REMOVABLE BOLLARD ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A mounting assembly is disclosed for use with a removable bollard, wherein the mounting assembly includes a base plate and a pair of collapsible plates hingedly connected to opposing edges of the base plate, wherein each of the collapsible plates includes at least one aperture formed therein, the at least one aperture receiving a retaining element configured to secure the removable bollard to the mounting assembly. When the removable bollard is removed from the mounting assembly, the collapsible plates are pivoted to be positioned in substantially the same plane as the base plate, such that pedestrians or vehicles may pass freely over the mounting assembly without unnecessary disturbance.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/938,341, filed on Feb. 11, 2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a removable bollard, and more particularly, to an assembly for mounting a removable bollard.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

There are many different applications where it may be desirable for a bollard, more commonly referred to as a post, column, pillar, or pole, to be removable. Many advertisements or other signs are integrally formed in or securely attached to bollards, and often these bollards need to be replaced or temporarily removed. Bollards are also commonly used to communicate traffic information or to restrict passage of vehicles to certain locations. Because these types of bollards are often erected during a temporary change in traffic patterns, such as during roadside construction, the use thereof is also commonly temporary. It would therefore be useful to have a bollard mounting assembly that allows for easy removal and replacement of the bollard.

There are issues associated with existing removable bollard mounting assemblies. For instance, following removal of the bollard, the remaining mounting assembly can be problematic to vehicles that pass over the assembly because the empty assembly often presents indentations or protuberances in the ground surface to which the mounting assembly is affixed. An indentation, for example, may lead to the need for an additional cap or cover to be added to the mounting assembly to protect a vehicle passing over the mounting assembly. Another common concern is that existing mounting assemblies can involve a complex interaction of several different elements. This can lead to a timely and inconvenient process every time a bollard is removed.

It would therefore be desirable to have a removable bollard mounting assembly that allows for easy removal and replacement of a bollard while not disturbing vehicles that pass over the removable bollard mounting assembly while the bollard is not present.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present technology includes articles of manufacture, processes, and systems that relate to mounting a bollard with a removable mounting assembly. In particular, a removable mounting assembly is provided that allows for easy removal, installation, or replacement of the bollard, where the removable mounting assembly does not block access or travel over the mounting assembly when the bollard is not present.

In certain embodiments, a removable mounting assembly for use with a removable bollard is provided, where the removable mounting assembly includes a base plate, an anchor leg, and a first collapsible plate. The base plate has a top surface and a bottom surface. The anchor leg extends from the bottom surface of the base plate. The first collapsible plate is coupled to the base plate and is movable between a first position and a second position. The first collapsible plate includes a first retaining means, where the first retaining means is configured for coupling the first collapsible plate to the removable bollard when the first collapsible plate is moved from the first position to the second position.

In some embodiments, a method of using a removable mounting assembly for use with a removable bollard is provided. The method includes moving the first collapsible plate from the first position to the second position. The first retaining means of the first collapsible plate is then coupled to the removable bollard.

In various embodiments, a method of using a removable mounting assembly for use with a removable bollard is provided. The method includes uncoupling the first retaining means of the first collapsible plate from the removable bollard. The first collapsible plate is then moved from the second position to the first position.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a bollard mounting assembly according to the present technology.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the bollard mounting assembly of FIG. 1 in a first position.

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the bollard mounting assembly of FIG. 1 in a second position.

FIG. 3A is a partially exploded fragmentary perspective view of the removable bollard assembly of FIG. 1 and a removable bollard according to an embodiment of the invention configured to receive a U-shaped bolt through a pair of passages formed in the removable bollard.

