Portable Barrier Device

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to a portable barrier device. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a device, and associated method of use, which can be stored and transported in a reduced overall volume, then deployed at a location where a barrier or other notification is desired. The device can also include lights, a power source, and additional components and methods of notification.

When police need to set up mobile checkpoint, such as for sobriety checks or due to accidents, it can be desirable to have a barrier to aid in direction of traffic. Lighting may also be desirable, such as at night or when notification of ongoing traffic is desirable. Such portable barriers may also be beneficial to other forms of traffic control, such as due to events with large numbers of people present and road work. Current methods and devices either do not provide adequate barriers and notification or are large and cumbersome to transport, often requiring set-up times which may not always be available to the user. Current devices which may fold or disassemble into smaller components are cumbersome and time-consuming to assemble and provide inadequate support and notification options. Separate light sources or other components or accessories which may require a primary or supplemental power supply additionally require separate power supplies and create an even more time-consuming assembly process.

Current methods of transporting, storing, and assembling barrier devices require time to assemble which may not be available to those needing to use them, and still remain inadequate for directing traffic and providing notification to ongoing traffic or passersby.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates generally to a portable barrier device. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a device, and method of use, which can be easily stored and transported in a reduced overall volume and can be deployed quickly and easily at a location where a barrier or other notification is desired. The device can also optionally include lights, a power source, and other components for and methods of notification which can further aid in directing traffic, stopping traffic, or notifying traffic of important information, such as upcoming hazards or alterations to established traffic routes.

Police often have a need for setting up quick or impromptu sobriety checkpoints, traffic stops, or traffic redirection due to accidents. Similarly, repair truck drives or tow truck drivers often need to quickly set up a barrier with a light source to alert oncoming traffic of an accident, a disabled vehicle, or other road hazard. A driver whose car has broken down may also need to quickly set up a warning for oncoming traffic. Road works crews also often need to quickly set up barriers or notification means, which may also need to be moved regularly and at varying intervals as work progresses. In such scenarios, a portable barrier that can be set up quickly and easily, is stable enough or can be stabilized or levelled so as to resist winds or varying uneven terrain, and may have including lighting and power for powering or charging devices, may be the difference between successfully warned traffic and potential loss of life.

In one embodiment, the portable barrier device includes a primary body unit. It may include and at least one leg, which may be attached to the primary body unit in such a way as to be extendable from the primary body unit. The one or more legs can rotate away from the primary body unit in order to extend, may rotate out from at least partially within the primary body unit, or may slide out or otherwise slide to extend away from the primary body unit. The one or more legs may also extend from the primary body unit using a combination of the above means.

In one embodiment, the portable barrier device may include only a single leg, which has a foot in contact with the ground which provides a sufficient footprint, either directly or through additional attached components, to support the portable barrier device while also extended sufficiently beyond the center of gravity of the portable barrier device where the portable barrier device has sufficient stability to stand alone without additional support. In other embodiments, the portable barrier device may include two legs, three legs, or any other number of legs that may be desirable to a user or manufacturer. In a preferred embodiment, the portable barrier device includes four legs, which may extend directly down from the primary body unit and be substantially perpendicular to the ground, or may extend so as to create an acute angle with the ground, thus increasing the footprint of the portable barrier device relative to the primary body unit and improving stability.

The portable barrier device may include at least one locking feature which is configured to lock one or more legs in a deployed or extended configuration, or to at least resist motion of one or more legs back to an undeployed configuration. The portable barrier device may also include a locking feature which is configured to resist unintended deployment of one or more legs from an undeployed configuration, such as a locking brace, a clip, a pin, a ball plunger, or other means known in the art. The portable barrier device may also include a feature which only slightly resists unintended deployment of one or more legs, such as a high friction surface which contacts at least one leg when in an undeployed configuration, or a light press fit or light snap fit. In another embodiment, one or more legs may resist unintended rotation or sliding by means of tight tolerancing of interfacing components, such as a tight rotational fit or tight slip fit. In another embodiment, one or more legs may be prevented from deploying by means of gravity. One method using such an embodiment is where the portable barrier device is stored in an upside-down orientation, with the top surface on the bottom of the storage location. One or more legs may stay in an undeployed configuration until the portable barrier device is rolled or otherwise rotated into a rightside-up orientation, at which time the one or more legs may deploy based on their own weight. In another embodiment, the portable barrier device may include one or more movable components, such as a pawl or other at least partially flexible, rotatable, slidable, or otherwise movable locking features. A button, slider, lever, or trigger may be used to force the component to release one or more legs, such as against tension or force from a press fit or spring.

