AU2008205453A1 - Bollard Apparatus - Google Patents

Description

-2- 00 BOLLARD APPARATUS

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0 FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a retractable bollard apparatus and/or a method of raising a post of a retractable bollard apparatus.

nBACKGROUND Bollards have been used for a number of years as a means of security by limiting vehicle 00 access to areas. Bollards, when raised, prevent vehicles from passing, but can also be oretracted to the level of the road surface to permit entry by a vehicle.

The methods of raising retractable bollard posts that are commonly used include hydraulic mechanisms, pneumatic air cylinders, winches, screw-jacks etc. Bollard posts that are raised by these means generally include a post that sits inside a containment cylinder.

The raising device then sits inside the containment cylinder and possibly inside or beneath the bollard post. When not in use the post is withdrawn entirely into the containment cylinder and when operated the raising mechanism raises the majority of the post length above the road surface, with only a minority of the post remaining in the containment cylinder.

This design creates inefficiencies in the overall assembly. Firstly, more space is required below ground to accommodate the raising device if it is to sit beneath the post.

Secondly structural inefficiencies arise with posts that have the raising mechanism positioned inside the post itself. This design, which accommodates the raising mechanism within the post, severely reduces the structural strength of the post itself due to the necessity of having to provide a hollow post structure as opposed to providing a solid reinforced post structure.

Thirdly, the resistance to vehicle impact offered by the assembly is reduced due to the relatively small proportion of the post remaining below the road surface in the containment cylinder when the post is fully raised. This post positioning creates a detrimental lever action in favour of the attacking vehicle by multiplying the energy of the vehicle impact.

300951001I_1.DOC -3o These known bollards also include a concrete embedment sleeve that protects the 0 ocontainment cylinder so as to secure the assembly in the ground.

However these bollard assemblies are not always waterproof. The concrete sleeve and 5 containment cylinder must therefore enable rainwater to drain away through the base of the assembly. Accordingly, soak holes, gravel foundations, water pipes and pumps are required. Also this exposure of the bollard and raising device to the weather can cause Icorrosion and mechanical failure due to infiltrating water becoming frozen.

c 10 OBJECT OF THE INVENTION 00 cIt is an object of the present invention to provide a retractable bollard. apparatus and/or a method of raising a bollard post that overcomes at least some of the problems of the prior art, and/or to at least provides the public with a useful choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a retractable bollard apparatus including: a cylinder mountable beneath a surface and having a first open end at or adjacent the surface in use, a second closed end at the opposite end of the cylinder to the open end, and an internal chamber located between the open and closed ends; a post slideably and sealingly engaged within the cylinder and having a head which substantially caps the open end of the cylinder, and a base which rests inside the chamber when the post is in a lowered or inactive position; wherein in use a pressurised fluid is introduced into the chamber via an inlet to raise the post from the open end of the cylinder, thereby forming an obstruction above the surface, and wherein release of the pressurised fluid from the chamber via an outlet causes the post to return to the lowered or inactive position.

Preferably, a seal is mounted on an inside surface of the cylinder and is adapted to form a fluid tight seal between an outer surface of the post and the internal surface of the cylinder.

Preferably, the portion of the outer surface of the post which travels through the seal remains within the cylinder when the post is in a fully extended position.

300951001 _I.DOC -4o0 Preferably, the fluid tight seal takes the form of an inwardly directed flange positioned at 0 othe top of the chamber.

Preferably, in use the post forms the obstruction when the head is dislodged from the 5 cylinder.

Preferably, the containment cylinder fully encases the post when in the inactive position.

en n Preferably, the head substantially aligns with the surface when the post is in the inactive 0 N 10 position.

00 0Preferably, the inlet and outlet are provided by the same aperture.

Preferably, the post can be moved between the raised and lowered positions by remote control.

Preferably, the chamber is partially defined by the base of the post.

Preferably, the chamber is fluid tight.

Preferably, a second fluid tight seal is positioned proximate to the top of the cylinder.

Preferably, at least half the length of the post is below the level of the open end of the cylinder when the post is in a fully raised position.

Preferably, the pressurised fluid is air.

