U.S. patent application number 10/308039 was filed with the patent office on 2003-10-23 for expandable and contractible barrier.
This patent application is currently assigned to RUBBERMAID COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS LLC. Invention is credited to Perelli, Thomas.
Application Number | 20030197165 10/308039 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29219675 |
Filed Date | 2003-10-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030197165 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Perelli, Thomas |
October 23, 2003 |
Expandable and contractible barrier
Abstract
An expandable barrier has segments that can expand and contract.
When the segments are expanded to a use position, the barrier can
be stable. When the segments are contracted to a transport or
storage position, the barrier occupies a relatively small amount of
space.
Inventors: |
Perelli, Thomas;
(Winchester, VA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FOLEY AND LARDNER
SUITE 500
3000 K STREET NW
WASHINGTON
DC
20007
US
|
Assignee: |
RUBBERMAID COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS
LLC
|
Family ID: |
29219675 |
Appl. No.: |
10/308039 |
Filed: |
December 3, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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60373657 |
Apr 19, 2002 |
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60396568 |
Jul 18, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
256/26 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E01F 13/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
256/26 |
International
Class: |
E04H 017/16 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An expandable barrier comprising: a first end segment having a
widthwise direction; and a plurality of middle segments each having
a widthwise direction and being connected so as to expand to an
open position in which the widthwise direction of at least one of
the middle segments is substantially perpendicular to the widthwise
direction of the end segment and contract to a closed position in
which the widthwise directions of the middle segments are
substantially parallel to the widthwise direction of the first end
segment.
2. The expandable barrier of claim 1, wherein the first end segment
includes an information display surface.
3. The expandable barrier of claim 1, wherein the first end segment
includes a handle portion.
4. The expandable barrier of claim 1, further comprising an
elongated securing member configured to fasten the plurality of
middle segments in the closed position, wherein the first end
segment includes a holding member for receiving the securing
member.
5. The expandable barrier of claim 1, further comprising a second
end segment, wherein the middle segments are disposed between the
first and second end segments.
6. The expandable barrier of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
middle segments are connected so as to contract by an accordion
fold to the closed position.
7. The expandable barrier of claim 1, wherein at least one of the
plurality of middle segments is a bridge segment connected to a
mid-portion of the first end segment and connected to an end
portion of an adjacent middle segment.
8. The expandable barrier of claim 7, wherein a width of the bridge
segment is approximately one half of a width of the adjacent middle
segment.
9. The expandable barrier of claim 7, further comprising a
positioning mechanism configured to maintain the bridge segment at
a position substantially perpendicular to the first end
segment.
10. The expandable barrier of claim 1, further comprising a rolling
member positioned on the first end segment such that during
transport of the barrier the rolling member engages a surface
supporting the barrier.
11. The expandable barrier of claim 10, wherein the rolling member
is a wheel and the first end segment further comprises a plate
member disposed on one side of the wheel to trap the wheel against
another portion of the first end segment.
12. An expandable barrier comprising: a plurality of segments
connected so as to expand to an open position and contract to a
closed position; and an information display surface on at least one
of the segments, wherein the segments are connected such that more
of the information display surface becomes visible as the segments
are expanded to the open position; and a rolling member connected
to at least one of the plurality of segments such that during
transport of the barrier the rolling member engages a surface
supporting the barrier.
13. The expandable barrier of claim 12, further comprising an
elongated securing member configured to fasten the plurality of
segments in the closed position, wherein at least one of the
segments includes a holding member for receiving the securing
member.
14. The expandable barrier of claim 12, wherein the plurality of
segments are connected so as to contract by an accordion fold to
the closed position.
15. The expandable barrier of claim 12, wherein the rolling member
is a wheel, the wheel is positioned on the segment, and the segment
on which the wheel is positioned further comprises a plate member
disposed on one side of the wheel to trap the wheel against another
portion of the segment.
