WO2025237687A1

WO2025237687A1 - Security barrier apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2025237687A1
Application number: PCT/EP2025/061868
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jonathan Roderic Heald
Original assignee: HEALD TECHNOLOGIES Ltd
Current assignee: HEALD TECHNOLOGIES Ltd
Priority date: 2024-05-13
Filing date: 2025-04-30
Publication date: 2025-11-20
Anticipated expiration: 2026-11-13
Also published as: GB202406709D0; GB2641037A

Abstract

A security barrier apparatus (330), comprising a support (12) having at least one barrier section (335, 335') mounted thereon. Each barrier section (335, 335´) comprises two upright posts (14, 16) and a barrier member (332) (e.g. a beam or a gate), at least one (14) of the posts being fixed to the support (12) and at least one post (16) being translatably movable relative to the at least one fixed post (14), the fixed and movable posts (14, 16) being spaced apart from one another. Each movable post (16) is mounted to a slide device of the support (12) for providing said translational movement via a slot in the support (12). The slide device is configured to operate the barrier apparatus (330) between an open position and a closed position. During such translational each barrier member (332) is pivotable relative to a respective fixed post (14), and each movable post (16) is (linearly) movable and pivotable relative to a respective barrier member (332). In the closed position each barrier member (332) extends in a first direction that crosses a path (20) that passes over the support (12), for inhibiting the passage of mobile objects (e.g., pedestrians, pedal or electric cycles, or a motor vehicles), and in the open position the or each barrier member (332) extends in a second direction at an angle to the first direction, for allowing the passage of the mobile objects along the path (20). Also a method of operating the security barrier apparatus (330) is also disclosed.

Description

Security Barrier Apparatus

Technical Field

The invention relates to a security barrier apparatus, and a method for operation thereof.

Background

It is known to provide a security barrier comprising one or more bollards that resist the passage of a vehicle such as a car or lorry. For example, Figure 1 and 2 show the prior art EP2776631 (Heald Technologies Ltd) discloses a security barrier 10 having a support 12 with two outer fixed posts 14 which are fixed to the support, and at least one movable post 16 which is translatably movable relative to the two outer fixed posts 14 as shown by arrow 18. The movable post 16 is operable between a closed position where it is between the two outer fixed posts 14, and an open position, where it is out of alignment with the two outer fixed posts 14 and adjacent to one of the outer fixed posts 14. In the open position of the security barrier 10 any vehicle may pass between the two outer fixed posts 14 as shown by arrow 20 in Figure 2. Such a prior art security barrier is known as a “shallow mount” barrier, that may be secured onto a surface such as a road, or it may be cast into the surface with shallow concrete foundations.

Whereas the known security barrier may inhibit the passage of a car or lorry, it may not resist a vehicle that can pass between the bollards, such as a motorcycle or narrow quadracycle. Further, the known barrier permits free movement of people and bicycles between the bollards, which may not be required in certain applications. It is broadly an object of the present invention to address one or more of the above- mentioned disadvantages of previously known security barriers.

Summary

What is required is a security barrier that can be deployed and retracted, which may reduce or minimise at least some of the above-mentioned problems.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a security barrier apparatus, comprising a support having at least one barrier section thereon, the or each barrier section comprising two upright posts and a barrier member, at least one of the posts being fixed to the support and at least one post being translatably movable relative to the at least one fixed post, the fixed and movable posts being spaced apart from one another, the or each movable post being mounted to a slide device of the support for providing said translational movement, the slide device to operate the apparatus between an open position and a closed position such that in the closed position the or each barrier member extends in a first direction that crosses a path passing over the support, for inhibiting the passage of mobile objects, and in the open position the or each barrier member extends in a second direction at an angle to the first direction, for allowing the passage of mobile objects along the path, the or each barrier member being pivotable relative to a respective fixed post, and the or each movable post being movable and pivotable relative to a respective barrier member.

An advantage is that the barrier apparatus can, in the closed position, present a substantial restrictive blockage (e.g. thick beam or gate) to the potential transgressor (such as a motor vehicle), while affording relatively simple and timely deployment and removal of the barrier. In embodiments, by using multiple barrier sections, the sections are lighter than a single longer barrier, enabling speedier opening or closing. In addition, only one section may be opened at a time (e.g. for the passage of pedestrians or cyclists, but not motor vehicles). Alternatively, just a single barrier section can be used, e.g. for narrow passages for pedestrians or cyclists.

Such a security barrier apparatus also provides the advantage that there is a reduced risk of trapping an item or a person between the posts because in the open position of the apparatus the movable post is out of alignment with the first plane and adjacent to one of the fixed posts. Furthermore, the apparatus may be mounted on a driving surface such as a road or a driveway without the requirement for a foundation in the ground, which may be advantageous to avoid interfering with services such as power lines, drains, or communication cables in the ground. In addition, such a security barrier apparatus may be required to comply with various parameters, and in particular, a minimum distance requirement between the movable post and one of the fixed posts. This may provide the advantage of reducing the risk of people or objects becoming trapped between them. Such a security barrier apparatus may be configured to substantially prevent a vehicle from passing or to safeguard a car parking space or driveway from being used by an unauthorised vehicle.

Preferably, for the or each barrier section, the barrier member is an elongate member having an axis of elongation. An advantage is that the barrier apparatus can, in the closed position, present a substantial restrictive blockage (e.g. thick beam or gate) to the potential transgressor (such as a motor vehicle), while affording relatively simple and timely deployment and removal of the barrier.

Preferably, the barrier member is coupled for rotation at or near a proximal end thereof to a respective fixed post via a first rotational coupling. Rapid rotary deployment (closing) and opening are thereby afforded.

Preferably, the first rotational coupling comprises a first axle on the one of the barrier member and the fixed post, and a first bearing configured to receive the first axle and disposed on the other of the barrier member and the fixed post. An advantage, in embodiments, is that heavier components of the first rotational coupling can be disposed in the fixed post, meaning that the barrier member can be lighter and more rapidly rotated.

