A connection element

Abstract

There is provided a connection element (100) for detachably connecting three heavy-duty barriers to each other. The connection element (100) comprising: a first coupling portion (110) detachably connectable to a corresponding coupling portion (1110) of a first heavy-duty barrier (1100); a second coupling portion (120) detachably connectable to corresponding coupling portion (1210) of a second heavy-duty barrier (1200), and a third coupling portion (130) detachably connectable to a corresponding coupling portion (1310) of a third heavy-duty barrier (1300). The connection element (100) is arranged to interlock with each of the first, second, and third heavy-duty barriers (1100, 1200, 1300).

Description

[0001] A CONNECTION ELEMENT

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to heavy-duty barriers for preventing vehicle ramming attacks.

[0004] TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0005] In recent years, vehicle-ramming attacks have become increasingly common, underscoring the urgent need for effective protective measures. To safeguard people and property, various solutions are employed, including bollards, security fences, crash-rated barriers, and vehicle arresting systems. However, these measures have their drawbacks. Security fences and vehicle arresting systems, such as net barriers or tire shredders, often lack the capacity to instantly stop a highspeed vehicle from colliding with people or property, necessitating heavier and more capable solutions. Bollards, while effective, are cumbersome to install and inflexible in terms of relocation.

[0006] Crash-rated barriers provide flexible relocation and are commonly used to stop vehicle-ramming attacks due to their robust design. However, as these attacks become more severe, the current barriers often fall short in providing adequate protection. Consequently, crash-rated barriers are continually being enhanced to ensure they can withstand the evolving nature of these threats, providing maximum protection in high-risk areas.

[0007] Accordingly, there is a continuous demand for innovative solutions that provide robust protection against vehicle ramming attacks.

[0008] SUMMARY

[0009] At least some of the above-mentioned drawbacks are at least partly overcome by the present disclosure according to independent claim. Preferred embodiments are set forth in the dependent claims. In accordance with a first aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a connection element for detachably connecting three heavy-duty barriers to each other. The connection element comprises a first coupling portion detachably connectable to a corresponding coupling portion of a first heavy-duty barrier. The connection element further comprises a second coupling portion detachably connectable to corresponding coupling portion of a second heavy-duty barrier. The connection element further comprises a third coupling portion detachably connectable to a corresponding coupling portion of a third heavy-duty barrier. The connection element further comprises several mutually distanced parallel plates, wherein each plate provides a respective subportion of each one of the first, second and third coupling portions. The connection element is arranged to interlock with each of the first, second, and third heavy-duty barriers. The present disclosure is based on the insight that, instead of increasing rigidity and weight of individual heavy-duty barriers to improve their capacity of preventing vehicle ramming attacks, the same, or even better, capacity of preventing vehicle ramming attacks can be achieved using existing heavy-duty barriers by connecting at least three of them at a single point. Additionally, the construction of several mutually distanced parallel plates provides a rigid yet light connection element, which is easy to handle when assembling / disassembling a formation of heavy-duty barriers. By connecting three heavy-duty barriers at a single point, or at a junction, it allows the formation of, for instance, a T-shaped system of heavy-duty barriers. As opposed to connecting heavy-duty barriers in a chain, as commonly done, a T-shaped, or substantially T-shaped formation, of heavy-duty barriers inherits several advantages. Firstly, the existence of a third heavy-duty barrier in the position of vertical stem of the "T" provides greater stiffness to the two other heavy-duty barriers in the position of the horizontal top part of the "T". Thus, the horizontal top part inherits greater stiffness and a reduced tendency to deflect / displace when preventing vehicle ramming attacks. Thus, a system of connected heavy-duty barriers in a T-shape, as obtained thanks to the connection element according to the present disclosure, allows for an improved capacity of preventing vehicle ramming attacks. Secondly, the connection element, enabling the formation of heavy-duty barriers in a T-shaped pattern, further provides for a more efficient material use. This T-shaped formation use material more efficiently by concentrating the heavy-duty barriers where they are most needed. Hence, the connection element provides heavy-duty barriers with an increased capacity to withstand vehicle ramming attacks in comparison with when they are used as standalone or series-coupled. Thirdly, the present disclosure allows for an improved capacity to prevent vehicle ramming attacks utilizing existing heavy-duty barriers, thus eliminating the need for additional materials and labour that would be required to reinforce a heavy-duty barrier. This can lead to substantial savings in costs. Furthermore, the connection element may allow further advantageous formations of heavy-duty barriers. For example, the three heavy-duty barriers may be detachably connected to the connection element so to create a structure resembling the letter "Y". This formation may allow for an effective load distribution across the three heavy-duty barriers. By heavy-duty barrier it may be meant a robust structure made from high-strength materials, designed to provide strong protection or separation in various environments, for example against vehicles. By an existing heavy-duty barrier it may be meant a typical standard heavy-duty barrier used on the market today that has not been modified or enhanced for additional strength or capacity to prevent vehicle ramming attacks. By detachably connecting it may be meant a method of joining two or more components in such a way that they can be easily separated and reconnected without causing damage to the components or the connection mechanism. This type of connection is designed to be temporary and reversible, allowing for easy assembly, disassembly, maintenance, or replacement of parts. By that the connection element is arranged to interlock with each of the first, second, and third heavy-duty barriers it may be meant that that the connection element designed in such a way that it can detachably connect with each of the heavy-duty barriers. When interlocked, these parts may be held together firmly, ensuring that they function as a cohesive unit. By that the first coupling portion is detachably connectable to a corresponding coupling portion it may be meant that the first coupling portion of the connection element and the corresponding coupling portion of the first heavy-duty barrier are specifically designed or intended to match. The corresponding coupling portion may have features or dimensions that align with the first coupling portion, allowing them to connect or interlock properly. Essentially, it may be meant that the first coupling portion and the corresponding coupling portion are compatible with each other for the purpose of connection.

