWA 14-1: 2013, and ASTM F2656.

[0034]The device (1) comprises a plurality of welded steel blocks (3) protected from corrosion by hot-dip galvanization, spaced apart from each other and connected by round steel tubes (4) equipped with assembly components and flanges (5) laterally constraining the blocks (3), while allowing the rotation of the blocks (3) around the tubes (4) to pivot upwards when struck by a vehicle (2), so as to lift the front of the blocks (3) to collide with the vehicle (2), causing significant damage to stop its motion.

[0035]The length of the barrier device (1) according to the invention is variable and depends on the number of blocks (3) implemented.

[0036]According to the invention, and as an improvement over the prior art, the block...

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of so-called anti-ram vehicle barriers.

[0002] The invention finds an advantageous application in securing public events by preventing vehicle circulation. This device also meets the needs for neutralizing a traffic lane or temporarily securing a construction site, for example.PRIOR ART

[0003] The prior art well knows patent FR3071856 in the name of the Applicant, which describes an anti-ram car barrier device, comprising welded steel or concrete blocks, spaced apart from each other, and connected by round steel tubes equipped with invisible assembly components so that they are difficult to disassemble once locked.

[0004] The device notably includes flanges that laterally guide the blocks, while the tubes guide the blocks in rotation.

[0005] Each block is thus perfectly immobilized vertically and laterally but retains the possibility of rotating around the tubes.

[0006] In this way, each block is configured to pivot upwards when struck by a vehicle, so as to lift the front of the block to collide with the vehicle, causing significant damage to stop its motion.

[0007] The set of blocks and tubes form a barrier of variable length depending on the number of blocks.

[0008] For example, in the device described in document FR3071856, the blocks have a height of 0.7 m, a length of 0.9 m, a thickness of 120 mm, with a weight of 45 Kg for the steel block and 70 Kg for the concrete block. The flanges and plates are 10 mm thick, and the tubes have a diameter of 80 mm and a thickness of 3 mm.

[0009] This solution is entirely satisfactory as it provides a deterrent and effective device, easy to set up, inexpensive, undismantleable without special tools, and maintenance-free, particularly to stop the motion, according to the IWA 14-1: 2013 standard, of a vehicle weighing less than or equal to 3.5 tons.

[0010] However, this solution can be improved, particularly to stop the motion of a vehicle weighing 7.2 tons, or even 25 tons.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] One of the objectives of the invention is therefore to improve the prior art device to provide an anti-ram vehicle barrier device capable of stopping the motion, according to the IWA 14-1: 2013 standard, of a vehicle weighing 7.2 t, or even 25 t.

[0012] Another objective of the invention is to provide a deterrent and effective device, easy to set up, inexpensive, undismantleable without special tools, and maintenance-free.

[0013] To this end, an anti-ram vehicle barrier device has been developed, comprising welded steel blocks, spaced apart from each other and connected by round steel tubes having an intermediate portion bordered by two flanges, a female end, and a male end to engage with the female end of an adjacent tube, the male and female ends being equipped with assembly components, the flanges of two tubes laterally constraining the blocks while allowing the rotation of the blocks around the tubes to pivot upwards when struck by a vehicle, so as to lift the front of the blocks to collide with the vehicle, causing significant damage to stop its motion.

[0014] According to the invention, the intermediate portion and the female end of the tubes have a thickness of at least 3 mm, while the male end has a thickness of at least 5 mm, and each block comprises at least two elements, positioned side by side, and each comprising two steel plates connected by a sleeve traversed by the tubes, and by spacers, the plates being provided with protruding parts to prevent the elements from sliding on the ground when struck.

[0015] In this way, by having, on the one hand, increased the thickness of the male end of the tubes and, on the other hand, doubled the blocks, meaning they now comprise at least two elements positioned side by side, it is possible to stop the motion of a vehicle weighing 7.2 t, or even 25 t, particularly to meet the current standards BSI PAS 68:2013, IWA 14-1: 2013, and ASTM F2656, which define the essential performance requirements in the event of an impact for a vehicle security barrier, as well as a test method to evaluate its performance when subjected to a single impact by a test vehicle not driven by a human being.

