The invention relates to crowd control units. Such units, also referred to as barriers or portable fences, are known in the art and are for example used as temporary barriers for crowd control during concerts, sports happenings, social gatherings, public gatherings and the like.

US3,630,491 discloses a collapsible barrier element comprising a ground frame and a fence structure, collapsible carried by the ground frame and supported by two inclined posts. The ground frame comprises two parallel ground beams and a series of cross bars, bolted on top of the ground beams. The fence structure comprises two uprights and a series of horizontal planks bolted to the uprights. A series of such barriers can be interconnected by bolting plates between adjacent barriers.

AU-641.118 discloses a barrier comprising a rectangular frame forming a ground support structure, and a rectangular welded, steel frame, comprising a series of vertical posts and covered by a perforated plate, forming a fence structure. The fence structure is connected to the ground support structure by two posts pivotably connected to the ground support structure and the fence structure, such that the unit can be folded between a substantially flat position and a position in which the fence structure stands up from the ground support structure, supported by the posts. To this end the lower end of the fence structure is releasably connected to the ground support structure when in the upstanding position. Part of the ground support frame can be covered by a plate element on which a crowd can stand during use. The barrier can be provided with means for coupling barriers to each other for forming a continuous barrier.

NL1008328 and US6,296,234 disclose barriers, similar to the barriers as described here above. US 7, 172, 176 discloses barriers having a basic configuration comparable to the barriers discussed here above, wherein improvements have been provided for coupling the barriers to each other in a more robust manner. The ground support structure and fence structure are again manufactured by welding together a metal frame and covering at least the frame of the fence structure and part of the ground support structure by a metal sheet, which may be perforated. The metal sheet is mounted to the frame, for example by bolting or welding.

Crowd control units according to for example US6296234 and US7172176 are used worldwide by, for example, Mojo Barriers BV, The Netherlands, Mojo Barriers UK and Mojo Barriers US.

Crowd control units such as the barriers described here above are used on a temporary basis and therefore have to be transported and stored frequently, and have to be set up and removed as frequently. This means that it is desirable that the units are relatively light and can be brought in a compact state for transport and storage. Crowd control units will be subject to irregular and high strains and therefore have to be robust. Moreover, such units have to be safe for users. There is clearly a continuing desire for improvement of crowd control units as discussed.

In an aspect a crowd control unit according to this description can have a ground support structure and a fence structure, supported by at least the ground support structure. The fence structure comprises a number of extrusion elements, wherein the extrusion elements comprise coupling profiles through which they are coupled to each other. The extrusion elements preferably comprise a midsection and at least one coupling profile, integral with the midsection and extending along a side of said mid section. More preferably two coupling profiles are provided, extending at opposite sides of the mid section.

A fence structure preferably has a first direction substantially parallel to the ground support structure and a second direction extending perpendicular to the first direction. Therein the extrusion profiles preferably have an extrusion direction extending in the second direction, that is when the fence structure stands up from the grounds support structure, the extrusion direction extends upward from the ground support structure. Preferably the extrusion elements have a width, perpendicular to the extrusion direction, which is smaller than the width of the fence structure and the ground support structure, measured in the same direction, such that a series of extrusion elements is provided, side by side, in the fence structure, wherein the extrusion elements are coupled to each other by coupling profiles extending alongside a mid section of each element, the coupling profiles forming posts between the mid sections. This will increase rigidity of the fence structure. A top profile can be provided along the top ends, that is the ends spaced apart from the ground support structure when the fence structure is standing up, coupled to at least some and preferably all of the extrusion elements, thus effectively further coupling the elements and increasing the rigidity of the fence structure.

A crowd control unit, especially the fence structure facing a crowd to be controlled during use, and more specifically the top profile is preferably smooth surfaced, free of any parts extending there from which could be hazardous to a crowd faced with the unit or inter-coupled units. Coupling elements can extend from a side of the ground support structure and/or the fence structure, for coupling a unit to an adjacent unit or for example a post or other structure.

