WO2015161394A1 - Road barrier, joining element, hinged system and method for interconnecting road barriers - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a road barrier for signalling and directing vehicular and/or pedestrian traffic and to a hinged system of road barriers, which improves the mobility and adaptability of the road barrier while in operation as well as when stored, the road barrier (1, 101) including a base (2, 102) which is open toward the lower portion and which constitutes the support for the road barrier (1, 101), a perimeter sheet (3, 103) connected to the upper portion of the base (2, 102) and which constitutes the side walls of the barrier, and an upper portion (4, 104) connected to the upper portion of the perimeter sheet (3, 103) and which closes the structure of the road barrier (1, 101) toward the outside, the road barrier (1, 101) also including anchoring means (5, 105) for anchoring elements external to the body of the road barrier (1, 101), pivoting means (6, 106) for hingedly or movably anchoring elements external to the body of the road barrier (1, 101), and a joining element (10) which is used as a hinged joining device between adjacent barriers such as to form a hinged system of barriers that includes at least two barriers linked by said joining element (10), said joining element (10) having two operating positions, a first position for storage and/or individual operation and a second position for hinged operation with other road barriers. The invention further relates to the joining element and to the method for interconnecting road barriers.

Description

 ROAD BARRIER, JOINT ELEMENT, ARTICULATED SYSTEM AND INTERCONNECTION PROCEDURE FOR

ROAD BARRIERS

DESCRIPTIVE MEMORY

The present invention relates to a road barrier and an articulated system of road barriers, where the barriers have a removable joint element that allows the articulated joint of similar barriers, one after the other, improving the mobility of the articulated barrier system , its positioning, installation and uninstallation, both on the road and in the urban area. In addition, both the geometric configuration of the barrier and the characteristics of the connecting element facilitate the stacking of the barriers, one inside the other, reducing the space that said stacking occupies during transport and / or storage.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Road barriers are elements of road safety, fixed or mobile, widely known and used in the art, in particular with regard to the control, channeling and signaling of traffic of both vehicles and people, such as in areas or construction sites for construction. accident prevention. In general, road barriers are bulky and heavy elements, with the aim of highlighting the scenario where they are used and hindering their movement during the operation, respectively. In this sense, road barriers must comply with certain minimum safety standards regarding their shape, dimensions and colors, among others, characteristics that will depend on the specific regulation that should apply. Additionally, the barriers can use accessories as lighting and / or reflective devices, depending on the type of application in which they are used,

On the other hand, the state of the art teaches that the barriers usually have mechanisms of union between them to facilitate their installation in a modular way, one after the other, with the aim of delimiting a particular area by establishing a boundary or perimeter barrier of certain length through articulated barriers. On the other hand, mobile road barriers are usually light to facilitate transport, so that ballast means are incorporated during operation to meet the objective of hindering the movement of the barrier when it is installed.

In this regard, patent application WO 98/33984 Al, provides a lightweight road barrier device made of plastic material, which is easy to transport and position. In addition, said barrier device has a hollowed interior, which is intended for incorporate a ballast material that increases the weight of the barrier device to hinder its movement during operation, wherein said ballast material can be water, sand, rubber, concrete or the like. Additionally, WO 98/33984 Al describes a system of road barriers that are interconnected by joining elements that are installed in holes present at the lateral ends of the upper area of each barrier, establishing a rotating or articulated joint between them. However, even though it is taught that the joint between devices can be articulated or rotary, the barrier device of WO 98/33984 Al describes a configuration that allows reduced rotational movement, which is mainly due to the type of joint element used, to the connection between said element and the barriers and to the geometric configuration of the perimeter of the barrier. In fact, the connecting element used in the barrier of the application WO 98/33984 Al is an element of fixed joint that prevents the rotation of the road barrier and / or its perimeter limits the angle of rotation by having a rectangular profile.

Additionally, the barrier according to WO 98/33984 Al does not propose a stacking mechanism during storage, so that stacking would be one barrier over the other occupying large storage space. Also, during storage the connecting elements can easily be damaged, when they protrude from the outer perimeter of the barrier, or lost when completely removed. Therefore, it is relevant to propose an alternative to the barrier in question, maintaining the characteristics of lightness, which resolves the problems identified above.

On the other hand, patent FR 278621 1 Al describes an open structure barrier that facilitates the stacking of barriers, one inside the other, reducing the space required for the storage of stacked barriers. Said barrier proposes a permanent joint mechanism that grants an articulated joint of wide movement, thus resolving some of the inconveniences posed in WO 98/33984 Al. Additionally, the patent barrier FR 2786211 Al describes an upper cavity that defines a space for housing ballast material, such as water, sand or a ballast bag. In this sense, the barrier of patent FR 278621 1 Al has a fixed joint element that protrudes from the perimeter of the barrier, which can be easily damaged during storage and complexes the stacking process due to the asymmetric configuration they cause to the exterior aspect of the barrier, it being necessary to stack the barriers in a certain direction to prevent the joint element from being damaged and / or preventing the correct stacking of the barriers.

Similarly, patent ES 238921 1 T3 describes an open structure barrier element that facilitates the stacking of barriers inside each other, reducing storage space, as well as proposing a fixed joint element that grants a wide range of mobility with respect to your joint. Additionally, the barrier of the ES 2389211 T3 patent proposes internal hollow areas to house ballast means, such as sand or water. However, the connecting elements protrude from the perimeter of the barrier, increasing the risk of damage and / or preventing the correct stacking due to the orientation of said elements and the asymmetric configuration that they cause to the external appearance of the barrier. On the other hand, the use of internal zones to house ballast means causes a reduction in the capacity of stacking between barriers, the need to provide a defined space that cannot be used to position the barriers completely one inside the other. Therefore, it is relevant to propose a barrier that solves the problems raised above.

Finally, US patent application 2007/0206990 Al describes a pivotable joint element that grants articulation to barriers. Said connecting element is part of a set of components that are incorporated into the barrier in order to facilitate its articulation of wide movement thanks to a widely rotating union element. In this context, the barrier of the application US 2007/0206990 Al defines a complex joint element that forms part of an external articulation mechanism, which must be incorporated into the barrier, increasing its installation complexity. Additionally, the joint element does not propose a solution to the problem of stacking between barriers since it must be removed during stacking to avoid unnecessary use of storage space.

