Ultra-Shallow Bollard Assembly

This is a continuation-in-part application of co-pending non-provisional application Ser. No. 18/127,335, filed on Mar. 28, 2023 and titled “ULTRA-SHALLOW BOLLARD ASSEMBLY”, the entirety of which application is incorporated by reference herein.

The present disclosure relates to vehicle barriers and, more particularly, to an ultra-shallow bollard assembly.

With security risks on the rise, there is a need for protection devices to defend sensitive areas including, but not limited to, stadiums/arenas, fairgrounds, amphitheaters, airports, urban places of public gatherings, bus stops, sidewalks, places of worship, data centers, public utilities, prisons, governmental buildings, corporate campuses, storefronts, and all other spaces that have interaction between foot traffic and vehicular traffic. Bollards are one type of protection device currently being used. Bollards typically include steel pipes (optionally filled with concrete) embedded into the ground to a depth of 48 inches, for example. However, the installation of bollards requires the excavation and disposal of earth by backhoe, or by drilling, approximately 36″ diameter holes by 60″ deep. This process often requires costly underground utility relocation, particularly in urban settings, as most utilities are located 36″ to 48″ below grade.

It is with respect to this and other drawbacks of the prior art that the present disclosure is provided.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is the summary intended as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In one approach, a vehicle barrier may include a main body surrounding a post, wherein the main body is operable to be positioned below grade, and wherein the post is operable to extend above grade. The main body may include an upper plate including an opening to receive the post, a lower plate opposite the upper plate, and a plurality of support members extending between the upper plate and the lower plate, wherein two or more support members of the plurality of support members extend radially from a central axis extending through the post. The vehicle barrier assembly may further include a support assembly coupleable with the main body, wherein the support assembly includes at least one support bar insertable between the upper plate and the lower plate.

In another approach, a bollard assembly may include a main body surrounding a post, wherein the main body is operable to be positioned below grade, wherein the post is operable to extend above grade, and wherein the main body includes an impact end and a back end. The main body may include an upper plate including an opening to receive the post, a lower plate opposite the upper plate, and a plurality of support members extending between the upper plate and the lower plate, wherein two or more support members of the plurality of support members extend radially from a central axis extending through the opening and the post. The bollard assembly may further include a support assembly extending from the back end of the main body, wherein the support assembly includes a support bar insertable between the upper plate and the lower plate.

In yet another approach, a bollard assembly may include a main body surrounding a post, wherein the post extends perpendicular to the post, wherein the main body is operable to be positioned below grade, and wherein the post is operable to extend above grade. The main body may include an upper plate including a first opening to receive the post, a lower plate opposite the upper plate, wherein the lower plate includes a second opening to receive the post, and a plurality of support members extending between the upper plate and the lower plate, wherein two or more support members of the plurality of support members extend radially from a central axis extending through the opening and the post. The bollard assembly may further include a support assembly coupleable with the main body, wherein the support assembly includes a support bar insertable between the upper plate and the lower plate.

The drawings are not necessarily to scale. The drawings are merely representations, not intended to portray specific parameters of the disclosure. The drawings are intended to depict exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, and therefore are not to be considered as limiting in scope. In the drawings, like numbering represents like elements.

Furthermore, certain elements in some of the figures may be omitted, or illustrated not-to-scale, for illustrative clarity. The cross-sectional views may be in the form of “slices”, or “near-sighted” cross-sectional views, omitting certain background lines otherwise visible in a “true” cross-sectional view, for illustrative clarity. Furthermore, for clarity, some reference numbers may be omitted in certain drawings.

The present disclosure will now proceed with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which various approaches are shown. It will be appreciated, however, that the re-usable snap-in fitting may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the approaches set forth herein. Rather, these approaches are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

Mitigation of a hostile 15,000 lb vehicle traveling at a rate of 50 mph by limiting the penetration of the leading edge of the vehicle's trailer within 1 m of the leading edge of the barrier (M50/P1) in an urban environment is challenging, particularly where an existing environment prohibits the installation of typical barrier systems requiring more than 10″ of foundation embedment depth. In an urban environment, for example, certain features of the existing infrastructure differ from “perfect world” conditions prescribed within the F2656-20 crash-test method standard, which requires a level of modularity to maintain product performance in different field conditions. To address this, a bollard assembly of the present disclosure has been designed to include a separate “kickbar,” which installs into the base-sled of the bollard assembly, and can be positioned to best fit the built environment the bollard assembly is being installed into.