16. The expandable barrier of claim 12, further comprising a
plurality of rolling members positioned on corresponding segments
such that during transport of the barrier the rolling members
engage a surface supporting the barrier.
17. The expandable barrier of claim 16, wherein positions of the
rolling members on the segments are offset such that the rolling
members do not engage one another when the segments are in the
closed position.
18. A portable, expandable barrier comprising: a plurality of
segments connected so as to expand to an open position and contract
to a closed position; and a rolling member connected to at least
one of the plurality of segments such that the segments can pivot
about the rolling member between a rest position in which at least
a portion of at least one of the segments engages a surface
supporting the barrier, and a portable position in which the
rolling member engages the surface.
19. The portable, expandable barrier of claim 18, wherein the
rolling member is connected to a first end region of a bottom
portion of the at least one segment, and the portion of the at
least one segment that engages the surface is at disposed at a
second end region of the bottom portion of the at least one
segment.
20. The expandable barrier of claim 18, further comprising an
elongated securing member configured to fasten the plurality of
segments in the closed position.
21. The expandable barrier of claim 18, wherein the plurality of
segments are connected so as to contract by an accordion fold to
the closed position.
22. The expandable barrier of claim 18, wherein the rolling member
is a wheel, the wheel is positioned on the segment, and the segment
on which the wheel is positioned further comprises a plate member
disposed on one side of the wheel to trap the wheel against another
portion of the segment.
23. The expandable barrier of claim 18, further comprising a
plurality of rolling members positioned on corresponding segments
such that during transport of the barrier the rolling members
engage a surface supporting the barrier.
24. The expandable barrier of claim 23, wherein positions of the
rolling members on the segments are offset such that the rolling
members do not engage one another when the middle segments are in
the closed position.
25. A portable, expandable barrier comprising: a plurality of
segments each having a depth and a width, the segments being
connected so as to expand to an open position in which a length of
the segments is substantially a sum of the widths of the segments,
and to contract to a closed position in which a length of the
segments is substantially a sum of the depths of the segments; and
a rolling member connected to the segments such that during
transport of the barrier the rolling member engages a surface
supporting the barrier.
26. The expandable barrier of claim 25, wherein the width of a
segment is at least four times the depth of the segment.
27. The expandable barrier of claim 25, further comprising an
elongated securing member configured to fasten the plurality of
segments in the closed position.
28. The expandable barrier of claim 25, wherein the plurality of
segments are connected so as to contract by an accordion fold to
the closed position.
29. The expandable barrier of claim 25, wherein the rolling member
is a wheel, the wheel is positioned on the segment, and the segment
on which the wheel is positioned further comprises a plate member
disposed on one side of the wheel to trap the wheel against another
portion of the segment.
30. The expandable barrier of claim 25, further comprising a
plurality of rolling members positioned on corresponding segments
such that during transport of the barrier the rolling members
engage a surface supporting the barrier.
31. The expandable barrier of claim 30, wherein positions of the
rolling members on the segments are offset such that the rolling
members do not engage one another when the segments are in the
closed position.
32. A portable, expandable barrier comprising a plurality of
segments connected so as to expand to an open position and contract
to a closed position, each of the segments having a height
dimension defined between a top and a bottom of the segment,
wherein the segments have substantially the same height in the open
and closed positions; an information display surface on at least
one of the segments; and a rolling member connected to at least one
of the segments such that during transport of the barrier the
rolling member engages a surface supporting the barrier.
33. The expandable barrier of claim 32, further comprising an
elongated securing member configured to fasten the plurality of
segments in the closed position.
34. The expandable barrier of claim 32, wherein the plurality of
segments are connected so as to contract by an accordion fold to
the closed position.
35. The expandable barrier of claim 32, wherein the rolling member
is a wheel, the wheel is positioned on the segment, and the segment
on which the wheel is positioned further comprises a plate member
disposed on one side of the wheel to trap the wheel against another
portion of the segment.
