WO2021074256A1

WO2021074256A1 - Surface mount security gate system

Info

Publication number: WO2021074256A1
Application number: PCT/EP2020/078970
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert Gerrard; Marcus Gerrard
Original assignee: Robert Gerrard; Marcus Gerrard
Priority date: 2019-10-16
Filing date: 2020-10-14
Publication date: 2021-04-22
Also published as: GB201914940D0; GB2588208A; GB2588208B

Abstract

The present invention relates to a surface mount security gate system (10). The system (10) has a first and a second side support (12, 14) for an openable gate (20), each side support (12, 14) having a baseplate (42, 68) with a respective first and second gate retention means (16, 18) extending upwardly therefrom. A gate (20) extends between the first and second gate retention means (16, 18) and is pivotally attached to the first gate retention means (16) by a first pivot member (22) at a first end thereof so that it is pivotable from a first position in which it extends between said first and second gate retention means (16, 18), and a second position in which it extends upwardly from at least said first gate retention means (16). The gate (20) is made of at least a first substantially hollow gate member (52) having a first flexible reinforcement member (60) therein extending between the first pivot member (22) and a second end thereof such that, when the gate (20) is in the first position, the flexible member (60) forms force transmission path between first and second gate retention means (16, 18). Weights (36, 70) are located on top of each base plate (42, 68) and are positioned adjacent the respective first and second gate retention means (16, 18) such that, under impact, force is transferred from said gate retention means (16, 18) into said respective weights (36, 70).

Description

SURFACE MOUNT SECURITY GATE SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a surface mount security gate system, in particular a security gate for mitigating against hostile vehicle penetration.

BACKGROUND

It is known to provide security gates that mitigate against hostile vehicle penetration. Known gates typically require large underground footings, usually made of concrete to secure the gate in place. While these types of gates are suitable for permanent installation, in situations where temporary installation of the gate, for example a Christmas fair or festival, or where it is undesirable to excavate foundations for the underground footings.

It is an aim of the present invention to address one or more of the disadvantages associated with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a surface mount security gate system. The system comprises a first and a second side support for an openable gate, the first side support comprising a first base plate having first gate retention means extending upwardly therefrom and the second side support comprising a second base plate having second gate retention means extending upwardly therefrom. A gate extends between the first and second gate retention means, the gate being pivotally attached to at least the first gate retention means by a first pivot member at a first end thereof so that it is pivotable from a first position in which it extends between said first and second gate retention means, and a second position in which it extends upwardly from at least said first gate retention means. The gate comprises at least a first substantially hollow gate member, said first gate member having at least a first flexible reinforcement member therein extending between a first end and a second end thereof such that, when the gate is in the first position, the flexible member forms force transmission path between first and second gate retention means. A first weight is located on top of the first base plate and a second weight is located on top of the second base plate, said first and second weight positioned adjacent said respective first and second gate retention means such that, under impact, force is transferred from said gate retention means into said respective weights. The first flexible reinforcement member may extend between the first pivot member at said first end and said second end, said pivot member, in use, transferring force between the first flexible reinforcement member and the first gate retention means.

A locking pin may be provided for, in use, transferring force between the first flexible reinforcement member and the second gate retention means. Advantageously this tethers the first and second gate retention means to prevent or mitigate them from pivoting away from one another under impact of the gate.

The system may further comprise a force transmission member extending between the first weight and the second weight. Advantageously this tethers the first and second weights to prevent or mitigate them from pivoting away from one another under impact of the gate.

The first and second gate retention means are preferably located towards a first end of their respective base plate, and the security gate further comprising a base plate force transmission member extending between the first and second base plate towards a second end thereof.

The systems may be configured to prevent vehicular penetration from a direction of attack wherein the gate retention means are located on the base plate towards the direction of attack and the weights are located on the baseplate behind the gate retention means, when viewed from the first direction of attack. The first end of the base plate is preferably located towards the direction of attack and the second end of the baseplate is located away from the direction of attack. In use, the force transmission member may extend between the first and second base plate and/or the force transmission member may extend between the first weight and the second weight along the surface on which the security gate is mounted.

