Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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A FRAMEWORK STRUCTURE
Field of Invention
The present invention relates to framework structures, in particular framework
structures for providing a barricade or support structure.
Background to the Invention
Framework structures are used in many different environments. For instance,
temporary framework structures are used as barriers to separation or
containment of
crowds or prevent access and framework structures are used to support signage
or
advertising or provide a means for partitioning areas.
Typically temporary barriers are formed of individual 'flat' fences or panels,
which are significantly wider than they are deep. These are typically
assembled by
aligning and connecting the ends of each individual fence unit to create an
elongate
barrier. While these barriers are typically formed of a rigid material, such
as steel
fencing, they lack the depth to form a stable barrier when confronted with
large
crowds or a front-on force. In addition, assembly of such barriers is labour
intensive
since each barrier must be carrier to its location and connected to the
neighbouring
barriers, typically in-situ. Moreover, when these barriers are disassembled,
they
again require large amounts of manpower and a relatively large amount of space
for
storage and transport, relative to the length of the barrier. Moreover, it is
difficult to
provide controlled access through these types of barrier, without
disassembling the
barrier in-situ.
Even in situations where the 'flat' fence structures are used to create a
barrier
with depth, e.g. by providing a network of square sections, the barriers are
susceptible to individual fence panels being removed and thus can be
disassembled
by someone attempting to break through the barrier. These also require
significantly
more manpower and time to assemble, relative to standard fence structures.
Alternatively, "expandable" barriers exist, which can be opened from a
collapsed configuration in which they take up a relatively small amount of
space, to
an expanded configuration in which they form a barrier of a substantially
larger length
than in the collapsed configuration. Barriers of this sort typically are
structurally weak
when force is applied to the front face of the barriers and, as such, are used
in
situations where it is unlikely that the areas partitioned by the barriers
will be
accessed using force. While they can be strengthened by additional structures,
this
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increases the cost of the barriers, time to deploy and the storage space
required.
Moreover, conventional expandable barriers typically have complicated pivoting
networks of cross-hatched trellis-like members. These types of expandable
barriers
are limited to defined lengths, and to apply additional length requires an
additional
and separate barrier to be connected to the first barrier. The means of
connecting
these barriers often creates a weak point.
Summary of the invention
According to the invention, there is provided a framework structure as defined
in the independent claim.
A first aspect of the invention provides a framework structure for providing a
barricade or support structure comprising a frame comprising a single pair of
pivotally connected supports, the pair of supports rotatable relative to one
another
about a first axis to adjust the framework structure between an expanded
configuration and a collapsed configuration, the footprint of the frame being
larger in
the expanded configuration than in the collapsed configuration and a
connecting
element pivotally connected to the frame and adapted to releaseably connect to
an
adjacent body or structure, the connecting element being rotatable about a
second
axis parallel to, or the same as, the first axis.
Embodiments may therefore provide a scaffold or structure that may act as a
barricade or a supporting structure comprising a frame having only a single
pair of
supports or sub-frames that are rotatably connected relative to one another
such that
they can rotate relative to one another from a position in which the base of
the
supports (i.e. the portion of the supports nearest the ground) are spaced
apart, i.e.
expanded, to a position in which the base of the supports are closer together
than in
the spaced apart arrangement. Similarly, they may also be rotated in the
opposite
way between the contracted arrangement to the expanded, spaced apart
arrangement. The scaffold further comprises a connecting element or crossbar
that
rotates about the same axis, or an axis parallel to the same axis, as the
supports
rotate about when rotating relative to one another.
Embodiments may provide a versatile and easy to assembly scaffold or
framework structure having a frame that can be moved to an expanded
configuration
in which it provides a solid base to a compressed or collapsed configuration
for
storage or to allow access, if used as a barrier for example. As will be
appreciated,
the framework structure may provide a structure that can be efficiently stored
in a
compressed form in which the footprint is relatively small compared to its "in-
use"
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arrangement. This
is an efficient use of space and reduces storage and
transportation costs, relative to other barriers. In particular, the footprint
of the frame
in the collapsed configuration may be substantially the same as or less than
the
footprint of the first support and the second support combined when the
supports are
oriented such that they are substantially upright.