FIG. 3B is a partially exploded fragmentary perspective view of the removable bollard assembly of FIG. 1 and a removable bollard according to another embodiment of the invention configured to be securely surrounded by a U-shaped bolt.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a U-shaped bolt for securing a removable bollard according to the present technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The following description of technology is merely exemplary in nature of the subject matter, manufacture and use of one or more inventions, and is not intended to limit the scope, application, or uses of any specific invention claimed in this application or in such other applications as may be filed claiming priority to this application, or patents issuing therefrom. Regarding methods disclosed, the order of the steps presented is exemplary in nature, and thus, the order of the steps can be different in various embodiments. Except where otherwise expressly indicated, all numerical quantities in this description are to be understood as modified by the word “about” and all geometric descriptors are to be understood as modified by the word “substantially” in describing the broadest scope of the technology.

Referring to FIG. 1, a bollard mounting assembly 10 includes a base plate 20 hingedly connected to a pair of collapsible plates 30. The base plate 20 includes a top surface 22 and a bottom surface 24. The top surface 22 can be substantially flat and provides a support surface on which a removable bollard (not shown) rests when installed. The bottom surface 24 can be substantially flush with a ground surface (not shown) such as a paved roadway, paved sidewalk, or a top layer of soil depending on the application for which the mounting assembly 10 is being used. The base plate 20 shown in FIG. 1 is substantially rectangular and planar, but a base plate having any shape or surface feature can be utilized to accommodate a variety of removable bollard shapes or configurations. For example, the base plate 20 can include a slightly recessed portion configured to receive a base of a removable bollard in order to accurately locate the removable bollard on the base plate 20 or to better secure the removable bollard to the base plate 20. The base plate 20 and the collapsible plates 30 can be formed from any material suitable for outdoor use and exposure to variable weather conditions such as stainless steel or aluminum, but other materials such as wood, plastic, or any combination thereof can be suitable depending on the application.

The collapsible plates 30 shown are hingedly connected to the base plate 20 at opposing edges of the base plate 20. As shown in FIG. 1, the hinged connection can be made through use of a hinge assembly 50 at each of the opposing edges of the base plate 20. Each hinge assembly 50 includes a pair of base hinge portions 52, a collapsible plate hinge portion 54, and a hinge pin 56. The base hinge portions 52 are secured to the base plate 20 and spaced apart a sufficient distance to receive the collapsible plate hinge portion 54 therebetween. The collapsible plate hinge portion 54 can be secured to the collapsible plates 30. Any method of attachment as desired such as welding, for example, can be used to secure the base hinge portions 54 to the base plate 20 and the collapsible plate hinge portions 54 to the collapsible plates 30. The base hinge portions 52 and the collapsible plate hinge portion 54 are hollow cylinders configured to receive the substantially cylindrical hinge pin 56 when assembled. The hinged connection between the base plate 20 and the collapsible plates 30 can be any type of hinged connection as desired which facilitates a rotating or pivoting of each of the collapsible plates 30 in respect of the base plate 20.

The base plate 20 further includes anchor legs 40 secured to the bottom surface 24 of the base plate 20. The anchor legs 40 extend downwardly from the bottom surface 24 of the base plate 20 below the ground surface, resulting in the anchor legs 40 being buried in the ground or other anchoring material. It may be desirable in some applications to surround the anchor legs 40 with a volume of concrete or other anchoring material to better secure the anchor legs 40 within the ground. As shown in FIG. 1, the anchor legs 40 are elongate rods that include a linear portion 42 at a first end and a non-linear portion or a curved portion 44 at a second end, forming a substantially J-shaped configuration. The curved portion 44 helps to militate against vertical misalignment of the base plate 20 when external forces are applied to the mounting assembly 10, as well as militate against removal of the anchor legs 40 from the ground or anchoring material. The number, configuration, and shape of the anchor legs is merely exemplary in nature, and any alternate means of securing the mounting assembly 10 to the ground medium can be utilized such as substantially linear anchor legs, non-linear anchor legs, or L-shaped anchor legs, for example. The anchor legs 40 can be formed from steel, but any material suitable for securing the mounting assembly 10 can be utilized. The anchor legs 40 can be secured to the base plate 20 by any suitable means such as welding or bonding, but other methods of fastening such as screwing or bolting can be employed depending on the materials used in forming the base plate 20 and the anchor legs 40.

