Patent Publication Number: US-7717641-B2

Title: Bollard type barrier assembly

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application is a divisional application of U.S. Patent Office application Ser. No. 11/800,226, filed May 4, 2007, which claims the benefit of provisional application No. 60/798,073, filed on May 4, 2006. 

   STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
   Not applicable. 
   FIELD OF THE APPLICATION 
   The application relates generally to a bollard type barrier assembly used for example, to block access, to improve security, and to add value to the landscape of property. 
   BACKGROUND 
   Post or bollard type barriers are employed to control access to entranceways, driveways, roads and the like, and to also secure the perimeter around buildings, structures, and other objects. Typically, post or bollard type barriers control access by extending above grade a distance necessary to prevent traffic flow, such as vehicles, from traveling beyond the barrier. 
   Depending on the situation, a post or bollard type barrier may be either stationary thereby maintaining a constant above grade position, or retractable, wherein the post or bollard can be interchangeably positioned from an above grade extended position to a below grade retracted position whereby the bollard can be locked in position to allow vehicles or other objects access beyond the barrier. 
   In instances where a vehicle or other object impacts a bollard that is extended above grade, energy from the impact may travel along the length of the bollard toward the surrounding ground or support structure resulting in structural damage to either or both the barrier and the ground or support structure. Often, the damage results in the bollard and the surrounding ground or support structure being repaired and/or replaced. Post impact repairs to the bollard and surrounding ground or support structure can be time consuming and costly. 
   In other instances, vibration associated with the passage of vehicles over or near a retracted bollard may cause the retracted bollard to unintentionally unlock and extend out from a locked position below grade to an extended position above grade—potentially resulting in unwanted collisions between the bollard and a vehicle or other object. 
   A bollard type barrier is desired that decreases or otherwise eliminates damage to the surrounding ground or support structure following impact while also protecting against unintentionally unlocking or potential extension of the barrier above grade. 
   SUMMARY 
   The present application is related to a barrier assembly comprising at least (1) a support assembly so configured to be secured to the ground; (2) a retractable assembly so configured to be received within the support assembly; and (3) a locking assembly so configured to attach to the retractable assembly. The locking assembly suitably comprises (a) a locking rod assembly configured to hold the retractable assembly in at least a first fixed position, (b) a tamper proof lock configured to maintain the orientation of the locking rod assembly, and (c) a locking tool configured to access the tamper proof lock and adjust the locking rod assembly so that the retractable assembly can be adjusted from the first fixed position to a second fixed position. Various embodiments of the barrier assembly and methods for employing the barrier assembly are provided herein. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the barrier assembly wherein the bollard is fixed in an extended position above grade. 
       FIG. 2A  illustrates a top view of the barrier assembly wherein the bollard is positioned below grade. 
       FIG. 2B  illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the multi-flange assembly of the support assembly. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of the barrier assembly, including a locking assembly, with the bollard positioned below grade. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the barrier assembly wherein the bollard is fixed in a retracted position below grade. 
   