The first flexible reinforcement member may comprise a loop that extends between the pivot pin and the locking pin when the gate is in the first position. The first hollow gate member may have an upper edge and a lower edge and the at least first flexible reinforcement member comprises a first section that is retained adjacent the upper edge and a second section that is retained adjacent the lower edge. The gate member may additionally have a least a first central flexible reinforcement member therein extending between the pivot member and the locking pin when the gate is in the first position, the second flexible member located substantially centrally in the hollow gate member. The provision of multiple members retained at different heights inside the gate member assists the system prevent vehicular penetration of vehicles of different sizes. In a preferred arrangement a second end of the first gate member comprises an opening therein for receiving the locking pin therethrough such that when the gate member is in the first position and the locking pin is received in the opening, the first flexible reinforcement member passes around the locking pin.

In one embodiment the gate comprises a single gate member extending between the first and the second gate retention means.

In another embodiment the gate may comprise two gate members, the first gate member and a second gate member, the second gate member being pivotally connected to the second gate retention means by a second pivot member so that it is pivotable from a first position in which it extends between said second gate retention means and a second end of the first gate member, and a second position in which it extends upwardly from said second gate retention means. The second gate member may be substantially hollow and comprise at least a second flexible reinforcement member therein extending between the second pivot member and a second end thereof such that, when the gate is in the first position, the first and the second flexible members form a force transmission path between first and second gate retention means. The second flexible reinforcement member can comprise a loop that extends between the pivot member and the locking pin when the gate is in the first position. The second gate member has an upper edge and a lower edge and the second flexible reinforcement member may comprise a first section that is retained adjacent the upper edge and a second section that is retained adjacent the lower edge. In addition the second hollow gate member may optionally have a least a second central flexible reinforcement member therein extending between the pivot pin and the locking pin when the gate is in the first position, the second flexible member located substantially centrally in the hollow gate member. The locking pin is this arrangement can be located in a second end of the first gate member and extends therefrom such that, when the gate is in the first position both the first and the second flexible member, and optionally the first and the second central flexible member, pass around the locking pin such that the locking pin transfers force from the first gate retention means to the second gate retention means through the first and second flexible member and optionally the first and second central flexible members.

In either embodiment the first and second baseplate can each be provided with a plurality of location members extending therefrom between which the respective first and second weight are located. Optionally the first and second base plate may each have a plurality of studs extending downwardly therefrom. In embodiments of the invention each of the first and second weight may comprise a cast concrete block containing metallic ballast, and having a mass in excess of 3 tonnes, optionally in excess of 5 tonnes.

The system may further comprise one or more drive system for moving the gate between the first and second positions. The drive system can comprise a hydraulic pump, which may be electrically or manually operated, and one or more hydraulic rams.

Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination, unless such features are incompatible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a surface mount security barrier according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 shows details of a first side support of the security barrier of the invention;

Figure 3 shows details of the interior components of the gate member of the first aspect of the invention;

Figure 4 shows a surface mount security barrier according to a second embodiment of the invention;

Figure 5 shows details of the interior components of the gate member of the second aspect of the invention; and

Figure 6 shows details of central part of the gate member of Figure 5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A surface mount security gate system in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention is described herein with reference to the accompanying Figures 1 and 2.

With reference to Figures 1 to 3, a surface mount security gate system 10 is shown. The system 10 has a first side support 12 and a second side support 14 spaced from one another across an opening. The first side support 12 has a first gate retention means 16 in the form of a first gate retainer extending upwardly therefrom and the second side support 14 has a second gate retention means 18 in the form of a second gate retainer extending upwardly therefrom.

An openable gate 20 extends between the first 12 and second 14 side support to selectively close the opening there between. The gate 20 is pivotally attached to the first gate retention means 16 by a first pivot member 22 at a first end 24 thereof so that it is pivotable in the direction of arrow “A” from a first position (as shown in Figure 1) in which it extends between said first 16 and second 18 gate retention means, to a second position in which it extends upwardly from at least said first gate retention means. It will be understood that in the first position the gate 20 closes the opening thereby preventing vehicular passage therethrough and that in the second position gate is pivoted upwardly out of the way of the opening so that vehicles can be allowed to pass.

As shown in more detail in Figure 2, the first side support 12 has a base plate 42 which is made of 30mm steel plate and in an exemplary embodiment is approximately 2600 x 1400mm in size. The first gate retention means 16 comprises two 30mm upright steel plates 26, 28 approximately 950mm x 695mm in size which extend upwards from the base plate 42 and are separated by a gap in which the gate 20 is received. In the example embodiment the gap is approximately 220 mm. The upright steel plates 26, 28 welded to the base plate 42. Optionally the base plate may be provided with slots therein for receiving the upright steel plates 26, 28 so that they may be welded on both the upper side and a lower side of the base plate. The two upright steel plates 26, 28 each have a hole 26A, 28A therein for receiving a pivot member 22 therethrough (see Figure 1). The pivot member 22 passes through a pivot opening 30 in the gate 20. The first gate retention means 16 also includes two impact plates 32, also of 30mm steel plate which are welded to the base plate 42 and the upright steel plate 26 in a plane orthogonal to both. As with the upright steel plates 26, 28, the base plate 42 may be provided with slots therein for receiving the impact plates 32 prior to welding.