FIG. 2A shows the mounting assembly 10 assembled and in a first position, which is representative of the mounting assembly 10 when no removable bollard is installed. When in the first position, the top surface 22 of the base plate 20 can be substantially co-planar with a first surface 32 of each collapsible plate 30, while a bottom surface 24 of the base plate 20 can be substantially co-planar with a second surface 34 of each collapsible plate 30. This co-planar relationship allows the mounting assembly 10 to cause little or no disturbance to pedestrians or vehicles that pass over the mounting assembly when no removable bollard is installed. For example, the collapsible plates 30 can be rotated or pivoted to a position where the collapsible plates 30 are substantially flush with the ground or anchoring material to which the mounting assembly 10 is affixed. If surface irregularities exist such as an uneven surface, the collapsible plates 30 can follow contours of the uneven surface.

FIG. 2B shows the mounting assembly 10 in a second position, which is representative of the mounting assembly 10 when a removable bollard is capable of being installed. When in the second position, each of the collapsible plates 30 is rotated or pivoted about the hinge assembly 50 to an elevated position, which can be substantially perpendicular to the base plate 20. It may be desirable for the hinge assembly 50 to limit the pivoting of the collapsible plates 30 relative to the base plate 20 to an angle a between the base plate 20 and each of the collapsible plates 30 between 90° and 180°. Each of the collapsible plates 30 can further include a retaining means, such as a pair of apertures 60 that pass through the collapsible plates 30 from the first surface 32 to the second surface 34 thereof As best shown in FIG. 2B, where the retaining means is in the folio of the apertures 60, the apertures 60 can be substantially aligned between each respective collapsible plate 30 when the mounting assembly 10 is in the second position. It should be understood that any number, orientation, and dimension of retaining means, including various fasteners, couplings, bolts, buckles, buttons, ties, clamps, clips, latches, snaps, screws, pins, joints, cable fasteners, locking devices, etc. can be used in place of or in conjunction with the apertures 60 depicted in the figures, where the type and number of retaining means can be selected depending on the type of removable bollard being secured. For example, it should be understood that the apertures 60 are shown to be circular or elliptical in cross-sectional shape, but any cross-sectional shape can be utilized as desired.

FIG. 3A shows a removable bollard 80 including a base portion 82 that can be sized to be received on the top surface 22 of the base plate 20 and between the collapsible plates 30 when in the second position. If desired, the removable bollard 80 may be sized to abut the first surfaces 32 of the collapsible plates 30 in a secure fashion when in the installed position to add rigidity to the removable bollard 80 and the mounting assembly 10. The removable bollard 80 further includes a pair of passages 84 that pass through the removable bollard 80 from a first side 86 to a second side 87 thereof; each of the first side 86 and the second side 87 in facing relationship with the first surface 32 of each of the respective collapsible plates 30 when in the second position. The passages 84 are substantially aligned with the apertures 60 of the collapsible plates 30 when the removable bollard 80 is resting on the base plate 20. The removable bollard 80 can be formed from any suitable material such as wood, plastic, aluminum, steel, or concrete, for example.

FIG. 3B shows a removable bollard 180 according to an another embodiment of the present technology that can also be utilized. The removable bollard 180 differs from the removable bollard 80 in that it includes a pair of channels or indentations 184 formed on opposing sides of the removable bollard 180. The indentations 184 are formed on the removable bollard 180 to be substantially aligned with the apertures 60 of the collapsible plates 30 in a similar fashion to the passages 84 of the removable bollard 80.

It should be understood that the removable bollards 80, 180 are merely exemplary and other bollard configurations can be used, as desired. For instance, the removable bollards 80, 180 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B have a rectangular cross-section, but a removable bollard having any cross-sectional shape can be utilized, including bollards having circular, elliptical, or hexagonal cross-sections for example. Also, a removable bollard can include a different number and orientation of passages or indentations to correspond to a collapsible plate having more or fewer apertures than the collapsible plates shown in FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B. Furthermore, the passages or indentations can have any desired cross-sectional shape to correspond to a collapsible plate having apertures of any desired cross-sectional shape.