Furthermore, the frame and rotatable connecting element may enable the
scaffold to be quickly and easily assembled by positioning the scaffold in the
required
position and unfolding one of the supports, for instance. This may create a
sturdy
triangular support frame, the width of which can be adjusted depending on the
requirements of the user to provide additional height or support. In
another
embodiment, the height of the barrier may be fixed. By connecting element it
is
meant that any structure capable of providing compressive or tensile forces to
the
adjacent structures such as a rigid member, a compressible member, a chain, a
strap
or any other suitable means. The connecting element may further provide a
means of
strengthening and supporting the frame structure, since this can be anchored
to an
adjacent structure or body. The connecting element may further act as a
barrier,
supported by the frame, to prevent access or to provide means for mounting
signage
or advertising, for instance. Moreover, if the framework structure is used as
a barrier,
the connecting element may be used as a point of access for legitimate users
to
cross the barrier, since it can be lifted without compromising the structure
of the
barrier.
By single pair it is meant to refer to the frame of each discrete structure as
comprising only one pair of pivotable supports or sub-frames. Accordingly,
there
may be additional features and components, but with only two pivotally
connected
supports. For instance, the supports may comprise numerous legs and/or
connecting means. In other words, the frame is only comprised of two discrete
sub-
frames.
This design may provide for a framework structure that may be
straightforward to manufacture and assemble and that is readily customisable.
By
having such a design, the manufacturing costs may also be reduced compared to
more complicated designs having multiple frames or pairs of supports per
framework
structure. Moreover, when used as a barrier or support structure, the barrier
or
support structure may be readily extended by adding individual additional
framework
structure units. This may allow the support structure or barrier to be
increased in
length by a matter of a single frame width, unlike existing conventional
expandable
structures. In addition, connection of these adjacent framework structures may
increase the strength of the barriers/support structures and does not create a
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weakpoint. Moreover, not all of the framework structures need to be expanded
for
the structure to be rigid. For example, a partially expanded structure
comprising
some expanded and some collapsed (or partially collapsed) framework structures
would provide a rigid structure.
By footprint it is meant that the 2D area on the ground that is occupied by
the
object in question. In other words, if a projecting outline of the object was
drawn
perpendicular to a surface on which the object were placed, the footprint is
the area
of a cross-section of the shape defined by the outline.
As discussed above, this may enable a framework structure to be moved from
an expanded configuration to a collapsed configuration. In an embodiment, the
expanded configuration may be at least 5 times wider (i.e. the distance
between the
ends of the supports located furthest from the pivot) than in the collapsed
configuration. In another embodiment, the distance between the ends of the
supports located furthest from the pivot in the expanded configuration may be
at least
10 times longer than the distance between the ends of the supports located
furthest
from the pivot in the collapsed configuration.
In an embodiment, the footprint of the frame in the collapsed configuration
may be substantially the same as the footprint of either the first support or
the second
support. In this embodiment, the frame may collapse to a collapsed
configuration in
which the amount of space the frame takes up is the same as the space that
either
one of the first support or the second support would take up on its own. In
other
words, the frame may collapse into a configuration in which one of the first
or second
supports nestles, or is received, into the other such that the space the frame
takes up
is defined substantially by the dimensions of one of the frames. This may be
an
efficient way of compacting the framework structure and greatly reduces the
storage
space required for the framework structure. In another embodiment, the total
footprint
of the first and second supports in the collapsed configuration may be less
than the
area of the footprint first support plus the area of the footprint of the
second support
taken separately.
In another embodiment, the connecting element may be adapted to engage
with another framework structure. In a further embodiment, the connecting
element
may comprise engagement means adapted to releaseably connect the frame of
another framework structure and the frame may further comprise means for
connecting to a connecting element of another framework structure.
In another embodiment, the frame may comprise a locking arrangement
adapted to lock a connecting element of another framework structure to the
frame.
