FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates generally to the field of barricade systems and structures for controlling crowds, primarily of people, and detecting a potential or actual crowd control problem.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In recent years, monitoring potentially dangerous crowd behavior and managing high risk scenarios associated with crowd surges or overcrowding have been a matter of focus. Typically, various barrier structures, such as interlocking barricades, are employed to control crowds of people at or in the vicinity of large venues, gathering places, and other public locations, e.g. spectators at sports events, stage front attendees at a concert, etc. However, traditional interlocking barricades on their own are inadequate for efficiently identifying excessive crowd pressure and notifying interested parties, e.g. event management personnel, of the same. Accordingly, improvements in notification or communication systems are desirable to alert event management personnel and/or emergency responders of potential and actual crowd control scenarios, thereby allowing interested parties to react quickly and effectively.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Aspects of the invention are directed to systems and barricades for crowd control.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a barricade and identification and notification system having the barricade are disclosed. The barricade for crowd control includes a rigid planar frame and a crowd-pressure sensing mechanism embedded in the cushion mounted on the crowd-facing side of the frame. The crowd-pressure sensing mechanism includes at least one crowd-adjacent surface or component spaced a variable distance from the crowd-facing side of the frame. The crowd-pressure sensing mechanism has a resistance to a decrease in the variable distance from the frame and configured to obtain a measurement of crowd pressure on the frame. The crowd-pressure sensing mechanism has at least one pressure sensor configured to obtain a crowd pressure measurement. At least one transmitter is in communication with the at least one pressure sensor for transmitting a first signal corresponding to the crowd pressure measurement when the detected crowd pressure measurement exceeds a predetermined threshold.
One embodiment of a crowd control system includes a barricade having a rigid frame, and a crowd-pressure sensing mechanism mounted to a crowd-facing side of the frame and having a crowd-adjacent surface spaced a variable distance from the crowd-facing side of the frame. The crowd-pressure sensing mechanism has a resistance to a decrease in the variable distance and configured to obtain a measurement of crowd pressure on the frame. The crowd-pressure sensing mechanism includes a cushion disposed on at least a crowd-facing side of the frame, at least one pressure sensor configured to obtain a crowd pressure measurement, and at least one transmitter in communication with the at least one pressure sensor for transmitting a first signal corresponding to the crowd pressure measurement. A controller in communication with at least one receiver in communication with the at least one transmitter is configured to determine if the first signal is above a threshold, and to send a second signal communicative to a respective receiver configured to initiate a response to the second signal. The at least one pressure sensor may comprise a proximity sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a magnetic sensor, a mechanical detection device, or a combination thereof.
The response to the second signal may include a change to at least one characteristic of the barricade. The system may further include a light mounted on the barricade and visible from the crowd-facing side of the barricade, wherein the change to the at least one characteristic of the barricade includes illumination of the light. The light may be a steady or flashing alarm light, a crowd illumination light, or a combination thereof. The light may be mounted on the barricade on a light mounting location of a light pole, wherein the light mounting location is elevated above a top elevation of the rigid frame. At least one crowd-facing camera may be attached to the light pole. The crowd-facing camera may be attached to the light pole, wherein the change to the at least one characteristic of the barricade includes activating the at least one crowd-facing camera.
In embodiments, the cushion may be a fluid-inflatable cushion, wherein the pressure sensor is configured to obtain a pressure measurement of fluid contained in the fluid-inflatable cushion. In such embodiments, the crowd-pressure sensing mechanism may further include a fluid-transfer device in communication with a source of fluid and may be configured to increase or decrease pressure of the fluid inside the fluid-inflatable cushion, wherein the change to the at least one characteristic of the barricade includes increasing or decreasing pressure of the fluid inside the inflatable cushion.
In embodiments, the resistance to the decrease in the variable distance may be variable over the variable distance. The change to the at least one characteristic of the barricade may include a change in the variable resistance, and may further include at least one of illumination of at least one light, activation of a crowd-facing camera, or a combination thereof.
A plurality of the barricades may be interlocked with one another to define a line of barricades, and a communications network may be connected the controller and to at least one mobile device. A central monitoring system connected to the communications network and the controller may include a display for visualizing the crowd pressure measurement corresponding to the first signal from each of the plurality of barricades and an alert system configured to send an alert to the at least one mobile device. The alert system further comprises at least one of: a user interface configured to cause the controller to send the second signal, the alert, or a combination thereof, in response to a user input, and non-transitory computer memory media connected to the controller and programmed with machine-readable instructions for causing the controller to automatically send the second signal, the alert, or a combination thereof based upon the received value of the first signal.
