A barrier assembly

This invention relates to a barrier assembly. In particular, it relates to a barrier assembly that can be used to direct the flow of ambulatory or vehicular traffic.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a barrier assembly that can be easily deployed at a required site, and has a greater structural strength than the temporary fencing currently used in the art.

According to the present invention, there is provided a barrier assembly comprising a barrier, and a support relative to which the barrier can rotate.

Preferably, the barrier assembly further comprises a movable platform, and the barrier is reversibly mounted to the movable platform.

In one embodiment the support may be detachably mounted on the movable platform. Alternatively the support may comprise part of the movable platform.

Preferably, a mounting means is provided to permit rotatable movement of the barrier relative to the support about a substantially vertical axis.

Preferably, the barrier is collapsible.

Preferably, the barrier is collapsible between a deployed state and a collapsed state.

Preferably the mounting means is provided with locking means for locking the barrier assembly in a desired orientation with respect to the support.

The mounting means may comprise at least bearing, such as a rolling element bearing. Preferably, the rolling-element bearing is a ball bearing. It is to be appreciated that any bearing which produces a desired rotational movement may be utilised, such as a roller-, tapered roller-, needle-, spherical-, or thrust- bearing.

Preferably, the barrier comprises a plurality of side panels. Preferably, at least some of the side panels are movably mounted to an adjacent side panel. Further preferably, the at least some of the side panels are pivotably mounted to an adjacent side panel.

Preferably, some or all of the side panels of the barrier comprise a frame. The frame may include at least one cross-member.

Preferably, at least one of the side panels further comprises a substantially rigid planar surface.

Preferably, the substantially rigid planar surface is continuous. Alternatively, the substantially rigid planar surface comprises a mesh or similar perforated structure.

Preferably, the barrier further comprises means for securing the side panels in a deployed state.

In one embodiment, the securing means may comprise at least one rigid element that is located across the intersection of two adjacent side panels. Alternatively the securing means may comprise one or more latch means.

Preferably, the barrier further comprises a base section.

Preferably, the base section comprises a base frame. In one embodiment the base frame may include at least one base cross-member. In an alternative embodiment the base frame may comprise a substantially rectangular box-like framework.

Preferably, at least one of the side panels is mounted to the base section. Optionally, the at least one side panel is rigidly mounted on the base section.

At least one bracing member may be provided on the base section. In the deployed state, the at least one bracing member may be provided between the base section and at least one side panel.

The bracing member may be movably mounted to one or each of the base section and the side panel.

Preferably, the bracing member is extendible. Further preferably, the bracing member is telescopically extendible.

Preferably, at least some of the side panels further comprise a ground-engagable panel. Preferably, the ground-engagable panel is movably mounted adjacent the, in use, ground adjacent edge of the side panel.

Preferably, at least one support is provided adjacent the, in use, ground adjacent edge of at least one side panel.

Preferably, the at least one support is movably mounted to the at least one side panel.

Optionally, the at least one support further comprises a caster.

Preferably, the base section further comprises support means. Preferably, the support means comprises at least two legs. Further preferably, the at least two legs are extendible. Most preferably, the at least two legs are telescopically extendible.

Preferably, the mounting means is attached to the, in use, ground-engaging face of the base section. Further preferably, the mounting means is rigidly attached to the, in use, ground- engaging face of the base section.

Preferably, the movable platform comprises a body having at least one pair of wheels. Further preferably, each member of the pair of wheels is located on opposing sides of the body.

Preferably, the body is adapted to be reversibly engagable with the base section of the barrier. Preferably the base section of the barrier is rotatably mounted on the body for rotation about a substantially vertical axis. Preferably locking means are provided for locking the base section of the barrier with respect to the body at two or more positions, hi one embodiment said locking means comprises a first part, comprising a disc or ring or

arcuate member mounted on one of the base section of the barrier or the body, arranged coaxially with the rotational axis of the base section, said first part having peripheral formations, such as castellations or teeth, formed thereon, and a second part, comprising a locking member moveable into and out of engagement with said formations on the first part to lock the base section of the barrier with respect to the body.

In one embodiment, at least two guides are provided along the length of opposing sides of the body of the movable platform. The at least two guides may be provided on the, in use, barrier assembly-engaging face of the body.

The body of the base section may further comprise a conduit. Preferably, the conduit is shaped and dimensioned to receive the mounting means. Preferably, the conduit is reversibly engagable with the mounting means.