   BRIEF DESCRIPTION 
   It has been discovered that a bollard type barrier assembly, supported below grade and operationally configured to extend above grade, can absorb an impact from a moving vehicle or other object and limit or isolate the resulting impact and possible damage resulting there from to the bollard itself without distributing energy or otherwise damaging the surrounding ground or support structure. By limiting or isolating the damage to the bollard, the bollard can be removed and replaced without having to repair or replace the surrounding ground or support structure. Heretofore, such a desirable achievement has not been considered possible, and accordingly, the barrier assembly described herein measures up to the dignity of patentability and therefore represents a patentable concept. 
   Before describing the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the present barrier assembly and method are not limited to particular embodiments. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the phrase “barrier assembly” refers to one or more bollard type barriers operationally configured as described herein. The term “ground” refers to any travel surface including but not necessarily limited to the earth and manmade structures such as bridges, building surfaces such as rooftops and walls, platforms and the like that can be constructed of various materials including for example, metals, woods, plastics, composites, and cementitious materials. The term “ground” can also include any of the above travel surfaces including surfaces about horizontal up to about vertical, such as a wall. The term “grade” refers to ground level. The term “impact” refers to any contact between a barrier assembly extending above grade and a vehicle or other object. For example, a typical impact between an automobile and a barrier assembly described herein may occur at a point along the bollard from about 12 inches to about 24 inches above grade—depending on the length of the bollard and the vehicle impacting the bollard. The term “vehicle” herein refers to not only automobiles, but to any conveyance means configured to transport people or other objects including, for example, military conveyances such as tanks, construction trucks, steamrollers, tractors, locomotives, sleds, and other land traveling crafts. Vehicle can further include water crafts such as boats and the like in situations where the barrier assembly is employed in water. The phrase “rapid removal” or “rapid removal and replacement” herein refers to removing or removing and replacing at least the retractable assembly of the barrier assembly, but the phrase may also include removing or removing and replacing part of the support assembly along with the retractable assembly within minutes. The phrase “cementitious material(s)” herein refers to materials typically required to make concrete or other cement based products. The phrase “camouflage” herein means to conceal by some means that alters or obscures the appearance of an object. 
   In one aspect, the present application relates to a bollard type barrier assembly configured to stop a moving vehicle at the point of impact of the vehicle with the barrier assembly. 
   In another aspect, the present application relates to a bollard type barrier assembly configured for rapid removal and replacement of the retractable part of the barrier assembly. 
   In another aspect, the present application relates to a bollard type barrier assembly configured so that impact energy can be transferred to the retractable assembly away from the surrounding ground or support structure. 
   In another aspect, the present application relates to a bollard type barrier assembly including a locking assembly operationally configured to hold the retractable assembly in a fixed position either above grade or below grade. 
   In another aspect, the present application relates to a bollard type barrier assembly including a camouflaged locking assembly. 
   In another aspect, the present application relates to a bollard type barrier assembly including a tamper proof locking assembly. 
   In another aspect, the present application relates to a bollard type barrier assembly including a tamper proof locking assembly including a hand tool configured to access the tamper proof locking assembly. 
   In another aspect, the present application relates to a bollard type barrier assembly including a tamper proof locking assembly including a tool configured to adjust the locking assembly between a locked position and unlocked position of the retractable assembly. 
   In still another aspect, the present application relates to a bollard type barrier assembly including a support assembly comprised of a plurality of flanges in a bulls-eye configuration at about ground level and surrounding the bollard. 
   In yet another aspect, the present application relates to a method of employing the bollard type barrier assembly. 
   In another aspect, the present application relates to a method of employing a plurality of adjacent bollard type barrier assemblies spanning the width of a particular pathway. 
   The barrier assembly according to the present application will be described in more detail with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings. The drawings are illustrative only, and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. 
   The Barrier Assembly 
   The Figures of the drawings, and particularly  FIG. 1 , disclose a barrier assembly  10  comprising (1) a support assembly operationally configured to be secured to the ground to a predetermined depth; (2) a retractable assembly operationally configured to be received within the support assembly; and (3) a locking assembly operationally configured to hold the retractable assembly in a fixed position. 
   At a minimum, the support assembly is comprised of a multi-flange assembly including at least an inner most flange  12  and one or more outer flanges  14 ; a casing  16  set below grade and configured to affix to the inner most flange  12  at a first end; a housing  18  set below grade surrounding the casing  16 ; and reinforced cementitious material  15  comprising a framing network disposed therein, the reinforced cementitious material  15  being configured to adhere to the multi-flange assembly and the housing  18 , wherein the housing  18  is operationally configured to isolate the casing  16  from the reinforced cementitious material  15 . 
   At a minimum, the retractable assembly is comprised of a telescoping bollard  20  operationally configured to (1) extend out from the casing  16 , and (2) retract into the casing  16 ; and an actuating member  22  configured to urge the bollard  20  from a first fixed position to a second fixed position (i.e., from a first position of the bollard  20  below grade to an extended position of the bollard  20  above grade). 
   At a minimum, the locking assembly is comprised of a locking rod assembly including an adjustable locking rod  24  configured to hold the retractable assembly in a fixed position below grade or above grade; a tamper proof lock  26  configured to maintain the orientation of the locking rod  24  against any undesired motion; a tamper proof cap  28  attached to a first end of the bollard  20  and configured to house the tamper proof lock  26 ; and a locking tool  30  configured to access the tamper proof lock  26  to adjust the locking rod  24 . 
   Support Assembly 
   In one suitable implementation, the support assembly can be operationally configured to reinforce the retractable assembly, including the locking assembly, during impact when the bollard  20  is in an extended position above grade. In another suitable implementation, the support assembly can be operationally configured for the rapid removal and replacement of the retractable assembly following an impact—including impact destructive to the retractable assembly. 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the support assembly, including at least the reinforced cementitious material  15 , casing  16  and housing  18 , can be secured to the ground below grade. As further illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the multi-flange assembly of the support assembly can be located at about grade wherein at least part of the multi-flange assembly can be adhered to or otherwise joined to the reinforced cementitious material  15  along the below grade side of the multi-flange assembly. In addition, the casing  16  can be affixed to the inner most flange  12  at a first end wherein the casing  16  suitably extends below grade and terminates at a depth about equal to the deepest section of reinforced cementitious material  15  wherein the casing  16  is surrounding by the housing  18 . 
   In one suitable embodiment of the barrier assembly  10 , the multi-flange assembly comprises two or more flanges oriented in a “bulls-eye” configuration wherein the outer periphery of the inner most flange  12  abuts the inner periphery of an adjoining outer flange  14 . Likewise, the inner periphery of each successive outer flange suitably abuts the outer periphery of the adjoining inner flange. In addition, the flanges may include gaskets there between. 
   In another suitable embodiment of the barrier assembly  10 , the multi-flange assembly comprises at least an inner most flange  12  releasably secured to an adjoining outer flange  14  via a locking means, including but not necessarily limited to, one or more locking pins  32 . As  FIGS. 2A and 2B  illustrate, the one or more locking pins  32  can be housed within corresponding recesses of the flanges  12  and  14  in an overlapping manner to effectively secure or otherwise lock the inner most flange  12  to the outer flange  14  to guard against undesired rotational movement of the inner most flange  12  and guard against undesired separation of the inner most flange  12  from the outer flange  14 —thus preserving the alignment between flanges  12  and  14  during operation of the barrier assembly  10 . 
   In one embodiment, the recess of the inner most flange  12  can include a hole in the outer periphery of the inner most flange  12 . In another embodiment, the recess of the inner most flange  12  can include a machined slot or groove along the below grade side of the inner most flange  12  beginning at the outer perimeter of the inner most flange  12  and terminating with a hole configured to receive at least part of the locking pin  32 . In a suitable locked position of the multi-flange assembly as described herein, at least part of one end of the locking pin  32  may extend into the recess of the outer flange  14 , while at least part of the locking pin  32  rests along the length of the machined slot or groove of the inner most flange  12 , while at least part of the other end of the locking pin  32  extends into the recess of the inner most flange  12 . Suitably, the recess of the outer flange  14  includes a depth that allows each locking pin  32  to be slid radially into the recess of the outer flange  14  a distance necessary to withdraw the locking pin  32  from the inner most flange  12 —or vice versa. 
   The one or more locking pins  32  may also be spring loaded originating from either the inner most flange  12  or the adjoining outer flange  14 . In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the barrier assembly  10  incorporating spring loaded locking pins  32 , the one or more locking pins  32  are operationally configured to spring out from the outer flange  14  to mate with corresponding recesses of the inner most flange  12 . In this embodiment, each spring loaded locking pin  32  can be manually slid radially into the recess of the outer flange  14  a distance necessary to withdraw the locking pin  32  from the inner most flange  12 . 
   The multi-flange assembly described herein may further comprise one or more support pins  35  fixed to the adjoining outer flange  14 . Suitably, the one or more support pins  35  can be configured in such a manner that the inner most flange  12  can sit atop the one or more support pins  35  wherein the casing  16  that is affixed to the inner most flange  12  can suspend from the inner most flange  12  to a point below grade within the housing  18 . To best accommodate the one or more support pins  35 , the below grade side of the inner most flange  12  may include one or more machined slots or grooves configured to receive at least part of each of the support pins  35  to assist in stabilizing and holding the inner most flange  12  as described above. Thus, during operation of the barrier assembly  10 , the multi-flange assembly may be effectively secured by not only locking the inner most flange  12  to the adjoining outer flange  14  via one or more locking pins  32 , but also by further mating the support pins  35  with the slots or grooves of the inner most flange  12 . 
   In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the multi-flange assembly may comprise (a) a pair of corresponding recesses on each of the flanges  12  and  14  that are set about 180° apart—each pair of corresponding recesses being operationally configured to house at least part of a locking pin  32  therein; and (b) two support pins  35  fixed to the first outer flange  14  and set about 180° apart. As shown in  FIG. 2A , when the multi-flange assembly is in an operational position, each of the four pins  32 ,  35  lie about 90° apart along the outer periphery of inner most flange  12 . A different number of locking pins  32  and/or support pins  35  can be used if desired or otherwise required. 
   Depending on the desired use of the barrier assembly  10 , suitable locking pins  32  may be comprised of durable materials effective to preserve the alignment of mult-flange assembly during operation of the barrier assembly  10 . Suitable locking pin  32  materials include for example, metal industrial materials such as stainless steel and carbon steel. In one particularly advantageous embodiment, the one or more locking pins  32  are comprised of stainless steel dowel pins. In another particularly advantageous embodiment, the one or more locking pins  32  are comprised of carbon steel dowel pins. Suitable locking pins  32  can be acquired from the following commercial sources: Grainger®; and Small Parts, Inc., Miami Lakes, Fla. 
   Although the barrier assembly  10  can be built to scale, in order to prevent access of vehicles of the type described herein, the locking pins  32  suitably comprise a diameter of from about 0.95 cm (about ⅜ inch) to about 1.9 cm (about ¾ inch), and comprise a length from about 7.6 cm (about 3 inches) to about 9.50 cm (about 3¾ inches). In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the barrier assembly  10  includes spring loaded locking pins  32  each comprising a diameter of about 1.27 cm (about ½ inch) and a length of about 8.90 cm (about 3½ inches) with corresponding recesses on the flanges  12  and  14  having the following dimensions: 
   Recess of outer flange  14 : 
                                              Width:   about 1.43 cm (about 9/16 inches)           Depth:   up to about 6.35 cm (up to about 2½ inches)                        
Recess of inner most flange  12 :
 
                                              Width of Hole:   about 1.43 cm (about 9/16 inches)           Depth of Hole:   about 0.64 cm (about ¼ inches)           Width of Machined Groove:   about 1.43 cm (about 9/16 inches)           Length of Machined Groove:   about .953 cm (about ⅜ inches)                        
When the multi-flange assembly is locked in an operational position, the one or more locking pins  32  suitably extend within the recesses of the inner most flange  12  and the outer flange  14  up to about 0.64 cm (about ¼ inch).
 
