Intrusion prevention barrier

Abstract

An intrusion prevention barrier (10) comprising at least one plate (11) and one or more anchoring devices (12) adapted to cooperate with respective anchoring holes (13) of the plate (11) for anchoring to a part of a perimetric frame (24) of a structure (30), the anchoring devices (12) each comprise a bolt (16) adapted to engage a corresponding anchoring hole (13), a first clamping element (22) and a second clamping element (22') which can be arranged along an axis (X) of a screw (17) that constitutes the bolt (16) to accommodate between them and clamp the part of the perimetric frame (24), a first nut (21) for fastening said first and second clamping elements (22, 22') and a second nut (23) that can be positioned upstream of the first nut (21) along an axis (X) of extension of the bolt (16) to fasten, in cooperation with said first nut (21), the plate (11) between them. The first nut (21) and the first clamping element (22) are adapted to cooperate to act, in use, as a spacer between the plate (11) and an external surface or base (32) of the part of the perimetric frame (24) clamped between the first and second clamping elements (22, 22'), so as to form an interspace (I) that facilitates air circulation.

Description

[0001] INTRUSION PREVENTION BARRIER

[0002] The present invention relates to an intrusion prevention barrier for birds or animals in general, to be arranged to protect the perimeter of photovoltaic and / or solar thermal panel systems, for example installed on building roofs or on the ground, or in general of slightly raised structures that form a relatively narrow space underneath them that could nevertheless attract the unwanted presence of birds or animals in general.

[0003] It is well known that the nesting of birds, generally pigeons, or in general the entry or presence of animals under photovoltaic panels installed on building roofs is a serious problem that can jeopardize the efficiency of the photovoltaic system.

[0004] It also causes various inconveniences such as the presence of guano, or excrement in general, ticks, infiltration due to poor rainwater drainage, noise, which is particularly annoying at night, and foul odors.

[0005] To prevent birds or animals from entering under the panels, it is known to use elements or barriers arranged along the perimeter of the panels.

[0006] Generally, these known elements or barriers require, in order to fix them, the drilling of parts of the panel containment or supporting structure or of other surfaces, which may be undesirable since it can compromise their integrity and is sometimes a laborious operation requiring the use of tools and a certain skill on the part of the installer.

[0007] Moreover, these known elements or barriers must be applied with caution, since it is preferable that the perimeter of the panels is not obstructed by elements or barriers that block the passage of air, since this could compromise the efficiency of the system.

[0008] There is therefore the need to improve known elements or barriers for preventing the access of birds or other animals, for example, but not limited to, placing them to protect the perimeter of photovoltaic systems installed on building roofs, so that they can overcome at least one of the drawbacks of the cited background art.

[0009] The aim of the present invention is therefore to solve the technical problems highlighted, eliminating the drawbacks of the background art mentioned above, providing an intrusion prevention barrier that is easy to install, preserving the integrity of the structure to which it is fixed, in particular without the need to drill fixing holes, and which at the same time still allows air or rainwater to pass under the structure itself.

[0010] Within this aim, an object of the invention is to provide an intrusion prevention barrier that can be installed quickly and easily even by personnel who are not particularly trained.

[0011] Not least object of the invention is to obtain an intrusion prevention barrier that is structurally simple, has modest provision costs, and can be provided with ordinary, well-known machinery and equipment.

[0012] This aim and these objects, as well as others that will become better apparent hereinafter, are achieved by an intrusion prevention barrier, characterized in that it comprises at least one plate and one or more anchoring devices adapted to cooperate with respective anchoring holes of said plate for anchoring to a part of a perimetric frame of a structure, each comprising a bolt adapted to engage a corresponding anchoring hole, a first clamping element and a second clamping element which can be positioned along an axis of a screw constituting said bolt in order to accommodate between them and clamp said part of said perimetric frame, a first nut for tightening said first and second clamping elements and a second nut which can be positioned upstream of said first nut along an axis of extension of said bolt in order to tighten, in cooperation with said first nut, said plate between them, said first nut and said first clamping element being adapted to cooperate to act, in use, as a spacer between said plate and an external surface or base of said part of said perimetric frame clamped between said first and second clamping elements, so as to form an interspace that facilitates air circulation. Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent from the detailed description of a particular but not exclusive embodiment, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0013] Figure 1 is a schematic side view of an anchoring device that can be used in an intrusion prevention barrier;