Preferably, in use, the conduit and the mounting means are assembled such that the rotating means is capable of rotating the barrier assembly relative to the movable platform.

In one embodiment, the movable platform further comprises support means. Preferably, the support means comprises at least two legs. Further preferably, the at least two legs are extendible. Most preferably, the at least two legs are telescopically extendible.

Preferably, the movable platform further comprises means for attaching the movable platform to a vehicle.

Alternatively, the movable platform further comprises means for detaching the barrier assembly from the movable platform.

In one embodiment, the means for detaching comprises a pivotable arm. Further preferably, the pivotable arm is a hydraulic pivotable arm.

In an alternative embodiment the barrier assembly may be slidably mounted upon the movable platform. The moveable platform may be tiltable to assist detachment of the barrier assembly therefrom. Rollers or wheels may be provided on the base of the barrier assembly to assist in sliding detachment of the barrier assembly from the movable platform.

Guide channels or rails may be provided on the movable platform for receiving said rollers or wheels to guide movement of the barrier assembly on the movable platform. One or more hydraulic rams may be provided for moving the barrier assembly on and off the movable platform.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:-

Figure IA is a perspective view of a barrier assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention, depicted in a collapsed state;

Figure IB is a perspective view of the barrier assembly of Figure IA rotated relative to the support;

Figure 2 A is a perspective view of the barrier of Figure IA, depicted in a partly deployed state; Figure 2B is a perspective view of the barrier of Figure IA depicted in a fully deployed state;

Figure 3 A is a perspective view of a barrier assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention, depicted in a collapsed state;

Figure 3B is a perspective view of the barrier assembly of Figure 3 A rotated relative to the movable platform;

Figure 4A is a perspective view of a barrier assembly of Figure 3 A depicted in a deployed state;

Figure 4B is a perspective view of a barrier assembly of Figure 3 A, depicted in a fully deployed state; Figure 5 A is a perspective view of a barrier assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 B is a perspective view of the barrier assembly of Figure 5 A depicted in an unloaded state.

Figure 6A is a sectional plan view of a mounting means of a barrier assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6B is a sectional side view of the mounting means of Figure 6 A;

Figure 6C is a sectional plan view of the mounting means of Figure 6 A, depicted engaged with a conduit;

Figure 7 A is a plan view of a barrier assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention in a stowed state;

Figure 7B is a side view of the barrier assembly of Figure 7 A;

Figure 7C is a perspective view of the barrier assembly of Figure 7 A; Figure 7D is an end view of the barrier assembly of Figure 7A;

Figure 8 A is a perspective view of the barrier assembly of Figure 7 A during demounting of the barrier from the movable platform;

Figure 8B is a side view of the barrier assembly of Figure 7 A during demounting of the barrier from the movable platform; Figure 9 A is a perspective view of the barrier assembly of Figure 7A rotated relative to the support;

Figure 9B is an end view of the arrangement of Figure 9 A;

Figure 9C is a plan view of the arrangement of Figure 9A;

Figure 9D is a side view of the arrangement of Figure 9A; Figure 9E is a plan view from beneath of the arrangement of Figure 9 A;

Figure 1OA is a perspective view of the barrier assembly of Figure 7 A in a partly deployed state;

Figure 1OB is a plan view of the arrangement of Figure 1OA; Figure 1OC is a side view of the arrangement of Figure 1OA; Figure 1OD is an end view of the arrangement of Figure 1OA;

Figure 1 IA is a perspective view of the barrier assembly of Figure 7 A in a fully deployed state;

Figure 1 IB is a plan view of the arrangement of Figure 1 IA; Figure 11 C is a side view of the arrangement of Figure 1 IA; Figure 1 ID is an end view of the arrangement of Figure 1 IA;

Figure 12 is a detailed perspective of the barrier assembly of Figure 7 A is a fully deployed state;

Figure 13A is a perspective view of a barrier assembly according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention in a stowed state; Figure 13B is an end view of the barrier assembly of Figure 13A; Figure 13C is a plan view of the barrier assembly of Figure 13 A; Figure 13D is a side view of the barrier assembly of Figure 13 A;

Figure 14A is a perspective view of the barrier assembly of Figure 13A in a partly deployed state;

Figure 14B is a further perspective view of the barrier assembly of Figure 13A in its partly deployed state;

Figure 14C is an end view of the barrier assembly of Figure 13 A in its partly deployed state;