36. The expandable barrier of claim 32, further comprising a
plurality of rolling members positioned on corresponding segments
such that during transport of the barrier the rolling members
engage a surface supporting the barrier.
37. The expandable barrier of claim 36, wherein positions of the
rolling members on the segments are offset such that the rolling
members do not engage one another when the segments are in the
closed position.
38. An expandable barrier comprising: first and second end
segments; a rolling member positioned on at least one of the first
and second end segments such that during transport of the barrier
the rolling member engages a surface supporting the barrier; and a
plurality of middle segments disposed between the first and second
end segments and connected so as to expand to an open position and
contract to a closed position, wherein the middle segments are
configured to engage the surface when in the open position.
39. The expandable barrier of claim 38, wherein the first end
segment includes an information display surface.
40. The expandable barrier of claim 38, wherein the first end
segment includes a handle portion.
41. The expandable barrier of claim 38, further comprising an
elongated securing member configured to fasten the plurality of
middle segments in the closed position.
42. The expandable barrier of claim 38, wherein the plurality of
middle segments are connected so as to contract by an accordion
fold to the closed position.
43. The expandable barrier of claim 38, wherein at least one of the
plurality of middle segments is a bridge segment connected to a
mid-portion of the first end segment and connected to an end
portion of an adjacent middle segment.
44. The expandable barrier of claim 43, wherein a width of the
bridge segment is approximately one half of a width of the adjacent
middle segment.
45. The expandable barrier of claim 44, further comprising a
positioning mechanism configured to maintain the bridge segment at
a position substantially perpendicular to the first end
segment.
46. The expandable barrier of claim 38, wherein the rolling member
is a wheel and the at least one of first and second end segments on
which the wheel is positioned further comprises a plate member
disposed on one side of the wheel to trap the wheel against another
portion of that segment.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a barrier and, more
particularly, to an expandable and contractible barrier that can be
portable.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] Barricades are often used to prevent access to unsafe areas
or otherwise control pedestrian or vehicle traffic. Known
conventional barricades typically do not provide a desired
combination of transportability, ease of storage, and
visibility.
[0005] Many barricades are difficult to transport. For example,
some barricades must be disassembled for transport. Consequently,
those barricades require significant time and labor for disassembly
and assembly of the barricade. Some barricades have been provided
with wheels. For example, a smaller barricade has been provided
with four wheels that support the barricade. That barricade is
difficult to transport over bumps or thresholds and can be prone to
tipping due to its high center of gravity. As another example, a
large and heavy A-frame type barricade has been provided with four
wheels, but those wheels appear to be intended for positioning and
not for transport. Moreover, it would be difficult to transport
more than one of the large A-frame barricade segments at a given
time. Thus, the presently known barricades do not provide the
desired transportability.
[0006] Barricades that facilitate storage have not provided the
desired degree of visibility. For example, a conventional barricade
has a scissors-like construction that permits it to change from an
expanded, use position to a contracted, storage position. Such a
barricade can lack a high degree of visibility. For example, it can
have large areas of empty space between the scissors-like barricade
pieces and the height of the scissors-like barricade pieces
decreases as the pieces are expanded. Thus, it is more difficult
for the public to notice the barricade. Such a barricade also may
lack room for displaying safety messages on the barricade itself. A
separate safety sign may be attached to the barricade, but this
increases cost and effort. Also, the sign may have to be removed to
permit folding of the barricade, and then be separately stored so
that it does not become damaged. Consequently, the presently known
barricades do not provide the desired combination of ease of
storage and visibility.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] An aspect of the present invention relates to an expandable
barrier comprising a first end segment having a widthwise
direction, and a plurality of middle segments each having a
widthwise direction. The middle segments are connected so as to
expand to an open position in which the widthwise direction of at
least one of the middle segments is substantially perpendicular to
the widthwise direction of the end segment and contract to a closed
position in which the widthwise directions of the middle segments
are substantially parallel to the widthwise direction of the first
end segment.
