Modular Crash Barrier System

The present invention relates to a modular crash barrier system for impact absorption

During warehouse operations, an important issue is that of protecting pedestrians, workers and valuable or otherwise delicate equipment and resources from harm. An example of a hazardous environment is warehouses where humans are working in proximity with operating forklifts and/or similar vehicles. Even though measures are taken towards establishing certain physical structures or work routines aiming at resolving such issues, it is nearly impossible to foresee and prevent all accidents in a dynamic workplace.

In order to overcome these issues, there exist in the current state of the art different crash barrier systems. These systems are supposed to not be a part of a permanent structure of a workplace, but rather be placed in areas of high risk when the need arises.

However, the solutions in the current state of the art suffer from numerous drawbacks. Not only are crash barriers often cumbersome and difficult to assemble, they are also not adaptable for a variety of situations, e.g. when a barrier system needs to cover a more complicated geometry or protect against vehicles of varying sizes and shapes. Furthermore, crash barrier systems aiming at solving the problem of difficulty of assembly thereof by providing separate parts that are subsequently joined together, encounter problems with unsatisfactory strength of the barrier, especially at the joints.

In view of the above, there is a need for a modular crash barrier system that is not only easier to assemble and more adaptable, but also provides a stronger assembled structure.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a modular crash barrier system for impact absorption is provided, the system comprising: at least one post having a longitudinal direction, the at least one post being elastically deformable, the at least one post comprising at least one attachment groove defined by an inner wall and a first and a second side wall, the at least one attachment groove extending in the longitudinal direction; a protrusion arranged in the at least one attachment groove and connected to the inner wall, the protrusion having an extension along the longitudinal direction; at least one transverse barrier element comprising at least one attachment element slideably arrangeable within the at least one attachment groove for engagement with the protrusion; wherein the inner wall, in an assembled state of the modular crash barrier system, is more prone to deformation than the first and second side wall in response to a force applied to the at least one post and caused by an impact to the transverse barrier element.

The term “Elastically deformable” is within the context of the present application to be understood as being adapted to deform in a way such that a shape at a resting state is regained after the cause of deformation is removed. Thus, that the at least one attachment groove of the at least one post is adapted to deform during impact absorption entails that a resting state of the groove is regained after impact absorption. The deformation may e.g. be characterized by right angles of the groove being sharper or wider when the attachment groove is deformed. The deformation of the attachment groove leads to the attachment element, which is arranged within the groove, being pinched, gripped or otherwise compressed therein such that it is latched within the groove. The crash barrier may therefore be self-latching or self-locking such that the subjection thereof to a force, i.e. the absorption of impact, increases the mechanical resilience of the crash barrier. The deformation is reversible. Hereby, the modular crash barrier system is capable of absorbing repeated impacts without losing the ability to do so. Furthermore, since the inner wall is more prone to deformation than the first and second side wall in response to a force applied to the at least one post and caused by an impact to the transverse barrier element, the system is especially adapted to absorb impact in directions perpendicular to the inner wall.

The post is thus made of a flexible, elastic or otherwise deformable material such that the post is adapted to deform e.g. during impact absorption, such as when hit by a vehicle. The post may be made from a plastic material, or a combination of plastic materials, or comprise a plastic material. Alternatively, the post is made of a rubber material. Alternatively, the post is made of a combination of plastic material and rubber material.

The protrusion may comprise discrete protrusion elements spaced along said longitudinal direction of the at least one post.

The transverse barrier element may be made of the same type of material as the post.

According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the at least one attachment element may have a shape and size substantially corresponding to the shape and size of the at least one attachment groove.

Hereby, the at least one attachment groove is substantially filled up by the at least one attachment element. Thus, any deformation of the groove causes a higher compression force on the attachment element.

According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the system may comprise a first post and a second post, wherein each of the first and the second post comprises at least one attachment groove, wherein the at least one transverse barrier element comprises a first attachment element and a second attachment element, and wherein the first attachment element is arranged at a predetermined height within the at least one attachment groove of the first post and wherein the second attachment element is arranged at a predetermined height within the at least one attachment groove of the second post such that the at least one transverse barrier element is arranged between the first and the second post at a predetermined height.

The predetermined height of the transverse barrier element may e.g. be chosen anywhere along the longitudinal extension of the first and the second posts. In this way, a crash barrier system according to the present invention is more adaptable, since the height at which the transverse barrier element is situated is freely chosen.

According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the system may further comprise at least one spacer element slideably arrangeable within the at least one attachment groove.

A spacer element may be arranged above or below the attachment element of the transverse barrier element within the groove. The spacer element may e.g. assist in arranging the attachment element at a certain height.