The base plate 42 is provided with a plurality of location members 34 extending upwardly therefrom and defining, together with the upright steel plate 28, a boundary in which a weight 36 is located. The location members 34 comprise pieces of steel rod approximately 140mm long and having a tapered end. The base plate 42 is provided with a plurality of through holes adjacent its perimeter into which the location members 34 are placed so that they pass therethrough and the tapered end extends approximately 3mm from the lower surface thereof and are welded in place. The location members 34 therefore provide location for the weight 36 on an upper side of the base plate 42 and short studs on a lower surface of the base plate 42. Optionally additional studs may be welded to the base plate so that they project from the base thereof, in particular it may be advantageous to place additional studs approximately centrally under the base plate so that, in use, they are located directly under the weight. In use, if the system is installed on a hard surface the studs on the lower surface thereof provide the base plate with additional grip of that surface if the gate is struck by a vehicle.

The base plate 42 also has an attachment 38 welded thereto for attachment of an optional base plate force transfer member 40 which will be described in more detail below.

The second side support 14 (see Fig 1) is constructed in substantially the same manner as the first side support member 12. The second side support member 14 differs from the first side support member 12 in that the upright steel plates 26A, 28A are wider, and in place of the pivot member 22 of the first side support member 12 the second side support member 14 is provided with a locking pin that is slidable in a housing 44, which is attached to the upright steel plate 28A, so that it can be extended through an opening that passes through the second end 46 of the gate 20 when the gate is in the first position so as to retain it. The locking pin comprises an 80mm diameter steel bolt that passes through the second end of the gate 20 and into a bolt retainer 48 attached to the upright steel plate 26A. A stop plate (not shown) is arranged to extend parallel to the base plate between the upright steel plates 26A, 28A so that when the gate is in the first position it rests on the stop plate. In this manner the alignment of the locking pin with the through hole and reliably and repeatedly be easily achieved. The upper ends of the upright steel plates 26A, 28A may diverge from one another to guide the gate into the gap therebetween as it moves into the first position, IT will be appreciated that alternatively guides may be attached to the upper ends of the upright steel plates 26A, 28A to achieve the same result. A hydraulic ram 50 is provided between either the base plate 42 of the first side support member 12 and the gate 20 so that when it is extended by the application of hydraulic fluid to the ram 50 the gate is pivoted as shown by arrow A. As a hydraulic pump can be powered easily by battery power or with the application of external power, for example a battery powered drill or torque driver with an appropriate attachment or even a hand pump, the gate is particularly suited to temporary installations as there is no need for a wired connection to a source of electricity to raise or lower the gate. The hydraulic pump and components of the circuit are preferably provided within a weatherproof enclosure that is mounted on one of the baseplates. Where a battery and electrical hydraulic pump are provided, the gate may also be provided with a solar recharging panel to recharge the battery, thereby enabling an installation that can be installed for a longer period of time. A manual hydraulic pump can be provided in parallel with the electrical hydraulic pump so that in the event of the battery becoming discharged, manual operation of the gate is still possible. It will be appreciated that where an electrical pump is used it may be operated by an operator by pressing control buttons at the gate, or may be operated remotely, for example via a wired, or secure wireless connection. Where remote operation is enabled then normal safety considerations for example audible and/or visual alerts may be broadcast in the locality of the gate prior to movement.

The gate 20 will now be described in more detail with reference to Figure 3. The gate 20 comprises a substantially hollow gate member 52 which is an elongate steel box section approximately 7880mm long and having cross sectional measurements of 400mm high by 200mm wide. The box section may, for example, have a wall thickness of 8-15mm, preferably 10-12mm. At either end of the gate member 52 an opening is formed between opposing sides thereof through which a tube 62, 64 is inserted and welded in place. These provide a bearing in which the pivot member 22 locates and in which the locking pin locates. The tube 62 at the first end 24 is round tube to enable smooth pivotal movement on the pivot pin and the tube 64 at the second end 46 could be round tube or box section tube having an internal diameter sufficient to receive the locking pin, i.e. in the given example greater than 80mm. The tube 64 at the second end 46 can intentionally be oversized compared to the locking in so as to reduce the need for exact alignment. It will be appreciated that slight differences in the slope of the ground or location of the base plates when the gate is installed may result in minor misalignment between the locking pin and the tube 64, and providing this oversize resolves the need for exact alignment, 24. In a preferred arrangement of the invention the opening through the second end of the gate created by the tube 64 has a minimum opening dimension which is at least 25% greater than the corresponding dimension of the locking pin, Larger openings are of course advantageous for achieving quick and easy alignment, and an opening in the region of 40% to 50% larger has been found to accommodate the normal variation found on installation.