[0008] Another aspect of the present invention relates to an
expandable barrier comprising a plurality of segments connected so
as to expand to an open position and contract to a closed position,
and an information display surface on at least one of the segments.
The segments are connected such that more of the information
display surface becomes visible as the segments are expanded to the
open position. The barrier further includes a rolling member
connected to at least one of the plurality of segments such that
during transport of the barrier the rolling member engages a
surface supporting the barrier.
[0009] Yet another aspect of the present invention relates to a
portable, expandable barrier comprising a plurality of segments
connected so as to expand to an open position and contract to a
closed position, and a rolling member connected to at least one of
the plurality of segments such that the segments can pivot about
the rolling member between a rest position in which at least a
portion of at least one of the segments engages a surface
supporting the barrier, and a portable position in which the
rolling member engages the surface.
[0010] Yet another aspect of the present invention relates to a
portable, expandable barrier comprising a plurality of segments
each having a depth and a width. The segments are connected so as
to expand to an open position in which a length of the segments is
substantially a sum of the widths of the segments, and to contract
to a closed position in which a length of the segments is
substantially a sum of the depths of the segments. The barrier
further includes a rolling member connected to the segments such
that during transport of the barrier the rolling member engages a
surface supporting the barrier.
[0011] Yet another aspect of the present invention relates to a
portable, expandable barrier comprising a plurality of segments
connected so as to expand to an open position and contract to a
closed position, each of the segments having a height dimension
defined between a top and a bottom of the segment, wherein the
segments have substantially the same height in the open and closed
positions. The barrier further includes an information display
surface on at least one of the segments, and a rolling member
connected to at least one of the segments such that during
transport of the barrier the rolling member engages a surface
supporting the barrier.
[0012] Yet another aspect of the present invention relates to an
expandable barrier comprising first and second end segments, a
rolling member positioned on at least one of the first and second
end segments such that during transport of the barrier the rolling
member engages a surface supporting the barrier, and a plurality of
middle segments disposed between the first and second end segments
and connected so as to expand to an open position and contract to a
closed position. The middle segments are configured to engage the
surface when in the open position.
[0013] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary
and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as
claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate preferred
embodiments of the invention and together with the description,
serve to explain principles of the invention.
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a
barrier according to the present invention in an expanded
position.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a front view of the barrier of FIG. 1 in the
expanded position.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the barrier of FIG. 1 in the
expanded position.
[0018] FIG. 3A shows a stop spacer in a segment of the barrier of
FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the barrier of FIG. 1 in the
contracted position.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a front view of the barrier of FIG. 1 in the
contracted position.
[0021] FIG. 6 is a front view of a middle segment of the barrier of
FIG. 1.
[0022] FIG. 7 is a front view of a bridge segment of the barrier of
FIG. 1.
[0023] FIG. 8 is an inner side view of an end segment of the
barrier of FIG. 1.
[0024] FIG. 9 is an outer side view of the barrier of FIG. 1 in the
contracted position and pivoted for transport.
[0025] FIG. 10 is an exploded, perspective view of a portion of the
end segment and a rolling member of the barrier of FIG. 1.
[0026] FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a
positioning mechanism on the barrier of FIG. 1.
[0027] FIG. 12 is a side view of a member for holding a securing
member of the barrier of FIG. 1.
[0028] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a
barrier according to the present invention in an expanded
position.
[0029] FIG. 14 is a front view of the barrier of FIG. 13 in the
expanded position.
[0030] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the barrier of FIG. 13 in a
contracted position.
[0031] FIG. 16 is a side view of the barrier of FIG. 13 in the
contracted position.
[0032] FIG. 17 is a plan view of the barrier of FIG. 13 in the
contracted position.
[0033] FIG. 18 is a front view of a segment of the barrier of FIG.
13.
[0034] FIG. 19 is a front view of another segment of the barrier of
FIG. 13.
[0035] FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of the connection
between segments of the barrier of FIG. 13.
