Locking bollard cap assembly, systems and methods for locking bollards

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to impact protection. This present invention relates to devices, systems and methods for use in front of sidewalks, doorways, electrical equipment with doors opening into an impact zone, or other locations in which it is desirable to create a barrier or perimeter. More specifically, the present invention relates to a removable bollard that is capable of being easily inserted into place to create a barrier and then removed when desired. While in place the bollard prevents impact with the impact zone and is locked in place to prevent tampering. The bollard is optionally removable by the operator to then allow for entry and egress into the impact zone.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A bollard assembly comprising:
 an elongated bollard including a hollow center, a proximal end, and a distal end;   a sleeve placed over said proximal end of said bollard;   a cable including a proximal end and a distal end;   a cable stopper connected to said proximal end of said cable;   a cap hook connected to said distal end of said cable;   a bollard cap connected to the distal end of said bollard, said bollard cap including a slot,
 wherein said slot is configured to receive said cap hook; and 
   a lock;   wherein said cable is disposed within said bollard such that said cable stopper is in communication with the proximal end of said sleeve; and   wherein said cap hook is configured to insert into said slot of said bollard cap and secured in place with said lock.   
     
     
         2 . The bollard assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising a slipcover placed over the distal end of said bollard. 
     
     
         3 . The bollard assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said cable stopper is connected to said proximal end of said cable with a cable clamp. 
     
     
         4 . The bollard assembly of  claim 3 , wherein said cable clamp is a hex clamp. 
     
     
         5 . The bollard assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said cap hook is connected to said distal end of said cable with a cable clamp. 
     
     
         6 . The bollard assembly of  claim 5 , wherein said cable clamp is a hex clamp. 
     
     
         7 . The bollard assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said sleeve is configured to be fixed in the ground. 
     
     
         8 . The bollard assembly of  claim 7 , wherein said sleeve is configured to be fixed in the ground with concrete. 
     
     
         9 . The bollard assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising a pull string connected to said cap hook. 
     
     
         10 . The bollard assembly of  claim 2 , further comprising a pull string connected to said cap hook. 
     
     
         11 . A method for installing a bollard assembly, the method comprising:
 placing a sleeve over the proximal end of an elongated bollard, wherein said bollard includes a hollow center;   attaching the proximal end of a cable to a cable stopper and the distal end of said cable to a cap hook;   pulling the distal end of said cable through the center of said bollard so that said cable stopper impacts the proximal end of the sleeve once the sleeve has been placed over the bollard to thereby prevent further movement of the cable through the center of said bollard;   inserting said cap hook into the slot of a bollard cap;   placing said bollard cap on the distal end of said bollard; and   adjusting said cable so that when pulled taut said cap hook still protrudes through said slot above said bollard cap.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising the step of locking said cap hook in place above said bollard cap. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising the step of securing said sleeve in the ground. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising the step of securing said sleeve in the ground. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising the step of placing a slipcover over the distal end of said bollard. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising the step of attaching a pull string to said cap hook. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein said cable is attached to said cable stopper and said cap hook using cable clamps. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein said sleeve is secured in the ground with concrete. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising the steps of:
 removing the slipcover from the distal end of said bollard;   unlocking said cap hook; and   removing said bollard from said sleeve.   
     
     
         20 . A method for installing a bollard assembly, the method comprising:
 attaching the proximal end of a cable to a cable stopper and the distal end of said cable to a cap hook;   placing a sleeve over the proximal end of an elongated bollard, wherein said bollard includes a hollow center;   pulling the distal end of said cable through the center of said bollard so that said cable stopper impacts the proximal end of the sleeve thereby prevent further movement of the cable through the center said bollard;   inserting said cap hook into the slot of a bollard cap;   placing said bollard cap on the distal end of said bollard; and   adjusting said cable so that when pulled taut said cap hook still protrudes through said slot above said bollard cap.