WO1996038647A1

WO1996038647A1 - A barrier

Info

Publication number: WO1996038647A1
Application number: PCT/NZ1996/000053
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dennis Douglas Clough; Barry Keith Snoxell
Original assignee: C-Gate Limited
Priority date: 1995-05-30
Filing date: 1996-05-30
Publication date: 1996-12-05
Also published as: AU5847896A

Abstract

A retractably extendable barrier with a lazy tongs barrier body (2, 30), transport means (10, 43) and actuating means (7) to facilitate extension and retraction. In some embodiments the barrier is portable, having wheeled transport units (3). In others it is mounted to a mounting structure (31) in which case the barrier body (30) can have adjustment means to tilt and align the barrier body or guide means (37) to provide lateral stability.

Description

A BARRIER TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a barrier which can be retracted or extended along a linear path, as required, for use as a gate, fence, security screen and/or enclosure.

BACKGROUND ART

Barriers of the above described type incorporating a plurality of elongate members interconnected in a lazy tong arrangement are known in the art.

French patent specification 2688244 discloses a diamond shaped folding barrier which, when the barrier is stretched out, is suspended from one or more cables extending between two fixed posts anchored in the ground. The barrier comprises pairs of elongate members connected in lazy tong arrangement, the pairs being separated by a plurality of vertically extending bars. The barrier is stated to have particular application in controlling pedestrian and vehicular movement in urban areas. A major disadvantage of the invention disclosed is that even when the barrier is retracted, overhead cables remain in the path of overheight vehicles.

French patent specification 2648506 discloses an automated expandable barrier with one end of the barrier mounted to a post and the other apparently mounted on a wheel. The wheel apparently supports the weight of the barrier during extension and retraction. Furthermore, this barrier arrangement is not suitable for use on undulating ground as the mounting arrangement disclosed limits the use of the barrier to level ground.

Another type of known barrier within the general field of the invention functions as a door or window screen. This type of barrier is used for security reasons to allow a user to leave a window open, yet prevent unauthorised access through the window. The window guard in the form of a lattice arrangement as disclosed in United States patent specification 1,502,833 is typical in this regard. This lattice arrangement swivels about the hinged mounting end of the barrier and does not provide security unless the free end of the barrier is locked to the opposite rail from the mounting end. The barrier must be locked manually by a user meeting the free end to a latch as no barrier guide is disclosed.

Other types of known barriers include portable barriers. Most known portable barriers consist of an expandable barrier which is manually mounted to posts or a support structure when extended or, if the barrier is mounted to poles, is attached at one end to a post and extended out and then necessarily attached to another post. These barriers do not provide any means for assisting with carrying the barrier to the desired site for use or with assisting a user to extend or retract the barrier.

New Zealand patent specification 134642 describes a collapsible portable barrier. The barrier disclosed comprises a number of elongate bars connected in lazy tong fashion extending between two upstanding support posts. A disadvantage with the design taught is that both of the support posts must at all times be connected to the network of elongate bars. Therefore extending and retracting the barrier is more difficult as a result as one of the posts has to be lifted and moved to achieve any adjustments to the length of the barrier.

Other more conventional barriers used as gates and the like are generally of the fixed size type which are pivotally mounted to a post and open and close by swinging the gate in an arc about the pivot joint. A major disadvantage of these gates is that they require an area free from obstacles within the swinging arc when opening and closing the gate.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a barrier which overcomes at least some of the abovementioned problems, or which at least provides the public with a useful choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In use the barrier body mount supports the weight of the barrier body at any degree of extension. It will be appreciated that this arrangement provides a significant advantage over the prior art, as in the fully retracted position there are no guides, rails or cables to be avoided or to be interfered with. Further, the barrier body can be extended or retracted to any degree by actuating the barrier body by pushing or pulling the barrier body along the direction of the linear path.

In a first broad aspect of the invention there is provided a barrier comprising a barrier body, a transport means, and an actuating means wherein:

a) the barrier body is retractably extendable along a linear path and comprises a plurality of elongate members pivotally connected in a lazy tong arrangement by way of pivot means, the pivot means being aligned into spaced apart groups, the groups extending parallel with respect to each other and the linear path,

b) the transport means being configured and arranged with respect to the barrier body so as to maintain the barrier body in a substantially upright position and to facilitate transportation of the barrier from one location to another, and

c) the actuating means being associated with the barrier body to facilitate the extension and retraction of the barrier body.

Preferably the transport means comprises a plurality of wheeled units, each wheeled unit comprising a pair of spaced apart wheels mounted on an axle. Desirably each said axle extends through a pivot means. Conveniently at least two spaced apart pivot means from the same group are attached to respective said axles of the wheeled units.

Preferably at least two pivot means attached to the wheeled units are from the group closest the lower edge of the barrier body.

Optionally the barrier further includes a latch means to latch the barrier body in position at a desired degree of extension.

Desirably the actuating means is a handle means.

Preferably the barrier further comprises an anchoring means to anchor the barrier in position during use. Desirably a barrier system comprises a plurality of barriers according to the first aspect of the invention arranged contiguously to form a longer barrier. Optionally each said barrier is releasably engaged to an adjacent barrier to provide lateral stability to the longer barrier. Desirably the longer barrier is arranged to form an enclosure.

Preferably the barrier body further is provided with a pair of spaced apart mounting means connected at both ends of the barrier body with two of the elongate members adjacent each of the mounting means being attached to that adjacent mounting means, at least one of the said two elongate members being attached in a manner allowing movement in a direction perpendicular to the linear path of travel of the barrier body, the mounting means having an upper end and a lower end, and a said wheeled unit extending from the lower end of each said mounting means to facilitate the extension and retraction of the barrier body.

Desirably the actuating means is attached to the mounting means. Conveniently each wheeled unit comprises a wheel rotatably mounted to the lower end of the mounting means.

Preferably one or both of the elongate members attached to each of the mounting means are slidably so attached.

Optionally each mounting means comprises a pole or rod.

In a second aspect of the invention there is a barrier comprising a barrier body, a mounting means, a barrier body adjustment means and an actuating means, wherein:

a) the barrier body is retractably extendable along a linear path and comprises a plurality of elongate members pivotally connected in a lazy tong arrangement by way of pivot means, the pivot means being aligned into spaced apart groups, the groups extending parallel with respect to each other and the linear path, and wherein at least two of the pivot means are attached to the mounting means, the barrier body having a free end and a mounting end, b) the mounting means mounts the barrier body such that two elongate members adjacent the mounting end of the barrier body are mounted to the mounting means, one of the elongate members being pivotally so mounted,

c) the barrier body adjustment means being associated with the mounting means and the barrier body to tilt and align the barrier body through the plane of the linear path while the barrier body is mounted, and

d) the actuating means being associated with the mounting means to, in use, facilitate the extension and retraction of the barrier body.

