System, apparatus and method for installation of street furniture

Abstract

Disclosed is a pre-fabricated modular system for installation of both a vehicle restraint system and at least one item of street furniture; the system comprising at least one pre-fabricated foundation module comprising a plurality of attachment points for securely attaching a vehicle restraint system to the foundation module; and at least one pre-fabricated extension module, which comprises one or more attachment points for securely attaching at least one item of street furniture to the extension module; and wherein the extension module and the foundation module comprise cooperating surfaces such that the respective modules can be placed in frictional engagement with one another.

1 . A pre-fabricated modular system for installation of both a vehicle restraint system and at least one item of street furniture; the system comprising at least one pre-fabricated foundation module comprising a plurality of attachment points for securely attaching a vehicle restraint system to the foundation module; and at least one pre-fabricated extension module, which comprises one or more attachment points for securely attaching at least one item of street furniture to the extension module; and wherein the extension module and the foundation module comprise cooperating surfaces such that the respective modules can be placed in frictional engagement with one another. 
     
     
         2 . A prefabricated foundation module for use in installation of both a vehicle restraint system and at least one item of street furniture, the module comprising a plurality of attachment points for securely attaching a vehicle restraint system to the foundation module, and one or more attachment points for securely attaching at least one item of street furniture to the foundation module. 
     
     
         3 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein the foundation module consists of or substantially comprises reinforced concrete. 
     
     
         4 . A system according to  claim 3 , wherein the foundation module comprises a plurality of apertures to facilitate access to services locatable or located beneath the foundation module, and wherein metal reinforcing components in the foundation module do not extend into the apertures. 
     
     
         5 . A system according to  claim 3 , wherein the foundation module comprises a plurality of apertures which, when the module is in situ, facilitate drainage of rainwater from an adjacent carriageway. 
     
     
         6 . A system according to  claim 3 , in combination with, or comprising, a pre-fabricated concrete conduit unit which provides a conduit for services beneath the foundation module. 
     
     
         7 . A system according to  claim 6 , wherein the conduit unit additionally provides a drainage channel for draining water from the foundation module and/or an adjacent carriageway. 
     
     
         8 . A pre-fabricated extension module, comprising one or more attachment points for securely attaching at least one item of street furniture to the extension module, the extension module being adapted and configured to engage with a pre-fabricated foundation for a vehicle restraint system. 
     
     
         9 . A system according to  claim 3 , wherein the foundation module and the extension module comprise cooperating surfaces which permit abutment of the modules in frictional engagement. 
     
     
         10 . A system according to  claim 3 , wherein the extension module is adapted and configured to fit between, and engage with, two foundation modules. 
     
     
         11 . A system according to  claim 3 , wherein the extension module is substantially formed of concrete or reinforced concrete. 
     
     
         12 . A system according to  claim 3 , wherein the extension module can be located at any one of a plurality of different sites on the foundation module. 
     
     
         13 . A system according to  claim 3 , wherein the size and shape of the extension module is selected so that the attachment point is set back from the vehicle restraint system such that a vehicle impacting and deforming the vehicle restraint will not cause injury to occupants of the vehicle by impacting the item of street furniture. 
     
     
         14 . A system according to  claim 3 , wherein the components of the system may be assembled in situ. 
     
     
         15 . A system according to  claim 3 , wherein opposed ends of a foundation module are shaped and dimensioned to co-operate with an end of a respective further foundation module. 
     
     
         16 . A system according to  claim 15 , wherein an end of one foundation module forms an interlocking engagement with the end of an adjacent foundation module. 
     
     
         17 . A system according to  claim 15 , wherein one end of the foundation module is formed with a male member and the opposed end of the foundation module is formed with a reciprocally-shaped female member. 
     
     
         18 . A system according to  claim 15 , wherein the ends of the foundation module are shaped and dimensioned so as to permit a first foundation module to be moved in a substantially vertical plane relative to a second foundation module but so as to resist lateral relative movement of the foundation modules in a substantially horizontal plane, optionally whilst allowing pivotal movement in a horizontal plane. 
     
     
         19 . A system according to  claim 14 , wherein the components of the system may be assembled or disassembled in situ and are reusable. 
     
     
         20 . A method of installing a vehicle restraint system and at least one item of street furniture, the method comprising the steps of:
 (a) positioning a selected prefabricated foundation module, as previously defined, at a desired location;   (b) attaching at least one VRS support post to an attachment point on the foundation module;   (c) providing at least one attachment point for attaching an item of street furniture, said street furniture attachment point being present either on the foundation module, or on an extension module, which extension module, if present, is positioned in engagement with the foundation module.   
     
     
         21 . A method according to  claim 20 , further comprising the step (d) of attaching a VRS barrier to the support post. 
     
     
         22 . A method according to  claim 20 , further comprising the step (e) of attaching an item of street furniture to the street furniture attachment point. 
     
     
         23 . A method according to  claim 20 , comprising an initial step of excavating a trench of length and width suitable to accommodate one or more of the selected pre-fabricated foundation modules. 
     
     
         24 . A method according to  claim 20 , wherein the components of the system are assembled in situ.