This may allow the connecting element of an adjacent framework structure to be
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locked into position such that it cannot be accidentally removed or removed
without
first unlocking the locking arrangement. This may provide additional security
for
instance where the framework structure is used as a barrier, since it
restricts access
across the barrier and prevents the barrier being disassembled, and where used
as a
support structure that is left unattended, for instance.
In another embodiment, the first support may comprise at least two legs and
the second support may comprise at least two legs. In further embodiments, the
at
least two legs of the first support may be connected by a first connecting bar
and the
at least two legs of the second support may be connected by a second
connecting
bar. The connecting element may be pivotally connected to the first connecting
bar
of the first support and/or the first connecting bar is adapted to engage with
a
connecting element of an additional framework structure.
In another embodiment, the framework structure further comprises connecting
means adapted to connect the barrier unit to another framework structure.
Optionally, the connecting means is located on the first support and is
adapted to
connect the barrier unit to a second support of another framework structure.
The
connecting means may or may not be contained within the footprint of the frame
in a
collapsed configuration. In one embodiment, the connecting means may be
contained within the footprint of two neighbouring framework structures such
that it
does not increase the footprint occupied by the structures.
In another embodiment, the connecting element may extend beyond the
footprint of the frame. In another embodiment, in the collapsed configuration
the
connecting element does not extend beyond the footprint of the frame. This may
enable the efficient storage of the framework structure.
In another embodiment, the frame may further comprise a removable panel
adapted to prevent access to the barrier unit from a first direction.
Optionally, the
panel is adapted to interlock with the panel of another framework structure
according
to any preceding claim.
In another embodiment, the framework structure may further comprise a
second connecting element. In this embodiment, the second connecting element
acts in the same fashion as the first connecting element. The second
connecting
element further strengthens the framework structure and provides an additional
barrier across the depth of the framework structure. In particular, if the
structure is
used as a barrier, the second connecting element may be positioned such that
it
prevents access to one face of the barrier, and the first connecting element
prevents
access to the second face of the barrier. In this instance, a gap which is
equivalent
to the depth of the barrier may be created between the two connecting
elements,
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which impedes the traversal of the barrier from one of the faces. In an
embodiment,
the gap is at least one metre. In this embodiment, persons located on either
side of
the barrier would be prevented from reaching over the barrier.
In further embodiments, the framework structure may be a temporary
framework structure. In another embodiment, the framework structure may be an
expandable barrier unit.
In another embodiment, the connecting element is a barrier arm.
A second aspect of the invention provides a barricade comprising first and
second framework structures, each of the framework structures comprising a
frame
comprising a single pair of pivotally connected supports, the pair of supports
rotatable relative to one another about an axis A to adjust the framework
structure
between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration, the footprint
of the
frame being larger in the expanded configuration than in the collapsed
configuration
and a connecting element pivotally connected to the frame and adapted to
releaseably connect to an adjacent body or structure, the connecting element
being
rotatable about an axis parallel to the same as axis A.
In an embodiment, in use, the first and second framework structures are in
the expanded configuration and wherein the connecting element of the first
framework structure is connected to the second framework structure.
A third aspect of the invention provides use of the framework structure
described above as a barrier.
Brief description of the drawings
An example of the invention will now be described with reference to the
accompanying diagrams, in which:
Figure 1 shows a side view of an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2a shows a front view of an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2b shows a side view of an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 3a shows a front view of a first support;
Figure 3b shows a front view of a second support;
Figure 4 shows a side view of an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 5a shows a component of a locking mechanism;
Figure 5b shows a component of a locking mechanism;
Figure 5c shows a component of a locking mechanism;
Figure 6a shows a front view of an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 6b shows a side view of an embodiment of the present invention;
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Figure 7 shows a side view of an embodiment of the present invention; and
Figure 8 shows a locking mechanism.
Detailed description
A first embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 1 to 5. Figure 1
shows a number of individual framework structures 12 that are joined together
so as
to form a single structure 10.