Spaced along the length of and adjacent to, but spaced from, the upper face 54 and lower face 56 a plurality of steel pins 58, 58A extend from one side face of the gate member to the other, substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the gate member 52 (although it will be appreciated that other orientations could be used), thereby creating space between the pins and the upper 54 and lower 56 face.

A first flexible reinforcement member 60 in the form of a sling extends along the length of the gate member 52 substantially from one end to the other. The sling comprises a webbing sling rated at 10 tonnes that forms a loop, either by construction or by stitching. The sling is located in the gate member 52 so that it passes along the top edge of the member 52 in the space between the pins 58 and the upper face 54 thereof, around the tubes 62, 64 and along the bottom edge of the member 52 in the space between the pins 58A and the lower face 56 thereof. In this manner, when the gate 20 is secured in the first position and is impacted, for example by a moving vehicle, as the gate member 52 buckles the impact bears on the sling 60 which forms a force path that transfers the force to the first 16 and second 18 gate retention means via the pivot member 22 and the locking pin. In the preferred embodiment the sections of the sling 60 that passes along the upper and lower face of the gate member 52 are covered by a tough outer sleeve to prevent it from becoming severed.

In the preferred embodiment, in addition to the first flexible reinforcement member 60, the gate is also provided with a first central flexible reinforcement member 66 therein which extends along the length of the gate member 52 and passes around the first and second tube 62, 64, such that when the gate is secured in the first position the first central flexible reinforcement member 66 extends between the pivot member and the locking pin substantially centrally in the gate member 52. The first central flexible reinforcement member 66 may also be provided with a tough outer sleeve. It will be appreciated that in order to increase the resistance to penetration of the gate system additional flexible and/or central reinforcement members, not shown, may be added alongside the first flexible reinforcement member 60 and the first central flexible reinforcement member 66.

In order to manufacture the gate 20 the first flexible reinforcement member 60 together with any additional flexible reinforcement members are located in the gate member 52 the pins 58, 58A are secured in place, for example by welding or bolting, to retain the first flexible reinforcement member 60 adjacent the upper and lower faces. Then the first (and any additional, central flexible reinforcement member 66 is inserted. The tubes 62, 64 are then pushed through the gate member 52 so that the ends of the reinforcement members 60, 66, pass around them, and are secured in place by welding or bolting.

Referring again to Figure 1 , a first weight 36 is located on top of the first base plate 42 and a second weight 70 is located on top of the second base plate 68. Each of said first and second weight comprises a cast concrete block, preferably containing metallic ballast, and having a mass in excess of 3 tonnes, preferably in excess of 5 tonnes. An example of a weight suitable for use in the invention is described in patent application GB2566062, although it will be appreciated that any weight having suitable mass could be used. The first and second weight 36, 70 are positioned adjacent the respective first and second gate retention means such that, under impact, force is transferred from said gate retention means into said respective weights. The weights are positioned in an area on the baseplates 42, 68 defined by the upright steel plates and the location members 34.

It will be appreciated that an advantage of the present invention is the ease with which it can be assembled in place, and subsequently removed. This makes it particularly useful for application in temporary settings, for example Christmas Markets, where there will be a necessity for selective vehicular access to be granted for supply vehicles that need access to deliver goods, but for which it is also important to be able to prevent vehicular access so as to provide hostile vehicle attacks on pedestrians visiting the event. In such circumstances it is an advantage of the present invention that it is quickly and easily installed. The side supports 12, 14 are placed in spaced relationship to one another separated by a measured distance. Due to their limited mass they can easily be manoeuvred into place using a simple fork lift truck or other mobile lifting apparatus. The gate 20 is then located in place and secured with the pivot member and locking pin. In order to provide the barrier with sufficient resistance to vehicular penetration the weights are placed on the base plates 42, 68 within the boundary defined by the location members 34 and the weights and the side supports can optionally be connected together as described below. The assembly of the surface mount security gate system can be installed and removed within two hours and, as it is a surface mount system, providing the surface is substantially flat, requires no surface preparation prior to installation and no resurfacing after removal. The arrangement of the invention allows for the temporary security gate system to open vertically, which is additionally advantageous over horizontally pivoting gate systems which typically open outwards as, especially in restricted areas like city environments, a reduced footprint is needed. In addition, in situations where the gate is needed to be located where the access way that it is closing opens onto a road, the upward opening design avoids the need for a gate to swing outwards from the access way, potentially into the flow of traffic of the road. This reduced footprint, and in particular the avoidance of outward opening of the gate, avoids the need for the gate system to be set back from the entrance to the access way.