Preferably the adjustment means is by movement of a pivot joint movably attached to the mounting means, the pivot joint being attached to a lug on a repositionable plate located adjacent the base of the mounting end of the barrier body. Desirably a slot is provided in the repositionable plate, the length of the slot being in parallel with the linear path of the barrier body, and fastening means being provided through the slots to, in use, be loosened to slide the plate and align the barrier body and be tightened when the desired alignment is achieved.

Desirably the repositionable plate is provided with height adjustment means to, in use, vary the height of the plate. Optionally the adjustment means comprises a pivot joint movably attached to the mounting means, the mounting means being attached to a repositionable frame, the frame, in use, being able to be repositioned to adjust the alignment the barrier body along the direction of the linear path.

Alternatively only two pivot means are attached to the mounting means and are fixedly so attached, and the mounting means being adapted to vary in length. Desirably the two pivot means attached to the mounting means are from the same group. Optionally the two pivot means attached to the mounting means are from adjacent groups.

Preferably the barrier further includes a locating member attached to the lower free end of the barrier body and a locating plate positioned along the direction of travel of the barrier body such that, in use, the locating member is located in position by the locating plate when the barrier body is extended. Desirably the locating member is a rotatably mounted wheel on the barrier body.

Preferably the actuating means can comprise an electrically, hydraulically or pneumatically operated ram means or gear means.

Preferably the free end of the barrier body is provided with latch means to enable the free end of the barrier body to be latched in an extended position.

Optionally the frame houses the barrier body and the mounting means when fully retracted. Additionally the mounting means includes means to facilitate mounting of the barrier to a support, such as a fixed post, wall or the like.

Advantageously the mounting means includes a mounting post or pillar to maintain the barrier oriented in a desired in use orientation.

Desirably the barrier body is spring biased to either the fully retracted position or the fully extended position.

Alternatively a security barrier arrangement comprising two barriers according to the second aspeα of the invention are arranged to be extendable towards each other such that the free ends of each barrier bodies substantially abut when in the fully extended position, and lock means to, in use, lock the two barriers in an extended position and prevent unauthorised retraction.

Preferably the barrier arrangement further comprises a locating member attached to each of free end of the two barriers and a locating plate positioned midway between the mounting ends of the two barriers along the direction of travel of the barrier body such that, in use, the locating members is located in position by the locating plate when the barrier body is fully extended. Desirably the locating member is a rotatably mounted wheel on each barrier body. Optionally the lock means is adapted to engage, in use, a latch means mountable as a fixture across the area to be screened from the barrier body mount. Preferably the actuation means is activatible remote from the security barrier.

Optionally the elongate members of the barrier are adapted to be electrified.

In a third broad aspect of the invention there is a barrier comprising a barrier body, a mounting means, a guide means and an actuating means wherein:

a) the barrier body is retractably extendable along a linear path and comprises a plurality of elongate members pivotally connected in a lazy tong arrangement by way of pivot means, the pivot means being aligned into spaced apart groups, the groups extending parallel with respect to each other and the linear path, the barrier being characterised in that the barrier body has a free end and a mounting end,

b) the mounting means mounts the barrier body such that two elongate members adjacent an end of the barrier body are mounted to the mounting means, one of which elongate members being pivotally so mounted,

c) the guide means is configured and arranged to engage the barrier body to provide lateral stability, and

Preferably the guide means comprises two spaced apart strips, one positioned at either side of the barrier body, the strips being configured and arranged to substantially maintain friαional engagement with the barrier body, and to allow the barrier body to substantially freely retract and extend as desired such that during retraαion or extension the barrier body is in friαional engagement with each of the strips.

Preferably the mounting means includes a channel, and one of the elongate members adjacent the mounting end of the barrier body is attached to a wheeled means which is captured by the channel such that, in use, the wheel means is able to roll along the length of the channel during extension and retraαion of the barrier body.

Alternatively the mounting means includes a barrier frame which is releasably fastened to a window or door frame, and further including a rod attached to one of the elongate members which is spaced from the mounted end of the barrier body, the rod also being slidably attached to at least one other elongate member, the guide means comprising a channel attached to the barrier frame and extending along the linear path of possible extension and retraαion of the barrier body, with an end of the rod being slidably retained in the channel such that, in use, the barrier body is guided along the linear path during extension and retraαion.

Desirably the barrier body is expanded and retraαed by drive means. Preferably the drive means comprises an eleαrically, hydraulically or pneumatically operated ram or gear means. Optionally the drive means is remotely aαivated.

Alternatively the barrier has two spaced apart rods attached to the barrier body with each having an end slidably retained in the channel.

Desirably the barrier body is enclosed by a housing means when the barrier body is retracted fully.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be illustrated, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1: illustrates a side elevation of a first embodiment of a portable barrier according to the first broad aspeα of the invention;

Figure 2: illustrates an end view of the barrier of figure 1;

Figure 3: illustrates a plan view of three barriers of figure 1 conneαed end to end in expanded form; Figure 4: illustrates a second embodiment of a portable barrier, in an extended position;

Figure 5: illustrates the portable barrier of figure 4 in a fully retraαed position;

Figure 6: illustrates a side view of a first embodiment of a gate according to the second broad aspeα of the invention with a seαion of the barrier body cut away for clarity;

Figure 7: illustrates a plan view of the gate of figure 6 with a partial view of the end of the barrier body;

Figure 8: illustrates a plan view of a locating plate for use in conneαion with the gate of figure 6;

Figure 9: illustrates a side view of a second embodiment of a gate according to the second broad aspeα of the invention, with the barrier body removed for clarity;

Figure 10: illustrates a more detailed side view than figure 9 of the mounting features of the barrier;

Figure 11: illustrates a plan view of the gate of figure 9 with the barrier body in position and fully retraαed:

Figure 12: illustrates a partial side elevation of a third embodiment of a gate according to the second broad aspeα of the invention, in an extended position;

Figure 13: illustrates a further partial side view of the gate of figure 12, but in the retraαed position;

Figure 14: illustrates a partial side elevation of a fourth embodiment of a gate according to the second broad aspeα of the invention, in a retraαed position;

Figure 15: illustrates a further partial side elevation of the gate of figure 14, but in a fully extended position;

Figure 16: illustrates a front elevation of a fifth embodiment of a gate according to the second broad aspect of the invention as a security barrier;

Figure 17: illustrates a plan view of the mounting struαure at one end with the housing removed of the security barrier of figure 16;

Figure 18: illustrates a first embodiment of a window security screen according to a third broad aspeα of the invention;

Figure 19: illustrates a cross seαion through seαion A-A in figure 18 of the rod and channel arrangement; and

Figure 20: illustrates a front elevation of a second embodiment of a security screen according to the third broad aspeα of the invention.

