U.S. patent application number 12/463045 was filed with the patent office on 2010-04-29 for barrier system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Oldbury UK Limited. Invention is credited to Carl Justin Holroyd.
Application Number | 20100101156 12/463045 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40133798 |
Filed Date | 2010-04-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100101156 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Holroyd; Carl Justin |
April 29, 2010 |
BARRIER SYSTEM
Abstract
A mobile barrier system comprises a wheeled trailer and a
barrier mounted on the trailer. The barrier comprises a series of
panels configured to form walls of the trailer in a collapsed
condition for transportation of the barrier. The panels are movable
to an erected condition for assembly of the barrier in which the
panels are substantially aligned to form the barrier. One or more
panels may be adjustable to vary the width of the barrier and two
or more barrier systems may be linked to form a wider barrier.
Stabilisers are provided to resist movement of the barrier in the
erected condition. Guard panels at the top of the barrier can be
deployed to resist scaling of the barrier by individuals and/or to
increase the height of the barrier.
Inventors: |
Holroyd; Carl Justin;
(Shrewsbury, GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PATENT DEPARTMENT;LARKIN, HOFFMAN, DALY & LINDGREN, LTD.
1500 WELLS FARGO PLAZA, 7900 XERXES AVENUE SOUTH
BLOOMINGTON
MN
55431
US
|
Assignee: |
Oldbury UK Limited
Wolverhampton
GB
|
Family ID: |
40133798 |
Appl. No.: |
12/463045 |
Filed: |
May 8, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/79.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E01F 13/022
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/79.5 |
International
Class: |
E04H 14/00 20060101
E04H014/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 24, 2008 |
GB |
0819565.3 |
Claims
1. A barrier system comprising a mobile transportation unit and a
barrier for transportation by the unit to a location in which the
barrier is to be deployed.
2. A barrier system according to claim 1 wherein, the barrier is
mounted on the unit and is configured for conversion from an
inoperative, collapsed or stowed position for transportation to an
operative, erected or deployed position.
3. A barrier system according to claim 1 wherein, the
transportation unit comprises a wheeled trailer that can be towed
by a vehicle to transport the barrier system to the place of
use.
4. A barrier system according to claim 3 wherein, the barrier
comprises a plurality of panels.
5. A barrier system according to claim 4 wherein the panels are
configured to form one or more walls of the trailer in an
inoperative position of the barrier.
6. A barrier system according to claim 5 wherein, at least one of
the wall panels is connected to the trailer in a fixed position
with one or more of the remaining wall panels being hinged to this
panel and releasably secured to the trailer so as to be capable of
movement to an operative position of the barrier aligned with the
fixed wall panel.
7. A barrier system according to claim 6 wherein, the fixed wall
panel is provided at a rear end of the trailer and has at least one
wall panel hinged to each side that extend along opposite sides of
the trailer in the inoperative position.
8. A barrier system according to claim 7 wherein at least one side
wall panel is adjustable to vary the width of the barrier in the
operative position.
9. A barrier system according to claim 7 wherein, at least some of
the wall panels are provided with an additional guard panel at the
top of the barrier.
10. A barrier system according to claim 9 wherein, one or more
guard panels is pivotal between a stowed position for
transportation of the barrier and a deployed position in use of the
barrier.
11. A barrier system according to claim 3 further comprising one or
more stabilisers that can be selectively deployed in an operative
position of the barrier.
12. A barrier system according to claim 11 wherein at least one
stabiliser is provided that can be extended from a rear end of the
trailer to engage the ground.
13. A barrier system according to claim 11 wherein at least one
stabiliser is provided that can be lowered from the barrier to
engage the ground.
14. A barrier system according to claim 11 wherein any or all of
the stabilisers is adjustable and lockable in an adjusted
position.
15. A barrier system according to claim 11 wherein any or all of
the stabilisers is provided with a high friction material and/or a
large surface area at the point where they contact the ground when
deployed.