Preferably, the post is substantially solid.

Preferably, the bollard further includes a sensor device for detecting a fault with the bollard.

Preferably, the bollard further includes a sensor device for detecting an external force applied to the post.

Preferably, the bollard further includes a transmitter device for sending a message to a receiver device, the message including detection information from the sensor device.

300951001_1.DOC 0 Preferably, a message is sent to the receiver device when a property detected by the

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Osensor exceeds a pre-determined level.

Preferably, the bollard apparatus includes a pressurised fluid source in fluid communication with the inlet.

Preferably, the bollard apparatus includes a control means adapted to control the flow of the pressurised fluid from the pressurised fluid source to the inlet, and the flow of fluid from the chamber though the outlet aperture.

o Preferably, the control means is configured to lower the post if a resistive force higher othan a pre-determined level is detected during the course of the post being raised.

Preferably, the bollard includes a motion sensor device for detecting motion proximate to the bollard.

Preferably, a void space between the cylinder and the post contains an antifreeze agent.

Preferably, the bollard includes an anti-tamper cap and collar at or adjacent to the post which is adapted to prevent removal of the post from the cylinder when the post is forming an obstruction above the surface.

Preferably, the anti-tamper cap is removable from the apparatus to facilitate removal of the post from the cylinder when in the inactive position.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a passage obstruction system including a plurality of bollards as claimed in any of the preceding claims.

Preferably, the plurality of bollards is connected to a fluid pump.

Preferably, the plurality of bollards may be raised and lowered by a control device either simultaneously or separately.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of raising a post in an apparatus as defined in the first aspect, including the step of increasing fluid pressure in the chamber to at least a level sufficient to raise the post.

3009510011,DOC -6- 0 Preferably, the pressure is raised in the chamber by the injection of a fluid through a fluid 0 Sinlet.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit comprising the parts described in the first aspect.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a retractable bollard iapparatus including: n a cylinder mountable beneath a surface and having a first open end at or adjacent the surface in use, a second closed end at the opposite end of the cylinder to the open o end, and an internal chamber located between the open and closed ends; a post slideably and sealingly engaged within the cylinder and having a head which substantially caps the open end of the cylinder, and a base which rests inside the chamber when the post is in a lowered or inactive position; wherein in use a pressurised fluid is introduced into the chamber via an inlet to raise the post from the open end of the cylinder, thereby forming an obstruction above the surface, and wherein release of the pressurised fluid from the chamber via an outlet causes the post to return to the lowered or inactive position; and a locking mechanism at or adjacent to the containment cylinder adapted to maintain the post in a dislodged position once activated.

Preferably, the locking mechanism includes a stalk which projects from the closed end of the cylinder towards the open end.

Preferably, the stalk includes a head adapted to lodge beneath the post when in the dislodged position.

Preferably, the head is modified to engage with the base end of the post.

Preferably, the head engages with the base of the post when the post is dislodged from the cylinder.

Preferably, the stalk is biased towards the centre of the cylinder when in an active position.

Preferably, the stalk head is maintained against the internal surface of the cylinder when in an inactive position.

3009510011.DOC o The invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features oreferred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, in b any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which t 5 the invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

V' BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES o 10 The present invention will now be described by example and with reference to the Figures 00 in which: 0 Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional side view of a preferred embodiment of a bollard apparatus of the present invention in a resting or retracted configuration; and Figure 2 shows a cross sectional side view of the bollard apparatus of Figure 1 in a raised configuration.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Figure 1 shows a bollard apparatus 1 of the present invention in a resting or inactive position. The bollard apparatus I includes a post or ram 2 encased in a containment cylinder 3.

The cylinder 3 includes a closed end 4 and an open end 5. The cylinder 3 is adapted in use to be mountable beneath a surface 6. The open end 5 opens at or adjacent to the surface 6. The cylinder may be mountable below any surface but in a preferred embodiment, the cylinder is mounted below a road surface provided for vehicle traffic.