[0010] According to an embodiment, the connection element is arranged to interlock with each of the first, second, and third heavy-duty barriers by a vertical motion relative to each of the first, second, and third heavy-duty barriers. This may provide a fast and efficient method for connecting and disconnecting the heavy-duty barriers using the connection element. Furthermore, an interrelated vertical motion is further advantageous because the connection process doesn't require additional horizontal space, which make it ideal to assembly at areas with limited space. Also, since vehicle ramming attacks causes a force / stress to the connected heavy-duty barriers in the horizontal direction, and the connection element may only detach from the heavy-duty barriers by a vertical motion, the connection element won't be caused to detach from any of the heavy-duty barriers during a deflection or a lateral movement thereof. By the phrase the connection element is arranged to interlock with each of the first, second, and third heavy-duty barriers by a vertical motion relative to each of the first, second, and third heavy-duty barriers it may be meant that the connection element connects or engages with each of the first, second, and third heavy-duty barriers. This connection or engagement is achieved by moving the connection element vertically relative each of the first, second, and third heavy-duty barriers. Alternatively, each of the first, second, and third heavy-duty barriers may move in a vertical direction relative the connection element for being connected thereto. The connection element being designed to only enable connection and disconnection to each of the heavy-duty barriers by being moved vertically relative each of the barriers, ensures that the connection element remains connected to each of the barriers in the event of said barriers being horizontally displaced.

[0011] According to an embodiment, the first coupling portion is facing a first direction, the second coupling portion is facing a second direction which is different to the first direction, and the third coupling portion is facing a third direction which is different to the first direction and to the second direction. Thereby, the connection element enables each of the first, second, and third heavy-duty barriers to extend in different directions. This is advantageous for improving the rigidity of the interconnected heavy-duty barriers. By a coupling portion facing a direction, it may be meant that coupling portion is oriented or positioned towards the specific direction. This orientation determines how and where the coupling portion will engage with the corresponding coupling portion of the respective heavy-duty barrier.

[0012] According to an embodiment, the first and the second directions extend along a horizontal plane perpendicular to each other, and wherein the third direction is opposite to the first direction. Thereby, the connection element enables each of the first, second, and third heavy-duty barriers to extend in a T-shape formation. This is advantageous for further improving the rigidity of the interconnected heavy-duty barriers.

[0013] According to an embodiment, the first coupling portion comprises a first rigid connection member arranged to engage with the corresponding coupling portion of the first heavy-duty barrier. Thereby, there is provided an efficient solution for detachably connecting the connection element to the first heavy-duty barrier.

[0014] According to an embodiment, the first coupling portion is detachably rotatably connectable to the corresponding coupling portion of the first heavy-duty barrier so as to allow the first heavy-duty barrier to rotate relative to the connection element in a horizontal plane. Enabling the first heavy-duty barrier to rotate relative the connection element, and thus relative to the second and third heavy-duty barriers, may allow horizontal movement between the heavy-duty barriers. This may increase their capacity to absorb force as this movement helps dissipate force from an impacting vehicle over a larger area and time, reducing the force on any single point. Additionally, it enables the heavy-duty barriers to flex and deform, acting as a shock absorber and enhancing their ability to manage force from vehicle ramming attacks effectively.

[0015] According to an embodiment, the first coupling portion comprises a first receiving surface and a second receiving surface. The first receiving surface is arranged to limit the rotational movement of the first heavy-duty barrier relative to the connection element in a first direction of rotation. Further the second receiving surface is arranged to limit the rotational movement of the first heavy-duty barrier relative to the connection element in a second direction of rotation, which second direction of rotation is opposite of the first direction of rotation. Thereby, the amount of rotation between the connecting element and the first heavy-duty barrier can be determined to not exceed a specific angle. This may be advantageous for preventing excessive movement of the heavy-duty barriers, as well as ensuring that heavy-duty barriers, connected by the connection element, may remain aligned and function as intended, thus being able to remain preventing further vehicle ramming attacks. Additionally, preventing excessive rotation with the first and second receiving surfaces is advantageous since these specific surfaces may be enhanced to ensure durability of the heavy-duty barriers and / or the connection element. According to an embodiment, the first receiving surface and the second receiving surface each faces the first direction. Thus, an efficient structure for preventive excessive rotation is provided.