Preferably, the first rotational coupling is disposed on the fixed post on or near the top thereof. Alternatively or additionally, the or each fixed post has an upper surface, and the first rotational coupling engages the fixed post at the upper surface. In each case, an advantage is to enable the barrier member (e.g. beam) to be disposed at a height (e.g. 1 m) off the ground, presenting a visible deterrent.

In an embodiment, for the or each barrier section, the barrier member is coupled for rotation to a respective movable post via a second rotational coupling. Alternatively or additionally, the second rotational coupling comprises a movable attachment configured to move linearly with respect to the barrier member while in contact with one or more surfaces thereof. Alternatively or additionally, second rotational coupling is configured to move linearly between a first position on the barrier member when the barrier apparatus is in the closed position and a second position on the barrier member when the barrier apparatus is in the open position; wherein the second position is closer to the fixed post than the first position. In each case, an advantage is that the barrier member can rotate independently as the movable post undergoes translational movement.

The second position may be a position (i) in the range 20-80%, (ii) in the range 40-60% or (iii) at about 50%, of the distance between the first position and the fixed post. An advantage is that only partial movement along the barrier member is required during opening and closing.

In an embodiment, the or each movable post is disposed at or near a distal end of a respective barrier member when the barrier apparatus is in the closed position. This has the advantage of providing maximal support and stability for the barrier member when the barrier apparatus is in the closed position.

In an embodiment, the or each barrier member comprises an elongate beam configured to engage upper parts of a respective fixed post and movable post. In another embodiment, the or each barrier member comprises a gate, the gate comprising the beam or one or more upper members configured to engage upper parts of a respective fixed post and movable post. In each case, an advantage is to enable the barrier member to be disposed at a height (e.g. 1 m) off the ground, presenting a visible deterrent. In an embodiment, the second rotational coupling comprises a movable attachment having a carriage and, disposed on one or both opposing sides thereof, a respective pair of lower bearings. In an embodiment, the second rotational coupling comprises a movable attachment having an elongate carriage and, disposed at one or each end thereof, a respective pair of lower bearings. In each case, an advantage is to enable the carriage to stably engage the beam or gate and linearly move (e.g. roll) relative thereto.

Preferably, the carriage comprises a plate-shaped member having an axis of elongation. An advantage is to make the main part of the second rotational coupling simple to manufacture, while minimising weight on/inside the barrier member.

In an embodiment, the carriage comprises, on opposing sides thereof, or at each end thereof, a pair of lower arms extending from the carriage, each lower arm being configured to support for rotation at a distal end thereof a respective lower bearing. Preferably, each lower arm is configured to support a respective lower bearing for rotation about a respective vertical axis. In each case, an advantage is to enable the carriage to stably engage the beam or gate and linearly move (e.g. roll) relative thereto.

In an embodiment, the beam is an elongate hollow member having two opposing elongate sides having respective vertical internal surfaces, and each pair of lower bearings is configured to engage and roll along a respective vertical internal surface. An advantage is to enable the carriage to stably engage the beam or gate and linearly move (e.g. roll) relative thereto. In an embodiment, the carriage further comprises at least one upper axle, the or each upper axle being configured to support for rotation an upper bearing about a respective upper axis; and the beam is an elongate hollow member having at least one elongate roof member having a respective non-vertical internal surface, and the or each upper bearing is configured to engage and, in use, roll along a respective vertical internal surface. An advantage is to enable the carriage to stably support the beam or gate and linearly move (e.g. roll) relative thereto.

In an embodiment, the carriage further comprises two inclined axles, each inclined axle being disposed at an upper part of the carriage and configured to support for rotation an inclined bearing about a respective inclined axis, the inclined axes making an obtuse angle with each other; and the beam is an elongate hollow member having two elongate roof members having a respective internal surface each inclined to the horizontal, and each inclined bearing is configured to engage and support the beam and, in use, roll along a respective inclined internal surface. An advantage is to enable the carriage to stably support the beam or gate and linearly move (e.g. roll) relative thereto.

The obtuse angle may be (i) in the range 100-189 degrees, (ii) in the range 120-160 degrees or (iii) about 145 degrees. This ensures that items or liquids such as rain run off the top of the beam, and that the beam is securely supported so as to resist undesired circumferential movement of the beam relative to the carriage.

Preferably, one, any subset or all of the lower bearings, upper bearings and inclined bearing (a) comprise wheels or rollers and/or (b) have substantially cylindrical outer surfaces. An advantage is to enable the carriage to stably engage the beam or gate and linearly move (e.g. roll) relative thereto.

In an embodiment, for the or each barrier section, the angle between the second direction and the first direction is greater than or equal to 90°. Such an arrangement provides the advantage that the movable post may not interfere with a vehicle (or other mobile object) as it passes over the support (e.g. between two fixed posts).

In an embodiment, two barrier sections are provided, wherein the fixed posts of the two barrier sections comprise the outer posts of the barrier apparatus and define a first plane therebetween. This enables wider passages or spaces, e.g. for motor vehicles, to be blocked and unblocked.

In the case of two barrier sections, the first direction may be aligned with the first plane or make an angle of less than 10 degrees with the first plane. Advantageously, in the closed position, the or each barrier member extends substantially perpendicular to the normal direction of travel of objects over the support.

In an embodiment, for the or each barrier section, the movable post and the fixed post define a second plane therebetween, wherein in the open position of the apparatus an angle between the first plane and the second plane is greater than or equal to 90°. Such an arrangement provides the advantage that the movable post may not interfere with a vehicle (or other mobile object) as it passes over the support (e.g. between two fixed posts). In an embodiment, for the or each barrier section, the movable post is spaced apart from the fixed post in the open position of the apparatus. The movable post may be at a distance of greater than 0.4m from the fixed post in the open position of the apparatus. The movable post may be at a distance of substantially 0.6m from the fixed post in the open position of the apparatus. Such an arrangement may further permit the security barrier apparatus to comply with various parameters, and in particular the minimum distance requirement between the movable post and said one of the fixed posts.