16. A barrier comprising at least one barrier system according to
claim 1 configured to form the barrier.
17. A barrier according to claim 16 comprising two or more barrier
systems linked to form the barrier.
18. A mobile barrier system comprising a wheeled trailer and a
panel assembly mounted on the trailer, the panel assembly
comprising a plurality of panels configured to form one or more
walls of the trailer in an inoperative position of the barrier
system and being transformable to form a barrier in an operative
position of the barrier system, at least one of the panels being
fixed to the trailer in both the inoperative and operative
positions and at least one further panel being hinged to said fixed
panel for pivotal movement between a stowed position in the
inoperative position of the barrier and a deployed position in the
operative position of the barrier
19. A barrier system according to claim 18 further comprising
stabiliser means on at least one of the trailer and panel assembly
for stabilising the barrier in the operative position.
20. A barrier system according to claim 18 wherein the panel
assembly further comprises anti-scaling means for the barrier in
the operative position.
Description
FIELD
[0001] This invention relates to a barrier system. More
specifically the invention relates to a barrier system for scene
management and in particular, but not exclusively, to a mobile
barrier system that can be transported to and from locations where
it is desired to erect a barrier on a temporary or semi-permanent
basis.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Crowd control barriers are often deployed in high tension
and possibly hostile situations (such as at some rallies, marches,
sports events, concerts and the like) to control movement of people
and/or create restricted areas to contain people. In situations
such as these barriers may have to forcibly prevent the advance of
people or crowds, and therefore be capable of withstanding impacts
and preferably substantially immoveable.
[0003] Despite the advantages of deployed barriers being
substantially immoveable, it is nonetheless often desirable that
when not deployed, barriers are moveable and easily transported. In
this way the barrier can be easily transported to where it is
needed and moved into the most effective position possibly in
association with other barrier objects or equipment that may be
present.
[0004] The present invention has been made from a consideration of
the foregoing.
SUMMARY
[0005] In its broadest aspect, the present invention provides a
barrier system comprising a mobile transportation unit and a
barrier for transportation by the unit to a location in which the
barrier is to be deployed.
[0006] In a preferred embodiment, the barrier is mounted on the
unit and is configured for conversion from an inoperative,
collapsed or stowed position for transportation to an operative,
erected or deployed position.
[0007] Preferably, the transportation unit comprises a wheeled
trailer that can be towed by a vehicle to transport the barrier
system to the place of use and the barrier may comprise a plurality
of panels arranged to form one or more walls of the trailer in the
inoperative position. A trailer is a convenient way to store and
transport the barrier as it can support the weight of the panels
and make repositioning and transportation substantially easier.
[0008] At least one of the wall panels is preferably connected to
the trailer in a fixed position with one or more of the remaining
panels being hinged to this panel so as to be capable of movement
to the operative position aligned with the fixed wall panel.
Preferably the fixed wall panel is provided at the rear of the
trailer and has at least one wall panel hinged to each side that
extend along the sides of the trailer in the inoperative position
and are preferably releasably secured to the trailer to allow
pivotal movement to the operative position.
[0009] One or more of the wall panels forming the barrier may be
provided with an additional guard panel at the top of the barrier.
Such guard panels may serve as an anti-scaling feature when the
barrier system is deployed to hinder individuals who are trying or
who otherwise might try to climb over the barrier and/or who might
attempt to throw objects over the barrier. One or more guard panels
may be pivotal between a stowed position for transportation of the
barrier and an operative position in use of the barrier. When
stowed, at least some of the guard panels may be configured to
provide a roof over the trailer. For example, the guard panels on
the wall panels secured to the sides of the trailer may form a
pitched roof over the trailer in the stowed position.
[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the barrier system is provided
with one or more stabilisers that can be selectively deployed in
the operative position of the barrier.