Figure 15A is a perspective view of the barrier assembly of Figure 13 A in a fully deployed state;

Figure 15B is a further perspective view of the barrier assembly of Figure 13A in its fully deployed state;

Figure 15C is an end view of the barrier assembly of Figure 13 A in its fully deployed state;

Figure 16 is a detailed perspective view of the barrier assembly of Figure 13 A in its fully deployed state;

Figure 17 is a further detailed perspective view of the barrier assembly of Figure 13A in its fully deployed state;

Figure 18A is a plan view of the mounting means of the barrier assembly of Figure 13 A;

Figure 18B is a side view of the mounting means of Figure 18 A; Figure 19 A is a plan view of the barrier assembly of Figure 18 A in a first orientation;

Figure 19B is a plan view of the barrier assembly of Figure 18A in a second orientation;

Figure 19C is a plan view of the barrier assembly of Figure 18A in a third orientation; and

Figure 19D is a plan view of the barrier assembly of Figure 18A in a fourth orientation.

In the drawings, similar reference numerals have been used to indicate like parts.

Referring now to Figure IA, there is shown a barrier assembly 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The barrier assembly 10 comprises a barrier 12 and a support 14 upon which the barrier 12 is mounted.

The barrier 10 comprises a plurality of side panels 16 and a base frame 22. Each side panel 16 comprises a substantially rectangular frame having two cross-members 18, 18'. As illustrated, the cross-members 18, 18' may be in the form of an 'X' or in the form of a '+'. The purpose of the cross-members 18, 18' is to provide structural support to each side panel 16, and so either form may be utilised in the present invention. Each side panel 16 is attached to an adjacent side panel 16 by a hinge mechanism 20. A generally planar surface 24 is provided on the external face of the frame of each side panel 16. For clarity, the planar surface 24 is illustrated on only some of the side panels 16. The planar surface 24 may be continuous or may be of a perforated structure, and provides protection, while remaining

lightweight. The base frame 22 comprises a substantially rectangular frame. At least one side panel 16 is rigidly secured to, and extends generally perpendicular from, the base frame 22. The base frame 22 is mounted upon the support 14 by mounting means, which will be described in more detail hereinafter, allowing the barrier 12 to rotate about a vertical central axis with respect to the support 14, as illustrated in Figure IB.

Figure 2 A is a perspective view of the barrier assembly 10 depicted in a deployed state. Each of the side panels 16 is deployed from the base frame 22, save a primary base panel 16', which is rigidly fixed to the base frame 22. Two bracing members 26, 26' are provided on the base frame 22, each of which extend from the frame of the primary panel 16' to the base frame 22 to support the primary panel 16' in a generally perpendicular orientation relative to the base frame 22. The hinge mechanism 20 between each side panel 16 allows the barrier 12 to form a plurality of shapes and lengths. Elongate supports 28 are provided on the base frame 22 to increase the stability of the base frame 22. Each elongate support 28 can be telescopically extended from the base frame 22. Caster supports 30 are provided along the length of the barrier 12 to facilitate movement of the side panels 16 from a collapsed to a deployed state. Telescopic bracing members 32 are provided between the base frame 22 and each of the terminal side panels 16 of the barrier 12. A ground-engagable panel 34 is provided at the base edge of each side panel 16. Each ground-engagable panel 34 is hingedly mounted to a respective side panel 16, and can be deployed to extend the dimensions of the side panel 16 so that each panel 16 is ground-engaging, in use.

Figure 2B is a perspective view of the barrier assembly 10 depicted in a fully deployed state. In the fully deployed state, the barrier 12 is arranged such that the side panels 16 are in side- by-side relationship and form a continuous structure. Similarly the ground-engagable panels 34 of each side panel 16 are in side-by-side relationship and form a continuous, ground- engaging structure. The telescopic bracing members 32 are fully extended between the base frame 22 and each of the terminal side panels 16 of the barrier 12 to provide structural support to the deployed barrier 12. A channel 36 is provided on the, in use, rear face of each side panel 16. The channel 36 is generally U-shaped in transverse cross-section, and is shaped and dimensioned to receive part of a rigid securing element 38. The rigid securing element 38 is an elongate rigid member, which, in use, locates in the channel 26 of adjacent side panels 16 to provide a structural support to the barrier 12.

Figure 3 A is a perspective view of a barrier assembly 110 according to a second embodiment of the present invention, depicted in a collapsed state. The barrier assembly 110 comprises a barrier 112, a support 114, and a movable platform 40.

