GB2609208A

GB2609208A - A security system

Info

Publication number: GB2609208A
Application number: GB2110549.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Moody Steve
Original assignee: Asset & Frontline Security Services Ltd
Current assignee: Asset & Frontline Security Services Ltd
Priority date: 2021-07-22
Filing date: 2021-07-22
Publication date: 2023-02-01
Anticipated expiration: 2041-07-22
Also published as: GB202110549D0; AU2022206812A1; GB2609208B

Abstract

A security system 10 comprises a plurality of posts 12 connected by a plurality of cables 14. One or more banners are connected to the cables between two adjacent posts. A plurality of base plates 20 are embedded in a below ground foundation 18, the plates including a socket 22 for receiving a post. Each post may be connected to an adjacent post by four cables, a first cable connected between upper ends of adjacent posts, a second cable connected between lower ends, and third and fourth cables connected between upper and lower ends. Each post may comprise a body with a plurality of flanges for connecting to an end of a cable. The post may be removable from the socket. The foundation may comprise mesh reinforcement comprising multiple layers both above and below the base plates. The foundation may comprise rebar and the base plates may comprise one or more stiffening supports with holes for receiving the rebar.

Description

DESCRIPTION

A SECURITY SYSTEM

This invention relates to a security system.

It is known to provide security systems at public facing buildings and in open public spaces. These systems are designed to protect people and the buildings from accidental damage and also from deliberate attacks. In the latter category it is known that attacks can be directed at open spaces and buildings using vehicles that are deliberately driven at people and buildings to cause damage, injury and death. Sometimes these vehicles are carrying explosives and/or explosive material that are designed to increase the likelihood of damage occurring. An example of such an attack took place at Glasgow 15 Airport on the 30th June 2007, when a vehicle loaded with propane canisters was driven at the glass doors of the Glasgow Airport terminal and set ablaze. Five members of the public were injured, although fortunately none seriously. Further more serious attacks also took place at Westminster on the 22nd March 2017 and London Bridge on the 3td June 2017. Since these attacks it has become standard practice in many countries to provide hostile vehicle mitigation security systems using posts, street furniture and other products which are designed to blend into the environment at airports, events, public places and areas where there are gatherings or clusters of individuals socialising, queuing etc. as such to help prevent a repeat of such attacks.

However, fatal attacks have occurred sporadically at other locations, particularly in urban areas where frequently large numbers of people are present in public areas specifically such as cafes, restaurants and fast food establishments that are not adequately protected from vehicle attacks.

It is therefore an object of the invention to improve upon the known art.

According to the present invention, there is provided a security system comprising a plurality of posts, a plurality of cables, each cable connected to two adjacent posts, one or more banners, the or each banner connected to a plurality of cables and being located between two adjacent posts, a below ground foundation, and a plurality of base plates, each base plate being embedded in the below ground foundation and including a socket for receiving a respective post.

Owing to the invention, it is possible to provide a robust security system that can be used to provide protection for people and buildings against the impact of a vehicle, while also being relatively unobtrusive. The posts, cables and banners are provided above ground and the foundation and base plate/s are provided below ground. These components interact to provide significant protection against a vehicle collision and are designed to prevent a vehicle penetrating through a line of connected posts. The security system can be used to protect people in vulnerable positions, for example in urban areas such as roadside cafes and those located in wide open spaces such as public squares and such similar locations.

The security system is quick to install and the above ground components are removable, with the sockets of the base plates preferably having secure socket lid covers. When the security system is being installed within for example a parking bay or other low speed highway location there is no need for any road closures. Full emergency access is still possible when the security system is deployed in a highway. The security system blends seamlessly into existing street furniture surroundings. The security system combines a soft visual appearance with tough protection features. No mechanical machinery is required to install the security system. The system provides a flexible windbreak system, with options to rotate the banners for different marketing strategies. The banners of the system can be interchangeable to promote new product marketing and/or for seasonal offers, and change of ownership branding etc. The construction of the security system from the individual components provides a flexible system design that is able to cater for small to large public areas in street scene applications.