Therefore, it is necessary to propose a barrier that solves the above-mentioned drawbacks, in particular that proposes a simple joint mechanism between barriers, in which the joint element maximizes the movement of the barrier, prevents damage during operation and stacking. and its installation / uninstallation is facilitated according to the operational requirements. On the other hand, the barrier must employ all the advantages of known barriers, improving the characteristics of transport, installation, uninstallation and storage, without resulting in an increase in manufacturing costs and complexity.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a road barrier and an articulated system of road barriers, where the barriers have a removable joint element that allows the articulated joint of similar road barriers, one after the other, improving the mobility of the articulated system of barriers, their positioning, installation and uninstallation, both on the road and in the urban area. In addition, both the geometric configuration of the barrier and the characteristics of the connecting element facilitate the stacking of the barriers, one inside the other, reducing the volume of storage and transport occupied by the stacked barriers.

The road barrier of the present invention is characterized by having a preferentially open structure consisting mainly of a perimetral mantle, with a pyramidal preferential aspect with a quadrangular base, open towards the bottom, allowing the stacking of barriers one inside the other, optimizing the space occupied in storage and transportation. The open structure has a lower section or base, intended to give stability to the barrier, and an upper section that gives the required height. Said lower section or base is configured with a preferably rectangular perimeter of rounded edges, where in a preferred embodiment said rounded edges form semicircular-looking ends. In this sense, a preferred modality of the barrier has a support with a variable taper on its lateral faces to improve the stacking of barriers, minimizing the space between them to optimize the volume occupied during the storage of barriers. In one embodiment, the open perimeter mantle that configures the general structure of the barrier may present perforations that help reduce the resistance that the barrier offers with respect to the wind, preventing it from tipping over or moving by facilitating the circulation of air through and around the barrier.

The barrier of the invention is preferably made of plastic material, such as high molecular weight polyethylene (PE APM), using the blowing process. However, other materials and procedures compatible with the design of the barrier can be used in its manufacture. Regarding the dimensions of the barrier, it is relevant to establish that these are not a limitation of the invention. However, the preferred general dimensions of the barrier are a base 1000 mm long and 400 mm wide, while the preferred height corresponds to about 700 mm high and the thickness of the mantle between 1 to 4 mm, preferably between 1 to 2 mm, configuration that allows to obtain a weight of 2.5 to 4.5 kg. Additionally, in an embodiment not of a limiting nature of the invention, the barrier has a base section having a height of 150 mm, giving more stability and support to the barriers.

The road barrier in question has a joint element that allows joints to be joined in an articulated way, facilitating the installation of an articulated system of barriers linked by said joint element. The connecting element is a preferably removable device, which allows its easy installation and uninstallation. In this sense, the connecting element comprises a central portion and two ends, where the central portion determines the distance between adjacent barriers, defining a firm connection between barriers and avoiding the easy violation of the perimeter established between them, and where the ends they allow the assembly / disassembly of the connecting element both between adjacent barriers and in the same barrier. In a preferred embodiment, the connecting element is manufactured in the same material as that used in the barrier, and may be of a different material if required. The road barrier in conjunction with the joint element can be configured in an articulated operating position and in an individual storage or operation position, where the articulated operating position corresponds to an articulated barrier system linked by the use of the joint element between barriers , wherein each end of the joint element is inserted in pivot means between adjacent barriers, while its individual storage or operation position corresponds to the assembly of the joint element in a single barrier by inserting both ends into said barrier. Regarding the storage position or individual operation, it is relevant to indicate that the barrier has anchoring means that allow the joint element to be mounted in a certain position, avoiding the loss of the joint element and / or its damage caused by blows mainly during stacking. , transfer and storage because it does not protrude from the perimeter of the barrier. Additionally, said anchoring means allow other accessories to be mounted on the barrier, such as beacons and reflectors, among others. Additionally, both the barrier of how the connecting element according to an embodiment of the invention allows the articulated connection of different road barriers that fit in the anchoring means of the road barrier or that can be interconnected by the connecting element, allowing to use other type of barriers in conjunction with the barrier of the present invention.

On the other hand, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, one of the ends of the connecting element is easy to disassemble with respect to the other, so that the disassembly of the joining element is partial, that is, it is held together in one of its ends while the other is dismantled. The partial disassembly of the joint element allows the change between storage position or individual operation and articulated operation to be carried out without the need to completely remove the joint element from one of the barriers, preferably from the barrier in which it is stored, avoiding the total disassembly of the connecting element, a situation that can affect its loss. In this context, the present embodiment of the invention proposes that the connecting element is held attached at one of its ends to the pivot means of a given barrier, while the other end of the connecting element can be inserted both in the pivot means of an adjacent barrier and in the means of anchoring of the determined barrier, configuring the barrier (s) in the articulated operation and storage or individual operation positions, respectively. On the other hand, one embodiment of the connecting element allows it to remain attached to a single barrier, in its individual storage or operation position, by means of its insertion into a groove that has the road barrier.

The joint element is a device whose ends have connection means, a configuration that facilitates insertion of the connection element, both in the anchoring means and in the pivoting means of the barriers, preventing it from being easily removed to offer a firm connection between barriers. Additionally, the connection means are preferably manufactured in an integrated manner to the joint element, using the same material, as well as it is also possible to provide external connection means to the connection element, manufactured in either the same or another material. In a preferred embodiment of the invention said connecting means of the connecting element comprise an arrow-like configuration that facilitates the insertion of the connecting element and avoiding easy disassembly thereof.

Additionally, with respect to the mode of partial disassembly of the joint element, it is preferred that one of the ends of the joint element offers greater resistance to disassembly with respect to the other end, whereby one of the ends has a different configuration from the other. In this regard, said different configuration is based on the use of different connection means, wherein one of said means maintains the connection between the connecting element and the barrier, in particular in one of the pivot means thereof, while the other end disassembles more easily. In a preferred embodiment the partial disassembly of the connecting element is achieved by providing one end of the connecting element with a means of connection configured as an arrow of greater diameter with respect to the other end, where the connection means of greater diameter offers greater resistance to disassembly, and / or where one of the ends of the connecting element has connection means of greater length with respect to from the other end, where the connection means of greater length offers greater resistance to disassembly.