Preferably the containment cylinder 3 is made from materials such as steel, aluminium, PVC or the like. Those skilled in the art will be aware of suitable materials which may be used to make the cylinder 3.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the cylinder has a circular cross-section. However, the term "cylinder" is used herein in a generic form and is not limited to only containers with circular cross-sections. Also included within the scope of the meaning of the word "cylinder" are other containers of substantially constant cross-section that are suitable for the purpose of housing a bollard post or ram, as will be known to those skilled in the art.

300951001_1.DOC -8- 0 For example, in other embodiments, the cylinder has a hexagonal, square, triangular or

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Sother cross-section. The post or ram may have a correspondingly shaped cross-section, but more preferably has a circular cross-section The containment cylinder 3 also provides a chamber, referred to hereinafter as a floatation chamber 7. The floatation chamber 7 is formed and defined by the bottom of the containment cylinder 3, the post 2 and floatation chamber seal 8a discussed below. The floatation chamber 7 is provided between the open end 5 and closed end 4 of the cylinder 3, and is located towards the closed end 4 of the cylinder 3.

0 The floatation chamber 7 is the part of the containment cylinder 3 into which pressurised oair or other liquid is injected, as described further below. When in a partially or fully raised position, the post 2 'floats' on or is supported by the pressurised air contained within the floatation chamber 7.

Preferably the post 2 is made from a material such as steel, aluminium or PVC or the like.

The post may be substantially solid (for example solid PVC) or hollow. The cavity of a hollow post may be optionally filled with a second material (for example concrete) for added strength and stability. Those skilled in the art will be aware of suitable materials which may be used to make the post.

The containment cylinder 3 has within it a number of seals 8a, 8b and 8c which are mounted to the inside surface of the cylinder 3.

Floatation chamber seal 8a is adapted to separate the floatation chamber 7 from the remainder of the cylinder. The floatation chamber seal 8a slideably engages with the post 2 and is adapted to separate the fluid tight floatation chamber 7 from remaining portions of the cylinder 3.

Second seals 8b are adapted to reduce dirt and other contaminants entering the floatation chamber 7. Top seal 8c is adapted to prevent the post from drawing dirt or leaves into the cylinder, and to prevent water entering the cylinder when the post withdraws back into the cylinder. All the seals 8a, 8b, 8c are all adapted to prevent water seeping into the cylinder. The risk of corrosion is also substantially reduced by this waterproofing aspect of the invention, as water is restricted from entering the floatation chamber 7.

Located between the second seal 8b and the top seal 8c is an outer or upper chamber 12.

The outer chamber 12 resides above and aligns with the floatation chamber 7. The post 2 300951001.DOC -9- 0 travels through both the outer chamber 12 and the floatation chamber 7. The outer

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o chamber 12 is defined between the second seal 8b and the top seal 8c. The outer chamber 12 is adapted to house the post 2 when not in use (that is, in the resting or inactive position). The top seal 8c may be located within a collar 10 which forms part of the cylinder 3 housing.

The seals 8a, 8b and 8c may be formed by inwardly directed flanges such that the flanges project radially inward from the internal surface of the cylinder. The positioning of the flanges with respect to the post form fluid tight seals as discussed above.

0 The cylinder 3 also includes the collar 10, located at or adjacent to the post 2, which rests 0on the road surface 6 in use and extends radially out from the open end 5 of the cylinder 3. The collar 10 is provided with an aperture through which the post 2 extends when the post 2 is dislodged or raised from the cylinder 3. The aperture substantially aligns with the open end of the cylinder 3. The collar 10 may be partly embedded into the ground surface 6 and forms an integral part of the cylinder 3. Alternatively the collar 10 may be located after the cylinder 3 has been mounted beneath the road surface 6 as is illustrated in Figure 1. This has an advantage as it may improve impact force distribution and may avoid the collar 10 being wrenched or pushed away from the cylinder 3.

The collar 10 is secured via a fastening means 30 to the cylinder 3. In the preferred embodiment the fastening means is a screw or bolt.