Another aspect of the invention relates to a crowd control system comprising a cushion configured to be disposed on a crowd-facing side of a barricade comprising a rigid frame, a crowd-pressure sensing mechanism connected to the cushion, and a controller. The crowd-pressures sending mechanism has a crowd-adjacent surface configured to be spaced a variable distance from the crowd-facing side of the barricade frame, has a resistance to a decrease in the variable distance, and is configured to obtain a measurement of crowd pressure on the frame. The crowd-pressure sensing mechanism comprises at least one pressure sensor configured to obtain a crowd pressure measurement, and at least one transmitter in communication with the at least pressure sensor for transmitting a first signal corresponding to the crowd pressure measurement. The controller is in communication with the at least one transmitter, and is configured to receive the first signal corresponding to the crowd pressure measurement, to determine if the detected crowd pressure is above a predetermined threshold, and to initiate a response upon a determination that the crowd pressure is above the predetermined threshold. The initiated response may include any one of or combination of: transmitting a second signal to a receiver in communication with a system responsive to receipt the second signal; transmitting a notification to a mobile device; causing a light or a camera to activate; and/or causing a change in at least one characteristic of the crowd-pressure sensing mechanism. The resistance to the decrease in the variable distance may be variable over the variable distance. The initiated response may include causing a change in at least one characteristic of the crowd-pressure sensing mechanism, wherein the change includes a change in the variable resistance.
In an embodiment, the crowd-pressure sensing mechanism comprises at least two members spaced apart from one another by a distance proportional to the variable distance, with one or more springs disposed between the two members. The cushion may comprise a compressible foam.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention is best understood from the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, with like elements having the same reference numerals. When a plurality of similar elements are present, a single reference numeral may be assigned to the plurality of similar elements with a small letter designation referring to specific elements. When referring to the elements collectively or to a non-specific one or more of the elements, the small letter designation may be dropped. According to common practice, the various features of the drawings are not drawn to scale unless otherwise indicated. To the contrary, the dimensions of the various features may be expanded or reduced for clarity. Included in the drawings are the following figures:
FIG. 1A depicts an exemplary barricade in accordance with aspects of the present invention;
FIG. 1B depicts an exemplary cushion of the barricade of FIG. 1A;
FIG. 1C depict an exemplary frame of the barricade of FIG. 1A;
FIG. 2A depicts a front view of the barricade of FIG. 1A;
FIG. 2B depicts a partial cross-section view of the barricade of FIG. 2A;
FIGS. 2C-2D depict views of the barricade of FIG. 2A, showing position of an exemplary sensor;
FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary identification and notification system in accordance with aspects of the present invention;
FIG. 4A-4C depicts an exemplary alert system in accordance with aspects of the present invention, showing exemplary communication between the sensor and one or more components of the alert system;
FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary display of the identification and notification system of FIG. 3;
FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary layout of a plurality of barricades in accordance with aspects of the present invention;
FIG. 7 depicts another exemplary barricade in accordance with aspects of the present invention;
FIG. 8 depicts a front view of the exemplary barricade of FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 shows a rear view of the exemplary barricade of FIG. 7;
FIG. 10A depicts a side view of the exemplary barricade of FIG. 7;
FIG. 10B depicts a side view of an exemplary crowd pressure sensor mechanism; and
FIG. 11 depicts a schematic of an exemplary system in accordance with aspects of the present invention.
FIG. 12A depicts a plan view schematic of an exemplary pressure sensor panel.
FIG. 12B depicts a side view schematic of the exemplary pressure sensor panel of FIG. 12A.
FIG. 12C depicts a side view perspective view of an exemplary pressure sensor assembly.
FIG. 12D depicts a side view perspective view of an exemplary pressure sensor.
FIG. 12E depicts a schematic diagram of an exemplary push button switch.
FIG. 13A depicts a top view installation of a exemplary pressure assembly of FIGS. 12A-12E mounted on a picket-type barrier in connection with pressure distribution panels.
FIG. 13B depicts a side view installation of the exemplary cushion, distribution panels, and picket-type barrier of FIG. 13A.