[0016] According to a particular embodiment, the assembly components are in the form of a transverse axis fixed inside the female end of a tube, and an open helical or bayonet-shaped cutout provided at the male end of a tube so that, when the male end of a tube is inserted into the female end of an adjacent tube, the axis fits into the helical or bayonet-shaped cutout, the rotation of one of the two tubes ensures the bringing together of a flange of one tube with the flange of the adjacent tube, and laterally constrains the elements between said flanges.

[0017] To further increase the rigidity of the assembly, the male end of the tubes is doubled with a reinforcement sleeve adjusted to the internal diameter of the male end, with a thickness of 3 mm and comprising the same helical or bayonet-shaped cutout in correspondence.

[0018] The device preferably includes a male end tube bordered by an end flange, and a female end tube bordered by an end flange, the end flanges each comprising a specific imprint intended to receive in engagement a complementary-shaped tool to rotate the end tubes and ensure the locking of the assembly.

[0019] Preferably, the sleeves have a diameter greater than that of the tubes so as to leave a radial clearance of about 25 to 35 mm between them, to tolerate a misalignment of the blocks due to poor ground horizontality.

[0020] Advantageously, the elements include at least one spacer, preferably circular, equipped with a reflector for good visibility of the device at night.

[0021] Preferably, the elements also include a plate positioned between the plates to serve as a communication support, for the inscription of a city or manufacturer's logo, for example.

[0022] According to another advantageous characteristic, the two plates of an element include facing notches, provided at a front lower part and at a rear lower part, and configured to receive axes equipped with wheels to facilitate the movement of the element.

[0023] The notches preferably define a path to move the axes from a rest position in which the wheels do not touch the ground to a rolling position in which the elements are raised and the wheels are in contact with the ground to move the elements.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] FIG. 1 is a front view of the device according to the invention before being struck by a 7.2 t vehicle.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a front view of the device according to the invention after being struck by a 7.2 t vehicle.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the device according to the invention.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a detailed view of the device illustrating the assembly of two blocks in detail.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an element that comprises a block.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a connecting tube.

[0030] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a male end tube.

[0031] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a female end tube.

[0032] FIG. 9 is a view illustrating the interior of a female end tube.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] With reference to FIGS. 1 to 9, the invention concerns an anti-ram vehicle barrier device (1) designed to stop the motion of a vehicle (2) weighing 7.2 t, or even 25 t, particularly to meet the current standards BSI PAS68:2013, IWA 14-1: 2013, and ASTM F2656.

[0034] The device (1) comprises a plurality of welded steel blocks (3) protected from corrosion by hot-dip galvanization, spaced apart from each other and connected by round steel tubes (4) equipped with assembly components and flanges (5) laterally constraining the blocks (3), while allowing the rotation of the blocks (3) around the tubes (4) to pivot upwards when struck by a vehicle (2), so as to lift the front of the blocks (3) to collide with the vehicle (2), causing significant damage to stop its motion.

[0035] The length of the barrier device (1) according to the invention is variable and depends on the number of blocks (3) implemented.

[0036] According to the invention, and as an improvement over the prior art, the blocks (3) are doubled, meaning they each comprise at least two elements (3a), positioned side by side, and each comprising two steel plates (6) connected by spacers (7) and by a sleeve (6a) traversed by the tubes (4) and notably hiding the assembly components of said tubes (4). The spacers (7) form handles to facilitate the handling of the elements (3a).

[0037] Additionally, the plates (6) include protruding parts (8), similar to cleats, on parts intended to be in contact with the ground, to prevent the elements (3a) from sliding on the ground when struck.

[0038] According to a particular embodiment, and with reference to FIG. 6, the tubes (4) connecting the blocks (3) each have an intermediate portion (4a) bordered by two flanges (5), a female end (4b), and a male end (4c) to engage with the female end (4b) of an adjacent tube (4).

[0039] For example, the flanges (5) have a thickness of 8 mm, with a diameter of 160 mm.

[0040] Several connecting tubes (4) are thus intended to be assembled to each other to form a barrier device (1). The assembly components are, for example, in the form of a transverse axis (9) fixed inside the female end (4b) of a tube, and an open helical or bayonet-shaped cutout (10) provided at the male end (4c) of a tube.