In an embodiment, for the or each barrier section, a respective movable post undergoes translational movement as the apparatus is operated between the open and the closed positions. The translatable movement may be in substantially a straight line. The movable post may be at a distance of greater than 0.4m from a respective fixed post as the apparatus is operated between the open and the closed positions. Such arrangements provide an advantageous configuration of the security barrier apparatus, and may further permit the security barrier apparatus to comply with various parameters, and in particular the minimum distance requirement.

In an embodiment, the support has an upper surface for passage thereover of a mobile object, the mobile object being a pedestrian, pedal or electric cycle, or a motor vehicle. For example, the upper surface is an uppermost part of the support on which a vehicle can drive or a person can walk. In another aspect, there is provided a method of operating a security barrier apparatus comprising a support having at least one barrier section thereon, the or each barrier section comprising two upright posts and a barrier member, at least one of the posts being fixed to the support and at least one post being translatably movable relative to the at least one fixed post, the fixed and movable posts being spaced apart from one another, the or each movable post being mounted to a slide device of the support for providing said translational movement, the or each barrier member being pivotable relative to a respective fixed post, and the or each movable post being movable and pivotable relative to a respective barrier member, the method comprising: while the barrier apparatus is in a closed position such that in the closed position the or each barrier member extends in a first direction that crosses a path passing over the support, for inhibiting the passage of mobile objects, in response to an opening command or operation to open the barrier apparatus, operating the slide device to move the barrier apparatus out of the closed position; while the barrier apparatus has not yet reached the open position, continuing to operating the slide device to move the barrier apparatus towards the open position; and in response to the barrier apparatus reaching the open position, ceasing to operate the slide device, whereby in the open position the or each barrier member extends in a second direction at an angle to the first direction, for allowing the passage of mobile objects along the path.

Alternatively or additionally, the method comprises: while the apparatus is in the open position, such that in the open position the or each barrier member extends in a second direction at an angle to the first direction, for allowing the passage of mobile objects along the path, in response to a closing command or operation to close the barrier apparatus, operating the slide device to move the apparatus out of the open position; while the apparatus has not yet reached the closed position, continuing to operate the slide device to move the apparatus towards the closed position; and in response to the barrier apparatus reaching the closed position, ceasing to operate the slide device, whereby in the closed position the or each barrier member extends in a first direction that crosses a path passing over the support, for inhibiting the passage of mobile objects.

According to an alternative characterisation of the invention there is provided a security barrier apparatus, comprising a support with a first upright post and a second upright post fixed thereon, at least one additional upright post which is translatably movable on the support relative to the first and second upright posts, and a barrier member being pivotable on one of the upright posts and being slidable and/or pivotable relative to the movable post, the first and second upright posts being spaced apart from each other, the additional upright post being movable between a stowed position for allowing passage of a mobile object and a deployed position for inhibiting passage of the mobile object, wherein in the deployed position the at least one additional upright post and the barrier member are substantially between the first and second upright posts, and in the stowed position the at least one additional upright post and the barrier member out of alignment with the first and second upright posts to allow passage of the mobile object between the first and second upright posts.

According to an alternative characterisation of the invention there is provided a security barrier apparatus, comprising a support having at least two upright posts thereon and a barrier member, at least one of the posts being fixed to the support and at least one of the posts being translatably movable relative to the at least one fixed post, the posts being spaced apart from one another and comprise a first plane therebetween, the movable post being mounted to a slide device of the support for providing said translatable movement, the slide device to operate the apparatus between an open position and a closed position such that in the closed position the movable post and the barrier member are within the first plane for inhibiting the passage of a mobile object, and in the open position the movable post is out of alignment with the first plane and adjacent to the fixed post for allowing the passage of the mobile object, the barrier member being pivotable relative to the at least one fixed post, and the barrier member being slidable and pivotable relative to the movable post.

Any preferred or optional features of one aspect or characterisation of the invention may be preferred or optional feature of other aspects or characterisations of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Other features of the invention will be apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments shown by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which;

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a prior art security barrier in a closed condition;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a prior art security barrier in an open condition;

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a security barrier according to an embodiment of the invention, in a closed condition; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the security barrier of Fig 3 in an open condition;

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a sliding attachment of the security barrier of Figures 3 and 4 according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 6 shows a partial plan view of a security barrier apparatus in a closed position according to another embodiment of the invention;

Figure 7 shows a partial plan view of the security barrier apparatus shown in Figure 6 in an open position;

Figure 8(a) is a partial plan view of the security barrier of Figure 3 and Figure 8(b) is a partial plan view of the security barrier of Figure 4;

Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a security barrier in an open condition according to an embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 10 is a diagram of a method according to an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a security barrier, generally designated 330, according to an embodiment of the invention, in a closed condition. Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the security barrier of Figure 3 in an open condition. In Figures 3 and 4, like features to the arrangements of Figures 1 and 2 are shown with like reference numerals.

In accordance with the invention, a security barrier apparatus 330 comprises a support 12 having at least one barrier section 335, 335’. Each barrier section 335, 335’ comprises two upright posts 14, 16 and a barrier member 332. Further, at least one of the posts 14, 16 is fixed to the support, the fixed post 14 and movable post 16 being spaced apart from one another. In an embodiment, the support 12 has an upper surface 20 for passage thereover of a mobile object, the mobile object being a pedestrian, pedal or electric cycle, or a motor vehicle. The posts 14, 16 are, for example, steel tubes which are about Im above the ground and about 0.22m in diameter. The two outer posts 14 are fixed to the base 12 so that they do not move.

