Extendable and foldable barrier

Abstract

The present invention relates to an extendable and foldable barrier comprising a plurality of parallel vertical rectangular structures, characterised in that the rectangular structures are connected together by an articulated arm system that allows the distance between the rectangular structures to be changed. The configuration of the articulated arm mechanism provides the barrier with a concertina movement between a maximum extended position and a minimum folded position. The rectangular structures comprise wheel systems arranged at the base to facilitate moving the barrier.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Extendable and foldable fence.

[0003] TECHNICAL SECTOR

[0004] The present invention relates to the technical field of barriers used in access management and crowd control. In particular, the invention falls within the sector of modular barriers with an extension and folding system that can be moved and configured according to the needs of each situation.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The technical sector of space delimitation or access control barriers comprises various types of devices. Document EP3757291A1 describes a portable, wheeled, scissor-type gate comprising a folding grille between two end frames, where each end frame comprises a pair of casters, and the casters on one of the end frames are equipped with a braking element.

[0007] Utility model ES1061217U describes an extendable barrier comprising one end with means for attaching it to a fixed element, and another end movable between an open and a closed position. This model comprises a plurality of parallel vertical structures arranged between both ends, and a scissor mechanism that allows the separation distance between these structures to be varied. The model includes wheels for moving these vertical structures in the opening and closing direction of the barrier.

[0008] There is a need to develop an extendable and foldable fence system that combines the advantages of previous inventions in the technical field and that meets current requirements for space delimitation and access control in public events and facilities requiring security measures. EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention relates to an extendable and foldable fence, mobile by wheels with the possibility of locking, with light reflective elements, and with a system for joining multiple fences.

[0010] This invention solves the technical problem of providing an extendable and foldable fence that is durable, easily transportable, and can be handled by one person.

[0011] The fence of the present invention comprises a plurality of identical and parallel vertical rectangular structures, arranged homogeneously. These structures are joined by a system of articulated arms that allows the distance between them to be varied, giving the fence an accordion-like movement between a position of maximum extension and a position of minimum folding.

[0012] The rectangular structures are made up of independent profiles joined by removable connecting pieces, allowing for the individual replacement of any damaged element. The articulated arm system is anchored to transverse round bars that can rotate. Some of these bars are attached to fixed points, and others to longitudinal channels, which allow for extension and folding movements.

[0013] To facilitate movement, the fence incorporates wheels at the base of the rectangular structures. The wheels have protective covers to prevent damage from foot traffic or heavy loads, and a lever-locking mechanism to prevent unintentional movement. Additionally, the fence includes reflective elements on its sides and a coupling device that allows multiple fences to be joined together.

[0014] The described technical configuration provides a wall-type structure with two parallel lateral surfaces and multiple ground support points, offering resistance to frontal and lateral pressures while allowing wind to pass through the gaps in its structure to prevent the fence from overturning in strong winds. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] To complement the above description and to aid in a better understanding of the invention, a set of drawings is included which schematically represent, as a non-limiting example, a practical case of the realization of the invention.

[0016] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the fence (1) of the invention, extended to its maximum length. This embodiment has seven parallel rectangular structures (4), in which only the odd-numbered structures (4) have rolling systems (13).

[0017] Figure 2.- The drawing shows a side view of the fence (1) fully folded.

[0018] Figure 3.- The drawing shows a front view of the fence (1) fully folded from one of the ends (3).

[0019] Figure 4.- This drawing shows an example of the implementation of the running system (13) installed at each end of the base of the rectangular structure (4), so that each system consists of an upper protector (15) that surrounds the wheel for protection against footsteps or loads, and a lever (16) for activating or deactivating the locking of the wheel (14).

[0020] Figure 5. The drawing shows an embodiment of the articulated arm system (5) anchored to the transverse round bars (10) of the rectangular structures (4). One of these bars fits between two opposite symmetrical points (11) on the inner faces of the rectangular structure (4), while a second bar fits movably into a longitudinal channel (12) embedded in the underside of the rectangular structure (4), allowing the bar to move vertically within the channel. The transverse round bars (10) are able to rotate, giving the fence an accordion-like movement. Figure 6.- It represents a perspective view of the coupling device (17) fixed on one side to the round crossbar (10) of the rectangular structure (4) at one end (2) of the fence (1), and leaving its other side free for coupling to another fence (1).

[0021] Figure 7.- Represents a view of two fences joined by the coupling device (17), as an example that can be replicated with an unlimited number of fences joined to cover any distance.

[0022] PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0023] An example of a preferred embodiment of this invention can be seen in FIG. 1. The extendable fence is configured by a succession of parallel, vertical rectangular structures (4) distributed equidistantly and homogeneously. Starting from the structure (4) at one end (3), which rests on two wheel systems (13) located at the corners of the base of the rectangle (4), rectangular structures (4) with and without wheel systems (13) are alternately combined, up to the structure (4) at the other end (2), which has two wheel systems (13). This configuration of parallel wheel systems (13) provides stability and secures the fence (1) to the ground, as well as allowing for forward and backward rolling movement on the surface, in the direction of the fence's extension and folding, whether in its fully extended, intermediate, or completely folded state, forming a compact unit, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0024] Each rectangular structure (4) is composed of four profiles of two different lengths (8,9). The sides forming the rectangle are joined at their ends with easily replaceable, lightweight, and therefore preferably non-metallic elements (7) resistant to extreme temperatures. These can be made of molded plastic. Advantageously, to minimize the overall weight of the fence, the profiles (8,9) will preferably be made of lightweight steel or aluminum, with the former being more advantageous due to its impact resistance.