[0041] Thus, when the male end (4c) of a tube is inserted into the female end (4b) of an adjacent tube, the axis (9) fits into the cutout (10) so that the rotation of one of the two tubes (4) ensures the bringing together of a flange (5) of one tube with the flange (5) of an adjacent tube to laterally constrain the elements (3a) between the flanges (5).

[0042] The intermediate portion (4a) has a length of, for example, between 500 and 600 mm, a diameter of about 70 mm, and a thickness of at least 3 mm. The male end (4c) has, for example, a diameter of about 60 mm, with a thickness of at least 5 mm. The male end (4c) is doubled with a reinforcement sleeve (11) adjusted to the internal diameter of the male end (4c), with a thickness of 3 mm and comprising the same helical cutout (10) in correspondence. The reinforcement sleeve (11) can extend inside the intermediate portion, for example, up to half of the intermediate portion. The female end (4b) has a diameter of about 70 mm, with a thickness of at least 3 mm.

[0043] Preferably, the axis (9) has a diameter of 10 mm, and the male (4c) and female (4b) ends have lengths of about 240 mm, for example.

[0044] Once the barrier device (1) is assembled, end tubes are positioned at both ends to finalize the installation and make disassembly difficult.

[0045] To this end, the device (1) includes, for example, a male end tube (12a) bordered by an end flange (5). The male end tube (12a) has the same helical or bayonet-shaped cutout (10) system to cooperate with the female end (4b) of the connecting tube.

[0046] Similarly, the device (1) also includes a female end tube (12b) bordered by an end flange (5), the female end tube (12b) having internally a transverse axis (9) intended to engage with the open cutout (10) of a male end (4c) of the connecting tube. The flanges (5) are of the same dimensions as those of the connecting tubes (4), and the end tubes (12a, 12b) have a length of about 240 mm to fit the ends of the connecting tubes (4). The female end tube (12b) has a diameter of about 70 mm with a thickness of 3 mm, and the male end tube (12a) has a diameter of about 60 mm with a thickness of at least 5 mm.

[0047] The end flanges (5) each include a specific imprint (13), for example, triangular as illustrated, intended to receive in engagement a complementary-shaped tool to proceed with the locking of the assembly, notably by rotating said end tubes (12a, 12b).

[0048] With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the steel plates (6) of each element have a substantially triangular shape, or generally an “L” shape to define a pointed front end to cause damage to the vehicle (2) when the point is lifted.

[0049] The steel plates (6) have, for example, a thickness of 8 mm and are spaced apart from each other by a distance of about 120 mm, for example. The spacer sleeve (6a) traversed by the connecting tubes (4) has, for example, a diameter of about 80 to 90 mm, notably adapted to allow the rotation of the elements (3a) around the tube, but also to leave a radial clearance of about 25 to 35 mm between the sleeve (6a) and the tubes (4) to adapt to the irregularities of the ground on which the device (1) is placed.

[0050] According to a particular embodiment, the plates (6) have a height of about 70 mm and a length of about 1 m.

[0051] The spacers (7) connecting two plates (6) are, for example, in the form of axes with a diameter of 20 mm, and for example, there are four of them, three located at the vertices of the L-shape, and another located on a lower base. The sleeve (6a) receiving the connecting tubes (4) is also positioned at the lower part, close to the ground, at the base of the “L” shape.

[0052] According to a particular embodiment, the plates (6) are also perforated with regularly spaced holes (6b) along the plates (6), to possibly store the connecting tubes (4) in a storage position.

[0053] To improve the visibility of the device (1) at night, the elements (3a) include at least one, and preferably three spacers (14) each equipped with a reflector.

[0054] These spacers (14) are, for example, circular, with a diameter slightly larger than that of the reflectors to protect them in case of impact. These spacers (14) are perforated, for example, in their center to allow easy attachment of the reflectors.

[0055] Preferably, the elements (3a) also include a plate (15) positioned between the plates (6) to serve as a communication support, for example, to receive the logo of a city or the logo of the device (1) manufacturer, or any other symbol or writing.

[0056] To easily move the device (1) and the elements (3a) before immobilization, the elements (3a) include means to receive wheels.

[0057] For example, the two plates (6) of an element include notches (16) facing each other, provided at a front lower part and at a rear lower part of the element.

[0058] The front and rear notches (16), facing each other in pairs, are configured to receive, for example, axes equipped with wheels.

