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 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” 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 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 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, 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:

FIG. 1 shows a side view of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2a shows a front view of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2b shows a side view of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3a shows a front view of a first support;

FIG. 3b shows a front view of a second support;

FIG. 4 shows a side view of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5a shows a component of a locking mechanism;

FIG. 5b shows a component of a locking mechanism;

FIG. 5c shows a component of a locking mechanism;

FIG. 6a shows a front view of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6b shows a side view of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 shows a side view of an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 shows a locking mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A first embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 1 to 5. FIG. 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 FIGS. 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 FIGS. 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 embodiment, the first and second supporting frames 20, 30 rotate in opposite directions to move from a substantially vertical position in the collapsed arrangement (FIGS. 2a, 2b, and 4) to a spread or expanded position (FIG. 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 FIG. 2a and in a side view in FIGS. 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 FIGS. 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 FIG. 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 FIG. 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 FIG. 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 FIG. 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) 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 FIGS. 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 FIG. 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 FIG. 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 FIG. 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 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 FIGS. 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 FIG. 1. Initial 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 FIGS. 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 FIG. 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 FIG. 1 can be compacted into the collapsed configuration of FIG. 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 arms 40 of all of the framework structures 12 should be disengaged. Once collapsed, this would result in the collapsed structure should in FIG. 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 FIG. 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 FIG. 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 FIG. 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 FIG. 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.

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 FIGS. 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 FIGS. 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 FIGS. 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 FIG. 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 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 FIGS. 5a-c. For example, the barrier arm 140 engages with a neighboring frame unit in the fashion shown in FIG. 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 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.

A FRAMEWORK STRUCTURE

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