The portable barrier device may include at least one cross-connector which may aid in supporting at least one leg in a deployed configuration. It may also include at least one cross-connector which may connector multiple legs, supporting each in a deployed configuration. The cross-connector may also include a locking feature to aid in maintaining a deployed configuration of one or more legs and may comprise multiple components.

In one embodiment, the primary body unit comprises an internal unit and an external unit. The internal unit may seat at least partially within an at least partially open volume within the external unit. The external unit may surround the internal unit to a substantial degree, or it may only cover some portions of the internal unit, such as where additional support is desirable, or where additional structures may be beneficial for attachment of additional components. Either the internal unit or the external unit, or both, may comprise multiple component units which may be connected directly or by means of the other respective unit, or may be a single piece. The primary body unit may also consist of a single unit without a separate internal unit and external unit.

The primary body unit may have a substantially trapezoidal cross-sectional profile, and it may also define a substantially trapezoidally-shaped open volume. The primary body unit may also have a substantially trapezoidal front profile or side profile. The primary body unit may also be substantially rectangular, either from a front perspective, a side perspective, or both. Other shapes for either profile may also be used, such as triangles, hexagons, octagons, ellipses, compound shapes, and other shapes that may be desirable.

When in an undeployed configuration, one or more legs may seat substantially or at least partially within an at least partially open volume within the primary body unit.

The portable barrier device may include one or more handles which can be located on any surface or feature of the portable barrier device, including on a top surface, one or more side surfaces, on a bottom surface, or connected within the internal volume of the primary body.

The portable barrier device may include one or more light sources, which may be configured in various shapes or sizes, and may be permanently affixed to the portable barrier device or may be removably attached. The portable barrier device may also include a battery to power the light source or other electronic devices, or the battery may be removably attached or otherwise connected. The portable barrier device may also include a power connector, which may be used to power peripheral devices, such as cellular phones or speakers. The peripheral devices may be powered by the battery that powers the light source, or by a different battery or other power unit or power source.

The portable barrier device may be configured to support at least one sign. The portable barrier device may include a clip or other feature configured to support a complementary feature on a sign. The portable barrier device may also be configured to retain a sign through a magnetic feature, such as by a magnet-backed sign which is attracted to the metal of at least a portion of the portable barrier device, or may include a magnet to support signs which include metal. The portable barrier device may also include at least one slot configured to receive a sign. The portable barrier device may also include retention features configured to retain other components, such as connectors configured to receive flags, posts, supplemental lighting, or solar collection cells.

The portable barrier device may be deployed by removing the device from storage, such as from a trunk or storage compartment, placing it at or near where the user wishes the device to be deployed, extending or rotating out at least one leg into a deployed configuration, and resting the device where it is desired. One or more legs may be locked in a deployed configuration. Optional leg extensions or feet, such as rotatable platforms, may also be included and deployed or otherwise adjusted to improve stability of the portable barrier device or to aid in levelling of the device. A light source may be activated to warn oncoming traffic, to direct oncoming traffic, or to make the barrier more noticeable. Signs, flags, or other notification components or methods may also be attached or used.

The method may include the use of a device which may include one or more of the features, steps, or components described herein. Any number of steps or elements may be used in conjunction with the method described, and various means for connections, gripping, storage, and protection may be incorporated.