In an aspect a method for forming a crowd control can according to this description comprise the steps of:

forming a ground support structure;

forming a series of extrusion elements and connecting said extrusion elements to each other, forming a fence structure;

mounting the fence structure onto the ground support structure. These steps do not have to be performed in any particular order, though it is preferable to form the fence structure at least substantially before mounting it to the ground support structure.

By forming the fence structure from at least extrusion elements, which are coupled to each other side by side, in a very easy and cost effective manner such structure can be formed, which can also have an appealing appearance. The fence structure can be robust and light. By using coupling profiles for coupling the extrusion elements, especially coupling profiles which are integral parts of the elements, the coupling can be made very easy, without the necessity of for example welding, bolting or similar additional techniques, and without parts extending from the surface which could be hazardous to the crowd. Moreover, in embodiments this will enable easy repair, by exchanging a damaged element for another element, which can also be done in a simple and cost effective manner.

In order to further elucidate the present invention, embodiments of a crowd control unit and method for manufacturing a crowd control unit shall be described with reference to the drawings, which are shown by way of example only and should by no means be considered as limiting the scope of the invention in any way.

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a crowd control unit, seen primarily from a first side, which will normally in use be a side facing a crowd, in a set up position;

Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the crowd control unit of fig. 1, from the opposite second side, in the set up position;

Fig. 3 shows a side view of a crowd control unit of fig. 1 and 2, in set up position;

Fig. 4 shows a bottom view of the unit of fig. 1 - 3;

Fig. 5 shows a rear view of the unit of fig. 1 - 4;

Fig. 6 shows in cross section along the line VI - VI in fig. 5 a fence structure of a crowd control unit; Fig. 7 shows in cross section along the line VI - VI in fig. 5 an extrusion element for a fence structure of fig. 6;

Fig. 8 in cross section along the line VIII - VIII in fig. 5 a fence structure;

Fig. 8A in enlarged side view a top portion of a fence structure;

Fig. 9 stacked units, in a second, folded position; and

Fig. 10 an alternative embodiment of a fence structure,

corresponding to fig. 6.

Fig. 11 shows in perspective view part of a ground support with extrusion elements;

Fig. 12 shows a cross section of two extrusion elements along the line XII - XII in fig. 11;

Fig. 13 shows in perspective view part of a fence structure; Fig. 14 shows a cross section of part of a fence structure along the line XIV - XIV in fig. 13.

In this description and the drawings control units and methods, as well as parts thereof will be described, by way of example, wherein the same or similar elements will have the same or similar reference signs. In this description crowd control units are described. Crowd control unit has to be understood as also meaning at least but not limited to crowd barriers and temporary fences for control of people and people movements.

A crowd control unit 1 according to the description can be foldable, collapsible or dismountable. In a crowd control unit 1 preferably a ground support structure 2, a fence structure 3 and one or more support elements 4 can be recognised. The fence structure 3 can stand up from the ground support structure 2, supported by the support element or elements 4. Standing up or upright has to be understood at least as meaning that the fence structure 3 has a main plane P in a position including an angle a with a horizontal plane H when the support structure 2 is properly placed on a horizontal ground part. The angle a can for example be between 25 and 115 degrees and is preferably between 45 and 135 degrees, more preferably between 60 and 120 degrees and even more preferably substantially perpendicular to the horizontal plane H. The support structure 2 may also define a main plane Ps, wherein the plane P of the fence structure 3 preferably extends at substantially right angles to said plane Ps.

The unit or barrier 1 can also be brought into a collapsed or folded position, wherein the fence structure 3 is positioned against the ground support structure 2. This has to be understood as at least including a position of the fence structure 3 relative to the ground support structure 2 such that the fence structure 3 is not standing up as defined here above. This can include a position wherein the plane P of the fence structure 3 can be placed

substantially parallel to the plane Ps of the ground support structure 2.

In this description substantially has to be understood, when referring to for example sizes, dimensions or positions, as meaning at least that slight alterations of the sizes, dimensions and positions are within the relevant definition, for example variations within 15%, more specifically within 10%, specifically at least 5% or degrees. A crowd has to be understood as at least meaning a number of people, especially a group of people.