Referring to figures 1 to 3, in a first preferred embodiment of the first broad aspeα of the invention there is provided, as generally indicated at 1, a portable barrier which can be used as a gate, fence, screen or part of an enclosure. The barrier 1 comprises a barrier body 2 extendible along a linear path; wheeled transport units 3 to assist in enabling the barrier 1 to be shifted or moved about and rolled into position for use; and preferably a latching mechanism 4 to lock the barrier body 2 at a desired degree of extension.

The barrier body 2 is made up of a plurality of elongate members 5 arranged in lazy tong formation. The elongate members 5 are pivotally interconnected at points where they cross each other by way of pivot joints 6. The pivot joints 6 are aligned into spaced apart rows, the rows extending parallel with respeα to each other and the linear path. In this embodiment seven rows of pivot joints 6 are present in the barrier body 2. It is to be appreciated the height and extendable distance of the barrier 1 are dependent on the length and number of lattice members, and these may be predetermined to result in barriers construαed to suit particular user requirements.

Preferably, end seαions 7 are provided at either end of the barrier body 2. Each end seαion 7 is fixedly attached to the end most pivot joint 6 of the centre row of pivot joints 6, and is slidably attached to the end most pivot joint 6 of the top and bottom row.

The end seαions 7 serve two purposes. First, they provide a handle to be used to extend or retraα the barrier 1. Secondly, they incorporate the latching mechanism 4. In this regard, as the barrier body 2 is extended the top and bottom row of pivot joints 6 move towards the centre row. As they do so the end most pivot joint 6 of those rows slides captively in the end seαion 7. At the desired degree of extension, pins 13 can be inserted through apertures 8 in the end seαion 7 to lock the end pivot joints 6 in position, preventing further sliding.

As noted above, the barrier 1 includes at least two wheeled transport units 3. Each wheel unit 3 comprises an axle 9 on to which a pair of wheels 10 are rotatably mounted. The wheels 10 are spaced apart along the axle 9 so as to provide transverse stability to the barrier 1. Optionally, to enhance manoeuvrability of the barrier 1, one pair of wheels 10 may be pivotably mounted on their axle 9.

Desirably the wheel units 3 are mounted at the bottom edge of either end of the barrier body 2. Preferably the axle 9 of the wheel unit 3 extends transversely through a pivot joint 6 at the lower end of the barrier body 2.

Suitable anchoring means may be used to anchor the barrier 1 in place. Metal pegs 11 with hooked ends which can be secured over the axle 9 and hammered into the ground are preferably used as they provide a simple and cost effeαive way of securing the barrier 1 in position at a desired degree of extension or length. Another means of anchoring barrier 1, suitable for when the barrier 1 is being moved on hard ground, is for brake means (not shown) to be provided operable on the wheels 10. It will be appreciated that an advantage with this invention is that the barrier may be compressed for compaαness and then wheeled to a location and expanded to provide a barrier. The barrier may then be moved or shifted along without having to compress the lattice members and expand them after relocation, or uprooting the base and lifting the whole barrier to another location.

Referring now to figure 3, an arrangement of three barriers, of the type detailed in figures 1 and 2, linked end to end and staggered in a zig zag formation, is illustrated by way of example.

The barriers are preferably arranged in zig zag formation to form a longer combined barrier. This formation also provides additional lateral stability. The barriers are linked or engaged by any suitable means to retain adjacent ends of the barriers in close proximity. In the illustration a pivotable link bar 12 between adjacent end seαions 7 is used.

In operation, a user can anchor one end of a barrier 1 to the ground and pull the opposite end of the barrier body 2 outwards away from the anchored end. When expanded to the desired length the other end of the barrier 1 may be anchored in place. A user may then add a further barrier 1 by either linking the two barriers 1 by fastening a linking bar 12 between adjacent end seαions 7, or simply anchoring one end of the second barrier 1 to the ground adjacent the first barrier 1 and expanding the second barrier 1 to form a longer combined barrier. Further barriers 1 may be added to form a variety of lengths and arrangements.

It will be appreciated that this portable barrier arrangement may be used for a variety of applications such as, for example, on farm land to control stock, as a crowd or vehicular access control measure, or to cordon off dangerous areas of a road or building site.

The elongate members 5 of this embodiment may be construαed of any suitable resilient and durable material such as, for example, wood, steel, alloy, fibreglass, or plastics material, or any combination thereof.

To enhance portability and/or to provide a more effeαive barrier the elongate lattice members may be adapted to carry an eleαric current. In some instances this may enable the elongate lattice members to be construαed of a lighter weight material.

Furthermore, the lazy tong arrangement of the elongate lattice members need not be two dimensional only, as three dimensional embodiments are envisaged.

Referring to figures 4 and 5, a barrier according to a second embodiment of the first broad aspeα of the invention, particularly suitable for use as a screen or fence to control access to and from adjacent areas by people, vehicles, animals and the like, is illustrated.

The barrier body 20 essentially comprises a plurality of elongate rods 21 conneαed in a lazy tong arrangement by way of pivot joints 22. The pivot joints 22 allow the elongate rods 21 to all pivot in substantially the same plane, and are identifiable as being disposed in rows parallel to each other and to the linear path of extension and retraαion of the barrier body 20. The elongate rods 21 can be made of extruded aluminium tube or any other suitable durable material such as wood, plastics material, steel, or a combination thereof.

The barrier body 20 is mounted on and supported by mounting means in the form of poles 23. Each pole 23 is preferably made of aluminium tubing, although it will be appreciated any durable and resilient material will be suitable. The barrier body 20 is attached to the poles 23 via the ends of the elongate rods 21 being mounted to mounting lugs 24. The mounting lugs 24 extend outwardly from and are conneαed to respeαive collars 25. The collars 25 are adjustable in that they may be slidably attached or fixedly attached about the poles 23.

Aαuating means in the form of handle grips 26 are provided as extensions to the upper ends of poles 23 to assist with manual operation of the barrier 20. The barrier 20 has wheeled carriage means comprising wheels 27 rotatably mounted to the lower end of each pole 23 by way of wheel mounting forks 28.