   Although the barrier assembly  10  can be built to scale, in a suitable embodiment the inner most flange  12  and adjoining outer  14  flange comprise heights from about 3.5 cm (about 1⅜ inches) to about 6.35 cm (about 2½ inches). In another embodiment, the adjoining outer  14  flange comprises a height slightly greater than the height of the inner most flange  12 . In another embodiment, the inner most flange  12  can be machined so that the height of the inner most flange  12  along or near the inner  25  periphery is less than the height of the inner most flange  12  along or near the outer periphery—as shown in  FIG. 1 . In a particularly advantageous embodiment, including a bollard  20  configured to extend above grade about 76.2 cm (about 30.0 inches), the height of the inner most flange  12  along its inner periphery is about 2.54 cm (about 1.0 inch) and the height of the inner most flange  12  along its outer periphery is about 5 cm (about 2.0 inches). Likewise, in a particularly advantageous embodiment, including a bollard  20  configured to extend above grade about 76.2 cm (about 30 inches), the height of the adjoining outer flange  14  is about 5 cm (about 2.0 inches). 
   Although the barrier assembly  10  can be built to scale, in a suitable embodiment the inner diameter of the inner most flange  12  may be from about 8.9 cm (about 3½ inches) to about 25.4 cm (about 10 inches), and the inner diameter of the adjoining outer flange  14  may be from about 10.2 cm (about 4.0 inches) to about 40.6 cm (about 16.0 inches). In a particularly advantageous embodiment, including a bollard  20  configured to extend above grade about 76.2 cm (about 30.0 inches), the inner diameter of the inner most flange  12  is about 17.15 cm (about 6¾ inches), and the inner diameter of the adjoining outer flange  14  is about 28 cm (about 11 inches). Suitably, the adjoining outer flange  14  comprises an outer diameter of up to about 61.0 cm (about 24.0 inches). In addition, one or more sealing rings or O-rings can also be included as part of the multi-flange assembly wherein the one or more sealing rings or O-rings may be configured to fit between at least the inner most flange  12  and the adjoining outer flange  14 , suitably within a groove formed along either the outer periphery of inner most flange  12  or along the inner periphery of the adjoining outer flange  14 . In a particularly advantageous embodiment, a suitable O-ring includes an outer diameter of about 18.1 cm (about 7⅛ inches). 
   Furthermore, gasket type material configured to fit between the inner most flange  12  and the bollard  20  can also be added to the barrier assembly  10  to assist in sealing of the barrier assembly  10 . In an embodiment of the barrier assembly  10  incorporating gasket type material, a groove can be formed along the inner periphery of the inner most flange  12  that is operationally configured to receive and hold the gasket type material therein. A suitable type gasket material includes for example, ¼ inch TEFLON® gasket material. 
   The multi-flange assembly of this application may include, for example, any commercially available flange materials such as flanges made from ferrous metals, non-ferrous metals and combinations thereof. In one suitable embodiment, the multi-flange assembly may include flanges made from stainless steel. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the multi-flange assembly may include slip on type flanges made from 4140 steel. In addition, the flanges described herein may include any weight as required by the particular use of the barrier assembly  10 . Although not necessarily limited to a maximum weight, where the flanges are to be manually installed, the flanges may suitably comprise weights up to about 181.4 kg (about 400 lbs), or the alternative, any weight that may be maneuvered by an individual by hand or with light tools. 
   One advantage of the multi-flange assembly configuration (i.e., the “bulls-eye” configuration of the flanges) is that each flange in the multi-flange assembly is reinforced by each adjoining inner and/or outer flange. In addition, upon impact of a vehicle with a bollard  20  extended above grade, the foundational strength provided by the flange materials in combination with the “bulls-eye” configuration of the multi-flange assembly, is effective to direct or otherwise distribute up to about 100% of the impact energy away from the multi-flange assembly and surrounding ground or support surface immediately surrounding the bollard  20  toward the bollard  20  itself, thereby preserving or maintaining both the multi-flange assembly and the surrounding ground or support surface immediately surrounding the bollard  20  in a substantially unaffected state—eliminating the need to repair or replace the surrounding ground or support surface. By limiting possible impact damage to the bollard  20  only, replacement and/or repair of the barrier assembly  10  is limited to only the retractable assembly or the retractable assembly and the locking assembly. This means that the retractable assembly alone or the retractable assembly and locking assembly attached thereto can be removed from the support assembly and replaced with a new retractable assembly within minutes. In other words, if a bollard  20  is operationally destroyed by an impact, the bollard  20  can be manually replaced with a new bollard  20  within minutes—minimizing the amount of time in which the barrier assembly  10  is inoperative. 
   To further secure the multi-flange assembly and surrounding ground or support surface, each flange in the multi-flange assembly can be further reinforced by affixing the multi-flange assembly to the framing network of the reinforced cementitious material  15 . As seen best in  FIGS. 1 and 4 , the plane defining the multi-flange assembly is substantially parallel to the surface of the ground  5  wherein up to about 100% of the below grade surface of at least the outer flange  14  can adhere to the reinforced cementitious material  15 . In addition, the outer flange  14  can be further affixed to the reinforced cementitious material  15  by joining rebar  33  of the framing network to one or more bolt holes  34  of the outer flange  14  as well as any bolt holes of successive outer flanges. In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the barrier assembly  10  where the multi-flange assembly includes at least an inner most flange  12  and an adjoining outer flange  14 , the rebar  33  may be configured to extend from the bolt holes  34  of the outer flange  14  to about the deepest section of the reinforced cementitious material  15 , wherein the rebar  33  is in substantially parallel alignment to the longitudinal axis of the housing  18  or casing  16 . 
   Suitably, the reinforced cementitious material  15  configuration, wherein rebar  33  is affixed to the one or more bolt holes  34  of the outer flange  14  and extends or runs into the reinforced cementitious material  15 , is effective to stabilize the outer flange  14  against undesired movement and/or destructive movement upon impact between a vehicle and the bollard  20 —which assists the multi-flange assembly with directing impact energy toward the part of the bollard  20  extended above grade. Thus, the combination of the mult-flange assembly (i.e., bulls-eye configuration) and the rebar  33  configuration described above may be effective for directing any impact energy toward a bollard  20  (i.e., focusing any impact damage to the bollard  20  only, away from both the ground or surface immediately surrounding the bollard  20  and the multi-flange assembly). 
   The reinforced cementitious material  15  can comprise any shape, depth and width effective to stabilize or otherwise reinforce the remaining support assembly and retractable assembly, including the locking assembly. In one suitable embodiment of the barrier assembly  10 , the reinforced cementitious material  15  may comprise a cylindrical or rectangular shape and surround the housing  18  to a depth below grade that is at least as great as the depth of the retractable assembly when the retractable assembly is in a fully retracted position below grade. In an exemplary embodiment of the barrier assembly  10  including a bollard  20  that extends above grade about 122 cm (about 48 inches) and extends below grade about 25 cm (about 10 inches) when the bollard  20  is in a fully extended position, the reinforced cementitious material  15  suitably extends below grade to a depth of about 168 cm (about 5 feet, 6 3/16 inches). 
   Suitably, at least one unit of rebar  33  is configured to mate with a single bolt hole  34 —depending on the outer diameter or width of the rebar  33 . In an embodiment wherein a single unit of rebar  33  is configured to mate with a single bolt hole  34 , the number of rebar  33  units utilized can range from one up to the maximum number of bolt holes  34  found on a particular outer flange  14 . Typical commercially available flanges comprise from about 8 to about 16 bolt holes  34 . Thus, the ultimate number of rebar units used in the barrier assembly  10  depends not only on the outer diameter or width of the rebar  33 , but also on the desired strength of the support assembly—wherein each additional rebar  33  unit used effectively adds support strength to not only the support assembly but the entire barrier assembly  10 . 
   In suitable operation, the first end of each rebar  33  unit comprises an outer diameter slightly less than the inner diameter of each bolt hole  34  on a particular flange. The first end of each rebar  33  unit is thus configured to mate with a corresponding bolt hole  34  wherein the rebar  33  can be welded or otherwise affixed within the bolt hole  34 . Although the inner diameter of the bolt holes  34  and the outer diameter of the corresponding rebar  33  units may vary, each rebar  33  unit suitably comprises an outer diameter of about 2.54 cm (about 1.0 inch) effective to mate with bolt holes  34  having an inner diameter of up to about 3.81 cm (about 1½ inches). 