Preferably the collar 10 is made from a coarse plastics material which is capable of sustaining heavy loading from trucks, cars and the like. Those skilled in the art will be aware of suitable materials which can be used to make the collar Beneath the collar 10 is a buffer or a plurality of buffers 16. The buffer 16 may include a retaining collar which encircles the open end of the cylinder 3 or alternatively the buffer 16 may include discrete blocks lodged beneath the collar 10, but within the cylinder 3. The buffer(s) 16 are adapted to restrict or prevent removal of the post 5 from the cylinder 3 by engagement with travel limit 9a, 9b. The buffer(s) 16 are secured to the cylinder by a fastening means 31 (eg typically screws) which secure the buffer(s) 16 to the sides of the cylinder. Removal of the buffer(s) 16 allows the post 2 to be retracted from the cylinder without obstruction.

The cylinder 3 also includes a travel track 13. The travel track 13 is adapted to complement a travel limit 9a to guide the dislodgement of the post 2. The travel track 13 300951001_.DOC o may not be required in some embodiments of the invention where the travel limit 9a, 9b is 0annular and extends radially from the post 2 in all directions.

Figure 1 also shows an optional locking mechanism 20 that may be included in the bollard n 5 apparatus 1. The locking mechanism 20 is optional but provides a safe, secure means of ensuring that the post 2 is not able to be pushed back into the floatation chamber 7 by an external force to the head end of the post 2. The locking mechanism 20 is located at or adjacent to the floatation cylinder and allows the post 2 to be secured against being kr pushed back into the floatation chamber 7 without the need for considerably high 0 N 10 pressures within the floatation chamber 7.

00 N The locking mechanism 20 is shown in Figure 1, as the post 2 is in the resting position, in an unlocked state. The locking mechanism 20 includes a piston 21 and a stalk 22. The piston 21 is located in a piston chamber 25 adjacent to the cylinder 3. The stalk 22 is located inside the floatation chamber 7. In the preferred embodiment the piston chamber and floatation chamber 7 are in contact by a fluid-tight fluid passage 26.

The stalk 22 includes a head portion 27. The head 27 is adapted to cooperatively engage with the base of the post 2 such that when the post is dislodged from the floatation chamber 7 the head engages with the post. The stalk 22 is biased towards the centre of the cylinder 3 in the preferred embodiment.

The stalk 22 and piston 21 are both magnetised. When the post 2 is in the resting position, the stalk 22 and piston 21 are attracted to each other and the stalk remains substantially parallel to the internal surface of the cylinder 3. However, when the floatation chamber 7 is filled with fluid, so too is the piston chamber 25 which pushes the piston up so reversing the magnetic attraction force between the piston and the stalk.

Thus, the stalk 22 is biased towards the centre of the cylinder, lodged beneath the base of the post 2 as illustrated in more detail in Figure 2.

The floatation chamber 7 and the piston chamber 25 is air and water tight. Below seals 8a, 8b is the fluid inlet 28. Pressurised air is injected into the floatation chamber 7 by means of the fluid inlet 28. Fluid inlet 28 is in fluid connection with a pump, typically via a hose, which causes air or another fluid to be injected into floatation chamber 7. As will be shown more clearly with reference to Figure 2, the injection of a fluid into the floatation chamber 7 causes the post 2 to rise or dislodge. The travel or protruding length of the post is determined by the travel limits 9a and 9b. As would be known to one skilled in the art, a 300951001 1.DOC -11 o fluid other than air, such as oil, could be injected into the floatation chamber 7. The use of 0a substantially incompressible fluid has the advantage that the post is extremely difficult to b be forced to lower. In a preferred embodiment the floatation chamber 7 contains residual oil, such that when the post 2 is in the lowered position, shown in Figure 1, there is no air VI 5 in the floatation chamber 7. Accordingly, when pressurised air (or another fluid) is injected into the floatation chamber 7 there is no delay in the post 2 rising due to the requirement for air within the floatation chamber 7 to be pressurised.

en n In order to lower the post, the floatation chamber 7 is de-pressurised by allowing air or fluid to exit through a fluid outlet. In the embodiments shown in Figure 1 and 2, the fluid 00 o outlet is the same physical pipe as fluid inlet 28. However, this is not necessarily the case 0and, in other embodiments, a separate fluid inlet and fluid outlet is provided. Floatation chamber 7 is de-pressurised by opening a valve on the fluid inlet/outlet and allowing the pressurised air to escape into the atmosphere as a result of being forced out of the floatation chamber by the weight of the post. In an alternative embodiment, the air or other fluid is pumped out by the pump and held in a storage tank. It will be understood that the most appropriate method may vary depending on the fluid used and the required rate of retraction of the post. The valve and pump are controlled by a control means which is in communication with a controller.