On the other hand, the use of the joint element in its articulated operating position provides an articulated joint between barriers where each end of the joint element, in particular the connection means at said ends, are inserted into the pivot means of Each barrier In this regard, the joint between the connection means of the connecting element and the pivot means of the barrier is a pivotable or articulated joint that allows the rotation of the barriers on the axis of said pivot means, giving mobility to the articulated system of barriers as well as facilitating its positioning in articulated operation. Additionally, in one embodiment of the invention, rotation is facilitated by the implementation of a barrier base with rounded edges, which makes it possible to avoid contact between adjacent barriers by offering a wide range of rotation between -90 ° to 90 °, preferably between -30 ° to 30 ° with respect to the longitudinal axis of the barrier, with the possibility of using the articulated system of barriers in a greater rotation range depending on the mode of the invention.

Additionally, in one embodiment of the invention the barrier has ballast means that allow the use of weight in order to increase the stability of the barriers in operation thanks to the increase in the mass of the assembly. In this mode, the ballast means can be incorporated entirely into the barrier or be part of the joining elements, using weight only if necessary. In a preferred alternative to the present embodiment, the ballast means are located below the connection means at the ends of the connecting element, so that once the joining element is mounted said connection means protrude to the open interior of the barrier, at which time the corresponding weights can be added. In this context, the weights comprise ballast material that can be sand, concrete, steel, water or any other material that, contained in a compartment or not, allows it to be incorporated into the ballast means that the barrier possesses. In a preferred embodiment, the ballast means correspond to rings or rings located at one or both ends of the connecting element, which allow the weight to be tied and placed inside the barrier preventing it from protruding from the perimeter of the barrier. Regarding the materiality, the ballast means are preferably manufactured in the same material of the connection means and of the connecting element, however, they can be manufactured in different materials and then fixed to the joining element. Additionally, one embodiment of the invention considers that the ballast means and the connection means comprise a single piece integrated to the joining element, wherein the ballast means have a configuration that allows them to be used as connection means between the joining element and the barrier.

Finally, in one embodiment of the invention, the connecting elements are independent devices that can be used in different types of road barriers, while maintaining the structural characteristics and advantages outlined above.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The following figures are attached as a reference to the modalities of the invention but do not consist of a limitation of the description thereof, there are various alternative modalities that are not represented in the figures.

Figure 1. Shows a top perspective view of an embodiment of the road barrier of the invention.

Figure 2. Shows a top view of the road barrier according to Figure 1. Figure 3. Shows a front view of the road barrier according to figure 1.

Figure 4. Shows a bottom view of the road barrier according to Figure 1.

Figure 5. Shows a top perspective view of an embodiment of the joining element of the invention.

Figure 6. Shows a right side view of the connecting element according to figure 5.

Figure 7. Shows a top view of the joint element according to figure 5.

Figure 8. Shows a bottom view of the connecting element according to figure 5.

Figure 9. Shows a top perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the connecting element of the invention.

Figure 10. Shows a right side view of the connecting element according to figure 9.

Figure 11. Shows a top view of the connecting element according to figure 9.

Figure 12. Shows a bottom view of the connecting element according to figure 9.

Figure 13. Shows a front view of the connecting element according to figure 9.

Figure 14. Shows a rear view of the connecting element according to figure 9.

Figure 15. Shows a top perspective view of an embodiment of the invention with the joint element in storage position or individual operation.

Figure 16. Shows a top perspective view of an embodiment of the invention with the joint element in the articulated operating position, establishing an articulated system of road barriers. Figure 17. Shows a representation of the partial disassembly / assembly of the connecting element, completely dismantling a barrier at one of its ends while the other remains attached to another barrier.

Figure 18. Shows a representation of the disassembly / partial assembly of the joint element for the purpose of placing it in storage position or individual operation.

Figure 19. Shows a representation of the stacking of road barriers with their respective joining elements in storage position or individual operation.

Figure 20. Shows a front top perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the road barrier of the invention.

Figure 21. Shows a rear perspective view of the road barrier in accordance with Figure 20.

Figure 22. Shows a top view of the road barrier according to Figure 20.

Figure 23. Shows a bottom view of the road barrier according to Figure 20.

Figure 24. Shows a front view of the road barrier according to Figure 20.

Figure 25. Shows a rear view of the road barrier according to Figure 20.

Figure 26. Shows a front top perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the connecting element of the invention.

Figure 27. Shows a rear top perspective view of the connecting element according to Figure 26.

Figure 28. Shows a left side view of the joint element according to Figure 26. Figure 29. Shows a top view of the joint element according to Figure 26. Figure 30. Shows a bottom view of the connecting element according to figure 26.

Figure 31. Shows a front view of the joint element according to figure 26.

Figure 32. Shows a rear view of the connecting element according to Figure 26.

Figure 33. Shows a top perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention with the joint element in storage position or individual operation.

Figure 34. Shows a top perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention where different walking barriers are articulated.

Figure 35. Shows a top perspective view of an embodiment of the invention with the joint element in an articulated operating position, establishing an articulated system of road barriers, both with equivalent road barriers and with different road barriers.