FIG. 4 shows a retaining element 70 in the font' of a U-bolt that is configured to secure the removable bollards 80, 180 in the mounting assembly 10. The retaining element 70 shown is substantially U-shaped and includes a first portion 71, a second portion 72, and a third portion 73. As shown in FIG. 4, the first portion 71 and the third portion 73 lie substantially parallel to each other, while the second portion 72 is interposed between and is substantially perpendicular to both the first portion 71 and the third portion 73. A distal end of the third portion 73 includes an aperture 74 formed therein. If desired, a distal end of the first portion 71 can also include a similar aperture formed therein (not shown).

The retaining element 70 can be inserted into the mounting assembly 10 when the removable bollard 80, 180 is resting on the base plate 20 and the apertures 60 of the collapsible plates 30 are aligned with the passages 84 or the indentations or the channels 184 of the respective removable bollard 80, 180. The apertures 60, the passages 84, and the indentations or the channels 184 are dimensioned to receive the retaining element 70. Once inserted into the apertures 60 and the passages 84 or the indentations or the channels 184, the second portion 72 of the U-bolt 70 can abut the second surface 34 of one collapsible plate 30, while the first portion 71 and the third portion 73 can extend at least into the pair of apertures 60 in the opposing collapsible plate. The distal end of the third portion 73 having the aperture 74 can extend beyond the second surface 34 of the opposing collapsible plate 30, thereby exposing the aperture 74. A locking device or a retaining device can then be utilized to secure the U-bolt 70 in the installed position. The locking device or the retaining device can include a pad lock or a fastener such as a key or a bolt to militate against removal of the U-bolt 70 from the apertures 60 and the passages 84 or the indentations or the channels 184.

It should be understood that the U-bolt depiction of the retaining element 70 shown in FIG. 4 is only one example of a retaining element that can be utilized according to the present technology. For instance, a removable bollard having threaded passages that correspond to the apertures 60 can be utilized, where one or more retaining elements 70 corresponding to a threaded bolt or screw enters each of the apertures 60 from the second surface 34 of the collapsible plate 30, mating with the threaded passages of the removable bollard. Alternatively, an eye bolt can be utilized as the retaining element 70, where an eye of one end of the eye bolt is configured to securely surround a removable bollard. The eye bolt can be threaded at a second end and can enter the collapsible plate aperture 60 in a direction from the first surface 32 of the collapsible plate 30, the apertures 60 having corresponding threads to mate with the eye bolt. Additionally, the retaining element 70 can be configured to surround an outer surface of a removable bollard. Such a retaining element can be similar to a mechanically interconnected plurality of U-bolts featuring additional contact points with the removable bollard to militate against rotation of the removable bollard when installed. Use of the retaining element 70 can also require that additional apertures 60 or more elongate apertures 60 be formed in the collapsible plates 30 to accommodate the plurality of U-bolts.

Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms, and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail. Equivalent changes, modifications and variations of some embodiments, materials, compositions and methods can be made within the scope of the present technology, with substantially similar results.

Claims

1. A removable mounting assembly for use with a removable bollard, the removable mounting assembly comprising:

a base plate having a top surface and a bottom surface;

an anchor leg extending from the bottom surface of the base plate; and

a first collapsible plate coupled to the base plate, the first collapsible plate movable between a first position and a second position, the first collapsible plate including a first retaining means, the first retaining means configured for coupling the first collapsible plate to the removable bollard when the first collapsible plate is moved from the first position to the second position.

2. The removable mounting assembly of claim 1, wherein the top surface of the base plate is substantially flat and provides a support surface for the removable bollard.

3. The removable mounting assembly of claim 1, wherein the base plate includes a feature configured to locate a base of the removable bollard on the base plate.