The support or base 12 may comprise a generally flat box which is about 3.5m in length and about 2m in width. Accordingly the apparatus 330 has a relatively small footprint. The support 12 is for securing on top of a ground surface such as a driving surface for a vehicle which may be a road or a driveway. The support 12 may be about 0.13m in height above the ground surface, and as such it is relatively shallow. The base 12 may comprise ramps 26, 28 (see Figs 6 and 7) along each of the front and rear edges thereof to assist a vehicle with driving onto the support 12 and onto the upper surface 20. Alternatively, the base 12 may be embedded within the ground so that the upper surface 20 is level with the ground such that there is no need for ramps 26, 28.

In the embodiment of Figures 3 and 4 the security barrier 330 has two barrier sections 335, 335’. In this embodiment, there are two outer fixed posts 14 (one for each barrier section 335, 335’) and two inner movable posts 16 (one for each barrier section 335, 335’) mounted to the support 12. In an embodiment, each barrier member 332 is an elongate member having an axis of elongation. In an embodiment, each barrier member 332 comprises an elongate beam 332 configured to engage upper parts of a respective fixed post 14 and movable post 16. In the embodiment of Figures 3 and 4, there are two beams 332 (one for each barrier section 335, 335’) mounted on top of a respective pairing of fixed post 14 and movable post 16.

In an alternative embodiment, each barrier member comprises a gate, the gate comprising the beam 332 or one or more upper members configured to engage upper parts of a respective fixed post 14 and movable post 16.

In an embodiment, for example, the beam 332 is coupled for rotation at or near a proximal end 339 thereof to a respective fixed post 14 via a first rotational coupling. In particular, each beam 332 may be hollow and secured to one of the fixed outer posts 14 with a pivotable attachment (not shown). In an embodiment, the first rotational coupling comprises a first axle (not shown) on the one of the barrier member (e.g. beam 332) and the fixed post 14, and a first bearing (not shown) configured to receive the first axle (not shown) and disposed on the other of the barrier member (e.g. beam 332) and the fixed post 14. In an embodiment, the first rotational coupling is disposed on the fixed post 14 on or near the top thereof. In an embodiment, the or each fixed post 14 has an upper surface 331 (Fig 3), and the first rotational coupling engages the fixed post at the upper surface 331.

In accordance with the invention, the or each barrier member 332 is pivotable relative to a respective fixed post 14, and the or each movable post 16 is movable and pivotable relative to a respective barrier member 332. In an embodiment, for each barrier section, the barrier member (e.g. beam 332) is coupled for rotation to a respective movable post 16 via a second rotational coupling (not shown in Figs 3 and 4). In an embodiment, the second rotational coupling (not shown) comprises a movable attachment configured to move linearly, in use, with respect to the barrier member (e.g. beam 332) while in contact with one or more surfaces thereof. In the embodiment of Figures 3 and 4, the barrier member (e.g. beam 332) is also secured to one of the movable posts 16 with a slidable/movable attachment 440 (not shown; see Figure 5). The pivotable attachment to each fixed outer post 14 permits the respective beam 332 to pivot about a respective first vertical axis 334. The movable attachment 440 (not shown) attaching a respective beam 332 to each movable post 16 permits the respective beam 332 to pivot about a second vertical axis 336 and also permits the movable post 16 to slide (i.e., move linearly) relative to the respective beam 332, as shown by arrows 337 (see Fig 4). As such, it will be appreciated that each second vertical axis 336 is translatable relative to its respective beam 332. Thus, in accordance with the invention, within a barrier section 335, 335’, at least one post is translatably movable relative to the at least one fixed post 14, as discussed further below.

Referring to Fig. 5, this shows a perspective view of a movable/ slidable attachment 440 of the security barrier shown in Figures 3 and 4 according to an embodiment of the invention. In Figure 5, one of the beams 332 and one of the movable posts 16 are also shown. Figures 5a, 5b and 5c show respective front side, right side, and perspective views of the movable/slidable attachment 440 without the beam 332 or post 16. In an embodiment, the second rotational coupling comprises a movable attachment 440 having a carriage 444 and, disposed on one or both opposing sides thereof, a respective pair of lower bearings 446. In another embodiment, the second rotational coupling comprises a movable attachment 440 having an elongate carriage 444 and, disposed at one or each end thereof, a respective pair of lower bearings 446. In the embodiment of Fig. 5, the slidable/movable attachment 440 is within the beam 332, and is pivotably mounted to a top of the post 16 on a spigot 442 of the movable post 16. The slidable attachment 440 comprises the carriage 444 which is pivotably mounted to the spigot 442 to provide the pivotable mounting about the second vertical axis 336 (Figs 3 and 4). Returning to Fig. 5, in an embodiment, the carriage 444 comprises a plate-shaped member having an axis of elongation.

In an embodiment, the carriage 444 comprises, on opposing sides thereof, or at each end thereof, a pair of lower arms 441 extending from the carriage, each lower arm 441 being configured to support for rotation at a distal end thereof a respective lower bearing 446. In an embodiment, each lower arm 441 is configured to support a respective lower bearing 446 for rotation about a respective vertical axis 447.

In an embodiment, wherein the beam 332 is an elongate hollow member having two opposing elongate sides (one of which is labelled 441 in Fig 5) having respective vertical internal surfaces (one of which is labelled 443 in Fig 5), and each pair of lower bearings 446 is configured to engage and, in use, roll along a respective vertical internal surface 443. In particular, as seen in Fig. 5, the carriage 444 may have four bearings 446 (e.g., wheels) at respective corners thereof that are each rotatable about a respective vertical axis 447 where each bearing 446 runs on an internal vertical surface 443 of the beam 332. Two of the bearings 446 may run on one internal vertical surface of the beam 332, and the other two bearings 446 may run on the other internal vertical surface of the beam 332.

In an embodiment, the carriage 444 further comprises at least one upper axle 445, the or each upper axle 445 being configured to support for rotation an upper bearing 448 about a respective upper axis 449; and the beam 332 is an elongate hollow member having at least one elongate roof member (430,431) having a respective non-vertical internal surface, and the or each upper bearing 448 is configured to engage and, in use, roll along a respective vertical internal surface.