Each of the framework structures 12 comprises two connecting elements in
the form of barrier arms 40 and a frame comprising a first supporting frame 20
and a
second supporting frame 30 connected to the first supporting frame 20 by a
pair of
hinges 26. All of the framework structures 12 are in an expanded
configuration, in
which the base of the first supporting frame 20 (where wheel 48 is attached)
and the
base of the second supporting frame 30 (where the connecting means 36 is
attached) are spaced apart from one another. This is in contrast to a
collapsed or
nested configuration, shown in Figures 2a and 2b, in which the second
supporting
frame 30 is received in the first supporting frame 20 such that the first and
second
supporting frames 20, 30 together form a substantially flat arrangement.
As can be seen in the plan views of Figures 2a, 3a and 3b, the first
supporting
frame 20 comprises two legs 22, 23, an upper connecting bar 21 connecting the
top
ends two legs 22, 23 (i.e. the ends opposite the pair of wheels 48) and a
lower
connecting bar 24, which extends between and connects the base of the legs 22,
23
(i.e. the end of the legs that is proximal the wheels 48). Attached to the
lower
connecting bar 24 is a pair of lockable wheels 48, which enable the framework
structure 12 and, in some embodiments the structure 10, to be easily
repositioned.
Provided on the upper connecting bar 21 of the first supporting frame 20 are
two
barrier arms 40. The first supporting frame 20 comprises connecting means in
the
form of two connecting plates 36, which are adapted to connect to the second
supporting frame of an adjacent framework structure 12 or to a terminating
wheel 49.
The second supporting frame 30 also comprises two legs 32, 33 with an
upper connecting bar 31 connecting the top (upper end) of the legs 32, 33 and
a
lower connecting bar 34 connecting the base of the legs 32, 33.
In this embodiment, the two supporting frames 20, 30 of one framework
structure 12 are connected to one another by a pair of hinges 26 located on
the
upper connecting bar 31 of the second support member 30, which engage with the
upper connecting bar 21 of the first supporting frame 20. This enables the
first and
second supporting frames 20, 30 to rotate with respect to one another. In this
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embodiment, the first and second supporting frames 20, 30 rotate in opposite
directions to move from a substantially vertical position in the collapsed
arrangement
(Figures 2a, 2b, and 4) to a spread or expanded position (Figure 1) about an
axis
defined by the upper connecting bar 21 of the first supporting frame 20. This
arrangement enables the framework structure 12 or, if assembled into the
larger
structure 10, to be easily and quickly moved into the collapsed configuration,
thereby
permitting the easy collapsing and storage of the framework structure.
Furthermore, it
provides a means for quickly and efficiently removing the structure 10.
As shown in a plan view in Figure 2a and in a side view in Figures 2b and 4,
the collapsed configuration significantly reduces the footprint of the
structure and
thus reduces the room required to store the structure 10 or framework
structure 12.
As the dimensions of the second supporting structure 30 are smaller than the
inner
dimensions of the first supporting structure 20, the second supporting
structure 30
can be rotated to be received within the first supporting structure 20 in a
nested
fashion (see Figures 2a and 2b). In this embodiment, the barrier arms 40
cannot be
received within the first supporting means 20, due at least in part to the
location of
the hinges. In this embodiment, the barrier arms 40 can therefore be rotated
upwardly such that the barrier arms 40 do not impede the collapsing of the
frames,
as shown in Figure 4. As will be appreciated, in this embodiment, the barrier
arms 40
may have a locking mechanism that holds the barrier arms 40 in the upright
position.
This may be any locking mechanism known in the art. This can also be achieved
by
using a pivot that provides a sufficient level of resistance that the barrier
arms 40 are
held in the upright position. It may also be the case that the barrier arms 40
are
supported by the adjacent barrier arm 40 (see Figure 4) (e.g. the barrier arms
40 rest
on each other), and the barrier arms 40 with no adjacent barrier arm 40 to
rest on
rests on the adjacent framework structure 12. The preference as to storage
method
will be dependent on the user's requirements.