4. The removable mounting assembly of claim 1, wherein the anchor leg includes an elongate rod.

5. The removable mounting assembly of claim 4, wherein the elongate rod includes a linear portion at a first end and a non-linear portion at a second end.

6. The removable mounting assembly of claim 5, wherein the first end is proximate the base plate and the second end is spaced from the base plate.

7. The removable mounting assembly of claim 1, wherein the anchor leg is comprised of a plurality of anchor legs.

8. The removable mounting assembly of claim 1, wherein the bottom surface of the base plate is substantially flush with a ground surface and the anchor leg extends below the ground surface.

9. The removable mounting assembly of claim 8, wherein the anchor leg is secured by an anchoring material.

10. The removable mounting assembly of claim 1, wherein the first collapsible plate is in the second position and is coupled to the removable bollard by the first retaining means.

11. The removable mounting assembly of claim 1, further comprising a second collapsible plate coupled to the base plate, the second collapsible plate movable between a first position and a second position, the second collapsible plate including a second retaining means, the second retaining means configured for coupling the second collapsible plate to the removable bollard when the second collapsible plate is moved from the first position to the second position.

12. The removable mounting assembly of claim 11, wherein the first collapsible plate is in the second position and is coupled to the removable bollard by the first retaining means and the second collapsible plate is in the second position and is coupled to the removable bollard by the second retaining means.

13. The removable mounting assembly of claim 11, wherein the first collapsible plate and the second collapsible plate are hingedly coupled to opposing edges of the base plate.

14. The removable mounting assembly of claim 13, wherein the first retaining means of the first collapsible plate includes a first pair of apertures and the second retaining means of the second collapsible plate includes a second pair of apertures.

15. The removable mounting assembly of claim 14, wherein the first pair of apertures of the first collapsible plate in the second position is substantially aligned with the second pair of apertures of the second collapsible plate in the second position.

16. The removable mounting assembly of claim 15, wherein the first collapsible plate is in the second position, the second collapsible plate is in the second position, the removable bollard is coupled to the first pair of apertures of the first collapsible plate by a retaining element, and the removable bollard is coupled to the second pair of apertures of the second collapsible plate by the retaining element.

17. The removable mounting assembly of claim 16, wherein the retaining element is substantially U-shaped and includes a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion, the first portion substantially parallel to the third portion, the second portion interposed between and substantially perpendicular to the first portion and the third portion, the third portion disposed through one of the apertures of the first collapsible plate and one of the apertures of the second collapsible plate.

18. The removable mounting assembly of claim 17, wherein a locking device is coupled to a distal end of the third portion of the retaining element, the locking device configured to prevent removal of the retaining element and the removable bollard.

19. A method of using a removable mounting assembly for use with a removable bollard, the method comprising:

providing a removable mounting assembly for use with a removable bollard, the mounting assembly including: a base plate having a top surface and a bottom surface; an anchor leg extending from the bottom surface of the base plate; and a first collapsible plate coupled to the base plate, the first collapsible plate movable between a first position and a second position, the first collapsible plate including a first retaining means, the first retaining means configured for coupling the first collapsible plate to the removable bollard when the first collapsible plate is moved from the first position to the second position;

moving the first collapsible plate from the first position to the second position; and

coupling the first retaining means of the first collapsible plate to the removable bollard.

20. A method of using a removable mounting assembly for use with a removable bollard, the method comprising:

providing a removable mounting assembly for use with a removable bollard, the mounting assembly including: a base plate having a top surface and a bottom surface; an anchor leg extending from the bottom surface of the base plate; and a first collapsible plate coupled to the base plate, the first collapsible plate movable between a first position and a second position, the first collapsible plate including a first retaining means, the first retaining means configured for coupling the first collapsible plate to the removable bollard when the first collapsible plate is moved from the first position to the second position;

uncoupling the first retaining means of the first collapsible plate from the removable bollard; and

moving the first collapsible plate from the second position to the first position.