Caps 29 can be fitted over the top ends of the elongate rods 21 for added safety and for aesthetic purposes. Figure 5 shows the barrier in retraαed form when not in use. The distance between the poles 23 when the barrier is retraαed can be about a twentieth of the distance when the barrier is expanded. This feature has the advantage of allowing for easy transportation and storage of the barrier when not in use. In that regard, a person simply inclines the fully retraαed barrier 20 and wheels it along to and from the place it is to be used.

In use, the barrier may be wheeled to a location and one of the poles 23 secured to, for example, a farm post or any suitable support struαure. The other of the poles 23 is then held by its handle grip 26, and extended out so that the barrier body 20 is drawn out to the desired length.

The preferred design of this barrier is to have one of the sliding collars 25 fixed and another one slidably attached on each of the poles 23. The positioning of the collars 25 on the poles 23 can vary depending on the height required of the barrier during use and any restrictions on its movement.

In one arrangement the lower of the collars 25 are fixed in position on each of the poles 23 and the upper collars 25 on each pole 23 are slidably attached. In use, when the barrier body is extended the upper collars 25 slide down, and as the barrier body 20 is retraαed the upper collars 25 slide up.

In another arrangement the upper collars 25 are fixed in a desired position on each of the poles 23 and the lower collars 25 are slidably attached. In use, when the barrier body is extended the lower collars 25 slide up and as the barrier body 20 is retraαed the lower collars 25 slide down.

It will be appreciated that the portable barrier described above with reference to figures 4 and 5 has a variety of applications such as, for example, controlling stock on farms, but also may be adapted for use as a crowd control measure or to cordon off dangerous areas of road.

Referring now to figures 6 to 8, a first embodiment of gate according to the second broad aspeα of the invention is illustrated. The gate comprises two principal components, a barrier body 30 and a mounting struαure 31. The mounting struαure 31 incorporates both the mounting means and the guide means of the gate.

The barrier body 30 is similar in construαion, design and operation to the barrier body 20 described above. In that regard, the barrier body 30 essentially comprises a plurality of elongate rods 32 conneαed in a lazy tong arrangement by way of pivot joints 33. The pivot joints 33 allow the elongate rods 32 to all pivot in substantially the same plane, and are identifiable as being disposed in rows parallel to each other and to the linear path of extension and retraαion of the barrier body 30. The major difference in construαion between the barrier body 30 and the barrier body 20 is that in the presently described embodiment, as may be seen in figure 7, the elongate rods 32 are arranged in pairs for added strength and rigidity, the pairing being such that the two outermost elongate rods are parallel and the two innermost rods are parallel.

The elongate rods 32 can be made of extruded aluminium tube or any other suitable durable material such as wood, plastics material, steel, or a combination thereof.

The mounting struαure 31 includes the mounting means, in the form of a pair of spaced apart rails 35 secured in position by brackets 36, and the guide means, in the form of a pair of spaced apart rails 37. A base plate 38, preferably manufaαured from galvanised steel, anchors a corner of the barrier body 30 in position and secures the rails 37 in position which guide the barrier body 31 during extension and retraαion.

Guide means in the form of a pair of nylon or teflon strips 42, retained in rails 37, are mounted in position to maintain rubbing or friαional engagement with the barrier body 30 when, in use, the barrier body 30 passes therebetween to guide the barrier body 30 during extension and retraαion. The strips 42 also provide added lateral stability to the retraαion and extension of the barrier body 30.

Wheels 39 are rotatably mounted to the upper pivot joint 40 at the mounting end of the barrier body 20. The rails 35 capture and allow the wheels 39 to rotatably move within and along the length of respeαive rails 35 as the barrier retraαs and extends. The wheels 39 funαion similarly to the sliding collar 25 as described in figures 4 and 5, in that as the barrier body 30 extends, the wheels 39 roll downwards, and as the barrier body 30 retraαs, the wheels 39 roll upwards. The rails 35 only need to be as long as the distance of travel of the pivot joint 40 to which the wheels rotate within.

The lower pivot joint 41 at the mounting end of the barrier body 30 is attached to locating lugs 38a at both sides of the plate 38.

A wheel 43 is desirably rotatably conneαed to the lower pivot joint at the free end of the barrier body 30 which, when the barrier body 30 is fully extended, runs onto a locating plate 44. A shoulder 49 (as shown on figure 8) is shaped to assist with locating the wheel upon the locating plate 44.

The barrier body 30 may be provided with latch means (not shown) at the free end to latch the barrier body 30 in an extended position for added lateral stability. The barrier body 20 may also be provided with lock means (not shown) to lock the barrier body 30 in an extended position for additional security. The mounting struαure 31 and barrier body 30 may be housed within a pillar (not shown) for asthetic purposes or otherwise.

To install the barrier body 30 for use, the mounting struαure 31 must be arranged to support the barrier body 30 at the desired orientation. This preferably involves the laying of a foundation struαure, which includes a post 45 located within a concrete foundation 46, and a concrete pad 47. The concrete pad 47 provides support for the galvanised steel plate 38. Bolts 48 are desirably used to secure the plate 38 to the concrete pad 47 through slots (not shown) in the plate 38. The slots are made to allow the plate 38 to be slidably moved back and forth along the direαion of travel of the barrier body 30.

The orientation of the barrier body 30 may be conveniently adjusted after the mounting struαure is in place by repositioning the plate 38 to which the lower mounting end of the barrier body 30 is attached. Adjustment of the height of the lower level of the barrier body 30 can be acheived by packing the area under the plate 38. The direαion of travel of the barrier body 30 can be acheived by loosening the bolts 48 and sliding the plate 38 to the desired position and tightening the bolts 38 to lock the components in position. This form of adjustment provides the advantageous funαion of being able to align or adjust the barrier body 30 after it is mounted to the mounting struαure 31.

Figure 8 shows a locating plate 44 which is to work in combination with the wheel 43 to assist with alignment of the barrier 30 at full extension. This plate 44 is useful as it can be positioned on the ground or raised to an elevated position so as to locate the wheel 43 at any length out to full extension.

A second preferred embodiment of a gate according to the second broad aspeα of the invention, is generally indicated as 50 in figures 9 to 11. The gate 50 is similar to the first embodiment but the mounting struαure 52 varies by having a frame 57 to which both the mounting means and the guide means of the gate is attached. In this embodiment the frame 57 funαions as the barrier body adjustment or alignment means.

The barrier body 51 is similar in construαion, design and operation to the barrier body 30 and no further description is required.

The mounting struαure 52 comprises the mounting means, in the form of a pair of spaced apart rails 53, and the guide means, in the form of a pair of spaced apart rails 54. The rails 53 and 54 are maintained in relative orientation by a frame 57. A base plate 66, preferably manufaαured from galvanised steel, assists in maintaining the general integrity of the mounting struαure 52, and in locating it in position.