It is to be understood that the above-mentioned steps and features and the steps and features yet to be explained hereinafter can be used not only in the respectively mentioned combinations but also in other combinations or alone without departing from the context of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is now disclosed in detail with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, where:

FIG. 1 shows a front top isometric view of an embodiment of the portable barrier device of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 shows a front view of the embodiment of the portable barrier device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the embodiment of the portable barrier device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows a front top isometric view of an embodiment of the primary body unit of the portable barrier device of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 shows a bottom view of an embodiment of a secondary unit within the primary body unit of the portable barrier device of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 shows a front cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the secondary unit within the primary body unit of the portable barrier device of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 shows a front top isometric view of an embodiment of an external unit of a primary body unit of the portable barrier device of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 shows a bottom view of the external unit of the primary body unit of the portable barrier device of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 shows a front cross-sectional view of the external unit of the primary body unit of the portable barrier device of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 shows a front top isometric view of an embodiment of the portable barrier device of the present disclosure in a closed configuration;

FIG. 11 shows a front view of the embodiment of the portable barrier device of FIG. 10 in a closed configuration;

FIG. 12 shows a bottom view of the embodiment of the portable barrier device of FIG. 10 in a closed configuration;

FIG. 13 shows a front top isometric view of an alternate embodiment of the portable barrier device of the present disclosure in a closed configuration;

FIG. 14 shows a side view of the embodiment of the portable barrier device of FIG. 13 in a closed configuration;

FIG. 15 shows a front top isometric view of another alternate embodiment of the portable barrier device of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 shows a rear top isometric view of the embodiment of the portable barrier device of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 shows a rear top isometric view of another alternate embodiment of the portable barrier device of the present disclosure;

FIG. 18 shows a front top isometric view of an alternate embodiment of the portable barrier device of the present disclosure;

FIG. 19 shows a front view of the embodiment of the portable barrier device of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 shows a front top isometric view of another alternate embodiment of the portable barrier device of the present disclosure;

FIG. 21 shows a front top isometric view of an alternate embodiment of the portable barrier device of the present disclosure;

FIG. 22 shows a rear top isometric view of the embodiment of the portable barrier device of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 shows a front top isometric view of another alternate embodiment of the portable barrier device of the present disclosure;

FIG. 24 shows a front top isometric view of an alternate embodiment of the portable barrier device of the present disclosure;

FIG. 25 shows a front top isometric view of another alternate embodiment of the portable barrier device of the present disclosure in a closed configuration;

FIG. 26 shows a bottom view of the embodiment of the portable barrier device of FIG. 25 in a closed configuration;

FIG. 27 shows a front top isometric view of the embodiment of the portable barrier device of FIG. 25 in an open configuration;

FIG. 28 shows a front top isometric detail view of the embodiment of the portable barrier device of FIG. 25 in an open configuration;

FIG. 29 shows a rear top isometric view of an alternate embodiment of the portable barrier device of the present disclosure in an open configuration;

FIG. 30 shows a front top isometric view of another alternate embodiment of the portable barrier device of the present disclosure in an open configuration;

FIG. 31 shows a rear top isometric view of an alternate embodiment of the portable barrier device of the present disclosure in an open configuration; and

FIG. 32 shows a front cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the portable barrier device of the present disclosure in a closed configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are illustrated in the Figures and are explained in the following description in more detail, wherein identical or similar reference numbers refer to identical, or similar, or functionally identical or similar components.

Various aspects of the illustrative embodiments will be described using terms commonly employed by those skilled in the art to convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced with only some of the described aspects. For purposes of explanation, specific numbers, materials, steps, and configurations are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the illustrative embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without the specific details. In other instances, well-known features or those previously described are omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the illustrative embodiments.