FIG. 14A is a front view photograph of an exemplary cushion disposed on an exemplary barricade.
FIG. 14B is a back view photograph of the cushion and barricade of FIG. 14A.
FIG. 15A is a perspective schematic view of an exemplary barricade interface bar.
FIG. 15B is a schematic plan view of the exemplary interface bar of FIG. 15A.
FIG. 15C is an enlarged schematic plan view of the encircled portion of FIG. 15B.
FIG. 15D is a schematic cross-sectional view plan view of the exemplary interface bar of FIG. 15A
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The exemplary barricade and system disclosed herein are configured to provide improved identification and notification systems suitable for various purposes, including crowd control. In an exemplary embodiment, the barricade and barricade system are suited to be employed as a sole source of identification and notification system (e.g. for crowd control), or in combination with other identification and notification mechanisms. As used herein, the term “barricade” is intended to encompass any structure which partially or fully prevents or impedes the movement of crowds, primarily of people, including but not limited to temporary and portable structures used for crowd control purposes at various public or private venues where a large number of people may congregate (e.g., conferences, summits, concerts, festivals, marches, etc.).
Additionally, various forms and embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the figures. It will be appreciated that the combination and arrangement of some or all features of any of the embodiments with other embodiments is specifically contemplated herein. Accordingly, this detailed disclosure expressly includes the specific embodiments illustrated herein, combinations and sub-combinations of features of the illustrated embodiments, and variations of the illustrated embodiments.
Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate an exemplary barricade 100 in accordance with aspects of the present invention. Barricade 100 is configured for crowd control, generally. In particular, barricade 100 is configured to provide or facilitate improved identification and notification systems suitable for crowd control, for example. Additional details regarding barricade 100 are described below.
In general, barricade 100 (FIG. 1A) includes a frame 110 (FIG. 1C) and a crowd-pressure sensing mechanism 120 (FIG. 1B). In an exemplary embodiment, rigid frame 110 comprises metal (e.g. aluminum). Further, the frame 110 includes a planar surface 114. In one example, as shown in FIG. 1A, another planar surface (e.g. foot plate 112) is fixed to or configured to be attached (or interlocked) to planar surface 114, to support the planar surface 114 in a relationship perpendicular to the ground surface. Additionally, or optionally, the frame 110 is rigid (relative to other component(s) of barricade 100, such as the crowd-pressure sensing mechanism 120, for example) and may have a generally irregular geometry with curved or rounded corners. The rigid frame 110 may further include one or more surfaces, edges, or contours, to assist in contouring to other components which may be adjacent or coupled to the rigid frame 110. For example, the geometry of the rigid frame 110 may be selected to correspond to a crowd-facing portion of a stage. In another example, the geometry of the rigid frame of one barricade may be intended to complement that of another rigid frame, e.g. in order to create a variable angle when the rigid frames and are adjacent each other (e.g. to create a corner in conformity with a certain area of the stage, for example). In an exemplary embodiment, rigid frame 110 is configured to provide an unyielding barrier to the movement of a crowd of people. In one non-limiting example, rigid frame 110 includes the MoJo® Barrier products manufactured and designed by Mojo Barriers of Abridge, Essex, United Kingdom (see https://www.mojobarriers.com/wp-content/uploads/Brochure-Mojo-Barriers.pdf).
Referring now to FIGS. 2A-2D, the crowd-pressure sensing mechanism 120 is illustrated. In an exemplary embodiment, the crowd-pressure sensing mechanism 120 is mounted to a crowd-facing side 116 of the rigid frame 110. The crowd-pressure sensing mechanism 120 has a crowd-adjacent surface spaced a variable distance from the crowd-facing side 116 of the frame 110. Further, the crowd-pressure sensing mechanism 120 has a resistance to a decrease in the variable distance. Additionally, or optionally, the crowd-pressure sensing mechanism 120 is subjected to force or pressure exerted by members of a crowd of people, such that the crowd-pressure sensing mechanism 120 is configured to obtain a measurement of crowd pressure on barricade 100, generally, or components thereof, e.g. the rigid frame 110. In an exemplary embodiment, as best shown in FIG. 2B, the crowd-pressure sensing mechanism 120 comprises a cushion 122 that is disposed on at least a crowd-facing side 116 of the frame 110. In one example, the cushion 122 comprises a durable closed cell foam insert 126 enclosed with a form-fitting heavy-duty vinyl 124. The crowd-facing surface of the cushion at rest is spaced a first distance from the frame, but as the crowd pushes on the crowd-facing surface and compresses the cushion and any resistance mechanisms between the cushion and the frame, the distance between the crowd-facing surface and the frame decreases.