[0016] According to an embodiment, the connection element further comprises a height fixing arrangement ensuring that the connection element is at a desired height relative to the first heavy-duty barrier when detachably connected to at least the first heavy-duty barrier. Thereby, the connection element may advantageously be adapted to detachably connect each of the first, second, and third heavy-duty barriers at a desired height. The desired height may vary dependent on the desired advantages of the connection. For example, the connection point between the connection element and each of the heavy-duty barriers may be close to the ground. This may provide more stability and resistance against displacement of the connected heavy-duty barriers. Furthermore, it may facilitate lifting and connecting each of the heavy-duty barriers to the connection element if the connection point is low / close to the ground. Alternatively, the connection point may be arranged at a more central height. This central height may provide a balance between stability and flexibility in arranging the connected heavy-duty barriers. Furthermore, it may facilitate for workers to access and connect the heavy-duty barriers at mid-height compared to very low or high connection points. Additionally, the forces from impacting vehicles may propagate between interconnected heavy-duty barrier more evenly. Alternatively, a higher connection point far from the ground, in combination with that first heavy-duty barrier being vertically rotatable relative the connection element may provide more flexibility in arranging the barriers at uneven ground.

[0017] According to an embodiment, the height fixing arrangement comprises a rod arranged to abut the ground when the connection element is at the desired height. Thereby, an efficient solution is provided for adjusting the height at which the connection element interlock with each if the first, second, and third heavy-duty barriers.

[0018] According to an embodiment, the number of mutually distanced parallel plates is at least three.

[0019] According to an embodiment, wherein the first, second, and third coupling portions have an identical shape. From this, the second and third coupling portions may inherit the advantages disclosed in herein related to the first coupling portion. Furthermore, a single model of a heavy-duty barrier is thereby connectable to each of the first, second, and third connection portions. From this, a user may build a system of heavy-duty barriers interconnected by the connection element according to the present disclosure without having to keep track of which heavy-duty barrier to connect where.

[0020] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided system for stopping vehicle-ramming attacks. The system comprises the connection element as disclosed herein. The system further comprises a first heavy-duty barrier, a second heavy-duty barrier, and a third heavy-duty barrier. Each of the first, second, third heavy-duty barriers are connectable to the connection element. This provides for a system of heavy-duty barriers provided with the advantages inherited from the connection elements as disclosed herein.

[0021] According to an embodiment, the first, second and third heavy-duty barriers, when interconnected by the connection element, form a T-shape.

[0022] According to an embodiment, the first heavy-duty barrier has a width, a length and a height and comprises a coupling portion at an end thereof which corresponds to the first coupling portion of the connection element. The coupling portion comprises a receiving space adapted to receive at least a portion of the first rigid connection member of the connection element, and to only enable connection and disconnection with said connection element by movement of the first heavy duty barrier relative to the connection element in direction of the height of the first heavy-duty barrier of the first heavy-duty barrier is at a minimum between upper and lower ends of the coupling portion and is greater at the ends. The coupling portion comprises a shape such that, when engaged to the first rigid connection member, it allows for a vertical tilt of the first heavy-duty barrier with regards to the connection element. This makes it easy and safe to connect or disconnect the first heavy-duty barrier to the connection element. The receiving space is advantageously designed to only enable connection / disconnection to the connection element by moving the heavy-duty barrier relative to the connection element in the direction of the height of the heavy-duty barrier. Furthermore, the varying dimensions of the receiving space, with a minimum distance between the upper and lower ends and greater distance at the ends, may allow for easier, and thereby faster and safer, connection of a heavy-duty barrier to the connection element. Furthermore, the coupling portion having a shape allowing vertical tilt advantageously improves the system's capacity to adapt to uneven ground without compromising the connective strength between the connection element and the heavy-duty barrier.

[0023] The invention is defined by the appended independent claims, with embodiments being set forth in the appended dependent claims, in the following description and in the drawings. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular component parts of the device described or steps of the methods described as such device and method may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the articles "a", "an", "the", and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thereby, for example, reference to "a unit" or "the unit" may include several devices, and the like. Furthermore, the words "comprising", "including", "containing" and similar wordings do not exclude other elements or steps.

[0024] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Exemplifying embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] Figs. 1 and 2 illustrate a perspective and a top view, respectively, of a connection element according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective view of two heavy-duty barriers interconnected by a connection element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Fig. 4 illustrates a system comprising three heavy-duty barriers interconnected by a connection element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figs. 5 illustrates a system comprising a plurality of heavy-duty barriers interconnected by a connection element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figs. 6a and 6b illustrate a heavy-duty barrier of the present disclosure. Figs. 7a, 7b illustrate horizontal sectional views of a connection element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure connected to a first, a second, and a third heavy-duty barrier.

[0031] Figs. 8a, 8b illustrate vertical sectional views of a connection element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure connected to a first, a second, and a third heavy-duty barrier.

[0032] All the figures are schematic, not necessarily to scale, and generally only show parts which are necessary in order to elucidate embodiments of the present invention, wherein other parts may be omitted or merely suggested.

[0033] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0034] Hereinafter, the disclosure in various aspects will be described with reference to the illustrative drawings. All figures are schematic, not necessarily to scale, and generally only show parts which are necessary in order to elucidate the disclosure, wherein other parts may be omitted or merely suggested. Throughout the figures the same reference signs designate the same, or essentially the same features. Various elements and arrangements are schematically depicted in the drawings for purposes of explanation only and so as to not obscure the description with details that are well known to those skilled in the art. Nevertheless, the attached drawings are included to describe and explain illustrative examples of the disclosed subject matter.