[0011] The stabilisers may serve to make the barrier more resistant
to movement if under pressure or even attack from a crowd when
deployed. This may mean that there is no need for the barrier to be
reinforced, potentially freeing up resources.
[0012] Preferably the stabilisers can be deployed from the side of
the barrier away from the crowd so as to minimise the risk of
tampering. In one arrangement, one or more stabilisers may be
provided that can be extended from the rear of the trailer to
engage the ground. Alternatively or additionally, one or more
stabilisers may be provided that can be lowered from one or more
panels to engage the ground.
[0013] Any or all stabilisers may be adjustable and lockable in an
adjusted position. In this way the stabilisers may be deployed
regardless of the terrain on which the barrier is employed. Any or
all of the stabilisers may be provided with a high friction
material and/or a large surface area at the point where they
contact the ground when deployed. This may serve to increase the
resistance of the mobile crowd control barrier to movement if under
pressure or even attack from a crowd.
[0014] According to another aspect, the present invention provides
a barrier system comprising a trailer unit and a barrier for
transportation to a position of use where the barrier can be
deployed when the trailer unit is disconnected from a towing
vehicle.
[0015] According to yet another aspect, the present invention
provides a barrier system comprising a transportation unit and a
barrier for transportation to a position at which the barrier is to
be deployed wherein the barrier system includes stabiliser means to
resist movement of the barrier when deployed.
[0016] According to a further aspect, the present invention
provides a mobile barrier system comprising a wheeled trailer and a
panel assembly mounted on the trailer, the panel assembly
comprising a plurality of panels configured to form walls of the
trailer in an inoperative position of the barrier system and being
transformable to form a barrier in an operative position of the
barrier system, at least one of the panels being fixed to the
trailer in both the inoperative and operative positions and at
least one further panel being hinged to said fixed panel for
pivotal movement between a stowed position in the inoperative
position of the barrier and a deployed position in the operative
position of the barrier
[0017] Preferably, the barrier system further comprises stabiliser
means on at least one of the trailer and panel assembly for
stabilising the barrier in the operative position.
[0018] Preferably, the panel assembly further comprises
anti-scaling means for the barrier in the operative position.
[0019] An embodiment of the invention will now be described in more
detail by way of example only with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a barrier system embodying
the invention with the barrier in the inoperative stowed
position;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a side view of the barrier system of FIG. 1 with
the barrier in the inoperative stowed position;
[0022] FIG. 3 is a perspective view from one side of the barrier
system of FIG. 1 with the barrier in the operative deployed
position;
[0023] FIG. 4 is a front view of the barrier system of FIG. 3 in
the operative deployed position;
[0024] FIG. 5 is a side view of the barrier system of FIG. 3 in the
operative deployed position;
[0025] FIG. 6 is a perspective view, to an enlarged scale, from the
other side of part of the barrier system of FIG. 3 in the operative
deployed position;
[0026] FIG. 7 shows a detail of a telescopic wall panel in the
extended position;
[0027] FIG. 8 shows a detail of a telescopic stabiliser in the
stowed position;
[0028] FIG. 9 shows a detail of a drop down stabiliser in the
stowed position; and
[0029] FIG. 10 shows a detail of a connection between two barrier
systems.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0030] Referring to the accompanying drawings, a mobile barrier
system 100 is shown comprising two main parts, a wheeled
transportation unit, in this embodiment a trailer 102, and an
associated barrier 104 attached thereto. In this embodiment, the
barrier system 102 is described for crowd or riot control but it
will be understood the barrier system 102 is not limited to such
use and other applications of the barrier system are envisaged and
within the scope of the invention. For example, the barrier system
may be used generally for scene management including management of
incidents involving but not limited to chemical, biological,
radiological and nuclear materials as well as management of areas
involving but not limited to security cordons and temporary
closures. The invented barrier system may therefore be employed to
provide perimeter protection and/or incident containment for a wide
range of applications.