Additionally, or optionally, the crowd-pressure sensing mechanism 120 comprises at least one pressure sensor 128 (FIGS. 2C-2D) configured to detect pressure exerted on the cushion 122 and/or frame 110 by a crowd of people, for example. The pressure sensor 128 is connected to a power source (e.g. battery, generator, hardwired electrical system, or the like). In embodiments, the pressure sensor 128 may comprise any type of electrical, electronic, mechanical, or electromechanical sensor, for example and without limitation, an ultrasonic sensor, proximity sensor, magnetic sensor (e.g. a reed switch), mechanical or electromechanical detection devices, air pressure sensor (e.g. attached to a fluid-filled cushion, or to a bladder that is compressed when pressure is applied to the cushion), a strain gauge, or combination thereof. Also, at least one pressure sensor 128 may be embedded within cushion 122.
In an exemplary embodiment, barricade 100 includes at least one light 134 (FIGS. 3 and 6) mounted to the frame 110. The light 134 comprises a steady or flashing alarm light 234a (FIG. 8), a crowd illumination light 234b (FIG. 8), or a combination thereof. Additionally, or optionally, at least one crowd-facing camera 270 (FIG. 8) may be attached to the frame 110 or other discreet location. Thus, in certain embodiments, the light pole has at least one light mounting location behind the rigid frame 110. In one example, the light 134 has at least one mounting location located on a non-crowd-facing surface of the planar surface 114, yet remains visible to a viewer or crowd of viewers. In this configuration, the light 134 is positionable or installed at a more discreet location and can permit easier or simpler installation, when an additional mounting device is not required.
Turning now to FIGS. 3-5, an identification and notification system 140 (e.g. for crowd control) is disclosed. At least one transmitter 142 is in communication with the at least one pressure sensor 128 for transmitting a first signal when the detected crowd pressure measurement exceeds a predetermined threshold. To this end, the transmitter 142 is connected to an IoT gateway 144 via a wireless communications network, such as a low-power, wide area networking (LoRaWAN) protocol. Through the IoT gateway 144, at least one transmitter 142 delivers the first signal corresponding to the detected crowd pressure measurement to a central monitoring system 146 via the communications network. In an exemplary embodiment, the communications network may comprise any known wireless communication system including, but not limited to Ethernet technology for connective devices in a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN) and/or a cellular communications network. Although shown in FIG. 3 as a wireless communication system, the communication paths can alternatively be wired communication paths. In an exemplary embodiment, the central monitoring system 146 has a display 148 (illustrated in more detail in FIG. 5) for visualizing the crowd pressure measurement corresponding to the first signal. When the central monitoring system 146 is connected to a plurality of barricades 100, which may be arranged along a line (FIG. 6), the central monitoring system 146 is configured to send an alert to at least one mobile device 150, corresponding to or responsive to the first signal. The alert may include raw data (such as an amount of pressure read by the sensor), processed data (such as bucketed data that indicates if the pressure reading can be characterized as low, medium, or high pressure, which processed data may include graphic visual indicators, such as a green, yellow, and red graphic indicators. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, graphic visual indicators displaying low pressure 148a may be shown in green, visual indicators displaying high pressure 148b may be shown in green, and visual indicators displaying medium pressure 148c may be shown in yellow, or a combination thereof (e.g. the raw data may be displayed in green, yellow, or red alphanumeric form with or without graphic indicators, based upon its low, medium, or high characterization).
According to an exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4A, the alert system 160 cooperates with the identification and notification system 140. In this configuration, at least one sensor 128 is a mechanical sensor or detection device in wired communication with a controller 152 of the alert system 160. The controller 152 of the respective barricade 100 is in wireless communication with network switch 154, which in turn is in wireless communication with mobile device 150. In operation, when the at least one sensor 128 detects a crowd pressure measurement which exceeds the predetermined threshold, the first signal is transmitted to the central monitoring system 146. Accordingly, a visual and/or auditory indicator or message is provided to a user (e.g. security personnel) via display 148. The visual and/or auditory indicator or message is configured for visualizing the crowd pressure measurement corresponding to the first signal. Additionally, or optionally, a visual and/or auditory indicator or message is provided to mobile device 150 as an email or SMS text message for alerting user or personnel regarding the detected excessive crowd pressure.