[0014] Figure 2 is a side view of the anchoring device;

[0015] Figure 3 is an exploded view of the anchoring device;

[0016] Figure 4 is a lateral three-quarter view of the intrusion prevention barrier in association with a part of a perimetric frame of a structure and an exploded view of the anchoring device;

[0017] Figure 5 is a view of the anchoring device associated with the intrusion prevention barrier;

[0018] Figure 6 is a side view of the condition shown in the previous figure;

[0019] Figure 7 is an exploded view of the condition shown in the previous figure.

[0020] In the examples of embodiment that follow, individual characteristics, given in relation to specific examples, may actually be interchanged with other different characteristics that exist in other examples of embodiment.

[0021] With reference to the figures, the numeral 10 designates an intrusion prevention barrier, hereinafter referenced also as just barrier 10 for brevity, which is adapted to be arranged and anchored with respect to a structure 30, which is generally slightly raised with respect to a base or lower surface or reference plane and forms beneath it a space, even a relatively narrow one, which might nevertheless attract the unwanted presence of birds or animals in general.

[0022] For example, this structure may be constituted by a plurality of panels, for example photovoltaic and / or solar thermal panels of a corresponding system.

[0023] According to another example, the structures being considered may also optionally be gutters or the external units of modern air conditioners.

[0024] Such structures discussed by way of example are generally installed with the aid of a perimetric frame 24 that supports them, the perimetric frame 24 advantageously having a transverse cross-section which is C- shaped so as to form a base 32 connected to an upper arm 33 and a lower arm 34, of equal or different lengths, facing away from said intrusion prevention barrier 10.

[0025] The intrusion prevention barrier 10 is therefore suitable to be anchored to the perimetric frame 24, which thus constitutes an example of part of a structure 30 to which the intrusion prevention barrier 10 can be anchored, by way of example.

[0026] Hereinafter, reference will be made to the perimetric frame 24 as an example of structure 30, without thereby limiting the protective scope.

[0027] The intrusion prevention barrier 10 is adapted to be installed along the perimetric frame 24, covering laterally, with its height, the space below the structure 30 in order to protect it and prevent birds or animals in general from entering underneath it.

[0028] The intrusion prevention barrier 10 comprises one or more plates 11 and one or more anchoring devices 12.

[0029] Each plate 11 can be shaped to act effectively as a hindrance for the entry or passage of birds or animals in general.

[0030] Each plate 11 may, for example, be made of metal, favorably a corrosion-resistant one, such as stainless steel or aluminum.

[0031] The possibility of using other materials, for example even polymeric ones, is not excluded.

[0032] The one or more anchoring devices 12 are favorably made of metal, which may be stainless or otherwise protected from corrosion.

[0033] The plate 11 may have a panel, slab, foil, or sheet configuration of the desired thickness and, for example, may have an elongated shape, such as generally rectangular. The length of the plate 11 can be defined in a standard way and multiple plates 11 installed in succession can cover a desired perimetric length of the structure 30 laterally.

[0034] In other words, the barrier 10 is modular and can be adapted, by virtue of the modules constituted by the plates 11 , to the length of the perimeter of the structure 30 to be covered laterally.

[0035] The plate 11 is provided with a plurality of anchoring holes 13.

[0036] Such holes are adapted to cooperate with one or more respective anchoring devices 12 for the purpose of anchoring to the structure 30, for example to the perimetric frame 24 as indicated above.

[0037] For example, the anchoring holes 13 may be circular, oval, or shaped like an elongated slot.

[0038] In the latter case, they are advantageous for adapting the anchoring position according to the dimensions of the plate 11 and of the portion of perimetric frame 24 to be protected.

[0039] In some embodiments the plate 11 comprises an anchoring band 14 on which the respective anchoring holes 13 are present.

[0040] Such anchoring holes 13 are arranged, for example, with a desired pitch, as needed, for example equidistant, along the anchoring band 14.

[0041] The anchoring band 14 extends along the length of the plate 11.