Figure 36. Shows a representation of the stacking of road barriers according to a preferred embodiment of the invention with their respective joining elements in storage position or individual operation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Figure 1 shows a top perspective view of the road barrier (1) according to an embodiment of the invention, in said figure it can be seen that the road barrier (1) is mainly comprised of a base (2) open towards the part bottom and configuring the barrier support, a perimeter mantle (3) attached to the top of the base (2) and configuring the side walls of the barrier and an upper portion (4) attached to the top of the mantle perimeter (3) and that closes the structure of the road barrier (1) towards the outside. In this sense, the barrier of the invention is opened towards its lower part, providing a useful space for stacking barriers and for ballast distribution. According to the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the base (2) comprises a rectangular cross-sectional structure with rounded corners, where preferably said corners form semicircular ends. Additionally, the base (2) preferably extends towards the upper part of the barrier (1) forming a substantially vertical wall culminating in a zone of variable taper that joins the perimeter mantle (3), while the lower portion is opened towards The exterior of the barrier, providing a broad base that adapts to different terrains, provides greater sustenance and allows optimal stacking of the barriers. With respect to the perimeter mantle (3), in a preferred embodiment said mantle is configured as a wrapping surface inclined towards the inside of the barrier, with pyramidal appearance, which provides the total height of the road barrier (1) and a surface that can be used for the installation of devices external to the barrier, such as signals and reflective devices, among others. Finally, the upper portion (4) is preferably configured as a substantially horizontal surface that closes the perimeter mantle (3) towards the upper part of the barrier, offering a surface on which devices external to the barrier can be mounted, such as signals, beacons, reflective devices and elements of union between barriers, among others.

In this context, in Figure 1 it can be seen that the upper portion (4) of the road barrier (1) comprises anchoring means (5) for anchoring elements external to the body of the barrier (1), preferably located in the central area of the upper portion (4), and pivot means (6) for the articulated or movable anchoring of elements external to the body of the barrier (1), preferably located at the ends of the upper portion (4). In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the anchoring means (5) correspond to at least one central groove or perforation that can be used to mount accessories or elements to the road barrier (1), such as beacons, signals, reflector devices or elements. from union between barriers as well as any useful element for the operation of the barriers. On the other hand, in a preferred embodiment of the invention the pivot means (6) correspond to at least two grooves or perforations arranged at the front and rear ends of the upper portion (4), which can be used for mounting elements. of union between barriers to provide an articulated system of barriers jointly linked to each other, as well as other external devices.

Finally, Figure 1 shows that one embodiment of the invention proposes perforations (7) arranged in the perimeter mantle (3) of the road barrier (1), where said perforations allow free air / wind circulation in order to reduce the wind resistance offered by the barrier in operation, thus avoiding its overturning and / or its displacement due to the wind that falls on it. In this sense, the perforations (7) allow a fluid communication between the interior of the barrier and its exterior, on both sides, facilitating the free circulation of air through the barrier. Although Figure 1 shows the perforations located in the side wall of the barrier (1), these can be distributed in any area of the perimeter mantle (3), base (2) and / or upper portion (4), while said perforations allow the free movement of air in motion, both natural or product of the displacement of air caused by vehicles in circulation.

Figure 2 shows a top view of the road barrier (1) according to the modality described above. In said figure, the preferred distribution of the anchoring means (5), the pivot means (6) and the perforations (7) can be seen more clearly. Additionally, Figure 2 shows the configuration of the base of the barrier, which corresponds to a rectangle with rounded edges that form a perimeter that looks like a semicircle at the ends. Figure 3 corresponds to a front view of an embodiment of the road barrier (1), where you can see the configuration of the base (2) with respect to its height and union with the perimeter mantle (3) where the surface that joins the upper part of the base (2) with the lower part of the perimeter mantle (3), as well as the culmination of the barrier in the upper portion (4).

Figure 4 shows a bottom view of the road barrier (1) according to the embodiment of the invention, where it can be seen that the anchoring means (5) together with the pivot means (6) correspond to perforations that cross the barrier connecting its exterior with its interior. Additionally, the thickness that exists in the base (2) of the barrier can be appreciated, offering a surface of contact with the ground in the entire perimeter extension of said base (2).

Figure 5 shows an embodiment of the joint element (10) which is used as an articulated joint device between adjacent barriers with the aim of forming an articulated barrier system comprising at least 2 barriers linked by said joint element (10). In one embodiment of the invention, the connecting element comprises a central section (1 1) and two ends (12, 13), wherein the central section (1 1) is configured as an elongated section and the ends (12, 13) they are configured as rounded-looking portions that have connection means (34, 15) that extend towards the bottom of the connecting element (10). The elongated appearance of the central section (1 1) is intended to provide adequate separation between barriers, the length of said section defining the spacing between barriers that make up the articulated system of road barriers according to the invention. On the other hand, the circular appearance of the ends (12, 13) is intended to provide rounded surfaces that prevent damage to the operator and / or other devices, as well as mainly to facilitate the rotation of said ends with respect to the (s) barrier (s) in which element (s) of union (10) is mounted, however, the ends (12, 13) can have an exterior configuration with any appearance.

As mentioned above, connection means (14, 15) configured to be introduced or inserted into the anchoring means (5) and / or the pivot means extend from the lower part of the ends (12, 13). (6). In this regard, the connection means are configured to be inserted and removed with some ease, in addition to providing an articulated or rotary joint at the time of being inserted into the respective means. In this sense, a preferred embodiment of the invention proposes connection means (14, 15) configured to be inserted more easily than is required to disassemble them, in order to avoid the involuntary disassembly of the element and joint (10) during operation. of the barrier system. The configuration of the connection means (14, 15) according to the previous mode can be any whose assembly is easier than its disassembly, such as a dart or arrow type appearance that proposes a sliding surface or of smaller diameter in the direction of the insert and a stop or surface of greater diameter in the direction towards disassembly, as shown in figures 5.

Additionally, in one embodiment of the invention the connection means (14, 15) are different from each other in order to differentiate the ease of disassembly of each connection means as required. In this context, a preferred embodiment of the invention considers that the connection means (14) offer greater resistance to disassembly than the connection means (15), where the connection means (14) of the present modality are used preferably for joining the connecting element (10) to the pivot means (6) of a barrier, while the connecting means (15) of the present embodiment are preferably used to join the connecting element (10) to the means anchoring (5) of said barrier or pivot means (6) of an adjacent barrier. This mode allows the element of junction (10) is easily removable from one barrier while remaining attached to another. In one embodiment of this preferred alternative, the connection means (14), which offer greater resistance to disassembly, can be partially disassembled so that the connection means (15) are completely disassembled while the connection means (14) remain attached partially to the barrier. This mode can be implemented by proposing connection means (14, 1) of different lengths, where the greater extension of the connection means (14) makes it easier to continue connected to the barrier while the connection means (15) are removed from the barrier due to its shorter length. Said configuration can be seen in Figure 5.