Various operations may be described as multiple discrete operations, in turn, in a manner that is most helpful in understanding the present invention, however the order of description should not be construed as to imply that these operations are necessarily order dependent. In particular, these operations need not be performed in the order of presentation. In some instances, structures and devices may be shown in block diagram or flow chart form or described without complicating figures in order to facilitate describing the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the portable barrier device 100 of the present disclosure. The device 100 may be used where it may be desirable to set up a barrier, including where a barrier may be beneficial on a temporary basis or for a specified situation. The barrier device 100 may include a primary body unit 110. The primary body unit 110 may extend along a length which is desirable to be sectioned off by the barrier device, or it may extend along a shorter length where such a length may be sufficient to draw the notice of others to the barrier device's 100 presence. The barrier device 100 may also be used in conjunction with other items or devices, such as additional barrier devices 100, cones, flags, or more permanently located structures. In one embodiment, the primary body unit 110 may be 34″ long, 8″ wide at either the top or bottom, and 9″ tall, and the deployed portable barrier device 100 may be 34″ tall when in a deployed configuration, though the primary body unit 110 and the portable barrier device 100 may be longer or shorter, wider or less wide, and taller or shorter when deployed or opened, depending on the materials being used, desired application of the portable barrier unit 100, desired strength or stability, or user or manufacturer preference. In another embodiment, the primary body unit 110 may be substantially rectangular in cross-section, where the width is less than the height and the width at the top and bottom are identical or similar. Any commercially reasonable height, length, and width may be used, including significant variations from the listed embodiments. The primary body unit 110 may be substantially rectangular when viewed from the front, as shown in FIG. 2, or may be other shapes, including, but not limited to, trapezoidal or triangular. The primary body unit 110 is shown as having a substantially trapezoidal cross-section when viewed from the side, as seen in FIG. 03, though it should be understood that other cross-sectional shapes may also be used, such as rectangular, octagonal, hexagonal, triangular, elliptical, compound shapes, or other shapes.

The portable barrier device 100 may include one or more legs 120. The legs 120 may extend away from the primary body unit 110 at an angle so as to be perpendicular to the ground when in an open or deployed configuration or may extend at an angle from the body unit which is not perpendicular to the ground, such as 60°. In the embodiment shown, each leg 120 extends at an angle so as to create a larger base footprint at the point of contact with the ground than that of the primary body unit 110, extending beyond the center of gravity of the portable barrier device 100 relative to the ground and improving the stability of the portable barrier device 100. It should be understood that other orientations of one or more legs 120 may also be used, including configurations where one or more legs 120 extend beyond the footprint of the primary body unit 110, improving stability of the portable barrier device 100, while one or more legs 120 extend perpendicular to the ground, or even at an angle extending within the footprint of the primary body unit 110, allowing the deployed portable barrier device 100 to fit within smaller spaces when deployed, or allowing a person to be in closer proximity to the portable barrier device 100, or allowing the portable barrier device 100 to maintain improved stability over uneven or angled surfaces. In some embodiments, the angle of one or more legs 120 relative to the ground may be variable or adjustable.

The legs 120 in the embodiment of FIGS. 01-03 are shown with a substantially rectangular cross-section, though it should be understood that other shapes may also be used, including circular or cylindrical forms, trapezoidal cross-sections, or others. One or more legs 120 may also have a compound or hybrid shape, such as including recesses, slots, or keying features to allow for improved sliding of extending components or to improve the rigidity of the leg 120. The legs 120 are also shown with a substantially hollow area, such as that created by forming the legs 120 from bent sheet metal or extruded metal stock. It should be understood that the legs 120 may also be substantially solid, or may have other shapes and volume specifications, such as those conducive to molding or manufacturing by means of extrusion. The legs 120 may also feature additional support plates or foot plates 1330, as well as connectors if smaller sections are to be combined in creating a complete leg 120. These components may be attached by means of welding, riveting, screws, bolts, adhesives, slip fits, press fits, or other means known in the art.

The portable barrier unit 100 may include one or more cross-connectors 125, which may be used to strengthen or support the legs 120 when in an open configuration or to aid in maintaining the open configuration. The cross-connectors 125 may themselves be formed of multiple components, such as a large cross-beam 126 and a small cross-beam 127. The small cross-beam 127 and large cross-beam 126 may be rotatably or slidably connected to each other and may be rotatably or slidably connected to one or more legs 120, enabling maintaining at least one point of connection to at least one leg 120 when one or more legs 120 are in a folded configuration. The portable barrier device 100 may include one or more locking features which may either lock the large cross-beam 126 and small cross-beam 127 in position relative to each other when the legs 120 are in a deployed configuration, lock the cross-connectors 125 in position relative to at least one leg 120 when the legs 120 are in a deployed configuration, or both. One or more of a range of locking features known in the art may optionally be used, such as spring plungers, ball plungers, friction fits, cams, pins, levers, and more.