[0042] In some embodiments, the plate 11 comprises a plurality of flexible prongs or flaps 15 that extend from the anchoring band 14.

[0043] In particular, they extend in a transverse direction with respect to the direction of extension of the anchoring band 14.

[0044] The flexible prongs 15 are arranged in a row along the length of the plate 11, adjacent to each other.

[0045] The flexible prongs 15 are in material continuity with the anchoring band 14, constituting a monolithic body with it.

[0046] The plate 11 may in practice be constituted by the anchoring band 14 and by the plurality of flexible prongs 15. The flexible prongs 15 are useful since they are flexible enough to be slightly bent, so as to adapt to the height of the space to be protected in order to prevent birds or animals in general from entering under the structure 30.

[0047] In this way, it is possible to produce a barrier 10 with a plate 11 of standard dimensions in length and also in height.

[0048] In fact, in terms of length it is sufficient to arrange as many plates 11 as are necessary based on the perimetric extension of the structure 30, and in terms of height it is sufficient, if necessary, to slightly bend the flexible prongs 15 in order to vary their height.

[0049] Of course, the flexible prongs 15 thus shaped in any case effectively prevent birds or animals in general from entering under the structure 30.

[0050] The shape of the plate 11 with flexible prongs 15, moreover, allows a passage of air, which can thus still circulate under the structure 30.

[0051] Furthermore, the shape of the flexible prongs 15 does not in any way hinder any runoff of rainwater or the like.

[0052] In some embodiments, each plate 11 may have additional openings, holes, or windows, for example, provided in the anchoring band 14, which are small enough to prevent birds or animals in general from entering but useful for promoting air passage.

[0053] The anchoring devices 12 are adapted to cooperate with the anchoring holes 13 provided in the plate 11 for anchoring to a part of the perimetric frame 24 of a structure 30.

[0054] Each anchoring device 12 comprises a bolt 16 adapted to engage a corresponding anchoring hole 13, a first and a second clamping element 22, 22' that can be positioned along an axis X of the screw 17 of the bolt 16 to accommodate between them and clamp such part of said perimetric frame 24.

[0055] The bolt 16 comprises a first nut 21, which is integral with the screw 17 and associated with it proximate to a first terminal end 35 thereof which is directed, in use, toward the intrusion prevention barrier 10. Between the first terminal end 35 and the first nut 21 there is a first threaded region 36 on the screw 17.

[0056] The first terminal end 35 can be inserted selectively into one of the anchoring holes 13.

[0057] A second nut 23 can be rotatably associated with the bolt 16 and can be positioned, with reference to Figure 7, upstream of the first nut 21 along the axis X and is adapted to be screwed onto the first threaded region 36, which, when in place, protrudes beyond the anchoring band 14, so as to allow the anchoring band 14 of the plate 11 to be fastened to the bolt 16.

[0058] The first nut 21, which is fixed with respect to the screw 17, is interposed between the first threaded region 36 and a smooth (non-threaded) portion 37, which is followed by a second threaded region 38 that extends to a second free end 20 of said screw 17.

[0059] The first and second clamping elements 22, 22' can be positioned axially along the threaded shank 19.

[0060] The first clamping element 22 and the second clamping element 22' comprise, respectively, a first fastening body 26 and a second fastening body 26', each having, respectively and axially, a hole 27, 27'.

[0061] The hole 27 is smooth internally and has a diameter adapted to allow the free sliding of the first fastening body 26, which is thus positioned, in operation, in abutment against the first nut 21.

[0062] The hole 27' is instead internally threaded complementarily to the second threaded region 38, so as to allow the rotatable coupling of the second fastening body 26' so that the clamping element 22' can be screwed by the desired extent onto the second threaded region 38 so as to move toward the clamping element 22 during activation of the anchoring device 12.

[0063] The clamping element 22 slides freely at the second threaded region 38 and at the smooth (non-threaded) portion 37 of the bolt 16, while the clamping element 22' can be screwed at the second threaded region 38. The first clamping element 22 and the second clamping element 22' have, radially to the first and second fastening bodies 26, 26', a clamping portion 28 constituted by a wing that may have a knurled or grooved surface 29 adapted to improve grip on the upper arm 33 and the lower arm 34.