[0031] The trailer 102 has two wheels 106 (one only shown) mounted
on an axle and a jockey wheel 108 in a standard trailer
configuration. The trailer 102 also possesses a standard towing
assembly 110 so that the trailer can be towed by a car, van or the
like. In a modification (not shown) the trailer may have more than
two wheels.
[0032] The barrier 104 comprises a panel assembly 114 that forms
side and rear walls of the trailer 102 in an inoperative stowed
position of the barrier (FIGS. 1 and 2) for transportation of the
barrier system to a location where the barrier is to be deployed
(FIGS. 3 to 6). In this embodiment, the panel assembly 114
comprises rear wall panel 114a, side wall panels 114b and end wall
panels 114c. In alternative embodiments, one or both end wall
panels 114c may be omitted.
[0033] Rear wall panel 114a is fixed to the trailer 102 and, in
this embodiment, is provided with a door 113 and two light units
117 including a brake light, indicator light and rear light. The
door 113 can be secured by one or more bolts 115 on the inboard
side to prevent the door being opened from the outboard side of the
barrier that faces the crowd in the operative deployed position of
the barrier. Any other suitable means for securing the door may be
employed. Plates (not shown) extend over and protect the light
units 117 from attack when the barrier is deployed. The plates may
be mounted on the rear panel 114a for sliding or pivotal movement
to cover and uncover the light units 117 and may be secured in each
position.
[0034] Side wall panels 114b are connected at one end on opposite
sides of the rear wall panel 114a by hinges 122 and releasably
secured at the other end to the trailer 102 by any suitable means
(not shown). The side wall panels 114b can be pivoted from the
inoperative stowed position of the barrier shown in FIGS. 1 and 2
to an operative deployed position of the barrier shown in FIGS. 3
to 6 substantially co-planar with the rear wall panel 114a.
Telescopic struts 124 extend between trailer 102 and the side wall
panels 114b to lock the panels 114b in the operative position.
[0035] End wall panels 114c are connected to the other end of the
side wall panels 114b remote from the rear wall panel 114a by
hinges 133. The end wall panels 114c fold inwards to locate against
the side wall panels 114b in the inoperative stowed position of the
barrier shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and can be pivoted to an operative
deployed position substantially co-planar with the side wall panels
114b as shown in FIGS. 3 to 6. The end wall panels 114c can be
releasably secured in the deployed position by fastening means 119
to lock the panels 114c in the operative position. In a
modification (not shown), the end panels 114c may form a front wall
at the front end of the trailer in the stowed position such that
the panel assembly closes the trailer on all sides to form an
enclosure that may be used to transport personnel and/or equipment.
In this arrangement, access to and from the interior of the trailer
can be provided by the door 115 in the rear wall panel 114a.
[0036] The panels 114a,114b,114c are made of steel but any other
materials suitable for the intended application of the barrier
system may be used. For example, the panels 114a,114b,114c may be
constructed to provide ballistic protection such as from bullets or
similar high velocity objects and/or explosion protection such as
from shrapnel/debris from a bomb, grenade or similar explosive
device and/or protection from hazardous materials. Alternatively or
additionally, the panels 114a,114b,114c may be converted for
different applications by fitting auxiliary add-on panels having
particular properties suitable for the intended application. For
example, add-on panels to provide ballistic protection and/or
explosion protection and/or protection from hazardous
materials.
[0037] FIGS. 3 and 4 show the outboard side of the barrier that, in
use, is presented to a crowd to be controlled or an area to be
cordoned off, and FIG. 6 shows the inboard side of the barrier
that, in use, is remote from the crowd or cordoned area and may be
occupied by the police, army or other law enforcement officers.
Windows 118 are preferably provided in the side wall panels 114b
for surveillance purposes when the barrier is in use. The windows
118 may be made of plastic, toughened glass or other suitable
material capable of withstanding attack. Hatches 121 are preferably
also provided in the side wall panels 114b for communicating with
individuals on the other side of the barrier. The hatches 121 are
provided with covers 123 that are slidable to open and close the
hatches and can be locked in the closed position. Windows 118
and/or hatches 121 may be provided in one or both side wall panels
114c. Alternatively or additionally, windows and/or hatches may be
provided in the rear panel 114a.