   In a simplified embodiment as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the first end of each rebar  33  unit may be affixed to a correspond bolt hole  34  so that each rebar  33  unit extends below grade in a direction about perpendicular to the plane defining the multi-flange assembly. In one embodiment, each rebar  33  unit may extend below grade about a depth greater than or equal to the maximum length of the bollard  20  used in the barrier assembly  10 . In another embodiment, each rebar  33  unit may extend below grade a depth greater than or equal to the depth of housing  18 —as seen in  FIG. 4 . In still another embodiment, each rebar  33  unit may extend below grade a depth less than the depth of housing  18 . In a particularly advantageous embodiment including a bollard  20  having a length of about 147.3 cm (about 58.0 inches), each rebar  33  unit suitably extends from the outer flange  14  below grade about 168 cm (about 5½ feet) to form a circular type cage enclosing both the housing  18  and the casing  16 . 
   With reference now to the housing  18  as provided in  FIG. 1 , the housing  18  suitably includes a configuration effective to isolate the casing  16  from the reinforced cementitious material  15 . The housing  18  may also comprise an end cap  36  at a terminal end of the housing  18  that is operationally configured to enclose the housing  18  and seal the casing  16  and retractable assembly, including the locking assembly, from the surrounding environment (i.e., from the ground, water etc.). In one suitable embodiment, the housing  18  is cylindrically shaped and extends below grade to about the depth of the reinforced cementitious material  15 . However, the housing  18  may extend below grade a depth greater than or less than the depth of the reinforced cementitious material  15  as desired. In addition to isolating the casing  16  from the reinforced cementitious material  15 , the housing  18  may further function as a template on which the reinforced cementitious material  15  can form a uniform foundation as the cementitious material is added to the support assembly around the housing  18 . Suitably, the housing  18  is operationally configured to attach to the outer flange  14  either along the below grade side of the outer flange  14  or along either the inner or outer peripheries of the outer flange  14 . In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the housing  18  comprises an outer diameter slightly less than the inner diameter of outer flange  14  forming a “slip on” fit or threaded fit configuration between the housing  18  and outer flange  14 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 1 , the inner diameter of the housing  18  is suitably configured to house at least the casing  16 . Although the barrier assembly  10  can be built to scale, a suitable housing  18  comprises an outer diameter of from about 25.4 cm (about 10 inches) to about 41.9 cm (about 16½ inches). In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the outer diameter of the housing  18  is about 27.6 cm (about 10⅞ inches). The housing  18  also comprises a schedule (e.g., wall thickness) necessary to maintain an inner diameter wide enough to receive the casing  16  therein. A suitable housing  18  wall thickness may range from about 0.95 cm (about ⅜ inch) to about 2.54 cm (about 1.0 inch). In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the wall thickness of the housing  18  is about 1.27 cm (about ½ inch). Thus, the inner diameter of the housing  18  is determined, at least in part, by the maximum allowable outer diameter of housing  18  for a particular use and the housing  18  wall thickness. 
   For the purposes of this application, the housing  18  can be comprised of any material or combination of materials suitable for (1) structural support, (2) housing the casing  16 , and (3) sealing the casing  16  and the retractable assembly, including the locking assembly, within the housing  18 . Suitable housing  18  materials include, but are not necessarily limited to, those materials resistant to chipping, cracking, excessive bending and reshaping as a result of weathering, heat, moisture, other outside mechanical and chemical influences, as well as impacts to the retractable assembly. Suitable housing  18  materials may include, for example, plastics including polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”), ferrous metals, non-ferrous metals, wood, fiberglass, plexiglass, filled composite materials, and combinations thereof. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the housing  18  is made of PVC. 
   As mentioned above, a first end of the casing  16  is suitably configured to affix to the inner most flange  12  and extend there from to a predetermined depth within the housing  18 . Suitably, the casing  16  comprises an outer diameter about equal to or greater than the inner diameter of the inner most flange  12  wherein a first end of the casing  16  can be welded or otherwise affixed to the below grade side of inner most flange  12 . In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the casing  16  comprises an outer diameter slightly less than the inner diameter of inner most flange  12  wherein a first end of the casing  16  is affixed along its outer periphery to the inner periphery of the inner most flange  12 . Once the casing  16  is affixed to the inner most flange  12 , the casing  16  and flange  12  operationally become one piece. In one suitable embodiment, the casing  16  can be affixed to the inner most flange  12  by welds. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the casing  16  can be affixed to the inner most flange  12  by seamless welds. Other means of attachment, including for example, adhesion, screws, rivets and the like are herein contemplated. 
   Suitable, the casing  16  is operationally configured to receive the retractable assembly, including the locking assembly, below grade. Thus, the casing  16  suitably comprises an inner diameter or width greater than the outer diameter or width of the retractable assembly directed therein. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the casing  16  is configured to receive a bollard  20  that is substantially centrally aligned along the longitudinal central axis of the casing  16  as the bollard either retracts into the casing  16  or extends above grade. In addition, the casing  16  may further comprise an end cap  37  operationally configured to seal the terminal end of casing  16 . 
   As stated previously, the barrier assembly  10 , including the casing  16 , can be built to scale. In one suitable embodiment, the outer diameter of the casing  16  can range from about 22.8 cm (about 9.0 inches) to about 40.6 cm (about 16.0 inches). However, it is herein noted that the outer diameter of the casing  16  may be less than about 9.0 inches or greater than about 16.0 inches depending on the use—wherein the outer diameter of the casing  16  is limited by only the inner diameter or width of the corresponding housing  18 . 
   The casing  16  may be constructed from any material or combination of materials effective to provide structural support to the retractable assembly, including for example, those materials resistant to chipping, cracking, excessive bending and reshaping as a result of weathering, heat, moisture, other outside mechanical and chemical influences, and impacts to the retractable assembly. Suitable casing  16  materials include, for example, composite materials, plastics, ferrous metals, non-ferrous metals, and combinations thereof. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the casing  16  is made from stainless steel. 
   In a simplified illustration of the casing  16  as seen in  FIG. 4 , the casing  16  suitably comprises an inner depth great enough to house the retractable assembly, including the locking assembly, when the first end of the retractable assembly is flush with grade. In a suitable embodiment, the casing  16  may comprise an inner depth from about 61.0 cm (about 24.0 inches) to about 127.0 cm (about 50.0 inches). In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the casing  16  may comprise an inner depth of about 102.0 cm (about 40.0 inches). In addition, the casing  16  may comprise an inner diameter from about 12.7 cm (about 5.0 inches) to about 31.75 cm (about 12½ inches). In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the casing  16  may comprise an inner diameter of about 17.5 cm (about 6⅞ inches). 
   Retractable Assembly 
   As stated above, the support assembly may be configured to receive a retrievable assembly therein. In particular, the casing  16  of the support assembly may be configured to receive the retractable assembly therein. The retractable assembly described herein suitably comprises at least (1) a bollard  20  operationally configured to extend out from the support assembly to form a barrier above grade; and (2) an actuating member  22  operationally configured to at least urge the bollard  20  to an extended position above grade. Although not limited to any particular shape, a suitable bollard  20  has a cylindrical sidewall including an outer diameter slightly less than the inner diameter of both the casing  16  and the inner most flange  12 . In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the barrier assembly  10  may be configured so that the outer sidewall of the bollard  20  is flush with the inner perimeter of the casing  16  and/or the inner most flange  12 , wherein the casing  16  and the inner most flange  12  may act to align the bollard  20  along the longitudinal central axis of the casing  16 . In addition, the bollard  20  may further comprise a tamper proof cap  28  operationally configured to seal the bollard  20  at a first end and an end cap  38  operationally configured to seal the bollard  20  at a second end. 
   The tamper proof cap  28  mentioned above suitably comprises an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the bollard  20  wherein the tamper proof cap  28  is effective to cover at least part of the inner most flange  12  when the bollard  20  is positioned below grade. In an alternative embodiment, the tamper proof cap  28  may comprise an outer diameter about equal to the outer diameter of bollard  20 —as shown in  FIG. 2B . As discussed in greater detail below, the tamper proof cap  28  may also be configured to include a locking assembly. 