The frame 57 is preferably composed of construαion ply. The rails 53 and 54 are illustrated as separate channels made of steel, but it is envisaged the rails 53 may be extruded in one piece to make installation easier.

The rails 53 capture and allow wheels 55 of the barrier body 51 to rotatably move within them along their length as the barrier retraαs and extends. The wheels 55 are rotatably mounted to the upper pivot joint 56 at the mounting end of the barrier body 51 and funαion similarly to the wheels 39 described in figures 6 to 8.

The lower pivot joint (not shown) at the mounting end of the barrier body 51 is preferably attached to the locating lugs 58 extending upwardly of the plate 66. The lugs 58 are bolted to the rails 53 through a cut out seαion 65 in the frame 57, the nut being loosened to adjust the height of the barrier body 51 and tightened again by access through the cut out seαion 65.

Nylon or teflon strips 59, retained in rails 54, are mounted in position interior of the frame 57 to maintain rubbing engagement with the barrier body 51 when, in use, the barrier body 51 passes therebetween. The lower end of the strips 59 are attached to the plate 66 and the upper end to the frame 57. The strips 59 provide added lateral stability to the retraαion and extension of the barrier body 51.

It will be appreciated the rails 54 are an additional component to support the strips 59 and that the strips may be attached direαly to the inside of the frame 57.

The barrier body 51 may be provided with latch means (not shown) at its free end to latch the barrier body 51 in an extended position for added lateral stability. The barrier body 51 may also be provided with lock means (not shown) to lock the barrier body 51 in an extended position for additional security.

To install the gate for use the mounting struαure 52 must be arranged to support the barrier body 51 at the desired orientation. This preferably involves the laying of a foundation struαure, which includes a post 60 located within a concrete foundation 61, and a concrete pad 62. The concrete pad 62 provides support for the galvanised steel plate 66.

The frame 57 may then be positioned on the concrete foundation 61 and pad 62, with the post 60 between the sides of the frame 57. The barrier body 51 may be extended out and positioned so that in the extended position it is correαly located. If adjustment of the barrier body 50 relative to the ground is required, a bolt 63 through the plate 66 may be adjusted by access through a cut out seαion 64 in the sides of the frame 57 to tilt the frame 57, and therefore tilt the rails 53 and 54. Following that the bolt 63 can be tightened to lock the position of the components. The sides of the frame 57 can then be screwed or bolted to the post 60 for additional strength and stability. The frame 57 provides the advantageous funαion of being able to be moved to align the barrier body 51 when it is installed as seen in figure 10. As the rails 53 are retained against the sides of the frame, the frame 57 can be moved to adjust the angle of the rails 53 which will result in the direαion of travel of the barrier body 51 being adjusted.

An added advantage with the frame 57 is that it can serve as a housing for the barrier body 51 when fully retraαed. However, a decorative outer shell (not shown) can be manufaαured from, for example, fibreglass, brick, fibre board and mortar, or sheet metal. Further, a cap should desirably be provided for weather proteαion.

Referring now to figures 12 and 13, a third preferred embodiment of a gate according to the second broad aspect of the invention is illustrated. The gate, generally indicated as 70, comprises a retractably extendable gate or barrier body 71, and a barrier body mount 72 to mount and position the barrier body 71 at an appropriate in use orientation. The basic constructional features of the barrier body 71 are as for the above described barrier bodies, and thus only differences will be described.

The mount 72 includes a base post 73 which can optionally be mounted on a pedestal (not shown). Perpendicularly outstanding from the base post 73 is a mounting lug 74 to which the end of the lower end most barrier element 75 of the barrier body 71 is conneαed. A slot 79 may be made in the lug 74 to allow the barrier element 75 to be bolted thereto such that adjustments may be made to the barrier body 71 after installation to account for ground clearance considerations or otherwise. An adjustment is simply made by loosening the bolt conneαion and sliding the element 75 along the slot 79 and then tightening the bolt to secure the barrier body 71 in place. This aαion will adjust the tilt of the barrier body 71.

A sliding post 76, which is mounted in telescoping fashion in relation to the base post 53, includes at its distal end a mounting lug 57 to which the end of the upper end most barrier elongate member 78 of the barrier body 71 is conneαed. It will be appreciated a further slot may be made in the mounting lug 77 to allow for adjustment to the alignment of the barrier body from the top of the barrier body 71. Alternatively, the slot may be in the lug 79 to adjust the alignment of the barrier from the bottom of the barrier body 71. Optionally telescoping of the post 76 into or out of the base post 73 can be achieved by a mechanism such as a water ram with the piston forming the post 76 and nozzles 73a to which a water hose is fitted. Alternatively, an eleαric sαew device, hydraulic ram or similar aαuating mechanism may be used. As an alternative to using an automated opening mechanism the gate can be manually operable.

On opening or closing of the gate 70, the mount 72 inαeases or decreases in height with the post 76 telescoping into or out of the base post 73.

A fourth preferred embodiment of a gate according to the second broad aspeα of the invention, is generally indicated as 80 in figures 14 and 15. The gate or barrier 80 includes a retraαably extendable barrier body 81 formed from a plurality of elongate barrier members 82 interconneαed in a lazy tong arrangement by way of pivot joints 83. The pivot joints 83 are disposed in rows parallel to each other and to the direαion of extension/retraαion of the barrier body 81.

The barrier body 81 is mounted on and supported by a barrier body mounting post 86. In this regard the lower most end of the lower elongate member 82 is conneαed to a lug 85 extending outwardly of the side of the mounting post 84. The upper most end of the elongate member 82 is conneαed to a lug 86 extending outwardly of a collar 87 which is slidably located on the mounting post 84.

The collar 87 is able to slide up and down the mounting post 84 as required. The barrier body 81 is driven open or closed by way of an aαuating mechanism 88 mounted at the base of the mounting post 84, and aαuating on and cooperating with a lug 89 mounted on the base of the barrier body 81 at the pivot joint 86.

Alternatively, the aαuator can drive against the collar 87 causing the collar 87 to rise or lower on the barrier body mounting post 84 and thus opening or closing the barrier body 81. Alternatively still, the barrier body 81 can be extended or retracted manually by way of a handle (not shown) located at the free end of the barrier body 81.

It will be appreciated slots in the lugs 85, 86 may be made to allow for adjustments to the alignment of the barrier 80 when the barrier 80 is in place to allow for ground clearance considerations or otherwise.