[0038] The side wall panels 114b comprise inner and outer panel
sections 128,130 connected by telescopic upper and lower sliding
mechanisms for adjusting the length of the side wall panels 114b.
In this embodiment, the sliding mechanisms comprise runners 126
associated with the inner panel section 128 that cooperate with
wheels 127 on the outer panel section 130. Any other suitable
arrangement allowing the panel sections to slide relative to each
other may be employed. One or both side wall panels 114b may
comprise more than two panel sections configured to slide relative
to each other. Alternatively or additionally, one or both end wall
panels 114c may comprise two or more sections configured to slide
relative to each other to adjust the length of the end wall panels
114c.
[0039] Once the side wall panels 114b have been pivoted to the
operative position, one or both side wall panels 114b can be
extended by sliding the outer panel section 130 away from the
trailer 102 to increase the length of the side wall panel 114b to
achieve the desired width of barrier. In this way, the barrier can
be adapted to extend across and close openings of different width,
for example to extend between buildings on opposite sides of a road
where it is desired to close the road. Although it is preferred
that the length of both side wall panels 114b can be adjusted, this
is not essential and in other embodiments one or both side wall
panels 114b may comprise a single panel section of fixed
length.
[0040] The side wall panel 114b can be secured in the extended
position by a releasable fastening mechanism. In this embodiment,
the fastening mechanism comprises a removable locking pin 129
inserted through a hole in a bracket 131 on the outer panel section
130 to engage an aligned one of a plurality of holes 133 in a plate
on the inner panel section 128. Any other suitable arrangement for
securing the panel sections 128,130 relative to each other to fix
the adjusted length of the side wall panel 114b may be
employed.
[0041] The outer panel section 130 may be extended/retracted
manually by pulling/pushing the outer panel section 130 relative to
the inner panel section 128. Alternatively or additionally, a drive
mechanism may be provided to assist movement of the outer panel
section 130 relative to the inner panel section 128. For example, a
rack and pinion mechanism may be provided for manual operation such
as by a hand crank or for powered operation such as by an electric
motor.
[0042] Each wall panel 114a,114b,114c is additionally provided at
the top with a guard panel 132. The guard panels 132 extend
substantially perpendicular to the wall panels 114a,114b,114c on
the outboard side of the barrier facing towards the crowd in an
outboard deployed position (FIG. 3). In this position, the guard
panels 132 provide an anti-scaling feature that assists in
preventing people climbing over the barrier. The guard panels 132
at the top of the side wall panels 114b are also arranged
telescopically to adjust the length thereof together with the
panels 114b. When the barrier is deployed, skirts 135 at the bottom
of the walls 114a,114b,114c restrict access under the barrier. The
skirts may be retractable to increase ground clearance when the
barrier is stowed for transportation.
[0043] In this embodiment, the guard panel 132 at the top of the
rear wall panel 114a is fixed in the outboard deployed position.
The guard panels at the top of the side wall panels 114b are
pivotal through approximately 90.degree. from the outboard deployed
position to an upright position (FIG. 1) extending substantially
parallel to the side wall panels. The guard panels at the top of
the end wall panels 114c are pivotal through approximately
180.degree. from the outboard deployed position to an inboard
stowed position (FIG. 1) extending substantially perpendicular to
the end wall panels 114c.
[0044] In a modification (not shown), the guard panels at the top
of the rear wall panel 114a and end wall panels 114c may also be
pivotal to the upright position. When in the upright position, the
guard panels increase the height of the barrier which may assist in
preventing individuals climbing over the barrier and/or throwing
objects over the barrier. The upright position may therefore
provide another deployed position of the guard panels.