On the other hand, the connecting element (10), and in particular the connection means (14, 15) comprise ballast means (16, 17) arranged next to the connection means. Said ballast means (16, 17) comprise weight fixing points that allow to increase the mass of the barrier during operation, in order to avoid its overturning, displacement and / or involuntary removal. In a preferred embodiment the ballast means (16, 17) comprise rings extending from the ends of the connecting means (14, 15), wherein said rings allow the fixing, by means of ties, of ballast materials as concrete, steel, compartments with sand or water, among others, properly arranged as appropriate. The ballast means (16, 17) are arranged in such a way that in operation, that is when the connecting elements are mounted either in single operation on a single barrier or in articulated operation between barriers, they are housed inside the barrier, where they can be used to set weights according to what was indicated above.

Figures 6, 7 and 8 show side, top and bottom views of the connecting element (10), respectively, where the characteristics described above can be seen with respect to of the central section (1 1), ends (12, 13), connection means (14, 15) and ballast means (16, 17).

Figure 9 shows an alternative embodiment of the connecting element (10 ') where the distinctive characteristics of the connecting element (10') can be appreciated, in particular the central section (1 Γ), ends (12 ', 13') , connection means (14 ', 15') and ballast means (16 ', 17'). The main differences with the connecting element (10) correspond to the connection means (14 ', 15'). In this regard, the connection means (14 ') are configured as an elongated dart or arrow whose section of larger diameter is partially sectioned at the edge, reducing the resistance to disassembly of said connection means by reducing the limit stop surface the removal of the connecting element in the direction of disassembly. On the other hand, the connection means (15 ') are configured as a pair of projections arranged in the ballast means (17'), wherein said projections offer a much lower resistance to the disassembly of the end (12 ') of the element of union (10 '). This alternative modality demonstrates the large number of solutions that allow proposing a partial disassembly joint element, where one of its ends remains inserted while the other is released from its position.

Figures 10, 1 1 and 12 show side, top and bottom views of the connecting element (10 '), where the alternative configuration of the connection means (14', 15 ') can be seen more clearly.

Figures 13 and 14 show front and rear views of the connecting element (10 '), it being possible to observe the differences in size and diameter of the connection means (14') and (15 ^' ), where said difference allows The connection means (15 ') can be easily disassembled while the connection means (14') continues to be mounted and / or partially disassembled. In this context, it is relevant to indicate that a modality of the union element (10, 10 ') of According to the invention, it allows it to be completely disassembled from both ends, even when one of them is more easily disassembled.

Figure 15 shows a joint element (10) mounted on a road barrier (1) in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention in which the joint element is located in a first individual storage or operation position, being completely inserted both in the pivot means (6) and in the anchor means (5) of the same barrier (1). In this embodiment, the joint element (10) is completely mounted on a single barrier and within its perimeter, preventing said joint element from being damaged by shocks during the operation, transfer and / or storage of the barrier.

Figure 16 shows an embodiment in which the joint element (10) is located in a second articulated operating position, where one end of the joint element (10) is located in the pivot means (6) of a barrier (1) while the other end is located in the pivot means (6 ') of another barrier (Γ). In this mode, the connecting element (10) establishes an articulated connection between the adjacent barriers (1) and (Γ), forming an articulated system of at least two barriers that can be extended by the number of necessary barriers and joining elements. Additionally, Figure 16 shows the arrangement between barriers with respect to the bases (2), where the curvature of the perimeter of the base allows a wide rotation of the barriers with respect to each other, facilitating to vary the angular position and / or curvature of the system articulated barriers. In this sense, the articulation that allows the joint element together with the structural configuration of the barriers facilitates that these can be positioned defining a curved area and / or with corners of any length.

Figures 17 and 18 show a sequence in which the connecting element is disassembled / mounted from an articulated operating position to an individual storage or operating position, or vice versa. In this sense, figure 17 shows the connecting element (10) in a position of partial disassembly / assembly, where it can be seen that the connection means (15) are completely disassembled from the pivot means (6 ') belonging to the barrier () while the connection means (14) continue partially inserted in the pivot means (6) belonging to the barrier (1). This partial disassembly / assembly of the connecting element (10) is achieved by the difference in size of the connection means (14, 15), a difference that allows one of said connection means to remain attached to a barrier while the other completely disassemble. This configuration prevents the joint element from being completely disassembled with the consequent loss of it.

On the other hand, in figure 18 the connecting element (10) is shown in the position of disassembly / partial assembly in a single barrier (1), that is, to be disassembled / mounted in the storage position or individual operation. Figure 18 shows that the capacity of partial disassembly / assembly of the connection means (14) allows to modify the position of the connecting element without completely disassembling it from both barriers, preventing its loss. Additionally, it is demonstrated that the detachable and partially detachable connection of the connecting elements (15) and (14), respectively, allows the connecting element (10) to be rotated from one position to another, particularly on the axis of the middle of pivot (6, 6 ') allowing easy installation / uninstallation of the joint element and, therefore, of the articulated barrier system.

Figure 19 shows a set of barriers (1, Γ, 1 ", Γ"), according to the preferred embodiment of the invention, stacked inside each other where the connecting element (10) is configured in position of storage or individual operation, that is, mounted on a single barrier, so that each barrier (1, Γ, 1 ", Γ") stores a joint element (10). In this sense, the structural configuration of the barriers is such that, during their stacking, a space between barriers is generated to house the connecting element (10) in storage position, preventing it from being damaged by the action of adjacent barriers. Said space between barriers allows the upper barrier not to damage the upper portion of the joint element (10) as well as allows the lower barrier to not damage the connection or ballast means of the joint element (10). The stacking configuration of the barrier allows the storage and transport space to be reduced, both with respect to the stacking height, thanks to the internal stacking of barriers, and the longitudinal space that each stack occupies, thanks to the storage of the joint element within the perimeter of the barrier.