In the expanded configuration (shown in Figure 1), the first and second
support means 20, 30 are spaced apart such that the bases of the first and
second
support means 20, 30 are separated. This expanded arrangement provides the
framework structure 12 with a solid base and a rigid structure. Accordingly,
the
connection of numerous framework structures 12, as shown in Figure 1, results
in an
elongated structure 10, which has a strong and rigid structure. The strength
and
rigidity of this structure 10 can be further improved through the use of the
barrier
arms 40 of the framework structure 12. In this embodiment, the barrier arm 40
rotates about the upper connecting bar 21 of the first supporting frame 20
(and
therefore accordingly about the same axis as the first and second supporting
frames)
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and engages with an upper connecting bar of a first supporting structure of an
adjacent framework structure 12. As will be appreciated, this would further
stabilize
the structure 10 and improve the resistance of the structure 10 to impact. In
alternative embodiments, there may only be a single barrier arm or may be more
than two barrier arms.
In this embodiment, the barrier arms 40 engage with the upper connecting bar
21 of the first supporting frame 20 via a locking mechanism. The features of
the
locking mechanism in this embodiment are shown in Figures 5a-c. The locking
mechanism consists of three components: the upper connecting bar 21, an inner
locking plate 50 and the locking clip 46, which is located on the end of each
of the
barrier arms 40 (see Figure 1).
The locking clip 46 comprises a head 57, which is sized such that it can
receive the upper connecting bar 21 therein. Within the head 57 is a mushroom
headed pin 56 that extends outwardly of the head 57.
The inner locking plate 50, which is shown in detail in Figure 5b, is an
elongate strip that runs through a hollow in the centre of upper connecting
bar 21.
The inner locking plate 50 in this embodiment is slightly longer than upper
connecting
bar 21 such that it can extend outwardly of the upper connecting bar 21 (see
Figure
5a). The inner locking plate 50 has two slots 51 (since there are two barrier
arms 40)
which have an elongate portion and a wider circular cutout located in the
centre of
the elongate portion. The slots 51 extend through the plate 50. There is also
a third
slot 55 located in the centre of the plate that has an elongate portion that
terminates
at either end in a wider circular portion. The slots 51 of the inner locking
plate 50
align with two holes 54 in the upper connecting bar 21. The central slot 55 is
engaged by a spring-loaded pin 52 having a mushroom headed portion that is
sized
such that it does not extend into the elongate portion of the central slot 55,
but is
sized such that when the inner locking plate 50 is moved in a first direction
to a
position in which one of the wider circular portions of the inner locking
plate 50 are
aligned with the spring-loaded pin 52, the mushroom-headed portion is biased
into
engagement with the wider circular portions, preventing the further movement
of the
bar. To release this engagement, a user may have to pull the pin 52.
Alternatively,
the elongate slot may be tapered such that moving the inner connecting bar 50
in the
reverse direction (i.e. opposite the first direction) meets less resistance.
In this arrangement, when a barrier arm 40 of an adjacent framework
structure is lowered, the mushroom headed pin 56 of the locking clip 46 of the
adjacent framework structure extends into the hole 54 of the upper connecting
bar 21
and through the slot 51, with the mushroom portion of the pin extending beyond
slot
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51. The inner locking plate 50 can then be slid in either direction along the
length of
the upper connecting bar 21. As the diameter of the mushroom headed pin 56 is
greater than the width of the elongate portion of slots 51, the removal of the
pin 56
(and thus removal of the barrier arm 40) is inhibited by the inner locking
plate 50. In
this embodiment, the inner locking plate 50 is sized such that when the inner
locking
plate 50 is moved into a locking position, the inner locking plate 50 only
extends
outwardly of one of the ends of the upper connecting bar 21. It will therefore
be
appreciated that once a barrier arm 40 has been locked in position, the inner
locking
plate 50 in this embodiment can only be accessed from one side of the
framework
structure 12 and, on the opposite side, the inner locking plate 50 is
therefore
inaccessible. Therefore, if used as a barrier, the defending side can easily
move the
inner locking plate 50 so that the barrier arm 40 can be raised to allow
access and/or
to disassemble the barrier, which is particularly important in the case of
fire or an
emergency, for example, but the barrier arm 40 cannot be unlocked by a person
on
the opposite side of the barrier. This provides both security and ease of use,
without
compromising on safety.