In an inactive or resting position, the post 2 preferably sits completely inside the containment cylinder 3 such that the top of the post 2 substantially aligns with and substantially caps the open end 5 of the cylinder 3. This creates a substantially even road surface 6.

The post 2 is a ram which is adapted to be raised or lowered from the cylinder 3 when activated, in this way the post 2 is dislodged from the cylinder 3 on activation. In the dislodged or active position, the post 2 provides an obstruction in the surface 6.

The dimensions of the cylinder 3 and post 2 are such that when the post 2 is in a fully dislodged or raised position, that is, the post 2 cannot be raised any further, the proportion of the post 2 below ground level, or below the level of the top of the cylinder 3, is substantially equal to or greater than 50%. The advantage of such a configuration is in the increased strength of the bollard due to a high proportion of the post being contained within the cylinder.

The post 2 includes an anti-tamper cap 11 and the travel limit 9a, 9b. The post has a head end 14 and a base end 300951001_1,DOC -12- 00

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O The travel limit 9a, 9b sits above seals 8a, 8b in an inactive or resting position and extends from the surface of the post 2. The travel limit 9a, 9b extends orthogonally outwardly as a projection from the post 2. A travel limit 9a is adapted to project into the travel track 13. The travel track 13 guides the post as it is dislodged from the cylinder 3 to prevent rotation of the post. Alternatively, the travel limit 9 may extend radially out from the post 2. In this embodiment a travel track 13 may be unnecessary.

en The travel limit 9 is designed to ensure that the portion of the post 2 that passes the seals 8a, 8b is not exposed to the outside environment. This ensures that the surface of the 0post 2 which passes through the seals 8a, 8b is not exposed to damage. This is important, as any scratches or pits in the surface could damage the seal and/or could allow fluid to escape past the seal Sa, 8b.

The anti-tamper cap 11 is located at the head end of the post 2. Preferably, the antitamper cap is secured to post 2 with either tamper-proof headed fasteners or sacrificial fasteners 32. For example, a sacrificial fastener may be "drilled-out" when removed and a new sacrificial fastener inserted for refixing the cap. The anti-tamper cap 11 is adapted to prevent removal of the post 2 from the cylinder 3. As mentioned above, the post 2 can only be removed by removal of the buffer(s) 16 which are engaged internally to the cylinder 3. The fastening means which secure the buffer(s) 16 to the cylinder can only be accessed when the anti-tamper cap is removed from the post and the post is in an inactive or resting position. When the post is in the dislodged position and forming a bollard (as described with reference to Figure the fastening means securing the buffer(s) 16 to the cylinder 3 cannot be accessed, which substantially prevents removal of the post in a dislodged position.

The anti-tamper cap 11 is preferably made form a transparent plastics material which can be used to emit light.

Referring now to Figure 2, the bollard apparatus 1 is illustrated in a dislodged or raised position. The post 2 of the bollard apparatus 1 in Figure 2 has been raised by means of an injection of a fluid or fluid propellant into the floatation chamber 7 via the fluid inlet 28.

The injection of fluid into the chamber 7 causes a pressure build up in the floatation chamber 7. Once the pressure reaches a required level the post 2 will be lifted to a raised position. The piston 21 may be raised by the pressure from the floatation chamber 7. The piston 21 in the piston chamber 25 is also forced towards the open end of the cylinder 3 which drives the piston 21 out of magnetic contact with the stalk 22. The stalk falls into 300951001.DOC -13- 00 contact with the base of the post 2. The post 2 is prevented from exiting the containment 0 O cylinder by the buffer 16 engagement with the travel limit 9a, 9b.