In fig. 1 and 2 perspective views are shown of a crowd control unit or barrier 1, from two opposite sides, in a first position, which is an erect or upstanding position, wherein the fence structure 3 stands up from the ground support structure 2. In this embodiment the support structure 2 has a main plane Ps, whereas the fence structure has the main plane P. The fence structure 3 is supported on the ground structure 2 at a lower end 5 of the fence structure 3 and by the support elements 4. The support elements 4 include in this embodiment posts 4 extending at an angle 6 relative to the support structure, especially relative to the main plane Ps thereof, as well as at an angle φ relative to the plane P of the fence structure 3. The angle a between the planes P and Ps in this embodiment is substantially 90 degrees. In embodiments the fence structure 3 comprises a series of extrusion elements 6, for example made of light metal, such as aluminium or magnesium or blends thereof, or plastic, or combinations thereof, for example co-extruded. Extrusion element 6 has to be understood as meaning an element that is made at least partly by extruding at least one profile and for example cutting this to a desired length, which may further be machined or otherwise treated to bring it into the desired shape and dimensions for forming the element 6. An extrusion element 6 can be provided with coupling profiles 8, 9 which are provided for coupling two of such extrusion elements to each other, either directly or by use of one or more additional coupling elements or profiles, such as further extrusion elements which can be coupled between such coupling profiles 8, 9 or across such adjacent profiles 8, 9.

Using extrusion elements 6 for forming a fence structure with a basically closed structure can have the advantage that manufacturing of the fence structure can be easier than with existing fence structure of barriers or crowd control units. Such extrusion elements can be easily linkable, for coupling, by using coupling profiles. Furthermore the elements can be easily exchangeable, enabling easy repair and/or change of appearance. Thirdly the elements can easily provide for sufficient rigidity of the fence structure, at a relatively low weight. Furthermore use of such extrusion elements can limit the risk of injury or damage to property of people in for example a crowd. Moreover the elements can provide for an appealing appearance of the units, which can also be beneficial in crowd control, for example for psychological reasons.

Similarly extrusion elements can be used for forming the ground support 2 or parts thereof.

Extrusion elements according to or for use in the present disclosure can basically have any basic shape or form, as long as such basic form can be extruded from the appropriate material. This means that such basic form may normally have substantially the same cross section over its length, seen in an extrusion direction. Different extrusion elements can be combined in a fence structure, as long as they can be coupled to form part of a substantially closed fence structure. Substantially closed has to be understood as at least meaning free of openings through which a person could pass, preferably such that a person cannot pass any limb or head of his or her body, though openings can be provided, for example for allowing wind to get through. Extrusion elements according to the description may have a substantially flat basic shape, or can have a bend or wavy basic shape, seen in a plane normal to the extrusion direction, especially between opposing longitudinal side edges, formed by or cooperating with the coupling profiles.

In embodiments shown the extrusion element 6 can have a cross section or basic shape as shown in fig. 7, for forming a fence structure having a cross section as for example shown in fig. 6. The cross section of the element 6 can be defined in embodiments mainly by a mid section 7, a first coupling profile 8 and a second coupling profile 9. The extrusion element 6 has an extrusion direction F, normal to the plane of drawing of fig. 6 and 7. The first and second coupling profiles 8, 9 may be integral with the mid section 7, extending along opposite sides of the mid section 7, in the extrusion direction F. The profiles 8, 9 can in embodiments be designed such that a profile 8 can be coupled to a profile 9 of an adjacent element 6 by sliding the coupling profiles 8, 9 into and/or over each other, especially in the direction F of extrusion. In other embodiments the profiles 8, 9 can be formed such that they can be coupled by clicking the profiles into and/or over each other, for example by pushing them together in a direction including an angle with the direction F, or by a combined rotation and translation of the profiles 8, 9 relative to each other.

In the embodiment of fig. 6 and 7 the mid section 7 is substantially flat and can be provided with openings 10, for example perforations, for reducing for example wind pressure on the barrier 1, at least when in the upright first position. The first and second profiles 8, 9 are provided at opposite longitudinal edges 11 A, 11B of the mid section, mainly on the same side thereof, which can be referred to as a rear side 12. The opposite side of the element 6 can be referred to as a front side 13, which means that during normal use this side can be facing a crowd. The front side 13 is preferably substantially flat.