[0025] The vertical and parallel rectangular structures (4) are joined together by a system of articulated arms (5) inside, allowing a person to easily extend and fold the fence to any length between a maximum and a minimum. This fence construction system (1) gives it the strength of an impenetrable wall structure.

[0026] The articulated arm system (5) in FIG. 5 consists of a configuration of profiles in three different lengths, with two, four, and five connection points, joined together by rotating round bars. The articulated arm system (5) is anchored to each rectangular structure (4) by means of two rotating transverse round bars (10). The upper transverse round bar is fixed at two opposite symmetrical points (11) on the inner faces of the rectangular structure (4), while the lower bar fits into a longitudinal channel (12) embedded in the underside of the same structure (4). This lower transverse round bar (10) can move vertically up and down within the limits of this longitudinal channel (12), allowing the fence to be extended and folded manually by one person.

[0027] The independent wheel systems (13), attached to each end of the base of the rectangular structures (4), are preferably made of molded plastic. The wheel (14) can be secured to the pivot axle with a plastic pin with a clip-like end. This allows for immediate manual replacement in case of breakage or wear of the wheel. Advantageously, the two wheel systems at the base of the end structures (4) (2, 3) of the fence can include means for locking their movement, as shown in Figure 4. The locking mechanism (16) is a simple lever, also made of molded plastic, which can be manually engaged and disengaged in any position of the wheel (14), preventing it from engaging or disengaging the wheel gears. This allows the fence to be immobilized on a horizontal or inclined surface, preventing unintentional movement.In addition, the wheel fastening system has a top protective element (15) that surrounds the wheel to protect it from being stepped on or bumped, when the fence is being used in managing the flow of people, or crowds.

[0028] Also advantageously, the fences can be joined together as shown in Fig. 7, by means of a coupling device (17), so that an unlimited number of fences can be joined to cover lengths greater than that of a single fence (1). This avoids the need to manufacture longer fences, which would make them more difficult to handle and store, and less adaptable to various configurations. The fence (1) has at one end (2) a coupling device (17) fixed to the transverse round bar (10) between the two fixed points (11) on the inner faces of the rectangular structure (4) at that end (2), while the other part of the coupling device (17) is free and has a coupling slot to anchor itself around the round bar (10) at the end (3) of the second fence (1) to which the first is to be joined.In this way, a single fence, twice the length of a single fence, is formed. This same connection, shown in FIG. 7, can be repeated indefinitely, depending on the desired configuration. Furthermore, and advantageously, activating the locking lever (16) of the running gear (13) will immobilize the structure resulting from the joining of several fences, simulating a single, longer fence.

[0029] Advantageously, as shown in FIG. 2, light-reflecting elements (6) are added at the joints (7) of the rectangle (4) and on the running gear (13). This makes the fence (1) visible at night or in low-visibility conditions from either of its two side surfaces. In the case of continuous nighttime use, the use of light reflectors could be extended to the entire outer face of the long profiles (9) of the rectangles (4) that make up the fence (1).

[0030] In general, the construction of the proposed utility model is technologically feasible to manufacture, its production presents no technical difficulties, and is therefore applicable

[0031] industrially.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. An extendable and foldable fence comprising a plurality of parallel vertical rectangular structures (4), characterized in that the rectangular structures (4) are joined together by a system of articulated arms (5) that allows the distance between them to be varied, the articulated arm mechanism (5) is configured to give the fence an accordion-type movement between a maximum extension position and a minimum folding position, the rectangular structures (4) comprise rolling systems (13) arranged at their base to facilitate the movement of the fence (1).

2. Fence (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the vertical rectangular structures (4) comprise two short sides (8) and two long sides (9) joined together by means of detachable connecting pieces (7).

3. Fence (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the articulated arm mechanism (5) is anchored to transverse round bars (10), some of said bars being fixed at fixed points (11) and others being movably arranged in longitudinal channels (12) of the rectangular structures (4).

4. Fence according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises rolling systems (13) arranged at the base of the rectangular structures (4).

5. Fence according to claim 4, characterized in that the running system (13) comprises a wheel (14), an upper protector (15) that surrounds the wheel (14), and a lever (16) for locking and unlocking the wheel.

6. Fence according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises reflective elements (6) arranged on the outer sides of the rectangular structures (4).

7. Fence (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a coupling device (17) at one of its ends (2) for joining fences (1), this coupling device being fixed to a transverse round bar (10), and configured to couple to the transverse round bar (10) of the rectangular structure (4) at the end (3) of another fence (1).

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