[0064] Use of the anchoring device 12 is as follows: initially, the user fits the clamping element 22 onto the bolt 16 until it is adjacent to the first nut 21.

[0065] Then the user partially screws the clamping element 22' onto the bolt 16 starting from the second free end 20 of the screw 17.

[0066] The user then places himself in front of the structure 30 and positions the clamping element 22' with the knurled or grooved surface 29 in abutment against the end of the lower arm 34 of the perimetric frame 24.

[0067] Then, using for example a power screwdriver on the first nut 21, the screw 17 is turned, acting on the clamping element 22', which is screwed in the direction of the clamping element 22.

[0068] Since the latter is blocked by the user on the lower arm 34 of the perimetric frame 24, this forces the clamping element 22 to move until its knurled or grooved surface 29 also abuts against the base 32 of the upper arm 33 of the perimetric frame 24.

[0069] This clamps the anchoring device 12 to the perimetric frame 24.

[0070] It is then sufficient to position an anchoring hole 13 that is present on the intrusion prevention barrier 10 at the first threaded region 36 of the bolt 16 and to associate the second nut 23 with it, thus fastening the intrusion prevention barrier 10 to the first nut 21 of the anchoring device 12.

[0071] The intrusion prevention barrier 10 is thus stably anchored to said part of the perimetric frame 24, so that it can perform the function of preventing birds or animals in general from entering under the structure 30.

[0072] An advantage of the present invention is that the intrusion prevention barrier 10, while covering the structure 30 laterally and effectively preventing birds or animals in general from entering under it, does not in any way prevent the circulation of air under said structure. In fact, by virtue of the particular shape of the anchoring device 12, an interspace I is created between the outer surface of the perimetric frame part 24, or of the structure 30 in general, and the inner surface of the plate 11, and favors the passage of air.

[0073] This effect is achieved because the function of anchoring the structure 30 to the perimetric frame part 24 is performed by the clamping elements 22, 22', while the function of fastening the plate 11 is performed by the cooperation of the first nut 21 and the second nut 23.

[0074] Since these functions are performed by functionally different components, which are however aligned along the axis X of the screw 17, the axial space occupation of these components also generates the desired spacing effect, which creates an interspace I.

[0075] In other words, the anchoring device 12, and in particular the assembly formed by the first nut 21 and the second clamping element 22', also acts as a spacer along the axis X between the outer surface of the perimetric frame part 24, or of the structure 30 in general, and the inner surface of the plate 11 , and the extent of this spacing, defined by the width of the interspace I, is such as to promote air circulation.

[0076] Favorably, this configuration can therefore generate a “stack effect” where, by convection, hot air is drawn upwards and its place under the structure 30 is taken by cooler air.

[0077] This creates therefore a particularly favorable natural upward ventilation effect, for example if the structure 30 is formed by photovoltaic and / or solar thermal panels of a respective system.

[0078] In this case, advantageously, overheating is avoided and the efficiency of the system is not compromised.

[0079] An upper edge I la of the plate 11 may be inclined outward to facilitate air circulation.

[0080] The embodiments described herein can also be used to close the corrugations of roofs or coverings designed for ventilation, while ensuring the air circulation that is essential for ventilation itself.

[0081] Another advantage of the present invention is that by virtue of the shape of the anchoring device 12, and in particular by virtue of the first and second clamping elements 22, 22', it is not necessary to drill any part of the perimetric frame 24 or of the structure 30, thus preserving their mechanical and structural integrity.

[0082] Moreover, since no additional drilling is required, the installation and anchoring procedure is also simple and quick, as the installer can first fix all the anchoring devices 12 to the perimetric frame 24 and then position the intrusion prevention barrier 10 on them and apply and tighten the second nuts 23 to complete the fastening.

[0083] The invention is of course susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the accompanying claims.

[0084] The materials used and the dimensions that constitute the individual components of the invention may of course be more pertinent according to the specific requirements.

[0085] The characteristics indicated as advantageous, convenient or the like may also be omitted or replaced by equivalents.

[0086] The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. 102024000019837 and utility model application No. 202025000000075, from which this application claims priority, are incorporated herein by reference.