[0035] The words and phrases used herein should be understood and interpreted to have a meaning consistent with the understanding of those words and phrases by those skilled in the relevant art. No special definition of a term or phrase, i.e., a definition that is different from the ordinary and customary meaning as understood by those skilled in the art, is intended to be implied by consistent usage of the term or phrase herein. To the extent that a term or phrase is intended to have a special meaning, i.e., a meaning other than that understood by skilled artisans, such a special definition will be expressly set forth in the specification in a definitional manner that directly and unequivocally provides the special definition for the term or phrase. With reference to Figs. 1 and 2 a first exemplary embodiment of a connection element 100 for detachably connecting three heavy-duty barriers to each other is shown. The connection element 100 comprises a first coupling portion 110 detachably connectable to a corresponding coupling portion of a first heavy-duty barrier, a second coupling portion 120 detachably connectable to corresponding coupling portion of a second heavy-duty barrier, and a third coupling portion 130 detachably connectable to a corresponding coupling portion of a third heavy-duty barrier. The connection element 100 may be made of steel. Alternatively, it may be made out of another suitable metal, for example aluminium. Each of the first, second, and third coupling portions 110, 120, 130 may have a shape so to be connectable to a heavy-duty barrier providing a corresponding coupling portion. The connection element 100 is arranged to interlock with each of the first, second, and third heavy-duty barriers. The connection element 100 may interlock with each of the first, second, and third heavy-duty barriers, by that the first coupling portion 110 interlocks with the first heavy-duty barrier, the second coupling portion 120 interlocks with the second heavy-duty barrier, and the third coupling portion 130 interlocks with the third heavy-duty barrier. It is conceivable that the first, second, or third heavy-duty barriers can be connected to other corresponding heavy-duty barriers, either directly, or through an additional coupling part. Consequently, each of the first, second and third heavy-duty barriers may include a coupling portion that can connect to a corresponding coupling portion on another heavy-duty barrier. Thus, the first, second, and third coupling portions 110, 120, 130 of the connection element 100 may be adapted in size and shape so to correspond to a coupling portion of a heavy-duty barrier which the connection element 100 is arranged to be connected to. For example, if the connection element 100 is arranged to be connected to a heavy-duty barrier having coupling portion in the shape of a hook portion, the first coupling portion 110 of the connection element 100 may inherit a shape of a corresponding hook portion. Alternatively, if the connection element 100 is arranged to be connected to a heavy-duty barrier having a groove as a coupling portion, the first coupling portion 110 of the connection element 100 may inherit a shape comprising a protrusion arranged to lock into that groove. Other examples are conceivable. This advantageously enables the connection element 100 to connect to existing heavy-duty barriers, and thereby enable the inventive concept of the present disclosure to be utilised using existing heavy-duty barriers. The connection element 100 may be arranged to interlock with each of the first, second, and third heavy-duty barriers by means of a slide and lock system which connects parts by sliding them together and detaches them by sliding them apart. Alternatively, quickrelease pins may be used. It is conceivable that other means of interlocking the connection element 100 and each of the heavy-duty barrier are utilised. In an alternative embodiment, the connection element 100 may comprise a fourth coupling portion, for being detachably connected to a fourth heavy-duty barrier. It is conceivable that the connection element comprises an even greater number of coupling portions, so to interconnect more than four heavy-duty barriers. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 and 2, the connection element 100 is arranged to interlock with each of the first, second, and third heavy-duty barriers by a vertical motion relative to each of the first, second, and third heavy-duty barriers. The connection element 100 is arranged to, by being moved in a vertical direction relative each of the first, the second, and the third heavy-duty barriers, enter into a position where it interlocks with each of them. Alternatively, each of the heavy-duty barriers may be moved in a vertical direction relative the connection element 100 so that each respective heavy-duty barrier interlocks to the connection element 100. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the connection element 100 is arranged to interlock to each of the heavy-duty barriers by moving in another direction relative to the heavy-duty barriers, for example a horizontal direction.