In some embodiments, the bollard assembly of the present disclosure may include a main body surrounding a post, wherein the main body is operable to be positioned below grade, and wherein the post is operable to extend above grade. The post may be assembled through openings in the main body and welded, wherein the main body includes two or more plates that are fit together to create the assembly. The separate kick-bar can be modular and inserted during in-field, contractor installation. Although not limited to any particular dimensions, the post may have an outer diameter of approximately 11.5,″ and may withstand an impact load from a 15,000 lb vehicle traveling at 50 mph by transferring energy to the main body beneath grade. More specifically, during vehicular impact, the force is extended to the kick-bar, which resists upheaval of the assembly through a concrete foundation formed around the main body.

Referring now to, an exemplary bollard assembly(hereinafter “assembly”) according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in greater detail. As shown, the assemblymay include a main body, and a support assembly(“kick-bar”) extending from the main body. A bollard post(hereinafter “post”) may extend vertically from the main body. The assemblymay include a front, a back, a first side, and a second side. During installation, the assemblymay be oriented such that the frontis facing the most likely direction of impact (e.g., from a vehicle). As shown, the postmay be positioned closer to the frontthan to the back. It will be appreciated that the assemblycan also block a variety of different types of vehicles traveling in different directions.

When installed and during use, the postis oriented upright and substantially perpendicular to the ground, such that the top of the postis at a predetermined height above the ground. The predetermined height of the postis adequate enough to prevent vehicles from driving over the postin an attempt to access the secure area protected by the assembly. Although non-limiting, the height of the postis approximately thirty to fifty inches above the ground. A predetermined portion of the postis generally installed below the ground. One skilled in the art will recognize that the postcan comprise various shapes and sizes, while still maintaining its intended purpose. Generally, the postis a cylindrical tube made of a durable material. In one embodiment, the postis an upright cylindrical tube constructed from heavy gauge steel pipe. Further, the postcan be of varying diameters depending on the desired crash rating capabilities. For example, the postcan have a diameter between approximately eight inches and twelve inches in order to meet most crash test ratings.

Although not shown, an optional bollard sleeve may be adapted to substantially surround the portion of the postabove the ground. The bollard sleeve may be decorative in nature, such that the postcan be covered with a bollard sleeve customized to match the architectural setting of the surrounding area. Accordingly, the decorative bollard sleevecan be designed in a variety of styles and colors in order to aesthetically correspond with the landscape of the facility or secured area. Furthermore, lighting fixtures or other accessories, attachments, signage or applicable modular devices may be part of the postin alternative embodiments. Although not shown, a cap or cover may be added to the top of the post.

As will be described in greater detail herein, the main bodymay include an upper plate, a lower plate, and a plurality of support membersextending between the upper and lower plates,. The support assemblymay include one or more support barsextendible within an interior of the main body.

As further shown, the assemblymay include a plurality of reinforcing bars(e.g., rebar) extending through the main bodyand the support assembly. More specifically, a first reinforcing barA of the plurality of reinforcing barsextends through at least two support membersof the main body, while a second reinforcing barB of the plurality of reinforcing barsextends through the support barof the support assembly. Although not limited to any specific dimensions, the reinforcing barsextending in the x-direction may each be approximately 110″ in length, while the reinforcing barsextending in the z-direction may be approximately 78″.

As shown in, the assemblyis an “ultra-shallow” bollard assembly designed to be positioned within a cavityof the ground. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the cavitymay have a depth ‘D’ of approximately 10″ and a width ‘W’ of approximately 120″. The lower plateof the main bodymay be positioned atop a bottom surface or layerof the ground, while the upper platemay be recessed below an upper layerof the finished grade of the ground. Although not present for ease of viewing, the main bodycan be embedded in a firm substrate (e.g., 3000 PSI concrete foundation), while the postextends upwardly above the upper layerof the ground. The concrete may be poured over the main bodyand the plurality of reinforcing barsafter the assemblyis positioned within the cavity.