In response to this detected excessive crowd pressure, central monitoring system 146 is configured to send a signal or notify controller 152 of barricade 100 to activate or cause the at least one light 134 to illuminate. Additionally, or optionally, a crowd-facing camera 270 (FIG. 8) may be activated. In one non-limiting example, mobile device 150 includes a user interface configured to cause the controller 152 and/or IoT Gateway 144 to send or transmit a signal, alert, or a combination thereof, in response to a user input informed by the detected crowd pressure measurement. Additionally, mobile device 150 has a non-transitory computer memory media connected to the controller 152 and programmed with machine-readable instructions for causing the controller 152 to automatically send a signal, an alert, or a combination thereof based upon the received value of the detected crowd pressure measurement. Still further, in an exemplary embodiment, certain responses by various components of the identification and notification system 160 may occur synchronously or asynchronously relative to one another. For example, a status of the barricade 100 based on the detected crowd pressure measurement may be simultaneously delivered to the central display 148 and mobile device 150.
In another exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4B, cooperation between the alert system 160 and the identification and notification system 140 is similar to that described with respect to FIG. 4A. However, it differs in some respects. For example, the at least one sensor 128 comprise proximity sensors (e.g. infrared proximity sensor) configured to detect the presence of nearby objects without any physical contact. In this configuration, the at least one sensor 128 is in wireless communication with IoT Gateway 144 via a wireless communications network, such as a low-power, wide area networking (LoRaWAN) protocol. Through the IoT gateway 144, the at least one transmitter 142 delivers the first signal corresponding to the detected crowd pressure measurement to the central monitoring system 146.
In yet another exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4C, cooperation between the alert system 160 and the identification and notification system 140 is a hybrid of what is described in FIGS. 4A-4B. For instance, the at least one sensor 128 comprises a mechanical sensor or detection device, and is in wired communication with controller 152, which in turn is in wireless communication with IoT Gateway 144. Like FIG. 4A, in response to a detected excessive crowd pressure, central monitoring system 146 is configured to send a signal or notify controller 152 of barricade 100 to activate or cause the at least one light 134 to illuminate.
Turning now to FIGS. 7-11, a second embodiment of a barricade, such as barricade 200, is illustrated. Barricade 200 is generally similar to barricade 100 as described above; however, it differs in some respects. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 7, 8, 9, and 10, the rigid frame 210 includes a plurality of feet 212 configured to support the planar surface in a relationship perpendicular to the ground surface. In this configuration, the crowd-pressure sensing mechanism 220 includes the fluid-inflatable cushion 222 disposed on at least a crowd-facing side 216 of the frame 210. The fluid-inflatable cushion 222 comprises a heavy-duty rip-stop material. In an exemplary embodiment, the crowd-pressure sensing mechanism 220 is a sealed air inflatable cushion 222 equipped with an internal air pressure sensor 228.
The crowd-pressure sensing mechanism 220 includes at least one component (i.e. the crowd-adjacent surface of the cushion) spaced a variable distance from the crowd-facing side 216 of the frame 210 (FIG. 10A). Further, the crowd-pressure sensing mechanism 220 has a resistance to a decrease in the variable distance. As the crowd-pressure sensing mechanism 220 is subjected to force or pressure exerted by members of a crowd of people, the crowd-pressure sensing mechanism 220 obtains a measurement of crowd pressure on the frame 210. In an exemplary embodiment, the crowd-pressure sensing mechanism 220 comprises a fluid-inflatable cushion 222 disposed on at least a crowd-facing side 216 of the frame 210. Additionally, or optionally, the crowd-pressure sensing mechanism 220 comprises at least one pressure sensor 228, which in embodiments with fluid-inflatable cushions may be configured to obtain a pressure measurement of fluid contained in the fluid-inflatable cushion 222. Further, in some embodiments, the crowd-pressure sensing mechanism 220 may also include a fluid-transfer device 223 (e.g. a compressor or a compressed air cylinder) in communication with a source of fluid (e.g. ambient air or fluid contained in the cylinder, respectively) and configured to increase or decrease pressure of the fluid inside the fluid-inflatable cushion 222.