The first profile 8 comprises a hollow pillar forming portion 14 having a slightly trapezoidal cross section, having a base 15 forming an extension of the mid section 7, a top 16 formed opposite the base 15 and a first and second leg 17, 18 between the base 15 and the top 16. At the side of the base 15 opposite the mid section 7, at a corner 19 formed by the first leg 17 and the base 15 a first lip 20 is provided, with a first channel 21 on the rear side 12, extending in the longitudinal direction of the element 6. This means that a first ridge portion 28 is formed along a longitudinal edge of the element 6, which can form a coupling ridge, as will be discussed. At a corner 22

diametrically opposite to the first corner 19 a second lip 23 is connected to the pillar forming portion 14. Said second lip 23 extends substantially parallel to the base 15 and is connected to the pillar portion 14 by a leg 24 extending at an acute angle to the lip 23, which leg 24 has a slimmed down portion 25 connecting to the corner 22, such that some flexing could be possible concentrated mainly in this portion 25. At the free end 26 of the lip 23 a hook portion 27 is provided, facing towards the first lip 20. The lip 23 has a length between the leg 24 and the free end of the hook portion 27 such that hook portion 27 is preferably at about the same level as the ridge 28, seen in a direction perpendicular to the front side of the element 6.

The second profile 9 again has a hollow pillar forming portion 29 having a slightly trapezoidal cross section, having a base 30 forming an extension of the mid section 7, a top 31 formed opposite the base 30 and a first and second leg 32, 33 between the base 30 and the top 31. At the intersection 34 between the base 30 and the first leg 32 a second channel 35 is formed, designed such that a second coupling ridge 36 is provided, extending along the side of the element 6. At the intersection 37 between the top 31 and the first leg 32 a third channel 38 is formed, designed such that a third coupling ridge

39 is provided, extending along the side of the element 6. The second and third ridge 36, 39 extend basically at opposite sides of a mid section 40 of the first leg 31.

The first and second coupling profiles 8, 9 are in this embodiment designed such that the first ridge 28 of a first element 6 can be positioned in the second channel 35 of an adjacent second element 6, the second ridge 36 of the second element 6 positioned in the first channel 21 of the first element. The hook portion 27 of the first element 6 can thereby be positioned such that extends partly in the third channel 38 of the second element 6, such that it hooks behind the third ridge 39 of the second element 6. Thus the mid section

40 of the first leg 32 of the second element 6 is enclosed between the first and second lips 20, 23. Thereby the two elements 6 are coupled to each other.

It will be clear that this coupling can be achieved by sliding the mid section 40 of the first leg 32 of one element 6 between the lips 20, 23 of the other element 6, in a direction normal to the plane of drawing of fig. 6 and 7. Alternatively at least one of the coupling profiles 8, 9 can be made at least partly sufficiently flexible to establish the coupling by forcing the said midsection 40 between the lips 20, 23, thus coupling the two elements. To this end for example the lip 23 can be sufficiently flexible to allow elastic deformation thereof such that the mid section with the two ridges 36, 39 can pass between the lips 20, 23, especially passed the hook portion 27 and ridge 28. This can for example be done by moving the one element in a translating direction substantially parallel to the front side 7 of the element, or by a tilting movement, for example placing the ridge 36 in the channel 21 and then rotating the elements around the tip of the ridge 36 in order to force the hook 27 into the channel 38 behind the ridge 39, or placing the ridge 39 behind the hook 27 and rotating the elements such that the ridge 36 is forced into the channel 21, or combinations thereof. The coupled configuration has been shown in fig. 6.

It should be obvious to the skilled person that many other designed are possible for providing coupling profiles 8, 9 for elements 6 allowing easy coupling of such elements by said coupling profiles 8, 9.