In use, when the gate is secured in its first position, i.e. it is down and the locking pin is passed through the second end of the gate 20, the barrier prevents or substantially mitigates against, penetration by a moving vehicle from a direction of attack. The surface mount security gate system is designed such that, in use, the gate retention means 16, 18 are located on the base plates 42, 68 at first ends thereof, the first ends being positioned, in use, towards the direction of attack from which the system is intended to protect, and the weights 36, 70 are located on the baseplate behind the gate retention means 16, 18, when viewed from the first direction of attack, i.e. towards respective second ends of the baseplates located away from the direction of attack. The vertically pivoting gate avoids an extended footprint of the gate system in the direction of attack.

When a vehicle strikes the gate, the gate member 52 will start to deform and the load of the moving vehicle will bear on the slings 60, 66 inside it. Due to the design of the interior of the gate 20, as described above. The slings have sections positioned at various heights so as to be effective against both standard passenger vehicles and larger commercial vehicles. As the load is taken up in the slings it bears on the pivot pin and the locking pin which transfer the force into the first gate retention means 16 and second gate retention means 18. Due to the forward moment of the vehicle the first and second gate retention means 16, 18, in particular the upright plates 28, 28A thereof, will deform slightly so as to bear directly on the weights 37, 70. Movement of the baseplates 42, 68 over the surface on which it is mounted is prevented by friction assisted by the studs on the lower face of the baseplate. The gradual deformation of the parts of the system and subsequent load transfer from one element to another extends the duration of the impact, thereby reducing the maximum instantaneous impact force (by spreading it over time) which enables the gate to prevent passage of substantial vehicles without the need for underground foundations. The surface mount security gate system comprises two further optional features which may be used or may be omitted dependent on the level of risk that is needed to be mitigated against, i.e. the mass or speed of vehicles against which the gate is intended to protect. Either of these features may be used independently, or they may be used in combination with one another.

The first additional feature is the provision of a base plate force transmission member 40, as described above, extending between the first 42 and second 68 base plate towards the second end, i.e. the end away from which protection is required, thereof. The base plate force transmission member 40 comprises a webbing sling having a loop at either end thereof which extends between attachments 38 on each of the first and second baseplates. The sling may have a load rating of 10 tonnes. The base plate force transmission member 40 extends along the ground between the first and second base plates and, in use, may be covered with a suitable covering, for example a heavy duty cable protector as known in the art. Although it is not necessary to cover the base plate force transmission member 40, doing so will protect it against wear and reduce any trip hazard it may pose. In use, when the gate 20 is impacted, as the central portion of it between its two ends 24, 46 will deform in the direction of travel of the vehicle. This results in the force being transmitted to the gate retention means 16, 18 and therefore the first side support 12 and a second side support 14 and the weights thereon, imposing a rotational force thereon. While for slow speed or lighter vehicle impacts this rotation may be substantially prevented by the mass of the gate system, the use of the base plate force transmission member 40 effectively tethers the baseplates to one another towards their second ends transferring any opposing rotational force between them so as to prevent or mitigate rotation of the first and second side support under impact of the gate 20.

The second additional feature is the provision of a force transmission member 72 extending between the first weight 36 and the second weight 70. The force transmission member 72 comprises a webbing sling having a loop at either end thereof. The sling may have a load rating of 10 tonnes. The sling extends along the ground between the two weights and passes through a passageway 74 in each weight 36, 70 and is secured in place on the outer side faces 76 of each weight by a steel bar 78 that passes through the loop at the end of the sling to prevent it from pulling back through the passageway 74. It will be appreciated that the force transmission member 72 may be attached to the weights in any suitable manner that will prevent it from pulling therefrom under impact of the gate. In use, when the gate 20 is impacted, the rotational force described above may also act on the weights. As the weights are freestanding on the baseplates, by tethering them to one another via the force transmission member 72 any movement from opposing rotational forces between them can be prevented or mitigated. As described in relation to the base plate force transmission member 40, the force transmission member 72 may be covered during use in a similar manner.