[0059] These notches (16) define, for example, a “Z” or “L” shape, or any appropriate shape to define a path to move the axes from a rest position in which the wheels do not touch the ground, to a rolling position in which the elements (3a) are raised and the wheels are in contact with the ground to move the element.

[0060] It follows from the above that the invention indeed provides an anti-ram vehicle barrier device (1), deterrent and effective, easy to set up, inexpensive, undismantleable without special tools, and maintenance-free, capable of stopping the motion of a vehicle (2) weighing 7.2 t, or even 25 t according to current standards.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0033]With reference to FIGS. 1 to 9, the invention concerns an anti-ram vehicle barrier device (1) designed to stop the motion of a vehicle (2) weighing 7.2 t, or even 25 t, particularly to meet the current standards BSI PAS68:2013, IWA 14-1: 2013, and ASTM F2656.

[0034]The device (1) comprises a plurality of welded steel blocks (3) protected from corrosion by hot-dip galvanization, spaced apart from each other and connected by round steel tubes (4) equipped with assembly components and flanges (5) laterally constraining the blocks (3), while allowing the rotation of the blocks (3) around the tubes (4) to pivot upwards when struck by a vehicle (2), so as to lift the front of the blocks (3) to collide with the vehicle (2), causing significant damage to stop its motion.

[0035]The length of the barrier device (1) according to the invention is variable and depends on the number of blocks (3) implemented.

[0036]According to the invention, and as an improvement over the prior art, the block...

Claims

1. An anti-ram vehicle barrier device (1), comprising welded steel blocks (3), spaced apart from each other and connected by round steel tubes (4) having an intermediate portion (4a) bordered by two flanges (5), a female end (4b), and a male end (4c) to engage with the female end (4b) of an adjacent tube, the male and female ends being equipped with assembly components, the flanges (5) of two tubes (4) laterally constraining the blocks (3), while allowing the rotation of the blocks (3) around the tubes (4) to pivot upwards when struck by a vehicle (2), so as to lift the front of the blocks (3) to collide with the vehicle (2), causing significant damage to stop its motion, characterized in that the intermediate portion (4a) and the female end (4b) of the tubes (4) have a thickness of at least 3 mm, while the male end (4c) has a thickness of at least 5 mm, and each block (3) comprises at least two elements (3a), positioned side by side, and each comprising two steel plates (6) connected by a sleeve (6a) traversed by the tubes (4), and by spacers (7), the plates (6) being provided with protruding parts (8) to prevent the elements (3a) from sliding on the ground when struck.

2. The device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the assembly components are in the form of a transverse axis (9) fixed inside the female end (4b) of a tube, and an open helical or bayonet-shaped cutout (10) provided at the male end (4c) of a tube so that, when the male end (4c) of a tube is inserted into the female end (4b) of an adjacent tube, the axis (9) fits into the helical or bayonet-shaped cutout (10), the rotation of one of the two tubes (4) ensures the bringing together of a flange (5) of one tube with the flange (5) of the adjacent tube, and laterally constrains the elements (3a) between said flanges (5).

3. The device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the male end (4c) is doubled with a reinforcement sleeve (11) adjusted to the internal diameter of the male end (4c), with a thickness of 3 mm and comprising the same helical or bayonet-shaped cutout (10) in correspondence.

4. The device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes a male end tube (12a) bordered by an end flange (5), and a female end tube (12b) bordered by an end flange (5), the end flanges (5) each comprising a specific imprint (13) intended to receive in engagement a complementary-shaped tool to rotate the end tubes (12a, 12b).

5. The device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the sleeves (6a) have a diameter greater than that of the tubes (4) so as to leave a radial clearance of about 25 to 35 mm between them.

6. The device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the elements (3a) include at least one spacer (14) equipped with a reflector.

7. The device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the elements (3a) include a plate (15) positioned between the plates (6) to serve as a communication support.

8. The device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the two plates (6) of an element include facing notches (16), provided at a front lower part and at a rear lower part, configured to receive axes equipped with wheels to facilitate the movement of the element, the notches (16) defining a path to move the axes from a rest position in which the wheels do not touch the ground to a rolling position in which the elements (3a) are raised and the wheels are in contact with the ground.

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