Though the cross-connectors 125 are shown connecting a front leg 120 to a rear leg 120, in alignment with anticipated forces which may potentially be applied to the portable barrier device 100, it should be understood that cross-connectors 125 may also be used in other configurations, in other locations, or connecting one or more legs 120 to other components. Cross-connectors 125 may also be used to connect one front leg 120 to another front leg 120, one rear leg 120 to another rear leg 120, or connecting at least one leg 120 to the primary body unit, providing support and strength in whatever directions and orientations may be desirable or beneficial. Additional cross-connectors 125 may also be used to connect cross-connectors 125 to each other, such as between a cross-connector 125 on one side to that on another side, or to connect a cross-connector 125 to the primary body unit 110. One or more cross-connectors 125 may also be removably attached, such as when the portable barrier unit 100 is being unfolded and deployed or closed or stored.

Though the legs 120 are shown as being rotatably connected to the primary body unit 110, the legs 120 may alternatively be connected and extendable in a slidable fashion. The legs 120 may slide to extend from the primary body unit 110, may include extension features which allow the legs 120 to extend to greater length so as to allow a taller configuration of the portable barrier device 100 or to allow for different leg 120 lengths to accommodate uneven or angled surfaces, or may rotate out into an unfolded configuration and may then additionally extend to a longer length and a greater height of the portable barrier device 100.

As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 4, the primary body unit 110 may include one or more connection or rotation points 140, or the connection or rotation points 140 may be included in a secondary unit 112 within the primary body unit 110. FIG. 5 shows a bottom view of the secondary unit 112, including an at least partially open internal volume 150, while FIG. 6 shows a front cross-sectional view of the secondary unit 112. The secondary unit 112 may include one or more locking features 148 which may lock one or more legs 120 in a deployed or unfolded configuration. The locking features 148 may be post or pins which mate with complementary features in the legs 120, may be brackets, light-press-fit features, may be openings such as holes, detents, or slots, configured to receive mating pins, ball plungers, spring plungers, or other features of the legs 120, or may be other locking means known in the art.

The primary body unit 110 may include an exterior body unit 111, which may at least partially cover or encompass the secondary unit 112. As shown in FIG. 7, the exterior body unit 111 may be shaped substantially similarly to the secondary unit 112, though it should be understood that other shapes and forms may also be used, including shapes which only cover or contact parts of the secondary unit 112, such as where additional support, strength, or protection of the secondary unit 112 is desirable, or where the exterior body unit 111 provides connection points or surfaces for other items which may be included with or attached to the portable barrier device 110. FIG. 8 shows a bottom view of the exterior body unit 111, and FIG. 9 shows a front cross-sectional view of the exterior body unit 111. The exterior body unit 111 may be removably connected to the secondary unit 112 or one or more legs 120, or may be attached to the secondary unit 112 or one or more legs 120 by means of adhesives, welding, rivets, screws, bolts, snap fits, press fits, friction fits, or other means known in the art.

The portable barrier device 100 may be folded or collapsed into a folded configuration or may have components such as legs 120 or cross-connectors 125 removed. In such a configuration, the portable barrier unit 100 may be easier to transport or store, such as where the portable barrier unit 100 is stored in the trunk of an automobile, in the bed of a truck, behind a seat in an automobile or truck, or in a storage compartment. FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of the portable barrier unit 100 in a folded configuration. As shown in FIG. 11, the portable barrier unit 100 may be folded so that no features extend outside of the volume of the primary body unit 111. FIG. 12 shows a bottom view of the embodiment of FIG. 10, in a folded configuration. The legs 120 may be folded within an internal volume 150 of the primary body unit 110, and specifically within an internal volume 150 of the secondary unit 112. The cross-connectors 125 may rotatable fold to allow for the legs 120 that are connected by the cross-connectors 125 to be in closer proximity than when they are in an unfolded configuration, though it should be understood that the cross-connectors 125 may also slide or disconnect at one or more connection points 140. Though the cross-connectors 125 are shown folding in an asymmetrical orientation, it should be understood that they may also fold or rotate in a symmetrical orientation.