The post 2 may optionally include lighting means 34 which is adapted to emit light from the cap 11.

The advantage of the option wherein the piston 21 is raised by an external supply (as shown in figure 2) is that this ensures that the piston 21, and therefore magnet 9, remains lifted and accordingly the locking mechanism 22, locked in the event of the floatation chamber 7 losing pressure due to a malfunction or tampering.

00 0 O Without being bound by specific methodology, one example by which the locking mechanism may operate is provided. The piston 21 needs a greater fluid pressure to maintain it in the upper position than post 2 needs to keep it in the dislodged position.

Hence, referring now to Figure 1, upon pressurisation of the floatation chamber 7 and the resultant raising of the post 2, it is a requirement that the fluid pressure increases further in order to raise the locking mechanism piston 21 and so repel the stalk 22 which then positions its head 27 under the base of post 2. Similarly, when deactivating the bollard apparatus and the pressurised fluid is released from the floatation chamber 7, the locking mechanism piston 21 will fall to its rest position before the pressure is reduced enough to allow the post 2 to fall, and this ensures that the locking stalk 22 is magnetically attracted back to its vertical rest position against the inner face of cylinder 3, so removing the locking stalk from the downward movement path of the post 2 which can then fall to it's deactivated position as the fluid pressure decreases further.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the bollard may be raised and/or lowered when the apparatus receives a signal. More particularly, the control means controlling the pump(s) and valve(s) connected to the fluid inlet and fluid outlet receives the signal to actuate the raising and/ore lowering. For example, a sensor adapted to initiate the flow of fluid into the floatation chamber may be activated by a signal from a signalling unit. By way of example, the signalling unit may be activated by a swipecard, a key pad, a proximity device, a voice recognition device or a remote signalling device. Examples of a remote signalling unit may include a mobile telephone or a wireless transmitter commonly used to open garage doors and the like.

In one embodiment, a feedback system is provided to provide reports in relation to the status of the bollard. The bollard contains sensor apparatus configured to detect a fault or damage to the bollard and sends notification of this to a receiver device. For example, the 300951001_1.DOC -14- 0 bollard may include an air pressure sensor such that a report message is sent to the 0 receiver device containing detection information to notify when the sensor detects a subtoptimal air pressure, or a pressure lower than a pre-defined threshold value. Following receipt of such a report, the fault or damage to the bollard may be assessed and repaired.

I To provide the report to the receiver device a transmitter device is included within the bollard and connected to receive reports from the sensor apparatus. Examples of a Itransmitter device may include a mobile telephone, wireless transmitter or wired transmitter. In the instance of a mobile telephone, a report may be sent in SMS format, although alternatives are possible, such as MMS, email and packet data formats.

00 The receiver device may include any of the examples listed above in relation to a ci transmitter device. The receiver device may be monitored by a person or by a computer.

The receiver device is typically located distant from the bollard. In one embodiment the receiver device is a constituent part of a control centre. A single control centre may receive reports or communications from a plurality of bollards in a plurality of locations.

In another embodiment, the bollard includes a vibration or motion sensor. Examples of vibration or motion sensors may include accelerometers and strain gauge technology, i.e.

a device enabling detection of an impact or external force being applied to the bollard beyond that as part of its normal function. The vibration or motion sensor is connected to a transmitter device to send reports to the receiver device in the event that a force above a threshold value is detected. The report may be in the form of a message containing detection information from the sensor. This provides a means for detection if a party is attempting to damage the bollard or overcome it as an obstacle. Following such detection, the receiver may alert the emergency services, for example. Alternatively, the bollard may be fitted with an alarm system such that sufficient detection by the sensor causes the alarm to be activated. The alarm may be a loud sound or flashing lights, for example.

In one embodiment, a sensor is included in the bollard such that when the post is in the process of being raised and a sufficiently strong resistive force is detected which restricts the normal raising of the post, the bollard terminates the raising of the post and allows it to be lowered or retracted. The advantage of this embodiment is that if a heavy object, such as a vehicle is positioned above the bollard when it is in the process of being raised, the bollard will not continue to rise causing potential damage to the bollard and/or the vehicle.