The movable platform 40 comprises a body 42 in the form of a generally rectangular shaped frame, and a set of wheels 44 on each of two opposing sides of the body 42. A pair of guides 46 is provided on the, in use, barrier assembly-engaging face of the body 42. Each guide 46 comprises a rail, which is shaped and dimensioned to receive at least part of the base frame 122 (such as the caster supports 130) of the barrier assembly 110, to facilitate the reversible removal of the barrier assembly 110 from the movable platform 40. Supports 48 are provided on the body 42 of the movable platform 40. Each support 48 comprises a telescopically extendible leg for increasing the stability of the movable platform 40.

A conduit (not shown) is provided on the, in use, barrier assembly-engaging face of the body 42. The conduit (discussed in further detail hereinafter) is adapted to receive the support 114 of the barrier assembly 110, such that the barrier assembly 110 can rotate relative to the movable platform 40. An attaching means 50 in the form of a pair of arms having a common end is provided on the body 42 of the movable platform 40 to facilitate attachment of the movable platform to a vehicle. It will be appreciated that a connecting device such as a tow hitch, tow bar, recovery point, or similar device is provided on the attaching means 40 to facilitate attachment of the movable platform 40 to a vehicle.

Figure 3 B is a perspective view of the barrier assembly 110, depicted in a collapsed state, and rotated relative to the movable platform 40. In use, the barrier assembly 110 can be rotated relative to the movable platform 40. The movable platform 40 can be stabilised by extending the supports 48 of the body 42 of the movable platform 40. Similarly, the barrier assembly 110 can be stabilised by extending the supports 128 of the base frame 122. The barrier 112 can be deployed as previously described herein, and as depicted in Figure 4A, to ultimately operate in a fully deployed state as depicted in Figure 4B.

Figure 5 A is a perspective view of a barrier assembly 210 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The barrier assembly 210 comprises a barrier 212, a support 214 upon which the barrier 212 is mounted, a movable platform 240, and a hydraulic arm 52. Referring to Figure 5B, the hydraulic arm 52 is mounted at one end to the body 242 of the

movable platform 240. More specifically, the hydraulic arm is movably mounted to a pair of guide rails 54, which facilitates movement of the base hinge element 56 of the hydraulic arm along the length of the body 242 of the base platform 240. The opposing end of the hydraulic arm 52 is reversibly attached to a side panel 216 of the barrier 212. Preferably, this side panel 216 is rigidly fixed to the base frame 222 of the barrier assembly 210. The hydraulic arm 52 can therefore be used to unload the barrier assembly 212 from the movable platform 240 if so required.

Figure 6 depicts sectional views of a mounting means for mounting the barrier 12 on the support 14 of a barrier assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The mounting means includes a bearing, which permits rotation of the barrier assembly about a vertical axis to permit adjustment of the orientation of the barrier. More specifically, the mounting means includes a rolling-element bearing. In this embodiment, the rolling- element bearing is a ball bearing. Although it will be appreciated that any suitable rolling- element bearing may be employed to obtain the desired movement, such as a roller-, tapered roller-, needle-, spherical-, or thrust- bearing. Referring now to Figure 6B there is shown a sectional side view of the mounting means.

In one embodiment, the mounting means attaching the barrier to the support comprises two annular members 58, 58'. Each of the annular members 58, 58' is shaped and dimensioned to inter-engage in a concentric manner with the other annular member 58', 58. A generally concave U-shaped channel 64 is provided at the outer face of the inner annular member 58'.

Similarly, a generally concave U-shaped channel 64' is provided at the outer face of the inner annular member 58. In use, both of these channels 64, 64' are in side-by-side relationship to form a race that can accommodate a plurality of ball bearings 60. Resultantly, the annular members 58, 58' can rotate relative to each other. The outer annular member 58 is rigidly attached to the base frame 22 of the barrier 12.

The inner annular member 58' is shaped and dimensioned to reversibly engage with the conduit 62 of the movable platform 40. The conduit 62 comprises a set of tracks 66, each of which is generally parallel to the other. The end of each track 66 is joined to the end of the other track to form a V-shaped recess (partially shown). The tracks 66 guide the mounting means toward the V-shaped recess, which receives the mounting means . The mounting

means can contiguously locate in the V-shaped recess to facilitate relative rotation of the annular members 58, 58' of the mounting means.