However, in a preferred embodiment, the carriage further comprises two inclined axles 445, each inclined axle 445 being disposed at an upper part of the carriage 444 and being configured to support for rotation an inclined bearing 448 about a respective inclined axis 449, the inclined axes making an obtuse angle with each other. The obtuse angle may be (i) in the range 100-189 degrees, (ii) in the range 120-160 degrees or (iii) about 145 degrees. In this embodiment, the beam 332 is an elongate hollow member having two elongate roof members 430, 431 having a respective internal surface each inclined to the horizontal, and each inclined bearing 448 is configured to engage and support the beam and, in use, roll along a respective inclined internal surface. Thus, the carriage 444 may have two inclined bearings 448 (e.g., wheels) that are each rotatable about a respective inclined axis 449 where each inclined bearing 448 runs on an internal upper surface of the beam 332. It will be appreciated that, in the embodiment of Figs 3-5, each beam 332 has an open base, two vertical sides 441, and two inclined upper surfaces. The two inclined upper surfaces are inclined and meet in the middle of the beam 332 to form a peak, and to provide the internal upper surface of the beam 332. The two bearings 448 run on the two inclined upper internal surfaces and carry a vertical load of the beam 332. The four bearings 446 carry a lateral load of the beam 332. The internal shape of the beam 332, and the arrangement of the carriage 444 with the six bearings 446, 448 that cooperate with the internal surfaces of the beam 332 are advantageous because it provides a secure connection between the beam 332 and the movable posts 16, whilst also providing the required pivoting and sliding movement between the beams 332 and the movable posts 16.

In embodiments of the slidable/movable attachment 440 (Fig. 5), one, any subset or all of the lower bearings 446, upper bearings and inclined bearings 448 may comprise wheels or rollers and/or have substantially cylindrical outer surfaces.

In accordance with the invention, the or each movable post 16 is mounted to a slide device (not shown in Figs 3-5) of the support 12 for providing said translational movement, the slide device to operate the apparatus between an open position (Fig. 4) and a closed position (Fig. 3), and vice versa. The construction and operation of embodiments of the slide device will be discussed later.

In accordance with the invention, the security barrier apparatus is configured such that in the closed position (Fig. 3) the or each barrier member (e.g. beam 332) extends in a first direction that crosses a path (e.g. arrow 420 in Fig. 4) passing over the support, for inhibiting the passage of mobile objects, and in the open position (Fig. 4) the or each barrier member (e.g. beam 332) extends in a second direction (e.g. aligned with or parallel to arrow 420) at an angle to the first direction, for allowing the passage of mobile objects along the path.

In an embodiment, the second rotational coupling (Fig. 5) is configured to move linearly, in use, between a first position on the barrier member (e.g. beam 332) when the barrier apparatus is in the closed position (Fig. 3) and a second position on the barrier member (e.g. beam 332) when the barrier apparatus is in the open position (Fig. 4), the second position being closer to the fixed post 14 than the first position. In embodiments, the second position is a position (i) in the range 20-80%, (ii) in the range 40-60% or (iii) at about 50%, of the distance between the first position and the fixed post. In an embodiment, the or each movable post 16 is disposed at or near a distal end 341 (Figs 3 and 4) of a respective barrier member (e.g. beam 332) when the barrier apparatus is in the closed position.

Through the opening or closing of the security barrier, the angle between the second direction and the first direction may be greater than or equal to 90°. Further, in embodiments, two barrier sections 335, 335’ are provided, wherein the fixed posts 14 of the two barrier sections 335, 335’ comprise the outer posts of the barrier apparatus 330 and define a first plane (see 19 in Figs 6 and 7) therebetween.

In an embodiment, the first direction is aligned with the first plane 19 or makes an angle of less than 10 degrees with the first plane. In an embodiment, for the or each barrier section 335, 335’, the movable post 16 and the fixed post 14 define a second plane (see 44 and 74 in Figs 6 and 7) therebetween, wherein in the open position of the apparatus an angle between the first plane and the second plane is greater than or equal to 90°.

In an embodiment, for the or each barrier section, the movable post 16 is spaced apart (e.g. at a distance of greater than 0.4m or substantially equal to 0.6m) from the fixed post 14 in the open position (Fig. 4) of the apparatus.

In an embodiment, movable post 16 undergoes translational movement as the apparatus is operated between the open and the closed positions, and the translatable movement is in substantially a straight line. In an embodiment, the movable post 16 is at a distance of greater than 0.4m from a respective fixed post as the apparatus is operated between the open and the closed positions. Each post 16 is movably attached to the base 12 so that it is translatable relative to the fixed posts 14 and preferably remains substantially upright during movement.

Figure 6 shows a partial plan view of a security barrier apparatus in a closed position according to another embodiment of the invention. The Figure is partial in that the barrier members (e.g. beams 332) are omitted, for the purpose of explanation. In Figure 6 like features to the arrangements of Figures 1 - 5 are shown with like reference numerals. In Figure 6 there are four posts 14, 16, 18, 72 (for illustration, one movable post is labelled 72 and one fixed post is labelled 18). The four posts 14, 16, 18 and 72 are spaced apart on the base 12 and are aligned with each other to form a straight line in the closed position of the security barrier apparatus (here labelled 70). The outer posts 14, 18 define the first plane 19 between them, and in the closed position the posts 14, 16, 18, 72 are in the first plane 19. The two outer posts 14, 18 are fixed to the base 12 so that they do not move. The movable posts 16, 72 are movably attached to the base 12 so that they are translatable relative to the outer posts 14, 18 and remain substantially upright during movement. In the closed position of the security barrier apparatus 10 the movable posts 16, 72 are evenly spaced between the two outer posts 14, 18. The upper surface 20 of the base 12 has a second elongate aperture 73 in which the additional inner post 72 is movable. The movable post 72 is mounted to a second belt 75 which is arranged to be horizontally movable within the base 12 in a direction along the length of the second elongate aperture 73. The second belt 75 also closes the second elongate aperture 73 as the apparatus 70 is operated between the open and closed positions. The second elongate aperture 73 is substantially straight. The movable post 72 is close fitting with the second elongate aperture 73.