   A person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that since the barrier assembly  10  can be built to scale, the bollard  20  can therefore comprise any length and outer diameter or width as required for a particular use. When used as a barrier for the types of vehicles described herein, the bollard  20  suitably comprises an outer diameter from about 8.90 cm (about 3½ inches) to about 30.5 cm (about 12.0 inches). In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the bollard  20  may comprise an outer diameter of about 17.1 cm (about 6¾ inches). In addition, the bollard  20  further comprises a length effective for at least part of the bollard  20  to extend above grade up to about 1.0 meter (about 39.0 inches). In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the bollard  20  may comprise a length effective for at least part of the bollard  20  to extend above grade about 76.0 cm (about 30.0 inches). 
   As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 4 , the bollard  20  may be operationally configured to house at least the actuating member  22 . In a suitable embodiment, the bollard  20  may be comprised of a hollow member having an inner diameter from about 7.62 cm (about 3.0 inches) to about 27.9 cm (about 11.0 inches). To function as an effective barrier against the impacts herein contemplated, the hollow bollard  20  suitably includes a sidewall thickness from about 0.64 cm (about ¼ inches) to about 5.10 cm (about 2.0 inches). In a particularly advantageous embodiment, a hollow bollard  20  comprises a sidewall thickness of about 0.79 cm (about 5/16 inches). 
   As stated previously, the barrier assembly  10 , including the bollard  20 , can be built to scale. In one exemplary embodiment of the barrier assembly  10  including a bollard  20  having a length from about 76.2 cm (about 30.0 inches) to about 101.6 cm (about 40.0 inches), it is desirable that at least part of the bollard  20 , from about 15.2 15 cm (about 6.0 inches) to about 38.1 cm (about 15.0 inches), remain below grade when the bollard  20  is in a fully extended position above grade. By configuring the barrier assembly  10  so that at least part of the bollard  20  remains below grade during operation, the entire bollard  20  can be stabilized or otherwise reinforced by the surrounding support assembly upon impact—as described above. In a particularly advantageous embodiment wherein the bollard  20  includes a length of about 94.0 cm (about 37.0 inches), it is desirable that about 30.48 cm (about 12.0 inches) of the bollard  20  remain below grade when the bollard  20  is in a fully extended position above grade. 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , at least one actuating member  22  may be positioned within a hollow bollard  20  wherein the actuating member  22  may be operationally configured to urge the bollard  20  to an extended position. Suitably, the actuating member  22  comprises a gas spring or coil spring configuration effective to not only urge the bollard  20  to an extended position above grade, but a suitable actuating member  22  is also suitably configured so that a user can lock the bollard  20  below grade by manually forcing the bollard  20  below grade (i.e., by pushing on the bollard  20  with hand and/or foot) with minimal resistance from the actuating member  22  as the bollard  20  is forced below grade. In addition, the actuating member  22  may comprise a gas spring releasably attached to the tamper proof cap  28  at a first end and releasably attached to the end cap  37  at a second end. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the actuating member  22  may comprise a gas spring (1) wherein a first end of the gas spring is operationally configured to thread directly into an aperture on the tamper proof cap  28  (at the below grade side of the tamper proof cap  28 ) and (2) wherein a second end of the gas spring is operationally configured to releasably attach to an aperture on the end cap  37  via an adjustment bolt  40 . Although not necessarily required, the apertures on both the tamper proof cap  28  and the end cap  37  are suitably located about center along each of the caps  28  and  37  (i.e., along the longitudinal central axis of the casing  16 ) to assist maintaining the alignment of the gas spring parallel to the longitudinal axis of bollard  20 . 
   As mentioned above, a second end of the actuating member  22  may be anchored to an end cap  37  of the bollard  20  via an adjustment bolt  40 . In a suitable embodiment, the adjustment bolt  40  may be threaded into an aperture on the end cap  37 , wherein the adjustment bolt  40  is then operationally configured to receive a second end of the gas spring—as shown in  FIG. 1 . It is herein contemplated that the adjustment bolt  40  be effective to position the bollard  20 , via incremental movement of the bollard  20 , in a manner effective to align the first end of the bollard  20  and/or the tamper proof cap  28  substantially flush with the multi-flange assembly. 
   It is herein contemplated that the adjustment bolt  40  is not necessarily limited to any one particular type or size, but rather the adjustment bolt  40  may be configured to accommodate or otherwise receive various sizes and shapes of actuating members  22 . In addition, a suitable actuating member  22  may be configured to urge a particular bollard  20  any distance or to any desired extended position above grade. Suitable actuating members  22  may be determined, at least in part, by (a) the total weight of the bollard  20  (including the weight of the locking assembly if necessary); and/or (b) the travel time required to urge the bollard  20  from a below grade position to a desired extended position above grade. 
   A suitable bollard  20  can be made from of any material or combination of materials effective to form a barrier against the type of impacts described herein. Suitable bollard  20  materials include for example, ferrous metals, non-ferrous metals, composite materials, and combinations thereof. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the bollard  20  is made from stainless steel. Where the bollard  20  is to be used mostly for aesthetic purposes (i.e., to landscape property), a less durable bollard  20  material may be used. 
   Locking Assembly 
   A suitable barrier assembly  10  of this application may further include a locking assembly operationally configured to hold or maintain the retractable assembly, or at least the bollard  20 , in a fixed position—where the bollard  20  can be maintained either in a fully extended position above grade or maintained in fully a retracted position below grade. It is also herein contemplated that the locking assembly be operationally configured to hold or otherwise maintain the bollard  20  in any intermediate position between a fully extended position and a fully retracted position. 
   The locking assembly of this application suitably comprises at least (a) a locking rod assembly including at least a locking rod  24  and a locking cam  50  operationally configured to hold the retractable assembly, or at least the bollard  20 , in at least a first fixed position; (b) a tamper proof lock  26  operationally configured to maintain the orientation of the locking rod  24  and locking cam  50  against any undesired motion—thus, holding or otherwise maintaining the retractable assembly in a fixed position; (c) a tamper proof cap  28  operationally configured to house the tamper proof lock  26 ; and (d) a locking tool  30  operationally configured to both remove or detach at least part of the tamper proof lock  26  and adjust the locking rod assembly. 
   In a simplified embodiment as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the tamper proof lock  26  may comprise at least a removable cover  26   a  and a male member  26   b . Suitably, the removable cover  26   a  is configured to mate with the male member  26   b  in such a manner that when the removable cover  26   a  is placed in a mated position with the male member  26   b  the outer surface of both the removable cover  26   a  and the male member  26   b  lie flush with the outer surface of the tamper proof cap  28 . In addition, as the removable cover  26   a  is removed, detached or otherwise separated from the male member  26   b , the outer perimeter of the male member  26   b  is exposed so that the male member  26   b  rests in a position within a cavity  27  of the tamper proof cap  28  that is formed by the removal of the removable cover  26   a  from the tamper proof cap  28 . 
   It is herein contemplated that the outer periphery of the removable cover  26   a  and the inner periphery of the corresponding cavity  27  may comprise any number of shapes. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the outer periphery of the removable cover  26   a  includes a circular main body with two winged edges—as shown in  FIG. 2A  and  FIG. 3 . Suitably, the removable cover  26   a  comprises an aperture configured to mate with the male member  26   b  as the removable cover  26   a  is set within the cavity  27  of the tamper proof cap  28 . 
   In a suitable embodiment of the barrier assembly  10 , the cavity  27  suitably comprises a non-uniform shape formed on the interior surface of the tamper proof cap  28 , wherein the cavity  27  jets out perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bollard  20  at a predetermined depth in the cavity  27  resulting in the cavity  27  being greater in diameter or width near its deepest portion than at the part of the cavity  27  near the outer surface of the tamper proof cap  28 . Suitably, the diameter of the jetted out portion of the cavity  27  is configured to accommodate the locking tool  30 , in particular, the winged edges of the locking tool  30  as discussed in greater detail below. In addition, the jetted out portion of the cavity  27  suitably comprises a clearance to accommodate the height or thickness of the winged edges of the locking tool  30 . Thus, in an embodiment including winged edges of the locking tool  30  comprising a height or thickness of about 0.32 cm (about ⅛ inch), the jetted out portion of the cavity suitably comprises a height slightly greater than the height or thickness of the winged edges, for example, a height of about 0.48 cm (about 3/16 inches) or more. 