Figures 20 to 25 show a preferred embodiment of the invention in which the anchoring means comprise a groove (105) located in the structure of the road barrier (101), particularly at the upper end (104) of said barrier. Additionally, the walking barrier (101) has a perimeter wall (103) that comprises a wide surface to place accessories or signal elements, where the location of the slit that reduces wind resistance is relocated which in this mode is represented by a emptying (107) between the upper end (104) and the perimeter wall (103). With respect to the base (102) said base comprises a profile of preferably rectangular section with rounded edges, which offers a contact surface with the ground along the entire perimeter of the barrier. In this sense, the upper end configuration (104), emptying (107) and perimeter wall (103) according to the preferred embodiment of the invention results in an upper handle-like structure that arises from the main body of the barrier road, where the groove (105) is located on the vertical edge of the handle and the pivot means (106) are positioned horizontally towards the outer sides of the handle.

Figures 26 to 32 show a preferred embodiment of the connecting element (10 "), which has a geometric configuration with a central section (1 1") comprising a curved cross section that extends between the ends (12 ", 13 "), where from the end (13 ") a connection means (14") is projected at the end of which a ballast means (16 ") is located, while from the end (12") a ballast means (17 ") is projected that in turn it acts as a means of connection of the present mode. The curved configuration of the connecting element (10 ") allows it to adapt to the shape of the groove (105) of the road barrier (104) when said connecting element ( 10 ") is in the individual storage or operation position. Said coupling between the connecting element (10") and the groove (105) is shown in Figure 33, where it can be seen that the connecting element (10 ") it is pivotally connected in the pivot means (106) and is coupled to the groove (105) in storage position or individual operation, where the curvature of the cross section of the central section (1 1 ") allows the element of joint (10 ") adapts to the mounting in the groove (105) during storage or individual operation. In this point or it is relevant to emphasize that the central section (1 1, 1 1 ') of the connecting element according to the modalities described in Figures 5 and 9 have a central section whose cross section is straight.

Figure 34 shows an additional quality of the road barrier (101) where an articulated connection between said barrier and another type of barrier (201) can be provided, which in this mode is configured as a barrier belonging to the state of the art. In this context, any barrier that can be connected to the pivot means (106), either by itself or by means of a connecting element, can be used in conjunction with the road barrier according to the present invention. In this regard, Figure 35 shows a set of road barriers (101) that are connected to each other by joining means (10 ") and with other barriers (201, 201 ') either by themselves or by corresponding joining elements. This demonstrates the versatility of the present invention with respect to the use of the road barrier and the adaptability with other barriers existing or not in the market. Finally, Figure 36 shows road barriers (101, 101 ', 101 "), according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, stacked inside each other in storage position, where the connecting element (10") It is attached to its corresponding anchoring or groove means, preventing it from being damaged during handling of the barrier assembly.

The particularities shown in the figures correspond to representations of preferential embodiments of the road barrier and the connecting element, whereby said figures do not present limitations on the scope of the invention. In this sense, alternative modalities not detailed in the figures but operating under the same novel and inventive principles described above are considered within the scope of the present invention.

According to the above, the invention also proposes a procedure for interconnecting road barriers for the formation of an articulated system of road barriers or train of barriers, wherein said method consists of connecting at least one road barrier according to the present invention. to another road barrier, where the procedure consists of interconnecting at least two road barriers by means of the connecting element and / or connection means present therein.

In this context, according to the present invention, the connecting element (10, 10 ', 10 ") of a road barrier (1, 101) is in its individual storage or operation position, and must be relocated to an articulated operating position. for interconnection with other road barriers. In this regard, the connecting element (10, 10 ', 10 ") is removed from the anchoring means (5) or the groove (105), as appropriate, and then placed in the means pivot (6, 106) in its articulated operating position. In said last position, the end (13, 13 ', 13 ") is inserted into the pivot means (6, 106) of the barrier in question and the ends (12, 12', 12") of the connecting element are inserted into the pivot means (6 ', 106') of a barrier adjacent, be said barrier in accordance with the present invention or another barrier having pivot means adaptable to the position of the joint element in question.

In this context, in a preferred embodiment of the invention the connecting element (10, 10 ', 10 ") is removed from the anchoring means (5) or groove (105) and partially disassembled from the pivot means (6 , 106), rotating on the axis of said pivot means (6, 106) to its articulated operating position. In this embodiment, the end (13, 13 ', 13 ") of the connecting element (10, 10', 10 ") remains partially attached to the road barrier (1, 101) thanks to the connection means (14, 14 ', 14") which has the end (13, 13', 13 ") of the connecting element, in wherein said connecting means makes it difficult to completely disassemble the connecting element from the pivot means (6, 106) to facilitate that these rotate on the axis of said pivot means.In contrast, in an alternative embodiment the joining elements are disassembled totally both of the anchoring means (5) or groove (105) and of the pivot means (6, 106), being located in the operating position articu side by inserting both the ends (12, 12 ', 12 ") and the ends (13, 13', 13") in the pivot means (6 ', 106') of the adjacent barrier and in the pivot means (6 , 106) of the barrier in question, respectively.

On the other hand, in one modality of the procedure for the formation of the articulated system of road barriers, it considers that one of the ends of the road barrier does not use connecting elements for the connection between barriers, using only the connection means integrated in the road barriers for Perform the barrier train setup. This modality mainly includes the use of different road barriers where other types of barriers, such as belonging to the prior art, have connection means that in turn act as fixed joining elements. In this case, said connection means are those that interact with the connection means (6, 106) of the road barrier according to the present invention, establishing with said interaction the articulated joint of barriers. In addition, the procedure for forming the articulated barrier system comprises the alternative of removing the joint element once it is removed from its individual storage or operation position, in order to insert it, both in the barrier in question and in the barrier adjacent, once each barrier is placed next to another.

Therefore, the procedure of interconnection of road barriers can be summarized by the stages of:

- disassemble the connecting element (10, 10 ', 10 ") from the anchoring means (5, 105), bringing the connecting element from its individual storage or operating position to its articulated operating position,

- insert the end (13, 13 ', 13 ") into the pivot means (6, 106) of a road barrier (1, 101), insert the end (12, 12', 12") into the pivot means (6 ', 106') of an adjacent road barrier (Γ, 101 ', 201) establish an articulated connection between barriers by means of the connecting element (10, 10', 10 ") and / or the pivot means ( 6, 6 ', 106, 106').

Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of the invention the step of disassembling the connecting element (10, 10 ', 10 ") comprises partially disassembling the end (13, 13', 13") of the pivot means (6, 106) , including the step of rotating the connecting element (10, 10 ', 10 ") on the axis of said pivot means (6, 106) to its articulated operating position where the partial disassembly of the end (13, 13' , 13 ") is undone by inserting both ends of the joint element completely.

On the other hand, an alternative modality of the interconnection process comprises a step of disassembling the connecting element (10, 10 ', 10 ") completely from the means of pivot (6, 106), being located in the articulated operating position by inserting both the ends (12, 12 ', 12 ") and the ends (13, 13', 13") into the pivot means (6 ', 106 ') of the adjacent barrier as in the pivot means (6, 106) of the barrier in question, respectively.

Finally, it is relevant to highlight that the procedure also contemplates that the barrier system is made up of different road barriers, using road barriers according to the modalities of the present invention and / or different barriers, such as the prior art barriers shown in Figures 34 and 35.

Claims

1. A road barrier for signaling and addressing the traffic of vehicles and / or people, which improves the mobility and adaptability of the road barrier both in operation and storage, where the road barrier (1, 101) comprises: - a base (2, 102) open towards the bottom and that configures the support of the road barrier (1, 101), - a perimeter mantle (3, 103) attached to the upper part of the base (2, 102) and configuring the side walls of the barrier, and - an upper portion (4, 104) attached to the upper part of the perimeter mantle (3, 103) and that closes the structure of the road barrier (1, 101) to the outside, where the road barrier (1, 101) It is CHARACTERIZED because it also includes: - anchoring means (5, 105) for anchoring elements external to the body of the road barrier (1, 101), pivot means (6, 106) for articulating or movable anchoring of elements external to the body of the road barrier (1, 101), and a joint element (10) that is used as an articulated joint device between adjacent barriers in order to form an articulated system of barriers comprising at least 2 barriers linked by said joint element (10) , wherein said connecting element (10) has two operating positions, a first individual storage and / or operation position and a second articulated operating position and other road barriers. 2. The road barrier according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the first storage position or individual operation comprises mounting the connecting element (10) in a single barrier and within its perimeter. 3. The road barrier according to claim 2, CHARACTERIZED in that the first storage position or individual operation comprises inserting the connecting element both in the pivot means (6, 106) and in the anchor means (5, 105) of the same road barrier (1, 101). 4. The road barrier according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the second articulated operating position establishes an articulated or movable connection between adjacent road barriers, forming an articulated system of at least two barriers that can be extended by the amount of barriers and elements of union needed. 5. The road barrier according to claim 2, CHARACTERIZED in that the second articulated operating position comprises inserting the connecting element (10) into the pivot means (6, 106) of a road barrier (1) and the means of pivot (6 ') of another road barrier (1'). 6. The road barrier according to any of the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED because the connecting element comprises a central section (1 1) and two ends (12, 13), wherein the central section (11) is configured as an elongated section. 7. The road barrier according to claim 6, CHARACTERIZED in that the ends (12, 13) have connection means (14, 15) extending towards the bottom of the connecting element (10), wherein the means of connection (14, 15) are configured to be introduced or inserted in the anchoring means (5, 105) and / or in the pivot means (6, 106) of the road barrier (1, 101), providing a connection articulated or rotary. 8. The road barrier according to claim 7, CHARACTERIZED in that the connection means (14, 15) are configured to be easily inserted and to be disassembled with greater difficulty, avoiding involuntary disassembly of the element and joint (10) during operation. 9. The road barrier according to claim 8, CHARACTERIZED in that the connecting means (14, 15) are of a dart or arrow type appearance that proposes a sliding surface or of a smaller diameter in the direction of the insertion and a stop or surface of larger diameter towards the dismantling, where said dart or arrow configuration can be sectioned in part of its larger diameter section to reduce resistance to disassembly, either in the connection means (14) and / or in the means of connection (15). 10. The road barrier according to any of claims 6 to 9, CHARACTERIZED because the connection means (14, 15) are different from each other, in order to differentiate the ease of disassembly of each connection means as required. 11. The road barrier according to claim 10, CHARACTERIZED in that the connection means (14) offer greater resistance to disassembly than the connection means (15), wherein the connection means (14) are preferably used for joining the connecting element (10) to the pivot means (6, 106) of a barrier, while the connecting means (15) are preferably used to join the connecting element (10) to the anchoring means (5) , 105) of said barrier or to the pivot means (6, 106) of an adjacent barrier. 12. The road barrier according to any of claims 10 and 11, CHARACTERIZED because the connection means (14), which offer greater resistance to disassembly, can be partially disassembled so that the connection means (15) are completely disassembled while the connection means (14) remain partially attached to the road barrier (1, 101). 13. The road barrier according to claim 12, CHARACTERIZED in that the connection means (14, 15) are of different length, wherein the greater extent of the connection means (14) facilitates it to remain connected to the barrier while that the connection means (15) are removed from the barrier due to its shorter length. 14. The road barrier according to any of claims 12 and 13, CHARACTERIZED because the connection means (14, 15) are of different diameter, wherein the larger diameter of the connection means (14) makes it easier for it to remain connected to the barrier while the connection means (15) are removed from the barrier due to its smaller diameter. 15. The road barrier according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the connecting element (10) comprises ballast means (16, 17) that provide weight fixing points that allow to increase the mass of the barrier during operation, with the in order to avoid its overturning, displacement and / or involuntary uninstallation. 16. The road barrier according to claims 15 and 7, CHARACTERIZED because the ballast means are then provided with connection means (14, 15). 17. The road barrier according to claim 16, CHARACTERIZED in that the ballast means (16, 17) comprise rings extending from the ends of the connection means (14, 15), wherein said rings allow fixing, by means of ties, of ballast materials such as concrete, steel, compartments with sand or water, among others, duly arranged accordingly. 