Alternatively or additionally, the upright position may also be a
stowed position for transport of the barrier.
[0045] In a further modification (not shown), the guard panels at
the top of the rear wall panel 114a may be pivotal to an inboard
stowed position (not shown) extending substantially perpendicular
to the rear wall panel 114a and the guard panels at the top of the
side wall panels 114b may be pivotal to an inboard stowed position
(not shown) in which the guard panels are inclined and meet to form
a pitched roof over the top of the trailer and provide cover to
protect any personnel or articles transported in the trailer 102.
The guard panels can be secured in both positions and in the
intermediate upright position.
[0046] Other positions of the guard panels 132 are envisaged. For
example, in the deployed position, the guard panels may be inclined
at angle other than 90.degree. to the walls of the barrier. For
example, the guard panels may extend at an angle of approximately
45.degree. on either the inboard or outboard side of the barrier to
provide an anti-scaling feature.
[0047] Where the guard panels extend on the inboard side in the
deployed position, the guard panels may be fixed in this position
on the side wall panels so as to meet and form a pitched roof over
the trailer in the inoperative stowed position of the barrier. In
this arrangement, the guard panels on the rear wall panel 114a and
end wall panels 114c may be lowered to a stowed position
substantially perpendicular to the walls to allow the side wall
panels 114b to be secured in the stowed position. Any suitable
means such as telescopic struts may be used to raise and lower the
guard panels on the rear wall panel 114a and end wall panels
114c.
[0048] In accordance with a preferred feature of the invention, the
barrier system is provided with a stabiliser system that can be
deployed when the barrier is erected to engage the ground. The
stabiliser system assists the barrier system to resist forces
applied to the barrier, for example by a crowd, so as to prevent
movement of the barrier system even if the trailer 102 is detached
from the towing vehicle.
[0049] The stabiliser system includes at least one and preferably a
pair of telescopic stabilisers 112 at the rear of the trailer 102
that are extendable from a retracted position (FIG. 2) to an
extended position (FIG. 3) in which the stabilisers engage the
ground.
[0050] Each telescopic stabiliser 112 is similar and comprises a
rectangular casing 144 of metal or similar material and a
stabiliser leg 160 slidably mounted in the casing 144. The casing
144 is upwardly inclined from the floor of the trailer adjacent to
the rear end and secured to a downwardly inclined support strut 162
extending between the rear wall panel 114a and the floor of the
trailer 102.
[0051] The leg 160 can be extended from the lower end of the casing
144 to seat a foot 160a at the lower end on the ground or other
surface below the barrier. The leg 160 is provided with a series of
spaced apart holes 146 at the upper end and is locked in the
extended position by a pin 140 inserted through a sleeve 142 on the
casing 144 to engage an aligned one of the holes 146. The holes 146
allow the leg 160 to be lowered to many different levels, so that
the ground can be contacted regardless of the terrain under the
barrier system. Any other means for adjusting the length of the leg
may be employed.
[0052] The leg 160 can be raised and secured in the retracted
position (FIG. 8) by removing the pin 140 and pulling the leg 160
upwards by means of a handle 164 at the inner end and re-inserting
the pin 140 through the sleeve 142 to engage a further hole (not
shown) in the leg 160 axially spaced from the holes 146. Any other
means for securing the leg in the retracted position may be
employed.
[0053] The stabiliser system further includes one or more drop-down
stabilisers 116 for each side wall panel 114b of the barrier that
can be lowered from an inoperative stowed position (FIG. 9) to an
operative deployed position (FIGS. 5 to 7) in which the stabilisers
engage the ground.
[0054] Each drop-down stabiliser 116 is similar and comprises a
shaft 150 rotatably and slidably mounted on the rear face of the
outer panel section 130 by a pair of clamp brackets 148. The
stabiliser 116 also comprises a foot 154 attached to the lower end
of the shaft 150 and an angled brace 152 that extends between the
foot 154 and the shaft 152. The stabiliser is held in the stowed
position by engagement of the clamp brackets 148 with the shaft
150. In the stowed position, the foot 154 is raised clear of the
ground and lies with the brace 152 alongside the rear face of the
outer panel section 130.