In another exemplary embodiment, shown in more detail in FIG. 10B, the crowd-facing surface 216 comprises an outer panel 218 attached to an inner panel 217 via a hinge 219. A plurality of springs 221 (or other mechanical or electromechanical resistance mechanisms) disposed between the outer panel and the inner panel provide resistance to pressure on the cushion, which resistance may be constant or variable (i.e. as the spring is compressed more, its resistance to further compression increases). At least one pressure sensor 228 is disposed between the outer panel and the inner panel and is configured to detect at least a threshold difference in the spacing between the outer panel and inner panel, as measured by a change in distance d between components of the sensor attached to the outer panel and inner panel, respectively. Still further, as shown in more detail in FIG. 11, at least one transmitter 229 is in communication with the at least one pressure sensor 228 for transmitting a first signal corresponding to the crowd pressure measurement. Correspondingly, at least one receiver 230 is in communication with one or more switches for receiving a second signal sent by a controller in response to receipt of a first signal that the controller determines is at or above a threshold that prompts the second signal. Additionally, or optionally, the at least one receiver is in communication with at least one component responsive to receipt of the second signal. The component may include a light, a camera, means for modifying the resistance to the crowd, a mobile device or router for sending messages to one or more mobile devices, and any switches and circuitry between the responsive component and the signal receiver.
As depicted in FIG. 10B, the means for providing and/or modifying resistance may include, for example, a hydraulic, pneumatic, or hydropneumatics system comprising one or more pistons 224 with a controllable variable resistance to compression (e.g. by varying pressure of a compressible fluid (e.g. air) contained inside the piston). Systems for providing controllable variable resistance are known in the art, such as are utilized in adaptive suspensions in the automotive industry. The means for modifying the variable resistance is not limited to any particular technology, and may include any technology known in the art for remotely controlling resistance to compression. Technologies may include inflation or deflation of pistons or bladders or the cushion itself with compressible fluids, modifying orifice size for permitting outflow of incompressible fluids from pistons, bladders, or cushions, electromagnetic resistance that is variable by application of variable voltage or current, variable resistance springs that are variable by modifying an interface between mechanical members, and the like, without limitation.
In both fluid-filled cushion embodiments and the hinged plate embodiments, embodiments of the crowd-pressure sensing mechanism 220 may obtain the crowd pressure measurement based upon the decrease in variable distance between the crowd-adjacent surface of the crowd-pressure sensing mechanism and the frame. In the fluid-filled embodiment, as the fluid is compressed in proportion to the amount of force exerted on the cushion, the distance between the crowd-facing surface of the cushion and the frame decreases in proportion to the force exerted by the crowd, and the pressure in the fluid increases proportionally as well. The relationship between distance and fluid pressure may not be a linear relationship, but the relationship may be characterized and programmed into the controller such that the signal generated by fluid pressure sensing mechanism is converted to a crowd pressure measurement. Likewise, in the spring-resistant embodiment, as the crowd-adjacent outer plate is compressed by crowd pressure closer to the frame-adjacent inner plate, the distance between them decreases, and the measurement of crowd pressure is based upon the decrease in distance. Again, the relationship between displacement and crowd pressure may not be linear, but this relationship can be characterized and programmed into the controller. To the extent the resistance is variable and controllable in response to the crowd pressure, the characterization curves for the sensor for different resistance levels may be variable as well, and programmed into the controller accordingly.
In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 12A-13B, an exemplary pressure sensing panel 1200 may comprise a plurality (in the example shown, two) sensors 1202 mounted partially protruding from corresponding electrical enclosures 1204, each sensor and enclosure forming a pressure sensor assembly 1203. Each sensor is part of a circuit comprising a wireless transmitter 1210 (e.g. equivalent to transmitter 142 as depicted in FIG. 3 with respect to the monitoring system as a whole) wherein compression of the sensor a predetermined distance causes a first portion of the sensor connected to wire 1212 to make contact with a second portion of the sensor connected to wire 1214 to complete a circuit that causes the wireless transmitter to send a signal indicating that the sensor switch has been tripped.