18. The road barrier according to any of claims 15 to 17, CHARACTERIZED because the ballast means (16, 17) are arranged in such a way that in operation, that is, when the connecting elements are mounted either in operation individually in a single barrier or in articulated operation between barriers, they are housed inside the road barrier (1, 101). 19. The road barrier according to any of claims 15 to 18, CHARACTERIZED in that the connection means (15 ') are configured as a pair of projections arranged in the ballast means (17'), wherein said projections offer a much lower resistance to disassembly of the connecting element (10 '). 20. The road barrier according to any of the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED because the connecting element (10) can be changed between operating positions, without completely disassembling it from one of the barriers, rotating it from one position to another on the axis of the anchoring means (5) or pivot means (6, 106). 21. The road barrier according to any of the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED in that the perimeter mantle (3, 103) comprises a surface inclined towards the inside of the road barrier (1, 101), which in combination with the base (2 , 102) open towards its lower part, and comprising a surface of variable taper, allows a barrier to be stacked inside the other during storage. 22. The road barrier according to claim 21, CHARACTERIZED because during the stacking the connecting element (10) is in an individual storage or operation position, being housed in an internal space that is generated between stacked barriers. 23. The road barrier according to any of the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED because the perimeter mantle (3, 103) has a surface that can be used for the installation of devices external to the barrier, such as signals and reflecting devices, among others. 24. The road barrier according to any of the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED because the upper portion (4, 104) can be used for the installation of devices external to the barrier, such as signals and reflector devices, among others, particularly installed on the anchoring means (5, 105) and / or on the pivot means (6, 106). 25. The road barrier according to any of the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED in that the anchoring means (5, 105) correspond to at least one groove, perforation or groove preferably arranged in the central area of the upper portion (4, 104) , while the pivot means (6, 106) correspond to at least two indentations or perforations arranged at the front and rear ends of the upper portion (4, 104). 26. The road barrier according to any of the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED because it further comprises perforations (7, 107) arranged in the perimeter mantle (3, 103) of the road barrier (1, 101). 27. The road barrier according to any of the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED in that the base is configured from a rectangular section with rounded edges. 28. The road barrier according to any of the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED in that both the joint element (10) and the pivot means (6, 106) allow articulated connection between different barriers that adapt to said joint element ( 10) and / or pivot means (6, 106). 29. An articulated system of road barriers for signaling and addressing the traffic of vehicles and / or people, which improves the mobility and adaptability of road barriers both in operation and storage, where at least one road barrier (1, 101) is CHARACTERIZED because it comprises: anchoring means (5, 105) for anchoring external elements to the body of the road barrier (1, 101), pivot means (6, 106) for articulated or movable anchoring of external elements to the body of the road barrier (1, 101). Y - a joint element (10) that is used as an articulated joint device between adjacent barriers in order to form an articulated system of barriers comprising at least 2 barriers linked by said joint element (10), wherein said element of Union (10) has two operating positions, a first storage and / or individual operation position and a second articulated operating position in other road barriers. 30. The articulated road barrier system according to claim 31, CHARACTERIZED in that the at least one road barrier (1, 101) is according to any one of claims 1 to 28. 31. The articulated road barrier system according to any one of claims 29 to 30, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises at least one road barrier (101) and at least one different road barrier (201) 32. An element of union of road barriers for signaling and addressing the traffic of vehicles and / or people, which improves the mobility and adaptability of road barriers both in operation and storage, CHARACTERIZED because it comprises a central section (1 1 , 1, 1 1 ") and two ends (12, 12 ', 12") and (13, 13', 13 ")), where the central section (1 1 1 1% 1 1") is configured as a elongated section and the ends allow the connecting element (10, 10 ', 10 ") to be connected in two operating positions, a first storage position and / or individual operation and a second operating position articulated with other road barriers. 33. The connecting element according to claim 32, CHARACTERIZED in that the central section (11, 11 ') has a straight cross section. 34. The connecting element according to claim 32, CHARACTERIZED in that the central section (11 ") has a curved cross section. 35. The connecting element according to claim 32, CHARACTERIZED in that the ends (12, 13) comprise connection means that are mounted on at least one road barrier according to any one of claims 1 to 28. 36. A procedure for interconnection of road barriers for the formation of an articulated system of road barriers for signaling and addressing traffic of vehicles and / or people, which improves the mobility and adaptability of the road barrier both in operation and storage , wherein the interconnection procedure is CHARACTERIZED by the steps of: disassembling the joint element (10, 10 ', 10 ") from the anchoring means (5, 105), bringing the joint element from its storage or operation position individually to its articulated operating position, insert the end (13, 13 ', 13 ") into the pivot means (6, 106) of a road barrier (1, 101), insert the end (12, 12', 12 ") on the pivot means (6 ', 106') of an adjacent road barrier (1 ', 101', 201) establish an articulated connection between barriers by means of the connecting element (10, 10 ', 10 ") and / or the pivot means (6, 6', 106, 106 '). 37. The interconnection method according to claim 36, CHARACTERIZED in that the step of disassembling the connecting element (10, 10 ', 10 ") further comprises partially disassembling the end (13, 13', 13") of the means pivot (6, 106). 38. The interconnection method according to claim 37, CHARACTERIZED in that it also includes the step of rotating the connecting element (10, 10 ', 10 ") on the axis of said pivot means (6, 106) to its position of articulated operation where the partial disassembly of the end (13, 13 ', 13 ") is undone by completely inserting both ends of the connecting element. 39. The interconnection method according to claim 36, CHARACTERIZED in that the stage of disassembling the connecting element (10, 10 ', 10 ") further comprises completely disassembling the connecting element (10, 10', 10") of the pivot means (6, 106), having to be located in the articulated operating position by inserting both the ends (12, 12 ', 12 ") and the ends (13, 13', 13") into the pivot means (6 ', 106') of the adjacent barrier as in the pivot means (6, 106) of the barrier in question, respectively. 40. The interconnection process according to any of claims 36 to 39, CHARACTERIZED because the barrier system is made up of different road barriers