   During operation of the barrier assembly  10 , the male member  26   b  of the tamper proof lock  26  suitably includes a height or length necessary for the male member  26   b  to extend from the deepest section of the cavity  27  to about the outer surface of the tamper proof cap  28  wherein the removable cover  26   a  and male member  26   b  can lie substantially flush with the tamper proof cap  28 . Thus, the height or thickness of the removable cover  26   a  is suitably about equal to the height or length of the male member  26   b . In an alternative embodiment, the height or length of the male member  26   b  may be less than the height or thickness of the removable cover  26   a , as long as the height or length of the male member  26   b  remains effective for mating with the locking tool  30  to adjust the locking rod assembly as discussed below. For example, where the height or thickness of the removable cover  26   a  and the corresponding depth of the cavity  27  are each about 1.27 cm (about ½ inches), the male member  26   b  can extend from the deepest section of the cavity  27  to about 0.32 cm (about ⅛ inches) from the surface of the tamper proof cap  28  and still be effective for use in conjunction with a locking tool  30  as described herein. 
   In a suitable embodiment, the male member  26   b  may be releasably attached to a locking rod  24  by any means that is effective for the adjustment of the locking rod via the locking tool  30 . In one suitable embodiment, the male member  26   b  may be comprised of a cap configured to snap onto the locking rod  24 . In another suitable embodiment, the male member  26   b  can be threaded onto the locking rod  24 . In still another suitable embodiment, the male member  26   b  can be permanently attached to the locking rod  24  by incorporating, for example, adhesives such as super glue or welds to permanently attach the male member  26   b  to the locking rod  24 . 
   In certain instances, the shape of the outer perimeter of the male member  26   b  may be determined by the outer shape of the corresponding locking rod  24 , or vice versa. Suitably, the aperture of the removable cover  26   a  and the corresponding male member  26   b  comprise shapes effective for adjustment of the locking rod  24 . Shapes effective for adjustment of the locking rod  24  may include, for example, common shapes such as rectangular, triangular, hexagonal, octagonal, and oval; as well as aesthetically unique shapes such as star shapes, half-moon shapes, heart shapes, and the like. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the aperture of the removable cover  26   a  and the corresponding male member  26   b  are each triangular shape—further corresponding to a triangular shaped locking rod  24 . Regardless of the shape of the aperture of the removable cover  26   a  and the male member  26   b  to be used, the male member  26   b  is suitably configured to be slightly smaller than the corresponding shape of the aperture of removable cover  26   a  enabling the removable cover  26   a  to mate with the male member  26   b.    
   The removable cover  26   a  described herein may be comprised of any material or combination of materials effective to (a) protect the integrity of male member  26   b , (b) be removed from the male member  26   b  using the locking tool  30 , and (c) camouflage the locking assembly by positioning the removable cover  26   a  flush with the tamper proof cap  28  thereby giving the appearance that the tamper proof cap  28  is one solid continuous piece, or otherwise blending removable cover  26   a  in with the tamper proof cap  28 . Suitable removable cover  26   a  materials may include, for example, ferrous metals, non-ferrous metals, composite materials, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the removable cover  26   a  may be comprised of ferrous metals effective to be attracted by a magnet. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the removable cover  26  may be comprised of stainless steel effective to be attracted by a magnet located on the locking tool  30 . 
   As stated above, the tamper proof cap  28  can be configured to house the tamper proof lock  26 . Suitably, the tamper proof cap  28  comprises at least one aperture that is operationally configured to receive a first end of a locking rod  24  within the aperture to a point effective for a male member  26   b  to mate with the locking rod  24 . In suitable operation, the locking rod  24  may extend the length of the bollard  20  from about the aperture of the tamper proof cap  28  to about an aperture on the end cap  38 —as shown in  FIG. 1 . The aperture on the end cap  38  is suitably configured to receive a second end of the locking rod  24  in a manner effective for the locking rod  24  to extend through the end cap  38  and attach to a locking cam  50  located external of the bollard  20  (i.e., on the exterior side of the end cap  38 ). Suitably, the locking cam  50  can be rotatably attached to the locking rod  24 , which allows the locking cam  50  to turn in response to the rotation of the locking rod  24 . 
   During operation, as the retractable assembly is positioned below grade, the locking cam  50  can be turned by rotating the locking rod  24  so that the locking cam  50  extends underneath the sidewall of the casing  16  thereby effectively locking the bollard  20  below grade. In the alternative, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the inner sidewall of the casing  16  can comprise a groove or slot operationally configured to receive at least the distal end of the locking cam  50  as the locking cam  50  turns toward the groove or slot. As previously mentioned, the locking cam  50  can be turned by rotating the locking rod  24  so that at least the distal end of the locking cam  50  may extend into the groove or slot of the casing  16  sidewall. A suitable groove or slot includes a depth and width effective to receive and hold a particular locking cam  50  in the casing  16  sidewall—thereby locking the bollard  20  below grade. 
   In a suitable embodiment, the locking cam  50  may be comprised of any material or combination of materials suitable for mating of the locking cam  50  with the groove or slot on the casing  16  sidewall and for locking or otherwise holding the bollard  20  in a fixed position below grade. Suitable locking cam  50  materials include, for example, metals, plastics, woods, composite materials, and combinations thereof. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the locking cam  50  is a stainless steel locking cam  50  zinc plated to protect against weathering due to moisture damage and other external or natural influences. In addition, although not limited to a particular length, the locking cam  50  suitably has a length less than the inner diameter or width of the casing  16 . 
   It is contemplated herein that the locking assembly may further comprise a spring  52 , including but not necessarily limited to a plunger spring, that is operationally configured to attach to the locking cam  50  to (a) facilitate the desired turning of the locking cam  50 , and to (b) assist with maintaining the locking cam  50  in the groove or slot on the casing  16  sidewall to maintain the bollard  20  below grade by absorbing and/or redirecting vibration type energy produced along the above grade side of the bollard  20  on or near the tamper proof cap  28  when the bollard  20  is in a retracted position below grade. For example, when the bollard  20  is retracted below grade, vibration energy may be produced by one or more vehicles traveling near or directly over and contacting the tamper proof cap  28 . Thus, the locking assembly described herein is operationally configured to protect the barrier assembly  10  against any undesired unlocking of the bollard  20  as a result vibration energy originating above grade. 
   With particular reference to  FIG. 3 , a suitable locking tool  30  may be configured to perform at least one or more of the following functions: (a) detach or otherwise remove the removable cover  26   a  from the tamper proof cap  28 ; (b) adjust the locking rod  24 ; (c) assist pulling the retractable assembly to an extended position above grade; and (d) assist forcing the retractable assembly to a position below grade. 
   In a suitable embodiment of the barrier assembly  10 , at least part of the locking tool  30  can be operationally configured to detach or otherwise remove the removable cover  26   a  from the cavity  27  of the tamper proof cap  28 . Although not limited to any particular mode of operation, a suitable detaching means may include for example, one or more suction cups configured to attach to the removable cover  26   a , one or more small hooks configured to catch onto a portion of the removable cover  26   a  to pull the removable cover  26   a  from the tamper proof cap  28 , and one or more magnets operationally configured to attract the removable cover  26   a  toward the magnet(s) out from the cavity  27 . In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the locking tool  30  itself can be magnetized or configured to include one or more magnets  31  strong enough to attract the removable cover  26   a  out from the cavity  27 . Thus, the locking tool  30  alone can be operationally configured to remove the removable cover  26   a  from the tamper proof cap  28  for gaining access to the male member  26   b  to adjust the locking rod  24 . Herein, a magnetized locking tool  30  or a locking tool  30  including one or more magnets attached thereto may be referred to as a “mag-lock”. 