[0087] Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference numerals and / or signs, those reference numerals and / or signs have been added for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly such reference numerals and / or signs do not have any effect on the scope of each element identified merely by way of example by such reference numerals and / or signs.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An intrusion prevention barrier (10), characterized in that it comprises at least one plate (11) and one or more anchoring devices (12) adapted to cooperate with respective anchoring holes (13) of said plate (11) for anchoring to a part of a perimetric frame (24) of a structure (30), each comprising a bolt (16) adapted to engage a corresponding anchoring hole (13), a first clamping element (22) and a second clamping element (22') which can be arranged along an axis (X) of a screw (17) that constitutes said bolt (16) to accommodate between them and clamp said part of said perimetric frame (24), a first nut (21) for fastening said first and second clamping elements (22, 22') and a second nut (23) that can be positioned upstream of said first nut (21) along an axis (X) of extension of said bolt (16) to fasten, in cooperation with said first nut (21), said plate (11) between them, said first nut (21) and said first clamping element (22) being adapted to cooperate to act, in use, as a spacer between said plate (11) and an external surface or base (32) of said part of said perimetric frame (24) clamped between said first and second clamping elements (22, 22'), so as to form an interspace (I) that facilitates air circulation.

2. The intrusion prevention barrier (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that said plate (11) comprises an anchoring band (14) on which said anchoring holes (13) are present and a plurality of flexible prongs (15) extending from said anchoring band (14).

3. The intrusion prevention barrier (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that said perimetric frame (24) has a C-shaped transverse cross-section to form a base (32) connected to an upper arm (33) and a lower arm (34), of equal or different lengths, directed away from said intrusion prevention barrier (10).

4. The intrusion prevention barrier (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of said one or more anchoring devices (12) comprises a first nut (21), which is integral with saidscrew (17) and is associated with said screw proximate to a first terminal end (35) thereof directed, in use, toward said intrusion prevention barrier (10).

5. The intrusion prevention barrier (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that between said first terminal end (35) and said first nut (21) there is, on the shank (19) of said screw (17), a first threaded region (36), said first terminal end (35) being selectively insertable into one of said anchoring holes (13).

6. The intrusion prevention barrier (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that a second nut (23) is rotatably associable with said bolt (16), can be located upstream of said first nut (21) along said axis X and is adapted to be screwed onto said first threaded region (36) which, in use, protrudes beyond said anchoring band (14).

7. The intrusion prevention barrier (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first nut (21), which is fixed with respect to said screw (17), is interposed between said first threaded region (36) and a smooth, non-threaded portion (37), followed, on said shank (19), by a second threaded region (38) extending up to a second free end (20) of said screw (17).

8. The intrusion prevention barrier (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first and second clamping elements (22, 22') respectively comprise a first fastening body (26) and a second fastening body (26') respectively provided axially with a hole (27, 27').

9. The intrusion prevention barrier (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said hole (27) is smooth internally and has a diameter adapted to allow the free sliding of said first fastening body (26), which is thus positioned, when installed, in abutment against said first nut (21).

10. The intrusion prevention barrier (10) according to one or more ofthe preceding claims, characterized in that said hole (27') is internally threaded complementarily to said second threaded region (38) to allow the rotary coupling of said second fastening body (26') so that said clamping element (22') can be screwed by the desired extent onto said second threaded region (38) and, in the step of activation of said anchoring device (12), move closer to said clamping element (22).

11. The intrusion prevention barrier (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said clamping element (22) slides freely at said second threaded region (38) and at said smooth, non-threaded portion (37) of said bolt (16).

12. The intrusion prevention barrier (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said clamping element (22') can be screwed at said second threaded region (38).

13. The intrusion prevention barrier (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first and second clamping elements (22, 22') have, radially to said first and second fastening bodies (26, 26'), a clamping portion (28) constituted by a wing which has a knurled or grooved surface (29) adapted to improve grip on said upper arm (33) and lower arm (34).

14. The intrusion prevention barrier (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said anchoring holes (13) have a circular or oval shape or an elongated slot-like shape with a desired pitch.

15. The intrusion prevention barrier (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said plate (11) comprises a plurality of flexible prongs or flaps (15) extending from said anchoring band (14).

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