[0036] In this embodiment, the first coupling portion 110 is facing a first direction DI. The second coupling portion 120 is facing a second direction D2 which is different to the first direction DI. The third coupling portion 130 is facing a third direction D3 which is different to the first direction DI and to the second direction D2. The first, second, and third directions DI, D2, D3, being different to each other enables the first, second, and third heavy-duty barriers to simultaneously be connected to the connection element 100. The first and second directions DI, D2 extend along a horizontal plane perpendicular to each other, and the third direction D3 is opposite to the first direction DI. From this, the connection element 100 is arranged to enable a T-shaped formation of the first, second, and third heavy-duty barriers. The first, second and third directions DI, D2, D3, all extend along a horizontal plane of the connection element 100. The horizontal plane is horizontal in parallel to the ground. Alternatively, the connection element 100 may be arranged to enable a Y-shaped formation of the first, second, and third heavy-duty barriers. In this embodiment, the first coupling portion 110 comprises a first rigid connection member 114 arranged to engage with the corresponding coupling portion of the first heavy-duty barrier. The connection element 100 may be flat or plate like and extends along the horizontal plane. The connection element 100 comprises a body portion 100a in the centre. The connection element 100 further comprises a first side 101, a second side 102, a third side 103, a fourth side 104, a top side 105 and a bottom side 106. The first side 101 is facing the first direction DI. The second side is facing the second direction D2. The third side is facing the third direction D3. The fourth side is facing the fourth direction D4. The first coupling portion 110 is arranged at the first side 101. The second coupling portion 120 is arranged at the second side 102. The third coupling portion 130 is arranged at a third side 103. The first rigid connection member 114 has a curved or bent shape, resembling the letter "J" which protrudes transversely away from the body portion 100a along the first direction DI. The first rigid connection member 114 comprises a pointed end that curves back towards the body portion 100a so to form a hook shape. The first rigid connection element 114 comprises an inner side 115 facing inward, towards the curve. It further comprises an outer side 116 that faces outwards, away from the curve. The first rigid connection member 114 is arranged to connect to the first heavy-duty barrier by that the inner side 115 engages with the corresponding coupling portion of the first heavy-duty barrier.

[0037] In this embodiment, the first coupling portion 110 is detachably rotatably connectable to the corresponding coupling portion 1110 of the first heavy-duty barrier so as to allow the first heavy-duty barrier to rotate relative to the connection element 100 in a horizontal plane. The first rigid connection member 114 is designed to allow rotation around a corresponding hook portion of the corresponding coupling portion of the first heavy-duty barrier. Despite this rotational capability, the first rigid connection element 114 is arranged to be securely attached to and cannot be detached from the first heavy-duty barrier by other means than a vertical movement relative thereto. This may be beneficial for enabling secure attachment and rotational freedom. The first coupling portion 110 comprises a first receiving surface 111 and a second receiving surface 112. The first receiving surface 111 is arranged to limit the rotational movement of the first heavy-duty barrier relative to the connection element 100 in a first direction of rotation Rl. The second receiving surface 112 is arranged to limit the rotational movement of the first heavy-duty barrier relative to the connection element 100 in a second direction of rotation R2, which second direction of rotation R2 is opposite of the first direction of rotation Rl. The first receiving surface 111 is arranged next to the first rigid connection element 114 at one side thereof, and the second receiving surface 112 is arranged next to the first rigid connection element 114 at the other side thereof. A vertical axis A extends in a vertical direction from the bottom side 106 towards the top side 105 of the connection element 100. The first direction of rotation Rl may be defined as a clockwise rotational direction around the vertical axis A. It may be expressed as the first receiving surface 111 and the first rigid connection member 114 are arranged to limit the rotational movement of the first heavy-duty barrier relative to the connection element 100 in the first direction of rotation Rl. The inner side 115 and the first receiving surface 111 may engage to the first heavy-duty barrier so to stop the first heavy-duty barrier to rotate in the first direction of rotation Rl. The first receiving surface 111 may advantageously be sufficiently strong so to withstand the receiving forces from stopping the first heavy duty barrier to rotate without being damaged. It may be expressed as the second receiving surface 112 and the first rigid connection member 114 are arranged to limit the rotational movement of the first heavy-duty barrier relative to the connection element 100 in a second direction of rotation R2. The inner side 115 and the second receiving surface 112 may engage to the first heavy-duty barrier so to stop the first heavy-duty barrier to rotate in the second direction of rotation R2. The second receiving surface 112 may advantageously be sufficiently strong so to withstand the stress forces from stopping the first heavy-duty barrier's rotation without being damaged. Further, the design of the first coupling portion may advantageously allow a specific rotational play between the connection element 100 and the first heavy-duty barrier. For example, the first and second receiving surfaces 111, 112 may positioned so to enable the first heavy-duty barrier to rotate +- 7.5 degrees from the first direction DI. The rotational freedom may vary depending on the requirements of the user using the connection element 100. Each of the first receiving surface 111 and the second receiving surface 112 faces the first direction DI. The connection element 100 comprises a height fixing arrangement 140 ensuring that the connection element 100 is at a desired height relative to the first heavy-duty barrier when detachably connected to at least the first heavy-duty barrier. The height fixing arrangement 140 comprises a rod 142 arranged to abut the ground when the connection element 100 is at the desired height. The rod 142 may comprise a foot 144 at its ground end. The length of the rod 142 may advantageously be adapted according to the desired height of the connection element 100. In this embodiment, the upper end of the rod 142 is connected to a centre of the connection element 100 at the body portion 100a thereof. The rod 142 may be interchangeable by another rod with another length. This may enable a user to adjust the desired height of the connection element 100 by changing the rod part 142. Alternatively, the rod 142 may be telescopic so to enable a user to actively change is length to adjust the desired height of the connection element 100. In an alternative embodiment, the height fixing arrangement may comprise a hook part arranged to engage onto an upper portion of one or more of the first, second, and third heavy-duty barriers. Thus, when the connection element 100 is at its desired height, the hook part engages the one or more of the heavy-duty barriers and prevents the connection element 100 from moving downwards relative the heavy-duty barriers. In this embodiment, the connection element 100 comprises several mutually distanced parallel plates Pl, P2, P3. Each plate provides a respective sub-portion of each one of the first, second and third coupling portions 110, 120, 130, since the plates Pl, P2, P3 together provide the first, second and third coupling portions 110, 120, 130. The plates Pl, P2, P3 are identical and spaced in the vertical direction. It is conceivable the first, second, and third plates Pl, P2, P3 have different shapes. The connection element 100 may comprise any number of plates. As a further alternative, the connection element 100 may have a closed, or box-shaped, structure by enclosing the plates by means of walls extending between them. The connection element 100 may advantageously provide three or more parallel plates so to prevent or limit rotation of the connecting element 100 relative any of the heavy-duty barriers in the vertical direction. The first, second, and third plates Pl, P2, P3 are connected to each other by fixing elements 150. The fixing elements 150 may be made of steel or alternative suitable material. Having a plurality of parallel plates offers several advantages. Firstly, it may provide redundancy. If one plate fails, the others can still maintain the connection between the heavy-duty barrier and the connection element. In addition, it facilitates inspection. This is because a user inspecting the connection element may notice that one of the parallel plates is damaged and can immediately replace / repair the plate or the entire connection element. Furthermore, a contact surface area of the first heavy-duty barrier whereto the connection element may engage to may be increased by a minimal material increase of the connection element. This is advantageous because it provides a high capacity of the connection element to distribute force between interconnected heavy-duty barriers in relation to the material weight of the connection element. Finally, multiple small plates can be more flexible and adaptable to different shapes, improving the connection elements capacity to be adapted to be shaped to fit and connect to heavy-duty barriers having coupling portions of complex shapes. In the shown embodiment, the first, second, and third coupling portions 110, 120, 130 have an identical shape. It is conceivable that the shapes of the first, second, and third coupling portions 110, 120, 130, may differ from each other. Referring now to Fig. 3, the connection element 100 is shown in an interconnected state with a second heavy-duty barrier 1200, and a third heavy-duty barrier 1300. The second coupling portion 120 is detachably connected to a corresponding coupling portion 1210 of the second heavy-duty barrier 1200. The third coupling portion 130 is detachably connected to a corresponding coupling portion 1310 of the third heavy-duty barrier 1300. A first heavy-duty barrier may be detachably connected to the first coupling portion 110 of the connection element 100. In the shown embodiment of the connection element 100, the length of the rod 142 of the height fixing arrangement 140 is adapted so that the connection element 100 is detachably connected to each of the second and third heavy-duty barrier 1200, 1300 at a centre height thereof.