Ideally, each post is connected to an adjacent post by the four cables, a first cable connected from an upper end of one post to an upper end of the adjacent post, a second cable connected from a lower end of one post to a lower end of the adjacent post, a third cable connected from a lower end of one post to an upper end of the adjacent post and a fourth cable connected from an upper end of one post to a lower end of the adjacent post. The provision of a minimum of four cables between each post strengthens the overall system and greatly increases the likelihood of the system withstanding a vehicle collision. In the preferred arrangement of the cables, two cables are located horizontally in parallel and are connecting the tops and bottoms of two adjacent posts and two cables are arranged in an "X" formation each connecting the top of one post to the bottom of an adjacent post. This arrangement of the cables provides excellent support of the banner that is connected to the cables and also helps to ensure that the force of a collision is directed to the adjacent posts, creating an effective barrier. The banners and cables direct the collision energy to the connected posts, which are anchored in the ground and strengthened by the base plates and foundation.

Advantageously, each post comprises a body with a plurality of flanges mounted thereon, each flange connected to an end of at least one cable. The security system comprises a number of posts, which are preferably constructed with flanges on the side of the body of the post. These flanges are used to connect the cables of the security system to the posts. In a preferred arrangement, each post is provided with two flanges, from the top to the bottom on opposite sides of the post and each flange is connected to four cables. Posts at right-angles are provided with flanges that are separated by 90 degrees rather than 180 degrees (when viewed from above). The flanges are preferably elongate and run lengthwise along the sides of the posts.

Preferably, each post is readily removable from its respective socket of the base plate in which it is mounted. The security system can be constructed so that the posts can be inserted into the sockets of the base plates and also easily removed if necessary. This provides flexibility in the use of the space being protected, without any loss of security. Posts can be placed into position to construct the security system, for example for use during daylight hours. The posts can then be easily removed at another time, for example during night time, when there is no need to provide protection. Having the posts readily removable from the sockets of the base plates also allows components within the system to be easily replaced or exchanged if there is any damage to an individual component, for example.

Ideally, the security system further comprises a mesh reinforcement embedded in the below ground foundation, where preferably the mesh reinforcement comprises multiple layers and is embedded in the below ground foundation above and below the base plates. The strength of the security system can be further increased by providing a mesh reinforcement embedded in the foundation, which preferably comprises multiple layers, at least one layer above the base plates and at least one layer below the base plates. The mesh reinforcement strengthens the foundation and also provides support for the base plates in the event of a collision with the security system, as the energy from the collision will be transmitted from the posts to the base plates.

Preferably, the security system further comprises one or more rebars embedded in the below ground foundation, wherein each base plate comprises one or more stiffening supports connected to the socket of the respective base plate, each stiffening support including a hole through which a rebar is located. As above, with the mesh reinforcement, the strength of the security system can be further increased by providing rebars embedded in the foundation, with the rebars passing through holes in the base plates. The rebars provide yet further support for the base plates in the event of a collision with the security system, as the energy from the collision will be transmitted from the posts to the base plates.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-Figures 1 and 2 are front views of a security system, Figure 3 is a top plan view of part of the security system, Figure 4 is a top plan view of the security system in use, Figure 5 is a side view of a post of the security system, Figure 6 is a set of three sections through the post of Figure 5, Figure 7 is a front view of two posts and connected cables, Figure 8 is a vertical cross-section through a foundation of the security system, Figure 9 is a plan view of the foundation and reinforcement, Figure 10 is a side view of a base plate and socket of the security system, and Figure 11 is a plan view of the base plate and socket.