According to at least one exemplary embodiment, all portions of the at least one attachment groove not occupied by the at least one attachment element, in the assembled state, may be occupied by the at least one spacer element.

Hereby, unoccupied space of any groove is filled with spacer element, such that the post is made more rigid. By making the post more rigid, the inner wall of the attachment groove is even more prone to deformation than the first and second side wall in response to a force.

According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the system may further comprise at least two spacer elements and at least two transverse barrier elements, wherein each of the at least two transverse barrier elements comprises a first and a second attachment element, wherein each of the first attachment elements is arranged at a predetermined height within the at least one attachment groove of the first post, wherein each of the second attachment elements is arranged at a predetermined height within the at least one attachment groove of the second post, and wherein one of the at least two spacer elements is arranged within the at least one attachment groove of the first post between the first attachment elements, spacing them along the longitudinal direction of the first post, and wherein the other of the at least two spacer elements is arranged within the at least one attachment groove of the second post between the second attachment elements, spacing them along the longitudinal direction of the second post.

By providing a crash barrier system with two spacer elements and two transverse barrier elements, the two barrier elements can be spaced from each other at both posts, i.e. the respective attachment elements are spaced at both posts. They may be spaced by the same amount, i.e. arranged at the same distance from each other, such that the two transverse barrier elements are parallel. Alternatively, the two attachment elements at one post may be spaced differently, such that the two transverse barrier elements are not parallel. For example, a first transverse barrier element may be substantially perpendicular to at least one of the posts, whereas the other transverse barrier element is arranged at an angle with regards to the first transverse barrier element.

According to at least one exemplary embodiment, a transverse direction of the transverse barrier element may be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the post when the at least one attachment element is arranged within the at least one attachment groove of the at least one post.

The transverse barrier element may have a length component that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the post that is larger than the length component of the transverse barrier element that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the post.

Alternatively, the transverse barrier element is angled with respect to the longitudinal axis. If the crash barrier system comprises two transverse barrier elements, they may be angled differently with respect to one post. For example, they may be arranged in a cross-like manner.

According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the protrusion may have an extension perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, wherein a cross-section of the protrusion at a first end portion thereof may have a width smaller than a cross-section of the protrusion at a second end portion thereof, wherein the second end portion is more distal to the inner wall of the at least one attachment groove than the first end portion.

The protrusion may have a substantially triangular cross-section. Alternatively, the protrusion may have a substantially droplet shaped cross-section. Hereby, the protrusion has at least one surface at least partially facing the inner wall of the groove, such that the attachment portion may be provided with a better grip of the protrusion.

According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the at least one protrusion may have a mushroom-shaped cross-section across the transverse extension of the at least one protrusion.

By providing a protrusion having a mushroom like-cross section, the protrusion is at least partially enclosing a subgroove of the groove, which subgroove it defines. This allows for an attachment element arranged within any subgroove to be restricted in movement in any plane at least partially enclosed by the protrusion, but not restricted in any other direction. The protrusion may only at least partially enclose the subgrooves in the plane of the cross-section. The protrusion may alternatively enclose the subgrooves, or at least one subgroove, in more directions or planes, such as in a direction angled with regards to the longitudinal axis.

According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the mushroom-shaped cross-section may comprise two undercut engagement surfaces facing the inner wall.

Hereby, the protrusion has at least one surface at least partially facing the inner wall of the groove, such that the attachment portion may be provided with a better grip of the protrusion.

According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the at least one attachment element may comprise at least two attachment portions, and wherein the at least two attachment portions are slideably arrangeable within a respective one of a first and second subgroove of the attachment groove separated by the protrusion.

By providing an attachment groove comprising two subgrooves, a larger area is available for the attachment element of the transverse barrier element to be in contact with the attachment groove. Thus, a stronger connection between the transverse barrier element and the post may be achieved.

Furthermore, the two subgrooves may deform differently in response to a force applied to the at least one post and caused by an impact to the transverse barrier element. For example, one subgroove may contract while the other subgroove expands. one of the two subgrooves may e.g. deform is such a manner that only one of the attachment portions of the attachment element is latched therein. An impact absorbed by the system thus deforms the subgroove in a way such that the attachment element is latched therein, and thus it has a stronger mechanical connection to the attachment groove such that the system exhibits an increased resilience with increased stress from an external force. For example, one subgroove may deform such that a side surface of an attachment portion arranged within the subgroove abuts on and presses against a side wall of the attachment groove, such that the attachment portion is latched within the subgroove. By having a subgroove deform such that the attachment portion abuts on and presses against a side wall of the attachment groove, an impact absorbed by the system deforms the subgroove in a way such that the attachment portion is latched therein, and thus has a stronger mechanical connection to the attachment groove such that the system an increased resilience with increased stress from an external force. Furthermore, the other of the at least two subgrooves may deform in an expanding manner such that a curved surface of an attachment portion abuts on and presses against a curved inner surface of the protrusion.