Turning now to, the main bodyof the assemblywill be described in greater detail. As shown, the upper plateof the main bodymay include a first openingto receive the post(not shown), and the lower platemay include a second openingto also receive the post. The upper platemay include a reinforcement ringextending around a perimeter of the first opening. Although non-limiting, the upper plateand the lower platemay extend substantially parallel to one another. The main bodymay include a first endopposite a second end, and a first sideopposite a second side. A length dimension taken between the first and second ends,may be approximately 57″, and a width dimension taken between the first and second sides,may be approximately 55″. In some embodiments, a length dimension taken between the first endand a centerline extending through the first and second openings,may be approximately 17″. In the embodiment shown, the upper plateand the lower plateare A36 steel plates.

In some embodiments, the upper platemay include a plurality of openings or slots, which are each operable to receive a corresponding support member. As shown, the slotsare generally oriented to radiate from the first opening. In some embodiments, one or more of the slotsmay extend entirely through the upper plate. In other embodiments, one or more of the slotsmay extend only partially through the upper plate. For example, the slotsmay be formed as recesses along an undersideof the upper plate.

In some embodiments, a width of the lower platemay be greater than a width of the upper plate. For example, the width of the lower platemay be approximately 55″, while the width of the upper platemay be approximately 28″. The greater width of the lower plateprovides increases lateral stability for the main bodyand also provides an enlarged landing area for the subsequently poured concrete. In some embodiments, the lower platemay include a plurality of openingsoperable to receive a plurality of fasteners or anchors for securing the lower plateto the bottom layerof the ground.

The main bodymay further include the plurality of support membersextending between the upper plateand the lower plate. Each of the support membersmay be a steel plate extending vertically from an upper surfaceof the lower plate, wherein at least some of the support membersinclude multiple openingsformed therein. Although not shown, the openingsmay receive the reinforcing barsto further secure the main bodywith the concrete.

As further shown, at least some of the support membersmay extend radially from the first openingand the second opening. This radial positioning of the support membersallows a force to be received and transferred in multiple directions. One or more of the support membersmay extend entirely between the second openingand an outer perimeterof the lower plate. One or more of the support membersmay extend into the slotsof the upper plate. As shown in, the support membersinclude notched cornersoperable to engage the undersideof the upper plate, and a central tab or protrusionoperable to extend into the slotsof the upper plate. In some embodiments, a top surface of each central protrusionis flush with an upper surface of the upper plate.

As further shown, the plurality of support membersmay include a stop memberand a set of guide members. As shown, the set of guide membersmay be located at the second endof the main body, and may be operable to receive the support assembly(not shown) therebetween. The set of guide membershelp to prevent side-to-side movement of the support assemblywhen the support assemblyis inserted between the upper plateand the lower plate. As best shown in, the stop membermay be a steel plate oriented perpendicular to the set of guide members, wherein an outer surfaceof the stop memberis designed to engage/abut an end of the support assemblywhen the support assemblyis inserted between the upper plateand the lower plate. In some embodiments, the stop membermay abut support memberA and support memberB for increased stability. To further reinforce the stop member, support memberC may be positioned between the second openingand an inner surfaceof the stop member. Support memberC may be in abutment with the post(not shown).

Turning now to, the support assemblywill be described in greater detail. As shown, the support assemblymay include first and second support barsA,B extendible within the interior of the main body, wherein the first and second support barsextend generally parallel to one another. However, a parallel arrangement is not dispositive. Each of the support barsmay be a steel I-beam including a pair of flangesand a central neck region. A plurality of openingsmay be formed through the neck regionto receive the plurality of reinforcing bars. As shown, the openingsof the first support barA are generally aligned with the openingsof the second support barB such that a same reinforcing barextends through both of the first and second support barsA,B.

The support assemblymay further include a cross membercoupled (e.g., welded) to the first and second support barsA,B. The cross membermay have a C-shaped profile defined by upper and lower membersand a central member. In some embodiments, one or more reinforcing membersmay be positioned within a cavitydefined by the cross-memberto help limit movement of the support assemblyalong the z-direction. During use, the support assemblyprevents, or significantly limits, the main bodyfrom being lifted vertically (e.g., along y-direction) in the event an impact is received by the post. It will be appreciated that an amount that the support assemblyextends from the main bodymay be adjusted prior to the concrete being poured over the main bodyand the support assembly.