Referring now to Figures 4 to 6 a second embodiment of the surface mount security gate system 110 of the invention is shown. The embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 4 to 6 is substantially the same as the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3 except in so far as the gate member 120 is comprises two parts. The system 110 has a first side support 112 and a second side support 14 spaced from one another across an opening. The first side support 112 and the second side support 114 are substantially identical to one another, each having a gate retention means 116, 118 extending upwardly therefrom. Each said gate retention means 116, 118 is constructed in a manner identical to the first gate retention means 12 as described hereinabove with reference to the first embodiment.

An openable gate 120 extends between the first 112 and second 114 side support to selectively close the opening there between. The gate 120 comprises a first hollow gate member 152A pivotally attached to the first gate retention means 116 by a first pivot member 122A at a first end 124A thereof so that it is pivotable in the direction of arrow “A” from a first position (as shown in Figure 1) in which it extends from said first gate retention means 116 towards the second gate retention means 118, to a second position in which it extends upwardly from at said first gate retention means. The gate 120 further comprises a second hollow gate member 152B pivotally attached to the second gate retention means 118 by a second pivot member 122B at a first end 124B thereof so that it is pivotable in the direction of arrow “B” from a first position (as shown in Figure 1) in which it extends from said second gate retention means 118 towards the first gate retention means 116, to a second position in which it extends upwardly from at said first gate retention means. It will be understood that in the first position the gate 120 closes the opening thereby preventing vehicular passage therethrough and that in the second position gate is pivoted upwardly out of the way of the opening so that vehicles can be allowed to pass.

Each of the first 112 and second 114 side support are provided with a hydraulic ram 50A, 50B between the base plates thereof and their respective first and second gate members 152A, 152B so that when the rams are extended by the application of hydraulic fluid each of the gate members may be pivoted as shown by arrows “A” and “B”. A second end 146A of the first gate member 152A is provided with a locking pin which extends therefrom. When the gate 120 is in the first position the locking pin extends into the second end 146B of the second gate member 152B.

The gate 120 will now be described in more detail with reference to Figures 5 and 6. The first and second substantially hollow gate members 152A, 152B are each an elongate steel box sections approximately 3696mm long and having cross sectional measurements of 400mm high by 200mm wide. The box sections may, for example, have a wall thickness of 8-15mm, preferably 10-12mm.

At the first end 124A, 124B of each gate member 152A, 152B an opening is formed between opposing sides thereof through which a tube 162 is inserted and welded in place. These provide a bearing in which the pivot members 122A, 122B locate. The pivot members are made of steel rod, preferably having a diameter of 80mm. The tube 162 at the first ends 124A, 124B is round tube to enable smooth pivotal movement on the pivot pin.

These provide a bearing in which the pivot members 122A, 122B locate. The pivot members are made of steel rod, preferably having a diameter of 80mm. The tube 162 at the first ends 124A, 124B is round tube to enable smooth pivotal movement on the pivot member.

At the second end 146A, 146B of each gate member 152A, 152B a stepped overlap is formed such that an upper end section of the first gate member 152A overlaps and lies over a lower end section of the second gate member 152B. The upper end section of the first gate member 152A and the lower end section of the second gate member 152B each have aligned upper and lower holes therein in which a tubes 164A, 164B are inserted and welded in place. A locking pin 180 is received through the upper and lower tubes 164A, 164B thereby attaching the second ends of the first and second gate member to one another. The locking pin 180 may be welded into the first tube 164A so that it is fixedly attached thereto and extending therefrom. Alternatively the first tube 164A may be omitted and the locking pin 180 may be welded directly to the first gate member so that it passes therethrough and extends therefrom.

Spaced along the length of and adjacent to, but spaced from, the upper face 154 and lower face 156 of each gate member are a plurality of steel pins 58, 58A extend from one side face of the gate member to the other, substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first and second gate members 152A, 152B (although it will be appreciated that other orientations could be used), thereby creating space between the pins and the upper 154 and lower 156 faces.