According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the at least one post comprises four attachment grooves.

By providing a post with four attachment grooves, the post may be connected to at least four transverse barrier elements each extending in a different direction than the others. In particular, the angle between each two of the four transverse barrier elements may be 90°.

According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the system may further comprise a rigid core element configured to support the at least one post.

Hereby, the system is configured to absorb even larger impacts. The rigid core element may e.g. be made of a metal. For example, the rigid core element may be made of steel. Alternatively, the rigid core element is made of a hard plastic material. Alternatively, the rigid core element is made of wood.

In the following detailed description, some embodiments of the present invention will be described. However, it is to be understood that features of the different embodiments are exchangeable between the embodiments and may be combined in different ways, unless anything is specifically indicated. Even though in the following description, numerous details are set forth to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these details. In other instances, well known constructions or functions are not described in detail, so as not to obscure the present invention.

shows a disassembled crash barrier systemaccording to an exemplary embodiment of first aspect of the present invention. The systemcomprises a post, and a transverse barrier element.

The postcomprises an attachment groovein which the transverse barrier elementis adapted to be arranged. The attachment groove comprises an inner wall, and a first and second side wall. The inner wall, in an assembled state of the modular crash barrier system, is more prone to deformation than the first and second side wall.

Here, the attachment groovefurther comprises a protrusionseparating the attachment grooveinto a first and a second subgroove,. Here, the protrusionis substantially mushroom shaped, i.e. the width of the protrusionis increased along the transverse direction being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the post. The protrusionmay have any other shape, such as a triangular shape, ellipsoid shape, hook shape etc., as long as the width of the protrusionis increased along the transverse direction being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the post. Here, the protrusionis continuous in a longitudinal direction of the post. Thus, a transverse barrier elementmay be arranged at any given height along the post. In other exemplary embodiments, the protrusionmay comprise a discrete set of protrusions along the longitudinal direction of the post.

In this exemplary embodiment, the postis substantially cylindrical with a circular cross-section. Furthermore, the posthas a plurality of planes of symmetry intersecting through a central axis of the post. The central axis may completely coincide with a longitudinal axis of the postextending along the longitudinal extension of the post. Here, the postis symmetrical at least in the sense that every attachment groovehas a mirror image on the other side of the post. In this exemplary embodiment, the postcomprises four attachment grooveseach comprising a protrusionseparating each grooveinto a respective first and second subgroove,. The postfurther comprises a cavitywhich serves to minimize the weight of the post.

The transverse barrier elementcomprises an attachment element, which elementis arranged on a distal endof said transverse barrier element. The attachment elementis slideably arrangeable within the attachment groovefor engagement with the protrusion. The attachment elementis attached to the transverse barrier elementby a screw. The attachment elementmay be attached to the transverse barrier elementby any other means, such as glue, nut and bolt, snap-locking etc. The attachment elementfurther comprises a first and a second attachment portion,adapted to be arranged within an attachment grooveof the post. The attachment elementmay in other embodiments have only one attachment portion, or more than two attachment portions. Here, the two attachment portions,are adapted to be arranged within a subgroove,respectively. To this end, the two attachment portions,have a similar shape as the shape of the subgrooves,. The two attachment portions,are both elongated along a direction transverse to a longitudinal extension of the transverse barrier element. When the attachment portions,are arranged within said groove, their longitudinal extension coincides with a longitudinal direction of the post(indicated by a dashed arrow in). The transverse barrier elementand the attachment elementare made from a plastic material, rubber material etc. The transverse barrier elementmay be made of the same material as the post.