The portable barrier unit 200 may include one or more handles 260 or carrying features, as shown in FIGS. 13-14. The handles 260 may be flexible, and thus may be able to fold within the internal volume 150 of the primary body unit 210 when not in use, or may be substantially rigid and may slide or rotate within the internal volume 150 of the primary body unit 210. Though not shown, it should be understood that one or more handles 260 may be located on or adjacent to an exterior surface of the primary body unit 210 or legs 120, and may be slidablly, rotatably, removably, or permanently attached.

FIG. 15 shows an alternate embodiment of the portable barrier device 300 which includes light sources 370. Though two light sources 370 are depicted, it should be understood that only one light source 370 may be included, or any larger number of light sources 370 may also be included, or none at all, when desired. The light source 370 may be used to provide a constant light projection, a flashing or strobe light projection, or a consecutive patterned light projection, such as where there is simulated motion of the light pattern to direct traffic in a desired direction. The light source 370 may also be programmable, variable, and may also be removable if desired. The light source 370 may also be included in the exterior body unit 311, such as where different light patterns or effects may be desired for different situations and may be attached to the secondary body 311. The portable barrier unit 300 may include a power source, such as a battery, or may be attached to an external power source, such as by means of a power cord, to power the one or more light sources. Though a power source is not shown, different types of power sources known in the art may be used, such as batteries, fuel cells, and solar power panels. In a preferred embodiment, one or more batteries are located within the substantially open volume 150 of the portable barrier unit 300, though it should be understood that power sources may be located on the exterior of the portable barrier unit 300, on one or more legs 320, or elsewhere without deviating from the scope or intent of this disclosure.

The portable barrier unit 300 may also include one or more reflective surfaces 385 or attachable reflective components 385, such as shown on the legs 320 in the embodiments in FIGS. 15-16 and on the back of the primary body unit 310 in embodiment of FIG. 16. It should be understood that the reflective features 385 may be attached or painted onto the portable barrier unit 300 in other locations, such as on the front of the primary body unit 310, and may also be removable.

The portable barrier unit 300 may also include a feature or surface 380 to aid in retention of additional components or devices, such as for a cellular phone which may be used by someone stationed at or using the portable barrier unit. The retention feature 380 may be an additional component, may be a non-slip surface which is added to the portable barrier unit 300, may be a shelf, may be a compartment, may be a recess, or may be other features known in the art. Though the retention feature 380 is shown on a top surface of the primary body unit 310, it should be understood that other locations and positions may also be used, including on a shelf on the front or back of the primary body unit 310, on a shelf or other feature on a leg 120, or on a cross-connector 125.

FIG. 17 shows a rear isometric view of another alternate embodiment of the portable barrier device 400. The portable barrier device 400 may include a power input connection feature 490 which may be used to connect the portable barrier unit 400 to an external power source. The power input connection feature 490 may be used to provide power to one or more power needs of the portable barrier device 400, such as the light sources or a cellular phone which may be plugged in to the portable barrier device 400, or may be used to charge one or more internal batteries within the portable barrier device 400. Though not shown, the portable barrier device 400 may also or alternatively include solar collection cells or other means of drawing power from sunlight or from the environment, which may be used to power electronic needs of the portable barrier device 400, to charge one or more batteries within the portable barrier device 400, or to provide supplemental power when needed.

The portable barrier device 400 may also include one or more switches or buttons 491 which may turn on or control powered features, such as turning a light source 370 on or selecting a desired pattern of lighting. A touch screen or other means of control and input known in the art may also be used, though not shown. A peripheral connection feature 492 may also be included in the portable barrier device 400, such as a USB or microUSB connector. Such as peripheral connection feature 492 may be used to charge or power peripheral devices, such as cellular phones or speakers. One or more speakers may also be included in or on the portable barrier device 400 itself, though not shown. Speakers may be used for playing music, playing pre-recorded messages or warnings, providing alerts to the visually impaired, addressing crowds, or for other uses.