Figures 1 and 2 show front views of a security system 10. The system 10 comprises a plurality of posts 12, a plurality of cables 14, each cable 14 connected to two adjacent posts 12, one or more banners 16 (Figure 1 shows the system 10 with the banners 16 removed), each banner 16 connected to a plurality of cables 14 and being located between two adjacent posts 12, a below ground foundation 18, and a plurality of base plates 20, each base plate 20 being embedded in the below ground foundation 18 and including a socket 22 for receiving a respective post 12. Here the security system 10 is shown with three posts 12 that are arranged in a line, but other arrangements are possible, depending upon the specific requirements of the installation.

Each post 12 is connected to an adjacent post by four cables 14, a first cable 14 connected from an upper end of one post 12 to an upper end of the adjacent post 12, a second cable 14 connected from a lower end of one post 12 to a lower end of the adjacent post 12, a third cable 14 connected from a lower end of one post 12 to an upper end of the adjacent post 12 and a fourth cable 14 connected from an upper end of one post 12 to a lower end of the adjacent post 12. The cables 14 arranged in this way form an X shape with two horizontal cables 14, one above and one below the X shape.

Each post 12 comprises a body with a plurality of flanges mounted thereon, each flange connected to an end of at least one cable 14. The flanges on the posts 12 provide the connection for the cables 14 to the posts 12. The banners 16 are mounted by a horizontal non-structural stainless steel bar 15 and the banners 16 can be provided with tunnels through which at least part of individual cables 14 will run. This arrangement of the cables 14 supports the banners 16 and holds them in position. The cables 14 and banners 16 form part of the barrier system 10 that is designed to protect people from vehicle collisions. The banners 16 are constructed from heavy duty fabric or plastics material.

Figure 3 shows a top view of part of the security system 10. In this embodiment of the security system 10, there are intended to be four posts 12 that are arranged in an L shape, with three posts 12 in a line and then a fourth post 12 placed at right angles to the line of three posts 12. This arrangement of the posts 12 could be to protect people seated at an outdoor café, for example. The below ground foundation 18 is also L shaped, to follow the layout of the posts 12. The foundation 18 is a solid concrete foundation 18, which can be reinforced with steel if required.

In the Figure, four base plates 20 can also be seen, which are embedded in the concrete foundation 18. The sockets 22 of the respective base plates 20 are all open from above, ready to receive a respective post 12.

The base plates 20 are all elongate and are aligned to run away from the direction from which a vehicle may come, known as the attack face. The posts 12 can be located in the sockets 22 to create the above ground part of the security system 10. The posts 12 are readily removable from the sockets 22, which allows the above ground parts of the security system 10 to be removed if necessary.

The concrete foundation 18, base plates 20, and a reinforcement cage 34, all form part of the below ground structural security system 10 contributing to the overall structural system 10 performance from any vehicle attack. The base plates 20 are embedded in the foundation 18 and this strengthens the posts 12 that are located in the sockets 22 of the base plates 20. Any energy from a collision is transmitted through the above ground components, the posts 12, and structural cables 14 and banners 16, through the posts 12 to the below ground foundation components, the base plates 20 and the foundation 18, which results in a dissipation of the energy of the collision while maintaining the structural integrity of the above ground components.

Figure 4 is a top plan view of the security system 10 in use. This shows the security system of Figure 3, with the above ground components now added to the below ground components. Once the foundation 18 has been laid with the base plates 20 embedded therein, then the posts 12 can be located in the sockets 22 of the base plates 20. The cables 14 and banners 16 can then be connected between the various posts 12. This leads to the full security system 10 being in place ready to protect people and buildings. Any vehicle collision with the security system 10 will be resisted by the various components working together.

1() In the Figure, people 28 can be seen seated at tables 30, as is typical in an outdoor café. The security system 10 has an "attack face" that faces the likely source of any danger and this creates a "secure side" on the opposite side to the attack face. The only structural difference between the two sides is that the cables 14 are located centrally within the banner's fabric and the base plates 20 are positioned so that they embedded in the foundation 18 such that the base plates run away from the attack face of the security system 10. This creates an L shape with the respective post 12, strengthening the post for collision from the attack face direction.