In another embodiment, the upper connecting bar 21 may have a hollow
cylindrical shape and there may be a plug located at either end of the upper
connecting bar 21 having a slot sized to receive the inner locking bar 50. The
plug
would therefore support the inner locking bar 50 inside the upper connecting
bar 21
and, in the locked position, the inner locking bar 50 may sit flush with the
plug on one
side, which would prevent access to the inner locking plate 50.
In other embodiments, the inner locking plate 50 may further be secured, for
example by a padlock extending through the inner locking plate 50 at one end
when
in the locked arrangement (not shown). In an alternative embodiment, the inner
locking plate 50 may be shorter in length than the upper connecting bar 21
such that
in either the locked or unlocked positions the inner locking plate 50 does not
extend
outwardly of the end of the upper connecting bar 21, and may be operated by a
key
arrangement in place of pin 52. In this arrangement, a barrier arm 40 may be
lowered and engaged in a similar fashion as the embodiment of Figures 5a-c but
once engaged, the inner locking plate 50 may be slid along the inside of the
upper
connecting bar 21 using the key arrangement. The key can then be removed and
the
locking mechanism will not be able to be unlocked from either side of the
framework
structure without use of the key. In further alternative embodiments, an
automatic
clip mechanism may be employed.
In use, the framework structure 12 ("first framework structure") can be used
to
create a structure 10, for instance the structure 10 shown in Figure 1.
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assembly of the structure 10 involves providing a collapsed a framework
structure
unit 12 (since it will have been stored or transported to the site), which may
be in the
configuration shown in Figures 2a and 2b. The framework structure 12 can then
be
unfolded into the expanded configuration, in which the first supporting frame
20 and
second supporting frame 30 are rotated apart from one another to form a
substantially triangular shaped arrangement (see Figure 1, for example). A
chain 47
may additionally be attached to the first and second supporting frames 20, 30
to
prevent the first and second supporting frames 20, 30 from rotating into a
wider
expanded position and to strengthen the arrangement. The barrier arms 40 may
remain in an upright position until the unit is correctly positioned. A second
framework structure 12 may then be positioned adjacent the first framework
structure
12 and unfolded in a similar manner. The second supporting frame 20 of the
second
framework structure 12 can then be connected to the bracket 36 of the first
framework structure 12 and secured such that the first and second framework
structures 12 are connected. The barrier arms 40 of the first framework
structure 12
can be lowered and engaged with the upper connecting bar 21 of the first
supporting
frame of the second framework structure 12. If required, these can be locked
into
position. This creates a solid two framework structure sized structure that is
both
stable and rigid. The two barrier arms 40 of the second framework structure 12
can
also be attached to either an external body such as an engagement mechanism on
a
wall or additional framework structures 12. Similarly, additional framework
structures
12 can be attached to the first framework structure 12 in the manner described
above. In addition, a terminating wheel 49 can be attached to the second
supporting
frame 30 of a framework structure 12 at the end of the structure 10 (where the
second supporting frame 30 is not attached to a neighboring structure or body.
This
provides a solid structure 10 that can be moved into the required position via
wheels
48, 49. The wheels 48, 49 may have a locking mechanism thereon such that when
they are in position, they can be secured or a brake can be applied (not
shown).
Once the framework structures 12 have been assembled into a structure 10,
the framework structures 12 can still be moved into the expanded and collapsed
configurations. For instance, the structure 10 of Figure 1 can be compacted
into the
collapsed configuration of Figure 4. To do this, the barrier arms 40 of the
framework
structure 12 to be collapsed are disengaged from the structure or body to
which they
are attached and, if a neighboring framework structure 12 is attached to the
framework structure 12 that is to be collapsed, the barrier arms 40 of the
neighboring
structure are disengaged from the framework structure 12 that is being
collapsed. As
will be appreciated, if an entire structure 10 is being collapsed, then all of
the barrier
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arms 40 of all of the framework structures 12 should be disengaged. Once
collapsed, this would result in the collapsed structure should in Figure 4.
The barrier
arms 40 can then be rotated away from the frame such that they do not impede
the
collapsing of the frames and thus the framework structures 12. Once collapsed,
the
result would be the structure depicted in Figure 4.