As can be seen from for example fig. 1 - 5 and 8 and 8A, in a fence structure 3 according to this disclosure the extrusion elements 6 can be placed such that the extrusion direction F extends substantially vertical, from a lower end 5 of the fence structure 3, closed to or within the ground support structure 2, to an upper end 42 thereof. Along the upper ends 42A of the elements 6 a top or cross beam or profile 43 is provided, further retaining the elements 6 in the coupled condition. In the embodiment shown the profile 43 extends in a direction perpendicular to the extrusion direction F, between opposite sides 44A, 44B of the fence structure, in this embodiment formed by closing profiles 45A, 45B coupled to the outer most coupling profiles 8 and 9 respectively, as can be seen in fig. 7. These closing profiles are to this end provided with complementary coupling elements, similar to the coupling profiles 9 and 8 respectively, such they can be coupled thereto in the same or a similar way.

The profile 43 can be fixed to the further structure 3, by any suitable means, such as for example by adhesive, screws, nuts and bolts, press fitting, welding or similar means. In the embodiment shown the profile 42 comprises a substantially tubular portion 46, which can in a cross section as seen in fig. 8A have a substantially circular cross section 46A over about three quarters of its circumference, about one quarter being formed by a flattened, angular section 46B. This angular section comprises a bottom part 47 and a wall part 48. From the bottom part 47 two substantially parallel wall portions extend, which can fit over the connected upper ends 42A of the elements 6 in the structure 3. Thus the upper ends 42 are covered by the profile 43. As can for example be clearly seen in fig. 8A the part 46A of the profile 43 extends mainly at the rear substantially smooth and rounded, there will be no risk that a person standing in front of the front side 13 of the fence structure 3 will be hurt by the structure 3, even if he or she is pushed forcefully against and even partly over the profile 43.

Along the lower end 5 of the fence structure in a similar manner a second profile 41 can be provided, which may for example be substantially U- shaped in cross section.

As can be seen in the figures at opposite ends 50 of the profile 43 end modules 51 are provided, closing off said profile ends 50. These modules are connected to the profile 43 and can be connected to the elements 45, such that the profile 43 is locked in place. The profile 43 can be provided with eyelets or such post mounts 52 at the rear side 12, at a lower side of the portion 46A having the substantially circular cross section, such that the post mounts 52 extend substantially below said profile, adjacent or in contact with nearby elements 6. This means that even the post mounts 52 can be protected by the profile 43 from coming into contact with a user standing at the front side 13 of the structure 13.

The ground support structure 2 can have a known shape and configuration. In embodiments the ground support structure 2 can comprise a substantially rectangular frame 54, for example made from tubes 55 having a substantially rectangular cross section, which may be welded, bolted or otherwise connected together, defining largely the plane Ps. A first, during use frontal portion 56 of the frame may be covered by a surface material 57, extending over a number of cross bars 58, thus forming a standing surface on the unit 1 ground support structure 2. The material can for example be partly open sheet material, such as for example but not limited to perforated sheet. A second, rearward part 59 of the frame 54 can be open.

In the embodiments shown the structure 2 can comprise extrusion elements 95, positioned adjacent each other, as for example shown in fig. 11 and having a cross section as shown in fig. 12. The opposite ends 56A, B can be placed in facing open sides of the tubes 55 forming sides of the support, which can for example be U or I shaped I cross section. The nose portion 61 ca lock the profiles 96 in place. The extrusion elements or profiles 95 can be made in a way similar to elements 6 and could be coupled, though not necessarily are.

Along a front side 60 of the frontal portion, opposite the rear part, a nose portion or profile 61 can be connected to the frame 54, in a fixed position or slightly pivotable along an axis parallel to the said side 60, having a sloping top surface 62, such that the risk of a person in a crowd tripping over the frame is significantly reduced or even avoided.

At the side 63 of the frame opposite the said front side 60 two further, second eyelets or such post mounts 64 are provided, on an inner and/or upper side of the frame 54. The posts 4 are connected with opposite ends 65, 66 to the first and second post mounts 52, 64 respectively. The ends 65, 66 are connected to the mounts 52, 64 in such a way that a pivoting movement is possible when the fence structure 3 is moved relative to the ground support structure 2. In the embodiment shown the connection can be achieved by a hinge pin 96 providing for a hinging, pivotable connection. In alternative embodiments at least one of these connections of a post 4 to the fence structure 3 or to the ground support structure 2 can be detachable.