The security system 10 is constructed so that the posts 12 are readily removable from the sockets 22 of the base plates 20 in which they are located. This provides flexibility in the installation and removal of the security system 10. If the posts 12 are not present, then no part of the security system 10 is visible above ground. The posts 12 can be easily located into the sockets 22 of the base plates 20 and the other above ground components (the cables 14 and the banners 16) of the security system 10 connected together. If at any time, the security system 10 is no longer required, then the posts 12 can be easily removed from the sockets 22 Figure 5 shows more detail of a post 12. Each post 12 comprises a metal body 24 with a plurality of flanges 26 mounted thereon, each flange 26 connected to an end of at least one cable 14, when in use. Each embodiment of the security system 10 comprises a number of posts 12, which are constructed with flanges 26 on the side of the body 24 of the post 12. These flanges 26 are present to connect the 8mm cables 14 of the security system 10 to the posts 12. The flanges 26 have holes 32 therein for connecting to the ends of the cables 14. The cables 14 are connected so that they are taut between two adjacent posts 12.

Generally speaking, each post 12 is provided with two flanges 26, which run the length of the post above ground (on opposite sides) of each post 12. The flanges 26 are preferably elongate and run lengthwise along the sides of the posts 12. Each flange 26 is connected to four cables 14 in the arrangement of cables 14 that uses four cables 14 between each pair of posts lit 12 (two cables 14 in parallel at top and bottom and two cables 14 creating a X shape). The cables 14 are held tightly in place in order to provide a support for the banners 16 that are located between two adjacent posts 12. The banners 16 are also held in place by the top non-structural bar 15, located above the top cable 14.

If a right-angle bend is required in the installation of the security system 10, as shown in Figure 4, then a post 12 can be provided that has flanges that are separated by 90 degrees rather than 180 degrees (when viewed from above). Figure 6 shows a series of cross-sections through a post 12 of Figure 5. These sections show the flanges 26 as they are mounted on the opposite sides of the post 12, here being a post 12 that is provided with the flanges 26 on opposite sides of the post 12. Section 1-1 is through the bottom of the past 12 and shows a 3mm locking plate that is used to lock the post 12 in the base plate 20, when in use. Section 2-2 is through a middle part of the post 12 and the section 3-3 is through an upper part of the post 12 and shows the flange 26.

Figure 7 shows a front view of two posts 12 and a set of four cables 14 that are connecting the two posts 12 together. Each post 12 is connected to an adjacent post 12 by four cables 14, a first cable 14a connected from an upper end of one post 12 to an upper end of the adjacent post 12, a second cable 14b connected from a lower end of one post 12 to a lower end of the adjacent post 12, a third cable 14c connected from a lower end of one post 12 to an upper end of the adjacent post 12 and a fourth cable 14c connected from an upper end of one post 12 to a lower end of the adjacent post 12.

The arrangement of four cables 14 between each pair of posts 12 strengthens the overall system 10 and greatly increases the likelihood of the system 10 withstanding a vehicle collision. Two cables 14a and 14b are located horizontally in parallel and are connected to the tops and bottoms of two adjacent posts 12 and two cables 14c and 14d are arranged in an "X" formation each connected to the top of one post 12 and to the bottom of an adjacent post 12. Other arrangements of the cables 14 are possible, with additional cables 14 being used if required to provide additional strength to the security system 10.

The arrangement of the cables 14 shown in Figure 7 provides excellent support of the banner 16 that is connected to the cables 14. The arrangement of the cables 14 also helps to ensure that the force of a collision is directed to the adjacent posts 10 and the foundation 18, ensuring that the security system creates an effective barrier. The banners 16 and cables 14 direct the energy from a collision to the connected posts 10, which are anchored in the ground and strengthened by the base plates 20 and foundation 18. A vehicle that collides with the security system 10 will be restrained by the above ground components (posts 12, cables 14 and banners 16) as these are supported by the below ground components (foundation 18 and base plates 20).