The first and second supporting frames 20, 30 can then be collapsed into a
nestled configuration by folding each frame down individually (while still
attached to
the neighboring framework structures 12) or by collapsing all of the frames
using a
pushing acting that acts in a direction substantially perpendicular to the
upper
connecting bars 21, 31 of the frame. As will be appreciated, this action will
cause the
frames and thus the framework structures 12 to fall into a collapsed or
nestled
configuration, shown in Figure 4, for example. This will enable the structure
10 to be
easily stored or transported, with the footprint of the structure 10 in the
collapsed
configuration being significantly smaller than the footprint in the expanded
configuration.
In a further embodiment, the structure 10 could be used as a rapidly
deployable barrier or barricade. In this embodiment, there may be a structure
10
comprising a number of individual framework structures 12 that is stored in
the
configuration shown in Figure 4. When required, a framework structure 12 at
one of
the terminal ends of the structure 10 can be pulled by a user in a direction
substantially perpendicular to the upper connecting bars 21, 31. This will
cause the
frames to move from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration,
since
the first supporting frames 20 and the second supporting frames 30 of
neighboring
framework structures 12 are connected (excluding the framework structures 12
located at the terminal ends of the barriers) and thus as the framework
structures 12
are pulled, the first and second supporting frames 20, 30 are pulled apart at
their
bases, thus causing rotation about the pivot connecting the first and second
supporting frames 20, 30. If the structure 10 is stored in the configuration
depicted in
Figure 4 (e.g. with the barrier arms 40 rotated upwardly), the barrier arms 40
can be
lowered when the frames are moved into the expanded configuration.
Alternatively,
the barrier arms 40 may be adapted to lower as the structure is expanded such
that
they fall into position and automatically engage with a neighboring framework
structure 12. This can be achieved by any means known in the art. For example,
this may be achieved by using a pivot having a low resistance or an additional
chain
that pulls on the barrier arms 40 as the frames of the framework structures 12
are
expanded.
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In a further embodiment, the structure can be deployed as a barrier using a
vehicle. This can be achieved by connecting a framework structure 12 located
at one
of the ends of the collapsed structure 10 to a vehicle and using the vehicle
to expand
the structure 10 in the fashion described above. In one embodiment of this,
there
may be an additional lock or strap that prevents the structure 10 from
expanding and
thus the structure 10 can be moved using the vehicle until it is in the
desired location,
at which point the lock or strap can be disengaged and further movement of the
vehicle will result in deployment (e.g. movement into the expanded
configuration) of
the structure 10. This allows for a versatile and rapidly deployable
expandable
barrier.
A further embodiment of the present invention is depicted in Figures 6a and
6b. The framework structure 112 of this embodiment has a similar structure to
the
framework structure 12 of the previous embodiments. The framework structure
112
comprises two barrier arms 140 and a frame comprising a first supporting frame
120
and a second supporting frame 130 connected to the first supporting frame 120
by a
pair of hinges 126. The framework structure 112 is shown in its collapsed or
nested
configuration, in which the second supporting frame 130 is received in the
first
supporting frame 120 such that the first and second supporting frames 120, 130
together form a substantially flat arrangement. In this embodiment, unlike
that of the
previous embodiment of Figures 2a and 2b, the barrier arms 140 and the
supporting
frames 120, 130 are sized such that the barrier arms 140 can be received
within the
larger, first frame 120. The first supporting frame 120 comprises a pair of
wheels 148
and attached to the second supporting frame 130 is a pair of connecting means
136.
In a further embodiment, the barrier arms 40, 140 may be at least partially
retractable along their length, such that when a barrier arm 40, 140 is
disconnected
from a neighboring entity, it at least partially retracts. This may enable a
longer
barrier arm to retract to a length that would allow it to nestle within the
collapsed
configuration of the frame (e.g. within the footprint of the collapsed frame).
It may
also allow the barrier arm to retract as it is being connected to a
neighboring unit.