[0036] FIG. 21 is an exploded, perspective view of the connection
between segments of the barrier of FIG. 13.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0037] Reference will now be made in detail to presently preferred
embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in
the accompanying drawings. An effort has been made to use the same
reference numbers throughout the drawings to refer to the same or
like parts.
[0038] FIGS. 1 to 12 show a first preferred embodiment of an
expandable barrier 10 according to the present invention. In this
embodiment, the barrier includes end segments 20, middle segments
30, positioning mechanisms 40, and rolling members 50. The barrier
10 can move between an expanded position shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and
a contracted position shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.
[0039] The end segments 20 are preferably located at opposite ends
of the barrier 10. The end segments 20 can stabilize and support
the barrier 10 when it is in the expanded position. The segments 20
also can support the barrier 10 when it is in the contracted
position to facilitate transport of the barrier 10.
[0040] Each end segment 20 preferably includes a peripheral member
21 extending around the periphery of the end segment 20, cross
members 22, and openings between the cross members 22.
Alternatively, the areas corresponding to the openings can be
closed, i.e., filled with material. If those areas are closed, they
preferably are recessed, i.e., they have a lesser thickness than
surrounding portions of the end segment 20, to increase rigidity. A
handle portion 24 can be provided at the top of the end segment 20,
as shown, or at other locations, such as the side. Each end segment
20 preferably also includes flared portions 25, which enhance
stability. The flared portions 25 also can be configured to receive
the rolling members 50, as explained below. The peripheral member
21, cross members 22, handle portion 24, and flared portions 25 are
preferably hollow, plastic members that are all formed as one
integral member. The end segments 20 can be manufactured by
conventional processes, such as high or low pressure injection
molding or blow molding.
[0041] Each end segment 20 preferably includes a relatively large
information display area 23. The information display area 23 can
have dimensions of, for example, six inches high by nine inches
wide. This area 23 can be used, for example, to display warning
information, such as "CAUTION" or "DO NOT ENTER." Information also
could be displayed on the cross members 22.
[0042] Each end segment 20 has a width W, a depth D, and a height H
(see FIGS. 2 and 8). Preferably, the width W is eighteen inches,
the depth D is one and three quarter inches, and the height H is
thirty-nine inches. In the preferred embodiment, the end segments
20 do not have a constant depth along the widthwise direction.
Instead, the end segment 20 is hollowed out to the depth of the
directly attached middle segment 30 (the depth of the ribs 27 is
smaller than the depth of the edge section 28 by the depth of the
directly attached middle segment 30) to receive the directly
attached middle segment 30 so that it can nest in the end segment
20. Alternatively, only a portion, e.g., one half, of each end
segment 20 can be hollowed out to receive the directly attached
middle segment 30. In such a configuration, the end segment 20 can
be constructed to facilitate positioning of the attached middle
segment 30 by, for example, providing a step via the change in
depth of the end segment 20, which serves as a stop for inhibiting
the middle segment 30 from opening beyond a desired position.
[0043] The middle segments 30 can be located between the end
segments 20. The middle segments 30 facilitate the expansion and
contraction of the barrier 10 and can provide large areas for
information display.
[0044] Each middle segment 30 preferably includes a peripheral
member 31 extending around the periphery of the middle segment 30,
cross members 32, and openings between the cross members 32. The
areas corresponding to the openings, however, can be closed, i.e.,
filled with material. If those areas are closed, they preferably
are recessed, i.e., they have a lesser thickness than surrounding
portions of the middle segment 30, to increase rigidity. The
peripheral member 31 and cross members 32 are preferably hollow,
plastic members that are all formed as one integral member. The
middle segments 30 can be manufactured by conventional processes,
such as high or low pressure injection molding or blow molding.
[0045] The middle segments 30 are preferably connected to each
other and the end segments 20 by hinge structures 33. The hinge
structures 33 can include a pin 34 and a pin receiver 35 (see FIGS.