A barrier assembly 310 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in Figures 7 A to 12. Such embodiment provides a relatively large barrier 312 that is demountable from a movable platform 340, in the form of a wheeled chassis, upon which it can be transported.

As with the previous embodiments, the barrier 312 comprises a plurality of side panels 316 mounted upon a base frame 322 for pivotal movement between a stowed configuration, as shown in Figures 7A to 7D, wherein the barrier assembly can be readily carried to an incident site in a compact form, and a deployed configuration, as shown in Figures 1 IA to 1 ID, wherein the barrier assembly defines a substantially rigid wall-like elongate barrier.

In this embodiment, the base frame 322 comprises an open rectangular box-like support framework for supporting a plurality of side panels 316. A primary side panel 316' is fixedly mounted on an end of the base frame 322 and a further side panel 316 is pivotally mounted on respective sides of the primary side panel 316' by respective hinge mechanisms 320 for pivotal movement about a vertical axis. Outermost side panels 316 are pivotally mounted on a fee end of each further side panel by respective hinge mechanisms 320. The further and outer side panels 316 are received within or against a respective side region of the base frame 322 when in their stowed configuration.

Each side panel 316 comprises a rectangular frame having diagonal reinforcing cross members 318 and a planar panel member 324 comprising a continuous or a perforated structure, defining a lightweight barrier (see Figure 12).

A ground-engagable panel 334 is hingedly mounted to the lower edge of each side panel 316, and can be deployed to extend the dimensions of each side panel 316 so that each panel is ground-engaging, in use.

The movable platform 340 comprises a body 342 in the form of a chassis, and a set of wheels 344 on each of two opposing sides of the body 342. It will be appreciated that a

connecting device, such as a tow hitch, tow bar, recovery point, or similar device, is provided on the body 342 to facilitate attachment of the movable platform 340 to a vehicle.

As shown in Figures 8A and 8B, the body 342 of the moveable platform comprises a lower section 342A, upon which the wheels 344 and connecting device are mounted, and an upper section 342B, upon which the barrier 312 is supported, the upper section 342B being pivotally mounted on the lower section 342 A for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis between a first position, shown in Figures 7A to 7D, wherein the upper and lower sections are connected together in parallel relationship, and a second position, shown in Figures 8A and 8B, wherein the upper section 342B is inclined with respect to the lower section 342 A to facilitate demounting of the barrier 312 from the movable platform 340 by bring an end of the upper section 342B into contact with the ground.

The barrier 312 is slidably mounted on the movable platform 340 by means of rollers 360 received with guide channels on the upper section 342B of the body 342 of the movable platform 340 and movement of the barrier onto and off the movable platform is provided by means of a hydraulic ram 352 mounted on the upper section 341B of the movable platform 340.

As shown in Figures 9A to 9B, once the barrier 312 has been demounted from the movable platform it can be rotated to a desired orientation by means of the rotary mounting of the base section 322 on the support 314 which allows the base frame 322 and barrier 312 to be rotated about a vertical axis. The barrier assembly 310 is rotatably mounted on the support 314 via a mounting means permitting the barrier 312 to rotate about a vertical axis.

The barrier assembly 310 can be locked in a desired orientation by means of a locking mechanism comprises a locking ring 390 fixedly mounted on the support 314 coaxially arranged with respect to said vertical axis, the outer periphery of the locking ring 390 having circumferentially arranged teeth, a locking member 392 being moveably mounted on the underside of the base frame 322 to be movable between a locked position, wherein teeth provided on the locking member 392 engage corresponding teeth on the locking ring 390, and a release position, wherein the locking member 392 is spaced from the locking ring 390 such that the locking ring 390 is free to rotate with respect to the locking member 392.

Once the barrier 312 has been locked in its desired orientation, the panels 316 can be pivoted to their partly or fully deployed state (as shown in Figure 1OA to 1OD and 1 IA to 1 ID respectively) under the assistance of struts 382, which may contain pressurised gas or springs, to urge the panels towards their deployed positions. The panels 316 are automatically locked in their deployed positions by latch means 380, as shown in Figure 12. Ground engaging support legs 370, which may be telescopically extendable, may be provided at the outer side of each support panel 316 for supporting the panel when in its deployed state. The panels 316 can be subsequently moved to their stowed positions by retracting the support legs 370 (where provided) and releasing the latch means 380 and pivoting the panels 316 about their respective hinge mechanisms 320.

