History
The original concept for interlocking steel barriers was
patented in France in the early 1950s and produced by Samia
SA.
Samia is now out of business, and the concept is in the
public domain.
Samia licensed foreign companies to produce interlocking
steel barriers. Various local changes resulted in some variations
– three that remain popular in the U.S., plus a fourth
variation from Canada.
The
Concept
The objective was to make two frames connect in such a way
that, in a line, no single frame could be removed from the
line.
Samia accomplished this with a bend in the top male hook,
which would enter a female receiver at an angle of about
30 degrees. Thus, when the frame was straightened, the “tip
bend” would not have space to be pulled out.
Variations
There is a correlation between the diameter of the male
hook and female receiver. If the receiver is too small,
it will not allow connection. If it is too large, the hook
will be able to be lifted out.
These variations explain why so many of the orphans
on the market do not correctly connect, even when
they are in the same relative position on the ground.
Read more about our steel barrier
hooks.
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