6 to 8). The hinge structures 33 can be positioned on alternating
sides of the middle segments 30, as shown in FIG. 3, to allow the
middle segments 30 to expand and contract by an accordion fold.
This allows for great flexibility of the barrier 10.
[0046] The middle segments 30 can include inner segments 38 and two
bridge segments 39.
[0047] Inner segments 38 typically form the majority of the overall
length of the barrier 10. Inner segments 38 can be added to or
removed from the barrier 10 to increase or decrease, respectively,
the length of the barrier. The inner segments 38 preferably have a
width W of twelve inches, a depth D of three quarter inches, and a
height H of thirty six inches (see FIGS. 5 to 7). The inner
segments 38 preferably include a relatively large information
display area 36. The information display area 36 can have
dimensions of, for example, six inches high by nine inches wide.
The information display areas 36 make the barrier 10 highly
noticeable. Information also could be displayed on the cross
members 32.
[0048] Each bridge segment 39 extends between a respective end
segment 20 and an inner segment 38. The bridge segments 39 can have
the same dimensions as the inner segments 38, except the width W of
a bridge segment 39 preferably is one half that of an inner segment
38.
[0049] The positioning mechanism 40 (see FIG. 11) is provided to
hold the bridge segment 39 in the open position. The positioning
mechanism 40 can include a projection 41 extending from the bridge
segment 39 that engages with a detent 42 provided in the
corresponding end segment 20, as shown in FIG. 11. The positioning
mechanism 40 can be configured to hold the bridge segment 39 at any
desired angle relative to the end segment 20, but preferably it
maintains the bridge segment 39 substantially perpendicular (i.e.,
at an angle of 90 degrees) to the corresponding end segment 20.
[0050] This configuration can provide a stable barrier that can be
expanded to a large length for use yet contracted to a small length
for storage. In particular, the middle segments 30 can be
contracted to a closed position in which the widthwise directions
of the middle segments 30 are substantially parallel to the
widthwise directions of the end segments 20, as shown in FIG. 5. In
the contracted position, the middle segments 30 have a length L1,
which is substantially the sum of the depths of the middle segments
30. The middle segments 30 also can expand to an open position in
which the widthwise direction of at least one, and preferably all,
of the middle segments 30 is substantially perpendicular to the
widthwise direction of the end segments 20, as shown in FIG. 3. In
the expanded position, the middle segments 30 have a length L2,
which is substantially the sum of the widths of the middle segments
30. As shown, there can be large difference between the length in
the expanded or use position and the length in the contracted or
storage position.
[0051] The middle segments 30 of the barrier 10 can extend in a
relatively straight line. To facilitate closing of the barrier 10,
preferably each middle segment 30 has a stop spacer 37 (see FIG.
3A) that causes the segments 30 to be offset by a minimum angle of
about three to five degrees relative to one another (i.e., the
segments will be offset about three to five degrees relative to a
straight line extending between the end segments 20). This offset
allows the barrier 10 to close smoothly without locking up, as
might occur if the middle segments 30 were completely aligned. The
offset starts the middle segments toward the closed position.
[0052] Rolling members 50 are preferably provided on the end
segments 20. The rolling members 50 can be, for example, wheels
mounted to the end segments 20. The rolling members 50 are
preferably mounted by an axle 51 that extends through a plate 52
and is fixed to the end segment 20. The stability of the rolling
member 50 is improved when it is trapped between the plate 52 and
ribs 26 on the end segment 20.
[0053] The barrier 10 can be pivoted about the rolling members 50
between a rest position in which the end segments 20 contact the
ground and a portable position in which the rolling members 50
engage the ground. The rolling members 50 are preferably
approximately level with the bottom of the barrier 10 when the
bottoms of the end segments 20 are resting on the ground, as shown
in FIG. 1. When the folded barrier 10 is tilted backwards, as shown
in FIG. 9, the rolling members 50 will support it. The barrier 10
can then be pushed or pulled for transport, as shown in FIG.
20.