Figure 8 shows a vertical cross-section through the foundation 18. The security system 10 has a mesh reinforcement 34 embedded in the below ground foundation 18, where the mesh reinforcement 34 comprises multiple layers and is embedded in the below ground foundation 18 above and below the base plates 20. The effectiveness of the security system 10 is increased by providing a mesh reinforcement 34 embedded in the foundation 34. The mesh reinforcement comprises multiple layers, at least one layer above the base plates 20 and at least one layer below the base plates 20. Other arrangements of the mesh reinforcement 34 are possible, in the arrangement of Figure 8 there is one layer at the bottom and two layers at the top.

The mesh reinforcement 34 strengthens the foundation 18 and provides support for the base plates 20 in the event of a collision with the security system 10. The energy from a collision will be transmitted from the posts 10 to the base plates 20 and the foundation 18. Figure 9 shows a plan view of the mesh reinforcement 34 as it is embedded in the foundation 18. The mesh reinforcement 34 covers the full extent of the foundation 18 and is comprised of a set of long rods that are in parallel and perpendicular to each other. Also present in this Figure are a number of rebars 36, which are in the same plane as the mesh foundation 34.

The rebars 36 are also embedded in the below ground foundation 18.

Each base plate 20 comprises one or more stiffening supports 38 connected to the socket 22 of the respective base plate 20, each stiffening support 38 including a hole 40 through which a rebar 36 is located. Figure 10 shows a side view of a base plate 20 and Figure 11 shows a plan view of the base plate 20. The stiffening supports 38 can be seen on the base plate 20 which provide support for the socket 22 of each base plate 20. Each stiffening support 38 is provided with a hole 40 therethrough, which is where a rebar 36 will be located. The base plate 20 is formed as a solid metal unit.

Also shown in Figure 10 are heavy duty bolts 42 that act as shear studs and are present to help locate the base plate 20 when the security system 10 is being installed. The bolts 42 locate through holes 44 in the base plate 20. Figure 11 shows the base plate 20 from above, and the socket 22 with supports 38 can be seen, as well as the four bolts 42 that are located in the holes 44. These holes 44 are threaded and the bolts 42 are screwed into the holes 44, with the majority of each bolt 42 remaining above the flat part of the base plate 20, as seen in Figure 10.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A security system (10) comprising: * a plurality of posts (12), * a plurality of cables (14), each cable (14) connected to two adjacent posts (12), * one or more banners (16), the or each banner (16) connected to a plurality of cables (14) and being located between two adjacent posts (12), * a below ground foundation (18), and * a plurality of base plates (20), each base plate (20) being embedded in the below ground foundation (18) and including a socket (22) for receiving a respective post (12).
IS 2. A security system according to claim 1, wherein each post (12) is connected to an adjacent post by four cables (14), a first cable (14a) connected from an upper end of one post (12) to an upper end of the adjacent post (12), a second cable (14b) connected from a lower end of one post (12) to a lower end of the adjacent post (12), a third cable (14c) connected from a lower end of one post (12) to an upper end of the adjacent post (12) and a fourth cable (14d) connected from an upper end of one post (12) to a lower end of the adjacent post (12).
3. A security system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each post (12) comprises a body (24) with a plurality of flanges (26) mounted thereon, each flange (26) connected to an end of at least one cable (14).
4. A security system according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein each post (12) is readily removable from its respective socket (22) of the base plate (20) in which it is mounted.
5. A security system according to any preceding claim, and further comprising a mesh reinforcement (34) embedded in the below ground foundation (18).
6. A security system according to claim 5, wherein the mesh reinforcement (34) comprises multiple layers and is embedded in the below ground foundation (18) above and below the base plates (20).
7. A security system according to any preceding claim, and further comprising one or more rebars (36) embedded in the below ground foundation (18).
8. A security system according to any preceding claim, wherein each base plate (20) comprises one or more stiffening supports (38) connected to the socket (22) of the respective base plate (20), each stiffening support (38) including a hole (40) through which a rebar (36) is located.