A first flexible reinforcement member 160A in the form of a sling extends along the length of the of the first gate member 152A substantially from one end to the other. The sling comprises a webbing sling rated at 10 tonnes that forms a loop, either by construction or by stitching. The sling is located in the gate member 152A so that it passes along the top edge of the member 152A in the space between the pins 158 and the upper face 154 thereof, around the tubes 162, 164A and along the bottom edge of the member 152A in the space between the pins 158A and the lower face 156 thereof.

A second flexible reinforcement member 160B in the form of a sling extends along the length of the of the second gate member 152B substantially from one end to the other. The sling comprises a webbing sling rated at 10 tonnes that forms a loop, either by construction or by stitching. The sling is located in the second gate member 152B so that it passes along the top edge of the second gate member 152B in the space between the pins 158 and the upper face 154 thereof, around the tubes 162, 164B and along the bottom edge of the member 152B in the space between the pins 158A and the lower face 156 thereof.

In this manner, when the gate 120 is secured in the first position, (i.e. when the pin 120 extends through the first 164A and second tubes 164B in the second ends 146A, 146B of the gate members 152A, 152B) and is impacted, for example by a moving vehicle, as the first and second gate members 152A, 152B buckle the impact bears on the first and second flexible members 160A, 160B which forms a force path, via the locking pin 180, that transfers the force from the first gate member to the first gate retention means retention means via the pivot member 122A, and from the first gate member to the second gate retention means 116 via the locking pin 180, the sling 160B and the pivot member 122B. Specifically, when the gate is in the first position both the first and the second flexible member 160A, 160B, pass around the locking pin such that the locking pin transfers force from the first gate retention means to the second gate retention means through the first and second flexible member via the locking pin 180.

In the preferred embodiment the sections of the sling 160 that passes along the upper and lower face of the gate member 152 are covered by a tough outer sleeve to prevent it from becoming severed. In addition to the first and second flexible reinforcement member 160A, 160B, it will be appreciated that each gate member 152A, 152B may also be provided with a respective first and second central flexible reinforcement member as described herein above in relation to the first embodiment, each said central flexible reinforcement member extending along the length of the gate member 152A, 152B and passing around the first and second tubes 162, 164A, 164B, such that when the gate is secured in the first position the central flexible reinforcement members extend between the pivot members 122 and the locking pin 180 substantially centrally in the gate member. As such, when the gate is in the first position both the first and the second central flexible member, pass around the locking pin such that the locking pin transfers force from the first gate retention means to the second gate retention means through first and second central flexible members via the locking pin 180.

The first and second gate members are each manufactured in substantially the same manner as the gate member of the first embodiment described above.

The weights used in the second embodiment are as described above in relation to the first embodiment.

In use, when the gate is secured in its first position, i.e. it is down and the locking pin is passed through the second ends of the first and second gate members 152A, 152B, the barrier prevents or substantially mitigates against, penetration by a moving vehicle from a direction of attack. The locking pin 180 may be removable from the gate members to allow them to be raised and lowered or, alternatively, the locking pin 180 may be attached to the first gate member 152A so that when the second gate member 152B is in the first position, actuating the ram 150A to raise the first gate member 152A lifts the locking pin 180 out of engagement with the second gate member 152B. The arrangement of the second embodiment has the advantage that a reduced vertical height is needed to raise the gate and due to the reduced length of each gate member 152A, 152B. Further, due to the reduced length, and therefore weight, of the gate members 152A, 152B, a lower powered ram 150A, 150B and hydraulic system can be used.

It will be appreciated that the additional features of the base plate force transmission member 40 and the force transmission member 72 extending between the first weight 36 and the second weight 70, as shown in Figure 1 , may be used with the embodiment shown in Figures 4 to 6. It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the present application.

Claims

1 . A surface mount security gate system comprising: a first and a second side support for an openable gate, the first side support comprising a first base plate having first gate retention means extending upwardly therefrom and the second side support comprising a second base plate having second gate retention means extending upwardly therefrom; a gate extending between the first and second gate retention means, the gate being pivotally attached to at least the first gate retention means by a first pivot member at a first end thereof so that it is pivotable from a first position in which it extends between said first and second gate retention means, and a second position in which it extends upwardly from at least said first gate retention means; the gate comprising at least a first substantially hollow gate member, said first gate member having at least a first flexible reinforcement member therein extending between a first and a second end thereof such that, when the gate is in the first position, the flexible member forms, at least in part, a force transmission path between first and second gate retention means; and a first weight located on top of the first base plate and a second weight located on top of the second base plate, said first and second weight positioned adjacent said respective first and second gate retention means such that, under impact, force is transferred from said gate retention means into said respective weights.