In an extension of this embodiment, a message is also sent to the receiver device to provide notice that this has occurred.

3009510011.DOC o In another embodiment, the bollard retracts or is lowered upon detection of a force or 0impact to the bollard which is greater than a predetermined value. Notification of such an )event is also sent to the receiver device. This embodiment may provide an advantage where reducing the damage to the bollard is more favourable to continued obstruction.

In another embodiment, the bollard includes a motion sensor. The motion sensor is mounted on the bollard such that it can detect movement in an area proximate to the bollard. If movement is detected, the sensor sends a message to the transmitter device n which sends a message to the receiver device. The motion sensor may be any device capable of detecting movement including, but not limited to optical detection devices using 00 oinfra-red or laser technology or acoustical detection devices. The provision of such a 0motion sensor is particularly useful in restricted-access areas. This embodiment may also include an alarm system such as described above.

In yet another embodiment, the bollard apparatus includes a camera or other photographic device. The camera is mounted on the bollard in such a way that it is able to view at least a part of the area surrounding the bollard. In one embodiment, the camera is connected to the motion sensor such that when motion is detected the camera is activated. The camera may be a still camera or a video camera, or both. The camera may record a visual record in the form of photographs or film footage for reference at a later time or, alternatively, the camera may send the visual record via wireless or wired link to a receiver. At the receiver, the visual record may be stored or viewed in real time. The camera provides an added security feature in that intruders or potential intruders may be identified.

Furthermore, in one embodiment, recognition software is used in conjunction with a camera. The recognition software is able to analyse the visual record captured by the camera and scan for recognisable features such as faces, numbers, letters, fingerprints or retina profiles. For example, the software may scan for and detect vehicle registration plates. A detected vehicle registration plate may further be compared to a database of plates with permitted access and, as a result, an instruction is issued to the bollard to retract to allow the vehicle to pass.

Bollards deployed in cold climates may sometimes be damaged due to the effects of freezing and expanding water within the bollard. The present invention provides water proof seals as already discussed to substantially prevent water entering the internal parts of the bollard. In one embodiment of the invention further protection is provided by filling the void spaces between the seals with an antifreeze substance for lowering the freezing 300951001_,DOC -16- 0 point of water. Suitable antifreeze agents will be known to those skilled in the art, but 0 Sinclude methanol, ethylene glycol and propylene glycol. The antifreeze prevents from tfreezing any water that infiltrates the seals and enters the containment cylinder. In a preferred embodiment, a type of oil such as silicon oil is used. Silicon oil has the 5 advantage that as well as not freezing it provides enhanced lubrication to the post and, since a thin layer of oil is transferred onto the surface of the post, increases the resistance of the post to corrosion.

A boilard such as described herein may form part of a passage obstruction system, wherein a plurality of bollards may be used, for example to prevent access to a wide 00 street, to prevent parking along a stretch of road or as a terror attack defence along the oface of a building. It will be understood that where a plurality of bollards are deployed in close proximity to one another, a number of components may be shared between the bollards. For example, the fluid inlet of each of the bollards may be connected via fluid pipes to a suitable source of pressurised fluid, for example a single fluid pump. In this embodiment, a splitter valve is used to connect the separate fluid pipes to the pump.

Furthermore, control means to control the raising and lowering of the bollards may be configured such that all the bollards can be raised or lowered substantially simultaneously, or separately.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the individual components or parts of the bollard apparatus may be presented in a kit form. For example, the bollard apparatus may be available in kit form for sale or delivery purposes, wherein the end user can reconstitute the parts to make the bollard apparatus. In this form, the kit would at least include a cylinder and post of the present invention. Suitable bolts or installation components and instructions may also be provided.

While in the foregoing description there has been made reference to specific components or integers of the invention having known equivalents then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.

Although this invention has been described by way of example only and with reference to possible embodiments thereof it is to be understood that modifications or improvements may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention.