The portable barrier device 500 may be formed of a variety of materials, including steel, aluminum, plastic, ceramic, resin-containing meshes or composites, other materials known in the art, or combinations thereof. The primary body unit 510 or the exterior body unit 511 may be made of a metal which may be conducive to use with magnetic signs and may optionally be painted or coated. Signs 595 may be affixed to the portable barrier unit 500, such as the sign 595 shown in FIGS. 18-19. A sign 595 may be permanently affixed to the portable barrier unit 500, such as through the use of adhesives, welding, rivets, or by painting the sign on to the portable barrier unit 500, or it may be removably attached to the portable barrier unit 500, such as through the use of magnets or where the sign 595 itself is magnetic, or where the sign 595 fits into associated slots or clips or other retention features. FIG. 20 shows an alternate embodiment of the portable barrier unit 600, where slots 696 are included to allow for insertion or support of a sign 595 or placard. It should be understood that many different methods of attaching a sign 595 to the portable barrier unit 600 may be used, including only partial connection points between the sign 595 or a sign support feature 696 and the portable barrier unit 600.

FIGS. 21-22 show an alternate embodiment of the portable barrier device 700 which includes an upper handle feature 760. The upper handle feature 760 may be used for supporting, hanging, or carrying the portable barrier device 700, and it may be flexible or substantially rigid. Though the legs 120 may be removably attached to the portable barrier device 700 or may be folded out from the internal volume 150 of the primary body unit 710, such as manually or using a powered deployment feature, it may be desirable to hold the portable barrier device 700 above the ground while the legs 120 are being deployed, unfolded, or attached, or when one or more cross-connectors 125 are being attached. The upper handle feature 760 may aid in supporting the portable barrier device 700 during such deployment actions. The upper handle feature 760 may also provide protection or an at least partial enclosure for a peripheral device, such as for a cellular phone which is being store on or at least partially within the portable barrier device 700 or which is being charged or powered by the portable barrier device 700. A recessed feature 761 may also be located beneath the upper handle feature 760, such as to aid in retention of a peripheral device, though it should be understood that such a recessed feature 761 may also or alternatively be located elsewhere, may be used without the inclusion of an upper handle feature 760, or may be omitted.

The portable barrier device 800 may include one or more features 862 for supporting or connecting flags or other items to the portable barrier device 800. FIG. 23 shows an embodiment of the portable barrier device 800 which includes support features 862 on the side, top, and rear faces of the portable barrier device 800. It should be understood that any one of these locations may be used, or multiple locations may also be used. The support features 862 may be located on front, top, back, or side surface, or may be included on a leg 120. The support features 862 are shown as being substantially cylindrical, such as for attachment of flags by slotting them into the support features 862, though it should be understood that other shapes or structures may also be used without deviating from the intent of this disclosure, including at least partially open features and clips. The support features 862 may also be omitted, or one or more support features 862 may also be removably attachable to the portable barrier device, such as by means of a snap fit, screw, or bolt.

The portable barrier device 900 may include additional features 963 which may be designed to protect the device from impacts, such as during transportation or storage, or to protect users, passersby, or crowds from injury from contact with the portable barrier device or corners or sharp edges. FIG. 24 shows an embodiment of the portable barrier device 900 which includes protective features 963 on some of the surfaces and corners. Protective features 963 may be removably attached to the portable barrier device 900, or may be permanently attached, such as through the use of adhesives, rivets, screws, bolts, or other means known in the art. Protective features 963 may extend along all or just some of the surfaces or edges of the portable barrier device 900. Protective features 963 may be made of soft or flexible materials, such as soft plastics, nylon, TPU, foam, or other materials with a broad plastic deformation range. Protective features may also be substantial rigid and provide a feature which may absorb impacts while reducing damage to other functional components, such as rubber or thicker nylon or other coatings.

FIG. 25 shows an alternate embodiment of the portable barrier device 1000 in a closed configuration, including a magnetic sign 1095, light sources 1070, retention surfaces 1080, protective bumpers 1063, and handles 1060 on the top and sides. The portable barrier device 1000 is substantially rectangular in cross-section, configured to fit behind the seat of a truck such as a toy truck or emergency service vehicle, and includes a primary body unit 1010 that does not include an internal unit. A battery, not shown, is included in the internal volume 1050. It should be understood that a variety of shapes and styles of signs 1095 and light sources 1070 may be used with the portable barrier device 1000, including rectangular, circular, and triangular. FIG. 26 shows a bottom view of the portable barrier device 1000 in a closed configuration, where the legs 1020 are fully collapsed within the internal volume 1050.