Figure 7 shows a partial plan view of the security barrier apparatus shown in Figure 6 in an open position. The Figure is partial in that the barrier members (e.g. beams 332) are omitted, for the purpose of explanation. In Figure 7 like features to the arrangements of Figures 1 - 6 are shown with like reference numerals. In Figure 7 the movable post 72 is shown to be moved to the open position of the apparatus 70 so that it is out of the plane 19 containing the two outer posts 14, 18. The movable post 72 is behind the outer post 14 so that it is adjacent to it and spaced apart from it. An arrow 76 indicates the direction of movement of the movable post 72. The movable post 72 is movable to the open position of the apparatus 70 by the second belt 75. It will be appreciated that the posts 14, 16, 18, 72 remain substantially upright (with the barrier member mounted thereon) between the open and the closed positions of the apparatus 70 so that they remain substantially parallel to one another. In the open position of the apparatus 70 a vehicle (not shown) can pass between the outer posts 14, 18, so that it drives over the upper surface 20. As the movable post 72 is behind the outer post 14, and the inner post 16 is behind the outer post 18, they do not interfere with the passage of the vehicle. Accordingly a maximum gap between each of the posts 14, 16, 18, 72 can be controlled by setting the distance between the outer posts 14, 18. The movable post 72 and the outer post 14 define a third plane 74 therebetween, and in the open position of the apparatus 70 an angle 78 between the first plane 19 and the third plane 74 is about 90°. It will be appreciated that the angle 78 may be greater than 90° without interfering with a vehicle passing between the outer posts 14, 18. The arrangements for moving the additional inner post 72 and the inner post 16 are similar. If the angle 78 is greater than 90° it should not be so large that the length of the base 12 is also required to be too large. It is envisaged that the angle 78 may be up to 120°.

The arrangements of Figures 6 and 7 mean that two movable posts 16, 72 are provided which are movable out of the first plane 19 and into their respective planes 44, 74. Such an arrangement may provide for the maximum gap 56 between the outer posts 14, 18 to be typically not more than 4m, which may be a useful configuration of the apparatus 70 to permit wider vehicles to pass between the fixed posts 14, 18.

As noted above, the or each movable post 16 (and 72) is mounted to a slide device (not shown in Figs 3-5) of the support 12 for providing said translational movement, the slide device to operate the apparatus between an open position (Fig. 4) and a closed position (Fig. 3), and vice versa.

Figure 8(a) is a partial plan view of the security barrier in the position of Figs 3 and Figure 8(b) is a partial plan view of the security barrier in the position of Figure 4. The Figures are partial in that the barrier members (e.g. beams 332) and one (72) of the movable posts is omitted, for the purpose of explanation. In Figure 8(a) like features to the arrangements of Figures 3 to 7 are shown with like reference numerals. In Figure 8(a) the three posts 14, 16, 18 are shown to be in the first plane 19, which is represented by a line. It will be appreciated that only three posts are shown, but that the embodiment of Figure 8 and explanation thereof is equally applicable to the four post embodiment previously discussed. Also shown is further detail of the belt 24 which is a slide device to provide the translatable movement of the inner post 16. The belt 24 is continuous and mounted on rollers 34, 36 at either end of the elongate aperture 22 so that the inner post 16 can be moved between the open and the closed positions of the apparatus 10. The belt 24 may be made of a plurality of belt members 25 which are pivotably connected to each another.

In one arrangement the inner post 16 is movable by hand between the open and the closed positions, for example by a user pushing the inner post 16 to the open or the closed positions of the apparatus 10. In another arrangement a drive device is provided to move the inner post 16 between the open and the closed positions. The drive device comprises a motor 38 which is coupled to the roller 34 by a drive shaft 40 or a chain drive (not shown). An appropriate power source (not shown) is provided to operate the motor 38. Other arrangements are envisaged for operating the belt 24 to move the inner post 16 between the closed and the open positions such as a hydraulic actuator. It is envisaged that a control panel may be provided to operate the motor 38 or the hydraulic actuator. In another arrangement the drive device comprises a battery powered drill which the user may couple to a gearbox 42 of the base 12, which is coupled to the roller 36. Using the battery powered drill provides the advantage that a separate power supply, such as an electric cable connected to a mains power supply, is not required to operate the drive device. This may further improve the portability of the apparatus 10. It will be appreciated that the base 12 has a hollow portion for housing the belt 24, the rollers 34, 36, the motor 38, and the gearbox 42. These items are shown in dashed outline in Figures 8(a) and 8(b) because they are under the upper surface 20.

Figure 8(b) is a partial plan view of the security barrier in the position of Figure 4, i.e. with the apparatus (here labelled 100, corresponding to apparatus 330) in the open position. In Figure 8(b)like features to the arrangements of Figures 3 - 8(a) are shown with like reference numerals. In Figure 8(b) the inner post 16 is shown to be moved out of the first plane 19 so that it is behind the outer post 18 and adjacent to it. An arrow 45 indicates the direction of movement of the inner post 16. The inner post 16 and the outer post 18 define the second plane 44 therebetween, which is represented by a line. In the open position of the apparatus 10 the angle 46 between the first plane 19 and the second plane 44 is greater than or equal to 90°. With such an arrangement the inner post 16 does not interfere with the passage of the vehicle between the outer posts 14, 18. In the open position the inner post 16 and the outer post 18 are spaced apart from one another, for example by a distance of not less than 0.6m as shown by an arrow 48. Furthermore, a minimum distance between the inner post 16 and the outer post 18 as the apparatus is operated between the open and the closed positions is not less than 0.4m as shown by an arrow 49.

