BARRIER SYSTEM

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.

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.

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.

The present invention has been made from a consideration of the foregoing.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Preferably, the panel assembly further comprises anti-scaling means for the barrier in the operative position.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described in more detail by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a barrier system embodying the invention with the barrier in the inoperative stowed position;

Figure 2 is a side view of the barrier system of Figure 1 with the barrier in the inoperative stowed position;

Figure 3 is a perspective view from one side of the barrier system of Figure 1 with the barrier in the operative deployed position;

Figure 4 is a front view of the barrier system of Figure 3 in the operative deployed position;

Figure 5 is a side view of the barrier system of Figure 3 in the operative deployed position;

Figure 6 is a perspective view, to an enlarged scale, from the other side of part of the barrier system of Figure 3 in the operative deployed position;

Figure 7 shows a detail of a telescopic wall panel in the extended position;

Figure 8 shows a detail of a telescopic stabiliser in the stowed position;

Figure 9 shows a detail of a drop down stabiliser in the stowed position; and

Figure 10 shows a detail of a connection between two barrier systems.

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.

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.

The barrier 104 comprises a panel assembly 114 that preferably forms side and rear walls of the trailer 102 in an inoperative stowed position of the barrier (Figures 1 and 2) for transportation of the barrier system to a location where the barrier is to be deployed (Figures 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. Other panel configurations and combinations are possible.

Rear wall panel 114a is preferably 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) preferably 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.

Side wall panels 114b are preferably 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 Figures 1 and 2 to an operative deployed position of the barrier shown in Figures 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. Any other means for locking the panels 114b in the operative position may be employed.

End wall panels 114c are preferably 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 may fold inwards to locate against the side wall panels 114b in the inoperative stowed position of the barrier shown in Figures 1 and 2 and can be pivoted to an operative deployed position substantially co-planar with the side wall panels 114b as shown in Figures 3 to 6. The end wall panels 114c can preferably 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. Alternatively or additionally, a door may be provided in any of the other panels for access .

The panels 114a, 114b, 114c are preferably 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. Armoured panels providing a ballistic shield could include materials like GRP (glass reinforced plastics) , Kevlar, UHMWPE (ultra high molecular weight polyethyelene) , aluminium oxide, silicon carbide, boron. For some applications, cage armour may be fitted to provide protection from rocket propelled grenades (RPG) or a similar missile carrying a shaped charge.

Figures 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 Figure 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.

The side wall panels 114b preferably 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.

Once the side wall panels 114b have been pivoted to the operative position, one or both side wall panels 114b can, if desired, 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.

The side wall panel 114b can preferably 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.

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.

Each wall panel 114a, 114b, 114c is preferably additionally provided at the top with a guard panel 132. The guard panels 132 may 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 (Figure 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 preferably also arranged telescopically so that the length thereof can be adjusted together with the panels 114b if desired. When the barrier is deployed, skirts 135 at the bottom of the walls 114a, 114b, 114c may be provided to restrict access under the barrier. The skirts may be retractable to increase ground clearance when the barrier is stowed for transportation.

In this embodiment, the guard panel 132 at the top of the rear wall panel 114a is preferably fixed in the outboard deployed position. The guard panels at the top of the side wall panels 114b are preferably pivotal through approximately 90° from the outboard deployed position to an upright position (Figure 1) extending substantially parallel to the side wall panels. The guard panels at the top of the end wall panels 114c are preferably pivotal through approximately 180° from the outboard deployed position to an inboard stowed position (Figure 1) extending substantially perpendicular to the end wall panels 114c.

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.

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.

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° to the walls of the barrier. For example, the guard panels may extend at an angle of approximately 45° on either the inboard or outboard side of the barrier to provide an anti-scaling feature.

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.

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 preferably 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.

The stabiliser system may include 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 (Figure 2) to an extended position (Figure 3) in which the stabilisers engage the ground.

Each telescopic stabiliser 112 is similar and preferably 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 preferably 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.

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 preferably provided with a series of spaced apart holes 146 at the upper end and is preferably 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 and/or locking the leg in the extended position may be employed.

The leg 160 can be raised and secured in the retracted position (Figure 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.

The stabiliser system preferably 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 (Figure 9) to an operative deployed position (Figures 5 to 7) in which the stabilisers engage the ground.

Each drop-down stabiliser 116 is similar and preferably 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 preferably 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 preferably 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 preferably lies with the brace 152 alongside the rear face of the outer panel section 130.

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° so that the brace 152 and foot 154 extend perpendicular to the barrier (Figure 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.

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.

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, m ay 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.

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 preferably 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.

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.

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. Figure 10 shows one arrangement for linking the barriers in which upper and lower fastening straps 168 preferably extend between brackets 170 mounted on the adjoining end wall panels 114c of the adjacent barriers. The straps 168 are preferably attached to the brackets

by releasable clips 172 and the length of the straps 168 can preferably 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.

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.