As can especially be seen in the side view and perspective views, the fence structure 3 will, when in the upright position, extend from the dividing line between the frontal, covered portion 56 and the open rearward part 59.

As can be best seen in fig. 2 and 8, at the lower end 5 of the fence structure 3, preferably at opposite sides thereof, a locking arm 67 can be connected to the fence structure 3. In the set up position of the unit 1, as shown in fig. 2 and 8, the locking arm 67 has a lower portion 68 which extends in close proximity or in contact with an inner surface 69 of the relevant part 70 of the frame 54. An opening 71 can be provided, extending through the locking arm 67 and the frame part 70, through which a locking pin 72 can be inserted, in order to fix the position of the locking arm 67 relative to the frame 54 and thus aid at fixing the position of the fence structure 3 relative to the support structure 2. The locking pin 72 can be a separate pin or can be integral to the unit and for example can extend from an outer side surface of the frame 54 of an adjacent unit 1 to be coupled with the unit 1.

As can be seen in for example fig. 2 and 4 the posts 4 are spaced apart, for example such that the distance W in between the posts 4 is approximately as wide as the combined distance V between the posts and the respective adjacent outer sides of the frame 54, such that when two units 1 are set up side by side, the support structures 2 and fence structures 3 connected, the distance Wa between the posts 4 of the two adjacent units 1 closest to each other is substantially the same as the distance W between the posts 4 of each unit 1. This can provide a substantially even distribution of support element along a series of barrier units 1. Obviously other numbers of posts 4, other distances between posts and the like are also possible.

Between the posts 4 a step or platform 73 can be provided, extending between the posts 4 and the fence structure 3 when in a substantially horizontal position. The platform 73 can be connected to the posts 4 by swivel axis 74 mounted in pivots 75 provided substantially in the posts 4. Moreover the platform can be supported by the fence structure 3, for example by pins or hooks 76 mounted to the fence structure, that can engage openings in the platform 73 or under a profile element of the platform 73 or in a similar way, such that the platform 73 can be brought in a fixed but releasable connected position with respect to the fence structure 3. This will further aid a rigid locking of the fence structure 3 relative to the ground support structure when in the upright position. The platform can provide a stepping surface for a person, especially but not exclusively a person coming from the rear side 12 of the fence structure, for example support staff, who has to reach across or climb over the fence structure 3 or needs a higher vantage point. As can be seen in fig. 2, additional support elements 76 can be provided at the rear side of the fence structure 3, such that additional platforms 73 can be supported, especially between two adjacent posts 4 of units positioned side by side. By incorporating the pivots 75 mostly in the posts 4 these do not significantly add to the thickness of the posts and thus of the unit 1 when collapsed, as shown in fig. 9.

Fig. 13 and 14 show a detail of a pin 76 with part of the fence structure 3 and of the platform 73. As can be seen especially in fig. 14, the pin 76 or such support element can be provided with a clamp profile 97 which can be clamped over joined profiles 8, 9. To this end the profiles 89 can be provided with channels 98 into which fingers 99 of the clamp profile 97 can engage for extra grip. The platform 93 can be provided with additional rests 100, for further support of the extra platform 73. In a similar way other clamps 97 could be provided, in different positions, for supporting artefacts.

As is for example shown in fig. 3 and 8 and 9, the unit 1 is foldable into a flat position, referred to as a second or folded position, such that a series of units 1 is stackable, one on top of the other. The ground support structure 2 of a unit 1 has a bottom side 77 provided with at least one and preferably at least two spaced apart indentations 78, in which a part of the fence structure 3 fits relatively snugly, of a unit 1 in the second position stacked below said unit 1. In the embodiment shown the nose portion 61 is provided, at a lower side, with a channel 78A extending in a direction parallel to the profile 43, formed such that when the unit is collapsed and is placed on top of a similar second collapsed unit, the part 46A of the profile 43 extending at the rear side 12 of the fence structure 3 of the lower unit will fit, preferably snugly fit, within the channel 78A, thus helping in preventing relative movement of the units 21 relative to each other.