This would be particularly beneficial in the arrangement of Figures 6a and 8,
wherein
a mushroom-headed pin 146 is located on the end of the barrier arm 140 and
thus
connects with a neighboring framework structure in a horizontal fashion.
In a further embodiment of the invention, in which the structure is used as a
barrier, further additional features may be present. For example, in one
embodiment
depicted in Figure 7, additional panels 60 may be attached to the structure
10, 110
so as to prevent access to the barrier or to provide an additional barrier or
separating
wall. These panels 60 may be provided along the length of the barrier 10, 110
or may
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only be included at particular points, depending on the users requirements. In
an
alternative embodiment, panel 60 may be an advertising board or information
board.
A further additional feature that may be used in conjunction with the
structure
10, 110 is a step over plate 70. The step over plate 70 is a plate that is
adapted to
be attached to the structure 10,110 between two framework structures 12, 112
and
provide a platform on which a person can use to step across the depth of the
structure 10, 110. Depending on the dimensions of the structure 10, 110,
stepping
across the structure may require the barrier arms located above the step over
plate
70 to be disengaged and lifted. This feature provides an easy and safe way of
traversing across the structure 10, 110.
In a further embodiment, the framework structures 12, 112 may be provided
with a housing (not shown) into which the structure 10, 110 can retract into
as it is
moved from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration. In an
embodiment, the structure 10, 110 may be stored in the collapsed configuration
in a
housing by the side of a road, for example. One of the framework structures
12, 112
at the end of the structure may be secured to the housing and the framework
structure 12, 112 at the opposite end of the structure 10, 110 may be
accessible from
outside of the housing. Accordingly, when the structure 10, 110 is drawn from
the
housing, it moves into the expanded configuration and can be placed across the
road.
A framework structure in accordance with the invention may also be used as
a support for a structure, much like a scaffolding frame. For instance, the
framework
structure may be used to support additional structures or it may be used as a
platform.
As will be appreciated, the barrier or structure 10, 110 length can be reduced
or extended by either removing or adding a single framework structure 12, 112,
or by
modifying the width of the frames in the expanded configuration (e.g. by
expanding
them to a greater or lesser degree). It would therefore also be advantageous
if the
barrier arms has an adjustable length such that if the width of the expanded
frame is
altered, the length of the barrier arms can be adjusted. This can be achieved
by any
means known in the art.
In a further embodiment, the barrier arms 140 may have an alternative
configuration to that described in relation to Figures 5a-c. For example, the
barrier
arm 140 engages with a neighboring frame unit in the fashion shown in Figure
8, with
locking mechanism 186 having a pin 187 that engages with locking plate 150 in
a
horizontal fashion. This will require barrier arm 140 to be able to extend and
retract
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in length. Alternatively, it will be appreciated that any locking mechanism
known in
the art could be used.
In a further embodiment, the connecting means 36 may be an arrangement in
which connection is via a ball and socket joint. For instance, a ball may
extend
outwardly of a lower connecting bar of a first supporting frame and engage a
recess
in the lower connecting bar of a second supporting frame of an adjacent
framework
structure. This allows for pivoting of the framework structures relative to
one another
and would assist in using the framework structure on uneven terrain. It will
be
appreciated that any suitable connecting means could be employed.
Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and
effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from
a study of
the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. For example, in the
examples above:
the framework structure can be formed of any suitable material, for example
any appropriate metal or alloy such as steel or copper or aluminum, or a
plastic,
wood or other suitable material;
there may be any number of wheels, or hinges;
there may be at least one connecting element or barrier arms (e.g. one, two,
three, four or more connecting elements) and the barrier arms may rotate in
either
direction (clockwise or anticlockwise);
the supports may have any suitable structure and may comprise any number
of legs;
any other suitable means may be used in place of the terminating wheel, for
instance a foot attached to the lower connecting bar, or the lower connecting
bar may
simply rest against a surface or be secured to a surface; and
the chain 48 may be a strap, a cable or any other suitable means for
supporting the frame, or may be omitted.
In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or
steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.
The mere fact
that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does
not
indicate that a combination of these measured cannot be used to advantage. Any
reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.