A fifth preferred embodiment of a gate according to the second broad aspeα of the invention takes the form of a security barrier or security gate, as generally indicated as 90 in figures 16 and 17. The security barrier 90 comprises two substantially mirror opposite gate halves, each of which includes a retraαably extendable barrier body 91 formed from a plurality of elongate barrier members 92 interconneαed in a lazy tong arrangement by way of pivot joints 93. The pivot joints 93 are disposed in rows parallel to each other, and to the direαion of extension/retraαion of the barrier bodies 1. It will be appreciated that the height and extendable distance of the barrier bodies 91 are dependent on the length and number of elongate members 92 in the arrangement.

Each barrier body 91 is mounted at one end to a mounting struαure 94. The struαure 94 comprises two spaced apart upright posts 95 between which perpendicularly extends a guide/mounting rod 96. The end most pivot joint 93 of one of the rows (preferably the mid height row) of pivot joints 93 is fixedly mounted to the guide/mounting rod 96. The third end most pivot joint 93 of the same row is then conneαed to a sleeve 97 which can slide on the guide/mounting rod 96 such that movement of the sleeve 97 along the guide/mounting rod 96 will result in either extension or retraαion of the barrier bodies 91.

Each of the barriers 91 is desirably, although not essentially, housed within a pillar 98. The pillars 98 are each construαed of a size and shape to fully envelop their respeαive mounting struαure 94 and barrier bodies 91 (when fully retraαed). The pillars 98 can be prefabricated from fibreglass or aluminium or like material, and can be removably located, thereby facilitating any maintenance work required on the components housed within the pillars 98. It will be appreciated that the pillars 98 provide a convenient storage facility when the barrier bodies 91 are not in use. Also, it is aesthetically pleasing to have the barrier bodies 91 concealed when not in use.

An engaging member 99 is connected to at least two of the pivot joints 93 at the free end of each barrier body 91 and is shaped to facilitate engagement with the corresponding engaging member 99 at the free end of the other barrier 91. The engaging members 99 can, for example, comprise a protruding "V" on the outer most end of one member 99, and a correspondingly shaped recess on the other member 99 (not shown). Locking mechanisms are preferably also provided.

Optionally, but not essentially, rollers or wheels 101 can be provided on the lower edge of the free end of the barrier bodies 91.

As illustrated more clearly in figure 17, the mounting arrangement is seen with four spaces apart upright posts 95 with the mounting rods 96 between the pairs on either side of the barrier body 1. The pivot joint 103 at the end of the barrier 91 is mounted between the two end posts 95. The rod 104 conneαed through a pivot joint 93 is mounted at its ends to the sleeve 97. Desirably guide strips 102 are mounted to the inside of the posts 96 to maintain rubbing engagement with the barrier body 91 to provide additional lateral stability to the barrier 91 during extension and retraαion.

Optionally the barrier bodies 91 may be eleαrically, pneumatically or hydraulically retraαed or extended utilising components previously indicated herein or otherwise known in the art for such purposes. Desirably the associated operating mechanism is also housed within the pillars 98. If the security barrier 90 is manually operable, hand grips 100 can be provided.

In use, if the security barrier 90 is manually operable, the barrier bodies 91 can each simply be manually pushed or pulled in or out, as desired, using the hand grips 100. In the fully retraαed position the barrier bodies 91 are housed within the pillars 98. In the fully extended position the barriers 91 come together preventing access through the gap between the pillars 98, and are engaged in co-planar alignment by way of the engagement members 99. If necessary locks or other means can be used to retain the barrier bodies 91 in the extended position. The barrier bodies 91 may be spring biased to the fully extended position as a further feature of the locking feature or alternatively to the fully retraαed position, either position being decided depending on use requirements.

It will be appreciated that in some applications only one half of the described security barrier 90 need be installed to funαion. While a single security barrier 90 has been described in this embodiment, in particular utilising pillars 98 to house the barrier bodies 91 and mounting support 94, has application to creation of a security compound. In this regard, a plurality of security gates 94 can be positioned in series to surround an area, such as a domestic or commercial property. The barrier bodies 91 could be left open during the day to provide a sense of space and openness, but closed at night or during occupier absence for security.

Referring now to figures 18 and 19, a first embodiment, of a screen 110 mounted to a frame 125 according to the third broad aspeα of the invention, is illustrated. In this embodiment the screen 110 is an integral part of the frame 125 and both are mounted desirably by screws 123 through apertures 124 into an existing window frame 113.

A barrier body in the form of a screen 110 comprises a plurality of elongate members 111 conneαed in a lazy tong arrangement by way of pivot joints 112. Preferably the pivot joints 112 are rivetted pins. The pivot joints 112 allow the elongate members 111 to pivot in substantially the same plane, and are identifiable as being grouped into parallel spaced apart rows. The rows are parallel to the axis along which the screen 110 retraαs or extends.

The screen 110 is mounted at one end by fixedly attaching the pivot joints 112i to one side of a frame 125. The pivot joints 112h and 112j are unimpeded to allow them to move as the screen 110 is being extended and retraαed.

The free end of the screen 110 can then retraα and extend toward the opposite side of the jamb 113 wherein the pivot joints 112k, 1121, 112m can be releasably attached thereto by suitable latching or locking means 124. A slide or cover 122 can be fitted to the mounting end of the screen 110 to conceal the screen 110 when fully retraαed for aesthetic and/or safety reasons. The lockable features with this embodiment are similar to those described with the second embodiment of the screen and as illustrated in figure 20.

The movement of the screen 110 is stabilised by guiding means in the form of two guide rods 114, 115. Guide rod 114 is fixedly attached to pivot joint 112a and slidably attached through collars 117, 118 to pivot joints 112b, 112c respeαively. Guide rod 115 is fixedly attached to pivot joint 112d and slidably attached through collars 119, 120 to pivot joints 112e, 112f respeαively.

The ends of the guide rods 114, 115 are engaged within channels 116 mounted to the top and bottom of the jamb 113. These channels 116 are formed at the top and bottom rails of the frame 125. Desirably the teflon or nylon skid grooves 121 are provided as inserts into the channels 116 to facilitate the movement of the ends of the guide rods 114, 115 along the channels 116.

Figure 19 shown through seαion A-A in figure 18 illustrates the arrangement of the rod 114 being retained in the channel 116 by a skid 121. The channel 116 is screwed into the existing window frame 113 desirably by screws 123.

It will be appreciated the screen 110 can be mounted to be horizontally or vertically retraαed and extended, and be used as a door and/or window screen or any other opening to bar unauthorised access.