Further or alternative configurations and embodiments of the drive device employed in the invention may be as described in EP2776631 A.

Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a security barrier in an open condition according to another embodiment of the invention, generally designated 650. This embodiment is suitable for an alleyway or narrow path. Alternatively, two the security barriers 650 may be placed together (i.e. with one being a mirror image of the other) to form the security barrier as shown in Figures 3 and 4 comprising the two barrier sections 335, 335’.

It will be understood that whereas the invention of Figures 3 and 4 shows four posts, according to the embodiment of Fig. 9 the security barrier 330 may comprise the support 12 with one fixed post 14, one movable post 16, and one beam 332. In this embodiment the beam 332 is secured to the fixed post 14 with a pivotable attachment 440, and is also secured to the one movable post 16 with the slidable attachment 40 as mentioned above. The construction and operation are essentially identical to that of Figs 3 to 8(b), except that only a single barrier section 335 (Figs 3 and 4) is employed.

Figure 10 is a diagram of a method according to an embodiment of the invention, generally designatedlOO. According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of operating the security barrier. The security barrier apparatus comprises a support having at least one barrier section thereon, the or each barrier section comprising two upright posts and a barrier member, at least one of the posts being fixed to the support and at least one post being translatably movable relative to the at least one fixed post, the fixed and movable posts being spaced apart from one another, the or each movable post being mounted to a slide device of the support for providing said translational movement, the or each barrier member being pivotable relative to a respective fixed post, and the or each movable post being movable and pivotable relative to a respective barrier member.

Referring to Fig 10, it is assumed that the barrier apparatus is in the closed position such that in the closed position the or each barrier member extends in a first direction that crosses a path passing over the support, for inhibiting the passage of mobile objects. The method comprises, while the barrier apparatus is in a closed position, in response to an opening command or operation to open the barrier apparatus, operating (82) the slide device to move the barrier apparatus out of the closed position. The opening command may be an electronic command (e.g. initiated by a switch connected to the drive device) to open. The operation may be a manual operation to open the barrier apparatus. The method further comprises, while the barrier apparatus has not yet reached the open position, continuing (84) to operating the slide device to move the barrier apparatus towards the open position. The method further comprises, in response to the barrier apparatus reaching the open position, ceasing (84) to operate the slide device, whereby in the open position the or each barrier member extends in a second direction at an angle to the first direction, for allowing the passage of mobile objects along the path. Alternatively or additionally to steps 82 to 86 (barrier opening), the method may include steps 88 to 92 (barrier closing) in Fig. 10. The method comprises, while the apparatus is in the open position, such that in the open position the or each barrier member extends in a second direction at an angle to the first direction, for allowing the passage of mobile objects along the path, in response to a closing command or operation to close the barrier apparatus, operating (88) the slide device to move the apparatus out of the open position. The method further comprises, while the apparatus has not yet reached the closed position, (90) continuing to operating the slide device to move the apparatus towards the closed position. The method further comprises, in response to the barrier apparatus reaching the closed position, ceasing (90) to operate the slide device, whereby in the closed position the or each barrier member extends in a first direction that crosses a path passing over the support, for inhibiting the passage of mobile objects.

Claims

1. A security barrier apparatus, comprising a support having at least one barrier section thereon, the or each barrier section comprising two upright posts and a barrier member, at least one of the posts being fixed to the support and at least one post being translatably movable relative to the at least one fixed post, the fixed and movable posts being spaced apart from one another, the or each movable post being mounted to a slide device of the support for providing said translational movement, the slide device to operate the apparatus between an open position and a closed position such that in the closed position the or each barrier member extends in a first direction that crosses a path passing over the support, for inhibiting the passage of mobile objects, and in the open position the or each barrier member extends in a second direction at an angle to the first direction, for allowing the passage of mobile objects along the path, the or each barrier member being pivotable relative to a respective fixed post, and the or each movable post being movable and pivotable relative to a respective barrier member.

2. A security barrier apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, for the or each barrier section, the barrier member is an elongate member having an axis of elongation.

3. A security barrier apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the barrier member is coupled for rotation at or near a proximal end thereof to a respective fixed post via a first rotational coupling.

4. A security barrier apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the first rotational coupling comprises a first axle on the one of the barrier member and the fixed post, and a first bearing configured to receive the first axle and disposed on the other of the barrier member and the fixed post.

5. A security barrier apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the first rotational coupling is disposed on the fixed post on or near the top thereof.

6. A security barrier apparatus according to claim 3, 4 or 5, wherein the or each fixed post has an upper surface, and the first rotational coupling engages the fixed post at the upper surface.

7. A security barrier apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, for the or each barrier section, the barrier member is coupled for rotation to a respective movable post via a second rotational coupling.

8. A security barrier apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the second rotational coupling comprises a movable attachment configured to move linearly, in use, with respect to the barrier member while in contact with one or more surfaces thereof.

9. A security barrier apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, wherein second rotational coupling is configured to move linearly, in use, between a first position on the barrier member when the barrier apparatus is in the closed position and a second position on the barrier member when the barrier apparatus is in the open position; wherein the second position is closer to the fixed post than the first position.

10. A security barrier apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the second position is a position (i) in the range 20-80%, (ii) in the range 40-60% or (iii) at about 50%, of the distance between the first position and the fixed post.

11. A security barrier apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the or each movable post is disposed at or near a distal end of a respective barrier member when the barrier apparatus is in the closed position.

12. A security barrier apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the or each barrier member comprises an elongate beam configured to engage upper parts of a respective fixed post and movable post.

13. A security barrier apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the or each barrier member comprises a gate, the gate comprising the beam or one or more upper members configured to engage upper parts of a respective fixed post and movable post.