Each sensor is attached to the lid 1205 of the enclosure between a nut 1220 and a cap 1222 (and may include one or more additional spacers, washers, or compression rings 1221 disposed therein. As shown, the cap and nut may both be attached to a threaded, hollow neck 1224. Actuator 1226 mounted in base 1227 is configured to axially translate within neck 1224 and is connected to a translatable contact 1229 that moves from a position that does not complete the circuit (i.e. as depicted in FIG. 12E) to a position that does complete the circuit, when compressed a predetermined distance (i.e. when actuator 1226 is pushed along arrow A so that contact 1229 bridges between contact points attached to lines 1212 and 1214). Spring 1228, is mounted inside hollow neck 1224 in a manner configured to bias the actuator in the non-contact position (i.e. the spring is disposed between the traveling actuator button on one end, and against a fixed abutment such as a portion of base 1227 on the other end). It should be understood that base 1227 includes an enclosure and any fixed components disposed therein, including any contact mechanism components that remain in a fixed position to receive a moveable portion of the contact mechanism.
Spring 1228 may be selected to provide a desired amount of resistance to compression appropriate for the crowd pressure measurement purpose (i.e. the springs of the respective push button switches, and any other components providing a resistance to compression) may be selected so that a specific threshold pressure exerted by the crowd on the barricade through the cushion is operable to push the actuator the required distance to complete the circuit causing the sensor to send a signal to the transmitter, and the transmitter to send the signal to the monitoring system.
Cap 1222 may comprise a deformable material (e.g. rubber or plastic) that may further resist deformation from an extended position not in axial contact with the actuator to a compressed position that is in axial contact with the actuator. In other embodiments, the cap may be in fixed contact with the actuator. Each enclosure may contain a blowout preventer 1206 (a stop) for limiting deformation of the lid of the enclosure in the compression direction and/or shear forces exerted between the sensor structure and the enclosure lid under compression. It should be understood that the invention is not limited to any particular push button design or structure. To the extent aspects of the invention include a crowd-pressure sensing mechanism having a crowd-adjacent surface configured to be spaced a variable distance from the crowd-facing side of the barricade frame and having a resistance to a decrease in the variable distance, and a crowd-pressure sensing mechanism having at least one pressure sensor configured to obtain a crowd pressure measurement responsive to the decrease in variable distance, wherein the pressure sensor has at least two members spaced apart from one another by a distance proportional to the variable distance, and one or more springs disposed between the two members, the spring may be a spring 1228 in a sensor switch 1202 as shown, and the two members spaced apart from one another may include the moveable actuator 1226 and non-moveable base portions 1227 of the sensor switch 1202 that connect with one another when the switch is compressed.
As depicted in FIG. 13A and 13B, the sensor assemblies 1203 may be disposed inside a cushion 1300. The cushion is draped over a barricade 1330. In the example as depicted, the barricade comprises a plurality of pickets 1350 with spaces 1352 therebetween. While shown with vertical pickets, it should be understood, however, that the barricade may comprise any type of open or closed structure (e.g. a metal lattice, grating, chain link fence, or the like). In open structures, wherein the structural components that define the crowd-facing surface of the barricade have open areas therebetween, there is a risk that the sensor actuators align with an open area of the barricade rather than a structural member. Accordingly, it may be desirable, in at least some implementations to have a first pressure distribution panel or plate disposed between the actuator and the barricade. As shown in FIG. 13A, a first pressure distribution panel 1310 is disposed on the barricade-facing exterior of the cushion. A second pressure distribution panel 1320 may be disposed on the crowd-facing exterior of the cushion. In the implementation shown, the first and second pressure distribution panels are connected to one another via a pair of straps 1325 threaded through holes 1327 in the panels and are draped over the top-facing edge of the cushion 1300. In other embodiments, the pressure distribution panels may be disposed inside the cushion. Although depicted as horizontal panels spanning a distance between both sensor assemblies, separate distribution components having dimensions larger than the dimensions of any open areas in the barricade and aligned with the actuators of the sensors may be provided.
Cushion 1300 may be configured to be removably attached, permanently affixed, or semi-permanently affixed to the barricade, configured to be attached to any barricade known in the art, and/or configured to be attached to a barricade in any manner known in the art. In one embodiment 1400, cushion 1402 is configured to drape over a barricade 1404 as depicted in FIG. 14A and 14B, and comprises an integrated interface bar 1500 as depicted in FIGS. 15A-D. The interface bar 1500 has an inverted J-shaped cross section that includes a semicircular portion 1502 having an internal radius (IR) configured to be disposed over the external radius of a corresponding bar (not shown) on the top of the barricade, thus imparting a curvature to an upper region of the cushion that allows the cushion to follow the contour from the front to the back of the barricade. A vertical portion 1504 extends downward from one end of the semicircular portion a desired distance D to accommodate the functionality as further described.