[0038] Now with reference to Fig. 4 there is shown a system 1000 for stopping vehicle-ramming attacks. The system 1000 comprises the connection element 100 as disclosed herein. The system further comprises a first heavy-duty barrier 1100, a second heavy-duty barrier 1200, and a third heavy-duty barrier 1300. Each of the first, second, third heavy-duty barriers 1100, 1200, 1300 are connectable to the connection element 100. The first heavy-duty barrier 1100 comprises a coupling portion 1110. the second heavy-duty barrier 1200 comprises a coupling portion 1210. The third heavy-duty barrier 1300 comprises a coupling portion 1310. In the shown embodiment, the first, the second, and the third heavy-duty barriers 1100, 1200, 1300 are identical. It is conceivable the first, second, and third heavy-duty barriers 1100, 1200, 1300, have different shapes. The first coupling portion 110 of the connection element 100 is detachably connectable to the coupling portion 1110 of the first heavy-duty barrier 1100. In the shown embodiment the connection element 100 comprises a protective plate 160 at the fourth side 104 thereof. The protective plate 160 may extend along the fourth side of the connection element 100 such to extend past both ends thereof. Thus the protective plate 160 may protect against dirt entering between the connections element 100 and any of the first or third heavy-duty barriers 1100, 1300. The protective plate 160 may be arranged to extend from the ground up to a top level of first, second, and third heavy-duty barriers. The protective plate 160 is shown in a perspective view in Fig. 3.

[0039] Now with reference to Fig. 5. the system 1000 comprising the first, second and third heavy-duty barriers 1100, 1200, 1300, when interconnected by the connection element 100, is shown in form of a T-shape. In this embodiment, the system 1000 further comprises a second connection element 100' detachably connecting the third heavy-duty barrier 1300 with a fourth heavy-duty barrier 1400 and a fifth heavy-duty barrier 1500. The first, the second, and the third heavy-duty barriers 1100, 1200, 1300 are connected by the connection element 100 so to form a first T-shape. The third, the fourth, and the fifth heavy-duty barriers 1300, 1400, 1500 are connected by the second connection element 100' so to form a second T- shape, which is linked with the first T-shape. This provides for a robust system 1000 for stopping vehicle-ramming attacks. In a further embodiment the system 1000 may comprise a sixth heavy-duty barrier. The sixth heavy duty barrier may at a first end thereof be connected to the second heavy-duty barrier 1200 by a third connection element, and at a second end thereof be connected to the fourth heavy- duty barrier 1400 by a fourth connection element. The protective plate 160 is shown extending in a vertical direction from the ground up until in level with the top of the first heavy-duty barrier 1100. It is conceivable that the connection element 100 may comprise a fourth coupling portion, enabling a cross-shaped formation of four heavy-duty barriers. For example, each heavy-duty barrier may extend along the first, the second, the third, and the fourth direction of the connection element 100, respectively. The exact design of such a cross-shaped formation may vary.