14. A security barrier apparatus according to claim 7, or of any of claims 8 to 13 when dependent upon claim 7, wherein the second rotational coupling comprises a movable attachment having a carriage and, disposed on one or both opposing sides thereof, a respective pair of lower bearings.

15. A security barrier apparatus according to claim 7, or of any of claims 8 to 13 when dependent upon claim 7, wherein the second rotational coupling comprises a movable attachment having an elongate carriage and, disposed at one or each end thereof, a respective pair of lower bearings.

16. A security barrier apparatus according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the carriage comprises a plate-shaped member having an axis of elongation.

17. A security barrier apparatus according to any of claims 14 to 16, wherein the carriage comprises, on opposing sides thereof, or at each end thereof, a pair of lower arms extending from the carriage, each lower arm being configured to support for rotation at a distal end thereof a respective lower bearing.

18. A security barrier apparatus according to claim 17, wherein each lower arm is configured to support a respective lower bearing for rotation about a respective vertical axis.

19. A security barrier apparatus according to any of claims 14 to 18, when dependent upon claim 12 or 13, wherein the beam is an elongate hollow member having two opposing elongate sides having respective vertical internal surfaces, and each pair of lower bearings is configured to engage and, in use, roll along a respective vertical internal surface.

20. A security barrier apparatus according to any of claims 14 to 19, when dependent upon claim 12 or 13, wherein: the carriage further comprises at least one upper axle, the or each upper axle being configured to support for rotation an upper bearing about a respective upper axis; and the beam is an elongate hollow member having at least one elongate roof member having a respective non-vertical internal surface, and the or each upper bearing is configured to engage and, in use, roll along a respective vertical internal surface.

21. A security barrier apparatus according to any of claims 14 to 20, when dependent upon claim 12 or 13, wherein: the carriage further comprises two inclined axles, each inclined axle being disposed at an upper part of the carriage and configured to support for rotation an inclined bearing about a respective inclined axis, the inclined axes making an obtuse angle with each other; and the beam is an elongate hollow member having two elongate roof members having a respective internal surface each inclined to the horizontal, and each inclined bearing is configured to engage and support the beam and, in use, roll along a respective inclined internal surface.

22. A security barrier apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the obtuse angle is (i) in the range 100-189 degrees, (ii) in the range 120-160 degrees or (iii) about 145 degrees.

23. A security barrier apparatus according to any of claims 14 to 22, wherein one, any subset or all of the lower bearings, upper bearings and inclined bearing (a) comprise wheels or rollers and/or (b) have substantially cylindrical outer surfaces.

24. A security barrier apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, for the or each barrier section, the angle between the second direction and the first direction is greater than or equal to 90°.

25. A security barrier apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein two barrier sections are provided, wherein the fixed posts of the two barrier sections comprise the outer posts of the barrier apparatus and define a first plane therebetween.

26. A security barrier apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the first direction is aligned with the first plane or makes an angle of less than 10 degrees with the first plane.

27. A security barrier apparatus according to claim 25 or 26, wherein, for the or each barrier section, the movable post and the fixed post define a second plane therebetween, wherein in the open position of the apparatus an angle between the first plane and the second plane is greater than or equal to 90°.

28. A security barrier apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein, for the or each barrier section, the movable post is spaced apart from the fixed post in the open position of the apparatus.

29. A security barrier apparatus according to claim 28, wherein, for the or each barrier section, the movable post is at a distance of greater than 0.4m from the fixed post in the open position of the apparatus.

30. A security barrier apparatus according to claim 29, wherein, for the or each barrier section, the movable post is at a distance of substantially 0.6m from the fixed post in the open position of the apparatus.

31. A security barrier apparatus according to claim 30, wherein, for the or each barrier section, a respective movable post undergoes translational movement as the apparatus is operated between the open and the closed positions.

32. A security barrier apparatus according to claim 31, wherein, for the or each barrier section, the translatable movement is in substantially a straight line.

33. A security barrier apparatus according to claim 31 or 32, wherein, for the or each barrier section, the movable post is at a distance of greater than 0.4m from a respective fixed post as the apparatus is operated between the open and the closed positions.

34. A security barrier apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the support has an upper surface for passage thereover of a mobile object, the mobile object being a pedestrian, pedal or electric cycle, or a motor vehicle.

35. A method of operating a security barrier apparatus comprising a support having at least one barrier section thereon, the or each barrier section comprising two upright posts and a barrier member, at least one of the posts being fixed to the support and at least one post being translatably movable relative to the at least one fixed post, the fixed and movable posts being spaced apart from one another, the or each movable post being mounted to a slide device of the support for providing said translational movement, the or each barrier member being pivotable relative to a respective fixed post, and the or each movable post being movable and pivotable relative to a respective barrier member, the method comprising: while the barrier apparatus is in a closed position such that in the closed position the or each barrier member extends in a first direction that crosses a path passing over the support, for inhibiting the passage of mobile objects, in response to an opening command or operation to open the barrier apparatus, operating the slide device to move the barrier apparatus out of the closed position; while the barrier apparatus has not yet reached the open position, continuing to operating the slide device to move the barrier apparatus towards the open position; and in response to the barrier apparatus reaching the open position, ceasing to operate the slide device, whereby in the open position the or each barrier member extends in a second direction at an angle to the first direction, for allowing the passage of mobile objects along the path.

36. A method according to claim 35, alternatively or additionally comprising: while the apparatus is in the open position, such that in the open position the or each barrier member extends in a second direction at an angle to the first direction, for allowing the passage of mobile objects along the path, in response to a closing command or operation to close the barrier apparatus, operating the slide device to move the apparatus out of the open position; while the apparatus has not yet reached the closed position, continuing to operate the slide device to move the apparatus towards the closed position; and in response to the barrier apparatus reaching the closed position, ceasing to operate the slide device, whereby in the closed position the or each barrier member extends in a first direction that crosses a path passing over the support, for inhibiting the passage of mobile objects.