[0054] An elongated securing member 60, such as a rubber band or
bungee cord can be attached to the barrier 10 to hold it in the
contracted position, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. For example, the
securing member can be fit through a holding member 61 (see FIG.
12), such as a slot, in the end segment 20 and wrapped around the
segments and affixed to another a holding member 61 in the other
end segment 20. Each holding member 61 is preferably configured to
hold the elongated securing member 60 even when it is loosely
hanging from only one holding member 61.
[0055] The barrier 10 of the present invention can be configured to
provide a highly stable barrier. By positioning the middle segments
30 substantially perpendicular to the end segments 20, the
stability of the barrier is improved. Of course, stability is also
enhanced if only the bridge segments 39 are perpendicular to the
respective end segments 20, and the inner segments 38 are formed in
a curved or other configuration. Additionally, the middle segments
30 can be configured to touch the ground when in the expanded
position, which further improves stability.
[0056] FIGS. 13 to 21 show a second preferred embodiment of an
expandable barrier 110 according to the present invention. In this
embodiment, the barrier includes segments 120 and rolling members
150. The barrier 110 can move between an expanded position shown in
FIGS. 13 and 14 and a contracted position shown in FIGS. 15 to
17.
[0057] The segments 120 preferably include a plurality of first
segments 130 and a plurality of second segments 140. The different
segments are alternated in this embodiment.
[0058] As shown in FIG. 18, each first segment 130 preferably
includes a peripheral member 131 extending around the periphery of
the first segment 130, an inner member 135, cross members 132, and
openings between the cross members 132. Alternatively, the areas
corresponding to the openings can be closed, i.e., filled with
material. If those areas are closed, they preferably are recessed,
i.e., they have a lesser thickness than surrounding portions of the
first segment 130, to increase rigidity. A handle portion 134 can
be provided at each side of the first segment 130, as shown, or at
other locations, such as the top. The peripheral member 131, inner
member 135, cross members 132, and handle portions 134 are
preferably hollow, plastic members that are all formed as one
integral member. The end segments 130 can be manufactured by
conventional processes, such as high or low pressure injection
molding or blow molding.
[0059] Each first segment 130 preferably includes a relatively
large information display area 133. The information display area
133 can have dimensions of, for example, ten inches high by
fourteen inches wide. This area 133 can be used, for example, to
display warning information, such as "CAUTION" or "DO NOT ENTER."
Information also could be displayed on the inner member 135 or the
cross members 132.
[0060] Each first segment 130 has a width W, a depth D, and a
height H (see FIGS. 17 and 18). Preferably, the width W is
forty-eight inches, the depth D is two inches, and the height H is
thirty-four inches (between the bottom and the top of the first
segment). The rolling members 150 in this preferred embodiment add
an additional five inches of height.
[0061] The second segments 140 can be located between the first
segments 130. As shown in FIG. 19, each second segment 140
preferably includes a peripheral member 141 extending around the
periphery of the second segment 140, an inner member 145, cross
members 142, and openings between the cross members 142. The areas
corresponding to the openings, however, can be closed, i.e., filled
with material. If those areas are closed, they preferably are
recessed, i.e., they have a lesser thickness than surrounding
portions of the second segment 140, to increase rigidity. The
peripheral member 141, inner member 145, and cross members 142 are
preferably hollow, plastic members that are all formed as one
integral member. The second segments 140 can be manufactured by
conventional processes, such as high or low pressure injection
molding or blow molding. Signs or other information display areas
(not shown) can be attached to the second segment 140. Information
also could be displayed on the inner member 145 or the cross
members 142.
[0062] The first and second segments 130, 140 are preferably
connected to each other by hinge structures 160. As shown in FIGS.
20 and 21, the hinge structures 160 can include a rod 161, rod
receivers 136 on the first segment 130, and a rod receiver 146 on
the second segment 140. The rod receiver 136 can be a hole formed
in the handle portion 134 of the first segment 130. The rod
receivers 146 can be living hinge structures that close on the rod
161. A bolt 163 can extend through one portion of the living hinge
structure, through the rod 161, through another portion of the
living hinge structure, and mate with a nut 164 (not shown in FIG.