As shown in, in some embodiments, the assemblymay include a plurality of postsA,B positioned adjacent one another. The assemblymay include main bodyA and main bodyB, each including respective support assembliesA andB. It will be appreciated that main bodiesA,B and support assembliesA,B may be the same or substantially the same as those described above with reference to. As such, additional details of main bodiesA,B and support assembliesA,B are omitted for the sake of brevity.

As shown, the assemblymay include the plurality of reinforcing barsextending through the main bodiesA,B and support assembliesA,B. That is, a same reinforcing barA, extending in the x-direction, may pass through each of the main bodiesA,B, and a same reinforcing barB may extend through each of the support assembliesA,B. In the embodiment shown, main bodyA is spaced apart from main bodyB by a gap. In other embodiments, main bodyA may be directly coupled to main bodyB. It will be appreciated that the distance between main bodyA and main bodyB can vary depending on the security objectives for the assembly. Furthermore, main bodyA and main bodyB may be angled and/or offset relative to one another in other embodiments.

Turning now to, a methodfor installing an example assembly will be described. Reference will be made to the assemblydescribed herein. At block, the method may include coupling together the main bodywith the support assembly. For example, the support assemblymay be inserted into the main body, between the upper plateand the lower plate. In some embodiments, each of the support barsof the support membermay be inserted between the set of guide members, which are located at the second endof the main body, until the support barsengage with the stop member.

At block, the methodmay include inserting the reinforcing barsthrough the main bodyand through the support assembly. In some embodiments, the plurality of reinforcing barsextend between the upper plateand the lower plateof the main body. In some embodiments, the plurality of reinforcing barsextend through the openingsof the plurality of support membersand through the openingsof the support barsof the support assembly.

At block, the methodmay include positioning the assemblywithin the opening or cavity in the ground. As noted above, the cavitymay have a depth of approximately 10″ and a width ‘W’ of approximately 120″. The lower plateof the main bodymay be positioned atop the bottom layerof the ground, while the upper platemay be recessed below the upper layerof the finished grade of the ground. In some embodiments, the methodmay include securing a plurality of anchors to the lower plate, e.g., through openings.

At block, the methodmay include pouring concrete within the cavity, including over the main body, the support assembly, and the plurality of reinforcing bars. The postof the assemblywill extend through and above the concrete.

Referring now to, another exemplary bollard assembly(hereinafter “assembly”) according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in greater detail. The assemblymay be the same or similar to the assemblydescribed herein. As such, only certain aspects of the assemblywill hereinafter be described for the sake of brevity.

As shown, the assemblymay include a main body, and a support assembly(“kick-bar”) extending from the main body. A bollard post(hereinafter “post”) may extend vertically from the main body. The assemblymay include a front, a back, a first side, and a second side. During installation, the assemblymay be oriented such that the frontis facing the most likely direction of impact (e.g., from a vehicle). As shown, the postmay be positioned closer to the frontthan to the back. It will be appreciated that the assemblycan also block a variety of different types of vehicles traveling in different directions.

When installed and during use, the postis oriented upright and substantially perpendicular to the ground, such that the top of the postis at a predetermined height above the ground. The predetermined height of the postis adequate enough to prevent vehicles from driving over the postin an attempt to access the secure area protected by the assembly. Generally, the postis a cylindrical tube made of a durable material. In one embodiment, the postis an upright cylindrical tube constructed from heavy gauge steel pipe. Further, the postcan be of varying diameters depending on the desired crash rating capabilities. For example, the postcan have a diameter between approximately eight inches and twelve inches in order to meet most crash test ratings. One skilled in the art will recognize that the postcan comprise various shapes and sizes, while still maintaining its intended purpose.

The postmay further include an arrestor ringprotruding from an outer surfacethereof. As shown, the arrestor ringmay be a flange, which prevents vehicles from moving or sliding up the surfacefollowing impact. That is, upon impact, vehicles may move vertically towards a capof the post. The arrestor ringis operable to engage the front of the vehicle to prevent and/or slow vertical movement of the vehicle. In various embodiments, the arrestor ringmay extend partially or continuously around a circumference of the post.

Although not shown, an optional bollard sleeve may be adapted to substantially surround the portion of the postabove the ground. The bollard sleeve may be decorative in nature, such that the postcan be covered with a bollard sleeve customized to match the architectural setting of the surrounding area. Furthermore, lighting fixtures or other accessories, attachments, signage or applicable modular devices may be part of the postin alternative embodiments. As shown, the capor other similar cover may be added to the top of the post.