A unit 1 according to this disclosure can be collapsible, for example by releasing the locking arms 67 and pivoting the platform 73 away from the fence structure 3, such that the lower end 5 of the fence structure can be pulled toward the rear side of the frame 54 comprising the post mounts 64. Since the posts 4 are connected pivotably to the mounts 52, 64, this movement will allow the fence structure 3 to be brought into a position against the top of the ground support structure 2, wherein the posts 4 and the platform 73 will rest on top of the fence structure 3. The lower parts of the locking arms will extend upward from the fence structure and will extend between side parts of the frame 54 of a unit 1 folded on top of the relevant unit, preventing side movement of the units relative to each other even further. As can be seen in fig. 9 the units 1 can be stacked on top of each other in a surprisingly compact manner, such that a large number of such units can be stacked in a container or rack or similar transport and/or storage facility. The unit can be set up, for example in reverse order, without special tools, easily, quickly and safely.

As can be seen in for example fig. 2, 3 and 8 the end modules 51 can be provided with key-hole shaped openings 79, and an additional opening 80. At one side of the unit 1 a second locking pin 81 can be provided in said additional opening 80, for example in a fixed or slidable manner, such that at least during use it extends from the side of the fence structure and can be inserted into an additional opening 80 in the adjacent end module 51 of an adjacent unit 1, such that these units are coupled to each other. A further locking element can extend though the key-hole shaped openings, for example an bolt (not shown) which can be inserted in the key- hole opening of the adjacent element, or the head of a bolt extending from for example a wall or post fixed in the ground could be inserted through such opening for fixating the units to each other and/or to such ground fixed structure and/or to special units, such as for example used by Mojo Barriers and disclosed on

www.mojobarriers.com, especially

www.mojobarriers.com/downloads/pdf/Aluminium_Special_Barr iers.pdf.

Similarly the frame 54 can be provided with locking pins 82 and corresponding openings 83 for inserting of the locking pins 82 of one unit into corresponding openings of an adjacent unit and/or vice versa.

In order to securely connect units 1 to each other, connecting means can be used such as clamps. In embodiments at least one locking pin, such as the locking pin 72 could be replaced by a bolt and nut or similar means, with which the units can be connected to each other, such that they cannot easily be separated again without appropriate tools.

In fig. 10 schematically part of an alternative embodiment of a fence structure 3 is shown, in which the extrusion elements 6 are connected by additional profiles 90 enclosed between the adjacent longitudinal sides of the elements 6. In this embodiment the longitudinal sides 91 of the substantially flat elements 6 are provided with a widened portion 92. The additional profiles 90 have a substantially rectangular cross section with a central wall 93 and slits 94 at opposite sides. The widened portions 92 of the elements can be slid into the profiles 90, such that the mid section 7 of the element 6 extends through the slit 94, locking the elements 6 in place. The further fence structure 3 can be similar to the structure as discussed here above, including for example a profile 43 extending across the top ends, and preferably eyelets or such mounting provisions 52 for the posts 4, preferably extending at least partly below such profile 43 covering them from above. Similar alternatives are also possible.

It should be clear to the person skilled in the art that elements 6 of a fence structure 3 can easily be replaced, for example when an element is damaged, by sliding an element out of the structure and sliding a new one in its place. This means that repair will easily be possible.

A fence structure 3 according to this disclosure could also be used with existing crowd control units or barriers, as for example known from NL1008328 and US6,296,234, US7, 172, 176 and/or as presently used by for example Mojo Barriers BV, The Netherlands, Mojo Barriers UK and Mojo Barriers US. Such combinations are also considered to have been disclosed herein.

The invention is by no means limited to the embodiments as shown and discussed herein explicitly. All kinds of alternatives are considered to have also been disclosed, including but not limited to combinations of embodiments and parts thereof. Furthermore, in a unit according to the disclosure the fence structure can be formed or connected to the ground support structure such that it can be completely dismounted and stored and transported separately.