20).
[0063] The hinge structures 160 are configured to permit the first
and second segments 130, 140 to expand and contract by an accordion
fold. This allows for great flexibility of the barrier 10. This
configuration can provide a barrier that can be expanded to a large
length for use yet contracted to a small length for storage. In
particular, the first and second segments can be contracted to a
closed position in which their widthwise directions are
substantially parallel to one another, as shown in FIG. 17. The
folding of the segments is facilitated by the structure of the rod
receivers 146 of the second segments 140. In particular, as shown
in FIG. 17, the rod receivers 146 have an arc like structure that
permits nesting of the segments. In the contracted position, the
first and second segments 130, 140 have a length L1, which is
substantially the sum of the depths of the first and second
segments 130, 140. The first and second segments 130, 140 also can
expand to an open position in which they are arranged in a line. In
such an expanded position, the first and second segments 130, 140
have a length L2 (see FIG. 14), which is substantially the sum of
the widths of the first and second segments 130, 140. As shown,
there can be large difference between the length in the expanded or
use position and the length in the contracted or storage
position.
[0064] Rolling members 150 are preferably provided on the first
segments 130 disposed at opposing ends of the barrier 110, and on
some of the rods 161. The rolling members 150 can be, for example,
casters. The rolling members 150 are positioned such that they will
not interfere when the segments are in the contracted position.
[0065] An elongated securing member 170, such as a strap with
Velcro, can be attached to the barrier 110 to hold it in the
contracted position, as shown in FIG. 15. For example, the securing
member 170 can be attached to a handle portion 134 and wrapped
around the segments and affixed to itself.
[0066] Both of the above-described barriers 10 and 110 of the
present invention can be configured facilitate storage. The
barriers 10, 110 can expand to large lengths for use, yet contract
to small lengths for storage.
[0067] The barricades 10 and 110 also can be configured to
facilitate transport. For example, the barricades 10, 110 have
rolling members 50, 150, which dispense with the need for a cart or
truck to move barricade segments. Moreover, all segments of the
barricades 10, 110 can be moved simultaneously because the
barricades contract to relatively small configurations. The
barricade 10 is particularly advantageous because its configuration
allows the barricade 10 to move to the position shown in FIG. 9 for
transport, which makes it relatively easy to pull the barricade 10
over bumps or thresholds. Additionally, as the barricade 10 is
moved to the position shown in FIG. 9, its center of gravity is
lowered and it thus becomes less prone to tipping.
[0068] Additionally, both of the above-described barriers 10 and
110 can be configured to facilitate the display of information,
while maintaining the ability to easily store and transport the
barrier. For example, as the segments 30, 120 are expanded to the
open position, more of the information display surfaces 36, 133
become visible. Additionally, the height of the segments 30, 120
remains substantially the same as the segments 30, 120 are expanded
to the open position. Each of those characteristics can make the
barriers highly visible.
[0069] The barriers 10, 110 of the present invention also can be
adaptable to a particular user's needs, i.e., the concept can be
modular. For example, if a user of a barrier 10, 110 having four
segments 30, 120 wants to encompass a larger area, the user may
purchase as many additional segments 30, 120 as necessary, and
connect them to the original four segments 30, 120. This allows the
user to purchase the barrier at a selected length and add more
segments at a later time in response to changing needs.
Additionally, multiple barriers 10, 120 can be fastened together,
e.g., by using the securing member 60, 170 to create a single,
larger barrier.
[0070] Additionally, the barriers 10, 110 can be set in almost any
desired position for use. The segments 30, 120 can be fully
extended until they are in a straight line, but they do not have to
be fully expanded. They can be only partially expanded or arranged
in a non-linear configuration.
[0071] Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those
skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and
practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the
specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a
true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the
following claims.
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