Inthere is further shown a spacer elementadapted to be arranged within the grooveof the post. Here, the spacer elementhas a profile matching that of the subgrooves,of the post, such that it may fit therein. The systemfurther comprises a capfor inter alia protecting the postfrom getting soiled. The capcomprises a pinadapted to be arranged within the cavity. The cavity may comprise a receiving element (not shown) adapted to receive the pinsuch that the pinis attached to the receiving element. The receiving element may e.g. be a piece of rubber comprising a through-hole adapted to receive the pinor a deformable material in which the pinmay be arranged. The cavitymay further be adapted to receive a rigid core element (not shown) configured to support the post. The rigid core element may further be attached to the ground on which the systemis to be arranged, thereby anchoring the system. The rigid core element may e.g. be made of a metal. For example, the rigid core element may be made of steel. Alternatively, the rigid core element is made of a hard plastic material. Alternatively, the rigid core element is made of wood.

shows an embodiment of the crash barrier systemaccording to the present invention comprising three posts. Here, all space not occupied by attachment elementsof any groove is filled with spacer element. Hereby, any postis made more rigid. The systemfurther comprises two sets′,″ of three transverse barrier elementseach, wherein a first set′ of three transverse barrier elementsis arranged between a first and a second post and a second set″ of three transverse barrier elementsis arranged between the second and a third post. Transverse barrier elements arranged between each pair of posts may be equally spaced apart, i.e. arranged at the same lateral distance from each other, such that any two transverse barrier elements are parallel. Alternatively, any two transverse barrier elements arranged between the same posts may be spaced differently, such that the two transverse barrier elements are not parallel. For example, a first transverse barrier element may be substantially perpendicular to at least one of the posts, whereas the other transverse barrier element is arranged at an angle with regards to the first transverse barrier element. In, the transverse barrier elements within any of the two sets′,″ are parallel to each other.

In, two of the four attachment groovesof at least the middle postboth have a respective spacer element′ having substantially the same longitudinal extension as the postin which they are arranged. A spacer element of substantially the same length as a post is e.g. arranged within a groove in which no transverse barrier element is arranged. Therefore, an attachment groove not being used for attachment of a transverse barrier element may in this way be protected from outside soiling.

shows a crash barrier systemaccording to the first aspect of the present invention when the systemis subjected to external forces, i.e. absorbing an impact. The external forces are represented by the two solid arrows Aand A. Here, two transverse barrier elements′,″ are subjected to external forces. The transverse barrier elements′,″, when subjected to external force, is absorbing the force by deforming in a direction of the force, such as the direction of the respective arrows A, A. When transverse barrier elements′,″ deform under an external force, the impact is translated throughout the body of the element′,″ to the attachment elements″,″, where the external force in turn is translated to the post. As such, an impact absorbed by the systemdeforms the post in a way such that the attachment element′,″,″ is latched to the post, and thus has a stronger mechanical connection to the postsuch that the systemhas an increased resilience with increased stress from an external force A, A.

Here, it is further shown that a first barrier element′ and a second barrier element″ are spaced by a spacer elementin a vertical direction, i.e. in a direction coinciding with a longitudinal direction of the post.

shows a cross-section of a postaccording to the first aspect of the present invention, the postbeing connected to a transverse barrier elementthrough an attachment element. The cross-section is inshown as a substantially circular cross-section, but it may also be a substantially square, rectangular or triangular cross-section, or a cross-section of any other shape. Here, three out of four attachment grooves have a respective spacer elementarranged within them. An attachment groove, divided into a first and second subgroove,by a protrusion, has the attachment elementof the transverse barrier elementarranged therewithin. The attachment groovecomprises a passive state and a deformed state. Here, the attachment grooveis shown in a passive state, i.e. a state in which the systemdoes not absorb any impact. The attachment grooveduring a deformed state is shown in. As such, the attachment grooveis adapted to deform during impact absorption such that the attachment groovetransitions from the passive state to said deformed state.

Here, the attachment elementhas a first and a second attachment portions,arranged within a respective subgroove,. Hereby, the attachment elementengages with the protrusion. The protrusionhas a longitudinal extension coinciding with the longitudinal direction of the post, and a transverse extension coinciding with a transverse direction of the transverse barrier elementbetween a first end portionbeing attached to the attachment grooveat the inner wall, and a second end portiondistal to the first end portion.

As indicated in, there is a distance between the attachment elementand the inner surface of the groove, such as the distance dbetween a distal end,of any of the two attachment portions,and the inner wallof the groove. The distance dmay e.g. be 10 mm, 7 mm, 5 mm, 3 mm or 1 mm. The distance dallows for a certain mobility of the attachment elementwithin the groove. In this embodiment, this means that a certain mobility of the two attachment portions,within their respective subgrooves,is allowed. By allowing this certain mobility, the attachment elementis easily movable along the groovein a direction perpendicular to the cross-sectional plane in. This way, it is easier to place the transverse barrier elementat a desired height along the post. Furthermore, the distance dallows for movement in the cross-sectional plane in, such that the attachment elemente.g. may move when being subjected to external forces. The attachment portionmay e.g. move such that a curved surfaceof the attachment portionabuts on and presses against a curved inner surfaceof the protrusion, e.g. such that the distance dincreases.