   As best illustrated in  FIG. 3 , at least part of the locking tool  30  may comprise an outer shape corresponding to the shape of the inner periphery of the cavity  27 . In addition, the locking tool  30  may further comprise a female member, or aperture, operationally configured to mate with the male member  26   b . In one suitable mode of operation, the locking tool  30  may be configured so that when mated with the male member  26   b , the locking tool  30  can be manually rotated thereby acting on the male member  26   b  to further rotate the locking rod  24  to turn the locking cam  50 . The locking tool  30  can be also be configured so that the winged ends of the locking tool  30  can turn within the jetted out portion of cavity  27  beyond the diameter of the circular main body portion of the cavity  27  underneath the tamper proof cap  28 . 
   In one suitable implementation of the locking tool  30  starting at the original mating position of the locking tool  30  to the cavity  27  wherein the winged ends of both the locking tool  30  and the cavity  27  are in alignment, the locking tool  30  can be pressed into the cavity  27  to a point where the winged ends of the locking tool  30  can be turned to a position necessary to catch the winged ends of the locking tool  30  on the cavity side of the tamper proof cap  28  as a user pulls on the locking tool  30  in such a manner as to extend the retractable assembly, including the locking assembly, out from the support assembly to an above grade position. As previously mentioned, the locking tool  30  may also be used to force the retractable assembly, including the locking assembly, below grade by mating the locking tool  30  with the cavity  27  so that an individual may apply force to the locking tool  30  to direct the bollard  20  to a retracted position below grade. In order to remove the locking tool  30  from the cavity  27  following either extension or retraction of the bollard  20 , the locking tool  30  can simply be rotated so that the winged ends of the locking tool  30  align with the corresponding winged ends of cavity  27  (i.e., the original mating position of the locking tool  30  and cavity  27 ) and the locking tool  30  can be removed from the cavity  27 . 
   As contemplated herein, the locking tool  30  may be made of any material or combination of materials suitable to accomplish the functions—listed above as functions (a) through (d). Suitable locking tool  30  materials include for example, one or more metals, plastics, woods, composite materials, and combinations thereof, wherein at least a part of the locking tool  30  can be magnetized or wherein the locking tool  30  may include a magnet  31 . In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the locking tool  30  is comprised of stainless steel. In addition, the locking tool  30  may comprise any configuration and any size suitable for the manual operation of the locking tool  30 . In a suitable embodiment, the locking tool  30  includes a hand held device up to about 35.56 cm (about 14.0 inches) in length. Furthermore, the cavity  27  and the corresponding locking tool  30 , including the winged edges, are not limited to any particular dimensions except that the cavity  27  and the corresponding locking tool  30 , include a size and width less than the width or diameter of the tamper proof cap  28 . 
   Other technologies, for example, a drainage system for water and the like can be added to the barrier assembly  10  depending on the intended use and location of the barrier assembly  10 . In an embodiment including a barrier assembly  10  comprising an upright bollard  20  configuration, a drainage system can be added to the assembly having a layer of at least shell, gravel, sand, and combinations thereof that are set immediately below or near the housing  18 —as shown in  FIG. 4 . In one exemplary embodiment incorporating a drainage system, about the bottom 10.16 cm (4.0 inches) of a hole configured to receive the support assembly can first be filled with shell and gravel and topped off with about 5.10 cm (about 2.0 inches) of sand to furnish the barrier assembly  10  with a drainage system. 
   Where the ambient environment may reach temperatures near freezing, heat tape may be applied to the casing  16  adjacent the inner most flange  12  to heat the barrier assembly  10  and facilitate operation of the barrier assembly  10 . In particular, heat tape may be used to apply heat energy to the casing  16 , which results in the melting of any ice or snow on or near the barrier assembly  10 . In a suitable embodiment, the heat tape employed may include a 115 AC connection that has been waterproofed at a connection point to the heat tape. In addition, the heat tape may be operationally configured to be controlled by an automatic on/off type switch. 
   The barrier assembly  10  may also be equipped with one or more spacers placed along the bollard  20  at a point wherein the spacers are operationally configured to maintain the bollard  20  in a substantially parallel alignment to the longitudinal axis of the casing  16  when the bollard  20  is in an extended position above grade. In a suitable embodiment, the one or more spacers may include one or more ball bearings attached near the bottom of the outer wall of the bollard  20 . In operation, one or more holes may be formed near the bottom of the outer sidewall of the bollard  20  suitable to receive at least part of the one or more ball bearings therein. Although not limited to a particular number, at least three or more ball bearings are employed to provide a suitable amount of rigidity to the bollard  20  when the bollard  20  is extended above grade. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, three stainless steel ball bearings can be placed within three equally spaced holes near the bottom of the outer sidewall of the bollard  20 . Additionally, grease may be applied to each of the ball bearings prior to placing the ball bearings within the equally spaced holes. The grease may aid the turning or rolling of each ball bearing within the equally spaced holes, while also supplying a certain amount of adhesion to defend against any of the ball bearings from falling out of the equally spaced holes as the bollard  20  is being inserted into the support assembly. 
   In an embodiment of the barrier assembly  10  including a hollow bollard  20  having a wall thickness of about ¼ inch, holes can be formed in the outer sidewall of the bollard  20  to a depth great enough to house up to about half of each ball bearing. Thus, when using ball bearings having a diameter of about 1.60 cm (about ⅝ inch), holes can be formed in the outer wall of the bollard  20  from about 1.0 cm to about 3.0 cm (from about 0.4 inches to about 1.2 inches) in depth. In addition, the equally spaced holes are suitably formed in the bollard  20  sidewall at a point along the length of the bollard  20  that remains below grade when the bollard  20  is set in an extended position above grade. 
   A person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the size of the ball bearings employed may be determined by any number of factors including but not necessarily limited to, the wall thickness of the bollard  20 , and the amount of space between the outer wall of the bollard  20  and the inner wall of the casing  16 . 
   A person of ordinary skill in the art will also recognize that the bollard  20  may include any color scheme as desired. 
   Brief Discussion of the Operation of the Barrier Assembly 
   In a simplified example of operation of the barrier assembly  10  described herein, the barrier assembly  10  including a bollard  20  operationally configured to extend out from the support assembly to form a barrier above grade can be set in the ground along a target pathway. From a retracted position of the barrier assembly  10  below grade, an individual can use the magnet on the locking tool  30  to separate the removable cover  26   a  from the cavity  27  of the tamper proof cap  28 . The locking tool  30  can then be placed within the cavity  27  to rotate the corresponding male member  26   b  to further rotate the locking rod  24  to remove the locking cam  50  from its mating position with the casing  16  sidewall. The bollard  20  can then be extended to form a barrier above grade. 
   As discussed above, the locking tool  20  can be used to pull the bollard  20  to an extended position above grade. Alternatively, the bollard  20  may include an actuating member  22  operationally configured to urge the bollard  20  to an extended position above grade alone. Once the bollard  20  is extended to a fixed position, the removable cover  26   a  can be reinserted into the cavity  27 . To return the bollard  20  below grade, the procedure is reversed, and may require that an individual push on the bollard  20  as describe above in order to completely return the bollard  20  below grade. 
   As previously mentioned, the barrier assembly  10  of this application is operationally configured to provide rapid removal and replacement of at least the retractable assembly, including the locking assembly, as necessary. For example, in a situation where the bollard  20  has been damaged by impact (i.e., bending of the bollard  20 ), one or more eye bolts can be secured to the outer surface of the inner most flange  12 , and the inner most flange  12  can be release from the adjoining outer flange  14  by removing any locking pins  32  from the inner most flange  12 . Once the inner most flange  12  has been released from the adjoining outer flange  14 , the inner most flange  12 , the casing  16  affixed thereto, and the bollard  20  set within the casing  16  can be removed out from the barrier assembly  10  by pulling on the one or more eye bolts attached to the inner most flange  12 . Once removed, a different bollard  20 , including a different locking assembly and different actuating member  22 , can be inserted into the former inner most flange  12  and casing  16  combination prior to re-installing the former inner most flange  12  and casing  16  back into the barrier assembly  10 . 
   The embodiments described above will be better understood with reference to the following non-limiting examples, which are illustrative only and not intended to limit the present application to a particular embodiment. 
   EXAMPLE 1 
   In a first non-limiting example of the barrier assembly  10  disclosed herein, the barrier assembly  10  comprises at least the following approximate dimensions and other features: 
   