In embodiments, the interface bar is positioned inside the cushion cover, between the cushion cover and adjacent foam (or in a portion that has no foam, simply between the opposite faces of the cover). The interface bar may span the entire width of the cushion, or a portion thereof, and has two tabs 1510 with a length between the tabs sufficient to span across one or more (two as depicted) braces 1410 of the barricade. The bar and the cushion covering are configured so that at least the portion of the tab containing the hole 1512 (having a diameter d sufficient to receive a hook, or other fastener) protrudes from the exterior of the cushion. To facilitate this protrusion and access to the hole, each tab may be bent from the configuration shown in FIG. 15A inward (in the direction of arrow B) at any angle that facilitates or optimizes access to the hole.
As depicted in FIG. 14B, a flexible tensile member 1420 (e.g. a steel cable, rope, strap, or the like) is disposed between the tabs, for example by snap fasteners 1422 at opposite ends of the cable engaging the holes, and configured to connect the cushion to the barricade. In the configuration shown, the cable is disposed on an opposite side of a portion of the braces 1410 of the barricade relative to the cushion so that the tensile member prevents the cushion from sliding off or being removed. For example, as depicted in FIG. 14B, the cable 1420 runs on the inside of the braces, and the cushion is disposed on the outside of the braces. In other embodiments, the braces may have holes for receiving the tensile member, or the braces or other portions of the barricade may have connection points for receiving individual connectors spanning between the holes in the interface bar and the barricade. Although shown with a steel cable assembly having a central turnbuckle 1424, the design is not limited to any particular materials, construction, or components. The connection to the barricade may be direct or indirect, and may be a tight or loose connection, and may take any form that holds the cushions in a desired configuration relative to the barricade.
In operation, at least one characteristic of the barricade 200 is configured to change in response to the second signal. For example, each switch is configured to be energized when the distance between the outer panel and the inner panel in the respective location associated with the switch reaches a predetermined threshold. To facilitate this communication, as shown in FIG. 11, a controller 246 (e.g. a computer processor configured to execute instructions stored in computer memory accessible thereto, programmed with machine-readable instructions for performing the functions as described herein) is connected to the at least one transmitter 229 attached to at least one pressure sensor 228 and the at least one receiver 230. The controller (or a receiver in communication with the controller) is configured to receive the first signal corresponding to the crowd pressure measurement. The controller is configured to determine if the value of the first signal is greater than or equal to a threshold value that prompts sending a second signal. The controller is also configured to send the second signal, for example, via router 231 to one or more control switches 252 (each for, e.g., toggling on a warning light and/or alarm) and/or via gateway 250 to a mobile device of a user via a communication network (e.g. a cellular network, the Internet, a dedicated local wireless network, or the like) in response to receipt of a transmitted value of the first signal above the predetermined threshold.
In an exemplary embodiment, barricade 100 includes at least one light 234 (FIGS. 7, 8, and 9) mounted on a light pole 272 connected to the barricade 100. The at least one light comprises a steady or flashing alarm light 234 a, a crowd illumination light 234 b, or a combination thereof. Additionally, or optionally, at least one crowd-facing camera 270 is attached to the light pole 272. The light pole 272 has at least one light mounting location behind the rigid frame 210 (i.e. opposite the crowd-facing surface of the frame 210).
Although described herein with respect to various embodiments, it should be understood that components illustrated and described with respect to one embodiment may be combined with components illustrated and described with respect to another component. For example, although distinct air-inflatable and foam embodiments are described herein, embodiments may include a primarily air-inflatable cushion with at least one foam layer and a primarily foam cushion with a fluid-filled bladder disposed inside of opposing foam layers. It should also be understood that the term “pressure sensor” as used herein does not exclusively refer to sensors for sensing pressure of a fluid such as air or liquid (except when expressly described as such herein), but may include any sensor configurable to detect pressure of the crowd on the cushion using any one of the mechanisms and sensor technologies as described herein.
Although the invention is illustrated and described herein with reference to specific embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to the details shown. Rather, various modifications may be made in the details within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims and without departing from the invention.
Patent Application
20240384481