300951001LIDOC

Claims (32)

1. A retractable bollard apparatus including: a cylinder mountable beneath a surface and having a first open end at or adjacent the surface in use, a second closed end at the opposite end of the cylinder to the open end, and an internal chamber located between the open and closed ends; a post slideably and sealingly engaged within the cylinder and having a head Iwhich substantially caps the open end of the cylinder, and a base which rests inside the chamber when the post is in a lowered or inactive position; wherein in use a pressurised fluid is introduced into the chamber via an inlet to raise the 00 post from the open end of the cylinder, thereby forming an obstruction above the surface, oand wherein release of the pressurised fluid from the chamber via an outlet causes the post to return to the lowered or inactive position.

2. A bollard apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein a seal is mounted on an inside surface of the cylinder and is adapted to form a fluid tight seal between an outer surface of the post and the internal surface of the cylinder.

3. A bollard apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the portion of the outer surface of the post which travels through the seal remains within the cylinder when the post is in a fully extended position.

4. A bollard apparatus as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein the fluid tight seal takes the form of an inwardly directed flange positioned at the top of the chamber.

A bollard apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein in use the post forms the obstruction when the head is dislodged from the cylinder.

6. A bollard apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the containment cylinder fully encases the post when in the inactive position.

7. A bollard apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the head substantially aligns with the surface when the post is in the inactive position.

8. A bollard apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the inlet and outlet are provided by the same aperture. 300951001I.DOC -18- 0

9. A bollard apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the post 0 ocan be moved between the raised and lowered positions by remote control.

A bollard apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the q 5 chamber is partially defined by the base of the post.

11. A bollard apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the I chamber is fluid tight. 10

12. A bollard apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein a second fluid tight seal is 0O o positioned proximate to the top of the cylinder.

13. A bollard apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein at least half the length of the post is below the level of the open end of the cylinder when the post is in a fully raised position.

14. A bollard apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the pressurised fluid is air.

15. A bollard apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the post is substantially solid.

16. A bollard apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the bollard further includes a sensor device for detecting a fault with the bollard.

17. A bollard apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the bollard further includes a sensor device for detecting an external force applied to the post.

18. A bollard apparatus as claimed in claim 16 or 17, wherein the bollard further includes a transmitter device for sending a message to a receiver device, the message including detection information from the sensor device.

19. A bollard apparatus as claimed in claim 18, wherein a message is sent to the receiver device when a property detected by the sensor exceeds a pre-determined level.

A bollard apparatus as claimed in any one of the previous claims including a pressurised fluid source in fluid communication with the inlet. 300951001_1,DOC -19- 0

21. A boliard apparatus as claims in claim 20 including a control means adapted to 0 control the flow of the pressurised fluid from the pressurised fluid source to the inlet, and tthe flow of fluid from the chamber though the outlet aperture.

22. A bollard apparatus as claimed in claim 21, wherein the control means is configured to lower the post if a resistive force higher than a pre-determined level is detected during the course of the post being raised.

23. A bollard apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the bollard includes a motion sensor device for detecting motion proximate to the bollard. 00 0

24. A bollard apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein a void space between the cylinder and the post contains an antifreeze agent.

25. A bollard apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the bollard includes an anti-tamper cap and collar at or adjacent to the post which is adapted to prevent removal of the post from the cylinder when the post is forming an obstruction above the surface.

26. A bollard apparatus as claimed in claim 25, wherein the anti-tamper cap is removable from the apparatus to facilitate removal of the post from the cylinder when in the inactive position.

27. A passage obstruction system including a plurality of bollards as claimed in any of the preceding claims.

28. A passage obstruction system as claimed in claim 27, wherein the inlet of each of the plurality of bollards is in fluid connection to a fluid pump.

29. A passage obstruction system as claimed in claim 27 or 28, wherein the plurality of bollards may be raised and lowered by a control device either simultaneously or separately.

A method of raising a post in an apparatus as defined in any of claims 1 to 26, including the step of increasing fluid pressure in the chamber to at least a level sufficient to raise the post.

31. A kit comprising the parts described in any of claims 1 to 26. 300951001_I.DOC 00 O O

32. A bollard apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any lone of the embodiments shown in the drawings. I) In ci 0 0 0 ci 300951001 1,DOC