FIG. 27 shows the portable barrier device 1000 in an open configuration. The legs 1020 of the portable barrier device 1000 may include additional support or alignment features 1022, such as features 1022 which provide additional support when a leg 1020 is angled out fully. In the embodiment shown, pairs of legs 1020, such as the two legs on each side, may rotate down and out from the internal volume 1050 together. Each leg 1020 may then rotate out separately towards the front or back of the portable barrier device 1000, allowing for variability in angling of legs 1020 while not requiring each leg 1020 to be rotated inside separately. It should be understood that other methods of rotation and support, including of groupings of legs 1020 or of independent legs 1020 may also be used. The legs 1020 of the portable barrier device 1000 may also include one or more extension components 1023 and one or more feet 1330. The extension features 1023 may slide out to lengthen a leg 1020, but may also be actuated through other means, such as rotation. The overall height of the portable barrier device 1000 may be adjusted, or separate legs 1020 may be independently lengthened in order to allow for stability on uneven or angled surfaces. FIG. 28 shows a detail view of the portable barrier device 1000, including a support feature 1022. FIG. 29 shows a rear view of a portable barrier device 1000, including multiple power connection features 1090 and a power button 1091. Two different locking points 1048, 1049 are shown for the right and left pairs of legs 1020, enabling the legs 1020 to nest above each other when in a closed position. The locking points 1048, 1049 may be identical, or may be different, such as being slots with different locations or lengths, depending on whether it is desirable for the legs 1020 to fit in only one position in a closed configuration or for either pairing of legs 1020 to be above the other.

An alternate embodiment of the portable barrier device 1100 is shown in FIG. 30, including a spotlight 1197. The spotlight 1197 may be attached to the portable barrier device 1100 or may be removably mounting, such as attaching by screws or bolts, a clip or snap fit, a friction fit, magnetically, on a retention surface, or by its own weight. The spotlight 1197 may be powered by a battery or other power source within or attached to the portable barrier device 1100.

A rear view of another embodiment of the portable barrier device 1200 is shown in FIG. 31. In this embodiment, the portable barrier device 1200 includes at least one flag retention feature 1262. The flag retention component 1262 is shown mounted to the upper back portion of the portable barrier device 1200, though it should be understood that it could be permanently attached or removably attached, through any means known in the art, to any surface or feature of the portable barrier device 1200. The flag retention component is also shown configured to hold three flags or other signs or notification means, though it could be configured to hold fewer or more as well.

FIG. 32 shows a front cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the portable barrier device 1300, which includes a release mechanism 1271. The release mechanism 1271 can be actuated, pulling up on at least one retention member 1272 and the force of at least one optional spring 1273 and pulling a retention member 1272 against a deflection surface 1274, causing the retention member 1272 to release at least one leg 1220. When released, one or more legs 1220 can then be opened manually, by means of gravity, or opening can be assisted, such as through the use of a spring such as a torsion spring or other similar feature. A user can carry the portable barrier device 1300 and release the legs 1220 with a single hand, such as where the release mechanism 1273 is located under or proximate to a handle 1360. It should be understood that means of releasing and retaining one or more legs 1220 may also be used, both single-handed and requiring two-hands, such as buttons, ball plungers, spring plungers, levers, and different locations of springs and retention elements.

While the present invention has been related in terms of the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described. The present invention can be practiced with modification and alteration within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Thus, the description is to be regarded as illustrative instead of restrictive on the present invention. Accordingly, various modifications, adaptations, combinations, and alternatives may occur to one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention and scope of the claimed coverage.

Portable Barrier Device

Information

Publication Number

Date Filed

Date Published

Inventors

CPC

International Classifications

Abstract

Description

Claims

Parent Case Info

Provisional Applications (1)