     
       
         
             
             
           
             
                 
             
           
          
             
               Casing 
                 
             
             
               Inner Diameter 
               about 17.78 cm (about 7.0 inches) 
             
             
               Outer Diameter 
               about 19.38 cm (about 7⅝) 
             
             
               Length 
               about 106.7 cm (about 42 inches) 
             
             
               Type 
               Steel 
             
             
               Bollard 
             
             
               Inner Diameter 
               about (about 6.0 inches) 
             
             
               Outer 
               about (about 6⅝ inches) 
             
             
               Length 
               about (about 36 inches) 
             
             
               Type 
               Steel 
             
             
               Inner Most Flange 
             
             
               Inner Diameter 
               about 17.15 cm (about 6¾ inches) 
             
             
               Height of body 
               about 3.81 cm (about 1.5 inch) 
             
             
               Height (including recessed 
               about 5.08 cm (about 2.0 inches) 
             
             
               ring section) 
             
             
               Type 
               Slip On Hardened Alloy Steel Flange 
             
             
               Gasket to be fitted between 
               TEFLON ® Ring Gasket 
             
             
               the bollard and the Inner Most 
             
             
               Flange 
             
             
               Locking Pin 
             
             
               Length 
               about 8.89 cm (about 3½ inches) 
             
             
               Outer Diameter 
               about 1.27 cm (about ½ inch) 
             
             
               Type 
               Dowel Pin 
             
             
               Adjoining Outer Flange 
             
             
               Inner Diameter 
               about 28 cm (about 11 inches) 
             
             
               Type 
               Slip On Hardened Alloy Steel Flange 
             
             
               Locking Tool 
             
             
               Length 
               about 14 inches 
             
             
               Type 
               ¾ steel pipe with a steel cross 
             
             
                 
               member. 
             
             
                 
               Steel cross member having the 
             
             
                 
               following dimensions: 
             
             
                 
               Length: about 8.89 cm 
             
             
                 
               (about 3½ inches) 
             
             
                 
               Outer Diameter: about 0.48 cm 
             
             
                 
               ( 3/16 inches) 
             
             
               Magnet 
               total of two round magnets in base of 
             
             
                 
               the locking tool 
             
             
               Locking Rod 
             
             
               Length 
               about 3 feet, 2⅛ inch 
             
             
               Outer Diameter 
               ¾ inch 
             
             
               Type 
               stainless steel 
             
             
               Actuating member 
             
             
               Type 
               Gas piston configured for up to about 
             
             
                 
               91.4 cm (about 36 inches) of travel 
             
             
                 
               distance 
             
             
               Reinforced cementitious material 
             
             
               Type 
               200-400 PSI concrete including rebar 
             
             
                 
               network 
             
             
                 
             
          
         
       
     
   
   EXAMPLE 2 
   In a second non-limiting example, a method of installing the barrier assembly  10  is presented using the following steps: 
   (1) Starting with a designated location for the barrier assembly  10 , an auger is used to dig a hole having the following dimensions: 
   
     
       
         
             
             
             
           
             
                 
                 
             
           
          
             
                 
               WIDTH or DIAMETER: 
               about 61 cm (about 24 in) 
             
             
                 
               DEPTH: 
               about 167 cm (about 5½ ft) 
             
             
                 
                 
             
          
         
       
     
   
   (2) The bottom 10.16 cm (4.0 inches) of the hole are filled with shell and gravel and topped off with 5.10 cm (2.0 inches) of sand to furnish drainage to the barrier assembly  10 . 
   (3) A PVC housing  18  having the following dimensions is placed upright within the hole: 
   
     
       
         
             
             
             
           
             
                 
                 
             
           
          
             
                 
               INNER DIAMETER: 
               about 25.4 cm (about 10 inches) 
             
             
                 
               OUTER DIAMETER: 
               about 27.5 cm (about 10 15/16 inches) 
             
             
                 
               LENGTH: 
               about 152 cm (about 5 ft) 
             
             
                 
                 
             
          
         
       
     
   
   (4) The outer flange  14  is slipped onto the upper end of the housing  18  wherein the outer flange  14  is set flush at ground level. 
   (5) Each bolt hole  34  of the outer flange  14  is mated with a unit of rebar  33  to form a rebar cage surrounding the housing  18 . Each unit of rebar  33  extends from the outer flange  14  to the bottom of the hole. The rebar  33  is tapped down until the top of the rebar  33  is flush with the outer flange  14  (i.e., level with grade). Each unit of rebar  33  is welded inside the bolt holes  34  and further secured to outer flange  14  by filling the bolt holes  34  with cementitious material. The rebar  33  units have the following dimensions: 
   
     
       
         
             
             
             
           
             
                 
                 
             
           
          
             
                 
               DIAMETER: 
               about 29 cm (about 11½ inches) 
             
             
                 
               LENGTH: 
               about 167 cm (about 5½ ft) 
             
             
                 
                 
             
          
         
       
     
   
   (6) A support wire is attached around the housing  18  to provide additional structural support to the housing  18 . 
   (7) The auger dug hole is filled with about 1814 kg (about 4,000 lbs) of cementitious material around the rebar  33  cage to form reinforced cementitious material  15 . 
   (8) The bollard  20  and inner most flange  12  are placed inside of the housing  18  by attaching two one-inch eye bolts to the top of the inner most flange  12  and using the eye-bolts as a means for holding the bollard and inner most flange  12  via a forklift or boom truck. 
   (9) Two spring loaded locking pins  32  are slid from recesses in the outer flange  14  into corresponding recesses within the inner most flange  12 . 
   (10) The eye-bolts are removed from the inner most flange  12 . 
   EXAMPLE 3 
   In a third non-limiting example, a method of removing at least the combination of the inner most flange  12 , bollard  20  and casing  16  from the remaining barrier assembly  10  wherein the inner most flange  12 , bollard  20  and casing  16  collectively weigh about 113.4 kg (about 250 pounds) is presented using the following steps: 
   (1) Slide two locking pins  32  out from the corresponding recesses of the inner most flange  12 . 
   (2) Thread two one inch eye-bolts into the inner most flange  12 . 
   (3) Turn the eye-bolts clockwise at the same time, the turning of the eye-bolts acting as a jacking mechanism to lift the inner most flange  12 , bollard  20  and casing  16  up from a flush position with the outer flange  14  until the O-ring  54  on the outer periphery of the inner most flange  12  clears the surface of outer flange  14 . 
   EXAMPLE 4 
   In a fourth non-limiting example, a method of operating the barrier assembly  10  is presented using the following steps: 
   (1) Starting in a locked position wherein the bollard  20  is below grade, the removable cover  26   a  is detached from the tamper proof cap  28  using the magnet  31  of locking tool  30 —exposing the male member  26   b.    
   (2) The female portion of locking tool  30  is mated with the male member  26   b.    
   (3) The male member  26   b  is turned in a first direction to release the locking cam  50  from the casing  16  sidewall which allows the gas spring  22  to urge the bollard  20  to an extended position about 76.0 cm (about 30 inches) above grade. 
   (4) The male member  26   b  is turned in a second direction to hold the bollard  20  in an extended position via the mating of the locking cam  50  at a second location on the casing  16  sidewall. 
   (5) The locking tool  30  is stored away. 
   (6) The removable cover  26   a  is placed back inside the cavity  27  wherein the removable cover  26   a  mates with the male member  26   b.    
   (7) The bollard  20  can be subsequently retracted by detaching the removable cover  26   a  from the cavity  27  and using the locking tool  30  to turn the male member  26   b  in the first direction to release the locking cam  50  from the second location on the casing  16  sidewall. 
   (8) Once the locking cam  50  has been released, the weight of the bollard  20  will cause the bollard  20  to retract to about 15.0 cm (about 6 inches) above grade, wherein an individual can press on the bollard  20  by hand and/or foot pressure to finish retracting the bollard  20  below grade in order to lock the bollard  20 . 
   (9) The locking tool  30  is used to turn the male member  26   b  in the second direction to lock the bollard  20  below grade 
   The above steps in Example 4 complete a full cycle of the barrier assembly  10  by extending the bollard  20  from a first locked position below grade to a an extended position above grade and then retracting the bollard  20  back to a locked position below grade. 
   Persons of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many modifications may be made to the present application without departing from the spirit and scope of the application. The embodiment(s) described herein are meant to be illustrative only and should not be taken as limiting the invention, which is defined in the claims.