[0040] Referring now to Figs. 6a and 6b, the first heavy-duty barrier 1100 is illustrated from a perspective view and a top view, respectively. The first heavy-duty barrier 1100 has a width W, a length L and a height H and comprises a coupling portion 1110 at an end thereof which corresponds to the first coupling portion of the connection element. The coupling portion 1110 comprises a receiving space 1120 adapted to receive at least a portion of the first rigid connection member of the connection element 100, and to only enable connection and disconnection with said connection element by movement of the first heavy duty barrier 1100 relative to the connection element 100 in a direction of the height of the first heavy-duty barrier 1100. The coupling portion 1110 comprises a distance through the receiving space 1120 between wall surfaces of the receiving space 1120 in the direction of the length L of the first heavy-duty barrier 1100 and is at a minimum between upper and lower ends of the coupling portion 1110 and is greater at the ends. The coupling portion 1110 comprises a shape such that, when engaged to the first rigid connection member, it allows for a vertical tilt of the first heavy-duty barrier 1110 with regards to the connection element 100. The shape and configuration of the coupling portion 1110 and the receiving space 1120 are designed to allow for vertical tilt / rotation between the first heavy-duty barrier 1100 and the connection element when they are connected to each other. More specifically, the coupling portion 1110 of the first heavy-duty barrier 1100 is elongated in the direction of the height H of the barrier and the distance through the receiving space 1120 between the wall surfaces in the direction of the length L of the first heavy-duty barrier 1100 is minimized between the upper and lower ends of the coupling portion 1110, and greater at the ends. This variation in the distance through the receiving space creates a vertical play between the coupling portion 1110 of the first heavy-duty barrier 1100 and first rigid connection member 114. Thus, the elongated shape of the coupling portion 1100 combined with the varying distance in the receiving space 1120 creates a vertical clearance or play that enables the first heavy-duty barrier 1100 to tilt or angle relative to the connection element 100 in the vertical direction to accommodate uneven ground conditions. The design allows for this vertical tilt while still maintaining a secure connection between the connection element 100 and the first heavy-duty barrier 1100. The second, and the third heavy-duty barriers 1200, 1300 have an identical shape as the first heavy-duty barrier 1100. It is conceivable that the first-heavy-duty barrier 1100 may be designed to prevent the connection element, when detachably connected thereto, from sliding down beyond a desired height. This may be achieved by narrowing the receiving space of the first heavy-duty barrier 1100 to restrict the movement of the connection element. Alternatively, the first heavy-duty barrier may include a protruding part to prevent the connection element from sliding down further than intended.

[0041] Now with reference to Fig. 7a which shows a horizontal sectional view of an embodiment of the connection element 100 and the first, second, and third heavy- duty barriers 1100, 1200, 1300. The first receiving surface 111 and the second receiving surface 112 are arranged so to form a horizontal play PHto corresponding receiving surfaces of the first heavy-duty barrier 1100. The horizontal play PHbetween the receiving surfaces 111, 112 of the connection element 100 and the corresponding receiving surfaces of the first heavy-duty barrier 1100 is in a horizontal orientation. The horizontal play PHmay be varied so to control the degree of rotational freedom of the first heavy-duty barrier 1100 relative the connection element 100. Fig. 7b, illustrates how the horizontal play PHallows for a horizontal angle a between the first heavy-duty barrier 1100 and the connection element 100. The angle a may be varied after desire of the user. Upon a lateral impact by a vehicle on the third heavy-duty barrier 1300, which is part of the system 100 as shown in Fig. 5, the third heavy-duty barrier 1300 undergoes displacement. More specifically, the third heavy-duty barrier 1300 is displaced laterally, which, thanks to that each connection element 100 allows horizontal rotation, results in a reduction of the angles between the third heavy-duty barrier 1300 and the adjacent first and fifth heavy-duty barriers 1100, 1500. Consequently, the adjacent heavy-duty barriers pivot inward, thereby partially enclosing the vehicle. This is advantageous for the system 100 to partially enclose an impacting vehicle for preventing further movement of the vehicle. Preferably, the angle a is 7 degrees but may for example vary by ±5 degrees.

[0042] Fig. 8a presents a vertical sectional view taken along line l-l in Fig. 7a, illustrating the vertical play Pvbetween the first heavy-duty barrier 1100 and the connection element 100 when connected on even ground. As depicted in Fig. 8b, a maximum vertical angle P between the first heavy-duty barrier 1100 and the connection element 100, the vertical play Pvbecomes zero. Thus, the first heavy- duty barrier 1100 is vertically rotated in relation to the connection element 100. This allows for the vertical angle 3 between the first heavy-duty barrier 1100 and the connection element 100, typically caused by uneven ground. The designs of the first heavy duty barrier 1100 and / or the connection element 100 can be varied to modify the amplitude the vertical angle 3 according to specific needs and preferences. Preferably, the angle 3 is 5 degrees but may for example vary by ±5 degrees.