Figures 13A to 19D illustrate a barrier assembly 410 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention providing a smaller barrier 412 (compared to that of the fourth embodiment) that is carried on a movable platform 440, in the form of a wheeled chassis, upon which it can be transported, and which can be deployed directly from the movable platform without first being demounted from the movable platform.

This embodiment is similar to the previous embodiment in so far as it comprises an open rectangular box-like base frame 422 upon which a plurality of side panels 416 are supported for pivotal movement between a stowed state, as shown in Figures 13 A to 13D, and a partly and fully deployed states, as shown in Figures 14A to 14C and 15A to 15C respectively. A primary side panel 416' is fixedly mounted on an end of the base frame 422 and a further side panel 416 is pivotally mounted on respective sides of the primary side panel 416' by respective hinge mechanisms 420 for pivotal movement about a vertical axis. Outermost side panels 416 are pivotally mounted on a fee end of each further panel by respective hinge mechanisms 420. The further and outer side panels 416 are received within or against a respective side region of the base frame 422 when in their stowed configuration.

The movable platform 440 comprises a body 442, in the form of a chassis, provided with a set of wheels 344 on each of two opposing sides of the body 442 and a connecting device, such as a tow hitch, tow bar, recovery point, or similar device, provided on an end of the body 442 to facilitate attachment of the movable platform 340 to a vehicle.

When the barrier 412 is in its stowed state, the open space within the base frame 422 may be used for storage, whereby the side panels 416 may define the sides of a box-trailer formed by the movable platform and the stowed barrier 412.

The base frame 422 of the barrier 412 is mounted on the movable platform 440 via a mounting means permitting rotation of the barrier 412 with respect to the movable platform 340 about a vertical axis to permit adjustment of the orientation of the barrier 412 with respect to the movable platform 340.

As shown in Figures 18A and 18B, the barrier assembly 410 can be locked in any desired orientation by means of a locking mechanism associated with the mounting means, the locking mechanism comprises a locking ring 490 fixedly mounted on the body 442 of the movable platform 440, coaxially arranged with respect to said vertical axis, the outer periphery of the locking ring 490 having circumferentially arranged teeth, a locking member 492 being moveably mounted on the underside of the base frame 422 to be movable between a locked position, wherein teeth provided on the locking member 492 engage corresponding teeth on the locking ring 490, and a release position, wherein the locking member 492 is spaced from the locking ring 490 such that the locking ring 490 is free to rotate with respect to the locking member 492. An operating handle 494 may be provided for moving the locking member 492 from its locked position to its release position, a biasing means, such as spring loaded pins 496, being provided for urging the locking member 492 towards its locked position. The locking member may be mounted on parallel linear slides 498 to guide movement of the locking member between its locked and release positions. Figures 19A to 19B illustrate various fixed orientations of the barrier 412 with respect to the movable platform 440 in which positions the locking mechanism can be engaged to lock the barrier in position.

A ground-engagable panel 434 is hingedly mounted to the lower edge of each panel 416, and can be deployed to extend the dimensions of each panel 416 so that each panel is ground-engaging, in use.

As with the previous embodiment, Once the barrier 412 has been locked in its desired orientation, the panels 416 can be pivoted to their partly or fully deployed state (as shown in Figure 14A to 14C and 15A to 15C respectively) under the assistance of struts 482, which

may contain pressurised gas to urge the panels towards their deployed positions. The panels

416 are automatically locked in their deployed positions by latch means 480, as shown in Figure 16. The panels 416 can be subsequently moved to their stowed positions by releasing the latch means 480 and pivoting the panels 416 about their respective hinge mechanisms 420.

Ground engaging support legs 470, which may be telescopically extendable, may provided at the outer side of each support panel 416 to support the panel when in its deployed state.

The present invention provides a collapsible barrier, which can be easily transported to a required site. The simplicity of the construction facilitates easy and speedy deployment of the barrier. Moreover, the barrier can be rotated so as to be deployed in any orientation necessary. If the barrier is to be deployed for prolonged periods, the barrier can be unloaded from the movable platform, and be utilised as a standalone barrier assembly. As such, the present invention provides a barrier assembly that can be easily deployed at a required site, and has a greater structural strength than the temporary fencing currently used in the art.

Each side of the barrier may be defined by any number of side panels. For example, where a greater deployed width of the barrier is required more panels may be provided.

In alternative embodiment, the barrier assembly may be adapted to fit within a standard sized ISO container when in its deployed configuration.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein but can be amended or modified without departing from the scope of the present invention.