As further shown, the main bodymay include an upper plateseparated from a lower plate. Although non-limiting, the upper plateand the lower platemay extend substantially parallel to one another. The main bodymay include a first openingto receive the post, and the lower platemay include a second opening (not visible) to also receive the post.

In some embodiments, the upper platemay include a plurality of openings or slots, which are each operable to receive a corresponding support member, which extend between the upper plateand the lower plate. Although non-limiting, the slotsare generally oriented to radiate from the first opening. In some embodiments, one or more of the slotsmay extend entirely through the upper plate. In other embodiments, one or more of the slotsmay extend only partially through the upper plate. For example, the slotsmay be formed as recesses along an underside of the upper plate.

In some embodiments, a width of the lower platemay be greater than a width of the upper plate. The greater width of the lower plateprovides increases lateral stability for the main bodyand also provides an enlarged landing area for the subsequently poured concrete. In some embodiments, the lower platemay include a plurality of openingsoperable to receive a plurality of fasteners or anchors for securing the lower platewithin the ground.

Each of the support membersmay be a steel plate extending vertically from an upper surfaceof the lower plate, wherein at least some of the support membersinclude openingsformed therein. Although not shown, the openingsmay receive reinforcing bars to further secure the main bodywith the concrete. At least some of the support membersmay extend radially from the first openingand the second opening of the lower plate. This radial positioning of the support membersallows a force to be received and transferred in multiple directions. One or more of the support membersmay extend entirely between the second opening of the lower plateand an outer perimeter. Furthermore, one or more of the support membersmay extend into the slotsof the upper plate.

As further shown, the plurality of support membersmay include a stop member() and a set of guide members. The stop membermay be a steel plate oriented perpendicular to the set of guide members, wherein an outer surface of the stop memberis designed to engage/abut an end of the support assemblywhen the support assemblyis inserted between the upper plateand the lower plate. In some embodiments, the stop membermay abut support memberA and support memberB for increased stability. In other embodiments, the stop memberis positioned directly adjacent to support membersA,B. Furthermore, the stop memberabut and/or be located directly adjacent to the set of guide members.

The set of guide membersmay be located at a second endof the main body, and may be operable to receive the support assemblytherebetween. The guide membersmay extend between the second endof the main bodyand support membersA,B. The set of guide membershelp to prevent side-to-side movement of the support assemblywhen the support assemblyis inserted between the upper plateand the lower plate. Each of the guide membersmay be a steel plate extending vertically from the upper surfaceof the lower plate, wherein at least some of the guide membersinclude openingsformed therein. Although not shown, the openingsmay receive reinforcing bars to further secure the main bodywith the concrete.

As best shown in, the guide membersmay each include one or more recessed areasand one or more protrusionsalong an upper wall surface. The recessed areasare configured to receive a complementary overhangof the upper plate, while a lateral indentationof the upper plateis operable to receive the protrusions. These complementary/mating features provide further stability between the upper plate, the lower plateand the guide members.

Referring again to, the assemblymay further include an access platethrough the upper plate. The access platebeneficially provides an assembly utility that provides an adequate opening to fully implement the designed internal fabrication process. This ensures that the location, where the support members, the post, the upper plateand the lower platemeets and exceeds the designed structural parameters. The access platealso features a through hole that will be used to permit the pouring and compaction of the concrete into all crevices within the structure during installation. The through hole also doubles as a crumple zone in conjunction with the weldment locations and shear planes of the access plate.

The foregoing discussion has been presented for purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to limit the disclosure to the form or forms disclosed herein. For example, various features of the disclosure may be grouped together in one or more aspects, embodiments, or configurations for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. However, it should be understood that various features of the certain aspects, embodiments, or configurations of the disclosure may be combined in alternate aspects, embodiments, or configurations. Moreover, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description by this reference, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of the present disclosure.

As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and proceeded with the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding plural elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly recited. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.

The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Accordingly, the terms “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof are open-ended expressions and can be used interchangeably herein.

The phrases “at least one”, “one or more”, and “and/or”, as used herein, are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C”, “at least one of A, B, or C”, “one or more of A, B, and C”, “one or more of A, B, or C” and “A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together.