[0043] In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed preferred embodiments and examples of the disclosure and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for the purpose of limitation, the scope of the invention being set forth in the following claims. The present disclosure has mainly been described above with reference to a few embodiments. However, as is readily appreciated by a person skilled in the art, other embodiments than the ones disclosed above are equally possible within the scope of the present disclosure, as defined by the appended claims. Although features and elements are described above in particular combinations, each feature or element can be used alone without the other features and elements or in various combinations with or without other features and elements. Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may fulfil the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain features are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these features cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A connection element (100) for detachably connecting three heavy- duty barriers to each other, the connection element (100) comprising: a first coupling portion (110) detachably connectable to a corresponding coupling portion (1110) of a first heavy-duty barrier (1100); a second coupling portion (120) detachably connectable to corresponding coupling portion (1210) of a second heavy-duty barrier (1200), a third coupling portion (130) detachably connectable to a corresponding coupling portion (1310) of a third heavy-duty barrier (1300), and several mutually distanced parallel plates (Pl, P2, P3), wherein each plate provides a respective sub-portion of each one of the first, second and third coupling portions, wherein the connection element (100) is arranged to interlock with each of the first, second, and third heavy-duty barriers (1100, 1200, 1300).

2. A connection element according to claim 1, wherein the connection element (100) is arranged to interlock with each of the first, second, and third heavy-duty barriers (1100, 1200, 1300) by a vertical motion relative to each of the first, second, and third heavy-duty barriers (1100, 1200, 1300).

3. A connection element (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the first coupling portion (110) is facing a first direction (DI), the second coupling portion (120) is facing a second direction (D2) which is different to the first direction (DI), and the third coupling portion (130) is facing a third direction (D3) which is different to the first direction (DI) and to the second direction (D2).

4. A connection element (100) according to claim 3, wherein the first and the second directions (DI, D2) extend along a horizontal plane perpendicular to each other, and wherein the third direction (D3) is opposite to the first direction (DI).

5. A connection element (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the first coupling portion (110) comprises a first rigid connection member (114) arranged to engage with the corresponding coupling portion (1110) of the first heavy-duty barrier (1100).

6. A connection element (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the first coupling portion (110) is detachably rotatably connectable to the corresponding coupling portion (1110) of the first heavy-duty barrier (1100) so as to allow the first heavy-duty barrier (1100) to rotate relative to the connection element (100) in a horizontal plane.

7. A connection element (100) according to claim 6, wherein the first coupling portion (110) comprises a first receiving surface (111) and a second receiving surface (112), wherein the first receiving surface (111) is arranged to limit the rotational movement of the first heavy-duty barrier (1100) relative to the connection element (100) in a first direction of rotation (Rl), and wherein the second receiving surface (112) is arranged to limit the rotational movement of the first heavy-duty barrier (1100) relative to the connection element (100) in a second direction of rotation (R2), which second direction of rotation (R2) is opposite of the first direction of rotation (Rl).

8. A connection element (100) according to claim 7, wherein the first receiving surface (111) and the second receiving surface (112) each faces the first direction (DI).

9. A connection element (100) according to any preceding claim comprising a height fixing arrangement (140) ensuring that the connection element (100) is at a desired height relative to the first heavy-duty barrier (1100) when detachably connected to at least the first heavy-duty barrier (1100).

10. A connection element (100) according to claim 9, wherein the height fixing arrangement (140) comprises a rod (142) arranged to abut the ground when the connection element (100) is at the desired height.

11. A connection element (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the number of mutually distanced parallel plates (Pl, P2, P3) is at least three.

12. A connection element (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the first, second, and third coupling portions (110, 120, 130) have an identical shape.

13. A system (1000) for stopping vehicle-ramming attacks, the system (1000) comprises: the connection element (100) according to any preceding claim; a first heavy-duty barrier (1100); a second heavy-duty barrier (1200), and a third heavy-duty barrier (1300), wherein each of the first, second, third heavy-duty barriers (1100, 1200, 1300) are connectable to the connection element (100).

14. A system (1000) according to claim 13, where the first, second and third heavy-duty barriers (1100, 1200, 1300), when interconnected by the connection element (100), form a T-shape.

15. A system according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the first heavy-duty barrier (1100) has a width (W), a length (L) and a height (H) and comprises a coupling portion (1110) at an end thereof which corresponds to the first coupling portion (110) of the connection element (100), wherein the coupling portion (1110) comprises a receiving space (1120) adapted to receive at least a portion of the first rigid connection member (114) of the connection element (100), and to only enable connection and disconnection with said connection element (100) by movement of the first heavy duty barrier(1100) relative to the connection element (100) in a direction of the height of the first heavy-duty barrier (1100), and a distance through the receiving space (1120) between wall surfaces of the receiving space in the direction of the length (L) of the first heavy-duty barrier (1100) is at a minimum between upper and lower ends of the coupling portion (1110) and is greater at the ends, wherein the coupling portion (1110) comprises a shape such that, when engaged to the first rigid connection member (114), it allows for a vertical tilt of the first heavy-duty barrier (1110) with regards to the connection element (100).

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