[0055] When the clamp brackets 148 are loosened, the shaft 150 can
be lowered to seat the foot 154 on the ground and rotated through
90.degree. so that the brace 152 and foot 154 extend perpendicular
to the barrier (FIG. 6). The stabiliser 116 can be secured in the
lowered position by tightening the clamp brackets 148. The
arrangement of the shaft 150 and clamp brackets 148 allows the
stabiliser 116 to be lowered to any position required to contact
the ground regardless of the terrain under the barrier. Any other
arrangement for deploying a stabiliser on the wall of the barrier
may be employed.
[0056] As will be understood from the description, the barrier
system 100 may be arranged with the barrier 104 in the stowed
position and both sets of stabilisers 112,116 in the retracted or
stowed position allowing the barrier to be conveniently
transported, over long distances if necessary by connecting the
trailer 102 to a towing vehicle using towing assembly 110.
[0057] When the barrier system 100 is at the desired location, one
or both of the side wall panels 114b and, where provided end panels
114c, may be pivoted to the deployed position where they are
substantially co-planar with the rear wall 114a and locked in
position. The length of one or both side wall panels 114b may then
be extended as required to obtain the desired barrier width, for
example to close off a road.
[0058] Telescopic stabilisers 112 may then be lowered to contact
the ground below the trailer 102 where they may be locked by pins
140. Drop down stabilisers 116 may also be lowered to engage the
ground, rotated and locked by clamp brackets 148. When in their
respective deployed positions, the combination of the telescopic
stabilisers 112 on the trailer and drop-down stabilisers 116 on the
barrier panels 114b add to the stability of the barrier and its
resistance to movement even if attacked by a crowd. Guard panels
132 may also be deployed to extend perpendicular to the panels
114a,114b,114c on the side of the barrier facing towards the crowd
to prevent people climbing over the barrier. In this embodiment,
the trailer is also provided with a pair of adjustable stabilisers
166 at the end opposite rear panel 114a. The stabilisers 166 can be
lowered when the barrier is deployed and raised when it is desired
to move the trailer with the barrier stowed.
[0059] As will be appreciated, the present invention provides a
mobile barrier system that can be transported to a location for use
to form a temporary or semi-permanent barrier in a simple and
effective manner with stabiliser means that support the barrier in
the deployed position and resist movement of the barrier. As a
result, the barrier can be positioned and left in place without
using the towing vehicle to prevent movement of the barrier. The
barrier system may be provided with one or more of a communication
system for addressing a crowd, for example a tanoy, a surveillance
system for monitoring a crowd, for example a camera, and a visual
display system for transmitting messages to a crowd, for example a
variable message display.
[0060] In some applications, two or more barrier systems may be
deployed and the barriers linked to increase the overall width of
the barrier thus formed. FIG. 10 shows one arrangement for linking
the barriers in which upper and lower fastening straps 168 extend
between brackets 170 mounted on the adjoining end wall panels 114c
of the adjacent barriers. The straps 168 are attached to the
brackets by releasable clips 172 and the length of the straps 168
can be adjusted by devices 174 to tighten the straps 168 and secure
the end panels 114c relative to each other. When it is no longer
required to link the barriers, the straps 168 can be detached from
one of the end panels 114c by releasing the clips 172 and the clips
re-attached to a further bracket 171 provided on the other end
panel 114c. Any suitable means for releasably securing the barriers
may be employed.
[0061] It will be understood that the invention is not limited to
the embodiments described herein and that various modifications can
be made to the barrier system without departing from the scope of
the invention as described herein and set forth in the following
claims. In particular, the claims extend to and include means
equivalent to any features of the claims for substantially the same
purpose.
* * * * *