A second preferred embodiment of the barrier, being used as a security screen across a window frame, according to the third broad aspeα of the invention is generally indicated as 130 in figure 20. The security screen 130 comprises two essential components, namely, a retraαably extendable screen 131 and a screen mounting unit 132 to mount and maintain the screen 131 in the correα in use orientation. In this embodiment the screen is mounted to one side of an existing window frame unlike the first embodiment which requires a frame to be mounted to the existing window frame.

The screen 131 comprises a lattice work of elongate members 133 conneαed in a lazy tong arrangement by way of pivot joints 134. The pivot joints 134 allow the elongate members 133 to pivot in substantially the same plane, and are identifiable as being grouped into parallel spaced apart rows. The rows are parallel to the axis along which the screen 131 retraαs or extends.

The screen mounting unit 132 comprises a housing 135 having mounting apertures 136 to allow the security screen 131 to be fixed adjacent a window frame, doorway or the like. Interior the housing 135 is provided a screen mounting post 137. The screen mounting post 137 is in faα two parallel spaced apart tubes joined at either end. The end most pivot joint 134 of the middle row of joints 134 is fixed mounted halfway down the length of the screen mounting post 137, and joins the two tubes together at this point also.

If the security screen 131 is intended to be operated in the substantially horizontal plane the end most pivot joint 134 of the lower most row of pivot joints 134 has a roller 138 mounted on either side. The rollers 138 are adapted to bear against the screen side of the tubes of the screen mounting post 137. The end most pivot joint 134 of the upper most row of pivot joints 134 also has a roller 139 mounted on either side. These rollers 139 are adapted to bear against the side the tubes of the screen mounting post 137 away from the screen 131.

In use, as the screen 131 is extended outwardly, the rollers 138,139 roll respeαively up and down on their respeαive sides of the tubes of the screen mounting post 137.

Where the security screen 131 is intended to be vertically operable, with the sαeen mounting post 137 uppermost, the rollers 138,139 both bear against the side of the tubes of the mounting post 137 away from the screen 131.

The free end of the screen 131 includes a locking mechanism 140 which, in use, with the screen 131 fully extended locates and engages a latch mechanism on the other side of the area to be screened. The locking mechanism 140 ensures that the screen 131 cannot be retraαed unless by an authorised person. It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that an alarm circuit may be installed such that an alarm can is aαivated when the locking mechanism is tampered with or opened by an unauthorised person.

The security screen 130 can be installed into existing buildings, for example dwelling houses, internally. In this regard, where it is desired to secure a window the security screen 130 can be mounted behind the curtain so that it is only when the screen 131 is extended that the security screen 130 is visible.

In new buildings the security screen 130 can be incorporated into a window frame unit 141 aluminium, although other materials may be used. An end seαion 142 of the window frame unit 141 is construαed with a security screen 130 concealed therein.

A security screen 130 according to this embodiment may be operated manually or by pneumatic or hydraulic means. By way of particular example, in domestic situations the security screens 130 can be linked into and operated by way of an extension from a standard in built vacuum cleaner outlet in the wall.

Desirably the security screens 130 of this embodiment form part an overall security system, aαivatible by way of key pad or the like in a similar fashion to known security systems. In this regard all windows and doors in a domestic or commercial building may be provided with security screens 130. The security screens 130 remain concealed during the day, or while the building is occupied. However, on aαivation of the security system they all extend out preventing unauthorised access.

Optionally the screen 131 may be a single unit, in the sense of being a lattice fully covering the window, or may comprise separated unit sets on extending lattices interconneαed at either end.

It will be appreciated that the barrier body mount described in each of the preferred embodiments of the aspeαs of the invention may be used with adaption on any other of the embodiments. Further the specific arrangements are not intended to be taken as comprising an exhaustive description of the barrier body mounts which fall within the scope of the invention.

It will also be appreciated the second and third aspeαs of the invention may be automated by being on, for example, timing circuits to automatically open and close at predetermined times of the day by aαivation of suitable drive means. Standard lift door drive means may, for example, be incorporated with the embodiments of the invention to achieve this result.

Furthermore, the lazy tong arrangement of the elongate barrier elements need not be two dimensional only, as three dimensional embodiments are envisaged. Wherein the foregoing reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.

Accordingly, it will be appreciated that changes may be made to the above described embodiments of the invention without departing from the principles taught herein.

Additional advantages of the present invention will become apparent for those skilled in the art after considering the principles in particular form as discussed and illustrated. Thus, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described or illustrated, but is intended to cover all alterations or modifications which are within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A barrier comprising a barrier body, a transport means, and an aαuating means wherein:

a) the barrier body is retractably extendable along a linear path and comprises a plurality of elongate members pivotally conneαed in a lazy tong arrangement by way of pivot means, the pivot means being aligned into spaced apart groups, the groups extending parallel with respeα to each other and the linear path,

b) the transport means being configured and arranged with respeα to the barrier body so as to maintain the barrier body in a substantially upright position and to facilitate transportation of the barrier from one location to another, and

c) the actuating means being associated with the barrier body to facilitate the extension and retraαion of the barrier body.

2. .A barrier according to claim 1 wherein the transport means comprises a plurality of wheeled units, each wheeled unit comprising a pair of spaced apart wheels mounted on an axle.

3. A barrier according to claim 2 wherein each said axle extends through a pivot means.

4. A barrier according to claim 3 wherein at least two spaced apart pivot means from the same group are attached to respeαive said axles of the wheeled units.

5. A barrier according to claim 4 wherein the at least two pivot means attached to the wheeled units are from the group closest the lower edge of the barrier body.

6. A barrier according to claim 1 wherein the barrier further includes a latch means to latch the barrier body in position at a desired degree of extension.

7. A barrier according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the aαuating means is a handle means.

8. A barrier according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising an anchoring means to anchor the barrier in position during use.

9. A barrier system comprising a plurality of barriers according to claim 1 arranged contiguously to form a longer barrier.

10. A barrier system according to claim 9 wherein each said barrier is releasably engaged to an adjacent barrier to provide lateral stability to the longer barrier.

11. A barrier system according to claim 8 or 9 wherein the longer barrier is arranged to form an enclosure.

12. A barrier according to claim 2 and further wherein the barrier body is a pair of spaced apart mounting means conneαed at both ends of the barrier body with two of the elongate members adjacent each of the mounting means being attached to that adjacent mounting means, at least one of the said two elongate members being attached in a manner allowing movement in a direαion perpendicular to the linear path of travel of the barrier body, the mounting means having an upper end and a lower end, and a said wheeled unit extending from the lower end of each said mounting means to facilitate the extension and retraαion of the barrier body.

13. A barrier according to claim 12 wherein the aαuating means is attached to the mounting means.

14. A barrier according to claim 13 wherein each wheeled unit comprises a wheel rotatably mounted to the lower end of the mounting means.