2. The surface mount security gate of claim wherein the first flexible reinforcement member extends between the first pivot member at said first end and said second end, said pivot member, in use, transferring force between the first flexible reinforcement member and the first gate retention means.

3. The surface mount security gate of claim 1 or claim 2 further comprising a locking pin for, in use transferring force between the first flexible reinforcement member and the second gate retention means.

4. The system of any preceding claim further comprising a force transmission member extending between the first weight and the second weight.

5. The system of any preceding claim wherein the first and second gate retention means are located towards a first end of their respective base plate, the security gate further comprising a base plate force transmission member extending between the first and second base plate towards a second end thereof.

6. The system of any previous claim configured to prevent vehicular penetration from a direction of attack and wherein the gate retention means are located on the base plate towards the direction of attack and the weights are located on the baseplate behind the gate retention means, when viewed from the first direction of attack.

7. The system of claim 5 and claim 6 wherein the first end of the base plate is located towards the direction of attack and the second end of the baseplate is located away from the direction of attack.

8. The system of any one of claims 4 to 7 wherein, in use, the force transmission member extending between the first and second base plate and/or the force transmission member extending between the first weight and the second weight extends along the surface on which the security gate is mounted.

9. The system of claim 3, or any claim dependent thereon, wherein the first flexible reinforcement member comprises a loop that extends between the pivot pin and the locking pin when the gate is in the first position.

10. The system of claim 9 wherein the first hollow gate member has an upper edge and a lower edge and the at least first flexible reinforcement member comprises a first section that is retained adjacent the upper edge and a second section that is retained adjacent the lower edge.

11. The system of claim 10 wherein the gate member has a least a first central flexible reinforcement member therein extending between the pivot member and the locking pin when the gate is in the first position, the first central flexible member located substantially centrally in the hollow gate member.

12. The system of any preceding claim depending through claim 3 wherein a second end of the first gate member comprises an opening therein for receiving the locking pin therethrough such that when the gate member is in the first position and the locking pin is located in the opening, the first flexible reinforcement member passes around the locking pin.

13. The system according to claim 12 wherein the opening in the second end of the first gate member has a minimum opening dimension which is at least 25% greater than the corresponding dimension of the locking pin.

14. The system of any one of the preceding claims wherein the gate comprises a single gate member extending between the first and the second gate retention means.

15. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein the gate further comprises second gate member, the second gate member being pivotally connected to the second gate retention means by a second pivot member so that it is pivotable from a first position in which it extends between said second gate retention means and a second end of the first gate member, and a second position in which it extends upwardly from said second gate retention means.

16. The system according to claim 15 wherein the second gate member is substantially hollow and comprises at least a second flexible reinforcement member therein extending between the second pivot member and a second end thereof such that, when the gate is in the first position, the first and the second flexible members form a force transmission path between first and second gate retention means.

17. The system of claim 16, depending through claim 3, wherein the second flexible reinforcement member comprises a loop that extends between the pivot member and the locking pin when the gate is in the first position.

18. The system of claim 17 wherein the second gate member has an upper edge and a lower edge and the second flexible reinforcement member comprises a first section that is retained adjacent the upper edge and a second section that is retained adjacent the lower edge.

19. The system of any one of claims 16 to 18, depending through claim 3, wherein the second hollow gate member has a least a second central flexible reinforcement member therein extending between the pivot pin and the locking pin when the gate is in the first position, the second flexible member located substantially centrally in the hollow gate member.

20. The system of claim 16 depending through claim 13, or any claim dependent thereon, wherein the locking pin is located in a second end of the first gate member and extends therefrom such that, when the gate is in the first position both the first and the second flexible member, and optionally the first and the second central flexible member, pass around the locking pin such that the locking pin transfers force from the first gate retention means to the second gate retention means through the first and second flexible member and optionally the first and second central flexible members.

21. The system according to any preceding claim wherein the first and second baseplate each have a plurality of location members extending therefrom between which the respective first and second weight are located.

22. The system according to any preceding claim wherein said first and second base plate each have a plurality of studs extending downwardly therefrom.

23. The system according to any preceding claim wherein each of said first and second weight comprises a cast concrete block containing metallic ballast, and having a mass in excess of three tonnes, optionally in excess of five tonnes.

24. The system according to any preceding claim further comprising one or more drive system for moving the gate between the first and second positions.

25. The system according to claim 24 wherein the drive system comprises a hydraulic pump and one or more hydraulic rams.