15. A barrier according to any one of claims 12 to 14 wherein one or both of the elongate members attached to each of the mounting means are slidably so attached.

16. A barrier according to any one of claims 12 to 15 wherein each mounting means comprises a pole or rod.

17. A barrier comprising a barrier body, a mounting means, a barrier body adjustment means and an aαuating means, wherein:

a) the barrier body is retraαably extendable along a linear path and comprises a plurality of elongate members pivotally conneαed in a lazy tong arrangement by way of pivot means, the pivot means being aligned into spaced apart groups, the groups extending parallel with respeα to each other and the linear path, and wherein at least two of the pivot means are attached to the mounting means, the barrier body having a free end and a mounting end,

b) the mounting means mounts the barrier body such that two elongate members adjacent the mounting end of the barrier body are mounted to the mounting means, one of the elongate members being pivotally so mounted,

d) the actuating means being associated with the mounting means to, in use, facilitate the extension and retraαion of the barrier body.

18. A barrier according to claim 17 wherein the adjustment means is by movement of a pivot joint movably attached to the mounting means, the pivot joint being attached to a lug on a repositionable plate located adjacent the base of the mounting end of the barrier body.

19. A barrier according to claim 18 wherein a slot is provided in the repositionable plate, the length of the slot being in parallel with the linear path of the barrier body, and fastening means being provided through the slots to, in use, be loosened to slide the plate and align the barrier body and be tightened when the desired alignment is achieved.

20. A barrier according to claim 18 or 19 wherein the repositionable plate may be provided with height adjustment means to, in use, vary the height of the plate.

21. A barrier according to claim 17 wherein the adjustment means comprises a pivot joint movably attached to the mounting means, the mounting means being attached to a repositionable frame, the frame, in use, being able to be repositioned to adjust the alignment the barrier body along the direαion of the linear path.

22. A barrier according to claim 21 wherein only two pivot means are attached to the mounting means and are fixedly so attached, and the mounting means being adapted to vary in length.

23. A barrier according to claim 21 wherein the two pivot means attached to the mounting means are from the same group.

24. A barrier according to claim 22 wherein the two pivot means attached to the mounting means are from adjacent groups.

25. A barrier according to any one of claims 17 to 24 further comprising a locating member attached to the lower free end of the barrier body and a locating plate positioned along the direαion of travel of the barrier body such that, in use, the locating member is located in position by the locating plate when the barrier body is extended.

26. A barrier according to claim 25 wherein the locating member is a rotatably mounted "wheel on the barrier body.

27. A barrier according to claims 17 to 26 wherein the actuating means can comprise an eleαrically, hydraulically or pneumatically operated ram means or gear means.

28. A barrier according to any one of claims 17 to 27 wherein the free end of the barrier body is provided with latch means to enable the free end of the barrier body to be latched in an extended position.

29. A barrier according to any one of claims 21 to 28 wherein the frame houses the barrier body and the mounting means when fully retraαed.

30. A barrier according to any one of claims 17 to 29 wherein the mounting means includes means to facilitate mounting of the barrier to a support, such as a fixed post, wall or the like.

31. A barrier according to any one of claims 17 to 30 wherein the mounting means includes a mounting post or pillar to maintain the barrier oriented in a desired in use orientation.

32. A barrier according to any one of claims 17 to 31 wherein the barrier body is spring biased to either the fully retraαed position or the fully extended position.

33. ,A security barrier arrangement comprising two barriers according to any one of claims 17 to 32 and arranged to be extendable towards each other such that the free ends of each barrier bodies substantially abut when in the fully extended position, and lock means to, in use, lock the two barriers in an extended position and prevent unauthorised retraαion.

34. A barrier according to claim 33 except when dependent direαly or indireαly on claim 25 further comprising a locating member attached to each of free end of the two barriers and a locating plate positioned midway between the mounting ends of the two barriers along the direαion of travel of the barrier body such that, in use, the locating members is located in position by the locating plate when the barrier body is fully extended.

35. A barrier according to claim 34 wherein the locating member is a rotatably mounted wheel on each barrier body.

36. A security barrier according to any one of claim 34 to 35 wherein the lock means is adapted to engage, in use, a latch means mountable as a fixture across the area to be screened from the barrier body mount.

37. A security barrier according to any one of claims 33 to 35 wherein the actuation means is aαivatible remote from the security barrier.

38. A security barrier according to any one of claims 33 to 36 wherein the elongate members are adapted to be eleαrified.

39. A barrier comprising a barrier body, a mounting means, a guide means and an aαuating means wherein:

a) the barrier body is retraαably extendable along a linear path and comprises a plurality of elongate members pivotally conneαed in a lazy tong arrangement by way of pivot means, the pivot means being aligned into spaced apart groups, the groups extending parallel with respeα to each other and the linear path, the barrier being charaαerised in that the barrier body has a free end and a mounting end,

40. A barrier according to claim 39 wherein the guide means comprises two spaced apart strips, one positioned at either side of the barrier body, the strips being configured and arranged to substantially maintain friαional engagement with the barrier body, and to allow the barrier body to substantially freely retraα and extend as desired such that during retraαion or extension the barrier body is in friαional engagement with each of the strips.

41. A barrier according to claim 40 wherein the mounting means includes a channel, and one of the elongate members adjacent the mounting end of the barrier body is attached to a wheeled means which is captured by the channel such that, in use, the wheel means is able to roll along the length of the channel during extension and retraαion of the barrier body.

42. A barrier according to claim 39 for mounting to an existing window or door frame or the like wherein the mounting means includes a barrier frame which is releasably fastened to the window or door frame, and further including a rod attached to one of the elongate members which is spaced from the mounted end of the barrier body, the rod also being slidably attached to at least one other elongate member, the guide means comprising a channel attached to the barrier frame and extending along the linear path of possible extension and retraαion of the barrier body, with an end of the rod being slidably retained in the channel such that, in use, the barrier body is guided along the linear path during extension and retraαion.

43. A barrier according to any one of claims 39 to 42 wherein the barrier body is expanded and retracted by drive means.

44. A barrier according to claim 43 wherein the drive means comprises an eleαrically, hydraulically or pneumatically operated ram or gear means.

45. A barrier according to claim 44 wherein the drive means is remotely aαivated.

46. A barrier according to any one of claims 43 to 45 wherein two spaced apart rods are attached to the barrier body with each having an end slidably retained in the channel.

47. A barrier according to any one of claims 40 to 46 wherein the barrier body is enclosed by a housing means when the barrier body is retraαed fully.